《[Nightmare]》 Chapter 1 [Yakuza Cat] Before Helix could react, a crimson-red object flew at him and attached itself to his neck. It instantly transformed into a crimson-red tribal tattoo of a sun. A video game interface opened before his eyes, and a chat boxunched. Words started typing themselves on the screen in a frenzy. ¡ª "You''ve been granted the title of [The Protagonist]. Do you ept? [Yes/No]" ¡ª Helix stared at the screen in disbelief before closing his eyes and calming his beating heart. The journeys of his favorite light novel protagonists shed before his eyes. Here was his chance to live the life he had read about since he was a young boy. His action was instantaneous. Helix chose the answer [No] without the slightest bit of hesitation. ¡ª Two days before. "Rejoice! You three have been chosen to journey to Myriad. As knights of the Royal Army, you shall receive a [Nightmare], a unique skill set with enormous power. You''ll use these powers to fight powerful creatures and acquire further skills. You will obtain legendary strength beyond anything you could imagine!" "Will we get to use magic!?" A female teenager asked with glittering eyes. "Mmhm! There is a form of mana in the world known as spirit particles. It will allow you to alter thews of physics and summon spells with mind-bending power." The emissary replied. "Is there a system!?" A male teenager asked enthusiastically. "Are you asking about a method for tracking your skills and growth?" The emissary asked after tilting his head. "Yes!" The teenager replied with excitement in his eyes. The emissary nodded with satisfaction on his face. "All bestowed with a Nightmare can track their [stats] as you call them in this world. You can view this information simply by touching a marking you''ll get on your neck." He exined. Two of the three high school seniors being addressed were ecstatic about the news they had just received. They grew up ying RPGs and reading light novels, so it felt like a dream. As for thest one¡ª "Sir Helix, do you have any questions?" The person in question was sitting on arge crate in the alleyway with a mncholy expression. After a moment''s pause, the teen sighed. "Yes, do you know how many felonies you just racked up in that one statement?" He asked with a mocking smile. Everyone looked at him in shock. "Abduction of minors. Involuntary servitude. Intimidation at the threat of force. Making minors kill things for you. Potential assault. And after all of that, you tell us to rejoice." The teenmented with a causticugh. "You sound like Yakuza." His friends frowned with bitter expressions. "Why do you have to be so dramatic, Helix! I''m thrilled at this opportunity!" The female announced. Helix sighed. "Lina, David, did neither of you catch that we didn''t receive an invite?" His friends looked at each other in confusion. "We were [chosen]. We didn''t receive an invitation or get presented with an [opportunity]." He pointed out in exasperation. "That makes it even better, doesn''t it? We''re the [chosen] ones, so we''re certain to get special privileges. Isn''t that right?" David asked the emissary excitedly. The emissary nodded with a grin. "Hoh? What can we do there that we can''t do here?" Helix asked with masterfully acted curiosity. "You''ll be able to travel the world and fly through the skies onrge beasts. If you invest time in yourself, you''ll achieve sess, be rich, and even be able to get a harem¡ªor reverse harem in your case." The emissary announced while nodding to Lina. Helix''s friends were practically salivating at the thought of harems and wealth. "Hmmm¡­ Interesting¡­ So if we work hard, we can be rich, powerful, and gain the asional ability to fly. Then we could end up with harems¡­ I''m not sure how that''s different from investing in our futures, bing rich and powerful, and buying a private jet to travel the world. Women tend to flock to people with private jets." He muttered to himself with a false pensive gaze. His friends were dumbfounded and irritated but couldn''t argue. "That''s not the same thing, Helix!" Lina dered. "We''re graduating next month. Are you ready to put on a suit and tie and live a boring, depressing life kissing ass to your superiors?" Lina snapped. "You¡­ do understand that our kidnapper is wearing a suit right now, yeah?" Helix retorted with a lifeless expression. His friends looked at the emissary as if they had seen them for the first time. To their surprise, the emissary was indeed wearing a suit. "Please don''t get the wrong idea." The emissary replied casually. "From what I learned, suits are a sign of respect in your world. Therefore, I put on this suit to show respect to you. Suits of this variety don''t exist in Myriad." The emissary exined with a nervous expression. "So¡­ hahaha¡­ you mean that you purposely¡­ haha¡­ dressed up like Yakuza for your trip to abduct us?" Helix asked while bending over andughing. "I¡­ uh¡­" The emissary stuttered awkwardly. "Helix!" The young woman huffed bitterly. "Yes, Lina?" He replied calmly. "Don''t be rude. Even if you don''t want to go, you can at least be respectful to everyone else." Lina chastised. Helix sighed. "Trust me, Lina, I''d dly part ways with you both here if I could." Helix chuckled. "But do you think I can refuse? The guy has traveled here from another world looking for the [chosen ones]. Do you think that he''ll calmly leave empty-handed?" The two looked back at that emissary and then back to Helix. They understood his point but had skepticism in their eyes. Helix burst intoughter. "Don''t tell me¡­ hah hahaha¡­ that you''re seriously questioning the strength of our kidnapper¡­ haha¡­ you''re joking, right?" He asked with a bewildered expression. Everyone became quiet. "He just told you the world has systems, magic spells, and superpowers to y monsters! Do you honestly believe he can''t overwhelm anky pack of teenage virgins?" Helix asked sarcastically. Lina and David stared at him with confusion in their eyes. It wasn''t that they didn''t believe him. It was that they hadn''t fully processed the situation. Helix gave the two a mocking smile. "I''d understand your subconscious skepticism if our emissary was a human. But you''re staring at a talking cat in an expertly tailored Yakuza suit. If that doesn''t scream [trust me, I''m from a fantasy world], I don''t know what does." As Helix pointed out, their emissary was a talking cat. He looked like a hybrid between a tiger and a lynx. He had reddish-orange fur that was marbled with gold streaks. "We¡­ uh¡­." Lina stuttered. Helix sighed. "Look, you can be excited, but don''t underestimate our kidnapper. His [Nightmare] probably turns him into the size of a grizzly bear or something. Or am I wrong?" Helix asked while shing the emissary a grin. The emissary looked at the three of them awkwardly and started fidgeting. However, his nervousness was unnecessary. Lina and David''s expressions did aplete 180, and they looked at the emissary with crazed expressions. "Is it true?" David asked with excitement in his voice. Lina, too, started to get lost in wonder and thrill. Seeing their excitement, the nervous emissary caught a second wind. "I''m¡­ not sure what a grizzly bear is, but my Nightmare makes me ratherrge." The cat exined while scratching the back of their ear with its paw awkwardly. "If I couldn''t control it, I''d probably break the overhang above us by transforming into my final form."'' He added while pointing up with his paw. Everyone looked up. The overhang in the alley was at least 12 feet high. Helix''s friends'' enthusiasm lost control, and they began asking the emissary questions in a blind fury. Helix sighed in defeat. He was hungry. Food was the only thing he had on his mind. If this cat showed up and took them out to a fancy meal, he could at least ept his fate with a full stomach. "Helix! Don''t you want to live out our childhood fantasies?" David asked eagerly. "No? If I had a choice in the matter, agreeing to this would be a 6 out of 5 on theck ofmon sense scale." He replied with a toneced with sarcasm. "Don''t listen to him." Lina sneered. "He''s not adventurous enough to be our leader anymore. I doubt he can even create a worthy videogame." Growing up, the group yed board games on their weekends. Helix created creative fantasy worlds and brought them to life with his imagination and acting. He was now an aspiring videogame developer, but he sounded like a bitter adult going through a midlife crisis. "Come on, Helix!" David cried. "If this small cat could be a tiger the size of a grizzly bear, imagine what we''d be able to do as the [chosen] ones! We''ll be op super cheats!" He dered while clenching his fists in anticipation. "That¡­ is the problem, David." Helix replied with a sigh. Lina and David looked at him with puzzled expressions. "What do you mean [that''s the problem]" Lina asked with bewilderment painted on her face. "If a cat that size is a super cheat, Myriad has significantly more powerful people and entities. So why would they travel to another world searching for aspiring NEETs to fight their battles?" Helix chuckled. The teens fell silent. Helix just shattered their blind enthusiasm in one sentence. "You get it, now? Myriad isn''t an RPG. We''re not wearing Nerve Gear, connecting to Unilink or Kalcon, and hooking up to a game called [Random Word Online]." He reminded them. "We''re currently in the real world, near the dumpsters of our school, talking to an overpowered Yakuza Cat. I''m sure there''s an OP leveling system, and we''d walk in with broken stats. But there''s noing back to life in the real world. We''re not going to get hit 100 times by our enemies while our health regenerates faster than their damage points. We''re going to die; that''s why they''re here." Helix argued. His friends looked at the ground bitterly. The emissary, too, was wearing a bitter expression, but it seemed more grave. "No, we will die. If a kingdom with cheat characters stronger than Yakuza Cat needs help, our OP super cheats might break even. I bet if I didn''t interrupt our esteemed kidnapper over there, they would have said something like, [we need you to tip the scales of war in humanity''s favor to save our world]. Or am I wrong?" The cat looked at him with impressed eyes filled with shame. "Unfortunately, you are correct." Chapter 2 [Helix] The cat looked at the group with an awkward expression. "Recent, unprecedented mutations in the beasts and monsters in Myriad have driven our forces to the brink of copse. I have been sent here to find noble warriors powerful enough to save our world. You three are those people. As Sir Helix has stated, I cannot leave here without our saviors." He exined with desperation in his eyes. "Hah." Helix chuckled bitterly. Lina and David, too, were depressed about what they had just learned. It''s one thing to dream, but it''s another to face the possibility of death. "I''m assuming we''re leaving immediately, yes? I assume a minute here is like a day in Myriad due to the traveling gap or something ridiculous." He asked sarcastically. "That¡­ would be correct. 2 minutes is a day in the time warp between Myriad and Earth." The cat confirmed with a puzzled expression. Lina and David looked like they had just stepped into an alternate dimension. "Okay, since we''ve established that we''re officially cringe-worthy light novel protagonists, and I don''t want blunt force trauma, I''ll agree not to ask any more questions. I''m sure you don''t want to waste half a year exining things to us when your world is at war. However, I have three conditions for leaving immediately and without a fuss." Helix dered. The cat gulped. "A-And those would be?" The emissary asked nervously. "First, I refuse to ept an official cringe-worthy alias like Helix the Shadow Whisperer. That includes puns." He demanded. The other two teens, remembering their dark history from middle school, burst intoughter. "Make that a demand for me too!" David roared. "And me as well!" Lina giggled. The cat wasughing too, but he was sweating. ,m "Of course, we will ensure that your official titles reflect your fancies." The emissary promised. "And of your other two asks?" He gulped. "Second, I will call you Yakuza or Yakuza Cat from now on. I ask that you ept this as an honorable title, considering I''m calling you a badass. At a minimum, I ask you not to sanction or punish me for doing so. I will refrain from calling you that during official decorum. Is that eptable?" Helix asked with a grin. He wanted revenge, even if it was a first-rate show of pettiness. "... Yes, that''s eptable." The cat replied while gritting his fangs. The emissary might have fought back if the title didn''t denote a fierce adversary in this strange world. "Lastly¡­." Helix began with a dramatic pause. Everyone looked at Helix with bated breath. They were out of time, so this was thest demand before being hauled away to a strangend. "I demand you feed us immediately upon entry. I wouldn''t have been nearly this cranky if you at least offered me some catnip or something." Helix asserted with a serious expression. The emissary''s eyes widened, and he burst intoughter. "Aren''t you the ambitious one?" The cat added with a snort. Everyone but Helix was bending over,ughing for a solid minute. Since Myriad was on the [brink] of copse, Helix worried that they''d have to kill monsters for food if theyughed too long. "Yes. I ept your demands." The cat''s diamond-studded earring glowed, and he casually pulled out a piece of jade-colored chalk from thin air. Then he turned to face the wall. "W-Was that an item storage!?" David asked with a trembling voice. "Hmmm? Yes. Most people use the tattoo on their Nightmare interface by touching their neck. I have fur, so that''s difficult. So I use a storage earring for convenience." The emissary replied while showing David his empty paw. Helix and Lina chuckled at the exchange. The emissary smiled and started marking the wall. He started by making arge circle that autocorrected its proportions. "Oh wow¡­. Hey emissary. That''s a magic circle. Right?" Lina asked with glittering eyes. "That''s right." The emissary replied with a pride-filled smile. "It''s not just any magic circle either. You''re looking at a special magic circle that humans can only use once in this world. It requires an immense amount of spirit particles stored in this chalk. So the first magic circle you see is also the most powerful in Myriad." He exined. "Also, please call me Kylon." "Nice to meet you, Kylon! My name is David." David replied. "My name is Angelina, but people just call me Lina. Nice to meet you, Kylon." Lina added. Kylon smiled while working. "It''s nice to meet you both as well." He replied. After an awkward silence, Lina turned to Helix with a scowl. "It seems weird introducing myself to someone with a dossier on me." Helix sighed. "But my name is Helix." Helix stopped talking after saying his name and looked down at the crate. Kylon nodded his head while continuing to work. Lina huffed, and David gave Helix a wry smile. Both felt he was being rude by not addressing Kylon. However, Kylon was secretly grateful for Helix''s cooperation. On the outside, he was confident and powerful. However, he was sweating bullets on the inside and immensely relieved that Helix hadn''t put up more of a fight. He was a nervous individual by nature, and his mission was of utmost importance, and Helix''s cooperation was critical. "What do you want from Myriad, Lina?" David asked excitedly. "A harem." She replied without hesitation. She had a determined expression on her face thatcked the slightest amount of blush. "Y-You want a harem?" David asked with a bright red face. "Hmmm? You don''t?" She asked with a wicked grin. David looked away from her with an embarrassed expression. "Um¡­ well, maybe if the women there w-want to be part of a harem. I''m just surprised that you want one too." He stuttered awkwardly. "Why wouldn''t I want one? Because I''m a woman?" She replied with a mocking grin. "Everyone wants an attractive appearance, wealth, and a harem on the side. Isn''t that right, Helix?" She asked while shing him a wicked grin. Helix sighed. "It''s true." He replied with a mncholy expression. "W-What? You too, Helix?" David stuttered. "Of course, David. While most people aren''t willing to invest in their appearance, who wouldn''t want to be attractive?" Helix asked rhetorically. David unconsciously adjusted his sses bitterly when he heard Helix''s question. "As for wealth, I could care less about livingvishly. But I would like to be able to feed my NEET-like aspirations by throwing money at all of my problems¡ª" "True¡­ but harem? [You''re] interested in having a harem? I thought that you were head over heels for Kylie." David interjected. Helixughed when he saw David''s frantic expression. "Why are you so embarrassed? Most harem protagonists treat women like drunk drivers and swerve them mercilessly. So it''s not like having a harem will turn your life into a porn parody." Helix chuckled. David''s turned bright red again. "You better hope that the world supports cultivation, David. Otherwise, your life will be 900 chapters deep before you lose your virginity. By that point, you''ll be an old man." Lina giggled while curling a frizzy lock of hair. Helix coughed after seeing David''s painful level of embarrassment. "To answer your question, I have a crush on Kylie. But being surrounded by powerful women that can do all the fighting and shower me with magic items is a dream. Moreover, I''m being dragged away from Kylie permanently. I doubt I''ll find someone else who can break me from myzy ways again. Rtionships are a pain." Helix reasoned dryly before looking at the crate again. David''s eyes widened when he realized he had brought up a sensitive topic. However, Lina wasn''t even paying attention. She stared at the beautiful magic circle slowly developing on the alley wall. "What about you, David? What has you excited?" Lina asked with a smirk. "Ummm¡­ I''m not sure." David replied with a wry smile. "I''m excited to learn magic. That''s all I''ve thought about." "Aren''t you ambitious?" Lina remarked with a snarky expression. "You sound like you''re nning on ruling the world." Helixmented with a bored expression. "No, I''m not hoping to rule. But if it''s an option, I will push for wealth, beauty, power, prestige, and a harem that receives dozens of applications weekly." She proimed with a confident expression. Helix smiled wryly at her promation. "I''m not sure why you weren''t pushing for those things on earth." He replied. "Hah. Like I canpete with the wealthy, gorgeous women with their father''s connections and mother''s genes." Lina replied bitterly. "Well¡­ you do have a point." Helix said with a mncholy voice. "What do you want from Myriad, Helix?" David asked. "We''re going to Myriad no matter what. So aside from ssic Helix responses like [to survive]¡ªwhat do you want to do? I''m sure that there''s something that you want from Myriad." David reasoned. Kylon turned his head to hear Helix''s answer and study his facial expressions. Everyone waited for his response with anticipation in their eyes. "Broken stats." Helix replied without hesitation. "Eh?" Lina unconsciously released a dumb-sounding noise following his answer. Everyone was simrly surprised. "Why are you all surprised?" He asked with an eyebrow raised. Helix''s glossy ck hair and pitch-ck eyesplimented his serious expression. His eyes weren''tical one-dimensional ck holes. He still had regr brush strokes of white in his iris'' that distinguished them from his pupils. However, they were rxing when he was calm and vicious when he narrowed his gaze. "The best way to survive in a violent world filled with monsters is to be a broken cheat character that can destroy everything without trying." Helix reasoned. Lina burst intoughter. "You know, I thought that you sounded ambitious for a moment! Turns out it''s the same ssic Helix response with a hint of romanticism." Lina dered with a mocking smile. "Turns out, you''re going to be the same in both worlds." Helix gave her a slight smile and then looked at the crate again. "Just watch. Helix is going to be the broken protagonist." David chuckled. While he wasughing, he had aplicated expression on his face. He admired Helix but also wanted to be the hero. By contrast, Lina immediately frowned, and her face turned dark, arrogant, and resentful. Helix was extremely talented and had confidence that no one in the group had. He was also attractive and could easily be epted by the popr cliques if he wanted to. While he actedzily andined, he was the hardest working person they had ever met. By contrast, Davidcked confidence, appearance, and talent. And while Lina desired confidence, power, and wealth, she was no different from David. Like most people, she epted that she couldn''t achieve those elements in her life without sacrifice. Her genes ensured she would never be a famous idol¡ªit was a fact. She would have to sacrifice her life for wealth. Wealth is only truly appreciated at a young age when you desire it and have free time to enjoy it. Working 80-hour weeks to obtain it is the opposite of what she desired. Lastly, power is the [result] of the things she wanted. In short, her sudden rise in confidence was due to being opportunistic¡ªit wasn''t a personality trait. Myriad was their chance to turn their life around and be someone else. So the fact that Helix was willing to turn it down only increased David''s admiration for him. The chance that Helix might outdo her made Lina resentful. "Hey, you three¡ª" Kylon called out. "What is it, Yakuza Cat?" Helix interjected. Kylon gnashed his fangs in response to his behavior. Helix wanted to get in one final jab before being hauled away to Myriad against his will. Seeing Helix''splex expression, Kylon''s face softened. "The warp gate is ready." He continued. Lina''s eyes sparkled and David''s face filled with excitement. "Let''s go!" Lina cried. "I''m ready whenever you are!" David added. Helix looked down at the crate. He had his phone in hand, staring at it with a bitter expression. On the screen, there was a group message with three words. [I love you.] It was a text he nned to send to his entire family¡ªand Kylie. However, his phone had no signal. The wheel on the message spun endlessly, forever trying to send the message but failing. Kylon looked at Helix with a remorseful expression. He knew that the teen was hiding his phone to prevent the others from realizing the loss they were able to experience. He was relying upon Helix, yet he couldn''t allow him to say goodbye to his family or loved ones. "Well, let''s get going, Yakuza Cat." Helix said with enthusiasm. "I''m expecting a snack the moment I walk through that gate. So make sure that happens, okay?" He added with narrowed eyes and an evil grin. Kylon started to gnash his teeth subconsciously but snapped back into reality when he saw the glint in Helix''s pitch-ck eyes. While Helix wasining, he secretly protected his friends from the reality they were ignoring. Only Kylon knew that, and he couldn''t help but admire him for a moment. "Okay, then let''s go see your new home. There will be a banquet waiting for us. After that, your exclusive servants will show you to your room." Kylon announced with a bold voice. "Yours will be male, of course." He added while winking to Lina. "S-Servants?" David asked. "That''s right. And you can ask them to do [anything] for you." Kylon replied. Lina and David''s eyes shone brightly for a moment while quickly lining up. "W-Wait. Just to be sure, what did you mean by [anything]?" David gulped. "It means they''re prepared to have sex with you if you ask them to." Kylon replied bluntly. He knew that the teen in front of him wouldn''t believe him if he didn''te out and say it. "By a shocking twist of fate, it looks like you''re not going to die a virgin." Linaughed. While David was bright red, he didn''t care about her thoughts. Helix sighed after looking at his friends'' expressions. Seeing the two weren''t moving, he unceremoniously walked through the rainbow-colored gateway on the wall with a lifeless expression. Kylon didn''t know whether tough or cry after watching Helix''s exit. He didn''t have time to waste, so he quickly made more cringe-worthy promises and pushed the other two through the gateway as quickly as possible. ¡ª [A/N: Gramatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. ;) Thank you for reading, and please drop lifeblood stones! They don''t mean much to many, but they mean [everything] to authors.] Chapter 3 [Emilia] "It''s my first official day in Myriad." Helix whispered to himself. It was still dark outside, but Helix could hear birds chirping. He slowly pulled a woman''s arm off his chest carefully. "Master, are you awake?" The young woman asked with sleepy eyes. "I just woke up." He whispered with a wry smile. Suddenly her eyes shot open. "W-What time is it!?" She asked frantically. She tried pushing herself off the bed, but Helix gently wrapped her hand around her body and pulled her back down to the bed. "I think it''s before five." Helix chuckled. "Since it''s before your shift, please stay in bed for a few more minutes." He requested. "I don''t have a shift mas¡­ Sir Helix." She replied awkwardly. "My days start when you wake up." Helix sighed inwardly. "I see. Well, in that case, your first task of the day will be to stay in bed for fifteen more minutes, Emilia." He replied while sticking his tongue out at her yfully. "B-But I need to make sure you''re ready for the day." She replied awkwardly. Helix shook his head. "Breakfast isn''t until 10 am so the people can [bond] with their servants." He chuckled. "That means that there''s more than enough time for this task." Emilia blushed. She never told him why the breakfast waster. Her duty was to exin that to [him], not the other way around. Seeing herplicated expression, Helix decided to attack. "B-But¡ªHahahaha haha hahaha!" The young woman burst intoughter, and tears rolled across the king-sized bed. "That was an order." Helix dered while tickling the young woman mercilessly. "S-Sor¡ªHahahaha." She cried. "No need for sorries. You''ve already received your punishment." He announced with a gentle smile. "So keep mepany for a moment." Emilia nodded and looked into his pitch-ck eyes with a genuinely warm expression. Helix shed her a charming smile while reaching for a notepad he had requested during the banquet. He flipped it open to the first page. [Notes on Our Captors] ¡ª A man with bright purple clothing, long grey hair, and a charming smile was standing at the end of a massive table. ? Before Helix, there was a massive quantity of food he was begrudgingly waiting for. To his left and right were 47 other [chosen ones] in addition to Lina and David. "My name is Linon and on behalf of Alzeria, I wee our heroes!" The man yelled out. "We have searched far and wide for you, the strongest, most capable, and most powerful warriors in the universe!" The room burst into apuse, and all chosen ones were equally excited as Lina and David. Helix stared at the spectacle with a wry smile. ¡ª 1) Our captors didn''t research the people they summoned. ¡ª "While we are not yet at war, there are rming signs of monster and beast activity growing in this world." Linon continued. "That''s why we have chosen you to helpbat these foes." The chosen ones listened with nervous anticipation. "While Myriad isn''t your home yet, you''ll soon this world has everything you''ve dreamed of." Linon dered. "You will be given magical powers, strength beyond your wildest imaginations, status and prestige, wealth, and your new home will be in the castle walls until you choose to leave." Excitement and whispers waved through the Earthians. ¡ª 2) The Alzerians put sales departments on Earth to shame. ¡ª "Using your new power, you will live exciting lives going on quests and defeating the strongest foes." Linon continued. "Your deeds will spread throughout thends until your name is a legend!" Excited pping rippled throughout the table, leaving a mortified expression on Helix''s face. ¡ª 3) They will put us in the maximum amount of danger from now on. ¡ª "Over the next six months, you will be training with the Kingdom''s top trainer!" Linon continued. "They will help you grow, develop confidence, and prepare for a life of victory." ¡ª 4) We''re going back to school¡­ fml. ¡ª "Hello, Master. My name is Emilia, and I''m your [exclusive] servant." A beautiful young woman announced to Helix. She was eighteen and had medium-length light brown hair with a fashionable pink hair clip. Emelia was also wearing a stereotypical anime maid outfit, making almost every person at the table blush when they saw them as a group. "It''s been a long night of ceremonies, speeches, and introductions." She continued. ¡ª 5) They spent many Alzerian decades stalking us and learning about our taste in women and men¡­. Our exclusive servants'' roles are [critical] in stealing our virginities, keeping spirits high, and binding us to Alzeria. So it has to be taken seriously. ¡ª "Can I help you relieve some stress?" She asked with a bashful expression. "Can I ask you something?" Helix requested with a charming smile. "Of course, Master. Ask me anything." She replied with a sickly sweet smile. "You''re absolutely stunning. Can I kiss you?" Emilia''s face started burning with embarrassment. "O-Of course." She stuttered. Helix wrapped his hands around her lower back, causing her entire body to heat up. She subconsciously closed her eyes and parted her lips. A momentter, their mouths met, and she experienced her first kiss. It was a passionate moment thatsted a few seconds. "Thank you for that." He said while releasing her lips and slipping his hands from her back. "T-There''s no need to thank me." She replied with an impassioned expression. She stared at the young man with a stupefied expression. Of the fifty young men and women who arrived in Myriad, he was the most attractive in her eyes. He wasn''t the most [aesthetic] but had a mysterious and slightly dangerous aura that left those that saw him feeling excited. So being treated with consideration was a shock to her and only fueled her interest. Seeing Emilia''s lustful expression, Helix sighed inwardly. ¡ª 6) Emelia is shockingly okay with that¡­. ¡ª "Is everything alright, Master?" She asked after feeling a slight shift in his mood. "Of course." He replied with a gentle smile. "I was just thinking about how beautiful you look right now." Emilia blushed furiously. "How much time do you have tonight? Can you spare me some of your time?" He asked. "Absolutely!" She replied with a beautiful smile. "I''m your property, master. I can stay here until morning if you wish. My room is next door, so I''m always essible at any time." The wry smile in Helix''s heart deepened. ¡ª 7) I underestimated how good these people are at manipting Earthians. Exclusive servant essible 24/7 in the room next door? Who would want to go back to being a sexless nobody after being given a servant who will fulfill any request they desire on demand? Even in the face of trauma, no one will want to go home... ¡ª "Wonderful. Then let''s have a chat if you don''t mind." He replied with a warm smile. Emilia was confused and let down by the sudden change in his requests. However, she quickly recovered and sported a bright smile. "Of course, master." She replied while grabbing the lower part of her maid dress and curtseying. Helix led her to a seating arrangement in the corner of the room. There were two leather chairs on either side of a coffee table. The two sat down, facing each other. "Can I make another request?" Helix asked with a gentle smile. "There''s no need to ask, master." She replied with a shy expression. Helix chuckled. "Can you please call me Helix when we''re alone? If you don''t feelfortable, can you address me as Sir Helix as you do outside this room?" He asked with a slight smile. "I-I am willing, yes. However, I am your property¡ª" "Maybe in the eyes of the kingdom." He interjected while shaking his head. "However, you''re a human being that works for me." Emilia tilted her head in confusion. "I don''t understand. Do you not want me?" She asked with a perplexed expression. Helix sighed inwardly but chuckled with a charming smile on the outside. "No. There''s no one in this world that I''d like to be my aid other than you." He replied. "Aid? What does that mean?" She asked with wide eyes. "It means a person that helps me and fulfills requests." He replied. "Isn''t that what I''m already doing?" She asked with an even greater level of confusion. "There''s [literally] nothing that you cannot ask of me. For example¡ª" Helix coughed to cut her off. He didn''t think his virgin heart could take hearing a tant advance. There''s only so much willpower that a young man can exhibit. ¡ª 8) The willpower it''s taking me not to take advantage of the situation is¡­ soul-crushing. It''s morally wrong for me to take advantage of a woman that calls herself [my property]. So I''ll need to prepare for Lina and the others to call me a simp¡­ fml. ¡ª "It means that you''re someone I n to work with." He rified. "While you''ll perform the duties of the other servants, I''d like to give you more fulfilling tasks as well." "I-I see." Emilia replied while blushing and moving her shoulders up and down bashfully. "Let''s start with your first task." Helix announced, drawing her attention to him. "I''d like you to tell me more about this castle, its hierarchy, and the day-to-day activities. I''m living here, after all. So the faster I learn about life here, the faster I can adapt." Emilia''s eyes widened after hearing his [task]. Her mouth opened and closed multiple times in response to the strange change in pace. "Is that okay with you?" He asked with a gentle expression. "Y-Yes. I''ll start right away." She replied in a daze. Helix gave her a thankful expression after a couple of hours of chatting. "I appreciate all of your help." He said with a satisfied expression. "You''re wee." She replied brightly. In a short amount of time, she had be a lot morefortable with him. "Now, let''s talk about moving forward. There''s a goal that I''d like us to work on together, and I have some tasks for you. You''ll start on them tomorrow morning." ¡ª 9) Emelia will perform unconventional orders. Notes: The Alzerian hierarchy¡­ customs¡­ economic considerations¡­ history¡­ ¡­ "Mas-Sir Helix. Has it been 15 minutes?" Emelia asked meekly. Helix smiled and ruffled her hair with a charming smile. "Sure. Get ready. I''m just jotting one more note down before I get up." Emelia got up from the bed and walked to the maid outfit on the floor. She was only wearing daring white lingerie. Helix summoned all of his willpower to not nce more than once. Last night, a spy with high stealth skills peaked into the room and left after seeing her dress on the floor. The moment it happened, he was thankful for suffering the entire night. However, he wasn''t thankful right now. It felt like torture. Before Emelia went to the next room, she tidied everything already pristine and asked him three times if he needed anything. Helix chuckled and said no three times before she finally left. He raised his pen once the door shut. 10) Give Emelia tasks to make her feel like the free, beautiful 18-year-old she deserves to be. ¡ª Note: [Nightmare] is a darkedy with minimal action. If you''re looking for action with witty dialogue, check out my other novel Nerve Network. Chapter 4 [Macron] "W-What are you two looking at?" "Don''t ask ridiculous questions. We''re looking at you, idiot." David asked the question, and the person answering was Helix. Helix stared at David with aplicated expression while Lina was beaming with a merciless grin. After a moment of awkward silence, Helix sighed inwardly. "Congrattions." Helix said with a slight smile. David blushed furiously. "How was it, big man?" Lina asked with a wicked smile. "I-I don''t know what you''re talking about." "Losing your virginity, David." Helix replied with annoyance burned into his heart. "H-How do you know¡ª" "Because you''re glowing and oozing pheromones." He interjected. "I-I¡­." David stuttered. "Am avoiding the topic as if I didn''t know what you two were talking about. Stop acting like a virgin, big boy." Linaughed. "How was it?" She continued. "It was¡­." "A supernova of ecstasy mixed with a surprisingck of aplishment?" Helix asked with a gentle smile. "Y-Yes, something like that." David replied. Lina looked at Helix quizzically. "You¡­." She said with a dumbfounded expression. "Me what?" Helix asked with a bored expression. "You sound like you''re speaking from experience." She said with a narrowed gaze. "Why do you know what it feels like?" Helix shrugged. "Probably the same reason that you know what it feels like." He replied with a wicked grin. "I-I¡­." Lina stuttered when she realized she had walked into Helix''s trap. After recovering, Lina went on the offensive. "So I take it you did too?" She asked with a mocking smile. "Who knows?" He replied mysteriously. His poker face was as chiseled as a stone statue. "I''m sure Kylie would beat you senseless if she found out. You know?" She chastised with a narrowed gaze. "Lucky for me, Kylie will never find out if I did." He chuckled. Lina gave Helix a wry smile. Kylie couldn''t hear about the events in Myriad. It wasn''t conjecture¡ªit was a stone-cold fact. It was a reminder that Helix didn''t want toe to Myriad¡ªthey did. Lina had no right to chastise what he did here, and she understood that. "What about you, Lina? Is it true that you did as well?" David asked. Lina gave him a mysterious smile and shook her head. "I didn''t sleep with him, but let''s just say that he gives really good massages that only high-ss maidens get to enjoy." She replied with a pompous attitude. David blushed, and Helix chuckled. Helix took a moment to scan his surroundings. He had just finished breakfast and was now standing in a coliseum the size of a football stadium. The coliseum was made of a beautiful golden te-like stone, giving it a godly aura. Fifty teens around the age of eighteen filed into the area, and twice as many grown adults were present. ''If they are trying to wage war, why not recruit athletic people?'' Helix thought to himself with suspicion in his eyes. The other forty-nine students were not much different than he was in terms of physique. While there were three athletic young men, most of the [chosen] ones werenky men and women, and quite a few wore sses. Almost all of them looked geeky like his group. The sight made Helix narrow his eyes with suspicion. ''Also, these people know how to motivate young men.'' He chuckled inwardly. ''They brought the servants to the training grounds to motivate the [masters] to work hard and not embarrass themselves. If the people brought from Earth have broken stats, I wonder if they purposely chose individuals easy to manipte?'' He pondered. ''Desperate virgins with weak wills and lust for harems and fantasy. My kind is so weak-willed and maniptable,'' He thought with a bitter expression. "I will treasure my servant as if it were a divine grade item." Lina announced, breaking him out of his thoughts. Helix chuckled. His lightugh was halfway between a scoff and a mark of amazement. "Happy for you." He understood what she was saying, but he couldn''t help but feel disturbed about rting the servants to objects. Lina shot him an annoyed nce. "Just because you''re love bound to another woman doesn''t mean you should be jealous of those that treasure their newpanions." She chided. "Hoh?" He replied while scanning the servants. Lina gave him a quizzical nce before following his eyes. Some were gossiping with bright smiles, while others were silent and neutral. However, many didn''t look as though they were [treasured]. The sight of some made him secretly grit his teeth in anger, pity, and disgust. Lina scanned through the servants while actively avoiding their facial expressions. When she found her servant, she studied his expressions. The attractive man had light brown hair, a chiseled body, and sky blue eyes. He fell under the [silent and neutral] category. David''s servant also had a slight smirk as she gossiped with a few other women. Helix was grateful that both of their servants were in decent moods afterst night. Lina scanned the audience for Emilia. When she found her, her gaze didn''tst long. She quickly averted her eyes when she saw the beautiful woman''s radiant smile. Helix chuckled at her response. "How¡­." Lina whispered in disbelief. Following her eyes, David''s gazended on Emilia as well. The young woman looked more beautiful today than she didst night. But she didn''t look more [mature]. For some unexinable reason, humans can tell if another has had sex with someone else by their aura. However, Emilia didn''t have that aura. "Is it just me, or does she look¡­ happier?" David asked. "Yeah¡­ What did you two dost night?" Lina asked in astonishment. Helix shrugged while David stared at him as if he were a sex god. "Listen up! My name is Macron, and I''ll be your training instructor for the next three months. As of this moment, you''re all my legal property from the hours of 7 am and 2 pm!" A gruff man''s voice bellowed. A few people started snickering, only to receive a brutal gaze from Macron''s dark red eyes. He had arge build, neatly cut dark brown hair, and light brown eyes as sharp as swords. He was gruff-looking despite being clean-shaven. Macron''s nce onlysted a moment, sending shivers down their spines. "When you''re in this arena, you only have two options: One, you can obey my every word. I will do everything to help you achieve greatness in record time if you do this. Two, you can disobey my every word. If you go this route, I''ll treat you to a cup of poison, bathe you in hellfire, and break your legs before throwing you to the wolves." He dered. The fifty new [recruits] eyes'' widened with surprise and shock. "In case you''re wondering, no, this is not an urate depiction of what will happen to you." He chuckled in response to the confused looks. "In Myriad, we don''t have tiny Earthian [wolves]. So when I break your legs, I''ll throw you to an 800-pound Kaltrop instead. Earthians who have seen them describe them as a love child between a Velociraptor and a baby Tyrannosaurus Rex. I don''t know what either of those things are, but if they describe walking death with sharp teeth¡ªit describes Kaltrops well." Marcon exined with a narrowed gaze. Cold sweat poured down the students'' spines as they looked at the man before them. "However, if you follow my lead, it won''t be long before I no longer have that option to break your legs, and Kaltrops won''t threaten you. But until that day, you''re nothing but weakmbs." He chuckled with narrowed eyes. "Today, we will give you an ancient relic that measures your power and affinities to spirit particles. From what I understand, you Earthians call this ancient relic a [system] and your power [stats]." He continued. The student''s eyes lit up like a New Years'' firework disy at his words. "It will also bestow you with a [Nightmare], a unique active skill. It''s also simr to a ss, as Earthians call it. It''s going to be distributed now! Circle around me. After I open this box, a colored patch will fly out and attach to your neck. At that point, you will be bonded with your Nightmare and receive your system. After it''s affixed, it''s permanent for life. There''s no going back or changing what you receive. You don''t choose your Nightmare¡ªyour Nightmare chooses you!" Macron announced. The students circled the man who had picked up arge ck box engraved with borate magic circles. The silver lines reflected the sunlight and illuminated their bodies. Macron infused spirit particles into the box, and it shone with a light green color. Before Helix could react, a crimson-red object flew at him and attached itself to his neck. It instantly transformed into a crimson-red tribal tattoo of a sun. A video game interface opened before his eyes, and a chat boxunched. Words started typing themselves on the screen in a frenzy. "Hello there, mister! You''ve been judged to be the hero worthy of leading the human race to fight muah, the evil god of Myriad. Will you ept the call?" A dialogue popped up with a simple message. ¡ª "You''ve been granted the title of [The Protagonist]. Do you ept? [Yes/No]" ¡ª Helix stared at the screen in disbelief before closing his eyes and calming his beating heart. The journeys of his favorite light novel protagonists shed before his eyes. Here was his chance to live the life he had read about since he was a young boy. His action was instantaneous. Helix chose the answer [No] without the slightest bit of hesitation. Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Thank you for reading! Chapter 5 [Elise] Helix chose the answer [No] without the slightest bit of hesitation. Letters started typing themselves on the screen again. "Aw. You''re no fun, mister! Don''t you want a harem of powerful women? You''ll automatically receive a special [charm attribute] that will draw beautiful, powerful women to you if you ept the title. The effects will be instantaneous." Another dialogue window opened up. ¡ª "You''ve been given the right to a powerful harem if you ept the title of [The Protagonist]. Do you ept? [Yes/No]." ¡ª Helix sighed with bitterness in his eyes. Once again, he selected [No]. His reply was even [faster] than before. "A. Why!? Don''t you want to ughter your way to godhood? I''m reeeeeeally strong, so your level of power will be delightfully cringe-worthy! As your faithful system in crime, I bestow upon you insane stats. So if you ept, you''ll get aical level of powerpared to the others after epting the title. But if you don''t, I won''t be kind~to~you <3." Helix read the words on his interface with a conflicted expression. "Who are you?" He whispered. "My name is Elise, and there''s no need to speak. You can share your thoughts after touching the transparent patch on your neck after your interface is open. After you do, touch it again to end the transmission. Touch it a second time, and the interface will close." The message was almost instantaneous. Helix touched his neck. "Who are you? You just said that I''m here to fight you. Why would I ept anything you say?" He asked through his thoughts. "Becaaaaaause¡­ you have no choice, silly! *giggle*" Helix sighed. From the perspective of others, he was staring at nothing with the eyes of a dead fish. That''s what he imagined, anyway. "That''s a good point." He replied bitterly. "So if I don''t ept, I''ll be left with no power?" He asked. "Cor~rekt! Now you''re talking sense, mister!" A new dialogue popped up. ¡ª "Do you begrudgingly ept your fate and ept the title of [The Protagonist]? [Yes/No]" ¡ª Helix closed his eyes, and after only a moment''s hesitation, he reached out his hand again. "You chose no!? Hyrumpha! Are you an idiot, mister!? Do you even understand how dangerous this world is!? Why the hell would you put yourself in that much danger!?" She screamed while typing erratically. Helix sighed. "Of course I do." Helix responded. "Then why!? *huff!*" Elise replied indignantly. "Because you''re really strong, yeah? You''re offering meical starting stats just to have a chance of defeating you? What a joke." Helixughed bitterly. "At least I have a chance of survival if I convince people to let me bail hay. Instant harem? Hah. Sign a death warrant. If I chose this route, every overpowered student''s jealousy would put a target on my back. Then I''ll be forced on a quest to y the strongest monsters, and at the end of the journey, I get to risk my life to face you. For what? What do I get that''s more valuable than my life?" He asked. "You''re life, mister! Do you think I''ll just allow you to turn down my challenge? I''m the evil god of this world!" She replied with shakey typing. "Can''t you just give the title to someone else? Please?" "No!" "Why are you going after a weak nobody like me? You know that''s depressingly cliche, right?" He asked with a wry smile. "Don''t you start, mister! You haven''t seen [cliche] yet! I''ll give you the lowest stats in the damn kingdom. Then you''ll be forced to gain power just to survive! You''ll experience a heartbreaking moment and hunt me down at the end of it. You call this cliche? You don''t even understand that word, mister!" Helix looked to the sky with despair in his eyes. "Why does it have to be me? At least answer me that?" He asked after a moment of silence. "Because everyone else will die like weakmbs to the ughter if they get this title." She replied. "You know that''s exactly why I don''t want it, right?" Heugh-scoffed in annoyance. Helix wasn''t being edgy. His interface handed him a twisted, cliche plot he didn''t enjoy or want. Therefore, he was declining to avoid the consequences of epting. After hearing the words [mad god], he wished Elise handed a death g instead. "What do you want? I haven''t been able to y for almost a century!" If youe between me and that, I''ll make sure you die." Helix sent a wicked smile to the sky. "Then who would y with you?" "..." "What, are you just realizing this?" He asked. "..." "If you kill me, your [ytime] is guaranteed to fall through." "..." "Can''t you just give me the same stats as everyone else for now? There wille a time when we''re overrun with monsters, destroying my peaceful life. Then I''ll have no choice, right? Isn''t it more fun when life naturally brings us together against my will? It''ll ensure your fun will be a facade if you force it. There''s nothing worse than forced plot development." Helix reasoned. The typing shot out on the chat screen. "Hyrumpha! Who do you think I am, mister? You''re obviously trying to deceive me for your gain!" "Of course I am." Helix sighed. "What am I supposed to do? Should I just sit here and tell you to do things against my interests?" He asked sarcastically. "..." "..." "Fiiiiine! I won''t force you to your death, but you''re not getting a thing from me except from your Nightmare. *huff*" "Are you going to give me the weakest power as well?" Helix asked dryly. "No. I''m giving you the same power, but good luck using it with zero stats. *giggle*" Helix let out a deep sigh. "So it''s powerful enough to fight you, but it''s useless unless I unlock its power. How cliche." Hemented with dead eyes. "Cliche? Oh no, no, mister! There''s nothing cliche about this power!" Elise replied. "I don''t like the sound of that." Helix replied with wide eyes. "It seems you~are~smart <3." A wave of dread washed over Helix as he looked at the dialogue on the system screen. ¡ª "You''ve been given onest chance. Choose the role of [The Protagonist] and earn a chance of survival, or die an ironic death at the hands of your own "pragmatic" philosophies. Will you ept your fate? [Yes/No]" ¡ª "I have a final question." Helix announced. A new chat window popped up on his interface. "What is it, my pragmatic, powerless pigeon? *giggle*" "If I chose No, will you be my system?" He asked. "No~pe. But you''re not going to get rid of me, either, mister! Considering I''m here now, it''s obvious that I will be here when I want to be. That''s true of all of you recently sexually enlightened ex-virgins. So don''t feel special. *giggle*" "Are you going to meddle in my business?" He asked. "Nope, nope, nope! I''ll enjoy watching you die a widely expected death and pray for your survival so I can kiiiiii~lllll you <3 So tone down the simp game, and write a will on your man card¡­ just in case. ;)" Helix sent the world a wry smile with the eyes of a dying seagull. "Okay, give me the option again." ¡ª "You''ve been given onest chance. Choose the role of [The Protagonist] and earn a chance of survival, or die an ironic death at the hands of your own "pragmatic" philosophies. Will you ept your fate? [Yes/No]" ¡ª Helix chose [No]. ¡ª "Congrattions! You''ve been given the title [The Pragmatic Fool]. Choosing between two life-threatening situations, you have chosen death by your own powerless hands. You''ve turned down a powerful harem of women that could fight your battles for you to seek refuge on a farm baling hay. If you don''t die a painful death by grace or miracle, you will likely try to kill me so you can lead a normal life again. Your pragmatism has thus had the opposite effect." ¡ª Helix sighed with bitterness in his eyes. ¡ª Conditions for leveling up your title. "[Level 2] -> [The Bitter Pragmatist]: experience shame and regret following your decision to refuse the title of [The Protagonist]. Conditions to reach [Level 3] -> [The Pragmatic Hypocrite]: Decide to kill me to end your endless struggles to stay alive." ¡ª "Fool? What type of idiot would trust someone giving them tools and a strategy to kill them? If I''m truly the godforsaken protagonist, I''ll be able to earn power regardless of your wishes. Moreover, I''ll be drowning in plot armor. Otherwise, you wouldn''t be able to y your game." Helix asserted bitterly. "You''re interesting. I like you!" Elise typed out. "If you epted the role, I''d pump you up with such high strength stats that you''d identally kill everyone here with a single swing. It would have made for a killer first mock battle. I''m disappointed you turned down the overpowered harem stat, though. :'') I would''ve cherished watching your execution after knocking up a sex-crazed princess. *giggle*" Helix''s eyes zed over, and the gatekeepers beckoned him into the beyond. "It''s sad I didn''t get to see the chaos y out." Helix pulled back from the darkness and gave the world a wry smile. "Are you serious?" He asked. "Of~course, silly! I''m the god of Myriad asking you to kill me. What fun is watching boring rtionships develop?" She asked. "Yep. I made the right decision." Helix touched his neck, and the chat window disappeared. "Helix!" David yelled. Helix blinked twice in confusion. When he looked around, he was surrounded by dozens of people with worried expressions. "What''s wrong with all of you?" He asked with a bewildered expression. "What''s wrong with us!? What the hell is wrong with [you]!" Lina yelled. "You were surrounded by a crimson light barrier for thest ten minutes. Everyone thought that you might explode!" Macron gruffed in a serious tone. "We''ve never seen anything like that! What the hell was happening?" Helix sighed when he realized that he was already standing out. He was certain Elise did it on purpose. "My system was chatting with me. I couldn''t exit the interface window." Helix replied. Macron looked at him with shock, and the other students stared at him with confusion. "It was¡­municating with you?" Macron asked with a serious tone. "Um¡­ yeah?" Helix replied with wide eyes. "What Nightmare did you receive?" Macron asked with a sharp gaze. "I-I don''t know¡­." Helix stuttered. "What do you mean, you don''t know?" Macron asked with a baffled expression. "Youmunicated for ten minutes and didn''t know? Never mind that, check it right now!" He demanded. Helix touched his neck hesitantly. His interface opened, and there was an item menu. One of the options was [skills]. He pressed that button, and a dialogue window opened. ¡ª "Congrattions. You have received a Nightmare. Name: [Nightmare]." ¡ª After quickly reading the description, he closed his eyes with bitterness written over his expression. "I''m so fucked." ¡ª Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Thank you for reading! Chapter 6 [Nightmare] Helix stared at his interface with disbelief. ¡ª Name: [Nightmare] Description: The genesis [Nightmare] wielded by Elise, the god of Myriad. Allows the user to create illusions that bring nightmares to life. Skills: Nightmare [Level 1]: Allows the user to summon a non-lethal illusion of the greatest known fear of their enemy. Duration: maximum of one minute. Cost: 50% of the user''s spirit particles. Cooldown: None. Limitations: The skill must be active for 15 seconds before releasing it. [All other skills are locked] [User must discover further skills] [Criteria for unlocking Nightmare-rted skills: unknown] ¡ª "I''m so fucked." Helix thought aloud with cold sweat dripping from his shoulder des. "What is it, boy!" Macron roared angrily. Helix snapped out of his trance. "It''s called [Nightmare]." Helix whispered just loud enough for the man to hear him. Macron''s eyes widened with shock. "Are you sure, boy! I''ll kill you where you stand if you''re lying to me." Helix raised his hands as a sign he meant no harm. "I''m not lying. Can¡­ we talk about this somewhere else?" Helix asked with pleading eyes. He wasn''t about to disclose that his power was wielded by the god of Myriad¡ªespecially when he was certain to face death if others challenged him. Macron looked at Helix with aplicated expression in his eyes. "Yes. Come with me." He ordered. "Titus, take over the ceremony until we return." He instructed as he walked away with Helix. Helix sighed as he weaved through the other [Knights]. Their faces were stered with envy and bitterness as they looked at him. ''You''re envious of the wrong skill.'' Helix asserted bitterly. ''Anyone that gets this skill is walking straight into a death sentence. That witch made it seem like she would be evil by giving me an insane strength stat. But that blind strength is a prerequisite for surviving this skill.'' The more Helix thought about it, the more depressed he got. ''Couldn''t [Level 1] be summoning a clone or a pack of wolves or something?'' Hemented. ''Or could she have given me at least another skill?'' "I''m not sure why you''re so depressed, boy. But I can say you''re right to be wary of that Nightmare." Macron asserted while leading him through a marble-lined corridor. "Do you have personal experience with this skill?" Helix asked with a serious tone. "No. Every record of that skill somehow erases itself from existence. There are only two things we know about it." Macron exined with a serious expression. "Here, enter this room, and we''ll talk about it." He said while opening a door within the walls of the coliseum. After leading Helix to a couch, he sat on the other side of him. Between them was a luxurious wooden table. "There are only two things we know about that skill." Macron continued. "The first thing we know is that the god of Myriad wielded it in ancient times. It''s a Nightmare that all other Nightmares derive their name from." He exined. "And the second thing?" Helix asked. "Everyone that has wielded Nightmare has died within the first month of acquiring it." Macron said with a serious expression. "We don''t know why. Everyone who hears about the skill receives a curse that prevents them from speaking about it after the wielder dies." Helixughed bitterly. Macron looked at the boy with contempt in his eyes. "This is serious, boy. If you don''t treat it that way, I''ll snap your spine and prove that Nightmare leads to quick deaths." He growled. Helix stoppedughing and locked eyes with Macron. "I [am] being serious." He replied with a serious tone. "I can tell you why everyone who receives this skill dies a quick and gruesome death." Macron looked at Helix with a baffled expression. "Why?" He asked with narrowed eyes. Helix pulled up his interface and selected the share option so Macron could see what he was looking at. After reading the description, Macron looked at Helix with aplicated expression. "I don''t understand why this skill trantes to certain death. It seems extremely powerful. While your enemy hallucinates and faces their worst fears, you can easily kill them." He reasoned with a suspicious expression. Helix let out a deep sigh. "It''s not that simple." He asserted while shaking his head. "Here''s a [long] list of reasons I''ll be killed right after using this skill for the first time." After outlining his reasoning to Macron for a few minutes, the two sat in silence for a solid minute. "You''re right. That skill is a rolling dumpster fire packed with explosives." Macron dered with a grave expression. Helix gave him a wry smile in response. "I don''t know how to handle this." Macron said while rubbing his temples. Helix stayed silent while the man contemted the situation. "I suppose we''ll just have to pray that your stats are high. Then we can train you inbat with private lessons." He thought aloud. Helix closed his eyes with a bitter expression. Macron narrowed his eyes. "Do you know something else?" He asked with a prating gaze. Helix sighed inwardly. "My stats are likely to be near the bottom." He replied bitterly. "All of you Earthians have strong stats. That''s why our kingdom has summoned you. So why do you sound so confident, and why do you sound like you know so much?" He asked with a suspicious gaze. "Unless¡­." He thought with wide eyes. "You said that you were chatting with your system, didn''t you, boy?" He asked in a demanding voice. Helix gave him a wry smile. "I''m guessing that''s notmon?" Helix asked. "Not at all. This is the first time it''s happened since I''ve been alive." Macron replied with a stern gaze. Helix sighed audibly. "These systems are derivatives of Nightmare, the power that was used by Myriad''s god, correct?" Helix asked. Macron narrowed his eyes. "Yes, that''s correct." "Myriad''s god is connected to the artifacts you''ve been handing out. Shemunicated with me directly." Helix confessed with a defeated tone. "What!?" Macron roared while pping the table with his hands and standing up. Helix raised his hands in surrender. "Look, it''s not like I asked to receive her Nightmare or speak with her. If you ask Kylon, I didn''t even want toe to this ce." Helix responded cautiously. Macron understood Helix''s point, but his rage prevented him from being calm. "I don''t give a fuck. Speak before I prove my threats aren''t fake." Macron demanded while gritting his teeth. "She asked me to ept the official title of [hero] to lead the charge to fight her." Helix confessed. He was too embarrassed to tell the man the true title''s name. Macron''s eyes widened with bewilderment. "Wait, what did you say?" He asked. "She wanted to pump me full of stats and this Nightmare to lead the charge to fight her." Helix reiterated. Macron''s suspicious expression grew. "Did you ept?" He asked. Helix shook his head. "No, I refused." He replied. Macron sat down with aplicated expression on his face. On the one hand, he hated Elise with every fiber of his being. On the other hand, he was tempted by the prospect of someone receiving her power to fight her. It was a perplexing turn of events. "Why would you refuse the power to defeat her?" He asked in aposed tone. Helixughed with a serious expression on his face. "Where do I begin?" Helix asked rhetorically. "The title wasn''t for the person chosen by a god to fight the mad god of Myriad. She offered me the title to the person chosen to fight her. Who gives someone the power and tools to kill them?" Helix asked with a prating gaze. Macron chuckled with an understanding expression. "Second, who epts their enemy''s guidance and path, let alone a mad God? I assumed from the beginning that she was the person you sent us here to kill. So why would I y into her ns? That''s just absurd. She was certain to unload countless lethal trials so I could level up and kill her. I''d be begging for a life of constant death threats. It''s suicide." He scoffughed. "Third, nothing in this worldes for free. After turning her down enough, I learned that she nned to elevate my stats high enough that I would have identally killed everyone else in the arena in a mock battle. The action would have sent the kingdom into disarray, would it not? Even if she was exaggerating and I only killed one, I''d be in hell from day one." Helix chuckled bitterly. "Lastly, the title would put a target on my back, and all the Knights will secretly plot to kill me. I''m not sure you know what type of people you recruited. But I assure you, they''ll get irrationally jealous if they''re not the hero of Myriad." "I see¡­." Macron replied while stroking his chin. "I don''t regret what I did because I believe it was the best decision. However, I turned her down three times and sacrificed all of my stats, and now I''m under suspicion. If that''s not funny, I don''t know what is." He concluded with bitterness in his eyes. Macron''s eyes widened in shock. "Wait, you''re telling me that you willingly sacrificed your stats to turn down the power she offered you?" He asked. "Yup." Helix chuckled. "I turned down a heaven-defying harem, sacrificed my stats, and pissed off the most powerful enemy in Myriad. Then I was rewarded with a Nightmare specializing in killing me, jealous peers, and suspicion. At least it''s better than the alternative." Helixughed while staring at the ceiling. "Haaaaaaah. You even turned down a harem? You must be joking with me, boy. I admire your resolve but also believe youck your manhood." Macronughed. "Reward number four, ridicule." Helix chuckled bitterly. After a moment of lightughter, he continued. "Seriously, though. That harem stat could''ve attracted nobles, royalty, wives, servants, and girlfriends. I kept declining mindlessly after reading that." Macron''s eyes widened in shock. The ramifications of thetter alone would''ve been devastating. He was impressed that Helix discerned the reality of the situation on the spot. "You''re a bigger man, kid¡­." Macron chuckled nervously. "If I was offered that, I would''ve died¡­." Macron was sweating, and Helix knew it. So he gave the man a slight smile before ying it off. "Jokes aside, I''ve been informed that I''ll be given rock bottom stats. In short, I''m defenseless with a pack of immature, overpowered teenagers who have experienced their first taste of sex and power. Things aren''t looking so hot for me." Helix reasoned with a slight smile. Macron''s face turned grave again. "First, I''d like tomend you for turning down so many tempting offers from the Mad Queen." Macron said with genuine respect in his eyes. "I''ve already been informed that you were one of the people that didn''t want toe here. So my respect has only increased." Helix nodded in response. "I regret to say this, but I have no idea how we''ll deal with this situation." Macron stated with a wry smile. "Private lessons will help, but they aren''t going to keep you alive in this world. You haven''t seen them yet, but the Nightmares in this world are brutal, and your peers'' stats make sword mastery useless. No matter how masterful you are, you can''t strike someone you can''t see." Helix sighed. "I know. That''s a serious problem." Macron stared into Helix''s pitch-ck eyes. "You''re a smart boy, Helix. I can tell from this interaction alone. Your foresight and judgment in this situation are of the highest caliber. I can''t say with confidence that anyone I know would turn down the offer you received today." He imed with a serious expression. "For that reason, I''d like to ask you what you would do to approach this situation. If it''s reasonable, I''ll request aid from the kingdom to help you." Helix''s eyes widened with astonishment. He wasn''t expecting to receive resources and support. "I appreciate your generosity, and I''ll dly share my thoughts." Helix replied. "First, I have a small request." Macron nodded. "I''m willing to listen at the very least." He replied. Helix nodded. "I would ask that Emilia receive some form of protection. She''s an innocent and defenseless party in all of this. She''s likely to be targeted by those that try to harm me." Helix reasoned. "Consider it done. I''ll work something out." Macron replied without the slightest bit of hesitation. Helix sighed a breath of relief. "Okay. In response to the current situation, this would be my strategy." ¡ª [A/N: Does anyone still think Helix is edgy or paranoid? My guess is yes. Well, Helix doesn''t. That''s what matters. ;)] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Thank you for reading! Chapter 7 [Advantage] After a brief discussion on strategy, Macron and Helix decided to table the conversation and return to the Nightmare Induction Ceremony. There was still much to do, and it couldn''t be dyed. When Helix arrived, he sighed inwardly when he felt the piercing res of forty-nine young men and women boring into his soul. There was a strong pressure in the atmosphere that he wished he could ignore. The students were restless, gossiping about Helix and the situation they witnessed. "Attention." Macron announced with a dry voice. The students were lost in their own worlds and didn''t hear him. "Attention!" He said louder. More than half of the students turned their attention to the man, but a third of them were still distracted. "Line up if you want a harem!" Macron bellowed. Everyone''s eyes turned to the man in an instant. "Hah. You''re a pack of god damn heathens." Macron chuckled with a murderous gaze. A wave of dread washed over the students, and fear burrowed deep in their bones. "When I speak, I expect you to turn your attention to me with that level of interest and haste." Macron dered. "If you don''t, I''ll crush your balls or tten your tits so hard you can''t enjoy your servants to the fullest." The men and women covered their body parts reflexively. "Good, you''re finally paying attention. While you''re all excited about your new Nightmare, you cannot use them. You will be endowed with physics-defying stats and a special gift now. They''re currently suppressed as part of the Nightmare Induction Ceremony." He announced. The atmosphere becameplex. There was an equal mixture of excitement and fear in everyone''s hearts. "Your Nightmare seals give you ess to a one-time opportunity to boost your fortunes. After epting your gift, your bodies will be endowed with power beyond anything you could ever imagine." He exined. Seeing that he had the undivided attention of the students, he continued. "There are many artifacts behind me. Each can grant you unimaginable power. You can choose one and receive its blessing." He exined. "The first is the Eye of Beauty. By holding this item, you can design your appearance from the ground up." He exined. "Keep in mind that you cannot build out your muscles or assets beyond a certain point. Using this system, you can make yourself beautiful or handsome beyond humanprehension. While it can''t fix diseases or ailments, it can also fix eyesight and hearing. The agility stat will aid your eyesight. However, it willg behind your peers with strong eyesight." He exined with narrowed eyes. Everyone looked at one another with shocked expressions. Lina''s eyes glittered after the announcement. "The second is the Weight of Judgment. If you choose this artifact, your physical-rted stats, including strength, stamina, and agility, will increase by 50%. Considering that you Earthians tend to have ridiculous power walking into Myriad, it''s a powerful change." A wave of shock washed over the crowd. Macron smirked when he saw their shift in attitude from beauty to raw power. "The third is the Amulet of Protection. While there is a health stat that monitors your vitals, it will never increase in this world. There are no healing spells in this world, either. If you are cut with a sword, it will require the same amount of healing in the world you''re from." Macron exined. Fear washed over the crowd when the audience processed the shocking revtion. "However!" Macron yelled, breaking the students free of their anxieties. "There is a protective barrier that will envelop you in a naturalyer of protection. With this type of stat, you will receive invisible armor that protects your body from physical harm. You are typically blessed with a powerful aura from when you arrive as chosen ones. It decreases like health until it breaks. However, repeated attacks in the same location will break it faster." The students'' hearts sighed with relief. While it wasn''t a health stat, it had simr properties. "In your new system, it is called the defense stat. The Heart of Zikon is a stone that will increase your defense stat by 50%." Murmurs spread through the crowd, but their whispers calmed down when they felt overwhelming killing intent emanating from the tform. "The fourth is the Soul of the Warrior. It''s a sword that grants you a soul weapon. These weapons, whichck strength in the long run, cannot be lost, broken, or stolen. It materializes out of thin air and requires no storage space." He continued. Some of the audience members gasped in appreciation. "The fifth is the Hourss of Knowledge. This artifact unlocks the knowledge of the world by 1%. However, it''s important to understand that it doesn''t fill your mind with knowledge. It has never been chosen in my lifetime, so there isn''t much information on how it works. The artifacts'' records state that it works like an encyclopedia and only provides you with information you can acquire in a library. It requires you to read through your system, so it''s useless if it isn''t actively utilized." The crowd quickly disregarded the option in the face of the others. Only a few individuals had interested expressions after hearing its description. "The fifth is the Staff of Justice. It increases your magic and mana by 50%." He continued. "Lastly, you can choose the Leash of Cerberus. It grants the user a soul beast. It starts as an infant that needs to be defended but can grow and develop into a powerful entity over time. The first three months will be harsh, as they cannot walk or fly for more than 30 minutes at a time. They can''t travel with you for the first three months. For that reason, beast trainers will take care of them for most of the first three months. They''re beasts, so they can''t live with you. You can visit them, however. Once they reach the first evolution, they''ll likely be useless in battle or a liability. They will only be able to protect you once they reach the second evolution. They grow with you. As your spirit particle reserve increases, you can feed them more spirit particles to help them mature. Once they receive enough to meet evolution requirements, they will evolve. Earthians have high reserves from day one, so it''s a good investment. ,m Once they''re grown, they''re ridiculously strong." A portion of the crowd had sparkling eyes after hearing the option. "These are the options that you can choose from." The students erupted into a frenzy as they quickly tried to discuss which to choose. "Ahem!" Macron coughed loudly to regain the focus of the audience. "This is a life-changing decision. Before discussing the options and which to choose, you must consider a few things." He asserted. "Aside from the ability to change your appearance, you can gain everything else in Myriad. You can gain stats, learn of this world in the library, and obtain soul weapons and beasts with luck and money." Macron exined. "It''s important for you to think through the responsibilities associated with the gift. If you choose a soul beast, you must protect it for over a year before it can protect you. If you cannot do so, it will die, and so will you." He exined with a cold expression. "You also don''t get to choose whether you gain a dragon or a chicken. That is a risk you must take." Everyone in the audience fell silent, and their excitement was doused with cold water. "The soul weapon you will receive will only take you so far in this world. Its true value is rooted in its indestructibility and your inability to misce it in a fight. However, that makes it a tool of desperation in the long run. They''re legendary-grade artifacts that are extremely difficult to acquire. It''s a worthy option, but it''s not a shortcut to power." He continued. "You can not underestimate the value of stats. Your beauty and influence mean nothing in and festered with powerful monsters and beasts! If you ignore your stats, you must be prepared to work harder to protect yourself. However, your power means nothing in the realm of intricate social rtions. Beauty is a form of power. If you make yourself beautiful and your face is scarred, it was a wasted investment." Macron panned his eyes over the crowd of young adults. "However, you must also factor in that your affinities are currently hidden in anticipation of this gift. The value of the stats you receive will not be apparent. For example, if you invest in your magic but find you do not have an affinity for it, you will have wasted your gift. Some Nightmares are extremely powerful and require considerable spirit particles to use. Others are weaker, but you can use them countless times in a battle. If you get thetter, you''re wasting your stat. Everyone has the same ability to use magic, but affinity describes talent." Macron exined. Every optiones with risks, and many will regret their decisions an hour from now. There will be winners and losers. That is life, and you must ept that." After finishing his exnation, he looked at each student and eventually locked eyes with Helix for a brief yet impactful moment. "You have fifteen minutes to decide. Once you''re ready, please line up in front of your chosen artifact." Helix walked in front of the crowd and stood before his chosen artifact without a second''s pause. Everyone''s eyes widened with shock when they saw him approach decisively. No one could decide whether the man was confident in his intelligence or aplete idiot. However, when they saw the artifact, he stood before the crowd erupted into a frenzy of gossip and confusion. As for Macron, his eyebrow twitched as he stared at Helix with disbelief. ¡ª [A/N: Spirit beasts do note into y until [much]ter in the story. Even when they show up, they will not immediately receive character development until they are strong enough to not be [liabilities] in battle. ¡ªCharacters can''t use deadly, overpowered spells if their spirit beast is chewing on a monster in the target zone¡ª They must be trained to fight. That''s realistic. Equally important, small animals provide realisticplications in Myriad as they do in the real world¡ªlet alone massive, deadly ones. You''ve been warned.] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 8 [Giggle-Witch] "May I?" Helix asked while standing before his artifact. Macron''s eye twitched aggressively, and he looked at Helix with a murderous gaze. After everything he had just heard, he couldn''tprehend the young man''s decision. Helix locked eyes with him and his cold gaze cut through the man''s killing intent like a hot knife. "I hope you know what you''re doing, boy." Macron muttered under his breath. Helix nodded. In front of him was the Hourss of Knowledge. It was a simple hourss with magic circles engraved in the wood on the top and bottom. While simple, the handheld object had a royal appearance and a divine aura. The ss emanated a cool blue color that was barely visible. "You only need to hold it and close your eyes to feel its power. But are you certain that you want to choose that item? I know you have an extremely powerful Nightmare, but you won''t always have the spirit particles to use it. Your stats will doubtlessly be excessive, but your adversaries will also be strong. Do you want to think it over some more?" He asked with narrowed eyes. Macron publicly disclosed Helix''s Nightmares [strength] by request. Helix shook his head. "No, I''m certain that this is the gift I''m looking for." He replied. "You can earn stats and weapons. However, information is power, and it''s generally harder to obtain. While 1% may be small, it''s uncertain what type of secrets this artifact may hold." He replied with a light smile. "I suppose you''re not a smart boy for nothing." Macron muttered under his breath. "Then go ahead and hold it. After receiving its power, meet up with your servant, turn away from your peers, and keep quiet. You may not influence the decisions of others." He exined. Helix nodded and grabbed the hourss in his right hand. A feeling of electricity crawled through his body as it made its way to the patch on his neck. The second the electricity and patch collided, the transparent patch transformed. A blood-red ink oozed from his neck before transforming into a tribal sun tattoo. His system interface opened while his eyes were closed. ¡ª [Congrattions. You have unlocked 1% of the Myriad Library.] ¡ª A new icon appeared in his interface window, allowing him to ess the feature. ¡ª [Congrattions. Zenith has begrudgingly epted you as someone mildly worthy of her attention. She will answer your questions when she feels like it.] ¡ª The corner of Helix''s mouth twitched when he read the notification. However, he refused to willingly make a mistake he was forced into thest time his interface opened without warning. He opened his eyes slowly and carefully put the hourss down. Then he met Macron''s expectant gaze, nodded to him, and walked through the gossiping crowd toward Emelia with an unreadable expression. Macron watched the back of the mysterious boy as he walked away. "I hope that idiot stays alive long enough for his intelligence to show." Macron muttered with aplicated expression. After Helix exited the crowd, the area exploded with vibrance and energy again. The students excitedly talked about the gifts they would receive. After about ten minutes, the young men and women lined up around the various artifacts. As they stood in line, many looked at the hourss withplex expressions on their faces. "1%? That''s basically nothing." "Yeah, if it were 20%, I''d consider it." "What''s the point of knowledge if it doesn''t enter your mind? Even if there are thousands of books, no one can read all of them." "He''s an idiot. There''s arge library here, but he likely won''t ever find a soul beast or weapon." "It''s tempting, but the risk is too high. Each of these priceless gifts provides instant, tangible benefits. It''s uncertain whether that treasure holds any value." "I''m envious that he had the confidence to choose that item." "He must have the luxury considering that powerful Nightmare Macron mentioned. It must be nice." "He will die if he takes this world too lightly." Despite the endless discussion on the topic, no other person stood before the Hourss of Knowledge. "Sir Helix!" Emilia said with a rosy face while taking a bow. "Hello, Emelia." He replied with a slight smile. "Are you okay, young master?" She asked. "I was worried about you earlier." Helix chuckled. "There''s no need to worry. My new Nightmare just activated identally while my interface booted up. It was a slight mistake." "Thank goodness!" She replied with a genuine expression. Helix gave Emilia a gentle smile, and the two basked in a warm light. The other servants looked at the two of them with interest. Those that knew Emelia stared at them with lukewarm gazes. Everyone else looked at them with curiosity or envy in their eyes. While the servants were adapting, adjusting, or coping with their new masters and Mistresses, Emelia wasfortable and happy with her rtionship. Every servant wondered how he managed to charm the youngdy to such an extent in a single night. "I have a small favor to ask. Can you help me with something?" Helix asked. "There''s no need to ask, Sir Helix. I will do anything upon your request without hesitation." She replied with a charming smile before bowing her head. Helix smiled. "Even if that is the case, it''s still better to ask kindly, don''t you think?" He chuckled. The young woman gave him a bright expression with a slight nod. The other servants gawked at his words. They served a royal family who rarely showed consideration for their servants. Then they were attached to awkward, sex-thirsty virgins without social skills. Hearing the charming tact Helix exhibited was a shock to their systems. "I''d like you to pay attention to the ceremony for me. I''m going to open up my interface, so I''ll be absorbed for a little while. Will you please notify me when it''s time to move on?" He asked. "Of course!" Emelia replied with a bright smile. "Well, I''ll be waiting for a tap on the shoulder then." He chuckled. A momentter, he touched his neck. His interface opened, and he stared at two options. ¡ª p [User Stats] [Myriad Library] ¡ª Helix sighed inwardly. ''I''m going to regret looking at my user stats right now. Maybe I should start with the good news¡­ well, assuming it was a wise decision.'' He thought with anxiety in his heart. Helix decided to choose [Myriad Library]. The moment he opened the feature, a chat window opened. Helix narrowed his eyes bitterly at the development. Words shed on the screen. "Well, aren''t you ungrateful?" Helix touched his neck. "Ungrateful? After what I''m going through because of you?" He asked bitterly. "What you''re going through because of me!? After going out of my way to offer my support, you dare to treat me like trash!?" Helix narrowed his eyes at the screen. "What type of sorry, cockroach-festered hellscape did you grow up to meet the kindness of others with disdain!?" "That''s riching from the woman that signed my death warrant with a simple dialogue window." He chuckled bitterly. The chat window closed instantly, and the library opened before his eyes. "I hope you don''t reach out again, Elise." Helix muttered with disdain in his eyes. Suddenly a slew of chat windows popped up, one right after the other. "What." "The." "Hell." "Did." "You." "Just." "Call." "Me." "You." "Sick." "Freak!?" Helix stared at the interface with a baffled expression. "Wait, you''re not Elise?" He asked. "Why the hell would you think I was that disturbing little giggle-witch!?" Helix shook his head in disbelief. "My apologies. I''ve been in Myriad for less than 24 hours, and the moment I opened up this interface, I was assaulted by that [giggle-witch]." He replied in confusion. "My teacher told me that chatting with an individual in your interface is unheard of. Therefore, I immediately assumed that you were her." He exined hastily. "Why in the hell would that witch talk to [you]! Are you a loli-loving demon candidate in training or something!? How could I be so wrong about someone!? Wait! Never mind that! Of course, it''s unheard of! You should be bending over with deep gratitude that I''m speaking to you!" Helix''s eyebrow twitched. He couldn''t believe how many insinuations and revtions were exposed by one flurry ofments. Helix sighed when he remembered the notification he had received earlier. "My apologies for the confusion." Helix began with a genuinely apologetic tone. "My name is Helix Hellsgate Margrave, and I was dragged into this world against my will yesterday. Now that I know you''re not the monster that signed my death warrant 24-hours after arriving in Myriad for the sake of a sick game, please allow me to start over." He requested. "I''m not sure why you''ve chosen to speak to a nobody like me, but I''m grateful for your show of support. Is your name [Zenith] by chance?" ¡ª [A/N: Thank you for reading, and please drop lifeblood stones! They don''t mean much to many, but they mean [everything] to authors.] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 9 [Zenith] Helix honestly meant every word he spoke, and his honesty emanated through his thoughts. The chat window went nk for a few seconds. "Yes. My name is Zenith. And why the hell are you poking the air with a dumb expression on your face?" Helix sighed. "I''m pretending that I''m reading through my interface. The Mad Queen assaulted me with messages today. Now my instructor is suspicious I''m in league with her for the same reason you are." Helix chuckled bitterly. "Since it''s unprecedented for people to chat through their system windows, he won''t believe me if I said another important entity was chatting with me. He''ll automatically assume that I''m speaking with her again. Then I''ll be interrogated, tortured, and executed." He concluded with a sigh. "..." "..." "So you''re not a loli-loving demon candidate in training?" Zenith asked. Helix sent a wry smile inward after reading her message. "No, I''m not. I turned down an offer from Elise to gain an insta-harem today. So I''m clearly not epting applicants for thousand-year-old little girls. If this world allows young girls to live for a few thousand years, it has treasures to make people look like adults. So if I meet one, I''ll desperately farm gold to buy a one-way ticket to peace of mind. I refuse to walk around with an overpowered, grand-elder super child." He replied bitterly. "You turned down a harem on day one of your summoning to Myriad? Are you perhaps¡­ interested in men?" Zenith asked. Helix''s eyebrow twitched aggressively. "No." "I see¡­." "..." "..." Helix sighed after experiencing the conversational gridlock. "I have many questions for you, but I could get called back to the introduction ceremony at any minute. Since you were willing to take the time out of your day to greet me, will you tell me more about who you are?" "Finally treating my time with respect, I see¡­." Helix suppressed the facial muscles that were crying out in an attempt to spasm. "My name is Zenith Millenia Altwork. You may address me as Ms. Zenith for short. I''m the record keeper in Myriad." She exined. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Zenith. May I ask why you decided to reach out to me?" He asked. "I could ask you the same question." She replied. Helix stared at the chat window with confusion in his eyes. "Do you mean my choice to choose the hourss without hesitation?" He asked. "Exactly." She confirmed. "It''s been half a century since thest person chose my artifact during the Nightmare Induction Ceremony. In the face of so many powerful artifacts that can grant them immense power immediately, having ess to 1% of Myriad''s Knowledge is not attractive. Moreover, the requirement to [read] the information shuts down 95% of people instantly." She exined. "Yet you chose my artifact from the moment it was announced and epted it without the slightest hesitation. Why?" "Why? 1% of the entire world''s knowledge is an exorbitant number." Helix responded with a sly smile. "Moreover, it''s exponentially easier to find weapons and learn martial techniques than to gain high-quality, reliable information in this world. If there are guilds, the information will be locked as trade secrets. Books will be expensive. Libraries will be few. It may not help me in midbat, but most of our battles for survival are not fought on a battlefield. Knowledge of nts, medicines, and artifacts is immeasurably useful. Moreover, researching your terrain and enemies allows you to n ahead of time. I would have chosen this option if it was only a fraction of a percent. In my mind, the only gamble I took was assuming that most of the 99% was rooted in abstract information rting to the world." He reasoned. "... It seems I was not wrong about you." Zenith replied after a few seconds of silence. "You''re right. While it contains books and texts, the [Myriad Library] isn''t a library. It stores all human recorded information for the Myriad Record." She exined. "So you''re right. 1% is an astronomical number. It represents the vast majority of the practical, Clea information that has been physically recorded in Myriad. It also contains information that has been hidden, lost, or forgotten, of course. The Hourss of Knowledge wouldn''t be an ancient-grade artifact if it were only a glorified library." Helix stared at the chat window with shock in his eyes. The ess to information that he received far surpassed his expectations. He wasn''t given 1% of the practical knowledge of the world. He was given nearly all the information essible in libraries and guilds to a certain degree. In addition, there was information hidden from the world as well. He was certain he was given something far more powerful than anything else he could find in this world. "I''m¡­ speechless." Helix replied after a few seconds of silence. "Thank you forpiling this library. I''ll treasure it until the day I die." Helix sighed after his words. "At the rate, things are going, that will be less than a week. So I''m not sure I can give this library justice. However, I will treasure it as long as I can." He replied in a mncholy tone. After ten seconds of silence, the chat window erased itself. "Three." Helix stared at the window in confusion. "Three¡­ what?" He asked. "You can call upon me three times at will to answer any questions you have. After that, I''ll only respond to you during times of emergency or if I feel like it." Helix''s eyes widened in astonishment. A hand touched Helix''s shoulder. The sensation broke him out of his state of perplexion. "Thank you, Emelia. I''m reading onest sentence. I''ll be ready in a moment." He said with a gentle smile. "Thank you, Ms. Zenith. I''m grateful beyond words. I cannot ever hope to repay you. But if you ever want knowledge of my world, I''m happy to share. I don''t have books, as my phone''s dead, but I canmunicate knowledge. I have to go. I''ll talk to you in the future." Half a dozen chat windows exploded on the window immediately. "WAIT!" "Don''t go!" "I''ll take every bit of knowledge you''ll give me!" "No! Don''t leave me!" "I need it!" "Please!" ,m Unfortunately, Helix was already speaking to Emelia and closed the interface without seeing them. Helix sighed as he looked at the others walking back toward the stage. "Let''s get this over with." He whispered under his breath. Suddenly Helix stopped for a moment. "[Clea]. Why would someone from this world use that term?" He whispered with a pensive expression. Helix shook his head. "It''s probably part of the insanenguage-trantion skill we were given upon arrival. Even the words we write auto-trante to any Myriadiannguage. Macron used the term [dumpster fire] and referenced a poker game with grenades, neither of which exist here. Clea was shockinglymunicative, so it makes sense." Helix cleared the thought from his mind as he did when he grumbled about the supposed [timeg]. The only question on his mind was whether he was right that the other [chosen ones] were otakus like him. That was a life or death question. Over 99% of Earth''s poption would scoff af Helix''s [paranoia]. However, those people didn''t understand what was written in light novels. He did. If otakus started treating Myriad like a cultivator world or video game, he''d be in serious trouble. Everyone would be. He decided to make investigating the others his top priority. After walking back, he realized that Lina and David were missing. "Listen up! People who change their appearance will be in a special artifact chamber for 24 hours. Therefore, you''re free to enjoy the rest of the day. We will all meet back here at 1 pm tomorrow. Before you go,e to the front of the stage. You will receive your official sword and light armor. In addition, you will receive your first payment as Knights of the kingdom. As you should expect, the Knights here are paid well! You''ll receive payment every fourteen days. We''ve learned that''s what you''re used to. Once you receive yourpensation, you may visit the city if you wish." Helix sighed when he saw the ridiculous sum of money he was given. Last night he had asked Emelia about the exchange rates in Myriad. As a result, he understood that his [paycheck] was a fortune to themon folk. He could buy a decent house with the money he was given as a paycheck. ''These people are making it impossible to hate this death trap. Everyone here will be a desperate noble in less than a month. By the time it sinks in that they can''t contact their friends and rtives, and they watch some people die, they''ll be too addicted to resist.'' "Titus, can you please exchange this gold coin for coppers? I n to visit Burlow Street, and I don''t think that the shopkeepers will have 97 or more coppers on hand to give me change." Helix requested. Titus gave Helix a bewildered expression. "Why do you know themon areas and the exchange rates already?" He asked with a suspicious gaze. His words sparked the attention of Macron as well. Helix smiled and touched his neck. After tapping the air a few times, he started speaking. "There are 21,731 residents in Alzeria as ofst year''s census. The weather here is sunny for 287 days of the year on average. The most dangerous district is Harlow which has the most reported crimes. The shortest way to get to Burlow street is by taking Mason Street after leaving the outer gates. Tulips are in season, and there''s a tulip festival today." As he listed out a slew of facts, everyone around him stared at him with ck-jawed expressions. "The Hourss of Knowledge is useful for just about anything." He replied with a gentle smile. "R-Right. I''ll exchange your coins now." Titus replied. Macron stared at Helix with a slight smile and a strange glint in his eye. After only a moment, he continued. "Oui! Regret your decision on your own time!" He barked while thrusting a sword into the arms of a young woman. As he watched Helix weave through the crowd toward Emelia, the man didn''t know whether tough or cry. "That boy is going to be nearly impossible to protect when he''s using that strategy." He muttered with a serious expression. "But after witnessing that, I''m not sure his bizarre antics are reckless after all." He added with a helpless smile. ¡ª "Are you stupid or something, boy?" Macron asked with a deep frown. "How the hell does increasing the size of the target on your back trante to your safety?" "Macron, I can dump a bucket of piss on a duke after handing him a sword and still be in less danger than I am right now." Helix chuckled bitterly. "At least with this system, I can build up internal support that can protect me. As for my method for protecting myself¡ªit''s risky, dangerous, and irresponsible. That puts it two notches up from the deadly, lethal, and stupid description attached to any other strategy." ¡ª "I certainly hope you''re right, boy." ¡ª [A/N: Zenith provides Helix [three] chances to contact her for critical reasons during [his life]. So please don''t expect her to return immediately.] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 10 [Lina] "Wow. It feels like only yesterday since Ist saw you, but you''ve really¡­ filled out. Age has smiled kindly upon you." Lina shot Helix a murderous nce. "Well?" She asked. "Well what?" Helix replied with a confused expression. "Well, what do you think, moron?" She growled. Helix sighed. "I just said age has smiled kindly upon you. Do you want me to explicitly say, [Lina, you''re breathtaking after sping hands with that divine treasure]?" Lina grinned. "Yes, I would like you to say how you explicitly feel about your appearance." She dered. "That¡­ is too bad." Helix chuckled. Lina puffed out her cheeks. ,m "Why are you so bent out of shape? A cat whisked you away to a fantasy world less than 48 hours ago, and now you look like a supermodel. It''s as if you met Aphrodite during ate-night bender, and she took you to a beauty salon on Mount Olympus to recover. Now I''m drowning you inpliments, and you''re mad I won''t propose to you?" Helix asked sarcastically. Lina''s face flushed bright red to the tip of her ears. Yesterday she was a petite woman with frizzy dark brown hair and pockmark blemished skin. The next day she was taller, had double D breasts, curly golden blond hair, and rich blue eyes. Her body was slender, curvy, and toned. "I-I¡­ uh¡­." Lina stuttered in embarrassment. Helix chuckled in bewilderment as he looked at Lina and David. "Forget super mages; you two are a lot of broken dating sim characters. Make sure to send me invites to your harem inaugurations." It was David''s turn to blush. Yesterday he was a scrawny man with slight e that wore sses under his straight brown mop-top haircut. Now he had medium-length ck hair in a ponytail and red eyes. Helix chuckled when he saw how David created an avatar for a fantasy game for his real-life appearance. "W-What about you? How is the Hourss of Knowledge?" David asked. Everyone at the table, including the nearby Knights, turned their heads to him. Helix shrugged. "It''s super useful and convenient. It''s like Wikipedia for Myriad." He exined. Everyone at the table''s eyes widened when they heard his simple description. "That''s amazing!" David eximed. "In a world without the inte, that''s a superpower." They suddenly realized they could no longer use the inte to answer their questions like they were ustomed to. Now that they were reminded of that reality, they instantly regretted their arrogant attitudes regarding the deceptively simple artifact. They all feared they''d gradually regret their [gifts]. However, they now knew that Helix would never regret his. "Yeah. I feel pretty lucky that it didn''t turn out to be an unorganized library of books." He replied with a slight smile. Helix sighed inwardly when he felt the envious gazes burrowing into his soul from all directions. Especially the piercing gazeing from in front of him. Lina got annoyed when she realized everyone in the area had their attention on Helix again and was ring at him. While Helix was happy that his friend was bing more confident, he didn''t like how aggressive her transformation was. Her jealousy was skyrocketing at a disturbing rate, and her adaptation to power and beauty was concerning him. "That said, after seeing how absurdly attractive you two look, I wonder if women will ever look at me again." Helix chuckled. Lina smirked with a pride-filled expression, and Helix shed her a stunning smile. He was thankful to quell the emotional storm brewing in front of him. Unfortunately, Lina''s moment to shine didn''tst long. "Wait, who''s that?" "I''m not sure. I''ve never seen her before. Is she important?" "I don''t think so. All of the important people in this castle wear higher-ss fashion." "Then why would she be in here?" "Wait, isn''t that a servant? I saw her in the arena yesterday." "What? Then why isn''t she wearing the same clothes as everyone else?" "We can dress up our servants however we like, but I didn''t see any of those clothes avable in the wardrobes." "They can wear whatever they want? Why didn''t I know this?" "Did you ask, dummy?" "No¡­." "Wait¡­ isn''t that the servant of that Helix guy?" Lina and David''s eyes shot to the right, searching for the person in question. Emelia was wearing an elegant yet simple light pink dress over her body. She had new earrings too. They were simple silver dangle earrings thatckedvish jewels but were extremely fashionable. She had a thin silver ne with a red stone pendant on it. The pendant wasn''t a precious stone, but the way it was fashionably cut made its subtle royal appearance feel genuine and regal. On her feet were ck heels, and she wore light ck eyeliner. It was as though everyone in the hall was looking at an entirely new person. However, unlike the other women who had be magically beautiful overnight, Emelia had only changed her clothes and wore makeup. "W-Wait, what is going on, Helix?" David stuttered. Lina gave him a threatening icy re that said, [you''re not leaving without an exnation]. After learning that the young man near them was responsible for the transformation, everyone around him stared at him. Helix sighed inwardly but spoke confidently on the surface. "On the first night, I asked if our servants had to wear maid outfits. She told me that the servants could wear whatever their masters and Mistresses wished. When you two were hibernating for your beauty changes, we were given time to explore the city. While I was shopping, I helped pick out some outfits." He exined. People from multiple tables in the dining hall were staring at Helix with mixed emotions. The news filled their faces with fascination, envy, bewilderment, interest, and surprise. Seeing all of the attention Helix was getting, Lina''s face flushed red with annoyance. "I''m going to buy my servant the best clothing in Alzeria!" She dered. Then Lina stood up from the table and stormed out of the room. Helix sighed as he watched her leave. "Do you not like the maid outfits? I think they''re a dreame true, personally." David asked. Helix shook his head. "I do like the maid outfits. However, she''s someone that will be staying by my side through everything. Investing in her happiness is important because her warm attitude will help me through future struggles." He said with a mysterious smile. ¡ª "W-Why are we in her m-mas¡ªS-Sir Helix? I-Is there a woman you w-want to impress?" Emelia asked. Helix chuckled and shook his head. "No. We''re here to shop for you." He replied with a gentle smile. "N-No, I cannot possibly ept clothing from you. I''m just a servant. Your generosity is wasted on me." She stuttered with genuine difort. Helix spent a few moments in silence as he studied her facial expressions. After a period of silence, he developed a mysterious smile. "Emilia, as my aid, you must represent me everywhere you go. It is also critical to our current goals and tasks." Helix told her with a kind yet decisive tone. "You haven''t forgotten what we talked about already, have you?" He asked with a slight smile. "N-No, of course not! I''ve been working on it without fail." She replied. "Good. I can''t wait to hear your findings tonight." He said with a mysterious smile. "Good. I can''t wait to hear your findings tonight." Helix said with a mysterious smile. "I''m sure you''ve already done well and learned a lot." Emelia nodded with an excited expression. "Thank you." He replied. "Back to the task at hand. To represent me, you must always look and feel confident in yourself. Otherwise, you will be unable to gain the respect and admiration worthy of my image." Helix was gentle, but his tone and speech were of a lecturer teaching a student. Emelia''s widened after a wave of abstract understanding. "That means that you must [look], feel, and act beautiful and confident. That''s why we''re shopping right now. I''m giving you a task to find clothing you like and bring it to me so I can give you feedback to bring your image to life." He ordered with a gentle smile. "O-Okay!" She replied with a determined expression. Helix sighed inwardly. ''I wish I didn''t have to create an official order for her to think about herself.'' He thought with a mncholy tone. He saw her grimace at the prices as she shopped through the store. After it had happened a few times, Helix walked up to her. "Emelia, I genuinely appreciate your humble attitude. It''s something I genuinely like about you." He said with a warm, genuine voice. "However, despite being a noble of the royal capital, we traveled to Burlow street. A dozen outfits here cost the same as a low-end dress in the Kina District. So don''t worry about the cost of the clothing. I could buy everything in this store without putting a dent in my current finances." Helix chuckled. He wasn''t lying. His [first] paycheck was 500 gold coins. Helix could buy every outfit in the store for five. Nobels pay expenses fornd, high-ss dining and clothing, and servants. For someone that didn''t pay rent, was provided with quality gear from the kingdom, and had no bills, 500 gold coins was aical amount of money. No, it was just absurd in general. Emelia blushed when she realized how considerate he wasing to Burlow street. Burlow street was thergest shopping district formoners in Alzeria. It was where she and her family shopped before she was sold to the Royal Kingdom as a servant. "Thank you!" She said while bowing lightly. "No need to thank me. Now please go perform your duties as an aid." He said with a smile. "Yes!" She replied with newfound determination. When Helix saw Emelia walk up to him with a dress for the first time, he didn''t know whether tough or cry. The dress was ten coppers, which was worth a silver coin. It was nothing to him, but it was obvious that she had never bought something so expensive in her life. While he was mildly disheartened that she couldn''t afford such a simple dress, he couldn''t help but smile at how cute and shy she was about it. "A great find. Very fashionable." Helix said after inspecting it carefully. It was her first find, and he would happily buy it even if it were hideous. Fortunately, it was very fashionable. "Go put it on so I can see it on you." He said while handing the dress back to her. Emelia''s eyes sparkled when she saw his enthusiasm. "Y-Yes!" When she came out of the dressing room, Helix was momentarily lost in wonder. Seeing her in elegant clothing made his job drop. "You''re stunning. You will represent me well in this." He praised. "Let''s get you some more items. I can''t wait to see what you pick next." He said. Emelia changed and then scampered away. Helix watched her closely and picked up all the items she turned down withplicated expressions. That includes undergarments she was too shy to ask about. After checking out, he essed his library and found jewelry shops and other stores. Helix watched her prance around with a warm smile on his face. He wished their date in the city didn''t also have ulterior motives. ¡ª [A/N: I updated this chapter, so I''m sorry if yourments were deleted.] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 11 [Charlotte] "When you put it that way, it does make sense to invest in our servants." David pondered. "Besides¡ª" Helix said with a genuine smile. "Isn''t that bright smile worth it?" He asked with a warm gaze. Everyone present turned to look at the young woman again. While she stood in the corner gossiping with the other servants, she had a dazzling smile while showing off her dress. The other female servants were touching the fabric andmenting on her earrings. "Can I sit with you guys?" A female voice called out from behind him. He found a cute blonde with sses holding a small white puppy. "Soul beast?" He muttered to himself breathlessly. It was a white canine curled in her arms, periodically sneezing. Herrge pink sses popped against her blonde hair. He immediately noticed that there wasn''t a curve on the lenses. They were fake, and he found the touch charming. Her clothing was a simple white v-neck with pink and purple jacket split horizontally between the two colors. It was unique and memorable. "Of course." Helix replied without hesitation. "There''s a seat next to David that has opened up." The women giggled when they saw David''s face cramp up as Charlotte sat down. "The name''s Charlotte, and I''m a hero recruit. It''s exciting to meet Alzeria''s famous troublemaker." She announced with a grin. Helix frowned. "My name is Helix, and I''m Alzeria''s famous troublemaker. It''s great to meet a hero recruit." He replied with lifeless eyes. The women at the table giggled amongst themselves when they heard his reply. They were all secretly watching him with interest. Unfortunately, so were the men, who had bitter jealousy in their eyes. Like Lina, they had achieved a handsome appearance for the first time. Yet the women were still interested in the above-average young man that chose to ept a library as his gift. "I''ve been watching you. You''re interesting." Charlotte dered while taking a bite of her steak. Her manner of eating was strange. She cut the steak with a straight back and dainty demeanor, but she tossed the meat into her mouth and ate it like a savage. "It seems that you''re always up to mischief." Charlotte said with a grin. "Judging by the way you''re eating, you''re an expert on the subject. So it seems that I can''t deny it." He replied with a mocking smile. Charlotte shrugged and continued her charade. David looked between the two of them with confusion in his eyes. He wasn''t great with social skills, so he didn''t understand the strange, high-level conversation unfolding. "What are you after?" She asked casually before taking another bite. "I want to survive." He replied without hesitation. "Hmmm? No way. There''s something else. What are your goals?" She rified. "To survive." He reiterated. Charlotte narrowed her eyes at him and then looked at David. "You two seem close. What would you say that Helix is interested in?" She asked. David''s heart started racing. "H-He really just wants to survive." He replied. "Really? How boring." Charlotte remarked. Helix sighed inwardly. He couldn''t figure out why he found women like her so attractive. "Then tell me, why would you spend so much money on a woman you just met? Feel guilty about using her?" Charlotte asked with a grin. Helix raised his eyebrows before chuckling and shaking his head. "No. We went to the Burlow Street Market. I bought her a few outfits like that for less than a gold coin." He exined with a smile. The table fell silent. "Wait, what?" Charlotte asked with a bewildered expression. "It''s themoner district, so it''s super cheap there. You can buy a house there with our paycheck." Helix chuckled. The women at the table were shocked at the economic revtion. However, Charlotte couldn''t care less about the prices of the clothing. "Then what about that fancy jewelry?" She asked. "The pendant on her neck is a stone called Zithranite." Helix chuckled. "It''s created by taking amon stone and infusing it with magic, giving it that red, regal appearance. While it looks luxurious, it''s just a cheap stone." "But it looks beautiful, doesn''t it?" He asked while admiring Emelia for a moment. "Why the hell do you know that? Are you a spy sent to earth to rope people into showing up?" Charlotte asked with a serious expression. The table fell silent again, and the atmosphere became heavy. Helix looked at her in shock for a moment before bursting intoughter. "What''s so funny?" Charlotte asked with an annoyed tone. Helix touched his neck, opened the Myriad Library, and then used thoughtmands to make his query. "If I was a spy, I switched sides with the enemy and needed to be extradicted." Helixughed. "Give me your hand for a moment." He requested with a mocking smile. "W-Wait, what? Do I look like a babe in the wilderness to you?" Charlotte growled. Helix gave her a mocking expression. "I''m trying to answer your question." He said with an annoyed voice. "Fine, take my hand. I''ll enjoy breaking it with my freakish strength stat if you trick me." Helix grimaced because he knew she could do it. "Okay, I''m sharing my interface with you." He said. When he touched her hand, his interface opened, and she looked at the Myriad Library. ¡ª [Query: Cheap stones for jewelry and where to find them in Alzeria.] [Results: Common stones in Myriad are often infused with spirit particles to make them look precious. Popr choices are Zanthite, Mira Stone, Zithranite, and Marksfire. Most can be found at the Burlow Street Market. Other locations include¡­.] [Printed menu charts] [Marked maps of Alzeria] [Sort by color] [Research stones] [Change query] ¡ª "What the hell is this? This is a cheat search engine on space steroids!" Charlotte cried with shock in her eyes. Everyone at the table was left ck-jawed after her assertion, and eyes burned with a desire to view it. Most had already finished eating, but they were still at the table listening to Helix speak. He saw a few women were disappointed that [they] couldn''t see the Myriad Library and immediately pounced on the opportunity. "Would any of you also like to see the Myriad Library?" He asked with a charming smile. Suddenly the entire area erupted into a frenzy. Female excitement to view the library. Enthusiastic death plotting from the jealous men. "Hello! My name is Marie. Can I see it?" A young woman asked. "I''m Sarah! Can I see it too!" Another chimed with an excited smile. "Petra! I''d love to!" A third followed. "My name is Riley. It would be wonderful if you''d share with me." A fourth added with a sickly sweet tone. "Hi¡­ I''m Millie." A small, nervous brte whispered as Helix looked at her. Helix took each of them by the hand for a few seconds so they could see the Myriad Library. While many of them saw the sight with envy, they were ovee with a slight blush when he took their hand. The constant gossip about him had made Helix a mysterious celebrity without the girls realizing it. So he became more attractive and exciting to them as a result. A few of the men shot up from their seats. They couldn''t stand the sight of [Helix] any longer. Their pride couldn''t take it. Helix didn''t pay attention to them; he focused on three men who hadn''t left their seats. "You''re going to get yourself killed." Charlotte announced while taking the final bite of her steak. Her casualness shocked everyone at the table except for Helix. She had been watching Helix''s move with a mocking smile, and he didn''t fail to notice her intelligent gaze. "There''s nothing I can do about it. Besides, the Knights will get over it once they start fighting with their broken stats." Helix shrugged. "Hmmm¡­ stats¡­ it''s strange that you didn''t say the word [Nightmare]. Curious." She said with a wicked grin. "I have an extremely powerful Nightmare," Helix confessed nonchntly. "However, I''ve been informed that I have the lowest stats in Alzeria''s army." The table fell silent, and everyone looked at Helix with a shocked expression. "The Royal Army?" She asked with fearful eyes. "No, the army." He chuckled bitterly. Charlotte''s eyes widened in panic. "Are you an idiot!?" She seethed quietly. "You''re pissing off immature men that were given power for the first time. They probably think this is a video game with PVP stats." She whispered aggressively. All of the women stared at Helix with bated breath. Helix snuck a nce towards a group of men before chuckling. "What am I supposed to do about it?" He asked with a mocking smile. "My Nightmare identally activated when I got it, and people have thought I was the [protagonist] of this story ever since." Charlotte fell silent when she saw his raging bitterness. "We''re in a strange world, without our loved ones orforts, and the people around us are gaining things we aren''t. The Knights need a scapegoat to vent their frustrations on, and I was the unlucky person that attracted the most attention." Everyone at the table looked at Helix withplicated expressions. "Since everyone''s going to target me anyway, why wouldn''t I be warm and weing to the people around me?" Helix chuckled while ncing at the women. "My, my." Charlotte chimed while waving her hand. "You''re risking your life to charm thedies? You''re quite the yer, aren''t you?" She mused with a yful expression. Their faces turned bright red when they realized he was risking his life to speak to them. After what they had just heard, they knew Charlotte wasn''t joking. "Can''t you at least say the word chivalrous or something?" He asked with a sigh. The table burst intoughter. "You''re a loner with sharp, mysterious eyes. There''s no way that you''re a popr crowd favorite that woos thedies." She said with a mocking smile. Helix nced to his right again before continuing. "Well, if I''m under the scythe, I might as well give it a shot." He replied casually. Giggles andughter emanated from the table for another thirty minutes. He drew the attention of everyone still in the dining hall. Charlotte looked at Helix with a pensive expression. While she didn''t know [what] Helix was doing, she could tell he was executing a strategy. She had been watching him closely, so she knew he was also a loner with a mncholy demeanor. Helix wouldn''t be charming women or unting his weaknesses around people who would kill him during their delusions. Charlotte was certain because Helix was actively sneaking nces at people that looked like they wanted him dead. Her curiosity was burning. "I need to go now. Before I go, is anyone interested in the shops I visited today? It''s Friday, and there isn''t any training over the weekend. So if you''re interested, I can give you directions and suggestions." Helix offered. The table erupted into a frenzy again, and all of the women quickly took him up on his offer. David watched the abnormally perfect and beautiful women around him with wide eyes. He couldn''t understand where the charming, popr Helix popped up from. Helix had the weakest stats, a Nightmare he couldn''t use, and didn''t change his appearance, but now he had the attention of every woman. Charlotte was also watching Helix with a vibrant level of interest in curiosity. She wanted to know why he was so eager, thorough, and patient in giving all the women directions to the shops. After saying goodbye and walking away, she turned around to look at Helix onest time. "I''m not sure what you''re doing, but I''m excited to find out." Charlotte whispered. After scanning the dining hall, she saw a dozen young men still present and listening to Helix''s conversations. Each of their abnormally perfect faces was burning with jealousy. Two looked like they were plotting to kill him. "At this rate, it won''t take long." She chuckled with excitement flickering in her eyes. "I have high expectations. Don''t let me down, Helix Hellsworth Margrave." ¡ª [A/N: I updated this chapter, so I''m sorry if yourments were deleted. On an important note, [Nightmare] has shbacks and time leaps for psychological elements. Keep that in mind for the next chapter.] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 12 [Lucas] "Well, well. If it isn''t the famous Helix Hellsworth Margrave." A young man called out. Two men on either side of him started snickering. "How much bribe money did it take for you to learn my full name?" Helix asked with a sigh. "Only 215 gold coins." The young manughed. Helix sighed again. "Did you know that you can buy ten acres ofnd and a harem of twelve servants in Myriad with that much money?" He asked with a mncholy expression. "Whoever made you that deal ripped you off something savage." The four of them were standing in a moonlit corridor around 11 pm. Due to theck of lighting, he couldn''t see their expressions, but he could tell they were shocked and bitter at the revtion. "H-How the hell do you know?" The young man asked. "Hourss of Knowledge." Helix replied with a slight smile. "If you spent time bribing people to find out more information about me, why don''t you remember the free information?" "Ethan, it sounds like this guy''s threatening us. Isn''t that what you''re seeing?" The man asked. "Yeah, Lucas. That''s what I''m seeing too." Ethan confirmed with a wicked grin. "What about you, Jackson?" Lucas asked while unsheathing his sword. "I-I¡­ uh¡­ yeah. That''s what I see too. But I think it''s best to put away the swords and leave." Jackson replied with terror in his eyes. "Shut up. It''s not like we''re going to get in trouble. This noob doesn''t know the first thing about this world or the three of us." Lucas gruffed. Jackson quivered. "I don''t know. I agree with Jackson. We don''t need to use swords." Ethan said with a worried expression. "Are you both idiots? We don''t know if this guy has weak stats. Moreover, he has a crazy Nightmare that''s been deemed dangerous. I confirmed it myself. Do you noobs think we can t-bag this guy if we''re not nning to fight?" Helix sighed and turned around to walk away. "Hey! Where the fuck do you think you''re going, aimbot? You think I''m ying around?" Lucas growled. Helix turned back with an exasperated expression. "This isn''t a game, you fucking idiot." Helix said with a mocking tone. "We''re in a hallway with drapes and wool rugs. If you use your Nightmare, you''ll raze this entire wing to the ground. Then you''ll be wanted for arson and murder when your friends get lit on fire and die." He exined with an annoyed expression. "W-What the hell did you just say?" Lucas barked. Helix looked at the young man with genuine bewilderment. "I can''t believe I have to exin this to you." Helix muttered with a low voice. "Your Nightmare, [Fire Bolt], shoots a [bolt of fire]." The friends looked at one another in confusion. "Fire burns things. Most notably, drapes and wool rugs. If you weren''t paying attention, fire doesn''t disappear when spells end in this world. It sets things on fire, and it''ll burn you to death. That includes you, moron." Helix said with a sigh. "Nightmares are forbidden unless there''s a reason to use them. Therefore, you''re already guilty of conspiracy to murder. Do you want to get locked away for attempted murder, Lucas Wheatfield?" Helix asked. "W-Why do you know my name? Oh, I get it. You know how much bribes cost because you''ve already done it!" Lucas stuttered. ¡ª "Thank you so much for today! Even if it were only for work, it''s impossible to express my gratitude in words. I''m sure there are many other ways you could have made me more presentable." Emilia said with a bow. "I''m d you enjoyed yourself." Helix replied with a gentle smile. "I had a lot of fun today too. It didn''t feel like work." Emelia looked at Helix with wide eyes and a blushing expression. After a moment of silence, her eyes lit up. "That''s right! I have what you''re looking for." She announced with a smile. "Wait? What are you doing?" She asked. "I''m trying out my new chalk." He said with a mysterious smile. On two pieces of ck paper, he was tracing magic circles he was studying from the Myriad Library on two pieces of ck paper. He didn''t understand the magic circle but knew how to recreate something. "Let''s hope that I have enough spirit particles to instantiate beginner circles." Helix chuckled bitterly. "Thank god I have self-correcting chalk simr to what Yakuza Cat was using." Magic circles weren''t hard to make, but they required drawing skills. If drawn poorly, they would fail to activate or produce unexpected results. Kylon''s chalk corrected the size and shape of the magic circle to perfect proportions. Since Helix was wealthy beyond belief, he easily purchased the pricey chalk for one silver per piece when shopping. He read the chant directly from the Myriad Library when he finished the circles. "Hah. It appears to be working." Helix announced with satisfaction while looking at the dazzling blue and teal glow from the circles. "Here, put these two pieces of paper on either side of your ears." He requested while handing them to Emelia. Emelia was baffled at the sudden request, but she quicklyplied. "What do you hear?" He asked. "What?" She asked. "Can you hear anything?" He rified. "I-I''m sorry, I can''t hear you." She said. Helix''s face filled with joy and excitement. He rushed over and hugged Emelia by the waist, causing her entire body to heat up. Her face was bright red, and she was confused but not ufortable. Helix smiled at her reaction and took the pieces of paper from her hands. "Please give me a moment." He requested with a mysterious smile on his face. Helix rushed over to the room walls and quickly started tracing medium-sized magic circles on each of them. The circles were small because he didn''t feel confident he could activaterger ones. He figured he could instantiate each in shifts if necessary. Once he was done, he chanted to each to make them work. Unfortunately, he could only activate one of them, but it was on the door leading to the hallway, so he was satisfied. "Okay, where were we? Were you going to tell me about your task?" He asked with a warm smile. "Y-Yes!" She said excitedly. "I never thought that I would actively seek out gossip." He chuckled bitterly under his breath. "Alright, what have the other servants said about their lords and Mistresses?" He asked. "Have you heard anyone talking about people venting about someone?" Emelia''s excitement was snuffed out in an instant. She was grateful that she could provide him with the results of her task. The young woman was hoping to show how hard she was supporting him. However, the results themselves were grave and discouraging. She didn''t think he''d jump straight to the bad news immediately. "Y-Yes, Helix." She whispered. "Two people called you out by name in a rage. The first, Lucas Wheatfield, took out his frustrations on his servant, and she warned me of his behavior." She exined. Helix''s eyes glinted with murderous rage at the news. While he wanted to grit his teeth, he kept a neutral expression on his face. He couldn''t make Emelia worry, especially when she performed her [task] well. "I''m not sure how I could ever repay you, but I hope to do so in the future." Helix said with a genuine expression and a slight bow. Emelia''s eyes shot open in disbelief. "W-Wait! I didn''t do anything!" She cried hurriedly. Helix shook his head. "You know that this information could save my life one day, right?" He asked. Emelia stared at him with a dumbstruck expression. "I-I see¡­." She replied. The young woman was meticulously taught that she should never contradict her lord. She was still young and experienced, but she tried to abide by it. Therefore, she stared at Helix with aplex expression. "When did she warn you?" He asked. "M-Mirtha warned me during dinner tonight. She said that my new dress was triggering his behavior and told me about yesterday." She said. "I see¡­." Helix said with a wry smile. He hoped for Mirtha''s safety, but he wasn''t responsible for the actions of others. He shouldn''t feel guilty for existing. However, he couldn''t convince himself to feel that way. "D-Do you think that I shouldn''t wear my dresses?" She asked. Helix shook his head. "No. You should wear your dresses every day from now on." He replied with a gentle smile. "I''m certain that Mirtha will be thanking you soon for doing it." Emelia was puzzled after hearing Helix''s words. "Anyway, let''s talk about the other people before I head to the library. I''d like to know about the people mistreating their servants or having anger problems if possible." He requested. "Even though you''re a gossip ma, I don''t expect you to know much. But any information on the Knights assigned to people with downtrodden faces will be helpful." ¡ª Helix''s mocking smile illuminated in the moonlight. "Bribes?" He chuckled. "You''re famous, Lucas." ¡ª [A/N: At no point in this series will there ever be dialogue with or discussion about a character that is an abuse survivor. All writing stops at implications or rumors for non-characters as well.] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 13 [Murderer] "W-What do you mean I''m famous?" Lucas asked shyly. "Why are you smiling? You''re not famous for a good reason." Helix replied with a mocking expression. "Wait¡­ what did you just say!?" Lucas yelled in a panic. Helixughed. "You''re famous because of what you''re doing right now." "What the hell do you¡ª" "Some girls heard you yelling from inside your roomst night. The same is true of you, Ethan Myers." Helix interjected with narrowed eyes. Hisugh was gone, and his expression froze the three to the core. "They''re already talking about disowning you guys if they learn that you''re mistreating your servant. Of course, they would spread that to all the women." He warned with a serious expression. "Luckily for you, both of your servants wore a slight smile today. But they''ll be watching closely for forced smiles, and they''re having their servants keep watch. Whether a servant or a hero, all women can spot women forced to keep quiet. So ordering your servant to keep quiet or act happy will instantly prove your guilt, and they''ll disown you." Lucas and Ethan started shaking in horror at Helix''s warnings. Both had invested in their appearances to get a chance with the women otakus. If all of the women disowned them, they might break mentally. Unfortunately, the allegations were true. Helix shrugged when he saw their shaking bodies. "I suppose it doesn''t matter much. If ites out that you three tried to gang up on a person and even tried to kill him, no one will speak to you. No one wants to be friends or love someone willing to murder people." Helix chuckled with a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Y-You wouldn''t dare tell people!" Lucas warned. "Or what?" Helix asked with a mocking smile. "Will you prove my point? Do you think investigations don''t happen because CSI teams don''t exist in Myriad. You delusional RPG lunatics will get locked away if you don''t turn around and leave." "Lucas, calm down. If we leave him alone, he won''t tell people about this." Jackson reasoned. "No¡­." Lucas growled with killing intent oozing out of his pores. "He will tell people. I know it. You saw that he was already in with all of the girls today, right?" Jackson''s face shed with terror. "L-Lucas, it''s the second day here. You can''t¡ª" "Shut up, you pussy." Ethan barked. "If you don''t want to be here, fuck off." Lucas sneered. "Get out of here." Helix said with a stern voice. "As far as I''m concerned, you weren''t even here tonight." Lucas and Ethan lit up with anger after Helix''s deration. Jackson looked at Helix with apologetic eyes before running away. The other two were too concentrated on the situation to notice. ''Good job, kid.'' Helix thought to himself. Most of the [chosen ones] were anti-social otakus, and it wouldn''t be surprising if many were bullied. He figured Jackson was in that category, so he was proud he ran away instead of freezing up. "Let''s pwn this guy." Lucas growled. "What about Jackson?" Ethan asked while eying him down. "That loser doesn''t have the balls to speak up against us." Lucasughed. "Besides, it''s not like we''re getting out of this. It''s best to beat this guy to a pulp and then hit each other a few times to make things look believable." "Are you really strategizing your coverup in front of the person you''re assaulting?" Helix sighed. "What special grade of idiots are you two?" The two stopped talking and sneered at Helix. Both were getting into a fighting stance. "Really? You understand that anime fighting styles leave you wide open to attacks, right?" Helix chuckled. Lucas had his left hand in front of his face, his knees bent, and he held his short sword with one hand behind his back. "Your pose screams, [I have no defenses, so please slice me wherever while my hand is busy swinging]." Helix taunted. "Thank god you have crazy stats. Otherwise, you''d throw your shoulder out with that stupid stance. Assuming you didn''t die before swinging." Lucas almost blew a gasket and charged, but Ethan stopped him. "Wait. Something''s not right here." Ethan asserted with a discerning voice. "This guy has the weakest stats, but he''s taunting people he knows. If he knows our Nightmares and stats, why would he do that?" Ethan asked. ¡ª "Look, boy. I get that your situation is as bleak as a barefoot hike through Siberia. But if your strategy is asking for trouble." Macron stated. Helix raised an eyebrow. ''I''ll have to research thenguage-trantion magic in Myriad.'' Helix chuckled in bewilderment. "I think that your strategy is brilliant. However, It''s hard to justify that you''re a helpless, innocentmb when you''re actively picking a fight. Even though it isn''t lethal, using a Nightmare without solid proof of need can be punishable by death. Those are the rules, and we can''t change them." "I thought so." Helix sighed. "While we can often make exceptions, your situation can hardly be ssified as life-threatening in the eyes of thew. You arrived less than 24-hours ago. Saying that people you''ve never met will kill you immediately sounds paranoid. You have no reputation, respect, or prestige to back you up. Your only leg to stand on would be useless stats, but the kingdom won''t be pleased treating you as a hero if you''re weaker than grunts. They''d probably be d to get rid of someone they deem useless to get you off the payroll. To them, you''re just an unfortunate boy who was dealt half-cooked grenades instead of cards in a poker game. Beyond that, you''re not even worth mentioning." Macron exined with a remorseful expression. Helix chuckled with madness in his eyes. "So what will it take to be able to use my Nightmare?" Helix asked. Macron sighed. "Getting assaulted. Unfortunately, your peers'' strength will kill you with a single punch if your defense stat is rock bottom. Your only saving grace is that none of you havebat experience." He replied. "So if that happens, I can use it?" Helix asked. Macron narrowed his eyes. "Look, if you''re thinking about letting someone hit you let me know. That way, I can call suicide watch." The man gruffed with a scowl. "This isn''t earth, boy. Your peers may be a pack of geeky animals, but they''ll be five to twenty times stronger than the average Myriadian. You''d have better chances of survival running into truck-kun, or whatever you all call that Earthian serial killer." ¡ª "Why the hell are youughing!?" Lucas yelled. "Sorry¡­ I was just thinking about how my people have brought high culture to the Myriadians." Helix replied while wiping light tears from his eyes. "Let''s just pwn this noob. But first, put away your sword. We can push for a felony for improper use if this guy uses his Nightmare." Ethan suggested with an evil glint in his eyes. "Looks like you''re finally thinking for once." Helix chuckled with an icy gaze. ''I only need to survive one punch. Even getting grazed will wreck me badly enough to im a dire situation.'' He thought. The moment he considered the ideal scenario, his eyes zed over, and the gatekeepers tried pulling him into the beyond. ''Better now when they have nobat experience than when they are battle-ready and know the rules. Sorry, Macron. You''re underestimating the true nature of super-otakus.'' He reasoned bitterly. Lucas put his sword away with shaky hands. "I can''t wait till Leera hears how strong and valiant you are, Lucas." The moment Helix said those words, Lucas rushed at him. Despite being a disordered wreck that had never hit someone, Helix couldn''t even see his attacker for more than a second. Helix jumped backward before Lucas charged with all of his strength and channeled spirit particles into his Nightmare. In his mind, he targeted Lucas and Ethan and prayed no one else would hear what happened. A split secondter, Helix heard a sickening crack, and he found it painful to breathe. Helix''s body hit the floor with fast momentum as he rolled across the room. "What''s going on!?" A voice screamed in the hallway. "Hurry quick! Someone looks hurt!" Another yelled. Helix was gasping for air in the middle of the fork of the hallway. A dozen women ran to Helix''s side. "Isn''t that Helix? What the hell happened?" "Leera, don''t look!" One of the women yelled. However, it was toote. When Leera saw Helix badly injured, she screamed and started crying. Another woman named Whitney rushed over and started crying as well. "What type of sick fucking animal would do this on the second day being here!?" Leera sobbed. "Who would try to murder someone that just showed up!?" Whitney screamed in anger. "Everyone knew Helix had no defense stat! Anyone that hit him after learning his stats might as well have used a gun!" Another woman screamed. When Leera looked down the hallway, she saw Lucas. The young man was petrified and shocked beyond belief. "YOU!" She screamed at the top of her lungs. "Why do you have blood on your hands!?" "I-I¡­ I-I¡­." Lucas stuttered in shock. "Ethan!?" Whitney yelled in confusion. "You''re part of this!? I thought that you were a good guy!" She screamed. "I defended you when I heard your frustrated rants yesterday, but I was wrong! You''re scum! I can''t believe you!" "Girls! Talk about thister! If we don''t get this guy to a doctor, he''ll die! Let''s deal with these murdererster!" Another woman screamed. Both of the young men fell to their knees. "I-I¡­ I-I¡­ I-I¡­." Lucas stuttered. Both of them sounded like broken records. Suddenly a group of guards rushed to the scene as well. "Get a doctor, Marcus!" The guard yelled. "You two! What the hell is going on here!?" Another man roared. A momentter, Helix lost consciousness. ¡ª [A/N: The more you think about this scene, the wilder it bes. ;)] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 14 [Ripples] "Please! Just save him! I don''t care what you have to do." "Please calm down, woman! We''re trying!" The sound of a door burst open. "What the hell happened!?" "We found two of the new arrivals in a hallway, and this man''s ribs were severely cracked." "Names!" "Their names are Lucas Wheatfield and Ethan Myers." "Send them to my office, now!" "Yes, sir!" "What''s his condition, Elsa?" "He''s stable right now and is unlikely to die. It looks like a fist cracked three of his ribs. His lungs aren''t punctured, but the bones are pressing against his lungs." A woman''s crying haunted the atmosphere of the room. "Don''t worry, miss. There''s no way this crazy bastard is going to die." "Promise me!" "Hah. I promise. I''d bet my life on it. So please don''t cry." "A-Alright¡­ I-I''ll try¡­." "Please wait outside. We need to allow the doctor to heal him, or he''ll be in trouble." "O-Ok¡­ kkaay¡­." The door shut and the sound of crying faded from the atmosphere. "Damn¡­ this is all my fault." "No, it''s not your fault. You can''t feel guilty over people that would kill a stranger two days after meeting them." "No¡­ I was warned this would happen and didn''t do anything about it." "Wait, why didn''t you do anything?" "It''s not that I didn''t want to. It''s just that this situation is tooplex." "I won''t ask questions then. At least you can lock those kids away so they can''t harm him now." "That¡­ I need to hear about what happened before from this boy''s mouth before we do anything. So the kids won''t be detained." "Wait¡­ what did you just say?" "Look¡­ it''s for this boy''s safety. This situation is a lot moreplicated than you can imagine." ¡ª "I don''t understand. Why would people do this to him?" "He''s been a show off, and it''s been pissing people off." "Wait, you know who did this to him?" "Yeah. Not officially, but the people responsible started confessing to the girls before being dragged away by Macron." "They confessed?" "Yeah, and the way they confessed was extremely disturbing too." "Disturbing? How did they do it?" "I can''t talk about it. We have a gag order, so I can''t tell you." "Oh¡­." "I can tell you the girls they confessed to were excused from practice to recover." "That''s why they were gone today?" "Yeah." "It was that bad, huh?" "Let''s stop talking about it and just pray that this idiot wakes up." "Do you feel guilty too?" "..." "Never mind." ¡ª "Hello, Mistresses. Are you friends of Sir Helix?" "Well¡­ not exactly. We don''t know Helix well, but we are thankful for the help he gave us." "I see¡­ I hope you don''t take this the wrong way, but I''m wary of letting strangers see him when he''s weak¡­." "No, no! Wepletely understand. We made him cards. Will you leave them by his bed?" "You''re so thoughtful¡­ I''m d that there are kind people who wish the young master well¡­." "I-I''m sorry! We didn''t mean to make you cry." "No¡­ you''ve done nothing wrong. I''m just a bit emotional right now." "Wow¡­ he means a lot to you already, doesn''t he?" "... Yes, it''s as you say. I haven''t known Sir Helix long, but thest three days have been the happiest of my life. So this was a shock to me." "This guy''s so mysterious. But he''s really special¡­." "Yeah¡­ I agree. He''s only missed practice once, and yet the ce feels¡­ empty now." "I felt that too¡­." "..." "Oh. Sorry for our gossip. Here are the cards." "Thank you, Mistresses. I''ll happily put them by his bed and let you know you visited." "Thank you. What''s your name, by the way?" "It''s Emelia, young mistress." "What a beautiful name!" "Yeah, I think it''s gorgeous." "Me too!" "Y-Youdies humble me. My apologies for not knowing what to say right now¡­." "Why are you apologizing?" "I''m not sure why, but everyone around Sir Helix treats me with so much respect for some reason. So I don''t know how to ept your kindness." "Oh¡­ well, normally, you would just say thank you." "I see¡­ thank you, young mistresses." "Hey girls, don''t you think all servants should feel that way?" "Yeah, I do!" "Girls, let''s make it our mission to make our servants as happy as possible!" "Yeah, I''m in!" "Emelia, when Helix is better, let''s do our makeup together!" "Yeah, that would be fun!" "I-I¡­." "Haaaaaah. Don''t be so shy~ That guy will make a formal request toe with us. Just wait, he''s that crazy." "Hah. I don''t know a thing about Helix, but I know he will do that for some reason." "I¡­ see. Young mistresses, can I know your names as well?" "Of course! I''m Marie and these women are Riley, Millie, Charlotte, Tammy, Petra, and Lily." ¡ª "H-Hello, mydy! What brings you here today?" "Good morning. I''vee here to see that young man." "P-Pleasee in¡­." "There''s no reason to be so nervous. I''m only here because I''m interested in him. I bring no misgivings." "I see¡­." "What is your name?" "My name is Emelia, mydy." "It''s nice to meet you. Can I ask a favor of you?" "Of course. There''s no need to ask, mydy." "I know, but¡­ I''m inspired. Can I see the dress that you wore three nights ago?" "Y-Yes. Please give me a moment¡­." "No problem, Emelia." "My apologies, mydy. I don''t know which one I was wearing. The first one I wore was this pink dress." "Wait¡­ how many dresses did he buy you?" "He¡­ um¡­." "No need to be shy. I''m surprised in a positive way. How many, if you don''t mind me asking?" "He¡­ bought me seven. One for every day of the week, one for the day of rest, and one for important asions." "What? Oh my gosh, that''s so cute!" "M-Mydy?" "Can I please see the one for special asions?" "Yes! I''ll get it right now." "Wow¡­ this is gorgeous, and the texture is so amazing." "I agree¡­ I didn''t know what to say when Sir Helix bought it for me¡­." "Where did he buy it? Do you know?" "I''m not sure what the name of the store is called. But it''s a couple of blocks away from Burlow Street Square." "Wait! You''re saying you bought this in amoner district!?" "Y-Yes, mydy¡­." "My apologies! I didn''t mean to make you nervous. It''s just that this dress is of noble quality. It''s amazing." "I-I hope they didn''t sell us stolen¡ª" "Don''t be silly, Emelia. This type of dress isn''t sold in the Kina district. I don''t even know what type of fabric this is." "It''s called Sapphire Silk, mydy. From what Sir Helix told me, it''s cotton infused with some form of magic." "Really? Is that what the shopkeeper said?" "No¡­ Sir Helix told me when he led me to the store¡­." "He knew ahead of time? How strange¡­ I wonder who told him¡­." "Sir Helix has ess to a magical library. He received it from an artifact during the Nightmare Induction Ceremony. He reads a lot when we''re alone." "Is that so¡­ What an interesting man." "I agree with mydy''s appraisal." "I''m not sure if you know this, but servant morale exploded after you showed up in the dining hall in that pink dress." "What do you mean?" "After the Knights saw you in that dress, they also started buying their servant''s new clothes. You''ve noticed, right?" "Yes... I was a bit surprised why that happened." "I heard that he gave directions to stores to a group of youngdies. After their servants showed up in new clothes it sparked apetition." "Competition? I''m afraid I don''t understand." "No one wanted to be outdone by this man. So people started treating their servants better as apetition. The trend has reached the Alzeria nobles." "I¡­ don''t know what to say¡­." "I don''t know what to say either! After seeing multiple servants in luxurious clothes, I investigated what happened. My search led me here." "I see¡­." "I was shocked when I learned that he was injured. I''m not sure why people tried to harm someone like this or why it''s so under wraps." "I¡­." "Please don''t worry, Emelia. I''m just thinking aloud. I hope to talk to both when he''s better. Good day." "Goodbye, mydy!" ¡ª "He''s¡­ still not awake yet?" "Unfortunately not. However, the doctor says that he''ll be awake soon. His body is just strained from the atmosphere in Myriad." "I see¡­ well can you give him this note?" "Of course, Mistress. May I ask what your name is?" "Yes, it''s Leera." ¡ª "Ugh¡­ was I dreaming?" "Y-You''re awake! Thank goodness!" "You make it sound like I almost died¡ªUghhhhh." "Don''t try tough, Helix! Your ribs are still recovering." "Haaaaaah. I guess I survived after all¡­." He muttered after remembering what happened. "I want to be happy but¡­ ugh¡­ this sucks." ¡ª [A/N: This type of dialogue represents Helix falling in an out of consciousness. I like that it''s not obvious immediately who''s speaking. What about you?] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 15 [Visitors] "Do you even understand what ssification of shit-storm you unleashed on Myriad?" "I¡­ take it I ended up using my Nightmare then?" Helix asked with a wry chuckle. Macron gave him a puzzled expression. "Wait¡­ you don''t know if you used your Nightmare? You best not mess with me, boy. If you do, I''ll rip out a healthy rib and stab it through your lungs on purpose." "Woah¡­ there''s no reason to make hasty decisions!" Helix replied while raising his hands in surrender. "Then exin. Start from thest thing you remember." Macron gruffed. Helix exined how Lucas and Ethan confronted him and tried to use their Nightmares near the Royal Library. Then he exined how he used his Nightmare while attempting to block an attack. "I see¡­ so that''s why you don''t know if you used your Nightmare." Macron chuckled with madness in his eyes. He ced his palms on his eyes and massaged his temples with his thumbs. "Boy... I''m unsure whether to be impressed, thankful, or apologetic." Macron mused with a self-deprecating tone. "If they lit the Royal Library on fire, the Kingdom would have seen them hang. I apologize for not taking your warnings about these [videogame] and cultivator mindsets seriously." Helix had a serious conversation with Macron after confirming that the Kingdom purposely summoned light novel-loving otakus and weebs. He warned him about people treating Myriad like a videogame and, more importantly¡ªas a cultivator world. "Don''t worry about it. It''s not your fault there''s a wild pack of power-thirsty, disillusioned, super-otaku ex-virgins roaming these halls." Helix imed while shaking his head. "I have so many questions about what you just said¡­." Macron replied with a pensive gaze. Helix braved a chuckle before remembering something important. "Can you please thank the women that helped me?" Helix asked. Macron''s face paled when he heard Helix''s question. "Is there something wrong?" Helix asked with a puzzled expression. "Did you say that girls helped you?" Macron asked. "Was that a dream?" Helix asked with a confused expression. Macron''s mouth opened and closed multiple times. "That''s a hard question to answer... ording to the testimony from Lucas and Ethan, girls from the hero recruits came to save your life." Helix''s eyes widened in shock, and an icy chill ran down his spine. "However, the women in question had alibies and weren''t there, and the guards didn''t see or hear them before they arrived." Macron continued. "The only theory that isn''t batshit crazy is that your Nightmare created those girls because they were your attackers'' greatest fear. But the two seemed obsessed with the women, not afraid of them. Whenever I think about it, it feels like my brain is going through a meat grinder." Helix blinked twice in confusion before sighing. "I think the two were extremely worried about the females'' perceptions about them. So their greatest fear was being caught by the females after their crime. That''s a theory." Macron''s eyes widened in surprise. "If that''s true, it would exin a lot." After a moment of silence, Macron rubbed his temples again. "However, it won''t quell the raging shit-storm that erupted after the incident." Helix grimaced. If his [illusion] involved real people, he could only imagine the chaos it caused. He opened and closed his mouth multiple times, trying the words to say. However, Macron raised his hand to stop him. "There''s no need to say anything." The man chuckled bitterly. "You warned me this would happen, and I didn''t take it seriously. Now you''re injured, two people are detained under 24-hour supervision pending judgment, and many of the female Knights are shaken." ¡ª "Here''s a [long] list of reasons I''ll be killed right after using this skill for the first time." Helix said with a bitter smile. "It''d be one thing if I could summon illusions, but making people confront their greatest fear can be traumatizing." "That sounds a bit dramatic, don''t you think?" Macron asked incredulously. Helixughed with bitterness in his eyes. "Say a person has an irrational fear of spiders, which ismon on earth." He prefaced. "The person is afraid of [one] spider of any size. Now imagine a thousand spiders crawled over that person in the middle of a battlefield." Macron''s eyes widened with realization. "Worse, when the spiders start crawling on that person, they''ll panic, and their actions will be erratic. So they''ll start swinging their sword or releasing their Nightmare at the spiders. If someone''s in the forest and shoots out a powerful fire st to kill the spiders, it''ll set the whole area on fire." Helix chuckled bitterly. "Then why wouldn''t you stop it?" Macron asked with a thoughtful gaze. "I can''t." Helix said with a slight smile. If I could create a thousand spiders, the person in training would yield, and I''d shut it down. It could even be a powerful tool for resistance training and helping people ovee their fears. However, I can''t shut it down or control what happens to the person currently." Macron chuckled in pained astonishment. "It''s brutal. I feel like it''s a trial to find those worthy of wielding the skill." Helix sighed after he finished and took a deep breath. "That''s not the worst of it, either. The real problem¡ª" ¡ª "Is the kingdom investigating me, or are my attackers seeking revenge?" Helix asked with a bitter smile. Macron shook his head. "No. Fortunately, no one''s gunning for you or knows about your Nightmare. I''ve been hiding our blood pact for the higher-ups by demonstrating that your Nightmare lights paper on fire when you write about it. Then, after warning them about the curse, they shut down." "Thank you." Helix replied with a wry smile. "Hah. No need to thank me. I''ll die if I don''t protect it." Macronughed. "Besides, I have bigger problems to worry about. Your attackers'' behavior adversely affected a group of girls, and the anxiety spread to all recruits afterward. It wasn''t a devastating blow, but you''re smart enough to know that this is the most crucial time to keep morale high." Helix nodded with a serious expression. "If there''s anything I can do, please let me know." Helix offered. "Since I have the Myriad Library, I''ll research a reasonable exnation to providefort without triggering problems. Also, I think one of the girls involved wants to speak with me. She left me this note." ¡ª "Hello, Mistress. Are you a friend of Sir Helix?" "Hello. My name is Marie and this is Riley. We''re not Helix''s friends, but he''s expecting us." A nervous female voice responded from the hallway. "Emelia, please let them in." A warm voice requested. "Sir Helix! You shouldn''t be walking right now!" Emelia cried. "Ah,e now, Emelia. You make it sound like I''m at risk of dying." Helix said with a slight smile. "I was out cold for three days because of spirit particle deprivation, not because I was in the jaws of death." Helix wasn''t lying. Mostly. He was hibernating because using [Nightmare] drained more than 100% of his spirit particles, but he could have died if his ribs punctured his lungs. "That''s true. My apologies for leaving a false perception, Sir Helix." Emelia said with a bow. Helix gave Emelia a slight smile before turning to Marie and Riley, who gave him skeptical expressions. "Please you two,e in and shut the door." When Marie shut the door, her eyes widened in astonishment. "I-Is this a¡ª" "Magic circle? Yes. It''s called the [Anti-Diffraction Circle]. It absorbs sound waves to lower the noiseing out of the room. The circle doesn''t block sound wavespletely, but it''s the best I can create." "Wait, what!? How did you learn how to create magic circles in two days!?" Marie cried in bewilderment. "Hah. I wish I could do that. I traced the magic circle from a textbook, read the chant aloud, and prayed it worked. Luckily it was a beginner''s circle." Helix said with a warm smile. Both looked at the circles with wonder; they hadn''t thought about thebat and magic capabilities they could have learned if they had it. "Pleasee sit, you two." He requested while motioning to one of the leather chairs. After sitting down, he looked over at Emelia. "Emelia, could you please make us some tea before joining us?" Helix requested. "J-Joining you? I couldn''t possibly do that¡­." She replied with strained confusion. "You''re my aid, Emelia. Therefore, I need you to be present to better understand how you can help me." Helix responded with a warm smile. "I-I see¡­ I''ll make the tea and join you after." She said while moving quickly from the area. Marie watched Emelia until she left and then turned to Helix. She was a beautiful redhead with vibrant green eyes, one of the few who hadn''t changed her appearance. The same was true of Riley, whose natural appearance was cute but ordinary-looking. She had straight brown hair with tan eyes. However, she had gentle expressions that made her seem approachable. "What the did you do to pull it off?" Marie asked with a serious expression. ¡ª [A/N: I updated this chapter, so I''m sorry if yourments were deleted.] Power stones = more readers = more content. :) Chapter 16 [The Trap] "I''m afraid I don''t understand your question." Helix replied. "How did you convince your servant to ept the request to join you so easily? My servant would freeze up and desperately convince me to reconsider if I made that request." Mariemented. "Same with mine...." Riley added in wonder. Helix gave her a slight smile. "I made Emelia my aid instead of a servant." Helix exined while looking at Emelia with a warm smile. "When we went shopping for new clothes, I exined that she represents me and needs to look nice and be confident. After exining that, she enthusiastically made it her mission to find the best clothes." He chuckled painfully. Marie and Riley contemted his insights with discerning expressions. "The oue speaks for itself, but why do I get the feeling that buying her clothes was a serious mission?" "I find it important that Emelia is happy, but it was also a serious task." Helix confessed. "I purposely dressed her as shy as possible that day. The idea was to make them jealous of the attention she was getting and sparkpetition to see who could treat their servant better. It''s depressingly typical human behavior." "Well it worked like a charm. So much it almost got you murdered." Mariemented with aplicated expression. "So I don''t know whether to praise your brilliance or scold you for being an idiot." Riley giggled and fell silent again. It was clear she was quiet and reserved at a nce. Helix looked to the ceiling with a satisfied expression. He was too busy talking about important issues to be informed of the social revolution he sparked. "I guess you''re under the idiot category since you''re celebrating after almost dying." Mariemented lifelessly. "Why did you choose to spark jealousy when you knew people would hurt you?" Riley asked curiously. "I wanted to spark their jealousy over something simple I bought in the city." Helix replied with a wry chuckle. "The idea was to get people into the city to find neat things. Then, people would stop talking about me and speak about their treasures and new power, but¡­." "But what?" Riley asked. "It bothered me that many servants showed up with grave expressions the day after we arrived." Helix exined with a bitter smile. Marie and Riley winced in understanding. "The servants that had the gravest expressions belonged to two men I met recently." Hemented. Everyone''s eyes shot open. "You mean¡ª" "That''s right, Lucas and Ethan." Helix confirmed with a slight smile. "Why does your strategy to make people treat their servants better perfectly align with your meeting the perpetrators?" Marie asked with narrowed eyes. Helix locked eyes with Marie before turning to Riley. "Telling you that will put my life in danger. Can I trust that you won''t tell a soul?" He asked while making eye contact with both of them. Marie and Riley''s eyes shot open in panic. "Y-You''d trust us with your life?" Marie cried. Marie was appalled, considering that Helix was almost killed a few nights ago. "I won''t live long if I can''t find people I trust." Helix sighed with a serious expression. "You two are showing concern on my behalf, so you''re the type of people I''m willing to confide in. Moreover, you both were very kind and weing the first real night in Myriad. At the very least, I trust you both won''t fall into delusions and kill me without understanding the consequences." Marie cringed after his assertion; it was a reminder of why [they] were in the room as well. They didn''t have to worry about anyone treating Myriad like the real world; they only had to worry about people treating it as a light novel or video game. Emelia put tea cups in front of each, then sat with a concerned look. She could tell the conversation was getting serious, making her nervous. "I-If you''re willing to trust me, I promise not to betray you." Marie stuttered in response. "You can trust me as well." Riley added with an earnest expression. Helix nodded, his eyes became sharp, and the atmosphere became heavy. "I met Lucas and Ethan because I lured them into a trap in hopes they''d attack me." Marie, Riley, and Emelia stared at Helix with shock in their eyes. "Y-You lured them into a trap!?" Marie cried. Helix leaned back into the brown leather couch and stared at the ceiling again. "Yes. I needed someone to attack me, so I baited the worst people that deserved to¡ª" "Why the hell would you have people attack you when you knew getting hit would be a death sentence!?" Marie cried. Emelia had the same reaction, only internally. "Please calm down, Marie." Riley requested. "I doubt someone would do that without reason." Helix was grateful for Riley''s words. "What''s worse? People with zerobat experience trying to murder you, or people that do?" Helix asked with a bitter smile. Everyone''s eyes widened in confusion. "It was only a matter of time before someone attacked me." Helix sighed. "They''d want to challenge me to a fight without understanding the consequences. People believe I received a special Nightmare, and once I stop showing up to practice next week, they''ll think I''m more special. Everyone wants to be the protagonist right now, so the jealousy will only grow." Marie''s eyes trembled in an emotionally tumultuous fashion as she tried to process his words. The same was true of Riley. Everything he was saying was true. They could firmly confirm it through the gossip that they were hearing. "While Macron knew that, he couldn''t protect me because the idea people would attack me so soon was absurd." Helix exined. "To get protection, I needed to be attacked to send a message to future attackers that challenging me was akin to murder. Now I have bodyguards outside the door, and Emelia and I are safe. Do you understand?" Emelia had tears in her eyes, and Marie and Riley''s expressions were strained. "Don''t get me wrong. It wasn''t the right time to confront those two, and it was a mistake on my part." Helix confessed. "I realized that when Lucas dered he would use his fire based Nightmare next to the library." He chuckled painfully. Everyone stared at Helix, ck-jawed in disbelief. "If they had gone through a single mock battle, they wouldn''t have used so much force or treated the situation like a video game. That was my mistake. However, I don''t regret it because I only had so much information and time." Helix reasoned. "In short, my strategy was to let people attack me when I had the highest probability of living. It wasn''t a perfect survival strategy, but considering I''m alive and Emelia and I have bodyguards, it wasn''t a bad strategy either." The four sat in silence for a minute after his revtions. "Why did you lure Lucas and Ethan into the trap specifically?" Marie asked. Helix looked up toward the ceiling again. "The look on their servants'' faces the day after we arrived is carved into my memory. Since I needed protection, I figured I''d remove dangerous people that deserved to fall. I hope you''re not afraid of me now that you know I led people into a trap with malicious intent." "Afraid of you? We''re grateful for what you did!" Marie eximed. "That''s why we''re here. We''re here to thank you on behalf of Leera and the other women." Riley rified gently. Helix looked down from the ceiling and stared at the two in astonishment. "Why are you thanking me?" Helix asked in confusion. "I''m not sure what happened, but I was told you women experienced something disturbing afterward." He added with surprise. Marie and Riley gave himplicated expressions. "That''s true, but that''s also why we''re grateful." Riley began. "All of us women felt unsafe around those two. They stared at us like predators looking at prey. Our fear increased when their servants showed up the first morning with harrowed expressions. The kingdom ordered the servants to seduce us. So the fact they look battered was disturbing." Riley concluded. "You confirmed it for us. Helix, you can''t provoke normal people into killing you. They were future killers willing to assault people as if they were NPCs." Marie added. "Yeah. If they were people with a normal mindset, I wouldn''t be on bed rest and we wouldn''t be having this conversation." Helix sighed. Everyone but Emeliaughed, and they sat silently while Marie worked up the courage to ask the question on her mind. "You said you ended up in the hospital from spirit particle deprivation." She began hesitantly. "Did¡­ you use special magic on the two? Things got¡­ disturbing after your trap, so can you tell me more about it?" "Sure. After provoking those two at dinner, I announced where I''d be that night." Helix responded without hesitation. Marie looked at Helix with a stunned expression when she processed he was answering her. "Is that why you were so shy and bold when speaking to us?" Riley asked. ¡ª "A group of us women are going shopping tonight since it''s Friday." Marie offered in a shy voice after Helix gave them directions. "I know you already went, but you''re wee to join us." "Thank you so much for inviting me to spend time with you women." Helix said graciously with a subtly elevated voice. "However, I was granted ate-night pass to the royal library today. An employee is being paid to work there until midnight upon my request. Therefore, I can''t turn it down even though I have a library now. So I''m nning to stay there until eleven." He exined. Then he gave a sidelong nce to Lucas to check his reaction. The man was staring at him with a murderous glint in his eyes. Helix smiled inwardly. "I might be willing tomorrow, though. I''d love to spend time and be friends with you all." Helix said with a charming smile. "I''m not sure why cute women decided to chat with an anti-social otaku like me, but I enjoyed it. To be honest, Myriad officially feels like a fantasy world." Helix chuckled shamelessly. The group of girls giggled with flushed expressions, and Lucas and his new [friends] started whispering while sending Helix nces. Lucas red at Helix with killing intent oozing from his pores as he chuckled with his friends. ¡ª "That''s right. I wouldn''t have the confidence to do that if it weren''t for a purpose." Helix chuckled. "Why the library? Isn''t that a well-known location?" Riley asked. "Exactly, it was easy to find and ess at any time. Therefore, they could strategize if they nned to attack me. It is also an isted area that is empty after it closes." He said with a gentle smile. "That''s cunning and fearless." Marie muttered with astonishment. "I like the terms pragmatic and desperate." Helix chuckled painfully. Marie and Riley giggled before falling silent for a moment. "What type of trap did you set?" Marie asked. "I marked the floor with a disorientation spell. It''s called the Circle of Disillusion, a beginner trap spell." He lied without hesitation. "Is it a powerful spell? I''m not sure if you heard what happened, but the aftermath was beyondprehension." She asserted. "It''s not powerful¡­ by default." Helix replied hesitantly. "The Circle of Disillusion is a mental attack spell that leaves a person disoriented and distrustful of their surroundings." ¡ª [Query: beginner trap spell that provides mental interference.] [Results] [Minor Sensory Distortion Circle] [Circle of Disillusion] [Sensory Deprivation Circle] [13 other options avable with less relevance] - "Dear lord, these traps sound terrifyingly overpowered at a nce!" Helix muttered in disbelief. "What would advanced traps look like?" "Is everything alright, Helix?" Emelia asked while rubbing her sleepy eyes. "Yes, everything''s fine. I''m just reading something interesting. Please go back to sleep." He replied with a gentle smile while pulling the covers over her shoulders. "Okay¡­." She replied with sleepy eyes before instantly falling back asleep. Helix chuckled and gazed gently at the beautiful young woman before returning to his system. "This one looks interesting." He whispered. - [Circle of Disillusion] [Difficulty: Beginner] [Usefulness: Legendary] [Activation Time: Works for sixty seconds after activation] [Cooldown: None] - "Wait¡­ legendary? What''s going on with this spell?" Helix whispered in disbelief. - [Description: A mental attack spell that leaves a person disoriented and distrustful of their surroundings. Leaves the enemy vulnerable to suggestion for a short period.] [Notes: A magic circle that''smonly used to disorient their enemies in a fight. It is known for causing enemies to attack theirrades. Warning: also causes erratic behavior.] [Advanced Use Cases: Perform interrogations on a battlefield by persuading the victim to distrust theirrades. Seed thoughts into an enemy''s brain that grow into long-term distrust. Cause trauma by convincing an enemy that something is present or happening that isn''t.] [Research Case Studies and Examples] - "This is nothing short of disturbing, and anyone that uses it is a monster." Helix whispered. After staring at the screen with a conflicted expression, Helix sighed. "I better memorize this circle and research it thoroughly. This spell is depressingly practical, and I need that right now." He asserted with a defeated tone. "You can''t be a hero if you''re dead." ¡ª "It''s a spell that makes people distrustful?" Riley asked in confusion. "While it''s a beginner spell, it''s used by mages of the highest order." Helix nodded. "During the period of disillusionment, your enemy is suspicious and susceptible to arguments that confirm their suspicions." Marie''s eyes widened with shock. "That''s terrifying! Such a simple spell can cause¡ª" "Long-term trauma?" Helix asked with a slight smile. Marie opened and closed her mouth multiple times in shock and disbelief. Riley was stunned in disbelief. "You¡­ how do know they''re traumatized?" ¡ª [A/N: I hope you enjoy Helix''s strategies; this chapter is what this novel is about. If you''re looking for a face-paced novel with clever, strategic fight scenes from chapter 1, read my other novel, Nerve Network. It''s what you''re looking for. [Nightmare] isn''t that novel. It''s a darkedy that explores the rtionship between light novel cliches and reality. It''s the opposite of wish fulfillment. While Helix does be extremely powerful, he rarely fights enemies weaker than him and relies on strategies to ovee his weaknesses. That''s the point and what makes this novel different. I hope you''ll enjoy [Nightmare] for what it is. If not, at least skip to the summary chapter 46 right before the level-up arc, or read Nerve Network. Thanks for reading! :)] Chapter 17 [Trauma] "I still don''t know if they were traumatized, but it doesn''t surprise me if they were." Helix sighed. "I asked how Lucas would feel if the women knew he was trying to murder someone. It was necessary to convince him to use his fists instead of his sword and Nightmare. I had no other options." Helix exined. ¡ª "If ites out that you three tried to gang up on another person and even tried to kill him, no one will speak to you. No one wants to be friends or love someone willing to murder people." Helix chuckled with a dangerous glint in his eyes. ¡ª "After the two attacked me, the spell activated. To get them to leave, I started calling out girls'' names and saying I was thankful they arrived to save me." A tumultuous wave ofplex emotions washed over Marie and Riley. "At the time, I didn''t realize how powerful the spell was. But when I pointed out that you all witnessed the attack, they had a breakdown on the spot. Lucas started making excuses to Leera by name. Ethan begged Whitney for forgiveness. I cked out right after that. I suspect trauma because¡ª" "T-Thank you¡­." Marie interjected with a whisper. While he was lying about the type of magic used, he was telling the truth about what probably happened. Still, he didn''t expect Marie''s reaction, which shocked him. "What? I got you all got wrapped up in this. Why are you thanking me?" Helix asked in disbelief. Marie started crying, Riley started trembling, and Helix panicked in response. He looked at Emelia for help, but the young woman was unresponsive. She was still in shock after learning how close to death he was. "What''s wrong? Please don''t cry." Helix requested with a panicked expression. "Don''t you get it? You confirmed those dangerous creeps were targeting us!" Marie cried. "They assaulted their servants and tried to murder you two days after arriving. I can''t imagine what would happen if those two became powerful and attacked us. We don''t have anybat or magic experience to defend ourselves." Riley added Helix grimaced when he considered things from that perspective. "We wouldn''t have known if it weren''t for what you did." Marie added. "We only learned how obsessive they were the day after they were released. The two started confronting us in a panicked state, especially Leera and Whitney." ¡ª "L-Leera! You have to believe me. I didn''t want to hurt Helix. I had to! He was threatening you women and was dangerous!" Lucas cried in a frenzied state. ¡ª "They were making excuses for attacking you out of the blue." Marie continued. "We had no idea what they were talking about, of course. That only threw fuel on the fire." ¡ª "I-I don''t know what you''re talking about¡­." Leera replied with fear in her eyes. "Please don''t look scared! I saw you grabbing Helix before the Royal Guards took him to the infirmary." Lucas begged. "N-No, I wasn''t. Wait¡­ why is Helix in the hospital? Is he hurt?" Leera asked in a haze of confusion. "Y-Yes. But Helix''s going to be alright! He isn''t going to die. So even if you don''t trust that I was trying to protect you, at least know I''m not a murderer." Lucas informed her with trembling eyes. "M-Murder? I''m not sure what''s going on, but I have somewhere to be. I''ll see you in ss¡­." "Wait! Please don''t pretend you don''t know!" Lucas cried in an emotionally tumultuous state of mind. ¡ª "We all tried to escape the two. However, they started stalking us and approaching our friends. They wanted to get us to convince the two to forgive them." Riley exined with tears in her eyes. "We were so scared when the men confessed to attempted murder and stalked us. Macron quickly detained the two again after we arrived. However, he wouldn''t exin what happened or give us details about your condition." Marie added. "I¡­ don''t know what to say¡­." Helix said with a remorseful expression. "I assure you both that I didn''t intend for that to happen. While I was only trying to survive, I wish the magic didn''t get you involved." Helix genuinely didn''t intend for that to happen. He expected them to get locked away, but their punishment was too harsh. They were tricked into believing there were witnesses. Then all of the women tried avoiding the two, reinforcing their beliefs. Following that, they thought the teachers believed they were crazy. Or they were also in on a conspiracy to avoid them and only med them for attempted murder. During a period of guilt, istion, and questioning their sanity, they were under trial for attempted murder, and women avoided them like the gue as they feared. It probably drove them insane¡ªpermanently. Helix knew what was possible but couldn''t conceptualize it to that extent. "Do you think they''ll try to take revenge against me?" Helix sighed. Marie and Riley shook their heads. "Lucas and Ethan were transferred to a special army division in another city yesterday. They also cut the blood seal from their bodies, removing the system and the Nightmares from them." Riley exined. "As a result, us girls are safer because of what you did." Helix cringed internally. Myriad was now a magicless world without video games, light novels, and everything they loved. They deserved that, but it was still brutal since they were forcefully brought to Myriad. Either way, he was thankful they couldn''t take revenge on him. So he also sighed a breath of relief. "While I''m not a good person for doing what I did, I don''t regret it, and I''m grateful that it benefited the women." Helix said with a slight smile. Marie wanted to argue he was a good person but swallowed her words. "I know you don''t think that you''re a good person. Perhaps you''re not; we don''t know anything about you." Marie imed tactfully. "However, you''ve brought safety andfort to us girls¡ªespecially Whitney and Leera. The servants'' morale has improved exponentially because of you, especially the females. Helix, you have improved the lives of all women here in only a couple of days. We visited [before] the stalking and left you that card." Riley exined with teary eyes. Helix''s eyes widened when he remembered the card they left with Emelia. Marie felt the young woman had spoken for her and nodded in agreement. "Agreed. Helix, on behalf of all of the female Knights and the servants, we''d like to thank you!" Marie stood up and bowed her head as she wept softly. Riley followed and did the same. Helix panicked and didn''t know how to handle the situation. He had terrible social skills if he wasn''t engaging in conversation with a refined goal. Helix could charm a group of women and make his servant treasure him to aplish a strategy. But if someone wanted to talk about their weekend or favorite video game, he was a social trainwreck. He was useless without a goal, which made him bitter, especially in situations like this. "You''re¡­ wee. I appreciate your kindness and consideration." Helix replied with a forced smile. "I hope we can all be friends moving forward if you''re okay with that." Marie and Riley''s eyes shot open with positive disbelief. "You''ll be friends with us?" Marie asked in confusion. "Y-Yes?" He replied nervously. He aplished his goal of leading her away from the topic, but now he was in an equally ufortable conversation. "I¡­ am someone that treasures free time, and despite my confident appearance, I''m subconscious on the inside." Helix confessed. "I''m not the person that people think I am. However, I appreciate honest people with good intentions. So if you want to be friends, I''ll dly ept." "You''re shockingly rtable¡­." Riley muttered in disbelief. Helix sent the two a wry smile. "I''m not sure if that''s apliment, but¡ª" "No! It''s a good thing!" Riley cried while waving her hands in a frenzy. "I-I''ll happily be your friend if you ept me!" "Same is true of me!" Marie followed instantaneously. ''What''s going on? I''m so lost¡­.'' Helix thought to himself. He nodded in response and nced at Emelia, who was quietly crying while trying to remain neutral. Helix sighed inwardly. "I''m d to have friends now." Helix said with a smile. "I do. I look forward to it. Now that people have seen that I''m easy to kill, I doubt they''ll try to kill me. So I''m d we can be all friends without triggering lethal jealousy." He joked. "Don''t worry. I''m not a fighter, but I promise to protect you from now on." Marie dered. "After what you''ve done for us and the servants, it''s the least I can do. So I''ll work hard to get strong to protect you and the weaker people as well." Helix''s eyes shot open in confusion. "There''s no¡ª" "And I''ll do the same. We nned to tell you that before the incident." Riley said with a bright smile. "I don''t¡ª" Emelia started crying in happiness after hearing that people would protect Helix. The two genuinely meant it. For whatever reason, they took an interest in Helix after he made them feel weed on the second night. After seeing how he treated Emelia and how the servants'' lives were improved, they increased their support. The next day, they were shocked to find he was almost murdered. The martyrdom magnified their feelings, made them angry, and feel a desire to protect him. Helix didn''t understand this. So he was thoroughly confused and disoriented about how his confession of malicious actions tranted into gaining female bodyguards. However, he was secretly grateful to the two, even though he felt he didn''t deserve their aid. "Don''t worry, Ms. Emelia. We''ll be Helix''s bodyguards starting today." Marie said with a warm smile. "We''ll make sure he''s safe. So there''s no reason to cry." Riley followed with a warm smile. Emelia gave them a bright smile, shutting down any attempt for Helix to refuse. "I''ll gratefully ept both of your help." Helix said in a shame-filled tone. Marie and Riley lit up in excitement, causing Helix to be even more confused. However, he didn''t question it. Helix was d he had friends, especially since they would protect him. So he made the most of it and tried to strike up conversations to get their friendship started. ¡ª [A/N: The next chapter intentionally skips ahead and works backward through shbacks. Nothing is [skipped]. While his strategy is exciting, I''m afraid people will drop the novel if I don''t speed up the use of Nightmares or his road to power. Thanks for reading!] Chapter 18 [Phillip] ¡ª20 dayster.¡ª [Name: Helix Hellsworth Margrave] [Age: 18] [Level: 1] [Defense: 0] (+ 250) [Strength: 16] [Stamina: 14] [Agility: 17] [SP: 75] [Nightmare: [Nightmare] Level 1. Skills: [Nightmare]: 50% SP: Summons a non-lethal illusion of the enemy''s greatest known fear. [Nightmare Hallucination]: (?) > 75 SP: Uses [Nightmare] skill but is visible to user and victim(s). [All other skills and derivatives are locked. Requirements for unlocking unknown.] ¡ª ,m "Why does everything in this world have to be cliche?" Helix sighed. "Helix! You don''t have to do this!" "We don''t care! We promise. It''s not worth your life!" "Someone stop this!" "I finally get women to look at me, and it''s when I''m about to die." Helix chuckled bitterly. The women in the arena were in a desperate frenzy, trying to stop the current event. Many were pleading and crying, while others watched him with smirks on their faces. Most men stared at Helix with neutral expressions that hid their secret excitement. "Stay out of this! He''s already made his choice!" A young man gruffed in front of Helix. He had a sword at his waist and was eager to draw. "I''m never going to forgive you, Phillip!" A woman cried. "We hate you! You''re the worst!" "Go die already!" Phillip''s face flushed with anger, and he stared at Helix. Brutal killing intent radiated from his body, and Helix swore it was slightly visible. "Unfortunately, that''s not happening today, bitch!" He roared. "Try surviving the gallows when we expose what you''ve done!" A woman screamed. Helix scanned the crowd of people circling him. Charlotte was gazing at Phillip with masterfully hidden bloodlust in her eyes. Her stylish pink sses [framed] her subtle yet powerful golden hazel eyes that blended into her medium-length blond hair. David was shaking while looking at the ground. Lina wore a faceced with conflicted guilt. A group of women Knights was in the stands consoling Emelia. The young woman was dragged away by the guards because she wouldn''t stop trying to enter the circle. One of the women consoling her had dark brown hair and beautiful tan eyes. Her name was Riley, and she was a quiet, caring person. However, bloodlust oozed from her pours every time she turned away from Emelia. A beautiful redhead named Marie was single-handedly threatening a group of four men who were shaking in fear. She had sharp, light green eyes and a slender body. A young man named As was sitting in the stands on the opposite side of Emelia. He had his elbow on his leg and his chin on his hand. As wore a bored expression. His eyes were covered by the characteristic blue-tinted sunsses he wore every day. There was a silver dangle earring with a blue gemstone in his left ear. Helix chuckled when he saw the man. "You could fool just about anyone." He muttered while sending him a mocking smile. "Hey! Stopughing, you creepy freak!" Phillip yelled while pointing a shining short sword at Helix. "You''re not supposed tough when you''re about to die!" He had medium-length, silky silver hair and red eyes. He was slender, but he had refined features. Helix sighed. "Then what am I supposed to do right now?" Helix asked with an exasperated expression. "I-I don''t know, you freak! People about to die look angry or afraid!" Phillip replied with an awkward voice. "My apologies, I didn''t know." Helix sighed. After saying those words, Helix''s eyes steeled, and he sent a piercing gaze into Phillip''s soul. Phillip shuttered reflexively when he saw Helix''s eyes, causing many tough in bewilderment. "I can''t wait until you find all of the surprises I left for you, Phillip." Helix said with a murderous gaze. "You may think you hid your tracks, but you''re about to find out how transparent you were. Even if I die today, my actions will brutally maim your reputation and murder your spirit. You''re going to wish that you were dead, Phillip. Your friends, loved ones, and connections will abandon you. Women will never look at you. And when you''re broken and alone, the only thing you''re going to think about is my face. The person that destroyed your life beyond repair because of a simple mistake you made." Helix dered with a frigid tone. The circle fell silent, and everyone looked at Helix with bated breath. Phillips started shaking, and he looked at the cold expressions of half his peers. Helix sighed. "Tell me, Phillip. How did I do? Was that angry and vengeful enough?" Helix asked with a mocking tone. "I''ll dly ept feedback to improve my final words." After a moment of stunned silence, the crowd detonated intoughter. Phillip stared at everyone with disbelief before processing what had happened. "You don''t need feedback, you noob!" He yelled at the top of his lungs. "There''s no point in giving you my game guide because you won''t need it in ten minutes!" Helix looked at Phillip with bewilderment in his eyes. "What type of game guides are you reading? I know you don''t read dating sim guides, but I didn''t think you yed games that give walkthroughs on how to die with style." Helix said with wide eyes. The crowd burst intoughter again. While many men and women were still angry and crying, they couldn''t help it. Phillip flushed with murderous rage. "You''re cocky for a Level 1 noob with no stats. I''d consider that freaky Nightmare of yours was powerful if you didn''t have guards watching you!" Phillipughed. "I know you''re a simp, but I didn''t think you were stupid enough to willingly die for your simphood." The women in the audience sneered while many of the men chuckled. However, Helix didn''t react and stood in the arena, staring at Phillip with a mocking smile. "W-Why are you smiling like that, noob!?" Helix sighed in exasperation. "God¡­. you''re like a broken record." He said with an annoyed expression. "I''m just appalled by your ignorance." Seeing Helix shake his head pushed Phillip closer to the edge. "I''m ignorant? [I''m] ignorant!? About what, huh!? Enlighten me!" He snorted with a murderous gaze. "Where do I even begin?" Helix chuckled. "First off, if you think treating women with respect makes you a simp, you''re going to die a virgin." Before Phillip could reply, Helix made a stop sign with his hand. "Yeah, yeah. We all get it. ording to you, I have about five minutes to live. I don''t have time to argue over undeserved technical realities." Helix dered. The crowd erupted intoughter. "So let me finish answering your question. Second off, even if I''m a proud simp, I can''t express my simphood if I''m dead. If you think I willingly signed up for a deathmatch with the expectation to die, you''re an idiot." Helix chuckled. The crowd fell silent. No one could believe what they had just heard. That was especially true for Macron, who had been staring at Helix with pity-filled eyes for thest thirty minutes. "Lastly, and most importantly, if you''re trying to kill me to get a chance with thedies¡­." Helix prefaced with an amused expression. "You''re a walking lobotomy that smokes meth and snorts red koid to get your red dye 40 high." Helix burst intoughter and started wiping tears from his eyes. The crowd erupted withughter, and the audience started gossiping in a frenzy. Helix sarcastically gawked at Phillip''s petrified appearance with a befuddled expression. "What? Don''t you get it? After what you''ve done and what you''re doing, neither you nor your friends will have a chance with those women. They''ll tell every new person they meet to stay away from you." He said with a merciless smile. "However! All the other boys smart enough to hide their excitement [will] have a chance. You''re ensuring all the men get a chance but you and your friends. Do you know what they call someone like you, Phillip?" Helix asked. The crowd fell silent with anticipation. "W-What do they call me? Huh?" Phillip snorted while dripping with cold sweat. "A sacrifice." Helix dered with a bloodthirsty gaze. ¡ª [A/N: Warning. If skipping ahead and working backward to figure out what happened disturbs you, you [won''t] like this novel. You''ve been warned. I chose this format to speed up Helix''s road to power without sacrificing precious moments or important details. It''s for your entertainment. #forced2forcedevelopment] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 19 [Not A Game] The men and women in the crowd who had plotted for Helix''s downfall felt an icy chill crawl down their spine. Phillip wanted to cry. No matter how powerful the Knights were, they were still geeky, aspiring NEETs that were [technically] ex-virgins. People cannot magically acquire confidence in a single month just because they''re handed money, power, and sex as participation trophies. Helix sighed inwardly. ''I don''t know what this guy''s greatest fear is, and that''s a problem.'' Helixmented. ''If he hallucinates and sees the crowdughing and mocking him where it hurts most, he might start attacking the real people.'' Helix felt pity for Phillip, who was shaking with anger. Madness swirled in the young man''s eyes, and he looked unstable. While he would most likely die in the next few minutes, Phillip will snap mentally without Helix using [Nightmare]. Once he used his power, he was certain he''d shatter like Lucas and Ethan. ''It would be great if a Kaltrop showed up. Macron and the guards would panic, and I could incapacitate Phillip during the confusion. Then he wouldn''t start screaming, swinging his sword, and shooting air bullets in every direction. Kaltrops arerge, so he''d shoot the bullets upward. They also look like real dinosaurs, so naturally terrifying to humans.'' Helix sighed when he considered how useful his skill [could] be. "Listen up! You pack of jealous animals!" Macron roared. The crowd fell deathly silent. "Before we begin this disgusting deathmatch, I have some shit to say, and you best listen. I''ll rip your eardrums out and use them as a microphone if you don''t!" The crowd became deathly silent as everyone awaited Macron''s speech. "There is nothing funny or positive about what you''re about to witness. A month ago, you were all children that read books for a living. Then you came to a world where monsters explode into glitter as if they were self-destructing fairies!" Macron grunted. "As a result, I keep hearing words like RPG and video game get thrown around. I''m not sure what a video game is, but I know enough to confidently say that Myriad isn''t a god damn game! Now I''m hearing stupid fucking words like Qi and Cultivation. This world has spirit particles, and you don''t get stronger through meditation or breathing!" Macron did a full rotation so everyone could see his disgusted expression. "Today, you''re going to witness real-life where the person that dies bleeds and gasps for breath as their desire to live is snuffed out. For those that sparked this, I hope your thirst to quell your jealousy is worth the mental scars you''re forcing on others." Many grimaced while those that were heartbroken resumed their crying. "As the initiator of this fight, Phillip cannot back out of this fight no matter what. He needs to kill this young boy or die. Those are his only options, and we can do nothing about it. If Phillip lives, you''ll see Helix''s corpse on the ground, and it will be carved into your memory until the day you die!" Macron yelled angrily. "Luckily, if you all, there''s hope! If Helix can maim Phillip enough to appease the blood pact seal they''re bound by, he can spare Phillip''s life." He exined. The crowd looked at their teacher with confusion. "And if you know a single thing about this goddamn idiot, you''ll know that he''ll spare Phillip without hesitation. No. This idiot is probably strategizing ways to do the least damage to Phillip possible so the boy won''t turn into a damn cripple!" Many of the young men in the crowd averted their eyes upon hearing Macron''s words. "Do you know why I know that? Do you know why those girls are crying and begging for this guy''s life right now? Do you know why he captures so much attention despite being physically weak and half as handsome as you?" Macron asked. "It''s because he''s fucking nice to people! How don''t you goddamn morons get that?" The only noise in the area between pauses was the sound of crying. Macron circled the crowd to re at every hero, servant, and guard in the arena. "Yet people are always trying to kill him or plotting to destroy his reputation. And despite that, this nice idiot will probably die trying to ensure that no one gets to see a corpse today!" He chuckled bitterly. "But guess what, you pack of delusional toddlers!?" Macron roared with anger in his eyes. "This boy has the lowest physical stats in the entire goddamn army! Do you think that''s a joke? Does anyone want to take a guess what this boy''s defense stat is? Have any of you truly considered why we''ve hidden that number from you?" He asked. "It''s because it''s fucking zero!" A wave of shock washed over the crowd. "Do you get it now!? Are you fucking satisfied with yourselves?" He asked with disheartened eyes. "The lowest defense stat of all of you is [400]. His strength is currently [6]. Do you understand what that means!? It means he can sh at the weakest person''s neck at full power, and it won''t leave a damn scratch." Macron chuckled bitterly. Panic, guilt, anxiety, pain, and horror washed over the crowd. However, they didn''t understand just how horrifying the situation was. Helix didn''t either until he heard Macron''s words. His eyes trembled when he realized he genuinely had no chance of survival. While he trained with a sword, he hadn''t been fighting for thest month, so he forgot about that reality. "Look at you¡­ you make me sick. It''s been public knowledge that this boy has the lowest stats in the army for three weeks. Yet you haven''tprehended the reality of that? Did you magically forget that he was [grazed] with a weak punch and was bedridden with three broken ribs? Two of you tried to murder him on the second full day in Myriad, and you haven''t learned any lessons from it!?" The crying in the audience intensified, and the emotional atmosphere was crushing. The man unsheathed his holy sword and threw it in front of Helix''s feet. "I''m giving him my damn sword right now, so he has a chance. If any of you have a problem with that, I''ll snap your spine. I''m not going to stand around and watch this boy die helplessly because of your petty jealousy." After a moment of crushing silence, Macron burst into bitterughter. Everyone in the audience looked at the man with confusion in his eyes. "Hah¡­ you know what the funny part is? At least everyone''s going to get their wish today. You''re finally going to see his mysterious Nightmare today. You''ll learn the reason that it''s been kept secret." He announced. "Or maybe not¡­." Macron said while facing Helix. Suddenly his eyes widened, and his expression became grave. Everyone wanted to know what Macron was looking at, but only a few people could see Helix''s face. "Boy, don''t fuck around with me right now. If you''re thinking about fighting Phillip without your Nightmare, you need to clear the thought out of your damn mind." Macron gruffed. Shock and confusion passed through the audience with a wave of synesthesia. "Your Nightmare is pretty messed up, and I know you want to protect your friends. But if you don''t do it, you''remitting suicide. That''s not a figurative statement¡ªthat''s a stone-cold fact." Many neutral parties that could see Helix''s face started tearing up. Men, women, servants, guards, and instructors in the area saw Macron wasn''t joking. Macron sighed. "I can''t tell you what to do, but I''ll give you five minutes of silence to consider it. Just remember that Phillip can''t sacrifice himself to you. You need to incapacitate that boy seriously through [your] efforts, or the match won''t stop." Helix sighed. "Thank you for your concern, Macron. I also appreciate the sword as well. There''s no need for me to consider whether I''ll use my Nightmare." He said while picking up the holy sword. "It may haunt me, but if I don''t try to fight, this situation will worsen for everyone. Just pray that whates out of the abyss isn''t too bad. And if it gets out of control, [please protect the students from it]." Helix requested while staring at Macron with his pitch-ck eyes. Macron narrowed his eyes reflexively but quickly released his expression, hoping that Helix had a n. "Okay, we''ll start then!" Macron roared. "Phillip, do you have anyst words? This boy may be a stat-less idiot, but if he uses his Nightmare, your chance of survival isn''t guaranteed." Phillip''s eyes panned through the audience. "I-I''m s-s¡­." He stuttered. However, he swallowed his words when he realized that no one would listen to them. Not a single person in the crowd would look him in the eye. That included his friends and acquaintances. "N-No¡­." Phillip said with shame. "I see¡­." Macronmented with pity in his eyes. "What about you, Helix? Do you have any final words?" He asked. Helix sighed with his eyes closed. After opening them, he circled the crowd to see everyone''s expressions. "Yes. If any of you think that I entered a death match expecting to die¡­." Helix circled the crowd to ensure everyone saw him. "You''re a fucking idiot." ¡ª Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 20 [Helix’s Wish] The arena burst into bewilderedughter. "If your opponent has the lowest stats and leastbat experience and still enters your death match voluntarily¡­." Helix said while starting at Phillip in the eyes. "You should show be terrified and realize something''s wrong." Phillip started shaking in fear, and the area calmed down in shock. "I''m not nning to die, so I''m not going to say goodbye." He proimed with a bitter smile. "However, I have a thank you, an apology, and a request." Macron raised an eyebrow in confusion. "First, thank you to everyone that showed me support today. I hate Myriad, broken ribs, and people trying to kill me." He chuckled bitterly. "I never wanted toe here. I miss my family, and I never understood how incredible normal bathrooms are until I showed up here." The crowd chuckled in between sobs and strained breaths. "However, not everything in Myriad is bad. I''ve met many great people here, and I''m d we can share memories in the future. I have tickle fights with a cute, unconditionally loyal woman nearly every night. I earned the honorary title of simp after unrealistically beautiful women approached me after being kind to said woman. Now I''m a certified damsel with three full-time female bodyguards. It seems the nicer I am, the more I''m noticed. That''s the most un-cliche thing I''ve experienced." Helixughed. The womenughed between tears, and the men looked away with shame in their eyes. "I have a great teacher that cares about me. And there are innumerable people amongst the Knights that have kept my depressingly weak ass safe from danger. The food isn''t bad, and the paycheck, wheeeeeeew! It''s like I''m earning full-time hazard pay on holidays here." Lightughter spread through the crowd. "So thank you, everyone." Helix said with a warm smile. After a moment of silence, Helix let out a sigh. "I''m not one for sentimentalities, but I''ve gotten super mushy because I need to apologize in advance." He announced ominously. His words captured the attention of the crowd. "I have a seriously fucked up Nightmare I can''t control. I''d suggest standing behind a guard and staring at their back until this fight is over. No, I''m requesting that you do that. What you''re about to experience may not bother you personally. But at least one person here is about to have the worst day of their life." ¡ªAt least one person here is about to have the worst day of their life¡ª Murmurs spread through the crowd like wildfire after he said those words. "I also apologize because there may besting repercussions from this fight. I''m not the protagonist that the kingdom is hiding as a secret weapon to kill the Mad Queen of Myriad. I can''t practice with you because my Nightmare is extremely dangerous for reasons you can''t imagine." Helix asserted. "If you look at Macron''s face right now, you''ll see a beautiful disy of the expression known as wincing. He isn''t acting, and neither am I. Please stand behind the guards and stare at their backs. That''s a formal request." Helix requested with a pained expression. Helix looked into the stands. "Emelia. Please shut your eyes and don''t open them until I ask you to open them again. That isn''t a request; that''s an order." Emelia''s eyes widened with shock. She realized that Helix had never ordered her to do something directly. However, she quickly closed her eyes. Many people followed his request and moved behind the guards wearing pale expressions. "Lastly, I have a request!" Helix announced loudly. "If I survive this battle, please share your stats with me. That way, I never have to use this fucked up Nightmare again!" The Knights in the audience didn''t know whether tough or cry at his final deration. However, everyone felt the impact of his words. Helix turned to Macron. "I''m ready. You can start the fight whenever." Macron nodded with a hesitant expression. "I''m beginning the countdown in ten seconds. During that time, I''d suggest you take Helix''s warning seriously. If you act tough and don''t take it seriously, you only have yourself to me!" Macron yelled. "Your ten seconds start now!" Over half of the ex-virgins followed Helix''s request after Macron reiterated it. However, none of his close friends dared to look away. "Alright, your ten seconds are over. The match will start in ten seconds. Prepare yourself!" "10!" ''Little Kaltrops.'' "9!" ''Little Kaltrops.'' "7!" ''Little Kaltrops.'' "6!" ''Little Kaltrops.'' "5!" ''Little Kaltrops.'' "4!" ''Please unlock a new skill!'' "3!" ''Virgin eaters!'' "2!" ''Macron threats!'' "1!" ''[Nightmare], activate!'' A split secondter, there was a crashing sound outside the stadium. Everyone in the audience instantly turned away from the fight. ''Goddamn it!'' Helix screamed internally. ''Phillip''s wide open and distracted, but I might as well be a snail right now. He''ll kill me reflexively if I attack!'' Bitterness welled in Helix''s eyes when he realized that he couldn''t attack the defenseless person in front of him. If he had a paltry 100 agility, Phillip would already be missing a limb. Unfortunately, a punch was more powerful than a 50-caliber sniper bullet in Myriad. As a result, he couldn''t attack haphazardly. Once again, he was reminded that he wasn''t in a video game. Crunching sounds came from outside of the stadium. Suddenly, arge, dark green object flew over the coliseum walls. Macron''s eyes widened with shock as he saw the green beast approaching at an abnormal speed. Before anyone could process what happened, they were already staring at two dark yellow reptilian eyes. The royal guard''s faces went pale as they stared at the beast. Describing the beast as a love child between a Velociraptor and a Tyrannosaurus Rex was an inspired description. Scientists on earth had long discovered that dinosaurs had feathers. However, the beast was a ssic depiction from a blockbuster film. It had dark green scales, stood on two legs, and had small arms. On its face was a powerful set of jaws with sharp yellow teeth. And the part that terrified the ex-virgins and guards alike was its size. While it had the body of a velociraptor, it was half the size of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. "Kekekeke¡­." The terrifying reptile sniffed the air as it turned its head to gaze at everyone in the crowd. It walked forward slowly. The frozen humans in its path quickly moved away slowly with every step. Helix feared that the dust that exploded from the reptile''s feet wouldn''t give the illusion away. He smelled the air, praying this sick skill was better than a fancy light trick. "Kekekeke¡­. keke¡­. kek." The monster approached Helix and stood between him and Phillip. "K-Kal-ltrop¡­." "K-Kaltrop¡­." "H-How can a Kaltrop be that b-big¡­." The Kaltrop red at the men speaking with a narrowed gaze. The guards froze. "Kekeke¡­. Keke¡­." After fifteen gruesome seconds, the Kaltrop''s eyes filled with murderous rage. Before anyone could react, the Kaltrop swung its head over to Phillip. The boy looked at the reptile''s eyes with true fear in his own. The Kaltrop sniffed the air in front of him, lifted its body, and opened itsrge jaws slowly. Phillip saw the razor-sharp smile of death ring at him. "G-Get away¡­." Philip stuttered. "G-Get away from me¡­.!" The reptile sucked in a sharp, screeching breath and pumped out its chest. "GYARRRRRRRRRAAAAH!" ¡ª [A/N: Do you want to know what is more ridiculous than the above line? Roar. Lol. Roar! Bark! Howl! Literal onomatopoeia drive me mental. I read them and I stop taking battles seriously. So make fun of me. It''s rare, but you have my trash talk blessing. ;) If you do like it, let me know. I''m interested in your opinions.] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 21 [Otaku’s Wish] "Get away from me!" Phillip screamed. "[Air st]!" Visible pockets of air shot out of Phillip''s hands. Each of them was apanied by a powerful shockwave that forced sand into most of the audience''s eyes. Unfortunately, that included his own. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? RUN!" Helix yelled. He started running immediately. "GYARRRRRRRRRAAAAH!" In the chaos, no one processed he was running [toward] the Kaltrop. They were panicking and running with the scene to their backs. "AGGGGHHHHHHH! HELP ME!" Phillip screamed as he shot lethal pockets of air out of his hand. Unfortunately, the air bullets barely left ripples on the monster''s scales. The Knights were horrified by the mind-blowing and reactive illusion showcasing human inferiority. A shockwave hit Helix and flung him to the ground away from Phillip. "Fuck!" Helix cursed under his breath. "This is exactly why this skill is so fucking dangerous! People panic then start firing and swinging death in all directions!" ? Helix got up off the ground. "How many seconds has it been? This thing could disappear any second now!" Helix charged forward again. He threw himself on the ground in anticipation of the next st. While he avoided getting knocked over, the troubles stacked up. His face smashed into the ground when he fell because the swords stuck into the ground for a moment, and he tripped. The period between him yelling [run] and hitting the ground again was three seconds. Everything was happening so fast that even Macron was shocked. Just as he unsheathed his sword and was about to yell attack, he saw Helix fly six feet through the area. Contrary tomon sense, Helix had run toward the Kaltrop. He was so close to Phillip that a shockwave hit him from an air bullet. Suddenly he had a sh of realization. ¡ª "Just pray that whates out of the abyss isn''t too bad. And if it gets out of control, please protect the students from it." ¡ª Macron shot to the other side of Helix in an instant. His movements left after-images in their wake. "Stop firing air bullets! You almost killed your teammates!" Macron roared. Macron sliced at the Kaltrop. To his shock, the beast dodged the attack with lightning speed. "Boy! Get behind me!" Macron yelled. "I don''t know how I feel about my teacher helping me maim a student¡­." Helix whispered with a wry smile. He quickly moved behind Macron and ran over to Phillip, who was frozen and shaking. Helix winced with true anxiety. The thought of hacking off a human limb was psychologically crippling. However, he caught sight of Emelia. The guard protecting her had left her side, and she was still sitting. The young woman had her hands over her ears and her eyes closed tightly. There was no way that her hands could block out the sounds from the Kaltrop. "That¡­ trust¡­." Helix muttered in true astonishment. "I can''t die and leave her!" He was less than a meter away from Phillip, who still had his arm stretched out in horror. Helix raised his sword and pointed it high toward the Kaltrop. ''Remember, cutting means nothing with his defense¡­.'' He thought. Helix swung his sword at a 45-degree angle with every bit of strength he possessed. He used the full weight of gravity and shut out the thought of the consequences. "GAHHHHHHHHH! What the fuck!" Phillip screamed. Helix felt a strong force and was flung backward. He held onto the holy sword as if his life depended on it. When he looked up, he saw Phillip''s right arm was dangling from an inch of muscle. Blood was gushing out at a frightening speed. A traumatizing amount of terror washed over Helix when he saw the wound. However, he knew it was time to grin and bear it. "Stand down, Kaltrop!" Helix yelled. Everyone still in the stadium stared at Helix with shock as the Kaltrop slowly backed away. "Phillip! Do you want to surrender and lose your arm or lose your arm and get eaten!" Helix asked. Phillip was in physical shock. His body was bleeding out aggressively. "Phillip! Surrender and live or have the most gruesome death imaginable! Decide now! You have three seconds before this Kaltrop rips the flesh off your bones!" "Kekekeke! GYARRRAHH! Kekeke! GYARRAH!" The Kaltrops narrowed his eyes at Phillip with murderous intent. It shifted in its position, snorted, and sand blew over the ground. "I-I¡­ I-I¡­." Phillip stuttered. "3!" Helix yelled angrily. "2!" "I surrender! I''m at your mercy!" A red glow enveloped Phillip, and strange energy entered Helix''s body. His body was burning, and it was difficult to breathe. "K-Kaltrop!" Helix yelled while falling on one knee. "Get out of here. You''ve done well! Thank you for following the order not to kill anyone!" Helix said while coughing. The Kaltrop walked up to Helix and rubbed the roof of its nostrils against Helix in support. After that, the Kaltrops turned around and walked around the crowd of people. When he was five meters away, it bent its legs and shot towards the wall with lightning speed. Large guests of winds followed the running, covering up its footprints with sand. Helix looked toward the sky with a wry smile. "Is it over?" He muttered under his breath. No one could hear his words over the yelling, shock, and confusion. "If it is, I have something to say." Helix chuckled bitterly. "Fuck you, Elise. Just wait until I break your nose and prove to Myriad I''m not a simp." Helix smiled bitterly as his vision became hazy. "Heeeeeeelix!" A female voice screamed between fast-paced footsteps. "Haaaaaahhhh¡­." Helix chuckled. "You were loyal when it mattered and then decided to open your eyes on your own." Helix whispered. "You even called me by my name in public without formalities. That makes me so hap¡ª" "No! Don''t fall asleep! Helix!" Helix shut his eyes and cked out. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley checked his pulse and then pulled her away to console her. Seeing that Helix was okay, Macron rushed to Phillip to stop his bleeding. "Listen up! You''re all seriously lucky right now!" Macron roared. The Knights turned to him in between sobs and terrified shakes. "You''ve learned important lessons today! First! While you''re all terrified, no one got hurt except for Phillip. And even though Helix was ckmailed into fighting, he still saved his attacker! That''s the type of person he is, so leave the poor kid alone!" He demanded with a narrowed gaze Macron turned his head to view as many students as possible. The super-otakus of both genders were emotional train wrecks. "Second! You''re watching me tie a tourniquet! As you can see, Phillip will die if I don''t do this! Monsters dissolve, but humans and normal animals do not! They bleed out and die! Phillip''s arm is nevering back! Look at what you wished for! This scene is what you were excited about an hour ago! What you''re watching is the oue of this game you think you''re ying! Know this! While I''m desperately trying to save Phillip, he deserves to die! That sounds cold, but the nature of what you just asked for! When you enter a death match, it''s expected that someone will die! Helix is an idiot for letting him live because Phillip wouldn''t have done the same! Wee to Myriad! I hope you''re enjoying your video game!" Macron yelled angrily. The students were terrified and vulnerable for the first time since arriving. It finally sunk in that fighting monsters and using magic wasn''t an exciting adventure without consequences. Macron didn''t have time to lecture his students, but if he didn''t, they''d all die due to their disillusionment. Macron ripped another section of his shirt off to put around the stump of Phillip''s arm. "Third! While that Kaltrop was three times the size of a real one, it was still a Kaltrop. You''re strong, but you''ll realize you''re not invincible after seeing Phillip''s Nightmare bounce off that monster! Myriad isn''t a world where meditation can heal you! The air doesn''t prevent sickness! There aren''t treasures that will bring a limb back! Myriad isn''t a cultivator world, and it''s not a goddamn video game! How many of you will need to die before you get that!?" He yelled. The Knights grimaced with shame-filled eyes. "Lastly, and most importantly, you just learned why Helix can''t train with you! He just summoned a familiar and had no fucking clue what would show up! If he didn''t somehow learn how tomunicate with that thing, it would have killed everyone here!" Macron asked with burning eyes. "And I swear to god, if someone dares to call Helix''s overpowered after this I''ll rip their spine out and use it to whip my mistress!" He roared. The students looked at him with confusion and shock. "That''s right! If I hear you rambling off your jealousy in front of me, I''ll punish you ruthlessly. I''m not talking about aggressive threats. I''m talking about giving you a beating! Why? Is it because I''m in love with Helix? NO! Everyone could have suffered greatly because of your pettiness! There wasn''t a single person here that didn''t hear that Helix''s Nightmare was too dangerous to train with. Yet the jealous people in this group forced Helix into a situation where he had to use it! I''m not going to stand around and let the jealousy of some threaten the lives of everyone! Your jealousy is dangerous, and therefore it''s officially my problem!" His students were having trouble processing what they were hearing. "Now learn from your goddamn mistakes! And consider thanking this boy right here! Or if you''re man enough, say sorry! I don''t view him as my son, and I''m not part of his fan club. I''m fucking angry because he''s been dealt the worst hand in Myriad history, and people are so jealous they keep trying to kill him! Three people have tried to assassinate this kid in less than a month! What the hell did this guy do to deserve death!?" Is earth full of murderers!? Is itmon for people to kill people they don''t like!? Do you think having aw for fighting to the death makes killing people okay!? What the hell is wrong with all of you!?" Macron looked at every student in his range while keeping pressure on Phillip''s arm. His eyes were filled with pain. "I don''t care if you are a friend or an enemy of either of these boys. Get the hell out of my sight! You have tomorrow off. I expect you to spend that time reflecting on your barbarity!" Macron looked at Helix, who was extremely pale and wheezing. "Titus, get Elsa here now! Whatever''s happening to Helix, it looks life-threatening!" Titus saluted and ran away. Emelia started bursting into tears again. "H-Helix¡­." She cried in shock. ¡ª Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 22 [Protectors] "Mr. Macron, on a scale of one topletely toast, how''s Helix''s condition right now?" "Haaaaaaahhhh. I don''t think that I''m ever going to get used to that personality of yours, Charlotte." "So the answer is probably okay." "I didn''t say that¡­." "I''m d he''s not dying. I still have to beat him to death for making me cry." "Girl, you¡­." "Thanks for the info, chief." "Good by¡ªDear god. That girl is the worst best friend to have." "Macron! What happened?" "Thank god you''re here. Ivan''s taking care of Phillip. Help Helix, I don''t know what''s wrong with him." "This¡­ he''s going through severe spirit particle deprivation. It''s much worse than before. We need to hurry!" "Esper, Langston, help Elsa transport this boy to¡­. Wherever the hell he needs to go!" "Yes, sir!" "Right away!" "Look, I don''t care what you have to do or what it costs. Just save that crazy kid." "I''ll do my best." ¡ª "You can''t be in here right now! Please leave. We''re operating!" "O-Operating!?" "Langston, we''re not operating! It''s a procedure, don''t make it sound like surgery!" "Esper, Langston, shut up! It doesn''t matter. We''re in the middle of a life or death procedure, so you all need to leave!" "L-Life or death!?" "Please, Whitney, you need to leave. Otherwise, you''re endangering the boy." "T-This is all my fault!" "This isn''t anyone''s fault." "N-No¡­ it is¡­." "Let''s go talk about this in the hallway. Okay?" "Y-Yes, mam." "Move! Everything will be fine if you all let me work. I won''t let the boy die, and I''ll notify the other Knights when he pulls through. Now get out!" ¡ª "How do I give the transfusion?" "That¡­." "This is no time to connect a life-saving procedure with rtionships!" "W-Wait, what?" "Um¡­. You need to circte your spirit particles into your lungs and breathe them into his lungs¡­." "You mean with¡ª" "Mouth to mouth! It''s not a damn kiss! Grow up and get over here now!" "Y-Yes. But why me? Are you sure I can help¡ª" "Marie, you''re the only trustworthy person in his life with enough control over their spirit particles. Don''t think too much into it. Now hurry up!" "O-Okay, but h-how?" "Close your eyes and visualize the spirit particles pulsing into your lungs. We need the entire rainbow. You can do that, right?" "Yes¡­. Please give me a moment." "Haaaaahhhh. This boy is Myriad''s most helpless damsel in distress. Yet beautiful women are stacking up left and rig¡ªow! What was that for?" "Langston, why the hell are you in here? Get out!" "Yes, mam¡­." ¡ª "What the hell are you doing here?" "What? Do you even know who I am? I''m his childhood friend, whore!" "Hahahaha! You should see your face right now!" "Why the hell are youughing!?" "It''s justical! Your face is a mixture between guilt, panic, and jealousy!" "What did you say!?" "Do I need to spell this out for you?" "Don''t patronize me, you slut!" "Ohhhhhh, scary. I''ve taken your insults and learned my lesson." "Tell me what you mean!" "Hah. Your face has every negative emotion I can think of except one." "Oh? And what emotion is that?" "Concern." "..." "Yeah, that''s right. You''re information gathering because that little deathmatch you helped organize fell through. Now you''re concerned your reputation will tank." "What did you say? Fuck off, you bitch! Don''t make me electrocute you in this fucking hallway." "Hah, please try. That way you''ll get exiled and Helix won''t have to deal with you plotting to hurt him anymore." "How dare you make such usations!" "usations? You understand that the real friend in this room has been sitting on proof since you met with Gwen Lichen two weeks ago, right?" "W-What¡­.?" "Hah. That [proof] is locked up with half a dozen people. We have circles of Remembrance recordings that prove your guilt. The only reason we haven''t confronted you is that he wouldn''t let us." "C-Charlotte¡­." "Yeah, let it sink in. You understand that Helix chose to fight in that deathmatch, so he didn''t have to drag you under the bus, right? You''re too connected to this." "W-What¡ª" "You''re surprised? He did what real friends do. Hell, he''ll still probably protect you after this." "..." "Yeah. That face is much better. Now get out of my sight before I break my gag order and skullfuck your reputation into oblivion." "Y-You wouldn''t¡­." "Hah!? Hahahahaha. How did you be so delusional? Do you think everyone''s as kind and idiotic as Helix?" "..." "Tell me something. Were Helix and David your only friends through middle school on up?" "W-What?" "Thought so. Since you haven''t had much contact with [normal] people, let me educate you. Normally, when a friend tries to kill them, they call the police and send that person to prison." "N-No¡­." "No? Normal people don''t recover from a brutal betrayal. Instead, theysh out twice as hard." "That¡­." "Is the truth. I''m warning you right now. If I learn that you are part of the new [Helix needs to be exiled because his Nightmare is too dangerous] movement, your life is over. Higher-ups are already sitting on criminal charges and waiting to execute. Even if you don''t get charged, you''ll never be a hero." "P-Pl¡ª" "Stop pleading. You''re not getting out of this. I''m not Helix, and I''m not forgiving. My minefield is so harrowing you can''t murder your way out of problems anymore. You''re officially at my mercy for the rest of time. You paid the price for trying to murder your best friend less than a month after feeling pretty." "I¡­." "Need to leave. I hope your failed delusions of poprity and power were worth Helix''s life." ¡ª "Marie¡­." "Don''t talk to me." "I understand." "..." "..." "..." "Can you at least give me guidance on what I can do? I''m not as smart as you or Helix so I can''t think of what to do." "Go support Emelia." "So what are you going to do?" "Me? First, I''m going to recover from the embarrassment I just experienced. Then, I''m going to cause a minor earthquake in the Kina district." "Marie! You can''t do that!" "Oh, I can''t? It''s legal to kill people out of jealousy in Myriad. I''m jealous of their fancy houses." "Marie¡­." "I hate their clothing. It''s so soft and luxurious it makes me sick. The gorgeous colors from magic dye are hideous. So I think I''ll steal it." "Please calm down." "Hmmm? Am I doing something wrong?" "Ye¡­ uh¡­." "What''s the harm, Leera? It''s just harmless jealousy." "I understand where you''reing from, but¡­." "Don''t worry about it, Leera. I''m just beingpetitive. I''ve been trying to be a star, so I''ve ensured that [Shatter] is near the peak." "I get your anger, but it''s not funny to joke about this." "Joke? Do you think I''m joking? These people forced a weak, mncholy boy into a deathmatch, and now I''m hearing whispers that he''s too dangerous?" "That¡­." "A level 1 boy with no stats and an unusable Nightmare are dangerous. But [Chain Reaction] girl is safe? You understand what the message is, right?" "I''m not sure I want to¡ª" "To prove your safe, you must constantly unt and demonstrate your powers!" "That¡­ Marie. This situation is unjust. However, you can''t twist every injustice into an argument for destroying the city with an earthquake." "..." "I''m going to go see Emelia. Please watch after him and take care of yourself." "Bye, Leera." ¡ª "Hey, I know you want to see him, but please leave for now." "Oh¡­ um¡­." "David. You''re a good egg. So don''t take this the wrong way. You unknowingly fed information into the hands of his attackers." "I¡­ know that now. It was never my intention." "I know it wasn''t. You''re a good kid, and Helix cares about you a lot. You''re both idiots, though. So to keep him safe, the group protecting him is small. Do you understand?" "I see¡­." "You''re trustworthy, David. Helix never stopped seeing you as his best friend. He constantly wishes you could be friends, but it''s dangerous to be around him. You can see that right now." "Really?" "Yeah. We''d all like it if you spent time with us. You''re wee anytime, as long as you understand the risks." "I''ll¡­ try then." "I look forward to it. Please go back to your room and pray for a full recovery. Once Helix awakes, I promise to reach out to you." "Okay¡­. Thanks, Riley." "You''re wee. Please take care, David. Stay safe. This ce¡­. Take care." ¡ª "Hey, everyone." "What are you doing here, As?" "Me? I was just in the neighborhood and thought I''d check out these houses for sale." "As, all of the houses on this list are in different noble districts and none of them are near us." "Wait, can I see that list?" "Sure. Here you go." "Woooooowza. You have pretty fine taste in homes. They''re hideous, but they''d look a lot better if they were painted red." "Wait. Sir As, I believe, where does it say these homes are for sale?" "Currently, they aren''t. But I''m sure they''re willing to sell the house after I talk to them." "Aren''t these the homes¡ª" "Let me see the homes. Oh¡­. You''re right, Charlotte. These would look better in red. Though this home looks like it''s about to fall apart. It should probably be bulldozed for public safety." "I''m confused, Ms. Marie. That house looks brand new¡­." "Hahaha haha ha. Emelia¡­. Girl, we love you. You''re thest spark of humanity in this room." "Emelia, have you met As?" "I don''t believe so. Good evening, Sir. As. My name is Emelia, it''s a pleasure to meet you. How do you know Helix?" "Nice to meet you. Helix helped me draw a magic circle that sprouted hundreds of Venus Flytraps in one of my debt collectors'' houses. We''ve been friends ever since." "I-I see¡­." "Wait. Isn''t this Samuel''s house?" "Yep." "Correct." "It used to be." "Are all of these houses¡­." "Yep." "Mmhm." "Past tense." "What are we waiting for?" "You''re deadly, Riley." "Why?" "She''s saying you look as sweet as Emelia but have the temperament of Marie." "What''s wrong with that?" "I cherish you." "Thanks, Marie. So are we going right now?" "Ummm¡­." "No. Not yet." "Hmmm?" "We need to protect our loved ones first." "Oh¡­ right." "I agree. Besides, I saw something pre~tty amazing today. Heelie got a new toy and I have a feeling that there''s something that''s a lot more exciting in store." "You mean the Kaltrop?" "Nope, nope. If I''m right it''s better. So much better." ¡ª [A/N: The back stories behind these characters will return, and [continue returning], for the rest of this series after chapter 45. They''re not skipped. What''s important [now] is getting Helix on his road to power, and then letting the stories of thest month start weaving [Nightmare] together. I doubt anyone on WN wants to wait for 80 chapters before Helix is training, fighting, and using his Nightmare... so please don''t cry forced development. Or at least be nice about it. :)] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 23 [Level Up] [Congrattions. Your main title [The Pragmatic Fool] has been updated.] [Level 2 -> [The Bitter Pragmatist]: experience shame and regret following your decision to refuse the title of [The Protagonist]. ¡ª "Don''t I have a say in whether I''m regretful or not?" Helix asked himself bitterly. Helix scanned the room again. "My damsel stat is so broken I need three female bodyguards." He chuckled with a bitter-sweet expression. "Charlotte, Marie, Riley¡­ Thank you. And it goes without saying, but I cherish you, Emelia." Helix silently opened up his interface again. "Let''s see what happened¡­." ¡ª [Name: Helix Hellsworth Margrave] [Age: 18] [Level: 7] [Defense: 25] [Strength: 55] [Stamina: 45] [Agility: 50] [SP: 350] ¡ª "Wait¡­ what!?" Helix eximed under his breath. There were four women in the room sleeping in visiting chairs. When Charlotte started turning, Helix closed his eyes and prayed. ''If she wakes up, the entire ward will wake up.'' Helix winced. Luckily, she fell back into her slumber. Helix sighed a breath of relief and decided to think quietly. ''I''m guessing I earned the stats by winning the fight.'' He pondered. ''I imagine that''s what that hot burning sensation was.'' Helix carefully considered what happened but quickly realized that he could get an answer immediately in the morning. ''But my increase in spirit particles feels excessive for some reason¡­. Let''s figure out what happened with [Nightmare].'' ¡ª [Congrattions. You''ve survived long enough to learn [Nightmare] isn''t a skill. It only took you 27 days, 13 hours, and 55 minutes to ept that a [skill] that can summon a person''s greatest fear is broken and can do more than create suicidal illusions. While you''re an idiot for not testing it sooner, you''ve survived longer than everyone who realized the obvious faster than you did. It''s uncertain whether to praise you or call you a moron for your unique journey.] [Nightmare] Level 1 -> [Nightmare] Level 2. ¡ª The corner of Helix''s mouth twitched when he read the notification. His natural desire to be happy and annoyed disappeared when he read the final statement again. [you''ve survived longer than everyone who realized the obvious faster than you did] ''I guess that learning you can control the skill makes you feel safer using it.'' Helix sighed. ''When you cautiously avoid using it, it won''t kill you. However, if you try to manipte it and it goes wrong, it''s no different than putting it on autopilot? That''s concerning.'' Helix reread the message. ''Also¡­. It seems everyone died even though they had overwhelming stats. I''ll never find out if I made the right decision, but it''s like that having high stats could have been a trap. Or maybe it doesn''t matter, and [Nightmare] is simply suicidal. This skill set is so messed up.'' He sighed inwardly. ¡ª [Nightmare: [Nightmare] Level 2. Skills: [Nightmare]: 50% SP: Summons a non-lethal illusion of the enemy''s greatest known fear. [Nightmare Hallucination]: (?) > 75 SP: Uses [Nightmare] skill but is visible to user and victim(s). [Summoning]: > 150 SP: Call upon an illusion of your design. [Tracks Deletion]: 0 SP: Hide the Nightmare is an illusion by summoning and naturally releasing the illusion. Active skill with zero cost. [???]: 10 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [All other skills and derivatives are locked. Requirements for unlocking unknown.] ¡ª Helix''s eyes widened with astonishment. ¡ª[Summoning]: > 150 SP¡ª ''I guess I know why I ended up in the hospital again. I''m surprised I didn''t copse instantly, given it required double my stats. Why does this Nightmare allow you to activate skills if you don''t have enough SP? Is it just when I break through a new skill?'' He thought with a worried expression. ''These skills use variable SP. I could experience SP deprivation every time I use this if I''m not careful.'' Helix sighed. He''d try to find out in the morning. He hoped the deprivation costs weren''t unique to him like the skill. ''At least I know that I can create illusions. But¡­.'' Helix sighed inwardly. ''I''m not sure how I did it. There''s a huge difference between praying for a Kaltrop and having a mega Kaltrop arrive and act of its own free will¡­.'' Helix closed his eyes in frustration. ''It''s impossible to practice this skill and test it. My only option is to use it on ex-convicts. Or¡­.'' Helix had to suppress his desire to sit up. ''If I can summon illusions, I may be able to use it without a target.'' He thought excitedly. ''I''ll test it out as soon as possible.'' Helix looked at thest skill. ¡ª[???]: 10 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown¡ª ''A hint? Maybe it''s saying that I didn''tplete the requirements, but it doesn''t want to discourage me from what I was attempting. I''ll have to think about this more.'' "Helix?" A groggy voice called out in the darkness. Helix gave the ceiling a wry smile. He was grateful that everyone was helping him. However, it was midnight, and he knew he was about to be assaulted by the four women. "Shhhh. Yes, I''m awake and alive. Thank you for staying by my side." "W-Wait, I''m not dreaming, am I?" Helix chuckled softly. "You''re not dreaming, Marie. My name is Helix Hellsworth Margrave. You can confirm that umon fact with Emelia tomorrow if you think I''m a ghost." He joked with a warm smile. "I¡­ can''t believe you''re awake after only twelve hours¡­." Marie replied with wide eyes. "Does everyone expect that I''ll beatose after every incident?" He chuckled bitterly. "No¡­. It''s just that Elsa was battling to keep you alive. She even made me¡ª" Marie fell silent mid sentence. Luckily the room was dark. Otherwise, he couldn''t see her overheating and resisting the urge to hide her face in her hands. Reading the mood, Helix threw her a lifeline. "I''m not sure how you helped Elsa, but thank you." Helix whispered with a thankful smile. "... you''re wee. I was ha¡­ d I could be of help." She replied hesitantly. "Let''s get back to sleep. From the sounds of things, I was in bad shape. It''s 12:15 am, and if the others find out I''m okay, this room will¡ª" "Uuuughhhh. Helix? Why are you here?" A sleepy voice asked. Helix closed his eyes with a bitter expression. "Wait! Are you awake, Helix!?" The woman eximed at full volume. ''Toote¡­." Hemented. "Thankful to say I am, Charlotte." Helix replied with a gentle smile. "I''m surprised you''re already awake. That shouldn''t be possible¡­. Ahhhhhhhh, I see¡­." Charlotte mused with a wicked grin. Helix sighed inwardly. ''I don''t like the look of that grin.'' He chuckled with depleted eyes. "Did you realize something?" He asked. "Hmmm. May~be. You were suffering from spirit particle deprecation, right?" "Charlotte." "What? I wasn''t going to say anything bad. I was just going to tell him that your magical kiss brought him back to life." "Charlotte!" "What? It''s true. Ow! What''s wrong? This man owes you a real kiss for saving his life. Ow! Ow!" Helix looked at Marie with wide eyes. "H-Helix, it''s not what you think!" Marie eximed in a panic. "Did¡­ you provide me with a spirit particle transfer?" He asked with astonishment. Marie hid her bright red face behind with her hands. "That''s¡­ amazing, Marie." Helix replied in genuine praise. "Wait, what?" Charlotte asked. "Marie saved my life with a master-grade magical technique." He replied. Marie released her hands to show her surprised face. "Judging by her face, she had never practiced it before and didn''t find it difficult. Just how talented are you?" Helix chucked in amazement. Marie blushed furiously again, and her hands covered her face again. Helix gave her a gentle smile. "Oh yeah? Well, I can do it twice as well as Marie!" Charlotte dered proudly. ¡ª [A/N: Reminder. [Nightmare] is a harem novel by necessity, and these scenes are a parody and examination of harem cliches. However, there is no sex in the scenes ahead.] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 24 [*Cultural Duty] [A/N: * Means sensual, ** means sexy af, *** means prudes gtfo. No scene in Nightmare is created for fan service. You''ve been warned. Note: there is no real sexing up. Please read, as this is a critical part of the story.] ¡ª Helixughed quietly. "I appreciate your merciless taunting of the jelly parade. But¡­ you know you''d have to kiss me to prove that. Right?" Charlotte blushed lightly. As he said, she was mocking the overpetitive people causing him trouble. But she was mocking them with an embarrassing topic. Charlotte shrugged nonchntly after recovering. "It''s not a big deal. I wouldn''t treat it like a real¡ªow!" Marie was ring daggers at her. "Jokes aside, I appreciate it, Marie." Helix said with a grateful expression. "Not only did it save my life and speed up my recovery, but it also boosted my spirit particle count by at least 100, I''d estimate." The two women looked at Helix with shock in their eyes. "My Nightmare has variable spirit particle usage, and I can''t control it. Moreover, it doesn''t cap my usage. That''s why I keep ending up in the hospital. Marie, what you didn''t wasn''t just life-saving and extraordinary¡­. It will probably save my life in the future. Thank you, I can''t even express my gratitude." Helix exined while staring at the redhead with a gentle expression. "Y-You''re wee." Marie replied shyly. "Wait! Hold up. Save your pink space for a few minutes!" Helix''s eyes widened in confusion at her words. Marie''s face heated up, and she averted her gaze shyly. "Are you making that up? Not trying to question you, but if it were that easy to gain stats, harem heads must be the most powerful people in Myriad! Without fail or falter, we must investigate this for the sake of our noble and cultured people!" Charlotte dered. Helix had to ask for the strength from the non-Elise gods to keep from bursting into unconstrainedughter. "Charlotte¡­ you are a prize to our people." Helix chucked. "Damn straight I am!" She eximed under her breath. Helix gave her a gentle smile. "Unfortunately, the technique Marie used is extremely advanced. So I doubt there''s a harem that contains so many talented, OP women or men." Helix chuckled. "Then start one, moron." Charlotte chastised. "Wait¡­ what? This isn''t a video game or light novel. If fantasy harems existed with normal people in the normal world, they''d be stered over the inte." Helix asked in bewilderment. "Hah! Helix, are you blind? We''re not normal people! For whatever reason, these people chose socially awkward, light novel loving, RPG grinding, male and female otakus as their chosen ones. We don''t have normal social skills and don''t know what normal rtionships are. But we all know harem culture and behavior. So in a fantasy-like world ruled by mental virgins without social skills, harem rtionships are the norm." Charlotte reasoned. "That¡­ is a shockingly good point." Helix replied while raising an eyebrow. He was genuinely impressed by her reasoning. "Also¡­. Look around you, Hellie! Even right now, you''re drowning in OP¡ªow!" Charlotte eximed. "What''s your problem, Marie? Hear me out! Helix gets assassination attempts almost weekly because he''s drowning in women. He might as well prove them right. Don''t you¡ªow!" Helix gave Charlotte an awkward expression. "I¡­ don''t know how to respond to that." Helix chuckled nervously. "Hey! Cool it for a moment, would ya?" Charlotte snapped. Marie was pinching Charlotte with a 270-strength stat. So while Charlotte was a cheat character, it still hurt. "Why do you sound so nervous, Hellie? It''s okay if you don''t want one, but if you''re not confident, that''sical." Charlotte said with a wicked grin. Helix gave Charlotte a mocking smile when he saw her characteristic grin. "You make it sound like all of my powerful female friends are interested in me." Helix said while starting a trap. "[All] is a high bar, but I''d say¡­ eh, enough to get you murdered." She replied without a second pause. Helix blinked twice with a wry smile stered on his face. "That was also a good point¡­." Helix chuckled to himself in bitter admiration. "Oh? Throwing in the towel so soon, Hellie?" Charlotte taunted. Helix gave her a mysterious smile. "You sound so confident. So I''ll take it, you''ll submit the first application?" He asked sarcastically. "It''s not out of the question if it''s open for part-time¡ªow!" Charlotte shrugged. The young woman red at Marie before sporting an evil smile. Then she stood up. "Helix Hellsgate Margrave, I ask permission to approach the court." She announced. "You may proceed." He replied while waving his hand dramatically. "I''d like to provide evidence to support my im. Please look at Exhibit A. Helix, Marie, Riley, and Emelia looked at Charlotte in shock. Riley and Emelia had been awake since Charlotte woke up, but Riley was quiet by nature, and Emelia didn''t like to interject between his conversations. However, everyone was paying attention. Charlotte crossed her hands and gracefully pulled off her light pink tank top. The motion entuated her extremely toned body and exposed her purplece bra. Helix looked at Charlotte with a panicked and confused expression. "Exhibit A." She announced while turning around. Marie flushed furiously when she realized Charlotte''s game. There were a dozen bright red pinch marks. Helix''s heart calmed down, and he sent Charlotte an amused expression. "I rest my case." She announced while puffing out her chest. After she finished, she sat back down without putting her shirt back on. "Charlotte¡­." Marie whispered in excruciating embarrassment. She could no longer pinch Charlotte, so she didn''t know how to handle the situation. Helix gave Charlotte an amused smile. "Ooooooh. Charlotte presents Exhibit C under the guise of catching Marie in the act." Helix remarked with an evil grin. Charlotte''s face burned red when called out so masterfully, and she reflexively covered her C-cup breasts. When she realized she had been hoodwinked, she puffed out her cheeks. "Serves you right, Chatan." Marie huffed. "What¡­ a masterfully executed, high-level pun. Good work." Helixmented in genuine bewilderment. "Thank you!" Marie replied with a proud expression. "Are you really going to keep your shirt off?" Marie asked after a minute offortable silence. "Are you really going to keep yours on?" Charlotte replied with wide eyes. Marie blushed. "Of co¡­ I¡­." Marie stuttered. "Common, just do it. Don''t you want to have fun teasing Hellie? How often do you see him blush?" She chuckled. Marie looked at Helix. The second their eyes met, he averted his gaze shyly. "You''re¡­ right. I''ve seen him eighteen shades of awkward, but this is the first time I''ve seen him blush." Shemented in a trance. Marie seemed engrossed in seeing Helix in such a vulnerable state. "You see? This badass shit talked a person twenty times stronger than him pre-deathmatch and won an audience." Charlotte began. ? "That was masterful, by the way." Shemented quickly after looking at Helix. "But he''s melting after such a small gesture. Plus~" Charlotte prefaced ominously. "Hellie''s always sighing and trying to wiggle out of awkward situations. But he''s suh~spi~ciously silent at the moment~" She sang. Marie nced back and forth between Helix''s expressions and Charlotte''s provocatively puffed-out chest. "Come on, do you need an invitation or something?" Charlotte asked Marie. "You''re the baddest bitch I know, but when you''re around Hellie, you turn into a helpless kitten." She chuckled. Helix would be lying to everything he held sacred if he said he disliked the scene ying out. He didn''t know what to say, so he rxed and prayed for¡­ something. He didn''t know what it was, but he''d ept anything. He felt shameless. There was no sigh, however. "Mady, you have received a formal invitation to take off your shirt." Charlotte announced dramatically. "If you don''t, how will you know what he thinks of your body? Don''t you want to see if he turns into Tommy Tomato?" Helix gave Charlotte a wry smile but quickly returned to his rxed expression. "I¡­ ummm¡­." Marie stuttered nervously. "Helix, do you mind if I take my shirt off too?" She asked with a bashful expression. Helix sighed for the first time in a while. ¡ª [A/N: Thank you for reading, fellow otakus. I hope you''re enjoying this book. :) Power stones = more readers = more content. Thank you for supporting [Nightmare]!] Chapter 25 [*Honorary Harem] Helix sighed in self-deprecation. "I¡­ won''t lie to you. I would¡­ like for you to take off your shirt, Marie. I''m not sure if that''s the thing to say¡­." Helix replied. Charlotte chuckled in amazement. "My favorite part about you is that you sigh, tell the truth straight, and it magicallyes out charming." Charlotte remarked with a bright smile. "I''m d? I feel like I''ve stepped into an alternate dimension where women like moody men that actively try to be kind." Helix replied with a self-deprecating smile. Charlotte shrugged with a smug smile, two women blushed, and one watched silently with uncharacteristic interest. "A-Anyway¡­ um¡­." Marie announced shyly. "Treat it like a band-aid. Rip it off and get it over with." Helix chuckled and gave Charlotte an amused smile she didn''t fail to notice. ''I don''t think I could handle that woman¡­ but I''m a depraved sucker for her type of crazy.'' He thought with equal parts self-deprecation and genuine consideration. ''Marie is a dreamlike woman, and Charlotte is a death g, but¡­ right now she''s shamelessly attractive.'' However, when he saw Marie start moving, his mind shifted focus. She was wearing a simple ck tank top with a thin silver ne. Marie carefully pulled the ne over top of her lush red hair and put it on the table stand. Then she grabbed the bottom of her shirt shyly. Everyone watched her with anticipation. Marie''s face flushed with embarrassment, but she steeled her resolve and pulled up her shirt. Like Charlotte, Marie was naturally beautiful. She invested her gift in mana and magic enhancement instead of her appearance. However, when Helix saw her tone, stomach, and curves, he wouldn''t have believed that. Marie was wearing a simple pink padded bra she wore before entering Myriad. When she pulled off her shirt and her rich, natural red hair fell into her shoulders; he was stunned for a moment. "See! See! What did I tell you?" Helix snapped out of his trance when he saw Marie staring at him. Both of them blushed. Yet, strangely, neither of them turned away. "Hmmm? What do we have here?" Charlottementated with a wide smile. "Helix! Say the first thing on your mind!" She demanded while snapping her fingers. Helix gave them a helpless smile. "I''m admiring the Myriad Abduction Services Task Force for having good taste in chosen ones." He sighed. Marie''s eyes widened, and Charlotte burst intoughter. "Marie! Hah¡­. M-Marie! Hahaha." "W-What?" She asked in a daze. "Have you ever heard him say such a genuinepliment before? I genuinely believe I''m a chosen one now!" Helix would usually be embarrassed and awkward, but he feltfortable and¡­ content with the situation. He was enjoying himself beyond simple desire. For someone mncholy like Helix, it was a strange and pleasant experience. When Marie saw the genuineness in his eyes, her eyes glittered for a moment. Helix found her happiness strange. "Hey questionably-virgin boy." Charlotte called out. Helix chuckled. "What is it?" He asked with a slight smile. "Would you like to join us?" She asked while pping her chest lightly. Helix''s self-consciousness overwhelmed him, and he gave her a wry smile. Nevertheless, he sighed and unceremoniously took off his shirt. Emelia stared at him intently. While she saw his bare chest every night that he wasn''t in a hospital bed, it seemed different in the atmosphere. "It only seems fair." He said with a slightly self-conscious expression. Charlotte gave him elevator eyes. "Hey¡­. Not bad. What do you think, Marie?" "I¡­ find you attractive, Helix." Marie announced bashfully. Helix''s eyes widened for a second, but he rxed. "Tell me, Hellie. Do you still think that there aren''t any women that would join your harem?" Marie blushed with a shocked expression and hid her face. Helix opened and closed his mouth a few times. "To be honest, I''m surprised to learn that Marie shows interest in me." He confessed. Helix looked at Charlotte and sighed. "As for you, I can''t tell if you''re teasing me or not. I find it strange, but I kind of like that mystery." He replied. Charlotte blushed slightly, and she touched her face to check the heat. "There you go with the honest sigh charm again¡­." Shemented in surprise. "To be honest, I don''t know whether I''m teasing you or not. Right now¡­ it just doesn''t feel like it matters¡­." She confessed. Charlotte shrugged after failed contemtion. "How about this? Only for tonight, we''ll be an [honorary harem]." She suggested with a mischievous smile. Helix narrowed his eyes on her tomunicate he understood she was up to something. It onlysted a second before he burst intoughter. "I''m not going to say no." He said with a hopeless smile. "What about you, Marie?" Marie put her hand to the corner of her mouth with a bashful expression. "I-I never thought I''d say this, but I''ll join your harem¡­ for tonight." She replied before her face turned red to the tip of her ears. Charlotte gave her a wide grin. "Ooooooh?" Shemented. "I-It''s¡­ fun." Marie justified. Helix gave the two a genuine smile that captivated them for a moment. "I agree. It''s strange, surreal, and enjoyable." He chuckled. Then he turned his gaze to Riley. "Riley, would you like to join the honorary harem?" He asked. Riley nodded once and did so immediately without hesitation. "Would you like me to take off my shirt now?" She asked in a low voice. Helix chuckled. "If you want to." He replied with a warm smile. Without a moment''s hesitation, she carefully stripped off her blue V-neck shirt. ''How is this happening?'' Helix asked the non-Elise gods. Helix gazed at her smooth body and simple white bra with satisfaction. "Emelia, would you like to join the honorary harem for tonight?" Helix asked with a gentle smile. "H-Helix¡­ is that a formal request?" She asked with desperate confusion. Helix shook his head. "You can only join if you want to join." He replied. After watching her squirm with aplicated expression, Helix spoke up. "Let me rephrase the question. Do you [want] to join the honorary harem, even though you can''t?" He asked. The three other women shot him a quizzical nce at his strange choice of words. The words felt uninviting, but they wouldn''t believe he would be that way, so it was interesting. "If I wasn''t a servant¡­." Emelia said with a bright red face. She fidgeted nervously with a conflicted expression. "I¡­ would like to." She confessed with a cringing expression. "Excellent! Wee to the honorary harem!" He announced boldly with a bright smile. "W-Wa¡ª" "As a new member, you have the duty bound responsibility to enjoy yourself." "H-Hel¡ª" "You must blush at least three times. Though you''ve met the quota, so you''re officially a top performer." He said while stroking his chin. Charlotte and Marie watched his act with excitement and baffled enthusiasm. Their grins couldn''t be wider. "I-I¡­" "And you must be cute. Hmmm. You''ve crushed that task too." Helix dered. Emelia covered her face with her hands. "Good personality. Check. Loyal behavior to myself and the other women. Check. Stunning smile. Check. Enjoyable to be around. Check. You''re perfect. I would love it if you were in the honorary harem for tonight. It would make me very happy. What do you think, mistresses? Would it make you happy if Emelia was in the honorary harem?" He asked with a fun smile. "Emelia, I would be humbled if you were in the honorary harem." Charlotte dered with a dramatic, yful expression. "Emelia, please join us!" Marie said excitedly. The trait that drew her to Helix was his rtionship with Emelia. So her eyes were naturally glittering. When Emelia saw Marie''s pure, unbridled happiness, her heart melted. "T-Then I''ll be honored to join¡­." Emelia replied with a hand covering her mouth. Charlotte and Marie celebrated the development. Helix chuckled warmly when he saw Emelia''s dumbfounded expression. "Helix¡­." Emelia whispered. "Yes, Emelia?" He asked. "Would¡­ you¡­ uh¡­ like me to expose myself as well?" She asked bashfully. Charlotte and Marie''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "We''re finally going to get an answer tonight!" Charlotte eximed under her breath. "What¡­ are you talking about¡­ Charlotte?" Marie asked. "Aren''t you curious if they''ve had sex?" Charlotte asked with a serious expression. Marie''s eyes widened. "I''m certain that they didn''t on the first day. But we''ve been here for a month now, and she gets more bashful when he''s talked about by the day." Charlottemented. Marie nodded. "Hurry! Watch for the way she reacts to her getting undressed." Charlotte whispered. Helix chuckled when he heard the conversation between the two. Helix gave Emelia a gentle but also sensual smile. "Would I like to see your body?" He chuckled. "To be honest, I¡­ would enjoy seeing your body¡­ a lot." He confessed. "Y-You would?" She asked hesitantly. "Yes. As long as you genuinely want to." He replied with a gentle smile. Emelia gave Helix a bright, happy smile shyly. "I¡­ do." She replied. "Then¡­." Helix''s eyes suddenly widened with shock. ¡ª [A/N: I hope you enjoy the examination of cliches, emotions, and realism. Thank you for reading. Power stones = content. Thank you for reading!] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 26 [*Mandatory Cliches] "I just realized that you''re wearing a dress. Are you okay sharing more with me?" He asked. "I¡­ yes. If that''s okay." Helix''s eyes lit up strangely in shamelessly excited enthusiasm. "This is as shameless as it sounds¡­ but, I''d prefer seeing more of your body." He chuckled with shame in his eyes. Emelia''s smile brightened. "No way¡­." Charlottemented. "What?" Marie asked with a conflicted expression. "He hasn''t even seen her body! Or at least he''s never truly looked!" Charlotte whispered excitedly. "What are you talking about?" Marie asked with confused eyes. "They sleep in the same bed at night. Helixcks self-confidence, but he''s not afraid to seize opportunities. So the fact he hasn''t even seen her body¡­ is strange." Charlottemented with wide eyes. "What do you mean he''s not afraid to seize opportunities?" Marie asked. "You saw how pleasantly surprised he was to know you were interested in him, right?" Charlotte asked. "Y-Yes¡­." Marie replied in a bashful voice. "He was surprised because he couldn''t believe someone like you would be interested in him. But identified that you were interested and epted it immediately. Even if he''s a virgin, he''s not a dense prude." Charlotte chuckled. "Moreover, the excitement he was hiding in his eyes when I convinced you to take off your shirt was contagious. He didn''t know how to react, but he seized the opportunity to see your body." Marie''s face flushed bright red for the twentieth time in two hours. "Helix isn''t a person that would start a harem, but he epted one for the night because it made people happy, including himself happy." Charlotte continued. "In short, Helix knew from day one that Emelia was trying to seduce him but turned her way. Yet she slept in his bed, duty-bound to satisfy his requests, and he hasn''t even seen her body fully? This whole time she was interested in him too!" Charlotte pointed out. "B-But watch! Helix waited until she felt like a human with free will before being willing to view her body! Helix isn''t a simp. I''ve seen him be savage to women, and his words are often devastating to their fragile egos. But there''s hope for annoying, pathetic simps everywhere if he is. He''d be proof they can be aggressively sexually attractive cheats after hitting Level 99!" She eximed under her breath. "W-Will you please help me untie my dress?" Emelia asked shyly. "With pleasure. Turn around." Helix requested while moving to the edge of the bed. Emeliaplied and turned around. "I love this dress. It always reminds me of our date on Burlow Street." He chuckled. "D-Date!?" She cried. Helix hugged her waist to keep her from falling. "Not officially. But it felt like one to me." He confessed. Emelia shook with turmoil. "Did you enjoy that trip?" Helix asked with a gentle smile. "It¡­ was the happiest day of my life." She replied after some hesitation. "I enjoyed that day too. Seeing you shyly pick out clothing and prance around made my heart flutter." He said with a smile. "I¡­ don''t know what to say¡­." She replied. Helix slowly moved his hands from her lower back up to her neck. The experience sent a wave-like sensation through her body and made her shiver in pleasure. "There''s no need to say anything." He chuckled. "You don''t have to be nervous about words like rtionship, couple, or love with me. So don''t worry that you''re exceeding your boundaries." He slowly undid every knot in her dress with his left hand as he said those words. With his right, he traced down her back to increase the sensation. "But know this, Emelia." He whispered loud enough for her to hear it. "I love your personality, find you to be attractive beyond reason, and enjoy spending time with you." Every time Emelia tried to interject, Helix increased the sensations on her body. During his confession, he was sliding her pink dress off her shoulders. "It''s important that you''re happy because you''re special to me. Maybe not romantically in a conventional sense, but special nheless." He whispered. Helix slowly moved the dress down her body to her hips. "So please enjoy yourself." He requested as he dropped the dress to the floor. Emelia was wearing daring ck lingerie she appreciated but never requested. At the moment, he felt it was the best investment he''s ever made. Helix wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. "Thank you for today." He whispered. "I¡­." She whispered in a trance. "Wheeeeew. One day I hope a man treats me like you do, Emelia." Charlotte said, following a whistle. "Are you¡­ in love with Helix too, Charlotte?" Marie asked hesitantly. "Me? Hah. No way. But I''m aggressively in love with him right now!" Charlotte announced boldly. "Rtionships aren''t my thing, but tonight? Let me warn you, Marie. I''m your [temporary rival]." She dered with resolve. Marie narrowed her eyes dangerously. "Are you willing to fight for him?" I hope you''re ready to have your bones broken into a million pieces." She warned. "Gahhhhh. Marie! Did you earn a schrship to Myriad by ying dating sims?" Charlotte griped. Marie gave her a stunned expression. "Don''t answer that. Look¡­ there are three ways you must behave if you want to be in a harem. First, you must be an overpowered badass with a three-dimensional personality to everyone around you. Congrattions, you pass." Charlotte exined. "Second, you have to be a helpless, one-dimensional blush machine in the leader''s presence. Check, you pass." Marie blushed with wry shame burning in her eyes. "Lastly, you can''t fight the other women! So your only option is to use petty, non-aggressive tactics topete for his attention. Otherwise, he''ll chastise you and only ept you as a one-dimensional yandere forever." Charlotte warned. "No! I don''t want to be known as a one-dimensional yandere!" Marie cried. "Hah. Then don''t turn this building into dust for Helix''s attention! You''re the type to fight for all of your friends¡ªthat''s what he likes about you. So calm your jets, take a deep breath, and challenge me to a blush fight!" Charlotte demanded. "Charlotte, I appreciate your guidance¡­. But What in the hell is a blush fight?" Marie asked in annoyance. "It''s when there''s an event, and everyone acts desperately shy to join. The shyest and cutest wins." Charlotte exined with an evil grin. "Haaaaaaah. Then you''re going to lose. So I ept your challenge." Marieughed. "We~ill see. There''s a special type of role for someone like me." Charlotte replied with an evil grin. "W-Wait, what? You''re going to cheat?" Marie asked with horror. "No, no. I''m just the only one that can fulfill the role." Charlotte replied with a mocking grin. "That''s rather bold of you to say, Charlotte. I can''t think of a role you can do that I can''t!" Marie huffed. "Oh~yeah?" Charlotte asked sarcastically. Marie narrowed her eyes. "What''s the role? Hmmm?" She asked. "Event Initiator." Charlotte replied with a mocking grin and dangerous eyes. "I¡­. I¡­." Marie stuttered while averting her eyes. "You now know Hellie is interested in you because of me. Now sit back, give me a little appreciation, and enjoy the results." Charlotteughed. "W-What are you going to do?" Marie asked hesitantly. "You''ll~see. Yoooooo~hoo! Mr. Harem~Leader!" Charlotte called out. Helix pulled his gaze away from Emelia, who had turned around to meet his eyes. "Hmmm? What is it, Charlotte?" He asked while turning around. Charlotte gave him a wicked grin. "I~hope you have forgotten the duty you have to your people!" Charlotte coaxed with a mischievous smile. ¡ª Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 27 [*Spirit Particles] "Do you mean studying whether harem leaders will level up with the aid of their women?" Helix asked nervously with a racing heart. "Exactly, it''s an obligation we owe to our people. Since you''re a harem leader now, are you willing to sacrifice yourself for the cause?" Charlotte asked with a predatory gaze. Helix gave her a truly pathetic smile and sighed. "Seeing you four right now¡­ I don''t have the willpower to refuse even if I wanted to¡­." He confessed with a sigh. Charlotte lit up in excitement, and the wave of excitement reached Marie shortly after. "Especially when I have the opportunity to further high culture." He said while shaking his head. "How can we test if the women in the harem can boost the leader''s stats?" He asked with a teasing smile. He knew the answer but figured she had to work a bit too. "Let''s see if I can do a spirit particle transfusion. That''s a good start." Charlotte replied with a lustful gaze. Marie looked down at the bed with a wry smile. She had already done a transfusion, so it felt irrelevant. "Marie." Helix called out. The young woman looked at him with wide eyes. "I know you''ve already done one, but we don''t know if it will work a second time. Culture requires science." He joked with a charming smile. Charlotte burst intoughter but suppressed it low enough not to cause chaos in the ward. "Are you willing to do some testing?" Marie immediately nodded, and he gave her a charming smile. Helix turned to face Charlotte and allowed his eyes to wander. Her body heated up. "I like your idea, and feel that testing is a mission as crucial to the world as it is shameless." Helix chuckled. Charlotteughed quietly. "Alright, let''s begin, shall we? Marie, would you be willing to give us a rundown of spirit particle transfusions?" He asked while turning to Marie. ¡ª "To do a spirit particle transfusion, you must circte all spirit elements into your lungs and then¡­." Marie instructed before pausing. "Breathe them into Helix''s lungs." She said with a red face. "*Kiss him." Charlotte corrected dismissively. "S-Spirit particles aren''t mana." Marie continued quickly. All of the women had moved their chairs to the left side of the room for her lecture. "There are seven forms of spirit particles. The seven forms are fire, water, gravity, eleration, electricity, air, and signals." She exined. "While our Nightmares instinctively activate the particles we need, we must learn to utilize the necessary particles for other spells. You can think of your Nightmare and stat development as a helper system for that reason." Helix gave her an [I''m impressed] expression while the other women nodded. "Luckily, there is only one [spirit particle], so calling the various forms is not limited by an affinity. Once it reaches your lungs, it breaks apart into seven forms and flows to your body differently. However, calling upon each type is a separate process." Charlotte''s eyes widened after Marie dropped the bombshell. The other women were stunned as well. ,m "W-Why are you all looking at me like that?" Marie asked. "There''s only one that contains all seven properties?" Riley asked. Helix sighed. "Yes, it''s lucky. If there were seven types of particles, it would be chaotic, dangerous, and impossible most of the time. Parts of spells would be released whilecking the other parts. Moreover, we''d revert to humans if the air didn''t contain all seven elements. Agility makes us lighter with gravity decrease. Then we be faster with the eleration particles. Like our Nightmares, our superhuman capabilities are passive skills granted by Myriad without our knowledge. However, we must control them if we want to use or create spells." He exined. "Our SP category only measures the reserve our bodies are capable of holding." All of the women stared at him with gawking expressions. "What? How do you think I''ve been creating and using magic circles? Just because I used to have a tiny reserve doesn''t mean that I''m useless." He chuckled. "N-No, no. I''m just impressed. I don''t even think that Macron understands how our stats work¡­." Marie replied. "Daaaaaaaaamn. The Myriad Library is a broken joke." Charlottemented. "Only if you read¡­." Rileymented. Charlotte''s face blushed, and she turned away with an annoyed expression. "Go on." Helix requested with a slight smile. "Yes¡­. The best way to gain control is by learning how to extract each part and assigning it a color. By identifying all seven and visualizing them going through your body, you can control them." She exined. "You can assign colors how you like. It''s mostmon for the colors to be in the form of the rainbow spectrum. The mapping is as follows: fire red, strength orange, electricity yellow, gravity green, water blue, eleration indigo, and signals violet." She continued. "To do the transfusion, you close your eyes, visualize each color, control their flow into your lungs, and finally breathe them out. That''s all you have to do." Charlotte gave Marie a mocking nce. "Appreciate it, genius. Just one question¡­ how the hell do you do that? You make it sound like you just ask the particles toe, and they do." She asserted with an annoyed expression. "I-I¡­ just think about it, and it happens¡­." Marie replied awkwardly. The other women in the room gave her a bitter expression. Helix pped. "Attention. Stereotypical anime pper here." He announced. Helix chuckled when he saw how attentive they were. "I don''t mean to downy Marie''s talent or insinuate the process is easy." He began. "But I''d like to reiterate that you all are using the spirit particles in the air to control your stats passively. Ites to you with the same thoughtlessness as moving your hands." Helix reasoned. "So before you feel let down, close your eyes, visualize the seven types, and ask them to gather in your lungs." Helix gave them a gentle smile when they saw the inspired yet hesitant expressions they wore. "If you''re worried about failure, please don''t. I feel cringe-worthy-ly shameless saying this, but I don''t mind helping you practice and improve your magical capabilities tonight." He chuckled with a self-deprecating smile. Marie''s eyes widened. "This is all just a hypothesis. I¡­ don''t remember how I did it¡­." She announced with a bashful expression. "Nice try, savant. The talented don''t fail." Charlotte dered while sticking out her tongue. Marie blushed with a bitter smile. "Marie, since the others don''t know how to do it, you''ll need to demonstrate every time someone fails." Helixughed. Charlotte puffed out her cheeks with annoyance, and Marie''s eyes sparkled. ''Elise¡­ if this is your doing¡­ I''ll thank you just this once.'' He sighed with a hopeless smile. Seeing the women''s excited faces, he didn''t know what to say. But he wasn''t going to pass this magical training session up. "Does anyone want to¡­ be the first to further our people''s culture?" Helix asked with a hesitant tone. "Rock paper scissors!" Charlotte dered. "You need a demonstration first, dummy!" Marie snapped with her characteristic vigor. "Can''t we battle for it?" Riley asked. "No! It''s the battle of the blushes, Riley. Marie, someone needs to give practical feedback. If you don''t, we won''t understand your description more." Charlotte reasoned. "T-That would be helpful." Emelia added shyly. When Emelia got involved, Marie panicked. "Rock paper scissors!" She announced with a panicked expression. Charlotte gave her an evil grin. "Let''s get started then. Are you all ready?" Charlotte asked. "Y-Yes." Emelia stuttered while pushing out her fist with a determined expression. Riley nodded and thrust her hand out like a fist. Marie nodded with a serious expression. "Rock¡­ Paper¡­ Scissors, shoot!" ¡ª [A/N: I thought this was a charming way to drop an info dump on the readers. Thoughts? ;)] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 28 [*A Welcome Cliche] [A/N: All otakus are 18 years old; it''s not coincidental.] "I''m letting you know in advance that I''m not that talented¡­." Charlotte confessed. She got her wish and got to go first, but she realized that she might be the first to fail. "You''re speaking to the man withical stats and a defective Nightmare." Helix replied with a self-deprecating smile. "So let''s practice together. If my stats keep increasing, it will be my turn to be on top. So I need practice too. Sounds good?" Helix requested with a shameless smile. "You¡­." Charlotte said with wide eyes. She was desperately charmed. Consequently, she lost all of her confidence. It reminded her of something important. "I¡­. This¡­ is my first time doing mouth to mouth¡­ anything." She confessed with uncharacteristic nervousness. She was one of the 50% of otakus that hadn''t had sex with their servants. Men and women fell into that category for various reasons. For Charlotte, she wasn''t interested in having sex with her servant. She had other interests preupying her mind. "Do you still want to?" He asked with a slight smile. "Of course, I just don''t want you to judge¡ª" Helix reached up and lightly embraced her face. Charlotte''s heart started beating violently. Helix pulled her face towards his with gentle guidance. Charlotte''s left had touched down on the bed. Her heart raced faster and faster. Before she realized it, her body was on top of his. Everyone realized that his only intention was to kiss her. Charlotte closed her eyes and parted her lips. A feeling of electricity coursed through her the moment their lips met. There was a refreshing wave of pleasure that followed. Charlotte''s body fell helplessly on top of his, and her purplece bra pressed against his skin. When she felt his tongue, her body gave waypletely. After a minute, he pulled away from her. "It''s like that, but in a different position, concentrated breathing, and without the tongue." Helix exined with a gentle smile. Charlotte turned bright red and pushed away from him. "Then it''s nothing like that!" Charlotte eximed with embarrassment. Helix gave her a mysterious smile. "Hey now, you were the person that insisted it was a kiss." He chuckled. The women in the room looked at each other with heated expressions. "Well, yeah. It is a kiss." Marie confirmed with a hypnotized nod. "I like that description more." Riley said with a gentle smile. "Me too¡­." Emelia chimed in while averting her gaze. Charlotte huffed. "Wait, you''re right. But can you demonstrate what you shouldn''t do again? I was distracted." Charlotte asked while giving the other girls narrowed eyes. "Sure. But you try this time." Helix teased. "You¡­. Fine!" She huffed. Charlotte flinched and hesitantly approached again. "Ahem! Breathe!" Marie demanded. "Ooooooh. Jealousy much?" Charlotte asked while her face was a foot away from Helix''s. "I can''t close my eyes and kiss spirit particles into his mouth if I miss. Be patient." Charlotte moved her face closer and stopped a few inches above his lips. Then she closed her eyes. "Visualize¡­." She whispered to herself. She felt a spark of electricity when she started visualizing¡ªbecause she conjured Helix''s face. She blushed and shook her head aggressively. "Don''t be outdone. Focus!" She whispered with a determined expression. "Rx. Just think about what you normally do." Helix suggested. "I can''t do that. If you were my enemy¡­ I''d take a deep breath, imagine hypnotizing you, locking you in a gravity field, shooting fire into it, sending down an elerated lighting bolt, and putting out your corpse with a raging rainstorm. That would use all types." She confessed. "That¡­ is how I visualize my¡ª" While Helix''s body washed over with anxiety, Charlotte''s lungs filled with a vibrant swirling sensation. "H-Helix, close your eyes!" She eximed in a panic. Before Helix could do so, she thrust her mouth onto Helix''s and breathed into his lungs. Helix''s body pulsed, and the sensation rocked the surroundings, leaving a minor shock wave. Marie''s white skirt lifted gently, exposing her matching pink panties. Unfortunately, Helix didn''t get to witness the sight. He felt his soul was levitating a foot outside of his body. "H-Helix!" Charlotte called out in a panic. His eyes shot open, and his body returned to the bed. When the two bodies collided, his body exploded with a chaotic wave of sensations swirling in his body. "This is so cliche!" He chuckled while gritting his teeth. The women shot to their feet and came to Helix''s side. "W-What happened!?" Emelia asked in a panic. Before anyone could reply, Helix put his fingers up to his lips. "Don''t wake anyone up." He requested with a fearless smile. "For every cliche, there''s a cliche solution. Just give me a minute." Helix gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. "Roy G Biv, identify and learn to control them to release them through my body." He thought aloud. "Charlotte! You didn''t hold back at all!?" Marie cried. "Why are you looking at me? That wasn''t in your lecture!" Charlotte snapped back angrily. "Charlotte, Marie, I know you''re worried about Helix as much as I am. But let''s be quiet and let him concentrate. If anyone can pull off this trial on his first shot, it''s Helix." Riley replied with a warm smile. "You''re right¡­." Marie whispered while calming her raging emotions. "You''re an enigma, Riley. You''re silent 95% of the time, but you''re warm and persuasive when you''re needed. You''re also always down for fighting and killing." Helix chuckled. "You''re the beautiful and popr character that turns out to be a yandere psychopath when the apocalypse hits. But you''re quiet andck shyness. You''re a supernova of quirky traits, and I like it." Helix burst into painfulughter. Charlotte and Marie giggled when they saw Riley''s bright red face. "It''s true!" Charlotte asserted with a bright smile. "That¡­ is a great description." Marie added. Emelia smiled nervously. She hadn''t forgotten about Helix. "Thank you. Give me a moment of silence." He chuckled while sweat dripped down his straight ck hair. Helix identified each part individually and studied where they were being channeled. "One down." He chuckled. The women looked at one another with knowing expressions. "If anyone can do something on the first try, it''s you!" Marie whispered while digging her nails into her hand. Riley nodded, and Charlotte''s panicked expression became determined. Emelia watched Helix with the same gentle eyes as the rest. "Where do you go?" He whispered suddenly. "M-Ma¡­ rie. One of the¡­ particles seems to go¡­ nowhere. Do¡­ you know¡­ which one I''m talking about?" He asked with a slightly pained smile. "Ah¡­ I think that it''s the [signals] particle. I can''t control that one. I just know how to summon signals¡­. I''m sorry." She replied with a downtrodden expression. "Wait¡­ it''s the mental interference one, right?" He asked. "Yeah. No one uses that magic because they don''t want to cause bacsh to their mind¡­." Riley said worriedly. Anxiety filled the room. "Hah!" Helixughed abruptly. "Lucky for me, I''m a bitter expert on the subject!" Helix visualized the Circle of Disillusion he drew out two weeks ago. While he didn''t want to experience its effects, he did it as a form of practice and resistance training. It activated with ease, and his mind felt resistant after a few seconds. Helix believed it was rted to his [Nightmare]. However, he was hesitant to draw that conclusion because electricity magic was even more effortless. Before Helix imagined its activation, he remembered that signal particles follow a [recipe] of signal types for the human brain. The user''s chant lists out the mental effects the circle causes. "Hah. Endorphins, party drugs, warm fuzzies, refreshing breeze, and butterflies, Charlotte, Marie, Riley, and Emelia''s lips." Helix chuckled. "What are you doing?" Marie asked. "I''m creating a magic chant." Helixughed before coughing. "Trigger upon¡­ now!" An explosion of sensations assaulted Helix. When the women saw his bliss-filled expression, their faces filled with bewilderment. "D-Did you just create a spell?" Marie asked with a shocked expression. "Hah¡­ I wish." Helix chuckled. "I just experienced godly enlightenment for a split-second, and then the remaining particles shot away from me. They were saying, [there''s no way in hell I''m fulfilling such a shameless request]." Helixughed with light tears running down his eyes. The other women looked between Helix and the other women''s faces before giggling. "Do¡­ you feel better, Helix?" Emelia asked nervously. "Do I feel better? I''ve never felt this amazing before." Helix replied. "Give me a second." Helix touched his neck, and his system''s interface popped up. ¡ª [Congrattions. You have earned the title [The Ironic Protagonist]. While you avoided the dangers posed by the [The Protagonist] title by turning it down, you have brought every challenge you faced upon yourself. The harem stat of [The Protagonist] attracts beautiful, powerful women like a ma. The jealousy of others drives them mad, and they plot the user''s downfall. After building and epting your harem status, you''ve been forced to endure the title as a reminder of the constant danger you swerved. But rejoice! You have a gaggle of cute women following your every move. So enjoy your brief yet fulfilling life.] ¡ª When he read the popup notification, Helix didn''t know whether tough or cry. He decided to settle with a wry smile to meet halfway. "Is everything alright?" Marie asked worriedly. "Hah. Yeah, everything''s fine." He replied with a strange smile. "Did¡­ your stats not increase?" Charlotte asked with a mildly bitter expression. "I haven''t checked yet. I just¡ªgive me a second to check." Helix said awkwardly. ¡ª [Name: Helix Hellsworth Margrave] [Age: 18] [Level: 8] [Defense: 40] [Strength: 75] [Stamina: 65] [Agility: 100] [SP: 450] ¡ª "What!?" Helix eximed in a panicked state. "What is it!?" Marie cried with painful anticipation. "Spit it out! You almost gave me a heart attack and obtained the title of dy killer]!" Charlotte huffed. Helix gave Charlotte a multiyered wry smile. However, his smile became gentle before exploding in excitement again. "W-What?" She asked with confusion. "I leveled up because of you!" Heughed. ''This world has dual cultivation? I dig this type of cliche.'' Helix thought excitedly. ¡ª [A/N: This is [not] a dual cultivation story, nor does it have those elements. However, no cliche is left behind. ;) Power stones & grammatical leniency = your happiness. Thanks for reading, fellow otakus!] Chapter 29 [**(?) An Unwelcome Cliche] [A/N: ** Means no sex, but sexually driven.] Shock overwhelmed the room. "Wait¡­ you leveled up?" Marie asked with bewilderment. "No way¡­." Charlotte replied. "I¡­ don''t know what that means¡­." Emelia said in concerned confusion. "It means he got stronger as a result of this." Riley exined. "I knew it!" Charlotte eximed while doing a fist pump. "I knew my kiss would make him stronger than yours! So much so that he leveled up!" Marie panicked. "That''s not true¡­ I held back!" Marie stuttered. "Ex~cuses. Ex~cu~see~ahss." Charlotte replied while flicking her hair pompously. "I''m being serious!" Marie snapped. "I''m d you held back, Marie." Helix announced with a chuckle. The girls looked at Helix with confusion. "Wait, what?" Marie asked in surprise. Charlotte shifted her gaze back and forth between Marie and Helix in panic. "I''m not sure if I leveled up because of Marie''s kiss because I also leveled up by defeating Phillip." He exined. "I don''t know how many stats I got either." Charlotte''s enthusiasm faded. "Oh¡­. I get it. This is that cliche where the strongest character would make another person explode if they transfer their energy." She said with a wry smile. Helix chuckled and gave Charlotte a defeated smile. "Not exactly¡­." He replied tactfully. "There''s no reason to console me." She chuckled. Helix shook his head. "As an AoE mage, Marie''s Nightmare [Shatter] needs a high capacity for spirit particles to shake the ground over arge space." Helix reasoned. "She also chose the Staff of Justice, which boosted her spirit particle capacity by 50%. I''d estimate her SP is over 2000 right now." He guessed with a mysterious smile. "How¡­." Marie asked with wide eyes. The other women looked at her with shock. "My apologies. I know we all agreed from the beginning not to share our stats. However, I didn''t want this to change our rtionship." Helix said. Marie shook her head. "I trust everyone here, so I''m not worried about that. I''m just surprised you could guess that." She exined. "Woah. You must read¡­ a lot." Charlottemented. "I feel like you know¡­ everything sometimes." Helixughed. "I''ve read about all of the topics the Knights need to know. It''s how Ipensate for your protection." He said with a warm smile. "Anyway, after what I just experienced, I can tell you that it wouldn''t have been pretty if Marie didn''t hold back. It has nothing to do with her strength. Her SP is just that strong. The only thing this tells us is that you''re both broken cheat characters that can cause death with your breath." Helix chuckled. "If I didn''t level up before her transfusion, I''d be just as toast as I''d be if she hadn''t saved my life." Helix looked at both of the women with a warm gaze. Marie was about to feel anxiety about nearly killing him, but Charlotte''s excitement snapped her back to reality. "Go us! We''re so strong that a person''s body needs to desperately expand the size of its SP reserve to survive!" Charlotte eximed. All of the women allowed themselves to fall victim to her contagious excitement. "Why did your stats increase, though?" Riley asked. Helix gave her a gentle smile. "While one''s spirit particle reserve doesn''t affect one''s stats, you need SP to use your stats All passive stats are the work of spirit particles affecting the world, not our real bodies. Strength lightens the gravity of an object if you pick it up, for example, and elerates things you punch." Helix exined. "Long story short, you need SP to grow. So I think this is my body''s way of unlocking my natural stats." He exined with a slight smile. "Unlocking¡­. Are you saying that your Nightmare restricted your stats?" Marie asked with a pondering expression. Helix gave Marie a wry smile. He didn''t mean to disclose information about his situation and was slightly bitter that Marie was present when it happened. Helix sighed. "I''m impressed you harvested information from such a simple statement." He chuckled in bitter amazement. Marie looked at him in panic, trying to figure out if she had done something wrong. The other two women were trying to figure out what had happened. "Considering that you helped me level up, and you''re my most trustedpanions, I''ll let you in on something ssified." Helix announced with a gentle smile. All of them gave Helix their undivided attention with maxed-out mental focus. "When I first unlocked my system¡­." ¡ª Helix touched his blood-red sun tattoo. [Skills] [Stats] [Myriad Library] "Let''s get this over with." Helix sighed. After a moment''s hesitation, he pressed the stats window. [Name: Helix Hellsworth Margrave] [Age: 18] [Level: 0] [Defense: 0] [Strength: 0] [Stamina: 0] [Agility: 0] [SP: 25] [Warning: you have angered the evil god of Myriad and received no blessing or protection from spirit particles. While your physical capacity hasn''t been downgraded, you are in the weakest 0.01% of the human race. The SP reserve you have is the same avable to humans at birth. Your growth is not restricted, but your stats are temporarily suppressed due to natural limitations. Good luck!] ¡ª "I learned that every stat I had was 0, including my level. My SP was 25 because that''s what every human is born with." Helix chuckled bitterly. "I wasn''t just the weakest among you. I was the weakest healthy person in all of Myriad. My theory is that my Nightmare locked all of my stats until I gained more SP." He exined with a self-deprecating smile. "W-What!?" Marie cried. Riley''s eyes widened in shock, which was extremely uncharacteristic. Emelia had a hurricane of unidentifiable emotions in her. As for Charlotte¡ª "Helix, you''re a boss!" Charlotte cried with sparkling eyes. The women looked at her with surprise and confusion in their eyes. "Why¡­." Helix asked suspiciously. "Do you not understand how much of a badass you are!?" She asked excitedly. "No one here does?" Charlotte looked around her with wide eyes. "What''s wrong with you women!?" Sheughed in amazement. "You realize that this guy risked being iced by forty-nine immature, overpowered super-otakus to improve the life of the servants, right?" Charlotte asked with reverence in her eyes. A wave of realization washed over the other women. Emelia was dumbfounded and red as an apple. "He admitted to me he knew what he was doing and the consequences on the second night! He even worked it into his survival strategy. Now that you''ve survived, I need to say this. You''re a fucking legend!" Charlotte cried. Riley stood up with wide eyes. "Helix." She said with a serious expression. "Ummm¡­ what is it, Riley?" He asked hesitantly. While he was expecting a brutal lecture from her, she had a strange glint in her eyes. "Can I kiss you?" She asked bluntly. Helix blushed lightly, and everyone looked at the quiet young woman in amazement. "Uh¡­ I mean¡­ yeah, sure." He stuttered in shock. Riley walked over to the bed and climbed on top of it. "May I?" Riley asked Charlotte with a murderous gaze. Charlotte looked down and realized she was stillying on top of Helix. The panic broke up the minute their kiss happened, and she had been holding up her body with her arms ever since. She never noticed because her level 600 strength stat made it nearly impossible to get worn out from such a pose. "Y-Yes. Give me a moment!" Charlotte replied in embarrassment. Charlotte pushed herself up into a sitting position. She couldn''t even process she was straddling him before Riley''s mouth unceremoniously pressed down on Helix''s. Helix''s body melted when he felt the woman''s breasts on his chest and soft lips pressing against his. Before he could initiate a makeout session, her lips parted. Riley gave Helix a serious expression. "I think you''re the stupidest person I''ve ever met. But you''re also the smartest and strongest in my eyes. You''re bewilderingly good to us women." She confessed. "Since you might not want more transfusions, I seized upon the mood to have my first kiss with you. It wasn''t for the culture. So thank you for epting my selfish request." After saying those words, Riley sat up on her knees with a grateful and satisfied expression. "So bold¡­." Marie whispered in amazement. "Wait! My transfusion didn''t count because you weren''t awake. Can I share my first kiss with you as well?" Marie cried out. Helix looked at her with wide eyes as she crawled onto the bed to Riley''s right. "Yeah¡­. I was looking forward to¡ª" Marie threw her body on Helix and pressed her lips against his. The second their lips collided, Helix felt a supernova of ecstasy wash over him. Of all of the women in Myriad, Marie was the person he found most attractive. Everyone did. While she couldn''t hold a candle to the artificial goddesses, everyone felt like she was. To the Eye of Beauty choosers, she was a hellish nightmare. They quickly found out that the students found her beauty overpoweringly charming because it was [natural]. Every imperfection somehow made her seem more perfect, and those who saw her on the first day were still captivated by her. Moreover, no one visualized a otaku curmudgeon stuffed into an artificial suit. Her personality was more attractive in his eyes. While she was a one-dimensional harem applicant in his presence, she was bold, intelligent, and kind to everyone else. However, when a group bullied someone, she was a queen of destruction and struck fear into the hearts of everyone involved. She was a demon to the strong and a goddess to the weak. Those that begged for their life quickly continued admiring her the next day. She was a leader. Helix had a crush on Marie for two weeks after she started protecting him. Her interest in Helix alone was worth a few assassination attempts in his eyes. Helix pressed his tongue into her mouth, and the two engaged in a long, passionate makeout session. He felt her C-cup breasts and cotton-padded bra pressing against his chest. ''What is happ¡ªnever mind.'' He thought as he wrapped his left hand behind her back. ''I wish that she wasn''t at such an awkward angl¡ªnever mind.'' Every time Helix tried to think, he was ovee with the passion of the kiss again. "Hmmm. What do we have here?" Charlotte called out with an evil grin. Marie pulled her tongue away from Helix''s. After matching his charming gaze with a heated expression, she pushed herself onto her knees to see Charlotte. Helix groaned inwardly when he saw what Charlotte was pointing out. "I tried to give you two more space. However, once I stopped straddling him, I realized what I was sitting on this whole time." Charlotte presented with a casual expression. Every face in the room was a certain degree of redness. "Is¡­ this sight surprising to anyone?" Helix asked after a sigh. He chuckled bitterly when Marie''s shocked and embarrassed expression. He felt like truck-kun had stolen his crush before his eyes. "You''re all ridiculously attractive, and it''s unsurprisingly been there since the beginning." He confessed. "Hooooooh?" Charlotte announced with an evil grin. "I didn''t know you were so sexually attracted to spirit transfusions." "Of course I am. At least when it involves the four of you." He confessed after a sigh. "Especially when you''re all shirtless. The sight has honestly stripped me of my free will." Charlotte looked around the room. "If this is all it takes¡­." Charlotte announced while pushing herself to her feet. She was standing on the bed in front of everyone. To everyone''s shock and amazement, she unbuckled her white denim short shorts and unzipped them. Matching purplece panties peered out of the area. "How would Hellie react if he saw more?" She asked with a finger pressed against her lips. "I''d be shamelessly grateful and at your mercy." Helix replied without hesitation. "Hellie at my mercy? Hmmm. Worth it." She dered. Charlotte slowly pulled off her short shorts in a seductive way. "I see it worked." Charlottemented while looking at Helix''s lower half with a wicked grin. "Helix¡­. Do you want to see mine too?" Marie asked hurriedly. Helix looked at her with wide eyes. "I''d burn the sight into my memory and never forget it." He replied with a charming smile. "Is that a¡ª" "Good thing?" Helix chuckled. "It couldn''t be more positive." Marie''s face flushed bright red. She stood up and unzipped the side of her white, medium-length skirt. "Ooooooou. You have Hellie wrapped around your finger." Charlotte remarked while watching his trance-like expression. "Helix. Would you like to see mine too?" Riley asked. Helix blinked twice to gain control of his mind as he watched Marie slowly drop her skirt on the bed. She wore light pink panties with a small bow. "Please, Riley. It''s not only for the culture but also for my unbridled happiness." Riley stood up eagerly and started to unbuckle her belt. She was wearing leather utility pants she was given in Myriad. However, Helix''s gaze was still fixed on Marie''s slender white legs and attractive hips. "W-What do you think?" Marie asked bashfully. She had her hand pressed against her mouth and the other on her stomach. Marie was embarrassed, but she wasn''t hiding her body. "I¡­. where do I begin? First, I can''t believe you''re showing me your body. It''s surreal, and I shamelessly love it." He chuckled in a trance. "Second, I feel like the Eye of Beauty couldn''t make you more attractive." Marie quickly hid her bright red face behind her face. "Lastly, I feel like it''s incredibly cliche to know that the most powerful woman in Myriad loves cute things. I officially love that cliche." Charlotte burst intoughter, and Riley and Emelia giggled. "I¡­ uh¡­." Marie stuttered. "Hey, don''t deny it. Lover boy''s obviously about it." Charlotte dered with a wicked grin. Helix looked away in embarrassment but found himself staring at Riley''s simple white panties. Riley had already taken off her pants and was sitting on her feet. She had slightly angled her knees so he could see them directly. Most importantly, they were face-level and only a thigh''s length away from him. Helix blushed at the sight. After turning to the left, things got more embarrassing. Emelia was to his left and wasn''t on the bed. Therefore, her panties were face-level with him and even closer. He was practically touching them. Charlotte had got back onto the bed and was straddling him. And Marie was on her knees, shamelessly crawling back on top of him. As a result, if he looked at her, he would be looking at her cleavage. Just when he was about to ept this heaven-sent fate, the door shot open loudly. "Helix! Your vitals are off the charts! Can you hear me!?" Elsa cried out as she ran into the room. Helix smiled wryly at her. ''This¡­ this is the most cliche thing I''ve experienced in Myriad¡­.'' He thought with a battered expression. ''I hate my life.'' ¡ª [A/N: This is life. FML.] Disimer: Power stones, grammatical mistakes, and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 30 [Marie] "Look on the bright side, Hellie." Charlotte said while daintily cutting a sunny-side-up egg. "You have an excuse to steal a smooch from Marie when you''re stronger." Helix didn''t know whether tough or cry at Charlotte''s argument. Charlotte studied his facial expressions with a wicked grin. When she was satisfied, she flung the bite into her mouth savagely. Helix sighed. "Do you think she was teasing me?" He asked. Charlotte shrugged her shoulders. "You can ask her yourself." She replied while pointing her fork into an area behind him. Helix grimaced. "Hellie, don''t look so glum. Her face right now is giving you the answer you seek and simultaneously sparking assassination conspiracies." Charlotte said with a deceptively carefree tone. Helix turned around. Marie''s face was bright red, and she fidgeted as she awkwardly walked to the table. Everyone in the room was staring at the fearless goddess with gawking expressions. Once they saw who she was walking to, nine men and women gave Helix murderous nces. Luckily, everyone else was staring at him with mixed expressions and emotions. Past enemies were sneaking nces at him with pity, guilt, and regret on their expressions. Macron''s speech made most of his enemies realize how barbaric and inhumane they were. p "Um¡­ Helix, can I sit next to you?" Marie asked shyly. Helix looked at the empty seat next to him with confusion. Marie had never asked to sit at the table. Moreover, he found it strange because people had left the seat open for her exclusively for thest week. "Please do. There''s no need to ask." He replied with a confused expression. Marie sat down with a bashful expression. Helix smiled gently at her and was d she wasn''t avoiding him with embarrassment. "Riley, have you noticed?" Charlotte whispered. "Yeah. I''ve already taken note." Riley replied. Marie blushed when she heard the two''s conversation. However, when she processed their tone, her eyes sharpened. "What''s the count today?" Marie asked with a serious gaze. "You know, Marie. You could take today off. We''ve got things covered." Charlotte replied with a sincere expression. "Thank you, but there''s no way in hell that''s going to happen." Marie replied. "I can''t thank you all enough." Helix said with a sigh. "Helix. Even if we weren''t close to you, we''d still be doing this." Riley replied with a serious expression. "That''s right. It''s disturbing that we live in a world where we have to protect someone daily from being assassinated." Marie said with a murderous gaze lifted to the sky. "Here''s your breakfast, mistress." A male servant said as he put a breakfast te and utensils in front of Marie. "Thank you, Killian. I appreciate your service today." She replied with a genuinely kind expression. Killian smiled brightly at the young woman. "It''s always a pleasure, young mistress." He said with a bow before walking away. She shrewdly watched his back as he walked away. Once he turned to the right, she caught sight of some men and women sending hatred-filled nces to the table. Marie gave them a sweet smile that wasced with bloodlust. The individual''s faces paled. "Count?" Marie asked sweetly while turning to Charlotte. "Nine people are sending murderous nces at Helix mid-conversation." She replied while lobbing another egg bite into her mouth. "At least it''s a significant improvement. There were over twenty yesterday." Mariemented bitterly. "If these people never stop talking about me, they''ll never get a woman." Helix dered a sigh. "It''s impossible because you have to talk to women to get one. Unless two of them fall in love while bonding over their plots to kill me." He added with a chuckle. Charlotte and Marie couldn''t help butugh lightly at Helix''s words. "But¡­ even if that happens, they''ll realize they''re in a rtionship with someone with a track record of attempted murder. So best of luck to them." Marie giggled when she looked at Helix''s mocking smile. "There you go with that sigh charm again." Charlottemented with an amused expression. "Charlotte, you did a number on Lina. You knocked one out of the jealous elite. Good work." Riley said, changing the conversation. Charlotte shrugged. "Wait, what happened?" Helix asked with wide eyes. "She came to your room with a panic-stricken face yesterday. I warned her that I''d expose her if I found out she was part of the new move¡ª" Charlotte stopped mid-sentence with an uncharacteristically nervous expression. "Part of what movement?" Marie asked with a serious expression. "..." "Charlotte." Marie growled out with narrowed eyes. "Charlotte. It''s not like it''s going to be any worse than thest attempt." Helix chucked. "Well¡­. So, there''s kind of, sort of, maybe, actually, definitely a movement to exile you because of how dangerous your Nightmare is." Charlotte said awkwardly. "It was whispers yesterday! How deep-rooted is the movement already?" Marie demanded. "It''s been talked about by several groups in this room already." Charlotte replied with a sigh. Marie moved her te in front of Helix. Before anyone could stop her, she climbed onto the bench and stepped on the dark wooden table. After gazing at every one of the technically ex-virginz, she spoke up with a fearless expression. "Which one of you sparked the Exile Helix movement?" She asked with a bold tone. Many people averted their gaze with panicked expressions. Others stared at her with wide eyes and shock. Thest category met her gaze with confused eyes and expressions still wracked with guilt. "I''ll ask again! Which of you are so despicable, disturbing, and disgusting that you''re engaging in a movement to exile Helix?" Marie asked with a murderous tone. "It''s already well known. So tell me, which of you are sick and twisted enough to y politics to get him exiled an hour after Macron''s speech?" She asked with narrowed eyes. Many panicked faces in the room screamed [it wasn''t me, I promise!]. Only nine people were bitter about being called out. "Don''t use and me us because guards started a movement to exile your boyfriend!" A young man snapped. "Y-Yeah!" A woman yelled. "Get off your high horse, lover girl!" Another man yelled. Marie chuckled. The chuckle was caustic and lethal to the core. "Well, that''s three of you that are involved." Marie said with narrowed eyes. "Look around you, idiots!" She said with a mocking expression. "The normal humans around you have faces that scream, [please don''t me me!] after Macron''s speech. You''re outing yourself." The student''s faces paled, and their bodies trembled. "Listen up! Helix is my boyfriend!" Marie yelled. The cafeteria fell silent. Many people''s faces turned bright red with jealousy. "Haaaaaaaah. One, two, three, four¡­ and five. Five people just let murderous jealousy show on their face." Marieughed. "Everyone, there are five new people I''ll never speak to again. Go die, virgins!" Charlotte''s face panicked, and she tried to get Marie''s attention. Marie''s eyes had an intelligent gaze when she locked eyes with her. "Oooooooh." Charlotte whispered with an evil expression. "Fun fact! I''m not Helix''s girlfriend, but thank you for outing yourselves." The cafeteria roared withughter again. The people called out had faces filled with anxiety, shame, and hatred. Marie gave them a malicious grin. "But I am in love with him, and do you know why?" She asked. The room fell silent again. "He talks about magic stones, biology, and wonders on different continents!" She announced. "Hements on my outfits, helps me with my magic, and smiles at me!" Most of the other ex-students stared at her with surprise and interest. Helix sighed after realizing she was using his joke as her argument. "Ladies! What''s the fabric Emelia''s pink dress is made of?" She called out. "Sapphire silk?" "No, that''s the other dress!" "It''s lightsweave!" "Yeah, lightsweave!" "It''s a magic fabric, it''s so cool!" "It''s basically light armor!" Marie gave an evil grin to the young men in the room. "That''s right. It''s lightsweave." She confirmed. "It''s simr to chiffon, made from silk, but it''s made from simple cotton. It''s dyed in magic-infused water. Ladies, do any of you remember the name of that spell?" She asked. "Um¡­ wasn''t it Silk Spin or something?" "No¡­ but that''s close. It''s Silk Weaver. Right?" "Yeah, that''s it!" Apletely separate set of girls chimed in. "That''s right! Silk Weaver! It''s an intermediate spell that straightens fibers and tightens them. As a result, they be fine, silky, and smooth as Kyle''s hair." She exined. The boy in question''s face turned bright red. "Why do you know that,dies?" Marie asked. "Um¡­ Helix told us." A brave girl replied. The other women on both sides of the cafeteria nodded. "Exactly. It''s because Helix exined it to you." Marie nodded. "I can tell you what the continents are. The names of fifty different fascinating creatures that live on them. I know where to shop to find the best clothing. I know these things because Helix talks about them." She continued. "Must be nice to have the Myriad Library!" A bitter female voice rang out. "Yeah! I''d know those things too if I had a search engine!" Another man yelled out. "Hahahaha haha hah!" Marie burst intoughter. "Then you shouldn''t have designed an avatar for yourselves!" The people in the cafeteria erupted into giggles andughter. The man and woman who spoke out turned bright red and gritted their teeth. "Beyond that, have you forgotten that you have to [read] to use the Myriad Library?" She asked while wiping tears from her eyes. "You don''t learn about animals on other continents with a practical query." Many faces turned pensive, and chatting whispers spread like wildfire. "That''s right. You have to read in order to gain the interesting knowledge he shares with people." Marie reaffirmed. "Do you know where Helix goes between five and seven pm everyday?" The chatter and gossip ceased. "The Royal Library." Marieughed. "He goes to the Royal Library! He likes looking through the books!" She cried. "A search engine is useless if you don''t know what cool things to look up with it." Marieughed. Astonishment and excitement rippled through the female poption. "But do you know what I rarely see? Helix search for directions! So he rarely knows the things normal people would know if they had one!" Marie startedughing again. Laughter filled the cafeteria again. "When I see him search for directions, it''s usually when he''s sharing the information with others." She imed. "Who here has gotten help from Helix for directions or practical information before? I know it''s awkward to raise your hand, but you can at least do that much after he was almost murdered yesterday." Marie asserted with a narrowed gaze. More than 75% of the cafeteria raised their hands. "Ex~actly! And I''ve seen him give directions to half the people that didn''t raise their hands." She chuckled. "Reason number two for being in love with Helix. He''s kind to people, even if the other person hates him." Marie called out. "Last reason I love Helix! If someone were plotting to kill another person, he would skullfuck that person''s reputation into the ground and ruin their entire life!" She roared. "He''s extremely intelligent. So much so that he''s survived multiple assassination attempts having the stats of a weak mortal!" Everyone in the cafeteria was stunned-silent. "He knows how to use the information andwork with powerful people!" Marie yelled. "When he saw the harrowed faces of some of the female servants, he risked his life to improve theirs! When he sees injustice, he ruthlessly attacks it!" She continued. "And even if he couldn''t help that person, he certainly wouldn''t start a movement to exile them an hour after the person survived the attack!" Marie''s gaze became murderous. "Ladies! Who would date someone or even look at someone you knew who tried to murder someone?" Marie demanded. No woman in the auditorium raised their hand. "That''s right! If you''re trying to murder someone thinking you''ll get a chance with us girls once he''s dead, you have another thinging!" She yelled angrily. "If I see any of you join this movement, I will do everything to ensure women will never look at you again!" Marie threatened. "And I''m going to start with the people that kidnapped a servant and used them as a hostage to force Helix into a deathmatch yesterday! There''s concrete proof of the people who carried out that plot!" All of the students stared at her with trembling eyes. "Do you know how sick it is that people used Helix''s kind nature to force him into a deathmatch?" Marie asked. "Howical! The people who I can point out right now knew that Helix would risk his life for a servant! They knew that he was so nice he''d sacrifice his [life] for a stranger and used that knowledge to kill him!" She screamed. The pressure in the room multiplied, and it was hard to breathe. "And while he knew who it was, he didn''t do anything to harm his attackers either!" Marie yelled. She broke down in tears on the table. "But guess what! I''m not Helix Hellsgate Margrave! If I see ANYONE joining the Helix Exile movement, I''m going to expose those people and face Helix''s wrath! He doesn''t have a choice because I HAVE THE PROOF!" She warned with bitter tears. "So listen up, you sick, psychopathic murdering mental virgins! You better start desperately trying to protect Helix RIGHT NOW! Because if your innocent peers get on the bandwagon, you''ll be exposed, and neither men nor women will ever look at you again! I''ll do everything in my power to get you locked up in Nightmare suppression chambers and stripped of your magic like Lucas and Ethan! I''m not going to sit around this time and watch someone I love die!" Silence befell the room. Macron was standing in the doorway with a group of guards for half of her speech. Yet he didn''t stop her from speaking and didn''t say a word. ¡ª Disimer: Power stones, grammatical mistakes, and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 31 [Eliza] "Do you mind if I join you?" A bright female voice rang out. "You don''t have to ask every day, you know?" Helix chuckled. "I know, but I always feel like I''m interrupting you." She replied. "I enjoy our conversations. You''re half the reason I never miss a day at the library, Eliza." Helix replied with a warm smile. "Is that so¡­?" She replied. Eliza had blonde, shoulder-length hair. The hair had masterful curls that looked professionally done. She wore a royal blue dress with frilly white sleeves that ented her light teal eyes. "It''s the truth. I read the book that you rmended, by the way. I felt the plot was cliche, but I secretly loved that. It was as though I was praying for some elements to be cliche and was excited when the author fulfilled them." Helixughed. "I''m a sucker for shameless cliches too." Eliza giggled. The two chat for a half-hour. "Have you learned anything interesting recently, Helix? I''d love for you to share." She asked after their discussion. "This is a new world to me. So I''m excited about the most mundane things. If I told you, I''m sure you''d be bored to tears hearing aboutmon things." Helix chuckled. Eliza shook her head. ? "That does happen often. However, the way that you view the things in this world is always strange and exciting to me." She replied with a gentle smile. "For example, I know about Kull Birds because they''re the bane of the viger''s existence. However, I never realized how important they were for protecting crops from insects." Eliza exined with a genuine smile. "Your civilization is much more economically advanced than ours is. Since people on earth have sessfully studied birds with simr habits, they have insights we don''t. So even the smallments hold immense value and wondrous insights." Helix gave the young woman a gentle smile. "I wish more people found value in practical knowledge like you do." He said. "If they did, I''d sigh less and enjoy my days more." Eliza giggled. "If you wish to hear my interests, I won''t refuse. First, I''ve learned that the days are nearly the same length here. However, you have six day weeks even though they don''t align with your sun''s rotation. Moreover, there are many of the same animals and insects on Earth, but monsters limit their poption size. They don''t have the same names, but the simrities are eerie." Helix spent an hour speaking about the magic he was studying, spirit particles, and beasts. Eliza listened intently and interjected to add information now in then. They shared some smiles andfortable silence as well. Helix sighed after their conversation about a specific flower. Eliza looked at him with an anxious expression. "Oh my! You''ve spent most of your time here talking with me. I apologize!" She eximed with wide eyes. Helix chuckled and shook his head. "Like I said, half of the reason Ie here is because I enjoy our conversations." He reiterated. "I''m sighing because I don''t know how long I''ll be able to keep showing up." Eliza looked at Helix in surprise and panic. He was the only person she could have a real conversation with, and she didn''t want to lose that. "Why not?" She asked hurriedly. "I''ll tell you, but I''d rather not have you act on it." Helix prefaced ominously. "... Act upon it?" She asked with narrowed eyes. Helix sighed. "I know you''re the princess and have known that since the fourth time I''ve met you." He said with a gentle smile. "W-What!?" She asked in a panicked state. Helix gave her a hopeless smile. "But fifteen conversationster, I treat you the same, right?" Eliza took a deep breath and sighed with a defeated expression. "I''m not surprised that you know who I am. I enjoy our conversations because you''re intelligent, after all. To think that my vanity magic is so weak." She replied with a wry smile. He chuckled after seeing her cave in and dropping her charade. Helix shook his head with a slight smile. "It''s more than enough to convince everyone else that you''re not the princess. That''s what''s important, right?" He chuckled. Eliza looked away with annoyance written over her face. It wasn''t directed at him, however. "It''s so annoying. I don''t mind being a princess, but I wish I could visit the library without getting heckled to death." She growled. Helix smiled. "Wait¡­ you''re not avoiding the topic, are you? Why can''t you show up here anymore?" Eliza asked anxiously. Helix sighed. "No, I''m not avoiding the conversation." Helix said with a sigh. "I''ll reiterate. I''d appreciate it if you don''t act on what I''m about to tell you." "I can''t promise you anything." She replied with a serious expression. "Good enough." Helix sighed. "There''s a movement to exile me from Alzeria." Helix said with a bitter smile. "Wait, what!?" She cried out. Helix put his fingers to his lips. "There''s no one else in this Library." Eliza huffed in annoyance. "Except the librarian. She just woke up from her nap." Helix chuckled. Eliza wanted tough at the ring insight, but her racing heart wouldn''t let her. "As I said, there''s a movement to have me exiled. To be honest, I wouldn''t mind leaving these walls. I n to negotiate to leave peacefully without being exiled." Helix said with a long sigh. "Why! That''s absurd! Do you know how many people have benefited from you being here? Even if you hate me, I won''t let you get exiled." Eliza eximed. He locked eyes with Eliza with a serious gaze. "You don''t understand. It''s not about me deserving to be exiled. The issue is that if I don''t leave, things will get¡­." Helix stopped talking. After a moment of silence, he started up again. "Look, many people feel the way you do right now." He said with a sigh. "There''s an equal amount of people that unjustly disdain me for petty reasons. However, those that dislike me are a special type of people." Helix chuckled bitterly. "If I don''t go, the opposing groups will go to war, and the Knights will suffer irreparable copse." Eliza looked at Helix suspiciously. "That¡­ sounds dramatic." She replied with an honest expression. "It''s not that I''m doubting you. It''s that¡­ I''m doubting you." Helix shed her a bright white smile. It wasn''t something she saw often, and she felt it was pleasant. "I like that discerning and skeptical nature of yours. It''s wonderfully pragmatic, and I appreciate it." He chuckled. "But¡­ three people have already tried to kill me in thest 28 days. A servant was kidnapped by a group of ten plotting my death. They forced me into a blood oath to release the hostage, and I was forced to fight in a deathmatch yesterday." He sighed. "You don''t know this because there are individuals in your intelligencework that an anti-Helix faction has won over. You can confirm this knowledge with Macron. However, I ask that you do not act upon this. It''s a lot moreplicated than you think." Eliza stared at Helix with trembling eyes. "T-Then why are you telling me about this? You don''t have to y the victim. If you ask for my support, then I will¡ª" Helix chuckled and shook his head. "I''m telling you this to exin why I might not be able to show up soon." He said with a slight smile. "If you want to support me, please help me find a peaceful, good deal to leave this ce without trouble. Alzeria has no idea what type of people you''ve locked up inside your walls." Eliza narrowed her eyes. "You''re a bunch of ex-students from a peaceful country. Do you underestimate our people''s ability to deal with violence?" She asked with a mocking tone. Helix scoffed lightly and turned his head away. "Eliza. I don''t underestimate yourpetence or your people. However, I''m telling you that you shouldn''t underestimate mine." He said with a self-deprecating smile. "And by my people, I''m not talking about people from Earth." ¡ª [A/N: Yes. Princess cliche. Remember this book isn''t about avoiding cliches but exploring them in a realistic context. Historical reality: princess lovesmoner = political scandal time bomb, and usually executions. Forget spoilers. Chatting about books with a real princess is seriously fucking dangerous in general XD Start thinking about what type of destruction this dynamic can have. Whatever happens, it''ll be juicy. ;)] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 32 [Trash Novel Protagonists] "Your people? If you''re not talking about people on Earth, then are you saying that the people you came with are of a certain race?" Eliza asked. Helixughed and shook his head. "No¡­. It''s better to say all of the people here share the same [culture]." He imed with a bitter smile. "I don''t understand. Are you saying the culture you share is dangerous?" She asked. "More than you could know." He replied with a defeated smile. "Helix, I don''t doubt your intelligence. However, can I be honest with you?" She asked. "Sure, please speak bluntly." Helix replied with a serious expression. "From what I''ve been told, the people you came with are known for being weak, defenseless people that spend most of their time ying fantasy games. They''re not violent, don''t have deep-rooted rtionships, and have never had sex. Those are the criteria for [chosen ones]." Eliza exined with a serious expression. Helix didn''t know whether he shouldugh or cry after hearing her tant confirmation of the truth. "Yup, pretty much exined them perfectly." He chuckled bitterly. "Helix, this isn''t funny. In the past, we''ve recruited many types of people. We''ve brought in athletic people, charming people, and many with a strong sense of justice." Eliza exined. "However, those people missed home almost immediately and couldn''t get a grasp on magic or how to use it. As a result, they all eventually died or became callus and mediocre." Helix chuckled some more, sparking greater annoyance on Eliza''s face. "That''s why we chose people that were¡ª" "Easy to manipte?" He asked with a yful smile. Eliza opened and closed her mouth multiple times in disbelief. Helix sighed. "Look, you''re right to believe that my people are easy to manipte. And wheeeeew! You''ve done a masterful job doing it too. Since I arrived in Myriad, I''ve been in genuine awe about it." Helix said with a bitter smile. Eliza gave Helix aplicated expression. "That''s why I don''t doubt yourpetence. You''ve recruited the right people to take full advantage of what Myriad offers." He chuckled. "However, as you pointed out, if you remove the Kull Bird poption, it will create a more serious problem. That''s what''s happening here. You''ve fixed all of your problems, but you''re experimenting with something you don''t understand." Helix gave Eliza a serious expression that chilled her to the bone. "I¡­ don''t understand, Helix. If the people we''ve chosen are weak and docile, how did we bring war into these walls? That''s a dramatic deration." She reasoned hesitantly. Helix gave her a wry smile. "They''re not weak anymore, Eliza. These people [were] weak, unattractive virgins that never left their rooms. Then you gave them extraordinary power, beauty, and undeserved sex. Now they''re delusional otaku super-virgins who believe that they will live out the fantasies in their light novels and video games." Helix exined with a dead-serious expression. "Everyone here has limated to Myriad seamlessly because they think they''re historians that have prepared their whole life for this moment. They believe they have cheat codes and game guides that make them transcendental existences that will use knowledge of the future to be super cheats." Eliza stared at Helix with awe and fear. While the things he was saying were absurd beyond belief, his pitch-ck eyes were ice cold and serious. "Look, Eliza. The kingdom''s greatest mistake was selling Myriad to my people like it was a shameless harem novel." He said after closing his eyes. "If you just said magic and adventure, it would have been fine. But the emissaries described Myriad like it was the plot of their favorite trash novel, and now they''re treating life as though they''re the protagonists." Eliza was listening to Helix with wide eyes and aplex expression. "Are you saying they will follow these light novels and [trash novels] as though they''re teachings and act upon them?" She asked. "Yes, they''re already recreating that behavior because they''re in an echo chamber of people that believe it''s reality. In short, it''s viewed as eptable human behavior. That''s why two people almost lit the castle on fire with their Nightmares and murdered me on the second day in Myriad. They thought this was a game and didn''t understand the consequences." He said with a wry smile. "What!? They almost activated their Nightmares on the second day? A fire spell, no less? They didn''t just try to rough you up!?" She cried. "Haaaaaaah. Roughing people up is the normal definition of violence in both Myriad and Earth." Helix chuckled. "However, the definition of violence in light novels and web novels is in a league of its own." Eliza''s eyes trembled. "H-How violent?" She asked with a shaking expression. Helix sighed. "There''s a certain genre that focuses on a concept known as [cultivation]. People meditate and breathe in something simr to spirit particles known as [Qi]. They obtain incredible power using this meditation, and obtain growth through treasures and killing opponents." He exined. "That''s very simr to what happens here¡­. So what''s the problem?" Eliza asked. Helix sighed with an awkward expression. "Well, the thing is. The cultivation world is depicted as a ruthless world where the strong eat the weak. As a result, the helpless virgin protagonist quickly realizes that violence is the answer 100% of the time. If they don''t go that route, the people they love and care about will die." He exined. "As a result¡­." Helixughed while scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "Noter than chapter 500, the characters alwaysy waste to a thousand people at once for offending them. That''s usually a few months after being given a system like our Nightmare." "WHAT!?" Eliza cried while standing up from the table. The librarian looked at the woman hesitantly. "You, out of this area right now! Lock yourself in a room and don''t listen to anything!" She demanded. The librarian hurriedlyplied with a fearful expression. Helix closed his eyes with a bitter expression. "Helix, if you''re speaking any falsehoods for personal gain, I will not hesitate to punish you mercilessly." Eliza warned. Helix shed her a serious expression. His silky pitch-ck hair and sharp eyes sent an eye chill down her spine. "I''m not joking. Right now, those helpless mental virgins down already have the power to retaliate and are nning to start a war. They think it''s eptable, and they don''t understand the real-world consequences of their actions. The people on my side are no different. I''ve been helping Macron with preventative and anticipatory countermeasures." He exined with a mncholy voice. "I''m starting to feel like the only person who thinks violence is rarely eptable like it was on Earth." "Then why the hell are you asking me not to do anything, Helix!" Eliza cried. Helix gave her an exasperated expression. "I am requesting that you do something about it. My suggestion is not to act on my behalf. Moreover, if you insist on doing something, you should help me obtain safe passage outside Alzeria with Emelia. To ensure maximum safety and avoid the powder keg, there are three people you should allow to apany me. They are my partners from a practical perspective. You''re the person rejecting these honest suggestions because you enjoy mypany." Helix argued. Eliza''s eyes widened, and she gave him a wry, bitter smile after a moment. "It''s true. I don''t want you to go because you''re the only person that is both interesting and treats me like a human being. I don''t have any friends other than you because of my position, so I appreciate our rtionship." She confessed. "However, I fail to see how [you] leaving will solve these problems." Helix sighed with aplicated expression. "You''re right. My leaving won''t stop the raging shit-storm in this capital." He replied. "However, there are triggers that start wars, and I''m one of them." Eliza studied Helix''s facial expression. "Why you? From what I''ve heard, most of the females like you." She replied. Helix wanted to jump out of his chair and proim, [the defense rest''s its case!], but he couldn''t. Instead, he sighed the deepest sigh of the day. "That¡­. Is the problem." Helix replied with a bitter smile. "I don''t understand¡­." She replied with a puzzled expression. "Everyone came here with dreams of building a harem of beautiful women." Helix exined awkwardly. "However¡­ male virgins that read light novels and y video games don''t magically obtain social skills after being given a system." Eliza gilded her eyes to the left in contemtion. "Are you saying that the thing they want most isn''t obtainable, and they''re frustrated?" She asked. "Exactly. That reality isn''t likely to change, either." He replied. "But¡­ Helix, are you saying that you have a harem of beautiful women, and they''re jealous? Is that why people are trying to kill you?" Eliza asked with keen interest. "I¡­ don''t know how to answer that question." Helix chuckled in genuine bewilderment. "Women surround me constantly. They''ve befriended me since I made my stand for the female servants." Eliza watched his conflicted expressions with strange attention. Helix sighed. "Very recently¡­ I''ve discovered that a few do have feelings for me. Moreover, they too are part of my people''s culture, so the concept of harems isn''t shocking or obscene to them. As a result, I''m afraid that they will treat me as a harem leader, and people will go to war." Eliza closed her eyes. "This¡­ is absurd. What a petty, embarrassing reason to go to war." She snapped. "I agree." "And their delusional fantasies are ridiculous." "I agree." ? "This was a mistake." "I agree." "What should we do about it?" She asked. "You should separate them and take them on monster hunts." Helix replied immediately without hesitation. "And kill them!?" She cried. "How did you jump¡­. No. You should make everyone live out their fantasies and build their confidence." He replied with a befuddled expression. "That makes sense. Letting them be the overpowered hero?" She asked. "Exactly." He replied. "And then let you leave quietly during the hunts?" She asked. Helix gave her a hopeless smile. "I prefer the term [escape bitterly], but yes. That''s the best thing to do." Helix replied with a bitter expression. "Why are you so insistent?" She asked. Helix sighed. "Let me exin what will happen if you don''t let me go." ¡ª Disimer: Power stones, grammatical mistakes, and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 33 [Harem Girlfriends] "Are you angry with me?" Marie asked. Helix gave Marie a hopeless smile when he saw her face. She was wearing brown leather battle armor that closely hugged her body. Her red hair made her look like a powerful general ready to lead a battalion to war. Yet her face was unbearably cute. Helix shook his head. "I''m not angry with you. I''m genuinely thankful for what you did today." He replied with a gentle smile. "Thank goodness¡­. I was worried when you didn''t leave the library for another hour." She replied nervously. Helix smiled bitterly. "I was just having a discussion with someone." He exined. "Was it that girl you''re always talking to?" She asked hesitantly. Seeing her painfully panicked expression, Helix decided to take a gamble. "Marie, can I kiss you again?" He asked awkwardly. "Y-Yes!" She replied without hesitation. Helix walked up awkwardly to her. After some hesitation, he reached out and grabbed her leather-d waist. She closed her eyes, and their lips met. The experience felt more intimate and vulnerable, and it washed over his body with a vibrant sensation. After a moment, he released his lips and stared into her beautiful green eyes. They were puffy from her tears and bloodshot from her frustration. "Marie¡­. I like you. A lot." Helix announced awkwardly. Marie''s eyes sparkled at his confession. "I¡­ love you, Helix." She said softly. "I''ll gratefully ept your feelings." He replied with a gentle smile. "Will¡­." He replied with a wincing expression. "Will¡­ I also ept the special people in your life?" She asked with a conflicted expression. Helix sighed. "I''m¡­ exponentially more shameless and hypocritical than I''ve ever realized." He chuckled bitterly. "If you ask me to choose between you and a harem without you, I''ll choose you." Marie''s eyes glittered with shock. "You''re kind to your friends equally. You''re powerful and confident in the face of adversity. I''m desperately attached to your beauty. You''ve protected me for weeks and I''ve fallen for your leadership skills. So if there can only be one person, I''ll choose you." Helix confessed. Marie gave him a bright smile and then fell silent with thought. Helix allowed her to think patiently. After a moment of conflicted contemtion, Marie decided. "If... the temporary harem bes permanent¡­ I''m¡­." She began hesitantly. "I''m okay with that. I don''t want to rip you away from Emelia. She''s¡­ special." Marie said in a low voice. "As for Charlotte and Riley, I¡­ enjoyedst night, and it was attractive. But I honestly wouldn''t want anyone else. epting ancient lolis, cats that can transform into women, or dragon women period is a deal-breaker." Helix burst intoughter and wiped slight tears from his eyes. "You don''t have to worry about lolis, transformers, or dragon women. If a loli arrives, I''ll call the FBI." Heughed. Marie giggled like a schoolgirl in response. Afterughing, he gazed into her eyes and continued. "I had funst night too." He said with a charming smile. "I never thought that the dynamic could be so much fun and endearing." "Me¡­ either. I''m surprised." She said with true contemtion. "I''m surprised, amazed, and genuinely shocked that you share my feelings. I''d be grateful for just you. So the fact that you''re willing to ept Emelia especially means a lot. I promise you that I won''t ask for other people." He vowed. "We''ll see about that,dy killer." Marie huffed. Helixughed. "So¡­ Marie. Will you go out with me?" Helix asked with a genuine expression. Marie burst intoughter. Helix watched the young woman bending over,ughing with a terror-filled expression. "This¡­ isn''t the time where you dere you were just teasing me, is it?" Helix asked with a mortified expression. "No! No!" Marie cried between breaths. "It''s¡­ It''s just¡­ It''s just that I epted to be part of your harem, and now you''re asking if I''ll be your girlfriend." She cried. "Is¡­ that wrong?" He asked with wide eyes. "No! I love it!" Sheughed while wiping tears from her eyes. "It''s just¡­ that harem¡­ hahaha." She cried. "I''ve just dered that I''m willing to be a one-dimensional side character that shamelessly follows and tries to please you¡­ hahaha!" She exined between breaths. "And you''re asking for something eightyers lower. That''s like us having a passionate night of kinky sex and then asking if you can kiss me." Marie dered while gasping for breath. Helix gave her a hopeless smile. "I¡­. don''t see you as a one-dimensional side-character." He chuckled. "You''re a normal girl from the real world that I like. I''ve never had a girlfriend, but I''d like to have one. So¡­ even if this turns into a harem, will you go out with me?" Helix asked shyly. "Yes!" She cried while trusting herself into his arms excitedly. After a moment of awkwardness, he epted her grasp. A momentter, they kissed. The kiss was much more powerful and romantic, and they both enjoyed it. "Okay, harem leader. What are you going to do next?" Marie asked. "If¡­ I told you I n to leave Alzeria, would youe with me?" ¡ª "Part-time?" Charlotte asked. "I¡­ don''t know how to answer that question." Helix replied. "It''s like¡­ how would I exin this?" Charlotte said while putting a finger to her lips. "It''s like I''ll be part of your harem, but not your girlfriend." Helix''s eyes widened, and he aggressively pulled her into the nearest room. "Woooooah. You''ve gotten bold." Charlottemented with an impressed expression. "Wait¡­ what? No. You understand that you''ll spark a war saying that, right? That''s every man''s dream!" Helix replied with a bewildered expression. "So, is it your dream as well?" She asked with a yful smile. Helix stared at her seducing mannerisms with wide eyes. "It¡­ is now." He confessed. "How do you not hate me for this level of shameless behavior?" Charlotte put her fingers to her lips yfully. "What? Do you think that you''re the only person that''s gaining enjoyment from this? Hmmm?" She asked with a grin. ? "That¡­." Helix replied. He looked to the ceiling and gave a blessing to the non-Elise gods. "Charlotte. Will you be part of my harem?" Helix asked after refixing his gaze on her. "May~be." She replied yfully. Helix sighed. "Can you give me a dating sim walkthrough on how to earn your willingness to join my harem?" He asked with a wry smile. "Hoh? Hellie has the Earth Queen and the most gorgeous, loyal woman that will do any~thing for him. Yet you''re willing to earn me as well?" She asked yfully. Helix sighed. "Yes. I''ll try to win you over if you''re interested in me. There''s a word for someone like me. [Degenerate]." He confirmed. "I used to think that I was a Cicero, but I turned out to be Alcibiades. A shameless degenerate that somehow attracts beautiful women and sparks violent conflict. I now know that I should never engage in gambling or excessive drinking." Charlotteughed when she saw his self-deprecating smile. "Your face is truly pitiful right now." Charlotteughed. "Here, I''ll help you hide it!" Before Helix could react, Charlotte grabbed his neck and pushed his lips against his. Helix pushed her against a wall in the room, and their passion increased further. Charlotte fed the newfound side of him that hungered for excitement and passion. ''I''ll take this as a yes. Maybe. Hah, I couldn''t care less.'' ¡ª "You want [me] to be your girlfriend?" Riley asked with wide eyes. "Well, yeah¡­. I''m desperately shameless and aplete hypocrite, so you''ll have to ept the other three as well¡­." Helix replied awkwardly. "But yeah¡­. I''d like you to be my girlfriend too¡­." Riley gave him a gentle smile. "I ept. What do harem girlfriends do? Is it more like a girlfriend or more like a harem?" She asked with an honest expression. "That¡­ I don''t know." Helix responded with a wry smile. "I guess¡­ can we just figure it outter?" Riley giggled and gave him a bright smile. "Then we''ll just figure it outter. You don''t have to worry about me. I''m just happy to join." She replied thoughtfully. "I''m a sucker for your gentle simplicity." Helix sighed. "Can¡­ I kiss you?" Riley blushed lightly. "I see. So harem girlfriends follow a leader that doesn''t dodge them." She giggled awkwardly. Helix''s eyes widened in surprise. "If¡­ that''s what you want. I''ll happily kiss you. I was selfish before, so I''m surprised you''re asking me." She confessed shyly. Helix almost cried out in bewilderment. He couldn''t believe she epted to be part of his harem without believing he''d pay attention to her. "Close your eyes." He requested. Rileyplied, and a secondter, she felt his lips on hers. ¡ª "Emelia¡­." Helix called out in the darkness. "Yes, Helix?" She replied. "If I buy your way out of royal servitude, will you still stay by my side forever?" Chapter 34 [The Powder Keg] "What happened to him!" "Calm down! We''re doing what we can!" "Where''s Emelia!" "..." "Where''s Emelia!" "... Emelia." "What the fuck happened to Emelia!?" "Emelia¡­ is dead." "Marie! Calm down! Get back here!" "Get your fucking hands off me!" "Wooooah. What''s going on?" "I''m going to fucking kill¡ª" "Wait, cool your jets! What''s going on?" "Helix¡­. Emelia¡­." "What the hell happened!?" "Miss! Please don''te¡ª" "Hellie!" "Please get out of here! This isn''t likest time! We need full concentration to ensure he doesn''t bleed out and die! Get a hold of yourself! Now leave!" "What the hell is going on in here!?" "Macron! Take these youngdies, and get the hell out of here!" "Wait¡­. What?" "Don''t stand there with a dumb expression, Macron! Get a hold of those girls before they do something stupid!" "Fuck! Charlotte, Marie! Get back here!" ¡ª "Eh? What are you two heated up about?" "As, give us that list of houses!" "Woah. Calm down. I''m just as down to wreck those guys as you are. But there''s true murder in those eyes." "Damn straight there is! Those bastards¡­." "Girls! There you are! Don''t do anything stupid! This isn''t a damn game!" "No offense, chief. But you can fuck off, okay?" "Watch your mouth, girl. You Earthians are strong but¡ª" "But what? We''re not stronger than the guy that can''t protect a single person?" "..." "That''s not fair, Charlotte. Macron''s trying his best, but he''s up against¡ª" "People that stabbed Helix and killed Emelia after failing to kill him the other two times? It''s been a fucking day!" "Wait, what did you say, girl!?" "Didn''t you just fucking hear her!? Are you fucking deaf!?" "No¡­. Macron, is Helix going to die?" "Look, kids. I have no fucking clue what''s going on, either. I''d know if I wasn''t chasing you around trying to prevent you from destroying this ce." "Macron. You have 15 minutes to figure out what happened. After that, you''re on your own." "As¡­." "Sorry, man. This ce will be a bloodbath in t-minus 22 minutes ago. Fifteen minutes is a godsend. So get out of here and get shit done." "What!?" "Chief. If we don''t do anything, what will you do about this? Hmmm? Have Helix''s endlessly prophetic words started sinking in yet?" "...." "You have fourteen minutes. Take this seriously." ¡ª "What the hell are you doing in here!?" "Look, woman! I don''t have time to chat right now. If you don''t tell me the status of that kid right now this entire room is going to be full of people in worse shape than him." "What!? No. Helix was run through by a sword. And¡­." "It''s true¡­. Is this a yground for deadly toddlers!?" "What are you going to do?" "I''m going to round up the ten people that were part of thest assassination attempt before those girls get to them!" ¡ª "W-What are you doing, you creepy freak! Get your hands off me!" "No. You''reing with me right now." "I''ll electrocute you!" "Don''t make me knock your teeth out, woman! You might have strong beginner stats, but you''re still only half as strong as I am, you over-confident toddler!" "I-I''ll scream!" "If you try to pull away again, I''ll break your fucking wrist. You won''t ever be able to pick up piano, let alone use that goddamn Nightmare again without the helper!" "W-What!? You¡­ you wouldn''t!" "Look, woman. If you scream, you''ll be begging me to save you your undeserving ass!" "What are you talking about!?" "Don''t y dumb with me! Helix is fighting for his life¡ªagain! If those girls around him find you, you''ll experience [Shatter] turning every bone in your body to dust!" "First, he steals everything from me, and now his whores are trying to kill me!? If he''s alive, why aren''t you punishing [him]!?" "Stolen from you!? Stolen from [you]!? The fuck do you mean, woman!?" "Helix took everything from me! He was jealous of my beauty, so he conspired to steal it from me!" "The fuck you mean, woman? Start making sense!" "My beauty, you fucking brute! Can''t you tell? Look at my face!" "I don''t want to look at you. To me, you''re hideous, and you disgust me." "SEE!? That''s what I''m saying!" "Shut your damn mouth. You make me sick." "Hah. You''re a pig! Helix stole my beauty over some damn ve, and you''re taking me away. You''re gross." "Look. I''m summoning all of my willpower not to feed you to those women as a sacrifice." "I want awyer!" "Putting aside your tant confession, you''re not on Earth. You''ll be lucky if you''re not executed." "W-What!? You¡ªUgh¡­." "Haaaaaah. I should have just knocked this cunt out from the start." ¡ª "Have they all been suppressed?" "Yes, sir. Luckily, your foresight in setting up this force proved to be prophetic. We managed to knock out four people that were ready to level houses. We also brought in the people on the watch list." "Good. Also, thank that boy, not me." "I see¡­. What are we going to do about them?" "Lock them in the Nightmare suppression chambers like the rest of the Knights. However, treat those women well and with respect, or I''ll rip your lungs out and wear them like a hat." "Y-Yes, sir!? "What am I going to do about this?" ¡ª "Mydy!" "What happened to him?" "W-What are you¡ª" "Macron, I''ll bring the kingdom''s wrath down on you if you y stupid. I didn''t ask questions when he was attacked at first, but I don''t think you understand the severity of this situation." "Mydy¡­ I assure you. I fully understand the severity of this situation." "Do you, Macron? This kingdom will get leveled in the next few days if there isn''t at least one execution. This has spread through the noble''s district." "M-Mydy, what¡ª" "I want proof of Angelina Wainwright''s deathmatch conspiracy. Now! I know you have it." "Proof¡ªI''ll let you listen to the Circles of Remembrances now." ¡ª "Please don''t cry, Marie." "Don''t tell me what to do." "On the bright side, this ce ispletely fucked." "As, you have a pretty horrible sense of [wins]." "No. Helix is a savage. If we leave and take all of his supporters with him, this ce is still going to burn to the ground." "Hoh? I''m listening. Do you know something?" "Yeah. After a bit of persuasion, I got a nice tip off." "Let''s hear it then." "Everyone of the conspirators, including Lina, is having aplete mental breakdown right now." "What?" "Hah. I told you not to cry." "Just spit it out. I''m not in the mood for some games." "Hey now. No need for rash judgments. Just trying to set the mood." "Boy, I''ll bend your back at a 90-degree angle and use it as a chair!" "Okay, okay. No need to impersonate Macron, Charlotte." "Then hurry up!" "Okay, chill. ording to the testimony, Helix went to the royal office that dealt with servants and bought Emelia out of servitude. When he walked back home with Emelia, he got ambushed. We know what happened on our end, but what happened on the other end is far more brutal." ¡ª [A/N: Emelia dies but her story doesn''t end until the book finishes. It returns [regrly]. Note: the time gap is only 12 hours and it immediately works backward.] Chapter 35 [Last Request] "That''s a bold statement, As. Mind filling us in on every horrible detail down to the letter?" "Let''s start with the events that have been testified to." ¡ª "Helix¡­ I¡­ I don''t know what to say right now." Emelia said with puffy eyes. "Hmmm. What about saying, [I''m happy right now]?" Helix chuckled. The two were walking through the cobblestone streets of the Kina district at 8 pm. "I am happy! I¡­ feel like this is a dream that''s too good to be true." She whispered after rifying her feelings. Helix gave Emelia a gentle gaze. She was wearing her pink lightweave dress that they bought on their first trip to Burlow Street. Her golden-brown hair was shimmering in the moonlight, and her pink hair clipplimented her adorable appearance. "Well, it''s the truth." He chuckled. "But¡­. you spent every gold coin you had. You could have bought over three dozen female servants with that money. Why would you want one?" Emelia asked in confusion. Helix stopped and guided her body to face him. "Emelia, as of today, you''re not my servant anymore." He said with a serious tone. "Wait! Please don''t leave me!" She cried in a panic. Helixughed in bewilderment. "Emelia. Have you already forgotten? I set you free so that you could join me and spend your life with me." He reiterated while shaking his head. "You don''t have to treat me differently. You can still act as my aid if you wish. In fact, I''m extremely selfish and I''d love that. I love who you are, and your freedom doesn''t change that." "Helix¡­." Emelia whimpered softly. "And¡­ uh¡­ now that you''re free¡­." He stuttered awkwardly. "H-Helix, are you okay!? You''re bright red! You look like you have a fever!" Emelia cried after seeing his expression. Except for the light blushes during the temporary harem party, she had never seen Helix get flustered before. Seeing his red face against his silky ck hair and pitch-ck eyes made him look sickly. Helix gave Emelia a gawking expression, followed by a wry smile. "Emelia¡­ I''m fine. I''m just¡­ wondering¡­." He stuttered. "Helix, you can tell me if something''s wrong¡­. I promise that I won''t take it to heart." Emelia promises. Helix didn''t know whether tough or cry at the tragicedy ying out before his eyes. "Emelia¡­ please give me a second to speak before drawing conclusions." Helix chuckled nervously. "O-Okay¡­." She replied while fidgeting her fingers anxiously. "You''re free now. Which means that you''re not duty-bound to me anymore." Helix began. Emelia looked at him in shock with tears in her eyes. Helix lifted her hand to stop her with a strange chuckle. "Now that you''re not, there are no restrictions on what is eptable between us." "What¡­ does that mean?" She asked with tears welling in the corner of her eyes. "It means I can ask you a question¡­." He said nervously. Helix summoned all of his courage to look at Emelia in her golden-hazel eyes. "Emelia. Will you be my girlfriend?" Emelia looked at him in shock. "W-What? I¡­." She stuttered in disbelief. Helix looked away from her in shame. "The temporary harem¡­ wants to be permanent." He said with shame-filled eyes. "So¡­ Marie, Riley, and Charlotte¡­ maybe¡­ are all my girlfriends. So I''m hardly worthy of being your boyfriend, but¡­." Emelia gazed at Helix with wide eyes and confusion. "But¡­ I love you, Emelia." Helix confessed with sincere eyes that reflected the moonlight. "While my feelings for you aren''t purely romantic like with Marie. And they''re not lustful like they are with Charlotte. And they''re notfortable like they are with Riley¡­." He exined. "My bond with you is¡­ special. I want you to stay by my side forever. You have made this miserable life I''ve had here worth every second. I cherish you, Emelia. If you feel even a fraction of how I do, I hope you will ept me into your life as your partner." Emelia started crying with confused tears of positive emotions. "Will¡­ you ask me that as yourst formal request as your servant?" She asked with a conflicted expression. "Would you like for that to be myst formal request?" He asked. ".... Yes." She whispered while holding her hands and staring down at the cobblestones. Helix sighed and gave her a hopeless smile. "While I would never usually order my servant to date me¡­." He began while giving her a pitiful smile. "I''ve¡­ learned that I''m a selfish individual who finds it extremely difficult to turn down what I want recently. For that reason¡­." Emelia gazed at Helix with her puffy eyes. "Emelia Myiron. As my final formal request as my aid and servant, I ask you to enter a rtionship with me and allow me to make you as happy as possible!" Helix dered. Emelia panicked when she heard the extra orders. "Helix!" She eximed. Helix frowned. "Do you¡­ refuse me my request, trusty aid?" He asked yfully. "I¡­. No! I¡­." Emelia whimpered. "Moreover, I''m feeling quite selfish, so I hope you''ll ept another request." He announced with a yful smile. "I request that you continue being my aid moving forward. As my partner, you''ll naturally have to help me with various things in my life to satisfy me. So if you continue acting as you already are, I would cherish that." Emelia''s wide eyes glittered in the moonlight. Helix stared at her with a gentle gaze. "T-Then, if that''s what you wish¡­. I will fulfill my duties and be your girlfriend!" Emelia dered. Helix reached out his left hand and caressed her cheek. Using his thumb, he wiped the streams of tearsing from her eyes. Emelia closed her eyes and felt his hand against her. A momentter, she felt Helix''s lips against hers. While her first thought was to panic, she sumbed to the overwhelming positive emotions washing over her. When their tongues met, they felt as though an incredible pressure gate exploded, and repressed emotions burst forth. The two shared a kiss that felt like itsted a lifetime. It was their first kiss. Real kiss. Earned kiss. It wasn''t strategic. It was genuine. Expression. Love. "I¡­ I love you, Helix." Emelia whimpered. "I love you too, Emelia." Helix replied with a gentle smile. "Let''s go back to our room. We need to get ready for tomorrow." Emelia gave Helix a quizzical expression. "What''s happening tomorrow?" She asked. "We''re going on a trip outside of Alzeria." He replied with a mysterious smile. "And you''ll never have to worry about me dying here again." Emelia''s eyes went wide. "R-Really!?" She eximed. "Really. While it wasn''t intentional, a very powerful person is sponsoring our trip out of Alzeria. She will protect us. We cane back in the future when it''s safe and if we wish." Emelia''s eyes glittered in the moonlight. "I-I''m so d! I''m¡­ I''m¡­ I''m so happy that I don''t have to worry about you dying anymore." She confessed while trying not to cry. Helix wiped her tears away with his thumb again. "Trust me, Emilia. I am too." He chuckled. "HELIX MARGRAVE!" A man''s voice yelled out. A wave of dread and fear washed over his body. ¡ª "I''ll agree to negotiate a deal out of the city [temporarily] upon short notice. However, you mustn''t use your Nightmare or give anyone a reason to escte things legally." Eliza exined. "We also must act fast under the cloak of surprise. So you must act alone without bodyguards to avoid a show of favoritism. Negotiate a deal to buy Emelia tonight, and we''ll organize your trip out of the city." Helix gave Eliza a slight yet sincere smile. "I cannot thank you enough, Eliza." He replied with a gratitude-filled voice. "Now get ready, so you can hurry back and tell me about all of the fascinating things you learn on your adventures. I demand stories aspensation!" Eliza demanded. "Haaaaaah. I''m not one for adventures, but it''s a slight price to pay for your kindness." He replied with a wry smile. "Good. Now get out of here and keep a low profile. I''ll make some ys and get Macron to set up the details." ¡ª "What do you want¡­ Walter?" Helix asked. "Hmmm? Is that a fear-stricken voice I hear from you?" Walterughed. "Yeah, not so tough now are you, Helix!?" Another man sneered. "Why are you all here? I n to let you exile me, isn''t that enough?" Helix asked. "Is that enough? Is that enough!? Hahahahaha." Walter roared. ,m "I-I think that is enough! The worm will finally get what he deserves!" A familiar voice rang out. "Please listen to Lina. I''m going to leave quietly and mean none of you harm." Helix imed. "Hah! No, that isn''t enough. You can''t just get out of this now that you don''t have those girls to protect you." Walter sneered. "Look, if you want me to destroy the evidence, I''ll do it in front of you." Helix said. "That''s a good¡ª" "You think this is about evidence? Hah!" Walter roared. "Then¡­ what is this about?" Helix asked. "You''ve offended someone that you couldn''t afford to offend. Now you''re to pay the price of that¡ªwith your life!" ¡ª [A/N: The reality of cultivator mindset.] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 36 [Mirror Of Helioquie] "Walter, this isn''t the cultivation world." Helix sighed in exasperation. He immediately knew that he wouldn''t get out of this situation. As a result, he decided to fall back on his regr tactics. "Even if it was, you are ying the wrong role." He added. "Hah! I''m ying the wrong role, you pathetic ant!?" Walter growled. "Yeah, you are. In cultivation novels, there are always weak people that offend the strong and get massacred right after." Helix sighed. "You''re not even in the ten most powerful people in our peers." He chuckled. "Hahahaha! This ising from the weakest person!" Walter roared. Helix sighed. "If people believed that, I wouldn''t have a movement to exile me for being dangerous. Who started that rumor, [Walter]?" He asked in exasperation. Walter''s eyes became murderous. "That was me treating you with generosity. But that whore ridiculed me, and you will pay for it." Walter proimed with killing intent. "Do you know what power is, Walter? Do you know how it works in the real world?" Helix asked. "How, you tiny ant!?" Walter growled. "See, you''re not even in the top ten strongest people. Marie and Lina are tied, but the next set of strongest people are As, Charlotte, and Riley. Three people dislike me but don''t want to murder me, and the rest are my friends." Helix sighed. "I''m weak, sure. However, if you touch me, your bones are going to get shattered into a million pieces and your penis is going to be disyed as a g." Helix''s eyes were murderous, and bloodlust was oozing from his pores. "Macron has evidence to lock you up in prison for hiring guards to kidnap Mira Iris. And there''s someone else more powerful than them who will execute you on the spot." He warned. "On earth, presidents are usually old people withoutbat experience. Yet they lead armies and have unfathomable power. They don''t get that level of power because they have special powers or murder people that offend them. They get that way by building rtionships with powerful people who wille to their aid. That is the power I have, and it makes yours look like a joke." Helix''s eyes narrowed, and he sent Walter a soul-shattering gaze. "Lastly, and most importantly, I''m not someone you can afford to offend. Three people have tried to kill me. Two had their cultivation crippled, and the third lost an arm, all of their friends, and is on the verge of suicide. The women have shunned those that have risen against me. There''s proof of your crime that will have four Nightmares stripped by the end of this week. And if you try to kill those I love, I will unleash the most frightening familiar I can to kill you all. If you continue to be unreasonable, pray for death. Because if you don''t, you will suffer a fate far worse." Nine of the ten stepped back in terror. Helix had never threatened or raised a hand against them in the past. However, he had warned them of all of the challenges and trials they''ve had to endure challenging him. The idea he would actively wield that power was horrifying to them. And they knew he wasn''t joking. The bloodlust emanating from Helix was palpable. Walter stood frozen in shock and disbelief. He felt as weak and powerless as he did on earth, and the feeling washed over him in droves. Something inside the young man snapped. "The strong eat the weak¡­ the strong eat the weak¡­ the only way to get stronger is by fighting those that stand before you¡­." Helix''s heart started pounding when he heard the wordsing from Walter''s mouth. While he had instilled fear and reality into the hearts and achieved his goal, he created a problem he couldn''t have foreseen. Walter''s reaction wasn''t normal. No one could fault Helix, but that didn''t make him feel better. "If you continue to be weak, you''ll never be in the top ten¡­ you will keep letting Helix steal everything you love from you¡­." "Walter! Let''s go! We''re not strong enough¡ª" A loud crash resounded in the alleyway, and everyone froze in disbelief. "Sigmund? Sigmund!? What the hell did you just do, Walter!?" A young man cried out. "Sigmund! Are you okay!?" Another cried. "He''s still breathing. He''s just knocked out! Hurry, let''s get him out of this building before it copses!" "Okay!" Walter had hit Sigmund with the back of his fist. The attack sent the boy through the wall of a building that looked unstable. The defense stat on the Knights'' bodies enveloped them in a defensive shield of spirit particles. Therefore, the young man was lucky he didn''t suffer grave injuries. However, if the building copsed, he would still die. His organs and brain were rattled from the physical force as well. The defense stat wasn''t an unbreakable invisibility barrier. "Walter! Why did you do that to Sigmund!?" Another man cried out. "He was an ant! That''s why! Unless it''s Lina, you don''t have a right to speak to me!" Walter roared. "This isn''t funny, Walter!" A voice cried out. "Not funny? Yeah. I agree. Helix has left me no choice. If I don''t eptpensation for his offense, my life is over!" Walter dered. Helix stared at the young man with a racing heart. Walter walked over to him slowly, with madness swirling in his eyes. He was half a tick away from snapping and having a permanent mental breakdown. "Step aside, Helix. You''ve stolen what I love, so I''m going to steal what you love from you." Helix froze in disbelief. Walter would be thoroughly tortured, maimed, and executed if he touched Emelia. The action would guarantee his death sentence, whether it was at the hands of his friends, his girlfriends, Macron, or Eliza. However, that didn''t matter if Walter was willing to harm her regardless of the consequences. "You wantpensation?" Helix asked. Walter froze and stared at him with eyes filled with madness. "What will you offer?" He asked. "The Eye of Beauty has a matching legendary artifact." He replied calmly. He reached into his item storage and pulled out a mirror. "It''s called the Mirror of Helioquie." Helix held the mirror before the group. "Last week I left on a trip outside of Alzeria to obtain this item using the Myriad Library and a group of soldiers." He exined. The ten people looked at the mirror with awe. "What does it do?" Walter asked with an evil grin. "It grants a charm stat to your system." Helix exined. "It also gives fifty points to it, which will draw women or men to you. By leveling up the stat, the person that uses this artifact will obtain a mythical-grade harem." Amotion instantly broke out amongst the ten people challenging him. Lina''s mental state became crazed and lost rationality. "There is only [one] person that can use this artifact. I will give it to the person that provides me and Emelia safe passage back to my quarters." Helix offered with a serious gaze. "Then I''ll do it!" A man cried out. "No, I''ll be the one to protect you!" Another cried out. "Shut up, grunts! I''m going to take it!" Walter yelled as he prepared to rush Helix. However, his body was drenched in water and shocked by a savage bolt of electricity. Walter seized on the ground. "Hah. Trying to take what''s rightfully mine? Know your ce, little ant!" Lina huffed as she walked over to Helix. Madness was in Lina''s eyes. Helix was holding her dream. His eyes filled with sadness as he saw Lina''s approaching figure. "Did you just¡­." He whispered in disbelief. "Hah. That ant isn''t even worth my time. I lowered the voltage. So the ungrateful pest should be grateful that he won''t die after trying to steal from me." Lina snorted. "I see¡­ so will you lead me back to my living quarters, Lina?" He asked with pain-filled eyes. "Humph! You act like you have room to negotiate, Helix!" She scoffed. "I can kill you right now and get it that way anyway. So why should I?" She asked. "What happened to you, Lina? What did I do to you to make you hate me this much?" He whispered. "What happened to me!? What did you do to make me hate you this much!?" She screeched. "You''ve done everything in your power to take which is rightfully mine!" Helix looked at the young woman in disbelief. Her unnaturally beautiful gold locks shone in the moonlight and made her appear inhumane. "I haven''t tried to take anything from you¡­." He replied with wide eyes. Emelia was quivering behind Helix with a terrified expression. "What!? What a joke! Ever since we''vee here, you''ve had to outdo everything I''ve done!" She yelled. "Do you know how much of a fool you made me on the second day here!?" Lina screamed. "What¡­ did I do? I was not even conscious." He replied. "It started with that wench behind you!" She scoffed. ¡ª Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 37 [Meaning Of Loss] "Emelia has nothing to do with this!" Helix growled. "Hah! You used that little pawn to thrash my reputation. Don''t deny it." Linna scoffed. "What are you talking about, Lina?" He asked with narrowed eyes. "You bought her that beautiful dress! The next day I spent all of my gold in the noble district picking out the best clothing for my servant." She described. "Then I showed up the next day, and the other girls had bought their servants'' clothing too. However, they didn''t look at mine. You know why?" Helix closed his eyes. He knew what would happen when Lina stormed out but couldn''t do anything about it. He forgot because he was knocked out for the next three days. "Why, Lina?" He asked with a serious expression. "Because everyone bought cheap clothes! Everyone was so excited they never looked at my servant, and they ridiculed me for spending all of my money. Then I couldn''t go shopping with anyone and spent my time in istion! You told every girl but me about where you shopped on purpose! That was how my adventure started!" She screamed. Helix sighed. "Lina. You left before people talked about it. You walked out almost immediately. I didn''t do it to spite you." He replied with a serious gaze. "That''s hrious. Ever since the beginning, everything I''ve tried to do has failed. Yet you''re getting everything I''ve desired. You didn''t want toe here, and you don''t want this lifestyle. What a lie. How is it a coincidence that you''re identally getting everything I work for!?" Helix gave her a wry smile. "I don''t know why things have worked out as they have. But I didn''t expect it, didn''t understand it, and wished people would stop trying to kill me over it. I n to leave, and I don''t want anything else to go wrong. So please, Lina. Let me leave, and you don''t have to worry about me anymore." Helix replied. "Hah. Hrious. Do you think things are going wrong for you? Do you even know what the meaning of loss is?" She scoffed with anger in her sky blue eyes. "Let me show you what loss feels like!" She dered. Before Helix could process what happened, Lina unsheathed her sword and ran it through Emelia''s heart. When Helix''s eyes processed what he saw, his mind went nk. "E-Em¡­elia¡­." He whispered in disbelief. Lina burst intoughter. "Your face right now is priceless!" She giggled. "The mighty Helix, love-stricken over an NPC ve!" Darkness swirled in Helix''s eyes like a vortex. "I see¡­." He replied in a low voice. "Take this and show it to your friends. You officially have another heaven-defying artifact." Helix threw the Mirror of Helioquie in the middle of all the other students. There was a loud ng as its golden backing touched the ground. "What did you just do!?" Lina roared in desperation. Every hero mbered for the mirror, hoping to be the first to touch it. As they all moved within a meter of the artifact, it illuminated with blinding light. "Gahhhhhhh! What the fuck is this!?" Lina screamed. "Hahahahahahahah! Haha! Hah!" Helix burst into maniacalughter. The others looked at him in shock. "Just¡­ hahahaha. Look¡­ hahaha. Around you!" Helixughed uncontrobly. "See for yourself what murderers look like!" The others turned to the first person in front of them. "L-Lina¡­ what happened to your f-face?" One of the men asked. Lina touched her face in shock. She reached down and grabbed the Mirror of Helioquie and stared at her reflection. "T-This¡­. T-This is¡­." Lina stuttered. "Your face, Lina. It''s your real face. The Mirror of Helioquie removes the effects of thest change made to your body by a treasure." Helix exined with a ruthless tone. "It''s primarily used to get rid of effects from evil curses like it is now. It''s really useful for reminding you that you''re Angelina Wainwright. You''re not a new person. You''re the same weak, geeky woman who is now a murderer. It''s disgusting that you need a treasure to remember that." "She''s¡­ ugly." A young manmented. "Shhhhh. Matthew, be quiet. It''d be funny if we pretended that we didn''t notice." "Yeah! Great idea, Stan. We can watch her pretend to be high and mighty!" "Let''s parade around the pig!" "Greg, that''s a great idea. This is going to be legendary!" "W-Wait, Helix. I¡­." "Hahahaha! You should see your face right now! It''s [priceless]!" Helixughed mockingly. "The best part is that you''ll always see your new self in the mirror. That way, despite people seeing your old face, you''ll always be reminded of what you lost!" Helix''s eyes were merciless and cold. There was not a single shred of pity or empathy for the woman he used to call his friend. Lina looked up and saw that all of her co-conspirators had their new faces. However, she wasn''t looking at them, nor were they looking at her. "Hah! Look at Mathew. He''s lost his appearance!" Lina sneered. "Yeah, it''s pretty hrious. Let''s pretend like we don''t notice!" Stan confirmed. "Shhhhhh. Keep it down, so Matthew doesn''t hear you." Greg said. "Woooooooah. Check out Greg''s appearance!" Stan announced. "Yeah. d I didn''t touch that treasure. He has his original face!" Matthew confirmed. "Shhhhh. Keep it down! Let''s pretend like we don''t know how fat and ugly he is!" Lina suggested. Helix exined the mirror''s effects to each of them individually. Then they all experienced the same conversation with their peers. No one was seeing one another. They were all hallucinating in a world devoid of outside interaction. Helix gritted his teeth in a murderous rage as he watched Lina desperately sp at her face in despair. ¡ª "The rules of the blood pact are simple. You make an oath between two parties, and the Myriad record will require that the oath is carried out. The oath is simple. You dere you will fight a person in a death match. I will release Whitney Skarrot''s servant Mira Iris if you arrive, and I must protect her from future harm." A man in a guard uniform stated. "Isn''t that your job, anyway?" Helix asked with cold eyes. "Look, I''m here because you put my life into danger, kid. I don''t want to hear your excuses for making enemies with the wrong people." The guard replied. Helix cut his hand with his sword. "I will enter into this blood pact if you tell me the names of those I''ve offended as part of the blood pact." Helix dered with blood dripping from his hand. "I can''t do that." The guard replied. "Good. I guess [you] and a servant will die today. I''ve never even met that woman." Helixmented while turning around. "Wait! Let''s work something out!" The guard called out nervously. "Fine. How about this? I''ll make two blood oaths. The first is that I won''t speak the names of the parties involved. No one will ever hear those namese out of my mouth. I will also never physically point the finger at the people or try to use signnguage to out them. I won''t write the names out either. If you agree, the blood pact will force me to agree to the second blood pact." Helixpromised. The guard thought about it for a moment. "It''s a deal." The guard stated. The two cut their hands. "I, Albert Smon, enter a blood pact¡­." The two took their vows for the blood pact after chanting the blood ritual. Then they reached out to shake hands. After their hands collided, a bright red seal tattooed itself on Helix''s hand. "The name of the person who leads this goes by Angelina Wainwright. The person in control of the operation is Walter Ritzen. There are eight other people involved, though four are only spection. These are their names¡­." ¡ª "I should have destroyed you all and watched this entire fucking kingdom burn." Helix whispered as the group screamed in despair. "You animals didn''t even give me time to throw a damn mirror before¡­." Helix''s eyes shed with pure hatred. He kneeled and looked at the deceased body of Emelia. "Emelia¡­." Tears welled in his eyes. Helix picked up her small, frail body and started walking away. "Where are you going!?" Lina called out. "To expose you and destroy everyst thing you hold dear." He replied coldly. "You don''t have proof!" ¡ª "You entered a blood pact for a deathmatch!?" Macron roared while pping his desk. "There''s no backing out, boy! Do you even understand what you''ve done!?" "Yes, I do. Soon, you will know too." Helix replied while pulling out a shirt from his leather bag. "T-This is¡­." Macron said with wide eyes. "Yes. It''s the Circle of Remembrance. There''s a full recording of why I''m in that blood pact and who was behind it." Helix replied. "I can''t tell you what happened, but here is the spirit particle mixture necessary to activate the circle." Macron raised an eyebrow. "You can''t just activate it normally?" He asked. "No. You''re looking at a doubleyered magic circle. It will y a normal message if you infuse the normal spirit mix. If you use the custom activation trigger, it will y the true one. Burn that piece of paper when you''re done with it." Macron looked at Helix in disbelief. "You''re so talented. Why would you risk your life at all?" He asked. Helix sighed and opened his mouth, but no words came out. "Listen to the recording and do nothing. As of this moment, that shirt is insurance for my life alongside Emelia''s. I''ve given other pieces of clothing to trusted people to ensure it doesn''t get stolen. Take care, Macron." ¡ª "I have recordings of your involvement in Whitney Skarrot''s servant''s kidnapping." Helix replied coldly. "The guard you and Walter hired was under a blood oath to tell me who you were. He''s still alive. The Myriad record confirmed you were involved, and the evidence is undeniable proof. It''s like having DNA, a video recording, and fifty witnesses. It''s a judge, jury, and executioner level of evidence in Myriad. You should have learned thews before murdering people." Helix scoffed. "I also have concrete proof you used your Nightmare and killed Emelia tonight. That''s not all I have either. The amount of evidence I have on you is a joke." Lina looked at Helix with devastating eyes. "Lina, I don''t know what your future holds but I can tell you this." Helix turned around with Emelia in his arms. He stared into her eyes with a ruthless gaze. "You''re fucked." ¡ª [A/N: Emelia''s death isn''t proof the cultivator''s mindset is necessary. It''s the opposite. The mindset drove Lina and Walter tomit crimes and put themselves in danger. That''s irrational. If Helix didn''t stop his partners from killing Lina and Walter, they''d be dead¡ªover a cafeteria speech and dressing up a servant. That''s insane. The mindset isn''t a necessity, it''s a justification for murder, assault, and stealing. That''s reality. All this event proves is that Lina is a killer, treating the world like a novel is disturbing, and Emelia died a truly meaningless death. This was the result of an insane, unnecessary mindset that came from a book. Simple as that.] Chapter 38 [Savage Revenge] "The Jealous Faction showed up to confront Helix after he purchased Emelia. ording to the reports, Walter pushed Sigmund into a wall. Then Lina used her Nightmare to electrocute Walter, who''s still in critical condition." As exined. "Are you trying to tell us that their infighting is more brutal than what happened to Helix and Emelia? If you are, I''ll smash your teeth in." Charlotte replied with a murderous gaze. As, Marie, Charlotte, and Riley were in a Nightmare containment cell. They were together as a group. However, the individuals identified as holding grudges were locked in different cells. The innocent students were under house arrest and being guarded at all times. "Look, I''m not downying what happened to Helix and Emelia. I''m telling you how savage his revenge was. If you''re not into that type of thing, then just sleep." As replied casually. "Wait¡­ did you just say [revenge]?" Charlotte asked with wide eyes. "That''s right." As replied with a gentle smile. Marie pulled her face from her knees and stared at As with puffy eyes. "Helix¡­ took revenge already?" She whispered. "Yeah. If my theory is correct, his actions held the intention of letting this entire city burn to the ground." As said with an evil grin. "It''s far more devastating than what we tried to do." "Hurry up, then! Tell us already!" Charlotte snapped. "Now, let''s start with what the students said happened. It started with a mirror the Jealous Faction referred to as the Mirror of Helioquie." Everyone listened in close with wide eyes. ¡ª "This mirror has magic circles on it. What is it, Grandmaster Tilo?" A man asked at the crime scene. "It''s the Circle of Vanity, the Circle of Disillusion, and the Circle of Remembrance." Tilo replied. "However, this is no ordinary Circle of Vanity or Circle of Disillusion, Sammath. It has a blood oath signature on it." The guard standing next to Tilo raised an eyebrow. "What''s a blood oath signature?" He asked. "The Myriad record contains information and power that passes through it at all times. However, it''s inessible and cannot be unlocked unless invoked. One of the ways you can invoke it is through a blood pact oath." Tilo exined. "Blood pact oaths can only work between truthful parties. For example, if someone offers information for the blood pact and doesn''t have it, they will die after entering it. Moreover, the oath ensures that both parties carry out their demands. The oaths inscribed bew and undisputed truth as a result. The party in the blood oath can ask questions to the Myriad record to confirm the veracity of what''s at stake." Tilo continued. "A blood oath signature contains the information of the oath and also the data that is requested. This blood pact signature denotes the names of the young adults we just hauled away and a degree of their life''s information. The ones that are alive, anyway." Tilo exined. "What does the pact do to the magic circle?" Sammath asked. "I''m not certain since that information isn''t disclosed. However, ording to our suspects, it reverted them to their original appearance before using the Eye of the Beauty. So it''s a strong guess that the circle maker requested information on the individual''s original appearance, and the circle created the illusion they reverted. The Circle of Disillusion magnified their belief by leaving them in a state vulnerable to suggestion." Tilo concluded. "I don''t understand. Why would that lead to¡­ this?" Sammath pointed. Blood filled the cracks between cobblestones. Smoke was rising out of buildings that the fire department had recently extinguished. The walls of some buildings had copsed. "We don''t know, but we''ll know when we meet up with Macron. I doubt the circle writer would inscribe a Circle of Remembrance without intending to leave a record." Tilo replied. "Can''t we check now?" Sammath asked. Tilo shook his head. "I''m amazed to say this, but a custom spirit mix is required to unlock it. This is a doubleyer circle, the firstter holds another message. I''ve never seen anything like this." Tilo replied. "Whoever created these magic circles is¡­ appalling. The creator modified Level 1 and 2 circles to pull off effects avable for Level 5 circles. It''s brilliant but extremely inefficient. The advanced level of knowledge that is used here makes creating Level 5 circles look like a joke. So it seems to say that the circle maker has the skill for high-level circles but doesn''t have enough spirit particle reserve to use them. Moreover, the blood oath signature integration means the maker entered the blood oath to get the information. Lastly, I''ve never seen this strange form of security measure." Tilomented in amazement. "That boy¡­ that''s Helix, right? Do you think that he did this?" Sammath asked. "Judging by reason alone, that should be impossible. These circles use magical knowledge that is only avable to the circle masters and elite mage cores in Myriad. Moreover, it''s been just a month since he''s arrived, and magic circles are difficult to make." Tilo replied while shaking his head. "However, if he is the person responsible¡­." Tilo looked at the mirror in his hand one more time. "We can''t let this kid go no matter what. He''s far more valuable than any other hero who entered Alzeria in thest century. I''m setting up a circle for his transport after his condition stabilizes and I finish this report. If he''s responsible, I''ll be journeying with him. This¡­. I can''t believe what I''m seeing." ¡ª "The mirror had magic circles inscribed on it that temporarily reverted all of their faces to their original appearance." As said with a mocking smile. "No, waaaaaaay." Charlotte called out with excitement in her eyes. "I don''t think it''s appropriate for you to get excited, Charlotte. It''s a great prank, but it''s hardly revenge." Riley replied quietly. "Ooooooooh? How many people got hurt, As?" Charlotte asked with hellfire zing in her eyes. "Three died, one''s in critical condition, and four are wounded. So only two left the area unscathed. The area they found Helix and Emelia in ispletely wrecked." As replied with a matching grin. "Wait, what!?" Marie cried in astonishment. "What, Marie? How many stories about Helix''s magic stories do you have to hear before you understand that nothing is simple?" He asked dismissively. "He probably set them up with the me game." Charlotte replied with a wicked grin. "me game?" Riley asked. "Yeah. Created a scenario where they started ming everyone else for the misfortune. That way, they''d attack each other." Charlotte exined. "That makes sense¡­. Also, you can''t see your own face. So if people started telling you that you were ugly, you''d get offended. Considering how violent and jealous those people were¡­ that result isn''t surprising." Marie pondered. "Worse." As announced with an evil grin. "Whatever he did to them has convinced them that their appearance hasn''t changed back. Lina''s been wing her face away in a Nightmare holding cell. They had to send in guards to restrain her." "Hellie''s a savage¡­ if he pushes through, I''llmit to full-time harem status!" Charlotte dered with a serious expression. The fourughed lightly. "I think that the city will burn to the ground because Helix left dozens of Circle of Remembrances behind." As announced. "Wait¡­ does that mean they know the people that killed Emelia and stabbed Helix?" Marie asked with vicious eyes. As shrugged his shoulders. "Who knows. But I can tell you this¡ªHelix didn''t just capture immense amounts of evidence for no reason. If someone killed Emelia, I''m certain he won''t hold back, and this entire city will suffer. The culprits are officially irrelevant. It''s better to sit back and watch the show." The four sat in solitude for about an hour. Suddenly, the door unlocking shattered the silence, and a gruff man walked into the room. Macron peered at all of the students in the room with his dark red eyes. The five of them stared at one another in silence for a full minute. No one wanted to be the first to speak. "I¡­ will start with the news you want to hear most. Helix is still alive. His survival isn''t guaranteed, but the head doctor of the royal kingdom is treating him around the clock." Macron announced. "Thank you, Macron. We appreciate the information." Riley replied after ten seconds of silence. No one in the room wanted to speak to the man. They were all knocked out and dragged into a confinement cell. Macron sighed with a pitiful expression. "I¡­ have some news for all of you. Or, rather, it''s a message from Helix." He said hesitantly. "Wait, what!? Is he awake!? Take us to him now!" Marie demanded. Macron took a deep breath and shook his head. "No, he''s not awake. He left messages for each of you, a general ask, and a colossal king-sized dragon''s nest of recordings that could raze this city to the ground." He sighed. Charlotte and As exchanged smug looks. Marie turned her head to say, that''s a [you] problem, not an [us] problem. Macron took a deep breath. "I failed Helix and everyone else. However, he told me to remind you that [giving an anti-social light novel reader a system is a cmity that normal people can''t prepare for]. Then he said to remind you that [creating fifty system-wielding otaku super-virgins is a genuine recipe for the sixth mass extinction]. Third, [there''s no point in being in a harem if people like Lina rule the world]. Fourth, [it will be a pain in the ass to live in Myriad if the Alzerian kingdom is after you. This isn''t a cultivation world]. Lastly, [for the sake of humankind, and the reputation of our people, don''t give a sensible person like Macron a hard time]." After a moment of stunned silence, the room erupted intoughter. "Gahhhhh. Can''t that Hellie let us hate a person in peace?" Charlotte whined while puffing out her cheeks. ? "Nah. Helix is the most pragmatically impractical person in existence. Running out and doing something extremely stupid and then chastising us for being rational is his specialty." Asughed. "I like your idea of rational." Riley giggled. "Me too¡­." Marie whispered. She wanted tough but found it difficult to break through her thoughts. "Okay¡­." Macron announced hesitantly. "He has asked you all for a general favor upon my behalf. When I exin¡­ Please don''t burn this city to the ground." ¡ª [A/N: Revenge and punishment are far from over. So please don''t think anyone''s leaving with light trauma. Moreover, while it isn''t apparent, what Helix did to Lina with the mirror was 8yers more savage than making her go insane over her appearance. I encourage everyone to work together to figure out what the purpose behind the Mirror of Helioquie is and why Helix went through so much danger to make it.] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 39 [Yandere] ¡ªWhen I exin¡­ please don''t burn this city to the ground¡ª "Can''t promise you a thing, chief." Charlotte replied while staring at her nails. "Any ominous qualifier like that deserves a good razing." As replied casually. "I''m going to do what I want. Kill me if you like." Marie whispered. "I''ll listen first. I''ll promise you that much." Riley replied. Macron put his paws onto the sides of his head and massaged his temples with his thumbs. "Good enough." He sighed. His eptance of their replies reflectively garnered their attention. "Before I give you your group message and your personal message, I''m going to y the one that matters most." Macron reached into his cloak and pulled out a series of magic circles drawn on textiles in the room. "I''m going to unlock the first one. If you want to listen to it again, I''ve been informed that all of you know the spirit mix required to activate it." He instructed. Macron kneeled, put his hand on the outer ring of the magic circle, and activated it. The circle lit up bright red, which was unnatural for the Circle of Remembrance. It meant the message held malice. "Hello. My name is Helix Hellsworth Margrave, and if you''re listening to this, it means that Emelia has died and I''m currently dead or out of consciousness." Marie and Riley burst into tears, Charlotte grit her teeth, and As wore a crumbling poker face expression. "I''ve left behind everything you need to survive the otakupocalypse that you''ve unleashed upon yourself. I''ve done this for Macron and Princess Eliza and them alone." Macron stared at the magic circle with aplex expression. "However, that is the most you will get from me. If I''m still alive, I''m warning you. If I wake up inside this city''s walls, I will stop at nothing to raze it to the ground. You may think that I''ve given you a treasure trove, but I assure you I held back. So don''t mess with me." Charlotte chuckled in amazement, and the others nodded. "After abducting me, failing to protect me from three assassination attempts, and allowing someone precious to me to die, you don''t deserve my help. So if you n to ask for more, let me die or kill me." The room filled with pressurized indignation. "However, if you do that, three badass women and one deceptively bored friend will raze this city to the ground. So you better kill them too." The four of them burst into minor, pride-filled celebrations. Macron blinked twice and stared at the group with a wry smile. "However! This entire country will explode once the otaku super-virgin elite gains power if you do that. So if you''re nning to kill us five, you better murder everyone else too." The room burst intoughter. "So unless you''re not nning to murder forty-seven people by the time I wake up, you best not ask me for a god damn thing." Tears ofughter flowed between the group, and the scene emotionally gripped Macron. "That leads to the obvious consequence of my request. If I''m alive now, I ask you to provide me with medical treatment as you transport me out of Alzeria to a faraway location where people can''t find me. Then, I ask that you fake my death." The mood turned grave again. "In case you have a sh of inspiration that states, [I know! Let''s keep Helix''spanions in Alzeria to solve our problems in exchange for his location!]... don''t. I''m not a cliche character that will disappear 1000 miles away for the safety of the people I love. I find that cliche to be gross. Moreover, I''ve recently discovered that I''m a selfish, shameless degenerate that greedily has feelings for four people. That feeling will transcend death. I''ll sp hands with the Mad Queen and rain hellfire and brimstone on Myriad if you keep me away from the women I love." Tears of pride and joy flooded the area, and As chuckled in amazement at the deration. "I have requests from everyone that will benefit everyone. I request that you disclose my secret location to Marie Skybolt, Charlotte Kline, Riley Singer, and As one month from now. If you''re wondering, he''ll kill me if I say hisst name." As chuckled with a warm smile. p "At that time, you will allow them to leave if they want to, regardless of the situation in Alzeria. I ask that those four people help you keep the others in check in exchange. I''m asking for their help because it''s hard to live if the most powerful kingdom on the continent is hunting you. I want all of them to have fulfilling lives that aren''t wrought with legal difficulties. That''s the only reason that I''m requesting this favorable exchange. So if someone decides those four are too valuable to let go at any point in time, the deal''s off. Go wild, you four. Prove to these fucking idiots what they''re up against!" Macron cringed when he watched the battle-ready expressions of the people in the room. "There were at least fifteen felonies broken to abduct us, enve us, and have us fight your battles. We owe you nothing." Macron closed his eyes. "However, you all messed up ying around with something that you don''t understand, and those four are your only chance at survival. With their help, the super-otaku elite task force can be a strong fighting force against the Mad Queen and the impending invasion. Without their help, you''re all going to die before the monsters arrive. Do not take their kindness for granted." Smiles lit up through the room. "Marie, Charlotte, Riley¡ªI ask you to help Macron for the next month. If you''re still in love with me, please seek me out. I have no idea why you all care about me, but I¡­ like it. A lot. So I hope you''ll continue to share my feelings ande back to me." Tears of joy touched down onto the grey te tile in the room. "If you''re expecting me to be a level 100 cheat character that gains broken stats by the time you arrive¡­ please don''t. You''ll probably find me working as a cksmith or using magic circles to pretend I''m doing things. That¡­ is what you signed up for and why I''m confused you like me." The women burst intoughter. "As, you will do whatever you want regardless of what anyone tells you. So making requests would be an exercise in futility for the sake of nothing. So¡­ just find me when you''re annoyed with the debt collectors again." Macron looked at As with wide eyes. In response, As shrugged and carried on with life. "Macron¡ªthank you. I saw how hard you tried to protect me. There is no way you could have understood the gravity of this situation. I wish I could have bought 100,000 coins to a web novel site to improve your culture and give you nightmares, but s¡­ I''m the only person in Myriad with the inte." Uncontrobleughter overtook the room. "Once again, thank you. Don''t thank me, though. If I''m dead or fighting for my life¡ªI probably unleashed a biblical-grade shitstorm on this ce. So if people are bitter I''m warning them of a cmity after creating one¡­." Macron''s face scrunched up. "That''s a you problem, not a me problem. It sucks to be you. Life isn''t fair. Sometimes people are born with wealth and status. Other times they''re born into poverty. Sometimes, people are abducted, brought to a strange world, granted zeros for all of their stats, dodge countless assassination attempts, and the people they love still die. Other times people spend considerable resources to abduct teenagers to fight monsters, only to learn that they''re more dangerous than the enemy. That''s just how things are sometimes." Helix summed up the situation perfectly in a two-sentence tragicedy. "A final message to all of the beautiful women in my life. No matter what you do before now and the time that I still see you¡­ I''ll still love you. That''s a cultivation genre cliche that I hate, but guess what? I have a god damn harem. You love me despite being despicably shameless. It won''t faze me if you burn a few cities to the ground." Macron''s eyebrow twitched when he saw the women celebrating. "That said, none of you are one-dimensional yanderes. So please don''t be one. Keep being kind, loving, and caring to the good people and brutally maiming the small people who bully the weak. Raise the confidence of the insecure, and snap the femur of those that act like cultivists. Please don''t take someone''s life or hurt them unless it''s ast resort. Don''t be like Angelina Wainwright." Smiles flooded the room. "Unnnnnnnnless people want to prevent you from seeing me. If that happens, please turn into the peak immortal cultivist that reincarnates in their younger body with 20,000 years of experience. Summon your inner yandere and save your damsel in distress. I love you all. Goodbye." Macron shook his head when he saw the excitement in the women''s eyes. He didn''t want to know what a [yandere] was, but he knew it was a word he didn''t want to hear in a practical context. ¡ª [A/N: If anyone feels like Helix is a hero after this chapter¡ªdon''t. There is nothing kind about what he''s doing and the punishment is still far from over.] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 40 [True Honorary Harem] "Hi¡­ Um¡­ my name is Millie, and I don''t know what to say." A voice announced between tears. "Not just right now. Always" Lightughter and giggles came from the otakus that could rte. The small female was standing on a tform in arge ballroom. She had light brown hair and sses; she proudly chose a spirit beast as her gift. "I¡­. Helix¡­ was¡­ um¡­ a hero to me." Many started bawling when they heard Millie''s words. "When I was anxious and scared, I looked at his confident demeanor and willingness to push forward to find strength¡­." Millie whispered. Nodding heads and whispers followed her words. "If someone didn''t know he was under constant attacks, they would have just believed he was a person that sighed before helping people." The young woman''s puffy tears brightened with a giggle, and the others present couldn''t help but join in. "But for those that knew him, they only needed to look at E-Emelia to know he was wasn''t so simple¡­. Helix¡­ didn''t just help people out of p-polite¡­ness¡­. H-He helped them because he was a g-good peer-son, and s-seeing E-Emelia''s bright smile¡­ proved that c-constantly¡­." Millie burst into tears and spoke between sobs. "Seeing E-Emelia''s smile made me feel s-safe in Myriad¡­. It r-reminded me there was a-always¡­ a-a reason to be s-smiling, and¡­ p-people that found s-smiles im-important¡­." Millie sobbed. Many started bawling when they heard her words. "I-It was c-contagious. A-After Em¡­ E-Emelia showed up with her bright sm-smile¡­ everyone wanted¡­ everyone wanted¡­ t-to be b-better to their s-servant. T-Then we s-started bing k-kinder people without knowing it. W-We just woke up one d-day, and there were l-lots of smiling faces." Millie shed a smile before sobbing again. Many people giggled and joined in with her crying. "Even though He¡­ Helix was c-constantly under th-threat, he could make E-E-Emelia the h-happiest woman¡­ i-in the w-world. H-He p-protected u-us¡­ ee-even th-though h-he was the p-person¡­ that n-needed p-protecting the m-most¡­." Millie said between deep breaths. The crying increased in intensity, primary among the women. "T-That''s¡­ I-I''m d that the K-Kingdom has¡­ denoted H-Helix with the h-honorary title of [hero]." There were over one hundred people in the ballroom, and they all had worn expressions. While the Knights had mixed emotions, [every] servant disyed their heavy heart at the event. "Me too!" "He deserved it!" "We didn''t deserve him¡­." Whispers passed through the crowd of his peers. Millie started crying and bowed awkwardly to the crowd. She was truly heartbroken by the loss of Helix, who was her source of inspiration. "Thank you, Millie. Tanya, would you like to speak?" Marie asked. Behind her, there was a traditional casket. A painting of Helix Hellsworth Margrave''s face was disyed. "Yes." A goddess replied with gorgeous, nervous silver eyes and lush ck hair. She was holding arge card that was three feet tall and two feet wide in her hands. "Um¡­ I''m not good at speaking. I don''t think any of us anti-social women are." Tanya started with a low voice. Her face was downtrodden, but her eyes burned with resolve. Lightughter filled the room between sobs. "That''s the thing that made Helix special, I guess. None of us women were popr when we came here, and none of us had dreams of having a rtionship with anyone." She said in a low voice. A wave of empathy rippled through the crowd. "When I chose the Eye of Beauty, I imagined that my social skills would improve, and I''d gain more self-confidence. However, that wasn''t the case. I was still as awkward as ever, and I found it difficult to find friends. Moreover, it made things worse. People found me beautiful and unapproachable after changing my appearance. So my istion multiplied." Tanya confessed with sadness in her eyes. Most of the men and women that had chosen the Eye of Beauty chuckled bitterly. "You can say that again." A young woman whispered. "Preach." Another whispered. "For better or worse, Helix was different." Tanya asserted with a wry smile. "People call Helix a simp, but he didn''t care what someone looked like. He took my hand to share information from the Myriad Library with an expression so indifferent I thought I could cry!" She confessed. Laughter burst out into the audience. "Me too! I was bitter after getting help for the first time." A young woman cried. "Yeah, it was refreshing, but also brutal." Another chuckled. "I was angry when he first spoke to me." A third confessed. "Me too. I didn''t forgive Helix for a week after he gave me directions." Someoneughed. The men in the audience shared perplexed expressions that said, [Wait, that doesn''t make sense]! "Be careful what you wish for." Tanya giggled. Giggles andughter passed through the group of young men and women. "However, we couldn''t feel more inspired by Helix. Us women felt guilty about talking to him." Tanyaughed bitterly. Grave nods filled the room. "As anti-social men and women, we knew better than anyone how much resentment people get by being popr despite being looked down on. The less beautiful and charismatic you are, the more resentment people get when a beautiful or popr person likes you. It''s one reason we''re fearful of making friends. So the fact that we were selfishly talking to him despite knowing how much resentment we were pushing on him made us feel guilty." She whispered bitterly. A dozen women burst into tears after hearing Tanya''s words. "But¡­ he was the only person we could turn to when we felt scared or needed help." She said with a bitter-sweet smile. The crying got louder. "It wasn''t that we feared the other men or women for something tangible. It was just that we feared talking to people in general. But Helix would never turn us away or resent us for any reason. He often sighed and said, [I wish people would stop treating me like a search engine]. But then he''d answer our query!" Tanyaughed and burst into tears of joy. Laughter and sobs collided in a biblical battle. "Yet he never turned us away. Heined and treated us like human beings. Helix wasn''t a simp, but he wasn''t rude or disrespectful. He treated us the way we deserved to be treated, and he did so as our friend." She exined. "Yeah¡­." "I felt that way too." "I liked that about him." Tanya''s bloodshot eyes welled with tears as she looked over her peers. "And¡­ and¡­ and¡­ we felt safe because no matter how many times people tried to kill him, or harm him, or bad mouth him, he''d help us anyway!" She cried. The crying became hysterical. "So in light of that, we antisocial girls put together this card!" Tanya proimed as she held it in front of all of the faces of the audience. Many people gasped in shock when they read the bold words on its front. [Women and men that apply to join Helix''s Honorary Harem]. Laughter and gasps of shock shattered the pressurized atmosphere. "Over half of the women here and perhaps some men would dly have joined a harem of Helix''s. Now that he''s¡­ he''s¡­ gone, we have the confidence to boldly im how we feel." She announced with renewed vigor. Many women in the audience smiled at one another. Men looked away bitterly in shame and humiliation. "I''d like to pull the men''s attention to the note written at the bottom!" She announced while pointing her index at the bottom of the card. The men''s eyes widened and became gentler. [*Many only joining because he''s likely to swerve sexual advances]. Laughter detonated in the room again. "Helix died for a harem that he never wanted. So we felt it was only right for us to give him one after¡­." Tanya whispered. "... he proved that he deserved one." pping filled the auditorium, and tears of joy overtook the stage. "Thank you, Tanya. As, would you like to take the stage?" Marie asked. As nodded and slowly walked to the stage. His light brown hair was neatly cut andbed to the side. He wore his characteristic sses on his face, but they self-adjusted to the room''s lighting. The tinting on his sses was usually a dark, muted blue, but it was a lighter shade that darkened his blue eyes. "Yo." As announced while putting a t hand in front of his face. "For those who don''t know me, my name is As. Despite being just as reserved as Helix, most of you don''t know me. I don''t have an unjust charm attribute that attracts every form of attention against my will. I''m what you would call [normal]." Laughter burst into the ballroom, and tears of joy slid down everyone''s faces. "As many pointed out, Helix was a person that would help someone no matter what. His only condition was that you didn''t tell him what you were using his help for. Helix''s motto was, [I don''t want to get involved in your business]. His reasoning? [It''s a pain]." As exined with a chuckle. "Yup, that''s him." A person said. "Sounds about right." Another said. "His fakeziness was legendary." Another giggled. "Despite that, he always caused havoc wherever he went. As a result, he was always caught up in our business despite not wanting it. But he was the only person talented enough and willing enough to help us." Heughed. Murmurs and chuckles spread through the crowd. "I''ll give you a prime example. Behind me, there is a tripleyered magic circle called the Circle of Duplication on Helix''s coffin. Helix drew and activated twoyers of the magic circle himself. It has duplicated a certain Circle of Remembrance. I owe him the embarrassment of triggering it. Keep in mind that I have been granted prior authorization for doing so." As announced. The young man turned around and put his hands on the circle. A rich green light swirled around the outer ring, and the whole circle lit up with a magic glow. "I, As Joshuafruit, formally acknowledge that I will not use this Circle of Vanity to trick my debt collectors into releasing me from my debt." Laughter burst into the crowd, and bewilderment filled the eyes of everyone present. "Helix was weak, sure. But boy, was he talented. He could draw some mean magic circles with advanced magic. And when it did, it tended to create some real havoc." He grinned. Murmurs and excitement spread through the crowd. Everyone wanted to know what these magic circles did. "He was willing to help my sorry ass even though I didn''t deserve it and never released proof of my actions. Let me exin what these magic circles do. The first can change your appearance. The second, as you''ve learned, records a person''s voice. You can do mischievous things with thisbination of magic circles. I am not speaking from experience here; it''s just a logical truth." As imed before turning his head and whistling lightly. Laughter erupted between the chosen ones. Bewilderment filled their faces, and excitement filled their eyes. "He always recorded everything people did with his magic circles. But was never willing to expose information on people''s actions¡ªunless it recorded proof of those trying to kill him." "Enough!" A female voice screeched from the audience. ¡ª Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 41 [A Cultivators Funeral] The young men and women, guards, and servants in the room turned to the person in question with shock. "Lina. I''m not sure what you''re trying to say, but you need to leave." Marie ordered with cold eyes. "No! I''m no longer going to sit around and take this abuse!" Lina screamed with a red face. "Abuse?" Marie asked after raising an eyebrow. "Are you deaf!? Yes, I said abuse!" Lina screamed. "That despicable ant stole everything from me, and now you''re unting it in front of my eyes! Now you want to sully my reputation!?" The atmosphere in the room dropped below zero. Everyone was silent. "Lina. You''re lucky you were allowed to pay your respects to Helix as a childhood friend. However, once the Circles of Remembrances are unlocked, you won''t have that option." Marie sneered. Silence and shock befell the crowd. "I can''t wait for that to happen! Then it will prove that Helix stole my beautiful face! It''s a crime punishable by death!" Lina screamed. Whispers of confusion washed over the audience. "Lina, aside from the w marks you''ve added to your face, you have the same appearance you''ve had sinceing out of the Eye of Beauty chamber." Marie said with a frown. "Hahahaha haha hah!" Lina cackled maniacally. "I know you''re all in on the joke! You can''t fool me, bitch!" Lina screamed. The guards stepped forth to restrain Lina, but Marie motioned her hand to stop them. "No one''s trying to fool you, Lina." Marie said with a deescting tone. "Hah! You might be able to convince normal people that you''re not all plotting against me. But you can''t bullshit someone who has been bullied!" Lina scoffed. Mummers of confusion washed over the crowd. Marie walked over to the end of the aisle that Lina was standing in. She looked the woman in the eye from twenty feet away. "Lina, why would every person here be so cold as to pretend your face hadn''t reverted to its original form?" Marie asked with an icy tone. "Why? Hahahaha! Why, she asks!? Why!?" Lina cried with anger in her voice and a shaky body. "Because I killed your precious Helix!" Silence and shock enveloped the atmosphere. "Yeah, that''s right. I stole your precious Helix and darling NPC from you all!" Linaughed bitterly. "Your precious Helix. Helix this, Helix that. h h h!" She added mockingly. "That''s all you talk about. How does it feel to experience loss?" Anger, turmoil, confusion, hatred, and unadulterated rage filled the faces of the otakus, servants, and guards. Marie stared at Lina with cold, steely eyes. "Serves you all right for what you''ve done to offend me." Lina scoffed. "But killing Helix wasn''t enough to atone for this humiliation. How do you ants n topensate me for the injustices I''ve suffered?" The people''s bodies in the room were shaking far too violently to act immediately. If they could, they would have already beaten Lina to death. "We''re not giving you anything bitch!" Tanya screamed bravely. "Yeah! We''re going topensate you with death!" A young man screamed. "You''re lucky this is a funeral, you cunt!" Another woman screamed. "Lina, what are you doing!?" David cried. Lina turned away from him with a huff. "Did you dare threaten me, you little ants?" Lina asked with contempt in her eyes. "Damn right we did!" Another man yelled. "I see. It seems you''ve left me no choice!" Lina waved her arm as arge ark of water materialized in the sky above the students. When gravity hit the water, it sshed on top of them, drenching their clothing. Thirty people were soaked in an instant. "Now die! Chain Re¡ª" A cold, ruthless voice rang out before Lina could shoot a lightning bolt into the audience. "[Shatter.]" Marie growled with her hands against the ground. A wave-like ripple lightly lifted and dropped the super-otakus like they were on a roller coaster. As the ripple moved closer to Lina, the area it covered narrowed until it only affected the ground below Lina''s feet. Lina''s face paled when the ripple touched her, and her body convulsed unnaturally. Blood rushed to Lina''s face, and her eyes clouded over. Finally, before everyone''s eyes, her body copsed. It would be more urate to say imploded, as her shins bent at a 90-degree angle in a sitting position and her torso dropped to the floor. Lina''s femurs had been targeted exclusively, so the horrifying copse was caused by her thighs suddenly disappearing. It was the most grotesque and unnatural sight anyone in the audience had ever seen. After a moment of shock, Lina looked down to see what had happened. When she saw her body, she panicked. "Ahhhhhhhhhhh! What did you do!" Lina screamed. "I just saved the lives of everyone in this room!" Marie sneered as she started walking toward Lina. "I''m not talking about other people, bitch! I couldn''t care less about those ants! What did you do to me!" Lina screamed. "To prevent people from dying from releasing their Nightmares, I used Shatter to target your femurs alone. As a result, they exploded into thousands of fragments and shredded your thigh muscles into confetti." Marie exined. Cringes and wincing filled the faces of the individuals that Lina hadn''t drenched in water. Shock and fear were overwhelming the people that were. "Wha¡­t. What did¡­ you say?" Lina responded in a groggy tone. "You can''t feel this yet because your body is going through shock. But you''re dying right now. Your femoral artery has been cut so many times it might as well have exploded." Those near Lina watched as blood slowly gushed and pooled around their feet. "If you survive, you''ll wake up without legs, and the number of bone fragments in your ass will be impossible to remove. So you''ll live every moment of every day in pain from now on." Marie exined with merciless detail. "The question is, what should we do now that you''ve offended me, little ant?" A wave of fear and terror washed over the crowd. "You''ve offended a person that you couldn''t afford to offend. The question is, how will youpensate me? Nothing you can offer will ever rece the priceless treasure known as Helix Margrave! No amount of torture, pain, or suffering will ever be enough. So what will I do with you?" Marie asked with a predatory gaze. An icy chill of fear washed down Lina''s spine, but it quickly dissipated as sleepiness started overtaking her. "I guess you''ll find out when you wake up. Guards, take this murdering psychopath out of my sight and save her life! I''m far from done with her!" ¡ª "I¡­. I don''t doubt that this will work, but it''s dangerous, sad, and honestly disturbing." Macron cringed, and darkness clouded his eyes. "It''s genius, and it''s extremely effective. So hats off to the strategy, but¡­ it''s extremely sad." Charlotte added. "We''ve been given a general strategy, and this is only a suggestion." Riley replied. "So a better question to ask is whether we''re willing to defile Helix''s funeral and the goodwill of the others. Moreover, are we willing to do this in the first ce?" She continued. "I''ll do it." Marie replied with a low tone. She was still hugging her knees against the wall. "You will? That''s not like you." Charlotte frowned. "She killed Emelia and probably killed Helix. I''ll do anything to expose her delusional personality and crush her spirit." Marie exined with hatred burning in her eyes. "Look, Marie. I want to use that girl''s jugr veins like shoces as much as you do. But before you do that, let''s y the message so you can hear it for yourself. I don''t want your desire for revenge to corrupt your personality. We all need it now more than ever. Can I y it?" Macron asked. Marie nodded, and the others assented. Macron dropped to the ground and initiated the magic circle. "If you''re listening to this, you''re taking the requirement to gain control of the otaku super-virgin poption seriously. Congrattions. You have a chance at survival. It won''t be easy, but rejoice! You have a poker hand filled with aces that you don''t deserve. You''ll only gain control over these people by turning Myriad into a real cultivator world. When Myriad bes a cultivator world, the strong make the rules, and the weak will not break those rules at any cost. This strategy only works because the four people I''ve listed are good-natured and currently the strongest among their peers. There''s no longer a reason to convince people to be good with them at the lead. It will temporarily solve 100% of your problems within a week. However, to make this happen, you must expose the ugly nature of cultivation culture, and the people in charge must demonstrate that people cannot afford to offend them. For that reason, thew cannote in contact with my killers, and the matter must be settled by violence in a shocking public demonstration. The more extreme the demonstration, the more effective it will be. The best ce to make such a demonstration is at my funeral. By showing that people are heartless, cruel, and disgusting at such an event, you''ll gain support for this new world without crushing everyone''s spirit." Silence prated the room''s atmosphere. "Moreover, you must make people believe that Lina, who has the strength to challenge the cultivation world, is nothing but an ant to the new leaders. While it would be a hard battle in an arena, anyone can turn her into a rag doll if she''s distracted and threatening to others." Macron sighed heavily. "Lina was my best friend for half a decade. However, I''ve provided countless hours of evidence of her threat to the other super-otakus. If Emelia''s dead, she''s involved, and I have no mercy left in my heart for her. As proof, she''s probably having a mental breakdown from my self-defense trump card and is easier to destroy. You''re wee." Charlotte and the others in the room nodded with steeled resolve in their eyes. "I will not ask anyone to engage in such a cruel, ruthless strategy. This will be difficult for the heart to bear, and I do not wish that upon the people I love. I do not rmend this strategy out of revenge. Rather, I''m only suggesting it because it''s the best way to protect everyone else from the tyranny of the powerful in theing months. It could save countless lives. So if you execute this strategy, please remember that you shouldn''t do so strictly for revenge. Revenge is only natural, but I ask you to focus on the benefits that it provides others first. You must prevent harm to the super-otakus at the funeral when Lina snaps. So please, give it time and think about this strategy. During that period, fine-tune your Nightmare in a way that will only target Lina. Please do not harm other people for the sake of one." Marie pressed her face against her knees again. "Okay¡­." She whispered. "I will. I promise, Helix." Macron nodded. "If you want to continue on this route, I''ll y the strategy he has devised to aplish this goal. It''s¡­ questionable." He cringed. The others in the room lit up with excitement. "If you go this route, you must get Lina to show up to the funeral. Next, you''ll need to control the flow of speeches into topics that stab at Lina and threaten to expose her. You must make every topic as offensive as possible to her. That¡­ will be incredibly easy because she''ll probably snap if people say anything good about me." Laughter erupted in the room after hisment. "However, here are the best topics to address and some ways you can spark them. These are the topics you''ll need to address¡­." Giggles and excitement filled the room after hearing his strategy. "Wheeeeeeew! Hellie is getting shameless! Anonymously starting a harem card for himself? That''s a bold move. If he were this confident before, he''d have had a harem ages ago!" Charlottemented with amusement in her voice. Laughter filled the room again. After Macron shared in the chuckling, he looked at Marie. "Marie, I know you''re willing to help. But can you gain enough control over your Nightmare to only target one person? You have an area of effect spell that you''d normally use to target the entire group of Knights." Hemented with a worried expression. "Yes. Helix researched my Nightmare with the Myriad Library and gave me techniques to control it. He trusts my control of spirit particles, too¡­." Marie trailed off, and her face became bright red. Charlotte and Riley burst intoughter, confusing the two men in the room. "I-I can do it. Helix thinks I can, and so I will too. I just need the next two days to practice with professional guidance." Marie exined hurriedly. Macron closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Normally, I couldn''t do that with everyone locked up and under house arrest¡­." He sighed. "But that trouble maker managed to make a powerful ally who''s reviewing these strategies. I should be able to make this exception, just give me a bit of time." ? The women looked at one another in surprise, and As leaned against the small with a faint smile. ¡ª Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 42 [Otaku Manipulation] "Listen up! As of this moment, Myriad is legally known as a cultivation world!" Marie announced in the arena. Most of the Knights looked at her with wide eyes. Light cheers resounded by a few of the students. Marie gave them a wicked grin and sent shivers running down their spines. "Here''s the thing about the world of cultivation! There''s only one protagonist!" She bellowed. "The rest of the cultivators that are chosen are only used as benchmarks to show how powerful the protagonist is!" The enthusiasm in the atmosphere cooled until it felt icy and lifeless. Marie chuckled at the sight of the other [Knights] when the realization sunk in. "There are two types of benchmarks. Those who are irrelevant and those ignorant of the protagonist''s strength! The first type of person is never spoken about other than when they''re used for shameless reaction fulfillment. The second type of person gets ughtered for offending the protagonist." She added with an ominous grin. Shivers ran down the spines of the otaku super-virgin elite task force members. "The question is¡ªhow do you know that you''re the protagonist?" She asked. After a few seconds of silence, she continued. "There are two criteria! You''reically stronger than everyone else or a reluctant virgin drowning in women. Considering that the only person that met one of those qualifications died, and none of the women are looking at the men, you better hope you''re strong!" Cringes rang through the audience. It hadn''t been a week since Helix was [killed], and his death weighed heavily upon everyone. Marie looked around the crowd. "So I have a question for you. Which of you is stronger than me?" Marie asked. Silence overcame the otakus. "Hmmm? Nobody?" She asked sweetly. "That''s right¡­ Lina wed her own face into a bloody mess and needed to be institutionalized after I shattered both of her legs in front of you¡­." Audible groans washed over the crowd at the reminder. "That means that there is nobody that currently challenges me. Lina recently electrocuted two people to death and almost killed half of you. But as you saw for yourself, she was an [ant] in my eyes." She announced sarcastically. "Below me is As, followed by Charlotte and Riley! They crippled the five people that killed two of your peers. You saw how effortless it was for them too. Let me introduce ourselves. We''re the three women and thezy man that many of you have offended by aiding in the death of two people we loved!" The anxiety in the crowd was palpable. "Tell me, everyone. Are you d that we''re in a cultivation world?" Marie asked with a serious expression. "No? Not so fun anymore, is it?" Marie gazed over the crowd. "Are you still d you turned the term [fantasy world] into the term [cultivation world] now? Hmmm? Are you d that [magic] has been converted into [Qi]? This world doesn''t have Qi in it, but you insisted it does. Do you remember what the results of that change are? Let me remind you." Marie announced with an icy gaze. "It''s been one month, and now Lina, Walter, and 13 people that aren''t present died or had their cultivation crippled. One person in front of me is missing an arm. Those that had their cultivation crippled are now normal morals without the inte, video games, light novels, lube, or tissues. Does that sound fun to you?" She asked. Her words were met with silence once again. "Good, I''m d you''re starting to let reality sink in. It started with you believing this was an RPG, now, it''s turned into a cultivation fantasy. Well, guess what, your fantasy has been fulfilled! This is officially a cultivation world where thews are made by the strong! Before approaching someone, there is something you must know. While you''re in this arena or on a battlefield, it''s officially legal for you to abuse, assault, or murder someone!" Shock overcame the audience. No one could believe what they just heard. Many women''s eyes filled with tears and horror. "That''s the world of cultivation where the strong can do whatever they want." Marie reminded them with a serious look in their eyes. "But before you get excited! So before you plot anything! Before you confront someone! Before you even say the word offend! Remember that I am the strongest! Remember the sounds of Lina''s screams when thousands of bone fragments shredded her muscle fibers like confetti! Let me remind you! There are far too many to remove so they''re stuck. She''ll live every second of the day in agony for the rest of her life. And as you can see, I''m standing in front of you speaking today without a worry in the world. This is what you asked for, so I hope you''re as excited about the new world as I am!" Many men and women started shivering when they saw Marie''s gentle smile. "Not only am I exponentially more powerful than you, I''m one of four people with the legal authority to use my Nightmare anywhere in the city. I was given that authority because many of you are treating human life like it''s a video game. Or you think cultivation light novel behavior is eptable. Lina tried to release [Chain Reaction] to kill half of you. Her words were, [I demandpensation for this offense]. You told her it''s not okay to murder people. Then she tried to mass murder you. This is cultivator novel behavior. Do you remember where we were when she demandedpensation and tried to kill you all?" Marie asked with a sweet smile. "Helix''s funeral." Many of the otaku elites started to have panic attacks. "That''s right. She was acting like a cringe-worthy light novel viin at a funeral. This is the world of cultivation you''ve asked for. I hope you are happy." Marie looked at certain people with a sharpened gaze. "There are many of you that haven''t done a single bad thing since arriving. You know who you are. As for the rest, you''ve acted like animals. Instead of convincing you to be humane, the kingdom has made your fantasy a reality. I am not joking with you right now. This is officially a cultivation world. When ites to our matters, none of us are bound byws. I can legally shatter every disc in your spine in this arena. You can do the same to me. So at any point, if someone wants to challenge me, you''re legally in your right to kill me when we''re in this arena! Is anyone willing to step forth to be the new leader of this ce? If you do, you can make the rules!" Marie asked with a mocking smile. Whispers and murmurs passed through the crowd like wildfire. Some people asked their friends if they were willing to fight. "Hah! I see you, little boys! Before you show your courage, there''s something you should know. First! If you challenge me, I will break every bone in your body that doesn''t immediately kill or paralyze you. However, before I do that, I will drag every friend you have in front of an audience and shatter all their bones too. Birds of a feather flock together, and I don''t want future problems. So remember that when your friend tries to court death." Marie exined with a mocking smile. Many in the audience started crying. Every person whispering shook with fear. "Second! To all of you beautiful, innocent women and men crying right now or are having trouble breathing. For all of the gorgeous women that showed Helix your support two days ago! For all of the proud and respectable men, I want to be friends with in the future! Know this! If anyone tries to assault you, demandpensation for you, stalk you, hinder your growth, or steal from you¡ªthey will meet a brutal fate at my hands!" Most of the people crying looked at Marie with puffy, confused eyes. "That''s right! I see you appreciate you, and I''m here to protect you. In a world where the strong make the rules, I''m the person that makes the rules and carries out the punishment. Those rules offer much safer protections than you had before. After watching a weak, stat-less boy go through countless assassination attempts, I''m fed up! If anyone tries to harm or threatens another peer, I will turn their body into a calcium-packed ymore! The days where innocent people trying to enjoy Myriad suffer are over!" Astonished hope-filled faces started popping up in the arena. "That''s right. To offend the innocent is to offend me. To threaten other humans is to offend me. To act like a cultivator is to offend me. Squabble and hate each other if you wish. Be jealous or angry if you like. I''m not going to be offended by you being humans. However, the moment you release killing intent, your life as a cultivator is over. The only people that will suffer in this new cultivator world¡ªwill be people acting like cultivators! So if you act like a respectable human being, you no longer have to fear people like Lina and Walter! You are safe to grow and enjoy magic in this world as of right now!" Marie''s eyes softened considerably, and she shed the people crying a dazzling smile. Many people''s reaction toward her did a 180 the moment the kindhearted goddess they admired returned to them. "Let''s talk about the future now. This is the world I rule now, and there''s a new goal that the people around me must follow. That goal is to be the protagonist!" Marie dered. A shockwave of perplexion assaulted the crowd. "That''s right! You can still be the protagonist. Every protagonist starts weak but obtains strength through various means." Marie exined. "Just because you''re not the protagonist doesn''t mean you can''t be. If you be one, there''s not a single woman or man who will not follow you! If I''m not the protagonist, I will also support the person that is!" She announced. Confused and nervous excitement washed over the crowd. "Keep in mind right now that most light novels and web novels aren''t harem novels. So I''m not offering my chastity as a prize! I better not overhear a single person saying something like that. If I do, I''ll remind them this is a cultivation world by ripping off their testicles and shoving them down their best friend''s throat!" Silence washed over the crowd again. Marie''s steeled eyes gazed over the group. "However, that doesn''t mean it''s out of the question. It will onlye to light when the protagonist is found." She added. Macron watched Marie with wide eyes. The instant she spoke to the group, the entire power dynamic shifted, and the raging hellspawn children turned into weak, defenselessmbs. "Let''s talk about the qualifications of a protagonist!" Marie announced. "First! If you want to be a harem protagonist¡ªwomen must like you!" The men groaned after her words. "Luckily! I''ll give you a chance, and the people I know will too. The murderers have been snuffed out, and we don''t want to me every man for what happened." Shemented. Hope started to fill up the young men''s hearts once again. "You don''t need social skills to make women fall hands over heels for you! I repeat you don''t need social skills for women to like you!" Marie announced. Confusion washed over the otakus like a tidal wave. "There are cold, steely destructive types that win over women because they stand up when people are bullied or are on the verge of death! Those types of characters don''t need social skills! They''re cold and lifeless individuals that don''t speak much. They''re moody and often insecure! They hate getting involved in other people''s business and prefer to be alone! But women love them once they fight disgusting people!" She exined. "There''s also the one-track focused character that constantly obtains the power to aplish a goal. Women like resolve!" The men in the audience tilted their heads. "Ah, good! You''re starting to get it! Read through the mental encyclopedia of your favorite characters and find the strategy that fits you! Remember that the protagonist is never jealous of others. They''re only focused on themselves! Whether they''re just trying to survive or working for a goal, every protagonist needs a story!" Marie smiled when she realized the men in the audience were receptive. "Here is the second criteria for being the protagonist! You must not murder, ****, or assault others. Even in the cultivation world, where you can if you''re strong, the protagonist will never engage in battle unless necessary. Protagonists might kill people trying to harm them or their loved ones, but they never plot to kill or harm people. Anti-heroes and cold protagonists may be bad people, but they''re not [evil] people!" Everyone in the audience nodded in response. "The third criteria is for someone to make the most of the world they live in! This is a world of magic! There are dragons and beasts! There are treasures in this world! You can obtain superhuman strength! To be the protagonist, you must dedicate yourself to learning as much as possible about the world and taking advantage of it! And even if you aren''t the protagonist¡ªyou''re in a magical world, for fucks sake. What isn''t there to enjoy?" Marie asked with a cute smile. Ripples passed through the otakus, and their excitement returned. "That''s right! This is a fantasy world!" "Why did I forget that?" "We haven''t even left this ce yet!" "Why haven''t I spent more time outside?" "I get it!" Marie gazed warmly at her people. "I''m d you''re as excited about Myriad as I am. This is thend of our cultured people. Please try to enjoy it. If you do, men and women will flock to you regardless of who you are or the power you obtain." Marie said gently. "Do you want to know thest criteria?" The audience erupted into a frenzy. "Tell us, Fairy Marie!" "Fairy Marie, let''s hear it!" "Yes, Fairy Marie! Marie groaned inwardly. "Take a deep breath, Marie¡­. You''re in a harem now, you have a man waiting for you, and he''s counting on you." She muttered dangerously under her breath. Marie gazed over the crowd to ensure she had all of their attention. "You must survive." Silence befell everyone as they pondered herment. "Let me exin. You''re not loaded with plot armor if you''re not the protagonist. As a result, you''ll die, and you can no longer be the protagonist." Marie reasoned. "Everyone that''s not the protagonist gets ughtered if they attack or try to harm the real one. The best way not to get ughtered, and retain your potential status as the protagonist, is not to offend anyone. Be respectful to others. Can you do that?" She asked. "Yes!" "Yes, Fairy Marie!" "Fairy Marie, you can count on us." Marie''s eyebrow twitched, but she retained her warm smile. "Thank you. I hope we can be friends even if you don''t be the protagonist. The best way to do that, in my eyes, is to be kind to other people. Stand up for the weak. Focus on your strength and be strong for the sake of a goal. Don''t turn a blind eye to illegal behavior on earth. If you do that, I''ll give you support to grow and enjoy this beautiful world we''ve brought to! Help others grow, and let''s rise to save this world together!" Marie exined while shing the Knights a dazzling smile and bowing lightly. The crowd burst into apuse. After soaking up the audience''s attention, she addressed them onest time. "If you do not know my name, it''s Marie Skybolt. Alongside As, Charlotte, and Riley, we will be the overseers of this elite group of Knights for the unforeseeable future. There are monster hunts starting tomorrow, and we''ll be teaming up with you to carry them out. We will help you grow and develop into a potential protagonist. If you have issues with others, we will do our best to mediate them. To us, you''re all someone we hope to watch grow and blossom over the next few months." The crowd burst into excited apuse. Marie smiled in satisfaction. "Helix¡­." She chuckled to herself. There was a magic circle on the back of her shirt called the Circle of Speeches. It creates an invisible interface-like teleprompter with all the documents outlined. On the top of the page was a single line of text. [Manipting Otaku Super-Virgins like a Champ¡ªBy Helix Margrave] "If you only knew." Charlotte whispered to herself with an evil grin. Only she followed Helix''s games since the beginning. So only she understood the full nature of what Helix had done and what he had aplished. ¡ª [A/N: If you''re let down there isn''t a war, read the next chapter despite the warning. What happened was far more ruthless than a war, but it might not be apparent. The level-up arc starts after the next chapter. Helix will return in the future after he levels up; there''s no point if there''s nothing to return to.] Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 43 [Treason] [A/N: Please skip this chapter unless you feel let down by Helix "aiding" the Kingdom. It explicitly covers the true purpose behind the Mirror of Helioquie beyond savage revenge. It''s exined throughout, it doesn''t spoil anything, and it doesn''t prove any new details¡ªeverything is already on the table and you can figure it out yourself. It''s truly [unnecessary]. Honestly. If you''re satisfied, skip this chapter. If curiosity kills you, this scene is a [death sentence]. It''s not cliche, it''s intricately written, mercilessly deceptive, and you''re a [long] way out from getting an exnation. Its timeline is ambiguous and you won''t get details or a hint before a level-up arc, a few biblical battles, and a real war. You''ve been warned. If you''ve read it,ment a rmendation to read it here. -> Spoilerments will be deleted in the above line, but go wild below if you do read. If you think about the theme of this book, you''ll find this chapter far more mind-bending than the content it''s exining. The cliffhanger [was] necessary. It would [worse] without it. Much worse. You''re wee. It''s only once you''ve reread the chapter that you''ll learn just how surreal it really is. I''ve provided you with an advance, but the price is high.] ¡ª ... ... "You sat on proof of Angelina Wainright''s for over a week before the deathmatch." Eliza prefaced with a pondering expression. "Why didn''t you get her and the others stripped of their Nightmares?" Helix gave Princess Eliza a wry smile before taking a deep breath. "I didn''t want to gamble." He sighed. Eliza gave him a quizzical expression before he continued. "The Myriad Record requires that the parties within a blood pact follow through with their end of an agreement." Helix continued with bitterness in his eyes. "If I had the others stripped of their Nightmares, the deathmatch might have been called off¡ª" "And you would''ve died." Eliza finished with trembling eyes. Helix gave her a slight smile. "Correct." Eliza took a deep breath before collecting herself. Helix was alive; he survived the match. "Of course, I''m not sure what would have happened." He sighed. "But I wasn''t going to take the risk." "Yes¡­ you should''ve made a blood pact with the person fighting you." Eliza giggled. Helix gave her a lifeless expression before smiling again. He knew she understood the absurdity of asking a murder conspirator to make a legal agreement with him. "So why did you take the risk anyway?" She asked while her eyes glided to the left. "It seems like you knew the risks from the start. Or am I wrong?" "Of course I did." Helix scoffughed lightly. "But do you think I could just use Lina and live?" He gave her a yful, mocking expression. Eliza frowned and pouted with exaggerated puffed-out cheeks. Helixughed lightly and continued. "In Myriad, blood oaths are judge, jury, and executioner." He exined. "So the proof I received from it was damning enough to silence her without conflict." Eliza''s eyes widened in surprise. "You understand that?" She asked hurriedly. "So why sit on the information when it could avert an impending crisis?" Helix gave a wry smile and averted his gaze. Eliza watched him with a suspicious expression. After a moment of pandering, he took a deep breath. "While I''m not at fault for Lina''s actions or anyone''s mindset¡­." Helix sighed. "We''ve always been half of the crisis." Helix shed her a yful smile. Eliza met him with a wry, unenthusiastic expression. Knowing things would start twisting, he continued. "If Lina went down, it''d destabilize everyone." Helix sighed. "If I got hurt after exposing her, Marie, Charlotte, and Riley would start fighting back immediately. We''re half the war, so I worked with Macron to set up a suppression unit for them." Eliza burst into giggles. "Wait. You created a suppressing unit for your partners?" Helix chuckled breathlessly and nodded. "If Lina went ballistic, we''d need to be on the helping side." He exined. "Otherwise, they''d get in trouble, and I''d never see them again." Eliza gave him a mocking smile. "So your solution to leave with them saves the day?" She asked sassily. "Of course." Helix chuckled with a charming smile. "That sounds a bit self-centered. Don''t you think?" Eliza asked mockingly. "Of course." He replied shamelessly. "It''s the best solution that also suits my needs. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have offered it." Eliza giggled at his arrogant demeanor. Then she gave him a serious expression. "As for your real suggestion, and putting aside you turned a human into a walking linchpin...." Eliza began with sharp eyes. Helix broke eye contact instantly. "You do understand that independently triggering a crisis in a controlled manner is still triggering a crisis that threatens the Kingdom, right?" Helix scoffughed and cocked his head with light bitterness. "You do understand how absurd that is, right?" Eliza''s eyes glided to the left. "What''s absurd?" Helix matched her gaze and took a deep breath. "That I could be used of treason and starting a war¡­." He began. "With a couple of beginner magic circles that change a person''s appearance for sixty seconds." Eliza''s eyes widened, and her serious expression cracked. She burst into giggles, leaving her bitter on the inside. "You get it, right?" Helix asked with a mocking smile. "It''s not normal for young adults to go on murder sprees thinking it''s the only way to survive. But that''s the cultivator mindset. I started warning Macron about it a week after my arrival and pointed it out regrly. I also notified Macron about Lina ahead of time." Eliza''s eyes widened in surprise. "What did he do about it?" She asked. Helix gave her a yful, mocking expression. "What was he supposed to do?" He asked. "Set up a meeting with a queen to tell her not to [offend] the o-ta-kus?" When Helix smacked his lips, Eliza pursed hers and tried her best not to burst. However, she couldn''t hold it in and erupted intoughter. "That''s¡­ a profoundly sardonic question." Sheughed. Helix chuckled as he watched herugh. He was exasperated when he discovered she was a princess. The cliche added up with the title he was offered. But they had gotten close, and he stopped thinking about it. It was a strange dynamic. "It''s just¡­." Eliza frowned at the situation. "I guess it''s hard because¡­." Helix gave her an understanding expression. "Because I created the spells with the intention to trigger a crisis?" His voice was genuine, and she looked into his pitch-ck eyes with confliction. "Eliza. Putting aside my life, we''re talking about a serious crisis that no one understands could im hundreds or even thousands of lives." Helix reasoned. "The Kingdom needs to take these Earthians seriously, and nothing I say will make that happen. Especially when I call the scenario otakupocolypse." Eliza burst into giggles after hearing the name again. But her expression became heavy again. "In exchange for letting us leave, I gave you and Macron a full-prepackaged solution for fixing the problem." He continued with a gentle voice. "That includes the recordings of Lina, Walter, and eight other people and a solution for my partners not going ballistic. So no one can fault me for triggering a crisis when I''ve given you everything, and the only condition was not dying. Especially because my death will trigger a crisis far worse than a mirror can. On all fronts, I''ve¡ª" "Strongarmed thergest and most powerful kingdom on the continent into letting your girlfriends leave with you." Eliza interjected mockingly. She narrowed her eyes with a sly smile while folding her arms against her chest. "I''ve done you a favor that coincidentally works out in my favor." Helix sighed. "Can''t you grandstand a little bit?" He gave her a truly hopeless smile. "I don''t hear you denying my words. Hmmm?" Eliza asked with a mocking voice. Helix sighed again in defeat. "I won''t ce my life in the hands of an argument easy to refuse." He reasoned. "My argument is sound, I''ve provided a solution, and I asked very little¡ª" "Hoh? Is that extortion I''m hearinge out of your mouth?" Eliza hummed. "I prefer the term desperate bargaining." Helix sighed. "Desperately bargaining with the Kingdom''s citizens'' lives?" She asked sarcastically. "You make it sound like I''m the person that''s dangerous¡ª" "Well, you are when you''re the person who created a trigger for a crisis threatening Alzeria." Eliza replied with a mocking smile. Helix gave her a wry smileced with minor contempt. "Eliza. If a Circle of Vanity can trigger the otakus into a murder-fueled frenzy, you should be giving me a medal for pointing it out." Eliza narrowed her eyes. "I see¡­ that''s a great point. We should give medals to people who ask the Kingdom to save it from themselves." Helix scoffughed and turned away. "Hmmm? Maybe I''m misunderstanding this." Eliza sassed. "You''ve said that letting you leave was necessary to prevent a deadly war breaking out because your partners would have been half the threat. You''ve also admitted to creating a [trigger] to start the war you im to protect. So you''ve said you''re deadly, threatening, and willing tomit treason if the kingdom didn''t meet your demands. Lastly, you''ve asked for a medal. Have I missed something?" Helix folded his armed around his chest and turned away indignantly. "Yes. The thank you." Eliza was stunned, speechless. She tried to maintain her willpower to keep up her facade. Helix kept in a pouting position for a few seconds. It was so unlike him that she cracked and burst into giggles. "I guess a thank you wouldn''t hurt." Eliza said. "Come before me, o''Knight." Helix cracked from his charade as well. He wouldn''t miss a perfect opportunity to y pretentious with the princess. Helix rose and walked around the table they were sitting at. Once before her, he knelt like a knight. "Yes, your Majesty." He replied with a dramatic voice. Eliza burst into giggles again. "Sir Helix. Thank you for saving us from yourself." She continued. Helixughed while staring at the floor. "You''re wee, your grace." Eliza touched the bottom of his chin, causing him to look up in confusion. "As a reward for your deed¡ª" ¡ª [A/N: You were warned.] Chapter 44 [Charm Of Blissful Healing] "When do you think that he''ll wake up?" "I don''t think that he''s asleep. He''s just in and out of consciousness." "I see¡­ It''s been three days. Helix''s wounds are stable." "The physical ones, maybe. But Helix''s mind is probably keeping him from waking up to avoid reality." "Oh¡­ I see." "Let''s just be patient. There is a month until we reach our destination." "That''s a good point. If the Fall Goddess favors him, he won''t wake up until his wounds are nearly healed." "I agree. Also, if this poor kid has to go two months without his loved ones, his heart might break." "Okay, let''s pray for the best." ¡ª "How''s his condition?" "Helix has woken up multiple times, but the pain has kept him from staying cognizant. I''ve been giving him painkillers, and they''re keeping him asleep." "I see. Has Helix been eating a little?" "Yes, it''s strange. His body reacts to food, but it''s almost like he''s asleep. He''s alsoying on a doubleyered magic circle with hydration transfusion spells and an antibacterial environment." "Wow¡­ I can''t believe that the royal medicinal circle master has spent thest week traveling with us." "I can''t either. I''ve learned so much that I should be grateful to this young man." "Hah. Elsa, you''ve saved his life twice already. He owes you a lot." "...." "What''s that face for?" "You just reminded me of something." "What?" "I''d be inclined to reject it because this boy has done nothing to deserve being targeted¡­." "... but?" "I walked in on all of those women assaulting him in their underwear while he was still in the damn hospital room!" "Wait, what!?" "Yeah! Thank you for reminding me to beat this boy senseless when he wakes up!" "Woah now, Elsa¡­ calm down." "I refuse! He needs to learn risk management and respect." "I agree¡­ but please don''t forget¡­." "Oh. My apologies for getting out of hand. I suppose we''ll just call things even." "Good. I''ll check in tomorrow then." "See you then, Timothy." "Good bye, Elsa." ¡ª "We''ve received a letter and some packages from Alzeria." "What does the letter say?" "It says that the crisis in the Capitol has been averted because of Helix. It''s also a thank you letter to him." "Wait? It says that Helix averted the crisis?" "Yeah. Apparently, the firestorm he left behind wasn''t simple revenge. It was part of a deeper strategy that instantly regained control over the Capital." "Who is this boy? Why would he help the Capital after what happened to him?" "I don''t think that he was helping the Capital. Rather, it''s more likely that he''s helping the people that were kind to him." "I see¡­. It''s still hard to believe¡­." "I thought so too after reading the letter. However, when I saw the number of presents and cards Helix received, I changed my mind." "What!? Don''t tell me they disclosed his location!" "No, mam. What happened was¡ª" ¡ª "You have got to be joking with me." "No¡­." "I''m not sure I''ve ever seen such a shameless present before." "I¡­." "If you say you''re jealous, I''ll feed your manhood to the fish." "I''m sorry, mam! Anyway, I need to go now!" "Hah. All of the time I''ve been spending with Macron has taught me a few things. How ironic." ¡ª "Grandmaster Tilo. To what do I owe this pleasure?" "Hello, Elsa. It''s nice to see you. First, how is Helix''s health? It''s been two weeks." "He''s¡­ okay medically. He drinks water and eats soup, but he falls asleep immediately after." "Is the pain overwhelming?" "No. It''s been almost two weeks. However, it''s as though Helix''s subconscious is identifying danger and then forces his mind to ckout in fear." "I see¡­. I don''t me the poor kid." "Will you please tell me why you''re visiting? We''re a long way out from Alzeria." "Ah, yes. There are multiple grandmasters here that seek to take Helix on as apprentices." "Wait, Tilo. Are [you] one of them?" "That''s right." "You have obligations to the high court of her Majesty. Don''t tell me you n to take this boy back to the Capital." "No, no. Please don''t worry about that. I believe that I will gain just as much from this boy if he allows me to teach him as he will learn from me." "I¡­. Wait, what?" "That boy¡­. Helix. He''s extraordinary. After studying the magic circles he was able to create after only one month, I recognize he''s a genius." "He makes magic circles?" "... Yes. I can''t disclose information, but I can say that Helix is unbelievable." "Is it because he has the Myriad Library?" "Yes. That''s part of it. He has ess to information that only the elite have, and probably much more. However, the ability to read and do are two different things." "I see¡­ that makes sense." "Yes. Also, Helix''s modifications to the circles¡­ they''re unprecedented. Most modifications are not advanced, but there''s no known record of them being made by anyone else." "Wait. Are you saying that he was designing magic circles in less than a month?" "Not quite. It''s better to say that Helix has learned to blend circles in addition to modifying them." "How¡­ did he not get drafted sooner, then? He would have been safe if he was under your tutge." "That¡­. It turns out that all of the focus was on the Earthian Knights. Preventing assassination attempts was the only time he was paid attention to. It was time-consuming, from what I understand." "...." "...." "How sad." "Yeah, I know." "...." "Anyway, thanks for giving me some of your time. I''m in the caravan behind you. Let me know when Helix awakes." "Will do, Tilo." "Also, please put in a good word for¡ª" "Good bye, Grandmaster Tilo." ¡ª "What''s the state of his condition?" "He''s almostpletely healed. So when he awakes, it will almost feel like nothing happened to him." "You don''t look too worried about his condition. It''s been over three weeks, and he''s still not awake." "You don''t have to worry about him. He''ll wake up soon." "Why are you so confident?" "You don''t want to know, Timothy." "You can trust me." "Hah. Just remember that you begged me for it." "Maybe¡ª" "I didn''t notice at first, but there''s a charm on him that keeps him asleep until his life is in danger. That way, he can heal faster." "You don''t mean¡ª" "That''s right. It''s the Charm of Blissful Healing. You''re not to tell a soul." "I wish you wouldn''t have told me." "You shouldn''t have begged me." "... I need to get back to my duties. Bye, Elsa." "Take care, Timothy." ¡ª "Is there anything else you need?" "No. Thank you, Timothy. I''m going to bed right now." "Of course. It''s my turn for the night watch, so I''ll let you know if anything changes." "I appreciate it." "Good night, Elsa." ¡ª [Wake up.] "Ugh¡­. Was that my interface just now? Where¡­ am I? What¡­. Guahhhllll!" "Helix! Don''t try to get up so sudden¡ª" "Gahhhhh." "Lay back down. Your muscles haven''t moved for almost a month." "Wait, where am I? What happened to¡ª" "... Helix." "I¡­. I see¡­." "Can I hug you?" "I¡­. yes. I would appreciate that a lot, Elsa." "Come here. That''s right¡­ let it all out." "I¡­ I¡­. I was so powerless." "You weren''t powerless, Helix. We heard the recording. Your defense was wless and admired. It''s just that no one could react to such¡­ savagery." "But the Nightmare users can! They can see! I gave up my stats! I gave up that power, and now¡­." "Shhhhhh. Hush, child. Wait until morning, and you''ll see that your weakness is your greatest strength." "Elsa¡­. Wait, how are¡ª" "They''re all safe. The girls are kicking ass and are on schedule to meet up with you." "... Thank you for letting me know. Do you still think they''ll like me if¡­." "If what, child?" "I''m¡­ broken?" "Hah¡­. Helix. Those girls would love you if you were fully disabled. You don''t have any worries about it." "I¡­." "Shhhhhh. Can I tell you something amazing that happened after you left?" "... I''d appreciate that." "Okay. Let me tell you what happened in the Knights core only a few days after you left." ¡ª Disimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content. Chapter 45 [Circle Of Remembrances] "When the crisis cooled, there was a nighttime gathering of your peers." Elsa began. Helix listened to her intently with his head pushed against her chest. ¡ª "I''m moved by the number of people that I see here today." Marie said gently with tears in her eyes. "It''s been a hard week, yet you''ve been willing to show your support, even though many do not feel the danger has subsided. Thank you." Marie bowed lightly, provoking warm smiles through the crowd in front of her. Twenty-three of the otaku super-virgin task force were standing before her. While most were women, seven were men, and three were previously hostile to him. Of course, they weren''t in a faction that aimed to harm Helix but would have supported the exile movement had they not heard Macron''s speech. Every servant that had been assigned to a Knight was also present. Lastly, there were fifteen guards, three teachers, and five medical professionals. The people were standing on a lush green hillside, and a river gently glided flower petals downstream behind Marie. The moonlight illuminated Marie''s beautiful pale skin and made her appear like a goddess that representedmon folk. "Everyone was given a Circle of Remembrancest night. You were able to record a personal message to Helix to travel with him into the afterlife. We have small wooden boats here that you can ce your message into, and they will flow downstream. You''ve been asked to speak to Helix as a conversation and say what you wish you could. I hope you''ve done so. At the bottom of the stream is a waterfall. When the water makes contact with the chalk on those circles, it will erase them. So your message will not be listened to by anyone else." Marie exined with a gentle smile. "As you have already been informed, the circles will highlight any messages with malicious intent. They will glow red in the boat before you put them in the water. Therefore, while you can say sorry or vent your regrets, the circle will capture any malicious intent and identify you. This event is being held for peace and closure. Therefore, if you provide a boat that turns red, I will take it personally as an offense against me." Marie exined with sincere eyes. "However, I will reserve judgment until after listening to the recording. Many have conflicting emotions. So I won''t me those who cannot express their feelings well. Please share the recording with me, Charlotte, or Riley if you have concerns. If you are concerned and don''t wish to share, please pretend like you don''t have one. I see no ill will in any of your eyes. I''m proud to say that I know you and what you''re doing. Once again, I thank you." Marie bowed once again. "Now, please grab a boat, and we''ll get started. We will wait until any concerned parties share their messages with us if they wish to. If you see someone hesitant to share, please assume they are self-conscious, uncertain, or fearful. We''re all afraid and concerned, so please do not assume or bully people if they do not share. Form a line, and we''ll get started." The individuals present got in line peacefully. It was a sight filled with kindness, and it felt healing. "You know¡­. This event started because Hellie made improving the lives of the servants part of his suicidal survival strategy." Charlottemented. "What do you mean?" Riley asked. "His original intention was to create a scenario where the other Knights would take action out of jealousy." Charlotte exined. "The idea was that they would go out into Myriad, find fascinating things, and talk about them excitedly the next day. That way, he could disappear from the limelight. The n was to elerate the growth of the Knights so their jealousy would disappear faster." Riley gave Charlotte a stunned expression. "That was his strategy? That worked, but it didn''t help him much¡­." Charlotte chucked in bitter amazement. "Yeah, it worked alright. It was an ingenious n, too. The pro~blem was that he was appalled by how the servants were treated on the first night, so he purposely stuck his dick into a ho''s nest toe to their aid. So he came up with another survival strategy that involved them." She rified. Riley''s eyes shifted over the crowd of people in line. Every servant was present, and they were all strained with faces of sadness and gratitude. "I see. Helix almost died from it. I wish it would have stopped there." Riley whispered with a sad smile. "I don''t!" Charlotte announced a puffed-out chest. Marie looked at her with bewilderment. "Wait, why?" Marie asked. "Because, dummy! Think about Hellie''s poor casual conversational skills. If he didn''t do that, he would never have taken your hand to show you the Myriad Library that day." Charlotte chastised with a mocking smile. Marie''s face heated up, and she felt the desire to cover her face with shame. "You should have seen your face that day. The fearless leader, Marie Skybolt, asked permission cautiously like a docile kitten." Charlotte said with a yful smile. Marie puffed out her cheeks, but she retracted them when the memory washed over her. "You''re right. Come to think of it, that one power-y improved the lives of the servants and attracted the attention of the girls." Rileymented. "True¡­. Do you think he regrets it now?" Marie asked while looking up at the stars. "Nope." Charlotte replied definitively. "Why are you so certain?" Marie asked. "Why? That man got to see Emilia''s bright smile every day." Charlotte replied with a warm smile. "Do you think that he would regret making her so happy?" Marie smiled. "I suppose you''re right." She replied. "Um¡­. Excuse me, Ms. Marie." Millie called out nervously. "Hmmm? What is it, Millie? If you''re worried that your circle will glow red, don''t be." Marie replied with a puzzled expression. "Um¡­. No, it''s not that. It''s just¡­." Millie whispered. "Millie, please tell us. We promise that we''ll support anything you say." Riley promised with a gentle smile. "Okay¡­. I''m just wondering if you think that¡­ you know¡­ Helix might hear this." Millie replied. Marie and Charlotte froze, but Riley''s expression remained gentle. "Are you worried that you''ve said something embarrassing?" Riley asked. Millie nodded bashfully, triggering sighs of relief from Marie and Charlotte. "I see. Well, I can''t say for certain that Helix will be able to find your message in the afterlife." Riley replied. "Knowing him, he''ll probably be running around reluctantly saving the world. So it might miss him." The women chuckled, and Millie gave Riley a cute smile. "But I''m certain he''ll listen to it if it reaches him. Instead of asking whether he''ll hear it, consider this question instead. Are you willing to hide your feelings from him, knowing there might not be another chance?" All of the women were stunned into silence by Riley''s powerful words. "I¡­. Um¡­. What would you do, Ms. Riley?" Millie asked with wide eyes. "I would confess to him without hesitation." Riley replied. "This side of Riley never ceases to amaze me." Charlotte whispered in disbelief. "I know, right?" Marie affirmed. "Then¡­. Thank you, Ms. Riley. I''ll share my feelings without hesitation then." Millie announced with determination. "I''m sure it will leave him with a smile." Riley replied. The three watched Millie scamper away with a bright smile on her face. "Well, it''s time to light the candles. Charlotte, are you ready?" Marie asked. "Come now, Marie. Just because you''re a genius doesn''t mean I can''t do this much." Charlotte replied with a mocking smile. "I didn''t question if¡ª" "Yeah, yeah. But if I can''t do this much on my own, I''ll never be your [permanent rival]." Charlotte replied dismissively. She walked in front of the audience while waving her hand at Marie. "Are you all ready to get this celebration started!?" Charlotte bellowed. Light cheers of support rang out. Charlotte frowned. "Hey, now. What do you think this is, a day of mourning or something?" She asked the attendees in a low voice. "We''re not here to be sad. We''re here to celebrate!" The crowd stared at her with perplexion in her eyes. "This is a moment to rejoice and remember all of the amazing things that Hellie has done for us!" Charlotte asserted boldly. "So I want to hear all of the Knights, servants, guards, and teachers'' voices." She demanded. "Are you ready to get this celebration started!?" Charlotte bellowed. "Yeeeeeaaaaah!" The crowd responded. "Not bad, not bad." Charlotte said with a yful smile. "But I think you all can do better. Where are my servants at? Today, you can feel free to let your full emotions show! We''re not just here for Hellie, but for Emelia, too!" The servants looked at the Knights, guards, and teachers with hesitation. Finally, their eyesnded on Marie¡ªtheir new hero. Marie had told every servant that Helix had put her in charge of protecting them. Every servant was revitalized when they saw her bright smile and felt newfound determination. "One more time, everyone! Are you ready to get this celebration started!?" "Yeeeeeeeaaaaahhhhhhh!" The audience screamed and cheered. "Good! Then let''s get started, people!" Charlotte announced while waving her hand. As her hand passed in the direction of each boat, the candle inside lit up simultaneously. It was one of the most beautiful and spellbinding disys of magic that the individuals present had ever seen. "Wooooooow, beautiful." Rileymented with a gentle tone. "You''d never believe it, but she practiced that technique for two days straight while I worked on [Shatter]. This event was her idea too. She''s not exactly a tsundere, but more like¡­ someone deceptively aloof." Marie remarked with a smile. "I like Charlotte." Riley said with a light smile. "Me too¡­ oh no¡­." Marie eximed with augh. Many Knights were chanting [Fairy Charlotte!], and it took every ounce of her willpower not to clobber them with gravity magic and light them on fire. Charlotte''s Nightmare, [Exodus ze], locked a target in ce with gravity, set the area on fire, and created pressurized heat around them. It was a brutal Nightmare, so watching her use the magic to light candles felt like a dream. After escaping, she met up with the other women again and watched the people push their boats into the water. "Wheeeeew!" Charlotte whistled. "Have you ever seen something so beautiful?" Almost one hundred small wooden boats were drifting down the river. Candles were flickering inside them, and each had a glowing magic circle with a unique color. The colors represent emotions captured in the message. "Joy, sadness, love, regret, and gratitude. It''s so beautiful to see these people''s various emotions visualized like this." Marie whispered in awe. "Are you surprised?" Riley asked in awe. "No. Not in the slightest." Charlotte replied with a warm smile. ¡ª [A/N: I hope you love this scene.] Chapter 46 [Friends Address] Elsa''s long ck hair was spread against her shoulders as she hugged Helix closely. Her messy hair made her look like more of a mother than the serious professional she usually was. Elsa gazed at Helix with warmth in her eyes. She had gotten to know Helix well from the attacks on his life, so the two had be close over thest month. Now she was there for him again, and Helix appreciated it from the bottom of his heart. "You can listen to the circles if you wish. They''ll be ready for you when you''re ready for them. Everyone was asked to speak to you, expecting you to hear them. So while it''s partially deceptive, it''s also honest." Elsa announced to Helix with a warm smile. "But¡­ what if they would be embarrassed? It sounds deeply personal." Helix replied with puffy eyes. "They''re separated into three categories. Those who wish you''ll hear them, those who are nervous but willing, and those who look uncertain. So you can choose to listen to some and not others if you wish." She exined with a smile. Helix nodded. "I''ll spread them out. Hopefully, their messages help me through until Marie, Charlotte, and Riley arrive." He whispered. "Hah! You better start listening. There are 107. We bundled the circles to prevent them from taking up every slot in your item storage." Elsaughed. Helix looked at Elsa with shock in his eyes. "Are you surprised? Every servant showed up to celebrate your life. You impacted all your nurses, doctors, fifteen guards, and teachers. Not all of it was positive, but it was memorable." Helix gave Elsa a wry smile. "I''ll keep that in mind." He replied hesitantly. "Here, this is the group message from your girlfriends." Elsa said while removing the face sealing from a circle. Helix stared at it with tears welling in his eyes. "I''ll leave you¡ª" "Will you please stay and listen?" Helix asked with conflicted eyes. Elsa smiled. "Of course." The address from his partners was on a conventional magic circle disc. "Oh, yoo~hoo. Hee~lee. We gotta message for our harem~leader." "I''m not part of his harem." "Be quiet, As. If you weren''t at least interested, you wouldn''t be in the room during the harem address." "I''m bored. With Helix gone, I can''t run from my debt collectors anymore." "As, I thought you had three circles of vanity. I thought they didn''t disappear." "Spent." "Wait¡­ you''re telling us that you''ve wrecked three identities?" "Noooo way! What a legend!" "A bored legend." "Ummm¡­ aren''t we supposed to be recording how much we love Helix?" "Sure thing, Rize. But~first, let''s feast upon Marie''s embarrassed face." "I''ll crush you, Charlotte." "Oooooh~ Scary. I''d burn you, but I don''t think your face can get any hot¡ªow!" "Haaaaaaah. Yo, what''s up, Helix?" "Heeeey~Hellie." "Ummm¡­ Hi." "Sooooo~cute." "I swear to God, I''ll¡ª" "Hey, Helix. It''s only been a week, but I''ve been thinking about you every day." Helix startedughing and crying when he heard his closest friends being¡­ themselves. "I miss you guys." It made him happy they weren''t sending him an introspective eulogy like the others. "Me too¡­. It''s not hard to think of you. I''m reminded of you every time I see smiling faces. Things are much happier now with your cultivation world idea." Marie confessed. "Me~too. But it''s every time I see a jelly with the face of a docilemb." Charlotte chimed. "It''s hrious." As chuckled. "I think it''s wonderful. All the weak people are happy, and the jealous people are quiet." Riley said with a warm voice. "Weeeeell, yeah~ They have no choice but smile and wave. Everyone''s jealousy peaked when Hellie got 100% of the attention 24/7, but now they''re too afraid to show it." Charlotte said with a malicious voice. "Don''t make it sound like people live under a dictatorship." Marie snapped. "Hooooh? Yo. Hellie. You''d die if you saw the jelly parade." Charlotte chimed sarcastically. "Every time Marie hears the word Helixe out of her mouth, she nces at them, and then they calm down. She blu~shes first, of course¡ªow!" "Helix¡­ I swear I''m not a tyrant!" Marie cried in a panic. "I think your leadership is amazing, Marie." Rileymented. "Only the bad people are dissatisfied." "Cut the PC. Just say [terrified] like a respectable¡ªow!" Helix was rolling on the floor,ughing. Elsa watched the scene with a bright smile on her face. "Real talk, though; Marie''s killing it with your strategy." As asserted with a mildly serious voice. "I don''t think people realized how toxic the culture had be until it suddenly disappeared." Helix smiled, and Elsa did too. She had read about what happened and how Helix saved Alzeria from a serious crisis. "It''s wonderful, Helix. Everyone smiles more, even the people that used to be jealous." Riley said with a gentle voice. "Yeah. It''s super¡­ weird." Charlotte remarked. "Marie''s a boss. Any strong person can createws through force." As added. "However, she''s been enforcing them without harming anyone." "That''s because she''s scar~ey. I think it''s her face¡ªow! Ow! OW!" Charlotte cried. "Okay! Okay! Look, I can''t find anything else to jab at you for. At least give me somepetition room, jeez." Helix burst intoughter, and soon Elsa and everyone recording did the same. "Charlotte''s joking around. She''s super nice to Marie now." Riley said with a smiling voice. "One night, she had us all sleep in the same bed. She called it harem training for when we see you next, but we all know she was just trying tofort everyone." "Riley!" Marie cried. "What? Don''t you want Hellie to know there''s something to look forward to?" Charlotte said with an evil voice. "Yo. I''m out." As followed up. "Whatever. You could''ve at least dragged us into [your] room instead of busting down my door in your skimpy pajamas." Marie snapped indignantly. Helix was rolling on the ground. Elsa was rolling her eyes. "Correction. Cultured pajamas." Charlotte snapped. "I like them. The pink stripes on them make you look like you''re wearing anime panties on your whole body." Riley giggled. "Riley¡­ where did you learn thatnguage?" Marie asked in bewilderment. "She''s an otaku, dummy. Nice otakus are still otakus." Charlotte chastised. Helix looked up over to Elsa nervously. She was going through her belongings, pretending not to listen. He sighed a breath of relief. "Ah¡­ whatever. Oh my god, we''re still recording!" Marie cried. "Um~yeah. This is what Helix [wants] to hear." Charlotte said with the inflection of a shrug. "Don''t be such a [Prude Patricia]." "Is that even a saying?" Helix''s eyes widened in bewilderment. "It is now." Charlotte replied. "Wait. What are you still doing here, As?" Marie asked. "It''s been five seconds since thest time I was bored." As replied dismissively. "Still don''t have anything better to do." Helix burst intoughter, and Elsa followed, proving she wasn''t ignoring the conversation. He wanted to sweat nervously but was too busyughing to think about it. "Ahem. Why don''t we y 21 questions with Helix as the topic?" Marie suggested. "Way to cock~tail out of the convo, leader." Charlotte chimed with a mocking voice. "But I''m in. Make my questions spicy." "Riley, don''t listen to her." Marie demanded. "But why? Isn''t it what Helix wants?" Riley asked. "There are various forms of loves and wants, and Charlotte''s isn''t appropriate for our love circle." Marie countered. "It~is when you put it like that~" Charlotte said with an evil voice. "Aaaaaah haaah. Riley, I second Marie''s opinion." As sighed. "Let''s let Charlotte ask herself spicy questions when she records her personal." "Okay. If that''s what''s best." Riley replied with a warm voice. "It is. I''ll go first." Marie announced. "Charlotte, when did you first fall in love¡­ wait, when did you start [liking] Helix?" Marie asked after some deliberation. "Hmmm. Smart woman¡­. But it''s a boring question because the answer is immediately." Charlotte said shamelessly. Helix''s eyes widened in shock. The gasps in the recording conveyed the same reaction. "Charlotte. This game isn''t apetition." Marie sighed. "Woah, there. Calm your tits. I''m not joking." Charlotte huffed. "Wait¡­ you''re being serious?" Marie asked. "Well, yeah. I talked to Hellie on the first night because I was interested in his response to that frea~kie blood barrier." Charlotte recounted. "While you girls were floundering around like school girls, I analyzed his strategy. I couldn''t figure it out. However, I knew it worked once I heard Hellie survived the encounter with a few broken ribs instead of dying." "Wait¡­ what? You mean his strategy to improve the servants'' situation?" Marie asked in confusion. "What? No. Hellie told you that if he was about to be attacked anyway, he might as well be nice to servants, yeah? He chose that route against his best judgment. His main goal was survival. Helping the servants was secondary. The girls forget that because they fell in love with~him for it." Charlotte replied mockingly. "Haaaaah. I''ve never seen Marie blush so much¡ªow!" As cried. "You''re getting way too strong, Marie." Helixughed when he remembered the night of the [first] honorary harem. Now As was being dragged in. "No, think~back. Hellie isn''t the type of person to flirt with women, right? Have you seen him be so openly charming since?" Charlotte asked with an evil tone. "Come to think of it, that is strange." Riley replied with a reflective voice. "Yeah¡­. Thinking back, that''s strange." Marie affirmed. "We women alwayse to him, not the other way around." "Exactly~ The guys that attacked us were sitting at the table next to us." Charlotte said with a grin. "He was eyeing those guys down like a predator. Suddenly~they were the people that attacked him, but he survived even though he should''ve died. After that, he was given a shadow guard and hidden from practice. It was masterful. Who wouldn''t be interested in someone so cunning?" Marie and Riley gasped in surprise, and As chuckled with an evil grin. Helix was too busy sweating. Elsa was eyeing him down with a vicious look. "Why would he do that?" Riley asked in a soft tone. "Because the dweebs didn''t havebat skills. He would''ve died if people tried killing him even a day afterbat training started." Charlotte replied. "I still don''t know much about what happened, but I know he did something, and it worked. I thought it was strange how he emphasized he wanted to live~ but openly announced how kible he was while purposely pissing people off~ Turns out, he wanted to live after all." "You''re right. That''s exactly what happened. I''m impressed." Helix chuckled with a warm smile. He was d Leera never caved and told about Helix''s strategies to trap Lucas and Ethan. Charlotte did plenty of investigating on her own but came up short. If Leera had cracked to anyone, Charlotte would have known and confronted Helix as usual. Therefore, he knew Charlotte''s analysis was solely on her own observations. Elsa gave him a pensive stare and started reflecting upon the situation and if he had done the right thing. "Ooooooh. That''s a good point." Marie whispered in praise. "It''s a bold move¡­ for a weak idiot." Asughed. Helix flushed bright red when everyone burst intoughter. Even Elsa was chuckling. "Anyway, after that, I always hung around him. I didn''t do that out of boredom, you know?" Charlotte said with a dismissive tone. "I am usually nomittal to the point of losing friendships, and I have Tinker for emotional support. But I kept hanging around Hellie because I was interested in him. I didn''t pounce because he always gave me the [you''re crazy af, but I''m okay with it look]." Helix burst into bewilderedughter, and a choir of giggles and chuckles backed him up. "So~As. When did you fall in love with Hellie?" Charlotte asked with an evil tone. "Haaaaaah. Look, I''m not involved in this, but I''ll tell you how I met him." As sighed. Chapter 47 [Partner In Crime] The women got excited when they heard As was willing to talk about his rtionship with Helix. He wasn''t a person to share unnecessary information unless it was necessary for context. [Especially when it came to Helix]. "I''d love to know how you met." Riley announced with a warm voice. "Me too." Marie followed. "Yeah. It''s been a mystery." Charlotte said with a discerning tone. "Haaaaah. Alright. So I got kicked out of a gambling den a week after we arrived." As chuckled. "A¡­ week!?" Marie cried. "Why are you so surprised?" Charlotte asked in bewilderment. "...." "Okay, continue." Charlotte chuckled. "Yeah¡­ so I lost my sword in a bet and needed to get it back because I didn''t want Macron to rip out my stomach to use as a canteen." As exined awkwardly. Helix started rolling inughter. Elsa was chuckling in bewilderment, and the women were giggling. "So, you know. Helix never turns anyone down." As said awkwardly. Helix didn''t know the women were giving As death res, but¡­ he knew they were giving him death res. "I~see. So this is why you never talk about your life." Charlotte said with an evil grin. "... Yes. When I showed up, Helix gave me the sigh of a lifetime. I''m talking twenty years ofpressed depression type sigh." As recounted dramatically. Helix chuckled in bewilderment, and augh parade followed. "Helix asked me if I was stupid. His words were, [As, you wasted enough gold to buy you a year''s worth of high-ss hookers, and you''re promising to pay me back? Please¡­ I''ll help you, but don''t insult me]." Helix burst intoughter, and the women followed again. Tears were streaming down his eyes when he recounted the event. "I gave him a mythical-grade wry smile, but my eyes almost popped out when I realized he said he''d help." As chuckled. "The dude touched his neck twice and started reading through his interface. Pulls some chalk out of thin air and says [turn around]." Everyone was listening with grins on their faces. Helix could hear it in theirck of breathing. "He starts drawing on my damn back. If he were anyone else, I''d have assumed he was writing [kick me] and beat his ass." Asughed. Everyone burst into giggles andughter. "But he was¡­ you know, sigh machine, and I was Mr. Desperation." Helix chuckled in amusement. "So I grinned and bared it. Finally, Helix turned around and said, [this is a Circle of Vanity for the prettiest woman I can make with a Level 2 circle. Using this, you should be able to gain entry with another person''s appearance. You should be able to get a sword from any man for free with this]." As dramatized. "The¡­ prettiest?" Marie asked. "That''s strange." Riley mused. "Ooooooh. I get it~" Charlotte said with a grin. Helix chuckled with an evil smile and was grateful someone else got it. As let out a deep sigh. "So I''m stoked, yeah? I''m not just getting back in, but I can gamble with style. So I ignored the stupid, evil grin on his face." He recounted bitterly. "I still don''t understand¡­." Riley confessed. "Oh." Marie giggled. "Now~you got it." Charlotte grinned. "So, yeah. I changed my appearance, got my 10/10 rack, and started strutting around." As sighed. "Turns out, he didn''t give me a voice changer." Everything burst into ragingughter. Elsa gave Helix an evil grin that gave him redemption. "That was only the first of my worries." As chuckled bitterly. "What happened!?" Marie asked excitedly. "As, hurry up. I might¡­ hahaha¡­ die¡­ my sides¡­ my sides hahaha!" Charlotte requested between gasps of breath. Riley giggled quietly. "Haaaaaah. So I can''t talk much, right?" As sighed. "But everyone, their mothers, and their dead grandmothers wanted to talk to me!" Everyone burst intoughter again. "I didn''t find this out tillter, but son of bitch put me in amoners dress!" As roared. "Commoners dress?" Riley asked softly. "It~means¡­ hahaha¡­ that people didn''t fear him as a no~ble¡­ haha¡­." Charlotte cried with an evil voice. "If he were a noble, people wouldn''t be rude to him." Marie giggled. "But because he was amoner and going to a sleazy gambling den¡ª" "Everyone started approaching and cat calling me instantly." As sighed. "I''ve always rolled my eyes at sexual harassment and thought, hmmm¡­ must be hard getting free drinks¡­." Helix burst intoughter. "But now? That shit''s scarred into my memory." As groaned. "People pped my ass so many times before I got my sword that I locked everyone in a barrier and got the hell out." Everyone burst intoughter again. "So naturally, I was banned from the ce again." As sighed, triggering moreughter. "I walked up to Helix, and he said, [hmmm. Your face says you got offered every man''s sword in the house] with a damn grin." As muttered bitterly. No one could breathe between breaths. "I gave that kid a death re, yeah, and you know what he said to me?" As asked. Everyone gave him the thumbs up because they wereughing too hard to say [what?]. "He sighed and said, [Look, As. If I''m helping youmit a crime, I''ll ensure I get something out of it, and you''re too broke to offer me anything else]." Roaringughter took over. Elsa was trying to calm Helix down out of reflexive fear his wound would be disturbed. It was unnatural for a wound to be pletely] healed when someone woke up. "Haaaaah. Well, I was still a degenerate after that, and Helix was the guy that always bailed me out. So yeah¡­ I guess what I''m trying to say is¡­ thanks? I''m still broke as hell, but the least I can do is tell an embarrassing ass story to your girlfriends." Everyone froze when they realized they were speaking in the third person to a recording to Helix. After they processed what happened, they burst intoughter again. They were all embarrassed, but they understood As'' sacrifice. Once the group calmed down, As called out. "Riley, when did you take interest in that idiot?" As asked. "I don''t think he''s an idiot, but I''ll tell you my favorite memory." Riley giggled. Everyone sighed with smiles when they heard her. To her friends, Riley was sweet to the point of being one-dimensional. That''s what they loved about her. Everyone nodded with gentle smiles. That was the vibe Helix got from the recording. "This one day, Helix ran up to me while talking to Macron and said, [Riley, I have an emergency! I need your help]!" Chapter 48 [Bait’n Switchin’ Bubble Baths] "One day, Helix ran up to me while talking to Macron and said, [Riley, I have an emergency! I need your help]!" Everyone hushed down in excitement. "I asked what was wrong because it was so uncharacteristic. He said, [half a dozen crying women are asking for help, and I need an emotional trantor]!" The group burst intoughter again. Helix was confident working through strategies but couldn''t hold a basic conversation to save his life. He didn''t know how to handle crying in any situation, either. Even after dozens of people came to him crying, he didn''t learn anything from it. Helix genuinelycked talent in it. "So I said okay in confusion and went with him. They said the water wells in their wing weren''t working, and Lina and some girls were making fun of them. He whispered, [please summarize the issue¡­.] with the most desperate eyes possible." Riley continued. The women burst into giggles, and Helix turned bright red. "I told them that their bathtubs weren''t working and couldn''t bathe, so Lina and the jealous faction women were making fun of them for their smell. I was too forward, and the women burst into tears again. Helix almost had a panic attack and said [Riley, please. Gold. Magic circles. Whatever you want, please just do something to make them stop crying]!" Everyone burst intoughter again. Helix was bright red, and Elsa was eyeing him down with an evil grin. "So I talked to everyone and helped them calm down. Once everyone was calm and heard the issue, he went into his library. A few minutester, he blushed and panicked." Riley giggled. "Why? Was it juice~y?" Charlotte asked in an evil tone. "No. Helix found a circle that would fill an area with water. However¡­." Riley burst into giggles. "He needed to go to the female wing and go into everyone''s bathroom to draw the circles." The group burst into giggles andughter again. "So he turned to me with puppy dog eyes and begged me toe with him." Riley giggled. "I didn''t know why he asked me, but I was happy to go along." "It''s because you''re¡­ Riley. I would''ve done the same." As sighed. "Yeeeep." Charlotte affirmed sharply. "Me too." Marie giggled. "Thank you, all. Anyway, the women agreed to let them into their rooms. But they were so embarrassed to have himing into the rooms, even though they were spotless." "yer." Charlotte huffed. Marie giggled, and As chuckled. Helix was staring at the ceiling of his trailer with a wry smile. Elsa was eating it up. "When he went to Millie''s bathroom, she almost had a panic attack. So Helix almost had a panic attack. Soon the women were just panicking." Riley giggled. "So he said, [Hey¡­ ummm¡­ please don''t cry. Here! I''ll make it a bubble bath]!" The group detonated an explosion of bewildered chuckles. "Helix starts pulling out all sorts of herbs and crazy things he bought in a panic." Riley giggled. "Next thing you know, he draws out three magic circles and throws some stuff into the tub. He looked like a witch working in a cauldron." The giggling intensified, and Helix started chuckling. "Then three magic circles lit up, and suddenly the water turned sky blue and started fizzing. The women instantly forgot their embarrassment and started crying for joy and excitement." Riley giggled. "After that, we left the room, and five women started begging him to go to their room next. Of course¡­." Riley burst into giggles, and everyone followed. Helix had dead eyes. He was cringing on the inside. "... He didn''t like that type of attention. He sighed and said, [This is why I never help people]." Everyone burst intoughter. Helix was rolling around the ground with light tears streaming down his face. Elsa was chuckling. "I kept pointing out how many times he helped people. He kept sighing and muttering, [I hate my life]. That confused me because I thought he was having fun." "You''re such a beautiful soul." Charlotte chuckled. "We love you, Riley." Marie said while hugging her. Helix knew she was hugging her because Riley squeaked from being squeezed. As chuckled in bewilderment. "What about you, Marie? When did you fall in love with Helix?" "Ummm¡­ well¡­." Marie whispered. "Hoh? Why do you look guil~tay?" Charlotte smacked. "Haaaaaah. I''ve never seen someone turn twice as red before." Asughed. "This should be good." "Marie. Please tell us." Riley requested with a warm voice. Helix''s eyes widened in disbelief. He didn''t know what would follow, but he gulped. "I¡­. Um¡­. I kinda lied to him¡­ oh my god, this is being recorded!" Marie cried. "Toote." Charlotte announced with an evil voice. "Haaaah. Marie. Anything that makes someone turn that red isn''t malicious." As chuckled. "I have a feeling this story is what Helix wants to hear." "I¡­. Um. So this one time I told Helix that I was going to a party, and need to go¡­ shopping." Marie whispered. "Ooooooh. The date~bait''n switch. ss~say." Charlotte remarked with a mocking tone. "How cute!" Riley cried. "Woah. Did we just hear Riley exim?" As chuckled. "I¡­ think so? Okay. It''s a must, we need to hear this story!" Charlotte dered. "Deets. Who went with you two?" "I¡­ um¡­. I told him that I was super embarrassed, and asked for it to be¡­ just us." Helix stared at the ceiling with shock in his eyes. "That¡­ was only a week after I woke up from my injury¡­." He whispered. Elsa watched him with interest. "Nooooo way! That''s a bold move, you foxy con-woman!" Charlotte cried with excitement. "I''m impressed. This must be a magical world if a woman''s so forward." As chuckled in bewilderment. "I like it." Rileymented with a gentle voice. "Ummm¡­ yeah. So he agreed, and looked¡­ happy." Marie recounted with a flushed face. "I~bet." Charlotte chimed. "He''s always had a thing for you. Hoh? Hell~oh, miss blushy! My name is Charlotte¡ªow!" Half of the group burst intoughter. "Please continue." Riley requested. "Ummm. Yeah. So¡­ I told Helix that I wanted to impress people. So I asked him if he''d find shops beyond Burlow Street and said I liked his fashion, so I asked for his help. Surprisingly, he agreed without sighing. It¡­ made me happy." Helix was still in shock. That day amazed him, but he never dreamed it was a [date] to her. "What were the conversations like?" Charlotte asked with a sassy tone. "Ummm¡­ we were silent for a while, but he kept trying to strike up conversations, and I was super nervous." Helix''s eyes widened even more, causing Elsa to giggle like a school girl. He was so awkward that day. Believing that the fearless Marie Skybolt was awkward was a shock to him. "I look super confident, but I''m still an anti-social geek that only bes vibrant over a video game headset, so it was embarrassing." Everyone but Helix and Marie burst intoughter. The two of them were blushing. "But¡­ he kept trying, which made me happy. I thought he''d take me as cold instead of awkward, though. It was scary." "So what happened? It seems like things worked out." Riley asked with a gentle voice. "I¡­ I asked Helix about magic in Myriad. He asked me what my favorite type was, and after telling him, he started telling me about the spells." Marie recounted. "Soon, we were talking about all sorts of interesting things. He''s an otaku like me. So he had researched cliche videogame tropes, and weughed about them." Marie giggled. The women giggled between themselves, and Helix and As were awkward. "I remember how entranced I was by his knowledge. He made me excited to be here, and I enjoyed our conversation. So much so¡­ we didn''t end up buying anything¡­." "The blush returns!" Charlotte cried. "You didn''t buy anything?" Riley asked with confusion. "... Yes. We went to a store, but ended up talking in front of it until the shopkeeper yelled at us to leave." Marie chuckled awkwardly. The group burst intoughter again. Helix was chuckling with a happy look on his face. Elsa was smiling kindly upon him. The atmosphere was amazing. "We decided to get food, and he took me to an [Alka] shop." Marie continued. "Alka?" Riley asked. "Yes! It tastes like uncarbonated soda. However, Helix pulled out a carbonator called [Star Sparkles], and everything tasted like c and lemon-lime soda!" Marie cried. "No way!" Charlotte cried. Everyone burst into an uproar over the situation. "Why didn''t you tell us!?" Charlotte snapped indignantly. She was pretty salty once she realized that Marie didn''t share the deets on the soda drink. "I¡­ well¡­." Marie replied hesitantly. "I never go shopping, so I always forgot about it." Her voice was genuine and remorseful. Once people connected the story''s context to her confession, they burst intoughter again. Helix was chuckling in bewilderment. He didn''t understand what was going on. However, he was happy that things were happy for both of them. "Well, we ended up drinking the soda and talking some more." Marie recounted. "Then we had another soda and another. Suddenly it was dark outside, and he looked at me, sighed, and said¡­." Marie giggled. Everyone listened close except Helix, who was flushed red and cringing. "[I''m sorry to ask on your day off, but it''s nighttime. Will you be my bodyguard]?" The group burst intoughter again. Marie giggled with a smiling voice. "Well, that''s the day I decided that my interest was my crush." She continued. "After that, I guarded him twice as much as necessary to spend time with him. Now¡­ we''re dating. Oh my god, this is still recording!" Marie cried. The group burst intoughter. Everyone''s sides were splitting. "Ummmm. Helix. I¡­ I love you. And¡­." Charlotte started snicking and pushing her lightly and yelped with pain after pinches. "And¡­ I''m sorry for lying to you!" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 49 [Consensual~Stalker] "Don''t say sorry, dummy! He had a crush on you!" Charlotte cried. "This is where you say; I love you, take me how I am, and then take~me¡ªow!" "Charlotte, how do you know he had a crush on Marie?" Riley asked. "Hmmm? Weren''t you listening?" Charlotte asked in bewilderment. "I was always watching Hellie. He was interesting, and I was¡­ how do I put this¡­ a consensual~stalker?" "Consensual stocker? Normally that''s called an obsessive [fan girl], Charlotte. Know your PCnguage; get it right." As chuckled in a baffled tone. Helix burst intoughter at the strange conversation unfolding. "Charlotte¡­ you make it sound creepy¡­." Marie remarked in a strange tone. "Creepy? Hellie''s sharp af. He saw me analyzing him like a psychiatrist having sex with a cat scan every day, and he always narrowed his eyes when he caught me. He likes the game. I see through his strategy, and he''d mock me with his invincible poker face. It was ex~citing." Charlotte smacked. Helix chuckled with an evil grin. It was always like that, from day one. "Hoh? Let''s hear an example." Marie demanded sarcastically. "Oh~kay. Let''s see if you remember this~one." Charlotte said with an evil voice. Marie and Riley reflexively gasped when they heard it would be a group story. "You remember when Hellie asked you to help design the pins for Himma Day?" Charlotte asked with a grinning voice. "Hmmm? Yeah. Didn''t we all end up helping?" Marie asked in confusion. "Yep~" Charlotte chimed. Helix shut his eyes. He didn''t know how he felt about this conversation. "I guess it doesn''t matter anymore." Helix chuckled with a wry smile. "I wish it didn''t feel like I was lying to my partners." "Didn''t you find it strange that he gave out the pins the two days [before] Himma Day?" Charlotte asked with an evil tone. "Or why he was making such a shy show of his rtionship with women out of the blue? Or [why did he not hand them out to his death threat liabilities]?" "I¡­. I thought that was strange, but I didn''t think too far into it." Marie confessed. "I saw everyone''s smiling faces and assumed he did it to make people happy." "That''s Hellie''s special~touch that he adds to everything he does. It''s ir. If he does something, he makes people happy simultaneously because [might as well], as he puts it." Charlotte dered with an evil grin. Riley giggled, and Marie chuckled in confusion. As was silent, probably disinterested. Helix sent the ceiling a wry smile. He was happy that Charlotte loved him for the things others didn''t see. However, he wasn''t proud of those things either. So he was divided between pleased for Charlotte''s happiness and his mortification. "Ummm. So is someone gonna exin what happened?" As asked in exasperation. He was acting disinterested, but he broke. Whatever the story, it was juicy, and he wanted to know. "Oh~nothing. Hellie just found a random holiday, had us make clothing pins for everyone to wear on their chests, and then¡­." Charlotte paused for dramatic effect. "Wire~tapped our enemies." She announced with an evil voice. Shocked gasps filled the area. Helix chuckled at her shocking inducing ir. "Wait¡­ what?" Marie gasped in disbelief. "I''m confused, Charlotte." Riley confessed. "I''m about it. What the hell did he do?" As asked with an [I''m interested] voice. Helix sighed when he saw Elsa ring at him. "Hellie ced Circles of Rememberances in the jelly faction pins." Charlotte exined with a devious voice. "He had us hand them out two days before after training stealthfully. Then when all of the women showed up the next day wearing them, Lina~bee got suuuuuuper jelly~" "And demanded one as rudely as possible." Marie interjected in disbelief. "Ex~actly. He triggered the jelly faction to demand a wire~tap and wear them proudly!" Shocked stutters came out over the Circle of Remembrance. However, As chuckled. Then Charlotte chuckled. Marie chuckled. Riley chuckled. Helix chuckled. Elsa chuckled. And the entire group of speakers and listeners burst intoughter. "Riiiiight!? Then he got every~one to line up and start activating the pins to [test] them." Charlotte continued. "No way¡­." Marie whispered. Everything was piecing itself together now. "That''s~right. He activated super special magic circles in those pins." Charlotte continued. "The following day, pissed off jelly faction members that had to demand those pins got in line for Hellie to act~ivate them for Himma Day." "And used the Duplication Circle to transfer it¡­." Marie whispered. "That''s badass." Asughed. Soon they all burst intoughter. "And remember what Hellie told Lina when she demanded one of those super special magic pins?" "That it had a special magic to make her appearance glow to others, making them look charming¡­." Marie whispered. "Yeeeeeep. That''s why she con~tinued wearing it." Charlotteughed. "She kept wearing that pin and demanded he reactivated it every few days¡­." Marie chuckled in bewilderment. "Yep~" Charlotte chuckled. Helix chuckled in minor happiness when he learned that no one felt they were lied to. But¡ª "Wait! How did [you] know about this?" Marie cried indignantly. "How? Girl, did you even listen to the story? We''ve gone over this twice." Charlotte asked in bewilderment. Marie fell silent, and Helix sighed. "I was his consensual stalker, remember? I watched him constantly. I discovered his~game generally as it unfolded." Charlotte exined with an evil voice. "I called him out on it, and he promised me the deets if I didn''t tell. Everyone else would want to use the info to expose her. But I~knew he had some form of game because I~watched and yed the game with him. But now, I can tell you because we''re in a harem together, Helix isn''t here, and you made Lina''s legs go BOOOOOOM! So there''s no reason to worry anymore." "Charlotte! Don''t tell him that right now!" Marie cried. "Whoa, calm your tits. If Heliie saw how badass you were when you executed his strategy and knew you got revenge, he''d be grinning." Charlotte replied dismissively. "I don''t know about you, but I want my per~sonal circle to be spice~say! So unless you wanted to break him the news he wants, we might as well be like¡­." Helix closed his eyes and scoffughed. Charlotte told him things he wanted to avoid, but her personality cut through the bitterness like a hot de. "Hey, Hellie. We want you to know that we followed your instructions, and this ce is much better because of it." Charlotte said with a genuine smile. "Marie is a total badass and has this ce running. She had a ir for maniption, but it''s pushing all the right buttons. People are smiling, and they''re excited about magic now. We skull fucked your bitch ass ex-friend as you wanted us to. So the super-otakies can live without fear and jealousy. The kind people are being supported with growth. Riley''s helping people with emotional support. Macron has supported us hands-on, and the monster hunts are going spectacrly as~expected. I''m bored without your strategies roaming around like wildfire. But I''m going to see you soon. We''re excited about our harem, and guess~what, Hellie? I''m a full~time member now. If you don''t like that, deal with it. I''m a consensual stalker and don''t you dare say you don''t love my crazy. If you do¡ªirony." Helix burst intoughter, and full tears streamed down his eyes. "See, Marie. That! Is how you get things done." "I-I see¡­ Helix. I love you so much. I was so happy when you asked me out. It felt like a dreame true. Now, I''m sad that you''re not here¡­ but everyone misses you and talks about you often. The things they say remind me of the reasons I love you. So it''s like you''re here. We have our trip lined out to meet you. The moment the month is up, we''re leaving regardless of whether there''s a monster attack. We have agreed to fight all the monsters to the north." Marie giggled. Helix burst intoughter, and more tears streamed down his eyes. "So¡­ it''s strange. Knowing that you love me makes me look forward to seeing you. Because when I do, I can confess all of my feelings to you and tell you how much you mean to me. I know you''ll ept them now, which makes me happy." Marie confessed. "I can''t wait¡­ Marie." Helix whispered mid sob. "And I''m excited too. I find it strange that you wanted to be my girlfriend, but I love it." Riley added. "It feels surreal, but I''ll stay around as long as you have me. I''ve always enjoyed being around you. You make me feel content and happy. I''m happy in general, but it feels like¡­ I don''t want anything out of life. The world just seems lukewarm in my eyes. But¡­ with you, I feel¡­ desire? I''ve always looked forward to spending time with you. Now, I''m grateful knowing I''m one of the special few who gets to see you and hopefully spend my life with you. That gives me something wonderful to look forward to. So thank you, and I can''t wait to hug you selfishly like I always wanted to." Helix smiled between tears and shallowed between sobs. Elsa looked at him with a gentle gaze. "And¡­. Yo. I''ming the following month to give you four sexy~time." Asughed. "That''s all." The women burst into bewildered giggles but weren''t hitting or pinching him from embarrassment. Helixughed at the scenario. "Wellllll, this is getting long. So bye~bye, lover boy~" Charlotte sang. "I like ya, lots. Muah!" "I love you, Helix. I''ll see you soon!" "I love you if that''s okay." Helix didn''t know whether tough or cry at Riley''s statement, but he was doing both anyway, so it was irrelevant. "You''re aight, I guess. More fun than the people here." As said in a disinterested tone. "I love you all, too. Even you As, in a heterosexual life-mate type of way." Helixughed. "I can''t wait to see you, all." "I''ll stop this before we start ranting again. Peace." Asughed. The transmission was cut after that. Helix burst into tears, and Elsa made her way over to him. She lifted his head, put it onto herp, and ran her fingers through his hair. Helix was grateful and didn''t try to move. They sat in quiet for a half-hour before Helix finally fell asleep again. "I''m happy to see you smile genuinely, kid." Elsa whispered whileying him back down. "I''ll see you in the morning." After he was down, she fell asleep with a warm smile. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 50 [Grandmasters] Helix blinked twice, and his eyebrow started twitching when he opened his eyes. "I don''t know whether tough because they followed my strategy or cry because they gave me this thing." After a moment of staring at it without progress, he sighed. "Well, at least I know that the rumors weren''t baseless." He muttered. In front of his eyes was a 3x2-foot card with bold letters. [Women and men that apply to join Helix''s Honorary Harem] When he saw what was written on the bottom, Helix sighed again. "It''s official. It''s definitely under the cry category." He muttered bitterly. "Good morning! Seems your present has already greeted you!" Elsa called out with a bright smile. Helix sighed. "I''m sorry, Elsa. I have no excuse for holding a harem party in the hospital room." He replied. Elsaughed and narrowed her eyes at him. "You''re fast on the uptake." She said with a grin. "This was my way of scolding you. So consider your impending punishment paid." Helix chuckled. "I appreciate your leniency." He said with depleted eyes. "You''ve done a number on those three, kid. Even Charlotte imed responsibility for what happened. Though I''m certain, she was being honest." Elsamented with a sly smile. "Hah¡­ those women. What am I going to do with them?" Helix chuckled. "Love them back and don''t ept new applicants, idiot." She replied in a serious voice. Helix chuckled and shook his head. "Don''t worry about that. I''m not going to be thinking about women anytime soon." He affirmed in a mncholy tone. Elsa frowned, and her eyes filled with sadness. "I''m not sure where to begin, so I''ll just start. It''s been 31 days since you''ve left Alzeria. You''re now in the Kozan Penins." She announced to change the subject. Helix''s eyes went wide with shock. "T-Thirty-one days!?" Elsa chuckled. "Yes, thirty-one days. That means there are thirty-one fewer days until Marie, Charlotte, and Riley join you." She affirmed with a warm gaze. Helix smiled and looked at the magic circle he was sitting on. Before long, his eyes started trailing the lines and trying to decipher their purposes. "Hmmm? Are you interested in the magic circle?" Elsa asked. "Yes¡­. This pattern is made from two Level 5 magic circles that have been blended." Helix replied in a daze. "Whoever did this created a lower-end legendary magic circle. However, the techniques used to do so aren''t used for medicinal magic. It''s strange and extraordinary." Elsa smiled at him and studied him with interest. "You can meet the man if you wish. He traveled from Alzeria to meet you." She announced with a mysterious smile. "There''s¡­ over a thousand miles between Alzeria and Kozen." He replied with wide eyes. "Have you exined to him that I was charmed and thus couldn''t greet him earlier?" Elsa greeted Helix''s panicked expression with shock on her own. "Wait¡­. How do you know that you were charmed!?" She asked with equal levels of panic. Helix''s iris'' trembled, and he put his hands up. "I don''t know [who] charmed me. But I was charmed if I was asleep for thirty-one days and woke uppletely healed from a near-mortal wound." He replied hurriedly. Elsa was frozen with shock in her eyes. However, she gradually rxed her facial expressions. "Considering you''re going to use that crazy library to look it upter, it''s called the Charm of Blissful Healing. Don''t try to figure out [who] gave you that charm. It''d be bad for your health." Helix gave her a wry smile. "Thanks for the heads up. I''ll gratefully ept any insight that keeps me away from trouble." Elsa chuckled. "Anyway, there''s no need to apologize to Tilo. He traveled with the caravan, hoping you''d ept an invitation to be his apprentice." She exined. Studying Helix''s expressions had be a pastime for her, so she enjoyed the show. "Why¡ª" "Why? Hah. You created a mythical-grade shit storm with that pretty little mirror of yours." Elsaughed. "Don''t pretend like you don''t know just how advanced your handy work was." Helix looked back at the magic circle, and his eyes became cold and murderous for a second. However, he snapped out of his daze a secondter. Elsa breathed a sigh of relief when his bloodlust dissipated. She was grateful she didn''t trigger the emotions he was masterfully suppressing. "I''ll do it." He replied with resolve in his eyes. "Usually, I''d sigh, ask why I was chosen, and think, [what a pain in the ass]. However, I''ll take any opportunity I can get right now to grow even a little stronger. I''m not interested in being a fighter, but there are three beautiful women I''d like to protect when it''s my turn to step up." Elsa stared at Helix''s resolve with awe and wonder. After a stunned silence, she coughed to get back on track. "You should reserve judgment if that''s the case. Three grandmasters and another three teachers are traveling on this caravan hoping to take you on as their apprentice." Elsa announced. "Wait¡­ what did you just say?" Helix asked. He shook his head in amazement. "Please don''t exin why they want to take me on. I''m confused why I have to turn down any of them?" Elsa gave Helix a mysterious smile. "Starting with the important questions first¡­. I can see why so many people are interested in you." She replied with interest in her eyes. After her statement, she took a deep breath. "Being an apprentice isn''t as simple as going to school. An apprentice lives with their master, and you''re expected to work for them and perform household tasks, shopping, and other duties." Elsa exined. Helix''s eyes clouded for a moment. He wasn''tmenting the requirement to do work again after Emelia died¡ªhe was reminded that Emelia died. "Ahem. Normally you would only be able to learn from one person as an apprentice, but you have a unique situation." She continued. Helix''s eyes filled with life again. "Why''s that?" He asked. "It''s because three grandmasters traveled one-thousand miles toe here. You can negotiate the best deal because no one wants to leave empty-handed." Elsa exined. Helix nodded in understanding. "Moreover, all three grandmasters are required by the kingdom''s authority to let you learn from the other instructors if you wish." She rified. "I see." Helix replied. After a moment of silence, he sighed. "Are the teachers here in hopes that I''ll return to Alzeria? Moreover, were the teachers sent with the specific purpose of spying on me?" Helix asked with a mncholy voice. Elsa chuckled and narrowed her eyes. "You''re as sharp as you are forward, kid." Helix gave her a wry smile. "To answer your question, the answer is yes and maybe. However, no one expects you to return to Alzeria, and it''s natural for employees of the Alzeria Kingdom to keep tabs on those they''re teaching." She confirmed. "However, to answer the deeper question you''re asking, their purpose is primarily benign." Helix gave Elsa a quizzical nce. "The Kingdom views you as a benefactor they feel indebted to." Elsa announced. She chuckled at her bewildered expression. "Have you already forgotten? You helped them survive the [otakupocalypse]." After processing Elsa''s statement, Helix burst intoughter. "The moment I saw that embarrassing card and heard their circle, I knew they seeded. Since I took it for granted that they would, I didn''t consider that anyone would thank me for it." He chuckled in amazement. Elsa gave him a gentle smile. "Not only that, you improved the lives of all the Knights, and they''re growing into morepetent humans and fighters. So it''s only natural that the Kingdom is grateful for you. They sent three teachers to help you get stronger as a token of appreciation. The three grandmasters are here of their own ord. However, they were permitted to journey here temporarily as a token of gratitude. The Kingdom is grateful to you and hopes you''ll be strong and be an ally." She continued. "However, they''ve been informed that you''ll likely take on a low-wage job and die in a monster attack. So their expectations ride on the threepetent women apanying you." Helix''s eyes widened, and then they both erupted intoughter. "Okay, let''s go meet Tilo to the circle master." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 51 [Tilo] "Well, well. If it isn''t the great Helix Margrave." A man announced. He pped his hands slowly as soon as Helix entered the man''s trailer. The man had dark, curly brown hair neatly groomed on the sides. His eyes were olive green, and his face was handsome, clean-cut, and had a leathery appearance. He looked like a battle veteran around sixty who aged well. It was a room on wheels that a horse-pulled simr to his. However, it wasrge and far more borate. The sight was shockingpared to the living conditions of the other travelers. There were magic circles of varying degrees of depth on every wall in the room. Every section of the room filled his mind with interest. Helix shed the man an awkward smile. "Helix Margrave. It''s great to meet you, Grandmaster Tilo." He replied with a head nod. "What a clever answer." The man replied while narrowing his eyes. "As you''ve already been told, my name is Grandmaster Tilo Szar. Elsa, Helix, please take a seat." Tilo requested with a motion to a leather sofa. The twoplied and sat down. "Tell me, Helix. What circle of hell did you grow up in that taught you to create the Mirror of Helioquie?" Tilo asked with narrowed eyes. Helix gave Tilo a slight smile. "The ce is called Earth. It''s quite round, but some of my people are certain it''s t." He replied casually. "I''m sure you''re already aware that many cultured yet horrifying beings live there." Tilo burst intoughter after hearing Helix''s sassy reply. "What a ce! If a cat dragged me there like Kylon dragged you to Myriad, I''d doubtlessly be bitter too!" He roared. "Your personality is quite forward." Helix replied with a wry smile. "So I guess we''ll get along fine." He sighed. "Hoh? You''re speaking as though you''ve already chosen me for your apprenticeship." Tilo remarked. "Have you heard about the other grandmasters yet?" He asked. Helix shook his head. "No, I haven''t. However, the magic circle you helped blend uses runes and techniques used for battle circles. The Kingdom clearly hired you toplete the task hurriedly, and you jail-rigged the knowledge you have toplete the task. Apprenticing with someone like you is the best way I can provide value to the women in my life since they''re powerful. If you let me live with my partners, I''ll ept your apprenticeship." He reasoned. Tilo narrowed his eyes. "Can that Myriad Library of yours see what you''re looking at?" He asked with a serious tone. Helix gave Tilo a slight smile. "No. I began studying magic circles because they were the only option I had to protect myself from the cultivator wannabes in the Knight core." He chuckled bitterly. "Until recently, my spirit particle reserve was so low that they were my only option. So I naturally know about battle circles. It''s also clear that you''re the real deal." Tilo gazed upon the boy with fascination and excitement burning in his eyes. "I see. I refuse to ept you as an apprentice till you hear your other options. However, at the very least, I want you to guarantee you''ll negotiate a deal to give me some of your time aspensation for temporarily refusing." He replied. Helix chuckled with a mocking expression. "You have a deal. If you promise not to use the words pensation] or [offense] around me." He replied with a slight smile. While he was joking, his eyes weren''t joking. "Hoh? Oh, yes. I''ll use those terms as punishment from now on. In case you''re wondering, I am not joking. So if you join me, follow the rules." Tilo replied with genuine eyes. Helix scoffed lightly and turned his head. After gazing around the room, he sighed. "Fair. It will remind me of what I lost because I wasn''t powerful enough. This ce isn''t like Earth. While mass-murdering Sensitive Sallies aren''t the norm, monsters and fighting are. I need to ept that." Tilo gave Helix aplicated expression. After a moment of contemtion, he pped his hands. "Okay, out you go. We''re moving to the training grounds." Tilo announced. Elsa''s eyes widened with bewilderment, but Helix''s eyes chuckled bitterly. "Is this your way of telling me that it''s important to get started?" He asked. "Is there a problem with that?" Tilo asked with a mocking smile. Helix gave the man a wry smile. "No. Just don''t beat me so bad that my wounds open up. I don''t want to lose a master after I get one." He replied. "Hoh? You have a lot of grit if you''re threatening me." Tilo replied with a sharp gaze. Helix sighed. "I''m not threatening you. You should be more attentive to your surroundings, Master." Tilo''s eyes widened in bewilderment. He turned his head to Elsa slowly. The motion was simr to a rusty cog that hadn''t been oiled in years. "Uh¡­." Tilo eked out nervously. Elsa was ring daggers so sharp that Tilo thought he might get murdered by her gaze. Seeing the stand-off, Helix stood up. "Okay. Please lead the way." He said. Tilo gave the boy a wry smile. While Tilo believed Helix was innocent, he couldn''t help but believe he had somehow beguiled him. "... Yes. Elsa, I promise I won''t kill my new apprentice." He said awkwardly. "Ahem!" "I¡­ promise he won''t be bedridden for a week." "Ahem!" "I¡­ light scratches and bruises." Tilo sighed. Elsa sighed and caved in. "Saving that boy''s life has been my full-time job for thest two months. At least give me a weekend off." She huffed indignantly. Helix and Tiloughed but stopped when Elsa struck fear into their hearts with a brutal gaze. "Ahem. Okay. We''ll save the real fun forter¡­. Come now. Let''s show you your home." Helix followed behind the man with dry satisfaction. "Helix. Wait up a minute." Elsa called out. Tilo stopped respectfully and let the young man turn his attention to her. "If you''re not ready to get on your feet, that''s fine. While I think it''s healthy to keep your mind preupied, it''s equally unhealthy to block out everything else." Elsa reasoned with worried eyes. Helix gave her a gentle smile. There was a glint of genuine sadness in his pitch-ck eyes. "Thank you, Elsa. I assure you that there hasn''t been a single moment since waking that I haven''t thought about Emelia." He confessed. "I''m using my feelings of love for her as fuel to protect others. Rather, I''m honoring her life by making more of mine." Elsa stared at the young man with amazement. "I''ve neither experienced loss nor love in my life until recently. So I don''t know how to cope or mourn yet." Helix continued. "However, there are three women in my life that I also love, and I know that I don''t want to experience this again. So I''ll show my love and gratitude by learning how to protect and share in their burdens." Elsa was left stunned. "I¡­. I see. Well, in that case, hurry off. But you best not wake up to see my worried face anytime soon. You hear?" She asked. Helix chuckled and gave her a gentle smile. "Yeah, I hear you. Do I get to see you again tonight?" He asked. Elsa didn''t know how to respond to the tone he was using. "Yes¡­. I''ll be staying with you for the next week." She replied. "I''d¡­ appreciate that." Helix sighed. After a moment of silence, he turned around and walked away. Elsa looked at Helix with a worried expression. However, she had warmth in her eyes. She never had children, but she felt a certain paternal instinct in her to watch over the young man who was both deceptively strong and weak. "I''ll be there." Elsa whispered with tender eyes as she watched him walking away with Tilo. "I''ll stay with you as long as you need." Chapter 52 [Battle Magic] The training grounds were a sand-filled arena on the far edge of the town they were staying in. When Helix arrived, he looked around. The people traveling in the caravan saw him walking with Tilo and followed behind him in interest. News quickly spread, and soon the teachers and grandmasters arrived with their students to watch what was happening. "Are you waiting for everyone to show up, so I work hard not to embarrass myself?" Helix sighed. "Hoh? You''re quite sharp. That''s exactly what I''m doing." Tilo replied with an amused grin. Helix gave Tilo a mocking nce. "I don''t suppose you''re also taking this moment to downy my talents, are you? You''d get a better deal if the warrior types didn''t find me promising." Tiloughed. "Well now, boy. You''ve read me like a book." He announced. He was smiling, but his eyes weren''t smiling. "However, it''s a double-edged sword. You''re famous for your weakness. Therefore, I''ll have a harder time keeping my cards in order if you do well." Tilo replied with a sly smile. "So I suppose you''ll ramp up the heat if I start doing well, won''t you?" Helix sighed. "You know that sharp intelligence of yours is forcing me to work harder don''t you?" Tilo asked. "Well, it''s a good thing that I want to learn from you from the start." Helix chuckled bitterly. "It''s fate." Tilo grinned. Once the man was satisfied with the turnout, he touched the ck swirl tattoo on his neck and pulled out three packs of disks. Helix''s eyebrow raised when he saw them. "These¡ª" Tilo announced. "¡ªare battle discs. They allow you to throw magic circles into an area in the middle of a battle." After the tied bundles were at his feet, Tilo picked up two of them and approached Helix. The young man epted both bundles, put them down, and started inspecting them. Finally, Tilo reached into his item storage, pulled out a pack of self-correcting chalk, and handed it to him. "In the future, you will not use this chalk since you will not always have it. However, for now, you can use it during our warm-up." The man announced with a wicked grin. Helix narrowed his eyes. One of the bundles of the discs had pre-made magic circles on them. The other bundle was left nk. "What are the rules?" Helix asked with sharp eyes. Tilo gazed at him with satisfaction. His amusement was clear as day. "The rules are simple. There are twenty-four discs there. As you can see, twelve have magic circles, and the others do not. You can use that amount of discs trying tond some type of attack on me. If you fail to harm me after 24 attacks, I''ll start attacking you physically with my hands." "I see." Helix replied with a slight smile. Tilo narrowed his eyes with interest. "Let''s hope that I''m not giving you more credit than you deserve." He chuckled. "Isn''t that something you''re supposed to say under your breath before the match begins?" Helix asked with a mocking smile. Tiloughed. "Boy, I''ll do whatever the hell I want." Helix gave him a slight smile. "How much time do I have to prepare?" He responded. "There is twenty minutes of preparation time for the both of us. The magic circles I''ve provided are marked, so I expect you to use that freaky library of yours to the utmost potential." Tilo exined with a cheeky smile. "I''ll get started then. Whenever you''re ready." Helix said with a slight smile. "Despite being told I''m about to beat you senseless, you look confident." Tilomented. "I''m going to be beaten senseless in front of important people either way. So I''m showcasing my interest in the training." Helix sighed. "Please don''t beat overconfidence out of me. I don''t deserve it." Tilo chuckled in bewilderment. "Fair enough. Then let''s get started." He replied. "Your twenty minutes start now!" Tilo bellowed to all of the spectators. Murmurs of excitement ripped through the crowd of observers. The other two grandmasters studied Helix like a hawk, and the paid teachers did not mask their excitement. Helix quickly started reading off the names of the discs. "Circle of Reflection." "Circle of Silence." "Circle of Illusion." "Circle of Negation." "Line Shot Trigger." "eleration Trigger." "Ghost Walker Trigger." "Gravity Lock Trigger." "King Killer." "Eruption." "Quake." "Corruption." Helix wanted to strangle Tilo after reading the various spells attached to the discs. Three were practical trap spells that were extremely useful inbat¡ªfor people who could fight. One was a protective spell that negates spells he was certain Tilo didn''t n to use. Four were a trap because they required real-time modification to be usable. It was lucky he could modify them. Otherwise, he''d be SOL when he tried to use them. Thest four were Level 5 cmity spells that Tilo would beat him ruthlessly for attempting to use in battle. In short, Tilo set him up to fail and get beaten senselessly. Helix touched the blood-red tribal sun tattoo on his neck. "Fuck me." ¡ª "Howdy, mister! Did you miss me? *giggle." ¡ª Helix tapped his neck twice to close his interface. After a second, he tapped it again. ¡ª "Hyrumpha! Who do you think you are, mister!?" Helix touched his neck. "I was just checking you didn''t skull fuck my reputation with bright red light again." Helix replied in exasperation. "Hey now! Don''t get moody that I offered you the dream title, and you turned it down." "Look, Elise. Can we talk about killing youter? I''m in the middle of something really important." Ding! [Congrattions. You have met the necessary conditions to update your title. You have now been assigned the Level 3 title [The Pragmatic Hypocrite]. Condition: Decide to kill me to end your endless struggles to stay alive.] Helix''s eyebrow twitched. He wanted to yell at her for updating his titles without confirming his feelings or intentions. However, after a moment of murderous contemtion, he caved in and released a sigh. "Elise. You''re about to say something grotesquely cliche like: [Yay! You''re finally experiencing loss and getting stronger! Hurry~up, mister! I''m going to crank up the death in your life soon to relieve my sense of boredom. I''m not going to stop ying my game on your behalf. So you better get ready for it!] Or something like that. The thing is, I''m currently getting stronger right now so I can survive that death. So can you give me your ominous warnings tonight so I can begrudgingly y your game?" "..." "..." "..." "..." "Fine! 11 pm sharp! We have a date now, mister! That should give you enough time for your mom to go to bed. If you stand me up or keep a girl waiting, I''ll start massacring viges left and right!" "Good enough." Helix sighed. "Call meter, kay? <3." "Bye, Elise." The second the popup window closed, Helix quickly entered the Myriad Library. ¡ª [Ghost Walker Trigger] [Difficulty: Intermediate] [Usefulness: Battle Flexible] [Activation Time: Triggers upon individual stepping within a three-foot radius of the circle. Works for thirty seconds.] [Cooldown: Single Activation] [Description: Create a copy of the individual who walks inside the circle and moves independently.] [Notes: Outer ring modification will cause the illusion to mimic the activators. Adding an inner ring will modify the illusion to stay close to the activator. The distance of the illusion will be determined by the rtive distance from the inner circle to the main circle. Time trigger modification will dy the sequence. Trace multiyer copies to create multiple illusions. Advanced modifications¡ª] ¡ª "That''s brutal." Helix muttered under his breath. There wasn''t much time, so Helix quickly got to work. The first thing he did was take the nk discs and the premade discs and mix them. Tilo raised his eyebrow in surprise, and an amused grin developed on his face. Helix took out two pieces of chalk and ground down their tips into two differentyers of thickness. Tilo pouted when he saw Helix get to work. Since he couldn''t differentiate which discs were in front of the young man, he couldn''t tell whether he was creating circles or modifying them. What surprised Tilo the most was that Helix didn''t spend more than three minutes in his interface. Therefore, he was recreating or modifying circles he already knew or modifying a select number of options. "Your twenty minutes are up! I hope you''re ready!" Tilo announced. After watching Helix marking discs with chalk like a lunatic, they were eager to watch what happened. Helix sighed when he saw their enthusiasm. "Well, I''m ready as I''ll ever be." He announced with a slight smile. ¡ª [A/N: Who''s ready to get this level up party started?] Chapter 53 [Pure Recklessness] Helix cracked his neck and started stretching his body. "What? Giving up on attacking me with a magic circle so soon?" Tiloughed. Helix gave him a slight smile but stayed silent. "You know those specific stretches won''t help your body from getting hurt, right?" Tilo continued with narrowed eyes. "Yeah. But it''s good form, don''t you think?" Helix asked with a mocking smile. "Hmmm. I suppose you''re not wrong. Are you ready to begin?" Tilo chuckled. "Give me two months with a sword trainer, help me level up killing monsters, and buy me breakfast, and I''ll be ready." Helix sighed. The manughed. "If what you said wasn''t so rational, I''d have spasming face muscles." Tilo chuckled with an amused expression. "Since you have time to joke, you have time to fight. The countdown starts now!" Helix closed his eyes. ''Charlotte, Marie¡­ I hope that our legendary harem night blessed me with enough stats to pull this off.'' He thought after a deep breath. "Ten!" "Nine!" "Eight!" "Seven!" "Six!" "Five!" The blood in the crowd was pumping with enthusiasm. "Four!" "Three!" "Two!" "One!" "Go!" Helix ran at Tilo with the full speed of a mortal. Tilo''s eyes went wide at the strange development. When Helix got within ten feet of the man, he threw two discs out. "Hah. Right off the bat, I see." Tilo chuckled. "However¡­. interesting choice. I''ll let this one trigger and see what he does." He added under his breath. A secondter, Tilo''s body split in two. To Tilo''s shock, the clone remained one foot in front of his face and mimicked his movements. As a result, he couldn''t see Helix! Everywhere he turned, he was staring at his back which was a creative and advanced usage of the technique. There were other spells with more practical ways of achieving what he did, so it was a bewildering twist. The moment that Tilo''s shock subsided, a did five feet from the back right. "Tch!" Tilo clicked his tongue when he saw the disc containing Line Shot Trigger. The magic circle shoots an earth bullet at the victim. It''s not powerful, but the criteria were tond a hit on Tilo. The interesting part of the spell was that its range wasrge. However, it shot in a straight line. So by throwing it [behind] Tilo, the man was required to jump ten feet high backward to avoid the potential for collision. In front of the man was an annoying clone that limited his vision. Therefore, his only option was to move horizontally before negating the spells. To the left, there was a familiar magic circle. To the right, Helix was running to attack him. While he could kill Helix in a second without his eyesight, Helix had 21 moves before Tio could touch him! The man didn''t know whether tough or cry when he realized his predicament. "Tch! I can''t believe I''m already pulling out circles." Tilo sneered. Tilo shot to the left. He gracefully avoided the [Circle of Disillusion] attack area and triggered a modified Circle of Negation to make the clone disappear. Clear of the obstacles to his senses, Tilo jumped again to avoid Helix, rushing to his position. However, to his shock, Helix tripled his speed in an instant. Just as the man was preparing to dodge, his body shook with a strange wave of distortion. "I avoided this damn spell. I know it!" TIlo gritted his teeth. Due to his prior research of Helix, he had prepared for him to use the spell. As a result, he ced a magic circle on his body to instantly negate the effects. Tilo''s strategy was purely defensive. Show the helplessness of magic against skillful countering, and then beat the lesson into him. Spirit particles flowed into his pocket, and the circle lit up to negate the spell. However, the effect didn''t disappear. Tilo''s eyes widened in disbelief. The effects of the spell were getting more aggressive by the second. His entire body felt like it was moving in multiple directions at once. Helix rushed Tilo and punched at his chest with his full speed. In a haze, he dodged the punch and backed away. Spirit particles followed into another negation circle. However, there was no effect whatsoever. The punches kept flying at Tilo, who was disoriented and angry. "What the hell is this spell!?" He gritted his teeth. The crowd was stunned-silent by the strange scene that was unfolding. Tilo, a grandmaster, was genuinely on the defensive, and they couldn''t believe their eyes. Moreover, they could see something shimmering on Tilo''s body but couldn''t figure out why the man wasn''t getting rid of it. His appearance was nothing short of hallucinogenic. While spells often created hallucinations, they had never seen a spell so visually distorted. Luckily, Helix was as slow as a snail to Tilo andckedbat experience. If he was a Level 40 Myriadian or Level 15 Earthian, Tilo would be struggling, despite being over Level 180. That''s how destructive the spell was on his mental processes. "Six!" "Five!" "Four!" Tilo counted down the punches left before he could knock out Helix and have time to think. "Three!" Suddenly Tilo''s eyes shot open and murderous rage overcame him. "I''m going to fucking kill you. You goddamn idiot!" Tio roared. Helix threw out two discs. In front of him was a defense shield known as [Charge Barrier]. It was an intermediate barrier circle designed to withstand fire and st spells. Behind Tio was a magic circle known as [Eruption]. To Tilo''s horror, Helix had sessfully activated the circle, which he didn''t think was possible. "Wait! Isn''t that!?" "It''s activated! Tilo!" ¡ª [Eruption] [Difficulty: Legendary] [Usefulness: Cmity Spell] [Activation Time: Triggers ten seconds after activation.] [Cooldown: Single Activation] [Description: Creates a powerful st that wipes out an area 250 meters around the circle.] [Notes: Warning! To use, you must create a trigger or have the speed to cover 250 meters in 10 seconds.] ¡ª The message was that Helix believed an intermediate barrier shield could survive the st of Eruption. The option he was forcing on Tilo was to negate the spell and risk an attack while distracted or knock him out before negating the spell. "You reckless brat! I''m going to teach you something extremely valuable!" Tilo sneered. Tilo spun around with a beautiful ark and nned to cast a negation spell and smash Helix''s chest in a single motion. However, as he turned mid-motion, he saw that Eruption had been diffused. "An illusion?" He asked with wide eyes. The man cackled in bitter bewilderment as hepleted his rotation to m Helix in the chest. He hadn''t realized that the spell he was under had disappeared. Since his mind was clear, he could see that Helix held a Circle of Illusion in his left hand. The [Charge Barrier] disc was the [Circle of Negation] that Tilo had given him. It was a deception. "This fucking idiot!" Tilo cried under his breath. He let his guard down slightly instead ofpleting his motion to shatter Helix''s ribs. The man felt a hit. To Tilo, it only felt like a tennis ball hitting him. However, Helix cried out in pain when his hand collided. After the hit wasplete, Tilo chopped Helix in the back of the neck to knock the young man out. He then caught him in his arms. Tilo didn''t want to even look at the reckless idiot. While Helix did not technically endanger the lives of everyone present with [Eruption], he did threaten his own life by doing something Tilo [thought] was reckless. As a result, disoriented and confused, Tilo might have killed him. "What the fuck just happened?" Tilo gruffed whileying the boy on the ground. He started inspecting the various magic circles on the ground. When he saw the [Circle of Disillusion], his eyes widened with shock. The disc''s magic circle was an illusion, and the real circle was [Ghost Walker Trigger]. "What type of God forsaken franken-stitched nightmare is this!?" Tio muttered to himself in disbelief as he looked at it. The more he looked at the circle, the more amazed he became. The other two grandmasters ran into the arena with faces flushed red with frustration. "Tilo! What the fuck was that just now?" A middle-aged man roared. Tilo looked at the man with a truly pathetic smile. "Tilo, you better have a good exnation of why you gave that kid an Eruption spell." An elderly woman with gray hair snapped. "Otherwise, I''ll rip your eyes out so you can watch your own death." Tio scoffed at their pompous attitudes. "Look. I''d have negated it if that boy had thrown that spell at any other point. I have a specialty circle for each, and it''s a great teaching lesson to exin how stupid it is to use cmity spells." Tio replied. "That''s a shitty way to do things!" The man yelled with a flushed red face. Tilo closed his eyes. "Even now, I could have negated that spell and killed that boy." He snapped with frustration on his face. "Oh, really? It looked like you ate the wrong nt and we''re on a day hike to enlightenment." The woman replied with a mocking smile. Tilo looked at the two with a truly defeated face. "Look, you two. I''ve seen thousands of magic circles. It''s what I do. If a boy his age was wielding something I don''t know about, it means he''s dangerous enough to kill us anyway. Moreover, that kid was confirmed at Level 1 two days before being stabbed. He just woke up. So he was Level 1 three days ago. His spirit particle reserve should have been impossible for him to activate the spell. Even if he has that library, memorized the spirit mix, and had the spirit particle control necessary to pull it off, it still should have been impossible." Tilo pointed out. The two of them stared at Tilo with dumbfounded expressions. The logic was sound, but the context was baffling. "More importantly, which one of you would have been prepared to handle this?" The two grandmasters stared at the circle with disbelief. ¡ª [A/N: Wee to the level-up arc! Help get this novel to the top where it belongs. I''ll write a bonus chapter for every review up to 25, and I''ll start tomorrow. So three a day :) The fight scenes are regr from now on, they''ll be biblical in scope, and will get increasingly mind-bending as Helix breaks through the barrier and is allowed to use his Nightmare ;)] Chapter 54 [Off Sync] "Ughhhhhhhhh." Helix groaned. "Oh good, you''re awake. That means we''re ready to start your torture session." Tilo announced with a serious voice. Helix''s eyes shot open. He was currentlyying on Tilo''s bed, and cold sweat poured down his back. "I have to punish you and want to know what I''m looking at. Torture aplishes both of those things, don''t you think?" He asked with a murderous gaze. "Can I tell you what you''re looking at and then ept getting hurt? I understand your anger, but I''d rather not try to exin that thing while I''m in pain." Helix replied. While hisment sounded sarcastic, he was being dead serious. Helix knew what he did, and he wasn''t going to pretend he didn''t see how close he was to getting his body smashed in. Tilo sighed and looked at Helix with aplicated expression. "If you had to describe what I''m looking at with a magic circle name, what would you call it?" He asked with a serious expression. "A fake Circle of Disillusion." Helix replied without the slightest hesitation. Tilo burst intoughter. Everyugh was different shades of bitter,ced with a rainbow assortment of disbelief. "Boy, you got a really fucked up sense of fake." Tilo dered. "This is eighteen shades of evil darker than the Circle of Disillusion. Did you know what would happen when you hit me with this?" Helix looked into Tilo''s olive-green eyes with bitter remorse. "Yes." He replied. Tilo didn''t know whether to praise the boy or beat him senseless after confirmation. "You''re lucky you''re smart, boy. If you weren''t, I''d be still getting my ass chewed out, and I''d be taking out my frustration on youter." Heughed with bewilderment in his eyes. Tilo genuinely felt like he might go insane. "Describe your strategy for defeating me." Tilo requested with aplex expression. "Use your inability to strike me to keep pressure on you while using your misconceptions of me to my advantage." Helix replied simply. "Well, you achieved your goal with flying colors. I was impressed that you chose to make physical attacks your primary strategy. Moreover, I was shocked by how different your stats were from what I''ve heard. Your speed, strength, agility, and spirit particle reserve don''t match up. Nor does your ability to control spirit particles. It''s baffling to me." Tilo confessed. "It''s bitter-sweet considering you side-stepped the entire purpose of the match to aplish it." Heughed in bewilderment. "Your use of illusions is extremely impressive as well. Using the rule that I couldn''t hit you allowed you to back me into a corner and fall for your trap." He chuckled. "In all ways, you''d be a prize if you didn''t pull that stupid fucking stunt at the end." Helix gave Tilo a wry smile. "I apologize. I knew what that spell would do, but I underestimated its effect on you." Helix replied. Tilo gave Helix a wry smile filled with shame. "For someone at my level, it''s rational to assume that an intermediate spell wouldn''t cause so much disorder." Tilo affirmed. "If you pulled that strategy out when I wasn''t disoriented, it wouldn''t have been a problem. I''d be praising you instead of chastising you. Punishing you for your brilliance frustrates me because the potential for disaster results from my failures. You''ve reminded this old man how dangerous it is to underestimate any opponent." Tioughed bitterly in disbelief. "Bute on! How the hell would you expect anyone to deal with this hallucinogenic hellscape!?" Tilo burst into madness-strickenughter as he pointed to the magic circle. The circle was a simple [Ghost Walker Trigger] circle that he copied to create multiple illusions. Helix had modified the spell with the outer ring to mimic Tilo''s movements. He ced an inner circle as close to the main circle as possible. As a result, the clone ovepped Tilo''s body, and its movement was only slightly different from the person''s real body. The effect was that someone would see their body moving slightly off their brain''s alignment, making every movement feel like an afterimage. That experience alone can cause serious disorientation to a person''s brain''s bncing system. It was simr to watching a video out of sync with the audio, only with a person''s body. It was twisted. However, Helix copied Ghost Walker Trigger [five] times, making a fiveyer spell. The copies ovepped the main circle so many times that it was impossible to pinpoint the original circle. The lines were as close to the main circle as possible and ovepped at different center points. In short, Tilo''s body was creating afterimages in five different directions. Just looking at the circle made it feel like a hallucinogenic hellscape. "Did you have to make five, for fuck''s sake? You could''ve thrashed my concentration with two!" Tilo was a conflicting pool of emotions. He wanted to praise Helix for creating a devastating spell that could kill his opponent. However, Tilo was his opponent. "You stacked my deck with unusable cards, and I didn''t have the time to consider all of the creative use cases." Helix sighed. "You would instantly negate the sensory deprivation spells since I don''t have the real battle capacity to keep pressure on you. The trap spells would be child''s y for you to dodge, so they weren''t a real threat. And¡­ you gave me four cmity spells as a trap." Helix chuckled bitterly. Tilo rubbed his temples to soothe his headache. "Seems that you identified the entire set of teachings for the match before it began." He chuckled in bewilderment. "Since you knew you would lose before it started, you created a trump card?" Helix nodded in confirmation. "My only option was to hit you physically and use illusions to disorient you. The Circle of Illusion was difficult to modify in the preparation period. I ran out of time when I set up the Eruption trap, or it would have been an illusion. My limitations left me with Ghost Walker Trigger as the one real chance of defeating you. Therefore, I needed to ensure the spell was as absurd as possible to gain a chance." Tilo''s brain felt like it was on fire. "You created a strategy that could honestlye out on top." He chuckled in disbelief. After a moment of silence, Tilo looked Helix in the eyes. "Helix. You passed with flying colors. There is no way you couldn''t have known that. So why would you y the Eruption trick? Why would you put yourself in danger to win like that? Illusion or not, that was courting death for the sake of nothing!" Tilo cried in exasperation. Helix opened and closed his mouth a few times. "Tilo. While it''s been over a month since Lina stabbed me to you, I¡­. was attacked yesterday. I was in a deep sleep that entire time." Helix replied with trembling eyes. "The woman I love was¡­ killed before my eyes because I was too weak to stop it yesterday. I also had no chance of sess back then in the same way I didn''t during our fight. So I resolved to fight and win despite knowing my enemy far outssed me. If I don''t do that¡­." Tears welled in Helix''s eyes. "Boy¡­." Tilo called out with regret-filled eyes. Helix had been so calm,posed, and sharp since heid eyes on him that he hadn''t processed the reality of the young man''s situation. Tilo rubbed his eyes with his palms. "Helix. You were masterful today. If you had a sword, real strength, and agility, you would have killed me because of my arrogance." Tilo replied with a calm voice. Helix looked at him with a serious expression. "Protecting people isn''t a matter of power. It''s a matter of making the most of what you have, and you did that well. However, moving forward, you will have to identify what victory means. If you would have died back there, could you have protected your girlfriends?" He asked with a strained expression. Tilo groaned inwardly for throwing salt on Helix''s wound, but it was necessary for this situation. Helix closed his eyes, and bitterness overwhelmed him. "As homework, reflect on whether you would have been confident you could have won with the Eruption trick. If you can identify when you had a true shot at victory, you can feel confident without nearly dying by using it. Keep the thought within the context of my distorted state of mind. It wasn''t a bad trick; you just used it irresponsibly. Figure out if you could have solved your inner struggle without concrete proof. Is that eptable?" Tilo asked. Helix nodded in affirmation. "I''ll reflect upon that tonight. Thank you for taking me on as your apprentice. I hope the others are so angry at my recklessness that they disown me as rpense." Tilo''s eyes widened, and he burst into emotionalughter. "No, boy. You''re not getting away from me even if you want to. Which sucks for those other grandmasters because they''re devising strategies to capture and tame you." The manughed. "Now, get out of my room. I''ll be meditating for the next 36 hours to get my head back on straight. Use that time to get acquainted with Lexion, and meet the other teachers and grandmasters. I''ll give you four hours a day to learn from the others as my apprentice. It''s getting dark outside, so hurry back to your room. Now shoo, shoo." Tio ordered as he waved his hand to the door. Helix chuckled in bewilderment andpiled. A momentter, Tioid down on his bed and stared at the magic circle on the battle disc. "This kid¡­. I couldn''t believe the magic circles I saw drawn on that mirror. After journeying a thousand miles to meet this kid, I believe what I saw then even less." He chuckled. "That brat nearly started a war with a deceptively simple spell to revert people''s faces into their Earthian forms. That''s an absurd concept that doesn''t make sense. However, after facing mortal danger with an illusion that only copies my body¡­." Tilo sighed. "I don''t know what to think anymore." ¡ª [I''m releasing a bonus chapter for the people that have already reviewed,mented, thanked me for the chapters, asked great questions, and made me feel wee. I''ll do a five chapter mass release for you all after the bonus period ends. :)] Chapter 55 [Millie] "Helix¡­." Elsa called out in a worried tone. His face showed true crushing defeat. He said nothing, walked into the center of the room and copsed on the floor. "Come here, Helix." She requested with a tender expression. Elsa had rushed back to their room after being approached by a dozen people. Their reaction was perplexing. She couldn''t tell whether they criticized Helix or called him an unparalleled genius. However, when she heard that Helix had won a challenge against a grandmaster and almost lost his life, she burst into tears. Elsa sat down on her feet and pulled Helix''s head onto herp. After he was situated, she ran her hands through his hair slowly. Elsa was almost fifty and had never had children. However, she imagined this was what a mother would do in the situation. She wasn''t wrong if she subtracted ten years from Helix''s life. Nevertheless, the slight expression of relief on his face told her that she had made the right decision. After five minutes, Helix broke the silence. "Hey, Elsa¡­." He called out. "Yes, Helix?" She asked. "Will you listen to some of those recordings with me? I¡­. I want to listen but don''t want to be alone." He requested softly. Tears welled in Elsa''s eyes. "Of course. Who''s Circle of Remembrance would you like to listen to?" She asked softly. "A lot has happened while I was sleeping. Do you have any suggestions?" Helix asked. Elsa opened and closed her mouth multiple times. There was one circle she knew was more important than the others, but she felt he might not be ready for it yet. "When the circles arrived, there was a letter telling the story I told you. In the letter, there was a note saying Millie''s circle was special and you should listen to it." She replied. "Okay. Let''s go with that one." Helix affirmed. Luckily the room was small, so she didn''t have to move to get the recordings. Helix waited patiently. Elsa reached behind his embarrassing harem card and pulled out the package of circles from people wanting to be heard. There was a ck square of fabric on the top with a small magic circle. Embroidered on the top were the words [Millie Patterson]. Elsa carefully put the circle down to her side and used one spirit mix to remove the waterproof illusion barrier. Once it was clear, she activated the magic circle. "Hello? Oh my gosh. This is so embarrassing. I hope you''ll forgive me for being awkward. I mean, I''m always awkward, so that''s normal. But¡­ I''m talking to a piece of fabric right now, so I think I''m a bit more awkward than usual." Helix and Elsaughed lightly at the strange opening. "Or maybe it''s better this way. If I were in front of you, I''d probably m up and start trying to remember everything I thought of to say to you. But now that you''re a piece of cloth, I don''t have to worry about that!" Smiles illuminated the small room. "My name is Millie Patterson. I''m not sure if you remember me. I''m one of the people you showed the Myriad Library to on the second day in Myriad." "Of course, I remember you¡­." He whispered. Elsa looked at Helix with a warm gaze. "Like you, I never wanted toe to Myriad. I read books because I''m afraid to go outside. I''m afraid to talk to people. I''m¡­ afraid in general, I guess. So when I came here, I was terrified and felt like I was alone. Yet when the other girls asked to see your library, you offered me your hand even though I was quiet. I''m sure that doesn''t mean much to you, but it meant the world to me." Tears rolled down Helix''s cheeks. "And when you gave the other girls directions, they dragged me along, and¡­ for the first time in my life¡­ I made some friends. We were all scared, and it gave us something inmon." Elsa wiped the tears out of Helix''s eyes. "And when the servants started feeling better, my servant was much more kind and caring. He''s helped me through a lot and is thankful for you." Helix''s face expressed aplex smile. "His name is Niko, and he loves cats. When he was younger, he wanted to be a traveling performer. He''s kind, and he helped me get to bed at night when I first arrived. He''s someone you helped and wanted me to tell you that." Elsa smiled at Helix and continued running her fingers through his hair. "I have a confession to make to you. One day I asked you what the name of a certain animal was. I already knew the name, but I just wanted a reason to talk to you. I''m sorry about that." Helixughed, and tears rolled down his cheeks. Elsa''s face had a bright smile on it as well. "You knew I was lying, of course. I know because you didn''t sigh or give me that slightly exasperated smile you''re famous for. You gave me a gentle smile and talked to me for five minutes. I was so happy I didn''t realize I was telling you everything about the animal I wanted information on! It was so embarrassing!" Helix and Elsa burst intoughter. "I remember that¡­." He chuckled. "But it meant a lot to me. The nights I spent reading and searching for things you might find interesting made me forget how scared I was. The hope that one day I''d be confident enough to talk to you gave me a reason to work harder. And while I normally wouldn''t think I could talk to someone, that conversation always reminded me that you''d never turn me away if I showed up." Helix smiled gently and wiped his tears from his eyes. "Oh! And I wanted to tell you that Marie has been amazing. Most of us were afraid to show up to practice or leave our rooms after¡­. After¡­. A-After¡­. W-We were afraid, but Marie stood up for us. Since she''s taken over, Myriad now feels like a fantasy world!" Helix smiled with brightness shining behind his tears. "It''s only been a week since she took over. But we''ve resumed shopping, and people are talking about magic and items. My old group got back together, and we decided to read books to share new information. When I said thank you, she shook her head and said that making a cultivator world was your idea. She said, [only a brilliant idiot would double down on the problem to find the solution]! Weughed a lot about that." Elsaughed loudly, and Helix became red. "When you were here, everyone felt safer. You were weak and defenseless, but somehow you always found a way to protect us. Even when you were gone, you inspired Marie and gave her guidance to keep us safe. Thank you for always protecting us, Helix." Elsa''s eyes glittered with happiness. She couldn''t figure out why so many people were trying to kill him. All she knew was that women flocked to him, and people were jealous. Knowing how beneficial he was filled her heart with joy, knowing she could save his life. "Marie''s helping the kindest people be the strongest. That way, the people will not have to risk their lives to protect us. It feels incredible, and I don''t feel scared for the first time in my life." Helix closed his eyes and smiled gently when he pictured Marie. Her image cut through his sadness like a hot knife. "With the kindest bing the strongest, everyone''s bing nicer, and weak people like me are bing more confident. She''s rewarding promising people with treasures instead of using them on herself. People have started calling her Fairy Marie. I wish you could see her face when they say it!" Helix almost rolled off Elsa''s legs when he heard the development. "It''s funny¡­. Ever since Marie started showing people the power of kindness, everyone misses you more and more. Every day, people are trying harder to be the protagonist you were. It''s ironic, isn''t it?" Helix smiled gently with a bitter-sweet expression. "Marie''s helping me gain more confidence. So one day, I hope to tell you how I feel about you. But for now¡­ I''ll just say thank you. Thank you for giving me a reason to look forward to the next day. Thank you for making me less afraid. Thank you for everything, Helix. One day, I hope we''ll meet again so I can show you how far I''vee. I¡­ love you¡­. Ahhhhhhh! How do I delete that! Oh no! Oh my gosh! How do I turn this thing off? Young mistress, infuse spirit particles in it like when you did when you turn it on. Ohhhhhhh. Oh my gosh, Niko. Should I still send it? Of course, young mistress. I thought it was beautiful. Please don''t throw it away. It''s still on! Uh¡­ I¡­. Helix, this is Niko! Goodbye! Oh my gosh¡­." Tears of joy and happiness rolled down Helix''s cheeks. "You''ve done good, Helix." Elsa said with gentle eyes. "Thanks, Elsa." Chapter 56 [Unique Quest] [10:59] Helix sighed as he looked at his system interface. "Let''s get this over with." He muttered under his breath. [11:00] Ding! A new pop-up window opened, and a chat box filled the screen. Words started typing themselves out at a blistering speed. "Oh my god! Omigod, omigod, omigod! You called! I was like, call me <3. You were like, [whatever, Elise. I already know what you''re going to say, so what''s the point?] And I was all silent because I knew you were right. But here you are anyway! Did you miss me?" Helix touched his neck and then chuckled bitterly in his mind. "They say distance makes the heart grow fonder. I still hate you, but if you give me 100 years before chatting next, I''ll be in love with you." "*giggle. You''ll regret those words, mister." Helix stared at her words with aplicated expression. After a moment of silence, he sighed in defeat. "Are you going to start, Elise?" Helix asked with a mncholy tone. "Isn''t this where you''re supposed to say, [haven''t you already stolen enough from me]? *giggle." Helix looked at the text on the screen with the eyes of a dead fish. "Hmmm? I''ll do whatever the hell I want." He replied with an exasperated tone. "Aren''t you an attentive student? You won''t listen to reason, but you''re already learning from your master? *giggle." "Do you listen to everything I do?" Helix asked with annoyance. "Of~course. I''d be a really bad god if I didn''t. So many peoplein about the Earthian god not listening that I''ve made it my duty to outdo them!" Helix sighed. "What do you want, Elise?" He asked with a dry tone. "Excitement, mister! Since you left Alzeria, I''ve been so boooooored! Since your harem took over in thest month, there haven''t been any assassination attempts, mental breakdowns, or violence. I couldn''t even wake you up because that sassy princess was selfish and sacrificed her lip chastity for your survival chances! *huff!" Helix''s eyes zed over, and his heart filled with bitterness. Elsa told him that the person that gave him the Charm of Blissful Healing was important enough to cause a scandal. He cringed after learning that and made it his duty not to find out who did it. Now he was wrapped up in a potential scandal. If someone exposed the truth, he doubted he could im that the action was sexual assault, not that he would, anyway. The princess cliche was lethal in the real world, and he officially hated his life. "Can you please just give me your ominous warning? You''re a god, so I''m not going to convince you to stop ying your game. But I''ll heed your warning and y to the minimum extent possible." Helix sighed. "Woah, now, mister! Did you just say you''d y my game? *gasp." Helix smiled wryly at her words. "I will y to the minimal extent. However, in exchange, I ask for safe passage for my girlfriends to the town of Lexion." He offered. "I also ask that you don''t intentionally present us with cliche plot points that test my plot armor. Unbeatable scenarios are not just cliche; they''re sad, depressing, and kill the mood. Challenge us if you wish, but don''t intentionally kill the people I love." "No~promises." His eyes became bitter and lifeless. "Elise. If the people I love die because I failed them, I will work harder, and my killing intent toward you will grow. However, if you prove that everyone I love will die, I''ll break and no longer have any resolve to get stronger. I''ll just wither away, ruin your story, and die. Do you want that?" Helix asked with sadness in his eyes. "Why do you always have to be such as Necro Natalie? *humph!" Helix fell silent and patiently waited for her next words. "Okay, fine, grumpy-gus! I promise safe passage to your girlfriends. If humans try to harm them, their faces will be priceless when level 80 monsters materialize and w their eyeballs out. Then I''ll carve your name on their chests. Of course, I''ll let your haremites know you''re in cahoots with me. Gahhhhhhh! So inspired! Keeping people alive sounds so much fun! Muahahaha!" "I''d appreciate that, Elise. Now tell me about the cliche decision that I have to make." Helix requested with a wry smile. "Hoho! Now you''re talking, mister! I''m sending some sur~prises to the Alzerian Capital in exactly three months. WIthout your girlfriends there, I''m not~so sure they''ll make it. The question is, will you set aside your pragmatism to save the people that killed Emelia?" Helix looked at the message with trembling eyes. Ding! ¡ª [You''ve been given a unique quest!] [Quest: Save the Alzerian Capital from a biblical-grade death blender level attack.] [Description: Alzeria is being treated to some gifts, courtesy of the Mad Queen. Rise to the asion and save the Earthian Knights and the Kingdom from despair.] [Criteria: As a self-proimed pragmatist, you must ovee your desire to stay alive for the sake of others. The current [you]: "The difference between bravery and stupidity is whether you die. This quest is utterly suicidal, so it instantly falls into thetter category. Not only will I die and endanger my loved ones, but I won''t be able to help them. Take your XP and kill yourself with it." The necessary [you]: "First, the selfish harem, now this suicidal hero quest. Just how much of a hypocrite am I?"] [Limitations: You must ept or reject the quest the day after your lovers arrive. You can ept or reject it sooner. Do you wish to make your decision now? [Yes/No]] ¡ª Helix stared at the quest with a twitching eyebrow. However, he pulled his hand back before pressing the [Yes] option and declining. "What''s wrong? Are you regretting your rash decision to turn down your title? *giggle." Helix''s face twisted with anguish. He had his own problems to deal with, and he was trying hard to survive Elise''s sick games himself. He had women he loved that he swore to protect. However¡ª ¡ªThank you for always protecting us, Helix¡ª Millie''s words resounded in his head. "No, I don''t regret it. I just need some time to think about it." Helix exined sinctly. "Oh, goodie! I''m so d that you''re sighdere personality is finally showing it''s true colors! *giggle." Helix closed his eyes in sadness and defeat. "Aw. Why are you so down, grumpy-gus? My job as god is to provide bnce to this world. You already have a harem you earned. Do you want happiness too? If you have both, you will break the scale of justice in this world! Don''t be so greedy! *humph." Helix said nothing. He wasn''t angry at Elise or bitter at his current situation. He just wanted to sleep and block out the noise from the political ughter-fest raging in his mind. "Okay, okay. I''ll take the hint. I can''t wait to see what you do. Don''t keep a girl wait~ing <3." Helix touched his neck twice to make the interface window disappear. After that, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to drift into sleep. Chapter 57 [Tyrene] "Do you remember when you gave me the directions to that jewelry shop to buy a ne?" Helix was sitting on a hillside, looking over the city of Lexion as the sun rose. He woke up early and couldn''t get back to sleep. So he stuck out of his trailer and found a peaceful area not far from the caravan''s encampment. "I was buying it for my crush Sarah. When I bought it, I wasn''t confident to tell her how I felt, so it sat in my room for weeks. But¡­. When Emelia died, I realized how quickly you could lose someone you love." Tears rolled down Helix''s cheeks as he heard the young man''s words. "I always envied you for showing your love for Emelia so openly. It constantly reminded me of what I couldn''t do. But when she died, I realized that Emelia was a symbol that reflected my feelings for Sarah. So when Emelia was gone, I felt like Sarah had died too. That''s¡­ a bad way to express that. I hope you won''t get mad at me." Helix closed his eyes and smiled bitterly. "I''d never get angry at you for that, Leo." He whispered. "I realized how much I looked up to you when I couldn''t seek guidance from your actions anymore. But when I heard that you bought Emelia out of servitude, I learned a lesson I could never forget. It gave me newfound determination and gave me the push I needed. You risked your life for Emelia, so I realized I could at least risk rejection with Sarah. Now, guess what?" "What?" Helix asked softly. "I gave Sarah the ne, and she returned my feelings. We''re a couple now, and I''ve never been so happy." Helix chuckled with a warm smile. "Good for you, Leo." He whispered with a smile. "I''ve resolved to make Sarah as happy as Emelia was. Now that she''s gone, the cafeteria looks darker. It''s not that it''s more gloomy. It''s happier now since Marie followed your guidance and took over. It''s just that¡­. How do I put this? Emelia''s smile was so bright that we never saw the cafeteria''s natural lighting. Many of us startedpeting to see how happy we could make our servants and girlfriends when we realized that. We figure that if a dozen people show illuminating happiness, that brightness might return." Helix''s face scrunched up, and more tears flowed from his eyes. "But guess what, Helix? I''m not like the others. I n to work as hard as possible for Sarah until her face matches Emelia''s. It''s¡­ not apetition. It''s just what she deserves. Thank you for helping me see that." Helix opened his eyes and gazed at the sunset. "I wish I had realized how important you were to me while you were still here. I hope we''ll meet again, so I can introduce you to Sarah when we''re married one day. Shhhhh. Don''t tell Sarah I said that. I want my feelings to be a surprise. Thank you for everything, Helix. Goodbye." Helix smiled and shifted his gaze to Lexion. "I suppose I should get back. I don''t want Elsa to worry about me¡­ more than she probably already is right now." He chuckled. ¡ª "There you are! Thank goodness." Elsa cried. Before Helix could process what was happening, he was already in her arms. Without hesitation, he returned her embrace. "I''m sorry to worry you. I couldn''t sleep, so I went somewhere isted to listen to another circle." He replied while holding her tight. "I¡­ I''m sorry for being so emotional. It''s just that¡­ after what happened yesterday, I was worried that you started being targeted again." Helix hugged her harder. Elsa had be a mother figure to him. He didn''t know how it happened, but he was grateful for it. "Don''t worry, Elsa. Things will be different now. I have Tilo now. I''m also bing stronger, and even... technically won a match against him yesterday. I''m not nning to be a fighter, but I promise I''ll work hard so you''ll never have to worry again." He vowed. Elsa pushed away from him and held his shoulders in front of him. Her eyes were filled with perplexion. "What¡­ Did you say?" She asked in a haze. "I¡­ technically won a practice match against Tilo yesterday. He was severely handicapped, and I was regretfully reckless. However, I won." Helix reiterated. Elsa''s eyes trembled. "H-How¡­." She muttered in shock. It wasn''t a real question. Rather, it was a question of simple amazement. Helix averted her gaze in shame and smiled wryly. "I threatened to level the city and forced him to lose to protect the city." He replied with shame. "WHAT!?" Elsa screamed in anger. Helix''s eyes trembled. "Helix Hellsgate Margrave! What the hell were you¡ª" "Hah! Aren''t you honest?" A woman''s voice interjected. Elsa turned to the side and saw an elderly woman walking toward them. She had long, gray hair and crystal blue eyes. "Don''t be so hard on the kid. He''s being honest to a fault right now." The woman chuckled. Elsa released Helix in embarrassment. She looked at him with a face that said, [what have you gotten me into]? Helix''s eyes replied, [I don''t know, I promise]. "I apologize, Grandmaster General Masney. I''m just a bit confused." Elsa replied with a slight bow. She forced Helix''s head down as well. The woman chuckled. "No need to stand in ceremonies. Just call me Tyrene." She replied with a slight smile. Helix had never seen Elsa look so conflicted. Her facial expressions were as conflicted as Emelia''s often were. Helix looked between the two women awkwardly. "Ah. I suppose it''s best to introduce myself." Tyrene chuckled. "My name is Grandmaster General Dame Tyrene Masney. I am a retired general who heads the Alzerian army''s training regiment." Helix''s eyes widened with shock. Before he could ask questions, she turned back to Elsa. "I''d be teasing this kid if he tried to downy what happened. However, I suppose I''lle to his defense since he stole my teasing line." Tyrene chuckled in amusement. "That reckless idiot Tilo gave that boy four cmity spells. He intended to teach him to research magic circles before using them and point out the difficulty of activating high-level spells. Tilo had a negation spell for the circle he gave Helix. However, he didn''t expect to get his ass handed to him." The woman''s chuckle exposed her rivalry and a yful pettiness level. Elsa stared at Tyrene for a moment before looking at Helix with confusion in her eyes. "My¡­ apologies. I don''t understand what''s going on¡­." She responded awkwardly. "Oh, yes. Your boy gave Tilo a party drug spell, and the man was grooving out too hard to keep concentrated. " Tyreneughed. "Party drug?" Elsa replied dumbly. "Yes. It was a rather potent hallucinogen that Tilo hadn''t experienced before. I''m rather jealous, to be honest. So I came to see if your boy would give me a hookup." Tyrene replied with smiling eyes. "Grandmaster Tyrene, I would be honored to provide you with my party drug circle if you wish." Helix chuckled in amusement. "Wait! Helix! Wait¡­." Elsa cried in disbelief. She wanted to chastise Helix for speaking informally to Tyrene, but she couldn''t make sense of what was happening. Despite Tyrene''s words sounding like a joke, Elsa had a feeling they weren''t. "I didn''t know that they made recreational magic circles¡­." She muttered in embarrassment. Tyrene burst intoughter, and Elsa''s face flushed bright red. "I suppose that I shouldn''t tease a medicinal magic professional when ites to drugs." Elsa chuckled. "No. That boy created the most hellish magic circle I''ve ever seen in his fight against Tilo. It makes me shiver thinking about falling into the spell myself." Elsa looked at Helix with aplicated gaze that expressed concern, surprise, and a desire to scold him. "I don''t know what to say¡­." Helix replied. "Heh. You don''t have to say anything, boy. I''m honestly impressed by you. It seems it wasn''t wrong to travel to Kozen." Tyrene replied with a strange smile. "I''m d that you do not regret your decision to travel to meet someone like me." Helix replied with a sincere expression. Then he bowed slightly in a show of respect. He felt guilty that the various grandmasters and teachers needed to travel 1000 miles before appraising him. "Which leads me to the reason I''m here¡­." Tyrene announced with a slight smile. "I''d like to teach you how to fight with a sword. From what I understand, you were taking private lessons, and you''re not too shabby." Helix''s eyes widened and expressed unadulterated perplexion. "Please forgive my expression. I''m not battle proficient with a sword by any means. So I''m a bit¡­ very¡­ confused you''d travel out here to teach me. From what I understand, there are already private teachers, and they would''ve sent a swordsmaster." He replied in disbelief. "Hah! Please don''t get the wrong idea. I''m not here because you show remarkable talent as you do with magic circles." Tyreneughed. Elsa and Helix couldn''t be more confused. "I''m here because you''re amusing. You''re too weak to fight in a duel, yet you can bring a kingdom to its knees." Tyrene chuckled with amusement in her eyes. Helix smiled wryly. "I''m retired, but the kingdom won''t let me stop working, and I don''t know what I''d do if I did. So I thought it''d be amusing to join the bandwagon and follow you here. You''re a strategist. So while I''m at it, I might as well teach you how to bring a kingdom to its knees." She chuckled. "The conventional approaches, anyway." ¡ª [A/N: Warning. I don''t n to tell the story of Grandmaster Linus untilter in the future through shbacks or conversation. In my vision, he learns important things from Linus, but I hate stories that foreshadow 80,000 events and then stress you out. I won''t write unnecessary scenes to prove he exists and do that to you.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 58 [Trial By Fire] "If you find me amusing, I''ll graciously exchange mischief for training." Helix replied with a serious expression. After a moment of stunned silence, Tyrene burst intoughter. "I don''t know whether tough or cry, kid." She asserted while wiping light tears from her eyes. Elsa red daggers at him, but Helix gave her a light shrug and an expression that read, "[it couldn''t be helped]. "I like your spunk. However, you shouldn''t be so eager. If you train with me, I n to y your ass and grill it on skewers." She replied with a sharp gaze. "I now know where Macron got his mannerisms." Helix chuckled with a wry smile. "Hah. That softy? Mynguage is the only thing he picked up from me. He didn''t pick up on my willingness to execute my words." Tyrene dered with a chilly gaze. Helix shivered. "I''m bitter to say this. But after seeing your match with Tilo, I won''t even try to convince you to be my apprentice. However, Tilo told us he''d give you four hours a day to learn from other teachers. Is that correct?" She asked. Helix nodded in confirmation. "I''d like all four hours he''s giving you." Tyrene requested with a serious gaze. Helix gave her a conflicted expression. "Linus, the grand schr, would like to speak with you four hours a week. You can speak to him during your nights and weekends. So you don''t have to refuse anyone, and Tilo has agreed." She rified. Helix''s eyes flickered with excitement. "However, I''m warning you, boy. I''m not Macron. If you choose to train with me, you better prepare for death." Tyrene warned with fire zing in her eyes. Elsa looked at Helix with a concerned expression. He responded with a gentle smile before turning to Tyrene with a steeled gaze. "I''ll do it. I can''t wait to whine about you ten years from now when I''m still alive." Helix replied with a firm gaze. Tyrene''s eyes widened before narrowing slightly. "That was the most astute reply I''ve ever heard." She replied with an impressed expression. "Excellent. Come now. Let''s make you regret your words." Tyrene motioned for Helix to join her. Helix shivered and gave Elsa a truly pathetic smile. "I''ll be backter, Elsa. I probably won''t be back until training with Tilo tomorrow is impossible." He chuckled with a nervous smile. "So don''t stay up for me. I''ll ask master Tyrene to escort me home so you don''t have to worry." Elsa''s worried expression softened after he addressed her concerns. So long as Tyrene was with him, it was nearly impossible for him to die. Tyrene smiled gently, watching their light exchange. Once she and Helix were out of Elsa''s hearing range, she gave the young man an evil grin. "Since Tilo''s still recovering, I have all day to teach you how real grandmasters teach their students." Tyrene dered with a predatory gaze. "What will we be doing today, master?" Helix sighed. "Oh, that¡­." She replied with an ominous smile. ¡ª "GRRRRRR GHAT!" "Uh¡­ Tyrene? Isn''t this a bit¡ªagh!" Helix eximed while lunging to the side. "Don''t just stand there, moron! If you have time to beg for your life, you have time to save yourself!" Tyrene barked. "GRRRRRRrrrrrrr!" "GRRRRRR GHAT!" "GR GHAT!" "Guh! Oh shit!" Helix cried. "You call [that] surviving!?" Tyrene roared. "This is survival training, not suicide watch! Stop gawking and keep your damn eyes in front of you! I''ll decide if you''re worth saving." Helix''s heart was pounding. There were three level 17 Liken Wolves in front of him. Each had ck and silver fur matted and greased with blood from prior meals. Helix didn''t know whether tough or cry as he ran behind a thick three for cover. He was salivating when Tyrene announced she was taking him on a monster hunt. Hunts were the fastest and most effective means of leveling up. That was something he desperately needed. That was theugh. ¡ª [Name: Helix Hellsworth Margrave] [Age: 18] [Level: 8] [Defense: 40] [Strength: 55] [Stamina: 45] [Agility: 100] [SP: 450] ¡ª However! He didn''t expect to be fighting three wolves with levels two times greater than his own. That was the cry. "Gahhhhhhh!" Helix screamed. "Lesson number one! Learning how to use a sword is important! Don''t go on monster hunts until you know how to swing one!" Tyrene yelled. Helix released a caustic chuckle at her words. "Let that wound on your arm be a permanent reminder!" After hearing her words, he was waist-deep in the cry category on theugh-to-cry scale. No, it was always just [cry]. "GRRRRRRrrrrrrr!" "GRRRRRRrrrrrrr!" "GRRRRRR GHAT!" The wolves started circling Helix. "Think, Helix." He whispered in sudden realization. Tyrene''s eyes glittered with a strange glint after he spoke those words. However, his expression remained unreadable. ¡ª [Query: Liken Wolf] [Species: Canine] [Threat Level: Intermediate] [General Characteristics: ~200-400 hundred pounds. Dark ck and silver fur. Large teeth with elongated canines.] [Description: Arge wolf roaming in packs of three or more unless separated. The beasts are aggressive and extremely territorial. They will attack humans upon sight. Indigenous to the following regions¡­] [Known Weaknesses: Afraid of smoke and darkness. Have poor eyesight and primarily use their hearing and sense of smell to track their enemies. Rely heavily upon their powerful thigh muscles. Fear the following beasts¡­ Weak to the following elements¡­ ¡­.] [Known strategies for fighting them¡­] [Research] [New query] ¡ª "Thank god I like to read in my free time¡­." He muttered as he gritted his teeth. Helix moved backward to a dirt-heavy area. He kicked the dirt at full force when he reached a patch. "GRRRRRR GHAT!" The wolves lunged forward without pause. "They don''t have poor eyesight, you¡ª" Tyrene raised an eyebrow when she saw Helix''s position. The second he kicked the dirt, he ran behind trees to avoid the impending attack. "If he knew it wouldn''t stop them, why did he do it?" Tyrene muttered to herself. Helix ran into a crack between two rocks and reached for his belt. "That idiot! Those rocks are too brittle to stop the Liken Wolves!" She yelled. Tyrene exploded from her position at lightning speed to the area. However, before she struck the first Liken Wolf, her mind became clear as day, and a strange smile curled on her face. Helix and the wolves had disappeared. At least, that was how it would appear from an outsider''s perspective. Tyrene narrowed her eyes at Helix. He was covered in blood and struggling to pull a sword out of a Dire Wolf. However, she couldn''t hear him struggle. The scene unfolding was eerie and chilled her to the bone. Helix lightly extended his leg and pushed the wolf while pushing the sword. He gently lifted his hand to keep the second wolf at bay. Between the barrier of the first corpse and the narrow passage, the third couldn''te into the fray. Helix casually lifted his arms and floated the sword into a wolf''s shoulder. The sight wasical and soothing to Tyrene. Helix looked like he was dancing, but his face was aggressive and strained with terror, frustration, and adrenaline. Tyreneughed at the absurdity of what she was watching. However, Helix couldn''t hear her. He had unleashed the Circle of Silence into the passageway. As a result, the area was dead quiet, and theck of noise made the fighting appear fake. It was like trying to take a poorly actedbat scene in a movie on mute seriously. "So that''s why you kicked dirt at them." She chuckled in bewilderment. "You blinded their already poor sight and shot dirt into their noses. Then you cut off their hearingpletely, trapped one to create a barrier, and prevented them from sensing your nuanced position. Not bad, kid." Tyrene''s eyes lit up. However, they grew cold when she sensed that one of the Liken Wolves was about to strike a serious blow. Tyrene disappeared from her position in an instant. Helix opened and closed his mouth a few times, but no words came out. He wanted to ask what the hell had happened, but his voice wasn''t working. Thest wolf''s ws were less than eight inches from his throat when its head exploded, and its arm disappeared. Helix looked down and found the attack had soaked his entire body with blood, brain matter, and bone fragments. He then looked up. Tyrene, holding a sword in her left hand. On her right hand, there was the sign of a thumbs up. The area was dead silent, and the sight was too much for him to handle. So he burst into silentughter and waited for the Liken Wolves to dissolve. Chapter 59 [Confession] "I thought we discussed killing all of the monsters with a sword." Tyrene chastised. "I did kill the wolves with my sword." Helix responded with a wry smile. Tyrene shed him an annoyed expression. When she saw Helix shiver, she burst intoughter. "Hah! No. You did the right thing, kid!" She cried. Helix gave Tyrene an expression that read, [I''m not amused]. "I''m sorry! Haha. Hah. I genuinely thought you believed that killing things with a sword only involved swordy. Haha!" Tyrene was wiping light tears from her eyes. "Knowing how cunning you are, getting to watch you il around like a dying fish was a treat! Hahahaha!" Helix''s eyes zed over, giving them a matching appearance of a dead fish. When he realized Tyrene was expecting him to exin, he sighed. "At first, I thought you were testing me on my swordy. After I was injured, I realized that you tested my ability to fight with a sword. There''s a difference between fighting with form and realbat. It was foolish to believe fighting monsters would be a demonstration exercise." He exined with a wry smile. Tyrene calmed down and gave him a warm gaze. "Thankfully it only took one wound for you to realize that!" She chuckled. Helix gave her a wry smile. "However, damn, kid. The instant you realized it, your fighting capabilities did a oneplete 180." Tyrene praised with an impressed expression. He didn''t know how to respond, so he slightly bowed his head. "Have you researched the beasts here already?" She asked with an interested expression. "I wanted to catch you off guard before you had time to prepare." Helix shook his head with a slight smile. "I researched them in the past. I was bedridden and researched all of the beasts near Alzeria. They just happened to bemon here as well." He replied. Tyrene''s eyes glittered strangely. "You''ll go far, kid. Let''s get you patched up so you get a cool scar." She said with a strange smile. It was warm yet serious at the same time. Helix gave her a bitter-sweet smile. "Come along now. I know you''re excited to level up, but a wound like that will hinder your training if it gets infected." Tyrene chuckled. Helix gave her a defeated smile and walked toward her. "We''ll be going on two monster hunts per week. So there''s plenty of room for growth." Tyrene exined with a smile. Helix''s face lit up. "You''ll also have better equipment to prevent you from getting hurt." He turned to her with a shocked expression. Tyrene''s eyes narrowed. "Don''t you dare assume you''ll be leveling up for free, you hear?" She replied. Helix shivered at her cold gaze. "I will give you a beating for every attack that connects with you. That way, you feel the pain without preventing your injuries from stopping training." Helix shuttered at the prospect. The two started walking through the forest back to Lexion. "Master, you said I shouldn''t hunt monsters without learning swordy¡­." He sighed after a period of silence. Tyrene looked at him with a strange smile. "Hoh? You didn''t avoid the topic. I''m impressed." She chuckled. "Yes. You shouldn''t go monster hunting until you know how to fight. Your peers wouldn''t be monster hunting if someone I know didn''t expedite their schedule." Tyrene confirmed with a mocking smile. Helix scoffed internally and looked away from her. "Usually, you would train until you''re Level 20 before going. Unfortunately, your stats are too weak to train with, considering our short time together." Tyrene exined. Helix looked at her with a pensive expression. "I know what you''re thinking. Learning to fight with a normal body is indeed beneficial." She prefaced. "However, this isn''t earth. You were likely around Level 7 when you started fighting the Liken Wolves. After fighting three Liken Wolves at Level 17 without intervention, you will likely level up to level 13 instantly. That sword will be three times lighter with your Earthian stat growth." A wave of realization washed over him. "Is that why people aren''t allowed to go monster hunting until they reach Level 20?" Helix asked. "Hoho! You''re quite sharp. Most people don''t catch that." Tyrene replied with genuine praise. "It''s easy to level up quickly by hunting monsters with professionals that protect you. However, the constant fluctuations in stats make muscle memory impossible to achieve. As a result, we train people until they reach a level where they won''t shoot up multiple levels like you just did." Helix nodded in understanding. "Luckily, Tilo is helping me with a special magic circle that retains a constant spirit particle output for your training. That way, we can train your technique in istion. It''s a benefit of having teachers teaching you exclusively." "I''m grateful you found an interest in me and took me on as your student." He replied with a happy smile. Tyrene turned to him with a wicked grin. "I like your gratitude. You can repay my kindness with your screams over the next four months." Helix shuttered. Suddenly he realized that Alzeria would be under attack soon. After walking in silence for five minutes, he addressed the topic cautiously. "Aren''t you worried about the situation in Alzeria, master?" Helix asked. Tyrene looked at Helix and studied his facial expressions. "Hmmm? You saved the kingdom a lot of trouble, and that''s why we''ve been able to take leave. Is there something else you''re worried about?" She asked. Helix sighed. "Master, before I say anything. I want to reiterate that I''m not someone that wants trouble. I just want to live life with those I love and make them happy. I hope you''ll protect my interests as Macron did after what I''m about to tell you." He prefaced. Tyrene stopped walking and turned to Helix with a piercing gaze. "A qualifier that ominous is serious. Especiallying from you." Helix gave her a wry smile before sighing. "My stats were level zero across the board because I refused a title from the Mad Queen." He replied bitterly. Tyrene''s eyes widened in shock. "Boy, you have three seconds to start talking. I just held myself back from throwing you into a tree to interrogate you!" She snapped aggressively. Helix''s heart started pounding, but his mind remained clear. "The Mad Queen created the Nightmare artifacts. It''s documented that she has spoken to people in the past to corrupt them, and I was unlucky enough to be reached out to on the first day. So please don''t hurt me for something I didn''t ask for when I''m about to do you a favor." Helix''s gaze was cold and steeled with resolve. Tyrene''s tense body rxed to a normal level. "Fair enough. Please continue." She replied with a firm tone. "The title I was going to be given was [The Hero]. She wanted me to obtain the power to kill her as part of a sick game. Before you ask, the title was a trap and has been known to lead everyone that has it to a very quick death. I purposely sacrificed my stats to turn her down three times in a row. Even after multiple assassination attempts and losing my lover, I know I made the right decision." Helix replied bitterly. Tyrene gave Helix aplicated expression. Like Macron, she was divided between praising Helix for turning Elise down and being bitter that he refused a calling. However, it was hard to weigh the options when the sacrifice bombshell left her bewildered. "She seemed excited that Earthians were arriving to provide her with amusement. The Mad Queen was angry when I refused to y her game and locked all my stats. However, she agreed not to directly kill me aspensation. I think she''ll y with the Knights when they''ve matured now that I''m gone." Anger and bitterness trembled in his eyes. "Since my girlfriends make up the top four fighters, theiring here will leave the Capital undefended. So I''m¡­." Helix''s face flushed with helplessness and rage. Tyrene''s eyes trembled when she saw the young man express so much frustration. "You''re what, kid?" She asked calmly. "I''m thinking about going back temporarily once I have more training. I''m so fucking angry! I just want to live, and survive, and live normally!" He yelled. He went to punch a tree, but his pragmatic mind warned him not to hurt himself. So he stopped mid-way through and let his head and arms push against the truck to catch his fall. Tyrene''s eyes trembled. She didn''t know what to say to the young man. Tilo had already approached her and warned her of his situation. That way, she didn''t forget that Helix had lost Emelia just a few days ago in his mind. "I want to hate the people that tried to kill me! But defenseless, anti-social men and women are afraid and alone there!" He cried out in frustration. "It''s one thing to get thrown into this world to fight a war. It''s another thing to learn that you''re being targetted for a fucking game!" Helix broke down and fell to his knees. He didn''t have tears left to shed, but he still took deep breaths. "Come on, kid. Get up. You had some serious balls to tell me the Mad Queen contacted you. You did so to protect us even though it''d cut your training short." Tyrene called out. "After what you''ve been through, we won''t just leave you behind or make you fight a battle for us." Tyrene grabbed Helix under his arms and helped him stand back up. "Helix. Have you eaten any real food since you''ve been here?" She asked. He shook his head silently. "Okay. Let''s get some Kozen cuisine. Then we can talk about your options. No one will abandon you or make you do something against your interest. So you won''t get a slew of requests from me, okay?" Helix stared into her crystal blue eyes with a sincere expression. He nodded, and the two continued back into town. ¡ª "How is it?" Tyrene asked with a gentle gaze. Helix was enjoying a bite of Zitha fish. Kosen was a penins surrounded by the ocean, and Lexion was located on the waterfront. "It''s¡­ amazing. It tastes like a supernova of happiness." He replied with genuine amazement. "The meat tastes like it''s marinated even though it''s only been seared and sprinkled with salt. Myriadian evolution is serious witchcraft." Tyrene''s eyes went wide, and she chuckled in bewilderment. "Every word thates out of your mouth is memorable." Sheughed. "I wish that was apliment." He chuckled bitterly. Tyrene gave Helix a wry smile. "Okay. Are you willing to tell me a bit more about you? What I know about you onlyes from practical briefings, reports, and results." Sheughed lightly. Tyrene had rented out a private room in a restaurant, so they were alone. The window was open, but the building hung over the water. Lastly, Helix posted sound istion circles on the walls. So they were in a safe ce to speak. Helix gave her aplicated expression. After a few moments of silence, he sighed. He exined to her what happened during the Nightmare Induction Ceremony. Then he exined how he created chaos by fighting for better servant treatment and how it snowballed into a harem. He exined the Mirror of Helioquie to her, the purpose, and what happened. Lastly, he exined how he obtained evidence on the cultivation culture and how it led to the current situation. Tyrene listened to his exnations with an entertained expression throughout all of it. However, she never downyed the seriousness of the situations he was describing. "Damn, kid. Your life has been a roller that passed through a volcano." Tyrene chuckled. Helixughed under his breath. "It''s depressing that you faked your death and traveled 1000 miles away for your safety despite being the greatest ally to the kingdom." She sighed. "It''s worse being here is causing trouble for us. The new legal system is genius, but it''s a double-edged sword, and there isn''t much time to choose good sessors. Putting someone from the kingdom in charge would be worse." Helix nodded with a bitter expression. "But it can''t be helped. We won''t keep you from your loved ones after all you''ve done for us. That''s especially true since we didn''t deserve it, to begin with. I''ve been informed that preventing those girls and your friend from joining you was a recipe for disaster, even if we wanted to. What a mess." Tyrene remarked while rubbing her temples. "I agree." He replied simply. A few minutes of silence passed as they ate their Zitha fish tes. "What do you [really] want to do, Helix?" She asked. Helix was looking over at the ocean over the pier. The sun was getting lower, and the water was shimmering. "Excuse me?" He asked after turning back to her. "You''re not normal, Helix." Tyrenemented with a serious expression. She studied his facial expressions carefully as she spoke. "You''re not out to save the world, you want to survive, and I understand you''re not interested in fighting our war. But you naturally attract attention because of your interest in this world. You may not have wanted toe here. However, you''ve epted the world, learned its culture, studied magic, and even epted multiple women despite it being lethal. You don''t hate Myriad, and you''re not avoiding it." She reasoned. "I''m curious by nature. I''ve always been that way." Helix sighed. Tyrene shed him a serious expression. "Helix. Your training and resolve to get stronger aren''t normal." Helix gave Tryene a quizzical look. "You do know what happened recently. Right?" He asked with a calm voice. She nodded. "Yes. However, you were in a hellish situation outside of your control. Until recently, you''ve been in the military, so violence isn''t unexpected." Tyrene argued. "However, you''ve suffered loss and fought hard to leave that behind. You''re a normal citizen now. So why is your mindset fixed on getting stronger to aid your girlfriends in a battle capacity?" Helix''s body felt as though it had been distorted. The realizationpletely shifted his perspective on his current life. While he had epted his fate recently to protect his lovers, he realized he was preparing before they were special to him. Tyrene saw his expression and confirmed her suspicion. "You''ve epted your fate and are preparing to fight against the Mad Queen, aren''t you?" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 60 [Nightmare Pact] Helix turned back toward the ocean with a mncholy expression. "What else can I do?" He asked with a frown. Tyrene contemted the question and then took a deep, empathetic breath. "Nothing." She sighed. "Exactly." The two sat in silence for a few minutes and listened to the waves crashing into the docks. "If you''ve epted this fate, why do you look so conflicted about Alzeria?" Tyrene asked softly. "Is it because you don''t want to endanger your lovers or make them sad?" Helix gave her a sidelong nce and nodded. "Then why don''t you let them choose for you?" She asked with a gentle voice. Helix thought about it for a couple of minutes with a pondering expression. "I think that''s what I''ll do." He replied softly. "Thanks for the insight. That makes things a lot easier." Tyrene nodded. ,m "In the meantime, I''ll speak to Tilo, and we''ll elerate your training schedule to focus on a battle capacity. We need you to level up faster, so I''ll take you on monster hunts daily." She announced. Helix looked at her with wide eyes before calming down again. "Aren''t you worried my foundation will suffer?" He asked. "Of course. However, with your level of cunning, you don''t need powerful skills to seed. However, you must improve your agility and defense stat as quickly as possible." Helix gave her an expression filled with pure gratitude. Those were the two things that he desired most. Unfortunately, while his agility was abnormally high, his defense stat was dangerouslygging. "Don''t get mushy, and thank me." Tyreneughed. "Your days for the next eight weeks will be pure hell." Helix grimaced, and Tyrene chuckled in response. After experiencing a monster hunt with her, he realized it was not a joke. "What about your Nightmare?" Tyrene asked with aplicated expression. Helix peered at her with his pitch-ck eyes, trying to find clues about her question. "I''m not sure what it is, but I know it''s not summoning magic. I won''t ask questions. However, you''re crippling yourself if you don''t practice." She reasoned. Helix averted her gaze and stared behind her back with a pensive expression. After a moment of contemtion, he responded. "Now that I''ve obtained a certain level of control with my Nightmare, I''m eager to train it." Helix replied. "However¡ª" He sighed with a mncholy expression. "My Nightmare is far too dangerous to practice on humans. It''s extremely dangerous to use on monsters. Even with more control, identally releasing it near one of you can turn ruinous. Hell, it''s so damn dangerous that disclosing it will cause me trouble." After [Nightmare] recreated Leera, Whitney, and other women, he realized that he could use it for espionage, social engineering, or other use cases. As a result, people would me him for their conspiracies resulting from his skill. He''d start getting med for everything. [That was an illusion! Helix is plotting against us!] That was the worst joke of the lot. He was certain he could make [Nightmare] powerful, but he needed practice and experimentation. However, experimentation is the matter of life and death. "Please don''t take this the wrong way. But¡­ that sounds a bit dramatic, don''t you think?" Tyrene asked with a gentle voice. Helix scoffed breathlessly and locked eyes with her. "Do you have a piece of paper and a pen?" Tyrene shot Helix a quizzical expression. However, to avoid the gridlock, she touched her blue snowke tattoo and pulled a pen and a piece of paper out of her item storage. Helix epted the pen and paper with a thankful nod. "I''m going to write down information on my Nightmare. Remember that I''m using your pen and paper." He sighed. Tyrene couldn''t hide the level of confusion she was experiencing. Her face was gawking, her eyes were trembling, and her emotions were conflicted. However, her exasperated confusion evolved into aggressive perplexion the next moment. After only writing six words on the sheet of paper, it spontaneously lit on fire. Helix picked up the bottom of the paper and put it between them so she could feel the heat. She watched the mes reflected in Helix''s pitch-ck eyes in a trance. "What¡­ just happened?" Tyrene asked in a daze. "Any information that''s written or recorded about my Nightmare self-deletes." Helix replied with a serious gaze. "Chalk self erases, but anything with an indent, permanent ink, or recordings burst into mes. There are only five Nightmares like this; some haven''t been seen for over a century. Do you still think I''m being dramatic?" Helix blew out the fire burning on the paper and handed it to Tyrene. "I¡­ This¡­." Tyrene gawked as she stared at the paper in disbelief. "Macron and I entered into a blood oath pact and he uses this demonstration as an excuse for why he can''t share the information." Helix sighed. "He immediately agreed to protect my secret with his life. That''s because he knew at a nce how dangerous this Nightmare is to my life. That is the level of severity that we''re talking about. I''m trusting you enough to exin this, so please don''t get frustrated with me." Tyrene fell silent as she tried to process what she had just seen. As a grandmaster, she knew that Helix didn''t release a spell. The spirit particles in the atmosphere instantly ignited the paper. Moreover, the burst piece of paper she held was proof that what happened wasn''t an illusion. "Please understand, master. People have been trying to kill me since I got here. So I refuse to threaten my life to tell you when I know I can wait a month and experiment independently when I''m stronger." He said with bitterness in his eyes. Tyrene gave Helix a pity-filled expression. "Helix, promise me you''re not going to side with the Mad Queen." She requested after a period of silence. "I assure you. That woman wouldn''t let me even if I wanted to." Helix chuckled bitterly. Tyrene gave him a light smile. "You''ve epted your fate to face the Mad Queen. I don''t expect you to be a hero, but at least you can do some damage if attacked. For that reason, I view you as an ally and am willing to enter a blood oath pact with you." Tyrene said with a serious expression. "Whether I''ll help you train it or not is something I''ll decide once I see it." Helix''s eyes lit up with pure happiness. "I''d appreciate you doing that." He replied with honesty. "You better. Let''s go back to my ce so we can speak inplete privacy." Tyrene led Helix from the peer to her trailer in the encampment. It was a simple room painted blue, with a Spartan-like simplicity. Only the bare minimal necessities besides weapons, a desk with writing equipment, and a few artifacts were present. Tyrene pulled out a knife from her item storage. "Let me see your hand." She requested. Helix grimaced butplied. "Don''t be such a baby. I''m doing this, so the wound doesn''t affect your hand during training." Tyrene muttered in annoyance. Helix gave her a wry smile. Tyrene masterfully cut his hand so that the skin barely broke. Helix looked at the scratch with amazement but didn''t show it in his expression. She''d beat him senseless if she saw him gawking at her skill with a de. Tyrene cut her hand, locked hands with Helix, and chanted the spell to initiate the pact. After the spell activated, their hands glowed bright red, and she made the oath. "I, Tyrene Masney, swear by the blood oath pact that I will not intentionally divulge any information regarding Helix Margrave''s Nightmare. I will be mindful of my surroundings to prevent idents but not be held responsible for a reasonable degree of human error. In exchange, Helix Margrave will provide me with information on his Nightmare. I shall abide by this oath, even if it costs me my life." Tyrene vowed with resolve in her eyes. "I, Helix Margrave, ept the blood oath pact. I shall abide by this oath, even if it costs me my life." The blood oath pact created a crimson red seal on their hands. The glowing seal faded a few secondster and absorbed into their skin. Helix nodded. "Thank you, master." He said with a sincere expression while touching his neck. "Please give me your hand." Tyrene nodded. The moment that Tyrene saw the Nightmare, she gasped in shock. She instantly regretted giving Helix a hard time and asking questions. "This¡­." She muttered in shock. Chapter 61 [Joint Hunt] "You''ve racked up three savage beatings, boy!" Tyrene shouted. Helix was staring down a savage love child between a mongoose-like rodent with the hide of an alligator. It was extremely fast and jumped between trees. ¡ª [Query: Marskaratt] [Species: Reptile-Rodent] [Threat Level: Intermediate] [General Characteristics: ~50-70 pounds. Light brown scales. Body of a rodent with a long stomach. Small sharp teeth.] [Description: A fast reptile with the typical running patterns of a fast animal. Jump and attach to trees to avoid attacks. Their scales are extremely tough to pierce. They are extremely nimble and have ws that attach them to nearby trees. They will attack humans upon sight. Indigenous to the following regions¡­] [Known Weaknesses: Must move in a straight line. Susceptible to low attacks and defenses without trees or other objects to jump to. They are highly reliant upon their senses to move quickly. Fear the following beasts¡­ Weak to the following elements¡­ ¡­.] [Known strategies for fighting them¡­] [Research] [New query] ¡ª Helix grit his teeth. He wasn''t in pain, but his mental stamina was fading, and his mind was jumbled from taking sudden attacks. "Anticipate." He whispered while gritting his teeth. "Wait¡­." Helix''s eyes shed with inspiration, and he began running into an opening. "You keep running and being attacked from behind! Don''t make me rip that armor off and beat you with it!" Tyrene growled. Tilo watched the battle with amusement. He grinned after realizing he could treat Helix harsher while maintaining the [cool teacher] status. Helix ignored her and ran to a tree in the Marskaratt''s range. Then he turned at a 45-degree angle and ran to another tree. "I guess this is what happens when he doesn''t read¡ª" Helix used his recent boost in skills to cut the tree in half. The motion was so absurd given his stats yesterday. As a result, the two didn''t know whether he was confident or arrogant. "What is he¡ª" The moment the tree started to fall, Helix rolled to the left. "Creeeeehhhk¡­" BOOM! Helix stood up and swung his sword erratically without form at the ground. There was a sharp ng. "KYAH! Kkkkaahahahahhhhhh!" "What the hell just happened?" Tilo asked in confusion. "KYAH KYAH! Kahhhhhh!!" "He just¡­." Tyrene replied with wide eyes. Helix struck the ground repeatedly as fast as he could. "Kah¡­ ha." "That¡­ had to be the most marvelously ungraceful, savage disy of force I''ve ever seen!" Tilo dered before bursting intoughter. "I¡­ don''tugh! Tell me how you would approach my feedback! That wasn''t swordsmanship! That was clever barbarity!" Tyrene gasped. Helix fell to the ground and panted. Then he crawled to an area with good visibility and no backing to rest. "I have no clue! Haha! But¡­ but¡­. Hahahaha!" Tilo roared. "Now you know what it feels like! Hahaha. How¡­ how¡­ how does it feel¡ªgah!" Tilo received a chop to the back of his head and covered it with his hands. After crying out, he jumped back and grimaced. However, when he could think again, he started cackling. "Hah. What are you so bent out of shape for? At least he didn''t try to blow up a city to win. Haha¡­." Tiloughed. Tyrene frowned. "I suppose you''re right¡­." She muttered. "Still¡­ it''s hard to tell if the kid''s tactics are genius or experimental because he knows he won''t die¡­." Tilo calmed down and gave Helix a serious expression. They were watching on a hilltop in the distance. As a result, he couldn''t see them, let alone hear them, unless Tyrene was yelling. "That¡­ is what I''m trying to figure out, too." Tilo replied with a frown. Tyrene nodded. "Do you think he researched Marskarattsst night?" She asked. Tilo nodded. "Probably. No, I''m almost certain about it." He confirmed. "Why?" She requested. "The Marskaratt is too fast to quickly pick up their movement patterns. It''s hard to pick up because they move in straight lines since they attack at different angles. It appears erratic." Tilo argued. "The lesson was to discover their movement patterns and defend. Right?" Tyrene looked at Helix with aplex expression. "Yes. The challenge was to see whether Helix would realize that Marskaratt''s have difficulty stopping their sprint. If he learned they must use an object to stop their running, he''d move to that clearing and protect himself from a low angle." She reasoned while pointing in the distance. "It was a test to learn a weakness and figure out how important it is to research your surroundings." Tilo nodded and stared at Helix. "Yeah. That''s a great lesson. Yet, he found a strategy to kill it. That¡­ was unexpected. It was level 25, and Helix is level 13." Tilomented. The two had given him armor used to fight level 50 beasts. As a result, he was invincible to real injury unless a beast wed his eyes out or shook his internal organs enough to kill him. The two grandmasters agreed to protect Helix with their livesst night. At least temporarily until he was strong enough to protect himself without fear. "Yeah¡­ that was¡­ wild." She nodded. Helix attracted the Marskaratt in the direction of a tree. Then he changed direction and ran to a second tree with arge boulder behind it. When the Marskaratt attached to the first, he cut down the second tree. As a result, when the beast jumped at him and missed, it smashed into the boulder at 50 mph. Dazed and stunned, it couldn''t prepare for Helix''s immediate attack. However, Helix didn''t even look at the beast. He swung violently downward, praying that he''d injure it. It was a reckless move that showed he was gambling with his life. Even once the Marskaratt was wounded, he didn''t target its vitals and kept bludgeoning it to death. "I think he feels helpless and angry. Perhaps he wasn''t trying to finish the exercise but taking out his frustration." Tyrene suggested with aplicated expression. "He''s been dealt five death cards, and his Nightmare is currently useless." Tilo nodded. "Indeed. If I were you, I''d praise the boy for surviving and chastise him for not working harder with the sword." He suggested. "Hmmm. I think that''s what I''ll do." She replied. "You better start practicing. I haven''t seen you be that kind to a student for thirty years, master!" Tiloughed heartily. "I''m going to chop your spine and use it as firewood, Tilo." Tyrene warned with a murderous gaze. Tiloughed and walked away. "Hah. That''ll be the day, softy." He chuckled while lifting his hand with his back turned to her. "I need to practice my scolding, so I''ll see youter." Tyrene chuckled and started walking in Helix''s direction. "Genius and idiot as always, I see." She dered when she approached him. "Are you going to exin your reasoning for not running to the valley?" Helix gave her a defeated smile. "Running toward the valley would have been impossible if I was locked in with the others. As a result, I searched for a solution that could be used if outnumbered." He exined with a slight smile. Tyrene stared at him with wide eyes. "I¡­ am impressed with your reasoning." She muttered in amazement. "However! I won''t be lenient if you keep shirking your training goals for personal ones. It''s sacrificing half of tomorrow forst night. Be reckless and experimental on your own time!" She scolded weakly. Helix smiled at your expressions. The woman was finding it difficult to keep up her facade. "Yes, master." He replied with a hopeless smile. "Now go, let Tilo punish you for your performance." Helix didn''t know whether tough or cry after Tyrene''s demand. So he settled on a half-worried smile and walked back. "Oh, and Helix." She muttered. "Yes?" He asked. "It''s okay to grieve with me. But you must have a rational mindset when you''re training with Tilo. Just because he''s an illusion master doesn''t mean he understands how powerful your Nightmare is. His knowledge doesn''t mean he understands it. None of us do." Tyrene said with a serious gaze. "Don''t let your frustration cloud your mind." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 62 [The Worst Cliche] "This¡­." Tyrene muttered in shock. [Name: [Nightmare]: Level 3. Description: The genesis [Nightmare] wielded by Elise, the god of Myriad. Allows the user to create illusions that bring nightmares to life. Skills: [Nightmare]: 50% SP: Summons a non-lethal illusion of the enemy''s greatest known fear. [Nightmare Hallucination]: (?) > 75 SP: Uses [Nightmare] skill but is only visible to user and victim(s). [Minor Summoning]: > 10 SP: Call upon simple object illusions. [Summoning]: > 150 SP: Call upon an illusion of your design. [Summoning Hallucination]: > 150 SP: Uses [Summoning] skill but is only visible to user and victim(s) [Conditional Summoning]: > 150 SP: Design illusions triggered through conditional parameters. Requires a full mental design blueprint. [Multi-Party Summoning Hallucination]: > 250 SP: Create multiple rted illusions yet experienced differently by others. Requires conditional summoning. [Tracks Deletion]: 0 SP: Hide the Nightmare is an illusion by summoning and naturally releasing the illusion. Active skill with zero cost. [Scent Addition]: 5 SP per/second: give your illusion a matching smell to increase the illusion''s voracity. [Heat Addition]: 5 SP per/second: fuses elemental heat spell to increase the illusion''s voracity. [???]: 10 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 15 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 20 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 20 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 20 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 20 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 20 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 20 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 20 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [All other skills and derivatives are locked. Requirements for unlocking unknown.] ¡ª "That''s right." He replied with a charming, bitter smile. "All five people who have gotten this in thest half-century have died within the first month of receiving it!" Tyrenemented with trembling eyes. Helix gave her a wry smile. "Correct. Its description alone is a death sentence. The main problem is the first skill, which is all it started with. I don''t want to talk about it unless you request it, but I can tell you it''s not pretty. So it''s not unlikely that most people died after using it once during training." He scoffed with bitter eyes. Tyrene looked at Helix in shock. "Does this have to do with why people were targeting you? It seems like you''ve unlocked a lot of skills." She asked with a serious expression. Helix shook his head. "I''ve refused to use it from the minute I saw it, and it''s been confidential since day one. It has never been identified aside from using it during the deathmatch. I''ve only used the skill a dozen times in self-practice, and it''s only activated the first skill once. Each use unlocked new skills through testing, which shows that it''s extremely flexible. However, until recently, I didn''t have a high enough spirit particle reserve, so I almost died after every use because it unlocked new skills. If I had identally triggered anything but the first skill, I would have died on the first usage. The Earthians just wanted to kill me because they were jealous." Tyrene''s eyes trembled. "This is¡­ disturbing." Shemented with wide eyes. "You have no idea. This Nightmare is only a fraction of the death warrants she ced on me. That doesn''t include the assassination attempts from jealousy, either. Do you understand why running away from her is impossible? It''s not that I''ve epted my title. I have no choice but to fight the bare minimum against her to survive." Tyrene looked at Helix with pity in her eyes. "Why would she actively try to kill the people that obtain this skill when she gives it to them? Is it for her amusement?" She asked. Helix shook his head. "I don''t think so. I think the Mad Queen is creating trials to see if someone''s worthy of wielding this power." He reasoned. Tyrene narrowed her eyes and her eyes gilded to the left in thought. "How¡­ is a skill of illusions the power the Mad Queen used?" Tyrene muttered aloud. "This is an extremely broken skill that creates illusions that should be impossible. It''s not a simple Nightmare that creates images." Helix replied with a slight smile. "Moreover, whenever I''ve performed summoning experiments, it seems receptive to things unrted to illusions. Saying it brings illusions to [life] may be literal. However, if that''s true, there''s a massive barrier between illusion and life. It''s not something that can be conjured by thinking about it. Thinking that a fire illusion should be hot triggered one of those breakthrough notifications. But no amount of experimentation I did yielded results, and the Myriad Library hasn''t helped. I can use elemental magic to fuse into the illusion. For example, creating heat increases up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit hotter. However, this Nightmare locked my ability to learn real magic, which is the prerequisite for my experiments. So while I believe it''s possible to create [real] illusions, trials are blocking them." Tyrene''s eyes trembled in disbelief. "If it is a god-like power that brings concepts to life, she''s looking for someone to fight against her as a god. Being clever, creative, and surviving its horrifying drawbacks are prerequisites." He hypothesized. Tyrene stared at him with a pained expression. Helix sighed and raised his hand. "No." He dered. Tyrene winced but yed dumb. "No¡­ what?" She asked. "I have no intention of fighting the god of Myriad, even if I''m the only person that can do it. She should''ve picked someone with ambition if she wanted to y a game." Helix''s face was exasperated. "Helix¡­ if what you''re saying is true about living illusions, then¡ª" "Monsters that dissolve after killing them are probably illusions that use stats created purely from spirit particles." Helix interjected, cutting her off. "That exins why many animals are real and die like humans, but beasts and monsters dissolve. The defense stat is made from spirit particles. That exins why you can obtain monster cores, skin the beasts, and take their teeth and ws before they dissolve if you use the Intent Spell. Their hides are the same as the defense stat, and their hide provides you with spirit particle defense. That also exins why beasts and monsters don''t have a defense stat like humans." He continued. Tyrene closed her eyes in anguish. "I know you''re thinking. If that''s true, she has an unlimited army as long as she has spirit particles." Anxiety washed over Tyrene, and her heart became downtrodden. "Helix¡­ why¡­. If that''s true, then¡­." She whispered with conflicted eyes. "Master. Weak to god is the worst cliche in existence. A weak protagonist obtains a system, and 900 chapterster, they are as powerful as a god. p Some kill a god. It''s so overused, dry, boring, and pointless that I wish authors would suffer from copyright infringement so the genre would die out." Helix dered. "Copyright infringement, cliche¡­? What are you talking about, kid?" Tyrene tilted her head with a nonplussed expression. Helix took a deep breath when he remembered that people in Myriad don''t have ess to light novels or web novels. "Let''s put aside the terminology." Helix sighed. "Think about it for a moment. There are seven spirit particle types and seven potential skills I triggered with 20 SP per second requirements. There''s an unknown unlock requirement. If the Mad Queen is ying a game, there are certain to be seven artifacts that allow me to manipte elements. Perhaps they''re inbyrinths, or theye from absurd trials. It doesn''t matter." Tyrene''s face couldn''t be more confused. "Are you saying that you might be able to manipte thews of reality if illusions? Perhaps creating a fire illusion and making it real?" She asked. Tyrene''s eyes lit up with amazement and wonder. "Yes. That''s what I''m saying. I''m bitter that I got a notification telling me I can''t learn spells above the elemental level during my testing. Otherwise, I could summon a fire like the rest of you when I thought about it and use it to prove my illusion." He confirmed. ¡ª Helix stared at his interface with disbelief. [Nightmare skill has temporarily prevented you from learning spells above the beginner level. Unlock requirements for using magic intermediate spells and above are unknown.] Besides basic spells like [spark] that allow you to light fires, magic spells above elemental spells require over 100 SP. Now that he had ample reserve, he could officially use a real spell instead of a magic circle. He tried to learn a basic skill known as [Wind de] that allowed him to cut enemies like a sword at a distance. However, his system notified him that he needed something to unlock them. ¡ª "The message is that the Mad Queen doesn''t want a wielder to lose ambition and use magic spells with illusions to create bluffs. I can sessfully heat an area to make an illusion feel slightly real. If I had more skills, I''d be tempted to learn them and not desire real power." Helix sighed. Tyrene''s jaw dropped in confusion. "Helix¡­ couldn''t you protect the people you love better if you obtained such power?" He winced with anguish after seeing her internal greed-like amazement. "Master. Do you think that it''s going to be that simple?" He sighed. She raised an eyebrow in response. "I understand that obtaining an artifact would require difficult trials. However, you can obtain help to do so." She argued. Helixughed with a twinge of madness in his eyes, causing Tyrene to shudder. "Difficult?" Helix scoffed lightly with bitterness oozing from his pores. "Master. If this is a power that can create armies from illusions, the trials to obtain the seventh artifact will require god-like power. You saw the SP costs, right? Even if they lower when I level up, imagine what level I''d need to be to wield an army to fight her!" Helix chuckled with eyes filled with insanity. "If I go on that journey, I might as well kill my lovers before I go. I''ll hear the words: [Don''t be sad, Helix. The world needs you to seed, and I believe in you. You must seed. I love you¡­.], three times." Tyrene frowned in slight understanding. Helix matched her gaze with a serious expression. "Master. I understand your point of view. I can''t stop thinking about it." He confessed. Tyrene looked at him with aplicated expression and sadness in her eyes. "However, I sacrificed all of my stats with the shaky promise she wouldn''t present trials that were impossible to ovee. In other words, so long as I remain near their level, we can fight together. So even if the artifacts increase their power, it won''t help anyone survive. That''s why obtaining the power to fight the Mad Queen does not help me protect my loved ones." Tyrene fell into silence as she contemted the words he spoke. After a few minutes of silence, she gave him a serious gaze. "Helix. I understand your points and support them without question." Helix looked up from the floor and looked at her with aplex expression. "You''re right. Assuming that your theory is true, your future will be wrought with conflict and suffering." She affirmed with a pitying gaze. "As a protector of Myriad, I''ve vowed to fight the Mad Queen. So it''s my duty, not yours, to contribute to that fight." Helix studied her unreadable facial expressions. He knew he wouldn''t enjoy her next words. "I have no expectations or requests of you to follow the path you''ve been given. However, I must keep you alive if you''re someone with the potential to lead the human race against the Mad Queen. If you choose the route to lead the fight against her, you must be trained and prepared. So we must prepare you at all costs." Helix stared at Tyrene for a moment before giving her a defeated smile. "Well, that aligns with my current goals. So I''d appreciate it." He sighed. "Good. Let''s get Tilo in here. I''m going to break bones in his body until he epts a blood pact with you." Chapter 63 [Illusion Master] Tilo cracked his neck and stared at Helix with a mocking expression. "Tell me, Helix. Do you think that your illusions can surpass mine?" He mocked. The two were standing in the arena, but a ck magic circle now surrounded the floor. Large signs were posted around the stands outlining a schedule of when the area was closed for private use. While activated, the circle prevented others from entering or seeing what was happening inside. There was a recording illusion of Tilo beating the shit out of the young man for trespassers to see. Tilo found the scene amusing; Helix did not. "I''m not certain they''ll be more useful or effective." Helix replied with a slight smile. "What I can say is that mine will be prettier." Tiloughed. "That''s a bold statement. Thedies love my illusions." The man chuckled. "You shouldn''t change your face for the women, master." Helix replied with a mischievous grin. "Hoh? Courting death at 9 am? I didn''t know you already gave up on life." Tilo replied with narrowed eyes. Helix gave the man a slight smile. "I''m making it easier for you to kill me if something goes wrong." Tilo gave Helix aplicated expression. "I know you''re worried. But I know that you wouldn''t be using that thing if you didn''t feel confident." He asserted. ¡ª "Hah! You''repletely fucked, boy." Tilo chuckled heartily. Tyrene, Tilo, and Elsa were also sitting in Tyrene''s trailer. Elsa was like a mom to him, and he didn''t want to keep secrets from her. Helix had made a blood pact with Tilo and Elsa and exined what happened when he released [Nightmare]. Now he was giving him a wry smile. Tilo''s expression turned cold an instantter. "I doubt the Winter General threatened me into a blood pact to tell me a ghost story. So what is the real issue at y here?" Helix matched his expression with a piercing gaze of his own. "Tilo, things aren''t that simple." Tyrene interjected. "Helix doesn''t want to talk about it. So let me exin." The three talked for hours about the topic. Tyrene and Tilo did most of the talking, and Helix only provided insights when asked questions. After they were finished, Tilo gave Helix aplicated expression. "Off to bed now. Tyrene''s about to break your body senseless, and I don''t want to hear youining as I break your spirit." He sighed lightly. "Tilo! I understand the situation, but you two can''t put your interests first." Elsa snapped. Tyrene took a deep breath. "Don''t worry, Elsa. That kid is almost begging us." She sighed. "Helix¡­." Elsa whispered. She looked at Helix, and he nodded to confirm Tyrene''s statement. "Okay. You''re waking up at 5 am tomorrow for our hunt. Tilo, please help me create a Physical Memory Circle and first aid circles. We''ll need them immediately." Tilo sighed. "Alright. Let''s go. Helix, expect Tyrene and I to be tired and cranky tomorrow. Fill in the nks on what to expect." Helix nodded and walked toward the exit. "Helix." Tilo called out. The young man stopped moving and turned around. "Yes, master?" He asked. "I''ll be the one training that jacked-up Nightmare of yours." Tilo announced with a serious expression. "You''ve been through a lot. I get that. But before you ept a match, you need to suppress that reckless behavior." Helix looked at the ground with a wry smile. "If you can''t, stop the match. You''ve done well by warning us of its real power. So don''t prove yourself a prophet." ¡ª Helix matched the man''s gaze with a serious expression. "Why are you so certain of that? I''ve only proved my recklessness to you." He asserted. Tilo narrowed his eyes. "You''re wrong." Tilo dered. Helix looked at the man quizzically. "The Mirror of Helioquie told me everything I needed to know about you. I wouldn''t be here if I didn''t see that monstrosity." The man said with sharp eyes. Helix looked at the man with a strange expression. "Why? The situation was bleak. So I created something that would cause havoc and lead to infighting. Using it in front of my attackers was reckless. I was bound to get caught in the crossfire even with a path to escape." He replied with a sharp gaze. "Don''t y dumb with me, boy." Tilo scoffed. "You went through insane lengths to exin your Nightmare if you were called out. It was also powerful enough on its own, even though you used your Nightmare anyway. Don''t waste my time by denying that." Helix gave the man a wry smile. "It was ingenious, meticulously prepared, and effective. It was created for self-preservation in an impossible scenario, and you didn''t use it for revenge. At least until the end. You wouldn''t use that Nightmare if you weren''t confident. I''m trusting you because of that." Tilo concluded. Helix gave him a defeated smile. "I''ll do what I can to prove you right." He said with a confident tone. "Good!" Tilo dered with a bright smile. "Nowe at me so I can kick your ass and show you what real illusions are." Helixced his fingers and stretched his arms. "Alright. Let''s see what happens." "Ten!" Tilo yelled. "Nine!" "Eight!" "Seven!" "Six!" "Five!" Helix''s heart started pounding, and sweat rolled down his face. "Four!" "Three!" "Two!" "One!" "Begin!" Helix exploded with a cloud of ck smoke. The man chuckled at the ruse and threw a couple of magic circles. When the smoke almostpletely disappeared, two Helix''s ran around him on either side. "Not bad¡­." Tilo chuckled. "Tch!" Helix chuckled his tongue when he saw how easily Tilo made work of his first strategy. However, his expression was unfazed. "Impressive illusions. But they''re still illusions!" Tilo dered. He shot at Helix andnded a punch on his face. While the punch sent Helix flying, Tilo''s fist came in contact with nothing. "That''s seriously wild¡­." The man muttered in awe. While Tilo knew that he hit an illusion, the clone reacted to it as though he was hit. The sound matched, and the body hitting the earth caused a dust storm. If an observer saw the exchange, TIlo would have to convince them that he struck an illusion. "Unfortunately¡­." He chuckled. "Gahhhhhh!" Boom! Dust flew everywhere. "Lesson number one! If you''re weak, your enemy can hit both of your clones!" Tilo taunted. However, mid-way through his deration, the [real] Helix shimmered and became a white doll. Tilo looked down in amusement to find a disc called the Dummy Clone Summons. The spell summoned a dummy and masked it with an appearance clone. The dummies are physical objects made of a silicon-like substance and filled with liquid. Tiloughed in amazement and struck at thin air. "Lesson 2! Illusion masters can see through invisibility¡ª" "Guuuuuuuuah!" There was a loud crash, and Tilo''s eyes went wide. He spun around and dodged an attack at an unimaginable speed. "That Nightmare is a fucking cheat!" He roared in annoyance. "Gah! Cough!" Helix''s body fell to the ground and writhed in pain. Tilo''s fist connected with the Helix behind an invisibility illusion, and it flew into the distance and crashed. However, once again, it hit nothing. He took the situation seriously, identified Helix''s location, and hit the boy with an elbow to the spine. ,m "Lesson three! Don''t gamble on one shot again, or I''ll break your goddamn legs! What did I just tell you about defining victory?" Tilo shouted in bewilderment. Helix couldn''t hit Tilo with his speed, so he lunged midair in a single direction. "You''re not a Marskaratt! You just fought one and gave yourself its weakness." He snapped. Tilo turned around and walked toward the stands. As he walked away, he stopped and shook his head in disappointment. "Lesson 4. You''re unable to learn from your mistakes because you''re dead." He called out with a bitter chuckle. "Look in front of you, you fool." Helix pushed himself off the ground where he was wheezing. Helix looked forward and found a [Contained Charge Trigger] circle in front of him. Contained Charge Trigger was andmine. If it were active, he would have exploded and died. Helix looked around him. In the center, there was a [Environment Clone Circle]. The circle copies a small area of a user''s environment and masks any changes to it. Next saw half a dozen other Charge Triggers around where Tilo was standing. He created a minefield mid-battle without Helix noticing. While it seemed reckless, the Contained Charge Trigger had a small st radius. That''s what [contained] denoted. Tilo could see the discs and markers Helix couldn''t. It was a joke. "What a joke." Helix scoffed with a self-deprecating tone. "You''re telling me I''m not a Marskaratt while proving that I am one. Hah. Hahaha." Helix pushed himself to his feet whileughing with depleted eyes. Tilo looked toward the sky, closed his eyes, and burst intoughter. "God damn it, boy! Why do you make it so hard for us to scold you!" Heughed heartily. Helix shocked his head with a shame-filled smile. "Well? What are you waiting for? I said we''d eat lunch and discuss that freaky Nightmare after the match." Tilo called out without turning around. "Just because itsted less than a minute doesn''t mean that it happened." Tilo turned around and gave Helix a mocking smile. "I''m sure that you''ll find that out soon." Heughed and walked away. Helix stared at the man with a perplexed expression. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content = your happiness. :) Chapter 64 [Nightmare Breakdown] "Alright. Let''s hear it. Tell me everything you did wrong." Tilo requested while tearing off a piece of meat. There was a roasted bird that looked very simr to a chicken. He took the meat and put it onto Helix''s te with a fork. "I blinded myself instantly, so I had no idea how you prepared when I emerged from the illusion." Helix sighed. "Good. You''ve got the main fault." Tilo replied with a nod. "After you did that, I was worried that you forgot about regr illusions. You could have seen my preparations if you had used [Smoke Screen]. However, now we know that crazy Nightmare of yours is equally realistic for everyone." Helix nodded. The two were sitting at a small table in Tilo''s trailer. There wererge Circles of Secrecy markings on every wall. It was miles beyond the Anti-Diffraction Circle he was using in Alzeria. It was even above the high-level Circle of Privacy which they had been practicing. As a result, his trailer was the safest ce to speak about [Nightmare]. "Yes, I see that now." Helix nodded. "Do you know what the underlying issue is?" Tilo tested. Helix looked to the left in thought. After he figured out what Tilo was getting at, he gave the man a wry smile. It was the same issue that prevented him from using it. "I won''t know the nuances of my Nightmare¡­ for a long time. It''s extremely flexible, and it''s hard to examine how it reacts to different situations." Helix sighed. Tilo gave Helix aplicated smile. "Yeah¡­ that Nightmare is a cluster-bomb packed with lethal jack in the boxes." He scoffed before letting out a chuckle. "However¡­." Tilo''s eyes met Helix''s, and he gave the young man a strange smile. "That''s one hell of a Nightmare." Heughed in bewilderment. "What the hell did you do to make all of that happen?" Helix gave Tilo a wry smile. "You''re impressed about everything we''re reflecting on." He sighed. "But I used [Minor Summoning] to create the battle discs in my hand." ¡ª[Minor Summoning]: > 10 SP: Call upon simple object illusions¡ª "I then summoned an illusion that my clone was born out of a smoke cloud." He continued. "Wait¡­. Now, that exins why your body exploded with smoke instead of pretending to throw a circle. I was about to criticize that move as unnatural. Why did you do that?" Tilo asked. Helix gave him a slight smile. "I currently have 1000 SP. While that''s enormous for most people at level 17, my Nightmare is extremely greedy." He chuckled. Tilo nodded in confirmation. "Yeah. Those SP requirements are sketchy." He affirmed. "That''s why I consolidated as much of my illusion as possible with conditional summoning." Helix sighed. ¡ª[Conditional Summoning]: > 150 SP: Design illusions triggered through conditional parameters. Requires full mental design blueprint¡ª "By doing that, I could create one illusion with multiple parts. However, it''s limited to three different operations if they aren''t rted." He exined. Tilo looked at Helix quizzically. "How are creating an illusion from your body exploding from smoke and creating an illusion from a fake circle different?" He asked. Helix gave him a slight smile. "One''s creating a clone through a process. The second is creating a fake magic circle and then using it to summon a clone." He replied with a slight smile. Tilo stroked his chin. "I suppose that makes sense. I have questions about your experiment methods, but I''ll leave that for after training." Hemented. Helix nodded his head in understanding. "The subject of the illusion is my body tied to clone illusions." He continued. Tilo raised his eyebrow. "Your body?" He asked in confusion. "Yes. The clone was to attack you from a different location, so I tied it to my body''s location. That was the condition." Helix replied with a sly smile. "Then my body was set to turn into a white doll after being hit, and an invisible wall and clone sounds would trigger." Tilo looked at Helix with shock. "In short, there were three conditional triggers centered around my real body''s interactions. There were no conditional requirements for the clones." Helix concluded. Tilo was stunned into silence. After contemting what he had just heard multiple times, he locked eyes with Helix. Tilo almost shivered while looking into his pitch-ck eyes peering out from his ck hair. "That¡­ is extremely difficult to grasp. It''s not hard to understand what you''ve done. However, it''s difficult to process how you came up with that." He chuckled with a conflicted gaze. "Your use of illusions isn''t unique by any stretch. But finding a rted concept shared between three different illusions is remarkable." Helix gave him aplicated smile. He wasn''t to ept the praise, but he found it difficult to ept, given how bad the strategy was. "Thank you, master." He replied with a forced smile. "That exins why your strategy was so instantaneous and inflexible to the situation." He muttered to himself. "I give you an A for the match and an F for your strategy." Tilo dered after a moment of contemtion. Helix gave Tilo a puzzled nce. The expression filled the man''s heart with a devious sense of satisfaction. He was rewarding Helix and calling him stupid at two extremes. It seemed to solve his inner conflict. "The purpose of the match was to test your Nightmare''s capability and your ability to use illusions strategically." Tilo exined. "Your strategy led to an extremely petty death, and your benign recklessness was shameful." Helix gave Tilo a wry smile when he heard the reasoning. He didn''t want to be reminded that he died in such a pathetic way. "Do you understand why I attacked you with the mine strategy?" Tilo asked. Helix shook his head. "I can''t im to understand that with certainty. If I had to guess, your purpose was to teach me that fancy illusions aren''t necessary to obtain an overwhelming victory." He reasoned. "However, it''s equally likely that you wanted to prove that it''s easy to kill someone who isn''t cautious, just as easy as you can a Marskaratt." Tilo stared at Helix with a bewildered expression before erupting intoughter. "Haaaaaaah. It was mostly in the first category, but I purposely did thetter. It was intentional, but I didn''t have a profound lesson tied to it." Heughed. Helix gave him a wry smile. "So¡­ you''re telling me that you just did that to be mean?" He asked bitterly. "Yup! If I''m already doing something, I might as well make it as shameful as possible." Tilo confirmed merrily. "Thanks for giving me a wise excuse for my actions in the future." Helix''s eyes zed over, and he got lost in the beyond. Chapter 65 [Peter] "Hey, Helix. It''s Peter. I''m not sure you remember who I am. But your impression wouldn''t be favorable toward me if you do." Helix took a deep breath and watched the waves crash into the rocks below him. "I''m ashamed to say that I was one of twenty men that hated your guts while you were here. I never tried to harm you or plotted against you. It feels disgusting that such a rification is necessary." Helix scoffed lightly in bitter agreement. "Unfortunately, it is necessary, so I want you to know that." Waves washed against the rocks and masked his elevated breathing. "It''s strange to say this, but my jealousy toward you was apliment. After spending all day figuring out what I wanted to say, I learned that." Helix''s eyes narrowed in confusion. "When I tried to find why I was jealous, I couldn''t pinpoint a reason. That''s because I could think of twenty reasons I was jealous! Hahaha. Haha. Hah. Haha!" The young man''sughter left Helix stunned and confused. "I mean,e on, man! Did you have to be so damn likable!? Haha. Hah." Helix smiled when he saw where Peter was going. "You broke thews of equivalent exchange, dude! What type of man can get women to like them by being nice to them? That''s the age-old paradox that haunts men everywhere. Yet you shattered that problem effortlessly! I know you weren''t trying to make women like you. That''s the damn problem! So how did you end up a chick ma by default, dude? Share the secret, for fucks sake!" Helix scoffed in exasperation, but he followed it up with a smile. He couldn''t understand the bizarre logic, but he couldn''t help but find it warming. "Common, man. How do I level up and get a 3D girlfriend? Is it the sigh? The search engine? Your pitch-ck eyes? Did I mess up with my beauty transformation? Is having strong stats a bad look to women? How did you have so much confidence despite being weak? Seriously, dude. How did your personality stat end up so broken?" "Don''t ask me, man. I''m just as confused as you are." Helix chuckled. "At¡­ least I understand it a little, now." Peter''s voice deepened, and the mood became gloomier. "Marie took over. Everyone''s been in a mad scramble to be nicer now. We followed along because kindness makes you stronger now. However, after learning new things and being kinder, something¡­ amazing happened." Helix listened attentively with anticipation for his partner''s magic. "Girls started liking us, dude." Helix burst intoughter andy on the grass with light tears moving down his eyes. "What the hell, man. Is that all it is? Could we have escaped the fate of 2D harems if we just¡­ you know, said hi to people? Do you know how ridiculous we feel now?" Helix rolled on the ground with proof of amusement running down his cheeks. "Turns out that I''m a sucker for meat pops, man. I also like listening to street performers. Many girls have brought their soul-beasts to practice now that we''re strong enough to protect them. Now I know that I''m a sucker for cute animals, too. Ever since I started focusing on being like a protagonist, I''ve started focusing on things I enjoy. My life. My interests. My desires. Shockingly enough, that''s the type of thing that women notice." Helix smiled gently and stared at the rapidly darkening sky. "Now that I know that, I understand why women liked you. You weren''t just someone with knowledge. There wasn''t a day I didn''t hear about some magic circle or something strange you discovered. You were always up to something, and the girls talked about it. And when you helped the girls, it was usually with something crazy shit you read about. It''s like we''re starting to do now on steroids." Helix smiled gently. "That''s when we realized how great you were. After that sunk in, we''re even more jealous of you! That sounds bad¡­. But¡­ How do I put this? It''s more like¡­. We look up to you now and wish we could have been your friend and rival or something." "I would have liked that." Helix whispered with aplex expression. "Some people even¡­ no, let''se back to that. There''s something else I want to say. While everyone has epted that a charm stat didn''t cause your luck with thedies, that doesn''t mean the conversation is over. There''s still one mystery you need to exin to me." Helix raised an eyebrow. "Women hate it when you sigh!" Laughter rang out on the hilltop Helix was sitting on. "What the hell is up with that?" "Don''t ask me, man." Helixughed while wiping light tears from his eyes. "We know because we tried sighing asionally, and it annoyed the women. If we be friends in the next life, I''ll make you spill the beans on the sigh charm. Otherwise, I''ll suspect you of cheating until I die my second death." Helix was bewildered beyond reason. "Oh, yeah. Back to thest part. While we didn''t deserve it, you improved all of our lives with that insane cultivator idea you gave to Marie. We hated you for a minute, but our interactions withdies skyrocketed, and our enjoyment of Myriad did too. Half of us think you''re a harem god, and three guys legit pray to you. It''s crazy." Helix stoppedughing, and his eyebrow twitched at the final statement. "If you''re acting exasperated, just¡­ don''t. Okay? You caused that, so tough titties." Helix sent a wry smile to the sky. "You had a harem of Fairy Charlotte, Fairy Riley, and Fairy fucking Marie. Dude, what the hell, man? Men would die for Charlotte or Riley. Fairy Marie is a mythical dream, so we don''t even consider it. And you had them all in a damn [harem]? Harem? Seriously? What type of monster are you? Then you took a day, made some sighs, and helped the guys like you did the servants. Now we''re talking to women! Some people even got 3D girlfriends. How? Everything you do turns into women attracting gold. Dude, after saying all that aloud, I''m thinking of worshiping you!" Helix sighed and chuckled in amusement. He didn''t know what to think anymore. "You weren''t the hero we asked for, wanted, or deserved¡­ but you were the hero we needed. Thank you, man. We appreciate it." Helix sat up and watched the final stretch of the sunset. "Anyway, let''s leave things here. I want to personally apologize to you in the next life. So, for now, I''ll celebrate your life like I should''ve done from the beginning. Let''s get a meat pop when I see you next. Peace." "Thanks, Peter. I needed that." Helix whispered. There were people like Millie he was willing to fight for. However, he was worried that the men would resent him if he showed up to fight, and everything would fall apart. Would the men''s confidence implode and cause them to be unstable? Would the women suffer? Would everyone feel bitter about being lied to or feel racked with guilt? Those were all important questions that weighed on his heart. So hearing that the men were doing better lifted some pressure from his shoulders. Chapter 66 [Brutal Training] "Look, kid. I''ve agreed to train you and keep you alive. Keeping you alive has nothing to do with your appearance. So if you don''t pick up the pack, you''ll be a toothless hero." "Huuuuh. Huuuuh. Yes, master! Huuuh." ¡ª "Master¡­ I get not using self-correcting chalk, but¡­." "But, what?" "Do¡­ we have to start with my enemies'' blood?" "What''s wrong with that?" "Uh¡­ aside from being brutally difficult¡­ hmmm. How do I put this?. Using the Intent Spell in the field, sucking out my enemy''s blood, and drawing magic circles always feels like a satanic ritual." "Is¡­ that a bad thing? Start making sense, or get back to work!" "I¡­. Never mind. Can you pass me the Morra Snake blood?" "I thought you didn''t want to do this?" "I want to avoid getting beaten half to death even more." "Hah, good man. Here it is." "This is¡­ liquid fire¡­." "Hmmm? Isn''t that what you asked for?" "I''ll get everything myself, Master." "Now you''re making sense, boy!" ¡ª "Kyyyyyyahhhh! Kyyyyyyahhhh!" "Master! Help! I''m taking this as a lesson that being too self-reliant will get you killed!" "Hah. Good try, kid! I''m immune to your logical smooth talk." "Seriously! Look up!" "Kyyyyyyahhhh! Kyyyyyyahhhh!" "What was that?" "Master¡­." "Why is your voice trailing off?" "kyaaah¡­. kyaaah¡­." "Look, kid. If you want help, don''t run away from¡ª" "..." "What the hell! Helix!" "Why are you always taking on more than you can handle, idiot!?" "Master¡­ you took me into a Level 30-40 zone, and I''m level¡­." "Don''t make excuses for your recklessness!" "But¡­." "Hmmm? Do I hear you want an extra 200 swings?" "I¡­. No. I''m sorry for my recklessness." "Much better." "In the future, when a Tidal Vulture lifts me four-hundred feet in the air, how do I kill it safely? I can''t learn a low-gravity or air spell." "..." "I¡­ see. Run for cover, stab first, or kill quickly at liftoff. Got it." "... yes. Exactly." "Thanks for confirming." "You''re¡­ wee." ¡ª "Master¡­ is it necessary to wear a Circle of Silence set like ear muffs?" "Hmmm? Absolutely not. I just find it hrious." "I just realized I can''t hear you. Can I take these off?" "Yeah, sure. Go ahead." "Master¡­ can you turn around so I can lip-read your replies?" "Gah. You''re never going to keep those girlfriends if you''re always this needy!" "What about my girlfriends? Never mind. I''ll get back to work." "Haaaaaahh. You turn into a docile rabbit the moment your girlfriends get brought up." "..." "Hmmm? He''s working really hard. I''ll have to keep this tactic in mind¡­." ¡ª "1735¡­. Huuuuuh¡­ huuuuuuh, 1737¡ª" "Nice try, kid. Just because I''m reading a book doesn''t mean that I''m not also taking pleasure in your torment." "Master¡­ huuuuh¡­ huuuuh¡­ I only had to do 1200 yesterday¡­. Isn''t an 800 swing jump¡­ excessive?" "You leveled up today. It''s not my fault you''re doing so good." "Master, I''m in a muscle memory training circle¡­ I''m always the same strength." "Hmmm? Oh yeah. That is a good point. We''ll put it at 2500 tomorrow and leave it there." "..." "..." "Thank you for your leniency, master¡­." "You can thank me by not dragging out this conversation for an impromptu break." "I¡­. Haaaaaah. 1736¡­ huuuuh¡­ 1737¡­ huuuuh¡­1738¡­." ¡ª "I don''t mean to question your teaching methods¡­." "But?" "Master, this magic circle will violently explode if I don''t make it correctly. Shouldn''t I at least practice once with self-correcting chalk?" "Huh? Absolutely not! You won''t get better if you don''t have an incentive to improve." "... as you will." "Good man." "..." "Wait! Are you an idiot! You''re going to¡ª" Booooooom! "Haven''t you listened to anything I''ve taught you!? I''ll remind you. If you want to seed, you have to draw it perfectly!" "That''s¡­. Yes, master. I''ll remember that lesson next time." "Haaaaah. Kids." ¡ª "You call that form!?" "I¡­ was thought this technique for the first time five min¡ª" "Exactly. It''s still fresh in your mind. If you can''t pay attention, I''ll rip your left arm off and use it to demonstrate good technique." "I¡­ will try harder." "Hah. You should''ve said that to begin with." ¡ª "You messed up another. What''s wrong with you today, boy? This isn''t like you." "My apologies, master¡­. It''s just that you beat¡­ taught me a lesson, and my body''s still numb¡­." "Ah¡­ I suppose I did do that, didn''t I?" "..." "Hmmm. Finish up 80 more, and we''ll call it good for the day. Sounds good?" "... thank you for your kindness, master." ¡ª "Your technique is starting to deteriorate. Get it together, kid!" "Master¡­ I''m¡­ on¡­ my 2617th¡­ strike¡­ please¡­ have¡­ mercy¡­." "Will your enemies show you mercy!?" "2618¡­ huuuuh¡­ 2719¡­." "Hah. Still trash, but a good improvement." ¡ª "Ms. Tyrene¡­ Helix¡­ can''t walk correctly right now. Can''t you go a little easier on him?" "Has heined to you?" "No, why¡ª" "So, what''s the problem then?" "..." "..." "..." "Give the boy the morning off. He can make it up tomorrow. Happy?" "Thank you, Tyrene. He hasn''tined once since he''s started training. So if he shows up tomorrow, just know that I still appreciate it." "Elsa. If that boy goes against my order, tell him I''ll y his ribs like a xylophone!" "Tyrene, you do understand that the more concerned you are, the more aggressive you get, right?" "Don''t giggle at me! I better not see either of you tomorrow. Got it?" "Sure, sure." ¡ª "I give you an F during our match." "That''s harsh¡­." "F stands for failure, Helix. It''s been two weeks and you still haven''t hit me." "Master¡­ you hid a magic circle under the arenast night¡­." "Traps and nning are part of real battles." "Okay. I''ll make sure to try that in the¡ª" "Good try, boy." "..." "Don''t sigh at me. Now again!" ¡ª "Master¡­ that Yeska Spider¡­." "Hmmm? Are you arachnophobiac? If you are, consider this endurance training." "No¡­ It''s level 61." "So? You''ve been handling things ten levels above you for thest week." "Master¡­ ten levels!? I''m¡­." "Hoh? Suddenly realizing your mortality and taking life seriously now that your armor doesn''t make you invincible?" ".... Yes? There are only two weeks before my girlfriends get here. I assure you I don''t want to die." "Then you better start practicing defense." "I will¡­ Master, can I at least use my battle discs?" "No." "I¡­ really don''t want to die, master." "Good! I see you''re starting to take things more seriously. Are you going to stop letting weak little 35ers hit you now?" "Yes?" "If you use the inflection of a question again, I''ll put you on a fishing pole and use you to catch Swalter Shark." "There''s no need to misinterpret my statement. I will not let¡­ low level¡­ monsters and beasts hit me anymore¡­." "Much better." ¡ª "Today, you''re going to leave the muscle memory circle for the entire practice. Now give me your 3000 strikes." "Yes, master." "Let''s see it." "I¡­ feel like I''m cheating¡­." "You should feel like your technique is trash." "I¡­." "Your sword is 10x lighter. Yet I only gave you 3000 strikes. Do you think that I''m going easy on you? Relearn your technique, now!" "Yes, master!" ¡ª "Hmmm. Impressive." "Thank you, master." "What is this?" "It''s a variation I tested in my downtime." "Interesting. You''ll have to exin this to meter." "Happy to." "You do this type of variation often. It''s always different, but it has simr characteristics. Is it a technique?" "Sort of. It doesn''t exist as a field in Myriad. But it''s known as encryption." "Encryption? Is it security measures?" "Yes. It''s a set of techniques for safeguarding information and ess to your items." "Hmmm. You''ll have to teach me." "Sure. I''d like your help on one of them, as well." ¡ª "You¡­." "Hmmm?" "You killed that spider¡­." "There''s only a week before my girlfriends get here. So I devisedbat strategies and have incorporated them into my matches with Master Tilo." "..." "Is everything alright?" "I don''t know whether to praise you or kick myself." "Did I do something wrong?" "Do something wrong? Haaaaaaah. No way, kid. You were masterful. However, you''re going to level jump again, which will thrash your muscle memory." "Oh¡­." "Don''t get let down. Let''s go get some baked goods to celebrate." ¡ª "I''m honestly impressed." "Thank you, master." "Tyrene is giving you the morning off. So I expect you to hit me tomorrow. There are only a few days left before your girlfriends arrive, so I expect results." "Are you sure you want to give me such high expectations?" "Why do you make it sound like you''re going to win?" "It''s not that. It''s just that I''ll win at any cost that will not threaten my life." "Hoh? That''s a bold thing to say." "I''m just speaking the truth." "Challenge epted." ¡ª "I''ll be giving you a test before your girlfriends arrive like Tilo." "What type of test?" "I will take you to fight a real beast, and I won''t be helping you. If you flee, you fail, but you''re guaranteed to live. If you choose to fight but fail, you die." "I see¡­." "You will be able to use any technique, magic item, or treasure at your disposal." "I''ll be ready for it." "I know you will, kid." Chapter 67 [Applicants ;)] "Hah. Now that I''ve seen you a day without Tyrene''s training, I feel like I''ve gone too easy on you." Tilo mused with a mocking smile. "Master,pared to teachers on earth¡­." Helix replied with a wry smile. "Compared to teachers on earth, what?" Tilo asked with an amused smile. After a moment of awkward silence, Helix gave him a defeated smile. "You''re much more effective, interesting, and influential." Tilo raised an eyebrow. "That''s all? I''d bet all the money you made me that you were about to say something unttering." Helix chuckled bitterly and let his eyes trail off. "You''re also reckless, brutal, and merciless." He sighed. "Master Tyrene is just more reckless, extra brutal, and ruthless." Tilo gave Helix an evil smile. "You know, if I lose I''m going to tell her you said that." He chuckled. Helixced his fingers and stretched his arms. "I see. I hope you enjoy blood on your hands, then, Master." He replied calmly. Tilo shuttered but retained his amusement. The two of them were in a massive circr dome made from earth magic on the outskirts of Lexion. It was sorge that Tilo needed a special permit to build it. The reason he built it was simple¡ªnow he could thrash Helix as much as he wanted. Helix was at a higher level and wearing serious armor, so Tilo didn''t need to hold back as much. That said, the grandmaster was level 189. Even though Helix was [unlocking] Earthian stats, he was still a weak, inexperienced mortalpared to Tilo. So magic circles were inscribed in the arena to cushion attacks he dealt to Helix, amongst other protections. "Are you ready for our match today?" Tilo asked. "I¡­ don''t know how to answer that question." Helix replied with aplicated expression. Tilo narrowed his eyes at Helix. "This should be interesting. Are you ready to begin?" He asked with a sly smile. Helix noticed the devious glint in his eye and sighed. "As ready as I can be. Start the countdown." "Just remember that you gave me the go-ahead." Tilo chuckled while shrugging his shoulders. This was the final test before Helix''s partners arrived. So he wouldn''t go easy before Helix took time off. "Ten!" "Nine!" "Eight!" "Seven!" "Six!" Helix shut his eyes and prayed his [sacrifice] would be worth it. "Five!" "Four!" "Three!" "Two!" "One!" "Go!" The second that the match started, Tilo shot at Helix to deliver a blow. It was uncharacteristic and a devious ploy he decided to work with. However, his n didn''t go as expected. A massive geyser of water shot out of the ground in an instant. Tilo stopped his advance and jumped backward on the defensive. "[Waterspout]? That crafty brat!" Tilo muttered under his breath with narrowed eyes. Unlike Helix, who could summon illusions at will, Tilo was a circle master. Water would ruin his spells without waterproofing spells, and he didn''t prepare for this attack ahead of time. The geyser continued to pump water into the area, flooding over Tilo''s feet. Eventually, the water reached the entire arena floor and started rising. "Why isn''t he moving? He has the advantage." TIlo muttered. Helix was behind the water wall out of his sight and wasn''t moving. The man couldn''t figure out why he wasn''t using his preparation to attack him. If Helix had already waterproofed his discs, he had the edge in the battle. Tilo didn''t have time to question, however. So he quickly created a waterproofing spell over his essential battle discs. After his third disc, his suspicions grew, and he reassessed his surroundings. "Wait¡­ this water. It''s heating up!" Tilo cried. The water wasn''t threatening to boil. However, [Waterspout] summoned ocean temperature water. It didn''t create heated water. It meant a fire or heat spell was at y if it did. Tilo stopped working and stared at the geyser. To his surprise, therge wall of water was masking that steam wasing from the area. "What is his y?" Tilo asked himself. His eyes watched the area like a hawk. If Helix were to attack from a distance or release a spell, he''d be able to react. At the very least, Helix couldn''t move to his position in time. As he watched the geyser, he saw something inside it. He narrowed his eyes to discern what it was but couldn''t figure it out. "What is that¡­?" TIlo studied the strange phenomena for 15-seconds cautiously, preparing to move backward. "The heat creates a miniature gas cloud, Sir Tilo." An icy chill crawled down Tilo''s spine, and a wave of anxiety flooded over him. The words spoken were next to his ears, and he felt a hot breath on the back of his neck. He smelled the scent of flowers and soap before a human hand reached over his shoulder. "What the fuck!?" TIlo yelled in surprise. He shot ten feet to the right in a sh to avoid the illusion. When TIlo caught a glimpse of what was behind him, his face turned bright red. A gorgeous woman with long, wet blonde hair walked toward him. "Have you never seen a naked woman before?" The woman giggled. Tilo scanned the area for Helix before jumping backward. "What the hell is this, Helix!?" He yelled. "Sir Helix told us that you were constantly talking about his harem." Another woman giggled from behind him. TIlo jumped forward diagonally to prevent going near the first woman while avoiding the one behind him. Multiple summoning portals opened up on the walls around him. "So he thought you would like a harem of your own." A cute voice giggled. A gorgeous naked woman walked out from behind the geyser seductively. She was a brte with curly brown hair and sharp green eyes. The woman shed him a gorgeous smile. She was simr to the woman from town that worked at the bakery. "Helix! I''m going to tell your fucking girlfriends about this!" Tilo roared while preparing to seek him out. "Isn''t it awkward to talk to other people''s partners about women?" Another woman walked out from behind the geyser before he could attack. She had dirty blonde hair and a slightly flushed face from the steam. Water was pouring down her chest, and every step she took in the water left ripples. All of the women''s steps did that. Tilo blushed, and his face flushed with annoyance. "Sir Tilo, rx. It''s just a short match. Enjoy yourself." The brte added seductively. "My name is Cathrine, and I''m a harem applicant." A third woman walked out from behind the geyser. "And I''m Tyler. I''m also a harem applicant." The third joined in with a seductive pose. "I''m Lisa." "My name is Tiara." "Monica." "Rachel." "Syphie." "We''re all here on Sir Helix''s request. He said he wanted to thank you for dealing with constant stress." Tilo''s eyes widened in shock. "I-Is this [Nightmare]!?" He yelled. There was a vast difference between Helix''s Summoning spells and [Nightmare]. Thetter was an illusionary spell that brought unbelievably realistic illusions to life. It summoned Helix''s enemy''s worst nightmare, and the victim couldn''t discern the illusion from reality even if they knew it was fake. It could recreate people Helix had never seen and speak in their voices. The spell was broken to an unreasonable degree. However, it was equally dangerous, and Helix had only used it [once] since he received it for that reason. Unfortunately, Helix didn''t respond to the poor man whose heart was pounding. The women giggled in unison as they surrounded and encircled him. "Hmmm? Is this your greatest nightmare, Sir Tilo?" Tyler giggled. The women in front were fanning out and keeping their distance. Tilo turned bright red after the usation. Catherine touched her finger to her lips in contemtion. "If not¡­ then the answer is¡­ nope!" She eximed with a cute expression. Her boobs jiggled in response. All of the women giggled yfully. "Hah. You have to exin why you can summon something like this. Just wait until I beat you senselessly on everyone''s behalf!" Tilo roared. "Do you hate us that much?" Tiara pouted to his left. "You can choo~se which of us join your harem. You know that''s how it works, right?" Rachel giggled. "Let''s give him closeups so he can decide." Monica suggested. "Excellent idea girls." Catherine suggested with a bolder voice. "Tell me, Sir Tilo. Is your mock match against Helix worth your happiness?" "This is dirty, Helix!" He yelled as he searched for clues. "We''ve been washing up, Sir Tilo. You''re looking at a clean scene, no?" Tyler argued coquettishly. All of the women giggled. He reached for his battle discs to find a specific wide area sh spell. When he saw he grabbed the disc, his eyes clouded with madness. "Hahaha haha ha!" Tiloughed with true insanity flickering in his eyes. "I know, girls! Let''s get him!" Sylphie suggested. "Yeah! Ladies, charge!" Tyler giggled. Catherine, Lisa, and Tyler ran at Tilo with bouncing chests. They were giggling and unting their bodies as they tried to hug him. "Look,dies! Sir Tilo is dodging beautiful women like a true harem novel protagonist!" Lisa giggled. Tilo dodged them, specifically Catherine, Tyler, and Lisa, who came from behind the geyser. Amid the chaos, an explosion blew up from a mine underneath Tilo, sending water to the sky. "Hahahahaha! Kill. You. I. Will. Kill you!" Chapter 68 [The Fate Of "Mankind"] Water drenched Tilo''s clothing from head to toe. He looked down and noticed something horrifying. To his dismay, the steam had ruined his battle discs aside from the three he waterproofed. Tilo had stepped on a potentially lethal Charge Trigger circle Helix had modified for lower output. The match was over. Tilo couldn''t care less, however. He charged out of the mess of women around the waterfall. The women chased him with jiggling breasts on all sides, giggling constantly. They were shockingly fast and giggling up a storm. It was an unbelievablyical sight. "Sir Tilo! Come back!" Tyler giggled. "Don''t go back there!" Monica yelled. Another minor explosion shot water into Tilo''s eyes. "Hahahaha! Helix Margrave!" He yelled between maniacalughter. "Your match is against us!" Catherine giggled. "Fight us, big guy. Show us who the boss is!" Lisa giggled. Another water explosion urred when Tilo reached the other side of the geyser. However, the man didn''t even care. But when he saw Helix, he was left speechless. "H-How¡­." Tilo muttered in disbelief. "You''re not mistaken, Sir Tilo." Catherine giggled as she approached from behind. "He just used your tactic against you~" Tyler giggled. "We really~were your enemies, Marskaratt." Lisa giggled. The second all three women came into position, everything started to dissolve. The women, the geyser, the steam¡ªeverything but the four inches of warm water at his feet disappeared. "No way¡­." Tilo gasped. Helix was sitting in the lotus position with his eyes shut. Once every illusion was gone, Helix copsed backward with a cringing expression. "Please kill me once my spirit particles recover." Helix requested with a serious tone. "Boy! Are you okay?" Tilo called out in disbelief. "Yeah¡­." Helix replied. "But will you please take me to Elsa? I''m not out of spirit particles, but I just pushed myself to the limit to thest 5%." Helixughed in a daze. "I put restrictions on my illusions. I won without potentially dying, so¡­ I won." Helix fell unconscious with a cheeky smile on his face. ¡ª "Is this bastard in danger?" Tilo growled bitterly. "Why are you so angry?" Elsa asked with a frown. "That boy¡­." Heughed bitterly. "I don''t want to talk about it." "Hmmm? Why not?" She asked suspiciously. Tilo turned away with annoyance on his face. Elsa narrowed her eyes and studied his panicking expression. "Helix isn''t in danger. He pushed himself to just above 5% spirit particle reserve." Elsa answered with a smile. She brushed his ck hair away from his closed eyes. Helix was lying in his bed in the trailer, and Elsa was sitting cross-legged next to him. "I guess he wasn''t lying about his spirit particle control advances. I''m surprised he found a way to cap his reserves." Elsa added with a smile. "What did you say?" Tilo asked quizzically. He had heard the same words from Helix before he passed out. "This boy''s Nightmare constantly unlocks new skills and has variable output. As a result, he''s ended up in the hospital twice after using it." Elsa exined with a warm smile. "When Helix told me he was training his Nightmare, he promised me that he''d work on spirit particle control and restrictions. He''s been practicing every night." "He¡­ trains after the brutal regiment we put him through?" Tilo asked in bewilderment. Elsa gave Tilo a mocking smile. "ording to him, I''m his third teacher and practices health management." She chuckled. Tilo gave her a wry smile. "I see. Get me when this bastard wakes up. I''m going to beat him senseless to prove his health management training isn''t working." He scoffed bitterly. Elsa gave him a wry smile as Tilo walked out of the trailer. ¡ª Helix opened his eyes and shot a bitter-sweet smile to the ceiling. "You''re awake. Tilo looks like he''s going to murder you." Elsa scolded with a frown. There was still light peering into the trailer. So Helix knew he wasn''t in danger of spirit particle deprivation. "I know he will. He told me half a dozen times during our match." He sighed. "Let''s just hope that''s the worst that happens." Elsa narrowed her eyes at him. "What the hell did you do, Helix?" She asked in a demanding voice. Helix chuckled and shook his head. "Something I wish I could have seen." He chuckled bitterly. "I''m going to see Tilo now. If you want to know, you can join me." Elsa narrowed her eyes and studied his mncholy expression. "Stay here. I''ll go get Tilo." She said before getting up and walking out of the room. Five minutester, the door opened again. "Hoho! There''s my little dead man!" Tilo said in greeting. "And here''s my favorite executioner." Helix sighed. Tilo sat down at a small table in the room. He turned the chair to face Helix, put one leg over the other, and motioned his hand outward. "Speak." He requested with a smile. While he was smiling, his eyes weren''t smiling. Helix sat up and gave him a serious expression. "Have you considered all of the strategic objectives that my strategy aplished?" He asked. "Hoh? It''s your turn to speak, yet you ask me a question?" Tilo asked with a warm smile and murderous eyes. Elsa shifted her eyes back and forth to study both expressions. "Tilo, While you think my strategy was a prank, you stepped on three charges that should have blown off your leg." Helix replied with a serious gaze. Tilo''s eyes trembled with shock. "The first time was one thing, but experiencing it twice after that shows how destabilized and reckless you were." Helix sighed. "You didn''t question why [Waterspout] didn''t disappear after a minute. You didn''t realize your battle discs were getting ruined. You didn''t even attack one of the women from behind the geyser, even though you knew I could''ve been masking my appearance. It looked like a joke, but it was a serious and sessful strategy." Tilo scoffed lightly with a bitter expression. He was getting scolded and deserved it. However, it didn''t mean that what Helix did was right. "That''s why I''m asking if you''ve examined the strategic benefits. I told you that I''d use every card in my power to win, and I obtained an overwhelming victory." Helix sighed. "But considering what I did, it was a pyrrhic victory before it began." Helix''s mncholy tone puzzled Tilo. The man was trying to keep his mind clear and rational. "Was that [Nightmare], Helix?" He asked with a frown. "No. That was five simultaneous activations of [Conditional Summoning] with active maniptions." Helix replied. "Wait¡­ what?" Tilo asked with bewilderment in his eyes. "I saw also controlling the dialogue for three of the women simultaneously. The shocking realness of the illusion is something I''ve been practicing as a trump card for two weeks." Helix sighed. Tilo and Elsa looked at Helix with surprise. Neither of them could believe he was training so much in his off-time. "However, the illusions weren''t the strategy. I masked half a dozen [Contained Charge Triggers] and sent them into your area during the flooding. It was a minefield before you even waterproofed your first disc." Tilo''s eyes widened in bewilderment upon the revtion. "I activated an elemental heat spell called [Heat Wave] and heated the area around you to increase steam output. That increased the speed of disarming your weapons. If you felt shocked by the heat of the water, you now know why." Helix continued. "In the geyser, I creased an amorphous illusion that kept you spellbound for 15-seconds while your discs were getting ruined. I disarmed you, made you paranoid, and surrounded you in traps before your harem showed up." "What!? Harem!?" Elsa cried. Helix raised his hand to calm her down. "Aside from making you feel extremely ufortable, those women were being used to route you." He sighed. "While they may have looked like they were boxing you in, they were your real enemies. Each of them was working toward pushing you into one of those mines. Their movements used conditional logic. If you''re standing, surround you. If you run toward me, tunnel you in and route you toward the mine. It wasn''t a coincidence you triggered three mines." Tilo''s eyes showed his deep level of perplexion. The strategy Helix was using wasn''t just absurd; it was genius. It wasn''t just genius; it was absurdly skilled. "The womening from the geyser sounded more human. They gave the illusion I was one of them. Having three allowed you to be routed from multiple sides." Helix concluded in a mncholy tone. His eyes were depleted and worn down. Tilo and Elsa looked at Helix''s pitiful state with bewilderment. "Before you ask, no, I didn''t see the match. Controlling seven clones simultaneously with voices using conditional logic and voice parameters is extremely taxing. I practiced with clothed women and only designed one body." He continued. "So please savagely beat the shit out of me like I deserve but don''t tell my girlfriends I''m a pervert unjustly. I would have used another strategy if I could have assured victory with any other means." Tilo didn''t know whether tough or cry after realizing hisic tragedy was the best strategy Helix coulde up with. "Helix. If I understand you correctly, you summoned seven naked women for this strategy. Correct?" Elsa asked. "That''s right." He replied with a hopeless smile. "If you don''t want us to call you a pervert¡­ how the hell could you think up something like this!?" She cried. Tilo chuckled bitterly in affirmation. "Have either of you forgotten I have a harem?" Helix chuckled while matching their gazes. Tilo and Elsa looked at each other with shock in their eyes. "Harem. It''s not being called polyamory or polygamy. It''s being called a [harem]. I didn''t use that terminology¡ªmy partners did." Helix imed with a slight smile. "Wait! Hold up! What?" Elsa cried. "Have you both forgotten about otakupocalypse?" He asked with a slight smile. Helix matched both of their gazes with a serious expression. "The Knights share a simr high culture that [studies] harems. So when they all fell in love with me, they suggested I start one, so they could share me. It''s not normal, but it''s normal for us. All of my partners would agree that this strategy was natural, logical, and strategic." Helix rified. Tilo and Elsa stared at Helix with wry smiles. "However, I don''t want them to know I can summon naked women. That''s a recipe for insecurity and doubt and could hurt them. They''ll eventually realize I can naturally do that, but I''d rather that happen when our love and trust are more deeply rooted." Tilo gave Helix aplicated expression. "If you knew your strategy would cause so many difficulties, why would you carry it out? Have you already forgotten our agreement to examine the meaning of victory?" He sighed. Helix scoffed lightly and looked away. "In a battle of life and death, you must win at all costs." He reasoned. "There''s no point in having a crystal clear reputation if I''m dead." "Still¡­." He replied hesitantly. "Tilo. You''re far stronger than me and have more experience. You could easily kill my girlfriends and me if you were my enemy. However, if that were a real match, you would be dead, and my partners would be alive. It''s as simple as that." Helix countered with a serious gaze. Tilo opened and closed his mouth a few times. Elsa, too, was processing what was being discussed with a perplexed expression. "Heh. I guess you''re right?" Tilo chuckled with a self-deprecating smile. Elsa looked at him for confirmation. "I''ve been so exasperated for thest two hours I haven''t processed what happened," Tilo confessed. "You didn''t just hit me¡­ you really did kill me. Haha. Hah." Tilo leaned back, looked at the ceiling, and burst intoughter. He ran his fingers through his curly hair in bewilderment. "And in the most shameful way too. Hahaha! Lured to my death by male instincts! This is the true fate of [man]kind." Tilo keeled over in the chair and clutched his stomach for support. "Boy! Boy! Hahaha. I''ll make you a deal!" Elsa and Helix gave each other a confused look before turning back to Tilo. "Yes?" Helix asked hesitantly. "Boy! If you tell Tyrene¡­ hahaha¡­ I''ll suffer¡­ haha¡­ for the rest of time! Hahaha." Tilo roared while gripping his sides. "So I won''t tell your girlfriends¡­ hahaha¡­ if you don''t tell Tyrene!" Helix''s eyes lit up. "You''ve got a deal! " Helix confirmed without the slightest hesitation. He stood up immediately and stretched out his hand. Tilo didn''t even look up at him. He reached out his right hand while holding his stomach with his left. They shook hands with a truly pitiful disy of masculinity. Then Tilo stood up without saying a word and left the room cackling. Chapter 69 [Modern Conveniences] "Look, kid. You''re lucky I didn''t snap your pelvis bone in half before your girlfriends arrived." Tyrene dered in a serious tone. Helix looked away from her in shame. "By some grace or fucking miracle, we''re alive right now." She continued. "And as much as I loathe to say this, you passed with flying colors." Helix chuckled while scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "Thank you, master." He said while taking a bow. "You better thank me." Tyrene grumbled under her breath. "Damn kids, doing stupid shit and somehow making it work." She turned around and started walking away but stopped after a few steps. "Oh. Go see Tilo. He has a joint present from us." Tyrene announced. "Not that you need or deserve it. Little brat. I''m going to sleep till I''m dead. So if you need me, just don''t. If you wake me up, I''ll beat you to death with my pillow after gouging your eyes out with the feathers." Helix shivered, but he was smiling. His partners sent word they''d be arriving in the evening, and he was thrilled to see them. He walked over to Tilo''s trailer and knocked on the door hesitantly. Tilo still hadn''t recovered from his [death by harem] escapade. So Helix didn''t want to disturb him. He felt Tyrene was punishing him by sending him to Tilo but knew she didn''t know the details. Perhaps that was for the best. Afterst night, he was uncertain which of his masters was angrier. "Hoh? Is that you, death applicant?" Tilo chuckled with madness in his eyes. He had a five o''clock shadow from not shaving in the morning. For someone so pristine at all times, the minor detail look made him look disheveled. "Hello, master. It is I, death applicant." Helix joked with shaky eyes. Tilo narrowed his eyes on him. "I''m sorry to bother you. I¡­ was told to visit you by Master Tyrene for a present, and I didn''t know which order to follow¡­." Helix chuckled awkwardly. "Hoh? So you fear Tyrene more than Master Tilo?" The man asked with a wicked grin. Helix swallowed again. "I¡­. No, Master. It''s just¡­ my partners will arrive today, and she threatened to shatter my pelvis bone¡­." Helix felt incredibly shameless for his reasoning. However, Tilo found it amusing and burst intoughter. "You fear a shattered pelvis pre-girlfriend arrival more than death." He chuckled in disbelief. "If that wasn''t so rational, I''d shove a [Charge Trigger] into your bed to prove I also know how to threaten where it hurts." Helix shivered in confusion. "Haaaaaaah. You have an actual harem¡­. How¡­ awkward." Tiloughed with bitter eyes. "Well, while you neither need nor deserve our present, I''ll show you to it anyway." Helix was confused when he heard the same admission twice. He followed Tilo through the city until they walked up to a house. "Who lives here?" Helix asked nervously. "Hah. You and your girlfriends. Well, temporarily." Tilo replied with an amused expression. Helix''s eyes widened with disbelief, and Tilo ate it up. "Thank you¡­ Master. They''ll be so happy." His eyes welled with tears. "Heh. Don''t mention it, boy." Tiloughed. "Renting you a house was a bit of an inside joke between Tyrene and me." Helix gave Tilo a quizzical expression. "Why are you so surprised? You''ve made us three a small fortune." Tilo chuckled with amusement. "Thing is, we''ve worked you sixteen-hour days minimum seven days a week. So you couldn''t rent one even though you wanted to!" Tilo burst intoughter and wiped light tears from his eyes. Helix gave him a wry smile, but it became warm soon after. "Thank you, Master Tilo. I''ll thank Master Tyrene when she wakes up." "Wakes up? It''s 9 am!" Tilo cried. "About that¡­." Helix chuckled awkwardly. "We got back at 5 am from our hunt. So, it''s better to say she woke up just to yell at me and tell me to see you." Tilo''s eyes widened in disbelief. Then he burst intoughter again. "Please tell me you did something equally bad with Tyrene." Tilo requested. "Worse? Maybe. I don''t know." Helix replied while thinking about it. Tilo''s jaw dropped to the floor. "What¡­?" He asked dumbly. "I don''t know how to judge¡­." Helix exined with an awkward expression. "I passed the test with shocking results but¡­." Tilo narrowed his eyes dangerously. "I almost got us both killed? I don''t know if I like the sound of that." Tilo chuckled in bewilderment and doubled over. "You? Tyrene? Almost died? Surely you jest, boy." He roared. "Yeah¡­ about that¡­." Helix chuckled clumsily. "You''re serious?" Tilo asked with wide eyes. "It''s¡­plicated. We weren''t really in danger, but¡­ could have been?" Helix responded pensively. "I''ll let her tell you the story. If I told you, you''d probably pat me on the back. Then Master Tyrene would beat me senseless for speaking lies to you." Tilo''s eyes glided to the left. "Yeah¡­. That''s a wise point." He chuckled in disbelief. "Haaaaaah. Well I hope it''s constion for what I''ve suffered." Tilo said with a wry smile. "It''s more than enough to make you feel like you''re not alone." Helix said while averting his gaze. Tilo narrowed his eyes and then pped. "Hmmm. Good enough. I''d grill you senseless, but you need some furniture." He suggested. "You''ve put us through hell, but you deserve this day. So enjoy it." Tilo pped Helix on the shoulder with enough force to snap a mortal''s spine. However, Helix was strong enough to withstand it with light pain. "Thank you, Master." Helix said with a warm smile. After that, Tilo walked away while humming with madness in his eyes. Helix was starting to worry about the man''s mental health. "Well, it''s time to get some furniture." He chuckled. As Helix passed through the streets, dozens of people called out to him. "Hey, Helix! Isn''t this the day your girlfriends are arriving?" A smiling woman asked. "Yes, it is." Helix replied with a beaming smile. "Well, here! Take some fresh fruit with you." She requested. Helix walked up to her and humbly epted. "Thank you, Sia." "Hah. Don''t mention it, boy. Your [Air Conditioner Circle] has been life-changing." Siaughed. "Some customers show up just to stand near the thing." "d I can help." Helix chuckled with a warm smile. He continued walking down the street, and people tried to load him up with dozens of items for his three partners'' return. Helix requested they hold off till the day off he earnedst night. He''d be back the following day on a date, so he wanted them to save the products. While everyone knew Helix''s partners were arriving that day, his behavior wasn''t abnormal for his trip to the city. People were thankful for the modern conveniences he brought to their lives through magic circles. "Hey, hey! If it isn''t the great Helix." A warm voice called out. "Hey Smith." Helix replied with a warm smile. "Haven''t seen ya in a while. What can I do for ya?" Smith asked. "I''m here for furniture. I rented a new ce for my partners and me." Helix replied proudly. "No way! Here,e in. Let''s get you fixed up." Smith''s eyes widened in shock when he saw a king-size mattress, a dresser, a mirror, and other bedroom items disappear in thin air. "How much do I owe you?" Helix asked with a warm smile. "I''m not short on cash, so there''s no need to bargain." Smith gave him a bewildered expression. "Are you kidding me, boy?" The man burst intoughter. "Do you understand how much money I''ve made because of your circles? The boxes for the [Refrigerator Circles] aloneted me a fortune. Now it''s [Swamp Cooler Circles], [Hair Dryer Circles], and [Toaster Circles]. Boy, there''s a new circle you''ve handed out every week, and I''ve made a fortune on each. So whatever you need, it''s on the house." Helix handed out his [Refrigerator Circle] to every restaurant and food seller in Lexion. He drew them during his endurance training with Tilo, so he had to draw 80 daily. After that, he ate for free whenever he had a chance to go to the city. So never. p The same was true of any convenience circle. Every time he had a chance to make a new spell, he duplicated it and handed it out en masse. Every magic circle was free of charge. Helix made a small fortune from a separate and more embarrassing venture Tilo roped him into somehow. "Thanks, Smith." Helix said with a small bow. After a short exchange of pleasantries, Helix headed for his new home. He felt awkward only getting one bed. He''d be in an awkward position if they didn''t want to share. However, he knew the furniture would be free, so he didn''t want to seem greedy. Helix nned to hit the other furniture stores if his partners had concerns the following day. "It''s almost time¡­." He whispered nervously. "I''m d they sent a message. Otherwise, I''d be an emotional trainwreck." ¡ª [A/N: His mid-term test with Tyrene isn''t skipped. It''sing up shortly. ;)] Chapter 70 [Deserved Cliche] Helix stood on the major trading road that led to the city of Lexion. It was nearly sunset, and he was staring in the distance. He was thirty miles out of the city, ensuring there wasn''t a single fork that could stand between him and the beautiful women that would soon arrive. The young man wasn''t alone. There were two dozen people with him. Many were shopkeepers and towns folk while others were driving the people. Bakers named Tilly, Lilith, and their daughter Rika were there. Additionally, Smith, Sia, and a dozen other people from the city joined. They were volunteers traveling with Mithra, someone special for the asion. Those conspicuously missing were Tyrene, Tilo, Elsa, and Grandmaster Linus. Each decided to give Helix a day ofplete freedom. Helix was grateful. The group waited for approximately an hour before a caravan of three wagons came into the distance. "Is that them?" A man asked. "Yes, Tilly. I see the Alzerian emblem on the carriages." Helix replied with a huge smile. "Hah. I can''t believe you can see that far." Tillyughed. "The agility stat makes seeing at high speeds impossible if your eyesight doesn''t improve." Helix chuckled. "Hah. That''s a good point, but you should be worried about other things." Tillyughed. "Did you say something, Tilly?" Helix asked with a grin. "Suppose not. You gonna use that ghostly speed to run into their arms,dy killer.?" TIlly grinned. "Then what would be the point of you all being here?" Helix chuckled. "It''s not like you can''t ride the parade float?" Tilly said with a mocking grin. "Haaaaaah. I''ve waited a month, and they''ve waited for two. I can wait for another ten minutes until they get their deserved wee." Helixughed. "Hmmm. I''m not good with numbers, kid. But I can count bread loaves, so I''m entitled to say those numbers don''t add up." Tilly chuckled with aplicated expression. "Hmmm? Fun fact. I was in aa on the way here." Helix chuckled. "What!?" Lilith, Tilly''s wife, cried. "It''s a long story. But in short, I''m a state-sponsored refugee that came to Kozen for political asylum." Helixughed. "Now you''re just saying big words on purpose, boy." Tilly chuckled bitterly. Helix shrugged with an evil grin. "That''s my way of saying my story doesn''t matter today." His grin turned into a gentle smile, and Tilly and Lilithughed. "Hmmm. When you put it that way, I''m inclined to agree with you." Tilly remarked. "Thank you, Tilly, Lilith. I''m too excited to care about anything." Aside from Helix, the group still couldn''t see the wagons. They looked like ants in a desert mirage. "What is that dust storm!?" Sia cried. "Wait! Is this an attack! It''s moving towards us fast!" Smith yelled. "Woah! Calm down!" Helixughed. He was trying to quell the panic but couldn''t help butugh. However, Helix saw three people jump out of the wagons and start bursting toward the group''s direction with lightning speed. "Those are my partners. They''re just¡­ fast¡­." Helixughed. The group looked at Helix with a terrified expression. However, they couldn''t think about it for long. "Heeeeeelix!" "Hellie!" "Helix!" Three crying voices entered their ears from a distance. Helix casually walked into the center of the road. "Aaaaahhhhhhh! Hellie! get out of the¡ª" Booooooom! A huge dust cloud exploded in the center of the road. "Oh my god! Helix!" Marie cried. "I tripped! I didn''t¡ªHellie!" Charlotte cried. "Guhhhhh." "I''m fine!" Helixughed at top volume. The women couldn''t slow down with their insane momentum. So when Helix casually walked into the road, Charlotte panicked and tripped while trying to slow down. Everyone thought she killed Helix. However, when the dust cleared, they saw him hugging her tightly. "Wait, what¡ªohhhh." Helix pressed his lips against hers for a second before releasing her. In a daze, everyone stared at him with shock in their eyes. They were speechless. The townsfolk watched three women barrel into the area at 25 mph and crash down in front of them. To Marie and Riley, Helix just survived a 25 mph collision and casually stood up. Charlotte was shocked he kissed her afterward. Helix turned his head to both sides to see his volunteers. "This is where you p and cheer to wee my partners to Lexion." He chuckled. A p followed. Then another. A third. Suddenly the entire area burst into apuse and cheers. Marie, Riley, and Charlotte turned their heads to stare at the people with baffled expressions. "Ummmm. Hellie, what''s going on?" Charlotte asked in a daze. "Take a look behind them." Helix chuckled. He nudged his head to his left. "Wait. Paradeemas!" Charlotte cried. "Marie, that way." Helix said while nudging his chin to the back left. "Wait¡­ Lillias¡­." She whispered. "Riley." Helix nodded his head to his right. "Filiers?" Riley whispered. "Yup. These wonderful people helped acquire and transport full fields of your favorite flowers." Helix said with a warm smile. "Not your real favorites, but the ones that are acquirable." Helix chuckled. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley''s eyes welled with tears. "You¡­." Marie whispered. "I''m speechless." Riley said with a low voice. "This¡­ is legendary, but¡­." Charlottemented with a gentle grin. "It''s as cliche as it gets." Helixughed. "Since I''vee here, we''ve been riddled with endless cliches." The women looked at him with confused smiles. "So I figured that I would treat you to the cliche you deserve." Marie started sobbing and flew into Helix''s arms. He hugged her passionately. Then reached up and wiped tears from her eyes with his thumb. Helix lifted her face gently and kissed her for a moment with a passionate gaze. Then he motioned for Riley to join the bear hug since Marie was unwilling to let go. He gently caressed her face and kissed her lightly too. Finally, Charlotte ran up and hugged them all aggressively. The area burst into cheers and apuse. "Thank you, everyone." Helix said with true gratitude in his eyes. Smiling nods followed. "Ladies." Helix said with a warm smile. They looked up at him with puffy eyes. "My master and I got permission to do this." He chuckled with a mysterious smile. "So please don''t get any crazy ideas." Helix unsped his body from the three women and jumped back ten feet, shocking everyone. Then he ced his hands on the ground, and a vibrant purple light washed over the area. All of the flowers started glowing with a rainbow assortment of colors. It was a vibrant, beautiful scene. Then he turned around, and the area around his body was enveloped in a soothing green glow. Two massive rock pirs shot out of the ground at a frightening speed. A third massive ark of rock shot from either side, creating an archway. Even those that knew about it were shocked and terrified for a moment. However, they soon got out of their trance. There was one 50-foot pir on either side of the road. "These will be chiseled into statues as entrance gates to the city of the city of Lexion!" Helix announced with a bold voice. "We''ve worked with multiple guilds, stores, and the city to raise funds for the new entrance. The archway and pirs were our contributions. The archway was created by a Level 5, twoyer magic circle provided by the great Grandmaster Tilo Szar and his humble apprentice. It shows our love and gratitude to this city and the arrival of three beautiful women I love!" Cheers erupted in the area. The women didn''t know what to think of the scene unfolding. "This is lovely. Did Helix help create the circles?" Riley asked with awe in her eyes. "Who cares! Hellie!" Charlotte cried. Charlotte ran into Helix''s arms again. Marie snapped out of her daze and ran to his arms again, and Riley followed soon after. Soon they were together again, and more cheers followed. Helix introduced Marie, Charlotte, and Riley to all townsfolk and their drivers. Everyone was festive and gave the group baked goods and other small gifts as wee presents. "I can''t believe you made this scene¡­." Marie whispered. "Hmmm? It''d be silly to waste these beautiful flowers when they can grow every year to honor your visit in style." Helix chuckled. The womens'' eyes sparkled, and then the three embraced him again. "Come on, let''s get back to our new home." Helix requested with a slight smile. "The carriage drivers are arriving, and they might have a panic attack if we don''t exin the situation." The women turned around to find the wagon drivers arriving slowly with pale faces. They would''ve stopped if the women weren''t on the road and there weren''t cheering people. While Helix and Tilo created the pirs and archway for aesthetic purposes, they were lethal battle spells. The group burst intoughter, and Helix gave them instructions into the city. After they made it in front of the house, the three gasped. Helix chuckled and helped unload all of their items. There weren''t many since they kept their belongings in their item storage and packed up their items before arrival. Helix tipped the drivers with 100 gold each, shocking them speechless. Then he provided them with pins to wear in the city, which would give them free food and drinks for the night. "Thank you for bringing them here safely." Helix said with a warm smile. The man and woman in both wagons nodded in a daze. Before arrival, they were [already] paid a fortune and tipped by Marie, Charlotte, and Riley. After Helix gave them gold, they were officially rich. He gave the group directions to the caravan site to rest during their stay. After they left, he turned to Marie, Charlotte, and Riley, still gasping at the small yet charming home. "Marie, Charlotte, Riley¡­" Helix called out in a warm voice. The three looked at him with tears of joy in their eyes. "Wee to our first home." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 71 [Marie’s Nightmare*] [A/N: This chapter is awesome and important. Skippers, please read it until it starts getting * at the very least.] "Oh¡­." Helix muttered while scratching the back of his head awkwardly. The young women looked at Helix with confessed expressions. "There are four rooms, but they''re not furnished because I rented this ce today." He chuckled nervously. "But¡­ I was wondering if¡­." Charlotte''s eyes light up with madness and excitement. After seeing her expression, Marie''s eyes trembled with anticipation. "You know¡­ uh¡­." Helix sighed and hung his head in defeat. He lifted his head and gave them a truly pathetic smile. "You want to sleep in the same bed? I don''t know if you¡ª" "Well, yeah. Obvi!" Charlotte eximed. Marie''s face flushed with embarrassment, and she lifted her hand to her mouth. "I¡­ would like that. If it''s okay with you." She replied bashfully. "I''ll dly take you up on that offer." Riley added with a gentle smile. Helix''s heart felt like it might explode with happiness. He sighed in satisfaction and gave them a hopeless smile. "Well, then. Let''s go see our room." He replied. The three women looked at each other with wonder in their eyes. Helix led the three up the staircase to the master bedroom. Then he stopped before the doorway and narrowed his eyes in thought. "Is everything okay, Hellie?" Charlotte asked. Helix turned to her and gave her a mysterious smile. "Yeah. Just¡­ give me a moment." He requested. "Close your eyes and walk in when I''m ready." The women looked at each other with curiosity and thrill. "Okay!" Marie replied and closed her eyes. Riley closed her eyes instantly, and Charlotte shrugged and followed suit. Ticker turned to everyone in confusion but quickly lost interest. Helix walked into the room and closed his eyes. "What does Marie like¡­." He whispered to himself. "Charlotte''s tastes are too specific, and Riley¡­. I hope she''ll open up more¡­." After a moment of contemtion, he set to work. Helix opened the door after a few minutes. "Come on. Let''s see your new room." He requested with a bright smile. The women''s eyes lit up in excitement, and they quickly moved to the door. However, the moment Charlotte entered, she froze. "Charlotte¡­ Why are you standing there?" Marie huffed. "Is that¡­ a pond in there?" Riley asked in confusion. Charlotte moved away from the doorway in a trance to let the others pass. However, when Marie walked to the doorway, she too became frozen. "Um¡­ Marie. Can Ie in, too?" Riley asked sweetly. Riley was usually patient to a fault, but she was too excited. Marie nodded in a trance and walked in. When Riley walked in, she understood the confusion. "Hellie¡­ what¡­ the hell is this?" Charlotte asked. Helix walked into the room and turned to face them. "Wee to my [Nightmare]." He said with a mysterious smile and a bow. The master bedroom was only a 12 by 12 square foot room with a closet. However, the women walked into a forest that stretched as far as the eye could see. A gold and pink butterfly fluttered lightly andnded on Tinker''s nose. The little pup stared at the creature with bewilderment before sneezing. The room erupted intoughter. After the moment, Marie''s eyes lit up with wonder and fascination. The gold and pink butterflies had pink wings but lit up like fireflies. She reached out her hand, and one of them gently fluttered to rest on it. Charlotte was gazing at the beautiful waterfall that was roaring in the room. "Helix¡­ did you say¡­ this what your Nightmare? Did you summon this?" Riley asked in awe. The other two looked to him for an exnation as well. Helix shook his head with a mysterious smile. "My Nightmare creates illusions." He announced. The women''s eyes widened with shock. "No way¡­." Charlotte gasped before bursting into a grin. "It''s a bit moreplicated than that." Helix chuckled. "But enjoy this for the next four to five minutes. After that, I''ll need to cut it off. Don''t journey too far. I''m sad to say this, but it''s a normal bedroom." Marie stared at him with amazement before staring at the intricacy of the butterfly. Charlotte was captivated by the waterfall and its sounds. She reached out her hand to touch it. The water reacted to her hand as normal water would, and the sound matched. The only thing that was missing was the feeling of water. Anyone watching her wouldn''t know it wasn''t real. It was mind-bending. When she moved her hand away, she was mesmerized that the water droplets remained on her skin. After staring at them, she developed a devious grin. "Oh, Helix~" Charlotte called out with a flirtatious tone. Helix turned to her. "Yes?" He asked. "It''s been a long trip. Is it okay if I wash up before bed?" She asked casually. "Of course. Do you know where to go?" He asked. "Yup! Don''t worry about that." She replied. Helix nodded with a gentle smile before turning back to Marie. She was criminally cute ying with the butterflies he made for her. It made him feel good since he had designed them with his imagination only minutes before. "Helix¡­." She whispered in awe. "Yes?" He asked with a gentle smile. "What is this butterfly called?" Helix leaned in close to whisper into her ear, causing her face to heat up. "It''s called Fairy Marie." Marie turned to him with narrowed eyes and puffed out her cheeks. Helix chuckled, grabbed her hips, and leaned in again. "These butterflies don''t exist. I made them for you." He whispered. Marie''s eyes trembled with confusion. She felt overwhelming emotions flood over her. Helix smiled and leaned in one more time. "I made this entire paradise for you tonight." He added with a gentle voice. "Until I do something special for the others, this will be our secret, okay?" Marie''s eyes sparkled, and tears of happiness overwhelmed her. "Oh, lover~boy." Charlotte called out yfully. "Don''t forget about the rest of us." Helix turned around to send a warm gaze to Charlotte. However, his heart immediately began racing. Marie turned to see what his reaction was for. "Charlotte!" She cried. "What~?" Charlotte chimed. The sight before him was hypnotizing. Water poured down Charlotte''s shoulders and gilded down her spine. He followed the water until itnded on her white panties. Helix''s heart started racing. She had stripped into her underwear and was bathing in the waterfall. "Charlotte¡­ this illusion¡­." Riley gasped in shock. "Hmmm? What is it?" Charlotte asked with an evil grin. "No¡­." Marie whispered. Charlotte''s white panties were soaked, and he could see [her] skin on the other side. It was uncertain whether the Myriad Record was recreating her real skin as it did with [Nightmare]. However, his blood was on fire seeing her nearly naked body. Marie studied Helix''s expressions. He was clearly captivated and interested in the sight at a nce. Unwilling to be undone, she tugged his sleeve. "Ummm¡­." She whispered with a bashful expression. "Would you like to join her?" Helix asked in surprise. Marie nodded with an embarrassed face. "There are only a couple minutes, but I''d¡­ be shamefully captivated and at your mercy if you joined." He responded with a pathetic smile. Marie''s eyes lit up, and she quickly turned to face Charlotte. The young woman took sidelong nces at Helix and soaked up the attention. Marie resolved herself and pulled the straps of her pink and white flower sundress off her shoulders. Then she pulled the dress over her breasts and pushed it to the floor. She didn''t want to miss out because of the time limit. Helix stared at her heavenly pale body with a racing heart. She was wearing her light pink panties he loved. He didn''t feel like it was a coincidence. Marie rushed over to the waterfall, where Charlotte was waiting with a mocking smile. She huffed at the seductive woman and tested out the water. She was spellbound when she saw, heard, and experienced the water crashing against her skin. Like Charlotte, she was shocked to experience everything¡ªexcept for touch. "Riiiiiiight?" Charlotte asked. Marrie gave her a bewildered expression. She was about to turn back to Helix before remembering the time limit. Thankfully, the water wasn''t cold, so she walked into it without hesitation. Her hair became soaked in an instant. "It''s crazy¡­ isn''t it?" Charlotte asked. "You be part of the illusion when you experience it." Marie nodded with amazement. "All~so¡­. You''re about to thank me for this in a second." Charlotte dered with a devious grin. Without warning, she lightly grabbed Marie''s wet breasts. "W-What are you doing!" Marie eximed with embarrassment. Helix stared at the scene with blood rushing to every part of his body. When Marie jumped, she turned, and now he was seeing her entire body. Her arms were covering her chest, but Charlotte was tickling her. "Charlotte! What are you doing?" She cried. "Look at Hellie." Charlotte whispered. Marie looked at Helix and found that the scene hypnotized him. She blushed. "I-I see. Then what do I do?" Marie asked with an embarrassed expression. "You grab mine too, dummy!" Charlotte eximed. Marie thought about it hesitantly. As she was about to do it, her face turned bright right. "C-Charlotte¡­." Marie gasped. "Woah, what are you hung up about?" Charlotte asked in confusion. Charlotte turned to Helix to see if he was why Marie was squirming. However, she was wrong. Very wrong. Charlotte followed his shame-filled eyes to her chest. There wasn''t much time, so no one had exined to her that her clothing was transparent. So she was standing in front of him in her white panties, and he could see her pink nipples poking out. Charlotte''s face turned bright red. However, she didn''t panic because she was one to y things off. "Mighty perverted illusion you got here, Hellie¡­." Charlotte called out with a wicked grin. Chapter 72 [Represent Love**] Charlotte didn''t cover her body as she looked at her chest with a devious expression. Helix blushed and turned away. "Ah! Come, now, Hellie. It''s just an illusion, right?" She asked while staring at her see-through bra. "Charlotte! What are you doing?" Marie whispered. Helix wouldn''t look the blonde in the eye. "Marie. I''ve got a question for you~" Charlotte grinned. "W-What?" She whispered. "Hellie''s been hiding this Nightmare cuz it''s special." Charlotte reasoned. "Question is¡­ how special. Are these my real nips?" She pointed at her chest, causing Marie to blush furiously. "Hellie. Do you want to guess?" Charlotte asked with a mischievous expression. "Don''t be shy. You have to look if you want to guess." Helix sighed and turned to her with a pitiful smile. "I can genuinely tell you that I don''t know. But if you want me to take a guess, I''ll be more than willing to." He replied with a hopeless expression. Charlotte grinned. "Is that so¡­." She whispered while bringing a finger to her lips. Helix studied her breasts with a pensive gaze. After a moment of contemtion, he dropped his shoulders in defeat. "I¡­ don''t know. At the moment, I''m ashamed to say that I don''t think it matters." Charlotte''s eyes widened and lightened with yfulness. "Riley? What do you think?" She called out while pointing to her nipple. Riley studied her body carefully. "I¡­ think that this Nightmare is broken¡­." She asserted. "So, I''ll go against all reason and say yes?" Charlotte grinned deviously. "Hellie. Would you like to confirm?" She asked. Marie and Riley turned bright red. However, Helix had long since lost his sanity. "Charlotte¡­ it''s a cultural necessity." He replied shamelessly. Charlotte put her fingers to her lips in thought. A momentter, she shrugged and reached behind her back. Everyone in the room was spellbound by the scene ying out. Charlotte unbuckled her bra and then held it in ce with her hand to tease Helix. After a moment of yful fumbling, she started pulling the bra away. Helix''s mind went nk in anticipation of the scene. When he saw her bare right breast, his heart almost exploded. Charlotte held the bra on the other breast. "Oh~Hellie. What do you think?" She asked with a grin. Hepared the two side-by-side when he looked down, and his eyes widened in shock. Everyone''s facial expression dropped. "So~Hellie. You''ve got some serious exining to do~" Charlotte chimed. Helix nodded in a perplexed haze. Noting his reaction, she could tell that he didn''t have all the answers. Charlotte dropped her bra to the floor to continue seizing on the moment. Helix''s heart sank, and it was hard for him to think. Water rushed down Charlotte''s chest in a masterful disy of art. "Don''t leave me waiting. What do you think?" She asked yfully. "Your body¡­ this scene¡­ it''s a work of art." He replied in a daze. Charlotte giggled. "Hey, Helix¡­." Marie called out. Suddenly clouds passed over the area. He looked up and sent a wry smile to the sky. "What''s¡­ that look for?" Marie asked worriedly. Helix gave her a pouting face, causing all the women to light up in excitement. They had never seen such an uncharacteristic emotion on his face. "That''s the signal that there are thirty seconds left." He chuckled pitifully. "I don''t have enough spirit particles to keep this going." Charlotte frowned, and Marie gave the sky a wry smile. "Ummm¡­. Helix." Riley called out quietly. Helix turned to Riley with a gentle expression. "I''ve been practicing my spirit particle maniption¡­? I can release small amounts." She exined bashfully. He had never seen Riley so bashful before, which made him mesmerized. "Do you want¡­ a spirit particle transfusion?" Marie and Riley lit up after hearing they could keep the illusion alive. Helix walked over to Riley and gently embraced her face. "I-I''m not read¡ª" Helix kissed passionately and gently pushed his tongue into her mouth. The two made out for a few seconds before he looked at her. "Sorry¡­ I''ve wanted to kiss you all for so long." He said with a gentle smile. The other women heated up with envy but also flushed red with brightness. "Riley, can you please give me a transfusion?" Helix requested. "You don''t need to hold back. My Nightmare makes my reserve grow faster than my stats. I''ve been training, and I''m no longer the frail man I was." Riley looked hesitant, but she trusted him. She took a deep breath with her eyes closed and pressed her lips against his. Helix felt life itself was being breathed into his lungs. Unlike the first time his body needed to circte the spirit particles because his reserve couldn''t hold it, he only felt vibrancy. The clouds disappeared from the sky, illuminating the two in the moonlight. The forest, water, butterflies, and other sounds became bright and vivid again. Marie and Charlotte held their breath when they saw the scene unfold. "That¡­ was magical¡­." Mariemented. "Hey, Hellie. I get spirit particle transfusion rights next time you''re almost out!" Charlotte demanded. Marie puffed out her cheeks and flicked the wet red hair out of her eyes. "No! I''m the only person that hasn''t. I''ve been practicing too!" She huffed. "Correction! Core~rekt~cion!" Charlotte dered. "You have already done it." Marie gave Charlotte a murderous re. Then she struck revenge by grabbing Charlotte''s breasts sarcastically. She did it without considering that Helix was there. It was just petty. But Charlotte''s mind went wild in an impassioned state and struck back. The two girls erupted into a groping match. "Helix, would you like me to join them?" Riley asked. Helix looked at Riley with a charming yet depleted gaze. "Riley¡­ if only for my selfishness, please do." He pleaded. Riley''s eyes went wide when she realized how bad he wanted to see her body. She nodded eagerly. Riley was wearing a white shirt and pitch-ck shorts that day. She took a suggestion from Marie to look a bit more girly when she showed up. Riley stripped off the shirt, exposing a thick purple striped bra. "No way!" Charlotte cried excitedly. "Does she have matching anime panties!?" Marie looked at Riley with confusion and saw the conventional stripes look with interest. Helix was a sucker for that cliche, and Marie pouted after realizing the underwear wasn''t for sale in Myriad. She mentally noted that she should find a tailor in the future. Riley unbuckled her belt and slowly stripped off her shorts. She looked into his eyes when she was standing before him. She had a light blush and a partially nervous expression. "Do¡­ you want me to join Charlotte?" She asked. When she said those words, she blushedpletely for the first time in his presence. The other women were captivated as well. Helix gave the sky a thankful smile. "If you want to, I''ll gratefully ept." He replied with a charming smile. The difference between Riley and Charlotte was that she was two feet away from Helix. She nodded and slowly reached behind her back. Helix''s heart started pounding. Riley''s hands returned, and her bra fell off her shoulders and fell to the floor. "Riley¡­ you have a stunning body." Helix replied. She blushed, and her eyes lit up with happiness. "I''m going to go now." She replied with a smile. After saying so, she pranced to the waterfall, leaving Helix with every shade of confusion and eptance. Charlotte grabbed Riley''s waist yfully and pulled her under the waterfall. She was conscious of the time limit, so she wanted to start the party. Once Riley was sufficiently captivated, Charlotte gave her a devious grin. "You saw the score, right?" She asked. "The part where we grab each other''s breasts?" Riley asked in confusion. Charlotte gave her a puzzled expression. Riley was so bashful just seconds ago. Yet she was already back to her normal self secondster. "Yes! Dem~on~stration!" Charlotte dered with her finger in the air. She pulled her hand back from the sky, and itnded on Riley''s breast. Then she squeezed, causing a light reactionary moan. "See, Marie? She gets it." Charlotte harrumphed. Marie puffed out her cheeks. However, she got conflicted with the sight before her. The two of them had their bras off, and she didn''t. However, she didn''t have the confidence to initiate it. She gave Helix a sidelong nce. He gave her an expression that said please while not giving her any pressure. "Marie. Girl. Woman. Fairy. Whatever." Charlotte called out. Marie turned to her with a pout. "Hellie would never pressure a woman to strip off her bra. But trust me, his heart will start drooling all over the ce if you ask or just do it." Charlotte replied with a mocking tone. Marie''s face blushed hotter, causing Charlotte to roll her eyes. "Hellie loves us for different reasons. Riley''s serenefort, I''m lust and excitement, and you''re conventional love. You were the first girlfriend for a reason." She continued. Marie''s eyes went wide. "I''m your rival, but you''re also important to Hellie and me. So I''m helping you out just this once. But¡­ I demandpensation." Charlotte grinned before squeezing Marie''s breasts. Marie squirmed but quickly saw Helix looking as happy and helpless as possible. "I''m¡­ love?" Marie whispered in disbelief. She remembered that this dreand was made for [her]. He created a new type of butterfly for [her]. He told her that he''d turn down the harem for [her] alone. "If it makes him happy¡­. " Marie whispered. "You can do this¡­. Be bold for once¡­" She took a deep breath and then walked out of the waterfall toward Helix. Her water sprinkled pink toenails glittered in the moonlight. When Helix saw her approaching, he activated a new Conditional Summoning to make the entire world dark except for a ray of moonlight that illuminated them. When Marie saw what happened, she understood what he was saying. She ran up and pushed herself into his arms and kissed him. Her breasts pushed against his kiss, making heat up. The two made out passionately for a few seconds. She then pulled back, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Helix''s mind was nk, but he remained prepared. The summons condition triggered the moment their lips connected, and he received the breathed-in spirit particles. The butterflies exploded with vibrancy, the moon returned, and beautiful luna flowers bloomed. "Wheeeeeeeew!" Charlotte whistled in amazement. Suddenly her eyes trembled in confusion. "Riley¡­ do you¡­ smell that?" Charlotte asked. "Yeah¡­ I smell those flowers. Not just that, I can smell the water and forest as well." Riley confirmed. "What¡­." Charlotte gasped in confusion. "Helix¡­ I¡­." Marie whispered with her hand in front of her mouth. "Yes?" He asked. Marie started blushing. "I¡­ don''t know if you want this¡­." She whispered with a cringing expression. Chapter 73 [My First**] [A/N: There is no sex in this scene, but it''s racy af.] ¡ª She was so embarrassed it could kill her. "Marie¡­ I pretty much want anything if it involves you." He replied with a pathetic expression. Helix was truly shameless, selfish, greedy, lustful, and pitiful when a single shirt came off. So all he could do was nod and be honest. "I¡­ Helix¡­ I¡­ want you to be my first." She blushed and averted her gaze. Helix''s eyes went wide, and his heart felt like it was exploding. Charlotte puffed out her cheeks and stared at Marie with narrowed eyes. She was the initiator. However, she couldn''t be angry. Charlotte was the person that told Marie to be forward, or she''d steal it from him. "I¡­." Helix began with hesitation. "Would like that¡­." Marie was a trainwreck waiting for his answer. It was normally so quick, but now he was hesitating. Her anxiety made her jump from multiple scenarios in a sh. "That¡­ would¡­ will be my first too¡­." He exined awkwardly. "So don''t hold too many expectations¡­." Marie''s eyes glittered, and her heart started pounding. She got what she wished for, but now she was facing its reality. "May I?" Helix asked while motioning to her bra. Marie blushed and got flustered. However, she quickly nodded. Helix grabbed her around the waist and ran his hands up her back. Marie moaned lightly in pleasure. Charlotte watched the scene with a heated expression, and her body was reacting. Riley was mesmerized as well. He grabbed her bra straps and tried unhooking them. He failed. He tried. He failed. "I''ve never done this. I guess it''s my way of saying I''m awkward." Helix chuckled. Marieughed and gave him a bright smile. "Will you help me like you always do?" He asked with a cheeky, charming smile. Marie nodded. She pushed a finger to move a lock of red hair from her green eyes and tuck it under her ear. The cute preparation was extremely charming to him. She reached behind her back, took Helix''s hands, and helped him through the motion. Helix adored her at that moment. She wasn''t doing it¡ªshe was literally [helping] him as requested. He chuckled in bewilderment. Marie''s pink padded bra released from her shoulders and fell to the floor. "Y-You can touch them¡­." She whispered shyly. "Then I absolutely will." He chuckled in a trance. Helix pulled her hand from her back and ran his fingers up her stomach. He stared at her C-cup breasts with emotions he had never experienced before. Her light red nipples were perfectly shaped and provided contrast against her pale skin. Helix grabbed her breast with a sense of aplishment. He chuckled likely and sent a prayer to the non-Elise gods for allowing him to aplish a life goal. Marie lightly moaned in passion as he lightly squeezed them. Suddenly he felt hands grabbing his waist from behind. It was Charlotte, who was dripping wet and topless. He couldn''t feel the water, but his brain autocorrected the feeling. She got on her tiptoes and whispered into his ears. "I won''t take this moment away from her, but you better treat meter~." Helix felt a shiver of pleasure. Marie smiled when she heard Charlotte wouldn''t try to snatch him. "But~ Let me help you guys." She whispered. Charlotte grabbed his shirt and slowly started pulling it up to his chest. Helix''s heart started pounding, but he quickly surrendered and lifted his arms. Within a second, she stripped him from his ck v-neck shirt. "I''ll save you the awkwardness with this too." She whispered while dropping to her knees. Marie''s face puffed up, but Helix gave the sky a thankful expression. "Thank you¡­." He whispered back as she unbuckled his pants from behind. "You''re saving me so much awkwardness." Marie giggled when she heard his nearly inaudible reasoning. Helix had an excuse for exposing his body now. Once she undid his belt, Charlotte grabbed the first button from his back. She then grabbed it and yfully undid only 50% of the button. Charlotte relished the sight of Marie''s lustful and expectant expression. After an anxiety-stricken moment, she unbuttoned it fully. Myriad had no zippers, so she reached for the next button and undid it. Then the third. Once she finished, she gently pulled his pants down. Thankfully he had already removed his shoes at the door, so there was no awkwardness. She slid his pants off and then returned to her feet. Charlotte walked to the side to stare at Helix''s boxer-d member in satisfaction. Helix looked down and tried to hide his embarrassment from the raging boner he had. But that was the point, right? He walked up to Marie again. "This¡­ is when I pick you up and put you on the bed, right? If not¡­ Can I do that?" He chuckled awkwardly. The women''s faces lit up by the charming proposal. His awkwardness only served to make it more appealing. "Yes¡­." She whispered. Her face was flushed with passion, and she felt hypnotized. Helix picked Marie up. He was level 43 after his fight with the Myrok, so she was light as a feather. Once he picked her up effortlessly, all three girls truly looked at his body for the first time. A month ago, he was an attractive twig. Now he had toned muscles carved into his body. Marie and others looked at his body with fascination and wonder. No one wasining. Helix ced Marie on the bed. "Can you give me another spirit particle transfusion?" He asked with a slight smile. "Yes¡­." She whispered. Marie closed her eyes, circted her spirit particle in her lungs, and kissed Helix. The moment their lips collided, the world in the room rippled, and sunlight filled the room. Daisies and daffodils reced the lunar flowers. The trees disappeared, and arge set of trees shaded their location. They were in a grassy field with slightly clouded blue skies. "Wooooow." Charlotte remarked with shock in her eyes. A gust of wind blew her hair to the side, and the flowers swayed as well. The more she was in the illusion, the more she felt that it was real. Her brain autocorrected theck of feeling. Helix had transformed the bed into an elevated hill, making the two feel like they were in nature. "This scene will go away faster, but it''s worth it." He whispered. Helix closed his eyes and cast a chant in his mind. The heat in the room increased and felt like the sun, which added to the scent of flowers. "Who¡­ are you?" Marie whispered in disbelief. "Your boyfriend." He chuckled. "I''m not sure I''m worth¡ª" Helix kissed her passionately to prevent her from speaking nonsense. He lifted his face, shed her a gentle smile, and continued. "I¡­ don''t know what I''m doing¡­." He whispered awkwardly. "So¡­ let''s figure it out together?" Marie shed him a beautiful smile. "I love you, Helix. Your awkward honesty speaks to the heart of women." Sheughed. Helix gave her a defeated smile and grabbed her hands. "I love you too, Marie." She blushed and heated up with ecstasy and joy. "I want you to befortable. So please lead the way." Helix requested. He moved the back of her hands down her sides to let her know what he was thinking. "My¡­ I''m okay with it. No¡­ I want it, so don''t be shy." She smiled. Charlotte thought that her body might melt from the sensual scene ying out. She was jealous but also anxious. Helix was much more lustful with her, which made her excited. However, she was just as nervous about sex as Marie was. Helix nodded and put his hands on the sides of her cute pink panties. He sat back on his knees for leverage, lifted her legs, and pulled her panties over the top. Charlotte found his form aesthetic, and Helix stared down between Marie''s thighs with a nk mind. ".... I suppose it''s my turn." Helix whispered nervously. He awkwardly grabbed his briefs. Charlotte was watching with a heated expression, and her heart was pounding. Marie was filled with excitement and anxiety. Riley sat silently with afortable but otherwise unreadable expression. Helix pulled down his briefs, exposing himself. He found the sight rather awkward, but the women found it thrilling for reasons that didn''t do with appearance. "Charlotte, can you give me a transfusion so the beautiful scenery doesn''t disappear?" He requested. Charlotte greedily took him up on the offer. Without making a drawn-out deal of it, she closed her eyes, circted her spirit particles, and breathed them into his lungs. She had the least control of the three, so her kiss sted him with a chaotic wave of feelings. He liked it. His body did too. His chest had a light aura. "Thank you, Charlotte." He whispered. She nodded and retracted. Helix gazed at Marie with a warm smile. She blushed, and he soaked her appearance in. Heid back down and pushed his chest against hers. It was a warm and very [human] feeling that enveloped him. Their mouths connected, and he pushed his tongue into hers. After a passionate kiss, he gently grabbed her hand. "I''ll lead you if you lead me." He whispered. Chapter 74 [Heaven And Hell***] [A/N: This is a very explicit sex scene, sex skippers.] ¡ª ¡ªI''ll lead you if you lead me¡ª Marie nodded nervously. He gilded her hand to his penis and wrapped her hand around it. Then he moved it in between her thighs. While Marie was nervous, she was excited. She couldn''t believe how gentle the experience was, and the warm shaded area and sunlight made the experience seem heavenly. Marie led Helix''s body to hers and adjusted his member until it pressed against her lips. "Push¡­." Marie whispered. Helix''s heart started beating violently, but he quicklyplied. The minute their bodies collided, it felt as though his entire body was drenched in euphoria. While Marie felt slight difort, Helix''s gentleness made the experience feel simr. She felt the two of them had be a single person. Helix pushed and slid his body into her until he was fully inserted. Charlotte''s legs started trembling, and she sat down on the grassy area. Riley watched the scene with a nervous passion. Helix pulled back and pushed again slowly. Marie closed her eyes tight and moaned softly. The two of them continued. Marie started arching her back in pleasure and moving her hips in his rhythm. It was low, gentle, and melodic. Almost as if their bodies were making music. The two continued hand-shared moans and shivers of ecstasy together. Helix pressed his mouth against her, and their tongues collided again. After a moment''s kiss, he pulled away, but she grabbed his head and pulled him back down. A wave of spirit particles followed into his lungs, filling him with vigor and passion. Helix breathed out and gazed upon Marie''s flushed face. "I love you, Helix." She whispered. "I love you, too, Marie." The two shared smiles, and the speed increased slightly. The moans became more frequent, and the breathing became louder. Charlotte was rubbing her legs together. She couldn''t take it any longer. Helix''s body became flushed. "Marie, I''m going to cum if we continue." He warned. "Okay¡­ we can stop¡­." She replied with a defeated smile. "Helix. I''ll help." Charlotte suggested. "How¡­?" He replied with a flushed expression. "Take it out. I''ll show you." She replied with a lustful voice. Helixplied slowly, enjoying the feeling to thest. Charlotte approached the bed on her hands and knees. When she reached the hilltop, she slowly crawled onto it. When he pulled out, Charlotte pushed his stomach. Helix rolled to his back without a second thought. His body was limp and rxed beyondparison. He closed his eyes in pleasure. Suddenly he felt a warm, wet sensation that made his body shiver in pleasure. He was already close to the edge of climax, so he was sensitive. Helix looked down and found Charlotte''s mouth between his legs. He closed his eyes in disbelief but did not stop what he was experiencing. It was simr to sex but less personal and more lustful. He was feeling heaven and hell y out in his life. Charlotte released her mouth, which made him want to cry out in anguish. But a momentter, he felt a shiver crawl down his spine. He looked down and found Charlotte slowly licking his shaft from the base to the tip. When she saw him watching, she locked eyes with him and gave him a devious smile. Helix fell back on the bed in disbelief. Riley walked to the other side of the bed and crawled on it. "Helix¡­ I''m feeling selfish. Will you let me kiss you?" She asked. Helix extended her arms without confirmation. Riley moved into position for her face to grasp, and he pulled her to his face. The entire time he was shivering in pleasure from Charlotte''s mouth. Their mouths collided. He pushed his tongue into hers lustfully, which caught her by surprise. However, it was what she wanted. Marie rolled over and crawled over to Helix''s position, unwilling to be left out. After having sex with him, she felt morefortable with his body and her sexual confidence. She crawled next to Riley and ced her tongue on his nipple. Helix moaned. A secondter, clouds started, covering the sun. "Riley¡­ transfer¡­." He requested breathlessly. She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and closed her eyes. Her mouth pressed against his, and his body exploded with a wave of vibrancy. The sun returned, and he released his lips. "Can¡­. I lick your breasts?" He asked Riley greedily. Riley''s eyes went wide. Helix was concerned he was too forward, but she was ecstatic. After watching Marie and now Charlotte, she awakened sexual desires she didn''t know she had. Helix pressed his mouth against her medium pink nipple. He found the experience so enjoyable. Marie was experiencing the same thing. Charlotte made it a devious game to get him to release his mouth from Riley to moan. Marie moved her lips down his chest and kissed his stomach. She pressed her hands against his body. Helix shivered. He took a deep breath. And then another. And another. His breaths became faster, and he released Riley. His moans sped up. Charlotte used her hand to twist up and down against his head every time she put her mouth down. If pleasure was pain, the experience was excruciating. No other analogy could exin how amazing it felt. "Charlotte¡­ I''m going to cum." She continued without paying him any mind. "I''m going to cum¡­" She nodded but didn''t stop. "I''m going to cum¡­" A deep breath. "I''m going to cum." Another deep breath. "I''m going toe, going to cum, going to cum, going to cum, going to¡ª" Helix''s body snapped backward in pleasure. The sensitivity he was feeling was nearly painful. Charlotte was partially enjoying watching him writhe. However, she only stayed down on him to keep everything he unleashed. Helix looked down at Charlotte. She closed her mouth and waited until their eyes locked¡ª And then swallowed. The sight nearly drove him into madness. She grinned and sat up. "How was it, harem leader?" Charlotte asked with a devious grin. Helix made eye contact with Riley, then gazed into the soul of Marie and finally Charlotte. "Yes." He chuckled. After processing that Helix wasn''t answering the wrong questions, the girls giggled. "How was it, Marie?" Charlotte asked yfully. Marie''s face heated and flushed. However, she wasn''t embarrassed. "It was¡­ incredible." She whispered. "I agree." Helix said with a smile. "Riley?" Charlotte asked. "I enjoyed it a lot." Riley replied. "And you?" Helix asked. "I [loved] it." Charlotte replied with a predatory smile. He shivered in response. Charlotte was right. He loved Riley for security,fort, and warmth. He could rely upon her and knew he could call upon her without worry or anxiety. It made him feel safe andfortable. She felt the same. Helix loved Marie for¡ªlove. He had strong feelings for her. He loved her capability to lead, inspire, and foster rtionships. She was a goddess to the weak and a demon to harmful people. She was beautiful and trustworthy. Their first sexual experience captured their rtionship. ¡ªAnd Charlotte¡ª He loved Charlotte for many reasons. Her yfulness, loyalty, and trustworthiness. She was wildly attractive to him in a way that the artificial goddesses would never be. Most of all¡ªshe was exciting. Charlotte threw him into the deep end of everything and made him want to continue. She made him lustful and greedy. Right now, she was tempting him even though he was broken. Heaven and Hell. "This is surprising." Rileymented. She drew the gaze of everyone. "What''s surprising?" Marie asked. "It''s just¡­. In harem novels, the MC collects women, and they follow him without sex. Or they dodge women throwing themselves on them." Rileymented. "They don''t usually make their real haremites girlfriends and sleep with them." Charlotte burst intoughter. "True! Harem leader, how does it feel to be an [abnormal] who actually uses their harem?" She giggled. "Amazing." Helix replied shamelessly. The women burst intoughter. "So, um¡­ does anyone want to go again?" Charlotte suggested. All of the women bit their lips in temptation. However, there was one person that was exhausted. "Haaaaaaah. Tomorrow? It''s not that I don''t have stamina, it''s that¡­." Helix touched his blood-red tribal sun tattoo, and the skies disappeared. ,m The sun''s heat disappeared, along with the smell of flowers. The grass returned into a beautifully patternedforter. Magic circle-fueled magicmps lit the room, giving it an ambient glow. It was beautiful and well decorated, and the wood of baseboards, shelving, and desk had engravings. It was a gorgeous room, however¡ª "Wheeeeeeeew!" Charlotte whistled. "That adds some perspective, doesn''t it?" ¡ªCompared to the beautiful dreamscapes that Helix brought them to, it was dull, lifeless, and bleak. "Wow¡­." Rileymented while nodding. Marie''s eyes couldn''t get wider. "It''s¡­ hard to believe that this¡­ is the same room we entered¡­." She whispered. "If I weren''t already in love with you, Hellie, I would be right now!" Charlotte dered. The room burst intoughter. "Okay. Now that we''ve been enlightened¡­ can illuminate what the fuck''s up with this beautiful Nightmare of yours?" Chapter 75 [Crossroads] [A/N: Helix shows the women his Nightmare in thest chapter. You can read it. Skim skim¡­ skim skim, ah, found it.] "Heh. My Nightmare? It''s¡­ hahaha haha hah!" Helix rolled over,ughed, andnded face first in Riley''sp. However, after losing his virginity, it didn''t feel so awkward. He simply rolled back to his original position. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley looked at his strange expression with confused expressions. "Hmmm. Death g?" Charlotte asked herself. He looked at Helix''s strange expression as heughed. "Yup. Definitely a death g." Riley gave her a confused look. Marie, on the other hand, red at her. When he saw the standoff, he stoppedughing. Helix let out a deep sigh. "Charlotte''s right¡­ unfortunately." He confirmed. The women looked at Helix withplicated expressions. "What¡­ do you mean?" Marie asked worriedly. "Haaaaah. Where to begin?" Helix chuckled. "My Nightmare specializes in killing its user. I''ve doubled the survival record for thest fifty years for perspective. The evil god of Myriad has targeted me. None of this has to do with being assassinated by the recently reformed otaku super-virgins." Helixughed heartily. The three women on the bed gave him a bewildered expression. "Hellie¡­ Why didn''t you tell us?" Charlotte asked with a gentle voice. She didn''t understand what he was talking about, but she could see its impact on his soul. "Charlotte¡­ It''s so dangerous to disclose I have three blood pacts with people just to tell them about it." Helix chuckled. "I nned to tell you once we all entered this rtionship. Now I am right now." Marie crawled over andid her head on his chest. "Tell us about it." She whispered. "Okay, Marie. Everyone, please touch a part of my body¡­. Tactfully." Helix requested with a chuckle. Charlotte gave him a yful [let down] expression and snuggled up on his stomach. Rileyid her cheek on his hand on his shoulder. Helix touched his blood-red sun tattoo. "Here you go." He sighed with a smile. ¡ª [Name: [Nightmare]: Level 3. Description: The genesis [Nightmare] wielded by Elise, the god of Myriad. Allows the user to create illusions that bring nightmares to life. Skills: [Nightmare]: 50% SP: Summons a non-lethal illusion of the enemy''s greatest known fear. [Nightmare Hallucination]: (?) > 75 SP: Uses [Nightmare] skill but is only visible to user and victim(s). [Minor Summoning]: > 10 SP: Call upon simple object illusions. [Summoning]: > 150 SP: Call upon an illusion of your design. [Summoning Hallucination]: > 150 SP: Uses [Summoning] skill but is only visible to user and victim(s) [Conditional Summoning]: > 150 SP: Design illusions triggered through conditional parameters. Requires a full mental design blueprint. [Multi-Party Summoning Hallucination]: > 250 SP: Create multiple rted illusions yet experienced differently by others. Requires conditional summoning. [Conditional Summoning Combining]: > 0 SP: Make multiple summonings interact. Active skill with zero cost. [Tracks Deletion]: 0 SP: Hide the Nightmare is an illusion by summoning and naturally releasing the illusion. Active skill with zero cost. [Scent Addition]: 5 SP per/second: give your illusion a matching smell to increase its voracity. [Elemental Heat Integration]: 5 SP per/second: infuse a rted elemental heat spell to increase the veracity of your illusion. [???]: 10 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 15 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 20 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 20 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 20 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 20 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 20 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 20 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [???]: 20 SP per/second: you have sessfully identified a use case for [Nightmare]. Requirements for unlocking unknown. [All other skills and derivatives are locked. Requirements for unlocking unknown.] ¡ª "This¡­ is the original Nightmare." Charlotte gasped. "It''s the Nightmare used by the god of Myriad?" Riley asked. "This exins why we could feel and smell the illusion." Marie added. Helix nodded. "Yes, it''s the original [Nightmare], and it still is wielded by Elise. You''ve also pointed out that it''s not a simple illusion skill set." He confirmed. The women nodded in response. "After learning that the illusions interact with people''s real bodies¡­ in the most fantastic way possible¡­." Charlotte burst into lightughter on his stomach. Marie and Riley giggle as well. "I am now nearly certain it''s connected directly to the Myriad Record." Silence befell the room. "Wait¡­ seriously? That''s logical but¡­." Charlotte muttered. "I understand your feeling, but it''s the Nightmare wielded by the god Myriad." Marie reasoned. "True¡­. It''s just hard to grasp that he has God''s Nightmare¡­." Charlotte replied. Marie and Riley nodded in agreement. "Isn''t that¡­ cool, though?" Charlotte asked. "No. Not in the slightest." He chuckled bitterly. Helix spent an hour exining the experiences with [Nightmare]. He started with Lucas and even told them about the variations to the Mirror of Helioquie. After that, he exined the risks and the possibility of being med for everything. "Woah. You have the dangerous protagonist cheat skill, and you didn''t hide a single thing from us." Charlotte chuckled in amazement. "You''ll need to buy a mask, but you should''ve done that in Alzeria. Then you could have convinced us to love you with and without the mask separately." Helix burst intoughter. "If you still love me in the future, I n to marry you all. So I''m not hiding secrets." He reasoned. Marie and Riley''s faces flushed red. They were embarrassed and happy to receive the news. "That''s the thing, chief. In the cliche known as life, husbands hide secrets better than OP protagonists." Charlotte mused. Helix chuckled in bewilderment. "I love you, Charlotte." Heughed. Charlotte blushed lightly but quickly donned her wicked grin. "Hmmm? Is that so? Better prove it to meter." She teased. "Haaaaaaah. As long as you let me, I n to." Helix chuckled. "Hoh? Hellie''s getting bold." She chimed. "No, he''s getting spoiled." Helixughed. The women on the bed giggled. "I''m so happy we can live like this without threat of retaliation now." Riley smiled. "Me too." Marie smiled gently on Marie''s chest. "Yeah. I like Alzeria, but they''re lucky I even stayed after what they did to Hellie." Charlottemented. Marie''s smile disappeared. "Helix¡­ your heart¡­ are you okay?" She asked worriedly. "Helix, we can stop talking about Alzeria¡­." Riley responded. "Oh¡­. My bad¡­." Charlotte added awkwardly. Helixughed awkwardly. "No. Don''t worry about me or what happened in Alzeria." He responded. "It''s just that¡­." Helix closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and sighed. "Woah! I just realized this is the first time we''ve heard a Hellie sigh!" Charlotte gasped with excitement. Marie and Riley recounted the day at lightning speed, only to draw the same conclusion. "You''re right¡­." Rileymented. "I feel¡­ special." Marie giggled. After remembering the mysterious reason for the sigh, Marie''s face became worried. "Helix, what''s wrong?" She asked. "Two months from now, the Alzeria Capital will get attacked." Helix sighed. "Elise herself gave me a quest to save it." "Putting aside how manly it was that Hellie didn''t say the word [theory] or downy his information source¡­." Charlotte prefaced. "I''m going to cunt punt that bitch for giving him that responsibility!" An overwhelming amount of gravity crushed the atmosphere in the room. If the people she loved weren''t real, the [gravity] addition would be real. "This isn''t fair¡­." Marie whispered worriedly. She gripped her arms around Helix''s chest. Silence befell the room for a period. "Why would she send Helix in his current state?" Riley asked. "He was injured for a good while, and he doesn''t have a lethal Nightmare. Do you think that she''s really after us?" The other women looked at her withplicated expressions. "You mean if he''s willing to put our lives in danger to save Alzeria?" Charlotte asked hesitantly. Before the atmosphere could turn brutal, Helix shook his head. "No. I may not be as strong as any of you in a fight, but I''m not weak anymore." He dered with a firm voice. "I refused to stay idle and let any of you get hurt protecting me." Before Marie could counter, he continued. "From now on, you''ll protect me, and I''ll protect you. We''ll share in the responsibility to protect one another." He chuckled. Charlotte''s eyes glittered with a mischievous light. "Okay, cliche killer. Can''t you say something like, [I''m going to get stronger until no one can harm you], just to be charming?" She mused. The women burst intoughter. "That''s a death g, Charlotte. Nothing''s charming about a death g." Helix sighed. "That''s Helix for you. Always snuffing out the romanticism for pragmatism." Charlotte chuckled. The women giggled. "That''s not necessarily true. I''m about to as you all what you want to do about Alzeria?" He replied. The atmosphere cooled again. No one wanted to be the first to speak. "Helix¡­ are you giving us this decision for our own happiness?" Riley asked, shattering the silence. "Yeah¡­ putting aside our harem duty to follow you regardless of your decision. You realize how hard something like this will be for us to answer after what happened to you. Right?" Charlotte asked while staring at the scar on his stomach. "Helix¡­." Marie whispered while gripping his chest. "I want to save them." Helix sighed. The women jolted with surprise. Helix chuckled bitterly. "I''ve been training because I don''t want to put you all in danger. I''ve dedicated my life to protecting you all and sharing our struggles." He dered with resolve in his eyes. The women looked at him with awe and racing hearts. "If I thought it was impossible, I would have already turned it down. I trained relentlessly and gave myself time to determine whether we could do it. Now that I feel there''s a chance of sess, I''ve resolved I would if you wanted to." He continued. The surprise in the women''s hearts was palpable. He lifted his head and scanned the women''s faces. When he saw their conflicted expressions, he chuckled bitterly. "I''m not going to downy what happened to me. The treatment of many led to Emelia being killed. That is a fact which I haven''t forgotten." Helix could feel Marie and Charlotte''s jaws clenching against his skin. "However¡ª" The women looked up to study his facial expressions. "Some beautiful women I knew sent a carriage full of gifts, and 95 Circle of Remembrances to remind me why people were jealous." Helix chuckled. The women''s eyes illuminated when they heard his words. "After listening to an audiobook''s worth, I remember why I put up with it to begin with." He smiled. Tears of joy ran down the women''s cheeks when they remembered [why] they loved him. "Also¡­ do you know what cliche I really fucking hate?" He asked. The women looked at each other, hoping to find some clues. "Aside from all of them?" Charlotte asked. The room burst intoughter, and Helix raised his head to give Charlotte a helpless smile. "Yes, aside from all of them." He chuckled. "Nah. Tell us." Sheughed. Helix nodded and then closed his eyes. "I hate that cliche where the recounted character¡ª" "[Protagonist]" "[MC]" "[Hero AKA Harem Leader]" The women interjected to correct his terminology. Helix sent a wry smile to the ceiling. "¡ªgoes back to the ce that caused him trouble only to find it burned to the ground." Helix sighed. "Then they find a teddy bear or some other emotionally conflicting momentos, and regrets eat their soul. I don''t want to experience that, and I don''t want any of you to." The women smiled with light tears rolling down their cheeks. "There''s another cliche I hate even more! No, dozens!" Helix growled. The women looked up with surprise. "First up, protecting the people you love from pain, only to cause them more by not acting. That''s the most cringe-worthy one of all." He announced. "If you want to save the people you love, I''m not going to do it by myself or hold you back. I don''t want you all to live with regrets!" The women''s eyes lit up with excitement and impending giggles. "Second, finding out that people protected you, and you let die. Learning that a quest gives you the item to save your loved one''s life. Figuring out that turning one down triggers a worse one. h, h, h." Helixined. ? The women started giggling with enthusiasm while listening to his endless list of cliches. "Number 25! The most important one." He announced. The giggling women stopped squirming on his body and prepared to listen. "The worst is not ying the mad gods game, letting people die, and being forced to y anyway!" He dered. "If you want me to say, [girls, my life will be fraught with danger and hardship, you should leave now¡­], don''t. I''m greedy, selfish, and hopelessly in love with you. I don''t want to sit through thirty minutes of hearing your vows to me, and I''m not letting you go even if you take me up on that offer." The woman''s eyes sparkled after hearing his deration. "I don''t n to y, but I''m not going to ignore it either. I hope that she gets bored of my weak gamey and decides to leave me alone in time. She''s agreed to never make us face a trial that is impossible to ovee. As a result, we can decide if we get quests like this. It''s like a choose your own regrets novel." The women burst intoughter again. They were rolling all over his body, making him queasy. "Look. There''s a lot of cliches I love." Helix chuckled with a warm smile. "For example, I love bad bitches that like cute things. I''ve recently discovered how amazing it is to find multiple of those types loving and following me." The women''s faces brightened with smiles. "There are also cliches I''ve suddenly started loving. I love cheat scenarios that make people strong if that person is me. Harems are suddenly a god cliche in my life as ofte. Being taught by legendary people is¡­ a good investment. I''ve hated systems my whole life¡ªuntil I had one. And having future technology¡ªaka a search engine¡ªin a medieval society fucking rules." Helix was grateful to have this small home himself. Tyrene or Tilos, or both, would beat his ass senseless if they had to endure the sound of this muchughter much longer. "There are cliches I hate and cliches I love. But my preferences don''t matter, so listen up!" He announced boldly. Charlotte grinned, Marie''s face lit up with awe, and Riley was stunned. "I hate the MC reluctantly fighting god for¡­ any reason, cliche. If I have to be strong, raise an army, and skull fuck God to keep you all alive¡ªI will!" Helix dered. Sparkling eyes circled him. "But¡­ let''s try to avoid that at all costs, kay?" He chuckled with a pitiful gaze. The women looked at him and then at each other. "Get him!" Charlotte ordered. The other women pounced on him. He closed his eyes and chuckled. Suddenly something hit his face. When he opened his eyes, he was staring at a piece of white fabric. Helix shook his head helplessly. "This is going to be a long night." He sighed. "Unfortunately, it''s not going to be long enough." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 76 [New Masters] The sounds of birds chirping entered Helix''s ears. He attempted to move his arms to check the time in his interface while his eyes were closed, but he was tied to the bed. Or rather, he was locked to the bed. Two sets of arms were holding him in ce. Helix chuckled and sent a prayer to the non-Elise gods. He slowly opened his eyes to allow the morning light to enter. "Whoa! W-Wha¡ª" Helix gasped. "Hoh? How does it feel to have someone in your room when improper things are happening?" "I¡­. This isn''t exactly¡­." He replied awkwardly. "Guuuuh. Hmmm. Elsa, what are you doing here¡­." Charlotte grumbled sleepily. "W-Wait! Elsa, what are you doing here!" Charlotte''s eyes shot open. "Grrrrrr rahf!" Tinker barked. The little puppy''s eyes opened and he jumped off the bed. When he saw Elsa, he looked at the woman with confusion. "Huuuh? What?" Marie mumbled while opening her eyes. "It''s Elsa¡­ she''s in the room." Riley replied calmly. "WHAT!?" Marie cried. Charlotte and Marie released their arms from Helix and pinned the covers against their breasts. Elsa chuckled at their reaction. "What are you doing here, Elsa?" Helix sighed. "Well, this is punishment for Harem Night at the Infirmary." She replied with an evil grin. She was wearing her doctor outfit, and her long ck hair was in a ponytail. "You already punished me, Elsa." Helix frowned. "Oh, I remember. But I haven''t punished these girls yet." She grinned. While speaking, she picked up the underwear on the floor and moved it to one side of the bed. "W-What are you¡ª" "Oh? You''ll thank me." Elsa chuckled. "Why the hell would we¡ª" "Hoho! Looks like I''ll have to call you a man from now on!" A charming voice rang out from the other side of the door. A tall man with olive eyes, neatly groomed curly hair, and well-aged features pped as he entered the room. "Master!" Helix cried. The women blushed furiously. All of them gripped the covers against their chest. "Haaaaaah. Calm down, kid. Unlike someone we know, we''re not nning to convert this room into a harem den." A woman chuckled. "Master!" Helix cried. "Wait? Master? Didn''t you just say that?" Charlotte asked in confusion. "Hmmm? Hasn''t Helix told you? I feel hurt." Tyrene chided. "Me too. How rude." Tilo scoffed. "Master¡­s. Why¡­." Helix called out with pleading eyes. "Hoh? I''m just checking to see if my home didn''t receive structural damage afterst night." TIlo chuckled. "I''m yourndlord now, after all." Tilo gave Helix an evil grin. "Master! This isn''t the time to check!" Helix cried. "Hmmm? You released an astronomical amount of spirit particlesst night. Isn''t it natural to figure out what happened?" Tilo grinned. "He''s right. I''m here to check that you weren''t overloaded. I knocked but didn''t get a response." Elsa sighed. "I just showed up for the party." Tyrene shrugged. Marie and Riley blushed, and Charlotte looked around her in confusion. "Besides, it''s best to meet your new apprentices sooner rather thanter, isn''t it?" She asked. All three of the young women looked at the woman with confusion. "Charlotte, Marie, Riley¡­ meet your new masters. There''s technically a third master, as well. However, he''s mostly honorary." Helix sighed in defeat. "New¡­ masters?" Marie whispered. "That''s right!" Tiloughed with an evil grin. "This boy¡­ man¡­ is only training to keep you alive. Therefore, we agreed to train all of you to ensure that happens." All three looked at Helix''s embarrassed facial expression. "I didn''t ask you to take them on. Please don''t make it sound like I''m forcing your teachings on¡ª" "Hoh? You didn''t, huh? [I won''t take you on as a master unless you allow me to live with my girlfriends]." Tyrene called out mockingly. "We one your life. Therefore, they must train if they want to live with you." Elsa sighed and shook her head at the farce ying out. "Marie, Riley, Charlotte¡­." Helix sighed in defeat. "I''d apologize for dragging you into a month of hell¡­ but you''re staring at the best teachers in Myriad. Plus, after what we''ve discussed, you''ll thank me¡­ in the long run." Tilo burst intoughter. "Boy¡­ I''m still calling you boy between us¡­." He chuckled. "You''re kissing ass already. It seems like you''ve learned something after all." Helix cringed after hearing his words. Tyrene raised an eyebrow. "After what you''ve discussed?" She asked. Helix sheepishly avoided her gaze. "Yes. We''ve agreed to journey back to Alzeria in a month to ensure that the Cultivator Wannabe Faction is stable." He muttered. Tyrene''s expression becameplicated. After a period of silence, she pped her hands. "Okay! That''s quite enough. We wanted to meet your girlfriends, mercilessly punish you for your recent tests, and meet our students." Tyreneughed. "Since we''ve aplished all of our objectives, let''s go. Helix, enjoy your date with your girlfriends today. We''ll start training together at¡­ 7 am tomorrow. Come now. Let''s give the women their privacy." Tilo wanted to object, but Tyrene gave him a terrifying gaze, and the man sheepishly exited the door. Elsa sighed. "Sorry, girls. That boy you''retching onto did some extremely questionable things in your honor. Judging by the spirit particle releasest night, he''s still acting like an idiot. So we wanted to punish him, and you three are the only way to get through to him. Moreover, you''re their students now, so they want to send a message to you too. Don''t worry, girls. This scene won''t happen again." She exined. "I can''t wait to catch up with you all tomorrow." Without further exnation, she walked out of the room. "Helix Hellsgate Margrave!" Charlotte yelled. "Charlotte¡­." Helix replied meekly. "Speak!" She barked. The fact that [Charlotte] was the woman scolding him left him uncertain whether tough or cry. "Those are your new masters." Helix sighed. "Before you learn [who] they are, you should first understand that you shouldn''t treat training as you did in Alzeria." "What does that mean? Are you worried we aren''t strong enough?" Marie asked worriedly. "He better not!" Charlotte barked. "You don''t have to worry about us¡­." Rileyforted quietly. Helixughed bitterly. "No¡­ it''s just that¡­." He wasn''t to crawl into a hole and die. "That what, hmmm?" Charlotte asked while hopping off the bed and walking to lock the door. "Uh¡­." He muttered while following her body with awe. Marie smacked his chest lightly. He gave her a wry smile in response. After contemtion, he decided to rip off the news like a bandaid. "Training starts at 5 am and ends when you''re broken and half dead." Charlotte stared at him with surprise. "You''re joking¡­ right?" She asked. Marie blushed when she looked at her. Charlotte was stark naked and didn''t show any signs of hiding anything during their conversation. "I''m not joking." Helix sighed with a serious expression. Charlotte frowned. She was testing him to see if he could retain his seriousness while staring at her naked body. Unfortunately, he was serious. "The man''s name is Grandmaster Sir Tilo Szar. He''s the head of the Circle Master Association in Alzeria and the head grandmaster of the battle magic academy." "Wait!? What!" Charlotte cried. Her boobs were jiggling, and she forgot she was naked. Marie and Riley didn''t notice because their eyes were focused on Helix. "The olderdy is Grandmaster General Dame Tyrene Masney. She''s a legendary ex-general who creates the Alzerian army''s training regiments. She is also Macron''s teacher." "Wait! How!?" Marie cried. "Thest teacher is Grandmaster Linus Trevon. We speak a few hours a week on various subjects. We have less of an apprenticeship agreement and more of a rtionship. He helps me with knowledgeable guidance, and I provide him with insights from the Myriad LIbrary. He''s not going to be your teacher but has agreed to be a resource for you all." "Wow¡­." Riley replied. "As for why they''re here¡­." Helix spent thirty minutes exining how the Mirror or Helioquie captured Tilo''s attention. Then he exined how Tyrene''s boredom led them together and how Linus sought Tilo for an exchange of resources. "Woah, not bad, not bad¡­." Charlottemented with an impressed expression. "Charlotte¡­ are you seriously not going to get dressed?" Marie frowned. Charlotte was [still] standing in front of the bed naked. "Why? I''d just be getting undressed a moment from now anyway." She reasoned. "Wait¡­ um¡­." Marie blushed. "The door''s locked, we were told they wouldn''t enter again, and we have the day off." Charlotte argued. "If we''re all dying tomorrow, I''m going to take revenge on the person who caused it!" Before anyone could interject, Charlotte pounced on Helix. "Please make sure to exact revenge to your content." Helix replied with a pitiful smile. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 77 [Samma] "Let''s stop here." Helix smiled. "Here? There''s nothing here." Marie asked in confusion. The four were walking around the city. Contrary to expectation, Helix led the three down an unpopted alleyway away from the shops. He was currently standing in front of a wall. Helix gave her a slight smile. "The tapestry is pretty thick, so don''t release it until you''ve entered." He warned. The women looked at him in bewilderment as he turned around. Helix pulled out a small disc from his pocket with his left hand and grabbed the wall. The wall rippled and pulled away like a tapestry to the three''s shock. It was the most bizarre, alternate-dimension-esque scene they had ever experienced. "Come in. Samma will be displeased if I remove the magic barrier." He chuckled. The three nodded in a haze and walked into the ckness. When they stepped through the area, their eyes sparkled. "Is this¡­." Marie gasped. "That''s right." Helix smiled. "Don''t you know it''s not good to spoil your girlfriends? You''ll only obtain our wrath if you buy more and treat less." Charlotte warned. "Are you saying that you want to leave?" Helix chuckled. "Hell no!" She replied and walked forward. "Keep it down, please. If you¡ª" "Hmmm? You got a deathwish or something, boy?" An older woman barked. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley froze. "No, Ms. Samma. I assure you that I''m not walking my girlfriends into certain death." Helix sighed. Samma frowned. She was wearing a stylish, luxurious purple dress. Her eyes locked onto each of the women that entered the room. "So these are the ones, boy?" Samma asked with a suspicious gaze. If you''re cheating and I find out about it, I''ll make it impossible for you to cheat again." Helix shuttered. "Ms. Samma. Since we met, these are the only girlfriends I''ve been talking to you about." He sighed. "My name is Marie. It''s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Samma." Marie curtsied with her light yellow sundress. "Charlotte. Nice to meet you!" Charlotte followed. "My name Riley, Ms. Samma." Riley added quietly. Samma eyed Marie up and down. "I see¡­ you''re the one he''s always talked about¡­." She muttered. Charlotte red at him, prompting him to put his hands up in surrender. "Hah. Don''t worry, girl. He talks about all of you." Samma chuckled. "It''s better to say I''m the person always asking about Marie." Marie''s eyes widened with confusion. The other two glided their eyes between Helix and Marie in confusion. "Haaaaaah. You didn''t even tell them about me?" Samma chuckled in disbelief. "I get surprises, but that''s pure recklessness." "I''m told that I''m an idiot more often than I''m told I''m sensible." Helix chuckled while scratching his cheek awkwardly. Samma sighed in defeat. "Okay, okay. Come in, girls. Wee to Samma''s Exotic Fashion Bizzare. Let''s get you dressed up." Their eyes started sparkling in confusion and awe. The three were in a room the size of a mid-sized shop on earth. It was lined with clothing of every description and color. Helix sighed and found a chair while Samma hauled them away. Samma led the three into a small room in the back of the store. "Wait¡­." Charlotte gasped with wide eyes. "No way¡­ how¡­." Marie whispered. "Hoho. It seems that your boy toy wasn''t lying after all." Samma chuckled. "Putting said the term [boy toy]...." Marie grumbled. "What¡­ do you mean?" Samma gave Charlotte a mocking nce, then averted her gaze. "He wasn''t lying when he said that these were clothing designs found on earth." She chuckled. The room was lined with clothing styles from [earth]. There were dresses with spaghetti straps, v-necks, short shorts, cardigans, suits, ties, and various forms of underwear. "Well, yeah¡­ oh, I guess you wouldn''t be able to confirm that. Would you?" Charlotte asked. Samma nodded. "Ms. Samma? Why are all of these clothes here?" Riley asked quietly. "Oh, that. As part of Helix''s training in drawing magic circles, Tilo has Helix draw as training." Samma exined. "Helix always drew you three, and Tilo got annoyed. But then he had an idea. He sought me out and asked if I''d like to buy clothing designs from another." She chuckled. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley''s eyes went wide. "I told him to get the hell out of my shop." Sammaughed. "But he showed me some drawings of you and others, and it intrigued me." "He better not have drawn us with cosy!" Charlotte huffed. The other two giggled. "Cosy?" Samma asked with a raised eyebrow. "Shhhhh! Charlotte. What have you done!?" Marie cried under her breath. Charlotte put her hands up in surrender. "But Marie, what if Helix likes cosy?" Riley asked. The other two looked at her with awkward confusion. On second thought, it wouldn''t be so bad to introduce cosy if it made him happy. That''s the thought going through their mind. Charlotte sighed. "Ms. Samma¡­ has Helix drawn frilly maid''s dresses or anything¡­ unhuman before?" She asked. "Hmmm. Not really. Oh! There is one exception. He''s modest about what he''s willing to design. I''ve often had to bargain with him. That''s why this stands out." Samma replied while leading them to the back. "Hahahaha! Haha! Hah! Hahaha!" Charlotte howled. "I didn''t know that Helix liked¡­." "How much! How much, Samma!? Hahaha." Charlotte cried while wiping tears from her eyes. "I feel obligated to treat you, women. However, these are difficult to make and not for sale yet¡­." Samma replied with confused eyes. "But since you''re why I have them, I''d part with one Alzerian gold coin each." All three women opened their interfaces, and gold coins started dropping out of thin air. "We want every pair you''re willing to part with." The older woman''s light brown eyes stared at the gold coins in disbelief. She knew about the item storage that the Knights had because of Helix. However, the young man was broke when she met him, so it was confusing how rich his girlfriends were. She examined the gold coins on the ground and verified their authenticity. "Do¡­ you think I should make arge quantity of these?" Samma asked with wide eyes. The women giggled. "I doubt it will be a hot trend. However, some people would pay a [fortune] for these. If you part with these, I''ll send you the coordinates to a group of men in Alzeria that would pay ten gold coins a pop." Charlotte grinned. Samma looked at Charlotte with bewilderment in her eyes. "I-I see¡­ you''re not joking about those numbers?" She stuttered. "Put them up for auction, and you''ll get at least twenty." Marie giggled. "If you only send ten, I wouldn''t be surprised if it''s fifty." Riley added with a serious expression. "F-Fifty!?" Samma cried. "We''re not lyin'' to ya,dy." Charlotte shrugged. "We''re talking about loaded nobles with nothing to spend their money on. As long as those thirty-something lunatics are still there in a couple of months, we''ll help you make a fortune." Samma''s eyes went wide. "We are staying here for the next month. We really can help you if you want." Marie suggested. "You would?" Samma asked with shock in her eyes. "If you send a merchant with us¡­ I can''t see how it would hurt." Rileymented. "Oh my¡­ well, in that case, please look around." The young women shopped through Earthian clothing for a couple of hours. Samma didn''t sell her clothing to very many people. However, when she did, she took good care of them. "Alright,dies. I''ll be tailoring these items. Pleasee back in a week." Samma announced with a smile. The young women nodded. "How much do we owe you?" Marie asked hesitantly. She could tell that everything in the store was pricey. Samma chuckled when she saw their hesitant eyes. "In exchange for Helix designing more personal items, I agreed to treat you all to clothing. That boy will do just about anything if your namese up." She smiled. "So everything you''ve picked out is yours, free of charge. Rather, he already paid for it a long time ago." The eyes of the young women lit up and sparkled after hearing those words. "Alright. Off you go. Enjoy your date. I''m sure you''re just as excited as he is." "Thank you, Ms. Samma!" "Thank you!" "I can''t wait to see you again!" The three walked out of the magic entrance with sparkling eyes. Helix chuckled and walked after them with a warm gaze. Later that night, he found himself waiting outside of their bedroom by request. "You cane in!" Charlotte called out. Helix walked into the bedroom with suspicion in his eyes. "Where are you?" He asked. The bedroom was empty. "We''re in the changing room. Just get ready for bed, and we''ll do the same." Marie called out. Helix shrugged his shoulders and prepared for bed. The group had gone to a hot spring earlier that day, so he was clean. So he stripped off his white v-neck shirt and ck pants before jumping onto the bed. Afterst night, he wasn''t as shy about his body anymore. As if by cue, the dressing door opened. "Uh¡­ no¡­." Helix uttered. His entire face flushed red with embarrassment. However, no matter how much he wanted to cover his face with shame, his body wouldn''t let him. "What do you think, Hellie? Are we puuuuurrrfect?" Charlotte purred deviously. "I¡­ do¡­ you think I''m cute, Helix?" Marie asked with a blushing face. "You''re supposed to end your sentence with [nya]! Or [meow[! What type of failed female otaku are you?" Charlotte chastised. "Wait¡­ aren''t you supposed tobine the words?" Riley asked. "I thought you were supposed to enunciate the words with your meeeeouth, like this." Helix stared at the three with a truly pitiful expression. "You''re supposed to warn me¡­. If this were a light novel, I''d be coughing out six pints of blood and dying of blood loss right now¡­." He replied. A young woman''s palm pressed against the bed. "Are youining, nya?" Charlotte asked. She wore a pair of cat ears Samma made from some of their drawings. Hers were bright pink and perfectly matched her pink sses. They had white fur on the inside and were egregiously cute. "No. I''m not. I''m just¡ª" He couldn''t keep his attention. The other women were crawling to the floor on their hands and knees. Each was wearing only their bras and panties. "You do like this, right? Um¡­ meow?" Marie asked shyly. Marie had dark brown ears with red and white highlights. They were the ears that he designed for her specifically. "I feel like you three have opened my closet of embarrassing secrets and then cosyed what you found inside. But¡­ I''m absolutely in love." Riley blushed with a happy expression. She was wearing bright white cat ears with ck and white fur lining. Helix grabbed Charlotte''s hand and pulled her body on top of his. This was thest night before their teachers unleashed hell upon their lives. Therefore, he resolved to make the most of the night. Chapter 78 [Weaknesses] Helix woke up at 4:50 as he always did. He carefully pulled Marie and Charlotte''s hands away. The two had imed him, and poor Riley slept on the other side of Marie. Helix resolved that he would make them share. However, he didn''t know which one to start with. Charlotte would get prissy, and Marie would get subconscious. As for Riley, she was a mind-bending sweetheart. She was just happy to share the same bed with the three. There wasn''t a single ounce of envy in her. She was sleeping with a satisfied expression. That was the quality he loved about her, and his heart melted seeing it so close to him. After sessfully freeing himself and making it to the floor without waking them up, he pulled out a battle disc. It was the Circle of Silence. After activating it, he quickly tidied the room, got dressed in his gear, and left notes for them to meet him at breakfast. No matter how loud he was, none of them had heard a sound. It was unnaturally quiet, and that was something very beneficial. Outside the house, he moved over to study in the caravan. It was a small trailer near his old home. He unlocked the magic circle and stepped inside. Hundreds of magic circles lined the walls, floors, and desks. "Hoh? You''re up so early?" Tilo teased. Helix chuckled bitterly. "We''re going on a monster hunt today with Master Tyrene. I''m nning to protect the women if I have to. Knowing Tyrene, she''ll make that part of the lesson. I learned to treat expeditions real since I got this." Helix lifted his sleeve and showed off the fashionable four-w scar from the Liken Wolf. "Ah. That''s a good point." Tilo chuckled while stroking his chin. "So, what are you creating today?" The man looked at Helix with interest in his eyes. "I''m perfecting this." He pointed out. Tilo studied the magic circle and its [essory]. "This is new¡­. You said perfecting it. Does that mean you''ve been working on it for a while?" He asked while narrowing his eyes at the circle. "Yes. I created it two weeks ago and have been training when I can." Helix replied. Tilo''s eyes widened. "Really? This?" He asked. Helix nodded. "Would you like to see how it works?" He asked. Tilo''s eyes glittered strangely. "If you''re willing to show me your work, I have high expectations." He chuckled. "Well, I hope I don''t prove them unfounded." Helix chuckled with a slight smile. ¡ª "I know you girls want to oooooh and ahhhhh at the specialty cakes he bought you for breakfast, but he should''ve considered how fast you''ll throw them up!" Tyrene roared. The glowing women shivered when they heard Tyrene''s deration. Helix gave Tyrene a wry smile, but she ignored it. "Helix. Can you tell these girls what a monster hunt with me is going to be like?" She ordered. "Tyrene''s training policy states that saving your life has nothing to do with your appearance." Helix sighed. "So if she has to save you, expect toe out disfigured." The women shuttered. "Ex~actly! That''s the face I want to see on you women!" Tyrene yelled. "The beautiful ones fraught with terror. Not hideous faces fraught with terror. Now let''s move out!" Helix chuckled with a confusing mix of emotions. ¡ª "I can''t wait to show Hellie how powerful I''ve be!" Charlotte eximed under her breath. "Me too! I can''t wait till he sees [Shatter]." Marie replied enthusiastically. "Do you think he''ll like [Cyclone]?" Riley asked. "Well, yeah, dummy. Just because he hasn''t seen it doesn''t mean he doesn''t know how cool it is." Charlotte replied. Helix listened to the gossip with a cringing expression. "Master¡­ should I try to reign them in?" He whispered. "No. If you want to save them, you''ll have to let them learn the hard way." Tyrene replied softly. "I¡­." "It''s worked out for you, hasn''t it?" She asked with a serious tone. "Yes." He replied in a defeated tone. "Besides. You''re here to save those girls if they need it, right?" She asked. "Yes." The young women chatted merrily and took sneak nces at Helix with rosy faces. The group was [running] through the forest at 15-mph. Everyone''s agility stats were high enough to sustain the speed while chatting. Helix''s expression was grave when he realized where they were heading too. "Look alive,dies! We''re approaching our hunting grounds!" Tyrene called out. The woman ran out in front in a sh and stopped a few hundred meters away. Everyone stopped when they got in front of her. "T-This¡­." Marie shuttered with fear in her eyes. Charlotte looked around and got the same feeling. Riley''s eyes trembled as well. They were in the middle of a heavily forested area covered in dry trees. Behind Tyrene was arge cliff, overseeing a valley 400-feet below them. Their faces paled as they examined the area more seriously. Helix cringed at their pained expressions and closed his eyes. "Looks like this kid has an eye for smart women!" Tyrene announced with a smile. The young women looked at her with pitiful expressions. "Marie, tell me why you look so pale right now." She ordered. Marie averted her gaze and spoke hesitantly. "It''s because¡­ on a cliff, if I use [Shatter], the ground will copse, and we''ll die." She whispered. "Ding ding ding! We have a winner!" Tyrene announced. Marie gritted her teeth in anger and helplessness. "Charlotte. Tell me why [your] face is so anxious." She continued. "We''re in a dead forest. No matter how skillfully I control [Exodus ze], the smallest spark will light this entire area on fire. Then we''d all die." Charlotte grimaced. "Ex~actly! And you, Riley. Why are you so anxious?" Tyrene asked. Riley gave her a hesitant expression. "It''s a dry area on shaky ground. Water and wind pressure can break up the soil and cause a flood or a copse." She whispered. "Very good! You''ve officially survived by running away." Tyrene announced. Helix took a deep breath. Watching his loved ones get ridiculed was difficult. However, he had to endure it because the lesson was important. "Quick question. There are three of you with the same weakness. If you''re in a situation where you couldn''t run, which one of you has skill sets suitable for fighting monsters in this environment?" She asked with steeled eyes. Silence filled the area. "I see. Who''s confident in fighting with conventional weapons in this environment?" Tyrene continued." When Charlotte went to raise her hand, she pulled it back sharply. "Hmmm? Why did you pull back?" Tyrene asked with a bemused voice. "It''s¡­ because I don''t know what level of monsters are out here." She answered bitterly. "Ding! Right answer. Helix, sum up the lesson that I''m trying to get across." Helix looked at the women with a remorseful expression. "We Earthians have overpowered Nightmares we rely upon too heavily." He sighed. "She''s trying to teach you the value of conventional fighting, suppressing the output of your power, and researching your opponents." Tyrene nodded and then gazed at three with her sharp, crystal-blue eyes. "Luckily, you''re in a group and have strong gear. We''re going to be practicing group coordination today." She announced. The women nodded with bitter eyes. Ten minutes into their journey, the group stopped moving. Boom. "Master¡­." Boom. "No." Boom. Boom. "Master, this is¡­." Boom. Boom. "I said no." Boom. Boom. Boom! Boom! "W-What is¡ª" Boom! Boom! "I don''t know!" Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! "RHHHAAAAAAAAHRRR!" "I-I can''t even see the level of this thing!?" Charlotte cried in fear. "M-Master! How are¡ª" BOOM! A shockwave exploded from their location and sent the three girls flying away from each other. Helix gritted his teeth in anger and gripped his sword. However, he did not dare make a move. The beast he was looking at was 15-feet tall and 20-feet in length. It looked like a silverback gori walking on its fists regarding its movement patterns. However, its face and fur were simr to a brown bear, and it had jaws to match. ¡ª [Query: Balkan Bear] [Species: Bear] [Threat Level: Intermediate] [General Characteristics: ~2-4 metric tons. Dark ck fur with reddish highlights. ~10-20 feet tall and has a long body that can easily move from a four-legged position to two.] [Description: Arge beast that uses its arms as a primary means of battle. It can stand on its back legs to attack higher but typically stays on its four limbs to run faster. The beasts are aggressive and extremely territorial. They will attack humans upon sight. Indigenous to the following regions¡­] [Known Weaknesses: Losing a back leg reduces more than half of their mobility because they cannot attack with their arms. Have poor senses and are easily fooled. ¡­ Fear the following beasts¡­ Weak to the following elements¡­ ¡­.] [Known strategies for fighting them¡­] [Research] [New query] ¡ª Charlotte groaned as she pushed herself up. She saw Helix in the same position he was originally standing in. His hand gripped his sword and stared at the beast with bloodlust oozing from their pores. She was taken aback by how sharp his presence was. He was scanning the area to ess the situation, and Tyrene''s hand on his shoulder spoke volumes about the situation. It was clear to her that the person that was once protected was the protector in this situation. "Charlotte. Regroup with the women so you can devise a battle strategy!" Helix yelled. She snapped out of her trance. Charlotte sted from her position and scooped Riley up from her position in a sh. Tyrene was shocked to see how fast she moved to follow the basic order. She expected the young woman to unsheath her sword. However, she kept barehanded and used agility to fulfill the regroupingmand. "Marie, move back! We''ll regroup there!" Charlotte called out. Marieplied and jumped backward. "Riley! You''re the best with a sword. What do we need to do? We can''t just cut this thing!" Charlotte growled. Riley nodded and jumped out of Charlotte''s arms. "We need to focus on cutting one of its legs off." She replied calmly. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! "Move!" BOOOOOOOM! The Balken Bear had sped its hands together, lifted its body 30-feet in the air, and mmed its fists down. Riley threw her arms around Charlotte''s waist and jumped high as she could. They barely missed the shockwave of the attack, but the air pressure sent them rolling away. "RHHHAAAAAAAAHRRR!" ¡ª [A/N: Roar. Rawr. ROAR! RAWR! Consider alternatives before you clown me. Lol.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 79 [“Training†Session] "Not bad." Tyrenemented. "Yeah, but that dagger''s not going to do more than piss it off." Helix replied with a bitter expression. Marie threw a dagger into the Balken Bear''s arm as she jumped away. "The dagger isn''t in a joint or a location that hurts to move." He added. "Yeah. But at least it''s something." Tyrene countered. Helix grit his teeth bitterly. He moved around the location to get a different vantage point. His movements implied that he wasn''t joining the fight, and Tyrene didn''t stop him. On the contrary, she was watching him with interest. Charlotte got up and unsheathed her sword. Marie was on the other side, ready for battle. "Its attack movements are slow but don''tck range!" Marie called out. "Charlotte, can you provoke an attack you know you can dodge?" Charlotte didn''t like being asked to decoy, but she understood her skill sets. She nodded. "Thank you! Riley, I''ll attack from the front. You need to immobilize the back leg!" Marie yelled. "Back leg?" Riley called back. "Yes! It stands to attack. If we cut off a back leg it hurts its mobility twice!" Marie called back. "RHHHAAAAAAAAHRRR!" Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! BOOOOOOOM! "They adapt quickly. That''s good." Tyrene chuckled. "Plus they have you there¡­." Her eyes gilded to Helix, hiding his presence with a concealment spell. He couldn''t help them directly. Therefore, he couldn''t afford to distract them with his presence. Helix was always twenty feet away from them. Always there; always missing. "Marie! Get ready!" Charlotte called out. "Riley, go!" Riley sted from her position and circled the beast in a sh. Charlotte gritted her teeth and whispered¡ª "[Flicker]." A small flicker of heat collided with the Balken Bear''s eyes and instantly dried the surface. "RHHHAAAAAAAAHRRR!" "Marie!" Marieunched another throwing knife at the beast. This time, she aimed for its neck. The de cut through the fur and prated the muscle. Feeling the pain from two directions, the beast scrunched its face, and its pitch-ck eyes trembled. "RHHHAAAAAAAAHRRR!" "Riley!" The beast lifted off the ground to create a sweeping attack. Riley sliced through its Achilles heel just as it was on two legs. "RHHHAAAAAAAAHRRR!" BOOOOOOOM! BOOOOOOOM! BOOOOOOOM! The beast thrashed around. Its right leg kicked and sent a shockwave that threw Riley into a tree. Its right arm pleted] the motion and swept horizontally, leveling a dozen trees. Marie and Charlotte were sent flying. Helix missed the attack by jumping. However, he snapped when he saw that the beast had flung all three into various objects. "RHHHAAAAAAAAHRRR!" Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! The beast was partially demobilized. However, not being able to use a leg and not standing on it are two different things. Its center of bnce was intact, so it was still extremely fast and powerful. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! It thrashed its way to Charlotte''s position. Charlotte''s groggy eyes widened in terror when she saw the beast''s full attention staring at her. It lifted its paw off the ground when it was ten feet away. Multiple objects hit the ground simultaneously. One was arge object falling a few feet away. The second one fell just below the bear. Suddenly a shining object flew into the sky. Charlotte was disoriented and confused about what was happening. However, her eyes were drawn to the object glittering in the sunlight. Time slowed when the silver object was above the Balken Bear''s head. "Is that a dagger?" Charlotte muttered. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! Charlotte''s body felt like it was being pulled into a ck hole. The ground cracked from a shockwave, and the small nearby objects shot in the direction of the bear. Everything turned to normal a split secondter. "What the hell just¡ª" The Balkan Bear was twitching on the ground. Blood spurted out of its mouth, and failed roars exited its throat. "Tyrene! If you have a problem with what just happened¡­ too fucking bad!" Helix yelled. Charlotte, Marie, and Riley looked up from their groggy haze to find Helix standing near the Balken Bear''s body. Despite the blood pouring out of the bear''s arm and mouth, there wasn''t a single drop on him. "No. You''ve all passed the test with flying colors." Tyrene replied with sharp eyes. After saying that, she walked away to give the four of them space. "Charlotte, Marie, Riley¡­ Pleasee kill this bear. Please remember that it can kill a human just by thrashing around." Helix called out with a worried expression. They nodded and walked closer to the bear in a daze after picking up their swords. "Riley. Please cut off its leg. You all understood its weakness perfectly. However, it only works if the leg removes its bncing system. So get a feel for it." Helix instructed. Riley nodded silently. "Marie. Great work with the throwing daggers. You did great work by throwing them at a vital area that wasrge enough to limit failure. Throw the des and get a feel for how much force is necessary to pierce its defense." He continued. Marie nodded and pulled out, throwing daggers. "Charlotte. That was a masterful usage of [Flicker]. It would have worked better if you weren''t so constrained." Helix threw a battle disc next to the bear''s face. "This is a [Suffocate] spell. It will immediately extinguish a fire, which is invaluable for your skill set. Practice now because you don''t have to fear lighting the forest on fire." He instructed. Charlotte''s eyes widened in astonishment. "Sure thing, chief." She replied excitedly. Tyrene giggled to herself when she heard the poor bear scream in anguish. The poor thing was going through a [training] session worse than torture. Helix pinned the wretched beast to the ground with gravity discs to prevent the training from hurting the others. ,m After ten gruesome minutes, the bear breathed itsst. "L-Level 55!?" Marie cried out. "Yup. When the level shows up as three question marks, you know you''re fucked." Charlottemented. "The only thing this monstrosity was missing was a choir singing Latin lyrics behind it." Helix chuckled in response. He activated the [Intent Spell] and was skinning the beast with a dagger. Riley was dewing the bear at the same time. "So? Are you going to exin what the hell happened back there?" Charlotte asked with a bemused voice. Helix gave her a wry smile. "I''ll show you once the bear is skinned. The dagger''s lodged in too deep to show you. " He replied calmly. "It was you!" Charlotte eximed. "Hmmm?" Helix asked with wide eyes. "I''d get you cutting the bear''s arm off and using a gravity spell. But I was uncertain if I was hallucinating, and Tyrene threw that dagger out of the trees like a ninja!" Charlotte exined excitedly. Helix let out a helpless, muted chuckle after her words. "No¡­ that was me." He sighed. He was bitter that his girlfriends didn''t get to show off on the first day. While the lesson was valuable, it failed to teach what was intended. He also hoped that it didn''t undermine their confidence. "This magic circle is called the [Gravity Tip Trigger]. There''s a circle on the tip of that dagger. When the tip is facing downward above the battle disc, it activates. Gravitational pressure sends the enemy and the dagger to the earth tip down. Therger the object, the more gravity it pulls in for safety. That way, the object blocks the gravitational force, so the user doesn''t get sucked into it. It can increase to 50 G''s, allowing it to crunch through just about anything below level 100." Helix exined. "O-One Hundred!?" Marie cried. "I haven''t tested that, of course. Level 100 is when that de would break, or the monster''s size is toorge for the gravity to work through." He chuckled. The women let out a sigh of relief. "That¡­ is pretty fucking cool!" Charlotte cried. "Hah. That''s the type of thing you''ll be learning with Tilo." Helix announced with a slight smile. "I''m stoked!" She replied with fire in her eyes. Helix shook his head with a hopeless smile. "I can''t believe that you''re excited to learn from these maniacs." He chuckled. "But as long as you''re happy, I''m happy." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 80 [Won’t Back Down] "Is he okay?" Marie asked nervously. The group was currently circling a fire in the caravan encampment. Helix was currently sleeping on Marie''sp. Tyrene looked at her worried expression and chuckled. "That brat? The Mad Queen of Myriad couldn''t harm that boy." Sheughed. "He''s just exhausted from being an overprotective worry warrior." Marie brushed her fingers through his hair with a slight smile. "Master Tilo, can you teach us how to use the Gravity Tip Trigger circle? It was the coolest thing I''ve ever seen!" Charlotte eximed after remembering his [overprotectiveness]. "Hoh? Hah. Hahahaha haha ha!" Tilo replied with bewildered eyes. "Don''t tell me that boy used that thing already!" Charlotte panned her eyes to the others. Everyone had the same confused expression that she did. "My apologies. Hahaha." Tiloughed. "I¡­. I just can''t believe it. He just finished modifications on that circle this morning." Tyrene raised an eyebrow. "Finished?" She asked suspiciously. "Haaaaah. Yes, finished. That spell is a Helix Margrave original. So I''m sorry, Charlotte, you''ll have to learn it from that maniac." Tilo chuckled. The expression on every woman''s face crumbled. "It''s a Hellie original!? That''s even better!" Charlotte cried under her breath. Marie''s eyes widened, and she looked down at the man sleeping peacefully on herp. His sight filled her heart with pride as she gazed at him. "I agree." Tilo chuckled. "How was it in practice? I saw it for the first time this morning." Tyrene narrowed her eyes at Tilo. "This morning? You keep saying that. What happened this morning?" She asked. "What happened? That boy was terrified you''d pull something, so he prepared himself for the apocalypse. Hahahaha!" TIlo cried. Charlotte burst intoughter as well. Marieughed when she saw Tyrene puffing out her cheeks. ,m After a moment of pouting, Tyrene chuckled and gazed at the young man. "So? How was it? Gravity Tip Trigger?" Tilo asked with curiosity in his eyes. "How was it? Have you ever watched a gode from the upper heavens to exact judgment on a mortal?" Charlotte asked. "Hmmm? I can''t say that I have." Tilo chuckled. "No? Well, me neither. But I swear that''s what I saw!" She eximed. "Get this. I was staring down this fifteen-foot behemoth in the eyes like, [yo, it''s taken you long enough. Do you need an invitation to kill my ass or something]? He''s like, [uh¡­ okay, I''ll get on that]. Suddenly a shimmering light materializes above his head. Then BOOOOOOOOOOOM!" Charlotte reenacted dramatically. She spread her hands away from each other and wiggled her fingers. Tilo''s eyes chuckled in bewilderment at the young woman''s depiction. "I felt my damn soul getting dragged out of my body. Rocks and twigs flew past my face at lightning speed toward that beast. It was like the rapture. Then the storm calmed, and I looked up. That barely injured fifteen-foot Colossus was a double-toasted pop-tart without butter. Dunzo, chief. And who was standing next to it without a drop of blood on him? Helix! He didn''t even look winded. It was like he was taking a nature hike through a Level 50 zone and was like, [Hmmm¡­? That girl looks cute], then bam!" The people around the campfire were rolling inughter. Only Helix was calm. He had a truly serene expression as he enjoyed a legendaryp pillow. Tilo looked at Tyrene for confirmation with a smile on his face. While he was satisfied with Charlotte''s answer, he was still curious about the spell. Tyrene nodded with a serious expression. "It''s true. That spellbo made a Level 55 Balken Bear like a Level 3 Liken Wolf pup." She replied honestly. Tilo''s eyes widened in surprise. "The gravity spell leveled it. Even if the de didn''t reach, Helix still could have in the beast without contest. The gravity was so precise that it only sucked down the beast''s center of gravity. It was terrifying to watch." "Do you have that circle on you?" Tilo asked hurriedly. "That''s not what he showed me this morning!" Tyrene''s eyes filled with confusion. Charlotte reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out the battle disc. "Here you go, Master." She said. Tilo couldn''t get more confused. "Why do you have this?" He asked in confusion. "Hmmm? Hellie gave it to me as a memento for our first hunt together." Charlotte replied in confusion. "Hah hahahaha. I''m going insane, absolutely insane." Tilomented in betweenughs. "What is it, master?" Riley asked. "This¡­ only that boy would give out high-level circles for unfinished research¡­." Heughed with a strained voice. "This circle¡­ it would sell for 1000 Alzerian gold coins¡­ if it weren''t cutting edge magic¡­." Charlotte grinned and gave an arm pump in excitement. "Is that because of how restricted knowledge on magic circles is?" Marie asked with a strange smile on her face. "Yes. That''s right." Tilo chuckled. "Now let''s see what''s going on here¡­." Tilo narrowed his eyes at the circle, then burst intoughter again after a moment. "There''s an entireyer that''s devoted to preventing the de from touching the circle¡­." He cried. "At this rate, I''m going to learn more from this kid than the other way around." Tyrene lifted an eyebrow. "What are you going on about?" She asked. Tilos chuckled in bewilderment. "This spell increases the output depending on the barrier between it and the de. Gravity decreases to prevent the de from hurting the disc if there is nothing between the de and the circle. If somethingrge severs the connection, it increases the gravity proportionately. That way, he can test this stupid thing a thousand times. He made its practical training element a lethal feature of the damn spell." Tilo exined. "Are you surprised?" Charlotte asked with a pride-filled expression. He shook his head in disbelief. "Nothing surprises me anymore. This boy wiped the floor with me during myst test." Tilo confessed. "Me too." Tyrene grumbled. Tilo raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you too?" He asked with wide eyes. Tyrene crossed her arms and huffed. "It''s not like he [won] in a match." She huffed. "It''s just that he took down a Level 75 Markov and turned the entire forest into a war-stricken hellscape. I had to break the rules to save his crazy ass, and in the end, I couldn''t even me him!" "Markov!?" Tilo cried in disbelief. The other women got excited at Tilo''s exmation. Helix groaned lightly on Marie''s shaky legs. Marie panicked, steadied her body, and ran her fingers through her hair to calm him down. "Yeah. That brat is crafty to the point that training him takes on a whole new level of danger." "I''m not so sure why I''m so surprised." Tilo replied with a wry smile. "Master! Please tell us! What happened?" Charlotte begged excitedly. The ever-reserved Riley had sparkling eyes. Marie was doing her best to keep her body stable. "That boy of yours¡­ is an absurd existence. Aside from his SP reserve, his stats are mediocrepared to the rest of you Earthians. However, give him some chalk and an hour, and he''ll bring down just about anything." Tyrene sighed in defeat. "My final test before your arrival was to finally force him to face a beast that was too difficult for him to kill." Tilo gave her an evil grin, causing her cheeks to puff up. The other women found her expression cute beyondparison. "The goal was for him to finally run away! He never does!" Tyrene cried in exasperation. "You girls know what you experienced today?" Charlotte blinked twice with an unenthused expression. Marie gave her a resting bitch face, and Riley sent her a wry smile. "Yes, that. This boy was supposed to have one of those expressions at least once in thest month!" Tyrene eximed. "You can''t kill every damn enemy you see. Learning how to retreat against the authority of another is a skill with immeasurable value." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley gave her a face that expressed their sudden understanding. "But he always doubles his resolve and tells himself he won''t let another being''s strength prevent him from saving someone he loves. Then that thing dies one way or the other fifteen minutester." The atmosphere around the campfire becameplex. "Well, I messed up big time a couple of days ago." Tyrene continued. Tilo and the young women looked at her with interest in their eyes. "Girls, you know those three question marks above a monster that tell you to run?" She asked with a self-deprecating smile. "Yeah¡­ that''s the first time I''ve ever seen those." Marie replied. "Me too¡­ what''s up with that?" Charlotte asked. "First for me, too." Riley confirmed. "Those question marks mean that the monster is twenty levels or higher above you." Tyrene exined. "I keep facing him off with those monsters trying to get him to run away. As a result, he couldn''t differentiate between levels twenty and forty-five levels higher than him. He didn''t even understand just how powerful that thing was before he ran in to kill it¡­." She sighed. The revtion finally sunk in. "W-Wait¡­." Charlotte gasped. "H-He killed something F-Forty-F-Five levels above him!?" Marie gasped while holding her body in ce. "That''s right. That boy took down a monster that was 45 levels higher than him. However, he didn''t understand the ramifications of taking down the alpha of a territory." Tilo gave Tyrene a serious expression. "How the hell did he do that?" Chapter 81 [Markov] "I explicitly told the kid that he could still pass if he backed down." Tyrene exined to the group. ¡ª "In these hills, you''ll find a Markov. It''s arge wyvern. Your goal is to kill it. If you win, I''ll reward you with a day off with your girlfriends when they arrive. After properly assessing the beast, you''ll pass if you back down and give a report. In other words, all you''ll receive is a day off if you risk your life. Use the signal re spell to indicate you are done with your test. You have 24 hours to locate and kill it or send the re." Tyrene exined. "I will carefully assess the situation and determine my chances of victory." Helix nodded. "We''ll see about that, brat." She chuckled. While she was smiling, her eyes weren''t smiling. ¡ª "The only thing he had to gain was a day off with youdies." Tyrene exined. Charlotte''s eyes lit up with excitement and sparkled in the campfire light. Marie''s chest tightened, and Riley smiled with pure bliss written on her face. Tyrene and Tilo sent the young women a wry smile in response. "Anyway¡­ the brat told me he''d assess his chances of victory. I should have known then that I should have rified the test''s purpose, but he was already running off." ¡ª [Query: known Markov dens in the northeast syrioforest area] "Perfect. This map is ten years old, but wyverns live for hundreds of years." Helix muttered. Tyrene watched him from a mountain top with a narrowed gaze. "Just how powerful is that damn library of his¡­." She muttered. "He''s walking straight toward that thing already¡­." After a moment of contemtion, she gave up thinking about it. "At least I''ll get my answer sooner thanter." She chuckled. Helix roamed around the forest cautiously. He ran into low-level beasts every once in a while and dispatched them with rtive ease. After an hour of walking, he reached the mountain he was looking for. "Okay¡­ this should be it." He sighed. "I guess I''ll learn just how bad Tyrene wants me to run away today." Helix chuckled to himself as he slowly scaled the pass. After searching for twenty minutes, he finally found his mark. "Bingo¡­." He whispered. Arge dragon-looking creature was in the center of arge, shallow cave. It had dark red scales over its body, making it look like an imprable fortress. He read the information above it. [Name: Marcov ¡ª Level: ???] "I dream of a day that I don''t see those deathg marks in front of a monster every time I enter this damn forest." Helix sighed. Helix moved to a safe location and touched the blood-red sun tattoo on his neck. ¡ª [Query: Markov] [Species: Wyvern] [Threat Level: Advanced to Master] [General Characteristics: ~1-3 metric tons. Extremely durable scales that are resistant to heat and explosions. Hasrge wings that can fly at high speeds for fifty miles at a stretch. A nocturnal creature that is extremely aggressive if awoken. Sharp ws 1-2 feet long ¡­] [Description: A small dragon-like winged creature that hunts at night. It shoots mes out of its mouth as a primary fighting attack. It kills its enemies by biting them with its jaws. It grabsrger enemies in its jaws and lifts them in the air before dropping them to their death. Feeds on any animal it can eat while flying. ¡­ Indigenous to the following regions¡­] [Known Weaknesses: Losing a wing forces the beast to run to attack. Heavily reliant upon its strong eyesight. ¡­ Fear the following beasts¡­ Weak to the following elements¡­ ¡­.] [Known strategies for fighting them¡­] [Research] [New query] ¡ª "Hmmm. Even if I try blowing off both its legs and wings, it doesn''t look like I put a dent into that thing¡­." Helix noted while looking at the scales. "Hmmm. Let''s look at those scales." ¡ª [Query: Markov scales strength] [Results:] [Defensive Properties of Markov Scales] ¡­ ¡ª "What!?" Helix eximed under his breath. His heart started racing after his outburst. He hoped the Markov didn''t hear him. After confirming his safety, he reread the statement. [Markov scales are fire-resistant enough to withstand low-level heat elemental cmity spells.] Helix''s eyes couldn''t be wider. After rereading the statement multiple times, he developed a mischievous smile. "I suppose that this will be the most dangerous part¡­." Helix chuckled. Taking a deep breath, he activated the Circle of Silence. "Master will kill me if he finds out that I''m doing this¡­." He chuckled. He couldn''t hear himself¡ªnor could he hear anything. Helix slowly snuck into the wyvern den. It was a veryrge area, and he only needed to make it to a corner at the farthest edge of the den. He threw the Circle of Silence and an Invisibility Wall Circle in front of his desired location. It was a bone pit. He quickly ran to the area and hid behind the temporary invisibility wall. Jars, a knife, and rags started falling out of thin air. Helix quickly scrapped multiple bones for as much slime as possible and put it into the jars. Once he got five different samples, he quickly picked up the Circle of Silence and ran for his life. He continued down the mountain with light steps and reached a safe location with good visibility and lighting. "Haaaaaaaaah. I should¡­ huuuuuh¡­ have¡­ huuuuuh¡­ just turned this down¡­." Helix eximed with a beating heart. "It''s toote to back down now¡­." Helix sat down and pulled out multiple nk battle discs. Then he pulled out one that he definitely shouldn''t have possessed. ¡ª "After locating the Markov, he determined there was no way of him harming it with a conventional attack." Tyrene sighed. Charlotte''s eyes were filled with thrill and excitement. Marie was grinning from ear to ear. Riley was biting her thumbnail with anticipation. Tilo was cringing. He instinctively knew that the next sentence would somehow have to do with him. "Since he couldn''t harm it by taking advantage of its weakness, he researched its strengths." Tyrene continued. The group sent her quizzical nces. "In particr, the strength of its scales¡­." Tyrene prefaced ominously. "Its scales?" Tilo asked with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah. Markov scales can withstand low-end heat elemental cmity spells. Luckily, Helix hasn''t learned how to create or modify any of those spells." Tyrenemented casually while sending Tilo a murderous nce. "That''s a shame¡­." Charlottemented with a let-down expression. Tyrene moved her gaze to Charlotte. "What''s wrong? Why are you¡­. No way!" Charlotte cried with excitement in her eyes. Tilo was sweating buckets. "But, once again, neither of us can fault the damn kid." Tyrene sighed in defeat. ¡ª [Eruption]. Helix chuckled when he saw the Level 5 magic spell that almost got him killed once. "Second time''s a charm." He chuckled in self-deprecation. He wasn''t just drawing out cmity spells for no reason. Helix was practicing the modification of cmity spells into less destructive spells. Tilo helped him create and test a version of [Eruption] at 5% power. In the process, he drew a few with varying power. The one he was staring at was 25% power. He looked at it with a conflicted expression. "I only have 10% after this. Five percent is not much different than an intermediate st spell, and 10% probably won''t be enough¡­." Helix sighed. "Well¡­ looks like I''m going to be busy with barrier spells as well." Helix set to work on modified Charge Barrier spells. ¡ª "Helix had a modified an [Eruption] spell that limited the power to 1/4th of its original power." Tyrene sighed. Tilo also sighed after the revtion. "Can¡­ someone exin what''s going on here?" Marie asked. "Yeah! What''s [Eruption]?" Charlotte asked. "I''d like to know too¡­." Rileymented quietly. Tyrene gave Riley a pitiful gaze that said [not you too]... Tilo bit the bullet after chuckling bitterly. "Eruption is a magic circle that sets off a st that levels an area 250 meters in diameter." He sighed. ¡ª [A/N: I''m slowing Nightmare to devote time to Nerve Network, an unreasonably violent, action-heavy rollercoaster. I''ll update Nightmare daily because it''s drowning in goodness from now on, but the release will be slower. Warning: [Don''t the synopsis] if you''re worried about spoilers. [Nightmare] is a prequel to Nerve Network. I can''t deny that, even if I wanted to. This novel has been intertwined with NN from the first chapter. Sorry.] Chapter 82 [Home Stretch] "Wait, what!?" Charlotte cried with a sense of thrill zing in her eyes. Marie wasn''t so enthused. She looked down at Helix''s sleeping face with a slightly worried expression. However, she couldn''t help but get dragged back into the story''s absurdity. Marie was filled with pride, knowing her lover was an impossible human being. "So¡­ it will only level 62.5 meters at 25% power?" Riley asked. Once she put a hard number on the spell''s power, the area became quiet. The absurdity was just too unbelievable. "... Yes." Tyrene sighed. "Anyway¡­ I can''t fault the kid after verifying the st resistance of the scales for myself." Tilo ran his fingers through his brown curly hair and started chuckling with light madness in his eyes. "More than that, he set up awork of defense barriers and created safety triggers." ¡ª Helix modified each Charge Barrier trigger to output maximum defense upon sensing heat. It lowered the spell''s duration but increased its strength threefold. He then set to work testing the magic circles. Helix drew a Circle of Illumination spell and started creating a trigger modification. The modification used a small amount of slime that he got from the bones of a Markov victim. After setting up the modification, he sealed the spell under a waterproof barrier. Lastly, he put a small amount of slime from another jar onto the battle disc. "Haaaaaaah." Helix chuckled when he saw the circle lit up. He removed the slime, and the disc lost its light again. Next, he spat on the disc to check if it lit up. "Well, it seems it works¡­." He chuckled nervously. "Maybe." He added with madness swirling in his eyes. Helix studied the scene with aplex gaze. "Let''s put an extended time trigger on it as well¡­." Hepromised. Helix worked at a blistering speed. Next, he created a connection spell that linked the illumination spell to the charge barriers. Once he tested that it worked, he modified his eruption spell. "It''s as good as it will ever be¡­." He sighed. Helix pulled out a dagger and whittled the excess amount of disc away from the magic circle on each side. He was left holding a small piece of wood containing only a magic circle. "And now¡­ it''s time to hunt." ¡ª "You make it sound like you can casually contain a cmity spell with defensive shields." Tilo sighed. "Tilo. The boy''s an idiot, but he''s not stupid enough to throw an eruption spell at a Markov. Weren''t you listening? He read that Markov scales can withstand a cmity spell. So why would he lob one at it?" Tyrene chastised. Tilo''s eyes went wide. "Then what did he do?" He asked. Tyrene locked her gaze with the young women and then sighed in defeat. ¡ª [Name: He Boar ¡ª Level 14] "You''ll do nicely." Helix chuckled. He reached into his item storage, pulled out jerky juice, and drenched a magic circle. "Come here, piggy. I got a tasty shn~ack for you." Helixughed with insanity oozing from his pores. The pig''s nose instantly came alive. "Get your limited edition Circle of Sleep. It''s free of charge for a limited time only." He chuckled. The boar ran into the area. It became disoriented when it stepped within the magic circle and started charging into random trees. Helix watched from a boulder top. He already knew what would happen before he decided to trap the beast. After he knocked the boar out, Helix walked up to it with gloves on. "This is about to get really fucking disgusting." He sighed. He started by opening its mouth and shoving the illumination spell down its throat. Helix waited for thirty seconds. He modified the circle for maximum brightness. If it were illuminated, he would see the boar''s skeleton. He imagined the look of people staring at a nuclear st with their eyes in front of their faces. After thirty seconds, he verified that his modification spell didn''t trigger. "Gah¡­." He sighed with a beating heart. "Let''s do this as quickly as possible." Helix shoved the eruption spell down the boar''s throat and ran like hell. If his trigger failed on the Markov, that would be okay. However, if it was identally triggered and within 100 meters from it, he would get vaporized or killed by debris. After making it to the other edge of the valley, he waited for an extra 15 minutes. "Haaaaaaaah." Helix sighed. "I¡­ still don''t want to get near that thing¡­." He was extremely thorough with his testing and performed simr modifications on nearly all his spells. As a result, he was confident it wouldn''t trigger identally. However, he was dealing with a cmity spell! After resolving himself, he ran back to the boar, used his ungodly strength stat to haul it onto his shoulders, and ran toward the mountain. "This¡­ is really messed up." Helixughed with a self-deprecating expression. "This poor creature is about to wake up from a dream, enter a Nightmare, and then explode." Helix thought about what he had just said multiple times. "I''m going to hell¡­." He sighed. Helix ced the boar down on the ground and covered the area directly behind it with the pelts of Liken Wolves. He also lined the area to the left and right of the cave with Linken pelts. "Hopefully, that''s enough to keep you moving in the right direction." Helix chuckled nervously. He didn''t have enough information on He Beasts or their environment to summon properly. So he had to ce faith in the spell he hated most. Helix got to a better vantage point and closed his eyes. "In fear, I hope you run from the Liken Wolves toward paradise." He whispered, hoping his vision would help modify his spell. Helix opened his eyes and activated a battle disc in his hand. "Time to wake you up." A second magic circle underneath the pig shed, and the pig shot up in pain. "SQUEEEEEE!" "[Nightmare Hallucination]." ¡ª "The kid fed the [Eruption] spell to a He Boar and used his Nightmare to lead it into the wyvern nest." Tyrene chuckled. "You mean¡­." Tilo gasped. "He treated that bad boy like diet coke and pumped him up with mentos!" Charlotte cried. Marie and Riley started giggling. Tyrene and Tilo looked at each other in bewilderment. "If that''s earth ng for feeding wyvern explosives, then¡­ you''re right." Tyrene chuckled bitterly. ¡ª The boar woke up to the smell of smoke in the area. "GRRRRRRrrrrrrr!" "GRRRRRR GHAT!" "GR GHAT!" The boar panicked. It smelled Liken Wolves and felt the fur of one against its skin. Cold sweat dripped down its spine. It looked around in a sh, finding that more than two dozen Liken Wolves surrounded it. There was only one path of escape¡ªa valley on the other end of a passage. Thankfully, it was an empty area, and it could smell Tharshweed in the distance. Tharshweed was poisonous, and Liken Wolves were sensitive to it. As a result, the He Boars tried to feed in areas near it. Only 75 meters were standing between it and safety. "SQUEEEEEE!" The boar kicked its legs and ran for its life. It left dust trails in its wake. "GR GHAT!" "GRRRRRR GHAT!" "GRRRRRRrrrrrrr!" 50 meters. 30 meters. 10 meters. Booooooom! A small charge exploded near the Markov den, waking therge dragon-like creature. It raised its head in confusion. It saw a He Boar running to it with the most hopeful and ecstatic expression when it looked to the entrance. It wasn''t hungry, however. It was¡ª Annoyed. Cranky. Pissed off. It determined that this He Boar would be the first andst beast to wake it from its rest with a happy expression on its face. The wyvern roared at full volume, and a soundwave rippled through the atmosphere. However¡ª The boar made it through the passage, rolled over a rock, and tripped. However, it wasn''t a big deal. The Liken Wolves were behind it, and it didn''t have much more distance to cover to achieve total freedom. The Markov stared at the boar with disbelief. The creature was even happier than before and started charging toward it again! It looked as though it would hug the mythical creature. Enraged, the Markov decided to make an example out of the boar. The wyvern exploded from its position and scooped up the He Boar in its maw. Once inside, he flew out of the den at full force. ¡ª "That''s amazing!" Charlotte cried. "So it worked?" Tilo asked with astonishment. "... Mostly." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 83 [Public Execution] "Shit! Shit-shit-shit-shit-shit!" Helix cried while running for his life. When Tyrene saw the boy running in a panic, she looked into the distance. "Fuck! How the hell did he manage to piss off the Markov from that distance!?" She cried. Both of them were crying; one of them knew why they were crying. It was a big difference. As Tyrene approached the scene at lightning speed, she heard something strange in the distance. "SQUEEEEEE! SQUEEEEEE!" "What the hell?" She asked in confusion. Hanging from the wyvern''s mouth was a He Boar squeezing for its life. "Please make eating part of your demonstration!" Helix cried as he ran as fast as possible. However, by an unlucky stroke of fate, the wyvern was following him. Helix didn''t know whether tough or cry when he saw Tyrene approaching from a distance. "Tyrene! Run!" He yelled. "I''ming to get you, you idiot!" Tyrene barked. "No! Run!" Helix reiterated. Tyrene lifted an eyebrow. "Are you stupid, woman!? I''m telling you to fucking run for a reason!" He cried. ¡ª "Instead of eating the boar, it scooped it into its maw and flew up into the sky with it." Tyrene sighed. "Why would it do that?" Marie asked in confusion. "The Markov wyvern is a nocturnal creature. Helix had woken it up with the boar, which pissed it off something savage. It decided to make a demonstration of the boar to warn all other creatures of what they''d face if they woke it up." ¡ª Tyrene looked up, and the wyvern was pping its wings in a fixed location, circling so every creature in the forest could see the He Boar. "SQUEEEEEE! SQUEEEEEE!" It was a public execution. "Run!" Helix yelled. "I can''t with you here. You''re too slow to keep up!" Tyrene yelled in annoyance. "If you''re dead set on saving me, pick me up, princess carry me, do whatever!" Helix roared. "Whatever you do, run and get the fuck out of here!" Helix roared when he saw she wasn''t moving. Tyrene''s eyes widened, and she quicklyplied. She scooped him into her arms. ¡ª "When I saw the wyvern flying out of its den in broad daylight and this idiot running for his life, I caught up with him quickly." Tyrene continued. "The idiot was in a frenzy. When I didn''tply, he asked¡­." Tyrene looked at Helix and then his three girlfriends with a conflicted look on her face. She didn''t want to embarrass him. However¡­. On second thought, it would make a good punishment. "... me to princess carry him and get the hell out of dodge." Everyone around the campfire burst intoughter. "So here I am, princess carrying Helix, by explicit request, running away from a wyvern at 4 pm. It had only been four hours since we showed up!" Tyrene eximed. Moreughter erupted from the area. ¡ª "What the hell is going on, Helix! You have some real nerve calling me [woman]!" Tyrene barked. "Beat the fuck out of meter when we''re alive!" Helix cried. "SQUEEEEEE! SQU¡ª" A sickening crunch filled the soundwaves. Blood poured out of Markov''s jaws and spilled to the ground. "Master! If we''re lucky, we have 30 seconds! If ites our way, move faster towards an area with cover!" Helix yelled. Tyrene''s eyes widened, and her heart started pounding. She wanted to scream and beat his reasoning out of him. But when she heard thirty seconds, she started booking it. ¡ª "What happened!? Did it eat the boar?" Charlotte cried. "I¡­ don''t know how to answer that question¡­." Tyrene answered with a conflicted expression. Her uncertainty only made everyone present more excited. "What I do know is that the idiot hit me with three battle discs on his journey to set up a barrier spell!" ¡ª Helix looked back. The wyvern was still circling the area, ensuring every creature could see it. 20 seconds. It scanned the area for prey while it was already out. 10 seconds. When it spotted Helix and Tyrene, it narrowed its eyes. "KYAAAAAAAAAH!" "Fuck fuck fuck" Helix yelled. "Stop squirming!" Tyrene growled. Suddenly a series of battle discs hit her in the face. "What the fuck, kid!" She yelled. However, when she saw the disc that was glowing, she panicked. The wyvern started moving in their direction when the magic circle lit up. Tyrene looked back just in time to watch the most absurd thing she had ever seen. "KYAAAAA¡ª" BOOOOOM! Fire exploded from the Markov''s mouth like a raging river. It shot out over 100 feet in a straight line. Its body expanded like a water balloon for a few seconds. Tyrene''s eyes went wide when she saw the beast double in size before¡ª BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! A shockwave hit Helix and Tyrene¡ªwith a light breeze. However, the heat from the explosion didn''t reach them. As nned, the Markov scales contained the cmity spell within a [small] st radius. 50-feet radius [small]. It was a huge explosion. It just wasn''t a cmity-sized explosion. ¡ª Suddenly, Tyrene burst intoughter. "I¡­ hahahaha¡­ have¡­ to¡­ hahaha¡­ admit¡­ haha¡­ the sight wasical! Hahahaha!" She roared. "The Markov looked like it just ate spicy food. Its face scrunched up something fierce. Then it shot out a fire breath 100 feet in front of its face!" Sheughed. The other women and Tilo were chuckling with bewilderment. "Then it filled up like a water balloon and exploded!" Tilo and the women started roaring withughter. Helix grumbled when he got tossed off Marie''sp. However, before Marie panicked, he sleep-crawled back to herp andid his head on her. The women startedughing again when they saw the scene y out. "Anyway, his silly barrier spell didn''t get used. We would have been safe 50 meters closer. It was extremely well contained as nned. Still, I started to yell at this idiot, of course¡­." ¡ª "Helix Hellgates Margrave!" Tyrene cried. The two were not affected by the st whatsoever. Tyrene estimated they were closer to the wyvern than Helix originally was. Therefore, his n¡ªwhatever it was¡ªcould be categorized as safe. However! It still unleashed a biblical fucking st! Tyrene didn''t know whether tough or cry after watching the sight. Helix didn''t know whether tough or cry because he was in his teacher''s arms. Unfortunately, they weren''t home-free by any stretch of the imagination. "Kiiiiiiiiiiii! Ki! Ki! Ki! Kiki! Kiiiiiiii!" "RHHHAAAAAAAAHRRR!" "GRRRRRRrrrrrrr!" Beasts of every size and character started barking, whooping, roaring, screeching, and howling in the distance. ¡ª "But there was something neither could have expected." Tyrene continued with a serious expression. "The wyvern was the alpha of the forest. It made a public demonstration of the boar getting eaten. Thirty secondster, it exploded into a million pieces. That meant¡ª" "There was a biblical power struggle to see who would be on top!?" Charlotte asked excitedly. "... Yes." Tyrene replied with a suspicious expression. "Don''t worry. We''ve had to deal with this type of situation twice now." Marie sighed. Riley nodded with bitter agreement. Charlotte couldn''t care less. She wanted to know what happened after that. "There was a biblical power struggle, as you call it, and that kid and I had to fight our way to safety. I took all the strong ones, and he took out the weak ones." Tyrene sighed. "Which meant that I took out 90% of them." "Wait¡­ is that it?" Charlotte frowned. "Is that¡­ it? What the hell does that mean?" Tyrene snapped. "Well, aren''t you going to depict what happened?" Charlotte rified. "Oh¡­ you''re one of those people¡­." Tyrene muttered. "Those interested in hearing about the quantity of weak things killed, not the quality and ingenuity of the interesting?" "I think you misunderstand something, master." Charlotte huffed. "I just like to hear about people killing things." The women burst intoughter. Tyrene couldn''t help but chuckle. Tilo''s eyes zed over a while ago. "So? Are you going to just sit there and let me take this beating? Or will you keep hiding what happened between you and him now that I''vee clean?" Tyrene asked Tilo. "I¡­." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 84 [Conditional Logic] "I¡­ can''t." Tilo imed while shaking his head. Leveling a preemptive strike, he lifted his hand in the air. "I promised Helix I wouldn''t tell." He rified. "Master Tilo¡­ that just makes us want to know more." Marie replied. "Everyone always says that when they''re told [no] once. If the answer is no, the amount you want is irrelevant." Tilo sassed. "If you want to know, I''ll confess. But you need permission from the boy." Everyone looked at Helix''s sleeping face with a conflicted expression. "How good was it?" Marie asked. "Good? There''s nothing good about it!" Tilo snapped. "So juu~see." Charlotte grinned. She immediately reached over. Marie growled at her like a dog willing to bite. Charlotte pointed to Tinker, snoozing on herp. "If you growl, Tinker will growl, then Hellie will wake." Charlotte warned. Marie narrowed her eyes on Charlotte. "Rx. He''ll fall back asleep or be thankful someone let him know he has a heavenlyp pillow." The people around the campfire chuckled when they saw Marie''s face turn rosy. Marie sighed in defeat and allowed Charlotte to shake him a little. "Guhhhhh? Marie? Charlotte? Riley? I love you, whoever you are." Helix muttered sleepily. The people around the campfire burst intoughter. "Huh? What''s up?" He asked with his eyes still closed. "We just heard about your wyvern fight. Tyrene will kill Tilo if he doesn''t speak about your match. But he''s willing to die to protect your secret. The question is¡­ will you let your poor teacher die?" Charlotte grinned. Helixughed in a pitiful state of bliss. "Am I in ap?" He asked. "Yes. I''m giving you ap pillow." Marie replied with a warm blush. "Ahhhhhh. Okay, I can die happy." Helixughed. Everyone''s faces lit up in excitement. Especially Marie''s. She was just told herp was worth dying for. "To guarantee victory and further culture, I created a harem of naked women to assault Tilo and lead the prude intondmines." Helix exined. "He died." Silence fell over the area. Then there was a chuckle. Then another. And another. Soon everyone burst intoughter¡ªincluding Helix. The sensation of himughing left Marie with a veryplexugh. "What a legend! Leave it to Hellie to go for the kill!" Charlotte cried out. "You''re not even going to look at Tilo to verify?" Tyrene chuckled. "Hmmm? What for? We would have known he died a merciless death even if Hellie didn''t say so." Charlotte replied in genuine confusion. Tilo looked around in shock. He found Marie and Riley with the same nonplussed expression for being questioned. "Don''t worry, master." Helix called out in a muffled voice. He spoke into Marie''s crotch like he was lecturing on harem culture and proving it simultaneously. "You were always going to lose. If my eyes were open, you might have stood a chance." Charlotte nodded multiple times in full agreement. "Hellie pulled out the most ruthless trump card in¡ªwait, what!? Did you say you fought Tilo with a harem with your eyes closed!?" She gasped. "Yes. Please ask Tilo. I''m living out a dream with one of the women I love." Helix requested while nuzzling his head into Marie''sp. Marie was happy, embarrassed, and increasingly sexually aroused. It was bing a problem. "But I''ll leave you with one thing. Tilo asked if I was using [Nightmare]." Helix grinned. All of the women burst intoughter. Helix already informed Tyrene and TIlo that he told Marie, Charlotte, and Riley about [Nightmare], and they could talk about it. Even though he trusted them, he informed his partners they couldn''t talk about [Nightmare] with Tilo and Tyrene unless they entered a bloodpact. They immediately agreed. Tilo looked at Helix with a murderous expression. However, he couldn''t help but be moved by how happy the boy was. So he took the embarrassment like a champ and exined what happened. "Jokes aside, he did a number on you." Tyrenemented. "Yeah. I hate to admit this, but the boy straight-up murdered me. That means our training next week starts up with me fighting back." Tilo grinned. The young women all tried to interject, but Tyrene jumped in. "Yup. If he can hand a seventy-niner, he can handle multiple sixties, no problem." Marie looked down at Helix to check his expression. He was out cold again, which made her worry. "Don''t worry about him. He''s just happy." Tyrenemented with a gentle expression. "He hasn''t slept for a month. Now that you''re here and safe, he can rest." "He hasn''t slept? Has training been that hard?" Marie asked hesitantly. Knowing she would be enduring that training again tomorrow made her shiver. "It is¡­ but not nearly as bad as he''s making it." Tilo confirmed hesitantly. "s, the boy is bringing it upon himself." The man sighed, and Tyrene nodded in agreement. Marie wanted to snap and say he was making excuses, but Tyrene gave them the same depleted look. "Yeah. The poor thing levels up every monster hunt. Therefore, his muscle memory gets thrashed, and I have to make him work harder and limit his strength stat in training." Tyrene sighed. "Not only that, the boy''s so talented and loaded up with resources that he''s at risk of a real mistake. Imagine if he created that Eruption circle and modified it without my guidance. One mistake would have wiped him and everything around him off the map. I''m forced to be harder on him for his mistakes, teach him more dangerous topics, and make him practice far more excessively to prevent that." Tilo sighed. "Lastly, the brat trains and reads in his free time. He never truly rests." Tyrene sighed in agreement. "He''s been working hard for you three." "I see. Thank you, then." Marie whispered with a warm smile on her face. The other women nodded. "Pssssst. Tilo. Will you tell us about the circles that Helix makes?" Charlotte asked. Tilo nodded with a genuine smile. "The circles Helix makes are mundane and standard more often than not." He exined. "However, the small modifications he makes are extraordinary." "How so, master?" Riley asked with a strange glint in her eyes. "The boy will create a small [Waterspout] circle and throw a dozen [Gentle Charge] circles into it. The electricity circles will only trigger if the Waterspout goes off. As a result, you cannot defuse them in advance. You cannot defuse a magic circle permanently, either. His modification also prevents them from being triggered if there is a negation circle present. Lastly, he created a blood pact with himself that prevents the spells from triggering if he steps on them." Tilos continued. The eyes of everyone present couldn''t get wider. "Fighting Helix Margrave is like walking into a living minefield possessed by evil spirits hellbent on revenge." Heughed. "How¡­ does he think about these things week after week?" Tyrene asked with bewilderment in her eyes. "I thought he''d eventually hit a wall with his creativity." "That''s what I thought. However, the conceptse as naturally to him as breathing. What he''s doing is connected to his hobbies back home which specialize in the art, so he has years of practice." Tiloughed. Tyrene raised an eyebrow. "Hobbies? There''s a name for the art?" She asked. "Indeed. The boy calls it conditional logic." Tilo confirmed. "That''s right! Helix was an aspiring video game developer!" Marie gasped. Tilo raised an eyebrow. "You know about this strange art?" He asked with curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Not personally, but I know the concept." Marie nodded. "Programming is aputer concept that centers on conditional logic. He designs worlds simr to Myriad''s monster-fighting system. He''ll write code that states if the character defeats monster A, grant 720 EXP. If a character''s EXP exceeds 20,000, increase Level by one and stats by 5%." Marie exined. "Programming is centered around [IF] statements. In that battle, he''s saying that IF Waterspout is triggered, trigger the electricity if avable; ELSE, wait until the condition is met. IF the Markov eats the magic circle, trigger it; ELSE, don''t trigger it." Marie continued. "Conditional logic is a general concept. I don''t think that Helix is being creative. Instead, I think he''s thinking of ideal usages for magic circles and then finding solutions to bring them into reality. I''m sure you''d agree that preventing spell diffusion or traps from going off ahead of schedule is not ideal. However, instead of Helix giving up on using them, he finds solutions to fix the problem." Tilo was stunned to hear Marie''s exnation. "The boy said something about that before with a concept known as [encryption]. He wasn''t creating the concepts; he said he was finding ways to recreate them¡­." He pondered aloud. Tyrene wasn''t interested in the topics whatsoever. There was something different at the back of her mind. "Marie. Did you just say that Helix [creates] worlds simr to the monster leveling system?" She asked with narrowed eyes. Marie''s heart started pounding, and she put her hands up and waved them. "Don''t misunderstand! This and that are simr, but one''s life and the other is a game." She rified hurriedly. "Millions of people on Earth share that profession. However, they can''t modify the real world. That''s absurd." Tyrene put up her hands in response. "Don''t worry, child. I''m not using him of being a god." She chuckled. "I''m just¡­." "Increasingly convinced that he''s someone that can build an army to kill the Mad Queen?" Charlotte scoffed. Tyrene fell silent. "Let''s table this for the night." Tilo requested while standing up and stretching. "We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow and should get some rest." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 85 [Petty Chess] Helix opened his eyes slowly. He felt multiple soft objects on his body. The young man raised his eyes to the heavens and whispered a thankful prayer to the non-Elise gods. "I''ll never tire of this." He chuckled. Helix reluctantly nudged Marie. "Huuuuuha?" She grumbled. "It''s time to wake up, sweetheart." He replied with a gentle smile. "... Sweetheart?" Marie muttered in a sleepy daze. "Yes, sweetheart." Marie''s smile lit up, and she searched for Helix''s lips like a homing missile. He gave her a gentle kiss. Then he nudged Charlotte. "Guhhhhh. Five more minutes. Unless it''s Hellie. Then just take me." She grumbled. Charlotte was truly still half asleep. So her outburst was genuine. Helix chuckled in bewilderment. "It''s me. Wake up. I have bakery treats being delivered. Let''s eat before going to practice." "Did you say baked and treat in the same word? If you did, you better be willing to ept the consequences." Charlotte warned sleepily. Helix didn''t know what to say. "Come on. Time to get up." He chuckled. Marie sat up. Her red hair was messy, and she wore a white bra. Charlotte followed. She reached one area in the air, puffed out her chest, and yawned. She was wearing a green bra. "I love this cliche." He chuckled. Helix reached over Marie to gently shake Riley. "Hey, Riley. Time to wake up, beautiful." He said with a gentle smile. "Huh? Helix?" Riley whispered. "Yes. It''s me." He smiled. "I''m not that beautiful. But thepliment makes me extremely happy. It''s an amazing way to wake up. Thank you." She replied with a dazzling smile while sitting up. Helix was stunned, and his eyes settled on her ck bra. He sighed when he realized leaving bed wasn''t negotiable. "I''ll be back. Tilly will be here soon with the baked goods. So I''ll need to greet her." Helix quickly dressed and headed downstairs. "Morning!" A bright smile greeted him. "Good morning, Tilly." Helix yawned. "Gotta say, kid. I admire you." The middle-aged man chuckled. He had brown, thinning hair and a kind expression. "Hmmm?" Helix asked quizzically. "It takes a big man to admit when you''re wrong. But when you do, it makes the misses happy. Or in your case, the misseses, you lucky dog." Tilly replied casually. "Who says [lucky dog] these days? Also, wait¡­ what?" Helix asked with a narrowed gaze. He was officially awake. "Hmmm? Tilo came in earlier to request a favor on your behalf." Helix groaned inwardly. "I see¡­. Thank you, Tilly." He replied while hesitantly epting the box. He walked away awkwardly. When he looked inside, his eyes took on the form of a dead fish. ¡ª "What are these words written on the doughnuts?" Marie asked. Each doughnut had a word on it. "I''m Harem You Women Have Of Created A To Wi Lu" Helix yed off the situation coolly. "Hmmm? That''s for you to discover. I''ve partially eaten some of the words to give it more re." He replied with a slight smile. The young women took turns suggestingbinations. "This is our guess. I''m [lu] to have created a harem of [nk] women [wi] you." Charlotte announced. "Are we right? You''ve eaten a whole doughnut. Very sus~picious." Helix gave her a mysterious smile. "I think it''s much better to let your imagination go wild." He replied. "Let''s get to practice before our master beats us senseless. Before you ask¡ªno, I''m not joking. He doesn''t have an ounce of simp in his body." Riley chuckled, and Marie was nervous. Charlotte was still staring at the doughnuts with a pondering expression. Helix started sweating as he watched her. When the group turned the corner, they all were ck-jawed at what they saw. During the hunting expedition, Tilo had [renovated] the training arena. It was no longer a 30 x 30 feet dome but a 30 x 30 [meter] dome. Helix chuckled when he saw it. He couldn''t tell whether it was purely in anticipation of Marie and Riley''s Nightmares or partially a petty stab at his water trick. When the group entered the dome, Tilo sat on an earth throne with a hand on his chin and a bored face. "Why are you so glum, master?" Helix asked. "Hmmm? I thought you three would be a bit¡­ more lively." TIlomented bitterly. "Why''s that, master?" Helix asked with a gentle, predatory smile. TIlo narrowed his eyes on the boy. It was officially a mental battle to see who could pull off the bakery charade in their favor. Tilo didn''t want to expose that he was the person behind the false message. However, he wanted to stab the young man for what he did. The problem was that he didn''t know whether he had given the young girlfriends the doughnuts. "Here, master. We left you some doughnuts." Charlotte announced with an uncharacteristic poker face. Tilo''s eyes trembled when he saw the box approaching him. He hesitantly grabbed and opened it. The doughnuts left were: [Wi women have created you a harem]. Tilo''s eyebrow twitched. Realizing he was losing, Tilo resorted to a pyrrhic victory strategy. "Hmmm? Thank youdies!" He replied with a bright smile. "However, I''m interested. Who took a bite out of the [we] doughnut, and what did it originally say?" Tilo pressed a finger against his lips. His message was, [did you do this,dies? Or was Helix involved]? It was a clever strategy because he could always fall back on an argument like [I was wondering if Helix led the charge]. "I did." Helix replied boldly. "I wanted to switch up the message for a bit of fun." Helix gave him a smug expression. He was telling the truth and protecting himself at the same time. Tilo''s eyes narrowed. The two were officially ying Petty Chess. Unfortunately, Tilo had already determined pyrrhic victory was his strategy. "Hmmm. You switched the message, [I''m sorry that I created a harem of lustful women without you] into a message for fun?" Tilo asked with a deadly smile. The women gasped. p "What was I supposed to do when my petty teacher intercepted my baked goods to leave behind a misleading message?" Helix sighed. The women looked at the men withplex expressions. No one knew what to say. Except¡ª "Woah! Hold up!" Charlotte yelled. Helix and Tilo started sweating profusely. "Hellie, did you switch up a message that [savage] into a mysterious love note that captivated our hearts?" She asked. "... Yes." Helix sighed. "That''s¡­ delightful! What the hell? Your charm stat is level 87 at a minimum! Who can nom their way out of a sticky sitch like that in only a few minutes? I''m genuinely impressed!" She announced with glittering eyes. Marie and Riley thought back on it and came to the same conclusion. They started giggling. Tilo''s face caved into a frown. "What did the message end up saying?" He sighed. "This is our guess. I''m [lu] to have created a harem of [nk] women [wi] you!" Charlotte announced with a puffed-out chest. "AKA, I''m lucky to have created a harem of beautiful, stunning, amazing, powerful, sexy women with you!" The other women also puffed out their chests with pride. "He removed a [sorry] and made it apliment. That''s how real men handle sticky situations with their women!" Charlotte announced. "That''s right!" Marie confirmed. "I''m not sure how men usually deal with situations. But I like this approach." Riley giggled. Helix gave Tilo an expression that read, [I''m sorry. I don''t know what''s going on either]. Tilo shrugged and gave him an expression that said, [I''m going to kill you, but I''m not taking this as an offense]. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 86 [Shatter] "Moving on¡­." Tilo coughed. "Today, I will be testing your battle strength. You may use whatever means you have avable tond a substantial hit on me in ten attacks." Marie narrowed her eyes at Tilo. "That includes using your Nightmares to their farthest potential. However, if you use your Nightmare dangerously, you will naturally face the consequences." "Does that¡­." Charlotte began hesitantly. "Charlotte. Try your hardest to execute the man ruthlessly." Helix answered. He gave her a serious expression thatmunicated how serious he was being. "That''s right." Tilo confirmed. "In ten attacks, if you have not hit me, I will beat you ruthlessly for trying to kill me. That''s a fair exchange, is it not?" Charlotte gave Tilo a quizzical expression. "If a woman tries to kill me, I''ll break their spine. That proves that I''m not a simp." Helix sighed. "If a student does something stupid, Tilo will beat them, period. Remember that the word [simp] does not exist in Myriad." The women shuttered lightly. "What about the arena?" Marie asked. "It''s protected with general barriers to absorb damage." Tilo exined. "However, the ground is not protected, and the outside barriers only go so far. So while you can use [Shatter] to a degree far greater than you''re used to, promoting a real earthquake is still unwise." Marie nodded with resolve in her eyes. "Then can I go first?" She asked. Tilo looked at Marie with surprise. However, none of the others seemed like there was anything unnatural. "... Yes." He replied suspiciously. "There are wooden weapons you can use. Please let me know when you''re ready." Marie walked over and picked up a wooden shortsword. Helix''s heart thumped and cried for joy when she didn''t pick up a rapier. Fighting against real swords wielded by cheats with a rapier is nothing short of suicide. He was d she didn''t choose cliche [trashy ssiness] as her fighting style. "I''m ready." Marie replied immediately without hesitation. She tested the shortsword a few times to ensure she understood the weight. Otherwise, she was satisfied. "Hmmm. Alright, then. Everyone, stand back!" Tilo announced. "Once they''re in the moderately safe zone, you may begin." Helix and the others walked back to the dome''s entrance, where a Level 5 barrier was set up. After confirming they were inside it, Marie turned to Tilo. A split secondter, she kneeled and touched her hands to the ground. [Quake]. Tilo''s eyes went wide. "She''s using an earthquake spell!?" He cried under his breath. A ripple of earth moved through the dome as though a leaf touched water. Tilo avoided the ripple and jumped into the air to assess the situation. To his shock, an earthquake wasn''t urring. Something far more unbelievable was taking ce. Just as minor ripples follow main ripples, Marie''s [Quake] was followed by dozens of tiny rolling fluctuations. Out of curiosity, TIlo allowed himself to fall to the ground. As soon as he did, he understood the mind-bending nature of what was happening. Just as Helix''s Ghost Walker Trigger spell threw Tilo off-bnce, Marie''s Quake created light vibrations that made him nauseous. Once he was slightly limated, his eyes widened when he saw Marie flying at him with her sword. "Heh. Not bad." Tilo chuckled. The man lifted his sword to block her strike. He aplished the task effortlessly and continued to do so. However, he was shocked to learn that she saw him attacking just fine. She had adjusted her body''s movements with the vibrations. Helix watched the battle with an evil grin. Tilo saw his expression and narrowed his eyes dangerously. "I know you had something to do with this. Just wait until I take out my frustration on you." He chuckled with madness in his eyes. "[Jagged Edge]." A barrier of jagged rocks shot up from Tilo''s back, preventing him from moving backward. "Hah! Not bad!" He eximed. Tilo jumped into the air and hopped into the tip of one of the rocks. "This is just as hard as I thought it''d be!" He chuckled as he hopped from tip to tip. The jagged rocks were vibrating, making his center of bnce break apart. However, Marie watched in shock as he nimbly hopped from rock to rock and continued to avoid her strikes. "[Shatter!]" Marie yelled while dropping to the ground and pressing her left hand against the earth. The jagged rocks started exploding [outward] from each direction. It boxed him into an exploding hellscape of shrapnel. "Fuuuuuuuuuck." Charlotte eximed with a wincing face. "Good try, missy. A+." Tilo chuckled. "When she wakes up, I''ll have to remind her that it''s easy to find the one area that won''t get hit with shrapnel when your enemy is five feet away." Helix walked up with a hopeless smile and picked Marie up princess carry style. "Wheeeeeeew! Hellie, I demand that treatment when I''m broken and bleeding." Charlotte whistled. Helix gave her a wry smile. "Sure thing, Charlotte. I''ll make sure to do that." He chuckled as heid Marie''s body down. "Who''s next?" Tilo asked. "I''d like to go next, if you don''t mind." Riley called out. Tilo raised an eyebrow. "Hmmm. That''s surprising. I was certain that blondy would be the one itching to fight." He muttered under his breath. "Of course! Please choose your weapon." Riley walked into the arena and put her beautiful brte hair into a ponytail. Then she walked over to the sword that Marie dropped and tested its weight. "I think that this one will do." She whispered to herself. Tilo watched the young woman with interest. He was surprised to learn how bold and decisive Marie was. Now he was staring down Riley, who was an enigma. He knew nothing about the young woman in front of him. She was quiet and reserved. Usually, her type was self-conscious. However, she was extremely forward in the politest way. It was as though she was confident in herself andpletely content. It was bizarre. "Are you ready?" He asked. Riley bowed to him politely. "Yes, I am. Let''s begin." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 87 [Cyclone And Blaze] "Begin!" "[Cyclone]." Riley whispered. The shrapnel left behind from [Shatter] flew at Tilo in a torrent. "Hah! You have aplementary skill set!" Tiloughed in glee. Riley narrowed her eyes with an unreadable expression. Tilo hadn''t moved. He wasn''t dodging, either. The man was standing, surrounded by a barrier, as the rock fragments crashed against it violently. Helix watched the proceedings with interest. Riley burst from her position with her sword in her hand. Most barriers could keep monsters, magic, and projectiles out. However, it could not stop a human being from entering. "[Wind Wall]." Riley called out with her left hand pressed forward. Tilo lifted his hand to block the iing attack. Wind Wall created two walls of wind that created a tunnel for Riley to run through. No projectiles could pass through. However, it was highly dangerous to use near fire. Tilo was anticipating the strike toe from in front of him. The strategy was simple. The cyclone was raging out of the barrier. Riley would enter the barrier and force Tilo out. A single rock would scratch him, and it would be over. That was the general strategy. However¡ª "[Dancing Wind]!" When her body was only a few meters away, the cyclone bent around her movements. "Hah! A marvelous bluff!" Tilo called out. Riley sliced through the barrier at a frightening speed. Her skill with a sword was also remarkable. "Excellent!" Tilo cried out. Charlotte''s eyes widened¡ª ¡ªand then they fell lifelessly toward the floor. Tilo had knocked her out the second that she entered the barrier. "That was stunning." He announced with a charming smile. "A+. You did not let Marie outshine you in the slightest." Charlotte frowned when he watched Helix carry Riley back. "That fight was half as long and anti-climactic." She whined. "It''s because her strategy was strong and highly adaptable to any situation." Helix said with a slight smile. "Huh?" Charlotte asked. "Just like Marie''s ripple quake, she can use her cyclone wind dancebo in any battle." He exined. "The only thing itcked was swordy and agility, which you''ll all improve soon. Riley wasn''t beaten by strategy. She was beaten due to ack of fundamentals. Don''t worry." Helix looked at her with a gentle smile. "Are you ready?" He asked. Charlotte fidgetted nervously. "I¡­." She began with an anxious expression. "If you kill master, Tyrene and I will celebrate that a new grandmaster was born. The world will be stoked to know an 18-year-old has imed the prize." Helix joked. Charlotte crossed her arms and huffed. "Seriously, Charlotte. If I messed up my first round, I would have died." Heughed. "Take it seriously, or you will get roasted." Charlotte nodded. "Are you ready, girl?" Tilo asked. Charlotte looked at Marie and Riley, knocked out cold on the ground next to her. "Yeah, sure. Whatever. If you y with fire, you''ll get burned. Remember that." Tilo shot her an unenthusiastic expression. However, he saw that Helix was not smiling. "What is your Nightmare? I know it''s a fire element, but I restricted my knowledge." Tilo asked. "It''s called Exodus ze." Charlotte replied with sharp eyes. "Hmmm. I''ve never heard of that before." Hemented with his hand on his chin. "If you don''t take it seriously, you''ll be one more person less that has." Charlotte replied. "Bold words, littledy. Let''s see if you can back them up." Tilo replied with sharp eyes. "You may begin when¡ª" "[Exodus ze]!" "Gahhhhhhh! What the fuck!" Tilo cried. "Good thing I set¡­ up¡­ this¡­ barrier¡­." Tilo was smashed against the ground as a raging torrent of vibrant blue fire sted against his barrier. One element that could not be stopped by a barrier¡ªgravity. Gravity is a constant force that allows humans to walk and interact. Changing the gravity in an area affects everything equally. "Damn! This Nightmare''s only purpose is to murder someone and leave behind no evidence." Tilo chuckled. The Level 3 charge barrier he set up specifically for Charlotte began to crack. Wind magic was pressing the fire against the barrier, and gravity was locking him into ce and pressurizing the heat. The mes were stronger, hotter, and more devastating. "Haaaaaaaah. To think I''d have to try again." He chuckled. "I suppose that boy wouldn''t hang around just any women." Tilo moved against gravity to pull out a magic circle disc. "[Suffocate]." Tilo said as he sucked in a deep breath. Then he dropped another circle. [Dissipate]. Something extraordinary happened. Charlotte''s unstoppable raging wall of vibrant blue death mes instantly ceased to exist. p The wind stopped too. "Where''d he¡ªguuuuuhl." Charlotte fell to her knees after receiving a karate chop to the back of her neck. "Damn. That''s a brutal Nightmare!" Tiloughed next to her. "Five stars for listening to the murder master''s advice too." The man shot Helix a murderous nce. Helix sighed, knowing what would happen next. "Ow¡­ that hurt." Charlotte whined while rubbing the back of her neck. "What? Did you want a hug?" Tilo replied mockingly. "Yes! As a matter of fact!" She huffed. A split secondter, Charlotte flung herself into Helix''s arms. "Waaaaaah. Hellie! Master''s mean!" She cried. Helix gave the overly dramatic woman a hopeless smile. Her acting was so atrocious that Tilo''s poker face crumbled. He couldn''t remember thest time he had felt so mocked. "Anyway¡­ let''s wait for the others to wake up. Then we''ll review." Tilo announced. "Wait! We don''t get to watch Hellie fight!?" Charlotte cried indignantly. "You do get to watch me fight." Helix sighed. "Master is waiting for you all to wake up. He wants an audience when he beats me senseless." Charlotte''s eyes went wide with surprise. "Then you should beat him up! You have a group of women to impress!" She replied with a devious smile. Helix gave her a wry smile. "Trust me. I try to win every time." Charlotte gave him a hopeful expression and pleading eyes. "But¡­ I''ll try harder." He sighed. Charlotte''s eyes lit up. "You better!" She dered. "Yeah, yeah." He chuckled. The two chatted for about twenty minutes alone before Marie woke up. It was nice to catch up alone, and they both enjoyed it. Marie joined in once she was awake, and Helix filled her in on what was happening. Five minutester, Riley woke up and got the same breakdown. "Hey boy! You have some girls to impress." TIlo taunted. "Are you ready to experience the fruits of all of your hard work?" Helix chuckled bitterly. "Master. If I got any reward from doing good besides an extra 5% increase in your power, I''d be happy." He sighed. "5%?" Charlotte asked. Helix gave them a wry smile. "Master is Level 189." Their eyes went wide with shock and astonishment. "That''s right." Helix chuckled. "We''ve been here a few months. We take fast growth for granted. However, master has been developing his craft for fifty years." He pointed at Tilo. "That man is an absolute badass. Just making him sweat is an honor." Tilo gave Helix a wry smile, saying, [you''re not ass-kissing your way out of this, boy]. Helix looked at his girlfriends. "That''s why I''ll happily take an ass beating. After I make him sweat... profusely." He grinned. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 88 [Hall Of Mirrors] Helix stepped into the arena with a personal wooden sword. He unsheathed it carefully and inspected its weight. Instead of rushing in, he tested his new level and stats after fighting the Level 79 Markov. Tilo watched the young man patiently with a satisfied glint in his eyes. He enjoyed watching Helix strike the sword in the air twenty times in each direction. It was a sign of his growth. "His shes are really slow." Rileymented. "True. It''s surprising." Charlotte replied. "It''s because he leveled up right before we got here." Marie exined. "Tyrene was telling us about the importance of muscle memoryst night, remember?" "Oh yeah¡­ gaaaaaah! I''m so excited!" Charlotte cried. "We get to watch Hellie fight!" Marie and Riley''s faces lit up with anticipation. "Do you think he''ll use his Nightmare?" Riley asked. "Hmmm. It''s hard to tell." Marie replied. "The strategy he helped me formte was shockingly effective despite its simplicity. I think that he''ll perform a minimalist approach." Charlotte corrected her sses. "I see¡­." "Charlotte, why do you wear those sses?" Marie asked. "They''re not real." Charlotte shot her a mocking nce. "Why? It''s because Hellie showed interest in my quirky style when he met me." She shrugged. "After Helix shattered my expectations with his cunning strategy, I took an interest in him. I have worn the sses every day since. They make me stand out, so I''m easy to notice." Marie''s eyes went wide. "Hmmm? Is it surprising I''d work to get his attention, Ms. Blushy?" Charlotte asked with a grin. Marie red at Charlotte with a murderous gaze. Charlotte gazed at Helix, who was still swinging his sword. "You have your eyes in the wrong direction." Shemented. Marie''s eyes widened again before instantly turning back to Helix. "Alright, master. I think that I''m ready." Helix smiled. Tilo walked forward. "I''m not letting you casually attack me today." He announced. "I didn''t think you would." Helix sighed. "Good man." Tilo smiled. "Whenever you''re ready." Helix announced. Tilo''s olive-green eyes shed against Helix''s pitch-ck gaze. "Ten!" Tilo began. "Let''s goooooo!" Charlotte cried. "Nine!" "Get''em, Helix!" Marie cheered. "Eight!" "I''ll be watching." Riley called out sweetly. "Seven!" "Thanks, guys." Helix chuckled. "Six!" "Five!" "Four!" "I''m stoked!" Charlotte cried. "Three!" "Two!" "One!" "Go!" Helix disappeared, leaving the women bewildered. "Concealment Spell¡ª" ng! Two swords collide against one another at a frightening speed. ng! ng! ng! It took Marie, Charlotte, and Riley a moment to process that they were watching a regr sword fight. It wasn''t too fast for their mind to process. However, they didn''t prepare to watch Helix fighting at such a frightening pace! "Is he faster than you, Riley?" Charlotte asked. ng! ng! "I¡­ don''t think so." Riley shook her head. ng! ng! ng! "But the sword skill he''s showing isn''t even in the same ss as mine." ng! ng! ng! ng! "Interesting." Charlottemented with narrowed eyes. "Why¡­." Marie muttered. "Is watching this fight making me dizzy?" Charlotte cocked her head. She wasmentating with Riley, so she wasn''t as attentive. ng! ng! Charlotte brushed her straight blonde hair out of her eyes. ng! ng! ng! "What¡­." She muttered. ng! ng! . ng! "This does feel¡­." Rileymented nervously. ng! ng! ng! ng! .. ng! ng! Marie dropped to the floor. "Marie! What happened." Charlotte asked frantically. However, when she moved to Marie, she too lost her sense of bnce. "Tch!" Tilo clicked his tongue. ng! "I knew it!" Tilo dered while gritting his teeth. ng! ng! ng! "No wonder I''m trying so hard!" Helix didn''t flinch. He continued staring at Tilo with his pitch-ck eyes. The sight was burrowing into the man''s soul. Every so often, his eyes trembled, and Tilo felt a split second of fear. Riley sat down on the floor and closed her eyes to regroup her senses. "What the hell is going on?" Charlotte asked in confusion. "Every time I look back, it looks like a normal sword fight. However, if I watch too long, I feel like I''ll throw up." "Same¡­." Marie replied in a daze. "Enough of this!" Tilo cried out. The man used his ungodly stats to knock out Helix at full speed. However, his hand smashed into a torrent of aggressive wind. "What the hell!" He cried. Helix shed at Tilo''s stomach. "Tch. I need to start taking you seriously!" "[Reflection]!" Tilo yelled out with a magic circle in his palm. A wave of light enveloped the area and reflected the group''s images as a mirror reflection. Helix stared at himself with a queasy stomach. "Haaaaaaah. Fair¡­." He chuckled. Helix jumped back ten feet and threw a Negation circle. However, another disc shot from the mirror smashed into his spell, sending it flying backward. "Damn!" Helix cried as he threw down another circle. A st shot into the area. Helix had barely activated the [Charge Barrier Circle] in time for the st to prevent him from flying backward. "I don''t have any choice." He muttered as he gritted his teeth. "[Summoning]." His Nightmare turned all the walls 10 feet high in the area into a Mirror. "Goddamn, kid! Are you trying to make us all lose our stomachs!" Tilo yelled. "I''m doing just as bad! Suck it up." Helix taunted with a strained voice. Tilo''s mirror wall was now creating infinite copies of their movements. However, since the back wall was a mirror, Helix could see Tilo. Everyone was looking at a copy of a copy of a copy. While Tilo was trying to figure out how to move with distorted senses, Helix was running at him. He took the confusion to run into Tilo''s mirror wall without trying to find the man''s location. ng! .. ng! ¡­ ng! ng! ¡­ ng! "I can''t watch this anymore!" Charlotte groaned. Marie persisted. "I¡­ get it¡­ now¡­." She gritted her teeth while spreading to the floor. Her eyes were barely open. Riley was in the same position, and Charlotte supported the match by listening. BOOOOOOOOM! Suddenly the mirrors disappeared, and Helix flew across the room toward the women. "Gahhhhh¡­." Helix groaned. He rolled half a dozen times beforending twenty feet in front of the women. Helix tried to stand, but his arms gave out, falling to the floor. He tried reaching into his leather pouch for another disc, but a disc hit him in the shoulder. "Gahhhhhh!" Helix was pressed against the ground with an overbearing pressure. "Yield! I won''t go easy on you if¡ªwhat!?" Tilo cried. "What the fuck¡ª" BOOOOOOM! Everyone''s ears started ringing, and their vision went hazy. A shbang spell enveloped the entire room with white-hot light. "Hah!" Thud. Silence washed over the room. "Is¡­ it over?" Charlotte asked. She was the only person that still had her senses. Her eyes were closed during theter part of the match. As a result, the shbang didn''t wreck her eyesight like the rest. "Haha. Hah. Hahahahaha!" ,m "Helix? Why are youughing?" Marie groaned. Charlotte was ck-jawed and unresponsive. "It''s over, and I still can''t believe it. Hahahaha." Marie slowly opened her eyes. "Good job, Helix¡ª" "Guuuuh. Why is everyone so quiet?" Riley groaned. "Did you see that!? Can you believe¡ª" "Helix?" Riley whispered as she opened her eyes. She finally understood why everyone was so quiet. Helix was on the other side of the room. The body in front of them was a white, summoned dummy. "This boy somehow managed to im victory¡ª By putting his voice on top of mine! Hahaha!" Tilo bent over withughter. He thought he was going insane. The man wasughing, but it wasn''t his voiceughing. It was Helix''s voice. Helix created the illusion he was in front of the man, causing him to punch a dummy he summoned from a magic circle by reflex. He immediately released his Nightmare and hid behind an invisibility circle. The man couldn''t differentiate between the dummy because he was immediately disoriented by the sound of Helix''s voice next to him. Helix threw a shbang circle near the man''s feet, and Tilo''s confusion masked the sound. Once the man understood he had been duped, he tried to escape, but the shbang went off. Tilo only found where Helix''s real body was because he got decked in the face. Once he put it together, he was dumbstruck in disbelief. "Haaaaaaah. If I had to go through one more form of disorientation, I might have passed out." Tilo chuckled in his voice. Tilo''s eyes trembled when he found his voice to be his own. That meant¡ª The man kicked the magic circle in front of Helix''s unconscious body. "Are you okay?" Tilo asked in confusion while kneeling before Helix. After verifying he was breathing fine, he started chuckling in madness again. "What are you hiding¡ªhahahahaha!" Tilo dropped to the floor and rolled around on his back merrily. What he saw caused a wave of madness to wash over him, and he had never enjoyed embracing insanity. Chapter 89 [The Gamemaster] "GHOST WALKER TRIGGER!?" Tilo roared. "You used this [this] spell on yourself? Just how depraved are you!?" Tilo roared on the floor,ughing. "Haaaaaah. What a champ." He chuckled. He then stood up. "Okay, what was your conditional trigger? I know you have¡ª" Tilo looked at Helix as though he had seen a ghost. "M-Master, what is it?" Marie stuttered with a worried expression. Tilo has fallen to his needs and started moving Helix''s body frantically. "Master!" Charlotte cried. "Be still! He''s fine!" Tilo roared in annoyance. "It''s just¡­ this is incredible." The women were relieved beyond words. Tilo cast a couple of spells on Helix''s body. Then he picked the young man up and walked over to the group. "Come on. Let''s get this boy to a bed. We''re done for the day. I can''t even eat lunch after what just happened! Hahaha!" The young women grimaced after they processed what he had said. They could rte. The group walked in silence back to the home Helix was renting in town. Tilo carefully walked him up the stairs to the room. It was a slow process, and Tiloughed every time he had to take a break. He still felt sick. Once theyid Helix on the bed, Charlotte broke the silence. "Master. You told us that you''d exin what happened once he was here¡­." She said hesitantly. "Haaaaaah." Tilo chuckled as he slumped in a leather chair in the corner of the room. "Getfy. This fight needs one hell of an exnation!" The women saddled on the bed hesitantly. "Hah! That boy has fought for the right to have multiple girlfriends doting on him." Tiloughed. "You don''t have to be so reserved. Cuddle up or whatever you want. You all did well today." The women''s eyes lit up. Without being bashful, they all sat very close to Helix. They weren''t cuddling him, but everyone somehow had a leg and hand touching him. "Alright, chief. Can you exin what Helix did during the match?" Charlotte requested. "Let''s start with how Helix ended up hitting me." Tilo began. He exined how Helix had put his voice on top of Tilo''s to hide the illusion. The man surmised that there was a conditional trigger on the dummy to release the illusion instantly upon getting hit. The illusion of victory, paired with Helix''s voice next to him and seeing the dummy before his eyes, was disorienting. Then the shbang went off, destroying his field of vision and allowing Helix to win. Helix only got hit because Tilo attacked by reflex after getting punched. After all, a weak punch from Helix wouldn''t cripple the man''s battle capacity. "So why were we getting sick?" She asked excitedly. Tilo pulled out one of the magic circles Helix used. "That spell is called Ghost Walker Trigger. It''s a spell for creating illusions of clones." Charlotte''s eyes widened. "Why would he use a cloning spell when his Nightmare uses illusions?" She asked. Tilo slumped into the chair, sending a wry smile to the ceiling. "Girl, that spell is an intermediate spell that should be easy to detect and dispel. However, that boy continues to prove it''s the most brutal spell in existence!" Heughed. Charlotte''s eyes gilded in confusion, and Marie raised an eyebrow. "Let me tell you the history of that spell!" Tilo announced. He spent fifteen minutes describing the hallucinogenic experience he had fighting Helix for the first time. The women giggled as they heard the bizarre ount. They learned how reckless it was and how he [technically] won. Tilo made the story as dramatic as it was. Of course, he left out the detail where Helix almost got his chest smashed in. Tilo didn''tck that much tact. "Now that you know what he did in the past, look at his palms." Tilo chuckled. Riley''s eyes lit up with fascination. "Magic circles!? How didn''t I notice." "I hid them with a concealment spell." Tilo chuckled. "I don''t want him unting a trump card." Charlotte looked at Tilo. "These aren''t Ghost Walker Trigger, though...." "No. They''re a mundane conditional spell that''s connected with the alignment of Ghost Walker Trigger." Tilo chuckled. "He was using it with a condition." Everyone looked at Tilo in confusion. "When he did [something] unknown with his hands, it caused his body to glitch the slightest amount." Tilo chuckled. "So we''d sh swords three times, and something wouldn''t align on the fourth strike. But then, everything would be normal for two or three strikes before the next glitch." Marie''s eyes filled with understanding. Charlotte and Riley listened with gawking expressions. "Sometimes, things would be normal for two strikes. Sometimes there would be glitches back to back. It was seemingly random, so I couldn''t anticipate it even though I knew what was happening." He continued. "That''s why you were getting sick. The sound and sights weren''t aligning, and it happened at random intervals." "Oooooooh. That must have sucked fighting that¡­. Haha. Hellie is a boss!" Charlotte cried. Tilo gave her a wry smile. "Yes. It was awful. The frustrating thing was that the boy had five of those circles. So when I negated one, there was a trigger to the next one. The glitches were different on each, so each time it reset, I didn''t know what to expect." He exined. "However, he did. He was controlling the glitches so he could at least anticipate. What a nightmare. That boy''s preparations and ingenuity are bing monstrous. I''d think he''s just getting used to me, but I imagine hitting someone with something like this out of the blue is game over." "That''s amazing¡­." Mariemented with wide eyes. "Hah. If you like it, you should do it." Tilo chuckled. "You were doing the same thing during our match. If you switched the frequencies in random intervals, you could achieve that same effect." Marie''s eyes lit up. "You''re right! He gave me that strategy. So I think he was showing me how to use it better." She eximed while sping her hands. "I knew that the moment that I saw it." Tilo chuckled. "Your control was wless. I was shocked." Marie''s face filled with pride. "Same with you, Riley. I was very impressed." He added with a gentle smile. "And for you¡­." Tilo looked at Charlotte with a wry smile. "We''re going to bring out your Nightmare''s full potential. That thing is a trump card at Level 1!" Charlotte showed a proud expression, but she instantly turned back to Helix. "Yeah. It''s strong, but your story just made me realize that raw strength won''t win against a smart opponent." She said. Marie and Riley nodded. "I mean damn! Hellie won in a fight against you the day he woke up!?" Charlotte cried. Marie''s eyes trembled. "I don''t understand¡­." She whispered. While Marie was impressed, she was worried Helix was being reckless because of Emelia''s death. "Hah. I''m not sure why you''re so surprised he could fight when he knew he wouldn''t die." Tiloughed. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley''s eyes widened in understanding. "That''s right. Unlike before, he knew he''d live and he was given rules to y by." Tilo continued. "Helix is a gamemaster. So when he was given parameters, he exploited them." The young women looked at Helix with shocked expressions. "If you think about it, he''s alwayse out on top." Tilo pointed out. "Helix survived the beginning by luring scum to hit him to prove their instability. He couldn''t use his Nightmare, so he baited them to hit him. Then he knew there were death threats against his life. However, allegations would spark retaliation, so he entered the deathmatch against someone in the bottom 25% of the ss to gain undeniable proof with a blood pact. The boy still couldn''t release information on one person without retaliation because he couldn''t take down everyone. So he used the information from the blood pact to create a trigger to cause chaos and get their entire party taken down simultaneously for protection. I doubt he would have used it in battle. It''s more likely he nned to nt it for them to find if they were moving to attack. If that wasn''t enough, he created countermeasures to prevent you three from attacking the group so you could y the hero. The boy won''t admit it because he''s smart, but he strong-armed the Kingdom into protecting him and you three. I''m sure he didn''t tell any of you about the information he gathered for the same reason. If it didn''t work out heavily in our favor, that boy wouldn''t be alive now. I doubt he''ll ever tell you out of fear it could get you implicated in his strategy. That''s why he consistently warned Macron and others, collected and sat on a treasure trove of information, and let their plots stew until it was a threat in Alzeria''s favor. That''s what caught our attention. While it was borderline treason, we understood his good intentions and desperation. Moreover, it was necessary. That''s why Alzeria didn''t hold it against him and figured he''d be valuable to train." The women looked at each other in pure astonishment. They knew Helix had a n, but they didn''t understand the extent. That wasn''t the only reason the kingdom allowed [grandmasters] to follow Helix. Aside from the Myriad Library, they also knew how valuable Marie, Charlotte, and Riley were. As a result, they figured that training Helix would build a valuable bridge between potential resources. Moreover, they couldn''t harm Helix without his faction destroying a part of the kingdom. They were genuinely strongarmed. It was aplicated situation, but it worked out for everyone. Of course, Tilo wouldn''t tell them the rest of the story. "He worked with the limitations and yed by the rules. In the end, he won. He has always won. Maybe not against me 98% of the time, but he''s always won when it mattered." Tilo chuckled. "No... that boy... He''s not [a] gamemaster. He''s [The Gamemaster]. That''s what caught Tyrene and I''s attention. So you shouldn''t be surprised. This is just another situation where he''s won once again." Pride and excitement filled the women''s faces as they gazed down at Helix''s sleeping face. "He does look like he''s wearing a shit-eating grin right now, doesn''t he?" Charlotteughed. Marie and Riley giggled, and Tilo followed. Then they waited for the gamemaster to wake up. ¡ª [A/N: Only a few more days until the start of a wild mini-arc. I have a surprise for all of you!] Chapter 90 [I’ll Show You Mine…] "Oh~Hellie~" Charlotte chimed. Helix had just woken up from getting knocked out. Tilo studied the magic circles on his hands to get the answers he was looking for. So he returned to his new temporary residence on the other end of town to recover. "Hmmm?" Helix replied with a groggy voice. "You~won~" She sang. Marie and Riley giggled. He realized that they had cuddled up against them in their underwear. It was just morefortable for them. They weren''t trying to tease him. Maybe. "I won?" Helix asked while trying to think back. "You won." Marie giggled. "The reason that Tilo discovered your body was because you hit him in the face." The women started giggling. "Once you hit him, he didn''t have to find you. That''s how he knocked you out." Riley exined with a gentle smile. "Haaaaaah." Helix chuckled bitterly. "I''m d. That fight was brutal." "You''re saying that? We were all sick!" Charlotte cried. The women giggled again. "I''m sorry about that." He replied with a gentle smile. "Any~way. We told you we wouldn''t share our stats temporarily." Charlotte began. "We wanted to show you our progress. However~" "Now we want to see yours!" Marieughed. The women started giggling again. "Hah. I see¡­" He chuckled. "Soooooooo, we''ll show you~ours if you show us~yours." Charlotte chimed coquettishly. "Of course." Heughed. "Well, I''ll share first. So I''ll touch you." Charlotte announced. She ran her hand across his thigh. "I¡­ feel like this could get very messy, and we''ll get sidetracked with the sharing." Helixughed. "But if you want to do that to me afterward, I won''tin." Marie and Riley started giggling. "Okay¡­ Here you go¡­." Charlotte pouted. ¡ª [Name: Charlotte Lisa Kline] [Age: 18] [Level: 32] [Defense: 550] [Strength: 825] [Stamina: 475] [Agility: 400] [SP: 1500] [Name: [Exodus ze]: Level 2. Description: Infuses a Level 5 fire spell with gravity and wind-type magics to lock enemies into ce and surround them with pressurized fire. Skills: [Exodus ze]: Max > 300 SP: Locks enemies into ce with gravity magic, then ignites the area with Level 5 fire magic. Gravity and wind-type magic pressurize the heat to make it hot enough to melt through almost anything. [Flicker]: 25 SP: Shoot smallpressed fireballs. [Fire Bullet]: 5 SP/per: Shoots a [fire bullet] that is powerful enough to melt through most defenses. [Dancing mes]: 10 SP/per sec: Control a torrent of fire at will. ¡ª "This Nightmare¡­ is seriously devastating." Helix sighed. "I''m jealous. However, you''re my girlfriend, and I love this for you." Charlotte''s face heated up partially. "Well, take out your jealousyy~ter." She chimed. "I~will." Helix sang yfully. Marie puffed out her cheeks and jumped onto Helix''s chest. "Me next!" She requested yfully. "Hah. I can''t wait. ¡ª [Name: Marie K Skybolt] [Age: 18] [Level: 34] [Defense: 800] [Strength: 550] [Stamina: 575] [Agility: 600] [SP: 2500] [Name: [Shatter]: Level 3. Description: Uses oscition-type magic to control frequencies to create shockwaves above and below ground. Skills: [Shatter]: Max > 100 SP: Creates wave frequencies that shatter objects through vibrations. [Shatter Selection]: Max > 50 SP: Lock onto the specific frequency of the desired target to shatter it selectively. [Quake]: Max > 250 SP: Use oscition specifically to control ground vibrations. The user can use it to trigger earthquakes, avnches, tsunamis, mudslides, or rockslides. [Shake]: 10 SP/sec: Make a target vibrate at a certain frequency. ¡ª "Wow¡­. This Nightmare¡­." Helix began in a daze. The women studied his facial expressions hoping they could discern his thoughts. "Can make music." Helix burst intoughter. "Of course¡ªwait, what!?" Marie cried. "It creates vibrations. It can shake someone''s fib like a guitar string! Hahaha." Helix cried while wiping slight tears from his eyes. The women looked at him with shocked expressions. "I''m joking about using bones like instruments." He chuckled. "However, you can recreate a human voice with this by copying sound wave oscitions from someone''s voice and bending the sounds in the area to recreate it." Everyone was stunned-silent. "I''ll look this up with youter." He offered. "I will do the same with everyone individually. And¡­ we can cuddle if you want." Helix added with an embarrassed expression. "It''s a date!" Marie cried. "Me first!" Charlotte eximed. "I''ll just be happy to do it." Riley replied with a sweet voice. Every day, he fell in love with Riley more for her genuine, easy-to-please personality. She wasn''t self-conscious. Riley was just¡­ happy. It was shocking to the persistently mncholy young man. He envied that trait and was grateful to have her around. "Okay, Riley. Can I see yours?" He asked. She nodded and snuggled up against his shoulder. ¡ª [Name: Riley Liska Singer] [Age: 18] [Level: 30] [Defense: 375] [Strength: 225] [Stamina: 400] [Agility: 875] [SP: 1300] [Name: [Cyclone]: Level 2. Description: Uses water-type and wind-type magic to create tornados with heavy wind and rain. The user can use it for heavy water and wind magic operations. Skills: [Cyclone]: Max > 200 SP: Can flood an area with water and create strong winds. The user can use it to create a tornado. [Wind Wall]: > 100 SP: Creates two wind walls on either side of the user. It creates a tunnel that the user can move through without projectiles passing through. Very weak against fire magic. [Water Wind Wall]: > 200 SP: Wind Wall infused with water magic to prevent heat from kicking up. Fire will still create steam that can harm the user. [Wind Dance]: Max > 25/sec SP: Control a torrent of wind at will that bends around the user''s body by default when entered. [Flood]: Max > 100 SP: Flood an area with water. ¡ª "Haaaaaah. I feel like I''m walking around with natural disasters." Helixughed. All of the women started giggling. "Speak for yourself. You brought a kingdom down one day after being Level 1." Charlotte quipped. Helix gave her a wry smile, and then they all startedughing again. "Well, I suppose it''s my turn, yeah?" He chuckled. "Snuggle close. You''ve already seen my Nightmare, so I''ll just show you my stats." Helix announced. All of the women obeyed with pleasure. They snuggled against him to the maximum extent possible. ¡ª [Name: Helix Hellsgate Margrave] [Age: 18] [Level: 44] [Defense: 300] [Strength: 650] [Stamina: 800] [Agility: 1,500] [SP: 10,000] ¡ª "W-Wait¡­ What!?" Charlotte cried. The other women erupted into a panic. "Y-Your stats¡­." Marie eximed. "They''re¡­ broken¡­ in¡­ not a very good way." "Yeah. Aside from SP, my stats are probably half of what yours will be at level 47. Especially defense." Helix chuckled bitterly. "Why!? Is this a punishment for not ying that witch''s game?" Marie cried indignantly. "Oh¡­ I get it¡­." Charlottemented with a wry smile. Marie and Riley turned to her. "What is it, Charlotte?" Riley asked. "This Nightmare is designed to eventually create an army, yeah?" Charlotte asked. "If that''s the case, it''s telling Helix that he needs to be a leader and use his mind instead of being a meathead that fights through life easily." "Exactly." Helix chuckled. "However, my agility is on par with Riley on the plus side. That is the most important aspect to me. Also, with defense treasures, I can improve my defense exorbitantly anyway." The women nodded in agreement. "Plus, now that you''ve been able to train it, your Nightmare is basically designed for you." Marie remarked. "Hmmm?" Helix asked. "Even if I got that Nightmare and trained it, it would be practically useless." Marie exined. "I second that." Charlotte affirmed. "Me third." Riley chimed in. "I think everyone agrees that we''d never consider creating clones that alter only a centimeter of motion to make people sick." Marie continued. "That''s a concept that''s shockingly lethal and no one can exin why." All of the women nodded in agreement. "Thank you. It¡­ is meant for me. Now that I''ve had the fortune of training it with Tilo and Tyrene, it''s extremely powerful. I''d love it if [Nightmare] only created illusions and that giggle-witch weren''t hunting me down." He confessed with a wry smile. Anyway, that''s that." He chuckled. "Now¡­ does anyone want to demonstrate their stamina stat?" The room devolved into chaos not a minuteter. ¡ª [A/N: Finally, the reveal chapter I''m sure many wanted. Remember that Marie, Charlotte, and Riley had two months'' head start and the travel month and were the strongest Earthians in Alzeria. Moreover, Helix isn''t overpowered due to stats. He toasted a Markov at Marie''s level because of his intelligence, not raw power.] Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 91 [Group Training] "Hello,dies." Tyrene called out with a sharp gaze. "I heard that you saw Helix win a real match against Tilo. He also used a sword. Is that right?" "Yes! It was amazing." Marie cried excitedly. ? "It was ree~dick~u~ous, master." Charlottemented. Riley just smiled and nodded. "Good! That makes this a lot easier." Tyrene grinned. "You now know that my training will make you strong. As of this moment, you''re officially going to know what my training is like." A cold wind blew into the training grounds. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley all realized that the conversation starter wasn''t intended to be [festive]. "I want to make something clear upfront,dies. I''m not Macron. If you speak back to me orin, I''ll rip out of your windpipe and choke you with it." Tyrene warned with cold eyes. The group shivered. "I''ll make something else clear. I"m not going to be pushing you harder than that boy you love. If you want to work harder, that''s fine. However, that''s up to you." Tyrene exined. "Unlike Helix, you have strong strength and defensive stats. Moreover, you''re not going to level jump twenty times in the next thirty days. You have things easy. So before you go home and whine to him, you should understand your life is twice as easy." She grinned. The women''s faces showed terror and confusion. A warning like that meant pain wasing, and relief was impossible. "Okay. Pull out your sword. I''m going to show you proper technique by swinging it, and then you will do it two thousand times." "What!?" Charlotte cried. Tyrene gave her an icy re. "If you want to experience what it''s like to do it 3000 times with Level 17 stats for the next two weeks, I''ll point you to the muscle memory circle." Tyrene warned. "T-Three thousand at level 17!?" Marie cried. "That''s right." Tyrene sang with an evil grin. "Are you starting to understand why Helix could liquify a Balken Bear eight above him in a single strike?" Tyrene didn''t want to harm the psychologically. Their happiness was important for Helix''s happiness and vice versa. Moreover, she liked them. She was a hard teacher. However, she didn''t push people too hard. Helix was a special student that required fast growth, had the protection stat of a non-Earthian, and the mental fortitude to handle the training. So his example and strong results were a blessing. Their training was easier and spurred on by the desire to protect him. It was an ideal situation. Still, that didn''t mean it would be enjoyable. "Yes¡­." Charlotte replied with a wry smile. "Good! Here''s your first demonstration. Watch it right, or I''ll make you do kegel exercises until you can''t have sex." ¡ª "How¡­ the hell¡­ did¡­ he¡­ do this¡­ for a month!?" Charlotte cried. "Shhhhhh! Just get back to it before¡ª" "Squats! If you have the energy toin, I''ll make sure to get rid of it to prevent you from using it your lower body tonight!" Tyrene barked. "Have you ever heard of sexual harassment training, teach?" Charlotte asked sarcastically. "I''ll show you sexual harassment!" Tyrene snapped. "That''s not how¡­. Fine, I''ll do the squats!" ¡ª "S-Spider!?" Marie cried. "Hoho! Your stereotypical blush-parade, bad bitch, good girl, hard asf character perfectly aligns with your arachnophobia! No wonder you are the love representative!" "Ummm¡­ girls? Jokes aside, that thing has the question marks¡­." "Hey! We aren''t enjoying a gossip session. If a level 27 boy can take that thing down with a sword and a low-level fire spell, I think you three can handle it as a group! If you can''t, I''ll tell Helix!" "N-No! W-Wait!" Marie cried. "No! I''ll go incinerate the spider right now¡ªgahhhhhh!" "Dying is the best way to prevent a leak, but it''s also the worst way, you idiots!" Tyrene cried while covering her eyes with her hand. ¡ª "Hoh? A bet? You think you can win?" Tilo asked with a raised eyebrow. "Yes. As a group, I think that we cannd a punch on you." Marie replied. "Tyrene has been helping us coordinate¡ª" Charlotte began. "Shhhhhh! You''re not supposed to reveal our cards, idiot!" Marie cried. "Hmmm. What do you want if you win?" Tilo asked. "We want another date day!" Marie demanded. "I see. What if I win?" He asked with a slight smile. "We will clean your office!" Marie continued. "Hah? Haaaah? Hahahahaha! Haha!" Tilo roared. "Do you know what you''re offering, in exchange for a date day?" Marie, Charlotte, and Riley looked at each other nervously. "... Mostly. We heard that it was a monumental task." Marie replied hesitantly. "Hah. I ept." TIlo chuckled. "Yes!" "Let''s gooooo!" "I''m excited." "Hmmm? Why are you three so excited?" Tilo asked with an evil grin. "Do you think I''d ept a three-on-one battle expecting to lose? Are you insane?" ¡ª "If I would have known we had no chance, I would have never¡­." Charlotte grimaced. "Get back to work. At this rate, we''ll be lucky if we see Helix this week!" Marie cried. "Master, you could have at least gone easy on us¡­." Charlotte snapped bitterly. "Hmmm? You''re quite alive. So I would categorize that as [going easy]. It was three one one, and you all have natural disaster spells. I was helpless. You should be saying sorry to [me]." Tilo grinned. "Gah, nevermind!" ¡ª "Helix! We''re so sorry that we''re sote. We''ve been¡ª" Marie cried in a panic. "What? No waaaaaay." Charlotte gasped. "I¡­ I''m stunned. I don''t know what to say." Riley replied. "I had some extra time, so I picked them up." Helix exined with a gentle smile. "I got your favorites. Also, here are [Mykra Salt] bombs, and I designed a magic circle that creates bubbles. So enjoy a bath and recover your bodies. It will help you with your training." "T-These are¡­." Riley began with trembling eyes. "Lilimarsh Spinners." Helix confirmed. "I convinced Master Tyrene to take me into Lilimarsh, so I could pick them up." "That zone is¡ª" Helix lifted his hand with a warm smile. "Everyone gets their [favorite] flowers, not just the best we could import for a full field. That means you do two, Riley." He reiterated. "Okay. Get bathed, and I''ll finish dinner. Make sure to give Tinker his gift too." ¡ª "You''ve done quite well. I''m impressed." Tyrenemented with satisfaction on her face. "No we haven''t, master! We did terribly!" Charlotte cried while waving her hands in front of her face. "Hmmm? What type of nonsense are you speaking, child?" Tyrene snapped. "Master Tyrene, I believe Charlotte''s concerned that you''ll double the difficulty like you always do when youpliment us." Riley replied with a calm voice. "Nonsense! Jumping up ten levels on the monsters isn''t [doubling] the difficulty!" ¡ª "Wee back! I''ve missed youdies!" Samma said when the group of women walked through the hidden door. "We''ve missed you, too!" Marie called out with a bright smile. "It''s great to see you." Riley added with a warm smile. "Hiya." Charlotte said with a warm smile. "How were the kitty ears?" Samma asked with an interested smile. "Worth it." Charlotte replied immediately without any hesitation. "Worth it." Marie confirmed. "Worth it." Riley concluded. "Is that so¡­." Sammamented with a strange glint in her eyes. "Well, well. Let''s go try on your new clothes." "Woah. This fits like a glove." Charlottemented. "But¡­ I feel like I''m rich and famous? It''s kind of ufortable." She added. "Hush, child! You look [stunning]. Just wait until that boy lights up like a sparkflyer, and you''ll instantly understand how gorgeous you are." Samma snapped. "Do you think he''ll like my dress?" Riley asked. "Hah¡­ did any of you women forget that he designed these dresses with you all as models?" Sammaughed. "Oh¡­ that''s true!" Marie cried with sparkling eyes. "Now hurry up. You have shorts, leggings, v-necks, cardigans, snow jackets, wind-breakers, shoes, heels, and something called a romper." "W-What!? He designed a romper?" Marie asked with bewilderment in her eyes. "Haaaaaah. So women do wear them!" Samma chuckled with madness in her eyes. "Come along. After everything''s done, you still have to try on the naughty clothing I paid a fortune for that boy to design!" "Wait, what!? Let''s goooooooo!" ¡ª "Huuuuh¡­. Huuuuh¡­." Tilo panted on the ground. "You women are getting hard to keep up with!" "Damn straight we are!" Charlotte dered with a puffed-out chest. "Where¡­ did¡­ you¡­ develop so much damn stamina!" Tilo cried. "..." "..." "..." "Haaaaaah. Never mind." Tilo chuckled bitterly. "You almost won today. You can have Friday off. I''ll talk to Tyrene, so work hard tomorrow." "What? You''re the best!" Marie cried with sped hands and glittering eyes. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 92 [Love] "Would youdies like to read a book with me tonight?" Helix asked. "A book?" Marie asked. "Yeah. I feel silly for saying this¡­ but I just learned the Myriad library has fiction books." He chuckled. "Hah. Leave it to Hellie to use the Myriad library for everything except checking out books." Charlotte chuckled. "I''d love to listen to you read." Riley replied softly. "Excellent. Come cuddle up." Helix requested with a warm smile as he sat on the bed. Riley''s eyes lit up. Helix found her cute expressions endearing. "Shotgun!" Charlotte announced. "That''s not how that¡­ never mind. I was already cuddling. So¡­." Marie stuck out her tongue. "Tch." Charlotte huffed. "Charlotte, let''sy horizontally. I''ll put my head on his stomach; you take hisp?" Riley requested. "Riley, you''re an angel." Charlotte dered with sparkling eyes. Marie was very happy to be pressed against his chest. "Alright. I was thinking of choosing a folktale or a myth. Which one of these sounds good to you¡­." ¡ª "Good morning, handsome." Marie said with a dazzling smile. "Are those¡­ youdies look¡­ stunning." Helix gasped. "Hoh? You''re the person that drew these. So of course you feel that way!" Charlotte snapped. Helix gave her a wry smile. "Therefore! We must ask what other people think, and you must show us off to as many people as possible." Helix''s eyes widened in surprise. "You''ve gotten bold." Riley giggled. "Yeah, you were the person that said, I feel too fancy just a few days ago." Marie giggled. Charlotte''s face heated up. "Charlotte, showing you gals off right now would be a six course meal for my ego. I will happily call in as many favors as I can to make you shine today." Helix said with a warm smile. Every face in the bedroom had a bright smile. "Let me see if there are any parties or events going on. If you''re going to wear designer party dresses, we need to make sure that everyone in Lexion knows how beautiful you look." ¡ª "Why is this so hard? Hellie makes magic circles seem fun!" Charlotteined after messing up her 37th magic circle. "Hoh? It''s a profession. Why would you think it''d be fun?" Tilo chuckled. "Well¡­ how do I put this? Hellie made us a bubble bath circle, a hairdryer circle, and two circles that work like a toaster. Those are things that I like. So I just figured I''d like making them too." She exined. "... A circle that creates bubble baths?" Tilo asked with an eyebrow raised. "Kind of. If you add soap, it bes a bubble bath. If you don''t, it''s just a 5-star hot tub with heating jets." Marie replied casually. "Hot tub? Heating jets? Toaster? Speak sense, you two!" Tilo cried while rubbing his temples. "Marie, Charlotte. Master Tilo doesn''t know what a hot tub is." Riley exined with a gentle voice. "Master Tilo, a hot tub heats the bathtub constantly, and it shoots pockets of hot air that massage your skin while you''re soaking." Tilo''s eyes snapped open. "What did you just say? Repeat what you just said!" ¡ª "I wish people would stop treating me like a hot tub maker¡­." Helix sighed. "Hellie, don''t be like that! Tilo is 30% less cranky in the mornings. Plus, you just fulfilled an order for a Duke!" Charlotte replied with sparkling eyes. "Think of all of the joy you''re bringing to 18th century¡ª" "yboys?" Helix sighed. "Well¡­ at least we can buy a house somewhere. We can also fall back on this business after we''re retired." The women''s eyes went wide after they heard him say those words. "Did you just say¡­." Marie whispered. "Did I say something wrong? We''re spending the rest of our lives together, right?" He asked with a bewildered expression. "Wait¡­ no¡­ no tears. I''m sorry. Whatever I did wrong, I''ll¡ª" "Shut up, you dummy! We''re happy!" "Oh¡­." ¡ª "This is Liskaberry. It''s the perfect catalyst for the next evolution of Tinker." Helix exined. The berry was golden, and it had a faint aura around it. "Now you can evolve him one week ahead of schedule so he can train." Helix gazed at her with a gentle experience as he handed her the berry. "Where did you¡­." Charlotte whispered. "I went with Tyrene. She made me run 50 miles yesterday, so I convinced her to take me to the spot where they are known to grow." Helix replied with a slight smile. "You¡­." Charlotte whispered. "I¡­ what''s wrong? Are you happy¡ª" Helix didn''t even have a second to process before Charlotte''s lips collided with his. "Hey, I''m going to pay Tilly a visit. I''ll be back in a bit!" Marie called out. "I''m going to go talk to Elsa." Riley called out sweetly. Tears rolled down Charlotte''s cheeks. "Helix¡­." Charlotte whispered. "What is it?" He asked with a smile. "I''ve never said this directly¡­." She prefaced with a rosy expression. Helix waited patiently with a gentle smile. "I love you, Helix." Charlotte confessed. "I love you, too, Charlotte." He replied with slight tears in his eyes. "I never¡­ thought that I could be in a rtionship." She chuckled bitterly. "I''m loud, rambunctious, and crazy." Tears kept flowing down her cheeks. "When I signed up for this harem, I thought I''d be part of an adventure with excitement. Now¡­ I honestly know that¡­ I love you." Helix smiled gently and wiped her tears away with his thumb. "Charlotte. If you weren''t here, there would be no us. Any of us." He replied. Charlotte looked at Helix with her puffy green eyes. "I never had the confidence to confess to any of you. You started that, remember?" Helix asked. Charlotte shook her head. "You would have eventually known. Everyone loved you." She chuckled with a smiling face. Helix shook his head as well. "You remember that night when Emelia showed up with her pink dress?" He asked with a mysterious smile. Charlotte''s eyes widened with confusion. "Of course I do." She replied. "Do you remember what you were wearing?" Helix asked. "I¡­." Charlotte began with trembling eyes. "No¡­. Everyone remembers what Emelia was wearing. But I don''t remember what you, me, or anyone else was¡­." "You were wearing that pink and green jacket you ditched a couple weeks in." Helix chuckled. "Why¡­. Why are you telling me this?" She asked. "The thing is¡­ I was extremely nervous that night. I never talk to any women, and David and I were mming up." Helix exined with a light smile. "When you showed up, exposing my devious strategy, it made me want to y." Charlotte''s eyes widened, and the corners of her mouth curled upward. "I''m not a socialite. However, I am an opportunist, and you gave me the opportunity with your spyment to start sharing my library." He chuckled. "It''s because of you that everything spiraled to where it was." Tears welled in Charlotte''s again. "I remember thinking¡ªI hate trouble. I''m avoiding it. However, I''m okay with her type of trouble. Then you became my first friend. Later on, you initiated the temporary harem and brought us all together. You made me greedy, and I was willing to do [anything] to get you to join me." He confessed. "You''re loud? Rambunctious? Wild?" Helixughed. "Those are the traits I [love] about you!" Charlotte started giggling as she wiped tears out of her eyes. Helix motioned his head to the door. "The others have gone off to do things. Can I treat you to the gentle time you always deserved to seal our love?" He asked with a gentle gaze. "Yes!" Charlotte cried while throwing her arms around Helix. ¡ª "Riley¡­." Helix called out before she left the room during the morning. "Yes?" Riley asked in a kind voice. "Tyrene gave me the morning off today. I''d¡­ like to give you some alone time." He exined while scratching his head awkwardly. "Alone time? Why?" She asked in genuine confusion. Helix''s eyes went wide, and his mouth opened and closed a few times. Her deep tan eyes radiated against her dark brown hair. "You know¡­ when you say [I''m feeling selfish] and you ask me for something?" Helix asked. Riley nodded. "Well, I want to be selfish and ask that you make a selfish request of me. It can be anything. Food, reading, sex, walking around, having a chat¡­." He exined awkwardly. "Sure. I''ll do that. But will you please tell me why? You don''t seem like you''re being selfish right now." Riley replied with wide eyes. Helix chuckled in bewilderment. "Riley. The thing I love most about you¡­ is that you''re content. You''re so kind, and you allow Marie and Charlotte to be selfish and sleep next to me. You never ask for anything, and you''re always gracious." He sighed. He pushed his straight ck hair away from his eyes to meet her gaze. "You make our lives easier, and I sometimes feel like I take that for granted. Since they''re always sleeping next to me, I want to do something for you¡ªjust for you." He smiled. Riley''s previously confused eyes glittered with excitement. They welled tears. "I''m¡­ I''m just happy to be here." Riley said while shing him a bright smile. "To be honest, I still can''t believe that you''re dating me. It feels like a dream. It''s not just because I have a crush on you. Rather, you treat us so well, and you''re full of amazing qualities." Riley wiped a few tears away from her eyes. "So it only makes sense that I do my best as well. But I''ll dly take you up on your offer¡­." She whispered before her face flushed with embarrassment. Helix raised an eyebrow and smiled at her. Riley leaned into his ear. "For my request, I want¡­." Helix chuckled in surprise and nodded. He lifted her body princess carry style and ced her on the bed a momentter. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 93 [Emelia’s Message] "Marie. Will you go on a walk with me? Just us." Helix asked with a strange smile. "Y-Yes!" Marie replied excitedly. The two walked through the forest on the outskirts of Lexion together. Helix pointed out the various nts on the ground and their medical, psychoactive, or poisonous features. Marie pranced around and pointed to things she found interesting. Helix would smile at her happy expression and look up the query on the nt. Then they''d chat about it before Marie would hop away again. "Marie." Helix called out when they were in an open meadow. "Yes, Helix?" She asked with a passionate gaze. "I just want to say¡­ I''m thankful that you came back to me." Helix said while shing her a bright smile. Marie''s eyes went wide, and her face heated up. "What do you mean?" She asked. "It just¡­ feels like a dream. You have helped protect me and have certainly saved my life." Helix confessed. "You''re smart, strategic, kind, have strong leadership qualities, and drop-dead gorgeous. Yet you love me. I''m not sure why, but it makes me happy. This life we have¡­ it''s because of you. Thank you foring back to me." Marie blushed, and her face lit up with unbridled happiness. She pranced over to Helix and stood before him, rocking on the balls of her feet with her hands sped behind her back. Helix chuckled and embraced her face. He then kissed her passionately for five minutes. "Keep your eyes closed." He whispered. Sheplied with an excited expression. Helix touched his neck and pulled out a silver item from his item storage. Suddenly Marie felt something tickle around her neck. "You can open your eyes, now." He whispered with a smile. When she opened her eyes, she stared at a beautiful ne with a dazzling yellow pendant. "H-Helix¡­." Marie whispered in awe. "It''s cheesy, but I call this ne the [Love''s Protection]." Helix exined. "If a projectile is moving fast in its direction, it will activate and protect you with a barrier. It also works on humans and weapons if you are not prepared for the attack." Marie''s eyes went wide with shock. "It''s made with a copied blood pact seal from our Nightmare pact. I¡­ stuck some information out of the Myriad Record, so it only protects you." He smiled. "It also has a Circle of Remembrance with a recording of a love vow to you. Love''s Protection is a project I''ve been working on since I came here. I want you to be the first to get it since you were my first love." Marie broke down in tears and gave Helix a passionate hug. She cried in his arms for five minutes, allowing her emotions to flow. "I love you, Marie." Helix whispered. "I love you, too, Helix." She replied with a bright smile. ¡ª Everyone received Love''s Protection. Each ne had a different stone and different qualities. The barriers were different as well. They represented the fighting style of each of the women. The group enjoyed lying on the bed together infortable silence. The women looked at their nes, and Helix looked toward the ceiling. "You want to look at earth stars with me?" He asked. The women''s eyes sparkled as they replied [yes]! Helix chuckled and activated his Nightmare. The skies filled with stars. They weren''t just [any] stars. He brought out each of the women''s birth constetions so they could see their earth stars and hear a myth about the character. Each gave him a spirit particle transfusion when it was their turn. After a period of enjoyable silence, Marie broke the silence with an anxious voice. "Hey, Helix¡­." Mariemented nervously. "Hmmm? What is it?" He asked. The stars of Marie''s constetion glittered against his usually pitch-ck eyes. "I¡­ um. I was just wondering if we treat you as good as Emelia did¡­." She whispered. "You treat us so good that I want to¡ª" Marie felt something soft against her lips. Helix kissed her before she could finish speaking. "Helix¡­. I¡­." Marie stuttered. "All of you, hear me out." Helix replied with a smile. "You''re perfect to me and make me happier than you could know." The women listened to him nervously. Riley and Charlotte were appalled when Marie brought up Emelia. So they were concerned about the response. However, their fears didn''t seem warranted. "I was nning to show you this at some point. I guess right now is as good of a ce as any." He chuckled. Helix touched his neck, lifted his hand into a warp gate, and took out a Circle of Remembrance. "That''s¡­ is a royal circle¡­." Riley gasped. The Circle of Remembrance was a royal purple color and professionally drawn by a master. Magic circles are traditionally made with chalk and sealed permanently with a spell. However, the master used Circle Ink, which is extremely expensive and requires a master confident enough to create something on the first try. "Yes. That''s right." Helix smiled. He put the marble disc with the magic circle in the middle of the three. The circle glowed brightly, and a white light passed from it. "It uses a emotion capture modification. Yet¡­ it''s pure white¡­." Riley gasped. The spell lights up with a unique color when the circle captures emotions. Crystal blue is usually a sign of warm emotions, and crimson is a sign it''s capturing a death threat. "What does white¡ª" When the women heard the voice on the other end, tears instantly welled in the corners of their eyes. ¡ª "You want to know about Sir Helix?" "Yes. Sir Helix has intentions of leaving with you. Therefore, I need to know more about your rtionship before permitting it." ¡ª "Who is that girl¡ªow!" "Shhhhhhhh!" ¡ª "What would you like to know, your majesty?" "Let''s start with a simple question. Do you love Sir Helix romantically?" "Y-Your¡ª" "Come now! Let''s gossip. He won''t get in trouble for your love for him. So be honest!" "I¡­." "He''s trying to buy you out of servitude. So you''ll be permitted to love him romantically. Will you love him then?" "Y-Your majesty¡­. Y-Yes. I-I love him." "So cute. Please continue. When did you start loving him?" "V-Very early on, your majesty. It only grows as well. I can''t believe how good he treats me, but I''m grateful for it." "What do you love about him? Not just his kindness, but what are the things you like?" "I¡­ I like how Sir Helix ys with my hair at night." "He ys with your hair?" "Y-Yes. I always try to get Sir Helix ready for the morning, but he t-tickles me and makes mey down. Then he ys with my hair to get my mind off of work¡­." "That''s¡­ cute. I''m sure that''s wonderful." "I think so¡­." "What else do you like?" "He¡­ reads to me sometimes. Sir Helix finds the things I enjoy and reads about them to me. Sometimes he makes stories¡­." ¡ª Marie''s eyes started sparkling after the revtion. The other women were mesmerized. ¡ª "Wow¡­ I''m jealous." "I-I¡­" "Hah. Don''t be silly, Emelia. That''s a good thing. Will you continue?" "Yes¡­. I like how he tricks me into shopping. He read about flowers to me one night and asked what I thought of them. He bought me my favorite the next day, and I was so embarrassed." "Aww! Don''t turn bright red!" ¡ª The young women giggled. All three remembered Emelia''s legendary rosy cheeks. ¡ª "..." "Please continue." "Okay¡­. Sir Helix tricks me all the time. He asked me if he could use finger polish on me to provide feedback to other women. Then he gave me a task to keep using the nail polish to provide feedback to him." "Hoh? Do you not believe him?" "W-Well, it''s not that I don''t believe him¡­. It''s just¡­. None of the women around him use nail polish." ¡ª Charlotte was rolling around in the grassughing. Marie and Riley were chuckling with amazement as well. The geeky, anti-social, RPG-ying women in their group were not known for their girliness. ¡ª "Hah. Good point. But do you love it?" "I-I¡­ Yes. I do. I like it a lot." "What else?" "I like¡­ that he notices me. Sir Helix loved the hair clip I wore on the first day, so he had some made specialty for me. It''s like he''s always watching me when I look around and he buys things I''m interested in. He knows my expressions and desires and then watches for them while I''m not looking." "Yeah. That is pretty amazing." "I agree." "I have a question. Have you epted Sir Helix''s tricks as acts of affection, or do you still think they''re orders?" "I-I¡­. Part of me sees them as acts of kindness. However, I treat them as orders to convince myself to follow them¡­." "I see¡­. Does he pretend to order you every time?" "No¡­ Two weeks ago, Sir Helix exined that my happiness has [brand value], and I had to be happy to represent him¡­." ¡ª The hillside exploded withughter and teary eyes. Helix watched the three of them with a warm, pitiful expression. ¡ª "So I follow that order when in question." "How cute." "..." "Would you ept Sir Helix''s feelings if he shared them with you?" "I¡­. If Sir Helix asked anything of me, I would ept. Even if I am no longer his servant, I will still devote my life to him regardless. I will follow him as long as he permits me." "Why are you so hesitant? Is it because Sir Helix tricks you into being happy that you don''t ept that he loves you?" "No¡­ it''s just that¡­ there are so many women around him he loves. It would be a disservice for him to love me when they''re around." ¡ª [A/N: I''m giving two extra chapters for every honest review until review 20. I''ll give one extra chapter for every supporter from Nightmare who throws a power stone to NN. ] Chapter 94 [Irreplaceable] "What women?" "There are three women that constantly protect Sir Helix as bodyguards. Their names are Marie, Charlotte, and Riley." "Hmmm? I''ve heard their names. What do they have to do with you?" "Well¡­ they''re strong, passionate, and noble. They''re constantly helping Helix in a way that I can''t. I''m so thankful they''re there for him." "Yes. That group is full of amazing young women, I must admit." "Exactly. Helix has a crush on Marie. It''s easy to know why. Marie is just like him. Not only is she beautiful, but she fights for the servants, and weaker people like me like Sir Helix does. She embodies his ideals, and I admire her so much." ¡ª Marie burst into tears after hearing Emelia''s words. Tears rolled down her cheeks, and Helix gripped her body. ¡ª "I''ve heard of her deeds. I''m very impressed as well." "Yes¡­ and then there''s Charlotte. Charlotte is Helix''s best friend, but she feels like more somehow. There''s some type of connection. I see plenty of people be friends with someone of the opposite sex. When they do, this invisible wall gets put up." "I think on earth, it''s called the friend zone. That''s what Helix calls it anyway." ¡ª The women on the bed burst intoughter. They finally understood that his conversations with the mystery woman in the library weren''t simply about books. ¡ª "Ummm¡­ I see. The friend zone. They don''t have that. It''s very strange. I think they''ll likely fall for each other one day." "Hmmm? Why?" "I don''t know. Charlotte has the confidence I wish that I had. I''m not sure if she''s confident on the inside, but she makes everyone else confident." "She makes other people confident?" "Yeah. Whether Charlotte''s doing it on purpose or not, she''s always pushing people forward. She''s important to all of us. Helix needs her to help give him that final push sometimes." ¡ª Tears started rolling down Charlotte''s cheeks as well. Helix''s confession was still fresh in her mind. Knowing that Emelia seconded his words was life-changing to her in a way. She loved Emelia just as much as everyone, aside from Helix. ¡ª "I see¡­ that makes sense. What about thest girl?" "Yes¡­ Riley. She is¡­ my favorite person that isn''t Sir Helix." "Hahahaha! You''re in love with him. I have my answer." "I¡­ Um¡­." ¡ª The women on the bed burst intoughter and giggles. ¡ª "Why is she your favorite?" "Well¡­ it''s because Riley is always so kind and thoughtful to me. Everyone is. I¡­ consider the girls my friends even though I shouldn''t." "Nonsense. They''re your friends." "... Yes. I think so, too. And Riley¡­ She includes me in everything like friends do. She''s so quiet and reserved that she blends in. But whenever she speaks, she''s so kind¡­. Riley always asks if I want to join in. Whether we''re doing makeup or drinking tea¡­ she always ensures I''m there. I¡­ she¡­ the way she asks, and its sincerity makes it impossible for me to say no. I rte to her quietness, and I think it makes me feel¡­fortable." "I see¡­ so why do you think she might date Sir Helix?" "Well¡­ it''s because who wouldn''t want someone so kind and caring in their life? She''s beautiful, strong, and confident when she needs to be. Riley is as perfect in my eyes as Marie and Charlotte." ¡ª Riley''s face was filled with tears of happiness. She missed Emelia with all her heart. Helix grabbed her hand gently. ¡ª "Emelia. You just describe yourself as well. You know that, right?" "I¡­." "Love Helix and Helix loves you. He told me that he ns to confess to you all. That means that he doesn''t have to choose. I''m here to make sure you can run away together." "W-What¡­." "Emelia¡­ I''m jealous of you. Hah. That''s so silly of me to say." "Wait¡­." "It''s not because I have feelings for Helix. It''s because the rtionship you share is brighter than the sun. Just once, before you left, I wanted to hear about your feelings for myself." "Your Majesty¡­." "Emelia. As your princess, I give you onest order." "Y-Yes¡­." "You''ve confessed your love for Sir Helix. Therefore, I order you to ept his feelings if he confesses. Not for me, but you. Once you do, you are officially unbound from myw as soon as you leave Alzeria. You will be free, and I wish you the best. As your princess, I must ensure my people are happy. You are one of my people. So are those four. So please make them happy together. They deserve you as much as you deserve them. Enjoy your friendships with those girls. Enjoy your love with Sir Helix. So please follow this onest selfish request from your princess and be happy and free." ¡ª "Marie¡­ Charlotte¡­ Riley¡­." Helix whispered under the glittering starry sky. "None of you could rece Emelia." Helix''s tone was soft and full of sadness and gratitude. "However, Emelia could not rece you." He exined. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley''s eyes glittered as the light from the stars bounced off their tears. ,m "There''s nothing I would change about any of you. I loved you when Emelia was alive, and I love you for the same reasons now that she''s gone." He whispered with a warm smile on his face. The women gripped him tighter, and they bawled into the parts of his body they were hugging. "Emelia is gone. I know that no one has wanted to touch on the subject. It''s for a good reason. It''s hard to talk about." He continued with aplex tone. "Elsa did not give me this recording until a few days before you arrived. I''ve buried myself in so much work and practice that it''s hard to think about." Marie cried into his chest, Charlotte gripped his stomach, and Riley tugged at one of his arms. "However, after you arrived, I remembered that she was not the only person that made me happy." He announced with a bright smile. "When you first got here, the only thing on my mind was protecting you so I wouldn''t lose you. But I quickly remembered how much I enjoyed you protecting me." Helixughed, and tears rolled down his cheeks. The other women giggled between sobs. "I remembered that life is about protecting the people you love. You love those people because they make you happy or fulfill your life in some way." He reasoned. "Marie, Charlotte, Riley¡­ you all make me so happy. You remind me of Emelia, and I feel our rtionship does her memory justice. So please, let''s live together and enjoy the life that Emelia should be enjoying with us. Please don''tpare yourselves to each other. You each provide me with fulfilling aspects of my life and are special to me in your unique ways. All of you are irreceable, and I would be just as sad to lose any of you." Helix asserted. The women cried and expressed their love and gratitude for Emelia. "Thank you for talking about Emelia tonight. I needed that." ¡ª [A/N: There was a purpose behind Eliza recording this message; it''s not over. Emelia''s legacy is seeded, and it''s only just beginning. Reminder: two extra chapters until review 20. One extra chapter for every cross supporter of Nerve Network.] Chapter 95 [Tinker] "Today''s the day, Tinker." Helix announced with a smile as he held Tinker in his hands. Tinker was Charlotte''s soul beast. It had been just shy of four months since arriving in Myriad. During that time, Tinker has been the same puppy he was when Charlotte was bound to him. Soul beasts in Myriad were extremely difficult to train and grow. Unlike other animals, they grew alongside their soulmate. The stronger a person bes, the stronger their beast bes. However, strength increases are not instantaneous. Once every four months, the soul beast has the [opportunity] to evolve. During that time, the beast will absorb the power from its soul mate and grow. Until then, the owner must [protect] their beast, which is weaker than they are. In the case of Tinker, the pup couldn''t even stay awake for longer than thirty minutes at a stretch. Things would be different after evolution. Charlotte had exploded in strength in a short period, and Tinker''s first evolution would be remarkable. However, at the fourth month mark, the group was set to leave back to Alzeria. That presented a problem. While the power of a soul-beastes from their owner, their strength inbates from experience. Charlotte was given a miracle opportunity to train with Tyrene and go on monster hunts daily in a prime location. If the group left for Alzeria, she would be guarding Tinker, who would be powerful but inexperienced. It was a sad situation. However, Helix went through sketchy hoops to procure Liskaberry, a catalyst that could speed up Tinker''s evolution by one week. Today was the day that he would evolve. "Are you ready, Charlotte?" Helix asked with a slight smile. "What type of dumb question is that? For someone so smart, you''re a stupid, beautiful, handsome, charming sex god¡­ what was I saying?" Charlotte grinned. "You were telling me I was dumb and then courting me for sex. I''m about it." Helixughed as he set Tinker on the ground. Over thest few days, the quiet, sleepy pup was restless in anticipation of his evolution. Charlotte narrowed her eyes seductively at him. Helix chuckled when he saw her gaze. Then he shivered when he realized she burned the image into his mind. He still saw it when he opened his item storage to take out the Liskaberry. "Well, here you go." Helix announced as he unceremoniously threw the Liskaberry to the ground in front of Tinker''s nose. If a beast-trainer saw him do that, they''d probably have a heart attack and then assault him with pitchforks. A single Liskaberry sold for about 1000 Alzerian gold coins on the market. So the idea he threw the berry to the ground without a second thought would be sacrilege. Helix risked his life for the berry. So he did what he wanted. In this case¡ªwhat the Myriad Library told him to do. "I''m so excited¡­!" Charlotte cried. "Me too." Helix chuckled. Marie, Riley, Elsa, Tilo, and Tyrene were all waiting on the other side of the door. It was eerily simr to waiting for the birth of a child. Helix found that awkward because he was the doctor presiding over the evolution process. Tinker sniffed the Liskaberry multiple times. It then started ying with the berry, popping it into the air with its paw and running around it. The eight-pound, fluffy white puppy lookedical, bouncing around with the mythical golden berry. "Is¡­ that¡­ normal?" Charlotte asked. Helix shrugged. "It can''t hurt. The Myriad Library told me that the soul beast grows stronger by [discovering] the berry. Discovering it in the wild makes it stronger, but a soul beast like Tinker couldn''t [discover] this berry, so the Myriad Record allows simtion. It''s like¡­ training for the future." Helix exined. "I see¡­ Why couldn''t Tinker discover this berry?" She asked curiously. "That¡­." Helix replied awkwardly. "It''s just in a zone that''s too strong for Tinker. Every zone is too strong for him. That''s what I mean." The berry only grew in areas popted by [Warpshires], a hellhound from the abyss. Another way of putting it was that the berry grew in areas surrounded by pure death. When he captured the berry, his zone had Level 80 beasts [minimum]. Going into that area was nearly suicidal, even if Tyrene was present. "Is that so?" Charlotte asked with a wicked grin. "Yes." He reiterated with a yful expression. His expression said: I know you can see this, so I''m not trying to hide it from you. Please don''t ask. Exining that he threw a 1000 Alzerian gold coin berry¡ªwhich he entered hell itself for¡ªon the ground would give her a heart attack. She knew that Helix did something irresponsible to obtain the berry. It filled her heart with joy, so long as she didn''t learn how irresponsible it was. After a minute of ying, Tinker finally got down to business. He opened his little jaws wide, put his canines on the berry, and¡ª Sneezed. Helix and Charlotte burst intoughter. Sneezing was a god-given talent for the pup, so it was a perfect way to end this stage of its life. Tinker was embarrassed by theirughter, so he summoned his resolve. Once again, he opened his little jaws wide, put his canines on the berry, and¡ª Bit down. The minute the little pup tasted the berry juice, he looked like a ravenous drug fiend bathing in the fountain of youth while snorting catnip. It chewed the berry relentlessly, licked its chops, and then licked its paws. He ran around to every ce the berry touched, searching for juice, and licked the wood floor. "Is¡­ that normal?" Charlotte asked with bewilderment in her eyes. "I¡­ don''t know. But I know one thing¡ªI''m keeping that berry for myself next time!" Helixughed. After Tinker stopped licking, its little blue eyes started glowing. "I hate it when something with biology starts glowing." Helix groaned. He wasn''t going to say [because it looks like it will explode], but Charlotte knew. Every cliche light novel and web novel has people warning others to swallow things or they''ll explode. Helix knew that berry came from the abyss. So the idea wasn''t out of the question. White-hot light poured out of the beast. Suddenly particles started moving in the direction of the light. The particles started glittering like it was a rainbow. "I¡­ Uh¡­. Guhhhhhhh¡­." Charlotte groaned. "Charlotte, look at me!" Helix called out. A kiss connected with her lips the second she turned. Helix masterfully breathed a [small] amount of spirit particles from his body into her lungs. Charlotte''s body felt revitalized again. "What¡­." Charlotte asked in a daze. "Don''t get distracted. Keep looking at that light." He instructed. Charlotteplied, and soon she was feeling groggy again. Helix turned to her again and breathed spirit particles into her. "What¡­ are you doing?" She asked in bewilderment. "Cheating. That was thest time, though." He grinned. "What do you¡ª" The room exploded with light. Helix covered Charlotte''s eyes by putting her into his chest. She could feel his warm body pressing against hers. Once the white light passed, he released her. Then she looked at the floor. "H-How are we going to get you out of the room!?" Charlotte cried. Helix turned around. "Oh fuck." Heughed. They were in his bedroom. The spirit beast, which should have been the size of a Labrador retriever, was the size of a small bear. A more ample description was that it was the size of a mid-grown Caucasian Shepherd Dog. However, its physical features were closer to a snow-white Pomeranian¡ªwithrge, happy jaws. "W-What happened!?" She asked as she fell to the floor. "I thought you said it should be the size of a wolf at most!" "Well¡­ the thing is¡­." Helixughed awkwardly. "The growth system for soul beasts isn''t fair. Spirit beasts grow with an owner''s strength. However, they can only grow with the level of spirit particles they receive. So people that are strong, but have low SP reserves, will always have smaller and weaker beasts. So¡­." Helix was scratching the back of his head in addition toughing nervously. "So¡­?" "I researched and found that I could give you spirit particles to expedite Tinker''s growth. We¡­ cheated. Ahaha." ssic. "What!?" Charlotte cried. "How did you think¡­." Helix winced. "... up something so goddamn amazing!?" She cried. Charlotte smashed her lips against his. It onlysted a second before she turned around and started bonding with Tinker. The moment her arms collided with him, a torrent of information passed through her. It was like there was a link that was fully connected between them. "Come in!" Charlotte cried out. The door opened. "Woah! What the¡­." Tilo cried. "Helix helped me max out his growth potential!" Charlotteughed with tears in her eyes. "Yeah¡­ I see that. He can''t get out of the room, now¡­." Mariemented. "I think we''ll need to knock out the wall¡­." Tilo groaned. "I''m sad that he can''t ride in our caravan wagon." Riley remarked. Charlotte''s eyes trembled in indignation. However, Tinker got up and dragged Charlotte over to Helix, breaking her concentration. It wasical to watch. Charlotte was not envious or hurt by the motion. She was connected to Tinker on a deep-rooted level, so knew what Tinker was doing. "Um, Helix. Tinker wants to say thank you for the Liskaberry and helping with spirit particles." Charlotte exined with wide eyes. "I can''t believe I know that." Charlotte was bewildered beyond belief, but it made her incredibly happy. Helix squatted on his haunches. He looked Tinker in his sky blue eyes. "Now that Charlotte can speak to you, I''d like to introduce myself. My name is Helix Hellsgate Margrave, and I''m your father." Chapter 96 [Peacoat] "Well, well. How''s my little cash calf been?" Samma asked with a sassy smile. "Cash calf?" Helix asked with a raised eyebrow. "Mmhm. You guys are making me a fortune, you know." She giggled. Charlotte gave a fist pump, and Marie and Riley gave each other a high-five. Helix looked at everyone''s faces with confusion. "Have I missed something, here?" He asked. "Hoh? Is it so normal for you to shake up a city''s social structure that you don''t realize you''re doing it?" Samma mused with a slight smile. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley stared at him with expectant, yful expressions. "It''s unfortunate to say, but yes." Helix sighed. The women burst intoughter after seeing his defeated expression. "Helix made radical reforms in Alzeria by dressing up his servant." Marie giggled. "It was legen~dary." Charlotte chuckled. Riley nodded. Samma''s eyes widened when she realized that they weren''t joking. "I see¡­ well, you''ve done it again." Samma chuckled. "Every time Marie, Charlotte, and Riley go into town with your designs on, they attract attention. Once your hot tub business skyrocketed and you drew the eyes of the elite, Earthian clothing is taking Kozen by storm. There are so many people trying to find me I''m going to have to move locations again." Helix looked at his partners with gentle smiles. While he was not pleased to be attracting so much attention, he was prideful, knowing his women were beautiful enough to rock a country. "In light of that, I''d like to award you a 5% stake in my business." Samma announced with a warm smile. Helix''s eyes trembled in confusion. "I''m only a designer. I cannot ept it, especially since I''m leaving in less than a week. After that, I won''t be able to work for Samma''s Exotic Fashion Bizarre." He replied with a serious expression and a slight bow. "Girls, does he always apply logic to things without considering his role?" Samma asked with a raised eyebrow. His partners burst into giggles and nodded. Helix looked at them with a wry smile. "If you think I''d hand you over such arge percentage as a bonus, you''ve lost your mind." Samma announced with a smirk. "Not only are these your designs, but the four of you are also advertising gold. A caravan with my clothes will be journeying with you back to Alzeria. These beautifuldies will introduce them to your peers, and you being you, the clothing prices will skyrocket." Helix gave her a wry smile when he realized what she was doing. After a moment of contemtion, he caved in. "While I''m slightly annoyed you''re casually announcing your ns to manipte me for profit." Helix sighed. "I can''t deny this deal is far too enticing and beneficial for me to turn down. I have a curse for attracting too much attention. If I can mize that, it will at least be some constion." The women started giggling after hearing him. "I''ll graciously ept your offer." He announced with a hopeless smile. "These women will dly wear around all of your new pieces, and my talent for trouble will surely bring you sales. I''ll also send you designs based on my partner''s requests. If you want me to continue, of course." Samma''s eyes lit up when she heard he''d continue to send her designs. Over thest two months, his novice drawing skills from earth had improved by leaps and bounds. Moreover, his drawing was trained and tailored for her business. Even if there were other Earthian designers, she knew it would be difficult to find someone with creativity, a strong memory, and talent like Helix. "Of course! I''ll dly ept new designs at any point." Samma dered with sparkling eyes. "Well if that''s the case¡­." Helix gave her a mysterious smile. "Will you ept three right now?" Samma''s eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Are there certain designs you want before you leave?" She asked. "Yes. That''s why I''m here right now." He replied with a slight smile. "Hmmm. Let''s see what you have. I can tell by your facial expression that it won''t be easy." Samma sighed. Helix averted her gaze awkwardly. "Yes¡­ that''s very true." He confessed while touching his neck tattoo. He pulled out three design packets from his item storage. Samma''s eyes went wide when she saw that the designs went through a full professional design process. "I designed this at the beginning." Helix said while passing over thergest packet to her. "This is what''s called a peacoat. It''s my favorite type of fall and winter fashion coat." Samma''s eyes lit up with excitement when she saw the design. "As you can see, it haspels like the suits and tuxedos I created for you. However, it''s durable and has a protective cor and lining." He pointed out. "This is¡­ beautiful. Usually, I have to work to bring your ideas to life. But this¡­ I can feel its fashion radiating from the page!" She eximed. The group chuckled as she leafed through the packet with wide eyes. Helix gave her an amused smile and continued. "The other three are women''s half trenches. They''re a shorter version of a trench coat, an overcoat for heavier fashion items." He continued. "I love these! They''re exquisite, marvelous, and all those other pretentious words used by my clients!" Samma cried. Helix chuckled in bewilderment. "I''ll advertise peacoats like my life depended upon it." He offered with a slight smile. "I''ll make them immediately!" Samma cried without thought. "I''m d. I also have a favor, though." He said with a more serious tone. Samma looked up from the packets with an attentive gaze. "I''ve be very battle savvy in thest two months. However, I have a very low defense statpared to those I''m up against. For that reason, I''m in desperate need of protective gear." Helix sighed with a self-deprecating voice. Samma nodded with a serious expression. "I''d like you to make a half-trench length peacoat for me using a certain beast hide." He replied with an awkward expression. "A beast hide? That''s what I do. You bring me pelts often. Why would you preface it like that?" She asked with a narrowed gaze. Helix gave her an awkward smile. "It''s a Warpshire pelt. High level, too." Samma''s eyes widened and trembled in confusion. "A-A Warpshire pelt!?" She cried. Helix''s partners stared at him with bewilderment in their eyes. They had never seen Samma get flustered, so they knew something was special about the [Warpshire]. "I don''t even have the tools¡ª" Helix pulled out an item from his storage. "It still won''t be easy, but this legendary-grade dagger is called [The Light Piercer]. I will also provide you with this dagger aspensation." He announced. "L-Legendary!?" All four women were shocked senseless after he disclosed the weapon-grade. "That''s right. It will make it much easier for you to make defensive clothing with." Helix reasoned with a smile. "It''s not much, considering what I''m asking of you. However, if you still think that it''s too much, you can consider it a business contribution." Samma''s eyes trembled. "I-I¡­." She stuttered. After staring for a moment, she collected herself and pped her cheeks. "I assume that your message here is that defensive clothing is far more important than strength. Is that right?" Samma asked with a serious expression. "Correct." Helix nodded. "I see. That being the case, I will set to work on this immediately. I ask you not to wear the new clothing I''m about to give you until this ispleted." Samma requested with a serious tone. His partners reluctantly nodded after her request. "Helix. What level was this Warpshire?" Samma asked. "157." Helix replied with a serious tone. "157!?" Charlotte cried. "Helix! You''re nowhere near that level! How did you run into this thing?" Marie scolded. "Helix¡­." Riley whimpered. "Master was the tank and did most of the damage. I only acted as support and trapped it." Helix sighed. "It wasn''t intentional. We needed to pass through Warpshire territory to obtain the Liskaberry." Helix''s shoulder drooped when he realized that his attempts to hide it were for naught. His partners insisted they join him to see Samma, and he didn''t have the heart to refuse. Charlotte''s eyes trembled. "We determined it was best to get Tinkerbat experience before our journey. It was a risk we could take because Master Tyrene is Level 217 and was my guide. She agreed because I have shown my ability to fight cautiously against higher-level monsters and have an absurd agility stat. It was in and out with an expectation to flee. We wouldn''t have gone if we felt that the risks to our lives were too great." He justified. Helix turned back to Samma. "Samma. It will provide me with legendary-grade protective armor if you can do that. Then you''ll set these women''s minds at ease." He chuckled. "I''ll do my best." Samma nodded with resolve in her eyes. "Onest thing." Helix announced with a mysterious smile. "I''d like you to use this as its lining." Samma''s eyes widened with shock when she saw the red-crimson silk that Helix took out. ¡ª [A/N: Took a long while, but the peacoat has arrived. Also, Samma makes Earthian clothing. Cover starting to make sense?] Chapter 97 [Stalkwalker] "Listen up! Tomorrow you will take your final test as our apprentices in Kozen. We hope you will continue to learn from us in Alzeria, but we have agreed to reassess our rtionship once we get there." Tyrene announced. The group nodded. "Over thest month you have been training in groupbat together." Tilo continued. "In thest week, Helix has trained with you. Our goal is aligned with your determination and resolve to live and fight together." Helix and his partners nodded with determination burning in their eyes. "Today we''re going to test that." Tyrene nodded and gazed upon them with her crystal blue eyes. "Your Earthian stat gains, varied as they are, mixed with absurd talent, proper training, and resolve has made you strong!" She yelled. Helix gazed upon Marie, Charlotte, and Riley, cheering with a warm smile. "I want to scold you for celebrating, but you four are absurd existences." Tilo sighed. "It''s only been a couple of months, and I already have to work to not lose inbat if Nightmares are used, and mine isn''t." The group chuckled. "I''m not going to lie¡­ I''m pretty bitter about that too. You''re weak as kittens with swords alone, but you''re goddamn cheat characters¡ªas you call them¡ªwith those spells." Tyrene chuckled bitterly. "Soon, you girls are going to be walking natural disasters. As for that boy¡­ he earned that title long before he hadbat experience." The group burst intoughter. "Now, onto a serious note." Tyrene announced with a dead-serious expression. "While your aim is not to fight the Mad Queen, the Mad Queen is targeting you." The atmosphere''s pressure multiplied. Helix grit his teeth with bitterness burning in his eyes. "You may find a time when you''re fighting battles on a scale farrger than Tilo or I have ever experienced. We will likely not be there to support you when that timees." Tyrene continued. "That''s why we''ve decided to fight a colossus with you as your final test." The atmosphere chilled to a freezing point, and silence befell the area. A cool wind rustled through the nearby trees, and its sound blended into the resonance of the crashing waves. Tilo gazed upon the silent group. "We will be fighting with you, alongside the teachers that came to support you." He announced. "Everyone joining will act as subordinates to Helix and listen to hismands. We will step in if necessary to flee or save your life if we can." Helix closed his eyes and exhaled in minor relief. The news lowered his tension from primal fear to maxed-out stress. "Helix, this is the only way to help you four train your Nightmares." Tyrene reasoned while looking into his pitch-ck eyes. "Marie and Riley have legendary natural disaster skill sets. Charlotte has a mythical Nightmare that she can only practice through killing. If you do not obtain practice, you will hurt others when the time to use these skill setses." Helix took a deep breath in and sighed. "Understood." Tyrene and Tilo nodded at the young man. "Charlotte. You''re uncharacteristically quiet and worried." Tilomented. "Look, chief. My eyes would usually sparkle and explode like a shbang if I were told I''d get to grill a strong monster medium-rare." Charlotte snapped. "However, the look on Hellie''s expression says that death ising." Marie nodded. "I''m not sure what type of beast a colossus is. However, I''ve never seen Helix this shaken before." Shemented. "His expression is a sign of his intelligence." Tyrene replied with a serious expression. "A colossus isn''t the name of a specific beast or monster." Tilo rified. "They''re used to ssify a fifth-order existence that has grown to a mythical size." Marie''s eyes widened in shock. "Fifth order? What size are we talking about?" She snapped with mild anger. "200-feet or more." Tyrene replied immediately. "200-feet!? Are you insane,dy!?" Charlotte yelled. Tyrene''s eyebrow twitched at Charlotte''s disrespectful attitude. However, she shouldn''t fault the young woman for her rational reaction. "No, I''m not insane." Tyrene replied while shaking her head. "We are not seeking out a colossus. We''ve learned the Kozen military spotted a Stalkwalker who has recently awakened from hibernation." Helix listened to every detail with his full attention. "An expedition to attempt subjugating it will begin at seven am the day after tomorrow. We have offered our assistance as three grandmasters and our apprentices, alongside three experts from Alzeria. We are required to help but not required to die for the expedition." Tilo rified. "It also moves in the direction of the Alzerian kingdom. As a result, you will not lose travel time despite the expedition requirements." Helix nodded. "You have the rest of today and tomorrow to say your goodbyes in Lexion and get ready. Servants will clean your house and process terminate the leasing agreement for you." Tilo continued. "So use the time to enjoy yourselves and say goodbye." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley looked to Helix for confirmation. In response, he closed his eyes again and reiterated his earlier words. "Understood." ¡ª Helix sighed when he received the report on the uing expedition. ¡ª [Stalkwalker Subjugation In the southern Kozen region, a Stalkwarker ssified as a colossus has awoken from hibernation. Thest report of the Stalkwalker Colossus was 127 years ago when it wiped out most southern cities. Killing or sealing the Stalkwalker is of tantamount importance and urgency. Estimates: Fifth-evolution Colossus. Level: Unknown due to hibernation. Height: 330-380 feet. Force Size: 1000 Troops between the levels of 60 and 150. One hundredbat medics and one hundred support professionals. Requesting further aid, but expect there will not be reinforcements, as it''s short notice.] ¡ª "Why do I believe that Elise has something to do with this?" Helix sighed. Ding! "That''s because I am silly! *giggle." His interface opened without his prompting, and the chatbox appeared with the text already written out. Helix touched his neck again. "What happened to your promise to leave us out of impossible tasks? Are you already going back on our agreement?" Helix sighed. A wave of new text started typing out on the screen in a flurry. "Hyrumpha! It''s not [my] fault your teachers find my generous opportunity amazing! You should show some gratitude for helping with your training! *humph." Helix read the words with an exasperated expression. "Let me get this straight. You''re threatening to raise the southern region of Kozen to the ground, and I''m supposed to be grateful?" He asked. "Core~rekt! *giggle." The corner of Helix''s mouth started twitching when he read Elise''s reply. "Is this where you tell me that the experience gained from winning will aid me in my foolish decision to protect Alzeria?" He asked with narrowed eyes. "What type of pointless, rhetorical question is that, mister? Of course, that''s what I''m about to say!" Helix chuckled bitterly. "So it''s a chain quest, then." He theorized with an angry expression. "Woah, woah, woah, Mr. Scary eyes! The surprisesing to the Alzerian Capital aren''t changing in power or auto-adjusting to your strength or something." He closed his eyes in indignation. "Having more power ensures that [you] can ovee the same struggles easier. Since you don''t know what''s waiting for you, I''ve given you a big, scary present to build your confidence a little. Show some appreciation every once in a while! *huff." Helix took a deep breath to cool the raging hellfire burning in his soul. "I''m never going to thank you for unleashing killer monsters in Myriad." Helix sighed. "You''re sending [surprises] to kill two groups of people and then telling me to be grateful for setting up those deaths for growth opportunities? What a joke." Helix''s eyes shed with unbridled murder. "I''ll refuse to develop Nightmare if I ever learn that you''ve unleashed a cmity on this earth as a training opportunity for your sick game. I''d rather take my own life than live knowing that you''remitting mass murder because I''m alive." "..." "..." "..." "..." "So you don''t want pertinent information on Mr. Howls?" Helix stared at those words with aplicated expression. "Are you going to stop creating mass-murder machines in locations reachable by me?" He asked. "What a clever~answer. Hmmm. Nope! I''m god, silly! I''m going to do whatever I want. *giggle." Helix''s eyebrow twitched. "So you want me to stop ying your game?" He asked. "I''m not going to y your game if you''re evil on my behalf." "Wait¡­ what!? Who do you think you are? God''s gift!? Hahahahahaha! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!" Helix watched the never-ending new line strings of [haha] characters with a nonplussed expression. "I''m Elise! The Mad Queen of Myriad! The evil god of Myriad! That''s what my people call me! Hahahahahaha!" Helix closed his eyes and sighed. "Sure, the monsters and beasts don''t mind me that much. But all they say is RAWWWWWR and GRRRRRRRR. It doesn''t make for a good gospel or scripture." Helix gave up trying to reason with her. "I get that you''re being generous in your own way. However, I will not be an essory to your murderous behavior. Therefore, I will neither ask nor beg for your information." He said with an exasperated voice. "However, if you wish to give it to me, send me a quest with the details. Otherwise, I''ll sigh, fight, and die with the other poor bastards you''re toying with." He couldn''t wait until their conversation was over. "Hoh? You''ll turn down information that may save thousands of lives? Aren''t you the righteous, hypocritical pragmatist? *giggle." Helix took a deep breath. "Elise. I''m neither responsible for your actions nor the lives of others. I''m not a fucking hero. I''m not trying to save this world. I might save people if I know them and have the power to. But I don''t owe them anything. If you kill a thousand people with your colossus, that''s your action, not mine." Helix growled. "Fiiiiine. Have it your way, meanie!" DING! "New Quest is Avable! Defeat the Stalkwalker to save Kozen. A colossus has awoken from hibernation and threatens to kill thousands in the Kozen Penins. Will you fight the Stalkwalker and save Kozen? [ept/Decline]" Helix sighed and pressed a button. "Woah! Woah-woah-woah! You did NOT just do that, Mister!" Helix looked at the screen with depleted eyes. "You hit [ept]!? On the first try!?" "Good byeeeeee, Elise." Helix sighed. "Who are you, and what have you done with¡ª" "Yeah, yeah. I hope you kill yourself, too." Helix forcefully closed his interface. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 98 [Goodbyes] "Tilly¡­ why would you¡­." Helix''s eyes filled with light tears as he looked down. "Because he cares about you." A middle-aged woman replied with tears in her eyes. "I¡­." Helix opened and closed his mouth multiple times. "Why are you acting so emotional?" A manughed. "Tilly, this is¡­" Helix replied with a light scoff. "Just too much." Helix''s expression was beyond bewildered at the bakery box in his hands. "I kept tellin'' the misses that we should''ve made you harem doughnuts instead¡ªow!" Tilly rubbed the back of his head with an indigent expression. The woman was giving in a scolding look between her puffy eyes. "Anyway¡­ we just wanted to thank you for your contributions and patronage at our shop. It''s going to be lonely here without ya, kid." Tilly chuckled with a smile. "We''re going to miss you, dear. Pleasee back and visit at any time." The woman said. "Thank you, Lilith. I will." Helix replied with a soft smile. ¡ª "Nooooooo way! Look! There are three Hellie doughnuts!" Charlotte eximed with excitement burning in her eyes. Helix chuckled. "They haven''t known you three long, but you''ve left an impression. Tilly said, [kid, if I only made one Helix donut, it would be gruesome watching you get ripped apart by those women]." He reenacted in his best Tilly impersonation. "That''s¡­." Marie began with a perplexed expression. "Comically descriptive! I can see that in my mind like I''m looking at it!" Charlotte cried. The four burst intoughter after envisioning what it would look like for three women to savagely rip apart a Helix donut to share. The Helix donuts were loaded with raspberry filling so that the scene would be extra gruesome. Helix shivered at the message. "This was really sweet of those two." Rileymented with a gentle smile. There were a dozen donuts in the box from Tilly''s Bakery. Each was decorated with the faces and clothing of various people. There were three Helix donuts, in addition to a donut for Marie, Charlotte, Riley, Tyrene, Tilo, and Elsa. Thest three donuts were Tilly, his wife Lilith, and their daughter Rika. It was a precious scene that moved him to tears. It would have been perfect if Helix''s donuts weren''t the only ones with red filling. Tilly''s sense of humor was¡­ aggressive, sometimes. "Hmmm. There are three Helix donuts and three of us. But I have a question." Charlotte announced with a finger to her lips. "Which of us is Hellie going to eat?" Helix looked at the Marie, Charlotte, and Riley donuts and chuckled. "All of you¡ª" Helix''s poker face crumbled when he looked up from the box. Charlotte had lifted her silky white skirt and showed Helix her bluece panties underneath. "All of us, Hellie?" Charlotte mused. He looked over and found the same scene with the other two. Marie lifted her pink skirt, showing her cute white panties with a bow on the top. She had picked up what Charlotte was about to do and quickly followed suit to not be undone. The action left her blushing furiously. Riley lifted her green and white striped sundress, showing her green panties underneath. She was just happy to be part of the fun. "So ambitious this early in the morning¡­ What a naughty boy." She remarked with an evil grin. "Looks like I spoke too soon." Helix sighed. "Since I''ve alreadymitted, it''s my duty as a man to follow through with my word." ¡ª "Samma¡­." Helix said with an awe-stricken face. "Well? Are you going to put it on, or what?" Samma huffed in annoyance. Helix nodded in a daze. He carefully removed his peacoat from the box and slipped his arms into its sleeves. The peacoat was dark, charcoal gray with dark red ents. It used the hide of the Warpshire after Samma stripped the pelt of its fur. "So¡­ smooth." Hemented in a daze. "Yes, that tends to happen when you line a jacket with royal Life Silk." Sammamented dryly. "Otherwise, that thing would reek of death, and its texture would match." Helix chuckled in amusement. Warpshires wererge wolf-like creatures that were around 800-1000 pounds. They were mythical canines a hero from a cringe-worthy novel would ride into battle. Their fur was pitch-ck and had red veins of color that moved through it. Warpshires were HellHounds in all descriptions. Their appearance was why dark red ents ran through the coat''s exterior. "That silk is pretty remarkable, but try not to ruin it. I''m not sure where you got so much of that silk, but I can tell you that it would take me a month and a small fortune to find a small patch. While I get why you''re using it in your coat, I''m appalled and cringing on the inside." Samma warned. "Life Silk is a tool, and it was a gift. If it''s not used, it''s just an over-glorified business transaction." Helix chuckled. Life Silk kills bacteria and only lets molecules conducive to healing pass through. It''s used to wrap wounds and increases healing time by preventing infection. For that same reason, Helix lined his battle coat with it. His coat wasn''t just fashionable; by creating it with Warpshire, he had the partial defense of a Level 156 HellHound. Now that he had lined it with Life Silk, it would keep his wounds from getting infected and destructive molecules from reaching his skin. It was a near-mythical grade of armor from a functional perspective. However, it was absurd. Life Silk was exceedingly rare and exorbitantly expensive when it surfaced. The fact Helix was given a six feet roll of it was mind-bending. He needed to ensure that the gifts and stories he brought back to the Capital were thoughtful. He owed Princess Eliza more than he could repay. She got him out of the city, allowed Elsa to heal him, gave grandmasters and teachers leave to train him, gave him a ce to live, and kissed him so he would heal faster. Saying she saved his life was a gross understatement. "It''s far better than I ever imagined. It''s perfect, Samma." Helix praised with a dazzling smile. He was overjoyed, and it showed. "Hah, I''m expecting heaps of golding my way after the merchant unloads in Alzeria." Samma scoffed. Helix chuckled at her forward personality. "Don''t worry about that. After walking into a cosy scene a few nights ago, I realized that you''re about to make a fortune." Heughed. Samma gave him an evil grin. "I''m expecting to. So you better not let me down, partner." Helix shared augh with her before parting ways. ¡ª "Good thing we''re moving with a caravan¡­." Mariemented with a gawking expression. "Yeah¡­ my strength stat is far beyond human, yet my arms still hurt lugging this amount of stuff around. Thank you for helping me out today." Helix sighed. "I think it''s fantastic." Rileymented with a gentle smile. "And I~think that I will be making the most of this stuff!" Charlottemented while jumping on the bed. "Watch where you''reying!" Marie snapped. "Yeah, yeah." Charlotte grumbled while picking up a magic jar. "It''s amazing to see how much you helped everyone and their appreciation." Mariemented with a smile. There were over a hundred different items on the bed from the shops in Lexion. "I was just handing out my practice doodles. I''m d they could help people out." Helix replied with a genuine expression. "Yeah. I hand out refrigerator doodles to 18th-century people after my training too. So Ipletely understand." Charlotte sassed with a wide grin. Helix had loaded up countless shops with magic circles he created during training. All of the eateries were given refrigeration circles to keep their meat fresh. Some were given ice makers. A few shops received wind barriers. He took note every time he saw a shop with some need. Then he''d create the magic circles for practice. Since he had to draw circles from memory at least twenty times, he handed them out whenever he was in town. From his perspective, he was just handing away doodles. However, he had loaded a million Alzerian Golds worth of circles into the town free of charge. He would have been hunted down mercilessly by the magic circle guilds in the city if his circles had used the magic they had. The spells were not special, but the modifications and usage were. As a result, his presence furthered their research and would allow them to obtain international prestige in the future. "There are even gifts from the magic circle guild as well. That says a lot." Riley remarked. Helix gazed at the items on the bed with a fond expression. "I''m d my time here was well spent." He chuckled. "I can''t wait to show you the furniture I got for our future home." ¡ª "Have you said your goodbyes, kid?" Tyrene asked. "Yes. Thank you for giving us a full day. I''m thankful for saying that we needed it." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 99 [Authority] "Who''s the brat? We''re not running a kindergarten." A man scoffed with a gruff voice. He wasrge and had bulky shoulder muscles. A long, brown bushy beard with silver streaks covered his chin. Before Tyrene could reply, Helix spoke. "Hello. My name is Sir Helix Margrave, a Knight of the Alzerian Royal Guard." He interjected. "Hah!? Knight? Royal Guard?" The man asked with a bewildered expression. "Are you joking!? Hawhawhawhawhaw!" He erupted intoughter, bending over and holding his sides with his hands. "And I''m the Parkeet of Silcock!" He roared. "If that''s true, then Alzeria isn''t as strong as it once was!" Helix watched the man with a calm face. Tyrene wasn''t so calm. She was about to beat the man senseless and denote her credentials, but Helix stopped her with his hand. "General Lackbolt, I am quite serious." Helix announced. "Is there a way that I can prove that my presence here is justified?" General Lackbolt stoppedughing and shot Helix an aggressive gazeced with bloodlust. To his surprise, Helix didn''t flinch or cower in the slightest. "Hmmm." He muttered while stroking his chin. General Lackbolt turned to Tyrene. "And you are? If you''re not a babysitter, then what are you?" He asked. "She''s a fighter under mymand." Helix replied, speaking for her. "Does it look like I''m speaking to you, boy?" The man roared aggressively. "You''re not. But you should be, and that''s the problem." Helix replied with an icy re. "Do you have a death wish, boy?" General Lackbolt snapped with a murderous gaze. "No, I don''t. I mean no disrespect to you, or yourmand. However, I ask that you check my name with your attach¨¦." Helix replied. "My attach¨¦? Now you''re telling me you''re important?" General Lackboltughed. "Helix. Why don''t you just tell him¡ª" Tyrene was trying to ask why he wouldn''t tell General Lackbolt that he was here with three grandmasters or why he wasn''t disclosing their assignment from the king. However, she was cut off. "Tell me what, hmmm?" General Lackbolt asked sarcastically. "General Lackbolt. Is there a method to prove that I''mpetent?" Helix reiterated. "Yeah, you can get the hell out of my sight." The man gruffed. "Unfortunately, I cannot do that. Once again, I''m on¡ª" A fist flew at Helix''s face at lightning speed. It was designed to knock Helix out cold, gauged by its pressure and momentum. "Gahhhhhh!" General Lackbolt groaned. "General Lackbolt. Is this enough to prove I''mpetent? If not, I''ll prove it in some other way." Helix replied calmly. General Lackbolt''s fist was in his hand, getting squeezed with enough pressure to break a normal soldier''s wrist. "If there isn''t a way, please check with your attache to see if they''ve received a request for a Helix Hellsgate Margrave." Helix released the man''s fist. General Lackbolt gripped his shaking hand in disbelief. "Boy, I don''t care who the hell you are. If you don''t¡ª" "S-Sir!" A man ran over in a panic. "I overheard your conversation! Helix Margrave is here upon royal assignment! He''smanding three grandmasters and another three experts. We cannot afford to offend this boy!" General Lackbolt''s eyes widened with shock. "Ey, boy¡ªSir Helix. Why the hell didn''t you just say that!" General Lackbolt cried. "General Lackbolt, you insulted my country, called me a kindergartener, and spat on a grandmaster without asking who I was." Helix replied with an icy voice. "You didn''t believe I was a Knight, so telling you wouldn''t have made a difference. Then you ignored my request to verify my identity yourself." Cold sweat dripped down the man''s spine as he peered into Helix''s pitch-ck eyes. "I don''t fault you for looking down on my age. That''s why I asked if I could prove mypetency, and you didn''t give me that opportunity. ,m Don''t disrespect me further by insinuating this misunderstanding was my fault." "R-Right. My apologies, Sir Helix." General Lackbolt stuttered awkwardly. "We''re dealing with a fucking cmity here, so I''ve been on edge." Helix nodded in understanding. "I understand. We''ll forget this happened." He replied with a lenient tone. General Lackbolt sighed a breath of relief. If Helix pulled out, he would get reprimanded for disrespecting a king''s guest and lose three grandmasters and three experts. If they lost the battle, he might''ve lost his life. "Let''s start over. My name is General Lackbolt of the 88th Brigade of the Kozen Royal Army." He said with a cordial tone. He was still wincing from the pain, but he gritted his teeth and bared it. "Sir Helix Hellsgate Margrave, It''s a pleasure to meet you. Tyrene, please introduce yourself." He requested with an inner grin. "Hello, General Lackbolt. My name is ex-general Grandmaster Dame Tyrene Masney of the Alzerian Royal Army. During his youth, I was Sir Helix''s master, and now I serve under hismand." She said in an icy tone. General Lackbolt''s eyes couldn''t get any wider. Helix grinned inwardly in satisfaction. However, he wore a poker face on the outside. His expression was calm and resolute. It had the confident aura of a leader. "I-I see. Thank you both for working with us on this pressing issue." General Lackbolt said with an awkward tone. "You''re certainly wee. Can you please give me a briefing and a breakdown of your current forces, the battle strategy, and a list of individuals I can inquire information from?" Helix requested. "Yes¡­e into my tent." The man said with a bewildered voice. He was taken aback by Helix. While he was 18, hemanded the respect and attention of a 65-year-old decorated general. Tyrene chuckled inwardly while watching how smoothly things were going. ¡ª "At first, I nned to smack you for your antics back there." Tyrene remarked with a bemused tone. "However, after seeing the results, I''m honestly impressed." Helix chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. "Where did you learn how to do that?" She asked. The two were walking back to their caravan after two hours of briefings. Helix turned to Tyrene. "I honestly didn''t. However, I knew General Lackbolt wouldn''t take me seriously because of my age, and I can''t fault him. However, it''s imperative we fight because we''re central figures." He replied calmly. "If you spoke up, we''d get into the conversation, but I couldn''t lead you without friction. Therefore, I nned to match up against someone and show overwhelming force. When he took me seriously, I''d release my credentials, and then he''d trust me with strategy." Tyrene nodded in understanding. It had been years since she had to deal with proving herself to anyone. Therefore, she was still processing that Helix was an official figure for this assignment. "That was boss!" Charlotte dered while running up to him with an evil grin. Helix chuckled at her antics. "I''m d that you enjoyed the show." He said with a slight smile. "How couldn''t we? I have strong leadership skills, and I couldn''t have pulled that off." Marie replied with a pride-filled gaze. She was proud of Helix. Marie always saw him as a leader to her and their peers in Alzeria. Now that he had the strength to defend himself, his leadership filled her heart with awe and excitement. "You underestimate yourself, Marie." Helix replied with a gentle smile. "There''s a difference between authority and leadership. While I may be able to achieve the former, you canmand thetter. We''ll make a power team during this operation and moving forward." Marie''s face turned bright red, and she started fidgeting. "And I''ll roast anyone that questions you, chief." Charlotte dered with a puffed-out chest. Helixughed with a bewildered expression. He couldn''t get enough of Charlotte''s antics. "I will be delegating themand of the experts and Elsa to you." He continued while looking at Marie. Her eyes widened with surprise. "Why?" She asked. "Why? There might only be six of us, but the battle will stretch arge range due to the Stalkwalker''s size." He reasoned. "I''m negotiating to obtain troops to lead. The spells you three use arerge scale and dangerous, so we need troops that will run away for cover." "That''s an astute observation." Tilo called out. "It''s critical that we are given space. It''s great that you have already figured out the objective early on. We wanted to see how you would handle that issue on the battlefield. However, it seems that wasn''t a worry." Tyrene nodded with a smirk on her face. His partners looked at him with pride-filled expressions. "I''m d I haven''t disappointed." Helix replied with a slight smile. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 100 [Nightmare Demonstration] "You want to lead the troops around you?" General Lackbolt frowned. "Correct. I''m not asking to exert my influence or authority. It''s a practical need. The Nightmares that my soldiers possess are extremely powerful." Helix exined. "If I don''t control the troops around us, it will endanger the lives of your men. As a result, we cannot use them, our chances of victory will lessen, and we''ll sustain more casualties." General Lackbolt narrowed his eyes at Helix. "Are you asking because they''re too powerful or because your soldiersck experience controlling them?" He asked. Tyrene tried to interject, but Helix stopped her. His words were standoffish and directly contradicted Helix''s message. However, the question was valid, and Helix understood what he was to convey. "I''m sure you hear that line often." Helix replied. "I do." General Lackbolt affirmed. I believe it''s best to prove it to you. Can I have some of your time? We''ll need to travel to a secluded location far from the camp." Helix requested. General Lackbolt narrowed his eyes again. "You understand that this demonstration will take half a day, correct? We''re set to start fighting tomorrow morning. That ask is far too great." Helix nodded in understanding. "I understand. However, Nightmares are critical to the sess or failure of this operation." He reasoned. "Therefore, I ask that you trust me and give memand of one hundred men so I can navigate them during the battle." General Lackbolt ced his palms on his eyes and rubbed his temples. His frustration and anger were reaching a boiling point. Helix nudged Tyrene for support. Understanding the strategic intention, she spoke up. "General Lackbolt. I served as the general for the Alzerian Royal Army for twenty years. I''ve been a certified grandmaster for fifteen years, and I hold a Level of 217." Tyrene began. General Lackbolt''s eyes widened, and he stared into her crystal blue eyes. He was reminded that people with greater qualifications than himself surrounded the obscure boy thatcked qualifications. "During my years, I have overseen the training of hundreds of Nightmares. For that reason, I feel I''m qualified to speak on the subject." Tyrene reasoned. "In my professional opinion, this boy''s assertion is an understatement, and I''d stake my reputation on it." "What!?" General Lackbolt roared in disbelief. "Yes. I firmly believe that our team alone can prevail against the Stalkwalker under this boy''s leadership." Tyrene affirmed with a serious gaze. The man''s eyes trembled. He was overwhelmed with so many conflicting emotions he couldn''t think straight. The notion a team of nine fighters could defeat a Colossus felt arrogant to the point of offensiveness. While he wanted to yell, he would face humiliation if it was true. Lastly, there was hope that the group could defeat the monster as a trump card and save him from ultimate defeat. "General Lackbolt. We aren''t asking you to relinquish any authority to us. We are under yourmand and therefore are requesting your permission." Helix rified. "In an ideal scenario, you would let us wear down and injure the Colossus at our full strength. Your troops would box in the enemy to ensure that it could not escape. Then you could lead a charge into the battle once it''s weakened andnd the final blow. With that strategy, you only gain even if we all die. Do you not?" General Lackbolt''s eyes glided to the left in thought. "That would be ideal." He grumbled under his breath. "Are you that confident in sess?" "Of course." Helix replied with a mysterious smile. "Hmmm." General Lackbolt muttered in thought. "Perhaps it would be worth the time to at least send someone to witness these Nightmares." Helix waited patiently. "What are their skill sets?" The man asked after a moment of contemtion. "Two are legendary-grade natural disaster Nightmares." Helix replied with a slight smile. "One creates cyclones, tornados, and floods with water and wind-type magic. The second creates earthquakes that can break thend in a 250-meter radius." "WHAT!?" General Lackbolt cried. "Why didn''t you start with that, boy!?" "Trust is important, General Lackbolt." Helix replied with a calm tone. "Having hazardous Nightmares is a liability if we don''t use them in a way that aligns with the strategic qualities of battle. An earthquake may injure the Stalkwalker heavily, but the gains are meaningless if the soldiers cannot attack it afterward." General Lackbolts eyes glided to the left again in thought. "Therefore, we need to be involved with the strategic nning of the operation and have the delegated authority to influence soldiers." Helix continued. "My team is here under your leadership to participate in this battle. Our goal is to aid you under the request of Kozen''s king, not subjugate the Stalkwalker." General Lackbolt was charmed by the boy''s reasoning. At first, the young man was obnoxious, arrogant, and demeaning to him. However, if Helix was as powerful as he imed, he was modest and respectful to a strong degree. "Hmmm. Will allow you to take part in the operation''s strategic nning after essing the Nightmares'' validity." General Lackbolt announced. "However, I do not have the time to go to a location that can be destroyed. Can you give me contained demonstrations that allow me to see the Nightmares without causing major damage?" Helix nodded. "Yes. My soldiers have incredible control over their Nightmares. We can create a demonstration of any size, in any location of your choosing." General Lackbolt narrowed his eyes at Helix. "Considering these are [natural disaster] spells, that''s a bold im." He replied suspiciously. "Please give me a moment." Helix replied with a light chuckle. General Lackbolt studied Tyrene''s expressions while waiting for Helix to return to the tent. "Why do you follow this boy''smand?" He asked, breaking the silence. "You''ll see soon enough." Tyrene chuckled. Five minutester, Helix returned with Marie, Charlotte, and Riley. The three stood before General Lackbolt in epic-grade battle gear provided by Tyrene. Their bodies stood erect, and their hands were behind their back to show discipline. Helix chuckled when he saw how difficult the gesture was for Charlotte, trying her best not to burst intoughter. "General Lackbolt, this is Marie Skybolt, my second inmand." Helix announced. The beautiful redhead nodded her head in respect. "It''s a pleasure to meet you, sir." Marie imed with a firm expression. She had the aura of amander that demanded respect. "General Lackbolt. Nice to meet you." The man replied with an impressed smile. She nodded her head again. "This is Charlotte, who is my strategic fighter. She has a mythical-grade fire-type Nightmare known as [Exodus ze]. While she''s a support mage in battle, she''s my strategic trump card." Helix announced. Charlotte''s face became rosy at his officialpliments. "I¡­ Uh¡­." She muttered awkwardly. Charlotte gave a sidelong nce to Marie while thinking back to what the young woman did. She bowed her head and gave a greeting only a split secondter. "... Am Charlotte Kline. It is nice to meet you." Charlotte said with an awkward smile. General Lackbolt chuckled under his breath. He could tell that the strategic [trump card] was not as disciplined as the others. Geniuses are often entric people, so he didn''t discount her. "General Lackbolt. Nice to meet you, Charlotte." He replied. "Lastly, this is Riley Singer. She leads the support for my team and is of tantamount importance." Helix announced. "Her Nightmare is powerful in defense and offense, making her indispensable for many roles." Riley bowed her head. "It''s an honor to meet you, General Lackbolt. I hope my service here is of great aid to you and your troops." She said with a sweet voice. General Lackbolt was stunned by the kindness emanating from the young woman. "I-It''s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Singer." He replied awkwardly. He wasn''t star-struck or flushed with love at first sight. General Lackbolt was embarrassed because his gruff attitude did not feel right to reply to someone like her. If he treated her kindly as a child, he would be humiliated if she were as strong as was imed. "I''d like for us to make a demonstration here." Helix requested with a mysterious smile. General Lackbolt gave Helix a bewildered expression. "Here?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. "Yes. The demonstration will show the control my soldiers have over these cmity-grade Nightmares." He replied while bringing his hands from behind his back. In his hand, there was a long, white candlestick. "While the demonstration will be small, I believe it will demonstrate the [nature] of the Nightmares." General Lackbolt narrowed his eyes. "What do you want to do?" He asked suspiciously. "We''re going to y with this candle." Helix chuckled. He touched his neck and pulled out a folding table from his item storage. "That''s all. Can we do that?" Helix asked with a mysterious smile. General Lackbolt turned to Tyrene, who gave him a nod. "Boy, if you burn down this tent or do anything simr, I''ll see you hanged." He warned. Tyrene narrowed her eyes and gave the man a murderous gaze. He shivered in response. However, it wasn''t like he couldn''t warn him when his life was at stake. "That''s fine." Helix chuckled. General Lackbolt''s eyes widened. Helix ignored him and put the candle on the table. It had arge back and stood without a candle holder. "Charlotte, if you''ll please." He requested. Charlotte gave him an excited grin and stood before the table. "[Flicker]." She whispered. The candle''s wick lit on fire. General Lackbolt''s expression contorted. While having the control to ignite a candle wick was impressive, it wasn''t special. He was trying his best not to make judgment calls and frown, but it was hard with his personality. "Riley." Helix said while motioning to her. Riley nodded. "[Whisper]." She ordered calmly. The candle went out. General Lackbolt''s eye zed over. "[Desert Heat]." Charlotte continued. A small gust of heat enveloped the candle and gently melted it without bubbles. General Lackbolt''s eyes snapped to attention. Her fluid level of control was insane. The candle melted in a pool on the table. "[Gentle Breeze]." Riley followed up. The wax cooled as a light breeze washed over it. "[Domain]." Charlotte whispered. Gravity pushed down against the slightly cooled wax, ttening it on the table. "Marie." Helix requested with a motion of his arm. Marie nodded and put her hands on the table. "[Ripple]." She whispered. Light vibrations shook the table, and a ripple went through the wax. It looked like a leaf touching still pond water. Another smaller ripple trailed each gently. General Lackbolt watched in amazement as the candle wax made a perfectly uniform thickness. The demonstration hypnotized him. "[Desert Heat]." Charlotte continued. The wax melted again. "[Tornado]." Riley continued. "[Fire Dance]." Charlotte added. A small heated tornado developed on the table. It sucked up the wax and kept it from melting. "You''ve got to be kidding me!" General Lackbolt cried out. He could take the demonstration any longer. The tornado gently created a new candle on the table! It was thinner and perfect in its proportions. Helix chuckled when he saw the man''s reaction. Once the candle waspletely formed, Charlotte released her Nightmare. A gentle breeze remained on the table. "[Shatter]." Marie whispered. "[Zero]." Charlotte followed. The candle exploded into a million pieces. General Lackbolt cried out in surprise when it happened. However, before he could say anything, his ability to speak disappeared. Millions of candle fragments were floating! "[Wind Dance]." Riley whispered. The fragments started gently moving together again. However, it wasn''t a torrent of wind. Riley was motioning her hands like a conductor, and the countless pieces of wax were beautifully dancing in the air. Helix chuckled when he saw General Lackbolt''s ck-jawed expression. Finally, Riley brought the pieces together and swirled them in a circr motion. "[Fire Dance]." Charlotte whispered with a grin. The wax melted again, and the tornado created the candle again. "[Gust]." Riley said with a yful smile. The candle tipped over and fell on the table. "[Selective Vibration]." Marie followed up with a warm smile. A rip went through the table. It vibrated the candle softly. The vibration [popped], and the candle stood up again when it reached the tip. It didn''tnd perfectly. "[Wind Dance]." Riley chuckled after seeing Marie''s puffed-out cheeks. "She''s bothered that her vibration didn''t lift a candle from a lying position?" General Lackbolt cried under his breath. Helix gave the man an amused expression. Lastly, the candle lifted off the table and gently moved back into Helix''s hand. The tent was dead-silent. After a minute of perplexion, General Lackbolt broke out of his mentalbyrinth. He looked around to see everyone looking at him, waiting for his reply. When the man locked eyes with Helix, the young man gave him a slight smile. "It''s like that, but instead of a candle, it''s an enemy. And instead of gently cing them whole after they melt or shatter into a million pieces, we let them die." After a moment of stunned silence, the tent erupted intoughter. General Lackbolt panned his gaze around the room, staring at theirughing faces with a shocked gaze. His gazended on Helix, holding the same candle, with the same shape, as he did before. It was so surreal that he felt that he was being deceived into a magic trick. However, he felt the light breezes and the heat in the room. He witnessed everything with his full attention. It was frustration and confusion beyondparison! He felt like Helix had thrown him into an ocean of psychological soup and stranded him there. "General Lackbolt?" Helix asked. The group was waiting for him to speak for two minutes. "Huh? I¡­ Uh¡­." The man stuttered. "That¡­ was¡­ real, right? You weren''t just ying with me?" The room erupted intoughter again. "I assure you, that wasn''t fake." Helix chuckled. "Don''t forget that you''re in the presence of the Winter General of Alzeria. Anotherbat grandmaster has taught us as well." General Lackbolt''s expression crumbled, and his face turned bright red. "While these are cmity-grade Nightmares, we have learned how to control them with the finesse of elemental magic." The general wasn''t even listening again. His face was flushed with embarrassment, and his neck creaked slowly in Tyrene''s direction with the fluidity of a rusted cog. "Y-You''re the legendary Winter General?" General Lackbolt stuttered. Tyrene gave the man a mocking expression. "Why yes, as a matter of fact, I am." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 101 [Strategy] Helix stared at the dead body of the Stalkwalker in a state of disarray. People were cheering and surrounding him. However, he could not hear or see them. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. ¡ª "What''s going on!?" Elsa yelled as a group of people burst into her tent. "What happened!?" The men in the group ced a body on her table. "It''s Tyrene! She''s badly injured! You need to save her!" Marie cried in a panicked state. Tyrene was groaning with her eyes closed. She was losing a lot of blood from her arm. It was shattered and distorted beyond salvaging, and blood spurted out in waves. "Her ribs are severely broken!" Elsa yelled out. "Fido, contact the best surgeon in the area! Tell them that he''ll be operating on a person under the official directive of General Lackbolt!" The young man''s eyes trembled in fear. "This isn''t the time to worry about trivialities!" Elsa roared. "Take this, don''t ask questions, and go!" Elsa threw a metal she was wearing around her neck. It was a medallion that gave her the official authority to order military personnel under the directive of General Lackbolt. "Y-Yes!" The man affirmed before running out of the tent. "Tyrene! Stay with me! We''re going to get you breathing again soon. So don''t you dare give up on me!" Elsa yelled at full volume. The woman quickly created a tourniquet on the top of the woman''s arm. "What the hell happened!?" She yelled to Marie. "That idiot!" Marie yelled between sobs. "What idiot!? Speak clearly, child!" Elsa demanded. "Helix! That fucking idiot!" Marie screamed between sobs. She fell to her knees and covered her hands with a broken expression. ¡ª "Good work, boy." General Lackbolt said as he walked over to Helix. The young man stayed silent. His mind was nk, and he felt as though his mind would distort and break apart forever. "It wasn''t your fault, boy." The man continued while putting his hand on Helix''s shoulder. Helix said nothing. Tilo, Charlotte, and Riley approached Helix cautiously. All of them had conflicted expressions on their faces. "No. This was my fault." ¡ª 30 Hours Before. "That¡­." Helix muttered in disbelief. "That''s¡­ one big fucking monster." Charlottemented with a shocked expression. "How far away are we right now?" Marie asked General Lackbolt. "We''re two miles away." He replied with a grave tone. The Stalkwalker looked like a gori with the same arms and chest. However, it stood like a human at all times. Its face had the snout of a dog. Walking tall and erect with its canine head made it look like Anubis, the dog god of ancient Egypt. "If we can see it from here, it''s at least three-hundred and fifty feet tall." Helixmented with a beating heart. "I''m not going to lie to you all. Now that I''ve seen it for the first time, I''m thankful your group has cmity-grade Nightmares." General Lackboltmented with a dark tone. "I feel like natural disasters are the only thing that can harm that thing." Marie nodded her head in agreement. The group was traveling in a wagon drawn by horses. Calvary soldiers were riding next to them, and a thousand troops of varying skill were riding in air-exposed carts. Each of them had shaking expressions. "Now that you''ve seen it, what is your strategy?" Tyrene asked. Helix nodded and started outlining his strategy. Tyrene listened with keen interest and an attentive gaze. General Lackbolt listened to the conversation with keen interest. He couldn''t believe that a small group could inflict so much damage and limit mobility on their own. After hearing Helix''s strategy, General Lackbolt considered putting Helix in charge of the entire operation. His strategy was simr to Helix''s, but their Nightmares would do the heavy lifting which would require a massive number of sacrifices to achieve. He also failed to grasp the effect the Stalkwalker''s size could have on the battle. General Lackbolt cringed when Helix exined that every step the monster took would shake the ground and cause the troops to lose their bnce. Long distance spells were necessary and hecked enough mages. For that reason, Helix and his team were critical and he couldn''tmand them without understanding what they were capable of. He wouldn''t hand charge over to Helix normally, but he led a general that could guide him. That was enough to convince him to hand over the operation. Not only that, Tyrene was a legendary general that made him look like a joke. He would give [her] themand without hesitation. "What do you think, Tyrene?" Helix asked. The older woman chuckled and a smile formed on her face. "This is your operation, Helix. Don''t you remember?" She asked. Helix shot her a mysterious smile. "Yes, it is. Part of being a leader is listening to the counsel of experienced subordinates. As your leader, I''m asking your professional opinion to ensure my sess." Heughed. Helix was not joking. He was being dead-serious. "Hmmm. I see that you''ve learned a few things since our first hunt together." She chuckled. Helix shed her the fashionable Liken Wolf scar on his arm. "I''ll never forget it. I''m convinced that the only reason you let me get hurt was that the attack would make a cool scar." Heughed. "Is that so?" Tyrene chuckled. After a period of silence, she burst intoughter. "I can''t figure out if you''ve gotten to know me or if I let it slip. But that''s exactly why I let you get hurt during that attack." The whole group erupted into festiveughter. They all knew that Tyrene was a hard ass but a softy on the inside. However, unlike Macron, her students didn''t feel that way during training. They felt a demon was training them. "As for your question, I think your approach is right." Tyrene announced. "I''m impressed by your strategy. To be honest, this is the first time that I''ve fought with people that had cmity spells. In the past, I was the only one. If I were with my army¡­." Tyrene exined her strategy in detail as well. "My strategy lines up perfectly with yours." Shemented after finishing. So there''s no reason that we can''t add the two strategies together seamlessly. Good work." Tyrene said with a warm smile. "Um. Sir Helix?" General Lackbolt called out. "Yes, sir?" Helix replied. "Um, yes. Your and General Masney''s strategy are the same as mine." General Lackbolt began with a pained expression. "However, as you''ve pointed out, weck the firepower to level decisive attacks. As a result, we will face the issue of the Colossus'' speed." Tyrene and Helix nodded. "Since¡­ your Nightmares are powerful enough to shape the fight, it would be foolish not to use them." The man reasoned with a self-deprecating tone. "However, I don''t know much about them and couldn''t utilize them as much as you can. For that reason, I was thinking of allowing you to take charge of the strategy and attack. I''d organize the men to execute the strategy of troop firepower to achieve the desired results. If the troops don''t have to take care of the major issues, they''ll be able to kill the beast with ease." General Lackbolt took a deep breath. "Helix Margrave. You''re only eighteen and inexperienced. However, you''ve proven that you''repetent, and your team has the power we need." He sighed. "Since my, your, and General Masney''s strategies align, I would like you to take control of the operation. Giving you control hurts my pride, but not nearly as much as watching my soldiers die and risking Kozen''s safety." Helix nodded to the man with a respect-filled gaze. "If that''s what you wish, I will take charge of the operation and take full responsibility for its sess and failure." He replied with a sincere tone. General Lackbolt''s eyes widened with shock. "No, you don''t need to do that!" He replied hurriedly. Helix shook his head. "Ultimately, we will fully bear that responsibility to Kozen, the King, and the world together." He replied. "However, if I take control, I will let the troops know that I''m the person responsible. If I don''t take on that responsibility, I will not take their lives as seriously as I should." Tyrene''s eyes went wide alongside General Lackbolt''s. The man sighed. "If that is what you wish, so be it." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 102 [Our Love Letter To Elise] "Listen up! Men! Women! Soldiers, Surgeons, and Mages!" Helix yelled to the restless waves of troops. A sound wave hit the crowd instantaneously. There was 1200 army personnel, and they were standing on magic circles that amplified his voice. The troops and doctors were confused because they couldn''t see the person speaking. Moreover, the voice belonged to a young man they had never heard before. Ripples of statements like [who''s speaking?] and [have you ever seen him before?] passed through the troops like wildfire. "My name is Helix Hellsgate Margrave! I''m a Knight leading a team of three grandmasters, three experts, and four soldiers with cmity spells! With our firepower, our chances of victory have multiplied greatly!" He roared. Excited murmurs passed through the crowd as they heard the news. "Most of you do not know what a cmity spell is, so we''ll show you!" Helix yelled. "Charlotte." The young woman nodded while stepping up in front of the crowd of soldiers. Her golden hazel eyes were fierce, and her beautiful blonde hair swayed in the light autumn breeze. "[Desert Heat]!" Charlotte roared. An overbearing wave of heat passed through the 1200 soldiers. The audience was standing in an area nearly a kilometer in size. However, the st of heat reached even the furthest person in the back. The heat was extraordinarily overpowering, and if it weren''t for her order to pass through the audience instantaneously, people would die of heatstroke within a few minutes. Gasps for breaths and light screams passed through the crowd like a tidal wave until it reached the back. Even at its weakest, people experienced a sweltering dry heat at the end. "Did you feel that? That unbearable heat just reached a distance of nearly a kilometer!? This is a weak, diluted demonstration of a cmity spell!" Helix yelled with a bold voice. Groans passed through the audience. Many people felt bitter because a spell had sted them without warning. "I know many of you are bitter about experiencing that. However! Imagine the firepower this woman will do to that Colossus if this is a weak spell! She is not your enemy; she is your ally!" Helix announced. The murmurs in the crowd turned from bitterness to confusion. "Do you know what that means? If she can hit a solid kilometer area with a spell, you don''t have to stand close to that Stalkwalker! It means that her presence increases your chances of survival exponentially! Your family''s chances of staying alive and waking up next to their father, mother, and partner have increased! Are you still bitter about what you''ve experienced? Or do you now understand what it means to have this woman on your side!" He roared. Everyone was whispering and confirming what they had experienced. Then there was a small spark. A single yell of support. Then the entire kilometer-sized group of army personnel erupted into cheers and roars of excitement. "Ah! Much better!" Helix remarked with a satisfied grin. The cheering continued. "Now that you understand the gravity of that term, I''ll reiterate my previous statement!" Helix announced. "You have four allies on your side that have cmity spells!" The crowd fell silent again, and people started checking with the people around them to ensure they heard his statement right. A few momentster, a few cheers set the army aze with enthusiasm and excitement. "Not only that!" Helix yelled. p "We have a 5-star general, three grandmasters, and three experts joining you. Each of them has a level of 150 or higher, and one has a level of 217!" The crowd detonated with screams and wild apuse. Everyone was hugging and patting their neighbors on the back now that they knew reinforcements of a high caliber were helping them. "That''s right! We will help you brave men and women destroy that fucking monstrosity!" Helix yelled with a passionate ze in his eyes. "Who''s ready to level that monster and send a brutal message to the Mad Queen!?" Battle cries exploded through the audience. The war drums started thumping. Hearts started pounding. Blood started boiling. Even the people in his group were swept away in the madness and excitement of the event. His partners'' hearts were set aze, and their passion for Helix grew. "My team and I are here to ensure that you and General Lackbolt willnd a decisive blow on this beast! We''re here to ensure that you will make the King and the people of Kozen proud today!" Helix gazed upon the roaring crowd with a fiery look in his eyes. "But we need your help! So quiet down and listen to what we need to seal our victory!" The crowd quieted down at the drop of a hat, and everyone listened with bated breath. "In just a few moments, we will begin work on traps in the area, setting up battle and supply lines, and establishing amunicationswork. We need two things from you! First, we need your help aplishing these tasks. Second, we need your unbridled bloodlust and rage!" Cheers andughter ripped through the crowd like the summer breeze. "Why do we need your rage? Why do we require your bloodlust?" Helix asked. "This creature had the audacity to threaten your homes, family, and country! We need your anger and passion to ensure that everything we do leads to the most ruthless and decisive victory in history!" Battle cries swept through the field once again. Every soldier, doctor, and logistics expert had resolve and determination in their eyes. "Once our preparations are over and we''re ready to unleash the fury of Kozen on this beast, we will need your cooperation!" Helix continued. The crowd calmed down again, but the excitement in the atmosphere made it difficult to contain one''s emotions. "We have four people with cmity spells! These brave soldiers will cripple that freak of nature! They will bring it to its knees! They will make it cry in pain and anguish for messing with the wrong people! And most of all¡­." Helix paused and panned over the audience to look into the eyes of countless soldiers. "They''re going to line you up to unleash hell upon it!" The troops devolved into a frenzy. Their mouths spewed fire. Their lungs breathed smoke. "To make that happen!" Helix yelled. "We will need to ensure that you brave soldiers do not get caught up in the natural disasters that will soon rip this beast to shreds!" The crowd quieted down to listen. "For that reason, General Lackbolt has shared hismand with us! Together, united, we will lead you to victory! Together, united, we will y ourselves a Colossus ...." Helix paused for dramatic effect, and the crowd waited for him with bated breath. "AND MAKE HISTORY!" Battle cries exploded through the crowds, and the atmosphere became intoxicating. The bloodlust oozing from the soldiers was palpable and drove people into a war fever madness. Those that were nervous became strong. Those who were strong became invincible. And those who already felt both were now gods. "Once again! My name is Helix Hellsgate Margrave!" He yelled. Cheers exploded from the throngs of troops upon his name. "Let me introduce to you the allies you can depend on to help you achieve victory! This is Marie Skybolt! She has a Nightmare that can create an earthquake 250 meters in diameter!" Thunderous apuse met the young woman. While she was nervous and shy around Helix, she was confident and strong as a leader. She stood tall with the aura of a goddess of war. "She is my second inmand! Most of you cannot see her, so if you do, make sure to let everyone know who she is! If this war goddess asks anything of you, make sure to follow through with passion, and she will guide you to victory!" More apuse followed. No matter how strong Marie was in the face of leadership, she had never faced this level of support. It made her nervous and she wanted to blush in embarrassment. However, her appearance was calm, collected, and confident on the outside. "This beautiful woman requires no introduction because she just rained that wave of fiery death upon you!" Helix chuckled. Laughter spread through the audience. Those who originally looked at Charlotte as a demon were now star-stuck. She grinned and soaked in the devious attention she was receiving. "As you know, her Nightmare brings fire and death to the battlefield. Not only that, she brings the weight of the world down upon her enemies with gravity. With her power, we will bring this colossus to its knees and submit to the authority of humankind!" Wild cries, cheers, and roars burst through the audience like a broken flood gate releasing water. Charlotte gazed upon the crowd with passion. She was strong and felt that way for the first time since arriving. "If you see her, listen to her words! If she jokes with you, it''s okay tough! She may be a goddess with ruthless power, but she''s a human just like you!" Helix yelled. Whistles shot out of the audience. "But! Whatever you do, don''t piss her off." He chuckled. The troops burst intoughter. "This woman is named Riley Singer! You will soon discover that she is the nicest person you''ve ever met!" Helix announced. "And the most deadly!" They detonated withughter and apuse again. "Riley brings love and kindness to humans, but this Stalkwalker will only know her as a walking natural disaster! She unleashes tornadoes and floods upon this world, and when they''rebined, they create something more devastating¡ªa cyclone!" Yells and excitement passed through the crowd. "If you see her, show this goddess the kindness and respect she deserves! Start now by telling her how beautiful she is!" Helix demanded. The crowd roared withughter. Then kindpliments and remarks flooded her, and her face turned bright red with embarrassment. "Excellent! Please stop now. She''s received enough for today, so please don''t give her er. She''s a goddess of war, after all!" Cheers rang through the kilometer area, attracting the attention of everything in sight. Helix introduced Tilo, who would be leading trap development. Then he introduced Elsa as the leader of medical operations. "Lastly! This woman right here is all you need for victory!" Helix roared. The crowd fell silent, and the soldiers waited for his next words with bated breath. "This woman is your ally today! She is here to guide you to a decisive victory! Her name is Grandmaster General Dame Tyrene Mastney, but to the world and history books, she goes by a much moremon name¡­." Helix panned the audience to ensure that everyone was listening. "The legendary Winter General Tyrene!" The entire kilometer area gasped with shock. Then, after five seconds of silence, the battle cries rocked the soundwaves. The noise was so deafening that any opposing army would crumble and submit. Helix gazed upon the audience onest time. "We are the team helping you fight and earn your ce in history!" He roared. "Now, let''s kill ourselves a Colossus and send our poison love letter to the Mad Queen!" Chapter 103 [Attack Preparations] "Grandmaster Szar, we have the small arrays, and we''re now working on therger ones. However, our circle masters have run out of alignment chalk." A man announced with a salute. "Hoh? Are you out of chalk as well?" Tilo asked. "Uh¡­ no, sir." The man responded nervously. "Hmmm? So what''s the problem?" Tilo asked with a bewildered expression. "Don''t tell me that you circle makers are about to fight a legendary battle, yet you''re unable to use chalk to draw circles¡­." The man''s face paled, and he started trembling. "No! I mean, yes, we can¡­ sir! I was just giving you a status report!" He announced awkwardly. "Hoho! Thank you for your update, young man. Make sure to remind them of our impending historic victory, would you?" Tilo asked with a slight smile. "Y-Yes! Right away!" The man rushed away hurriedly. Tilo watched as he gave a harangue to the circle masters. Once he did, the entire area exploded with renewed enthusiasm. Those with self-correcting chalk threw it away, unwilling to let their legacy be spoiled with training wheels. "It works like magic¡­." Tilo chuckled in bewilderment. "I should start using this on my students." After a moment of pondering, he developed a cheeky smile. "Except for that boy. He''d sigh and point out how stupid it is to get excited about risking your life." Tiloughed. Then he set back to work creating the Level 5 gravity circle before him. "Hmmm. I think I''ll add a [conditional trigger]." He added with a mysterious smile. ¡ª "Chief Elsa! We havepleted the tents and have organized them as you have requested!" A young woman called out. "Thank you. Focus on creating the ear plugs now. Make sure to have every squadron leader beat them if they refuse to wear them." Elsa replied with a sassy smile. "Mam!" The woman affirmed before walking away. "Timothy. Warn everyone that their leader is known for being an idiot and ending up in the hospital!" Elsa called out. "If that damn idiot shows up, I want to know about it in 15 seconds or less." "Have a little faith in the boy." Timothyughed. "I never got to teach him, but he isn''t the same weak boy anymore." Elsa gave Timothy a cold re, but her worry started to show. "Don''t worry. That idiot will make it out alright." He chuckled. "I''ll spread the news, and do it in a way that doesn''t undermine his authority and lead to a mutiny." Elsa turned bright red and panicked when she saw Timothy walking away. "Hah¡­ I guess it''s not wise to be so cautious after all¡­." She muttered. "Wait! No! I''m not going to stop worrying about that damn idiot till he gets his recklessness out of his system!" Elsa thought about it for a moment and then sighed. "I guess I''ll be worrying for the rest of my life." After that, she continued prepping the tables and delegating tasks. "Wow¡­." A woman soldiermented. "I can''t believe you''ve turned this entire area into a swamp¡­." "Hah. With that man, I can do anything." Marie chuckled. "I guess so¡­ you kissed him three¡ª" "Spirit particle transfusion!" Marie snapped with a blushing expression. "He was giving me spirit particles so I could continue." The woman soldier trembled lightly with shock in her eyes. "I-I see¡­." She stuttered. "We''vepletedpleting ourmunicationwork. What would you like my team to start working on?" Marie got off the ground and brushed the dirt off her pants. "Please ask all squadron and battalion leaders to visit me. I''d like to meet them and learn about their structure." Marie requested. "Yes, mam. I''ll have the leaders greet you within the hour." The young woman left with a mysterious smirk on her face. A man walked up fifteen minutester. "Commander Skybolt. My name is Robert Vazquez, and I lead the 2nd battalion." Robert announced. "Nice to meet you, Battalion leader. Please give me a breakdown of the soldiers in your division, their strengths, and their magical capabilities." She requested. "Yes, mam. My troops¡­." Marie frowned after hearing his exnation. "Battalion leader Vasquez. Your first mission is to meet your men and learn more about their strengths and weaknesses. I''ve heard that you''re an excellent leader. However, you''re limiting your potential by not knowing enough about them to utilize their strengths and weaknesses." She exined. The man''s face flushed red with embarrassment. "Today is the most monumental moment in your history as a leader. If you get to know your soldiers and utilize their strengths to achieve victory, they will follow you loyally until the day you die. So please meet your soldiers personally, build rtionships, bring out your potential, and then we can lead them to victory. Will you do that?" Marie asked with a slight smile. "Mam!" Robert replied with an enthusiastic salute. Marie giggled when she saw him running away with passion zing in his eyes. "It seems that his words work like charms even if he doesn''t say them." She looked into the distance. "This¡­. This is why I love that man and will follow him till I die." Marie vowed with a warm smile. ¡ª "Hmmm? What is it, Officer Lipson?" Riley asked. "I¡­ my apologies, Captain Riley." Lipson replied awkwardly with a slight blush. "I''m letting you know we''ve sessfully dug the flood drenches." "Thank you, Officer Lipson. You have my gratitude. Please ry that message to everyone on your force." Riley replied with a slight bow. "Y-Yes, Captain. I will make sure to do that with utmost devotion!" Lipson cried with an awkward expression. "Then we''ll start work with the boulder chiseling." Riley gave him a gentle smile. "Thank you. Please let me know when you finish." She requested. When he failed to move, she addressed him again. "Is there something else I can do for you?" Riley asked with a slight head-tilt. "Um¡­ no, not exactly¡­." Lipson replied while fidgeting. "Don''t be shy. You can speak your mind." Riley giggled. The man blushed. "I¡­ we¡­ were wondering if you''d get mad if we called you Goddess Riley¡­?" He replied hesitantly. His eyes widened with shock after he realized what he had said. Then he started waving his hands in front of his face with embarrassment. "Please don''t get the wrong idea God¡ªCaptain Riley. We''re not asking in an official capacity. We''re just making sure it doesn''t bother you if we speak of you that way between¡ª" "You can do that." Riley giggled. "Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate the gesture." The man''s face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Captain!" Lipson said before running away. Riley''s eyes widened in bewilderment when he saw him prancing away. "Ever since he called me a goddess and requestedpliments, everyone thinks I am one¡­." She giggled. "Is¡­ this what Emelia felt like?" Riley looked to the sky with warmth radiating from her face. The mere mention of Emelia made her smile. She was happy to finally understand how her best friend felt, if only a little bit. ¡ª "Haaaaaaah. Share my ass. I haven''t done a damn thing during this operation!" General Lackbolt grumbled. "Hmmm? You make it sound like that''s a bad thing. Do you know how many years I''ve been hounded into working after retiring?" Tyrene asked with a mocking nce. General Lackbolt replied with a wry smile. "This is a monumental moment in Kozen history. If there''s any day to work, it''s today." He replied with a self-deprecatingugh. "Then what''s stopping you?" Tyrene asked with a piercing gaze. The man''s face paled. "Do you think that boy casually stumbled into this leadership role? No. He just helped people and kept helping people until he was nearly assassinated and then kept helping people." She exined with a sassy smirk. "So go out there and build morale. Your duty as a leader has nothing to do with paper works or pointing at fancy maps. Your role is to inspire others, no matter how weak you are." General Lackbolt''s face lit up with understanding. "I suppose that''s true¡­." He muttered to himself. After a moment of pondering, he gave Tyrene a nervous expression. "But¡­ do you think they''ll listen to me even though I''m weak?" General Lackbolt asked. "When faced against you all, I''m a joke." Tyrene burst intoughter and bent overughing. "What''s so funny?" General Lackbolt muttered indignantly. "It''s just¡­." She replied while wiping tears from her eyes. "That¡­ that boy¡­ he was Level 1 less than three months ago, and one of those months was recovering from an assassination attempt!" General Lackbolt''s eyes widened in shock. "His stats were zero for everything four months ago!" Tyrene cried withughter biting at her soul. "Yet he garnered the support of an entire kingdom! When he almost died, three grandmasters journeyed 1000 miles to train him. Now he''s the strongest person here! Even if he can''t beat me yet, he has three walking cmities that will!" "W-What!?" General Lackbolt cried in astonishment. "That''s right." Tyrene replied with a warm smile. "He''s proof that leadership and strength have nothing to do with physical power." After a couple more minutes of lightughter and reminiscing, she got back into the mindset of work. However, when she snapped back into attention, she found General Lackbolt staring at her with a ck-jawed expression. "Hmmm? What are you still doing here!?" Tyrene barked. "If you don''t start riling people up in the next five minutes, I''ll shove my hand up your ass like a ventriloquist and do it for you!" General Lackbolt''s eyes filled with terror. He quickly got up without saying another word and aggressively approached everyone in sight, offering them unsolicited words of praise. ¡ª "Hey there, Hellie Harangue! How''s my super extra sexy harem leader doing?" Charlotte asked with a yful tone. "Exhausted." Helix dered before sitting on the ground andying on it. "Hmmm? Do I see a desperate need for a dozen kisses in your eyes?" She mused. "Twenty." He chuckled yfully. "And at least two of them need spirit particles." Charlotte gave him a sexy, narrowed nce. "It rocks being the hot girl. I need no preparations and have the best job of the lot." Shemented while licking her lips. "First, I was a glorified search engine. Then I was a clothing designer that was forced into drawing lingerie. I became a magic circle maker that specialized in home appliances. I worked my way up into a hot tub maker. Now I''m a portable spirit particle charger." He chuckled bitterly. Charlotte giggled and gave him a yful smile. "But! I finally have a job thates with ster benefits!" Helix reached up slowly and ran his fingers through the back of Charlotte''s hair. Then she closed her eyes and let herself get pulled into his lips. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 104 [Colossus] "Helix! It''s a trap!" Tyrene yelled across the battlefield. "I don''t care! I''d rather die than let her get hurt again!" Helix barked back in anger. "Don''t! That mindset is going to get everyone killed!" Tyrene cried. "Pay attention! You''re both going to get killed if you don''t!" Helix closed in on his target location. Above him, the Stalkwalker''s massive arm cast shade on the entire area. Its hand was as high as possible, preparing for [m Attack]. Helix dropped an earth pir circle in front of him. The moment it touched the earth, a massive rock pir shot out of the ground. It was twenty feet in diameter, making it a massive force that would at least slow down the m attack and buy him some time. Helix turned his head to turn around and make a dash backward. However, he felt a leg smash into his stomach as he turned, and he shot backward. Before he crashed into the ground and began rolling, time slowed to a crawl. Blink. He saw Tyrene standing in a kicking position. She had tear-filled eyes and a look of relief on her face. Blink. A fraction of a secondter, something smashed into her side and sent her flying outside his realm of vision. Blink. His body crashed into the earth, and he rolled over and over again. Blink. "Helix!" ¡ª "Status report." Helix ordered with a firm tone. "Commander. We sessfully captured the attention of the Stalkwalker using the method you suggested. We''ve confirmed that it''s moving in our direction because of the beasts, not out of interest." "Thank you, Yakov. How much time do we have?" He asked. "Ten minutes, sir." Yakov replied. "Thank you. Link up with the other battalion leaders and keep their minds focused." Helix instructed. "The invisibility walls, scent masking circles, and sound deprivation spells will keep everyone from being identified. However, one panicked person breaking from the position can expose you and get everyone killed." Yakov gave him a firm nod. "If anyone attempts to break free, give orders to stop that person with force. The Stalkwalker will not hear the sound, so do not worry. Put the safety of the whole first." Helix instructed. "Sir." Yakov confirmed before moving back to the troops. The battleground was in a valley that was lightly riddled with trees the day before. When they arrived, it was lush and full of greenery that had developed into the springtime and became vibrant in the summer. Soon it would fall, so it was thest chance to see vivid greenery in its splendor. However, Summer was wasted in the valley. The meadow was barren. There were no trees, the grass and vegetation were ripped from the earth with a cyclone, and the entire area was mostly dirt. In the center, there was arge pond around 50 feet across that was connected through ditches. The ground around the pond was tattooed with over a dozen Level 5 magic circles. There wererge hills surrounding the valley. One of those hills contained 800 troops. Helix had General Lackbolt fan out the troops over 500 meters. On the left side, there was an artificial rock face 100 feet high and 300 feet across. The original n in his mind was to have Marie create the rock face during a surprise attack. However, they quickly found out how absurd that idea was after testing. As a result, Helix searched through the Myriad Library, looking for ways to lure the Stalkwalker into a trap rather than meeting it. He found a specific animal that Stalkwalkers crave and sent out 100 cavalry troops to search for it. Luckily, they found a herd of beasts and captured them. The beasts were in a horse-drawn cart, booking it back to the trap zone. Helix winced every time he remembered the brave soldiers luring the Colossus into their ambush grounds. Marie, Charlotte, Riley, and Tyrene stood on the hills facing the Stalkwalker. Invisibility walls and scent masking circles were hiding their position. Once the Stalkwalker was closer, they would activate Circle of Silences and retain absolute stealth until the beast was in attacking range. "Wheeeeeew!" Charlotte whistled. "If the people in Alzeria saw this, they''d piss themselves. I bet they couldn''t even look at it before running away." "Hah. They can''t even look at women without running away. Staring down a Greek titan is out of the question." Helix chuckled. Charlotteughed and gripped her sides. The Stalkwalker was only half a mile away. Its size was truly able to beprehended for the first time. It was almost three-hundred and fifty feet, making it look like a skyscraper dressed on Halloween. "Hey, Hellie. Have you ever wondered what would happen if Anubis had sex with a neanderthal during ate-night drinking party and then fought with shrink rays on reverse?" Charlotte asked with a wicked grin. "Uh¡­ now that you mention it, I¡­ can honestly say that I never have." Helixughed. "Hey, Charlotte." "Yeah, Hellie?" She asked while turning to him. "You ever wonder what would happen if Mega Kong started eating humans, wound up in the third circle of hell, and had an orgy with Cerberus?" Helix asked with a straight face. "Yup! Plenty of times. I used to sketch the scene during fifth period." Charlotte shrugged. "Is that so¡­." Helix chuckled. "Commander. We have five more minutes." Yakov announced. Helix nodded in response. Then he turned to Charlotte. "Sorry, sweety. We''ll have to continue this conversationter." Helix sighed. "Don''t you dare try to get out of this. We''re not finish¡ª" Charlotte snapped like an angry wife. He activated the Circle of Silence and put his angry wife on mute. Charlotte turned bright red, stamped around, and threw a fit. He tried to act like he was ignoring her. However, he kept sneaking nces, and she kept breaking her angry act. Eventually, they could take it anymore and broke down intoughter. It was aical scene acted out like a silent film ssicplete with the bad acting. Helix took a deep breath as the Stalkwalker approached. As the beast got closer to its position, it cast dark shadows that blocked out the sun. Helix narrowed his eyes to get a better view of the wagon pulling the beasts. He had ced gravity circles in it to make the beasts weightless. Nevertheless, the Stalkwalker was catching up¡ªfast. Helix''s heart started racing when he saw the trailer up close. The people sitting in front were terrified and doing their best to keep it together. "They''re not going to make it¡­." Helix groaned with a wincing expression. The Colossus was so close. The entire area Helix was standing in was already covered by shade. It would be in their trap within sixty seconds, and the drivers would be free. However, the drivers had twenty seconds before the Colossus entered their range and perhaps ten seconds before its hand could reach down. "Come on!" Helix yelled. But no words came out. The scene ying out in front of him was dead-silent. The Colossus'' steps started shaking the wheels on the trailer. Suddenly the Stalkwalker stopped walking. Charlotte''s face paled when she saw the massive shadows created by the Colossus'' right arm start dancing on the ground. The main shadow lessened considerably, and the shadows cast on Helix and his team disappeared. Light washed over their bodies again. "No! Not this way! Not this close!" Helix screamed at the top of his lungs. "It''s close enough! If it''s not, I''ll make it close enough!" Helix''s eyes glided up towards the sky. His gaze started at the shins 100 meters behind the rushing cart. They glided up to the massive hairy knees of the beast and continued onward until it reached the beast''s furry, chiseled abs. His neck bent back as his gaze met the massive creature''s chest. It saw the creature''s massive ck hand reaching down at a frightening pace when it met that mark. He bent his back, and his eyes continued higher until they reached its neckline. He was not staring at its neck. He was staring at a long pitch-ck snout pointing down to the trailer. Lastly, his eyes stared at the dark gold eyes zing with a demonic light. Helix''s body trembled at the sight. "[Multi-Party Nightmare Summoning Hallucination]!" Helix yelled. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 105 [Entertainment] Howls came from the side of Helix''s body. They came from the same beasts that the team had captured. They started running outside the gateway to their trap''s site. The beasts were simr to bears with the head and ears of hyenas. "What are you doing!" Charlotte tried to yell in terror as the howls entered her ears. However, her voice didn''te out. "The beasts will scare the horses!" She yelled. Simr cries wereing from the distance as the colossal beast looked in their direction. However, to their shock, the horses kept running without distraction. They also noticed that they couldn''t hear anything [except for the beasts]. The beasts ran behind the horses before they looked up. Their bodies started trembling as they looked up. They started yapping in fear after their bodies froze. "Come on! They''re easier prey!" Helix yelled to the Stalkwalker as it considered the bewildering turn of events. However, to the group''s terror, the beast grinned. Its sharp, yellow teeth that could cut through a hump whale''s body in one bite showed for the first time. Every human present shook in fear at the monster''s malicious smile that marked death. The Colossus'' had continued toward the trailer. Helix understood in a second what had happened. He had frozen them in shock before the beast, and the Stalkwalker thought he could have its cake and eat it too. It would capture the trailer and also easily eat the frozen prey too! "Run!" Helix barked at his Lara Hines. He routed the beasts to the trailer''s right, running in the same direction to the entrance gate. His message was: choose between the beasts in the trailer or an entire group of arger size. Helix had no choice. If he did not put the two groups at a rtive distance, the beast could get distracted and move away from the trap field. However, to the group''s terror, the beast continued to the original trailer with the same evil smile. "You cocky fuck! Just wait when we rip your fucking body to shreds!" Helix taunted at the top of his lungs. However, his threats were not effective for the first time. He was silent. He had no voice. Helix watched in despair as his voice and efforts were ignored. The beast''s hand cast a dark shadow above the trailer that blocked out the sun''s light. Time slowed to a crawl. Helix''s gaze met the eyes of the trailer drivers'' who pleaded for the troops to save their lives. However, Helix had no such power, and his orders and the mission required the beast to continue to the trap site, or more people would die. His orders prevented all of his soldiers and team members with strength from interacting. As a result, Helix watched with regret and pain as the Stalkwalker''s hand gripped the trailer. The two drivers'' faces screamed in terror and cursed the troops and cocky leader that had forsaken them. They were so close to absolute victory. Now they were being lifted in the sky. They watched as the ground''s vegetation lost its crisp detail and blurred into an abstract scene. Helix''s eyes filled with tears and pain as he watched the two drivers be lifted into the air. The trailer rocked forward when they were over 150 feet in the air. The two drivers grabbed the reins and held on as gravity pulled them to earth. The drivers'' hung on for dear life as his body was flung out of his seat. One driver found footing on the bolt holding the two horses in ce. The other driver''s legs dangled 200 feet above the ground in the air. When he looked forward, he saw the jaws of a demonic Colossus. When he looked down, he saw two horses rocking back and forth. Below that was the ground that was approaching 250 feet above the ground. Helix and Charlotte watched the dangling man scream in terror. However, they could hear no sound. They could not see his face. Their imagination filled in the nks that they could not experience. Finally, the dangling man''s arms gave way, and his grip failed him. Helix''s heart stopped beating for a split second as his eyes followed the object falling to the earth. He turned to Charlotte, whose face was frozen. "Don''t look!" He yelled while jumping to shield her eyes. He didn''t make it in time. A red flower bloomed on the earth, and a dust cloud mushroomed behind it. Human faces screamed and panicked at the sight. The battalion leaders scrambled to pull away the troops attempting to flee. Luckily, Marie''s strict training and foresight putpetent men at the end, forming a riot shield around the edges to knock out the men and women attempting to flee. The leaders had barely quelled the riot before another dust cloud exploded from the ground. Charlotte screamed with rage before copsing to the ground. "Helix! Concentrate, you idiot!" Tyrene screamed. With the drivers gone, he was the person that was required to lead the Stalkwalker into range. Helix moved his eyes from Charlotte to view Marie and Riley on the other side of the hill gateway. When he did, he met Tyrene''s murderous gaze. She was yelling at him, pointing to the area behind him. In a tranced haze, he followed her fingers. The beasts he summoned had already made it into the trap area and escaped. The plight of the drivers broke his concentration, and now his bait was gone. He couldn''t summon them back. His eyes filled with terror when he realized the predicament. Helix looked back at Tyrene. "You idiot! Just think of another strategy!" Tyrene was yelling. He couldn''t hear him, but she pointed at him and back to the Stalkwalker multiple times. p Helix didn''t know that she was asking [him] to create another strategy. However, her image told him that [there was] a strategy to work. As a result, his brain went into overdrive. He fought viciously against the scene that was flooding his brain. His thoughts were erratic. "Go away!" Helix yelled to drivers at the top of his lungs. "I''m trying to avenge you!" Helix''s eyes filled with tears before bing confused and clouded. "Avenged. Those men are dead." He whispered. "It''s real. That thing killed those men. Elise, you¡­." Helix''s eyes filled with murderous rage when he remembered that this was Elise''s [generous] opportunity. It was her game. Her challenge to him. A challenge from a human god that held no empathy or concern for her people. A god who believed all creatures were pawns for her amusement. A Queen whose chosen entertainment was¡­. The scene that he witnessed. The sight of those men dangling 200 feet in the area continued to y in his head, stuck on repeat, haunting his thoughts like a broken record. The vision of them falling to the earth with terrified expressions shed before his eyes. The sounds recreated themselves in his mind. The silent world autocorrected itself. It was unmuted and more terrifying. However, the feelings he experienced were different. Every time he saw that scene, his mind repeated the same term. Entertainment. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!" BOOM! Entertainment. "Why the fuck didn''t they help us!" Entertainment. "Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Entertainment. Charlotte''s blood-curdling scream filled his ears. Entertainment. BOOOOOOOM! Entertainment. Helix''s eyes filled with true anger and hatred for Elise. He hated being dragged to this world. He was almost assassinated multiple times. He lost Elise. Rage. Hatred. Vengeance. Helix''s mind cleared up when his desire to destroy that woman reached a fever pitch. Without him noticing, the eyes of Tyrene and his partners snapped out of their fears when they saw his facial expression. Resolve did not rece it. It was flooded with worry. "[Hallucination Summoning]!." He yelled with a wicked grin. "[Modified Scent Addition]!" The sound of over 100 Lara Rines started yapping and howling in the center of the trap field. "Are you hungry you fucking freak!?" Helix taunted at the top of his lungs. His eyes were filled with madness, and his mouth was curled into a twisted smile. The beast''s snout started sniffing, and its eyes widened in shock. Helix released a fearless grin when he saw this mind''s order to increase the smell of Lara Rines followed hismand. The Stalkwalker''s grin widened. The troops were terrified when the Colossus looked in their direction with blood dripping from its long yellow teeth. However, when they saw Helix matching the beast''s gaze with an even more wicked and depraved smile, their hearts felt a spark of hope. The Stalkwalker started moving faster towards their position. Helix''s fearless, murderous gaze did not lessen. The shadow of the beast''s body approached them with a vicious smile. Helix''s eyes never looked away. No one but Helix could hear the terrified cries of the Lara Rine. They could only see their new leader staring down the beast, challenging it to a fight. A spark. Yells and battle cries started ripping through the soldiers. With every roar, another person followed. Soon a thousand soldiers were screaming and taunting the beast with pumping arms that gripped their swords. The area was deadly silent. However, every group was lost in their world of excitement. Tyrene and Helix''s partners stared at Helix in awe. They had no idea what he did to get thezy Stalkwalker who yed with its food to start moving into their distance at such a fast speed. They just saw his evil, confident grin. Their worry became disbelief in awe as the beast reached a 50-meter distance. The troops finally saw that the beast was not looking at Helix. Their eyes were filled with shock and disbelief. The beast''s full attention was on the pond that housed the greatest trap of all. Gasps enveloped the troop as the beast made its way toward therge pond they were informed brought death to all near it. Tyrene, Marie, and Riley separated from Helix and Charlotte when the Colossus passed the gateway. Everyone stared at itsrge hairy arms as it passed. When it passed, and they could see Helix again, his eyes were wicked and resolved. Their hearts started pounding, and they prepared themselves to fight. Tyrene''s eyes steeled, and she gazed upon the pond with a wicked grin of her own. The absolute confidence set Charlotte''s eyes aze. Her characteristic grin grew on her face. The soldiers cried with bloodlust and resolve. Whatever Helix did, they knew it brought them their chance for revenge. The Stalkwalker lifted its leg before therge marshy center. Everyone waited in anticipation for their revenge toe to life. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 106 [Trap Fit For Gods] Only Helix could see a herd of over 100 Lara Rines running for their lives. They were drinking at their water hole fifteen seconds before when they sensed death approaching. Lara Rines had a strong sense of smell but extremely poor eyesight and hearing. Their action was not that out of the ordinary. Stalkwalkers were so rare that most creatures would note across one in their lifetime. That was a fact that made the 350-foot Colossus grin in delight. It [knew] that the Lara Rines would not know its danger until they felt its steps rocking their bones. With an ecstatic smile, it moved its foot to stop inside the smallke. The entire waterbody glowed bright white, and a massive [Cataclysmic Waterspout] spell created a geyser 150 feet high, soaking its right leg. It sshed the other leg when its foot crashed down and soaked its left ankle. "[Sub Zero]!" Tyrene yelled in a battle cry with her sword in the air. The beast''s legs froze from theke up, creating a solid white block of ice forming on its legs. Silent battle cries reacted to her sword thrust that the one-sided invisibility walls did not hide. Hundreds of shots ofrge balls of water shot across the battlefield from the west, soaking its left thigh. Tyrene used her [Sub Zero] again to freeze the monster''s leg with the full might of her Level 217 stats. Water flooded from flood ditches leading to the massive pond filling the area with more water. The Stalkwalker looked down in disbelief as its legs movements slowed and its second step filled its body with pain. "KEEEYYYAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHKKK!" ¡ª "I''m impressed by your strategy. This battle will be the first time I''ve fought with people who had cmity spells. In the past, I was the only one. If I were with my army, I''d have every mage with a water spell flood the area. Then I''d freeze the ground before freezing the Stalkwalker''s thighs." Helix listened to her intently and didn''t interrupt. "That would limit mobility from the onset and give us time to attack it at once and bring it down." Tyrene concluded. He nodded in agreement. "I think that''s a better starting approach and utilizes your strength. If we lure it into an attack, we can create ake that we can use to free its movements. We''d have Tilo create a Level 5yer Cataclysmic Waterspout to create a 150-foot water tornado. That would increase the range far higher than the mages." Helix added. ¡ª The pain-filled screech of the Stalkwalker was strong enough to rupture the eardrums of every low-level soldier. However, everyone was standing in threeyers of Circle of Silences that TIlo was regrly activating with [Chain Activation]. So they could not hear a sound. They could only see the Colossus suffering at maximum volume, filling their hearts with malicious grins. [Chain Activation] was a skill that allowed Tilo to activate multiple spells at once. He used the skill to manually activate magic circles at his will. During his youth, the overpowered skill led him to be a magic circle battle mage. Marie watched the sight in disbelief. Tyrene pped her on the back, breaking her out of her daze. The young woman nodded and pulled a lock of red hair obstructing her vision away from her eyes. "[Chasm]!" She yelled while pointing her sword at the beast. A massive earthquake rocked the earth, breaking the earth along a single faultline. The rocks 100-feet below the ground cracked and split the battlefield''s earth in two. Massive rocks half the size of boulders exploded from the earth on either side of the abyss. There was now a 25-foot chasm that separated the soldiers from the Colossus. It wasn''t enough to prevent the beast from walking over it. However, it couldn''t with its legs frozen. Helix touched the shoulder of Charlotte next to him. She jolted in shock and sent Helix a murderous re. However, Helix tilted his head in the direction of the Stalkwalker with a panicked expression. Charlotte''s eyes went wide, and then she turned to the beast in a sh. A wicked grin formed on her face, and her eyes lit up with malice. "[Domain]!" She whispered. 30 G''s of gravity smashed down on the Colossus'' head. While its head could withstand the pressure, the gravity sent its extended and unsupported snout to the ground, and its eyes followed. ¡ª "If I went with the freezing approach, I''d wait to use the fire spells until after the Stalkwalker was frozen and the earthquake hit." Helix asserted. Tyrene''s eyes gilded to the left. "Why? Not only would that melt the ice, but it also wouldn''t assault its nose with smoke¡­." She reasoned. Helix gave her a slight smile. "Hear me out. Once the beast is immobilized, Charlotte would activate Domain on its head." Helix exined. "While it won''t create a gravity force great enough to stop it from moving, it will push the beast''s eyes to the ground." Tyrene raised an eyebrow. "Stalkwalkers rely upto their sense of smell, and their attacks aren''t restricted by their sight." Shemented. Helix gave her an evil grin. "That''s not the purpose. Once it''s eyes are down¡ª" ¡ª "[Firestorm]!" Charlotte yelled with the eyes of a demon. A tornado of mes wrapped itself around the beast''s body. A cloud of steam-exploded in an instant. It savagely burned its nostrils and eyes simultaneously. "KEEEYYYAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHKKK!" The firestorm disappeared instantly. "[Blizzard]!" Tyrene yelled. The Stalkwalker''s body was shocked by a massive wall of winter snow. Snowkes instantly melted upon contact, sending a cloud of mist into the Stalkwalker''s direction. Its body exploded with fog that made the silent atmosphere increase in eeriness. ¡ª "Charlotte will hit it with a firestorm to liquefy the ice instantly and create a steam explosion. The steam will attack its nostrils, burn its face, and cauterize its eyes instantly." Helix exined with a smile. Tyrene''s eyes widened. "So¡­ you''d move from a defense strategy to an attacking one?" She asked in bewilderment. "Your entire strategy centered around preventing it from attacking, fleeing, or preventing attacks. We agreed on that." Helix chuckled and shook his head. "No, it''s a defense-first strategy that aplishes two things simultaneously." He replied with a slight smile. Tyrene sent him a pensive gaze. "How? I can''t see how that''s defensive? The Stalkwalker attacks by striking the ground. So assaulting its senses will allow it the mobility to strike the ground in panic." She reasoned. Helix nodded in agreement. "I agree. However, the Stalkwalker will fall to the earth and create a shockwave that breaks the ice. Moreover, the ring issue with the freezing strategy is that we can''t attack its legs after they''re surrounded by imprable ice. Also, it won''t affect its arms. The moment the beast realizes it can''t escape, it willmit to a smash attack using the momentum of its fall. If it aplishes that, it could wipe out all soldiers instantly. That''s why the chasm is at knee-arm length to prevent the direction of the attack fromnding west." He reasoned. "The best option is to¡ª" ¡ª "[Sub Zero]!" Tyrene yelled with a sweating expression. A thinyer of ice crawled up the Stalkwalker from its ankles to its head. It was uniform and only half an inch thick, but it covered every part of its body. ¡ª "I see¡­ so the steam will allow Sub Zero to hit its entire body." Tyrene replied with wide eyes. "Exactly." Helix replied with a slight smile. "Hmmm¡­ I love that strategy, but¡ª" ¡ª Tyrene fell to her hands and knees and started sweating. Helix released his lips from Charlotte''s mouth and jumped the other mountain using his incredible agility spell. Marie ran to hisnding point and caught him like a fastball. Her legs dug into the earth, creating a massive cloud of dirt. The Stalkwalker''s attention turned to its attackers for the first time. It had a lot of difficulties turning to them. But it turned its body like a rusty cog. Marie put Helix down, and he sprinted to Tyrene''s position. She looked into his pitch-ck eyes with a pathetic smile filled with indignant shame. Helix gave her an expression that said [this isn''t a time to get caught up with pride, woman]! He grabbed her face without a second thought and pressed his lips against hers. ¡ª [A/N: Pleasement, so I know you''re reading. Things are about to get wild, and I don''t want to slow down if at least a few people are reading this. However, I''m writing three novels. So if people aren''t reading, I''ll focus on the other two novels, which are getting much more attention now. Thanks!] Chapter 107 [Warrior’s Pride] When Tyrene received Helix''s transfusion, a vibrant explosion of heat and chaotic sensations assaulted her body. While the others were used to spirit particle transfusions, it was the first time she experienced the technique. Not only was it high-level, but most people also didn''t have enough spirit particles to even affect her Level 217 body. Her eyes shot open, and she started coughing. ¡ª "¡ªThis strategy requires me to use three Sub Zeros and one Blizzard at cmity-scale three times in less than a minute. I''ll lose all my spirit particle reserve, and it will take me out of the fight." Helix''s expression becameplicated. When Tyrene saw Marie and Riley blushing and Charlotte grinning, her gaze narrowed. "What are you nning, kid?" Tyrene asked with a cold voice. "Any strategy that sparks blushing makes me prepare to ruin someone''s manhood." Helix''s body shivered. "I¡­. Let''s talk about my primary role in this fight¡­." ¡ª "If you don''t die in this battle, expect to be beaten within an inch of your life, kid." Tyrene growled. "This is the most embarrassing thing I''ve experienced on a battlefield in my sixty years of fighting!" Tilo released their Circle of Silences the moment that the Stalkwalker spotted them. Therefore, Helix knew full and well what she was saying. "Master, kill meter! We have to move!" He yelled while picking her up. ¡ª "You''ve got to be kidding me. I''ve never heard of that technique before." Tyrene replied with aplicated expression. "Most people have Nightmares that won''t activate without spirit particles. They stop when they run out. As a result, only high-level professionals like Elsa know about it." Helix replied nervously. "I only knew about it because I searched for ways to not end up in the hospital with spirit particle withdrawals." Tyrene narrowed her eyes. "Master, we use it often." Riley replied with a calm voice. "We know that it works, and we have a lot of practice using it." Marie added. Tyrene''s eyes went wide. "Why the hell do you know how to use it?" She asked with a cold voice. "Cuz it''s a trump card, dummy. With Helix''s massive spirit particle reserve, he can constantly feed us with power for cmity-grade¡ª" Tyrene cut Charlotte off with a truly murderous gaze. The young woman cowered in fear. "I''ve never seen it on the battlefield, and it''s reckless to use that many spirit particles with your Nightmares." Tyrene snapped. "So what the hell did you have to do to deplete your spirit particles to the point that you''d need this!?" Everyone fell silent. "To practice¡ª" Helix began tactfully, but he was cut off. "Don''t y games with me, boy." Tyrene snapped. "Helix creates illusions in our room to create beautifulndscapes." Riley replied sweetly. "We''re selfish and want it to go on longer¡­." Marie added sheepishly. Tyrene''s eyes widened with bewilderment. "Of course, we don''t push him near his limit." Charlotte added with a serious expression. "We give him spirit particles throughout because he can handle them." Tyrene red at Helix with a scolding gaze. "That''s true." Helix confirmed with a nod. "Are you an idiot!?" Tyrene yelled. "Master, it''s a frivolous use of my Nightmare. But as Charlotte pointed out, it isn''t pointless, and we don''t take it lightly, either." Helix sighed. Tyrene gave him a mocking smile. "Hmmm? You''re improving your sex life and telling me you''re not taking it lightly?" She asked sarcastically. The women blushed after they heard her blunt statement. Helix matched her gaze without blinking. "Master, I can kill them with my spirit particle reserve." He replied with serious eyes. Tyrene almost exploded, but Helix interjected. "It gets more dangerous after every level increase. Do you think we''d still do it if we weren''t taking it seriously?" He asked with a self-deprecating smile. Tyrene''s expression becameplicated, and her words got stuck in the back of her throat. Helix matched her gaze. "Once again, we only know about this technique because I ended up in the hospital [twice] with spirit particle deprivation." He continued with a sigh. "It''s so serious I almost died, and Marie saved my life. If we don''t practice, I could die." Tyrene''s eyes trembled. "Moreover, as Charlotte stated, it''s a trump card. We''ll face an opponent that treats cmity attacks as regr attacks one day. Perhaps that day wille the day after tomorrow. Then what? If you''re worn down and defenseless on the battlefield, don''t you think that skill is invaluable?" Helix asked in conclusion. Tyrene looked away from him with a wry smile. "You want [me] to use spirit particles to the point I''m worn down and defenseless." Sheughed bitterly. "That makes your argument absurd and sound like a desperate ploy to kiss me, boy." She wasn''tughing. Tyrene was generally bitter and annoyed. ¡ª "I can run myself, you jackass! You''ll slow us down!" Tyrene yelled to him while smacking his head. He ignored her and kept running. "Riley, now!" He yelled frantically. Tyrene stared at the Stalkwalker in disbelief. The Colossus broke through her ice slowly and prepared to shake it off. No one had a clue how strong the Colossus was. All they knew was that it was at the fifth stage of evolution. Stats reset after every evolution. So a Level 1 Colossus could be the human equivalent could be Level 1000, all things constant. Or it could be 2000. Colossus'' we''re hunted down and killed at Level 1 and the highest recorded in thest century was Level 10 and it was fought by Tyrene. The Stalkwalker hadn''t evolved recently¡ªit woke from hibernation. No one in Myriad had fought one of the beasts depicted in the stories of legends. It was aplete mystery, and Tyrene was getting nervous. "[Tornado]!" Riley yelled. A st of heat and wind rushed into the area. Jagged rocks the size of boulders lifted into the air as a torrent of wind struck them. Once the wind met the heat pocket, it started gyrating to form a tornado. The wind built up momentum, and the jagged rocks elerated. They raised higher and higher until they were around seventy feet above the ground. "[Compact Storm]!" Riley roared. The tornadopressed tightly around the Colossus. The jagged rocks smashed into the Stalkwalker''s legs, ripping them to shreds. "[Ripple]!" Marie screamed with her hands on the ground. A massive wave formed below her hands and moved down the hill in the direction of the Colossus. The rocks and ripped vegetation still there rose and fell five feet as it reached their area. It was a earth rollercoaster. "[Chain Activation]!" Tilo roared in front of the army. Fifty magic circles activated instantly, creating argework of shock barriers. "KEEEYYYAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHKKK!" The Colossus cried out in pain at the top of its lungs. The sound, no longer restricted, pierced everyone''s eardrums. As a result, they were disoriented and shaky. However, their eardrums didn''t bleed because the medical team issued earplugs. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! The barrierssted a split second before they shattered and sent the troops flying. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! Another shockwave exploded when Marie''s main ripple hit the cracking ground. The troops were flung back farther. A massive dust storm shot out from the top and sides of an artificial cave that Helix, Tryene, Marie, and Riley were taking shelter under. The wall behind their backs groaned and cracked. "[Ice Wall]!" Tyrene yelled in a panic. The cave exploded and flew above the cracking ice wall a split secondter. "That was a lot worse than expected!" Helix cried with a thumping heart. He ran out from behind the wall, and the others followed him. The massive shockwave was caused by the Stalkwalker falling to the earth. It used its hands to perform [Smash Attack] when it fell. It was the most primitive and savage form of fighting. Smash Attack only required the beast to link its fists and smash the earth. However, the devastation caused by the motion was so extreme that it received a name. Normal Stalkwalker Smash Attacks were legendary; this Colossus gave the attack another meaning. "I-I can''t believe it used Smash Attack [after] it was frozen¡­." Tyrenemented in disbelief. It withstood the attack, but it was already preparing to push itself up. "To hell with my pride! Get another one of those sick fucking transfusions ready, and hurry!" Helix nodded and closed his eyes. "[Frost Nova]!" Tyrene roared. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 108 [Exodus Blaze] A wall of blue ice shot one hundred meters over the battlefield. When it reached the Stalkwalker, the beast screamed as ice spears prickled its body. They weren''t strong enough to pierce through the skin, but moving left the sensation of stepping on a building block. "KEEEYYYAAAHHKKK!" Tyrene copsed again. Frost Nova was an extremely deadly and taxing attack. The spell isn''t designed for cmity range attacks, but she used it over 100 meters across and 30 meters wide to assault the ground around its knees. Helix grabbed her face and forced her mouth open. ¡ª "What would be your attack strategy?" Tyrene asked. Helix nodded and began. "Riley would use Cyclone to pick up the shattered earth and stab earth fragments into its calves and ankles." Helix strategized. "The Cyclone will leave the ground saturated with water you can freeze with [Frost Nova], making the ground extremely slippery." "I see. So your strategy revolves around making the beast lose bnce so that its mobility is restricted." Tyrene remarked. "Exactly. Just falling will cause massive shockwaves that will blow the low-level soldiers away." He confirmed. "A Smash Attack or [Ground Stomp] would wipe them outpletely. So we need to restrict its movement and cause it to lose its bnce so it can''t attack. We''ll simultaneously prevent it from walking. No one can attack when it walks because they''ll lose bnce. So unless it''s on the ground, the melee fights stand no chance against it." Tyrene pondered the attack strategy. "That''s true, but the same is true if you use Cyclone. If the ground bes saturated, the melee fighters would be running in a massive quagmire trap. Quake too. These spells are great to limit its mobility, but we''ll need attack power if it survives this many cmity attacks." She reasoned. Helix thought about it. "You''re right. We''d have to use [Tornado] and [Compact Storm] to make itpact and cut its legs." ,m Tyrene nodded. ¡ª "Don''t just stand there, you cowards!" General Lackbolt yelled at the top of his lungs. The shaken and disoriented troops snapped out of their daze. A pile of a thousand soldiers was at the base of a hill west of the battlefield. The shockwave flung them into one another, and they were knocked down like a wave of dominos. "Are you going to let the women do everything!?" He roared through permanent Amplification Circles. Some circles were permanent unless deactivated. So, luckily, the exhausted Tilo could rest. "You''re almost up! So remember that you''re a man! Otherwise, those empowered female soldiers lying on you will never look at you again!" The men with womenying on them blushed in embarrassment. As the soldiers got off each other and helped their neighbors to their feet, they chuckled. "Ladies! There are fewer of you in this army, but you''ve seen that number doesn''t matter! So don''t let the men outdo you!" Prideful hundred or so women cheered. A single battle cry came from a male soldier. Then one from a female soldier. A thousand soldiers erupted into bloodthirsty battle cries. "Now get into position and wait for that girl to fuck that thing up!" General Lackbolt roared. "If you can''t take that beast out after that, you don''t deserve a ce in history!" The soldiers ran back to the top of the hill they flew off only moments before. They stood in awe of the young demon woman when they made it to the top. She hit the troops with a st of heat and hadn''t done a thing since. However, she was the only person standing at the tip of a hill. The sunlight gave her beautiful blonde hair a shimmering glow. They saw her arms raised high in the air, and hermanding aura felt absolute. "[Exodus ze]!" Charlotte screamed at the top of her lungs. "KEEEYYY¡ª" BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! 100 G''s of gravity with a 100-foot radius mmed against the Colossus when Charlotte brought her arms down. The Stalkwalker crashed to the ground below, increasing the surface area of the attack. "YAHHHHHHHH!" BOOOOOM! "KAH!" BOOM! "Kaaaaah¡­." Boom! The Stalkwalker could withstand the pressure, but it slipped on the ice when it tried to push itself up with its hands. The same thing happened multiple times until it finally stayed down. Constant earth ripples assaulted the battlefield. Marie had activated Ripple to defuse the shockwaves from the falls. It was effect because falling wasn''t a smash attack like before. Once the Colossus wasying on the ground, the area erupted into vibrant blue mes. "YAAAAAAH¡­.KEEEYYYAAAAAAHHHHHHHKKK!" BOOOOOM! BOOOOOM! BOOM! The beast thrashed in agony as the mes assaulted its head, snout, and back. A cloud of steam shot around the Stalkwalker once the mes hit the ice mountain. It burned its body and eyes. Water pooled up instantly. Every time it tried to get up, gravity smashed back into the ground after slipping on the now wet ground. It dug its nose deep into the wet earth to protect its nose. However, the ground solidified quickly as the water evaporated. Suddenly a torrent of light shot from the west, hitting the Stalkwalker with wind and gravity spells. There were hundreds of low-level mages chanting and high-level mages silent casting. "KEEEYYY! KEEEYAAH! KEYYYAAAAAAHHHHHHHHKKK!" The Stalkwalker screeched in agony as the flurry of spells assaulted it. "Charlotte!" Helix yelled mid-air before crashing to the ground in a roll. "Eh?" Charlotte replied lightly. The young woman was dizzy and not very responsive. Helix recovered, rushed over, and grabbed her body. He pressed his mouth against hers and let out a deep breath. "YAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The soldiers roared. From their perspective, their new leader considered the battle won, and he was kissing the heroine. Helix rolled his eyes and ignored them. Vitality returned to Charlotte''s eyes during the [kiss]. Her eyes shot open, and her concentration returned. "You can take a break now." Helix chuckled. ¡ª "Once the Stalkwalker was immobilized by its shredded legs and slippery ice, Charlotte would use Exodus ze to crush it to the earth." Helix exined. Tyrene listened to Helix''s strategy closely. "Exodus ze locks the enemy in ce with gravity before the ze attacks it. Thebination of excessive gravity will be able to push it to the ground without leverage." Her eyes glistened as she looked at the young man with a sharp gaze. "That''s when we''ll finally assault its sense of smell and attack the Colossus. At that point, the mes will burn without her aid continuing to damage it once the water evaporates." Helix concluded. "That¡­ is brutal." Tyreneughed in bewilderment. "Then let me guess, it ends with a kiss?" She joked. "Hell yeah, it does! Hellie saves the best forst!" Charlotte dered with a puffed-out chest. Marie red at her, and Riley giggled with a warm smile. Helix waved his hand with a yful smile. "No. That''s not going to be how it goes down." He dered boldly. The women started bickering and looked at him with wide eyes. "The mages will start riddling the Colossus with hundreds of attack and gravity spells." He began. "Then Charlotte gets a kiss!" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 109 [Options] Charlotte let herself copse into his arms. Helix spun her around to see the battlefield and ess the situation. "That thing is a beast from the deepest pits of hell." He muttered. The ballistae the siege builders constructed were in position and shot massive arrows into the beast''s skin one after the other. The mages were shooting wind spells to keep the mes stoked. Gravity spells tattooed on the ground by Tilo''s team began activating after Tilo recovered enough spirit particles to use [Chain Activation]. However, even taking hundreds of different attacks, the beast was still pushing back. It destroyed every magic circle activated around it with its right hand. Surrounded by extraordinarily thick skin, its ck left arm covered its face and nose from the attacks. "Helix!" Tyrene called while gliding in the air toward him. Shended on their hillside gracefully, triggering a wry smile from Helix. "Are we on the same page?" Tyrene asked with her back to her. Marie flew across the mountain with the aid of Riley''s [Wind Dance]. Helix''s heart started beating when he saw his partner flying in their direction. However, Tyrene caught her with ease, and he let out a sigh of relief. Riley followed behind gracefully on a gust of wind. "That abomination will hold out longer than the mages do." He sighed with a dark tone. "Yeah¡­. We gravely underestimated this thing''s strength." Tyrene replied with a nod. "So, what is your n?" Helix closed his eyes and thought through various scenarios. A few secondster, he sighed. "After seeing this hellish creature''s might, I''m not certain we can kill it alone." Helix replied while staring at the trashing Stalkwalker. "A agree." Tyrene nodded with a serious expression. "My spirit particle reserve is obscene, but it isn''t unlimited. You all have one major spell left, and I can provide one person with a reload. That''s if I don''t perform my duty, so it''s an emergency." He warned. "If we can''t kill it here, it could spell disaster. However, our options are not limited. We can trap it in a quagmire, freeze it, and retreat. That''s a valid option. Unfortunately, it could flee and have time to heal. We don''t have time to chase it." Tyrene nodded in full agreement. "Let''s try to avoid that strategy if possible, but not rule it out." She replied. Helix and his partners nodded. "Another option is to take turns giving Charlotte spirit particles. It''s the only attack that has wounded it seriously so far. We''d let Riley stoke the mes and have the mages and support team flood the valley to prevent arge-scale fire. However, we''ll be exhausted if it fails, and we''ll risk not being able to run away. Moreover, we''re not much better off on the chasing front." Helix sighed. Tyrene nodded with a grave expression. "Lastly¡­." He began with a hesitant tone. Everyone watched him with a serious expression. It was clear that he was struggling with the strategy. "We can make most of the troops and call a charge to attack it." Helix sighed. Tyrene nodded and chuckled bitterly. "That was the point from the beginning. I''m sure General Lackbolt is sweating profusely right now." She remarked with a wry smile. "I know I would be." Helix chuckled bitterly as well. No one else wasughing. "The mages won''t hold out much longer, and the ballistae have limited arrows." Hemented while watching the flurry of lights weakening. Tyrene closed her eyes after being reminded. "With our power and everything we''ve done, it feels wrong to advocate for a strategy that will lead to countless casualties. I also don''t want to be the one to give that order." He sighed. Tyrene looked at him with pity in her eyes. She knew how hard it was to lead soldiers into battle as a general. Imagining what it was like for a young man without battle experience was unimaginable. However, she knew that he would refuse to let her or General Lackbolt make that call. In his eyes, handing over the decision was no different than doing it himself. "But¡­ this was never our fight, to begin with." Helix chuckled bitterly. "We''ve saved 1200 people, and god knows how many vigers and future forces from dying. Having them do what they originally nned isn''t wrong." Tyrene''s eyes lit up with surprise, and she let out a breath of relief. "That''s right. You four are too young and haven''t seen a battlefield before." Tyrene said with a calm voice. "If you had, you''d be able to ept that death and war go hand in hand." The group looked at the Stalkwalker writhing on the ground and the troops'' faces. They nodded in theoretical understanding. "Look at those soldiers." Tyrene requested. She pointed to the hundred soldiers on the front line. Their faces were determined and ready for battle. "Everyone''s talking about what we''re talking about." She imed with a chuckle. Helix''s eyes widened in surprise. "However, their mindset isn''t the same as yours. Those men and women have seen many people die and nned to die today." Tyrene continued. "People fight for many reasons. Some do it because they have nothing else to live for. Others fight for loved ones that need the money. However, thergest group are those that fight for glory." Helix panned his expression to the countless faces filled with resolve. Tyreneughed when she saw him studying their faces intently. "Hah! I''m sure you picked up that rhetoric you used from some book you read." She chuckled. Helix gave her a wry smile. "However, it seems you''ve never considered or understood [why] it works." He nodded with shame-filled eyes. "Don''t look so gloomy. You were masterful, kid." Tyrene chuckled. She looked at him with a gentle gaze and her crystal blue eyes. "The point is, those men and women want to prove themselves. Everyone wants to fight and earn a ce in history." She exined. "If you don''t call them in until it''s already dead, you''re doing them a disservice." Helix''s eyes widened with surprise. Then he chuckled bitterly. "If that''s true¡­. Let''s use the soldiers. Then we''ll exercise the strategy we talked about." Tyrene nodded with satisfaction. "Riley, help Helix and Marie over to the other mountain top." Tyrene requested. "I''ll take care of you and Charlotte." Charlotte huffed when she heard [take care of you] and realized she couldn''t join Helix. Helix chuckled and patted her head. "Okay. Let''s go, Marie." He requested. "Whenever you''re ready, Riley." ¡ª Helix and Marie walked into the soldier''s area with the most confident posture possible. When the troops caught sight of the young man and woman, they roared with admiration. He nodded and made contact with as many people as possible. She waved her hand and gave everyone appreciative gazes. Helix and Marie made their way to themunications circle, which housed one of the master circles voices could travel through. They gave General Lackbolt a nod of respect, and he moved off of the circle in a daze. He silently obeyed without needing a single prompt. Helix turned to the crowd and lifted his hand to quiet them. The silence extended in ripples as soldiers calmed down and awaited his voice with bated breath. "Do any of you think monsters stand a chance against humanity?" Helix asked with a grin. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 110 [Goddess Of War] The troops burst intoughter and cheers. "I think the Mad Queen found stage one of our attack charming. What do you think?" He asked with a cheeky grin. Roars ofughter followed alongside battle cries and howls. "What about you, brave soldiers? Are you ready to add your signature to our¡­ love letter to her?" He asked with a wicked smile. "Yeeeeeaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!" The troops roared in response. The response was deafening, and Marie tucked in her earplugs with a chuckle. Her dazzling smile made the gesture charming and sent a wave of chuckles through the crowd. Helix gave her a subtle nce and wink, sparking greaterughter. "Are you ready to carve your name into the annals of history?" Helix with a sharpened gaze. "Let me ask you, do you want to let these girls do all of the fighting, or do you want to show the world your power and might as a warrior!?" Helix yelled with his arms pumped high. Battle cries burst forth as if they were held back by a broken flood gate. Helix nodded in satisfaction and then raised his hand to quiet the yelling. "Tell me! Are you ready to send a message to any monster, country, or god that dares to attack Kozen!?" He yelled with a fiery gaze. "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" The bloodlust oozing from the crowd developed a hallucinogenic aura. He and Marie felt they could almost see it. It was a deafening and horrifying sound that rivaled the Stalkwalker''s cries. Helix turned around and stared at the Colossus. It looked to the west with shock and nervousness in its eyes. Its primal instincts told it to flee instead of fighting the attackers wounding it. "See that, soldiers? This quote [Colossus] is scared of your voices." Helix chuckled. The troops burst intoughter. "Are you ready to prove your bark is [weaker] than your bite!?" He asked with a passionate voice. Deafening cries eliminated every other sound in the area. The amplification spells projected the battle cries of those near Helix. As a result, the 50 duplicated the sound and magnified its effect. The Stalkwalker started struggling against the weight of gravity again. Charlotte''s blue mes were out, but new fire spells were burning its fur. "Good! That''s what I expected from you!" Helix yelled while turning out. "Soldiers! There is a 25-foot chasm that stands between you and glory! There is no backing out once thoseunch circles send you over it! Do you still want to go and prove yourself?" Helix asked with a mocking grin. "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" "Many of you will die a glorious death today, and your actions will carve your soul into the Myriad record forever!" Helix announced. His words were met with a thunderous roar. "You cannot die today because you will forever be immortalized!" He continued. "So don''t hold back! Don''t falter! Don''t turn away! Show the Mad Queen your life''s achievements! Prove that humankind has power far greater than whiny monsters!" Charlotte had a wicked grin as she listened to the frightening roars from the hilltop. "Hellie''s going ham!" She cried in excitement. Tyrene''s eyes have been wide ever since his speech began. She couldn''t hear it, but she could tell it was far more powerful than thest. "Most of all, troops! Prove to Myriad, prove to Kozen, prove to humankind¡­." Helix began. He paused to meet the gaze of every soldier he could see. "You''re worthy of this legend!" "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" "Battalion leaders! Meet with your war goddess! Squadron leaders! Earn that admiration of your men and women! Troops! Prove to me that you''re not just another person with a sword! I''ll be watching!" Helix roared. "Now get into formation, speak to your war goddess, fly over that chasm, and don''t turn back! Brave soldiers! This battle is a once in a millennia moment for glory! Match that Colossus'' gaze with a fearless grin¡­." He ordered while unsheathing his sword. "AND CLAIM OUR VICTORY!" "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" ¡ª "War Goddess Marie!" A man saluted. "Battalion Leader Vasquez." Marie replied with a serious tone. She was working diligently to restrain her facial muscles. She sighed inwardly and convinced herself it was necessary and better than [Fairy Marie]. "Mam. Our troops are ready for deployment!" He announced. "Strategy n, Battalion Leader." She ordered. "Our strategy is to sever its spinal cord. The charge to make the cuts will be led by Squadron Leader Wright. He controls powerful tanks with heavybat experience capable of cutting through the hide." Vasquez began. "Squadron Leader Mitus will lead the fighters with Nightmares to the front to attack and draw its attention. Squadron Leader Veil will provide support with barrier mages to withstand the onught. The two have a strong working rtionship with one another. We''re confident that the two can survive the otherwise suicidal attack." Marie''s eyes widened before a gentle smile formed on her face. "Battalion Leader Vasquez, you''ve done well. I look forward to watching you on the battlefield." She replied with a warm gaze. "Y-Yes, mam! We will do you proud." Battalion Leader Vasquez saluted before charing away with a determined expression. "Battle Goddess Marie!" A woman called out. "Yes, Battalion Leader Silo?" Marie replied. "Mam. I have prepared my Squadrons for the battle." Silo replied. "We have followed your orders and worked through logistics between the leaders. It was decided my team was most capable of leading the rescue operations. We''ve allocated 25% of the strongest fighters and defense mages to rescue the fallen. Is that too much or too little?" Marie smiled at the woman with admiration in her heart. "You''ve done well. There isn''t much time, but please speak to all of your troops as you lead them to battle." She requested. "Tell them the War Goddess has requested they fight with valor to protect the weak and stay alive. They cannot save others if they are dead." "Yes, mam!" Silo saluted. "War Goddess Marie!" A man cried while running to her. "Major Raymond!" Marie replied hastily. "We''ve exhausted the mages'' magic on the front line. The beast is currently unable to get back up, but it won''t be long!" Marie nodded and walked with Raymond and Silo hurriedly to the chasm. Once she was in the area, she stared at the broken and beaten Colossus. It was heavily injured, but there was still fire in its eyes. Marie looked down at her feet. There were more than 50 Jump Circles that worked like trampolines. They were high-powered. If someone didn''tnd on one, they wouldn''t fly into the chasm, which was 15-feet away, to ensure they didn''t get destroyed during her spell. She turned to the crowd of soldiers preparing to jump. Their faces were nervous now that they were staring at the creature closely. Its canine head was the size of a small mansion, and they understood that normal attacks wouldn''t inflict much damage. "Listen up and keep quiet!" Marie yelled with a booming voice. "This is the moment you''ve lived your whole life for!" She gazed upon the people before her. "In sixty seconds, you will achieve glory in one way or another! However, if you can survive, you''ll remain just as immortal as you will if you die!" Light cheers came from the nervous men and women. "The difference between living and dying is simple! You cannot celebrate with the dead!" Marie chuckled. Laughter filled the crowd. "So if you see someone dying and you''re safe enough to save their life, your War Goddess asks you to do so! That way, we can celebrate our legendary victory together!" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 111 [Foolish Mistake] "Helix!? Calm down a moment! Tell me what happened!" Elsa cried. Her body and arms were already drenched in Tyrene''s blood. She worked frantically with her team to get everything under control. However, she needed to know Helix''s condition, or she couldn''t think. Marie took deep breaths to regain herposure. Her puffy, bloodshot eyes were trembling. "It was a mistake! A foolish mistake!" Marie cried. "Speak sense, child! Start from the beginning!" Elsa snapped in anger. "I-I went with H-Helix t-to help the t-troops make it¡­ over¡­ the chasm!" Marie replied between sobs. "W-When¡­ th-they got to¡­ theunch s-site the S-Stalkwalker¡­." Elsa patiently listened as she activated gravity magic circles to stop the bleeding. "Gahhhhhhhh!" Tyrene groaned from the operating table. Luckily, she was frozen into position with gravity to prevent her from moving and injuring herself. "That''s good! Stay with us!" Elsa cried. Marie broke down into tears again. Elsa set back to work cutting off Tyrene''s armor and preparing her body for the surgeon. She grimaced when she tried to grind it off. The strike had crumpled the armor inward, and the jagged metal was puncturing her ribs. If they removed it, her body might bleed out before they could stop it. "We''re waiting for the surgeon. Marie, please continue. What happened once you got to theunch site?" ¡ª The troops roared at their War Goddess'' harangue. "Do not forget that your War Goddess is here with you! While I won''t be fighting to ensure you can earn your glory, I am watching your bravery!" Battle cries followed her words. "Some things feel impossible, but they are not! I require contact with the earth to use my spells. This chasm leads 100 feet underground, and my spell would need to travel that far to start moving to the battlefield. However! Watch what humans are capable of!" She yelled. Marie kneeled and put her hands on the ground. Tyrene''s eyes widened in disbelief. She yelled from the north side hilltop with all of her lungs. However, Marie couldn''t hear her from over 100 meters away. She wouldn''t even if Tyrene was 50 feet away. The deafening roars of the troops were drowning out the noise. "Watch the power of humankind! [Earth Stake]!" The earth around the soldiers shook, and the vibrations which started heavy became low rumbles beneath their feet. The Colossus tried to push itself up after hearing the earth rumble and feeling it on its chest. It lifted its head and looked at Marie with a bloodthirsty gaze. It recognized her sent from the northside of the battlefield and knew her earth magic''s might. It looked at her in the eyes and bared its teeth. A secondter, a sharp pir of earth smashed into its jaw and sent it rolling onto its back. The soldiers watched in awe as the pir sent the Colossus flying. They witnessed the event in slow motion and saw the force used to hit the beast. It was so great that the pir had exploded upon impact and sent massive, jagged rocks across the battlefield. A moment of silence fell upon the soldiers, who stared at the sight in disbelief. However, their eyes did not deceive them. "KEYYYAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHKKK!" The beast howled in pain after its senses returned. Then after one battle cry¡­. "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" The roar from the soldiers fought against the pain of the Colossus. "Now go! It''s time to achieve glory!" Marie roared while unsheathing her sword. "Prove to your war goddess that the impossible is possible!" ¡ª "Dr. Malka! Our war general is dying. We need you to perform an emergency operation!" Elsa yelled when a man burst into the tent. "What is her situation!" He replied hurriedly. Marie did her best to control her breathing as the two worked together to prepare Tyrene for surgery. Once Elsa passed over the work to Dr. Malka, she rushed Marie out of the tent to give him silence. She walked over to a waiting area. "Please, child, speak. Is Helix okay?" Elsa asked. Marie nodded. "T-Thest time I checked, he was." She replied with tears streaming down her cheeks. Elsa sighed a breath of relief. "Then please continue. You were at theunch site." She said softly. "T-The beast was moving again after¡­ t-the mages ran out of spirit p-particles¡­ and the t-troops were scared¡­." Marie exined with her head between her knees. She was sitting on the ground, curled into a ball. "I-I followed Helix''s example and gave the soldiers a speech b-but I went too far¡­." ¡ª After giving the speech, Marie gave everyone a brave nod of support. However, on the inside, she was feeling sick and sluggish. "I''m¡­ going to go sit over there and watch!" Marie announced. As she walked, countless troops moved out of the way with smiling faces. ¡ª "I-I over-exerted myself a-attacking the S-Stalkwalker¡­ and¡­ and it left me weak without s-spirit particles. A-As a result, I s-sat down with the troops instead¡­ of going b-back to safety." Marie cried. Elsa frowned. She knew where the chasm was supposed to go and understood in an instant what Marie was telling her. "H-Helix wanted toe h-help give me a¡­ t-transfusion, but he needed to d-do his part." ¡ª "Marie¡­." Helix whispered. His eyes were trembling when he saw her weakened state. She had enough power for another spell, and he knew that because he had given her the transfusion. However, the attack she released was far too absurd and ineffective. He felt it was his fault for overdoing the speeches. Charlotte''s demonstration was effective, and he figured she was doing the same. It was a masterful demonstration for morale, but it put her in danger, and his mind was cloudy, knowing she was so close to the battlefield. The Stalkwalker would only have to move 25 meters to get into her striking range, and she was weakened. "Boy, if you want to go get her, no one will stop you." General Lackbolt said with an empathetic voice. "I¡­ you heard her speech, right? If she looks weak, we can suffer more losses." Helix chuckled bitterly. General Lackbolt grimaced. "General Tyrene has moved to the second northern hill and is watching Marie like a hawk. The best thing I can do for Marie is not let that thing know a second person from the north is in the same location. That would make her a target." Helix gritted his teeth in frustration. "You have a good head on your shoulders, kid." General Lackbolt asserted. "Hey, is it true that you were weak as hell a few months ago?" The man looked at Helix with a serious expression. Helix nced at him and then turned his attention back to Marie. "Yes. Four months ago, I was weak, defenseless, and those women protected me every day." Helix replied with his eyes glued to the Stalkwalker. General Lackbolt''s eyes widened in disbelief. "It wasn''t enough. We were all weak." He continued. The man''s face was even more puzzled. "They couldn''t protect me 24/7, and the day before I nned to leave Alzeria to prevent an assassination attempt on my life, I was stabbed, and my lover died." General Lackbolt''s eyes filled with sadness at the news. "Luckily, I did some crazy shit before I left. When I woke up one monthter in Kozen, Master Tyrene and Master Tilo were there to train me. They believe I can fight the Mad Queen, so they have trained me and are now following me. I''m not a better leader than either, but they''re training me to be one." Helix continued. The general''s face lit up with a conflicted expression. He now knew why the mysterious young man had powerful backers and was in control. However, he was appalled that he was defenseless two months ago. The man would consider that he was a physically weak leader, but Helix almost snapped his wrist a few days ago. "Those three are all my partners and came to join me. Now we''re strong. However, we''re not stronger than that thing. We''ve hit it with innumerable traps and cataclysmic spells left and right, and it''s still dangerous. Now Marie is exhausted, and I can''t save her without risking the operation." General Lackbolt frowned. "I will wait until the troops have moved across the chasm. Once they''re over, I''ll move Marie if she hasn''t been brought back by Tyrene ores back herself. So when that happens, take over, okay?" Helix requested. The man nodded in assent and then fell silent. He could tell that Helix was not in the mood for small talk. "I wish they sent at least onebat expert to Kozen with me¡­." Helix muttered under his breath. With Tyrene and Tilo offering to take Helix on as an apprentice, the kingdom didn''t sendbat tutors. They sent a medical teacher, Timothy, a theoretical magic teacher, and a political mentor. Timothy was Elsa''s aid that got permission in exchange for offering teaching services. The other two capitalized on his leadership skills and sought to improve his bizarre magic circle additions. Linus was a schr that wanted to exchange his teachings for Helix''s ess to knowledge. As a result, while Helix emphasized their presence, only Timothy was useful. Helix gazed at the battlefield to look for Tyrene. The three were still on the hilltop, standing on scent masking circles they activated manually. "I suppose they''ll attack if she''s in danger¡­. I''ll need to trust them." Helix whispered. "Just like everyone trusts me with my part of this operation." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 112 [Nightmare Chess] "He couldn''t help you, so what did he do?" Elsa asked. Marie''s breathing slowly started returning to normal. "He¡­ he¡­." Marie began between deep breaths. "He did his job well, but¡­ he got distracted and put his own¡­ wants first. Then everyone¡­ everyone almost died¡­." ¡ª Hundreds of troops flew across the chasm, one after another. The squadron leaders waited for their full team to arrive when they touched base. Since Marie temporarily mobilized the beast, they seized upon their fortune to gather their members and get into formation. Once in position, the tanks lined up and used their long shields to create a Roman-style phnx formation. The group then marched uniformly to prevent the formation from breaking. In their hands were long spears, ideal for stabbing an opponent they couldn''t get close to. Only the fighters with distance strikes or brave and skilled enough to jump and fight were on the battlefield with swords. The agility requirement set by the army was 500. Even to Helix,paring his weak stats, that number was a joke. However, a Level 100 or higher was required to achieve that attack for Myriadians. The main issue that the fighters faced was gravity. No matter how strong of a defense stat a person had, it couldn''t survive a ten-ton armnding on them and pinning them down. When the Colossus moved¡ªperiod¡ªthe ground shook. If it fell on someone, they would die. That includes Tyrene and Tilo. Another issue was size. If someone stood on its chest and it sat up, that person would roll 150-feet to the beast''s waist or fall if they were holding on. So someone needed to be able to dodge attacks quickly and jump off it if the monster moved. The third issue was that they couldn''t make the beast bleed out. It was massive, and its skin was almost as thick as a sword. With it lying down, Tyrene would have to use a magic sh attack while sprinting across it at an agility stat of 1400 to make it bleed enough to do damage. These realities started weighing on the marching troops as they approached the Colossus. Helix watched the brave soldiers with pity in his eyes. The only statement at the back of his mind was: [this definitely isn''t a video game]. He realized watching him that he wouldn''t be able to touch the Stalkwalker with a sword. He was grateful he could convince Tinker to stay out of the fight. Gravity, size, weight, shaking the earth, and strength. The lethal factors the troops were facing were the same for him. He was helpless against the beast alone. However, with the aid of his partners, Tyrene and Tilo, he could bring it down. It was his turn to do his part. ¡ª "His job? What was Helix''s job?" Elsa asked with a confused expression. "Helix¡­." Marie replied with a calmer voice. "His job was to¡ª" ¡ª "KYAH!" BOOOOM! "KYA!" BOOOOM! The Stalkwalker snarled and bared its fangs at the troops attacking it. Its neck fur was matted with blood, and the location its head was twenty minutes ago was half full of blood. Most of it was the Stalkwalker''s blood from massive sh attacks from Level 100+ elite swordmasters. The rest was from the thirty corpses next to the area. The side of the Stalkwalker''s head waspressed with gravity spells by a group of mages while the swordmasters cut toward its spinal cord. However, when the spell wore off, the Colossus lifted its head lightly and smashed it back to earth. The shockwave and force instantly killed everyone in a thirty-foot radius. Their efforts weren''t in vain. The already beaten and battered creature was losing blood heavily, and one eye was showing its dizziness. A group of fighters cut its right ear off and sted the eardrum with fire magic. A spear master pierced its right eye. It relied nearly exclusively on its nose, which had retained partial senses after being burst by steam and fire attacks. "Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" BOOOOM! "Regroup!" BOOM! "Save as many as you can and get the hell out of there!" BOOM! Nevertheless, the colossal monster didn''t need to do more than p its hand to rain death upon the earth. It was sitting on the ground, pping its hands on the ground like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum. "We should have let Charlotte weaken it more¡­." Helix muttered while gritting his teeth. His face wore a grave expression. "It''s not even attacking them, and they''re dying!" He scoffed under his breath. "Are you doing that, boy?" General Lackbolt asked. "Doing what?" Helix asked with an irritated expression. "That thing isn''t even attacking in the direction of my troops. Did youy traps ahead of time?" The man asked with a discerning gaze. "... Yes." Helix replied after acting annoyed. "Look at the beast''s left thigh. You see that rock over there with a smooth ck boulder?" He asked. General Lackbolt narrowed his eyes. "Yes. I think I know which one you''re talking about." He replied while staring into the distance. "Watch that area." Helix requested. A magic circle lit up five feet away from the rock. The Colossus'' left hand smacked down on that area with full force only five secondster. "What the hell¡­." General Lackbolt cried with disbelief. "That is a fifth evolution beast with considerable intelligence. It started destroying the magic circles we created after identifying them. We anticipated that." Helix exined. "The circles I made with Tilo used a self-erasing masking ink to hide its presence. Those circles activate the smell of war horses. We ced them near rocks and ditches that we''re having people fill with water. That way, the beast would feel something if they were getting hit. Now I''m activating them to keep the Stalkwalker''s attention away from the troops." Everything that Helix was telling the man was honest. General Lackbolt and his troops didn''t understand why Riley had them dig strange flood ditches that led to random points on the battlefield. They also didn''t know why there were groups of people whose only job was to fill them with water. However, now they knew the purpose of the strange tactic. The only thing Helix was lying about was the [magic circles]. Everything he was doing was the work of his Nightmare. General Lackbolt''s eyes were wide with surprise. "How¡­. That''s amazing, boy!" The man cried in disbelief. "Thank you for setting up simple traps with my soldiers in mind." Helix gave him a thin smile. "You''re wee. I tried designing this strategy in a way that prevented all deaths. I wish that the shockwaves weren''t lethal." Helix sighed. "Look, boy. It''s clear you haven''t seen a battlefield before." General Lackbolt replied with a firm tone. Helix turned to him with a curious expression. "If you had, you''d recognize that this fight is a miracle, even by normal battle standards." The man put his hand on Helix''s shoulders. "If you weren''t doing what you''re doing, our whole force would be wiped out even after your team broke and crippled that freak. Everyone knows something''s happening right now, and they''re praying to the gods for their good luck. So keep it up, kid. We''ll buy your team more time to recover as we discussed." General Lackbolt patted Helix on the shoulder and walked away. He wanted to give Helix room to work since he was sweating and heavily focused. The man only showed up to alleviate the burden written on Helix''s face. "I suppose that''s true, but¡­ I can''t keep this up much longer." Helix sighed. Arge group of horses with chariots came into the battlefield from the south. Helix moved them strategically to areas with boulders inside small ditches filled with water. He was using these areas to move around the beast''s attacks. It was simr to a game of chess, where every time he used a piece, it died. Once the Colossus hit a ditch, the water couldn''t flow to it anymore. Moreover, it took out the surrounding ditches. Helix had them dig 100 ditches, and only 60 were left. However, thirty-five were behind the Stalkwalker, and ten were out of striking range, so the real number was fifteen. The strategy became more nuanced over time, sacrifices had to be made, and his spirit particles were running low. ¡ª "His job was to route the Stalkwalker''s attacks away from the troop with his Nightmare. He was doing an amazing job¡­ incredibly amazing¡­." Marie whimpered softly. "Until the troops started winning¡­." Elsa gave Marie a quizzical expression. "It sounds like you''re praising him. I don''t understand¡­." She replied. Marie gave Elsa a bitter smile. "He was doing amazing. It was incredible. It''s just¡­ when the beast realized it would die¡­." Elsa listened to Marie with trembling eyes and bated breath. "I switched its strategy to a suicide approach." Marie exined before bursting into tears. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 113 [The Trap] "S-Suicide approach!?" Elsa cried. Marie started bawling and rubbing her eyes with her palms. "Yes¡­ Its mindset seemed to say that it would take its [real] enemy with it if it were dying." She exined. "Real¡­ do you mean our group?" Elsa asked with trembling eyes. "Yes¡­." Marie whispered. Elsa hugged the young woman and pulled her red hair from her eyes. "It¡­ No one attacked its legs since they were already crippled, and we couldn''tnd lethal strikes by attacking them. That included us after our initial attacks." Marie continued. "As a result, almost two hours had passed between the legs being injured and the point¡­." Elsa hugged Marie again. "It''s okay to tell me, sweetheart." She whispered. Her arms were wiped off but still covered with blood. However, Marie could care less, and she knew that. "The point when Tyrene was¡­ hit." Marie cried. "The Stalkwalker cleverly used that time to recover by pretending the legs didn''t work. As a result, when it was on death''s door, it flipped over its body to the west where Helix and I were¡­." Elsa took a deep breath. "Elsa¡­ it knew who we were, where we were and didn''t care about attacking anyone else but us." ¡ª "No! No-no-no no, no, FUCK!" Helix screamed in panic. Less than a minute ago, the Colossus'' vision started to blur. The constant blood loss from its neck and legs, burns on its back, and various wounds had added up. Helix used his vantage point and a considerable reserve of his spirit particles to recreate the titan falling. As a result, the soldiers could see the titan falling backward before it fell. The aggressively-taxing illusion saved over two-hundred lives in an instant. Once the Stalkwalker fell, a massive earthquake hit the ground and sent everyone flying. A dozen fighters flew into the chasm and fell to their deaths. Another two dozen were killed, and fifty were wounded with rock shrapnel or blunt-force trauma from a fall or debris. Almost everyone was choking from the dirt they inhaled. The entire battlefield was a massive dust cloud. However¡ª The attack turned out to be a sacrifice y. The beast allowed itself to fall onto its heavily wounded back to kill the three hundred soldiers surrounding it. Worse, it was clever and used the adrenaline and shock to turn itself around in the dust storm. By the time Helix understood the strange fluctuations in airwaves, the Stalkwalker had already flipped around. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Helix''s eyes widened in terror when he saw the Colossus crawling on its hands and knees towards the west. It was facing¡ª "Marie! Take cover!" He screamed at the top of his lungs. It was toote. A massive boulder shot from the dust cloud in Marie''s direction. The twenty armed guards with shields stood in a line, and the boulder hit the barrier. BOOOOOOOOOM! The Level 3 barrier shattered instantly, and the boulder hit the twenty guards fifteen feet in front of her. They were blown away like ragdolls. A massive rock bounced from the position and shot at Marie. However¡ª A beautiful pink light surrounded Marie in a split second. The rock smashed into the light and shattered into dust. Marie looked down. Her ne was glowing. "[Love''s Protection]...." She whispered in disbelief. The ne created the barrier that he gave Marie in the woods. It created a barrier if someone shot projectiles at Marie. Her eyes welled with tears and emotions when she realized Helix had saved her life. She should have been trying to flee, however. Marie was in shock. She had almost died, couldn''t see, and was in a trance that she was still alive. It didn''t ur to her that the Colossus may have targeted her specifically or that it might again. She''d know that the Stalkwalker could smell that she was alive if she did. Helix couldn''t see what had happened to Marie. She was on the lowest part of the hill, and all he saw was a massive cloud where she was originally located. He, too, was in an erratic emotional state of disbelief, thinking that Marie had died. [Love''s Projection] wouldn''t have saved her from the st, and he didn''t know that a Level 3 barrier and 20 shielded guards broke the boulder''s momentum. BOOM! BOOM! Helix snapped out of the trace he was in. When he looked up, he saw the Stalkwalker on its hands and knees approaching the chasm. After getting in range of Marie, it lifted its hand high. Above him, the Stalkwalker''s massive arm cast shade on the entire area. Helix''s mind started racing in a panic. He jumped down from the hill in an instant. If the Colossus was striking the area again, it meant there was a chance Marie was still alive. "Helix! It''s a trap!" Tyrene yelled across the battlefield. She was running to the position when the Stalkwalker turned to the west. Unlike Helix, she knew that Marie was heavily guarded, and there was a barrier spell in front of her. However, Tyrene regretted watching the battle from a high vantage point. She could warn him of impending danger by watching from the north and Helix to the south. It was a wise move. Thanks to that decision, she was able to see something that Helix couldn''t. However, what she saw wouldn''t have mattered if she had thought about her students first instead of the battle. Tyrene was a general for most of her life, and while she taught regiments, she had never had apprentices. Like everyone else, she believed that the Colossus'' legs were nearly paralyzed. With its body facing away and Marie protected by the guards and barriers, she felt Marie was safe. She was wrong, and now there were [two] people in mortal danger. "I don''t care! I''d rather die than let her get hurt again!" Helix barked back in anger. "Don''t! That mindset is going to get everyone killed!" Tyrene cried. "Pay attention! You''re both going to get killed if you don''t!" Tyrene couldn''tmunicate well. The Colossus turned around and attacked within a few seconds. Then it started a second attack, and Helix jumped off the top of the hill a secondter. She needed tomunicate. Her heart was pounding. While the Stalkwalker lifted its right hand in the air, its left hand held a massive boulder. It was winding its arm to throw it. Helix closed in on his target location. Its hand was as high as possible, preparing for a p attack. Helix dropped an earth pir circle in front of him. The moment it touched the earth, a massive rock pir shot out of the ground. It was twenty feet in diameter, making it a massive force that would at least slow down the p attack and buy him some time. Marie watched the scene with horror in her eyes. She stood up and scanned her surroundings after Tyrene said the word [trap]. However, the few seconds necessary to identify the trap was all it took for the Colossus to put it into action. Marie began to rush forward to pull him out of the way. Helix turned his head to turn around and make a dash backward. Tyrene made it in front of him at lightning speed and kicked him out of the way as the Stalkwalker''s left arm passed to the other side of the chasm. Before he crashed into the ground and began rolling, time slowed to a crawl. Blink. He saw Tyrene standing in a kicking position. She had tear-filled eyes and a look of relief on her face. Blink. A fraction of a secondter, a boulder smashed into her side and sent her flying outside his realm of vision. Blink. His body crashed into the earth, and he rolled over and over again. Blink. "Helix!" Marie screamed. ¡ª "What''s going on!?" Elsa yelled as a group of people burst into her tent. "What happened!?" The men in the group ced a body on her table. "It''s Tyrene! She''s badly injured! You need to save her!" Marie cried in a panicked state. Tyrene was groaning with her eyes closed. She was losing a lot of blood from her arm. It was shattered and distorted beyond salvaging, and blood spurted out in waves. "Her ribs are severely broken!" Elsa yelled out. "Fido, contact the best surgeon in the area! Tell them that he''ll be operating on a person under the official directive of General Lackbolt!" The young man''s eyes trembled in fear. "This isn''t the time to worry about trivialities!" Elsa roared. "Take this, don''t ask questions, and go!" Elsa threw a metal she was wearing around her neck. It was a medallion that gave her the official authority to order military personnel under the directive of General Lackbolt. "Y-Yes!" The man affirmed before running out of the tent. "Tyrene! Stay with me! We''re going to get you breathing again soon. So don''t you dare give up on me!" Elsa yelled at full volume. The woman quickly created a tourniquet on the top of the woman''s arm. "What the hell happened!?" She yelled to Marie. "That idiot!" Marie yelled between sobs. "What idiot!? Speak clearly, child!" Elsa demanded. "Helix! That fucking idiot!" Marie screamed between sobs. She fell to her knees and covered her hands with a broken expression. ¡­ "What¡­ do you mean everyone almost died?" Elsa asked with trembling eyes. "That idiot! He tried to save me even though I messed up!" Marie cried between tears. "Even though Tyrene told him he was running into a trap, even though he knew his earth pir wouldn''t hold, even though I stayed for frivolous moral support!" Marie broke down into tears. "A-As a result, T-Tyrene had to save him, and we [all] almost d-died!" She screamed. "T-That¡­ idiot almost k-killed himself, and T-Tyrene is dying because of m-me!" Elsa''s eyes welled with tears. She hugged Marie tightly and ran her fingers through her long red hair. "I-I''m¡­ grateful, Elsa. So¡­ so grateful. I-I''m¡­ grateful to be¡­ a-alive and¡­ that he s-saved me." Marie sobbed. "I¡­ love¡­ Helix¡­ s-so much, a-and¡­ I''m just in p-pain¡­ knowing he¡­ a-almost d-died because¡­ of me. I-I''m¡­ so¡­ grateful¡­ f-for T-Tyrene¡­ and hurt b-because¡­ of¡­ my mistakes." "Hush, child. It''s okay." Elsa whispered. "You''re young and make mistakes." Marie sobbed into Elsa''s chest. "You''ve been thrown into a world of war you never belonged in. We brought you to fight this beast for training without knowing what we were getting ourselves into. This tragedy is our fault, not yours." Elsa whispered. Marie cried into her chest and let out her frustration. "Now hush and calm down." Elsa whispered. "You need to go see Helix; he needs you right now." ¡ª [A/N: I''d appreciate it if people don''t me Marie for being human, or call her ipetent. You can dislike her in general if you wish, but doing so over this isn''t fair. Helix and Tyrene wouldn''t have let Marie casually sit in that location if they thought she was in danger. Things aren''t as they appear, and the full story hasn''t been told. Additionally, being a leader means potentially leading people to their deaths. Helix just led countless people to their deaths; Tyrene has led ten thousand or more. Every mistake can cost lives and it''s easy for leaders to me themselves. That is what leaders face that others do not. So Helix and Marie will naturally make more mistakes than the others because they have countless more opportunities to fail. Marie also has the hardest fighting job; she''s the only person that can defend against shockwaves. She''s also a [leader] with skills only she has. While you don''t see it, her implied leadership role is [equally important] to Helix''s. You read how her cafeteria speech led Helix to get stabbed and Emelia''s death. But what you didn''t see is how Marie protected Helix and Emelia daily for three weeks, along with others. Helix doesn''t just love her for no reason. He''d probably be dead right now without her. People remember a leader''s mistakes but never appreciate their value. It''s sad. Her speech also wasn''t a mistake; Charlotte already threatened the same thing. A demand tied to a serious legal threat would stop normal people in their tracks. Walter had a mental breakdown because he''s coping with a world [he thinks is more dangerous than it is]. It''s sad. No one can me her for someone''s insanity, but many will me her. That''s what makes being a leader hard. Helix doesn''t me her in the slightest, and that speaks volumes. Lastly, she''s human. Marie isn''t angry at Helix, she''s angry at herself. It''s human to act like this; her honesty is rare and admirable, however. Marie isn''t the most likable character in this story, but she is the most human and rtable. So please don''t me her for this situation or throw her character through the mud. You can dislike her in general, but hating on her [for this] is unfair. Thank you for reading my rant and reading in general!] Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 114 [Punishment] Helix stared at the dead body of the Stalkwalker in a state of disarray. People were cheering and surrounding him. However, he could not hear or see them. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. ¡ª BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! A massive shock wave hit the other side of the chasm. The abyss absorbed most of the st, but arge shockwave of wind hit Helix and Marie. Helix cked out for a few seconds. When his consciousness returned, he looked up. The Stalkwalker had copsed face-first onto the ground. It had a broken snout, and the freefall busted open its head. Now it was bleeding out all over its body. "Kyyyyaaaaah¡­." The Colossus groaned in pain. Helix turned to his left. In the distance, Tyrene was lying on the ground. Her body was a bloody mess. He turned to his left and saw Marie was still healthy and alive. Helix stood up from the ground and panned the area around him. His blood started pounding. His anger boiled over. "[Entertainment]." He scoffed while his eyes narrowed at the Stalkwalker. "This¡­ is entertainment to you, Elise?" Helix''s gaze narrowed, and his eyes became murderous. His mind sharpened for battle and dulled to reason. "Marie! Please get Tyrene medical treatment!" Helix roared. Marie''s eyes widened with shock, and she quickly got up from the ground. "W-What are you going to do?" She stuttered. "This fucking creature is about to die. I''m going to make sure it''s as agonizing as possible!" Marie''s eyes widened with shock. "Marie! Don''t let our master die!" He barked. Helix took a deep breath when he saw her trembling. He looked at her with a calm gaze. "Marie. If I help master, I''ll handle her body poorly and identally kill her. Hell, picking her up myself would probably kill her, and asking for help in my condition is impossible." He exined with a pain-stricken tone. Marie''s eyes trembled in partial understanding. She had never seen Helix [mad] before, so the experience shocked her. However, he was exining his anger which gave her partial understanding. "You''re the best person for this type of task in general. Right now, the only thing that I can do is feel rage and break things." He scoffed while turning his head in frustration. "That''s the truth. So, please. Go save Master Tyrene for the both of us." Helix ran at full speed and jumped over the chasm with ease. Everyone that saw him do it had pounding hearts. There was a 100-foot fall waiting for those that failed. Even tripping would cause him to fall to his death. Yet he could jump 25-feet, and he did it without hesitation. To everyone''s shock, he didn''t stop walking. Helix circled the beast until the Colossus could see him. Then he dropped an amplification circle on the ground. "Charlotte!" Helix yelled across the battlefield. The young blonde snapped out of her daze. "Yes!" Charlotte yelled back. The battlefield was dead silent, so her voice reached him barely. "Hit this sick creature with [Domain]!" He ordered. "dly!" She yelled back with fiery eyes. Charlotte had finally registered what had happened. So much had happened so fast. When she saw Helix walking to the Stalkwalker, she couldn''t figure out what was happening. However, the moment he gave the order to lock it in ce, her emotions caught up with her. They burst like a floodgate, and her killing intent multiplied instantly. "[Domain]!" Charlotte roared across the battlefield. "KYAAAAAAHH!" Domain was herst spell, so she didn''t hold back. She hit the Colossus'' entire body with 50 G''s of gravity at once,pletely locking all movements. The rock shrapnel stuck in its back from its fall shot into its back at full force. It was brutal to watch. "Kyaaaaahhhhhhh!" "SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Helix roared. The amplified sound burst into the Stalkwalker''s less injured canine ear. The creature winced in pain, and it stopped making noise. "You have killed my soldiers! You have hurt my people! And if that wasn''t enough, you tried to kill my lover and crushed my teacher!" Helix roared. The sound pierced into the creature''s ear, rupturing its eardrum. Blood leaked out of the ear. Hundreds of blood-thirsty soldiers watched the scene unfolding with pleasure. Everyone was silent, waiting with bated breath to watch their new leader exact punishment upon the abomination that stole so much from them. In front of that young man, the Colossus seemed like nothing more than an ant. To the soldiers, Helix looked like a wrathful god. "You have seen many Nightmares today! I''m sure you haven''t forgotten." Helix chuckled. His chuckle was caustic enough to eat through steel. "But you haven''t seen mine. It''ll be a fun surprise, I assure you." Helix grinned. "It''s hard to harm something like you when you''re standing. However, my brave partners and soldiers FUCKED YOU UP! And now you''re a glistening corpse I can y with!" "YEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" A murderous battle cry resounded from all sides of the battlefield. Those helping others stopped to watch. Even those heavily wounded were watching the scene with bated breath. "You hear that? That''s the sound of humanity seeking revenge." Helix grinned. The crowd denoted with cheers. Riley''s eyes trembled in worry for Helix''s state of mind. Charlotte''s eyes were filled with excitement. It wasn''t her usual excitement she felt. She wasn''t in love with Helix. Charlotte watched Tyrene being hauled to a medical tent, and she was just as blood-thirsty as Helix. "Well, I hate to break it to you, but they''re about to get their wish!" "YEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" "Let''s see how you like having your organs twisted up by that shrapnel that gravity just sent into you!" He roared. "[Nightmare Hallucination]." He whispered silently. It wasn''t necessary to speak the spell names of Nightmares. However, he wanted to tell this creature that he was unleashing the Mad Queen''s Nightmare and setting it on autopilot. Helix grinned when he saw what his [Nightmare Hallucination] conjured up. "YAAAAAAH¡­. KEEEYYYAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHKKK! KYA!" The beast started thrashing against the ground violently. "YEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The crowd drowned the screams out. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 115 [Legend] "Riley! Please give me a spirit particle transfusion! I genuinely need it!" Helix yelled. Riley snapped out of her daze and nodded. She quickly moved down the massive northside hill with absurd speed. The people in the audience watched with awe as it happened. If Helix requested a spirit particle transfusion and said he needed it, he''d die without it. Riley stepped before Helix, and he grabbed her waist. Their mouths connected. "YEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" The crowd burst into wild apuse after watching their [celebratory] kiss. "Thank you, Riley. This¡­ it''s massive." Helix chuckled with madness in his eyes. He leaned into her ear. "What scares a 350-foot Colossus?" He asked in her ear. "I¡­ don''t know¡­." Riley whispered back. "A 450-foot predator." Helixughed with a malicious grin. "GYYYAAARRRRRRRRRAAAAAAHHH!" Behind him, a massive four-legged dinosaur-like creature was pounding the earth. With every step, a fifty-meter dust cloud followed. It was a Colossus from the days that the Stalkwalker was alive. It had a grin with three rows of massive teeth, and it was [smiling] at the Stalkwalker. "KYAAAAAAH¡­. KYA! KEEEYYYAAAAAAHHHHKKK! KYA!" The Stalkwalker thrashed on the ground violently. However, [Domain] was keeping the Colossus in the same ce. With every motion, the wounds on its body deepened. Its punctured organs were getting thrashed harder by the shrapnel. However, the beast didn''t notice. The sight of therger Colossus filled with primal terror it hadn''t experienced for over a thousand years. "KYAAAAAAH¡­. KYA! KEEEYYYAAAAAAHHHHKKK! KYA!" "KYA! KYAAAAAAH¡­.!" ".....KEEEYAK!" "KYEA¡­." "Kyaaaaahhhh¡­." "Key¡­." After fifteen seconds of thrashing, the beast''s good eye clouded over. Blood loss and organ failure took their toll. When it finally gave up, Helix released his Nightmare. Tilo, Charlotte, and General Lackbolt ran to the battlefield. Each went to greet Helix now that the battle was over. They were nervous about speaking to him in his unstable state. However, when they got to him, the fearless, ruthless leader had disappeared. He looked like a lifeless husk whose soul had been stripped away. General Lackbolt was the first to move. "Good work, boy." He said as he walked over to Helix. The young man stayed silent. His mind was nk, and he felt as though his mind would distort and break apart forever. "It wasn''t your fault, boy." The man continued while putting his hand on Helix''s shoulder. Helix didn''t look at the man or react. "No. This was my fault." Helix whispered. Tilo, Charlotte, and Riley approached Helix cautiously. All of them had conflicted expressions on their faces. Each wanted to hug Helix and tell him that Tyrene would be okay, but they knew it wasn''t likely. They wanted to shower him with praise, but they were experiencing a massive loss. They all desperately wanted to tell Helix it wasn''t his fault. It was the truth. No one would me Helix for wanting to protect Marie. It would be cruel to expect him to see a trap from the other side of the field. He risked his life for his lover, and they would never me him for what happened. However, every one of them knew that he wouldn''t listen. Helix was still recovering from the death of Emelia. While he was strong, his partners knew that he was suffering on the inside. Now, during a training exercise, he lost his master. "Helix. You made the right decision." Tilo said, breaking the silence. Helix looked at him with a confused expression. "I only saw the end after chasing after you." Tilo continued. "However, if you didn''t arrive, the hand would have crushed Marie. You did arrive, so the beast used its trap instead." Everyone''s eyes filled with confusion. Especially Helix''s, whose state of conflict was driving him to insanity. "You acted immediately but didn''t rush out to grab Marie. You thought quickly, devised a strategy to slow the attack to give you a chance." Tilo argued. "Most of all, you went to save your lover, even at the cost of your life." Tilo''s olive-green eyes pierced his frozen soul. "You did the right thing. If I were you, in a simtion of 1000 scenarios, I would have done the same thing 9900 times." Helix chuckled awkwardly. He was feeling so many emotions and didn''t know what to feel. "Now, boy. As a leader, you must address your people. They''re broken and need support too. So give them a speech so we can go see Tyrene." Tilo requested with a serious expression. Helix circled with awkward steps. Over seven hundred soldiers were staring at him. Thanks to him, only two hundred died, and one hundred were injured. They all understood that they would all be dead if he hadn''t taken charge and brought his reinforcements, they were all dead. So their leader''s pain was magnifying their own. Helix closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Tilo, can you activate all of the amplification circles possible?" He asked. "Yes. I''ll do that now." Tilo replied with a serious tone. "[Chain Activation]." Helix waited patiently for the operation to bepleted. "It''s ready." Tilo whispered. Helix''s eyes snapped back open with a fierce gaze. "Soldiers! Where the hell did the cheering go!?" Helix roared with false anger. The group was shocked by his words. However, when a group saw the slight smile he followed his statement with, they sparked into cheers. The yelling and roars rippled like dominos. They waved through the throngs of soldiers until everyone surrounding them was cheering. "Woah¡­." Charlottemented with an amazed expression. She grinned when she looked back and saw Helix acting like a fearless leader. "Hellie¡­." She whispered. Riley watched her partner with awe. Her heart was pounding, knowing he was uninjured and protecting others. When she saw the level of emotioning from the faces of others, tears welled in her eyes. "Much better!" Helix yelled with a grin. The soldiersughed with emotional expressions. "Let me ask you something¡­." He yelled with a slight smile. "How does it feel¡­." He circled his position to meet the gaze of as many of his troops as possible. The silence was overwhelming, and the quiet excitement was pulsing. "TO BE A LEGEND!" Helix roared with his arms held high. "YEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" He panned the audience to ensure everyone saw his wicked grin. "This battle!" Helix roared. "This battle will go down in history! It will be recorded in books, read to children in stories, and taught to aspiring warriors! Tell me! ¡­." Helix paused and matched the soldier''s gazes to ensure they were listening. "How does it feel¡­." He asked with a low voice. "To know that you''re the warriors that will be spoken about!?" "YEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Battle criesced with joy and excitement radiated from the crowd. Every person in the medical tents and recovering area heard his voice. No matter where a person was, they could hear the sess and share in the victory speech. Wicked grins developed on the faces of the wounded. They were grinning unless the person was screaming in agony or knocked out cold. Marie and Elsa''s faces lit up with emotion when they heard Helix''s rally speech. Both of them knew he was suffering, yet he was putting that aside for the people around them. "How does it feel¡­." He asked while walking over to the Colossus. The crowd quieted down to hear his next statement. "... to know you killed this thing?" He chuckled while kicking it. Wild, ecstatic yells and howls shook the soundwaves. Laughter filled the medical tents. Regardless of their rank, position, or standing, everyone was celebrating. "How does it feel¡­." Helix asked. "Know that you''re alive!?" The troops cheered and screamed and cried. Many of them fell to their knees and sobbed. "How does it feel knowing that your family is alive because of you? How does it feel knowing your country is safe because of you? How does it feel knowing that you have protected humanity!?" Helix asked in a booming voice. The cheers were deafening. The cries were overwhelming. It was a moment of passion no person present would ever forget. p "Many of us have experienced losses today!" Helix roared. "But the sacrifices made today ensured that countless women, children, and friends will be able to live as a result of it! Tell me! Will you ever forget the names and faces of the brothers and sisters you fought with today!?" "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" The soldiers cried their answer from the bottom of their lungs. "That''s right! They will live on with us forever! And due to the mythical scale of this battle, they will live on for countless generations as legends! That is the scale, power, and magnitude of their aplishment! Let''s hear it for the legends that fell today!" Thunderous apuse and roars filled the darkening sky. Marie burst into tears again. However, this time her tears wereced with conflicted joy. Elsa hugged her close and closed her eyes with a slight smile. "Soldiers! Today you fought with the legendary Winter General Tyrene! She fought and bled beside you! Like many, she is injured right now! Like many, she may fall!" Helix announced. The crowd hushed down in shock. "The legendary Winter General Tyrene led us here today! She is why your war goddess came to help you in this fight today. Soldiers! Let''s make sure she knows that we are thankful for her! Let''s hear a warrior call to Grandmaster General Dame Tyrene Masney!" "YEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Monsters and animals could hear the battle cry miles away. It was a loud roar that shook the earth itself. Marie and Elsa smiled as tears streamed down their eyes. Charlotte and Riley hugged each other, and Tilo held back tears. General Lackbolt''s gruff face scrunched up, and he swallowed. "Now cry your tears! Let out your emotions! Recover your minds and steel your hearts¡­." Helix ordered with a fierce gaze. "... because tonight we celebrate!" Helix closed his eyes to listen to the cheers of those he swore to lead. "Now, listen up! I need [everyone] to help me cast the Intent Spell on this beast. Not a single person here isn''t leaving with a momento and material for battle armor fit for legends!" Shock hit the crowd like a wave. After a moment of silence, the area exploded with celebratory cheers. "As for me¡­." Helix said with a feral grin. "I''m taking this thing''s head." Chapter 116 [Ungrateful Brats] "Helix!" "It''s okay now." "No! It''s¡ª" "I know." "Helix, I''m¡­." "Don''t cry. Do you remember the promise I made you?" "I¡­. No, please¡ª" "I told you I''d protect you at the cost of my life." "No! Not like this¡­." "Marie¡­. Do you remember what you vowed?" "I¡­." "You''re not going to break our vows now that things are difficult, are you?" "I¡­. Hey! Don''t sigh, you bully!" "I''m sorry. I''d rather see you frustrated than crying. I promised myself I''d never make you cry." "..." "Will you please hug me? I look okay and sound confident, but I feel like you do." "Of course¡­." Marie fell into Helix''s arms. He gripped her slender body close and pressed his cheek against her hair. Flickering light from fires illuminated their expressions. "Marie¡­. I need you." Helix confessed with a cracking voice. Marie pulled away enough to look at Helix''s expression. He was difficult to see because her puffy, bloodshot eyes blurred her vision. The flickering fires only exposed a portion of his expressions at any time. "I need you to help me like you are right now. We can''t make it through this alone." He continued with a low voice. Marie''s heart crumbled. "We need to help each other. That''s why we made our vows. I vowed to protect you with my life, and you vowed to do the same for me." Helix reminded her with light tears streaming from his cheeks. "In a scenario where one of us might die, one gets left behind. Instead of falling victim to fate, we vowed we''d live or die protecting one another. It increases our chances of survival. It prevents us from having regrets. And while someone may die, the person who lives will forever remember the other''s love and carry that forward. Tyrene¡­." Helix started crying lightly, and a warm smile washed over his face. Marie''s trembling eyes matched his gaze. "She embodied our ideal." He continued with a choking voice. "Thest thing I saw after she kicked me was a look of relief on her face. There was no regret in her eyes and¡­." Helix pulled Marie close to his chest and held her right. "We will forever remember how much she loved us." Marie burst into tears again and squeezed him. "I¡­ want her back. She¡­ can''t leave us¡­ She needs toe back here¡­." She cried while gripping him tightly. Helix nodded silently. "Marie. When we get to Alzeria, we need to n a celebration fit for Tyrene. Will you help me with that?" He asked with a trembling smile. Marie looked into his eyes. "Yes! I can, but¡­." She pushed her head to the ground. "Do¡­ you think that people will hate that I''m part of it?" Helix pulled her close again. "Marie. You and I are the only people that can do it." He whispered. "Tyrene¡­ she died protecting us." Helix''s eyes welled with more tears. "Only we can repay that gratitude. Only we can show how much her sacrifice means to us." Marie''s tears poured steadily from her eyes. Helix looked Marie in the eyes with a serious expression. Firelight was flickering in his pitch-ck eyes. "And if anyone has a problem with that. If anyone mes you, me, or the others for her death¡­." Helix prefaced with a determined gaze. "I''m going to drop that thing''s eight-ton skull on their fucking house." Marie burst intoughter in between her sobs. Her beautiful smile started showing for the first time. Helix smiled gently and wiped tears from her eyes with his thumb. "Come on, Marie. Let''s meet up with the others." Helix requested. Marie nodded hesitantly. "We''re limited to two hours of sadness a day. Otherwise, our master will say: if you have time to cry, you have time to swing that sword!" He reenacted with a cheeky smile. Marie responded with a mocking smile. "You''re right. Master would probably say: Girl! If you don''t stop crying, I''ll give you a reason to cry, capture your tears in a jar, and then brush my teeth with them!" The two burst into bitter-sweetughter together. Charlotte ran up and wrapped a bear hug over the two. "You''ve both got it wrong!" She dered. Helix and Marie looked at her with confusion in their eyes. Tinker followed and pushed his head between them to open the circle. Helix patted therge white dog''s head and opened up the circle for Charlotte and him. "Teach would start with the same thing she always does, dummies! She''d ask: so, what did you learn, idiots?" Helix and Marie''s eyes gilded to the left in thought. They chuckled after realizing that it was likely the first thing Tyrene would ask if they were able to speak with her. "I''d reply: fighting fifth evolution Level 387 Colossus Stalkwalkers is hard. Then she would give me that [guuuuuuurl, if that weren''t a rational answer, I''d beat thews ofmon sense into you] look." Charlotte gave a Tyrene impression with her hands on her hips. The three burst intoughter. Tinker barked in confirmation. "I¡­ think she''d say something like¡­." A voice called out. The three turned in the voice''s direction and saw Riley approaching hesitantly. "You did well, kids. Your fighting was incredible. Your teamwork was stunning." Riley imed. Tears started rolling down their cheeks when they heard Riley''s sweet voice reenacting the sappy part. "But¡­ you''re all still idiots!" She added with a light chuckle. Helix, Marie, and Charlotte were stunned for a moment. Then Helix chuckled. Charlotte chuckled. Marie chuckled. Then all four burst intoughter. "Riley, get over here." Helix requested with a gentle smile. Marie and Charlotte opened up one of their arms to allow her to enter their hug. Riley quickly joined them with a smile on her face. "Hoh? You all think that''s what Tyrene would say?" A smooth voice called out from Helix''s back. Helix gave the girls a wry smile. "What would she say, Tilo?" He sighed. "Hmmm? You don''t know?" Tilo asked mockingly. "No, Master. Please inform this humble student." Helix chuckled with a defeated voice. The three were smiling, knowing they still had a teacher with the same personality as always. "She''d say: What''s this? You just fought and killed a fifth evolution level 387 Colossus and flipped off the Mad Queen. You passed our stupid test, got stronger, and [survived]. And you brats are still finding things toin about? What more do you want? A reward? Hah. Ungrateful brats." Tilo chuckled. The five burst intoughter and hugged each other tighter. "Yup." Charlotteughed. Marie nodded with tears streaming down her closed eyes. Riley giggled lightly. Helix smiled while looking at nothing in particr. "Then do you know what she''d say?" Tilo asked with a mysterious voice. The four heard his inflection and researched each other''s arms. "She''d say, fine! I''ll reward you, you ungrateful brats." The group''s eyes went wide when they heard the words. Everyone finished turning around to face Tilo, whose expressions were hidden. There was arge bonfire behind him, so they could only see a silhouette with subtle features. However, they knew he was smiling. The man touched his neck and pulled an item out of thin air. "She''d say, Marie. Here is my sword; use it to lead the weak into battle, you big softy." Tilo began. Marie''s eyes went wide when she saw him handing her the sword she used during the battle. "I-I¡­ I can''t ept¡ª" She stuttered. "This isn''t a question, brat. I spent two hours enduring Tilo''s nonsense to give him instructions, and you''re going to take this thing whether you like it or not. If there''s one thing I hate, it''s when people waste my time. If you waste more of it, your arms won''t work for a week." Tilo reenacted with a mocking smile. The group burst intoughter. Tinker circled Marie and nudged her butt to move her in Tilo''s direction. She took small steps toward him and reached out hesitantly to ept the sword. Marie epted the sword with trembling eyes. It was extremely light, and its silver sheen shined brightly in the darkness. The de had amanding aura that demanded respect. Engravings on the sword and hilt told a story with the artwork. "Everyone has a role. As a strong leader with power, you must inspire those in battle and tell them that they can make a difference. This sword symbolizes that. It''s why Tyrene nned to give it to you, regardless of this battle." Tilo exined with a slightly cracking voice. Marie looked at the man with trembling eyes. "While she would scold you for your decision to make such a taxing demonstration, she would praise you for inspiring those jumping the chasm." He continued. "That trait is what earned you this sword." Helix, Charlotte, and Riley cried in joy at the deration. "Charlotte." Tilo called out. Charlotte''s eyes trembled, and she approached the man hesitantly. She didn''t want to approach but feared Tyrene''s wrath for disobeying. "This is her battle cloak." Tilo announced while handing it to her. "It''s highly resistant to fire and heat. Her words were: that girl is going to burn herself to death! If I didn''t know she''d only end up like that if she were helping others, I would have given her a beating instead." Charlotte burst intoughter, and the group followed. She gripped it tight against her chest before slipping her arms into it. The cloak lit up and magically resized itself to fit her body. "Wow¡­." She whispered. "Don''t let me forget to give you Tinker''s presentter. He didn''t have much training, but he was an apprentice for a week." Tilo chuckled. Tinker barked, triggering chuckles from the group. "Riley." Tilo asked in summoning. Riley walked to him without hesitation. Helix found her approach graceful and smiled while watching her back. "Tyrene gave you her armor because it was light enough for you to run at full speed. We are sending it to the best cksmith in Alzeria to have the chest armor repaired." The group choked up after being reminded of the wound Tyrene had received. "She said to tell you that your sweetness cuts through the darkness. Your role is much more important than any other. People like you can heal in dark times and keep their humanity alive because of people like you. Tyrene told me to thank you for being truly selfless and kind to the people around you." Riley''s eyes trembled and filled with tears. "In the meantime, this is her leg armor, helmet, and gauntlets." Riley bowed and graciously epted the undamaged armor. "Lastly, Helix." Tilo called out. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 117 [Merciless Training] Helix walked over to Tilo with a firm expression andmanding aura. He had to act, but it was her request to be a leader. Tilo smiled at him when he saw the way that he approached. He looked into Helix''s eyes while pulling out multiple items. "This is her general''s cape." Tilo announced while handing it to him. "Tyrene told me that true power doesn''te from strength. Ites from leading others that are stronger than you." Helix bowed his head as he epted that cape. "She also said: that brat is too damn fashionable to ept armor or anything simr anyway." Tilo added with a mocking smile. The women giggled, and Helix blushed after hearing the note. He was still wearing his Warpshire peacoat in the sweltering heat caused by the bonfires. The pelt was cooler because it didn''t have most of the fur on it, and Warpshires fought with fire. The beast''s internal organs were much different from that of humans to endure the heat. But armor is armor. It wasn''t a windbreaker. "She also gave you all of her war medals and emblems in her will." Tilo announced while taking out a massive box. Helix''s eyes widened with shock and hesitation. "You can''t wear the titles and honors yourself, of course." Tilo rified. "Tyrene gave these to you to inspire your actions. She also knew you''d find the best way to use them. Whether you keep them, pass them to those you lead, or give them to a museum is your decision. Tyrene trusts that you will make the most of them as a leader." Helix and her partners gave Tilo hesitant expressions. He looked to the ground with a wry smile and slight shame in his heart. "This pin and metal¡­." Tilo began while putting the box on the ground and pulling out a patch. Helix''s eyes went wide when he saw the emblem she wore daily. "Were earned during her first battle as a general when she was your level." Tilo announced while pinning it to his peacoat. "Well, the level you were at yesterday." He added with a chuckle. The group smiled wryly at the addition. "It wasn''t given to her as a new general." He continued. "It was given to her by her troops, not her superiors. Now you know why she wears it every day and why she nned to give it to you after you led troops to victory in a major battle. She nned to give you the pin after this battle because you led the soldiers to victory." The group started crying. Helix summoned all of his willpower to keep a strong expression. "Tyrene wanted me to tell you that she doesn''t want you to be a general or lead the battle for humanity. Neither do I." Tilo announced with a mysterious smile. Helix studied the man''s expressions with confusion. His partners were doing the same thing. "That''s an honest statement. We hope you can live a life as carefree as possible. It would be nice for you to sell [appliances] as you and your girls call them. I love my [hot tub]." He chuckled. The group burst outughing with bewildered expressions. "We all heard your will before we left for Kozen. Tyrene wanted you to live a life where you were a cksmith making magic circles and goofing off." Tiloughed. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley giggled when they were reminded of Helix''s message. Helix was thankful that the darkness was hiding the color of his face. "Tyrene doesn''t expect you to be a leader or general out of duty. She doesn''t expect you to fight for humanity." Tilo exined with a mocking smile. Helix looked at Tilo with a crumbling expression. "You didn''t ask to be a leader. You never wanted this fate that was thrust upon you. Tyrene wanted you to know that she hopes you can live as long as possible with a carefree life. However¡­ Tyrene''s giving you these signs of leadership because she expects you to be a leader." He continued. "She says that you couldn''t stay away from the role even if it killed you." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley shifted their gazes to Helix with warm smiles. He looked at Tilo, turned to his partners, and gave them all wry smiles. "That boy makes himself sound so zy], but he works harder than anyone else." Tilo reenacted with a nagging tone. "I swear, that kid thinks we''re all blind and charmed by his nonsense. It''s almost insulting." Marie, Charlotte, Tilo, and Riley erupted into heartyughter. He stared nkly into the darkness with a bitter smile. "Therefore, she wanted you to have these when you''re prepared." Helix nodded. "Lastly¡­ hahahaha!" Tiloughed in bewilderment while bending over. The group looked at Tilo with perplexed expressions. "Tyrene¡­ haha¡­ she gave you a present that you want¡­ hahaha!" Charlotte grinned in anticipation. "These¡­ take them¡­ hahaha¡­ I can''t hold your presents whileughing this hard¡­." Helix grabbed the two packs of 24 battle discs hesitantly. "Circle of Remembrances?" He asked with a perplexed expression. His partners couldn''t hide their curiosity and ran up. "Yes¡­ hahaha¡­ just¡­. My sides! Just¡­ listen to one¡­ hahaha!" TIlo wiped light tears from his eyes. Helix''s eyes to the left to make eye contact with Marie hesitantly. She gave him a slightly worried expression. He glided his eyes to the right. Charlotte had an evil grin less than an inch from his face. He turned his head to Riley. ,m She gave him a gentle nod to give him confidence. Helix sighed and activated the circle on the top. "I, Grandmaster Winter General Dame Tyrene Masney, give this brat my metals, emblems, pins, and general cape. His name is Helix Hellsgate Margrave, and he''s my idiot apprentice. I gave my sword, cloak, and armor to his girlfriends, Marie Skybolt, Charlotte Kline, and Riley SInger. If you have a problem with that, I''ll rip your windpipe out and y it like a flute." Helix burst intoughter, and his partners looked at him with shock in their eyes. "I¡­ hahahaha¡­ Tyrene¡­ this¡­ is how I know¡­ you paid attention¡­ but¡­ hahaha¡­ you¡­ this¡­." Now Helix and Tilo wereughing. Charlotte, who was let down, turned to Marie. Marie was in shock, so she wasn''t responsive. She couldn''t believe Tyrene made an official statement that they were dating when she knew the information nearly got him killed. Charlotte was of the same mindset. She turned to Riley and found the young woman giggling. "Psssst! Riley. What the hell is going on?" Charlotte asked in annoyance. Riley gave Charlotte a sweet smile. "If Helix shows up to the Capital with us, Tyrene''s metals and general cape, soldiers and jealous people would want to kill him. He''d be bitter and wouldn''t wear them or even announce them if she didn''t do that." She exined with a gentle smile. "Ohhhhhhhhh¡­." Charlotte replied with a knowing expression. "Not just¡­ hahaha¡­." Helix cried. "Battle¡­ haha¡­ she gave me¡­ battle¡­ hahahaha!" He was bending over with tears rolling down his cheeks. Helix was nearly hyperventting. Marie looked up at Tilo, who was recovering. "Master¡­." She called out. Tilo chuckled and took a few deep breaths. "She gave the boy the circle on battle¡­ haha¡­ discs!" He exined before bursting intoughter again. "Oh, I get it!" Charlotte cried with wide, excited eyes. Marie turned to her with an embarrassed expression. "I¡­ the message eludes me. Is it a symbol of training? They seem practical, so I don''t get why it''s funny." She confessed with a frustrated tone. "Symbol? This is training!" Charlotte cried. "That''s right! Hahahaha." Tilo roared. "It''s a trial¡­ she¡­ is giving us¡­ merciless training¡­ even in death¡­ hahahaha!" Helix eximed between breaths. A stroke of realization washed over her. "That means¡­." She gasped. "That''s right. If we want to survive having these items, we need to prepare for battle." Charlotte proimed with an evil grin. Marie chuckled, looked to the sky, and sent it a wry smile. "You knew people would start attacking us on sight." She whispered. "So we need to survive by proving our training worked." "That''s right¡­ she gave me what I wanted most but is still making¡­ me work¡­ for it." Helix said while recovering hisposure. He had tears rolling down his cheeks, but now they were tears of remembrance. "Of all the people, I have the lowest defense stat¡­ so she gave me battle discs¡­ knowing I could survive with the skills I have best¡­." Tilo chuckled and patted him on the back. The young man''sposure had finally broken, and he was crying for the first time. His partners started crying as well. "Tyrene loved you, boy." Tilo said with a gentle voice. Helix turned around and stared at Tyrene''s funeral pyre behind him. Everyone present followed him and gazed at the glorious sight of him with bitter-sweet smiles. "She''ll be watching over you until youe out on top in life, regardless of what you do." Helix bent to the ground to clutch her general cape as tightly as possible. Teardrops fell from his eyes and soaked into the earth. "I¡­ love you too¡­ Master Tyrene." Helix dered. "Thank you for giving me a chance at life. I will never forget you." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 118 [Kylon] ¡ªThree weeks after Tyrene''s funeral pyre¡ª "Wait¡­ is that¡ª" Helix asked with narrowed eyes. "Whatcha looking at, Hellie?" Charlotte asked with excitement. She was particrly fascinated whenever Helix pointed out andmark, nt, or creature they passed. "Hmmm? Is it something important?" Marie asked while stretching her arms. Everyone was lounging around. The group was traveling by wagon to Alzeria. It was a boring trip along a trade route, so most of the time was spent lying around and ying games Tilo had in his item storage. They had been on the road for three weeks, so their desire to y games was long gone. Helix spent a lot of time reading to himself or the group. "No way¡­." Helix gasped while pointing in the distance. "The wagon around the bend?" Riley asked after a cute yawn. Helix gave everyone an evil grin. "That''s right." He chuckled. "What''s so special about it? Wait¡­." Charlottemented with narrowed eyes. "That''s the Alzerian Royal Seal, right?" Marie asked. "That''s right." Helix replied with a slight smile. "I get the connection, but why are you so¡ª" Charlotte began asking. "Is¡­ that a cat? Wait¡­." Her voice was shocked. Riley and Marie climbed closer to the driver to get a better look. "That is a cat¡­ and he has¡­." "A suit on! There''s an animation I''ve watched with a suited cat, but this is so much better!" Charlotte cried. "This cat is in ck! He kinda looks like¡ª" "Yooooooooo! Yakuza Cat!" Helix yelled with his hands cupped over his mouth. His partners looked at Helix in bewilderment. He rarely got animated unless he was riling up troops. "Do¡­ you know this¡­ cat?" Marie asked in bewilderment. "Yeah¡­ you seem so¡­. How would I put this?" Charlotte mused while putting a finger to her lips. "Smiley." Shemented. The group burst intoughter, but Helix wouldn''t stop waving. Kylon caught sight of Helix, and he was already gnashing his fangs. His anger turned to nervousness every few seconds. However, whenever he saw Helix''s mocking grin, he got angry again. "It''s so cute¡­." Rileymented with a bright smile. "Yeah! I want to hold it!" Marie followed with sparkling eyes. "Hah¡­ he''ll probably like that because you''re cute¡­." Helix replied with a wicked grin. "But Yakuza Cat''s Nightmare will turn him into [Grizzly Cat] if it feels threatened, and his Yakuza suit will get ruined." The women looked at him with bewildered expressions. "Wait, he can speak!?" Marie eximed. "He''s a Knight!?" Charlotte cried. The two were practically yelling, but one expressed confusion and the other excitement. Helix chuckled at the contrast. "Yes, Yakuza cat is a Royal Army Knight, and he can speak." Helix chuckled. "I wanna fight him!" Charlotte proimed. Helix gave her a wry smile. "You shouldn''t¡­ on second thought, that bastard abducted me¡ª" "Wait!?" Marie cried. Charlotte and Riley started smothering him with requests for answers. "This is the guy, Hellie? I''m going to fight him! I''m going to bring that kitty down!" Charlotte dered. Helix''s eyes widened. "Keep it down, he''s almost here¡­." The three were clobbering him, so they didn''t notice that the wagon slowed down. Helix chuckled nervously and looked out the wagon. Kylon was sitting next to the driver with a nervous expression. While he wasn''t pleased by Helix''s attitude or conversation, he knew how powerful the women were. Helix gave him a slight wave before jumping out of the wagon. "Yo. How''s it goin'', Yakuza?" He called out with a smug expression. Kylon and his memory turned Helix into a monster subconsciously. "I¡­ uh¡­. Good day, Sir Helix." Kylon replied nervously. He was trying to restrain his conflicting emotions. Kylon''s rtionship with nervousness was akin to Helix''s rtionship with mncholy. However, he was extra nervous at the moment and slightly thankful that Helix was annoying him. "You''re wearing your suit today." Helixmented while stroking his chin. "Are you¡­ perhaps on your way to kidnap some children?" Kylon''s eyes narrowed, and his whiskers started twitching. The women looked at each other with bewilderment in their eyes. They had never seen Helix be so forward or malicious to anyone but the Stalkwalker. However, Helix had just exined [how] he met the talking cat. "No¡­." Kylon growled. "I''m here for¡­." The talking cat stopped and looked at his suit with a humiliated expression. "Ahhhhhhh. I see. You''re here to make contact with me." Helixmented with a grin. "I thought it was weird to see an Earthian suit in these parts." "Look who''s talking." Kylon replied with a twitching eyebrow. "Hmmm?" Helix asked while looking down with a yful expression. "This is a peacoat. However, it''s not strange for an Earthian to wear something like this." Kylon gave him a mocking grin. "Hoh? Then why did none of the other heroes wear something simr?" He asked sarcastically. Helix narrowed his eyes and turned around. "Hey, Ladies! Did your emissaries wear a suit?" The three looked at one another to confirm. "Nooooooooope." Charlotte replied. Helix''s eyes gilded to the left in thought. However, he turned back around and put his mocking expression back on. "I see. Well, it''s not amon fashion trend for my people." He chuckled. "Anyway, why are you looking for me?" Helix''s slight smile irked the cat beyond words. "What do you mean, [why]?" Kylon asked in bewilderment. Helix scoffed lightly and turned his head in annoyance. He matched gazes with Kylon again. "You''re here with a message, and I have no idea what that is." Helix pointed out. "Are you here to arrest me, drag me back for questioning, or request help? Do you want to know about Kozen? The Stalkwalker?" Kylon''s face paled when he understood Helix wasn''t being frivolous. "We¡­." Kylon began while fidgeting with its ws. "Want your help. It''s¡­ sensitive for you to show up, so I was sent as an emissary¡­." Helix''s eyes glided to the left in thought. He could tell by Kylon''s suit that they were sending a buttering-up message. "Sensitive for [my] sake, or Alzeria''s stake?" He asked after a moment. Kylon''s eyes widened. "Y-Yours, [obviously]." He replied. Helix''s mouth opened slightly, realizing something important¡ªhe was strong now. In the past, he was weak and defenseless. If he were returning temporarily with Alzeria''s strongest fighters, he was doing them a favor while risking his life. Now he didn''t feel stressed by his journey. Helix resolved to show up without a mask. He did have one specialty made if he had to use his Nightmare openly. However, he wasn''t going to engage in that impractical cliche for other people''s egos. The question was¡ªwhich cliche would he present himself as? [Weak to Strong] vs. [Strong Acting Weak] Not permanently. Just to siphon information and get a better deal. "I see¡­. Don''t worry too much about that¡­." Helix sighed. He gave up trying to push for a better deal. He just didn''t care. Kylon gave him a quizzical expression. "As you know, some teachers journeyed with me to Kozen. So while my stats aren''t anything like my partners'' stats, I''m not weak, either." Marie and Riley blushed, and Charlotte''s face dropped. "Hellie just boldly dered our rtionship!" She cried under her breath. The other two nodded in restrained excitement. Kylon watched the young women''s excited expressions with bewilderment. "I see¡­." Kylon replied nervously. He fidgeted some more. "It''s just¡­. Those three have been traveling for almost half of your time in Myriad." He reasoned. "Now¡­ that the Knights have been going on monster hunts, they''re¡­ strong¡­." The cat''s facial expressions showed how agonized he was about the ordeal. Almost every Earthian had the potential to grow far stronger than he was. Eventually, their cheat strength would make winning fights boring. No matter how skilled he was, he couldn''t handle an earthquake! Or a volcano! That reality, coupled with the travel logic, made Kylon believe there was no way that Helix stood a chance. Helix turned to his partners with a devious grin. However, his eyes gilded to the left, and he turned back with a serious expression. He considered pulling out a Stalkwalker finger but stopped himself. If Kylon didn''t know they fought the Colossus, the information had an intel ssification. "Kylon, please have your wagon lead the way and join us." Helix replied. He motioned to the wagon with his hand. Kylon''s eyes widened when he heard Helix address him by his name. He quickly nodded to his driver and entered the cart with Helix. Chapter 119 [Cultivator Calamity] [A/N: At some point, editing mistakes will increase if they haven''t already. I''m still uncontracted.] ¡ª Kylon fidgeted his thumb-like ws on the left side of each paw while panning the wagon. "So cute¡­." Marie whispered to Riley. Riley nodded with a joyous expression. Charlotte was grinning at him. Helix was sitting in front of him silently. Kylon''s eyes glided to the left nervously. The gold streaks in his reddish-orange fur glistened in the sunlight from his sweating. After five more seconds of awkward silence, Helix sighed. "Tell us the reason you''re here, Yakuza." Kylon''s eyes widened. Helix scoffed lightly and turned away to express his annoyance. He didn''t want to y games. "You know why we''re on our way back to the Capital." Helix asserted confidently. "So why are you thinking through social strategies to break the news to me?" Kylon''s eyes zed over. "I¡­." He began cautiously. "Kylon, was it?" Riley asked. Kylon snapped out of his daze and turned his head to the sweet voice near him. "Y-Yes." He stuttered. Riley gave him a gentle smile, thawing his nervousness. "You can speak to us. After everything Helix has been through, he''s used to bad news." Marie and Charlotte giggled. Kylon gave thedies a look that said, [how can you be so casual about that?] "Please don''t understand, Kylon." Riley said with a sweet voice. "We do not enjoy that reality, nor do we wish toe back." Kylon gave her a bitter-sweet smile. "We''re just saying that you can speak to us in a forward manner." "We''d prefer it." Marie nodded. Charlotte gave him a nod. Kylon looked over to Helix hesitantly. "Go ahead, Kylon. We''re not going to eat you." Helix chuckled. After Helix''s [partially] respectable answer, the cat puffed out its cheeks. The young women giggled after they saw his expression. Kylon blushed in embarrassment. "Ahem." Helix coughed. He didn''t want to wait for the cat to recover naturally. Helix didn''t hate Kylon, but he didn''t want to help his abductor or interact with him more than necessary. The only reason he was being polite was that the cat was sent as a sacrifice. Kylon gave Helix a wry smile and then began. "The¡­ alliance youdies set up¡­." Marie frowned, and the others followed. "It''s shaky at best. At your slow stages of growth, there have been major swings in power caused by the monster hunts." Kylon exined nervously. "You cannot choose what enemy leveles out of the Zion forest. So some people have made major gains. There might be another bid for the top cultivator spot as a result." Everyone gave each other wry smiles. Marie gave Helix a regretful expression. "I¡­ thought I did better setting things up, Helix¡­." Helix gave her a gentle smile and embraced her downtrodden face with his hand. She blushed lightly and gazed at him with her vibrant green eyes. "One month of work resulted in seven weeks of peace¡­." He chuckled. "During this critical time, that''s a Christmas miracle. You did amazing, Marie." Marie blushed, and Charlotte and Riley giggled. Helix turned back to Kylon. "Situation aside, are you seizing this opportunity to have these beautifuldies create a more permanent solution? Or is there something else weighing you down?" He asked. Kylon looked to the floor with a depressed gaze. "Tyrene''s intel¡­." He began hesitantly. Helix nodded. "We''ve taken it very seriously, so we''ve requested help from an allied nation. The country is named Thyme, and we''ve recently learned¡­." The group looked at one another. "They have [cultivators], as we call them. Earthians." Kylon sighed. "Haaaaaaaaaah." Helix scoffed with an exasperated expression. Marie and Riley looked at each other with worried expressions. Charlotteced her fingers behind the back of her head and leaned back. She was ready to start eating popcorn. "What''s their maturity?" Helix asked with a demanding tone. Kylon jolted in surprise. He was lost in his thoughts. "They¡­ the magic¡­." Helix snapped his fingers, causing the nervous cat to jump again. "T-They arrived the same day you did." Kylon stuttered. "Hah. Haha¡­." Helix chuckled in disbelief. "What¡­ I¡­. Hahahahaha!" He burst intoughter, drawing the attention and bewildered expressions of the others in the wagon. Even the driver looked back to ensure everything was okay. "You¡­ hahaha¡­ so fucked¡­ hahahaha!" Everyone exchanged nervous expressions. Even Charlotte was taken aback. Kylon prepared to gnash his fangs but paused and panned the wagon. The women had worried expressions on their faces. He could tell that Helix''s behavior was abnormal and not a good sign. Helix cupped his hands over his face, and hisughter was cut off. He leaned back and ran his fingers through his silky ck hair. "Helix¡­." Marie whispered. She could see the pure stress written over his face. While they enjoyed their trip, the first week was rough for him and Marie. They didn''t think he couldn''t take any more bad news. Helix shook his head in her direction to partially dispel her worries. "Yakuza." Helix called out after a minute of silence. "... Yes." Kylon replied indignantly. "How mature have the super otakus be?" Helix asked with a serious expression. He sent a devastating gaze into Kylon''s direction. The cat swallowed when he felt the young man''s gaze burrowing into his soul. He felt his pitch-ck eyes would suck him in like a ck hole. "Many are very mature¡­." Kylon replied nervously. "H-However, the cultivator culture and quest to be the protagonist are double-edged swords. No one can grow uppletely as a result." Helix chuckled bitterly. "That''s true. On a scale of one to five, where ten is [very likely], and zero is [no chance], what is the possibility we can hide the cultivatorws?" Everyone in the wagon moved their eyes around, trying to figure out Helix''s fuzzy statement. "Hah! Hahahahaha!" Charlotte cried. "Heh. Haha." Marie chuckled. "That''s¡­." Riley giggled. Kylon stared at everyone''sughing expressions with confusion written on his face. "Did I¡­ miss something? Your scale confused me." He asked nervously. He couldn''t think clearly. As a result, he couldn''t remember what Helix said. "On a scale of [no chance] to [coin flip], how likely is it?" Helix replied while giving Kylon a wry smile. "Ah! I see¡­." Kylon replied. "Uh¡­ Not¡­ very likely. Even if¡­." "Things get violent." Helix finished Kylon''s statement. "No one has enough force overwhelming enough to enact thew and keep it in ce." He exined to the curious gazes. Marie nodded in understanding, and Charlotte and Riley nodded in abstract understanding. "That''s¡­ not entirely true¡­." Kylon whispered. Helix''s eyes widened. After thinking about it for a moment, he burst into a flurry of chuckles. "What is it?" Charlotte asked. Marie and Riley turned their attention to him. Helix ran his fingers through his hair again. "As." He chuckled. A wave of understanding washed over everyone. "Yes¡­." Kylon replied with a low, bitter growl. "Sounds about right." Charlotte chuckled. "I agree." Riley seconded. Marie closed her eyes with a bitter-sweet smile. "He¡­ wanted to travel with us." Marie exined. "However, he agreed to stay around for another month to ensure that the leaders had backup support." Helix smiled. "That''s more than Alzeria could ask for." He whispered with a slight smile. Kylon huffed and turned his head. "So does he just watch with a bored expression and dodges people''s attempts to constrain him?" Helix chuckled. "Yes." Kylon replied bitterly. "He always waits until things are convenient¡ª" "Yo!" A voice called out. Everyone in the wagon turned to the driver''s location. A person hopped onto the cart suddenly, scaring the driver. "It''s been awhile." A young man with light brown hair and blue sunsses panned the wagon''s upants. "Been a while, As." Helix chuckled. "As!" Charlotte cried. "Hey, As." Marie sighed. "Hello, it''s been a bit." Riley said sweetly. "Hey¡­ As." Kylon growled. "Long time no see, Yakuza Cat." As said with a wide grin. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 120 [Atlas] "Great to see ya, when you''re, you know¡­ not trying not to die." As chuckled. "Soak it up. You''re witnessing the holy grail of social situations." Helixughed. Everyone but Kylon burst intoughter. "Even nowadays?" As asked. "Especially these days." He chuckled bitterly. As scanned the expressions of Helix''s partners. They wereughing, but their eyes weren''tughing. "There''s¡­ madness swirling in those eyes." Asmented with wide eyes. "That''s because there is." Helix replied with a mysterious smile. Kylon''s eyes widened, and he began sweating. Helix traveled 1000 miles to the Kozen Penins to avoid danger. If the princess learned that he was in danger¡ª "Yakuza." Helix called out. Kylon snapped out of his thoughts. "You okay? Your eyes zed over, and we thought the gatekeepers dragged you into the beyond." Helix asked. The cat gave Helix a wry smile. "I''m fine." Kylon replied bitterly. As sighed a breath of relief dramatically with his hand on his chest. "Thank god. We thought we lost you." He replied. He had rolled his eyes to the back of his head. Marie and Riley were doing their best to be polite. However, they couldn''t help but giggle. Charlotte was grinning from ear to ear. "Hey, Yakuza. I''m assuming that''s your proper title since I hear it a lot." Charlotte called out with a merciless grin. Kylon''s eyes widened in shock at the boldness of the young woman. His pleading eyes said [not you, too]. The cat looked to Marie and Riley for support. However, Marie was staring at her nails, and Riley was tactfully looking at Helix. "My proper name is Sir Kylon or Kylon for short. These two just call me that because¡ª" "He showed up to earth looking like the Yakuza to abduct me and sell me into very." Helix finished his sentence casually in an exnatory tone. He was looking at Charlotte and ying it off like a serious answer. Well, it was a serious answer. Kylon started fidgeting at the three women''s eyes locked onto him. "So¡­ Sir Yakuza?" Charlotte asked with her finger to her lips. "I like that name. It''s cute." Marie replied casually. She yed it off seriously, but she was grinning internally. "I think it''s a cool name." Rileymented. Everyone turned to her. "It makes you sound¡­ powerful?" She exined. The group burst intoughter. "See, told you." Helix said to Kylon with a smug expression. Kylon was emotionally conflicted. "It''s a pretty big honor." As said with a serious tone. The cat looked at him with curious eyes. He was not used to As speaking seriously. "On earth, when ites to powerful people that wear suits, the Yakuza are tied with the Mafia and the Triads for second ce." He exined. "So he''s calling you super powerful." Kylon''s golden eyes gilded to the left with thought. "Who''s the first?" He asked suspiciously. "The furry syndicate. However, I''m certain the only reason that Helix chose Yakuza was because the pun was unpleasant." Helix turned to his partner''s mid-sentence with a nod. The women were trying their hardest to retain their poker faces and sanity. Kylon turned to Helix with narrowed eyes. "It''s true." He nodded with a wless poker face. "I see¡­." Kylon whispered. "I''d rather be called a furry than a Yakuza." Everyone''s eyes trembled before they burst intoughter. The sound burst forth as if it came from a broken floodgate. Kylon instantly understood he had been duped. "You tricked me." He replied while gnashing his teeth. Charlotte shrugged. "It''s true. But¡­ the real meaning is that you''re quite¡­." She began with her right index on her lips. "Fuckable? I''m not sure if I like that word." The cart exploded withughter again. Kylon''s face flushed with embarrassment and anger. "Now you''re just messing with me!" He snapped while standing. The proud cat standing ramrod straight in his tiny suit caused another wave ofughter. Kylon started growling. Riley tried defusing the situation, but it was strategically impossible. "That''s not exactly true." She announced with a gentle tone. The cat shot her a murderous nce that said, [if you trick me, I''ll bring you into this too]. Helix and As chuckled when they saw Kylon''s only savior getting mowed down. "What they''re saying is true. However, you''re only¡­." "A tasty~snack to a select few." Charlottepleted. Kylon''s eyes widened in bewilderment. He finally understood something important. "Wait! What!? Are you talking about me being sexually attractive to HUMANS!?" The cat cried. "Correct." As replied with his right ankle resting on his left leg. Kylon''s rage became murderous, and he almost unleashed his Nightmare reflexively. "Yakuza Cat, if you don''t allow this, you''ll only face real trouble." Marie chuckled. "Real trouble!? Now you''re threatening me!?" Kylon yelled. "That''s exactly what''s happening." Helix replied with a cold tone. An icy chill crawled down Kylon''s feline spine. "Good, you''ve calmed down." Helix sighed before leaning back. The cat looked around with confusion. "We''re not threatening you. It''s a warning to calm down." Marie chuckled. "But if you don''t let Charlotte take out your grievances by dragging Helix here, she will fight you." "You kids¡­ you have overbearing stats and Nightmares, but you stillck experience. Don''t get too cocky." Kylon huffed. The wagon fell silent. ? As studied all of his friends'' facial expressions with interest. "Trust me, Sir Kylon. You don''t want to fight Charlotte." Riley spoke with a gentle tone. "Yeah. Unlike Marie and Riley, her Nightmare is exclusively tuned for murder." Helix sighed. "Yakuza Cat. Have you forgotten who we''ve been living with for thest month?" Marie asked. Kylon''s expression paled. "That''s right. You have no chance, so suck it up, grin and bear it." Helix chuckled bitterly. "Calling you Yakuza Cat was an official condition for following you into this world. So it''s not like you canin, anyway." Kylon''s eyes filled with conflicted emotions. Charlotte shot Helix an excited nce once she saw the cat''s expression. "No, waaaaaay. You made being able to call Kylon Yakuza Cat a condition foring?" She cried. Helix chuckled while looking toward the ceiling. Kylon looked to the floor. "That''s right. I didn''t ask for much to not make a scene or ask questions." Helix chuckled bitterly. "I asked for three things. To call Kylon [Yakuza Cat], be fed immediately, and not get a cringe-worthy title like Helix of Shadow Cmity." The ex-otaku geeks stared at him in awe. Charlotte chuckled. As chuckled. Marie giggled. Helix chuckled. Riley giggled. The wagon erupted inughter. "You¡­ almost¡­ fuck up big time, bro¡­ hahahahaha!" As roared. Helix gave him a quizzical expression. "Why?" He asked. Everyone waited for As'' answer with bated breath. "Why? Haaaaaah. Where''s the legendary thinker I know?" Asughed. Helix''s eyes gilded to the left. His eyes widened a momentter. As gave him a mocking nce after he got it. "Half of them would have strangled you immediately if every otaku got a cringe-worthy title and you didn''t." Laughter erupted in the wagon again. Kylon was so bewildered he forgot that he was angry. When he did remember the conversation before, he sighed. It was going to be a long week back to Alzeria. ¡ª [A/N: Full As character development is a good way out as well, especially watching him fight. Tinker is in another wagon because it''s realistic. Now watching a person fight because they''re in a gambling den is equally realistic. It''s not a joke. He''s literally a gambling addict and a degenerate. He''s not a [so talented they don''t try but win] character, either. As is strong for a surprising reason. He''lle into y when the time is right.] Chapter 121 [Relationships] "So, onto important business." As announced. He uced his hands and rested his arms on his legs. The shift in lighting instantly lessened the tin on his dark blue sunsses. Helix turned his head to the right to view the man in the corner. As was in the corner opposite of him. "Hmmm? What''s up, As?" Charlotte asked. "You." Asughed. Helix raised an eyebrow. "Me?" Charlotte asked while pointing to her chest. As chuckled and shook his head. "No, you four. The unit." Helix gave As a wry smile. The young man had a smug look on his face. "What about us, As?" Marie asked. As gave her a wide grin. Marie reflexively blushed. "There''s eight feet of space in this wagon on both sides." As reasoned. "Yet¡ª" "We''re all sitting together at all times?" Helix sighed. Kylon was directly in front of him. Charlotte was to Helix''s right, Marie was cuddled up to his left, and Riley sat next to her. "Yup." As replied with slow emphasis. He met Helix''s gaze with an amused gaze. "These are my partners, As. So long as they love me, we''re inseparable." Helix replied without hesitation. As raised an eyebrow with an [I''m impressed] expression. Marie and Riley blushed furiously. Kylon''s eyes widened when he remembered Helix''s multiple assassination attempts report. Each had the same motive¡ªwomen. The person he was sent to pick up waspletely different from the report. "No. More specifically¡­ that." As chuckled. Charlotte had grabbed onto his right arm with a [he''s mine] expression. Helix gave Charlotte a sidelong nce and chuckled at her territorial expression. "The mighty Charlotte Kline is as helplessly crush-stricken as the Matriarch." As chuckled. "Hoh? Are you jelly of Hellie, As?" Charlotte asked sarcastically. She turned her body and pressed her breasts against his arm. Unwilling to be undone, Marie did the same with a faux mocking expression. As burst intoughter when he saw Kylon''s embarrassed expression. "Haaaaaah. Who wouldn''t be?" He chuckled. "Even Yakuza sees the value." Kylon, who tried to be a chameleon, was bitter about being pointed out again. Helix sent a nce to Charlotte not toment. She nodded. The cat was bewildered, knowing he wasn''t being targeted. As burst intoughter again. "Thatmunication game¡ª" "It''s pretty incredible, right?" Helix asked with a slight smile. "We''ve trained, fought, and slept together every day for seven weeks. Saying we''re close is an understatement so deep it''s inurate." As'' eyes widened in shock, and an excited grin formed on his face. Marie was hiding her face behind Helix''s shoulder. Charlotte''s face turned bright red but recovered an instantter. Riley was looking at Helix with surprise. "So wait. Deets. Every day for seven weeks? Does that mean that you slept together on the first day?" As asked. Helix nced at Charlotte, Marie, and Riley to see their thoughts. Surprisingly, the person to speak was Marie. "Yes, we slept together the first night." She said with a calm voice. "Hoh?" As asked with an interested expression. "Sex, As." Charlotte replied with a grin. "Ah!" As cried in shock. When Charlotte went to im her victory, As released his surprise. "Well, yeah. It''s not surprising at our age. I''m just impressed that my main man restored the battered reputation of harem leaders." As chuckled. A period of silence. A spark. Laughter erupted in the wagon. "That''s what I said." Charlotte chuckled. "I''m¡­ notining." Marie replied shyly. She wasn''t prudish anymore. However, the topic was sex in the explicit usage of the term, which can be ufortable. "You, Riley?" As asked. "I like it." Riley replied with a sweet smile. As scoffughed, put his thumb to his forehead and shook his head. "That¡­ was a glorious reply." Asughed. "I made a good decisioning after you. I look forward to learning your secrets, Helix." "I''m happy to help in any way I can." Helix chuckled with a strange smile. "Just don''t ask me for tips. I still don''t know how I lucked out with even one of these three." Helix spread a gentle gaze upon all of them. "But I love every second of it." Marie and Charlotte hugged him tightly. Riley grabbed his outstretched hand. "Hah. Don''t worry. I''m toozy to read books or talk to people." As chuckled. "Not having women is a lifestyle choice by association." The wagon erupted intoughter. "What about you, Kylon?" Helix asked with a yful tone. "You don''t have to tell us. But if you want to bond a little, so your week isn''t total hell, we''ll listen." The moment that Helix made his intention known, the other women nodded. Charlotte did so begrudgingly. However, it wasn''t malicious. Kylon narrowed his eyes but released the attention quickly after. He didn''t sense the mocking,zy malice Helix was known for. So he sighed and took the plunge. "I have a miss." Kylon said nervously. The women''s eyes lit with excitement. Kylon recoiled by reflex, triggering a chuckle from Helix. Helix gave him a gentle smile before the cat could start gnashing his teeth. "They''re excited about something you enjoy." He chuckled. "This is your shining chance to argue you''re a chivalrous Knight." Kylon''s eyes widened. Helix was right. This conversation was his one chance. One chance means total failure. Failure means a bad week. The chance of a bad week leads to nervousness. Kylon shut down with anxiety. "No reason to be nervous." Riley called out in a heavenly tone. "Helix and I will be disappointed if anyone mocks you right now." The cat''s eyes sparkled. "If you gain this group''s support, they''ll take down a kingdom on your behalf." As shrugged. "They''re lethally soft, so if they''re excited and say they won''t mock you, you''re free and clear, bro." Kylon panned the room to see everyone''s expressions. Helix was staring at the ceiling again, but he looked at ease. Marie and Riley were nodding. Charlotte shrugged her shoulders. "So you have a misses?" Helix asked to restart the conversation. He didn''t look at Kylon and appeared bored, but his tone was mncholy, not rude. "Yes." Kylon replied. "Is she a talking cat, like you?" Charlotte asked with excitement. Kylon started fidgeting. "Um¡­ no. There are not very many beast people in the world." The cat replied. "We''re nearly extinct now." Everyone''s eyes widened in surprise. Helix realized that he never looked up to beast people because it never became relevant. He read voraciously. However, he only read topics that could prove valuable in the future. Since his curiosity was endless, it was a practical choice. "I see. So your partner is human? Will you describe her for us?" Helix asked with a gentle tone. He didn''t want Kylon to talk about an emotionally disastrous topic after they just mocked him mercilessly. Kylon was shocked by Helix''s gloss over. But he knew that the young man was throwing him a lifeline. "She¡­ is gorgeous." He replied hesitantly. The women''s eyes lit up in excitement. "Her name is Kiya, and she''s from Lazco. She has characteristic purple hair and white eyesmon for their people." All of the women''s eyes glittered. Helix chuckled when he saw their expressions. "Why¡­ are you so excited?" Kylon asked in bewilderment. "Natural purple hair doesn''t exist on earth." As chuckled. "They''re excited that yourdy friend has an unworldly beauty." Kylon''s eyes gilded between their nodding expressions. "Please continue!" Marie eximed in excitement. "Y-Yes¡­." Kylon spent a [hour] speaking about Kiya. As he went, he became more sociable, excited, and happy. Helix and As shrugged at one another when it didn''t end. So long as his partners were happy, Helix didn''t care. As didn''t talk much and avoided people, so it wasn''t a problem. Most importantly, they were secretly d that Kylon was getting along with everyone. Helix didn''t want to be friends with [Yakuza Cat], but he didn''t want his presence to ruin their week. "You sound like you love her. When do you get married?" Riley asked. Kylon gave her a quizzical expression. "Why¡­. How¡­ do you know that we''re not married?" He asked. "Because you keep hinting at your desire to ask her, dummy." Charlotte chided with a yful smile. Helix found her antics cute. Kylon did too. He was surprised to speak to the same ruthless woman he met an hour ago. "I see¡­." He replied while twiddling his ws. "Ask her. She''ll say yes." Marie added with a warm smile. "How do you know?" Kylon asked with a hesitant tone. "Your stories. What you do, how you recount them, it shows. You''re happy, and we can tell." She exined. "Yeah, but¡­ you don''t know the little details. What if she''s not¡ª" Kylon began, but Helix cut him off with a sigh. The cat looked at the man who hadn''t spoken in an hour. "Kylon. Look at these beautiful women." Helix requested with slight exasperation. "You''ve known them for an hour. Do you think that they love me?" Kylon''s eyes widened. "Uh¡­." He fidgeted. "Yes. These women look very¡­ happy. It''s almost like nothing has ever gone wrong in your lives together. It''s that perfect." The atmosphere darkened slightly. Kylon looked around at everyone''s crumbling expressions with regret. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 122 [Keep The Suit!] Helix shattered the clouded atmosphere with a warm smile. His partners look at him with interest. "If it looks that way, it''s proof that they love me." Helix reasoned. "In thest three months we''ve lost a friend and our beloved teacher." As'' eyes widened alongside Kylon''s. "Those are details you didn''t know." Helix chuckled. Then he hugged Marie closely, wrapped his arm around Charlotte, and motioned Riley into a bear hug. Their sad faces snuggled close with satisfaction. "You can still tell they love me. I hope you can see it''s mutual." Helix remarked with a warm smile. "That''s how we know that Kiya loves you, too. Unpassionate rtionships don''t have the types of stories and interactions you have." Marie nodded in agreement. "Besides, when you spoke about Kiya your face didn''t turn bitter once." She said with a gentle smile. "And it was clear you could''ve kept going if we didn''t start encouraging you." Charlotte added with a sassy smile. Kylon blushed at her words. It was impossible to see Kylon [blush]. However, his facial mannerisms and insta-shyness made it clear he was. "I see¡­." Kylon said while fidgeting. "Just go for it already!" Charlotte chastised with a kind smile. Helix''s partners continued to grill Kylon mercilessly until he promised he would start moving in the direction of asking for her hand. After another hour of chatting, Helix suggested they call it a night. It was 7 pm, and the sun was going down. Kylon agreed and got up to leave. He was so happy and refreshed it was hard to process. The cat spent a week agonizing over the impending meeting with Helix. Now the burden was off his chest, and he loved that. However, he didn''t expect to leave [happy]. "That smile looks good on you." Helix chuckled with smiling eyes. "I¡­." Kylon replied. "It''s cute!" Marie called out. "Smiles are cool." Charlotte remarked casually. "It''s aight." Asmented, joining the bandwagon. "Your smile makes me happy." Riley pointed out. Helix chuckled when Riley spoke. She was alwaysst, and when the topic included [kindness], she was the nail in the coffin. "T-Thank you¡­." He replied with a bow. "By the way, I love the suit. It makes you look cute and handsome." Mariemented. "I think it''s rad. I think you should wear it from now on." Charlotte followed. Kylon''s face froze, and suspicion took over his body. "You''ve been making fun of me for this suit¡­." He whispered with conflicted emotions. Helix scoffughed and grabbed thepels of his peacoat. Peacoats can be described as [suits] converted into coats. The cat''s eyes widened when he realized that fact. "You did wear that suit because it''s my stylistic choice, did you not?" Helix asked with a slight smile. Kylon opened and closed his mouth multiple times. "So if they''re telling you they love it, they genuinely mean it." He concluded. "I think it''s pretty fuckin'' cool." Asmented from the corner. His eyes held no lies. Kylon looked at Helix with serious eyes. "I''m going to call you Yakuza Cat regardless of what you wear." Helix sighed. "I''ve almost been killed four times in the first three months. I deserve the right to our agreed terms." Kylon gave him a wry smileced with regret. "But I dig it. It''s perfectly tailored. When I first saw it, I was honestly jealous." He chuckled. His partners burst intoughter and wore bright smiles. Charlotte started nudging him. The cat couldn''t get more bewildered. His perplexion was written over his face. "I helped a designer make Earthian clothing for two months so she''d make me a peacoat." Helix chuckled. "You what!?" Kylon cried in shock. "Yeah, bro. What did you just say?" As asked. Charlotte gave him an evil grin. "Hellie''s being dead serious." She asserted. "He designed so many clothes that he now owns one-tenth of an international clothingpany." The shock written on A and Kylon''s faces wasical. "Do you like his designs?" Marie asked. As'' face lit up. "Wait. Those are¡ª" "Yoga pants." Marie replied with a proud smile. "Samma Shaw is a world-ss tailor and designer. She''s known for making exotic clothing. So she picked up Helix''s designs because he''s from Earth." Riley exined. "We have two full wagons in the back full of skirts, pants, t-shirts, cardigans, windbreakers, heels, boots, leggings, and¡ª" Marie began. "Suits." Helix chuckled. He couldn''t help but finish her statement, and sheughed in response. "You''re a trendsetter, Yakuza. Soon your style will be super popr, and you''re going to be the first person with a tailored suit because most people don''t know the designs." "That''s why you should keep the suit." Marie giggled. "It''s ssy, A.F.," Charlottemented slowly, emphasizing the letters. "I love it." Riley giggled. "Seriously, bro, it''s probably sweltering right now, but it''ll be boss next month." Asmented with a bored expression. "Yakuza describe your behavior, not your appearance." Helix exined with smiling eyes. "Countless people wear suits on earth for business. If I were calling you Yakuza by appearance, you''d be human, Japanese, and drowning in snake tattoos." The wagon burst intoughter. Helix looked around the wagon. He saw the hopeful gazes of his three partners and the amused face of As. However, Kylon was wearing a hesitant expression. "I have a proposal for you." Helix announced. Everyone in the wagon looked at him. "Ummm¡­ yes?" Kylon asked after a dry swallow. "You seem to like the suit. My partners love the suit. They''ll light up andpliment you if they see it again." Helix exined. "However, we weren''t very nice and mocked you with an inurate nickname. So you''re worried about it." Kylon narrowed his eyes in suspicion. He was uncertain what would follow would be an [apology]. "Here''s my proposal." Helix said with a slight smile. "If you consider wearing the suit because you like it, we''ll all say sorry for making fun of you tonight. That includes the furry joke. Then you can leave with only fond memories instead of mixed memories of us venting over the past." Kylon''s eyes widened in the surprise of a [conditional] apology. "Additionally, only I will be able to call you Yakuza Cat unless you allow someone else to." Helix continued. Kylon looked down at the floor in shame. "However! I''m sure that everyone will be willing to stop calling you that name if it allows you to be more confident. No one''s going to break you down for something benign. It''s¡­ not cool. We''re fans of building people up as long as they''re good people." Helix chuckled. "We also dig the style. We won''t tease you if you''re expressive with us as much. We''ll throw in some exclusive earth clothing. What about youdies? Are those proposed conditionals eptable?" Their eyes sparkled, thinking it might be possible to get him to keep it. "Yes!" Marie called out. "I''m in." Charlotte shrugged. "I haven''t gone through what Helix has. So I''ll apologize and avoid calling that name anyways." Riley said sweetly. "Yeah, whatever." As added. "I¡­." Kylon said with bewildered eyes. "Surprised how excited they are? Kylon, I don''t wear this style for no reason." Helix chuckled. "Women love it." Marie yed with hispels, Charlotte tugged on his arm, and Riley watched with an interested smile. "I think Kiya will love it." Marie remarked. "I''ll do it!" Kylon dered. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 123 [Selfish Requests] "I''ll take Tinker on his walk tonight. Is that okay?" Helix asked. "Hmmm? Of course it is. Please give me a minute to get ready." Charlotte requested. Helix smiled at her and shook his head lightly. "I''d like to go for a walk by myself tonight, if that''s alright?" He requested. "Of¡­ course¡­." Charlotte replied tactfully. She nned to pout but could tell that he needed some alone time. Helix hopped out of the back of the wagon''s back door and walked to the other end of the caravan. It was dusk, and dozens of campfires lit up travelers'' faces, wagons, and trailers. He made his way to the center, where there was arge trailer. He found Tinker waiting with the most endearing smile imaginable when he opened it. The massive white and silver dog jumped on Helix and licked his face. Tinker''s tongue was the size of a male hand, so it left him feeling slimy, but he didn''t care. He picked him up with ease with his ungodly stats. "Are you ready to go on a walk tonight?" Helix asked. "ARF!" "Good enough." He chuckled. Helix put Tinker on the ground and attached his magic leash. "I know you''re still disappointed you couldn''t fight the Colossus." He said with a slight smile. "But even we wouldn''t get near that thing with a sword. Even Aunt Tyrene¡­. It was too dangerous. So please let it go. There will be plenty of fights in the future." "Areeeeer." The puppy whined. "I know it''s been three weeks without a major hunt. However, there will be a major fight in a week." Tinker''s eyes lit up, and Helix gave him a wry smile. The puppy''s excitement for something so horrible left him conflicted. Helix had a connection with Tinker. After using [his] spirit particles to help the dog evolve, he discovered he could partiallymunicate with Tinker. While Charlotte could have a full conversation with Tinker, Helix could only speak to Tkinter, not the other way around. However, Tkinter''s mannerisms reacted to Helix''s real words. He was shocked to learn how far he could get into a conversation with nothing but barks and gestures. "Common, let''s go." Helix chuckled. The two walked through the valley they were camping in. ¡ª "Hey. I gotta ask this question." As announced while hopping back into the wagon. Thedies stopped setting up their group sleeping arrangement. As gave them a wry smile after seeing the home makeover. "This¡­ looks like a harem den. You just need an opium pipe, and you''re set." Heughed. Samma made every textile-rted item the group owned. As a result, their group bed was lined with luxurious pillows and silk sheets. "It is a harem den, but we don''t have an opium pipe. Sorry." Mariemented yfully. As'' eyes widened after hearing her bold answer. "I¡­. So bold." He chuckled. "But we do have a hot tub!" Charlotte announced with a bright expression. "Wait¡­. Deets. I need deets. Go." As replied in a demanding tone. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley told As insane stories about Helix''s magic circles. They told stories about the businesses, the magic circle guild, his business, their appliances, and other mischiefs. Asughed after hearing that Helix earned the women easier training after making Tilo a hot tub and how it led to a business. Naturally, it led to the business and selling a hot tub to a yboy Duke. Helix came back during the story. However, he waited outside and let his partners catch up with As. He didn''t want his presence influencing their discussions and enjoyed the peace. The group continued chatting merrily. They told him about their training, progress, and Tinker''s evolution. As had a great time. They all did. They missed him, and he felt the same way. "Oh¡­ what was your question?" Riley asked during a period of silence. "We got carried away, and forgot to discuss it." He sighed and gave them an awkward smile. "I¡­ was just going to ask if Mr. Mischief is doing okay. Is he?" As asked. "Keep in mind that I don''t know how he was after Emelia''s passing, let alone now." The group''s eyes widened when they processed his statement. They were in Myriad. The group didn''t have phones; they were 1000 miles away while As was stuck in Alzeria. "Hellie''s doing a lot better than we thought he would." Charlotte answered after a few seconds of silence. Marie and Riley nodded. "Helix is so good to us, and is so strong, we forget that he''s hurting." Marie confessed with a self-deprecating smile. "It wasn''t until we lost our teacher that we truly understood what he was going through." The other two nodded in agreement. "What do you think, Riley?" As asked. "I love that Helixes to us for support." She replied with a sweet voice. "If he''s hurting, he cuddles up and gives us longer hugs. He asks for selfish requests, which are a form ofmunication. For that reason, I think that he''s healing well." "Hah. Asterisk [selfish]. It feels like everything he''s selfish about rocks." Charlotte remarked with a smirk. "I agree." Marie giggled. "I love them, too." Riley followed by a warm smile. As raised an eyebrow. "That sounds like him. But¡­ What type of requests? You all have different facial expressions." Hemented. "That''s because the requests are different for all of us." Marie said with a bright smile. ¡ª "Hey Riley, I have a selfish request¡­." "Yes, what is it? I''ll happily fulfill it if I can." "Thanks. I still need to read something for Linus. But will you cuddle up with me while I finish?" "I''d love to. Let me put on my Silph Silk pajamas." "You don''t have to do that. It''s still afternoon¡­." "I know. But you always tell me these pajamas [cuddle heaven]. I can change back once you''re done reading." "I love you, Riley." - "Hey, Marie. I have a selfish request¡­." "Hmmm? There''s no reason to be so hesitant, silly. Just ask." "Okay¡­ will you y with my hair and talk for a bit? I''m shamefully addicted to the feeling and want to spend time with you¡­. Why are you giggling?" "It''s just¡­ I love your definition of [selfish]. You make [my] selfish desires sound like a sacrifice." "Oh¡­." "Do you want ap pillow?" "You''re a goddess, and I don''t deserve you." - "Charlotte, I have a selfish request¡­." "I like selfish." "Me, too." "What is the request, hmmm?" "Well, I was just wondering¡­ if I could squeeze your butt. To put it bluntly¡­. It makes me happy." "I love your selfish requests. Let me pull out my cat ears." "There''s no reason¡­." "Don''t deny you love them. We already discussed and agreed not to mew and nya. Now stop blushing and start [selfishing]~." ¡ª "I get the best requests." Charlotte dered with a puffed-out chest. As gave her a suspicious look. "Don''t worry, As. We all feel that way." Marie giggled. "I always feel like the winner." Riley followed. "Worst¡­ definition of selfish ever." As chuckled. "I~agree. Continuing on, Riley''s right. Hellie relies on us as we do him." Charlotte continued. "So I think he''s genuinely mourning well and not pushing the issues away." "The way he handles pain gives me strength." Marie confessed. As and the others turned to her with their full attention. "He''s doing well, and that''s¡­ inspiring. He not only lost Emelia, but our master¡­ who was like a mother to Helix¡­ died saving his life." As Marie released the news, tears started streaming from her eyes. As'' eyes trembled in response. "Literally?" He asked. "Literally." Marie confirmed. As averted his gaze awkwardly because he didn''t know what to say. The wagon fell silent again as the group waited for Marie''s next words. Helix arrived outside the wagon before she began talking and chose to wait. Now he was listening with a heavy heart. "The thing is¡­." Marie continued. Tears started welling up in her eyes, and Riley embraced her to give her support. Charlotte followed closely behind her. "The thing is¡­. Helix was saving my life." As'' eyes widened with shock. "Is that also literal?" He asked hesitantly. "Yes. If Helix didn''t show up, I''d be dead right now." Marie continued. "If Master Tyrene didn''t save him, he''d be dead now. So no matter how the situation went, someone wouldn''t be here." As looked at Charlotte and Riley for confirmation. "It''s true. We watched it go down. Someone was going to die in that scenario." Charlotte confirmed. "I¡­. What the hell kind of scenario did you need to challenge a legendary grandmaster general?" As asked. He heard about Tyrene''s power through their storytelling earlier, so he was confused. The women looked at each other with uneasy expressions. "Look, As. We already know you won''t believe this." Charlotte prefaced. "But we fought a titan." Chapter 124 [Closure] As'' eyes narrowed, and they glided to each of their faces. "I know it''s hard to believe. So perhaps it''s best for Helix to just show youter." Riley suggested. The young man gave them a nonplussed expression. "Show me? How do you show someone a [titan]?" As asked. "Don''t be an idiot. Hellie will show you that things'' finger." Charlotte scoffed. "He stole the thing''s finger!?" As asked with a gawking expression. "Why would he¡ª" "It was its middle finger." Charlotte answered with an evil grin. "Ahhhhh¡­. My man. That''s a big [fuck you]." As chuckled. "Colossal [fuck you]." Charlotte corrected with a finger pointed to the sky. "Fourteen feet and seven inches worth of fuck you, to be exact." The corner of As'' mouth started twitching. "The monster was fifteen feet? That''s pretty¡ª" "Its finger, As. Its finger is 15 feet tall and weighs half a ton." Riley rified. As became dizzy and felt like he had just entered into an alternate dimension. "Its official name is Colossus. A fifth evolution beast. That''s the type of monster that can kill a legendary grandmaster general." Marie whispered. As gave the women a grim expression. "But¡­ Helix and Master Tyrene ensured our victory." She continued. "They created a strategy, trapped the Colossus, and broke it down until victory was assured. But¡­ because of [my] mistake, everyone almost died." The atmosphere in the room multiplied, and the room became quiet. Marie recounted the situation. She exined how she weakened herself, chose to stay on the battlefield, and how the Stalkwalker attacked her because of it. Her tears rained down and tugged on the heartstrings of everyone present. As turned to Riley for confirmation. She was the person that never shared unless prompted but held fair and honest insights. "Marie isn''t lying. She was the center of the trap, and it was her decision that led her there." Riley confirmed. Marie looked up at Riley with pleading eyes. "But she isn''t pointing out that we were in an impossible situation. They''d likely be dead if she stayed with Helix on the top of the hill." Helix''s eye''s started trembling in shock and confusion. Marie, Charlotte, and As were feeling the same way. "Wait¡­ what?" Charlotte asked in confusion. Riley turned to her. "You remember what Master Tyrene told us?" She asked. "That it was too dangerous to grab Marie. But¡­ I don''t understand." Charlotte trailed off in thought. "It wasn''t dangerous for us to get her and avoid an attack. Master Tyrene told us that it was dangerous for Marie." Riley reiterated. "Wait¡­ I''m confused." As said with a bewildered expression. "Our enemy targeted us by smell, and we were masking them with anti-scent circles." ¡ª "The battle has been going on for a half-hour¡­ can''t we get her, Master?" Charlotte asked in frustration. "Haven''t you listened to me, child?" Tyrene chided. "We''re its most dangerous enemies and exposed our scent when we took cover from the shockwave. If the Stalkwalker smells multiple of us in the same location, it will prioritize attacking us. Marie is well guarded. It''s safer for us to stay on the north side high ground where we can identify threats to Marie and Helix and act ordingly." ¡ª "Tyrene, Marie, Charlotte, Helix, and I were only outside the scent masking circle for fifteen seconds to dodge a shockwave attack." Riley exined. "However, that was enough for the beast to remember Marie and urately attack her from across the battlefield. If multiple of us showed up at once, our enemy would have probably taken drastic action sooner to wipe us out." As'' eyes widened in shock, and Charlotte''s lit up with understanding. Helix listened from outside of the wagon with an expression filled with disbelief. He didn''t consider rushing to save Marie could have led to her death. "Drastic action sooner?" As asked nervously. "Yes¡­." Charlotte replied hesitantly. Charlotte exined how the Stalkwalker fell on its burnt and shrapnel-riddled back to ensure a final suicide attack against Marie. She detailed how the dust and sound pollution hid its movements, forked Marie and Helix, and used a double attack to ensure one person would die. Lastly, she connected the attack to Tyrene sacrificing her life. "In short, there was no way we could have prepared for it," Charlotte concluded, "and attempting to would have resulted in a worse oue." Marie started sobbing, and Helix had tears streaming down his eyes. Hearing Charlotte and Riley''s perspectives were insightful and healing. As'' mouth opened and closed multiple times. He was speechless. "Marie, the problem didn''t have toy with the specifics of the battle," Riley said in a calm voice, "the problem was¡ª" "Three grandmasters, two generals, a Chief of Medicine, three experts, and 1200 troops and masters grossly underestimated our enemy alongside us." Helixpleted from the outside of the wagon. Helix hopped into the wagon and reached his hand out to Marie. Her eyes shook when she saw the hand, but she quickly recovered, stood up, and hugged him passionately with tears rolling down her cheeks. "As, I know you''re confused. So I''ll show you what we were up against in a moment." Helix announced in a quiet tone. As nodded in understanding. "Charlotte, Riley¡­." Helix called out. The two looked up at him withplex emotional expressions. "Thank you. Thank you for listening and being so considerate of our pain even though you were struggling." He said with a thankful expression. Charlotte and Riley nodded, and Helix squeezed Marie tighter. "Thank you for your perspective as well. I didn''t want to interject mid-conversation, so I listened outside. Your insight that moving Marie was dangerous was very¡­ healing." Their eyes widened with confusion. "This whole time, I kept asking myself¡ªwhy didn''t I just take a few minutes to pick her up? We were fighting for two hours¡­." Helix confessed. "But¡­ hearing that I could have killed Marie helped set my mind at peace. It helped me realize something important. We underestimated our enemy and were left in an impossible situation." Helix chuckled bitterly before releasing Marie. Then he motioned for Charlotte. The young woman grabbed Helix''s hand with deep emotions. She also wanted to be held andforted for thest three weeks. However, she put herself aside because Helix and Marie had it worse. Helix wrapped his arms around her body, and she immediately started crying. As watched the scene with a trembling expression. "I''ve spent a lot of time asking myself the same questions. Were we arrogant and naive of our strength? Did we feel like it was a video game? Was it wrong to be confident in our victory? But after speaking with the troops, General Lackbolt, and hearing everyone''s perspective, I can confidently say no." He chuckled bitterly. Helix ran his fingers through Charlotte''s hair. The scene moved everyone present, as they had never seen the young woman cry. "I''d be kicking myself for being arrogant if we were the only people who grossly underestimated the Stalkwalker. However, Master Tyrene believed we could beat it on our own. Tilo felt the same way. Everyone did. Nevertheless, we were armed to the teeth with preparations, traps, and precautions. Everyone, including Tyrene, would have died otherwise." Charlotte calmed down, and Helix embraced her face with his hand and wiped away her tears with his thumb. She pulled away after that and stood against the wall. Helix motioned to Riley for a hug, who gratefullyplied. "We did everything right with what we had." He whispered while rubbing the back of Riley''s hair. She didn''t bawl, but her face was streaming with tears. It was equally powerful because Riley''s selflessness was the backbone of their rtionship. After a minute of healing silence, Helix turned to As. "As¡­ Thank you for speaking about this with them. You''re probably confused, but you did something important that we could not." Helix said with a grateful expression. "You got Charlotte and Riley to open up, and I think it was what we needed to heal." As nodded in abstract understanding. "I didn''t do anything intentionally, but I''m happy I helped somehow." Helix nodded in thanks. After a short quiet period, Helix shattered the silence with a chuckle. "Hey, As. Do you want to flip off the Mad Queen with me?" Helix asked with a devious smile. "Hey, Helix. Do you want to stop wasting my time with rhetorical questions?" As sassed while standing up. Helix led everyone outside and opened his item storage. When he did, As'' eyes rxed in amusement. "Hey, Helix. Did that wound you get turn you into an idiot or something?" He asked. "Something like that." Helix shrugged. "No, seriously. The Helix I knew would have raised hell to prevent fighting this thing." As chuckled in bewilderment. "He''d say something like¡­. What? Did you just say, [titan]? Let me ask you something. Are you stupid?" He re-enacted. The women started giggling after they heard the dramatic rendition. It was true. "Then he''d sigh and say, [let''s set aside the obvious, and consider this fantasy world opportunity]." As continued in a lecturer''s voice. "Every anime, light novel, and manga involving titans is bleak and full of death. The main characters are depressed, angry, and traumatized. Do you want that? If you want to travel, can''t we search for elves or something?" Marie, Charlotte, and Riley had already broken the tear floodgates. As a result, tears ofughter were streaming down their streaks. Helix was staring at As with a wry smile on his face. "The pack of immature weebs would start fussing and calling for his assassination for ruining their romanticism." As continued with a cheeky smile. "Then he''d say, [on second thought, I think it''s an excellent idea. Have fun, everyone. I''m feeling sick today, but I hope to see you again]." Helix burst intoughter alongside them. "That is¡­ something I''d say." He chuckled. "So what the hell happened?" As asked with a serious voice. "You left rational andposed. Now you''re holding a 15-foot finger of a Colossus, lifting it in the air, and taunting the evil god of Myriad." The festive atmosphere died down, and everyone waited for Helix to speak. "It is rational, As." Helix sighed. As gave his friend a mocking smile. "The Mad Queen isn''t going to leave me alone. So I need to get strong enough to protect myself and those beautifuldies." "Hellie, you can''t fool us and pretend like that''s all of it." Charlotte chuckled. As turned to Charlotte in amusement after seeing Helix''s face cramp up. "Due to the circumstances, epting my fate requires more than bing stronger than a bunch of cultivator wannabes." Helix reasoned. "Hoh? Does it require lee~ding 1200 soldiers into battle against a titan?" Charlotte sassed with a wicked grin. Helix grimaced and awaited judgment from As. "Led? As in¡­. You were their leader?" As asked with a merciless grin. "Yes. Part of the training was to be the leader so I could show my ability to exercise strategy and decision-making." Helix sighed. "Did it also involve leading Kozen''s army?" Charlotte mused with a finger on her lips. Helix gave Charlotte a pleading expression before turning to As sheepishly. "No. However, with cmity spells, we could have hurt the soldiers. So the main goal was to ovee that obstacle safely." Helix exined in a defeated tone. "It was safer and easier to usurp the full control of the army than it was to try¡ª" "Did you just say you took control of the army because it was [easier]?" Marie asked with wide eyes. As, Charlotte, and Riley stared at him in disbelief. "No. It wasn''t necessarily easier. It was just faster and more efficient than¡ª" "Are you saying that you did it out of convenience?" Charlotte asked with an excited expression. "What a boss move!" She pumped her arms with excitement. "Woah. I knew you were talented, but I didn''t think you had enough skill to do something like that." Asmented with an amused expression. "No. I just had considerable resources and power behind me. It was an opportunity, and I was merely seizing¡ª" "Full power and authority of a country''s military?" As asked with a mocking grin. "Using your power to seize things out of convenience. You''ve be quite the little cultivator, I see?" Helix shot As a murderous expression. "Woah, man. I was justmenting on your strength." As said with his hands in the air. He was faking his worry and was eating up the situation. "Nah! Hellie is a war hero protagonist." Charlotte asserted. "I don''t want to bepared to that either¡­." Helix sighed inment. "Why not? As, you should''ve seen him up there!" Charlottemented with an excited tone. "Before Hellie led his soldiers into battle, he gave them incredible war harangues." As grinned and looked at Marie and Riley. "They were fantastic." Riley nodded sweetly. "My heart was beating with excitement every time." Marie affirmed with a pride-filled expression. "Hoh?" Asmented while turning to Helix. "Yeah. You missed it. Hellie was like, [let''s go skull fuck that ant, flip off the Mad Queen¡­], then he paused for dramatic effect and screamed, [AND MAKE HISTORY]!" Charlotte unsheathed an invisible sword and held it high. Marie and Riley burst into giggles, and As followed. Helix turned bright red in shame. Things had made a turn for the worse. "You should''ve seen their faces every time he told them they''d go down in history as legends." Mariemented with excitement. "They exploded in war cries that carried for miles." "It was super exciting." Rileymented with an enthusiastic smile. "Yeah. I felt like I was eating bloodlust soup just by breathing." Charlotteughed. "When the Colossus heard the war harangue, it almost shit itself." The women burst into giggles. As listed with a bewildered grin. "It wasn''t that dramatic. I was just using buzzwords like [legendary], [history], [immortal], and other words tied to the words [glory] and [honor]." Helix sighed. "Yup. It was genius how he used simple phrases like, [I want this thing''s head] to great effect." "Hoh? He was that selfish before asking people to fight and die?" As chuckled. Charlotte gave As a wicked grin, and Helix grimaced when he saw it. "No, no, no, Mr. A." She responded while wagging her finger, "That was [after] it was dead." As turned to Marie and Riley. Both of them averted their gazes awkwardly. Then he turned to Helix, who did the same thing. "Wait. No way. You''re saying that¡­." As said with a bewildered expression. "Right~O, Mr. A." Charlotte grinned. "Hellie had a hundred people cast the Intent Spell and carve the thing''s head off before the dissolving began." "With something that size, I should be able to see the thing in the caravan, even if its gravity is modified." Asmented in a daze. "That''s because¡­." Marie giggled awkwardly, "He put it in his item storage." Everyone burst intoughter when they saw As'' expression. "I feel like you just put my brain through a blender and used it as an ingredient for psychological soup." As remarked with shock. "You can do that? Considering this finger bone, the skull needed to way at least a few tons¡­." "It weighs eight tons." Marie rified with a giggle. "Helix can''t show people because it takes a fifty by fifty-foot space to ce it down safely." "How the hell did you know that you could do that?" He asked Helix with wide eyes. "He didn''t. He said, and I quote, [I''m not sure if this will work. But after all the hell this thing put you through, we owe it to ourselves to try]." Charlotte reenacted with a proud voice. Marie and Riley burst into giggles. "I wasn''t there, but it was disyed to everyone in the camp. You should''ve seen the excitement on the people''s faces in the medical waiting tent." Marie remarked with a bright smile. As turned back to Helix. "Yo. What the hell happened to you? Did you take an eight-week crash course in hell or something?" He asked. "Something like that." Helix chuckled. The women burst intoughter when they heard him. "You haven''t even heard of what training was like." Marie giggled. "It was bru~tee~ul." Charlottemented. "Super hard." Riley added. As turned to Helix. "They''re not lying. I''m fairly certain we could winter in Alsonga for the next three months, and the super-otakus still wouldn''t catch up." Helix chuckled, "Our teachers were that ruthless." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley all nodded inplete agreement. "Haaaaaaah. It''s hard to believe all of this." As chuckled in bewilderment. "Don''t worry, As. There''s a week to get you caught up." Charlotte said while pping him on the back. "It''s lucky because you''ll need it." Marie giggled. ¡ª [A/N: Long chapter to end the closing chapter of this mini-arc. Next up, the return arc! Thank you, Zelos_draconis, for sponsoring today''s three-chapter release. [Nightmare] is a special story that captures rtionships, realism, and human emotion while exploring web novel cliches. Hearing that someone made it this far and found that aspect special inspired me to continue writing and releasing this story''s next arc. As always, thank you to Rando_ for reminding me that someone''s waiting for this story. You were 50% of this inspiration. Thank you both.] Chapter 125 [Who’s Strongest] "The suit looks nice!" Marie proimed loudly with a bright smile. Kylon blushed slightly and fidgeted with the middle button. "It seems extra sharp with you rockin'' it on purpose." Charlottemented. "I think it makes you look charming and confident." Riley added with a sweet voice. "Now you''re just ssy. Good work." Helix chuckled. "It''s aight." Asmented with a bored expression. Everyone in the group was showering Kylon with praise. Helix suggestedying it on thick to instantly build up his confidence. He liked the suit as much as everyone else and wanted his partners to be happy. So he devised a strategy to make Kylon love it. "I¡­. I''m still getting used to it. But I like it¡­." Kylon replied nervously. "Just wait until you see the other suits we''re giving you." Helix chuckled. "The minute the charcoal gray suit is tailored, no one will think you''re a mobster." "It''s true." As said dryly. The women nodded in agreement to show their genuine support. "I¡­ look forward to it then." Kylon said nervously. Helix sent a slight smile into the distance in satisfaction. He wanted to continue poking fun at the cat but decided to wait until they achieved their stylistic victory. The group traveled peacefully at the speed of the caravan. They were sitting on a bench they set up behind the driver. "Macron is getting stricter?" Marie asked. "Yeah. Now that the weebs are used to being Knights, the training has picked up now that the weebs are used to it." As confirmed. "He''s the most grueling teacher I''ve met. Every day we¡­." He described the daily schedule and the monster hunts they did once a week. As'' expressed his exasperation without hesitation. After hearing the full description, Charlotte couldn''t take it any longer. Her face cracked, and she burst intoughter. As gave her a bitter smile for mocking him. However, Marie and Riley were tactfully facing in the other direction. "What a joke! Hahaha!" Charlotte cried. "Do you want to hear what our first day with Master Tyrene was like?" The other girls grimaced. Then Charlotte''s smile became wry, and herughter became bitter. "She made us run for fifty miles to a zone where we couldn''t use our Nightmares." Charlotte scoffughed. "Then she faced us off against a fifteen-foot, Level 55 Balkan Bear with our swords alone." As'' bored face crumbled, and he shot the women a gawking expression. "You''ve got to be kidding me. The highest level we''ve faced off against before I left was Level 48, and it took five super-otakus, five kingdom Knights, and ten men to face it!" He exined. "You''re telling me that you faced that thing [without] your Nightmares and killed it?" "No, no. We didn''t kill it¡­." Charlottemented with a mysterious smile. "Oh, I see¡­ so it was a training exercise, and she killed it¡­." As muttered to himself in relief. "Beeeeeezzzzzzz! Wrong again, Mr. A." Charlotte announced with a yful smile. "And the real answer is¡­ drum roll please, buda-buda-buda-buda ding!" She threw her hands in Marie''s direction. As almost lost it when he saw Charlotte pointing at Marie exclusively, however¡ª "Helix." Marie proimed with a prideful smile. "What!?" As yelled. "Yuuuuuup. He wrecked that big bad bewerrr before Tyrene could act." Charlotte announced with an excited expression. As turned to Riley for confirmation. She was always the arbitrator. "In one attack." Riley giggled. As shot a serious nce to Helix, who shrugged in response. "Like we said, training was brutal. I got a one-month headstart, that''s all." "Haaaaaaaaah." Charlotte followed up. "Mr. Deathskie took out a Level 79 wyvern at Level 34." Marie chuckled. "Wait¡­ there are so many things wrong with that statement." As dered in a panic. "The highest Level fighter after an extra six weeks of training is 38¡­." "That''s when we arrived." Charlotte grinned. As'' eyes couldn''t get wider. He looked at Helix with shock in his eyes. Helix shrugged again. "Like we said, training was brutal. I got a one-month headstart, that''s all." Asid down and startedughing maniacally. There was madness swirling in his eyes. "Helix is wearing the pelt of a Level 156 Hellhound called a Warpshire. He and Tyrene fought it so Tinker could evolve sooner." Charlotte continued with a satisfied expression. "It was extremely cute." Riley giggled. "Haaaaaaaah. I''m dying! Hahaha¡­ I can''t¡­ wait¡­ until¡­ you show up as the strongest." As cried with tears rolling down his eyes. "Me either." Marie affirmed with a vengeance-filled smile. "It''s going to be legendary!" Charlotte dered with passion. Riley just smiled as she looked into the distance. "Wait¡­ is he stronger than you three?" As asked as he sat back up. "Core~rekt." Charlotte responded without hesitation. "Yes." Marie giggled. As turned to Riley for confirmation. "Despite being the twenty-one levels above Marie, he barely had weaker stats than her aside from spirit particles." Riley announced. "T-Twenty-one¡­. Wait! Weaker stats!?" The ever calm and collected As was going through a meltdown. "Yuuuuuuup." Charlotteughed. "It''s true." Marie giggled. "Then wait¡­ you all have ridiculous Nightmares. How is it that Helix is the strongest?" As asked with a befuddled expression. "He''s more clever." Marie exined with a smile. "Weren''t you listening? He''s wearing a Level 156 hellspawn like fall fashion!" Charlotte snapped. As looked at Riley as always. "He''s twenty-one levels above us for a reason." Riley smiled. "How¡­. No, you''re going to say your training was brutal." As chuckled bitterly. "No, I was going to say that I wouldn''t want to fight any of these walking natural disasters in a real fight. Then I''d say their training was brutal." Helix sighed. Marie and Charlotte threw themselves around Helix. "Hah. For someone who hates cliches, you''re a mega hypocrite." Asughed. "And I [love] it!" Charlotte dered. The other girls giggled, and Helix gave them warm hugs. As long as they were happy, he''d do just about anything. "You got stronger to protect the ones you love, didn''t you, cultivator?" As chuckled. Helix gave him a wry smile. "Exactly. But it was genuinely necessary." He responded with a slight smile. "If it wasn''t¡­ who knows? I have a harem of beautiful women. I''m notining about cliches as much these days." The groupughed, and his partners clobbered him with bright expressions. "However¡­." Helix sighed. The group looked at him with serious expressions. "We''re going back to the cultivator world." Everyone nodded in bitter agreement. "There are hundreds of cliches. I like the strong swordmaster that actszy, goofy, and normal. That''s my type of cliche." Helix chuckled. "That suits you." Marie smiled. "That¡­ would look nice on you." Charlottemented with augh. Riley nodded. "There are other ideal cliche archetypes. The strong acting weak. The retired general type. The shiftless fool that shows up reluctantly and does something and leaves." Helix listed off many, and his partners giggled. As stared at him with an amused expression. He was worried that his friend may have changed too much. "However, the cliche we''re living in is the cultivator world. People will be shocked, people will act arrogant, and some will try to challenge and kill me." Helix sighed. "What are you going to do about it?" As asked. Chapter 126 [Return Cliche] "I''m going to peacefully demonstrate my power to the cultivators." Helix exined. Asced his hands behind his head andid down with an amused expression. "Peacefully?" As asked with a smirk. "Yes. I''ll show up during a practice session in the arena and hold a mock battle with Riley." Helix exined with a slight smile. "That way, no one gets hurt, but they can see our overwhelming strength." "That''s it?" As asked. "That''s it. It will exert our dominance without causing resentment or trouble." Helix replied with a slight smile. ¡ª Helix and his partners walked into the arena through the front gate. The familiar sand subconsciously sent a chill down his spine. His body was reacting to the memory of the deathmatch, hisst experience in the arena. However, his brain didn''t process the situation. The group had their eyes focused in front of him. There were over one hundred people present, and the atmosphere was heavy. They didn''t know what was happening, but they knew it wasn''t good. "Hah! What are you going to do about it!?" A young man''s arrogant voice yelled out. "Fuck you! This isn''t a god damn game!" Another young man replied. "It''s not? You ants made this a cultivator paradise!" The firstughed. "I''m not sure how you made thesews, but wheeeeeew! I like it!" "Ronka, isn''t this a bit much?" A third interjected. "Shut up, virgin. These are thews, and I''m simply following them." Ronkaughed. "Leo! Do you want help?" A fourth yelled. "Keep out of this!" Ronka roared. "Boys! This is a state of emergency and you''re guests of the Alzerian kingdom." Macron yelled. "Huh? These are your rules. Besides, if these weaklings can''t handle us, then how helpful will they be?" Ronka asked mockingly. "Boys! Now is not the time. You''re here to help defend against an attack. Stop acting like a pack of immature¡ª" "Macron. These are thews of the Alzerian kingdom." A gruff man''s voice snapped. "You have no right to raise your voice to my students, especially when we''re here to aid Alzeria." Macron red at the man with hatred in his eyes. "When did you be so cold, Lamath?" He asked. "Me? Cold. Don''t you dare insult me again, or I''ll make the most of these rules myself!" Macron gritted his teeth but did not act. These were the rules of the kingdom, after all. "Hah! You hear that, Maze? Even Master Lamath agrees with us. So stop being so uptight." Ronkaughed. "Look, Ronka. This isn''t right¡ª" "Shut the hell up!" BOOM! A dust cloud shot into the sky. When it settled, Helix could see a boy gasping for air. He was okay, but the strike winded him. "Riley. Don''t be too fast. Let''s not give them the desire to challenge us." Helix requested. She nodded and started running in the boy''s direction. "Hmmm? How the hell is that? She''s pretty cute for a [natural]!" Ronka grinned. He was referring to someone without artificial beauty. "W-Wait! Is that Riley!?" A young man called out. "Yes. It is!" Helix announced with a bold voice. ¡ª "Just like that? You''re not going to leak the news you''re alive or anything?" As asked in confusion. It was lucky Kylon wasn''t riding with them. Otherwise, he might have had a panic attack. "Yes. If the otakus knew ahead of time, people can start plotting." Helix replied. "It''s better to be confident." ¡ª The blood in the super-otakus faces drained instantly. Their heads turned toward the voice with the fluidity of a rusty cog. "Hmmm? Who the hell are you?" Ronka sneered. However, when he saw Marie and Charlotte, he grinned. Interestingly, the super-otakus valued original beauty more than the fake beauty many chose. The imperfections made them seem more desirable. "Hah. Hey beauties, ditch the freak ande to my side. I''ll show you what a man with real power is like." Ronka proimed while cupping the air in front of him and licking it. Helix''s blood started to boil over. However, he had enough problems already. "Is it truly him?" A person whispered. "Isn''t he dead?" Another asked under their breath. "He''s with the Fairies. I wonder if that''s where they were going." Ronka''s face heated up in anger when he realized everyone''s attention was on Helix. Marie and Charlotte were staring at him in disgust, Riley didn''t nce at him, and no one cared about him. Macron''s face paled at the sight of Helix, who passed by him without a nce. "Do these people think you''re strong or suppin''?" Ronka asked with a gruff voice. "Hah. Look how confident he looks." Another boy chuckled. "He''s skawree." A third called out. The forty-five guest power-weebs burst intoughter, and Lamath grinned at thepetition. He was itching to face off his students against Macron''s, as the two had a rivalry. "You''re free to interpret my strength however you wish." Helix replied while walking in front of Ronka. He was three feet away, staring the man in the eyes. His pitch-ck eyes sent a chill down Ronka''s spine. However, it only made him more excited. Ronka was someone that chose the Eye of Beauty, and he had bright red eyes to make him look demonic. "Hah. You''re just an ant, pretty boy. Annoying too." Ronka dered. "But I like the coat. I think I''ll take it." Helix gave him a vicious grin that reflexively caused Ronka to recoil his hand. The action caused a wave of minor chuckles to ripple through the crowd. They were almost exclusively awkward. The Alzerian Knights were staring at Helix like a ghost, and everyone was also nervous that Ronka would kill him. Helix looked to his right to check on Riley and Maze. The boy was sitting up already and thanking her with a worried expression. He then looked to the left. Peter was lying on the ground with a major burn on his leg. His clothing was still smoking, and his servant attempted to give him first aid. "Hmmm. It seems you like the new rules here." Helix noted with a caustic chuckle. "That''s right. I [looooooove] it here." Ronka said with a grin. "Let me ask you." Helix scoffed lightly. "Do you understand these rules?" "Are you calling me stupid or something?" Ronka gruffed with a murderous gaze. "No. I''m asking if you understand that I can slit the throat of everyone here and get away with it." Helix asked with a poker face. Gasps exploded from every direction. Ronka looked at the sword on Helix''s hip. It wasn''t ordinary by any means, which made him interested. "Boy! If you say something stupid like that again, [I''ll] kill you." Lamath yelled. "Hmmm. So you also know thews here. And you''re okay with them? You would be okay watching all of your students get ughtered and not take it as a slight to the Thyme kingdom?" Helix asked with a serious voice. "Boy, if you say one more¡ª" "Yeah, that''s right, you fuckin'' normie." Ronka roared. p "I get thesews and n to use them. Tomorrow I''m bringing tents to this ce. I''ll enjoy making use of my new harem." Helix''s eyes widened when he saw five female super-otakus behind him. In the center was Sarah, Leo''s girlfriend. Helix knew in an instant why the group was fighting. To the far left was¡ª "Millie¡­." Helix whispered with a pain-stricken heart. "I can''t wait to add those bitch¡ª" Ronka started wobbling in ce, and his breathing became strained. "Marie, Charlotte. Take the girls to our side, now!" The two nodded, and like ghosts, they disappeared. Within seconds, the girls were on the other side. "What the hell is¡ª" Helix turned his gaze to Lamath, and the man also started swaying back and forth. "What the fuck¡­ is this!" Ronka roared between dry breaths. Helix was standing in the same position with his hands in his peacoat''s pockets. "What?" He growled with a murderous voice. The entire crowd of power-weebs roiled with fear. Their primal instincts were telling them to run away. After all, Helix just pointed out that he could slit the throats of everyone present. Now their level 148 teacher was gasping for breath and sweating. "You came into Alzeria, dered you''d assault our women and murder our men, and you''ve never experienced [killing intent]!?" Helix roared. Chapter 127 [Killing Intent] "What if you do have to challenge someone?" As asked. Helix gave him a mysterious smile. "Cultivators speak anguage, and there''s one concept that solves fights without touching someone." As gave him an amused grin. "Killing intent." He chuckled. "That''s right." Helix confirmed with a slight smile. "So are you going to create an illusion of that?" He asked. It was their third day of traveling, and As made a blood pact with Helix so he could exin [Nightmare]. He didn''t feel it was necessary, but it was a requirement to discuss it. His partners entered a blood pact so they could speak to Tyrene and Tilo about it. They were bound by the same rules and couldn''t disclose information unless As joined. "That''s right. I already have." Helix chuckled. "It''s pretty bru~tal." Charlottemented with a wicked grin. "Hoh? How are you gonna pull it off?" As asked. ¡ª Ronka''s heart started beating uncontrobly. His throat was dry, he was sweating uncontrobly, and his world was tinted light red. He was hallucinating. Ronka''s body was multiplying itself like a broken solitaire game. The atmosphere was dry and hot, like a hot summer day. While it wouldn''t be insufferable normally, his mind couldn''t think straight. The same experience happened to Lamath, even though he couldn''t see Helix. "Kneel!" Helix ordered while stomping on the ground. Ronka fell to a knee, grabbing his head. His eyes were blinded with sand, and he roared in pain. His cronies stared down Helix with nervous expressions, wondering if they should act. They were staring at the scene with disbelief and horror. Ronka was hated, but he was the strongest aside from their teacher, who also fell on a knee. If they were down, they didn''t have a chance. However, they did have numbers on their side. Helix put his hand on the hilt of his sword. His friends, in a panic, shot out their hands, put their hands on their swords, or started running. Helix lifted his left hand like a god. BOOOOOOOOM! A massive dust cloud entered the area. "Gahhhhhhhhhhh!" The atmosphere was filled with groaning. The super-otakus were shocked when the dust settled. Five power-weebs were glued to the dirt with strained expressions. Helix''s hand was now on the earth. "Keep still!" Helix yelled. When the five weebs looked at Helix, they began hallucinating with [killing intent]. "Little predator, and sick enabler. I''m going to release my killing intent." Helix growled. "If either of you move, I''ll slit both of your throats." Helix released them from his killing intent. In light novels, killing intent doesn''tst more than a minute. The effect is supposed to be crippling, and people cower in fear. "Hah. Go to hell!" Ronka yelled with madness swirling in his eyes. "Lava Trap¡ªGahhhhhhhhhhhh! FUCK! FUCK ME!" Ronka screamed in pain. Thick white fog filled the area, making it difficult to see what was happening. "What an amatuer. You want to show up and make the rules, but you can''t keep your Nightmare going when your brain nks out?" Helix scoffed. "Pathetic." "Shut up! Gahhhhhh!" Ronka roared. "Fuck you! Fuck You! FUCK YOU!" Helix saw the burns on Peter''s leg. While using [Killing Intent], he kicked the ground to create a distraction and threw [Frozen Lake] and [Suffocate] circles. The Frozen Lake circle created an ice pond that exploded in steam next to Ronka''s face. Normally Nightmares discharge immediately after use. However, he threw a [Suffocate] and [Dissipate] circle as a precaution. After the steam explosion, Dissipate scattered the remaining effects of the spell. Dissipate allowed a magic wielder to scatter spirit particles as they were released. It''s primarily used to remove barriers, as the physical effect of spells is permanent. For example, if a fire spell lights a tree on fire, [Dissipate] won''t remove the fire. Therefore, it''s used to scatter spells as they''re beingunched. [Suffocate] removed the oxygen and put out the physical fire. Tilo used thebination to cut off Exodus me and extinguish the fire. Helix''s defense spells in his trap weren''t necessary, and the conditional triggers made them usable. So if someone tried to hit him with an area of effect spell, it would shatter before it reached him. ¡ª "Do you know the annoyance you feel when the noise is a fraction of a second off from the video you''re watching?" Helix chuckled. "... Yeah? So?" As asked. "Imagine that happening to your body." Helix said with an evil grin, "Only you can''t breathe because the [Heat] elemental spell is drying out your saliva." "And your world turns slightly sepia, and the sky is tinted red, your opponent''s voice gets suuuuuper loud and demonic, and your head feels like it might explode." Charlotte added ecstatically. "That''s... delightfully brutal. But... Helix. You''re keeping your Nightmare a secret at all costs." Asmented in bewilderment, "Why would you create something unrealistic?" Helix and his partners burst intoughter. "What''s unrealistic? Myriad is a cultivator''s world, As. Killing intent ismon sense. Get it together." Helix chuckled. "I see... And if people gang up on you?" As pried. "It''s not like we three are standing around. We train together to make Helix look invincible." Marie giggled. "For example, Helix and Charlotte have a cue where he raises his hand in the direction of an opponent." She exined. "Charlotte identifies that opponent and activates [Domain] and¡ª" "BOOOOOOOM!" Charlotte reenacted while separating her hands dramatically. "That way, Hellie looks like a god. You should see him practice our acting [Domain]bo. He''s super hot." As looked back at Helix in astonishment. "I''m not gonna lie¡­ it''s really fun." Helix chuckled. "But even if that isn''t the case, I''m not weak. I set traps and prepare to fight. And if you can pressure a certain cat into giving you information on your opponents ahead of time...." As looked at Helix with a wicked grin. "You can look like an omniscient God." ¡ª Ronka gripped his face in agony and hatred. His beautiful, artificial face had third-degree burns that were already blistering. "FUCK YOU!" He screamed. Helix finished unsheathing his sword and walked over to Ronka. For the first time in everyone''s life, they understood true helplessness. Helix felt the same helplessness when Walter approached Emelia without fearing consequences. Helix wanted Ronka to truly feel that. After hearing what he said about Millie and Sarah, Ronka would be lucky if Helix spared his life. Helix grabbed the man by the cor with his left hand. When Ronka tried to struggle, he struck his face with his right fist. It was packed with the hilt of his sword, so it left the man dazed. "Ronka. Listen closely to me." Helix ordered with a cold,manding voice. The man wobbled with his bloodied nose and burnt face. There was true terror in his eyes. "Some of the people behind me tried killing me three times." Helix said with a cold voice. "But even if they tried killing me directly, I''d save their lives from you." The power-weebs listened to Helix''s voice with confusion and wonder. All of the super-otakus were shaking, nervous, or excited, depending upon their past rtionship with Helix. However, all watched with awe and respect in their hearts. "You are evil and disgusting." Helix seethed. "You''d use your power to kill, ****, and extort others? What a joke. Here, the cultivator rules are designed to ensure that people like you don''t exist." Helix put his sword to the man''s neck. "Please don''t do it!" Lamath cried. "This was my fault! I''ll ept the punishment!" Helix turned to the man. "Shut up!" He barked. A new wave of [Killing Intent] hit him and shut him up. Ronka started wailing in pain after the daze and endorphins from the punch wore off. "Hmmm. I can''t make a demonstration of you while you''re struggling." Helix frowned. Within a split second, he punched Ronka on the bottom of the jaw and knocked him out. Then he lowered him to the ground slowly and kept kneeling. "Listen up!" Helix roared. "Alzeria enacted the cultivatorws to prevent scum like Ronka from developing." All of the Earthian Knights listened in surprise. "People here were slowly developing into this sick freak and tried killing each other!" Helix exined with a bold voice. "So the strong people¡ªthe women I walked in with¡ªmade the rules to protect the weak!" He panned the faces of everyone present. Lamath, who was only hit with Killing Intent for a few seconds, was already conscious and listening. Everyone listened in confusion. "I was one of those people! I had to fake my death and move 1000 miles away, so people stopped trying to kill me!" Helix panned his gaze to as many people as possible. The super-otakus were shaking or wallowing in their shame. "That''s right! The disgustingws this man wanted to exploit for legal **** and murder were designed to prevent those actions. Everyone is just too sick and inhumane to be respectable people without brutal force." Helix scoffed. He sent a murderous re to any weeb that looked discontented. People started shaking. "This is Myriad. It''s not a videogame, it''s not a cultivator world, and it''s not a ce where it''s okay to be evil. It''s a world just like Earth. You''re all a pack of wild beasts if you''ve ever treated it otherwise!" Helix yelled passionately. "It''s okay to kill humans en masse¡­. Hah. You''re a mob of school shooters!" Helix scoffed, and a wave of shame washed over everyone. "Who here remembers why you came here!?" He roared with anger. Lamath and the weebs started shaking. "Hmmm? No one!? You''re here to help save real human lives!" Helix barked. "Yet you''re using this time to murder and abuse others?" He scoffed in disdain. "Are the Myriadians not humans to you? Do I need to kill your fucking teacher before your eyes to make you feel pain and loss from a human here!?" Lamath shook with terror. Macron watched the scene with conflicted emotions ripping his mind to shreds. Helix let out augh so caustic it could eat through steel. "Hah. It doesn''t matter because you''re under myws as of this moment!" He yelled. The weebs and otakus started shaking in terror. "Myws are pretty simple. If you harm another person, I''ll cut your Nightmare off your body." Helix dered in a terrifying tone. He put his de to Ronka''s throat and cut slices into the invisible patch covered by their tattoo. Helix quickly left plenty of gashes in it. Then he stood up and stared at the man''s body with disdain in his eyes. "This murdering rapist is going into confinement until Thyme''s embassy negotiates for him. His Nightmare won''t work, but he''ll have it professionally removed too." Helix announced to Lamath. "If you have a problem with it, I''ll cut his hands and dick off so that he''s unable to hurt anyone else. Do you have a problem with confinement?" Lamath shook his head in a haze. "Wise choice." Helix dered with cold eyes. The teacher started shaking in response. He knew that he didn''t stand a chance against the young man before him. "Macron, please have your team get Peter to a hospital." Helix requested. "Also, please have someone take this man to a Nightmare suppression chamber. His wounds are skin level, but you can have someone assess his health. I''d appreciate it if you stayed here in the arena." Macron nodded in a daze. "Titus. Get Peter to a hospital." Titus nodded and quickly started organizing the effort. "Yuan, please lead Ronka to a chamber after checking his wounds." "Yes sir." The group worked together to get the two parties out of the area. Helix faced the weebs after the tasks were in motion. "Listen up! Let me go over the rules again!" Helix yelled with amanding voice. "If you harm, threaten, or even plot to hurt another person, your days as a so-called cultivator are over!" Helix circled to face the super-otakus. "There are twenty-three people here that I appreciate." He said with a calm voice. The Knights looked at him in confusion. He gave them a slight smile. Helix circled so he could see all eighty-three Earthian Knights present. "For the other sixty Earthians in this arena¡­." Helix paused for dramatic effect and circled, showing everyone a slight smile. ¡ª [A/N: Was this satisfying? Was waiting for Helix to work hard and develop into an op character worth it?] Chapter 128 [Otaku Delights] ¡ªFor the other sixty-five Earthians in this arena¡­.¡ª "My name is Helix Hellsgate Margrave, and it''s a pleasure to meet you for the first time!" Confusion rippled through the super-otakus. "Since I don''t know who you are, we can be friends!" Helix yelled. "It means that I can help you train and grow!" The fifteen people that didn''t send him Circles of Remembrances'' eyes lit up with surprise and understanding. Helix turned to the weebs. "My time with you will be short. However, so long as you''re in Alzeria, you don''t have to worry about a single person harming you!" All forty-five sets of eyes widened with shock. "This man was going to abuse as many people as he wanted." Helix pointed out. "Ladies! If this man ever gave you a creepy look¡­ you''re wee." An icy chill ran down their spines, and their bodies flooded with anxiety. "Men! If you ever had beef with this man¡­ you''re wee." The men shook. Most weebs hated Ronka. "Why do you look surprised? Was no one listening to what he just said?" Helix asked with a bewildered gaze. "Did you think this man wouldn''t do the same thing to you?" Helix scoffed and turned his head away in disdain. "So that''s why I used violence. To save you from a beast. Yet I only gave him scratches to immobilize him, and eliminate him as a threat. His burns were caused by usingva on a freeze spell. He tried to murder me, and hurt himself. Recap. He dered he''d kill me, tried to do it, and he left with scratches. This is how decent human beings with power behave." He announced while wiping the blood off his sword. Everyone in the arena was mesmerized by the person before them. Even the people who knew him thought they had met him for the first time. "Listen¡­." Helix announced with a calm voice and dramatic pause. He sheathed his sword methodically. "If you''re not a beast, you''re safe as long as I''m here." Helix announced with a quiet tone. Everyone was listening with bated breath. Though his volume was low, they didn''t have a problem hearing everything. "If you get angry, sad, or discouraged, that doesn''t make you a beast." He continued. "If you hate me, resent me, or fear me, you''re human." He turned to meet each gaze slowly. "You can do as you wish. You can feel however you want to feel. These things do not concern me." Helix continued. "But if you plot or attempt to harm Evan Alkman, Miko Nina, Lenard Simon¡­." Helix listed all of the names present: except for Ronka and Lamath¡ª "I will strip you of your Nightmare." Helix warned with a calm voice. He hated having to list out every name. However, singling people out leads to resentment. It turned out to be the right choice. Every time someone heard their name, they understood that Helix didn''t hold a grudge against them. Pockets of smiles developed everywhere, and people wanted to celebrate. "Everyone, please listen for a moment." Helix requested with pain in his eyes. "Four months ago, a woman I loved was killed in front of my eyes by people like Ronka." Silence overcame the arena. The revtionpressed the atmosphere, and the Knights and teachers could hear every gust of wind. "Do you remember what it felt like when I rushed in and crushed your strongest without trying?" Helix chuckled bitterly. The people present looked to the ground with bitter expressions. "It''s horrible, isn''t it? Now, imagine if Ronka was your lover." A wave of shivers ran down people''s spines. "That''s what happened to me and what was happening to Leo, Sarah, and four other women ten minutes ago." The women present started crying, and Leo started choking. "Do you want to feel that again?" Helix asked with trembling eyes. An ufortable wave of emotions washed over the crowd. They were connected through synesthesia. "Because that was what was about to be your daily life." More than two dozen people started choking up or crying. "Please, let me hear your voices now." Helix requested with a calm voiceced with sorrow. "Do you want to live in fear on purpose?" The crowd was awkward and quiet. However, one person spoke up with passion. Leo. "No!" He screamed. It was a spark. A single trigger. Then an explosion of [no] variation detonated in the center of both sides. Tears, cries, and expressions of pain and frustration burst forth like a title wave. Helix circled to see the faces of everyone present. "Do you miss Earth, wherews protected you and allowed you to live peaceful lives?" Ripples of [yes] variations and screams rushed forth. "I do too." Helix confessed with trembling eyes. He met every person''s gaze, including his partners. "So I''d like to bring that world back, for myself and everyone present." He announced with a gentle, sincere voice. Smiles washed over their faces when they realized someone strong was backing their world. "We can do that. However, before I tell you how, I''d like to wee you to Alzeria." Helix announced with a warm smile. "Who misses soda?" Helix asked loudly. Cheers came from almost all of the Knights. "There''s something very simr to it, and I can point out a powder that makes carbonation. Do you want me to tell you what it is and where to find it?" He asked with a slight smile. Cheers of joy exploded from the soda lovers. Since the Knights were otakus and weebs, that was¡­ mostly everyone. Some people started howling in excitement. It was shocking to Helix. "Okay. It''s called Alka, and two shops sell it on Burlow Street." Helix announced. "The powder is called Star Sparkles. I think it''s cute." The women started giggling, and the men were satisfied hearing the word [soda]. "Ladies, do you want to feelfortable in your clothing again?" He asked with a mysterious smile. The women looked at him in confusion. He touched his neck and pulled out some items. Aggressive whispering waved through the crowd like falling dominos. "That''s right! These are yoga pants made in Kozen. I worked with a world-ss designer to recreate them." Heughed. "Dozens of pairs are going on auction, and I''ll be rewarding three of these to women that help keep this ce put together." Excited cheers exploded through the crowd. "Men! I have something special. You''ll have to fight the women for them, but when you find someone special¡­." Helix announced with a mysterious smile. "Ladies. If you please." Helix turned to Marie, Charlotte, and Riley. They nodded, touched their necks, and pulled out items. Gasps of shock erupted through the groups. "A-Are those¡­." "I think¡­ so¡­." "I¡­ I want them!" "How much!" "Please, pick me!" A floodgate of excitement washed over the crowd. "Everyone! Please stay put. Everyone can buy these at auction!" Helixughed in a bold tone. "Moreover, those women are more powerful than I am." Everyone stopped moving in shock. The super-otakus and power-weebs fell silent. "Woah¡­. Where''d your excitement go? " Helix chuckled. "It''s okay to be excited, just don''t smother my partners. There are cat ears for sale, designed by those women right there!" The excitement started building up again. Many super-otakus caught the admission that their [Fairies] were his [partners]. He sighed internally. "Oh~men. Did I forget to mention?" Helix called out. "There are cosy items too!" Roars of excitement washed over the crowd. Helix and his partners exchanged evil grins. He was putting Samma through hell with the Stalkwalker orders, so he made sure toy it on thick. "When we were in Kozen, we picked up hair dye and had Earthian clothing made to bring back here." Helix announced. Shock washed over the crowd again. "There''s an entire caravan with cat ears, cosy, yoga pants, pajamas, v-neck shirts, suits, coats, and every other type of Earthian clothing item imaginable." Helix panned the crowd. "Do you like the coat?" He asked while popping the cor. Explosions of ecstasy washed over the groups. Macron made eye contact with Marie, Charlotte, and Riley. He had never been so confused by the change in pace before. They smiled and shrugged in response. "Thank you. I like it too." He chuckled. Super-otakus and power-weebs were starting to warm up. The only people that weren''t excited were Lamath and Ronka''s three closest friends. They weren''t concerned about their [friend]. They were afraid because they had a history of doing whatever they wanted. "Who misses hot tubs?" Helix asked with a mysterious smile. Excited murmurs spread through the crowd like wildfire. "I do?" An otaku man called out. "Me too." A weeb female sounded. The flood gates broke again on answers. Helix chuckled and raised his hand to request silence. Once everyone calmed down, he circled the arena for dramatic effect. "Excellent, because I have some." Helix announced with a slight smile. The cheers in the arena couldn''t get louder. After the cheering began, citizens filed into the stadium, thinking that an event was happening. Soon the news spread, and dozens of people started arriving. The teachers were stunned in disbelief. "These are magic circles. Their only purpose is to shoot delightful jets of water." He chuckled. "This one keeps water heated to the perfect temperature." The young men and women in the audience were drooling. Citizens joining had no idea what a hot tub was, but the Earthian''s reactions made them want one. "These hot tub circles are not for sale!" Helix proimed aggressively. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 129 [Remember] "Let me get this straight." As chuckled. "You''re going to show up from the dead, prove that you''re strong enough to kill the haters, and then say [yo, deal with it]." "That''s what I should do." Helixughed. "Hell yeah, you should." Charlotte grinned. Marie and Riley gave her a wry smile. "But no. We have three full wagons full of Earthian clothes I designed, and I collected and researched other Earthian items." Helix exined. "So you''re going to buy their love?" Asughed. "Not exactly. I own one-tenth of the clothing business and will squeeze the otakus dry for the products." Helix chuckled. As'' eyes widened, and he gave Helix a bewildered grin. "Wait, you''re going to bleed them dry and then tell them you did them a favor?" Heughed. "Forget Kylon, [you] sound like Yakuza." The group burst intoughter. "It''s true, but it''s not the full picture. See, I''m not buying their love. I''m winning their heart with the items I have." Helix chuckled. "Hoh? You think you can win hearts with yoga pants and regr clothes?" As asked with an amused smile. "Nope. Better." Helix imed with a slight smile. As raised an eyebrow. "Cat~ears." Charlotte sang. "Wait. You have cat ears!? Why didn''t you just start with that? You''ll be insta-forgiven!" As eximed. The group burst intoughter again. "That''s right. That''s not all, either." Helix continued. "It''s part of arger strategy to gain loyalty, support, and shape the legal structure for Knights in Alzeria." ¡ª "These hot tub circles are not for sale!" Helix proimed aggressively. Confusion spread through the groups, who were experiencing an emotional rollercoaster. "The twenty-three wonderful people who helped me during my hardest trials will get a hot tub. They are the only reason I''m here, and you have an opportunity to get otaku delights." He chuckled. He turned to the people that sent him the Circle of Remembrances and met their gaze. "While it was deceptive, I want to thank the people that sent me circles and indicated their desire for me to listen. You helped me through the darkest time of my life. I hope that a hot tub and a clothing item of your choice are enough to thank you." Helix exined with a warm smile and a slight bow. Cheers passed through the super-otakus that sent him circles. Tears welled in their eyes, and many started smiling and hugging. Disappointed whispers spread everywhere else, but Helix cut them off. "They get items by default because they''re [my friends], but that doesn''t mean you can''t get a hot tub." Helix rified with a slight smile. The weebs and fifteen otakus looked at each other with renewed excitement. "You can earn one as a reward for helping out!" Helix announced. Once the Knights processed what he said, cheers erupted again. "There are no limits to the number of hot tubs I''m willing to hand out. However, do not expect one as a participation prize." He warned. The audience listened to his every word. He felt like a cult leader but had no choice. "Sometimes, we will give hot tubs out as explicit rewards. Other times, we will give them out to people that are good to others. I''ll ensure that there are criteria for receiving them that don''t require social skills. We''re all socially awkward people, so¡­." He said, trailing off. "That would be dumb." Helix chuckled, and the groups burst intoughter and thunderous apuse. He was satisfied that he was riling them up like the troops. Things were going much smoother than expected. He touched his neck, put in the old items, and pulled out a deck of cards. "There are no video games in Myriad, but there is a card game I found where you collect cards and battle with them. It''s called Roshak and it''s from Kozen." Helix announced. Excited gasps flooded the area. "I have five thousand of these cards. My partners and I will give you one by showing up to certain events orpleting tasks. The more tasks you do, the more you get. Then you can trade, sell, or barter with them. They''re the closest thing we have to videogames ...." Helix circled the crowd to see all of their faces. "And they''re free." Roars exploded in the stadium again. It was infectious, and the stands were slowly filling in interest. "You''re in the biggest city on this continent. I''ll be giving each of you the travel guides that I wrote. They''re not normal travel guides. They have information on substitutes for coffee and other Earthianfort items." Helix announced. Excitement passed through the crowd. "There''s also information on troll magic, or prank magic, you can use for your mischief." He chuckled. "Cosy, cat ears, Earthian clothing, ying cards, hot tubs, soda, coffee, travel guides, great food¡­." Helix listed out what he was offering. "Have you figured out why I brought all of these items one thousand miles to Alzeria?" ¡ª "The carrot and the stick?" As chuckled. "Give people items as rewards for doing your bidding?" "Exactly. Humans are depressingly simple creatures. It''s basic, yet effective." Helix sighed. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley nodded. "Helix is downying it." Mariemented with a bright smile. "There''s more to it than that." As raised an eyebrow. "Hoh? Since he''s not telling me, will you tell me what his goal is?" He asked while narrowing his eyes at Helix. ¡ª Anxious murders spread through the crowd. "As an incentive for working together?" A brave weeb asked. "That''s true, too. Here, this is a rare card." Helix chuckled while throwing the ying card to him. The weebs'' eyes glistened with shock, and he held the card as if his life depended upon it. Excited murmurs passed through the crowd. Helixughed when he saw their impending willingness to participate moving forward. "People won''t get things every time they answer questions." Heughed. Nervousughter passed through the groups. "However, can I get one more guess?" Millie raised her hand nervously. She was still in shock over the Ronka incident. However, she felt safer with Helix around, so she wanted to make herself known. "Is¡­." Millie began nervously. Helix waited patiently with a warm smile. "Is¡­ it because you want us to start living our lives again?" She asked. Helix shed her a dazzling smile. "Perfect answer. Thank you, Millie." He replied with a gentle gaze. She blushed in embarrassment. The young woman had a crush on him since he arrived and still hadn''t gotten over his death. "Millie is right. I wanted to help everyone remember why we were excited toe here in the first ce. We were excited because we were anti-social high schoolers that dreamed of a world we belonged to." Helix exined. "We shouldn''t build a better world here because we don''t want to be scared. I hope that we can rebuild in a way where people feel safe and can enjoy life again." He circled the super-otakus and power-weebs, who greeted him with thunderous apuse. "I love being in a world where I can use magic. Myriad is fascinating and full of adventure. It''s a fantasy world that I''ve dreamed about since before I could read. Who felt excitement when they first came here?" Helix asked. The groups started raising their hands awkwardly. "Who''s still excited?" Everyone put their hands down. "That''s¡­me. Don''t you think? There''s magic and fucking dragons here, people!" Helix roared with passion. The excitement started building. "We have systems, people use staffs tounch magic at things, and we have soul beasts. I''m pulling shit out of thin air! More than half of us are instantly beautiful somehow. Who wants to create a protection system that allows us to enjoy that!?" Thunderous roars of excitement flooded the arena. "Who wants to live in a world where you can pursue your interests without training out of fear!?" The crowd was reaching a fever pitch and devolving into a frenzy. Helix gave everyone a gentle smile. "Then let''s create the world we fantasized about beforeing here! But before we can enjoy Myriad, our new clothing,forts, and life, we must protect this Capital. Can I rely upon you to work with me?" Deafening apuse rocked the stadium. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 130 [Glaring Problems] "Helix''s goal is to remind people of who they used to be." Marie exined. "Hmmm? Why?" As asked while turning to Helix. "Why? I''ve epted that convincing otakus to act like decent human beings is like asking bears to eat sd." Helix sighed. After a moment of stunned silence, the group erupted intoughter. "He''s still being modest." Marie giggled. As turned his attention to her. "There''s no incentive to be a good human being here. The Earthians will have to fight powerful people exerting their dominance. And for what? A world where they don''t have to be afraid? To be a decent human being?" She reasoned. "If people remember why they were excited toe here, they''ll be willing to fight for that world. They''ll resent the people who take them away from their fantasies and dreams." As'' eyes widened. "That''s actually¡­ quite amazing. You''re promoting group solidarity." Helix chuckled bitterly. "Yeah. I wish it didn''t require a caravan, Machiavellian tactics, and hard work to get people to be decent." He sighed. ¡ª Everyone was wearing celebratory smiles, and many who were previously crying were hugging their friends. "Thank you, everyone. Now, who wants gifts?" A moment of stunned silence. A few whispers of confirmation. A boom of apuse, screams, and chaos. Deafening cheers exploded from the arena and could be heard from half a mile away. Helixughed and gave them all a pathetic smile. "I''m d you''re excited. It makes this all worth it." He chuckled. "Everyone gets five ying cards, a ticket to an exclusive auction, and a packet of Star Sparkles to carbonate your beverages." Cheers exploded in the arena. "I''ll be handing these out in a second. The cards have been shuffled. If you have duplicates¡ªtrade them." Helix suggested with a slight smile. He purposely stacked the decks so that people [had] to trade to get unique cards. It was a good game to get going. People started whispering amongst themselves. "Oh! I forgot. If you obtain five unique starter cards without money, I''ll give you a sixth from the umon cards. Of course, there are three rare cards in there as well." He muttered in fake contemtion. "So if you want an advantage, you''ll have to meet the Knights from Thyme and vice versa." Nervousness started taking root. "It''s easy to meet people when everyone wants to do the same thing you do. So even if you don''t want friends, I assure you [everyone] will be begging to talk to you." Murmurs simr to [wait, he''s right] started spreading through the crowd. The excitement started blooming, and the weebs looked at the otakus and vice versa. ¡ª "And still it won''t be enough." Helix chuckled bitterly. "Hmmm? Cat ears alone should do the trick." Asughed. "Should. But unfortunately, there''s one ring issue." Helix sighed. "To obtain group solidarity, people need to talk to one another." Charlotteughed. As burst intoughter. "Oh boy. We''re screwed." Helix gave him a wry smile and a nod. "Luckily, Hellie has a solution for that too~" ¡ª "My partners will hand out the gift bags. Their names are Marie, Charlotte, and Riley." Helix announced with a warm smile. Everyone looked at the three beautiful women with sparkling eyes. "Get to know them. Marie is a leader who will be helping develop a new protection system. You can copy it in Thyme." He continued. "Riley is your new best friend. She''s so kind and easy to talk to, and you can approach her for anything. Charlotte will be the head of protection. If you think I''m strong, these women are cheat characters with broken stats. I assure you, they can crush any problem you face faster than I can." Everyone looked at the three women with wide eyes. The weebs couldn''t believe that [Helix] was weaker than anyone. The otakus were curious about their strength now that Helix had shown his. "There is something you should know about these three. When I say they''re my partners, I mean girlfriends." The power-weebs were shocked. The super-otakus wore wry smiles. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley were legendary fairies, and everyone was jealous. "Please respect their love for me." Helix announced. "I almost died when two people smashed in my rib cage on the second day in Myriad." The shock in the power-weebs was palpable. They looked at the super-otakus, which had gloomy expressions. "Then I was ckmailed into a deathmatch when I was Level 1. Finally, someone killed my lover and ran a sword through my back. All assassination attempts happened within thirty days." The atmosphere''s pressure multiplied, and nervous whispers passed through the groups. "Themon denominator was that these women loved me. I almost died because of jealousy and needed to fake my death to ensure people didn''t kill me. Yet our rtionships survived those attempts, and these women journeyed one thousand miles to join me. I trained for eighteen-hours a day with grandmasters and fought countless monsters to obtain the strength to protect them. They joined me in my training to be able to protect me. That way, we would never suffer through another assassination attempt. That''s love. My partners aren''t an abstract fantasy harem; these three love me as much as I love them. We''ve earned our rtionship, so please respect it." A single p started from the super-otakus. Then another. And another. A slow p developed, and soon everyone in the stadium was apuding. "Thank you. I appreciate you all." Helix said with a bow. The young women bowed with beautiful smiles on their faces. Thunderous apuse rocked the arena. ¡ª "I''m cringing just thinking about this, but¡­ how are you going to deal with your rtionship?" As asked. "Strike fear into the hearts of any would-be assassin?" "Not exactly. I''ll start with a guilt trip, move to a love story, and end it with an implicit threat of force." Helix chuckled. "That way, I can publicly shame the person I crushter." "Transtion. I''m going to approach it in a way that makes the first demonstration as devastating as possible." Charlotte announced. "Hah. Is that your real motive?" As chuckled. "Of course." Helix replied with a slight smile. ¡ª "Let me introduce myself. My name is Helix Hellsgate Margrave. These women''s names are Marie Skybolt, Charlotte Kline, and Riley Singer. As your new leaders and protectors, we wee you to Alzeria. Let''s fight to protect humanity, have fun, and work hard to make this magical world the beautiful ce it was meant to be." After three minutes of neverending apuse, the women passed out the gift bags and greeted everyone. It was a joyous asion for many, and more than half of the otakus were grateful their Fairies had returned. ¡ª "Hmmm. Your strategy sounds great if your peaceful mock battle demonstration works." Asmented. "But what if people attack you before that?" Helix gave him a slight smile. "Good ol'' fashion violence should do the trick." ¡ª [A/N: Four chapter mass release for the new review I got. This story doesn''t get much traffic, so I appreciate the support!] Chapter 131 [Maze] "Hello, Mr. Margrave." A power-weeb called out. Helix turned around and saw a young man walking toward him. "Maze, was it?" He asked. "That''s me. I''m sure you had a pretty good first impression of me." Maze chuckled. "Please call me Helix. And yes, I did." Helix said with a warm smile. Maze had mid-tone brown hair that he neatly groomed. He had a dazzling smile and good-looking facial features. If Helix had to describe him, he''d say that the man looked like the type mothers like to see their daughters bring home. The strange part¡­ was that he didn''t change his appearance with the Eye of Beauty. He didn''t look like he belonged with super-otakus and power-weebs. He looked like normie royalty. "What part sold you? The coughing up blood or the rush to save my life?" Maze asked with a straight face. "Personally, I think I killed the whole [damsel in distress] role." Helix burst intoughter. "You did pretty well. You still have a lot to learn." He chuckled. "Try having that experience with Riley every day for three weeks." Maze gave him a sly smile. "I have a theory you acted weak to get that treatment." He mused with a slight smile. "Hoh? Why do you think that?" Helix asked with smiling eyes. "Because after experiencing Riley''s aid once, I thought about it." Helix gave Maze an unenthusiastic expression. However, after Maze didn''t back down, Helix burst intoughter. "It''s true that I enjoyed their treatment of me." He chuckled. "But I was weak. I came to Myriad with zero stats aside from 25 spirit particles." Maze''s eyes widened in shock. "But how¡­ then¡­." Maze stuttered awkwardly. His mind went nk after hearing the shocking revtion. "A lot has happened since then." Helix replied with a slight smile. "We''ll leave that for another time." Maze chuckled with a bewildered expression and nodded nkly. "To answer your question, my first impression of you was standing up against Ronka." Helix exined while tilting his head. He was indicating it would walk. "One second." Helix said to Maze. "Hey, everyone! Please stay clear of that half of the stadium for five minutes." The two sets of Earthians nodded awkwardly. Helix was nice, but they were also aware he was in full control. He looked at the people in line to speak with him. "Hey, everyone. I''m walking over there for five minutes. Please wait for me here if you wish to speak to me." Helix requested. "I''m excited to meet everyone and catch up with friends. I just need a moment." Everyone nodded reluctantly. Helix motioned his head to walk to the other side. "Do you want me toe?" Maze asked with confusion in his eyes. "If you want. It''s okay if there''s one person that joins me." Helix replied. The other students looked at Maze with envy. "To be honest, I''d rather stay. The envyites are on the prowl." Maze noted with a wry smile. "True. Though, from one targetted person to another, I can say that avoiding things doesn''t make a difference." Helix chuckled bitterly. Maze looked at him with a serious expression. He was contemting what Helix said. "You might as well ept it. You never know. You might end up with a harem you''ll die for." Helix remarked with a bitter-sweet smile. Helix started walking, and Maze followed him by reflex. He looked back at the watchful eyes of the power-weebs and super-otakus. "I appreciate you standing up against Ronka." Helix said with a tone filled with gratitude. "That beast is violent, so it took guts. I think we''ll get along." "You make it sound like we''re already friends." Maze chuckled. The two walked to the far edge of the stadium and turned around to face the ground. "Hmmm? I thought we were." Helix replied nonchntly. "Are you being¡ª" BOOOOOOOOOOOOM! Screams erupted from the stadium. "Here, let''s move back. If we don''t, people might have heart attacks." Helixughed. "What the hell¡­ is this thing?" Helix walked around the back of therge object he took from his item storage. "An exnation." Helix replied with a mysterious smile. As soon as Helix saw the groups again, he addressed them. "Don''t worry. The thing''s dead. I''m cing it here for decoration." "D-Decoration!?" Macron cried from a distance. Helix chuckled when he saw the man''s panicked expression. He ignored him all the same. "An exnation for why you''re strong? An exnation for why people shouldn''t fight you? What type of exnation are we talkin'' about here?" Maze asked with bewildered eyes. "It''s a lot moreplicated than that." Helix replied. The two walked back to the area with the Knights. They were in the middle of trading their Roshak cards but were focusing their attention on the [item] Helix pulled out. "Hey, Hellie. It was pre~tty bold of you to pull out the Stalkwalker skull in the middle of the arena." Charlotte remarked with her hands behind her back. "I think it''s hot. You''reing out swinging." She was rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet. Maze''s face heated up slightly when he saw her. Charlotte had charm, and she was very cute. Helix smiled and ruffled her hair lightly. "It''s for Macron." He exined. "Oh¡­." Charlotte replied with wide eyes. "I¡­ see. It still doesn''t detract from its boss value." "I suppose not." Helix chuckled. "Ey. You''re the badass that stood up against va bro]." Charlottemented with a pleasantly surprised smile. "Wait? You don''t remember me as the [ruthlessly beaten for a rational opinion] boy?" Maze asked with wide eyes. "Hmmm? I don''t understand. That made it better." Charlotte replied while blinking twice. Maze''s eyes widened. "See, this is why I said we were already friends." Helix chuckled. "Yep. That one action was a sign that you were our peoples." Charlotte chuckled. Maze felt like he was thrown into an alternate dimension. "Try not to think about it too hard." Helix suggested with augh. "I have three gorgeous girlfriends that love me for being a nice guy. It''s nearly criminal." "Are you girls into¡­ damsels?" Maze asked. "You''re quite forward." Charlotte grinned. Maze''s eyes widened, and he quickly turned to Helix to see if he had messed up. Helixughed and continued walking to the area he was in before taking out the Stalkwalker skull. "To answer your question, no~pe. We''re into badasses. Hellie brought this entire city to its knees before he was stabbed, then saved the city from ruin while he was asleep." Charlotte exined with a puffed-out chest. Maze gave her a depleted gaze. "Hmmm? You don''t believe me?" Charlotte asked with a finger on her lips. p "Seems¡­ rational. Buuuuuuuut, it''s true." Maze''s eyes glided to the left in thought, then looked at Helix for confirmation. "Something like that." Helix shrugged. "Stats aren''t a measure of strength. If it was, it would be impossible to exin that thing." Charlotte dered with an evil grin. Everyone in the surrounding area looked at Helix with shock. He sighed in response and stood in the same spot as before. The people who were waiting were frozen after what they had just heard. "Mr¡­ Helix, sir?" A female power-weeb called out. "Just Helix is fine." Helix replied with a slight smile. On the inside, he was cringing from the amount of respect he was getting. "Ummm¡­ yes. My name is Maddie." Maddie began nervously. "We''re¡­ curious if¡­ you killed that death dog thing?" She asked with a meek tone. Helix nodded with a slight smile. "Charlotte and I, along with the other twodies, killed it with the help of multiple grandmasters and 1200 troops." He confirmed. Maddie and Maze''s eyes widened in shock. "I hope that it''s not intimidating." Helix rified. "I have a legitimate reason for pulling it out, and the arena is the only location that fits it." "Why¡­ legitimate¡­." Maze muttered in a daze. "It''s an exnation." Charlotte replied. The cute blonde''s exact verbiage was thest nail in the coffin for Maze. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 132 [Miskie] "Heya. The name''s Miskie. I was wondering if you wanted to trade cards with me." A power-weeb called out. The woman in front of Helix was cute, albeit in-looking. She had dark, wavy brown hair and light brown eyes to match. He figured that she wouldpete with pretty girls if she wore makeup as they did. However, he found her [cute despite zero fucks given] vibe charming. Helix looked down at his palm. "Spoken to twenty people¡­ check. Daring, not maniptive¡­ check. Honest¡­ check." He muttered to himself while pretending to check off boxes with an air pen. He touched his neck without looking at her and pulled out a card. "I''ll trade you this card for any card of my choosing." Helix offered while looking back up at her. He showed her the back of the card. "However, I''m not going to show you what this card holds." Miskie narrowed her eyes at him with an interested expression. "Is this a trust game? Or are you hopin'' to watch the world burn?" Helix gave her a mysterious smile. "Which are you hoping for?" Miskie shrugged her shoulders. "If I chose thetter, it would lose its vor." Helix chucked with an amused expression. "I suppose you could call this a personality test." He exined. "You can learn a lot about a person by seeing how they interact in a situation like this." Miskie gave Helix a mocking expression. "Is that so? I''ll check my personality the next time I''m offered an apple or an orange." Helix gave her a slight smile. "Are you telling me that this transaction is frivolous and arbitrary?" Miskie bent the corners of her mouth upward in an exaggerated wry smile. "Are you going to mine information about my personality, or trade with me?" Helix shrugged. "With your level of boldness, you could easily obtain all five cards and get a sixth. Yet you''re gambling after I told you this was a personality test." Miskie blinked twice. "And I told you that I''m okay with watchin'' the world burn, but you''re still mining for information." Helix chuckled under his breath. Then he chuckled again. He burst intoughter after the third iteration. "Let''s see your cards, then." Helix requested. Miskie pulled out her cards from her item storage and handed them to Helix. Helix burst intoughter again. "I hope this isn''t extortion." Heughed. Helix looked down at her small deck of cards in his hand with amusement. "Nope. It''s an investment." Miskie shrugged. Helix studied the cards with fascination. "Are you looking to obtain a monopoly?" He chuckled. "Yu~p." She replied with ax smile. "Hah. Well then, I won''t keep you from it." Helixughed. He picked out an amusing card and then handed her his. "Hah. You''re a fuckin'' lunatic." Miskieughed in amazement. "Yep. It''s an investment." Helix replied with a shit-eating grin. "Well, I''m d it worked out in my favor." She scoffughed. "It''s not as much fun since you understand." He chuckled. "Hoh? So you''re the type that enjoys someone hatin'' ya for a month only to discover you were a saint?" Miskie asked with a grin. "Maybe I want to tell people they shouldn''t question me before understanding my reasoning." Helix shrugged. "Or maybe I want to root out people who get twisted over minor things and then watch them scrabble. Who knows." Miskie gave him an evil smile. "You''re an asshole, but I like that about ya." Helix scoffughed. "You pass the personality test." Miskie scoffughed. "You don''t." "Thanks for thepliment." He replied with a slight smile. "You''re wee, psycho boy." She countered with a grin. "Any~who. Pleasure doin'' business with ya. I have a small fortune to make. Thanks for the opportunity." "Anytime. Enjoy your rare elemental cards. You''re going to rake in a fortune sooner than you think." Miskie turned around and walked away. "What was that about?" Maze asked. The two were still standing together. Maze didn''t fit in well with the power-weebs but got along with Helix fine. He took Helix''s suggestion to let people hate. "There are elemental cards in Roshak that are required to use spells." Helix exined with a wicked smile. "I gave everyone cards that use rare elementals. So while the cards look basic, they''re extremely valuable." Maze listened with interest. "Miskie identified that and is buying up all of the elementals. She has around fifty cards, and only one was an attack card." Heughed. "Everyone''s interested in getting rid of them because they think they can easily acquire themter. But¡ª" "They''re rare. So people will need to buy the cards back from her to use cards they traded for." Mazeughed. "Yup." Helix chuckled. "She''s rockin'' the whole, [works when necessary to achieveziness] vibe. I like that." Maze chuckled. "Me too. It''s interesting." Heughed. "So what card did you give her?" Maze asked. Helix shot him a wicked grin. "The elemental card she''s monopolizing." He grinned. Maze''s eyes widened in surprise before he burst intoughter. "That''s¡­ hahaha¡­ amazing¡­." Maze cried. "I agree." Helix chuckled. "There are five hundred cards in cirction, and two hundred are those elemental cards. Those cards are also rare, and most are in cirction. Miskie will achieve eighty percent of the elemental market if she continues monopolizing. It''s so lucrative it''s a joke." The two chatted about it and shared someughs. When it was time to conclude the [meet and greet] ceremony, Helix was approached by a different set of people. "Hey, man¡­." A super-otaku called out. "Hey, Leo." Helix replied tactfully. "I¡­ We¡­ want to say thank you." Leo announced with sad eyes. Behind him, there were five women. Helix gave them an empathetic expression. "You''re wee." He replied with a gentle tone. "I nned on approaching you fiveter to say thank you as well." Everyone gave Helix a bewildered expression. "Wait¡­ what? Why?" Leo asked hesitantly. "Because your Circle of Remembrances are the reason I''m here." Helix replied with a genuine smile. "Honestly. The messages from you and Millie were the main reason I came back. They helped me a lot, and I cannot express my gratitude enough." Helix bowed slightly, and all six wiggled around in a panic. Millie turned bright red and was covering her face. Sarah was extremely shocked and awkward. Lily and Tammy were still shaken, so they were confused. "D-Don''t bow, Helix." Leo stuttered. "Honestly. Sarah, Lily, Tammy¡­ your circles are very precious to me too." Helix continued with a gentle smile. "I''m¡­ d I came back." Leo fell silent. He couldn''t express the words he wanted to say. "Helix¡­. After what I just experienced, I wish that I stood up to help you." Leo confessed after a period of contemtion. Helix closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Leo, Millie, Sarah, Lily, Tammy, Mary¡­ I''m grateful for your appreciation." Helix began tactfully. "I hope you know what happened then and now are the same and that we shouldn''t live in a world where thanks are necessary for this." Helix averted his gaze to prevent tearing up. The women in the group did the same. "Leo¡­. The only difference between helping you today and your position back then is that I had the power to help and was in the right location." He reasoned. "If you had Marie''s power and were in the Kina district three months ago, you would have done the same. I''m certain of it." Leo started tearing up, and Helix did the same. Soon all five of the women started tearing up lightly as well. Maze understood the sensitivity of the situation and took his leave. Helix gave him a thankful nod. "Do¡­ any of you want a hug?" Helix asked. Leo nodded with slight shame in his eyes but hugged Helix. Millie was thest person to walk up to Helix hesitantly. He took a step forward to embrace her slowly. His move was to ensure she wouldn''t feel so awkward. When she was in his arms, she started bawling. "Millie. I came back to protect you." Helix whispered with a gentle voice. The tiny blonde looked up in shock and stared at him with her puffy eyes. Helix sent her a kind smile. "I''m not here forever. But I came back to ensure you were safe and to set up a new legal system that would protect you." He exined. "Also, I''d like to advocate for you to get into a nonbat position. I know powerful people now. I''m sure they can make your life safe." Millie burst into tears again and hugged Helix closely. Leo, Sarah, Tammy, and Lily watched the scene with true happiness in their eyes. Learning Helix came back to protect a small woman living in fear was what they needed to hear. "T-Thank you. H-Helix." Millie cried. "You''re wee, Millie." He whispered while hugging her tighter. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 133 [A Final Goodbye] "Boy, you best start exining things before I lose my damn mind." Macron put his elbows on his desk and rubbed his palms against his eyes. "You can start with that damn skull outside in the arena." Helix didn''t chuckle, and Macron stopped rubbing his eyes. He could feel Helix''s serious gaze burning into his soul. "What''s¡­ wrong, boy?" Macron asked with a worried tone. "That skull. It belonged to a fifth-evolution Level 357 Stalkwalker Colossus." Helix replied. Macron instinctively wanted to smack Helix for sounding like a show-off. However, he could feel the turmoil in the young man''s voice. Macron studied his expression. When his eyes glided down to Helix''s peacoat, his eyes trembled. "Master Tyrene¡­." He whispered. "Yes." Helix replied after swallowing. Helix grabbed the pin on his coat as if it were his heart. The two sat in silence for a few minutes. Macron watched Helix carefully, noting how many times the young man opened and closed his mouth. It was clear that the discussion was heavy, and he knew the topic. "I''m not sure if you''re aware of this." Helix began hesitantly. "But I was Master Tyrene''s apprentice in Kozen." Macron''s eyes showed a mixture of surprise and understanding. "I know she journeyed after you for a vacation." The two chuckled lightly at the word [vacation]. It matched her personality perfectly. "I didn''t know that you took her up on it, and I haven''t heard news since." Helix nodded and then took a deep breath. "I was her apprentice for two months in Kozen." He began. "We cut our training short because of news of a mysterious attacking to the Capital." Macron nodded in understanding. "Since¡­ it was cut short, she had us take a final test as her students¡­." The gruff man''s eyes widened in shock. "Wait. You''re not tellin'' me¡ª" "That''s right. Our final test was to kill that Colossus." Helix whispered while averting his gaze. "Boy, please help me understand." Macron pleaded. "That doesn''t sound like Master Tyrene." Helix gave him a wry smile and nodded. "You''re right. The circumstances were¡­ deceptive." He asserted. Macron''s eyes trembled in confusion. "Master Tyrene and Master Tilo were there. Moreover, there was an army of 1200 Kozen soldiers fighting it." Helix rified. "It wasn''t a simple test of strength, but rather an examination of leadership qualities and decision-making skills. We didn''t need to fight it, and it was reasonable that they could keep us safe." Macron listened with a glint of sadness in his eyes. He didn''t want to hear what came next. "The problem¡­ was that we were doing so well against an enemy that shouldn''t have been within our skill levels. By that, I include Master Tyrene and Master Tilo." "Wait, what did you say, boy?" Macron asked reflexively. The thought that an enemy was beyond the skill level of a legendary fighter and grandmaster almost felt offensive. Helix swallowed and looked at the table. He opened and closed his mouth multiple times before continuing. "I know this may be hard to believe, but Marie, Charlotte, and Riley''s Nightmares were on par with Tyrene''s [Arctic Cry] in terms of raw power." Macron''s eyes widened in astonishment. "We trapped the Colossus, so battle experience wasn''t necessary." He continued. "Tyrene used [Sub Zero] four times, [Blizzard], and [Frost Nova] in less than five minutes. Tilo set up three Level 5 disaster-grade circles to attack it. Riley used four cmity spells, Marie used a dozen attacks, and Charlotte used a level 57 Exodus ze at full output for two minutes." Macron''s face looked like a wax statue. "... And it received attacks from over one thousand soldiers for two hours to be killed after that." An icy chill crawled down Macron''s spine when he heard the conclusion. "I see¡­. So if Master Tyrene and her army were to show up¡­." The man stopped talking and ran his fingers through his hair. Helix stayed silent. "How did it happen?" Macron asked after a minute of silence. "It was intelligent and lured us into a trap." Helix replied. "Or, rather¡­ we crippled it so heavily, we never understood how intelligent and dangerous it was. We only found out when the Colossus sacrificed its life in a suicide attack." Macron studied Helix''s facial expressions with bewildered eyes. "It was a freak attack, Macron. In less than a minute, it sacrificed its chance at survival, turned around, and attacked Marie twice. I rushed in to save her but couldn''t see the beast was attacking with both hands. Tyrene could see, so she rushed in and saved my life at the cost of her own." Tears welled in Macron''s eyes when he heard of his teacher''s noble sacrifice. "It was a horrible situation, Macron. Master Tilo watched and noted that someone would have died in the situation regardless of what happened. Later, we learned more people could have died if we tried to get Marie out of her location." Helix continued. "I''m not making excuses or justifying what happened. Master Tyrene, Master Tilo, Marie, and I felt it was our fault. I''m just letting you know that Master Tyrene didn''t die failing to protect us or out of a foolish decision on her¡ª" Macron stood up and rushed to the other side of the table. Helix''s eyes widened in shock and almost hit the man reflexively. However, before he could process it, Macron was hugging him. "Thank god you''re safe, boy." He said with a choking voice. Helix couldn''t hug the man back because he was smothering him at an awkward angle, so he reached out a hand to touch his side. Light tears welled in Helix''s eyes. "Thank you for understanding, Macron." Helix and Macron spoke about Tyrene for two hours. They reminisced andughed while sharing stories of Tyrene and her training. The man shared war stories and her history with him. Helix made fun of Macron for picking up her quirks and ryed sassy messages from Tyrene. After the discussion was over, the two still had to talk about what was happening. "So, tell me, boy. What are you going to do about the super-otakus?" Macron chuckled. He picked up the name from Helix, and it stuck with him. "We''re here to create a new legal system that will survive us leaving." Helix replied with a slight smile. "Wait¡­ you''re going to stay after this attack?" Macron asked with a bewildered expression. "Yes. We''ll probably winter here unless something pressing pulls us away. That should give us enough time to establish it." Helix answered. "Why go so far? Those kids are a stress bomb, so I''m grateful. But it doesn''t add up." Macron remarked. Helix gave him a mocking smile. "Some softy gave me a Circle of Remembrance even though he knew I was alive. So it''s hard for me to just leave him to die prematurely of old age." Macron''s face flushed with embarrassment, and he narrowed his eyes. However, his face quickly rxed in amusement. "Moreover, there are some people here I''ve chosen to protect to a reasonable extent." "You''ve gotten strong, haven''t ya, boy?" Macron asked with a smile. "Strong enough to protect those I love to a reasonable extent." Helix replied after gliding his eyes to the left. "And strong enough to strike fear into the hearts of people like Ronka and Lamath." Macron gave Helix a wry smile. "About that. Do you think that you can handle this situation?" Helix gave Macron a mocking smile. "Of course." He replied. He wanted to point out the earlier mass maniption, but he was tired, and Macron wanted a final answer. "I''m heading out." Helix announced while slowly getting up. "Before I go¡­." Helix touched the blood-red tribal sun tattoo on his neck. He pulled out a small box and a disc. "These are¡­." Macron whispered in shock. "That''s right." Helix replied with a gentle smile. "These are Master Tyrene''s medals she earned while you served with her." Macron''s eyes trembled. "But this is more important." Helixmented while putting a battle disc on the table. "A Circle of Remembrance?" Macron whispered. "Yes. Master Tyrene and Master Tilo went into our battle prepared to save us with their lives." Helix exined with a sad tone. "As a result, she spent the days before leaving recording her will and left me with messages to give to people important to her." Helix looked into Macron''s eyes. "You were number one on the list." He said with a gentle smile. "She talked about you often, even when the conversation wasn''t relevant." Tears welled in Macron''s eyes, and Helix turned around and opened the door. "I''ll leave you to it. Take care, Macron. We''ll talk soon." Helix closed the door behind him. Macron stared at the circle for a few minutes in silence before activating it. Tears streamed from his eyes as he listened. Macronughed at points and became flushed with embarrassment. When he finished listening to the recording, he carefully wrapped the battle disc in a scarf Tyrene gave him. He stared at the wrapped circle for a full minute with tears rolling down his cheeks. Then he unlocked a drawer in his desk, removed every item, and ced the circle in its new home. Finally, he locked it up, defused the light circles in the room, and closed the door. There was nothing but love in his eyes as he left. "I''ll miss you, Master Tyrene." Macron choked. "I promise to take care of the boy. It''s a tall order, but I don''t want you to use my intestines as a jump rope when I see you next. So I''ll do my best." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 134 [Difficulty Increase] Helix read the words on his interface with shock in his eyes. ¡ª "Quest Update: Difficulty Increased." ¡ª His eyes trembled, and he continued reading the words. "Quest Updated: Quest: Save the Alzerian Capital from a biblical-grade death blender level attack. Description: Alzeria is being treated to some gifts, courtesy of the Mad Queen. Rise to the asion and save the Earthian Knights and the Kingdom from despair." When he read the reasoning, he closed his eyes in anger. "Update Reason: The original gifts were the Thyme Knights, which the Mad Queen was luring to Alzeria. Quest taker lured the Thyme Knights himself and did not allow for ample preparations for a death blender extravaganza. As a result, the quest cannot be sealed by the Myriad Record." Helix took deep breaths to contain his rage. Hepleted the quest, but it didn''t satisfy the record? What a joke. Those were the only thoughts going through his head. "Quest Update Description: One fifth-order Colossus, ten third-evolution monsters, and five hundred second-evolution monsters between Levels 60-120 will arrive near the Alzeria Capital on the 31st, four weeks from tomorrow. Complete the task of destroying the monster horde in any way you wish, at any time. The location and movement of the monsters are provided¡­." Myriad Record Amendment Justification: Satisfies requirement for the original quest. [Save the Alzerian Capital from a biblical-grade death blender level attack]." Helix''s eyes trembled. "Quest Rewards¡ª" Helix closed his interface. "Fuck your rewards." He seethed under his breath. "Helix¡­." Marie called out sleepily. "Shhhh. Get back to bed, sweetheart." He whispered. Marie wrapped her body around his in a spooning position. Her bare thigh moved up his. She hugged him tightly. "... please tell me." She whispered in the darkness. Helix wrapped his left arm around her body and pulled her chest into his. "Can I tell you all tomorrow?" He asked in a low tone. "I¡­. Yes." Marie whispered. "But¡­ I won''t sleep. I can feel your heartbeat racing." Marie ran her hand across his bare chest slowly. His heart was racing, and feeling her hand against his chest made her realize it. "I¡­." Helix whispered. Marie gilded her hand up to his neck and traced it to his mouth. Then she cupped his cheek and moved his face to her lips. "Then, can you keep mepany?" She asked with a whisper. Helix pulled and connected their lips. She pushed her tongue into his mouth, and the two shared a short yet passionate kiss. Marie was wearing an ultra-soft shirt and pink Silph Silk pajama shorts withrge white polka dots. The silky texture was rubbing higher onto his legs. Helix''s heart started pounding for another reason. "I love you, Helix." She whispered in his ear. [A/N: Do you want a sex scene? Y/N.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 135 [***Rewards] Marie wasn''t wearing a bra and her soft breasts pressed against his chest. His breathing increased in pace. She turned her body so it wasying on top of him and did her best to keep quiet and not wake Charlotte, sleeping on his right. p The two connected lips again. His body was giving off the perfect amount of body heat. Helix traced her sides with his left until it reached the Silph Silk pajama shorts. The loose booty shorts didn''t restrict his hands at all. They parted when the back of his hands touched them, allowing him to move and touch her bare skin without restriction. When he reached her lower thigh, he wrapped his hand around her leg and slowly ran his hand up until his hand waspletely in her shorts. Marie passionately kissed him as he grabbed her ass and squeezed lightly. She released her mouth enough to moan lightly before returning her lips. Her gaze became more intense. Helix seemed more attractive to her, and he had an abstract glow that made him look like a god. It was visible, but it wasn''t. She couldn''t put it into words. "Helix¡­." Marie whispered in a mesmerized state. Helix slipped his hand in further and traced his middle finger up her lips. Her body shivered in ecstasy when he stopped at her clit. "I love you, too, Marie." He whispered between a kiss. Helix pressed his middle finger against her lips. "Mn~" She moaned nearly inaudibly. He would [feel] her excitement. It was a story told with her breathing, her heart beating beyond her chest, and the warm, passionate sensation his hand was experiencing between her legs. Helix rubbed vertically between the top and bottom of her clit before stopping his fingertip on it and moving it in a circr motion. "Ahhh~" Marie gasped and helped back her desire to express her pleasure. Her silk pajama shorts rubbed against his wrist. Helix loved those shorts. It excited him knowing that she was covered, yet her entire body was freely essible to him. They covered more than panties on the outside, but they covered nothing if you touched them lightly. The pajamas were an illusion, a magic trick only shown to him, and it excited him. It was sensual and exciting. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley wore them nightly after learning how much he liked them. After feeling their heavenlyfort, they would wear them nightly anyway and treasure the collection hemissioned from Samma. He started makingrger, keeper motions with the t of his finger. "Mmmmmn~" Her body was wet and sensitive to his every touch. She kept pressing her lips against his, but she moaned again within a second of their tongues meeting. "Ahhh~" Marie''s mind started going crazy. Whenever her body became hot, his body cooled her down. If she lost focus, his body seemed to heat up. It was as though they were connected, and Helix''s body reacted to hers. She wanted to throw herself against him and climb on top. Recently she was feeling inspired by Charlotte. Helix''s gentle sex with her was always perfect. But now, her passion, her desire, and lust were growing. Helix made her feel more lustful¡ªprimal¡ªand she wished to release that tension. "I want you inside me so bad¡­." Marie whined softly. Helix put his mouth against her ear. "I want that too. Who cares if we wake everyone?" He whispered seductively. "But¡­." Marie replied breathlessly. "Don''t worry. Charlotte and Riley will dly wake up if they aren''t already." He chuckled. Marie looked at Helix with frustration. "I want you all to myself." She pouted in sexual frustration. Her red hair ran down her shoulder, and her body was on fire. "I want you excluuuuu¡ªahhh~" Helix cut off her words by switching his motions to his index finger and pushing his middle finger inside her body. Marie gasped for air, and Charlotte started rustling. "You better keep it together then. I won''t wake them on purpose, so it''s up to you~" Helix whispered with a devious grin. "This is on puuuuuur¡ªahhhhhh~" Marie gasped again and cupped her mouth. "I''m sorry, did you say something?" He asked yfully. "You''re a bull~ieee~" Marie''s body started squirming. His hand was deep in her pajama shorts, and he saw her ying her body like an instrument. "Do you want me to stop?" Helix asked with a smile. "I¡­. ah~" Marie gasped. Helix put his mouth to her ear. "Marie. I want to be inside of you." Marie''s body shivered with ecstasy, and her body obeyed without her thinking. She grabbed Helix''s wrist and pulled his fingers out of her pajama shorts. Her body trembled, just moving him. Once she was free, she pressed against the body to give her leverage and pushed herself onto her knees. Her breasts were on the ground, and her ass was up in a yoga pose. She grabbed a long lock of hair and tucked it behind her ear on her stretched-out arms. Helix watched the motion with a satisfied expression. Marie started crawling back under the covers until she reached his knee level. She carefully navigated around Charlotte''s body and grabbed onto Helix''s boxers. Once they were in her hand, she gently pulled them off him. While she had aplished her goal, she stared at his erect body with lust in her eyes. Her body heated up, her thighs became wet, and her breathing became shallow. Helix didn''t understand why Marie hadn''t returned yet. He wished she would let him rip off the covers and¡ª "Oh~" Helix''s eyes widened, and his mind went nk. Marie glided her fingertips on his body lightly, almost to the point of tickling, but his entire body shivered. Marie''s breathing increased. "Ah¡­." She dry-swallowed and let her body debate over what she wanted to do. Helix waited for her to return, climb on top, and put him into her body. However, her recent sex drive was driving her into madness. "I don''t think you''llin." She whispered seductively as she slowly wrapped her hand around his base with only her thumb and index. Helix''s eyes rolled backward. The suspense and anticipation were killing him. He couldn''t see her, and he couldn''t move without waking Charlotte or Riley. Following Charlotte''s example, she would touch the tip of her tongue at the bottom and trace it to the tip slowly. However, she was inspired and wanted to give him a surprise. Marie lifted her head against the covers to give herself space. She moved her head above his tip, opened her mouth wide, and inserted his penis as deep as possible before wrapping her tongue on it and sucking passionately. Helix''s body melted. She had masterfully led him from no sensation into full pleasure instantly. Marie sucked in without moving for a moment, rolling her tongue around his shaft. Helix''s thoughts became disorganized, and his head pushed against his pillow. The amount of self-control necessary to keep from waking Charlotte and Riley was monumental. Marie moved her mouth back to the top, released it, and repeatedly circled her tongue around the tip. Helix''s body shivered. He felt like she was treating him with a true [reward]. However, she wasn''t thinking about anything. Marie was in a trance. She was engrossed in what she was doing, and it felt like their pleasure was connected. Going down on a partner gives pleasure by pleasing, but it wasn''t something the giver desired above sex. But she wanted it and didn''t care about [anything] else. She released her mouth, let the tip of her tongue touch the very bottom of the base, and slowly ran her tongue up his shaft. Once she reached the top, she turned her head and inserted his shaft into her mouth without stopping. "Haaaaaaaah~" Helix''s breath becamebored. Marie''s motions were picking up speed, and her coordination was increasing. Her hand was gliding up and down his shaft lightly, twisting in a full motion. Helix''s heart was pounding. He was bing conflicted. His body was begging him to continue until climax. However, it waste, and he would bezy if they didn''t satisfy each other. He closed his eyes and enjoyed her tongue rolling around his body. After a few more seconds, he reached under the covers to glide her back up. Marie looked at Helix with confusion as she emerged. "Were you not enjoying it?" She asked with a flushed expression. Helix pulled his lips to her ears. "I was enjoying it too much. If you kept going, I would have came before pleasing you." He whispered. Marie''s body shivered in ecstasy, but not because she was grateful. She was thrilled to know he was enjoying it. She moved her lips to his ears and glided her hand past his belly button. "Did you enjoy it?" Marie asked breathlessly. "Marie. I''ll do anything you ask tomorrow if you let me be selfish and treat me." He whispered with a pleading smile. He was mentally broken and couldn''t convince anyone otherwise. Marie''s eyes widened in pleasant surprise, and she shed him a dazzling smile. "You don''t have to do any~thing for me." She whispered with sensual breathing. Helix closed his eyes with confused gratitude. "Because I want this right now¡­ no, I [need] this right now." "Marie. My body is yours. You have free reign." Marie''s eyes lit up in excitement. Helix tugged on the bottom of her shirt helplessly. He couldn''t move his right arm, so he looked like a lost child. His obvious desire for her increased Marie''s excitement exponentially. "Your wish is mymand." She whispered. Marie bit her bottom lip, crossed her arms, grabbed the bottom of her loose shirt, and pulled up off her body. Her abs glowed, and the bottom of her shirt glided up her arched rib cage. She looked like a real goddess in the moonlight. Marie''s shirt got caught on her breasts, and she tugged, helping the shirt over them. She had perfectly proportioned breasts with perfect mid-tone pink nipples. He pulled her chest to his body. Sheplied with pleasure. He opened his mouth and rolled his tongue on one of her nipples. "Mn~" Marie''s sexual lust increased again. Before he could move to the other, she pushed her hands against his chest to lift her body. She stared at him with a teasing gaze. Helix was let down, but he instantly stopped caring when he saw her returning below the covers. Marie smoothly gilded her hand around his base, lifted his penis, and put it in her mouth in one fluid motion. The sudden shock made Helix jolt in pleasure. Marie kept up the pressure, pushing his shaft deeper and deeper. For the first time, she deep-throated him. Helix shivered with shock in his eyes. He had never experienced what she was doing. Charlotte had introduced him to almost everything, and if she didn''t do something, he never asked. Marie''s eyes lit up when she felt his shocked reaction. It made her excited. Her heart pounded, and her thighs rubbed together. Marie closed her eyes and listened to Helix''s breathing. It was getting faster and moreborious. She felt every shivering twitch that Helix made and reacted to it. Her excitement and anticipation were building. Marie moved progressively faster, pushing him in and out of her mouth at the speed his body reacted to most. Her tongue teased him, pushing him to the edge and then letting up. The more Helix''s body shivered, the more excited she became. Her legs were dripping, and her excitement boiled over. "I¡­." Helix whispered while lifting the covers slightly. His breathing was strained and shallow. Marie sped up unnaturally to tell him she heard him. She just let her mouth do the talking. Helix''s heart started beating louder. Marie followed his rhythm. His breathing became faster. Marie''s mouth increased in speed. "I''m going to cum¡­." Helix whispered. Marie''s body shivered with ecstasy at the words. She was engrossed in the activity. Her heart started pounding. Marie wanted a [reward]. Her thighs were rubbing against one another in excitement. "I''m going to cum¡­." "I''m going to cum¡­." Helix''s body twitched, but Marie held him down with her left hand. She wouldn''t let him stop her or hold her back. His breathing increased. Her mouth picked up speed. Helix moaned in pleasure. Her passion grew. "I''m going to cum¡­ I''m going to cum¡­ I''m going to cum¡­." Marie''s excitement reached a fever pitch. "I''m going to cum, gonna cum, gonna¡ª" Hot liquid shot into Marie''s mouth. She never liked the taste of cum, but she wanted all of it that night. Marie let her mouth fill up and used her hand to push as much cum out of him as possible. It was her reward, and she epted it greedily. She felt like a sex fiend. But she loved it. As long as Helix didn''t mind it, she wouldn''t deny herself her pleasure. She enjoyed the texture and was aroused by the taste. Knowing it was [Helix''s] cum made her body tremble in desire. Marie released her mouth slowly, keeping it in her mouth when she moved up. A bridge of cum connected her mouth and his tip. She was reminded of the night she lost her virginity to Helix. Charlotte''s ending and Helix''s reaction¡ªher body heated up thinking about it. Marie pushed herself out of the covers and waited for eye contact in a trance. When Helix saw her, he immediately wanted a kiss but froze. Their eyes made contact. Marie swallowed. Chapter 136 [***Conquest] Helix''s body shivered in sexual pleasure and ted confusion. Marie, the pure woman, was acting like Charlotte. ¡ªand he loved it. Helix pulled Marie up and pressed his mouth against her breasts. "Ah~" He didn''t care if anyone woke up. His mind was simr to a beast''s. He slid his left hand into her pajama shorts with her breast in his mouth. "He¡­ lix¡­." Marie whispered. "I¡­. We¡­. I was treeeeea~" Helix ignored her and separated her lips. He used the base of two fingers to kneed her clit. "Ahhhh~" Helix released his left hand and pressed his fingers around a small ck tattoo above her pelvis. The tattoo glowed and lit up the area. Charlotte had been awake for¡­ most of it. She was happily listening to the passion unfolding. It wasn''t what she wanted, but she understood the desire to have Helix alone. So she waited and allowed them the opportunity. However, she was getting restless when Helix''s aggressive passion. Helix pulled Marie on top of his body into a full straddle. He released his right hand from Charlotte, who he knew was awake. When Marie was on him, he moved her pajama shorts out of the way of her lips. Marie grabbed his shaft from the back and inserted it into his shorts. The moment Helix''s tip pressed against her lips, she fell on top of him. Her legs gave out. There was no resistance. "Ahhhhhhh~" So much passion, frustration, and pleasure. Marie bit her bottom lip. She could feel him deep inside of her. Her hips started rotating. Helix''s eyes rolled back with pleasure. He looked at Charlotte, breathing heavily and trying to keep herself together. Helix slid his arm between her head on the pillow. When he was on the other side of her body, he rubbed his hand against her chest. "Mmmmmmn~" Charlotte moaned as she released some sexual tension. Helix tugged at her so she''d turn around. Her mind froze when she met his gaze, and her body started melting. The pure lust in his eyes caused her body to tremble. Something about him was driving her mad upon seeing him. Her thighs rubbed together, and his breathing increased. Helix gently grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him. It was gentle but demanding. It said [please] while being non-negotiable. Charlotteplied with pleasure. "Ahhhhhhhhh~" Marie moaned. With Charlotte up, she didn''t have to worry about waking anyone. Riley was already awake and enjoying the sounds. With Charlotte joining in, she no longer had to hold back. She had put her hand in her light blue pajama shorts, yed with herself, and waited for Helix to call upon her like he always did. Even though the other two''s ravenous treatment exhausted him, he always involved her. He also pleased her exclusively once a week because she was alwaysst. It wasn''t intentional; Charlotte and Marie were always the initiators, so it naturally happened. Charlotte crawled on her hands and knees over to Helix in a trance. "What would you like from me, sir?" She asked with a seductive voice. Helix took deep breaths and tried to think things through. "Just¡­e here." Helix grabbed her waist and rotated her body mid-air with one hand without resistance. "Ah!" Charlotte giggled. Charlotte was thrilled by the boldness. Then the two were nowying side by side, and Helix pulled her onto his chest. Her breasts pushed against him passionately. "Kiss me." Charlotte shivered in ecstasy at the soft demand. It was a side that was usually only shown to her. "Ahhh~ Ahhhhhhhhh~" The sound of Marie moaning was filling the room. Charlotte loved the sound. Riley was reacting to it. It made their excitement grow. Charlotte grabbed Helix''s face and pressed her mouth against his aggressively. She pushed her tongue into his mouth. They made out while listening to Marie scream in pleasure. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh~" The four Level 5 Circle of Secrecy spells were proof that Helix was a certified Circle Master. Tilo gave him the honor, and it became official when they returned to Alzeria. Now he showcased his power by allowing Marie to scream at full volume in a hallway full of jealous super-otakus who hadn''t moved out. When she pulled away, she gave him an evil smile. "How am I doing?" Helix didn''t answer. He pushed his arms into her shirt and ran his hands onto her breasts. "Mmmn~ I see~" Charlotte had a dazzling smile on her face. Helix yed with her body with pleasure. Marie started rocking his back, speeding up her strokes. Helix pulled Charlotte onto his body so she saw her straddling his stomach. When she was on him, he ran his fingers up her thighs. "Mmmn~ I like Mr. H." Helix grinned in satisfaction as he pulled her shorts up high. He grabbed her ass and matched her breathing. Then he moved his fingers around the front, put his hand into her purple sick pajama shorts, and put his finger on her lips. "Ahhhhhhhhh~" Marie moaned in ecstasy. However, Helix didn''tmit to Charlotte. "Hmmm. Is Hellie holding my sexual frustration hostage, mayhaps?" She asked with her finger on her lips. "Yes. What are you going to do about it?" "Ahhhhhhhhh~" Marie moaning didn''t bother her until Helix deprived her of sexual gratification. "I don''t know. Are you willing to negotiate, Mr. H.?" She whispered in his ears. "I''m listening." He whispered with an evil smile. Charlotte wanted to y his game like chess, but his fingers were pressing against her lips. It was impossible to think when the anticipation was so high. "Ah~ Ahhh~ Ahhhhhhhhh~" Charlotte''s mind started bending in frustration. "Are you in the market for sexual delights or something else?" She asked hurriedly. Helix breathed heavily. "I like sexual delights." He replied, using her yful mannerisms against her. Charlotte''s body shivered in excitement at his affirmation. He pushed his middle finger just a little bit. It almost spread her lips but didn''t. "Freak~ie, sensual, y~ful, cos~y, or perhaps you want to try something~new?" Charlotte asked seductively in his ear. "Ah~ Ahhh~ Ahhhhhhhhh~" Marie moaned again. "I like new." He replied with the same yful smile. "Ah! Ahhhh~ " Helix pushed his middle finger into Charlotte''s lips and tapped her clit once. She wasn''t expecting it, so the surprise was explosive. "Re~wards, huh?" Charlotte gasped. Her eyes were ravenous, and she was willing to do anything to release her painful anticipation. "Ahh~ Ahhhh~ Ahhhhhhhhhhh~" Marie''s ecstasy was reaching new heights. Despite cumming, his conversation with Charlotte made his body as stiff and passionate as possible. He was flexing to bring her random surprises and could feel his excitement. She was never so grateful for sharing his attention before. "Yes. I''m giving you rewards for things I like. Do you not like it?" Helix asked yfully. Charlotte grinned at him. "I love it." She replied with greedy eyes. "Ahh~ Ahh~ Ahh~ Ahh~ Ahhhh~" Marie changed positions, and her breasts were bouncing. "So¡­ new?" He asked between heavy breaths. If he hadn''t alreadye and restarted prematurely, he would be incapable of thinking. Charlotte pushed her finger to her lips in thought. Then she pressed her lips to his ears. "Would~you like¡­. to put it in my ass, mayhaps?" Helix''s eyes widened in astonishment. He looked at Charlotte. "You''re not ying with me?" "There''s only one way to find out." Charlotte coaxed with a grin. Then she glided her hand over his top and put her lips on his ear. "Negotiationplete?" Charlotte asked while putting pressure on the hand pressing against her lips. Her message was simple: I was being serious, and I couldn''t back out. Helix opened Charlotte''s lips and yed with her clit with deep pressure. "Mmmmmmmn~" Charlotte moaned. "Ahhh~ Ahhhhh~ Ahhhhhhhhhhhh~" Marie cried. Helix was flexing below to create variation and randomness for Marie. "Mn~" Riley moaned lightly. Helix pulled Charlotte onto his body so that his lips were next to her ear. "Let me finish off Marie so I can give you the same amount of attention as we had before." Charlotte shivered andplied with enthusiasm. "You wish is mymand." She crawled off him seductively. Helix reached forward and grabbed Marie''s hips. She was surprised to see him without Charlotte but couldn''t think. Helix pulled her down onto him. Then he nted the balls of his feet into the bed, ran his hands in her pink pajama shorts, grabbed her ass, and started thrusting. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh~" Marie moaned at full volume. Helix grinned, knowing that he created the Level 5 Circle of Secrecy circles, and let them express themselves to the fullest. "Ahh~ Ahh~ Ahh~ Ahh~ Ahhhhhhhhhhhh~" Marie cried out in pleasure. Helix thrust melodically, matching her breathing. "Helix! Ahhh~" "What?" "I lo¡ªAhhhhhh~" "I lo?" He chuckled. "I loooooo¡ªAhhhhhhhhhhhhh~" He wouldn''t let her finish. "Helix! Ahhh~ Ahhhhh~ Ahhhhhhhhhhhh~" Marie''s face was filled with extreme pleasure. "Helix! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh~" "Helix! I''m¡­. Ahhh~" "I''m¡­ I''m gonna¡­ Ahhhh~" Marie''s breasts were bouncing, her red hair was a mess, and she was glistening from sweat. "I''m¡­ Ahhhh~.... Going¡­.Ahhhhhhh~.... To¡ª" Marie''s body started shaking. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh~hhhhhh~hhhhh~" Her body started shaking, and she fell onto his body, twitching. Helix stared at her with a proud grin on his face. Riley had turned to them a minute ago, and her face was flushed with embarrassment. She was so engrossed she felt fiendish. The night''s atmosphere and Helix''s boundless confidence drove her into a thoughtless frenzy. Riley saw Helix as a sex god seeking conquest that night. His body radiated with an alluring aura, and his appearance felt more handsome and refined. It made her feel greedy, and if Charlotte hadn''t already imed his attention, she would be crawling over. Helix pushed Marie''s hips, and her legs became shaky as she held Helix out of her body. Every motion was sensitive to the point of being torturous. Being on him was a trial, and getting him out of her was a trial by fire. When Marie was finally off him, she copsed onto the bed on her side. She looked at him with exhausted, satisfied eyes. Her breathing wasbored, and sweat covered her body. Marie''s state was truly pitiful, and she and Helix both loved the sight. Charlotte and Riley did too. Her condition set their lust and excitement aze. ¡ª [A/N: The sex scene ends here but it may return. Think about it¡­ if this scene was with Charlotte¡­ it''d be a normal sex scene, yeah? XD Riley wouldn''t do this. That''s why it''s Marie. Plus¡­ when you read Charlotte''s virginity story, this scene would be disrespectful. There are two chapters for it. There''s a reason you haven''t read it yet. Thank you for reading and enjoying [Nightmare] as the story unfolds.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 137 [Bitter Pill] "I¡­ have so many questions¡­ but¡­." "I can''t think¡­." "Me either¡­." "Haaaaaaah. Thank¡­ god¡­." "Hah, this is [your] fault¡­." "Are¡­ huuuuh¡­ youin¡­ing?" "No¡­oh~" "You''ll¡­ probably¡­ need to ah¡­activate¡­ the sleep circle¡­." "Good¡­ haaah¡­ idea¡­." "Magic¡­ huuuuh¡­ convenience makes¡­ modern solutions¡­ feel like a joke¡­." "Riiiii¡­ght¡­?" "Yeah¡­ no wonder this ce¡­ hasn''t caught up¡­ technologically in fifty¡­ thousand years¡­." "I¡­ think it''s¡­ haaah¡­ wonderful." "Hah¡­ me, too." "I''m activating it now¡­ see you in three hours." "Hah... Not like that''s¡­ going to put a dent¡­ in our¡­ haaaah¡­ recovery¡­." "Shhhh¡­ imagine¡­ trying to face tomorrow¡­ in our current condition¡­." "Hahaha¡­ I''m calling in sick¡­." "Youdies¡­ I swear¡­." A bright light under the bed glowed pink. A few secondster, they drifted away. A few secondster, they were greeted by a light shock of electricity. "Ahhhh~" "Whaa~" "I¡­. Ah~" "Haaaaah, okay, we''re up, we''re up!" "Don''t y the victim¡­ You set the thing¡­ up!" "Heh. I guess that''s valid." The sleep circle makes falling asleep too abrupt and unexpected. So when a person wakes up, it doesn''t feel like time has passed. They were awake, and now they''re awake. It''s disorienting. The spell also makes the person [shut down to wake up tomorrow] mindset go haywire. Helix and his partners used the circle for the first time to ensure they could sleep before training one day. Tyrene kicked their door down and punished them with brutal training when they didn''t wake up. Since then, Helix created an rm system using an electric spell but modified it so that it didn''t hurt. But the resulting feeling was¡­ awkward. "Okay, let''s get up. I have some news for you." Helix sighed. Charlotte yawned while puffing out her bare chest and stretching one arm in the air. Helix found her daily morning stretch cute. Marie rubbed her eyes, and Riley tried to sit up gracefully as usual. However, she found herself on the struggle bus and fell backward. She could sit fine, but she wasn''t prepared. It was the feeling you get when you expect a door to be light but end up crashing into a heavy door. Helix chuckled when he saw her embarrassed face. "What''s the news, chief?" Charlotte asked sleepily. "That¡­." He got off the bed hurriedly and walked over to the Circle of Secrecy. It worked for twelve hours and had a cooldown period of six hours. Helix sighed a breath of relief, knowing he didn''t activate it until 10 PM and it would keep active for three hours. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley''s eyes shot open. They spent every moment they were allowed to be with each other together. His tone alone alerted them that his news was serious. Seeing him checking the Circle of Secrecy circles was rming. Helix took a deep breath and thanked Tilo for his training. The circle was extremely effective but impossible to trace or activate even if he did have the 300 spirit particles necessary to activate it. Now, their bedroom was the safest ce in the kingdom to talk. "We identallypleted the quest yesterday." Helix said with a low voice. All of their eyes widened in shock. Charlotte was about to jump in celebration. However, everyone saw that Helix wasn''t celebrating. His face was telling them the opposite. "Since the original quests requirements were not satisfied, the Myriad Record rejected thepletion, updated the quest, and increased the difficulty." Helix sighed. "W-What? How is that fair!?" Marie cried. "I don''t understand¡­." Rileymented in a low voice. "That fucking monsterfeliac just wants Helix to suffer. I can''t wait to cunt punch that fucking¡ª" "Please calm down, Charlotte." Helix chuckled with a desperate expression. Charlotte took a deep breath and looked down aggressively. She was angry but didn''t want the [reason] for her anger to be troubled by her [support]. "Thank you." He added while closing his eyes. "I feel just like you do. I''m angry enough to simp hook Elise and release her to my beautiful yanderes''." The women giggled with poisonced eyes. "Simp hook?" Charlotte giggled with a bewildered expression. "Yes. It''s when a woman sees a male attack and realizes their opponent''s boundless respect for women doesn''t apply to people trying to kill him." Helix sighed. "I call that a simp hook because it bothers me that it requires a justification." The women burst intoughter. "You''re qui~te the gentleman." Charlotte cried with tears streaming down her eyes. "Thank you, Charlotte." Helix replied while taking a bow. "My policy is to not physically or mentally abuse anyone because it''s wrong. It equally bothers me that this policy still isn''tmon-sense and required multiple movements to justify. I am abusing no one; Elise is trying to kill me; she will doubtlessly attack me when I see her; therefore, she shall receive a simp hook." Helix was using the voice and mannerisms of a charming gentleman. Combined with his rational yet spiteful rhetoric, his performance becameedic gold to them. Giggles burst forth as if a broken floodgate released them. "I''m conflicted about which side of that argument is more important to your personality." Marie mused while wiping light tears from her eyes. "The characteristic exasperation with unpragmatic people, or the uncharacteristic willingness to hurt someone." The women started debating the topic cheerfully. Helix smiled when he saw the mood had returned to normal. He didn''t like to see the three angry or in pain. They were his support, so even if things got bad, he wanted them to be positive for everyone''s sake. Once the debates and giggling stopped, Marie turned back to Helix. "Now that we''re calmed down, please tell us what the details are." Marie asked. Helix closed his eyes and nodded. "The original quest was to save the kingdom from the power-weebs meeting the super-otakus." Helix sighed. The women looked at him with perplexed expressions. Charlotte puffed out her cheeks, but Helix lifted his hand to request her patience. "The Mad Queen was supposed to orchestrate a scenario that pitted them off each other, and we were supposed to save the kingdom." He continued. "However, we brought the power-weebs to the kingdom with a warning letter. Once we defused the situation, there was no reason to save the kingdom, and therefore the Myriad Record didn''t ept the quest''s intention." "What¡­ was the quest''s intention?" Marie asked hesitantly. Helix let out a caustic chuckle that could eat through steel. "To, quote, [save the Alzerian Capital from a biblical-grade death blender level attack]." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley started panicking. "W-What does that mean?" Marie cried. Riley tried calming her down. "Wait! Helix¡­." Charlotte called out with fearful eyes. "Didn''t¡­ you say the difficulty was [increased]?" Helix gave them all a grave expression. "Yes. There will¡­ be a fourth-order Colossus and five hundred high-level second-order monsters." He sighed. "...." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley were shocked. After a minute of silence, Marie spoke up with a trembling voice. "Is the attack happening two days from now¡­." She asked. "Thankfully not. We''ve been given four weeks to prepare for the attack. We can use that time to establish rtionships with neighboring countries." Helix exined. "We''ve been given the route the monsters are taking, as the goal is to kill them at any time." A sigh of relief washed over everyone. "What are we going to do?" Marie asked with a low voice. Helix sighed with depleted eyes. "We''re going to train the super-otakus and powers-weebs." He chuckled bitterly. "Then we''ll need to¡­." All four wore wry smiles when they left the room. The idea they''d have to build up the power of the [already problematic] cultivators was a bitter pill to swallow. However, there was no choice, so they''d have to work harder. ? Much harder. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 138 [Training Preamble] "Good~morning!" Marie sang. Her natural beauty and presence triggered gawking gazes from the power-weebs that had never heard her speak. "Good morning, Fairie Marie!" The super-otakus replied in unison. Marie''s eyebrow twitched, but she regained herposure. The power-weebs caught on and enthusiastically joined in. "Good morning, Fairie Marie!" They yelled. "Deep breath, Marie." She whispered to herself. "Proud announcement!" Helix called out. Everyone stopped talking the instant his voice reached their ears. Helix sent a bitter chuckle inward. "If you turn around and face Mr. Stalkwalker, you''ll see a massive crack above its left eye." Everyone turned around quickly to stare at the skull behind them. It was the size of a yacht with a massive hull and had the same general shape because it belonged to a canine head. "Fairie Marie used an earth pike to smash that thing''s head!" Helix announced with a pleasant voice. "Its dazed state allowed mages and Knights to mp down its head and attack its spinal cord. She saved countless lives and ensured our victory by doing it!" "Noooooo way!" "That''s amazing!" "Wow!" "She must be strong!" "Strong and beautiful!" The otakus and weebs found a topic they all agreed about. It was helpful to their situation to promote unity. Marie''s eyes were trembling in a state of confliction. Once they lifted the view and epted that the situation was impossible, Helix and Tilo started praising her for preventing the Stalkwalker from getting up. In retrospect, that was a critical moment in the fight and allowed it to be hurt enough to eventually bleed out. "That''s right! She''s beautiful and strong!" Helix called out with a dazzling smile. The people turned around and smiled at him. He seemed much more¡­ approachable now, somehow. Helix snapped Marie out of her daze. He had a charismatic aura to him. She looked at Charlotte and Riley, who also looked mildly surprised. It was so subtle yet intangible. The experience felt simr to Ghost Walker Trigger with the slightest random output. It was unnoticeable, yet it drew a person in. "For that reason, the 88th Brigade of the Kozen Royal Army gave her the honorary title of War Goddess Marie!" Once the Knightsprehended his message, they started pping. The pping became louder, louder, and louder until the flood gate broke, and roaring cheers filled the stadium. "That''s right! Your leader is a War Goddess!" Helix affirmed. "She prefers the name Marie when spoken to directly, [but] if you wish to give her a title, address her by the official title she earned!" There was a proud smile on Helix''s face when he spoke the words. The Knights erupted into apuse. "War Goddess Marie!" "War Goddess Marie!" "War Goddess Marie!" Chanting took over the stadium. Helix felt nauseous on the inside, but he had no choice. He sent Marie an apologetic smile and she nodded in support. Beyond saving his partners from the humiliation, it was necessary. Removing cultivatornguage was an important challenge they''d have to ovee. RPGnguage was much more preferable in retrospect. Moreover, they were preparing their new [troops] for war. She was annoyed, but he was doing the right thing, and she was secretly pleased for [his] public praise. "War Goddess Charlotte earned her title when she leveled the creature with 100 G''s of gravity and set it on fire. War Goddess Riley earned her title when she took boulders from Marie''s earthquake and shredded its legs with a tornado. Give it up with your War Goddesses!" The Knights looked at the women with shock in their eyes. Everyone knew how powerful [Helix] was, but hearing the extent of the women''s power was mind-bending. They couldn''t believe it. However, when they saw Riley blush, everyone lost control. "War Goddess Charlotte! War Goddess Riley!" "War Goddess Charlotte! War Goddess Riley!" "War Goddess Charlotte! War Goddess Riley!" Satisfied by the result, he concluded the statement. "That''s all. Please continue, Marie." Everyone calmed down and was extremely excited to hear her words now. Marie was Helix''s girlfriend to the weebs and a super-otaku to their peers. However, now she was a War Goddess with unimaginable power, and they respected her as much as Helix. "T-Thank you." Marie stuttered when she realized it was her turn again. She bowed gracefully after collecting herself, and cheers followed. "Ahem. Good morning. Today, I''m pleased to announce that, alongside Macron and Lamath, we will be training you." Marie announced in a calm voice. The audience gasped in shock. "That includes the Thyme Knights." However, two secondster, explosive cheers rocked the arena. Macron and Lamath gave the group two sets of wide eyes. They had no idea what was going on. The group showed up yesterday unannounced, defused a bad situation, and then took full control without royal authority. So being told they''d be training the soldiers when they were here to fight an attack was bizarre and unnerving. Marie raised her hand to quell the excitement. "To rify, we''ll be training you until we join hands to fight the impending battle." She continued. "We won''t know how long that will be until we receive intel from our scouts in two days. However, whether it be a few days or a few months, we''ll train you to be fighters that can take down one of those things!" When Marie pointed at the Colossus, the stadium boomed with thunderous apuse. "Then, when you crush our impending enemy, you''ll get titles." She added sweetly with a dazzling smile. The Knights devolved into a frenzy. Many started chanting her name while other people started high-fiving one another. "I should warn you; the training will not be easy! We learned from the best, and that''s all we know now." Marie warned with a steady voice. The Knights calmed down, and nervousness took over again. "However, the training will make you strong, capable, and good-hearted warriors!" Cheers roared in the stadium once more. "Helix." Marie nodded with a dazzling smile. When the Knights heard Helix''s name, everyone quieted down instantly. Helix didn''t know whether he liked that or not. He wanted to be approachable by nature, but his light novel leadership skills only took him as far as speeches and authority. So it was probably best if people feared him. At least a little. "Listen up! Right now, you''re a pack of super-otakus and power-weebs!" He called out. Everyone blushed or cringed at the titles. "However! After we''re done training you, you will be given an official title. Do you know what that title is?" Helix asked with a grin. The crowd looked around awkwardly, hoping to see if there was a brave leader to answer. After a dramatic pause, Helix announced¡ª "Cheat Knight!" He roared. Stunned silence followed. Then there was a chuckle. A cackle. Followed by augh. Suddenly the entire arena exploded withughter, cheers, and war cries. Macron and Lamath looked at one another with confused expressions. "Cheat?" Lamath asked. "Don''t look at me. It''s a bad thing here too." Macron replied. Helix and his partners chucked when they saw the inaudible shrugs from the teachers. "That''s right! If youplete your training, you''ll stop being super-otakus, power-weebs, Knights, Earthians, and other boring names." He chuckled. "You will officially be part of the Cheats! Who wants to embrace the status they expected when they got here!?" Helix raised his arms in the air, and a wave of battle cries washed over the crowd. Macron and Lamath understood that the improper usage of [cheat] was deadly and not kind-hearted and celebratory. Both swallowed nervously. "There are even a few of you who might obtain the official title of¡­." Helix panned his gaze slowly to make eye contact with as many Earthians as possible. "Broken." Murderous battle cries exploded from the arena. Anyone within a kilometer of the stadium could hear the sound. Eliza had used a Circle of Vanity to sneak into the stadium. She heard that Helix had returned ahead of schedule and was [leading] people. When she asked Macron, the man said the Earthians were as docile as newborn puppies around a wolf. Curious, she collected her Royal Guards and moved into the area to see the new policies being enacted. However, as she was nearing the gate, the cries became ecstatic. Helix said [broken], and all hell broke loose when she walked through the archway. Her guards'' faces paled when they heard the Earthians releasing murderous battle cries that rivaled their official army. "Mam¡­ we should leave, this doesn''t sound safe." A guard said. "Hmmm¡­ just wait ten seconds." Eliza requested. They had barely made it around a massive, round whitish-yellow boulder and were peering out. Helix glided his eyes to the right and saw them. When he saw Eliza in her original disguise, he chuckled inwardly. He saw the pale faces of the guards and understood he needed to act fast. Helix leaned over into Marie''s ear. "Princess Eliza has entered the stadium in disguise. So let me take over." He whispered. Marie''s eyes widened in shock. "What are you going to do¡­." She whispered. "You''ll see." Helix replied with a slight smile. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 139 [Eliza’s Gift] Helix raised his hand to call for silence, and the arena became deathly quiet. "That''s right! We will train you to defend your home and your ally''s home from harm! A select few defenders of the Alzerian Kingdom [may] earn the official titles of Cheat Knight and Broken Cheat Knight." He reiterated with his hand still raised. The excitement was boiling over, and the silence was strained. "To be part of the Cheat Elite, you must do three things. First, you must protect the Alzerian Kingdom, its people, Queen, and Princess with your life! Cheat characters get stronger by protecting what''s important to them! They never back down from a fight! They''ll face ten, one hundred, a thousand monsters with a smile¡­." Helix panned the audience during a dramatic pause for ultimate effect. "AND WIN!" Battle cries reverberated through the stadium. Eliza grinned. She made eye contact with Helix, and three secondster, he told them to [protect her] with their lives. Macron and Lamath sighed breaths of relief. "Yes! That is what a Cheat is! So to be one, you need to prove you are one! Who thinks they have what it takes to be called a Cheat!?" Murderous cries rang out. Eliza turned to her guards with a smug face and forced them to move towards the stands. Helix sweated, knowing the group was about to [see] what that white structure was. "Let''s give you an example!" Helix announced. Everyone quieted down. "The princess of Alzeria, Princess Eliza, helped me escape with my life four months ago. It''s because of [her] that I''m alive." Hushed silence washed over the stadium. Whispers started specting about it. The super-otakus and power-weebs listened with bated breath. Even as a master actor, Eliza had to resist blushing. Helix was the only person she could honestly call a friend. They grew reasonably close when he was in Alzeria. She spent time talking to him daily, worked with him to save the Capital, and then kissed him to save his life. Not mouth to mouth; her charm required a kiss. He left 1000 miles away, barely survived, and then she got a letter telling her that he wasing [back] to fight for the kingdom. [Now] he was engaging deadly creatures threatening the kingdom¡ªto destroy monsters. Yet, they were suddenly docile and dered to [protect her] with their lives! It was a lot to process. "Three days before people tried to assassinate me, people ckmailed me into a deathmatch at Level 1 when they were level 18." The power-weebs gasped. "Guess what? I''m still alive! I won that damn deathmatch and saved that idiot''s life!" His super-otaku allies started pping, and soon everyone followed in a massive round of apuse. Helix chuckled and panned the group. "Princess Eliza arranged to get me out of the Kingdom to safety the next day." He continued. "The day before leaving, still fresh from surviving an assassination attempt, people stabbed me. She got me out of the city and sent doctors, teachers, and resources with me. I haven''t forgotten about that! I vowed to never return to the ce where I almost died three times, lost a lover, and experienced daily pain." Everyone listened with awe-filled expressions. Eliza was tearing up slightly, and his words were moving her guards. The group had stopped moving when they heard him speaking, so they didn''t see the Stalkwalker skull yet. "However, after the kindness of Princess Eliza showed me, not only did I return to protect this wonderful kingdom¡­." Helix paused with a wide grin. "I¡­ haha¡­ thought about what gift I''d bring back¡­ that would be big enough¡­ haha¡­ to show my appreciation¡­ haha¡­." The Knightsughed in minor confusion. "Let me ask you¡­ haha¡­ do you think my [gift] is big enough?" The Earthian Knights turned around to face the legendary jaws of the Colossus. Once everyone understood, the stadium erupted intoughter. Eliza and her guards were confused about what he was talking about. They looked at the white thing that was directly in front of them. The group decided to move to the stands while theughter was urring. When the first guard turned around, he became pale as the blood drained from his face. Eliza hurried up the steps and turned around. Helix watched the young woman tremble in shock with an evil grin. He was sending it to the crowd but directing it at her. "When I first heard that a 357-foot, fifth-order Level 387 Stalkwalker Colossus came out from hibernation and was offered a chance to fight, do you know what I said?" Helix asked. The crowd murmured with excitement. Helix grinned and panned the crowd. "I said, did you just say a 357-foot, fifth-order Level 387 Stalkwalker Colossus came out of hibernation? Cut the political bullshit. Just say [death woke up] like a reasonable human being so I can tell you to piss off with style!" The super-otakus and power-weebs nearly doubled overughing. Many were clutching their sides. Eliza''s guards were shocked into a stupor but broke out when they saw their princess giggling like a schoolgirl. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley were grinning. ? Helix [would] have said that if [Tyrene] didn''t order him to. What he [really] said was "understood." "But then I thought about it and started checking things off the list. Large enough to destroy a country¡­ Kozen is an ally of Alzeria¡­ Kozen is only a month away from Alzeria¡­." Helix muttered under his breath. "So dangerous to Alzeria¡­ check! Massive¡­ check! shy¡­ check! Risk my life to get it¡­ check! On the way to Alzeria¡­ check! This Colossus skull could be the only giftrge enough to repay my gratitude to the person that saved my life! Know what? I''m in!" Theughter in the crowd became painful. Eliza looked at the beast with wide eyes. He never told Alzeria that he fought the Stalkwalker directly or was heavily involved with its takedown. So he wasn''t sure what the kingdom or Eliza knew. However, he could tell by her dumbstruck expression that she was processing it for the first time. "Cheat hopefuls! This story reflects the ideals you must have to be a Cheat Knight or Broken Cheat Knight!" Helix announced. The crowd calmed after hearing his words, and a new form of excitement was taking root. "We four went through grueling training, chose to fight for something we cared about, and fought an enemy that was beyond our means!" Excitement was boiling over, and Marie, Charlotte, and Riley were wearing bright smiles. "We never backed down, people died, and we almost lost our lives! That is not an exaggeration. That''s a fact!" Helix roared. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley developed wry smiles. The crowd hushed when they saw their faces. "However! We fought with our lives on the line even though it wasn''t our country¡­." Helix turned to face them. "AND WON!" Thunderous apuse boomed in the stadium. "That''s what being a Cheat is about! It''s about having overwhelming power but knowing how to use it! Protecting those you love! Fighting for others! It''s about training and obtaining treasures to help you fight!" Helix roared. "And when you do that, you beically strong. Let me get a volunteer from Thyme!" Excited hushes fell over the crowd. Everyone was nervous. "You''ll get a rare Roshak card!" [Everyone] from Thyme shot their hands up. Eliza, her guards, Macron, and Lamath, were watching in disbelief when the nervousness in the crowd instantly did a 180. "Kurt!" Helix called out. Everyone was shocked to know that he knew the man''s name. He only met him one time. It was mind-boggling. Kurt walked to the front nervously. "Kurt. What level are you?" Helix asked. He already knew the answer but wanted others to hear it. "I''m Level 29." Kurt replied nervously. "Alright, Kurt is Level 29! I think you''d all agree that''s reasonably strong, yes?" Helix asked the Knights. Everyone nodded their heads. "Good. Kurt, pull out your sword, and try to cut me in half with your full power." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 140 [Cheat Codes] Everyone in the stadium, aside from Marie, Charlotte, and Riley, fell silent. Eliza was on the verge of a panic attack. After a few seconds of silence, Helix moved his hands in front of Kurt''s face and snapped his fingers. The power-weeb, alongside the other Knights, snapped out of their haze. "A rare Rashok card is on the line. I will not touch you as long as you don''t aim for my throat or face. I just want you to use your full power to cut at my peacoat here." Helix exined while pointing to his arm. Poor Kurt was shaking in confusion. Riley reached out and touched the conflicted weeb on the shoulder. He looked at her gentle smile as if she was a true goddess. "Kurt. I promise everything will be okay. No one would ask someone to cut them in half after knowing their level without reason." Riley exined with a sweet smile. "So use every ounce of your strength to cut at his arm. We women will protect you with our lives. So help us byplying, and we''ll make sure you get an awesome card." The young man''s heart melted in an instant. He nodded his head and looked at Helix with hesitation. Helix was standing with his hands in his peacoat pockets, wearing a slight smile. His level was so highpared to everyone else that hisically low byparison¡ªdefense stat made him untouchable. Still, he wouldn''t let a person sh at his real body. Kurt pulled out his word nervously. "A-Alright! Please remember that you asked for this, s-sir!" He yelled. Eliza grimaced and wanted to close her eyes. But the confident face Helix was wearing told her to wait. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Kurt yelled while swinging his sword with all his might. Poof. "Ah aaaah ah¡­." Boom. Ding. Gasps washed over the crowd in disbelief. Everyone was stunned. Kurt hit the coat with all his power, and Helix didn''t move. He wasn''t a steel wall either. So instead ofunching backward, his shaken body tripped and fell to the ground. His sword fell out of his hands and nged to the ground. Helix waited for Kurt to look at him again. When their eyes made eye contact, Helix took his hands out of his pocket, grabbed hispels, and popped his cor. "Like the coat?" Helix asked with a slight smile. "YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Excitement exploded from the stadium. Macron, Lamath, and the guards were shocked, knowing that a Level 27 super Earthian didn''t have the strength to leave a scratch on the coat. Helix chuckled when he saw Eliza''s face. Charlotte didn''t know who Helix was sending nces to, but they knew she was a woman. Therefore, she studied Eliza carefully before seeing the Royal Guard insignias on their armor. Once Charlotte understood who he was looking at, she grinned from ear to ear. Marie and Riley were giggling as well. They were standing to his left, so Marie could only tell Riley. Helix was making a political speech to gain the support of the Kingdom, and he was killing it. His partners were eating it up. "Listen up, Cheat hopefuls!" Helix ordered with his hand raised. Everyone calmed down and waited for his next words. "Cheat characters areically strong, and their gear is alsoically strong. This coat is a prime example of that." He chuckled. "However, do you think this ultra-stylish and highly impractical Earthian peacoat is a legendary-grade item found in dungeons?" The crowd fell silent. One person chuckled. Then another. A third chuckled a little louder. Everyone in the arena started chuckling. Finally, one personughed, and the ce exploded withughter. "d we''re on the same page." Helixmented with a sassy grin. "Okay. Then what''s going on? First, my Level is ridiculously high. I don''t need this coat. However, I would die before letting someone cut at my real skin, and trusting an abstract stat would help me." Chuckles rippled through the crowd. "So what''s the real reason? The real reason is that this peacoat is made from the hide of a Level 157 Warpshire Hellhound. If I let someone else wear this peacoat, pants, and boots I had a designer make for me, do you know what would happen?" Helix asked with a slight smile. Whispers of disbelief, awe, and confusion ebbed and flowed through the crowd. "People couldn''t hurt us?" Leo asked with wide eyes. Everyone turned to the young man, desperate for protection after his run-in with Ronka. "That''s right, Leo. If it''s a sword and someone didn''t hit your face¡­.." Helix paused for dramatic effect with a gentle smile. "You''d be invincible." Gasps flew out of the mouths of the people standing next to Leo. People were stunned and couldn''t think straight. "If this were a RPG, you''d call this type of clothing¡­." Helix began while looking down and pinching his pants. He looked up to make eye contact. "Cheat codes. Who wants cheat codes in a world where you can actually die?" The otakus and weebs looked like wax statues. "Hmmm? No one wants a cheat code?" Helix chuckled in false bewilderment. "Aw¡­ and her I nned to give cheats to the Cheat Knights as a graduation¡ª" The Knights broke out of their daze in a panic. "W-Wait!" "Yes!" "Please!" Everyone broke into a disordered frenzy. "Wait¡­ so you want cheat codes then?" Helix asked with an evil grin. "YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" p "Ah. That''s what I expected." Helix chuckled. "If you pass training and prove yourself to be an ally of the Princess of Alzeria, I will give fashionable armor from high-level beasts I''ve in. It won''t be this strong, but your defense stat will double instantly. It''s a fitting way to reward a Cheat, don''t you think?" An explosion of excited cries rocked the sound waves. "I have five pieces of armor to loan people for the battle. After that, I''ll bemissioning more from a world-ss tailor for the new Cheat Knights." Helix exined. "Who wants to be one of the five people whose defense stat will hit cheat status before our battle? Who wants to be one of the five people that can reach legendary status for a mythical fight?" The stadium devolved into pandemonium and chaos. Eliza was getting excited, and the news that Helix brought powerful gear, unified the unstable Knights, and was training them was heavenly. That wasn''t all he did either, and she knew that. Her guards forgot their shock of the Stalkwalker skull and got carried away in the heat of the moment. Helix put up his hand to quiet people down. "Good. Listen up! I won''t give armor to people who may be a threat to my kingdom. Making an enemy invincible to all fighters in Alzeria would be disastrous. So I won''t give just anyone armor I don''t trust." Helix exined. The power-weebs quieted down bitter chuckles. "If you''re let down thinking I''ll pick Alzerian Knights, take a look at their faces." Helixughed. The power-weebs looked at the super-otakus with wide eyes. The news crushed the otakus'' spirits. "If you''re confused, remember the stories I''ve told you about my experience here." He suggested with a slight smile. A wave of understanding washed over the power-weebs. "However, everyone that has tried to kill me has been stripped of their Knightmare three months ago. So I don''t have any enemies here. I don''t remember anyone except 23 people. So I have nothing against super-otakus. I trust you all equally. While I''ll give aid to my friends, I won''t give them the five pieces of rare-grade armor when others deserve them more. My reason for being here is to protect Alzeria. That''s it. I''m not here to train people for fun, and I won''t be staying for long." He exined. The Knights looked at him with wide eyes. "I''ll trust helpful, good-natured people, who endure grueling training, help others, and prove their loyalty to our Princess and people." Helix exined with a low voice. "Right now, the best way to do that is by promoting cooperation between the Thyme Kingdom and Alzerian Kingdom Knights. Help each other grow, be kind to one another, and support people. It''s not about social skills; it''s about being a good person, working hard, and being kind even if you have social anxiety. The strongest are not guaranteed the armor. If the strongest got it automatically, people like Ronka have a shot, and that would be¡­ fucking stupid." Helixughed. Everyone followed behind him. There was not a single person loyal to Ronka anymore. Team Helix and War Goddesses owned all loyalty. Eliza was thrilled. "Listen! If you follow your War Goddesses and foster rtionships between Thyme and Alzeria; If you train hard with us and have a desire to help others; If you ditch the stupid fucking cultivatornguage and start treating Myriad like Earth; If you desire to grow, learn magic, and improve yourselves¡­." Helix scanned the crowd of excited people. "We''ll help turn you into Broken Cheat Knights that will save this world!" "YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 141 [Primary Leader] After a couple of minutes of pping, Helix put up his hand. "Now listen to War Goddess Marie. She will be your primary leader for¡­ most things. She''s pretty damn amazing at¡­ everything." Helixughed. Marie blushed slightly but regained herposure. "Marie is also much nicer than me, more approachable, and stronger than me. Be her friend. It''s easy. She''ll be leading the next steps. Marie, take it away." He continued. Helix gave her a gentle smile, and she nodded. "Me again. It feels like I just went to war, battled, and experienced the victory speech." Marie chuckled with a dazzling smile. The otakus and weebs started cracking up. "Let''s get started with training. The first thing we''re going to do is split you into groups of four. There are 78 of you, so one group will have three members." She exined. The Knights nodded. "The teams will be split up with half Thyme, half Alzerian Knights. Half the groups will have an extra Thyme Knight, as there are more of you. We''ve lost some people due to their bad decisions, and five of us are your leaders. You''ll meet the fifth person in the future¡­ maybe." Marie giggled. They didn''t know about As, and the loss of twelve Alzerian Knights from poor behavior should have been shocking. However, her giggle made their concerns disappear instantly. "These teams will be your training teams from today until the end of the battle. You will train and fight together. This system will promote unity between our groups and ensure that you have a chance to get cheat armor." She exined with a charming smile. Anxiety overwhelmed the otakus and weebs when they learned that they''d be locked up with random people. The moment she said cheat and shed them a smile, they forgot they were afraid. "Everyone will be nervous, but remember that no one can hurt you, be aggressive, plot to hurt you, or¡­ be an asshole." Marie giggled. Amazed chuckles ripped through the crowd. When their brain caught up, they were thrilled. "People won''t get the armor if they''re mean or unwilling to work with you. If they try to harm you, I''ll strip their Nightmare away. Therefore, everyone can live, train, and fight without anxiety because [I''m here to protect you]!" Deafening apuse rocked the stadium. Eliza was impressed by Marie''s leadership. Unlike Helix, shemanded through love and protection. She created systems to help people and gave them the feeling of safety. Helix was a strong leader in terms of strategy and charisma. However, he wasn''t a person meant to train, foster rtionships with, and lead people daily. Those were Marie''s strong suits and why she was the leader before and after Helix left for Kozen. "I''m going to go over the list of names. Once you''re with your team, I want everyone to learn the favorite video game or light novel of the people in your group. After that, learn an interesting fact about everyone. Bring your group to Riley when you''re done. If everyone can exin the love and facts of the people near them, you''ll all receive a Roshak card. Who is ready to get started!" "YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" "I¡­." Macronmented in awe. "I''ve never seen people get so excited to do something so frivolous¡­." Lamath noted. "Me¡­ either." Macron chuckled in bewilderment. "Do you have trouble handling these kids, too?" Lamath gave him a wry smile. "Is that a joke? You saw what happened yesterday." The man chuckled bitterly. "Those kids are a damn nightmare. I forgot that my students aren''t like ourst decade of students. They''d show up, rough each other up, and prove whose training was betterst year. I did that by habit, notprehending their willingness to kill people, and people almost started dying. My heart broke when Ronka used Lava Trap in front of your entire group. I''m a joke of a teacher for not being able to keep them in check and an idiot for being just as bad as them." Lamath chuckled at the ground bitterly. He was truly remorseful. Macron couldn''t me him, as he also failed toprehend the seriousness of the situation. "Hah. Want topete? My kids almost burnt the damn Capital down." Macronughed. "One tried to mass murder everyone you''re looking at Helix''s fake fuckin'' funeral." Lamath''s eyes widened in shock. "No way¡­." He replied dumbly. "No way? That was the first goddamn month!" Macronughed. "After that boy was cut down, his supporters showed up to the houses of the anti-Helix party. They nned to kill everyone with their Nightmares in the middle of the damn city." Lamath froze with shock. "The only reason we prevented a full-scale war is that Helix had me create a suppression team anticipating it and told us what to do. Then he gave us a cheat sheet on how to whip people in shape, and now they''re doing fine." Macron chuckled with self-deprecating eyes. "The only reason this ce is still standing is because of that boy. I couldn''t even save him from the super-otakus when we knew they nned to kill him. So if you''re stupid for underestimating these kids, I''m a lucky clown!" "You think that''s bad? Haaaaaaah¡­." Lamath chuckled bitterly. The two spent an hourining about their dangerous students as if it were a positivepetition. They wereughing, but they were sweating internally. Both looked at Helix and Marie as if they were gods. "Yoo~hoo! Sir Helix!" Eliza called out. Her guards were sweating¡ªliterally. She wrapped them up in cloaks to prevent people from seeing their Royal Guard emblems. They were also nervous. Macron looked at the young blond with surprise. He had no idea who she was, but she had a group of bodyguards and masterfully curled hair. At a minimum, she was a high noble. So why was she in a death zone, near a Colossus skull, and speaking to someone who only spent a month in the Capital? Helix''s eyes widened in surprise and shock. He pointed his finger to his chest. "Are you speaking to me, miss?" He asked in confusion. The two were messing with the guards and eating it up. After his masterful performance, and given he knew who she was and kept a secret, she decided to test his acting skills. "Yes~you! I don''t believe anyone else in Alzeria has such a quaint name." Eliza giggled. "Ah, please forgive me. I haven''t been here long, so I''m just surprised to see a new face. Give me one moment." Helix replied with a charming smile. Eliza froze in awe for a moment. Something about Helix was¡­ different. His appearance changed. It wasn''t just the muscles or tan skin, there was something else at y, and it was too subtle to put into words. It would elude her if she tried to look for it, but her mind always processed it. Whatever it was¡ª It was pleasant. Helix''s charming smile seemed to multiply in its effectiveness. Helix whispered into Charlotte''s ear, letting her know he''d be back after speaking to Eliza. "Hello, miss. My name is Helix Margrave. To whom do I owe this pleasure?" He asked with a charming smile. Helix was rocking the posh noble vibe for fun. However, it felt real to Eliza, even though she knew he was faking it. It didn''t matter, as the behavior was as natural to her as breathing. "Lc Riddle, a pleasure to meet you, Sir Helix." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 142 [World-Class] Eliza curtsied elegantly, attracting the attention of all of the super-otakus and power-weebs. Helix sent a wry smile inward. He could care less if people were jealous of him in general. However, their training was important, and he didn''t want to scar the image of another woman in their minds. After all, Lc Riddle was a [natural] with near artificial goddess beauty. When the Earthians saw an [artificial], they couldn''t help but picture a nerdy man or woman in an abnormally perfect body. With Eliza, she was who she looked like. That''s what they thought, anyway. "What can I do for you this fine afternoon?" Helix asked with a slight smile. Eliza gave him a bright smile. "I honestly don''t know. I was walking around, and the excitement in the arena was ravishing." She exined with extreme dramatic ir. Helix was [dying] on the insideughing. Every time he caught a glimpse of a guard''s dead and depleted eyes, he almost lost it. "So I absolutely [had] toe to see the festivities." She exined. "Can you please tell me what''s happening here?" Helix gave her a charming smile. "It would be my pleasure. We are an international team of Knights serving the Queen and Princess." He replied. "We''re all new here. So I''m helping our teacher Macron bring unity between Thyme and Alzeria to prepare for anything that may threaten Alzeria." "Training? Your team has released war cries over fashion and trading cards." Eliza giggled. "I thought that you were per~haps a traveling merchant." She gave him a wicked smile. He narrowed his eyes slightly in response. "Why yes, miss, I am." Helix replied without hesitation. "There will be an auction tonight to sell Earthian clothes I designed in Kozen." Eliza''s eyes widened in genuine astonishment. "Wait, Sir Helix. Did you not just say you killed that¡­ monstrosity?" "That''s right. I did. I''m a Knight and a certified Circle Master." Helix replied with a mysterious smile. "However, I am also a vested partner and designer of Samma''s Exotic Fashion Bizzare." "S-Samma''s Exotic Fashion Bizzare!?" Eliza stuttered. Helix chuckled inwardly. He always wondered [how] world-ss famous she was. After all, the world didn''t have the inte, so products only travel so far. However, Samma was a designer for [nobles]. So while most people didn''t know her, the nobles from most neighboring countries did. Now that he saw Princess Eliza stuttering in disbelief, he finally understood how valuable her brand was. "Correct. I''m from a country far north of Limsco called Earth." Helix said with a straight face. Eliza was torn betweenplete shock and a desire tough. "Very few have ever survived the voyage. As a result, our fashion is not known. I have worked with Samma on over a hundred new pieces to bring our to life in Kozen and Alzeria. We have justpleted a new line of clothing." Helix continued. Eliza stared at Helix with wide eyes. "Forgive me for being so forward, Sir Helix. It is just that Samma has not released clothing in over a decade." She replied with a slight bow. Helix was rolling inughter when he saw her guards. They were mortified that the princess was bowing to an Earthian. The guards [hated] the Earthians because they threatened the city multiple times. "Correct. My Master stumbled into her shop in Lexion identally." Helix chuckled. "She was using a Level 5 illusion spell to hide her location. He is a circle master and walked into her secluded shop to tell her that her circle was breaking." Eliza started giggling. She was truly amused because she knew [who] his master was. The look on Samma''s face must have been priceless. "That must have been a shock to her." Elizamented. "It was. Samma tried to kill him. He was lucky he was a battle master. Otherwise, he would have been a goner." Helix chuckled. "He returned and said, [for training this week, go down to Merrion Street and find a hidden circle. Decrypt it and prepare for battle. You pass if you survive]." Eliza started giggling again. Charlotte watched the princess with narrowed eyes. Helix started sweating. "He made her a better magic circle and asked why she was so secluded." He continued. Eliza''s eyes sparkled with genuine interest. Helix gave her a slight smile. "Samma was struggling with inspiration for clothing. She is world-famous, so she wouldn''t devalue her legacy and put out cheap clothing." Eliza nodded in interest. "My master mentioned that I was from Earth, and I drew the clothing." Helix exined. "You draw Earthian clothing? What is a designer doing learning magic from a battle master?" She asked with a tilted head. "Not exactly. I''m not a designer." Helix chuckled. "My master had me practice drawing to improve my circle drawing techniques. I spent most of my time drawing my beautiful Earthian partners that traveled with me." He motioned to Charlotte, who was caught off guard and started blushing. She was being nosey, and he publicly announced they were together. "Naturally, they wore Earthian clothing." Helix exined with a slight smile. "Fascinated, she made a deal with my master to have me practice drawing earthing clothing. I helped her create over a hundred designs, including everything I''m wearing right now." Eliza looked at his clothes, from hispels down to his shoes. When she inspected his belt, she saw the top of his pants and instinctively freaked out. Something was sucking in her attention. Whether natural or artificial, she wouldn''t allow herself to identally stare at his crotch for [any] reason. Eliza was starting to get interested in Helix''s new aura. It didn''t feel natural, and she would ask him about itter in the library. She knew he''d start going back. "Earthian clothing is¡­ surprisingly fashionable." Elizamented with her hand on her chin. "I heard that Earthians arrived in Alzeria, and they wore strange clothing from what I hear. But your clothing seems¡­ different." "That''s because they have trash taste in clothing." Helixughed. Eliza giggled in bewilderment. "Earthian fashion is quite diverse, and I design clothing suited to nobles." He exined with a mysterious smile. "We have three full wagons of Earthian clothing, primarily for women nobles. There will be an exclusive auction tonight for our first sales, and I''m willing to give you a ticket if you''d like to see the new line." Eliza''s eyes sparkled with delight. "I will dly ept a ticket. I''m not certain if I can go, but I will do so if I can, Sir Helix." Helix chuckled and touched his neck. "Hold it, boy!" One of the guards gruffed while unsheathing his sword. "S-Saul, what are you doing!" Eliza cried. "Lady Lc, this is for your protection! That boy is lying!" He roared. He was slow as a snail to Helix but couldn''t harm the man protecting the princess. So instead, he sighed inwardly and turned his head to Saul. "Can I help you with something?" Helix asked with a calm expression. "If you wish to see clothing, I can pull¡ª" "Shut the hell up, boy!" "Saul!" Eliza cried. "Lady Lc, Saul is right. That boy is wearing a fake pin of our general!" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 143 [Tyrene’s Training] "This filthy Earthian has the gall to impersonate a legend? Hah!" A third said. "Gentlemen. This is a misunderstanding." Helix sighed. "If you give me a moment, I can prove¡ª" "Shut the hell up!" Saul roared. "Saul! Calm down! Tyrene is¡ª" "Tyrene is what!?" He gruffed. "Tyrene is dead! Helix is¡ª" She cried. "What!? She''s dead!? And her pin is on him!?" Another man roared. One of the men grabbed Eliza and jumped to the left. Saul rushed Helix in a blind rage, shing at his shoulder diagonally. Helix sighed internally. Now that he had cultivator-level power, he understood the temptation to meet any problem he faced with force. "W-What the fuck!" Saul roared. Helix just stood there and took the de to the shoulder. Saul was staring at Helix''s coat with disbelief. It wasn''t scathed in the slightest. He had a much higher Level than 157! He was a Royal Guard. Helix mentally grinned when he saw the man panicking. He was acting, and it was working. "Please calm down, and I will exin." Helix requested calmly. "F-Fuck your exnation, boy!" Another yelled while unsheathing his sword. "I''m not looking for trouble. Please let me prove the authenticity of this pin peacefully." He sighed. "It''s real!? Tyrene''s dead, and [you''re] using her pin!?" Another sword shot at him, and he dodged effortlessly. Another strike, another dodge. Soon three guards were attacking. Helix stood no chance in a normal sword fight at their skill level. It would take years of training before he could battle at a master. But his skill didn''t matter because he had a broken agility stat. "STOP IT!" Eliza screamed at the top of her lungs. The entire arena froze. Almost everyone was already looking at Helix. Either they were envious, or they looked over when the guard yelled. Then everyone started attacking. So when she yelled, everyone was stunned. "Lady Lc! You must get away¡ª" A loud p rang out. Saul was frozen for a moment. His face flushed with anger, and he turned in the attacker''s direction. When he did, his face paled. Eliza was giving him a murderous gaze. "Sir Helix told you he''d prove the legitimacy of the pin!" She yelled. "You animals started attacking him with intent to kill without exnation, without listening, and without verifying!" "Y-Your¡ª" Another loud p rang out. "Shut up! Shut your damn mouth before you''re permanently relieved of your service Mark!" The men shook. "Sir Helix. If you have proof of what you im, please take it out." Eliza ordered. Helix closed his eyes and nodded. He hated his life. Thest thing he wanted to do was publicly disclose his rtionship with Tyrene and her death. Helix touched his neck. A momentter, tw battle discs came out. "Lady L¡ª" Helix unleashed [Desync] on Saul, and the man started wobbling. It was [Nightmare Hallucination] but the spell was exinable with the Ghost Walker Trigger equivalent. "It''s a Circle of Remembrance." He asserted coldly. Then he released his Nightmare and showed the man the circle. His face flushed with embarrassment. "T-Then why¡ª" "It''s so I can throw it at people when they attack me. Tyrene knew that would happen, so she recorded these discs." Helix sighed. The man shook. Eliza''s eyes widened. The entire arena was listening with bated breath. Marie was cringing, Riley was worried, and Charlotte was suppressing her urge to murder all five of them. Helix activated the circle, and Tyrene''s voice barked at the men. When they heard her legendary voice, their faces paled instantly. "I, Grandmaster Winter General Dame Tyrene Masney, give this brat my metals, emblems, pins, and general cape. His name is Helix Hellsgate Margrave, and he''s my idiot apprentice. I gave my sword, cloak, and armor to his girlfriends, Marie Skybolt, Charlotte Kline, and Riley SInger. If you have a problem with that, I''ll rip your windpipe out and y it like a flute." The men shivered and trembled in fear. "I don''t me you, I have no idea who you are, and I don''t remember this happening." Helix sighed. "So, will you please put your swords away?" "W-Why¡­." Mark whispered with tears in his eyes. Tyrene was their trainer and their general. They couldn''t believe that Tyrene gave Earthians all of her metals and gear. "Master Tyrene died fighting that thing behind you. Its skull is not only a present for Princess Eliza; it''s also a present for Alzeria and all of her soldiers." Helix sighed with sadness in her eyes. "When it stole her life, I made sure that we got its head as a reminder of what we lost that day." The men started tearing up, and Eliza''s eyes shook. "I''m her apprentice. While she taught and oversaw mass training, we four are the only apprentices she has ever taken on. We became very close during that time, almost like family. Before she died, she gave me lessons on bing a general." Helix continued. All six looked at him with astonished eyes. "She recorded her will on the trip back to Alzeria to fight an attack on the Capital and stopped to fight a fifth-evolution Level 387 Stalkwalker Colossus. It was a time she was prepared to die. As for my role, if you don''t know or have forgotten, I''ll soon lead a battle against monsters attacking Alzeria. My leadership potential is why she gave me the general cape and pin to wear. Master Tyrene gave me the medals to distribute to others, museums, past students like Macron, or current generals. I''m not walking around trying to pick fights with soldiers; I''m doing this upon her request." Helix stopped speaking and looked to the five men for any form of confirmation. The men were frozen in disbelief and didn''t know what to say. "Please keep this Circle of Remembrance, and take this one as well." Helix requested while touching his neck. He pulled out a small, thin disc with a magic circle. "Master Tyrene created fifty copies of this Circle of Remembrance for her troops. It''s a farewell message to her troops and past students. She loved you all. So please take it. " Helix pushed the circle in Saul''s direction. The man reached out and grabbed it with a shaky hand. Helix bowed after that. Tilo setup fifty to record simultaneously with [Chain Activation], so the circle audio quality was variable. He hoped they''d get one of the best because they were Royal Guards. "Lady Lc, this is an emotional topic for all of us, and I apologize for getting you caught up in it. Please ept this ticket to the Exclusive Samma Exotic Fashion Bizarre auction tonight." He requested. Eliza epted it hesitantly. "I¡­." She whispered in regret and sadness. Her guilt for bringing trouble to Helix felt high. The idea he came back after countless assassination attempts only for Royal Guards to try killing him the [second day] was heartbreaking. "I took no offense to this and expected it to happen. I don''t even remember it. Thank you for helping defuse the situation." Helix said with a bow. "I believe it''s best if you leave for now so your guards have time to listen to their general''s words." Eliza''s eyes trembled, and light tears welled up. Helix looked up and gave her a gentle smile and nod. Then he turned around and walked back to Charlotte. He wanted to calm her down before trouble broke out. The Royal Guards watched him walk away with mixed emotions. They couldn''t believe they tried to murder Master Tyrene''s apprentice. Not only that, Helix could have killed them all but didn''ty a hand on them. That was lucky. He could have killed Princess Eliza without knowing her position with his strength. That was their fault. Lastly, and worst of all, he was so kind and respectful that it hurt their soul. Eliza turned around in anger. "Saul. Mark. All of you. You owe that boy a massive apology." She sneered. "You just attacked the most important person in this city. He''s our benefactor, and we''re still indebted to him since thest time people tried killing him." She walked away, livid with rage. The guards fell silent and followed her. When they got to the gates, she spoke. "We''re going to the auction tonight. You can beg for forgiveness then as a Royal Guard." "Y-Your Maj¡ª" "You fool!" Eliza snapped while turning around. "Helix knows who I am! He knows my voice!" She barked. They trembled in fear. The guards had never seen her so angry and felt she could ask to see them hang. "I saved his life thest time people tried to kill him! Or did you not hear that part of his speech!?" Eliza yelled outside of the stadium. "Probably not because you were rationally afraid of him because he killed that beast. Then you attack someone strong enough to kill it [in front of me]!?" The men''s eyes trembled with shame and humiliation. "Or what about the part when he was leading the fight against the [attack on the Capital]!? Did you not connect that part of his speech to the lockdown order and mass evacuations outside our walls!?" She screamed in a vitriolic rage. "Most importantly, Tyrene was [with] Helix because he saved our city! Now he returns to protect us after being cut down, and you repay him by trying to take his life the minute he returns!?" Eliza turned around again and started stomping away. "You''re going to tell him sorry tonight, or I won''t defend you when the Queen sees you hang!" Chapter 144 [Best Option] "Those ass clowns are luck that they''re roy¡ª" Charlotte started exposing the position of the guards, but Helix pressed his lips against hers to stop her. He was fifteen feet away when she started speaking. The speed was so ghostly it left people trembling in confusion. Someone started pping at the insane PDA following a ridiculous disy of force. Then many joined in awkwardly. "Please don''t expose [who] those people were." He whispered during the pping. She nodded hesitantly. Once he stepped back, she huffed with discontent. Helix turned to the stress clot of otakus and weebs. "Lesson time! Five people tried to kill me a moment ago over a misunderstanding." He announced. "What have you learned by how I handled it?" Everyone stared at him nervously. They expected a speech, so they didn''t know how to react. "Helix is asking for your participation." Marie announced with a kind voice. A wave of awkward understanding washed over the group. One power-weeb spoke up. "You didn''t kill or hurt them despite having the ability to do so?" He asked. Helix nodded in satisfaction. "Thank you, Samson! Yes, that''s right!" He announced in a booming voice. "I had the power to resolve the situation without anyone getting hurt. As a result, I used that opportunity to calm them down and exin the situation." Students started nodding hesitantly. "When and if you be a Cheat Knight, you''ll have the power to maim your way to victory." He continued. "Trust me¡­ the moment that man swung his sword at me, the first thing that entered my mind was [hmmmm, that''s cute]." Helixughed. The group burst intoughter. "Then I thought, [Is this guy serious? Can he not see the big fucking creature I helped kill behind me? He just heard I helped kill that thing, and now he''s attacking me]!?" The weebs and otakus started cackling. "After that, I was immersed with the desire to rip the guy''s head off." Helix scoffughed. "That high-level guard was trying to cut me in half right after meeting me. If I were you, I''d be dead." Everyone quieted down. "So why not, right? If he''s trying to kill me, why shouldn''t I show him why you can''t do that." Helix chuckled. Awkward chuckles passed through the crowd. "I didn''t attack him. I showed overwhelming force. Even then! Even then¡­ hahaha¡­ when I asked him to calm down¡­ haha¡­ the fucking idiot kept trying to mouth off!" Helixughed in bewilderment. The awkward chuckles started bing vibrant after Helix startedughing. "Now this tool is staring at the skull¡­ hahaha¡­ of a 350 foot Colossus he knew I helped kill¡­ haha¡­ and he couldn''t cut me¡­ and he was still an asshole!" Helix erupted intoughter. The exciting atmosphere returned and the group roared inughter with him. "I thought, damn¡­ haha¡­ now that I have cultivator-level power¡­ I can understand the temptation of meeting all my problems with force." Helixughed in bewilderment. Theughter continued without pause. "When it was happening¡­ haaaah¡­ I considered knocking dude-bro out because it¡­ hahaha¡­ would be more convenient¡­. Hahaha¡­ I was feelingzy!" People were bending overughing now. Charlotte had a huge grin on her face. Marie started chuckling again. Riley wasn''tughing, but her worries disappeared. "Haaaaaah¡­ haha¡­ hah." Helix chuckled his way toposure, and the others tried following him. "Alright¡­ wheeeeew. Putting aside the fact that wrecking people out ofziness and convenience¡­ haha¡­ is wrong¡­." He cackled between breaths. Everyone else was having the same difficulty. "Can someone tell me why¡­ I didn''t immobilize the guards or use my killing intent?" He asked with a strained smile. Murmurs and whispers rippled through the Knights as they pondered the question. Maze raised his hand. "Is it because that person was really important?" He asked. "Thatdy was killin'' the fancy girl vibe." A few chuckles. A set of giggles. Otakus and weebs burst intoughter. Helix was chuckling with bewilderment in his eyes. "That¡­ is an excellent way of describing the situation¡­." Helix affirmed before roaring withughter. Moreughter followed in waves. "Yes. Haaaaaaah. Those guards were weak on their own. Yes. I could have easily hurt those men. However, we''re fighting a battle soon, and making political enemies is dangerous." Helix reasoned. "A million ants can kill an elephant. If that woman was important, and I offended her, you would have a lot of trouble training. They can prevent you from entering cities, stop selling you products, and harass you everywhere you go. Economic warfare." The group''s eyes widened. Since they were Knights in training, they hadn''t considered the ramifications of dealing with outsiders. "This is the real world. Being physically stronger won''t make your life easier." He continued. "So for the sake of trueziness¡ªdon''t offend people. In general. It''s a pain in the ass." The group started nodding in assent. "Okay!" Helix pped with a mysterious smile on his face. "Now for the training portion. Can someone tell me why that high-level guard''s sword didn''t cut through this coat even though he had a higher level?" The Knights gasped with astonishment. The area fell silent. "It''s cuz your defense stat prevented the sword from touching you in the first ce." Mayzie replied with a bored expression. "Exactly." Helix chuckled. The otakus and weebs looked at him with confusion. He was lying. The real reason was that Warpshires were third-evolution monsters. Its level of 157 was closer to level 300 because levels restart at every evolution. The Colossus'' level was unknown, but they estimated it was close to 1000 at least. It survived a dozen cmity spells from stats higher than Tyrenes, cmity circles, and hundreds of spells and attacks. That includes ballista arrows and high-level sword and spear attacks. Humans align with second evolution leveling systems, and the beasts are the mostmon evolution type. Most monsters reach that level by the end of their first year. So their levels areparable. However, what he was exining was the same regardless. That fact didn''t matter. "My demonstration was true because I can give anyone this coat, and those men couldn''t cut through it even though their stats were well over 157. It does make you practically invincible for a short time, even if the opponent''s level is above 157." He exined. Their confusion became aggressive. "It wasn''t urate because anyone wearing it makes it impossible to cut at it with their full strength without risking their lives. Who knows how the defense stat works?" Helix asked with a slight smile. "It envelops your body in spirit particles that work as ayer of armor." Leo called out. "Core~rect. Defense stat isn''t [health], but it''s simr. It protects you with a limited amount of armor." Helix affirmed. "Humans forget that Monsters don''t have a defense stat. Their protection is in their hide. A level 157 beast has a 157 level defense stat. When a human wears it, their defense stat works as the first defense barrier. So if you wear this coat, your defense, for a time, will be well over Level 250 by Myriadian standards. The cheat armor on a cheat¡­. This coat''s more badass than you thought, huh?" Excitement passed through the crowd. People started whispering excitedly. "I''d estimate the number of fighters in Alzeria greater than 157 number less than 100. So you are practically invincible in this coat. However! It''s limited. If that level 170+ man hits you multiple times, your defense stat weakens. Once it breaks, you will get shed to ribbons. We''re still human." He chuckled. Wide eyes stared back at him. "So! With that in mind, why did I purposely sacrifice my defense stat to let him sh me?" Helix asked with a mysterious smile. "The question isn''t what it did. I''m asking you why it was the strategy I used. If anyone can answer this question with a strategic analysis of why it was the [best] option, I''ll let them choose an umon Roshak card of¡­." Helix panned the audience to get their attention. "... their choosing. Let''s see those hands." Excitement rippled through the crowd. A dozen people came up with decent arguments. They got the concept but not the strategic value. "You''ve all done well. Tammy was right that it gave me an aura of invincibility. It breaks a person''s spirit to fight. Many said it was an intimidation tactic which was also along the same lines." Helix began. "Ramond spoke about the second half. He mentioned that the coat was demonstrated as invincible. However, they knew the Level of the coat, so they attacked, thinking they could kill me because of that. So it''s not exactly true with its context." The Knights listened to him with wide eyes. He panned over the group to see their faces. "You''ve exined concepts but not why it was the [best] option. That was the criteria." Helix noted. "Now, I''ll tell you. I created a demonstration with the coat to seed the idea of invincibility. When Kurt attacked, he didn''t touch me. However, that man knew his stats were higher, so he was so arrogant. I''m higher than 157, therefore, I can cut it." Helix chuckled with a devious expression. "He was thinking of the level but forgetting my defense stat. I let him hit me and used my stats to give the same effect. I [reinforced] a prior demonstration to make myself appear invincible." He continued. "Following that, there are two takeaways. First is confusion on why it didn''t hurt me. Wasn''t it 157? Was it even higher? The second came when they realized they didn''t even touch the coat. They experienced primal fear when they learned I''m so strong that the coat wasn''t necessary." Helix dered with an evil grin. The otakus and weebs felt truly beneath Helix for the first time. He gave them an evilugh when he saw their wide eyes. "See? Look around you!" He chuckled with an amused grin. When the otakus and weebs looked at each other, they saw the same frightened gaze. "Now you think I''m invincible!" Helix cried with a bright smile. The Knights looked at him in confusion. "The illusion that the coat was invincible made me look strong. That demonstration was still fresh in their mind. By sacrificing my defense stat, I looked like I reinforced that belief even though I would have cracked if they kept attacking me. Normal people would recognize that defense stats will go down and keep attacking. They connected the constant passive invincibility of this coat to my defense stat, which made them believe they had no chance of ever hurting me. They lost their spiritpletely from a [bluff]." Helix looked at them with an evil grin. "That''s right. It was a bluff. I''m strong, but those men believed I was invincible because of acting. I used their misguided beliefs from an earlier demonstration against them and achieved an overwhelming victory without fighting them. The decision took advantage of the situation to maximize its impact." He pointed out. "That''s why it was the [best] option." ¡ª [A/N: Helix uses a powerful bluff to break someone''s will to fight. That''s what he did. The Warpshire pelt is closer to Level 357, so there is no way the guards could cut it. However, once the defense stat breaks, someone can cut his head off or pierce his hands. Those are realities. I''ve disclosed this to point out that you shouldn''t confuse Helix''s bluff with reality. His bluff is masterful, and he used it to break the fighter''s spirit. Sometimes people ept death if their spirit breaks. That''s a reality. But they lose their threat factor. Keep that in mind.] Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 145 [Advertising] [A/N: Wee to the mystery-driven Trash of Thrones arc,plete with asionalmentary. That''s the vision, anyway. Helix has ~30 days to gain the full cooperation of a country and military¡ªas a nameless 18-year-old...... lol. This arc examines what would happen if a real mc¡ªpowerful or not¡ªtried to take over... anything. Enjoy!] ¡ª "Samma Shaw, you say?" "Yeah, THE Samma Shaw hase back and this is the [first] auction in a decade." "Samma''s Exotic Fashion Bizarre is back? Preposterous!" "No! It''s real. I saw a glimpse of the first items by ident." "We absolutely must obtain items!" "When is the auction?" "The first is exclusive for the Earthians¡­." "What!? Earthians! Leaving out nobles? Hah. What type of foolishness has been fed to the merchants?" "This is a scandal. Samma Shaw''s products being sold tomoners and leaving out the nobles!?" "That¡­ please exercise restraint, Charell, Irene. The clothing line is Earthian designs." "What!?" "Yes. A mysterious Earthian named Helix Margrave returned from Kozen and imed to have partnered with Shaw. So be careful that you don''t offend Samma Shaw." "Humph. Nonsense." "Are you going to the participant auction?" "Participant auction?" "Yes. The demand to see the clothing ahead of tomorrow''s auction is so high that the mysterious partner is auctioning fifty seats to anyone wishing to participate. There are items exclusive to the auction, but they''ve opened nobles up for limited participation." "Pay for tickets and have limited participation? That''s ludicrous!" "It''s within our favor. An Earthian designed the clothing. Therefore, the auction is being held on their behalf. Most of those brats have exorbitant sums of money built up from leeching on the kingdom. So the boy won''t let the nobles or Earthians bid against one another." "Hah! That''s absurd. He just doesn''t want them to not have a shot!" "It doesn''t matter. I''m going! I must get in at any cost!" "What!?" "Roger and I have already made arrangements as well." "Irene, Charell, are you certain that you want to miss out?" ¡ª "Manifesting¡­ manifesting¡­ manifesting¡­. Cat Ears!" "Forget it, Samuel, they''re mine!" "You better prepare to fight me for them. I''ve barely left my room for four months. I have a mountain of unused gold that says [cosy knows no price tag]." "Haaaaaaaah. Well, it''s lucky there are multiple pairs." "Yeah¡­. Guys¡­ what do you think the [other] cosy items will be?" "Oh¡­ you know¡­ I haven''t thought about that." "Me neither. So much has happened since Helix and the Goddess'' showed up [yesterday]." "Wait, they showed up yesterday!? It feels like they''ve always been here." "Right!? They showed up in the middle of the first day of training." "Hah. Look at us. Helix has us wrapped around his fingertip now." "Who cares? It''s better than Ronka, right?" "Yeah, you can say that again. To be honest, I want to stay." "David, what do you think about Helix and those women?" "I¡­ uh¡­." "Why are you so nervous?" "Hello and wee!" "W-War¡­ I mean Riley!" "No reason to be nervous. Please call me whatever you wish." "I¡­ yes. Thank you, War Goddess Riley." "Thank you, Riley." "I appreciate your kindness, Ms. Riley." "I don''t know why you''re thanking me, but you''re most wee." "We¡­." "I couldn''t help but overhear your conversation. So I came over because David is quite shy." "I-I¡­." "No reason to be bashful. David is Helix''s best friend. It''s been that way for over a decade now." "What!? Why didn''t you say that!?" "I-I¡­ I don''t¡­." "It''s true. So please take good care of David. He''s very special to all of us. Enjoy the auction and farewell." "Bye War Goddess Riley!" "Goodbye Riley!" "See youter!" "B-Bye, Riley¡­." "David, you''ve [GOT] to¡­ David, why are you crying?" "I-I¡­ I''m just¡­ so happy." ¡ª "This¡­ is super hot." "Hot? What are you talking about, Charlotte?" "It''s [bold]. Hellie''s publicized a noble cloth sellers auction isn''t open for nobles without payment." "You''re right¡­ this is a lot of attention." "Yeah~ If that wasn''t enough, he''s making them pay to get in. It''s a powery." "Come to think of it¡­ we''ve only been here for a full day. That''s insane." "Right? Hellie isn''t defenseless anymore, but for some reason I feel like this is only natural." "Yeah¡­ Hellie was doing this from the beginning with Emelia''s fashion¡­." "The only difference is that he''s powerful enough to defend himself. It''s ex~citing." "Yeah¡­ Helix deserves this. Remember when¡ª" ¡ª "Haaaaaaah. Protecting this boy is impossible! Even when he''s not trying, he pulls everyone''s attention. Now it''s on purpose? Helix advertised his slight to nobles by holding the action [in the Kina District]! Are you kidding me?" "Macron¡­." "If people attack him, I''ll pull his teeth and use them as ammo to kill his enemies with a slingshot." "Ahhhh¡­huuuuh¡­. Macron. It''s okay to give up." "Give up!? Master Tyrene will cash in a favor from a necromancer if I don''t protect this boy." "Ahhhh¡­huuuuh¡­. Macron. It''s also okay to stop pretending like it''s for Tyrene." "...." "We can''t protect Helix from being Helix. The best we can do is support him when he''s hurt or needs help. Besides¡­." "Heh. Ironic statement from you, Elsa¡­." "...." "Besides what?" "Ahhhh¡­huuuuh¡­. As much as we don''t like it, people need Helix now. I know it, Tyrene knew it, and you should too¡­." "Ahhhh¡­huuuuh¡­. You''re right. Heh. The irony is brutal." "Irony? It''s always been that way." "No, not his leadership¡ªour mannerisms. Helix sighs less, and the rest of us have had to pull the ck." "Haaaaaaah. You''re right. Damn kid." "It''s¡­ weird. It''s almost distressing to see Helix looking so damn confident all the time." "I think so too, but not for the same reason you do." "Hmmm? What are you talking about?" "The only time Helix doesn''t genuinely sigh is with those girls. When he''s not with them, he holds them back for the sake of the others." "Is that so?" "Yeah. Watch him. It''s cute watching his facial muscles cramp up as he tries to breathe normally." "Look at you giggling, Elsa. You''re looking¡­ motherly." "Hmmm. I wonder. He''s called me his [chosen mom]." "Wait¡­ say that again? Does he not like his parents?" "No, it''s not like that. Helix says that true friends are [chosen family]. They don''t rece family; they increase your family. Friends are like siblings, and he sees me as a mother figure. I understand the feeling. I think of Helix as a son, almost." "Oh¡­ that makes sense¡­. I guess? Kinda weird." "Oh yeah? You look like you''re jealous. Are you going to apply for [chosen dad]?" "Stop giggling, woman. If you don''t, I''ll rip out your vocal cords and¡­." "Announce your application with them?" "Woman!" "Don''t snap at me! I''ll show you what it means to back up threats." "Haaaaaaah. God damn it, Elsa. Yes, mam, and stuff." "Humph." "Fine. But can you at least drop the smug face? If you''re gonna mock me, might as well start watching for danger again while you do it." "Yeah¡­." ¡ª "Wow¡­ it''s almost like the nobles know Sir Helix was in the city before we did." "Your majesty, I humbly request that you don''t giggle. He may be strong, but he can''t survive all of the nobles in the city." "Hmmm. I wonder¡­." "Please exercise prudence, mydy. He''s still just one man." "It''s not that I think he is powerful by strength. It''s just¡­." "Your majesty¡­ the giggles¡­.." "It''s just¡­ you saw how he used these clothes to manipte our little problems right?" "Now¡­ that you mention it, that was unbelievable." "Indeed. I''m certain Helix will do the same for the nobles. Moreover¡­ I don''t think that''s all¡­." "Why do you think so?" "The group has suspiciously set up amplification circles for outsiders to listen in." "Your Majesty, that''s amon form of advertisement." "I wonder¡­ I think there''s more to it than that. Knowing him, there is." "How¡­ do you know so much about this boy?" "Hmmm? Oh. I''ve been watching him for a long time. I''ve even received letters via carriers while he was in Kozen." "Mydy! You mustn''t take interest¡ªunderstood." "Thank you, Mark. It''s almost time." ¡ª "For someone that caused this mess, you sure look mncholy. Is that regret? Or is this not enough for your crazy ass." "Ahhhhhh¡­ huhhh¡­ thank you for yourmentary, Miskie." "Wee, cult lead." "I appreciate your straightforwardness." "You a masochist or somethin''? Careful. I''ll tell your girls if you say yes." "No¡­. I don''t do these things for fun, Miskie." "Hoh? That''s hard to believe." "Ah¡­ huuh. Tonight¡­ will be one hell of a night." "Well, I hope it''s just as crazy as you intentionally made it. You''re almost up. I suggest you drop dem sighs. They''re bad for business." "Heh. Don''t worry. I''m bing a master at that. Just watch me work." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 146 [Display Of Loyalty] "Are you ready for this?" Marie asked with a serious tone. "As ready as we can be. I wish we had the time to hold this in secret." Helix sighed. "Having to consolidate so many things at once is¡­." "A bad move. I''m sorry, man. I can''t blindly support this." Maze noted. "Helix was right. You do belong in our group." Marie giggled. "You''re¡­ How do I put this?" Charlotte asked with a finger to her lips. "Refreshing? We needed someone that Hellie''s sigh charm hasn''t corr~uptedpletely." "Completely? You mean that you women are interested in Helix''s sigh game?" "Sigh game? I like that." Riley giggled. "Me~too. I think I''ll use that. It describes how much we''re about it." Charlotte grinned. "I¡­ should probably try that." Maze sighed. The women burst into giggles. "Only if it''s honest like that." Marie giggled. "Us women don''t take too kindly to imposters." "Is that so?" Maze mused with a pensive tone. "Something like that." Charlotte shrugged. "It''s true. You should ask the other Alzerian Knights." Riley warned with a light chuckle. The women burst into giggles. Maze turned to Helix, who shrugged with a hopeless smile. "You! Are you the filthy Earthian that is corrupting the prestigious name of Samma Shaw!?" A pompous man snapped. He had a deep-red face and a pugnacious appearance. The man was wearing nobles'' clothing. His vest was bright green, and he greased his back. The hair''s unnatural shine was visually distressing. Helix sighed onest time. "Hello, sir. My name is Helix Mar¡ª" "I don''t care who you are, you filthy swine. You''re making a mockery of Samma''s legacy, and I won''t stand for it!" The man snapped. "Sir. I don''t appreciate the insinuation¡ª" Helix began. "Hah! Insinuation? Don''t make meugh!" A haughty woman snapped from his side. She was wearing a bright red dress and was covered in jewels. Helix touched his neck and pulled out a royal purple disc. "Mam, sir. I''d like to request you listen to¡ª" "Don''t you dare speak to Irene! You have no right to be here, and I''ll see you hang!" Charlotte moved forward aggressively, and Helix pulled her back instantaneously. He was pulling on the back of her fashionable, loose green shirt. She looked at him aggressively, but Marie put her hand on her shoulder and shook her head. "Sir. I request that you leave." Helix sighed. "Leave!? Hahahaha. You arrogant beast! Guards!" Helix touched Charlotte''s back twice and nudged his head in the guard''s direction. Once she made eye contact, he turned his head sharply to the guards and narrowed his eyes at them. "Stand down!" Helix barked. Their bodies froze unnaturally, and they felt an overbearing pressure over them. A sharp breeze of heat assaulted their lungs. Both the pressure and heat released themselves instantaneously. But the sharp stabbing experience of both was enough to cause the guards to remain frozen. Helix turned back to Charell and Irene. "I''d request you to leave as well." The two started shaking in fear. Their bodies disyed primal fear after watching the guards freeze in their tracks. "Furthermore, you are permanently banned from all Samma''s Exotic Fashion Bizarre events." Helix continued in a cold voice. "Your names will be released to all future auction admission professionals." "Y-You! If you are who you say, you w-wouldn''t dare!" Irene snapped. Helix turned to her and gazed into her eyes. "I just did. It''s permanent." Charrel broke from his daze. "Hah. You arrogant boy. Even if we can''t harm you now, I''m going to destroy you!" Helix turned to him. "I invite you to test my influence. However, I''ll warn you that you will face power far greater than yours." Everyone in the vicinity shivered. Charlotte''s shivering was different than the others, however. She looked at Helix with a pressurized grin. "G-Guards! Kill these people on the spot! I''m a noble!" Charell screamed. The yelling attracted the attention of dozens of nobles that had made it into the auction house. "Wait¡­ isn''t that¡­." "Sir Helix, he called himself?" "I think so¡­." "That''s Charell¡­ Wait!" "That fool!" The gossipping spread like wildfire as the confused guards started recovering. They didn''t know what to do. Noble authority stopped when faced with [higher] authority. If they attacked Helix and Helix had the influence he imed, they would hang. "G-Guards! What are you doing!? We''re ordering you to kill this imposter! Two nobles demand¡ª" "What is going on here!" Charell and Irene froze, and the blood drained from their faces. Then it drained from their arms as well. Their entire bodies turned nk as a sheet. Helix and his partners raised an eyebrow. They had never heard the womaning from the other half of the auction house. She was wearing a royal purple dress with white frills at the bottom. The woman had her hair professionally curled. Helix panicked and kneeled, tugging aggressively on Charlotte''s leg. She fell as well, and Marie and Riley dropped. He had no idea who the woman was, but if she had enough authority to strike fear into the hearts of nobles, it wouldn''t be wrong to kneel. Their instantaneous kneel [before] the other nobles would be striking if it were the queen. The gesture would show his absolute loyalty to Alzeria in a dazzling disy. His gamble paid off handsomely. Over sixty nobles standing behind him fell to a knee like dominoes toppling over. The nobles behind the woman''s back started kneeling in waves. The only people still standing were Charell and Irene, who were shaking and hadn''t turned to her. Their bodies turned around with the fluidity of rusty cogs. "Did you not hear me? I''ve asked you what is going on!" The voice demanded. "Y-You''re Majesty. This imposter is defiling¡ª" Charell stuttered while pointing to Helix. However, his face contorted when he realized [she] was at the auction house. "Imposter?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. Helix was on a knee with his head facing the ground. However, she could tell who he was by the peacoat he was wearing. It had be iconic and was a striking focal point to the reports she was given. "Might you be Sir Helix Margrave?" The woman asked. "Yes. My name is Sir Helix Hellsgate Margrave, mydy." Helix confirmed. "Please forgive me for not knowing proper etiquette for the Alzerian kingdom. I am from a far away country, mydy." He was sweating. Helix had never [seen] the queen. It could be a scandal if he called her [your majesty]. So he chose a preemptive exnation for hiscking etiquette and called her [mydy], which was universal. Maybe. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir Helix. We have never met, but I have learned much about you. My name is Queen Liliana the Third. I am the sole surviving monarch of the Alzerian kingdom. I humbly wee you to our Capital." Liliana said with a gentle smile. "It''s an honor, your Majesty." Helix replied. Liliana shifted her gaze to Charell and Irene. Her eyes were cold and murderous. "What is the meaning of this?" She asked with a frigid tone. The two nobles started shaking. "F-Forgive us, your majesty. W-We didn''t think this Earthian could have p-possibly been a represented to Samma Shaw, your majesty." Irene stuttered. "Hoh? And why not?" Liliana asked with a sharp emphasis on the [not]. "Y-Your majesty. Samma lives in Kozen and hasn''te out of seclusion for a d-decade. T-The Earthians have only b-been in Myriad for a few months. The timeline is too short, mydy." Charell reasoned with a shaky voice. Helix was slightly impressed by his answer. Charell was a politician, so his rhetoric was not half bad. "Hoh? Then why does he know of Samma Shaw, hmmm?" Liliana asked sarcastically. "And why is it that a Knight has a caravan of unique clothing goods? Do you think he''s made a fortune, hired designers, and organized hundreds of seamstresses to make clothing?" Charell started shaking. "I-I don''t know, mydy." "You don''t know? Did you not think about it before asking guards to kill him?" Liliana asked. Helix was grinning internally. His gamble had paid off. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 147 [Gambling With Cliches] "W-We never asked, your majesty. We were only trying to do what was best for you and the kingdom." Charell confessed with a remorseful tone. "Hmmm. Best for me? Very well. You shall both be put on trial next week." Liliana dered. "If you are found without just cause, you will be stripped of your authority as nobles." The two started shaking, and Irene tried to interject. However, when she saw the merciless gaze of her Queen, she realized her [trial] was a blessing. "T-Thank you, your majesty." Charell said with a remorseful tone. He was ying politics, and Helix took note of the Queen''s voice. If his demeanor proved effective, he would use it one day if necessary. He wished he could see their faces. "Guards, take these two away quietly." Liliana ordered. "The auction will begin soon, and Sir Helix has lost time." "Mam!" The guards yelled in unison. Then they picked the two up and dragged them from the doors. "Forgive me, Sir Helix. These nobles do not represent the authority or opinion of the Alzeria kingdom. Please rise." Liliana requested with a gentle voice. Helix did asmanded. He stood up and met her gaze. She had average brown eyes, making him chuckle. Knowing how¡­ normal she looked was refreshing. Statistically speaking, blue eyes do not represent purity or royalty. Those were always his thoughts on the matter. "Thank you, your majesty. I am honored to meet you." Helix said with a slight bow. He put his arm on his stomach first, praying that the mannerisms aligned with his [light novel] research. "The honor is all mine." Liliana giggled with amused eyes. She was giggling, but her eyes were sharp. "After your journey and contribution, being met by this scene is shameful. Is there anything that I can do aspensation?" Liliana asked. Helix''s eyes glided to the left. "There is something that I would like to request and rtes to the importance of time." He said hesitantly. Liliana''s eyes sharpened. Maze and Helix''s partners shuttered. However, Helix met her gaze with his pitch-ck eyes. They were not demonic by any means, nor were they intrinsically ufortable. His eyes were extremely expressive, however. At the moment, they underlined his sincerity. "Very well. The first auction approaches, and you have much to do. So please return to your duties, and I will make a formal request to have guards lead you to my box after the first auction concludes." ¡ª Helix approached the skybox with the guards with a beating heart. Liliana called him to her private box [before] the participation action began. He was grateful that she understood the situation. When the door opened, the queen was sitting in front of him with a serious expression. "Wee. Congrattions on the extreme turnout." Liliana chuckled. "It was better than expected." Helix bowed. "Pleasee in." She requested. He entered the skybox and looked around the room. "Did you call upon Master Tilo?" Helix asked with a serious tone. "An astute observation." Liliana replied with narrowed, amused eyes. "These were already present, of course." "Getting Master Tilo anywhere in a short time would prove you have an affinity for miracles." Helix said with a nod and a slight smile. Liliana chuckled at his forwardness; her guards did not. Helix was from Earth, so she didn''t slight him for hisck of official tone. "Tell me, Sir Helix. What is your request?" ¡ª Without waiting for a reply, she curtsied and walked away to one of the skyboxes in the auction house. Helix sighed a breath of relief. "You''re lucky¡­." Maze said with a perplexed voice. "Yes. I am." Helix grinned. "Why do you sound so happy and¡­ devious? Are you ying for [anti-hero] status?" Helix''s partners giggled as they got up from the floor. "Not really. I was just desperate, so I was gambling with cliches." He sighed. "Gambling with cliches?" Maze asked quizzically. "Yes. I have an extremely high level of influence for a very short time." Helix exined. "I''m here to help the kingdom, the Knights need me, and possess products from a legendary designer." Maze listened with interest while watching Marie''s pride-filled expression. Looking at Charlotte or Riley''s expressions for confirmation was an exercise in futility for the sake of nothing. So he watched Marie hoping to validate Helix''s strategy. "Since I had powerful backers, I attracted all nobles with an official auction on purpose." Helix chuckled. "The controversy helped spread the word like wildfire." Maze''s eyes zed over. "So you pissed off people on purpose for advertising." He asked with a lifeless tone. Helix''s partners giggled, and Helix shook his head. "No. I preemptively addressed my controversy while having support." Helix rified. "I got all of the nobles in one ce alongside my backers in hopes that my influential backers would publicly punish the aggressors. It''s a cultivator cliche scenario I set up in advance, hoping to strike fear into the hearts of political dissidents." Marie nodded to Maze with a serious expression. "Helix hoped to attract the royal family''s attention with the controversy." She continued. "There isn''t much time, so he''s using tonight to address many major problems. So he hoped that his overpowered hero status would bring that cliche to life, then address the problems." Maze narrowed his eyes. "You''re adding [more] risk to this?" He asked with a serious tone. "You should know that your enemy doesn''t cut you but ys from the shadows." ¡ª "It''s already spreading that quickly?" Helix sighed. "Yes. This movement is absurd. We need to do something about it before it gets out of hand." Marie warned. "Even the Queen won''t have the influence to stand up to it if we let it grow at this rate." "It''s a tumor. I suggest chemo." Marie gave Charlotte a savage gaze. Charlotte shrugged in response. "What should we do?" Marie asked with a serious gaze. Helix stared at the table with a serious expression. "We need to take an unorthodox gamble two days from now. Please inform Macron I need an audience to discuss it. I''m going to get Master Tilo and Elsa. Riley, please find As. Charlotte, pleasee with me. You''ll be my guard detail." ¡ª Helix took a deep breath and sighed. "Maze. I cannot praise your judgment more than I do." He asserted. "However, I''ve been connected with enough trouble to make me bitter for a lifetime." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley frowned and gave him empathetic eyes. "So you''re asking for more?" Maze asked. "Yes. It''s better than watching a thousand people and all the Knights die in the future." Maze''s eyes trembled. "You''re¡­ serious?" He whispered. Marie nodded, and Charlotte and Riley gave him serious expressions. "If we hadn''t arrived, the Stalkwalker would have killed 1200 people." She exined. "The only reason they''re alive is because Helix tookmand of the operation." "Wait!? He tookmand?" Maze asked while staring at Helix. Helix let out a deep breath. "It''s not that they thought I was an amazing leader." Helix replied with a serious tone. "They had no choice. It was necessary then and will be necessary now. It''s not necessary because I''m strong or a good leader. It''s practical because we possess power integral to our survival, and we can use it unless people stand back." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley nodded with grave expressions. Maze gulped. "We won that argument. However, a legendary general was standing by my side back then, and the Kozen general was staring at a 350-foot enemy. There is no longer a tangible issue pressing urgency." ¡ª "Oui! Isn''t that¡­ that kid!?" A drunk man yelled out. "Yeah, it''s him alright. The fucker has a death wish." Another growled. "Please let me pass. I''m not looking for trouble." Helix sighed. "You''re not? I would''ve sworn I heard you begging for itst night." A third yelled out. ¡ª [A/N: shs¡ªnot time gaps¡ªare purposely less descriptive. Once the scenes catch up, they''re more descriptive and shed light on the situation to unravel mysteries. Mystery and strategy aren''t the only benefits of thisplex, but beautiful format. Time gaps and shbacks allow the reader to experience stories when they''re relevant instead of reading an endless string of [and thens] which web novels are notorious for. It smooths time gaps without rushing the story development. shforwards allow the reader to enjoy and get excited over the future without damaging the love and support of quality moments. I hope you love this format as much as I do. If you don''t¡­ I''m sorry? This is [Nightmare]. Take it for what it is because¡­ you have no choice. XD] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 148 [Begging For Trouble] "It doesn''t look like reason, proof, or disy are going to work on these people." Helix whispered bitterly. Four men of varying stages of drunkenness were staring Helix down. He was considering how he would handle the situation without resorting to violence. "Oui! What''s happening here!?" A gruff man roared as he entered the scene. "This is that Helix Margrave bastard." The first man chuckled. "Yeah, I know." The gruff man replied. "Then what''s the problem? Step aside!" The second man sneered. "The problem? Who the hell do you think you''re talking to? Answer my question, now!" The gruff man barked. "Who are we? We''re the people this fuck insulted." The drunk man yelled. "Now we''re gonna show him we don''t take kindly to his Earthian kind." The man unsheathed his sword, and the others began snickering. Each grabbed the hilt of his own sword. "He insulted you? You have three seconds to put away those toys before I break your limbs." "Oui! Who in~the~fuck, do you think you are, pretty boy?" The drunk man taunted. "Who am I? I''m the pretty boy that''s about to break your limbs." "Hah! We''d like to see you try!" The three people with the drunk man unsheathed their swords. "Fools!" The gruff man roared while grabbing his own. Helix watched the scene with wide eyes. He couldn''t believe what he was watching. ¡ª "If that''s true, then what are you going to do about it?" Maze asked as the remaining nobles took their seats. Helix would announce the auction in ten minutes. Then the nobles would bid to take part in the auction with limited participation rights. Their participation was necessary and would provide many benefits. However, the auction was to buy the support of the Earthians. If nobles overtook the bidding, it wouldn''t be fair, and people would go bankrupt. If the Earthians sacrificed everything for a pair of cat ears, the nobles would resent them for bidding too high prices. That was a win from a business perspective but a political loss for the Earthians. Therefore, he created a system that addressed both of their needs without causing major issues. In the main rows would be the super-otakus and power-weebs. Each would be excited and oblivious to the gazes of the nobles in the skyboxes. On Earth, the floor stands up front were more desirable in most concerts. Since his peers were not high-ss or wealthy, they didn''t go to events with skyboxes, nor could they afford them. Most had never left their house for a concert, anyway. So they were excited to get seats in the front. However, in Myriad, as in olden times, skyboxes were a prestigious form of seating for every event. Tonight, they would house the nobles surrounding the super-otakus and weebs. Helix sighed after he panned the room again. The nobles'' gazes would peer down upon the Earthians with disdainful eyes. He knew that feeling, and it bothered him. "Charlotte, Riley, please return to guard duty and designated positions. Make your presence known to every Earthian present." The two nodded. "Charlotte, please re at people as usual." He requested. "With plea~sure." Charlotte sang. "Riley, please offer them the snacks and remind each to keepposure regardless of the situation. Good behavior means a reward." He requested. Riley nodded, and the two walked away. "Marie, please make contact with Tilo again, thene backstage for the announcement." "Understood." Marie nodded. Helix turned to Maze. "Mass support is born through conflict." He argued with a calm tone. Maze''s eyes filled with shock. "Helix, that isn''t the ideal approach when you need as many allies as possible." Helix shook his head with a serious expression. "Conflict is the only root of support. There''s no reason to support someone if there''s no reason to support." Maze''s eyes glided to the left in thought. His heart was pounding. The idea that Helix was putting resentful nobles in the same room as deadly, immature troublemakers were appalling. Regardless of Helix''s rhetoric, it felt like suicide. Helix agreed and hated his life. He didn''t have a choice, however. "How so?" Maze asked for rification. "In a conflict, many will agree with someone. Those that don''t are the people that advertise the prevalence of the issue." Helix reasoned. "Then those that support it will argue. Soon, when things get difficult for me, people will naturally pick sides." ¡ª "You''re going to break our limbs? Hah. You and what army?" A man sneered. "There are 500 troops and a couple of dozen nobles that will back us up. We don''t even know who the hell you are." The gruff manughed in disdain. "What army? The Royal Azerian army, you swine." He asserted with a cold voice. "W-Wait¡­ T-Tremon, look at¡­ that¡­." "Hmmm? What the fuck''s so special about that flowery pict~chure, pretty boy?" "No¡­ that insignia. Tell me, whoever you are. Is this an official decree you stand behind?" "No. It''s not. But when I snap your bones into dust, we''ll see who has more support." The gruff man barked. He unsheathed his dazzling sword. "Mo~re support, eh? That sounds interesting." Helix didn''t know what to do. Should he let the man risk his life for him or end it? Or perhaps should he y a card? He sighed, not knowing what to do in the situation. So he attempted to make eye contact with his defender. However, the man didn''t look at him in the slightest. He looked resentful or had another powerful emotion holding back his gaze. "Right now, we have a lot more support, don''tcha think?" The drunk man asked hisrades with a snide smile. "It''s obvious this pretty boy doesn''t know how to count." The men roared withughter, and their gazes became murderous. ¡ª "We have pressing needs that require me to act fast." Helix continued. Maze gave him a conflicted gaze. "So I''ve expedited the conflicts up front, so I have instant support. Whether it be a dozen people, or a thousand, any amount of support will be critical. In the meantime, I cannot wait a few weeks to set up meetings. People need toe to me." Maze sighed in defeat. "It makes sense. However, if your n backfires, you''ll lose all support instantaneously." He reasoned. "Yes. That''s why we''ve taken precautions and made arrangements." Helix said with a slight smile. "Don''t worry, we''re not going into this blind." ¡ª Queen Liliana frowned. "That request makes sense, but it''s rushed to the point of subversiveness." She asserted with narrowed eyes. "It also requires blind trust and belief of your ims to justify speeding the process. I cannot support you, as I do not have either." Helix nodded and then bowed his head again. "Please consider the requests during the auction." He requested. "In the meantime, please ept this Circles of Remembrances. There is one from myself, Master Tyrene, and a third one I''m certain that you''ll find relevant. It is also urgent, regardless of whether you ept my request. I''ll proceed with the auction as nned and await your decision. If you decide to fulfill my request, I will take full responsibility for the oue." Liliana narrowed her eyes and studied Helix for a few seconds. "Very well. I''ll listen to your ims during the auction, and send a messenger to the stage with my decision." "Thank you for hearing my request, your majesty." Helix said with a full bow. Liliana motioned to the guards, and they opened the door. Helix walked out of the room with a beating heart and a stoic expression. "Close the door. Anyone that releases info on what you hear, whether intentionally or identally, will hang." Liliana warned with a cold voice. "Yes, your majesty!" The guards yelled in unison. She looked down at the magic circles and activated the first. ¡ª Maze studied Helix''s confident expression. His face didn''t hide the seriousness of the situation. However, it was stoic and resolved. "Come now, Maze. It''s time to enjoy the fun part of the action." Helix said with an evil grin. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 149 [Yoga Pants] Helix walked out onto the stage to the light sound of light pping. By capping, it refers to polite apuse hovering the border between none and sarcastic. He gave the front row audience a slight smile before panning the rows and moving his eyes to the skyboxes. There were dozens of skyboxes. Unlike modern times, they were private rooms on the second and third floors that people rented. The auction house made nobles pay for the right to seating, which they exined themselves. Helix smiled at everyone and raised his hands slightly for quiet. Most people sneered in hatred and disdain. Those in skyboxes looked down upon him with murderous eyes. They wanted Helix''s head. ¡ª "The starting bid will be one gold." Helix announced. I think that''s a fitting number. Don''t you think?" The nobles roared withughter and excitement. "It symbolizes day one of a new era of fashion!" Explosive apuse followed. Everyone was in a festive mood, and their fevered emotions were boiling over. Helix gave the nobles a slight grin. "You may begin." ¡ª "Proud, Alzerian nobles. Tonight, we make history!" Helix''s voice boomed. The nobles looked at each other with suspicious confusion. They were both bitter and confused about how things ended up the way they did. If tonight was a historical event, it should belong to [them] to begin with. However, they were here to purchase that right, like gutter rats. "Tonight, we bring out the first line of clothing the legendary designer Samma Shaw has released in a decade!" The nobles'' eyes widened when they remembered why they were putting up with Helix in the first ce. While many were resentful or scornful toward Helix, they didn''t feel the same way toward Samma Shaw. Genuine apuse followed. "You will have the opportunity to participate in the auction tonight." He said with a slight smile. "We are auctioning off these tickets. Before we do, there are some surprises that we have for [you]!" Whispers of confused excitement passed from noble to noble in a storm. Helix touched his neck. "Anyone that obtains a ticket to the exclusive auction will get one of two items instantly!" ¡ª "You may begin." Whispered. "One hundred gold!" The first voice rang out. "One hundred fifty gold!" The second cried. The numbers started multiplying in a frenzy. Everyone was yelling at the top of their lungs. Those in skyboxes were yelling to ensure the auctioneers heard them. It was devolving into pandemonium and chaos. Charlotte and the Knights were roaring withughter. They were in a building surrounded by Circles of Silences to prevent their impending giggles andughter from raging other nobles. Everyone in the Kina district, which housed the top nobles, could hear the numbers. "Five hundred gold!" "Five fifty!" "Six hundred!" Helix gave the crowd a slight smile as he watched the scene unfold. ¡ª A few ps sparked another set until the entire house was apuding aside from those in private boxes. Whether they hated Helix or not, they were interested in the two items they would obtain. Most felt they would beplementary and thus insulting. Helix pulled out two boxes from his item storage. Gasps exploded from many noble''s mouths when they saw the packages. They were beautifully decorated and had the same detailed ir associated with Samma''s Exotic Fashion Bizarre clothes. "It seems that some have bought personally tailored products from Samma before." Helix chuckled with a grin. "So you know that these packages are not ordinary, and what it means to receive one." Some nobles started breaking out into a frenzy, while others watched them with excitement. Helix put up his hand. The crowd begrudgingly quieted down. Being ordered to do [anything] from Helix was a slight to their authority. That was their mindset, anyway. "For those who do not know, these personally crafted boxes are given to VIP clients." Helix exined. "All of their buyers are nobles, so VIP has a different connotation." He panned the room to ensure everyone was listening. Every skybox met his gaze. "Everyone who wins a skybox ticket tonight will get one!" Helix yelled. Thunderous apuse filled the streets of the Kina district. Amplifiers were ying the auction publicly for those who could not enter. "That''s right! These VIP packaged clothing boxes are unique. Therefore, everyone that wins a seat tonight will not be purchasing the [ability] to participate." Helix exined with a slight smile. "They are purchasing a legendary item before an auction that will change Myriad history!" ¡ª "Six hundred fifty!" "Nine hundred!" "One thousand!" ¡ª An explosion of cheers met his words. The nobles instantly forgot their grievances with Helix the moment he exined. "Let''s talk about what is in these boxes." He announced with a mysterious smile. He carefully opened a royal blue box and pulled out a clothing item. The crowd saw it, and whispers of excitement passed over the crowd. "For the females, you will receive a pair of [yoga pants]." Helix announced. ¡ª "Twelve hundred!" "Fifteen hundred!" The females were screaming in a frenzy and beating their partners if they didn''t bid higher. The men were chuckling and thankful that Helix was selling the tickets in sets for couples. Otherwise, the ce would be scrambling, and the building might burn down. Helix was d he obtained riot control guards ahead of schedule. They were keeping the nobles from rushing into the isles. ¡ª "They are stic and perfectly fit around your body in the mostfortable way possible. During our coboration, the primary inspired motivation was the femalefort that noble women deserve. Those who tested her product call them the mostfortable item of the century!? The women burst into apuse and excitement. "This form of clothing will be instantly sessful and the number one product of Samma''s Exotic Fashion Bizzare! While many are for sale, each VIP tailored product was handcrafted and unique. So you will be the first¡ªbefore Earthians other than my partners¡ªto obtain one. You will be legendary trendsetters, paving the road for modern fashion!" Explosive apuse rang through the streets. Their partners watched them with a desire to buy them in at all costs. ¡ª "Samma, do you like your yoga pants?" Helix asked with a slight smile. "... Yes. These pants are nothing short of incredible." Samma confessed. She was annoyed that Helix was calling her out for her skepticism. However, she couldn''t deny it. "Heh. So will everyone else." Helix chuckled. "When we go back to Alzeria, I suggest you send me a thousand pairs, even if 95% of what we sell." "One thousand!? Valuees through exclusivity!" She cried. "Yes, I agree. However, Samma. The first auction will bring in the same exorbitant sum. I''ll make sure of that." Helix chuckled. "After that, everyone, and I mean everyone, will continue buying these up." Samma gave Helix a quizzical expression. "What do you mean?" Helix chuckled and gave her a bright smile. "Samma. Most of these products are used as a style trend. However, once a woman buys these and talks them up, everyone will start buying them. Then the original people will start buying them again. It won''t be about exclusivity at that point. Women will wear these and keep wearing them until they demand to show up to school in them as eptable fashion." Samma was shocked. "On Earth, these pants were designed as workout clothing." He continued with a slight smile. "Then people got addicted to the feeling and wore them everywhere. To work, school, and social events. Eventually, they inspired leggings geared to everyday wear and jeans that were just leggings with denim painted on them. The addiction is still so real that they aremon wear eptable for half of the white-cor [noble] type jobs. If you start selling these, exclusivity won''t matter. The world will [explode], and your riches will be the treasury of a small kingdom." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 150 [The Designer] The Earthian women listening were pouting that nobles would get yoga pants before them. However, Marie informed them they would die for wearing the clothing if they bought it first. "For the men!" Helix called out after a minute of ecstatic apuse. He carefully opened the second box and pulled out a coat. "For the men, we have an overcoat known as a half-trench. It is made of Ma Wool, is warm through the winter, and fits over everything! It''s water-resistant, hides dirt, and most of all¡­." Helix panned his gaze to everyone in the audience. "It''s fashionable to the point of envy!" The men gasped at the sight and broke into wild apuse. "These too are hand crafted and unique and will set the winter trend. You will be happier and more fashionable than any other wearing a coat. You will still out, shine, and be the talk of everyone. Who wants a half-trench!" Helix roared. Ripples of madness overcame the crowd. Many were bing murderous as they growled at their malepetitors. "Excellent! That envy and passion in your eyes¡ª" Helix whispered. "That is what you can expect of others when you wear these products! It was what Samma Shaw has brought to the world countless times and will do so again!" Those in the skyboxes were roaring with excitement as well. Not a single person was not thrilled. Those that boycotted the auction or denied its legitimacy were kicking themselves. Nobles instantly forgot their hatred of Helix if they were present. If they weren''t present, their hatred [multiplied]. "One of these products is your [ticket] to the exclusive auction." Helix proimed. "Anyone that wins a ticket to the historic auction will have already made history [before] the other attendees. That is Samma Shaw''s love and support of her clients!" The auction was devolving into a frenzy, and the time between the pping and the cool down was increasing. "Now that you know how much we respect and value you and your patronage, I''ll address the pressing question. Why are there only fifty tickets to this historic auction for nobles?" Helix announced. The entire crowd quieted down. Every noble was curious now. "Why only fifty? To answer that question, I must introduce myself." ¡ª "I wasn''t in the auction house because of that fucking brat! Did you win a ticket?" A woman yelled out. "Shhhhhh! Quiet down, Mia! Don''t you dare make a scene and offend Sir Helix!" A man snapped. "Matthew! Are you siding with that swine?" Mia neared. "Swine!? Did you not hear!? Or are you deaf!?" "I-I¡­." Mia stuttered. "We can wait until tomorrow. If we don''t, there won''t be a tomorrow!" ¡ª "My name is Helix Hellsgate Margrave." Announced with a bold smile. "I''m an Earthian Knight summoned to Alzeria to protect this noble country and the [only] vested partner of Samma''s Exotic Fashion Bizarre." Gasps rang out through the audience. Many were shocked to hear that Helix was a business [partner]. "For those of you who are shocked, I''ll rify. I am her business partner and sole distributor of Samma Shaw''s clothing products in Alzeria." Waves of shock and silence passed through the crowd. Helix just dered that he was a person they could not offend. Many started sweating at the news. "I have bought these products to Alzeria and am auctioning them [exclusively] to you and the Knights for a limited time." The moment he said the word [exclusively], there was a panicked shift of emotions. They started at Helix with wide eyes. "Hmmm? You are the only people in Alzeria being offered these products." Helix mused quietly. "Are you not¡­ happy about that?" Helix shot them a wicked grin, and the auction house erupted into vibrant apuse. Many were standing while pping in the style of an ovation. "Ah. I thought so." Helix chuckled. "Now, back to who I am, why I''m a partner, why you''re being offered these products exclusively, and why there are only fifty tickets." The auction house calmed down again. Everyone was listening with bated breaths. Even those who resented outside the Helix were now listening and respecting him. They were curious and also learned he was not someone they could offend. "Who I am and why I''m a partner. These are the same questions." Helix imed. "There are one hundred designs in Samma Shaw''s new clothing line¡­." Helix panned the audience and skyboxes to ensure everyone was listening. "And they''re all Earthian designs." The nobles let out gasps. "Samma Shaw sells world-ss, unique designs exclusive to the world." Helix exined with a slight smile. Everyone was stunned and confused. They had mixed emotions. Earthian designs? They hated Earthians. So why did Samma Shaw pick up the fashion? "And not a single person in Myriad aside from my three partners owns a pair of yoga pants." A wave of understanding washed over the crowd. There was a single p. A lone cheer followed it. Then the auction house detonated with frenzied apuse. "That''s right! The first woman to win a ticket will own the first pair of yoga pants in Myriad history!" The excitement was hard to contain, and guards needed to step out to keep people in their seats. Many looked ready to rush the stage and steal the box. "Men! Aside from myself, you will be the first person in Myriad to ever own a half-trench!" Explosive cheers rang out into the Kina district. Charlotte was watching the proceeding with the most wicked grin imaginable. Maze''s eyes widened as he watched from the back of the auction house. He forgot the nobles would resent him. Helix was clear from the beginning that he didn''t not [want] trouble. He would do everything to obtain the support he needed without getting targets ced on his back. It was partially impossible to prevent that; that was a fact of life. "That''s right! In Myriad! Do you understand what that means?" Helix asked with a booming voice. "It means that Samma Shaw is allowing [you] to buy these clothes before [anyone] in Kozen!" Battle cries exploded from the auction house. ¡ª "Twenty-three hundred!" A gasp of silence rang out while the auctioneer scanned the room for anyone else. "Sold! Two tickets to the exclusive Samma''s Exotic Fashion Bizarre auction and these two products!" A man and woman cheered and hugged one another excitedly. Everyone watched with bated breath. While they lost, there were still twenty-three sets left to go. All of the nobles felt that the aggressive buyers would calm down. "And now for the next set!" The auctioneer announced. The next set of boxes came out, and the gasps returned. "Starting bid starts at one gold coin. You may begin." "Twelve hundred!" "Fifteen hundred!" "Sixteen hundred!" ¡ª Marie was chuckling without restraint because no one could hear her. Charlotte was grinning as she gazed upon the impatient otakus and weebs before her. Riley has a gentle smile, happy for the moment and praying for continued unity. Helix put up his hand to gently ask them to quiet down. "That''s right! There are twenty-five sets of tickets for sale." He announced. "That ensures that partners can go together. If you don''t have one, you can go with a friend or sell the ticket." Everyone gasped with confusion. They wanted to be excited, but the distribution of exclusive items was unclear. "That also means that winning one of the bids will result in [two] exclusive prizes, and you can choose the male or female items when you collect them." The battle cries returned instantly. Helixughed in exasperation when he realized it would take an extra hour to go through the auction. Quieting down the group was getting difficult. After finally wrangling control over the audience, he continued. "That answers half of your questions. My name is Helix Hellsgate Margrave, and I''m an Earthian from Alzeria and the exclusive designer that coborates on these products. I have put forth the original design of each and coborated with Samma''s world-ss skills to bring these groundbreaking pieces to life." Helix continued. "That''s why I am a partner, and the reason Alzeria nobles are the [first] to receive these products in Myriad history!" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 151 [The Earthian Story] The crowd erupted into a standing ovation as Helix bowed. The pping continued for a full minute until he raised his hand again. He was satisfied that the words [in history] solved nearly 100% of his political problems. "Onto the second question. Why is the auction not open to all nobles." Helix began. Everyone quieted down. They were wrong to misjudge Helix, so they were much more open-minded. "That question has to do with why these clothing items are avable. Along with the other Earthians participating in the auction, I came to Alzeria to help this beautiful kingdom fight for humanity!" He announced with a proud voice. Confused excitement overtook the crowd. "We are young and inexperienced, but we have sacrificed our homes, our families, and loved ones toe fight for the kingdom. Our friends, families, andforts were left behind. So the clothing that you will soon love was made through powerful inspiration to bringfort, unity, and enjoyment to those who have sacrificed their lives for this kingdom. That powerful inspiration moved Samma Shaw, a famous designer in retirement, toe back to you all. That story of longing and yearning brings emotion and value to these pieces." The nobles listening to Helix were blown away by the story. They were starting to feel emotions welling in their chests. "Samma Shaw captured the passion and emotions of our story in the groundbreaking pieces you will be purchasing. It is the Earthian story that gives these pieces value! And we must open the first auction to the Earthians as the main attraction because¡­." ¡ª "It seems you all appreciate exclusivity now!" Helix yelled with a bright smile. Cheers exploded from skyboxes and rained down upon the individuals in the first row. "I''m d you agree. Remember that there is an auction going on tomorrow night exclusively for nobles." He said with a slight smile. "But I now know that people of your caliber understand the value of tonight''s auction. Is that right?" Roaring cheers exploded through the streets of the Kina district. "That''s what I thought." Helix said with a mysterious smile. "Then let''s get on with it." The auctioneer brought out the second set of boxes. These boxes were royal purple and mahogany. One had an engraving of a male warrior. The second had an engraving of a goddess. Gasps rang out into the audience. "These items speak for themselves." Helix imed with a slight grin. "The bid starts at one gold. You may begin." "One thousand gold!" "Two thousand gold!" "Two thousand one hundred gold!" ¡ª "Itpletes the story!" Helix roared. His words set the nobles'' hearts aze. Everyone was pping and yelling with excitement. Their faces were flushed with heat and passion. They were carried away. "That''s right! These pieces tell a story toplete the passion. Now fifty lucky people will not only be the first to obtain Samma Shaw''s products in Myriad history but¡­." Helix panned the audience and peered into the skyboxes. "You''re also going to witness the purpose and vision of the story beingpleted. THAT is the gift that we bring to you tonight!" Ecstasy washed over to the crowd. Any enemies of Helix, in the beginning, were now his loyal supporters. They felt love for the young man and his story. "Yes! We didn''t make this auction set up this way to slight you." Helix announced excitedly. "No! We did not put favoritism first. It''s the opposite! We set things up this way so that the Alzerian nobles canplete the story before the products go on sale worldwide¡­." Helix turned to everyone in a quick motion. "And change the world of fashion¡ªforever." ¡ª "This is the set of the night!" Helix announced with a booming voice. "As noted right before the bidding, there was a special piece and ticket set forst." Everyone listened with bated breath. "These pieces are the same in terms of fashion. There is a pair of yoga pants and a male half-trench." He began. "However! They are decorated with Level 79 Markov scales, a powerful Wyvern that ruled over a forested region in Kozen!" Gasps of shock waved through the crowd and spread into the Kina district. Countless nobles had gathered outside of the auction house to listen in. The vast majority of those bitter for not attending no longer disliked Helix. They were also being carried away by the frenzy as if it were a tidal wave. Even if they were bitter, the public now knew how explosive the fashion''s value was. "I, Helix Hellsgate Margrave, as an apprentice of the legendary Grandmaster Winter General Dame Tyrene Masney, fought the Markov myself!" Shock and gawking expressions met the young man who stood before them. "And won!" Deafening cries of support and apuse poured out of the auction hall. "It''s a set of pieces I designed directly with Samma Shaw!" He exined with a booming voice. "It encapstes a powerful story of the Earthian people. It''s about a boy brought to Alzeria from Earth, who traveled one thousand miles to Kozen, was trained by a legendary general, fought a mighty beast¡­." Helix panned his gaze around the auction house. He made eye contact with every person he could. All nobles met his gaze with enthusiasm. "And returned to his proud and noble people!" A roaring wave of emotions washed over the nobles. It washed over the otakus and weebs. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley were swept away by his words. Tears were streaming down countless faces. "Yes. I am back with my people, fighting for them, protecting them, and presenting our nobles with the most powerful pieces in fashion." He said with a smile. "I''m here to spread my love, story, and affection with you all. This is not my auction. It''s an auction for the proud nobles of Alzeria that make this ce a city Earthians can call home." After a three-minute standing ovation, Helix put up his hand and quieted the crowd. "The starting bid of these pieces is 79!" Helix chuckled. "I''m sure you know why. You may begin!" "790!" A man yelled. Roaringughter returned. "7900!" Silence fell over the room. The exorbitant number was spell-binding. However, that wasn''t the primary reason people were shocked. Standing in arge skybox overseeing the auction was a woman with a majestic aura. She had beautiful curls that mesmerized the people who saw them. "As Queen Liliana of Alzeria, I believe that the Earthian story is one we should treasure!" Liliana boomed. "Therefore, I bid for these pieces as a treasure¡­." She panned her gaze across the crowd. "To our people!" ¡ª "I¡­." Liliana stared at the first magic circle in disbelief. She listened to the one he noted was of tantamount importance to the kingdom. When she heard its contents, she trembled with mixed emotions. It was so unbelievable she couldn''t believe it. The queen looked to her guards. Everyone was equally ck-jawed by the revtions. Their characteristically stoic, unbreakable expressions had crumbled. Then she looked at the second. It was the magic circle by Tyrene. Liliana experienced the same feelings of disbelief after the first. It wasn''t that its contents were more shocking. Rather, it reinforced and validated the original, which was unbelievable, to begin with. Lastly, she stared at the magic circle. It was his Circle of Remembrance. Liliana listened to the contents with a dumbfounded look on her face. She now knew where she needed to go tomorrow morning. "Lazma, please summon Tilo Szar. He is at the back of the stadium." Liliana ordered. "Yes, mam!" She turned to another guard. "Mikal, please tell Helix Margrave that I''m fulfilling his request after the first auction ends." The woman stood and exited the sealed doors to the balcony. There was a special product at the end, and she would be making a symbolic gesture in support of Helix. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 152 [Auction Preparations] "I don''t understand. Things have gone so well." Rileymented with a frown. "Yeah, they have. But doesn''t this bring feelings of deja vu?" Helix chuckled bitterly. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley giggled. However, the giggles were nervous and slightly bitter. "Hellie has the hook on the swag. He can''t help it." Charlotte shrugged. "It caused a jealousy-fueled frenzy before, and it''s doing it again. However, remember how it brought him our support?" Marie and Riley nodded in agreement. The four were chatting in the stadium during a break in training. All of the otakus and weebs were chatting excitedly about the items they boughtst night. It was an excitement-fueled panic buying ck Friday-grade shopping orgy. Now everyone was excited to have items they felt attached to. "That''s true. I suppose that jealousy brought us together." Mariemented with a reminiscing smile. "Plus, we''re stronger now. Hellie can protect himself and we can destroy the entire city if things get out of hand." Charlotte chuckled. Helix gave her a wry smile. "Yeah, yeah. Destroying cities is bad. Punish meter~" He couldn''t help but burst into lightughter after that. The four sat in rtive silence for a while. "Riding out the storm is all we can do. It''s not so bad anymore. You''ve earned supporters, and it''s impossible to assassinate you." Marie reasoned. "In the meantime, did you settle the bnce and procure our messengers?" "Yes. We can afford everything now." Helix nodded. "Can we put away frivolous talk like [assassination], noble shadow yers, and military intervention, and talk about how much money we madest night?" The four exploded intoughter. ¡ª "Well, that was¡­ something. I''m not sure what it was, but it was something." Maze remarked. Helixughed and walked back into the auction house. The exclusive auction would start soon, and he oversaw all of the Earthians arriving. He spent twenty minutes getting grilled with questions by the super-otakus and power-weebs. At first, everyone was afraid that they couldn''t afford the products. Helix confirmed Marie''s consistent exnations that they would not bepeting directly against the nobles. Their auction was purely a bidding war against themselves. That made them extremely happy because the amount of money he and his partners raked in was exorbitant. If Helix had enough products to give the Earthians the one product they desired, he would. He had already made a fortune from his strategy turned side-hustle to pay Samma off and make her go blind simultaneously. The image of her opening up a treasure chest with the gold and it shining outward and blinding her wasical. "It was mas~terful. That''s what it was." Charlottemented. "The nobles spent a fortune participating in an auction that would be held any~way, and they''re thanking him for it." Marie and Riley giggled, and Maze chuckled nervously. "What''s wrong, Maze?" Helix chuckled. "Think back to the worst-case scenario, andpare this to that." Maze''s eyes glided to the left, and he scoffughed with bitter amusement. "Holding an auction with Samma''s products for Earthians, at any time, for any reason, would cause trouble." Helix chuckled bitterly. "At least we got our support this way. It also gives us critical resources to save lives. I made this strategy in Kozen, and it worked as expected. Just enjoy the victory." Maze smiled naturally and nodded. Nervousness wasn''t characteristic of his personality. He was d that he made friends for the first time and didn''t like anyone¡ªor any [thing]¡ªthreatening that. That was all. They became friends [yesterday], and things were already going to hell. It was bitter-sweet. "Okay. Charlotte, remember the signal. Tilo will take responsibility for the incapacitation." Helix whispered. "Hmmm? What are you talking about?" Maze asked. Charlotte gave him an evil grin. "You don''t think Hellie would put nobles and super-geeks into the same room without a backup, right?" She asked. Maze''s eyes widened. "What would happen if something went wrong?" He asked Helix. Helix gave him a sidelong nce and then sighed. "If anyone attacks our group or an Earthian tries attacking someone else, the name pin you''re wearing will blind you and take away your hearing. Temporarily. Charlotte will hit everyone with [Domain], and Marie and I will take care of it." Maze''s eyes widened while he looked down at the name pin. It had two magic circles on it. A Circle of Silence and a [Circle of Darkeness]. "I-I see¡­." He stuttered. "They won''t attack anyone because we''ll strip them of their Nightmares." Marie rified. "Everyone was instructed that they could only dodge if any attack reached them. We''ll take care of it. If anyone disobeys for [any reason], we''ll take care of it. You weren''t there, so I''m letting you know now." Maze nodded with amazement in his eyes. "If anyone even tries to yell at someone, we have someone that will manually activate those sensory deprivation spells. Then Charlotte will freeze them. It''ll look like they''re just frozen stiff with fear to everyone else. It''s brutal and truly sad it''s necessary." Helix sighed. Maze chuckled in bewilderment before bursting intoughter. "You use magic to turn OP viins into harmless kittens." He cried. "And you do it with style. Dear God, I''m grateful that I became your friend instead of an enemy." Helix and his partners burst intoughter. They chatted for a few more minutes before it was time to get the auction started. Maze looked up and saw the Nobles weren''t sneering at the Earthians. On the contrary, their faces were excited and interested. "That went a lot better than expected." He muttered to Riley. "Yes. Helix is shockingly effective with speeches and hype." She giggled. "That was just one of the battles. There are many raging behind the scenes, and the real war begins tomorrow." Maze swallowed nervously after her words. "However, it''s not a problem. As long as Helix has [time], he can fix any issue." Riley imed with a gentle smile. "He''s not invincible, but he''s not easy to kill now. That''s what matters most. So the only battle is against time until our future enemy greets us. We''ll be fine as long as we get that far without being forced to leave or resort to force." Maze smiled when he heard her confidence. ¡ª "W-What the fuck is that thing!" A soldier roared on top of the city gates. He was on guard duty when a massive monster barreled into the area. BOOOOOOOM! BOOOOOOOM! "That kid wasn''t fucking around! Where is he!?" Another cried. "We don''t know¡­ he left the city because he was tired of the controversy¡­." A third yelled. "That''s fucking stupid! If he knew what wasing and left, he left just to fucking die¡ª" "GOOOOOOOOOOORRRRN!" "Ahhhhhh! My ears!" BOOOOOOOOOOM! The guards fell from their position. The entire wall shook, and the guards fell from their positions. "Karcus, go send word to the military leaders!" The second yelled out. "And go find that kid! There''s no way in hell we''re going to beat¡ª" BOOOOOOOOOOM! The guards fell again. "Y-Yeah! I''ll do what I can!" ¡ª [A/N: Huge announcement. Webnovel has asked me to contract with this novel! If the traffic increases significantly, I will set up premium. The benefit is that I will resume editing to higher quality and continue writing the story. Duly note that [privalege is set up by default]. Therefore, I will release four chapters when contracted so that you do not miss anything by not paying extra. Let me know your thoughts. I''ll do a mass release for my loyal readers and will not apply for premium immediately. Thank you for reading!] Chapter 153 [The Otaku Collection] Helix panned the audience in the auction house. There were eighty-three Earthians in the middle section of the house floor. Seventeen seats were left empty, but they would not let [anyone] near the Cheat hopefuls. No one was sitting to their right in the right section setting. There were one woman and five guards on the left section of the floor. The rest of the seats were empty, making the group stand out. Lc Riddle was the woman, and the five guards were the individuals that attacked Helix earlier that day. An invisibility wall on the left side of the Earthians prevented them from seeing the group. Everyone was informed that they wereing and that the issue with Helix was a misunderstanding. Still, they didn''t give anyone a reason to start trouble. Helix found itical how ufortable the guards were. Despite being invisible, they were constantly ncing at the Earthians nervously. They were awkward when looking at Helix. Eliza was having a ball, making her presence conspicuous as possible. Helix chuckled at her antics and wondered what her mother thought. The queen was still present and asionally came out onto the balcony and grimaced when she saw Eliza. Helix imagined that Eliza exined the situation before the auction, and Liliana reluctantly agreed to it. It was a spectacle. Helix looked up and smiled at all of the ecstatic Nobles salivating. "Wee to the Samma''s Exotic Fashion Bizarre Exclusive Auction!" Helix yelled dramatically in a booming voice. Excited cheers and whistles exploded from the seating. The nobles were appalled by the whistles and mannerisms of the Earthian''s cheering. It had a much different vibe. However, it made them more excited. They were there toplete the Earthian story and revel in their emotions. So it was all part of the experience. Helix grinned at their shifted behavior and thanked the non-Elise gods that they had likely averted one crisis. "Tonight we make history by¡­." He began while scanning the otakus and weebs. "Buying and wearing the same things we used to." Helix ended with a cheeky smile, and his peers burst intoughter. The nobles were confused at first, but when they remembered it was [Earthian] clothing, they startedughing too. "Thank you to the wonderful Alzerian nobles who have shown up!" Helix announced. "They will get a chance to watch Earthians be¡­ as weird as they were on earth." Moreughter erupted from the audience. The nobles were getting excited watching the otakus and weebs cackling. It was new and exciting. "Give it up for the wonderful nobles in Alzeria!" The super-otakus and power-weebs burst into apuse. They didn''t particrly want to, but Marie and Riley were pping at full volume, so they instinctively joined their War Goddesses. The nobles were very pleased by the unexpected praise. "Before we get started, I''ll give the nobles fair warning. Most of my clothing designs are high-fashion. Those pieces are part of the Samma''s Earthian Collection. However, I''ve made some things asfort items for some, and they''re not considered normal for most Earthians¡­." Helix chuckled. The otakus and weebs burst intoughter. A wave of confusion washed over the nobles. "Those items are part of the Otaku Collection and should not be confused as high fashion. You will be warned ahead of time. If you like the items, I will encourage you to buy them and use them as intended. There is nothing in this world even remotely like them. That is the essence of Samma''s EXOTIC Fashion Bizarre!" Helix roared. Deafening cheers rang out in the Kina district. Everyone was just as excited as the otakus and weebs. However, the Earthians were dying. The thought that high nobles would spend a fortune on a pair of cat ears was priceless. "Let''s get started! As a collection inspired by Earthians, it''s best to start with a Otaku Collection item!" Cheers exploded in the auction house. "First up! The exact opposite of high-fashion and a g for the anti-social¡­." Helix said with a mysterious smile. "Is an extrarge t-shirt with a monster-catching ball on it!" The otakus and weebs exploded with excitement. Everyone in the skyboxes was fascinated by the strange clothing. The description seemed to nk out of their head. Only one person was staring at the Earthians like they had a screw loose¡ªEliza. "As part of the Otaku Collection, it is not representative of high fashion, nor should it be treated that way. Samma made these upon my request, and it is not a Samma''s Earthian collection item. However, this is andmark piece of high culture on Earth. So while no one should wear this¡­." Helix chuckled. "It does have a¡­ strange amount of power and influence. It is¡­ exotic fashion." The otakus and weebs were roaring withughter, and the nobles were fascinated. "There are two of these for sale tonight and one for sale tomorrow!" Helix announced. "Nobles, you have a sign indicating whether you want to bid on this item. Lifting the red sign means you want to give the otakus the right to buy both. Green means you want to bid. Let''s try this out. Cheat hopefuls, use your sign to indicate whether you want the opportunity to bid on both!" Helix requested The Earthians shot up their signs in the air. They were paddles with red and green sides. Every person in the Earthian section held up the green signal as high as possible. The nobles were fascinated by their enthusiasm. Helix told them that the product was garbage, shouldn''t be worn, and a signal anti-social. Yet their enthusiasm bordered on the extreme. "There you have it! The otakus are willing to bid on both. However, you have the exclusive right to bid on one if more than half of the nobles show the green sign. Otherwise, the bidding is open for both the otakus and the nobles." Helix exined. He panned the skyboxes to see as many faces as possible. "In case you''re wondering¡­ yes. I did say no one should wear this. That''s honest. Anyone here will tell you that. Yet everyone is so enthusiastic it''s depressing. That''s what we call¡­." Helix shook his head with hopeless eyes. "Art." The otakus and weebs erupted into a pride-filled frenzy. The nobles watched the spectacle with bewildered expressions. "Nobles! Raise your signs with green if you want to bid on one exclusively. Raise red if you wish to skip and allow the otakus to bid with you. You may begin!" The nobles shot their hands up instantly. Helix''s expression almost crumbled when he saw their answer. [100% Yes]. "Okay! We''ll start with the otakus. The bidding starts at one gold coin. Please remember that there are other items, so you shouldn''t spend all your money in one ce. You may begin!" "Five!" "Ten!" "Fifteen!" "Twenty!" The nobles scoffed when they saw the baby numbers being used. "Twenty five!" "Thirty!" "Thirty five!" "Fourty!" "Forty-Five" "Fifty!" The nobles'' eyes narrowed when they noticed how many people were bidding and the rate they were doing it. Their increases were instantaneous. Eliza was giggling at the behavior. "Ninty!" "Ninty Five!" "One hundred!" ¡­ "One fifty!" The atmosphere with the nobles shifted. Bid sizes were low, but they came out of the otaku''s mouths as fast as they could speak. It started at five and moved up in small increments, but it was getting exorbitant for young adults. "Two hundred!" "Two twenty!" "Two Twenty Five!" "Twe fifty!" Their eyes kept getting wider by the second. "Four hundred!" "Four twenty!" "Four forty!" Their excitement was growing. If [children] were willing to drop enough money to buy a reasonable house for this shirt, how much should they? "Five hundred fifteen!" Helix turned his head and panned the otakus. "Is there anyone else?" He chuckled. There was no one willing to bid more. "Sold to Sammy for five hundred fifteen gold!" Helix roared. "It''s not high etiquette but I can see your excitement, so please pick it up." The young woman was thrilled beyond measure. She ran to the stage with tears of joy in her eyes. The nobles watched with fascination and wide eyes. "Nobles! These emotions you''re seeing¡­. This scene is what the Earthian collection is all about! This emotion inspired Samma toe out of retirement and start designing again!" Helix roared. "How do you [feel] watching this!?" The nobles burst into standing apuse and rained their praise from the skyboxes. Helix didn''t know whether tough or cry at their eptance of their culture. He imagined that the otakus and weebs would have been sensible people if their parents felt this level of excitement for their children''s choices. "Alright! Then let the bidding begin! Bids start at one gold coin. You may begin!" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 154 [Clothing Of Power] "One hundred!" "One fifty!" "Two fifty!" The otakus were instantly grateful that Helix separated their bidding rights. "Five hundred!" "Six hundred!" "Six fifty!" Helix glided his eyes to his partners. Charlotte was crying on the inside. She could barely contain her excitement. Riley was giggling her face off. Marie she was trying to hold everyone else together. Once the shock wore off, she knew that the Earthians would roar withughter. He gilded his eyes to Eliza and gave her a look that said [I warned them]. Eliza burst into giggles. "Eight hundred!" Helix panned his eyes around the audience. A professional auctioneer handled the nobles'' auctioning while he was handling his people. He was grateful because he was losing his mind. "Sold!" The auctioneer announced. Helix started pping with a straight face, and Marie and Riley did the same. The Earthians were losing their minds as well. Marie had instructed everyone not tough their head off when the nobles bought items. However, they were cracking like a dam, so Helix had to act quickly. "Congradtions on the first purchase of Earthian clothing anywhere!" He roared. The noble cried out in excitement, and suddenly everyone realized the true importance of the event. The unexpected win for the woman fueled theirpetitive spirit. Helix was grinning when he saw their bloodlust. "Next up! We have the first item from the Samma''s Earthian Collection!" He roared. The audience calmed down instantaneously. Helix took arge rack out of his item storage. The Earthians gasped when they saw the covering. They knew in an instant what the item was. The nobles saw their gasps, and they got excited. He was pulling out the [first] item of the Samma''s Earthian Collection. Helix wouldn''t present something weak. "Ladies and Gentlement. Respectable nobles, and degenerate otakus!" He yelled out with a serious voice. While many snickered, Helix didn''t stop. "This clothing item rules Earth!" He announced. "It''s worn by world leaders, business titans, and everyone trying to look as sharp and professional as possible!" The nobles'' eyes were trembling. The otakus looked self conflicted. "It is the clothing of power! Prestige! Wealth! Strength! And every other sign of sess imaginable!" Helix roared. He removed the covering. "This is a suit! The sharpest, most presentable form of fashion on earth!" The audience burst into apuse. The otakus were much weaker in their presentation for obvious reasons. However, something had [changed] in them. Many were beautiful now, and most had power. They had status and wealth. The illusive clothing they once hated was now alluring. "The otakus here had no desire for power before they came here. So they''re not as excited as items in the otakus collection." Helix exined. "However! Feast upon their raw, conflicted emotions!" The nobles started looking at the Earthians with unbridled excitement. Eliza narrowed her eyes. She could see their trembling eyes. "This suit represents things that are unobtainable bymoners! Those who wear a suit travel through the skies and live in buildings one thousand feet off the ground! They own small inds and haverge mansions! The people that wear these suits are untouchable!" Helix exined. The nobles were salivating at the items. "However! Look at them now! They have money, wealth, prestige, strength, and power! Many are gorgeous and handsome beyond recognition. You see how excited we are about ourfort items, and we''re proud! However, they are now looking at this charcoal gray suit as if it had the power of a war god!" The nobles started shaking in excitement. The otakus, who had their feelings put into words, looked at each other with excitement. "This is the most powerful piece of clothing on earth and the reason it''s the first item offered from Samma''s Earthian Collection!" Helix panned the crowd. "Bidding starts at five hundred gold. If you want this suit, you have tomit to it!" He roared. "You may begin!" "Six hundred!" "Six twenty five!" "Six fifty!" "Eight hundred!" "Eight fifty!" The nobles stared at the otakus with disbelief. Their loving,ughing faces were gone. Everyone had resolve in their eyes. Respect. Desire. Yearning. Everyone wanted to show that they were different than before. "One thousand!" "One thousand one hundred!" "One thousand fifty!" When some people bowed out, they had disappointed faces. "Two thousand!" The group became silent. That number proved a person''s resolve. The Earthians had earned four thousand gold in four months. They were paid five hundred every two weeks. So someone spent most of their savings on the item. Helix panned the audience. "The first suit is sold to Leo!" He announced. "Leo! Tell Alzeria the reason that you bought this suit! Do it confidently, as that is what you desire!" Leo was shaking, but he steeled his expression after Helix''s firm encouragement. "I want to get stronger! I don''t want to be weak anymore!" Leo yelled. Helix gave the young man a bright smile. "Good man, Leo. You will get strong now." He said with a warm gaze. Leo started tearing up slightly. Helix panned the skyboxes again. "A suit is a symbol! It''s a sign of your dedication to power!" He exined. "It''s not necessary to always wear one. But it''s a tool in your arsenal to have when you must look, feel, and act confident! Leo! That is a strong show of your resolve, and I''m proud of you!" Helix started pping, and soon the other Earthians joined in with emotional faces. There was a standing ovation, and the nobles joined in. The scene genuinely moved them. "Do you see [why] it''s special toplete the Earthian story? Can you feel the emotion resonating from Samma''s vision?" Helix asked the nobles. Thunderous apuse rocked the auction house. Every noble was cheering, and tears welled in their eyes. "Leo." Helix called out with a gentle smile. "We''ll have a tailor take your measurements, we''ll give you the ideal suit, and then they''ll modify it, so it looks ssy." Leo''s eyes lit up. "So you can''t have this now. It''lle soon. Let''s hear it one more time for Leo!" Deafening apuse met Helix''s words. Leo choked up when he saw the gentle gazes of all of the otakus. It was a joyous moment for everyone. "Nobles. Who wants to bid exclusively on this item?" Helix asked with a slight smile. The answer was instantaneous. Green. Unanimous. "Excellent. You heard my statement before! While every item starts at one coin, this one is special!" Helix announced. "To wear one, you mustmit to buying it for the minute you see it! I started it at five hundred for these young men and women. Your number is different and will show your dedication." Helix panned the skyboxes with a serious expression. "Starting bid is two thousand. It''s the number that showed the resolve of Leo Arkwright! If you don''t have more resolve than this young man, you do not have the right to wear this sign of power and prestige!" Thunderous battle cries came from the nobles. Everyone in the listening party was feeling anxiety. They couldn''t see the legendary-grade item from Earth. Every atom of their being was crying out in anguish. Tomorrow they would see. Tonight they would learn its value. "You may begin!" Helix roared. "Three thousand!" "Four thousand!" "Five thousand!" "Five Thousand Five Hundred!" "Six thousand!" Helix closed his eyes and relished the sound. He thought he had made a fortune on the tickets. However, the amount a queen paid for a half-trench and yoga pants with Markov scales was weakpared to this. Samma was raking it in something savage. Still, it felt bitter-sweet. "Eight thousand!" "Nine thousand!" ¡­ "Fifteen thousand!" Helix panned the audience and waited for the auctioneer to call it. "Sold!" The auctioneer announced. "Sir! What is your name!" Helix called out. "Smith Jacobson!" The noble cried with a joyous expression. "What does it feel like to be the first noble¡­ the first person of power in Myriad¡­ to buy the clothing of power and prestige from another world!?" "... A-Amazing!" Smith cried. Helix started pping vigorously. His partners followed. Soon there was a standing ovation. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 155 [Auction Frenzy] Charlotte was grinning in delight. She was tallying the amount of money in her head. Helix had raked in over seventy-thousand in the participation auction. He could live off the money for the rest of his life in luxury in gold standards. Unlike the exclusive auction, he made 100% of the proceeds, and there were no clothing orbor costs. Now he raked in another fifteen hundred just by his stake alone. "Next up! We have a bundle of colorful wigs, cloth, and dyes! These are used for cosy!" Helix grinned. "What''s cosy? When people dress up as characters depicted in paintings and have wild delusions, they are the character¡­ that''s cosy." The otakus roared withughter. The nobles checked their gold count. "The items start at one coin! You may begin!" ¡­ "These are a pair of yoga pants. Every noble should know about them, I believe." Helix chuckled. The nobles burst intoughter. "What you don''t know is the Earthian love for them! There are fifteen pairs for auction." The women otakus screamed like fan girls. "No exnation needed, begin!" The nobles'' eyes widened when they saw the numbers women were throwing out. The highest was five hundred twenty-five, but the same woman bid on every other pair! ¡­ "This bottle contains regr Bashfruit Alka. The nobles here should know it well." Helix grinned. "However! I have mixed Star Sparkles in it and capped it. That''s it. That''s all I''ve done." Helix panned the otaku''s faces. They were gulping at the sight of it. The nobles narrowed their eyes when they saw the phenomena. Eliza was watching with mesmerizing fascination. The Knights looked like opium addicts! "However, the bottle was capped at the maximum carbonation, cooled to 36 degrees Fahrenheit, and put into my item storage to keep it cold." Helix grinned. The otakus gulped. "In total, these five bottles of [soda] cost three coppers to make each!" He announced while showing everyone the bottle. "Watch what happens when you crack the lid." Helix panned the auction house to ensure everyone''s attention was on him. "Poooooop fizzzzzzz!" "Bidding starts at three coppers! You may begin!" "Five gold!" "Ten gold!" "Twenty gold!" "Twenty one gold!" "Twenty five gold!" The nobles were bewildered by the spectacle. At first, they thought that Helix was sharking them. However, the raw madness in the otakus'' eyes was unmistakable. "Sold to Sarah for 31 gold!" Helix announced. The amount of gold she spent on the three copper soda could rent a maid for six months in Alzeria. It was bewildering to the nobles. "You may put it in your item storage or drink it here." Sarah rushed at full speed to Helix and grabbed it. Like a ravenous fiend, she cracked the cap. "Poooooop fizzzzzzz!" Her face flushed with embarrassment when she saw everyone. However, she didn''t care. "This smells like¡­." Sarah''s eyes widened with shock. "Try it." Helix grinned. Sarah obeyed without hesitation. The minute that the drink touched her lips, she started crying. Serious crying. She dropped to her knees and capped the bottle. Sarah held it close to her body and started bawling. Soon twenty other people joined in. "This¡­." Helix whispered with a choked-up voice. "Everyone! This is no longer for sale!" He announced. The otakus looked at him with pained expressions. "It''s free!" Helix yelled at the top of his lungs. "Everyone gets one! I''m not going to sell you something that means so much. I refuse." Helix wiped his eyes with his peacoat sleeve. Happy cries exploded from the auction house. Soon there were dozens of people hugging. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley already had soda in bulk. They never gave it to anyone because they believed they''d suspect poison. They took it out in a wave and started passing them out. "Poooooop fizzzzzzz!" "Poooooop fizzzzzzz!" "Poooooop fizzzzzzz!" The nobles watched the scene with confusion and slight pain. They started tearing up as well. It was instantly clear there wasn''t a single fakeness or acting. Helix panned his gaze toward the skyboxes. "Thank you for your patience." He said with a slightly cracking voice. "This drink is extremely simr to a drink called c on Earth. We used to love it and drank it every day. Since we came here, something this simple has been missing. So once people¡­ took a drink¡­ it reminded us of everything we left behind." Helix wiped slight tears from his eyes again. Princess Eliza and Queen Liliana felt heartbroken watching the eighty-three young men and women crying with the bottles in their hands. "This is why the Otaku Collection is here." He exined with a strained voice. "It''s not about how much something costs. The price of making this drink is irrelevant. It reminds us of home, and everything you''re seeing here tonight doesn''t exist in this world." The women nobles started crying, and their partners hugged them. Listeners outside of the hall were feeling raw emotions. Everyone angry the auction wasn''t exclusive felt guilty for demanding the young man''s products be sold to them without question. "This is what Samma wanted to capture¡­." Helix looked at all of the nobles. "When I said it''s free, that means for you too. Every noble here will get a bottle of soda to share in an Earthian experience." Helix bowed, and the nobles stood up in a standing ovation. They pped for solid two minutes before Helix started the auction again. "This is a skirt! It''s arguably the most popr female clothing item for covering their legs." Helix announced with half energy. "It''s a dress that only covers from the waist down. There are many styles here, and you may choose the one you wish upon purchase. Bidding starts at one coin. You may begin!" ¡­ "This¡­ hahaha¡­." Helix burst intoughter. The otakus'' eyes widened when they saw Helixughing again. "This¡­ haha¡­ is also¡­ hahaha¡­ a skirt¡­." He tried to exin between broken breaths. "But this¡­ hahaha¡­ is part of the Otaku Collection¡­ haha." The nobles'' eyes widened with surprise. They could see the anticipation on the otakus'' faces. An abrupt emotional shift overcame everyone simultaneously. "It''s¡­ a school girl skirt!" "200 gold!" A woman screamed. Helix chuckled in bewilderment. "You heard the woman. Begin!" "250 gold!" "300 gold!" "350 gold!" ¡­ "Sold for 750 gold!" Helixughed. Then he turned to the nobles with a cracking expression. "As part of the Otaku Collection, it''s not high fashion." Helix chuckled. "However, it''s cultured fashion, and it can be summed up in two words¡­." He waited for everyone to listen in close. "Love life." Roars ofughter rang through the auction house. ¡ª "So¡­ did Helix make you wear the school girl skirts?" Tammy asked with a grin. Millie blushed, and Sarah pretended not to hear. Miskieced her hands behind her head and leaned back for the show. However, she was giving the women a sidelong nce. Helix''s partners burst into giggles. "Helix doesn''t make us wear anything." Marie giggled. Sarah and Tammy sighed a slight breath of relief. Millie was anxious and blushing still. "Sounds like a crock of shit to me." Miskie grinned. "It''s true though. Helix doesn''t even suggest what he''d like us to wear." Riley replied with wide eyes. "It''s okay, Riley. Miskie here''s just con~fuzzled." Charlotte grinned. "The question you should be asking is [have we]." Miskie''s eyes lit up, and she uced her fingers. Then she put her elbows on the table. "So then, Char~lot, have you?" Millie, Tammy, and Sarah blushed at Charlotte''s bold words. Charlotte met Miskie''s gaze fearlessly. "Of~course." She grinned. Miskie smiled, blushing exploded, and Marie and Riley giggled. "So lemme get this straight. Helix doesn''t suggest you wear anything, but you ponied up and volunteered to wear them?" Miskie asked. Marie tried to reply tactfully for the sake of the blushers, but Charlotte had no intention. "Didn''t you hear my inflection?" Charlotte asked sarcastically. "I said, of~course. That slight vi~brato indicates that we did wear those skirts willing, and we liked~it." The blushing returned in full force. "Hah. That boy''s got your wrapped around his finger something savage." Miskieughed. "I like it when that happens, thank~you ver~y much." Charlotte smacked. Miskie''s eyes widened. "No way. No fuckin'' way. Did you just initiate sex talk?" Miskie grinned with excited eyes. "Depends on those five." Charlotte shrugged. "I~''ll talk about it. The question is, will the blush parade drop the act and express their excitement?" ¡ª "This is a coboration between the Otaku Collection and the Earthian Collection!" Helix announced. "It''s a cultured item of magnanimous proportions and stylish enough to justify wearing it. It''s only rmended for young teens that don''t have creepy uncles or stalkers." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 156 [Legendary-Grade Cosplay] "It''s a cultured item of magnanimous proportions and stylish enough to justify wearing it. It''s only rmended for young teens that don''t have creepy uncles or stalkers." The otakus burst intoughter. They knew what wasing. "Anyone want to guess what item I''m talking about Helix grinned." "Sailor suit!" Lilly yelled. "Yeah, sailor suit!" Soon the entire auction house devolved into chaos. Helix pulled it out. "Bingo! One gold, let''s go!" ¡­ "Every auction has a trump card as thest item of the night!" Helix roared. Every otaku roared at the top of their lungs. "I know there''s a few dozen of you that haven''t bid on a single thing because you knew what wasing!" "YEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" The noble''s eyes widened with shock. Whatever the item was, it was the most important item to the Earthians. Everyone held their breath. "While this may not be a final act for the nobles, but what do you think!?" "YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Battle cries. Blood-thirsty battle cries. Those are the only words that could describe the absurd enthusiasm of the otakus. "Nobles and Elites! You are about to feast your eyes on the most legendary cosy of all time!" Helix announced in a bold voice. "This item is of the Samma Earthian collection!" He continued. The nobles'' eyes lit up with excitement. "Is it high fashion? Absolutely not! However!" Helix roared. He panned the otakus. The men and women had sparkling eyes. "This strange piece has legendary control over arge subset of the world''s poption! Many people go crazy over it! It has immortal influence and is depicted in countless forms of entertainment!" The nobles'' eyes widened. Their hearts started pounding. Their breathing became ragged. "This is an item of high culture!" Helix continued with a booming voice. "YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" "As you can see, the men and women are both salivating over the sight of them!" Helix roared. "The women want them, the men want a woman so they can convince them to wear them." Laughter and raging apuse exploded in the auction house. "Any male that buys one will have their servant wear them every night!" He panned the gazes of the male otakus and webs with narrowed eyes. "Don''t you DARE try to deny it!" He demanded with a wicked grin. "YEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" The area burst intoughter and thunderous apuse. "There are only ten! Ten! Ten of these!" Helix yelled. "Ten for the whole of Alzeria! There''s another ten for Kozen! And that''s it! For the next season, there will only be ten! That means twenty total worldwide!" Helix announced melodically. The nobles started screaming with excitement and enthusiasm. "Except the six pairs I have for MY WOMEN! I''m a man, and I begged Samma to make these! I''m a lowlife degenerate, and I''m way too happy to care!" Roaringughter exploded from the auction house again. Charlotte was grinning. Marie was blushing. Riley was giggling. Their hearts were pounding. "Ladies! Please demonstrate the hyper-exclusive products of Samma''s Earthian collection!" The three reached into their item storage and pulled out their cat ears. The moment the otakus saw their War Goddess'' wearing them, their faces turned bright red. Everyone''s hearts started pounding. The nobles felt strange and drawn to them. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley made their way to the stage. Charlotte was model strutting, and Marie tried her best to do the same. Riley walked elegantly with a bright smile on her face. "Ladies and gentlemen! Nobles and Knights! Alzerians and Thymians!" Helix roared. "Samma''s Exotic Fashion Bizarre officially brings cosy cat ears¡­." Helix panned the gazes in a sh. He made eye contact with Eliza, who was bright red. She was examining the [cat ears] with envy and shame. "TO MYRIAD!" "YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" The nobles were coughing up blood. Excitement, fervor, and lust were exploding from their pores. No one could exin the reason that they felt the way they did. However, no one could deny it. Everyone was being dragged away by the heat of the moment. After the heated war cries died down, Helix raised his hand. "If you want to know what the strange feeling in your chest is, I''ll exin it to you!" Helix announced with a confident voice. "These three women are the most powerful people in Myriad. Every stat they possess¡­ is above 1000!" Gasps exploded from the mouths of everyone present. "Marie! Touch the ceiling!" Helix requested. The nobles looked up. The ceiling was fifty feet in the air! Marie squatted down with her cat ears and sted into the sky. She reached the top and touched the ceiling with her fingertips within a second. Before they could process what they saw, Helix called out. "Riley, catch her!" Helix ordered. Marie was five feet above the ground on the other side of the stage. Riley disappeared from her location. The crowd panned their eyes to Marie. She was already in Marie''s arms. "Charlotte¡­ don''t do anything. I don''t want this building to copse." A chuckle followed. Then another. One more. The entire auction house burst intoughter. They were bewildered by what they had just seen. What they heard was so perplexing they couldn''t process it. But the words broke their minds because they had just watched the impossible. Everything happened in a matter of seconds. "Ladies and gentlemen! I''m not showing off the strength of my partners frivolously!" Helix announced. His words snapped everyone out of their daze. "These beautiful women were given the official titles of War Goddess'' from the 88th Brigade of the Kozen Royal army." Bewildered gazes from the nobles followed. They gasped in astonishment. "They''re strong, powerful, and deadly beyondparison!" Helix dered with a devious smile. "Yet they''re so incredibly cute right now it can make you sick! That is the limitless power of cosy cat ears!" A moment of stunned silence. Rolling waves of gasps. The sound of a damn cracking. Then a single battle cry. Law and order copsed. Myriad exploded. The end. "YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" "There are three pairs of cat ears for the otaku auction! Two pairs of cat ears for the nobles tonight! Two pairs of cat ears for the nobles tomorrow! And one mysterious pair of cat ears that may show up in the future if they feel like it!" Helix roared. "Bidding starts at one gold coin. Go!" "Five hundred!" "Seven hundred!" "One thousand!" "Fifteen hundred!" "Sixteen hundred!" ¡­ "Sold to Kara for seventeen fifty!" Helix announced. Kara bounced to the stage and picked up her cat ears without obtaining confirmation. "Next set! Brown with white highlights!" Helix continued. "One hundred!" "One thousands!" ¡­ "Sold to Max for sixteen hundred!" "Last pair!" Helix announced with a grin. He made eye contact with everyone present. "Thank god payday ising up because there''s one word that will bankrupt you instantly." Helix dered with an evil grin. Everyone in the auction house stopped breathing. "Pink." Battle cries ripped through the room. Helix reached into his item storage and pulled out the hot pink and white cat ears. Pandemonium and chaos broke out in the room instantly. People started arguing with each other. Some started begging their friends for money. "I''ll give you five minutes to make your negotiations." Helix chuckled. "You don''t need to own them. You can share them or create a cat ear guild for all I care." Helix looked at Miskie with an evil grin. Rental service. Those were the words that he sent to the young woman. Her eyes narrowed in understanding. She was about to break the souls of every male present. But she would provide a service that made Tarok cards look like a joke. "Five minutes are up! One gold coin. Go!" "Five hundred!" "One thousand!" "Two thousand!" The nobles'' eyes were shocked beyond belief. "Three thousand!" "Five thousand!" The auction house fell silent in an instant. Miskie got out of her chair and walked to the stage without asking anyone''s opinion. Helixughed in bewilderment. He knew what she was doing. Miskie was making a statement. She outbid people to an exorbitant degree. The reason was simple: she wanted everyone to know they couldn''t be bitter, and she would bleed them [dry] to reim her investment. "I don''t take it anyone else has business operations here?" Helix chuckled as he panned the crowd. "Didn''t think so." He added with a chuckle. He handed the pink cat ears to Miskie whileughing his head off. "Hey! Why are you so down?" Helix asked with an exasperatedugh. "Hasn''t anyone met Miskie? I''ve known her for two days and I already know what she''s doing." He panned the otakus'' gazes with a wide grin. "Miskie is going to rent those cat ears out for a hundred gold coins as night." Helixughed. "Exorbinant? Maybe. But now you have a chance in the next three to six months to live out your fantasy without bankrupting yourself." The room fell silent in contemtion. "So thank her, idiots!" Helixughed. Suddenly the reality of the situation caught up. After a moment of stunned bewilderment, cheers started exploding in the auction house. Helix was eating it up. He was advertising her services for free. However, she solved the [jealousy] problem for him. Three people would be super smug if they owned them exclusively. The others will follow when Miskie starts raking in serious money. Then there wouldn''t be a shortage of cat ear fantasies to fulfill. All of the people that saved their money for the end wouldn''t have any bitterness issues either. That''s why he pointed out the opportunity. It was working out like a charm. Helix turned his gaze to the nobles. "Green, I take it?" He grinned. Their signs shot up instantly in the affirmative. "One gold coin! You may begin!" "One thousand!" "Two thousand!" "Two thousand five hundred!" ¡­ "Twelve thousand!" "Fifteen thousand!" "Seventeen thousand!" ¡­ "Sold for eighteen thousand five hundred!" Helix yelled. "Light pink! Go!" ¡­ "Cat ears sold for twenty-one thousand!" Helix announced with a booming voice. "Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you foring to this historic auction! Give it up for Samma Shaw''s return!" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 157 [Eulogy] After five minutes of pping, Helix raised his hand. A man had juste onto the stage and whispered into his ear. Helix nodded and nced in the direction of the queen''s box. "Proud Alzerians!" Helix called out. The excited hall became quiet in anticipation. "I have an important announcement to make tonight." Helix said with a serious tone. The atmosphere multiplied. "There is one more thing up for auction this week." He continued. "Before I tell you what it is, I will tell you a story, and give you some news." Everyone listened closely and hung on to his every word. "This message is being broadcast to everyone in the Alzerian capital!" Helix announced. "Because what I''m about to tell you is important to the hearts of every noble, citizen, andmoner in the Alzeria." Silence befell the room. "For those who are now hearing my voice for the first time, let me introduce myself." Helix paused for everyone to listen. "My name is Helix Hellsgate Margrave. I''m an Alzerian Knight that is here to aid in the protection of this beautiful country." Helix''s voice became choked, but he continued with passion. "For thest three months, I''ve been in Kozen. During that time, I was blessed to be Samma Shaw''s designer and the apprentice of Grandmaster Circle Master Tilo Szar, Grandmaster Schr Linus Sarroc, and thete Grandmaster Winter General Dame Tyrene Masney." The final statement crashed into everyone in Alzeria like a copsing building. Many people were confused to hear the young man''s voice. The list of qualifications he gave was absurd. However, only one mattered to people. [Thete Grandmaster Winter General Dame Tyrene Masney]. "During that time, I had the pleasure to learn from Master Tyrene every day of the week." Helix continued. "She worked me to bone, threatened my life more times than I can count, and my life was threatened by monsters around the same amount." The abrupt change of pace was heartbreaking to most. Everyone in the auction house had stopped breathing. Eliza''s guards averted their gaze, and they gritted their teeth. They weren''t angry at Helix. It was general anger. Anger that a beast took their general from them. "We were close. Along with the other three apprentices, Marie Skybolt, Charlotte Kline, and Riley Singer, we ate together every day." Helix exined with a low voice. "Once we trained enough that our arms felt rtively healthy after the day ended, we became as close as family. Tyrene would have me make prank magic circles she''d use on Master Tilo for fun." Helix chuckled, and many others followed behind him. "I''ve learned many things from her. For example, I''ve learned that you can use a spine for ampshade rod." Helixughed. Chuckles followed, and light smiles started popping up all around Alzeria. No one knew who Helix Margrave was, but everyone knew her mannerisms. "You can use human ribs as a shield. Intestines can be used as a rope to drag you to training. Comining can lead to premature deaths." Helixughed. Many more people followed. "I''ve learned that 69-year-old women can kick down doors reinforced by magic quite easily. That was a surprise." Heughed while grabbing his ribs. The listener party could hearughter from the guards on the towers. Pubs on Burlow Street lit up with chuckles. Soldiers in barracksughed in disbelief. "My first monster hunt Master Tyrene told me that saving my ass had nothing to do with my appearance. I earned some scars that day." Helixughed. More chuckles followed. Light tears started welling in eyes everywhere. The Capital was enveloped with emotion. "Later on, I learned she was a softy. At first, I didn''t think that because the training was so brutal. And¡­ the threats were so graphic." Smallughs followed his statement. It struck a chord with all military personnel the underwent her training. "When she first offered to be my master, I immediately said yes. However, she told me quote¡­ [don''t be so eager. If you train with me, I n to y your ass and grill it on skewers]. Let me tell you¡­ she did." Laughter rang out in pubs and barracks everywhere. Many people were notughing. However, those who wereughing wereughing hard. "I quickly learned how soft=hearted she was. Recently, I asked her about the scar I received on the first day. I asked if she let me get it on purpose, for a reason than teaching a lesson. She asked me why I was asking. I reminded her the first thing she said was, [boy, let''s get you patched up, so you get a cool scar]." Helix chuckled. "After squirming for a moment, she admitted it. She watched the attack, judged that it would give me a cool scar, and let me take it. The skill level necessary to do something so frivolous¡­ is truly extraordinary." Helix burst intoughter. Everyone alreadyughing was crying on the table. Many people were sighing in exasperation. They just wanted to cry, and they couldn''t. It was pissing them off. But it wasn''t a bad thing. "Did you know that Grandmaster General Tyrene''s favorite sweets are cupcakes?" Helix asked with a smile. Shocked eyes peered toward the sky. "It''s true. Master Tyrene wasn''t the type of person that would buy a cupcake, but I got her six, and she returned the tin the next day." He chuckled. Bewilderedughs rang through the streets. The auction house was chuckling with baffled expressions. The emotions were pulling in the otakus and weebs. They had never met Tyrene, but they could imagine her personality. "The day before she approached me, I created a nasty magic circle that makes human bodies move in after images in multiple directions." Alzerian soldiers narrowed their eyes with confusion. They stared nkly in front of them, trying to figure out his point. "The day after using it, she called it a party drug and requested one for personal use. That''s how we met." Helixughed. The auction house burst intoughter. People wereughing, and they didn''t know why. It was probably because it [wasn''t] like Tyrene to say something like that. No one knew. "This one time, she sent me on a quest to kill a Level 79 wyvern in the mountains. I was Level 34." Helix chuckled. Wide eyes peered at Helix from all directions. Level 34 was higher than anyone else in Cheat hopefuls. Helix''s words were dramatically past tense. Not only that¡­ Level 79 at 34? What a joke. It wouldn''t be so bad if they didn''t learn that he seeded. The nobles were shocked to learn that a Level 34 individual earned the Markov yoga pants coatbo. The soldiers were confused beyond belief. Guards, generals, and everyone else listening was shocked. "The purpose of the exercise was to finally put me into a fight where I truly had no chance." Helix rified. "I was told I''d pass if I gave up and gave me aically small reward if I won¡­." Helix burst intoughter. "Fast forward six hours, and Master Tyrene was princess carrying me through the forest! You should have seen her bitter face! She was more embarrassed than I was!" He roared. Laughter erupted across the Alzerian capital. Otakus and weebs were bending over. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley were giggling between tears. "That''s not fair. I didn''t think it was embarrassing at all. I was too busy screaming, [Tyrene, kill me after we survive] at the top of my lungs." Helix roared. Bewildered chuckles erupted at the Kina district watching party. Eliza was giggling, and Liliana was watching Helix in amazement. "She kept looking back at the Wyvern, one-hundred meters away, with the most confused face. Tyrene had an agility stat of 1150, so the concept of running for our lives was almostical. However¡ª" "However¡­ hahahaha¡­ she knew I was crazy¡­ hahaha¡­ so¡­ so¡­ she followed my orders blindly." Helix bent over,ughing. Everyone in Alzeria was waiting with grins hearing what happened next. "Then¡­ she looked back¡­ hahaha¡­ just in time to watch the wyvern explode!" He roared. "I fed the thing¡­ haha¡­ a diluted cmity spell. We were far enough away¡­ haha¡­ for safety, but the damn thing¡­ hahaha¡­ thought we were a tasty snack¡­ and chased after us like a suicide bomber!" Laughter erupted in pubs, restaurants, barracks, on the guard wall, and everywhere else within the Capital. "With the alpha predator gone¡­ hahaha¡­ all of the high-level beasts came out to fight a war¡­ haha¡­ so we had to ughter our way out." Helixughed. "But¡­ but¡­ it came too suddenly. So Tyrene killed the first two beasts¡­ hahaha¡­ while princess carrying me!" Roars ofughter followed. Tyrene didn''t tell Tilo, Marie, Charlotte, and Riley that part of the story. So they were all dying. The streets lit up. "Her face! Hahaha¡­ her face when she realized I was still in her arms! Hahaha. You should have seen it! She blushed, got angry, and made me kill the next fifteen by myself!" Helix cried. "They were all so much stronger than me that she killed them anyway. But she made sure I was beaten up after each one arrived!" Cackling was spilling out over the streets. The current general left his room to hear themotion and caught the story. He was chuckling as well. "The best part¡­ haha¡­ was that she still gave me my reward!" Helix howled. "She sent me to kill the thing, and I did! It was the most awkward gift I''ve ever received. Let me tell you!" Bright smiles could be seen everywhere. Those who weren''t were hiding their faces. "It was so like her. She was always fair and true to her word even when I didn''t deserve it." Helix smiled and took a deep breath. "The most special thing about her was that she never forgot her students." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 158 [Death Fit For Legends] "Master Tyrene never forgot a single student, I swear. She would rattle off names without context, and the person wouldn''t be brought up for a week. I never knew anything about the person other than the trouble they caused her." Soldiers and ex-military were smiling with happy hearts. "Raul, Simon, Riko, Milina, Desmond, Rachel, Tanya, Emanuel, Lisana, Patrick, Strayer, Missa, Tiara, Laptha, Whiney, Smalls, Rupert¡­. I''ve heard stories about a hundred people in two months." Tears started streaming down faces everywhere. "They were normally an example of what people did and how she dealt with them." Helixughed. "But¡­ she was always smiling. It was the worst!" Helix burst intoughter again. "I always heard these stories as a warning, but she''d get all smiley and gentle. Then she''d recognize that she wasn''t being a hardass and doubled down. I imagine that''s how the stories came to be in the first ce!" Battle cry-esqueughs burst through doors of pubs. Many people were rolling. Macron was crying outside of his office and was forced to hold his stomach in ce. "Even now I can hear her voice." Helix chuckled. "Boy! If you have time to mock me, you have time to swing a sword!" Laughter exploded again. Many in pubs started pping the table and spilling their drinks. No one could hear their mugs breaking over the noise. "That quality made her a legend and helped her touch the heart of many." Helix said with a smile. "She touched everyone''s heart. If you were her ally, it meant that she touched your heart to make you smile. If you were her enemy, she was holding your heart [literally]." Tears were streaming down the eyes of countless people. The nobles in the auction hall found themselves crying, regardless of whether they knew Tyrene or not. "Master Tyrene loved all of her students, troops, and troublemakers." Helix said with a gentle voice. "Before she passed, we were on the way back to the Capital to investigate an increase in monster activity worldwide. She spent an hour giving me a list of all the people she would nag once she returned." Helixughed with light tears. His reminder of her death was enough to bring sadness back into people''s eyes. "It was that same monster activity that took her from us." Helix announced in a low voice. The city became still again. Many were listening with dead eyes. "A fifth-evolution Colossus woke from hibernation. We didn''t know what its level was at the time." He exined with a low tone. "As you may know, Colossus'' are hunted and killed upon sight. Therefore, in thest century, the highest level Colossus anyone had ever faced was Level 10, and it was a loss-heavy battle. Tyrene led the fight against that Level 10 Colossus twenty years ago. That day¡­ almost a month ago¡­ the Colossus was level 387." Shock rocked the atmosphere in the Capital. Many people were gasping. People could hear a pin drop in the auction house. "That''s right. Let that sink in." Helix chuckled bitterly. "But you know what? You want to hear something pretty fuckin'' amazing proud Alzerians?" The entire city called down and stopped breathing. "She fought that thing¡­ AND WON!" Helix let out a battle cry from the deepest parts of his lungs. He wasn''t acting. He wasn''t using rhetoric. The entire speech was inspired from the inside. And at the end, he was telling Alzeria as a whole that Tyrene fought an unbeatable monster and won. Battle cries followed throughout the city. They rippled through the auction house, the watching party, and then the city gates. The troops in the barracks were screaming at the top of their lungs. The pubs and restaurants were filled with deafening roars. "That''s right! Tyrene died a legend in the most mythical battle of thest millenia!" Helix roared. "Any other death would be absurd! Sickness? Hah! Tyrene would punch a virus in the face and rip out its damn proteins!" Laughter burst into the streets again. "Old age? Are you kidding me? That woman could kick a burly warrior''s ass at ny and talk shit the whole way!" Cries ofughter and joy rang through the city. "Master Tyrene took a vacation to Kozen to wake up at 4 am and beat my ass until I learned the sword. I''m sure she''s in the afterlife chasing old students down to grill them for gettingzy!" Helix roared. Cheers rang out through the streets. "No! General Tyrene was a powerful warrior that fought for Alzeria and protected her homnd!" Helix yelled. "The only way for her to find peace was on a battlefield so biblical that she could justify a real vacation afterward!" Battle cries rang out in the city. "Proud Alzerians! Your legendary Winter General Tyrene Masney died protecting Alzeria from a monster that could wipe out an entire country! And she did it with a pack of apprentices, azy magic circle grandmaster, a few schrs, and a medical chief!" Helix yelled. "You should have seen the look the Kozen general''s face when his that thing with a [Frost Nova] 100 meters away! If you''ve never seen General Tyrene get serious, you''re missing out on the nastiest fighting this world has ever seen!" The city had a pulse. His story moved the queen to the point of being shaken. Eliza was staring at him with wide eyes. "Proud people of Alzeria! I have gifts for you inmemoration of General Masney''s life!" Helix roared. Everyone in the city calmed down. Their eyes lit up with anticipation. They listened with their undivided attention. "Three days from now, on the day of rest, there will be a celebration of Master Tyrene''s life in the colosseum!" Helix announced. "Please show up! I''ll be handing General Masov that Colossus'' index finger that day! He can point the way to victory against the monsters that [dared] to threaten this country with it!" Battle cries rang through the city streets. "I''ll be giving the ring finger to the Alzerian war museum to forevermemorate the day she refused the Mad Queen''s engagement proposal!" Helix continued. Laughter exploded from the Capital pubs, barracks, and streets. "I''ll be giving the pinky to the princess to invite the Mad Queen over for poisoned tea!" War fever was spreading through the kingdom. "I''m auctioning off the ring finger that day and will be giving 100% of the proceeds to her Majesty to reequip the troops and provide military aid! I''ll make sure that I''ll ring out the maximum funding for her soldiers!" Cries of excitement rang through the barracks. The auction hall was stunned silent by the news. He was auctioning off a finger of a Colossus that killed Tyrene. It was a collector''s item that could bankrupt a small nation. But that wouldn''t deter anyone. "I''m setting up the thumb in the arena for anyone that wants to vent their rage. Everyone can see for themselves what type of beast she was able to kill!" Excitement boiled over. "As for the middle finger, I''m keeping it. It''s fifteen feet tall and extremely hard. I''ll enjoy bludgeoning a Level 87 monster to death with it while flipping off the mad queen simultaneously!" Helix roared. Pandemonium and chaos were spilling over in the streets. "There''s onest gift! It''s for Alzeria as a whole. It''s for her Majesty, the Princess, her troops, General Tyrene''s friends, and her allies." He announced. "It''s not a small gift. No! A gift fit for Tyrene can be anything but small. Let me tell you what it is! When that Colossus finally stayed down and breathed itsst, I made sure to get Alzeria the only gift worthy of her legacy¡­." Helix prefaced with a passionate tone. He waited for maximum dramatic effect. "I brought you its head! The eight-ton skull will forever be a warning to any beast, country, or monster that''s foolish enough to mess with our people!" The pulse in the city beat faster. The city breathed, and smoke rose into the skies. The battle cries could raze a city to the ground. "Proud Alzerians! It''s our turn to take up her legacy!" Helix announced. "If any monster [dares] to threaten this city, we will rip out its spine and use it as amp stand! We will carve out its ribs and use it as a shield. We''ll tie it up with its intestines and drag it to our troops for training. Everyone in this city has an arsenal of absurd threats that Tyrene used against us. Those threats will be real the moment another monster threatens Alzeria!" Helix roared. Deafening roars filled the Alzerian skies. "And now¡­ a gift from Grandmaster Winter General Dame Tyrene Masney herself¡­." Helix whispered. The entire city called down in an instant. Helix put a magic circle on the portable amplification circle Tilo set up. "Oui! If any idiot dares cry during this message, I''ll use their skull as a quill holder!" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 159 [Tyrene’s Will] Shock and silence washed over the city. The feeling of disbelief spread from one person to the next in a connected wave of synesthesia. "If you''re listening to this, I''m dead. However, if you think I won''t quill your sorry ass, I''ll call in a favor to a necromancer. Trust me, kiddos. I''m not ying around." Bewilderedughter burst through the city like a flood gate. "I''m not one for sentimentalities. Even though most of you will bicker over petty semantics." Tears streamed down her soldiers'' eyes. "I''m only recording this message because I''m stupid enough to fight a Colossus at age 70 during my damn vacation." Roars ofughter poured into the streets. Her words lived the puffy eyes of grown men in waves. "I''m only doing it because I ordered my idiot apprentice to do it, and he was stupid enough to say yes." Bewilderedughs escaped the mouths of people everywhere. ,m "I''m recording my damn will now like a moron, and I can''tin. If I asked him a month ago, he''d sigh, tell me how stupid it was to volunteer to die, and I''d have to beat him into eptance." Tilo, Marie, Charlotte, Riley, and everyone else who knew Helix before his train burst intoughter. "Now I''ve beat obedience into him to the point of stupidity. I don''t know whether tough or cry." Helix chuckled bitterly. Many people were shaking their heads, unsure of what to think of the situation. "No, I''m just a moron. He was obedient to the point of lunacy in the first two weeks. I knew that when I watched a Wyvern explode at the beginning of his training." Perplexedughs rang out through the auction house. Hearing Helix''s crazy story and hearing it from Tyrene''s mouth were very different. "If you''re hearing this, he''s ying this for you. So look at that impractical pretty boy coat he has on. I know he''s wearing it. That''s made of a pelt of a Warpshire Hellhound he fought while picking flowers for his girlfriend." Tyrene scoffed, triggering the eyes of everyone in the auction house. He was wearing that coat. Many people knew what it was made of. "But I''m not a good influence because I picked those damn flowers with him! Damn kids and their rhetoric. Talking about spirit beasts and training them to protect loved ones¡­ h h h." Charlotte startedughing, and her eyes lit up. Marie and Riley hugged her. The otakus and weebs suddenly realized what it takes to impress War Goddess. "What I''m trying to say is this. We fought that beast together along with my other apprentices. I''m dead; he''s not. That''s my own damn fault, and if anyone has a problem with it, I''ll use your severed finger to seal my envelopes! If that thing kills me, I''m a bad teacher for sending him out to fight it." The Alzerians felt a cold shiver run down their spines. "I''m getting that out of the way. That idiot''s probably in Alzeria, investigating a monster sighting a few weeks after battling a damn fifth-order Colossus and watching me die. If you''re hearing this, he''s risking his life again like a moron. Thest thing he needs is idiot students of mind hounding him in my honor. I know that will happen, so I''m telling you, so you don''t disgrace me!" Many people who were resentful instantly shivered at her words. "Okay. Now that that''s out of the way¡­. Hmmm. Now that I''m writing a will, I don''t know what to say. There are so many people I want toin about right now. But¡­." Everyone closed their eyes and listened to her every word. "Now that I''m thinking about the end, I can''t find a single damn thing toin about! Hah. Perhaps I''m one of those tsundere or whatever the hell those idiots call me." The otakus and webs roared withughter. They were dry heaving on the ground. "I guess it''s a word for someone that acts tough but cares. I''ve heard it so many times I think I''m starting to believe it. Heh. I think my apprentices are probably right. Now that I''m thinking about my soldiers, students, and friends¡­. Heh. There''s nothing but a big pathetic smile on my face." Grown men everywhere started crying. Tears streamed down their eyes, and the people next to them were patting them on the back. "I''m alwaysining about vacations and not retiring, but¡­." Helix chuckled. "Who''s stopping me? I''m the most powerful person in this damn country!" Battle cries rang out in the city. "Thing is, I think it''s just an excuse to see all my idiot students. I''m old as hell. I''m pretty sure all my friends are students who got too old to call students." General Masov burst intoughter. Countless others had the same experience. "It''s a funny thing, being a general. You live your life leading people into battle. You watch countless people you love die. You risk your life while you''re at it. Yet the people I know are always so damn¡­ happy! Stop it, you idiots! I''m writing this will, and I don''t have anything meaningful to say!" Helix burst intoughter, and tears streamed down his cheeks. He motioned to Marie, Charlotte, and Riley, and the three ran over to him. The four embraced one another with tears streaming from their faces. "Haaaaaah. Come to think of it¡­. I''m not sure if anything I''ve ever said was philosophical or insightful. Whenever anyone''scking disciple, I just tell them to swing a sword some more. That''s probably why no one surpassed me, and let me rest!" Helix wasughing and crying at the same time. Everyone that saw the four didn''t feel jealousy in the slightest. They just felt warm. "Okay¡­ hmmm. I want to say something that shows people that I care, but¡­ I don''t know how to. I can''t beat my love into them anymore, and that''s awkward." Helixughed, and his partners followed. "So instead, how about I start naming off my students. If I do, people will get the idea of how much I noticed you. That''s all I can do. I''m an old woman who has had hundreds of students. So if I miss someone, cut an old woman some ck. If you don''t, I''ll haunt your grave to prove I remember you!" Tear-filledughs filled the streets. "Let''s start with Macron. You''re not threatening, so stop using my damnnguage, you fool!" Helix burst intoughter. Macron was alone, but he still looked in four directions to check if people saw his embarrassed expression. That included the wall he was sitting on. "Heh. If I put a fact about my students, I''ll be doing this all night. So let''s just start listing. Gregory Masov, Milne Myers, Listen Segaul¡­." Tyrene''s voice spoke names for two hours. Helix released the otakus and weebs and bowed before the nobles. They gave him a standing ovation for three minutes before leaving the auction house. As Helix, Marie, Charlotte, and Riley walked back to their room, they could still hear Tyrene listing names. At the very end, they heard herst words. "My three beautiful apprentices, Riley Singer, Marie Skybolt, Charlotte Kline. Finally, my first idiot apprentice Helix Hellsgate Margrave, who''s pretentious enough to introduce himself with his middle name. Those four have inspired me and made me hope that we''ll win the battle against the Mad Queen one day. To all of my students, I''ll miss you all." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 160 [Cafeteria Celebration] [A/N: Reminder: grammatical may increase if they haven''t already. I''m working full time, so I don''t have much time. I know I always leave a disimer, but there are expectations of quality.] ¡ª "Hey, Hellie! One word. Opposite." Charlotte grinned. "Yeah. At least it''s positive." Helix sighed. "I think it''s lovely." Riley said with a warm smile. "I¡­ don''t know what to do." Marieughed nervously. "Let''s just walk in and assess the strategic situation." Helix chuckled bitterly. "You make it sound like a battle." Marieughed. "It~is." Charlotte chimed with a grin. The two walked forward ten feet. After theymitted and showed their intent, all hell broke loose. "Is it true you fought a dragon!?" "Wyvern, but yes. I was very lucky." Helix chuckled. "What flowers were you picking and for whom!?" "Me~" Charlotte dered proudly. "I''m sorry to disappoint you, but it''s not a flower. It''s called Liskabrush, and it grows fruit called Liskaberry that can help Soul Beasts speed up spirit particle absorption. We got it to give Charlotte''s spirit beast Tinker training before leaving Kozen." Helix sighed. "Really!? That''s so much cooler!" "Yeah! Is it in the middle of death valley or something?" "Was it on the way to hell?" Helix chuckled in bewilderment. Three women and three men were on his right asking about the Liskaberry debacle. The women were interested in the [flower picking], and the men asked about the [Warpshire]. Helix''s eyes lit up mischievously. "I''ll answer your questions, but I''m hungry¡­. If you act as our bodyguards from the paparazzi, I''ll tell you all the flower picking stories during breakfast." He suggested. "Yes, sir!" Two men said in unison while saluting. The women had sparkling eyes and quickly turned around to make speeches. Those interested in other details joined in and started exining the situation. Many went off to organize group seating. Helix and Marie''s eyes clouded over when they saw the organization-fueled riot. Riley was giggling her face-off, and Charlotte had a smug look on her face. "Yep. Opp~osite. Thest time we were in here, everyone wanted you dead." Charlotte grinned. The group had entered the cafeteria for breakfast for the first time since returning. They had shown up on Pa, the equivalent of a Monday. There were five days in a [week] and eight weeks in a month. They were Pa, Shall, May, Tine, and Yull, the day of rest. Today was May or Wednesday by Earthian standards. The day after they arrived, they skipped breakfast to give them time to build rtionships. Things went better than expected, so they didn''t feel the need to skip more before showing they were part of the group. "It''s hard to believe we''ve only been here for a day and a half." Mariemented. Theyid down thew on the first day, got their room, and Helix spoke to Macron about the situation. On the second day, they set up training, Helix fought the guards, and they held the auction. "Yeah¡­ at least things are living up to their best-case scenario." Maze ran up. "Hey, guys. Can I join your table?" He asked. "Yeah,e sit to my left once everything''s organized." Helix chuckled. "Riley, do you see David?" Riley turned around. David was standing shyly in the corner with his food in his hands. The power-weebs and super-otakus making their request were busy trying to find seatingrge enough for a minimum of ten people. David meekly got up without question and moved far out of the way. "Marie, I''m getting David. Can you please suggest something to the Knights regarding seating? Perhaps they move two tables closer to the one we''ll be sitting at? We need to quell this situation." Helix chuckled. "On it!" Marie said with a nod and walked over to the students. Helix walked over to David. The oceans of frantic Knights moved aside like a parting sea as he moved. David''s face flushed with embarrassment and fear. He didn''t like being singled out for anything. Moreover, he didn''t know what would happen, given their past. "Yo." Helix said with a low voice and a single wave. "H-Hey, Helix¡­." David stuttered. Helix stood before the handsome young man. The scene felt very awkward. In the real world, having someone with 10/10 facial features looking shy and embarrassed from an above-average male was unheard of. "Would you like to join us for breakfast today?" Helix asked with a calm voice. David''s eyes widened, and he opened and closed his mouth multiple times. The guilt on his face increased. "Why¡­." David''s eyes filled with tears of confusion and happiness. "I-I was around people that talked bad about you¡­." He whispered. "I know Lina''s peer pressure to be against me was strong, and I noted that you kept silent instead of bad talking me. You weren''t against me, and I know that. I never questioned it." David''s face became conflicted, and his guilt showed brightly. "I miss you, David. I didn''t reach out before because it was dangerous to be my friend, and I was too weak to protect you." Helix chuckled bitterly. "I never forgot you just because beautiful women became my friends. Now that I can protect you, I hope we can be best friends again. " A hush fell over the crowd. Helix''s statement was absurd and endearing. It was a legitimate excuse for why two friends pulled apart after one gained poprity. The reunion was endearing. Streams of tears washed down David''s cheeks. "I miss you too, Helix!" Helix opened his arms wide, and David flew into his arms. "Come sit across from me like you always did. Riley and Charlotte will sit next to you to ensure you''re as protected as I was. You now have a fortress of people that will protect you. We''re fighting for a world where you and I can be friends without getting hurt anymore." David started crying. The otakus and weebs started crying as well. They never realized how difficult it was to be with their original friends until that moment. The cafeteria burst into apuse. Helix unsped David and turned around. Someone motioned to an empty table sandwiched between two other tables with only three feet of room between the benches. Helix chuckled in bewilderment when he saw the arrangement but quickly sat down. Riley grabbed David''s hand and gently led David to the other side. Charlotte shrugged and sat on David''s right. Helix sat on the other side,pleting the same seating arrangement from the first cafeteria dinner with Emelia''s dress. Marie sat to Helix''s right, and Maze to his left. Riley took a seat to David''s left, and the girls followed. The men took seats to Helix''s left. Most men were at the table to Helix''s back, and more women were on the table in front of him. "Hey Alzerian Knights, is anyone reminded of how things looked the first night here? The super-otakus burst intoughter and startedmenting about how simr it was. "Good. Things are how they used to be. There''s no need to save us a table, but we''ll be eating with you again when we''re not dragged away." Helix chuckled. "We may be Broken Cheat Knights, but we''re still the original otakus we were when we showed up. We''re all the same." Cheers rang out in the hall. A servant walked up to Marie with the first te of food. "Wee back, mistress." The man said as he put the food on the table. Marie''s eyes lit up with excitement, and she quickly got out of her chair. The servant stumbled backward. "Killian!" Marie cried. She missed her nightly server, who begged the others to let him serve her exclusively. They were close, so the servants didn''t take that from him. Kilian''s face flushed, but he didn''t flinch when Marie hugged him. "I''ve missed you!" The otaku and weeb women started oohing and awing. They were all very happy. The servants in the servants'' corner were super happy. They weren''t standing anymore. All of them were sitting with tes of food in front of them. Marie advocated for them to eat with the Knights in remembrance of Emelia. Helix was moved to see their situation had improved. They were happy beyond words that Helix was alive and back. It was a joyous celebration. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 161 [Recreating The Beginning] Another set of servants brought Helix, Charlotte, and Riley their food. Most otakus and weebs already got theirs. "Okay. As promised, I''ll tell the story about my and Master Tyrene''s irresponsible field trip to pick flowers in hell." Helix chuckled. The cafeteria burst intoughter. "Toplete this strange return to normalcy¡­." He chuckled. "Does anyone want to read the description on a Warpshire from the Myriad Library?" He asked. The otaku women shot up with excitement, prompting confused stares from the weebs. "For those of you that don''t know, I chose the Hourss of Knowledge as my artifact." The power-weebs gasped. "If you look at the super-otakus, you''ll notice that it wasn''t a bad decision." Helix chuckled. Every super-otaku had a wry smile on their face. "It gives me a search engine to find texts on queries. It was lucky. Knowledge is power. Please remember that going forward, ande to me if you''re avable for info on things or book suggestions¡­." Helix gave them a wry smile. "As long as it''s not directions or rmendations." He sighed. The cafeteria burst intoughter. "Men, you can read it too. I wasn''t trying to be popr the first night. To be honest, I was trying to spread the word about where I got Emelia''s clothes in hopes others would follow and take their attention off her. The only people that asked were women." Helix noted with a zed expression. The otaku''s eyes widened. In retrospect, Emelia was targeted quickly after the night Emelia showed up in beautiful clothing. Many averted their eyes. "Okay, let''s get started. Will you recreate the first experience?" Helix asked Charlotte while moving out his hand. "You were the first I shared it with while sitting in these same seats." Charlotte reached out elegantly with a devious expression. She froze when she read the description, and tears began welling in her eyes. Helix looked around at the confused expressions people were giving him. "In case you''re wondering, I didn''t show anyone because I had aically low level when I went in. We needed the Liskaberry, so there was a silent agreement not to ask questions." He sighed. Silence of shock washed over the group. "Marie, you were the first to ask. So you''re next." Helix chuckled. Her face paled when she read the description as well. "Riley, to recreate the scene from the first night for Emelia, you''ll gost as before. So who else wants to see it? Men, and women, politely reach your arm out. Please be kind to the people next to you. It''s not going anywhere." Helix started reaching out his hand in random directions. He called out men who were interested but weren''t speaking up. Every person that read the description wasn''t interested in the Myriad Library. They were dumbfounded by what they were reading. It wasn''t just the description of the Warpshire that left them shocked. "No wonder that coat is invincible¡­." Samuelmented with wide eyes. He was a power-weeb, so he wasn''t biased. "Yeah¡­ I finally understand the gravity of that coat." Tammy remarked with dead eyes. "I agree¡­ I doubt Helix is level 157, so I''m surprised he survived¡­." Leomented. Dozens of simrments started spreading like wildfire. What left them shocked was the location of the beast. David was looking at Helix as if he were a god. Millie blushed furiously when he got up and walked over to her. But her face froze in fear when she read the description. ¡ª [Query: Warpshire] [Species: Hellhound] [Threat Level: Master] [Evolution: Third-evolution Minimum in Last Century]. [General Characteristics: ~10-12 feet tall and 15~25 feet in length. ~1-3 metric tons. ~4-6 inch ws. Their ~8-18 inch canines can bite through the strongest metals in Myriad. Fight with fire attacks and their No Warpshire has been born in thest two centuries. As a result, all Warpshires are fully grown. Dark charcoal gray pelt with red veins running through the fur. The red veins glow crimson. Avoid light. Warpshires live in darkly shaded forests in zones with low lighting. Nocturnal. A powerful nose and high-level hearing. [Description: Ancient Hellhounds that roam dimly lit forests in Level 120 zones or higher. The canines fight with fire elemental breath attacks. They may cover their bodies in fire through the heat veins on their body. The areas they live in are highly resistant. However, the brush and vegetation will light on fire, making it difficult to approach directly. Indigenous to the following regions: The mythical Izian Forest is 100 miles south of Lexion in Kozen. It is a Level 140-250 zone.] [Known Weaknesses: Warpashires will not ignite their bodies if they are around Liskabrushes. The Hellhounds are weakest during the day. Cutting off its two back legs at the thighs makes it nearly impossible for them to move. Warpshires are partially blind and rely on smell and hearing to fight. They are sensitive to light and will flee or attack the light on sight. Weak to the following elements are ice attacks and cold. They cannot move well in the cold¡­. Fear the following beasts¡­ ¡­.] [Known strategies for fighting them¡­] [Research] [New query] ¡ª Charlotte lost her patience and called out. "How the hell did you and Master Tyrene move two hundred miles to the south in a night!?" Charlotte cried. The cafeteria fell silent. It was ament that would normally spur individuals to call the legitimacy into question. However, people did not question him after seeing the Colossus head and hearing Winter General Tyrene validate it. The wyvern story was equally shocking. "Master Tyrene used it as training." Helix chuckled. "I¡­ Yeah, it''s not that surprising in retrospect." Marieughed breathlessly. Everyone present shivered. "Well, you know what training will be like now." Marie added while looking up at the otakus and weebs. Everyone froze with terror. "Don''t worry." Helix sighed. "We don''t have the time or energy to put into that training. Moreover, we''re not Tyrene and don''t have the heart to put you through hell." Sighs of relief washed over the cafeteria. "Okay. Who wants to hear the story?" Helix asked. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 162 [Picking Flowers In Hell] "Why do you want to share the Myriad Library? It''s a point of jealousy." Riley pointed out worriedly. "It''s because I''m a cheat character now." Helix sighed. "Every light novel [cheat character] has advantages that others don''t have. The difference is that I genuinely earned that status." His partners gilded their eyes to the left in thought. In their eyes, the concept was disorienting. All three of them feared his Nightmare. No matter how strong they were, he could crush their ability to see, hear, and disorient them beyondparison. "Is it because you can''t use your Nightmare openly?" Marie asked. "Or is it because your stats are destructively low byparison?" Charlotte asked. Helix shook his head with a bitter smile on his face. "No. It''s not that. It''s because most people can''t use my Nightmare. You can''t use it without battle strength because it''s not lethal. I may be able to cripple people through disorientation, but most people can''t think of how to do that. Beyond surviving it and learning how to use it, this Nightmare is bad news in general." His partner''s eyes widened, and then nodded their heads enthusiastically. "Haaaaaaah. I always forget that because your skill sets are terrifying." Charlotteughed. "Even if we were level 150, I think all of us would still be terrified to fight you." The women nodded and burst into giggles. "Yeah. Then couple that with your low stats, and you''re the weakest of everyone." Mariemented in thought. "You''re the most ironic cliche in history." Helix chuckled and gave them smiling eyes. "Exactly. That''s why I need to slowly point that out to everyone." He reasoned. "My story might inspire them to work harder and stop treating me like an undeserved protagonist." The women gilded their eyes to the left. "Well¡­ you did get [three] grandmasters to follow you." Charlotteughed. "That¡­" Helix chuckled. "Linus followed me because it was in his best interest to speak to me. Master Tilo was earned. Master Tyrene¡­ was unexpected. Either way, I made my luck through my actions. We can''t hide from it either way. So we might as well address it." The three nodded in agreement. "Light novel protagonists get a cheat opportunity. I got the attention of a god actively trying to kill me. I wish I didn''t have to exin theck of cliche here." "I see¡­. What''s your strategy for releasing your story?" "By recreating the beginning and telling them stories of our training and struggles. We''re not short on ammo." Helix chuckled. ¡ª "Me! I want to hear the story!" "Me too!" "Please tell us, Helix!" He motioned to Maze when the women spoke up. "I''d love to hear it." Maze replied with wide eyes. Suddenly the men that originally reached out chimed in, and the other men followed. Helix smiled in satisfaction. "Okay, quiet down, and I''ll tell you. Don''t be worried about the time we spend. We have a surprise for you today." He announced with a mysterious smile. Excitement lit up on everyone''s faces, but they quickly quieted when otakus and weebs shushed them. His request and his announcement led to conflicted responses. However, he noted the people following the original orders and leading others. "Okay. When we learned that there were monster sightings in Alzeria, we had to cut our training." Helix began in a calm voice. "That left us with a bitter pill to swallow." The otakus and weebs listened and hung on his every word. "My spirit beast Tinker was still in the genesis-evolution state andpletely defenseless." Charlotte exined. "As the spirit beast trainers here know, spirit beasts arepletely defenseless and barely able to move." Multiple people nodded with wry smiles. "That''s why we kept them with beast trainers, basically babysitters." She added. A few people giggled. "However, if monsters attacked us in the first week of our travels back to Alzeria, we would be in serious trouble." Helix continued. "It was a bitter pill that we were one week from potential evolution, but we couldn''t train Tinker." "So Hellie researched ways to speed up the requirement." Charlotte announced with a puffed-out chest. "That''s how he found out about Liskaberry. It speeds up evolution by up to a month." Helix nodded with a gentle smile. Excited whispers waved through the Knights. Many of the soul beast owners were bitter. "It''s not a good thing. So soul beast owners shouldn''t worry." Marie interjected. "Soul beasts grow with the spirit particle reserve of their owners. Once they receive a certain number, they can evolve. So the longer you wait and the stronger you get, the better." Silent sighs of relief washed through the super-otakus and power-weebs. Marie wanted to alleviate the [cheat advantage] jealousy. However, she left out the other benefits of the Liskaberry. Hellhounds didn''t protect it without reason. "Unfortunately, the Liskaberry was in a high-level zone far away from Lexion where we lived." Helix continued. The Cheat hopefuls turned their attention to him again. "However, Master Tyrene was level 217 and an ice mage with a legendary Nightmare." He exined. "Moreover, I had a very high agility stat and am a battle circle master with sensory deprivation spells. Therefore, escaping from the Hellhounds was reasonable. So Master Tyrene reluctantly agreed to take the risk. I can still remember what she said¡­." ¡ª "Boy, I don''t care how crafty you are. A Warpshire will gouge your eyes out and skull fuck you." Tyrene warned with a frown. Helix shivered with a serious expression. ¡ª The Cheat hopefuls burst intoughter. "It was the most gruesome description she''s ever used." Helix chuckled. "But she was telling me because my reason was legitimate. We weren''t considering it because we wanted simple training for Tinker." Everyone listened closely. His partners were just as curious because they didn''t know the story. ¡ª "Yes¡­. However, having a legendary ice mage as a guide is an opportunity I''ll never get again." He sighed. "Moreover, Tinker will be a liability after evolution. That puppy will be ridiculously strong for a first-evolution beast. He''ll try fighting the Colossus if it attacks Charlotte, and she''ll get reckless trying to save him." Tyrene grimaced, and her eyes glided to her left in thought. "Yeah. That''s a damn good point." She said with a frown. ¡ª "Master Tyrene agreed to go for that reason." Helix continued. "However, she nned to do the picking herself. I was just going because she wanted me to run one hundred miles to increase my natural endurance." ¡ª "M-Mass¡­t-ter¡­. Please have m-mercy¡­ huuuuh¡­." Helix cried between breaths. "W-We¡­ huuuh huuuh¡­ have been running at full speed for a full hour¡­." "Hmmm? Did you say something?" "Haaaaah. No. Thank you¡­ huuuuuh¡­ for your leniency, Master." ¡ª "Wait!? You thanked her for her leniency after she ignored your request for a break!?" Maze cried. His outburst attracted everyone present. "If you asked Master Tyrene for mercy, she either gave you a yes immediately or ignored you." Marie giggled. "If she ignored you, and you asked again¡­." Charlottemented with a bitter smile. ¡ª "Master! We''ve swung the sword five hundred times!" Charlotte cried with a flushed face. "Breaks are normal!" "Hmmm? Did you say something, girl?" Tyrene asked while putting down her book. "I''m asking you for a break! Have mercy!" Tyrene''s eyes narrowed. "Oh. I remember hearing something now¡­." She grinned. "Charlotte was saying thank you for your leniency!" Marie cried. "That''s what I heard too." Riley whispered. "Hmmm. Smart girls. I swore I heard her say she wanted another five hundred swings¡­." Tyrenemented while looking to the sky. "Seems that my hearing isn''t as sharp as it used to be." Charlotte trembled before immediately starting to swing her sword again. ¡ª The super-otakus and power-weebs were stunned-silent. They were trembling. "She''s not telling you a joke. Moreover, Master Tyrene was easier on us than Helix.." Marie interjected. "What!? Why!?" Leo gasped. "Helix''s happiness was important." Riley replied in a gentle tone. Everyone calmed down at her quiet, gentle voice. "If she were too hard on us, his suffering would magnify." "Yeah. Plus, Hellie is a boss. They found out he was training [after] their twelve-hour days, so they increased it to fourteen hours." Charlottemented with a grin. "They only brought it down again once we arrived." The Cheat hopefuls shivered and looked at Helix as if he were a god. "I can''t use my Nightmare safely." Helix sighed. "So I had to work twice as hard as everyone else if I wanted to protect the people I loved. After losing one lover, I vowed never to let it happen again." Slight tears welled in the super-otakus eyes. Leo, Sarah, Tammy, Lily, Millie, and Mary especially had a different degree of emotion than the others. "Moving on. We made it to the Izian Forest in five hours with only two breaks." Helixughed. His bright smile improved the mood significantly. "When we got there, we realized something important¡­ I was the only person with a map!" He chuckled bitterly. His partners burst intoughter, and the rest followed. Many asked questions about the Myriad Library''s ess to maps, and he pointed out that books and documents had them. A wave of realization washed over the group, and they respected the Hourss of Knowledge more. However, they forgot about it the instant he started talking again. "Master Tyrene allowed me to enter as a training experience." Helix exined with a serious expression. "She wanted to teach me a valuable lesson." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 163 [Helpless Lambs] Tyrene frowned when she realized she didn''t have the library. It wasn''t like Helix could casually sit down with a piece of pen and paper and sketch out a topographical map in thirty minutes. It would be more dangerous to get inurate information. Doing that would run her judgment-making skills of where to go. "Hmmm. Are you confident in your fleeing skills?" Tyrene asked after a few minutes of contemtion. "The most dangerous thing we can experience is a hero." Helix gave her an understanding nod. "You''re Level 70, now. Aside from agility, your non-defense stats ce you at Level 140 by Myridian standards. But¡­." Tyrene frowned and locked eyes with him. "You''re Level 20 by experience at most." She asserted. "You''ve only been training with me for seven weeks. I gave you expedited growth, which you will unlock as real battles present themselves. However, you have fought in a real battle. You''ve never witnessed death or despair in a battle. I''ve always protected you, or you could create clever strategies in advance." Helix gave her a wry smile but nodded in understanding. "If we face an opponent, I''m not going to ask you to flee. However, you must prioritize your life." Tyrene ordered. Helix gave her a quizzical expression. "If aiding in battle can disorient or incapacitate the enemy, do it. You should only make that decision if it increases your ability to flee. Doing it on my behalf will only make it difficult for me to flee, as I''m protecting you." Tyrene gave him a sharp look. "Do you understand what I''m telling you?" Helix matched her gaze. "Yes. Your order is understood." "We''ll see about that." Tyrene chuckled bitterly. "It''s better you learn this lesson before we face whatever awaits in Alzeria." Helix nodded. ¡ª "ying the hero will get you killed." Helix dered with serious eyes. His partners recoiled, and the super-otakus and power-weebs shivered. "However." He said firmly to break his partners from their thoughts. "Fleeing doesn''t mean running. If I ran while a fireball chased me, I''d die. Sometimes escaping means helping your protector. Before fleeing, you may need to incapacitate, blind, or disorient your enemy. Perhaps you need to fight. LIfe-saving decisions are made on the battlefield." The Knights stared at Helix with anxious expressions. They were in training, and most had only gone on eight monster hunts. He was informing them of their futures. "Marie, Charlotte, Riley, and I experienced that lesson when Master Tyrene died." Helix pointed out. "However, we all learned that we made the best decisions necessary to kill the Colossus. If we hadn''t, countless people would have died. That includes us." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley nodded with conflicted expressions. They had barely healed from the battle. The otakus and weebs gulped. "Unfortunately, Tyrene and I quickly found ourselves in a situation that put that lesson to the test in the Izian Forest." Helix announced with a low voice. "Day turned to Night the instant we entered the forest, and our senses started ying tricks on us." Everyone''s expression turned to Helix with beating hearts. The cafeteria had a pulse. Even the servants were quiet and listening. ¡ª The Izian Forest was covered with 200-foot trees withrge tops. They interwove at the top, making it nearly impossible for light to pass through. Once the initial light from the entrance took over, it was eerie. "Caaaw, Kaka Kaka Caw." Arge bird burst from the trees and flew over their heads. It was dark ck and was the size of a bear. However, it didn''t have the intention to fight and quickly turned away. When they caught sight of the bird, they both froze. "Did you hear it approaching from the other direction?" Helix whispered. "Yeah. That''s eerie¡­ and dangerous. Low-level monsters might kill us at this rate." Tyrene confirmed with an anxious face. "Yeah¡­." Helix confirmed hesitantly. "How close are we?" She asked. "I¡­." Helix frowned and turned to her with a serious expression. They could barely see, but she knew he was looking at her. "I can''t see anyndmarks. So¡­ I don''t know." Helix whispered bitterly. A cold shiver ran down Tyrene''s spine. "That strange sound you''ve been hearing is me dropping conditional magic circles." Helix exined in a low voice. "I made them as preparation and started dropping them once we could no longer see the light. I was too concentrated to let you know." Tyrene sighed a breath of relief. "Boy¡­ I''m so d to have you on my side. Good work, kid." ¡ª "The Izian Forest has interweaving trees that block out the light." Helix continued. "The farther we entered, the darker it got until it was nearly pitch-ck. We heard monsters approaching from one direction, but they were in another. It felt like the sound was curving from some form of magic." The cafeteria listened with bated breath. "We quickly discovered Warpshires were not the only dangerous beasts. If I hadn''t brought a hundred high-level lighting circles I made during practice with Master Tilo, we might have died by getting lost." His partners gave him shocked expressions, magnifying the anxiety others were feeling. "Therefore, we were forced to make a serious decision." ¡ª "I think it''s best to turn back." Helix asserted with a serious tone. Tyrene frowned and nodded. "I agree. This mission is too dangerous, even for me." She sighed. "The ability to kill monsters requires human senses." Helix nodded. "I agree. Also, I believe we should use lighting magic on our trip back." He reasoned after she asked about leaving. "Did you read that in your freaky library?" She asked with a frown. "No. It''s just that it''s necessary to light our way back. Warpshires and many others will flee or attack light on sight. However, it doesn''t blind them, as they''re already blind. Instead, it brings them pain." Helix exined. "Using light is a double-edged sword. Most monsters will flee. However, many might attack. We''ll experience their pain and have extremely toned circles. If any do attack, we''ll need our senses. I believe it''s best to maximize our senses and fighting capability for the times we are." Tyrene stopped walking and thought about it. "I believe you''re right. Do you have any good spells?" She asked. "Of course." Helix said with a slight smile. He pulled out four battle discs. "This side had a weakened Stick Spell that uses a form of glue. The other side has a powerful lighting spell. We''ll stick them on each other''s armor. It''s hard to wash off, but Tilo should be able to help. It''s also better than dying." Helix chuckled. ¡ª "We underestimated our flower picking field trip and decided to turn back because it was too dangerous, even for Tyrene." Helix announced. Shocked gasps filled the room. Whispers of disbelief washed over the otakus and weebs like a tidal wave. How was it possible for it to be too dangerous for Tyrene? She slew a Colossus! That was the question spreading through the cafeteria like wildfire. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley were shocked and conflicted. They were angry that Helix put himself in that situation. However, they knew it wasn''t intentional, and they were d he decided to turn back. But¡­ the terrifying part was that he obtained the Liskaberry. "The problem with that decision¡­." Helix whispered. Everyone quieted down, and their eyes shot in Helix''s direction. "...was that maps only work if you knowndmarks. So we had no choice but to use my backup lighting circles I ced like breadcrumbs. Once I did¡­ a wave of pain would hit every animal, monster, and beast in the area." Shocked mutters burst through the area. Anxiety was spreading among the people in the cafeteria like shared synesthesia. "Most would flee, but many would attack, and we''d be nearly blind. That was what we believed. Our hearing was constantly assaulted by insects, birds, and other sounds. Humans have weak noses, so we were blind, deaf, and dumb. That was our situation if beasts started attacking us. There was no other choice. My lighting circles were a backup; I didn''t expect the forest to be pitch ck. Neither did she. We were grossly unprepared, even after our training. We were in the jaws of hell and helpless asmbs." Helix exined in a grave tone. Servants stopped picking up dishes. Workers were too scared of disturbing the Knights. They did not hear the story unfolding, but the deafening quiet made it feel serious. If they showed up, people might attack them for being so rude. That was the atmosphere in the room. "I put powerful lighting magic circles on us and reviewed the map, so we could find our way without the circles if we were blocked off from our path." Helix continued quietly. "Once I finished my map research, we drew our swords, and I triggered the magic circles." The room was so quiet that everyone could hear their neighbor''s pulse. Everyone''s heart was racing. Helix panned their expressions and gave them a pathetic smile. "The second the lighting circles activated, all hell broke loose." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 164 [Dead Silence] "Are you ready, Master?" Helix asked. The two were in nearly pitch-ck lighting. "I have the magic circles on the ground ready to trigger and our own armor circles." Tyrene''s heart was pounding. "Yes. I''m ready when you are." She whispered with her sword out. "Okay. Which set of circles should we activate first?" He asked hesitantly. "I¡­. I don''t know. What is the average level in Izian Forest?" Tyrene asked nervously. ? "Second-evolution Level 40. Warpshires gave its level rating because they''re third-evolution." Helix replied. Tyrene felt an icy chill crawl down her spine. "W-What did you just say¡­ boy?" Tyrene asked nervously. "They''re third-evolution. I know monsters evolve, but I''ve never seen evolutions be used in research before." Helix replied nervously. "How many roam in packs?" She snapped. "Four¡­ why?" He asked with a beating heart. "You fool!" Tyrene snapped. "Why¡­ does it matter? Monsters evolve, but their levels are the same, right¡ª" Tyrene took a deep breath to get her breath under control. She reminded herself that Helix was new to Myriad and that most people had never fought any beast higher than second evolution. "Boy. You should''ve mentioned that detail if you had never seen it before." She said in a strained voice. "Most monsters we face as humans are second evolution. Genesis is babies, first evolution is children, and second evolutions are what we fight. However, if your research hasn''t extended far, you don''t know that levels restart [after] every evolution. So its level is probably closer to 300." Helix trembled. "Three¡­ hundred¡­." "While I''ve fought fifth-evolution Colossus, it required preparations and an army. We could easily fight one of those Warpshires in normal lighting. Humans have a defense stat and the armor they wear, while monsters don''t. So humans are normally stronger than monsters as long as they have magic. But in this lighting, we have no chance. Four¡­We need to leave this ce immediately." "Understood." He replied with a serious tone. "Let''s prioritize battle capabilities. So start with our lights and then trigger the second as fast as possible. After that, we''re sprinting." Tyrene ordered. "Understood." He replied while triggering the magic lighting circles on their bodies. ¡ª "The second the lighting circles activated, all hell broke loose." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley grimaced. They wish that Helix had never told them this story. Everyone else listened with bated breath. ¡ª Tyrene''s body trembled. Helix didn''t notice because he quickly made preparations to activate the lighting circles. Suddenly, he found an arm around his waist, and he felt his body yanked to the left. "T-Tyrene¡ª" Helix gasped after he recovered his breath. He looked around him, and his body froze. "GRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAT!" "Caaaaaaaww!" "GUUUUUAAAAAHHHHHH! "Yaaaaaapakapaka¡­." Strange noises from varying distances cried out in an instant. A dozen massive beasts had been stalking them and were now burying their faces in the ground. BOOOOOM! A rock hit Helix''s face, and he grimaced in pain. He shut his eyes. "GUUUUUAAAAAHHHHHH! BOOOOOM!" "GRRRR RAT! GRAT!" Booom! "Boy! Get your damn senses together!" Helix opened his eyes. "I''m activating the lighting circles! Done! Let me down¡ª" He trembled in fear as the lights lit up. They faintly glowed in the distance. Tyrene jumped again, flinging his body in another direction. BOOOOM! Another ground explosion rocked the area. "Tyrene!" Helix cried. She released her hand. Helix hit the ground at a fast momentum, and he worked to regain his bnce. However, he was already moving forward¡ª ¡ªthest ce he wanted to move. "KYEEEEEAAAH!" CRACK! The tree next to the two groaned and fell to the ground. "Jump!" Tyrene screamed. He jumped high to avoid the tree that copsed not too far from their position. "Tyrene, we''re going in the wrong direction!" Helix cried. "Does it look like we have a choice you idiot!?" She roared. "N-No! Tyrene, we''re moving toward the Warpshires!" "GUUUUUAAAAAHHHHHH! BOOOOOM!" Rocks and debris hit the two from the back. "Then¡­ fucking lead us or something, boy!" She yelled. ¡ª "When we turned on our lights, we noticed the twelve high-level monsters stalking us in the darkness!" Helix announced in a passionate voice. Gasps spread through the otakus and weebs. "Then BOOOOOM!" Helix yelled. "Rocks and debris flung at us from all sides!" Many people had closed their eyes and were tucking their arms close to their chest. Charlotte was the only person excited, who was grinning from ear to ear. "BOOM! BOOM! Tyrene threw me out of her arms, andrge flying creatures were smashing into trees randomly." Helix recounted dramatically. The pacing of his words was increasing. Soon the servants afraid to approach were listening as well. "The lighting circles leading out of the forest were in the opposite direction," Helix announced with a grim expression. Gasps followed. "But that wasn''t the worst part¡­." Helix recounted with a serious voice. Wide eyes stared at him from all directions. Hearts were pounding. Souls were screaming. "We were encircled, and the beasts were attacking us and leading us toward the Hellhounds!" ¡ª "I''m on it! Give me five seconds!" Helix requested with a booming voice. "You''ve got it!" Helix touched his neck and pulled out a dozen deprivation battle discs. "Prepare to lose your hearing!" He yelled. "Wait! What!?" Tyrene cried. Dead silence followed. Helix grabbed Tyrene''s hand and led her in the direction of a massive monster. Her eyes were wide, and she couldn''t understand what was happening. However, the massive red gori-looking creature wasn''t attacking them as they approached. It was attacking trees even when it stared right at them. Helix led her around the beast. He gripped stronger when she tried to break free from his wrist to increase her battle capabilities. Tyrene could withstand the pain but understood his message. Helix''s message was for her to trust him, and he''d release her if necessary. She watched him closely. He took another battle disc out of his pocket and threw it in front of him. "Where''s your sword?" Tyrene called out. However, no voice came out. Only an eerie quiet remained. She looked down. "When did he¡­." Helix had sheathed his sword already. Which meant¡ª Helix released her wrist, turned around, and punched her chest. Then he jumped out of the way. Tyrene flew across the area and hit the ground. Still, no sound followed, so she wasn''t prepared to be hit with a dozen rocks. ¡ª The pulse in the room. The otakus and weebs'' hearts were pounding faster and faster. The rhythm was increasing. War drums were beating in their chests. "I pulled out a dozen Circles of Silences." Helix recounted with a fast-paced tone. The minute the first one activated¡­." Helix panned their faces to capture their attention. "Silence. Dead silence followed." The room felt still-born. The quiet was crushing. The pressure multiplied. "Trees were crashing down, rocks were falling, and we couldn''t hear anything." Helix continued with narrowed eyes. "However!" The Knights jumped in their chairs. "With pupils that adapted to darkness, any amount of light was blinding and filled their entire vision." Helix grinned. "So they couldn''t trail us by sight, only hearing and smell. I grabbed Tyrene and built a route of Circle of Silences through the field. We were already using smell masking circles, so we were invisible at that point. We weaved in and out of monsters until¡­." Gasps followed. "A Warpshire came from the hearing zone." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 165 [Warpshire] Gasps of panic and anxiety washed over the cafeteria. The suspense was painful, and the fear felt tangible. "I was dragging Master Tyrene by the wrist at the time. She didn''t know that I was creating a path. If I weren''t dragging her, she would have cut down a monster we ran towards. However, the minute I spotted the Hellhound, I could not react in time. I turned around and¡­." Helix panned their faces. "Booooooom! I hit my master in the chest!" He roared. "She crashed into the ground behind us just in them¡­." ¡ª Helix watched as a minor earthquake crashed through the ce he was standing a moment before. The ground ripped apart in a line until it stopped ten feet from Tyrene''s position. Multiple trees fell to the earth to the left of her. The attack wasn''t even aimed at them. It smashed the ground with a paw to kill anything in the light''s direction. Helix looked up. His eyes kept moving up until he finallynded on the head of the Warpshire. ¡ª "The ground cracked apart in a massive earthquake. It shot across the earth, destroying anything in our direction. I barely moved out of the way in time to avoid the attack." Helix recounted. "When I looked up¡­." The Cheat hopefuls'' eyes were wide, and their breath was ragged. "I was staring at the Warpshire. It was baring its nine-inch teeth in his general direction. It looked like a regr wolf¡ªif giants raised it. Its massive red eyes were reflective and shown in the darkness. No matter how hard it squeezed its eyes shut, it had to open them to blink. Saliva was pouring down its lips. GRRRRRRRRR. I could smell its vicious breath. Its bloodlust pressurized the atmosphere. Most of all¡ªIt was pissed." ¡ª The beast let out a massive howl. Helix couldn''t hear it, however. He turned around, found Tyrene, and waved his hand in front of his circle. It made the light look like a strobe light. Her attention broke away from the beast. Tyrene saw Helix, who was making rude thrusting gestures. He was licking his hand and smacking an invisible woman''s ass enthusiastically. "What¡­ WHAT THE FUCK ARE¡ª" Tyrene''s eyes widened in shock. A massive wave of sound assaulted her ears instantly. When she looked at Helix, he was motioning to run toward him¡ªaggressively. Tyrene jumped from her position and ran toward Helix. Silence followed him again. Before she could figure out what he was doing, he grabbed her hand. A secondter, the earth started breathing apart again. This time it came in waves. Tremble. TREMBLE. TREMBLE! Tyrene turned around just in time to see what happened. More than a dozen massive beasts ran out of the forest in the direction she was just at. Helix wrapped his hands around Tyrene''s eyes. She moved her elbow forward, but before she could elbow him¡ª FLASH! A wave of light assaulted her. Helix released his hands directly after, and Tyrene could see what happened. Booom! BOOOM! Boooooom! BOOOOOM! Tyrene swayed back and forth, keeping her bnced with the massive shock waves that followed. BOOOOOOOOOOOM! The earth cracked apart and blew Tyrene away. When she opened her eyes again, Helix stood up with a shit-eating grin. He threw a nket on top of her and hopped in next to her. Following his gaze, she thrust her sword out away from her chest and rolled over. Tyrene looked to the area again on her stomach. When she saw the scene in front of her, her eyes widened in shock. ¡ª "I acted quickly!" Helix announced with a fast voice. "I pulled out another lighting circle, activated it, and started making vulgar motions at Tyrene." Confusion ripped through the cafeteria. "When she yelled, I released the Circles of Silences behind her, told her to run, and threw a sticky light circle. It was like a sticky grenade and stuck the Warpshire''s leg." Eyes widened in astonishment. "Monsters ran to Tyrene''s past location in a death frenzy!" Helix roared. "When they showed up, I triggered a sh grenade I dropped. Those beasts could kill about anything, but they didn''t know the terror of a person with first-person shooter strategy skills!" The otakus and weebs burst into bewilderedughter. "Vulgar taunting, sticky grenades, and a sh bang. I went full neckbeard on those bastards in a few seconds!" Moreughter followed. "Then I covered Master Tyrene''s eyes and¡ª Boom! A blinding sh hit them at once, causing massive damage to each. I wish I could have heard their screeches. But I couldn''t. I was too busy wrapping ourselves in a nket to cover our lights, grabbing popcorn, and watching the show!" Helix exined with a wicked grin. ¡ª Armmogetton broke out. A dozen beasts attacked the Warpshire in a frenzy. It was striking back, but it couldn''t fight every beast simultaneously. Every beast that was following them rushed to their position at once. Hundreds of monsters and beasts, canines, bears, and monkeys dropped from trees. BOOOOM! The earth shattered all around Tyrene and Helix. However, it didn''t hit them. The ground was perfectly still. Tyrene looked at Helix with wide eyes. She couldn''t figure out what was happening. Helix had put a [Ground Reinforcement Circle] under them to prevent them from being hurt. A [Charge Barrier Trigger] designed to activate if a projectile shot at them was in front of their eyes. It worked just like [Love''s Protection]. There was dead silence and darkness all around them. He pulled out another sh grenade and three it far to the left of their position. Tyrene was in a daze watching him throw magic circles around like they were free samples. A spell that cost someone 20 gold cost him a copper for the disc and chalk. Moreover, he made countless copies of spells during his learning. Every day he had magic circle endurance training with Tilo. He drew the same circle onto one hundred discs for practice during those two hours. The training helped him create circles at the same quality despite mental fatigue. Seven weekster, he had a stockpile of useful circles and used considerable resources to prevent needing to rece them. They were his lifeline. BOOOOOOM! Another silent explosion rang out. It ripped a dozen massive beasts to shreds instantly. The Warpshire let out a silent howl. The creatures that would run at the sight of the Hellhound were deaf, blind, and dumb. They were attacking it in a frenzy. Sharp fangs ripped into its legs. Powerful ws ripped at its face. ¡ª Excitedughs were filling the cafeteria. Everyone was listening closely. "I threw defense circles all around us. Shock absorbers, charge barriers and set them up with conditional triggers. There was a circle that would trigger a sh if someone tried to sneak up on us. So we were rtively safe. However¡ª" Helix gave everyone an evil grin. "A hundred deaf, blind, and dumb monsters were striking the alpha fearlessly." Excited grins popped up, and hearts were pounding. Some were holding back cheers. "The Hellhound took a dozen attacks, BOOM! Earth shattered, and blood rained down on trees. A massive ape would drive its fist into the wolf''s chest. Then it would open its five-foot maw, swing it down, and bite an eight-foot monster in half. A bird would crash into it at full force. It would swing its massive paw down at it. Listen up. There''s only one word that describes the fight." Helix whispered with a devious expression. "Biblical." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 166 [Fuck You Sized] Cheers rang out in the cafeteria when Helix dered the fight was biblical. Many stood from their chairs in excitement. "Now, I''d normally leave the monsters to kill themselves. However, there was something odd that I noticed." Helix pointed out. The cafeteria''s atmosphere cooled. Everyone listened again with all of their attention. "The Warpshire was losing blood, but he wasn''t enveloping its body in its fire. It wasn''t using breath attacks either." Helix recalled. Confused faces sprung forth. "That meant one thing." Helix chuckled. "The Liskaberry was nearby." Charlottepleted. "Exactly. Moreover, it also meant there were likely three other Warpshires in the area oblivious to the fighting." Silence washed over the room again. "So I had a massive battle with Master Tyrene in the darkness to keep her in ce while I switched our lighting circles." Helix sighed. "There I was, under a nket with a woman, preventing her from leaving, and I had to p a new lighting circle on her chest. After using first-person circle strategies, I felt like the biggest creep ever toy with a woman." The otakus burst intoughter when they saw his cringing face. "Did she p you?" Maze asked. "Obviously." Helix sighed. ¡ª Tyrene tried to pull Helix''s arm to get him to flee. It was the perfect opportunity for them to get away. However, Helix gripped her wrist and kept her down. Then he crawled under the coverspletely. She snapped her wrist away from him reflexively. Helix awkwardly started rustling under the covers, making Tyrene very nervous. She wasn''t bothered that something weird would happen, but she had no idea what he was doing. Tyrene didn''t even know what she was looking at. Helix deactivated his first lighting circle and pulled out a duplicate copy, throwing it onto his chest. Then he stuck the circle of lighting out of the covers in front of her face. She looked at it in confusion. However, Helix started pulling on her arm to get under the nket. Confused and disoriented, she pulled her arm back. Annoyed and pressed for time, she retracted the circle back under the covers, lifted her body, and pped it on her chest. Tyrene''s eyes widened, and she reached into the covers, grabbed Helix by the neck, and pped his face aggressively. In the process, she lifted her back off the ground. She panicked in fear when she realized she had exposed her backlight. However, it was pitch-ck around her. Tyrene peeked into the covers and found a new magic circle on her. Her face flushed bright red in embarrassment. Helix had no time for the trivialities. He wiggled free once she released his neck and the nket disappeared into his item storage. Then he pped another magic circle onto her back. This time she took it bitterly. Helix threw one into her hand. Tyrene looked up apologetically, but Helix gave her a gentle smile. Then he turned around, and she put it on his back. Helix stood up after that and turned back toward the Warpshire with a serious expression. The battle wasing to an end. There were hundreds of beast bodies on the ground, and the Warpshire was trembling. Tyrene watched his serious demeanor with interest. She couldn''t figure out why he wasn''t moving. The only reason she could think of was that he was letting more enemies die. However, that wouldn''t help them much longer. The inability to speak ormunicate was dragging on her. When thest few beasts entered, he prepared to move. There was a trigger he was waiting for. However, things never yed out perfectly. A massive rock flew in their direction. Tyrene tried to move, but the rock moved faster. sh. A barrier activated, and the rock smashed against it. Tyrene''s eyes widened, and Helix''s heart started pounding. It was a dim light that the other beasts couldn''t see. However, it attracted the Warpshires attention. It charged into their position in an instant. Tyrene tried to move, but Helix pushed her back with his hand. Then he threw a dagger as high as possible in the Warpshire''s direction. p BOOOOOOOM! The Warpshire hit the ground when a massive gravity circle activated. Then the de smashed down on its skull, killing it. Helix unsheathed his sword and rushed at the three remaining beasts. Tyrene was still confused about what had happened, but she rushed into battle. Within a matter of seconds, the two had killed the remaining three. To Tyrene''s annoyance, Helix activated the Intent Spell instantly and carved off a massive second of its pelt as quickly as possible. It wasn''t difficult because the other monsters had ripped apart its pelt, so he was only carving from an area ready to be skinned. To Tyrene''s bewilderment, the entire operation took less than ten seconds. The pelt disappeared into his item storage, and he grabbed her hand and ran around the beast. When they were on the other side, he stopped. Tyrene looked around. After twenty seconds of searching, Helix narrowed his eyes. She joined him. It was invisible at first. However, the more she stared in the direction, she saw a very faint glow. "Liskaberry." She whispered in astonishment. They were golden luminescent berries. The glowing berries awaited them. Helix grabbed her hand and pulled her [back] around the Warpshire''s corpse. He kept running until she felt a wave of noise wash over her. Helix pressed his hand over her mouth and put his mouth to her ear. "Master, there are Liskaberries near us. However, that means that the other Warpshires may be near. Is it worth the risk, or should we run? If we leave now, we can escape in the direction that all of the monsters died in. So everything is set up for our escape." Then he released her mouth and gave her time to think. After ten seconds, she leaned into his ear. "It''s up to you." Tyrene whispered. Helix nodded and motioned to go back and grab them. Tyrene closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She was praying that he would choose the other decision. ¡ª "Still, with a red cheek and a fearless grin, I kept her in ce, and I let the Warpshire kill off hundreds of our enemies." Laughter burst forth as if from a broken flood gate. "Suddenly, a rock blew across the battlefield in our direction!" Helix yelled suddenly. People jumped. "Just before death struck down, a barrier shot up around us, crushing the rock! The barrier glowed with the magic circle, and the Warpshire''s face blew up with bloodlust." He continued. The otakus and weebs gasped. "However¡ª" Helix announced with a sinister grin. "I left onest surprise. These women know it well." "No way!" Charlotte eximed with an evil grin. "The [Gravity Tip Trigger]?" Marie asked with wide eyes. "That''s right." Helix confirmed with a nod. Excitement burst from his partners'' faces. "That spell is LEGENDARY!" Charlotte announced with a puffed-out chest. "Once a beast steps on it¡­." Charlotte made eye contact with everyone near her. "BOOOOOM! That sorry sap is leveled with 50 G''s of gravity!" She announced. The cafeteria jumped with her powerful sound effect. Her hands swung in opposite directions. "But that''s not what makes it am~A~zing." Charlotte sang. "Helix throws a dagger in the air ahead of time. Once the dagger is above the circle, it waits until its tip is down and shoots it back to the earth. That''s why it''s called the [Gravity Tip Trigger]." Marie exined with a smile. Gasps of surprise and excitement washed over the group. "Where did you learn that spell?" Maze asked in a stunned state. "He~didn''t." Charlotte interjected. The otakus and weebs shifted their gaze to her. "It''s a Hellie original." Pandemonium and chaos followed the area. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 167 [The World We Dreamed Of] Everyone tried asking her questions. "Yes! Helix made the spell on his own. It''s valued at 1000~gold coins." Charlotte dered with a grin. More excitement and chaos followed. Suddenly a weeb turned back to him. "So wait, did you kill it?" The weeb asked. Helix gave them a slight smile. "Of course." Madness and chaos exploded in the cafeteria again. ¡ª "Then¡­. The super-otakus and power-weebs will have something else to talk about that isn''t the Myriad Library." Helix chuckled. "It might be an hour or even a day before people bring it up again. That way, jealousy never takes root. It''ll cook reality into their brain like a jealous lobster." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley burst into giggles. "That''s not a bad strategy." Mariemented with an amazed tone. "Yeah. It only works because He~llie is amazing. He can pull discussion-worthy topics out of thin air now." Charlottemented. "You act like he couldn''t from day one." More giggles followed. "Speaking about things to make the super-otakus and power-weebs jeal~ous." Charlotte sang. "Let''s give them a reason." She stripped off her t-shirt, and Marie and Riley giggled before following her example. Helix gave his partners a hopeless smile. A secondter, he joined them. ¡ª "After it died, we killed the remaining beasts, and I carved a [fuck you] sized piece of that beast off its body." Helix chuckled. The Cheat hopefuls burst into excitedughter and cheers. "I checked the area and found the berries in the distance. Then we had a decision to make. Do we enter the Warpshire den in pitch-ck darkness to grab them? Or should we flee? The battle secured our route back to the magic circles leading us out of the forest." "Haaaaaah. So you chose to get them." Mazemented. "Hell yeah, I did! Hundreds of beasts had just attacked us on a peaceful flower-picking trip for my girlfriend. You best believe I was going to pick some damn flowers!" Laughter erupted in the room and echoed throughout the halls. "Did more Warpshires show up?" Charlotte asked excitedly. "Hell if I know." Helix shrugged. "I knew where they were. I was holding a Circle of Silence and scent masking circle. I couldn''t see, hear, or smell anything but that berry. After she confirmed I could get it, I sprinted out of there with my new stats. I ran up, grabbed a single Liskaberry, and threw it into my item storage. Then I booked it like a harem protagonist being chased by twenty women!" Laughter erupted in the cafeteria again. "The¡­ hahahaha¡­." Helix burst intoughter again. Everyone turned to him excitedly. "The only thing¡­ hahaha¡­ that I know¡­ haha¡­." Helix fell to the table, gasping for breath. The otakus and weebs listened to him with frustration and anxiety. They wanted to know! "Is¡­ haha¡­ that when I grabbed Tyrene''s wrist at full speed¡­ hahaha¡­ and ran¡­." Charlotte''s eyes lit up with an evil grin. "She thought there was! Her¡­ her face¡­ hahahaha!" Laughter carpet-bombed the entire area. "I¡­ haha¡­ was the worst¡­ hahaha¡­ apprentice ever." Helixughed while wiping light tears from his eyes. "To think¡­ hahaha¡­ she came to Kozen¡­ haha¡­ as an excuse for a vacation!" Gasps spread through the hall. "Master Tilo¡­ haha¡­ and master Linus¡­ haha¡­ were permitted to train me¡­ hahaha¡­ she just hopped on the bandwagon for fun¡­ hahaha." Helix cried. "Then she spent two months running from nuclear¡­ haha¡­ wyverns, and¡­ third-evolution Hellhounds¡­ and Colossus''." The otakus and weebs roared. Light tears welled in Helix''s eyes. When he lifted his face from the table, he wore the most dazzling smile they or his partners had ever seen. Moreover, there was a strange aura that people couldn''t put into words. Everyone that saw it felt incredibly happy. "The final month I spent with her and my partners¡­ was a st!" Helix dered. "During that time, Myriad was the magical world I always dreamed of!" ¡ª Marie pped her hands together. "Now that you''re done with your breakfast, we will announce training for today!" The silence that followed and the reaction was so anime-esque that Helix couldn''t help but chuckle. Only otakus and weebs would positively react to an otherwise rude method of shifting a topic. Nervous chuckles and light groans ripped through the cafeteria. Marie smiled at the servants and nodded. They graciously bowed and moved in to collect the dishes. "Today, we''ll do the most brutal training otakus and weebs will ever know." Helix interjected. Everyone looked at him with fearful eyes. "We''re going out in public to have fun!" Laughter flooded the cafeteria again. Helix gave Marie a hopeless smile that said, [Sorry, I had to]. Marie gave him an equally pathetic smile. Then she turned back to the Cheat hopefuls. "That''s right." Marie chuckled. "We''ll be busy training and preparing for an impending attack in the weeks ahead." The Knights quieted down nervously. "Until then, we want you to enjoy yourself and meet new friends." She said with a bright smile. "Make memories, drink Alka, chuck out awesome shops on Burllow street, and everything else that makes Myriad magical. We''ve arranged a restaurant to house us for dinner, and there will be a music festival in Burlow Street park if you want to go. There are a lot of shops that sell extraordinary things. Today we want to show you that Myriad is the magical world we dreamed of. We''re going to be humans, so tomorrow, we''re ready to work hard." Many smiled, but no one was cheering. "Hmmm. Up to you. Say nay, if you''d rather swing a sword one thousand times before anal attentive magic control training?" Helix grinned. Silence and wide eyes met his words. "Say aye, if you want to spend a day enjoying life with three beautiful War Goddesses and all of your friends." "Ayyyyyeeeeeee!" "That settles it. We''ll leave for the town immediately." Marie giggled. Many wore nervous expressions. "We''re giving everyone ten gold, so no one needs to worry about money. While that seems like nothing to us, you can buy a shop for ten gold where we''re going. Not because the area is poor. Rather¡­ it''s because ten gold is a lot of money." Marie shed the group a charming smile. Everyone turned to Helix for confirmation. "Hmmm? It''s true. I made my lover look like a goddess for half a gold after a trip to Burlow Street." He chuckled. "Then a dozen of my peers spent a fortune in the noble district only to show up with embarrassed servants the next day." The thirty-eight super-otakus burst intoughter. Helix gave the power-weebs a slight smile and motioned to Marie''sughing face. Then he panned his hand everywhere else, cracking up. "As you can see, it''s very true. That night, she was so stylish that jealous people left me with three broken ribs." People quieted down. "Zero regrets. Anyone that saw Emelia''s face that night has that bright smile carved into their memory." Helix announced with a warm smile. The weebs panned the crowd and saw warm smiles everywhere. "Emelia told me one night that our trip to Burlow street that day was the happiest day of her life." Helix recounted with a warm smile. "And it only cost a few silvers." Inspired faces looked at him, and he met them with a gentle smile. "Ummm¡­ Helix¡­." Millie called out. Helix chuckled and smiled at her. "Yes, Millie?" "Ummm¡­ can I¡­ ummm¡­ hang out with you today then?" Helix''s eyes widened, and he gave her a regretful expression. Everyone watching had a confused expression. "I have meetings today, and can''te." He answered with a remorseful tone. Millie looked crushed, and others looked sad too. "However, I''ll be at dinner tonight at 5pm." The downcast faces brightened. "How about you sit next to me tonight? Would that be okay with you?" Millie''s eyes widened in surprise. She nervously turned to Marie, Charlotte, and Riley, who gave her nods. The little woman gave Helix a bright smile that charmed everyone present. Helix met hers with a gentle smile of his own. "See you tonight, Millie." He said softly. "I''ll see everyone else there as well. Enjoy your day!" Chapter 168 [Suspicion] "Yo." Helix called out after opening a door. "Haaaaaaah. If it isn''t¡­. To be honest, I don''t know what to call you anymore, boy." A gruff man replied. "Idiot is still as valid as ever, Macron." Helix suggested. The two burst intoughter. "I just might do that." Macron chuckled with dead eyes. "Did you manage to secure the transportation?" Helix asked. "I did¡­ but boy, on this short notice, and for that range¡­ it''s going to cost you a small fortune." Macron warned. Helix chuckled and gave him a mysterious smile. "You don''t have to worry about the necessary amount." Macron gave him a quizzical expression with his sharp brown eyes. "1000 gold. You stillughin'' boy?" The man gruffed. Helix''s smile didn''t fade in the slightest. "That''s less than I expected. Thank you, Macron." Macron raised an eyebrow. "You''re not wrapped up in somethin'' sketchy, are you? I''ve never heard of someone bloodpacting a small army to guard a few people traveling on a Gryphon before." Helix burst intoughter and activated the Circle of Privacy he drew in Macron''s office the night before. "I still can''t believe that boy drew that thing from memory¡­." Macron muttered under his breath in amazement. "No. It''spletely legitimate. However¡­." Helix said with a slight smile. He touched his neck, and massive items mmed onto the floor. "They''ll be transporting these. I''ve altered their gravity with magic circles. So you don''t need many people to help you." Macron froze in disbelief. "Do you understand now? It''s not like I can send a carrier pigeon to send a message." Helixughed. "You have no idea what type of hell is going on behind the scenes." Macron opened and closed his mouth multiple times. "Gawkter. We still have to meet with the queen before we blood pact with the guards." He requested with a smile. Suddenly his face shifted and became serious. "What is the situation with the troops? Their reaction." Macron snapped out of his daze, made eye contact with Helix, and then put his elbows on his desk. Then he shifted his head to his palms and rubbed his temples. "Do you even need to ask?" Macron chuckled bitterly. "Overwhelmingly positive for many, positive for most, but the small fraction that is bitter is causing trouble." Helix frowned. "Fights? Reprimands? Detainments? What level of trouble are we talking about?" Macron looked up at Helix with a wry smile. "Boy, did you know what would happen?" Helix locked gazes with Macron. "Of course. If there''s an attack tomorrow or next week, no one will listen to a nameless kid without service experience. That''s a problem." Helix replied with a serious voice. "Macron. Marie is Level 72. If she uses [Quake], it can destroy half the entire city in one shot." Macron''s eyes widened in disbelief, and he released his hands from his face. "L-Level 72!" Macron cried. "What? Do you think Master Tyrene casually brought us to fight a fifth-evolution Colossus as a training exercise?" Helix scoffughed. Macron frowned and thought about it some more. "Master Tyrene had reason to believe that the impending attack on the capital would be worse. That''s why she had us fight against the Colossus for the experience." Helix warned. "We wouldn''t be training immature liabilities if we thought we could handle it ourselves." Macron trembled in disbelief. "It''s that serious?" Helix matched his gaze. "Yes. I''d bet my life the Stalkwalker Colossus would''ve wiped out this Capital and 90% of the army before going down." Macron''s face was shocked into a stupor. "Look, Macron. We''re speaking to the queen shortly about the situation. After that, I''ll need your support with the army. In the meantime, please. Tell me what the situation with the troops is." Macron wiped his face with his left hand. "Okay. After Master Tyrene''s message, many people are in support of you." He began. "Those who spoke out against you were met with fierce opposition. It wasn''t for you. Rather, it was because Master Tyrene told them not to harm you. As a result, the groups were beaten, humiliated, or shunned." Helix closed his eyes. "Those who were partially exiled have banded together. It''s the minority, but it''s not a small group. They''re causing trouble, which has put the generals and the brigade leaders in an awkward position." Macron exined. "While most want to support you, you dumped a political headache and shitton of stress on their shoulders out of the blue. While most were happy initially, they''re already bitter you didn''t give them a heads up at the least." Helix nodded with a serious expression. "Boy. If you''re wrong about this attack¡­." Macron began hesitantly. "I''ll take full responsibility, Macron." Helix replied without hesitation. "It''s not about responsibility, boy. We''re just sick of watching people try to kill your scrawny ass." The man chuckled bitterly. Helix gave him a pair of smiling eyes. "Don''t worry, Macron. Eventually, everything will sort itself out." Macron looked up from the desk to make eye contact. "If I could survive before, I can sure as hell survive now." Helix chuckled. "Nowe on. We have some people to bloodpact before we meet with the queen. ¡ª "Greetings, Sir Helix. You may enter." A woman called out. Helix had walked into a massive room with a long purple rug in its center. Illustrious art hung in the room on every wall, and the marble pirs had borate engravings of past Alzerian battles. "Greetings, your majesty." Helix said before walking to the throne and taking a knee. Two rows of Royal Knights were on either side of him. Beside him stood Macron, and two other people were kneeling to the left. "You''re quite the attraction." Liliana chuckled with a narrowed gaze. "Ever since you''ve arrived, you''ve been at the center of every major incident this year." "If I could have lived as a cksmith who drew magic circles, I would have your grace." Helix replied in a serious tone. "Hoh? A young man who wishes to be a cksmith identally led an army of 1200 to attack a Colossus?" She mused. "Yes. There was no choice, your majesty. My partner''s Nightmares are strong enough to be a liability. " Helix replied. "If I hadn''t, many soldiers would have died because we couldn''t utilize our strength." "Is that so? How is it that an aspiring cksmith of eighteen has the political skill to take over another country''s army out of necessity?" The atmosphere multiplied, and an overbearing pressure entered the room. Macron''s eyes couldn''t get wider. He couldn''t believe his ears. "Master Tyrene was at my side, your majesty." Helix replied. "There is very little chance General Lackbolt would have seeded authority to me otherwise." Queen Liliana gazed upon the boy with narrowed eyes. The guards and the other two men listened with suspicion. "The general was desperate. We were moving toward a 350-foot Colossus of unknown strength." Helix continued. "After demonstrating our power, he agreed to allow us authority because he couldn''t utilize them. Since Master Tyrene was present, he was confident in allowing us to take hold of the operation." "I appreciate your humility, Sir Helix. However, I am not asking these questions to you as a form of praise." Liliana warned with narrowed eyes. "I''m asking you out of suspicion." An icy chill crawled down Helix''s spine. Macron was sweating, and the atmosphere was bing suffocating. "Understood. Can you please reiterate or narrow your question? I will answer without humility." Helix requested. "Perhaps this question is better. Why were you the person leading the army while Tyrene was not?" Liliana asked with a venomced smile. "General Lackbolt said General Tyrene was not involved with the operation aside from a single strategy conversation, to his knowledge." The two men next to him gasped and nced in his direction. The guards stood taller in a serious manner. Helix could tell what she was getting at. "Master Tyrene was teaching me how to be a general." The men next to him breathed sharp breaths. "She instructed me to take full control of our group during the battle as a training exercise. That included her, Master Tilo Szer, her other apprentices Marie, Charlotte, Riley, Chief Elsa, and her assistant Timothy." Helix continued. "Her primary objective was to see how I would address the issue of our team''s power when working with others. Neither she nor I believed we would be given the army''s authority." Liliana listened patiently. She did not want to rush his exnation, as her questions were serious. Helix took a deep breath and continued. "The reason she wasn''t involved was that I was doing well, and everyone present underestimated the Stalkwalker''s strength until the end. After the initial trap we set up, everyone thought the battle was a foregone conclusion. As a result, neither she nor General Lackbolt found any reason to take control away from me. Does that answer your question, your grace?" Liliana studied the young man before her with a serious expression. "How did General Tyrene die?" She asked. "General Tyrene died saving my and Marie Skybolt''s life during a suicide attack." Helix''s answer was immediate andcked hesitation. Everyone in the room, aside from the queen, gasped in astonishment. "Please permit me to borate." Helix requested. As he was still kneeling, he couldn''t see the queen, so he became anxious about her reactions. "You may proceed." Liliana said with narrowed eyes. "Under my leadership, we led the Stalkwalker into a trap. Master Tilo set up cmity-grade magic circles, Master Tyrene used [Sub Zero], [Blizzard], and a cmity-grade [Frost Nova] in less than five minutes." The men next to Helix gasped in shock again. "My team hit it with an earthquake, a massive ground pike fifty feet tall, shredded its legs with a tornado filled with boulder-sized rocks, leveled with 100 G''s of gravity, and lit it on fire with a mythical-grade Nightmare. After that, it received approximately four hundred magic attacks from General Lackbolt''s army, received fifty ballista arrows, had its neck shed by thirty sword and spear masters under the effect of gravity." He continued. "After that, it would have killed General Lackbolt''s entire army if I didn''t trigger traps to constantly distract it for two hours." The queen''s eyes trembled alongside the other men. Everyone was stunned, silent in disbelief. "While it was proving its deadliness, we believed it was paralyzed from the legs down. It sat in the same position, and it couldn''t turn around on its stomach because the burns on its back were lethal. However, we were wrong." Helix said after a deep breath. "The Stalkwalker Colossus fell onto its back, causing an earthquake, and turned around. We couldn''t see, and when it came back, it started attacking Marie Skybolt. It killed her twenty guards and shattered a Level barrier with a single attack. When I went to save her, the Stalker was attacking with both hands. I guarded against one but couldn''t guard against the other. General Tyrene died kicking me out of the way. Grandmaster Tilo Szer watched the entire event unfold and will corroborate my testimony." "Thank you, Sir Helix. However, that won''t be necessary." Liliana announced. "While I was unaware of the Stalkwalker''s strength, I already heard the story from Grandmaster Tilo." The men beside Helix were still in a state of shock. "However, I have onest question for you." Liliana announced. "Why is it that the Kozen army is equipping troops to send to Alzeria, and we have not yet sighted any monsters." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 169 [Unofficial Request] "Boy¡­ I''m terrified knowing I tried to hit you when we met." General Lackbolt chuckled bitterly. "That shit is going to give me nightmares for years." "What are you talking about? I don''t remember that." Helix replied with a slight smile. "Hah. Suppose you''re backing up your words left and right." The man replied with a wry smile. His brown and grey beard was matted from constantly grabbing it during the battle. "Besides, am I really that scary?" Helix chuckled. "Boy, you used the [Intent Spell] for its head and had 100 men saw that thing''s head off. Once its skin dissolved, you put the four-ton skull into your fucking item storage like it was a damn shield. You even stole its middle finger to taunt the Mad Queen." General Lackbolt replied sarcastically. "Is¡­ there something wrong with that?" Helix asked with a mocking smile. "I found it charming." General Lackbolt shivered and sent him a wry smile. "No. It''s your victory prize. I wouldn''t do the same, but now that I have hand bones, I''m excited to show off my men''s victory." He sighed. "Moreover, I''m shocked you organized my soldiers fast enough to pull off ten tons of its hide. Everyone in the army is going to have legendary armor now. I''m sure that this [Samma Shaw] will make a fortune making battle armor once they can afford it. After you mentioned her name, no one is willing to use anyone else." General Lackbolt chuckled. Helix shrugged and gave him an evil grin. The man calmed down, developed a serious expression, and peered into Helix''s pitch-ck eyes. "Boy, was the real reason you came here to take charge to save us?" He asked with a firm tone. "Real reason? I told you the reason." Helix asked with a raised eyebrow. "Yes, you did. It was a training exercise; that''s the problem. General Masney told me that you didn''t want to be a leader right before the battle. Yet you took on the full responsibility of the battle and protected [my] men as if they were your own. It would be one thing to fight and another to give a rally speech for morale while your teacher was dying." Helix gilded his eyes to the left in thought. "Maybe I was always meant for it." He sighed in defeat. General Lackbolt raised his eyebrow in confusion. He could tell the statement wasn''t sarcastic arrogance. "I keep asking myself¡ªwhy me?" Helix exined. The man listened intently to his words. "I don''t know if you know this, but I was summoned from another world to help fight against the Mad Queen as a hero." Helix announced. General Lackbolt''s eyes widened in shock. Helix chuckled when he saw the man''s reaction. "Do you think that I was stateless for eighteen years?" He asked with a mocking tone. The general stroked his unkempt beard with a pondering expression. "I suppose that makes a lot more sense now." Helix nodded. "We''re summoned because we have higher stats. As a result, my partners were capable of what you saw despite being below level sixty. It''s also why we were able to get strong so fast." "What!?" General Lackbolt roared. "Calm down." Helix chuckled. "Sorry, boy. I can''t do that." The man asserted while shaking his head. "It answers a lot of questions, and I appreciate that. But it could be a scandal if Kozen or any other country knew that Alzeria pulled that off. Why would you tell me this? Are you an idiot?" Helix chuckled and shook his head. "Kozen does the same thing, so keep the secret." He asserted. Helix knew because Princess Eliza gave him a self-deleting Circle of Remembrance that exined the history of Alzeria''s Earthian program. General Lackbolt gave him a shocked expression. "Second, the rowdy bunch won''t keep the secret long. So I''m preemptively addressing an impending scandal once Kozen starts asking questions." Helix exined. "It''s not like we can hide that I leveled up into a monster in four months. The math wouldn''t exin how we have the power of Level 150 at eighteen. I wouldn''t tell you if Tyrene didn''t mention it already, but now it''s better that you know in advance." General Lackbolt calmed down. "The primary reason I told you is for the same reason that I took responsibility for your troops with my life. It''s apanying a favor I wish to ask." Helix sighed. The general raised his eyebrow with interest. "I''m listening. I will do what I can for you after what you''ve done." He replied with a serious expression. Helix looked into the man''s brown eyes with a serious expression. "I am one of the only people with the strength and skills necessary to fight the Mad Queen." Helix dered with a serious expression. General Lackbolt let out a small gasp. After watching Helix and his partners take down the Colossus that would have wiped out his forces and destroyed half of Kozen, he couldn''t deny it. "That''s why Tyrene trained me and followed me." He continued. "One day, I may be forced to seriously confront the Mad Queen, and they wanted me to prepare. I''ve received intel that she is moving [something] towards Alzeria, and I have agreed to fight against it in one month. That is where we were headed when we heard of the Stalkwalker and came here along the way." The general''s eyes widened in fear. He was still rattled from the battle yesterday. The idea that the young man was directly facing off against the Mad Queen was far more terrifying. "General Lackbolt. The battle is quickly approaching, and I need experience for that time. Now that we have achieved victory, I would like to preemptively ask that you send an emissary to ask for Kozen''s military aid 33 days from now in the Alzerian Capital." Helix''s pitch-ck eyes burrowed deep into his soul. General Lackbolt would usuallyugh and point the requester to the kingdom''s Alzerian embassy in the Kozen Capital. However, Helix and his troops saved his soldiers'' lives alongside the country. They owed him a blood debt, and Kozen owed him as well. It was a tough situation to navigate, however. It takes a month to get to the Alzerian Capital, so even if he sent someone and the king immediately agreed, they would be pushing the time limit. That was the best-case scenario. He put his elbows on his desk and rubbed his eyes with his palms. There was an even more important consideration. "Boy¡­ do you even have the authority to formally request aid on behalf of the Alzerian Kingdom?" General Lackbolt asked. Helix scoffed lightly and turned his head in understanding. After a period of silence, he took a deep breath. "No." Helix sighed. The man took a deep breath and released his palms from his eyes. "You understand if we show up with an army unannounced, it will be seen as a deration of war?" He asked with a pitiful expression. Helix gave him an equally helpless smile. "Yes. However¡­." He touched his neck, and items started dumping out on the table. General Lackbolt''s eyes widened in shock when he inspected the items. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 170 [Bribe Diplomacy] "How¡­." General Lackbolt asked in shock as he looked at the items dropped by Helix. "That''s not important." Helix replied with a serious expression. "I have a Circle of Remembrance from Grandmaster Winter General Dame Tyrene Masney corroborating my ims. Moreover, this is her official authority seal used in situations like this. It lists my name as the person leading the operation and an exnation of the source." More urately, the official [lie] about where she obtained the intel. "An identical set is being sent to Alzeria by messenger." Helix continued. General Lackbolt gazed upon the items with shock in his eyes. He couldn''t believe Helix had been able to obtain such authority. "This is a letter from Grandmaster Circle Master Tilo Szar that had the seal of approval by Linus Sarroc, Chief Medical Officer Elsa Taylor, and three experts sent to Kozen with me." Helix continued. He did not stop, either. "As you''re aware, this is an honored guest seal of a Kozen Duke. Ites from the Duke of Lexion. Alongside this honorary award from the Lexion Magic Circle Guild, you should be able to confirm our reputation." Helix added with a slight smile. Helix would cry if asked [why] he was an honored guest of the Duke of Lexion. Exining what a hot tub is and how he sold the Duke one to improve his harem sex life was not something he wanted to do. General Lackbolt was ck-jawed, looking at the number of official seals he had. "And¡­ this one?" He asked in a haze. Helix gave him a mysterious smile. "This is the Royal Medal of Honor from the Alzerian Capital. I helped them through a bad situation three months ago, and they sent the experts and resources with my party as a thank you. I''m not giving this to you. However, I''m showing you that my reputation in Alzeria holds a small amount of weight on its own." General Lackbolt stared at Helix with trembling eyes. "Lastly,e with me for a moment." Helix requested with a devious smile. The general followed him out of the tent in a daze. His mind wasn''t even processing information well anymore. Helix touched his neck when they were outside, and the Stalkwalker''s middle finger appeared out of thin air. It was more urate to say the Colossus'' finger materialized [in the air] and was floating. "W-What the hell¡­." General Lackbolt gasped in shock. Helix grabbed the finger by the tip, pulled it until it was vertical, and rotated the finger. He wasn''t showing off¡ª "That¡­ magic circle¡­ did this?" The general asked with wide eyes. "That''s right." Helix replied with a mysterious smile. "Right now, the bones are in your item storage because you cannot transport them. However, I can make them light as a feather so an emissary can announce your sess and prove it. Once that happens, it would smooth out the process¡ªif you ept." "I-I¡­." General Lackbolt stuttered. "I will do the same with the hide you got and send a messenger to Samma to order the armor. She''ll hate me, but once one of these fingers sells at the market, it will load her up with so much gold she can''t refuse." Helix chuckled. "You''ll get the armor work for free, magic circles to carry your hides without dy, and immense wealth since you can sell that Stalkwalker finger. That is what I''m offering [you] for your support." "W-Wait¡­." The man tried to interject. He didn''t want payment, considering what Helix and his team had done for them. Moreover, Tyrene paid the ultimate price for her help, and he and Marie almost died. "Onest thing¡­." Helix chuckled with madness in his eyes. "These are what are called [Hot Tub Circles]. Ayer seal transfers the circles from these stickers to a surface. When you ce them around the bathtub, it shoots jets of warm water all around your body. It''s rxing, and women [love] them. If you put it into arge tub with room for many people, women will show up just to enjoy it." Helix added with a yful smile. General Lackbolt salivated at the sight of the circles. "If you ept the requests, you''ll get all of this. I''m willing to announce the free armor as a spoil of war for the troops so you don''t feel like you''re not repaying a debt. However, if you manage to show up, you are repaying a debt." Helix''s smile disappeared, and he gave General Lackbolt a serious expression. "General Lackbolt. We both know that you cannot put a price on human life." He asserted. The general''s eyes trembled. He was going through a roller coaster of shock, confusion, conflict, greed, and now sorrow. "Even if I give you a pce and a harem of beautiful women right now, your assistance 33 days from now will pay off the debt you''re wearing on your face in full." Helix reasoned. "All I''m asking is that you put your full weight behind me and attempt to pull it off. We''re sending the intel to Alzeria and Kozen, so your participation is only in influence and future military support." General Lackbolt snapped out of his haze. "Will you ept my absurd personal request?" The general wiped his face with his hand and rubbed his eyelid with a thumb. After only three seconds of silence, he lifted his head and gave Helix a pathetic smile. "Did you have to give me four times what I needed to make this argument?" He chuckled with a self-deprecating smile. Helix''s eyes widened. "Your diplomacy¡­." General Lackbolt replied in a haze. "Is¡­ god fucking awful, Helix!" The man burst intoughter. "I¡­ finally¡­ found something¡­ hahaha¡­ your crazy ass¡­ is bad at!" He cried behind hyperventting breaths. Helix''s eyes trembled in confusion. He couldn''t figure out how he could have made the pot sweeter in the man''s favor. "Was¡­ haha¡­ that not enough?" Helix asked in a daze. "Not¡­ enough¡­ he asks¡­." General Lackbolt chuckled between breaths. He looked at Helix with madness swirling in his eyes. "Boy! You''ve done this all wrong. You''re supposed to say, here''s a seal and an exnation from a legendary general." General Lackbolt asserted. "Then I say¡­ that''s a hard sell¡­." He burst intoughter again. Helix was still confused beyond belief. "Then.. you say¡­ hahaha¡­ oh yeah? How about these seals? I say, hmmm. That''s enough, but¡­ haha¡­ it will be hard to convince the King¡­ within the allotted period. Whew." General Lackbolt wiped slight tears from his eyes. Helix was starting to understand what was going on. He waited patiently for his roasting to end. "Most¡­ Most importantly¡­ hahaha!" General Lackbolt cried in agony. His sides hurt so bad he was trying to remain standing. "Most importantly, you''re¡­ hah¡­ when ites to money¡­ anything¡­ hahaha¡­ you can''t make it sound like a fucking bribe!" The man kneeled in exasperation. "You''re¡­ haha¡­ you''re supposed to say, General Lackbolt¡­ sir¡­ hahahaha!" Helix gave the man an unenthusiastic expression at the end. "General Lackbolt, I can reequip your troops, so it doesn''t cost money¡­ haha¡­ for¡­ haha¡­ the Kozen Treasury¡­." Helix''s eyes widened, and he understood what General Lackbolt was saying was valuable. Critical, even. "I¡­ can make your spoils of war and supplies move quickly¡­ whew. You can minimize¡­ your resource costs and still obtain the goodwill of Alzeria." Helix chuckled when he saw the man''s genuine expression. He could tell that General Lackbolt was trying to help him in the future. "Thank you, General Lackbolt¡­ sir¡­ haha¡­." Helixughed. "For the advice. That''s genuinely helpful, and I appreciate it." The generalughed after hearing sir, calmed down, and stood up. "I¡­ don''t remember this conversation. Do you?" Helix asked with a sly smile. General Lackbolt scoffed and gave him a wry smile. "Hah. I''ll call in that debt first." He chuckled bitterly. "But, yes. I cannot guarantee you will get reinforcements. However, I will throw my full weight behind this operation." General Lackbolt confirmed with an honest expression. "With what you''ve given me, it increases your chances ten-fold. It doesn''t hurt that I''m technically a legendary hero with bones to prove it!" Heughed. General Lackbolt stretched out his hand. "I ept your request." Helix smiled and shook the man''s hand. The gruff man sighed after theypleted the handshake. "But with this level of impending stress, you better give that fucking [hot tub]." He scoffed. "At least you understand the value of bribes." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 171 [Reasoning] "Why is it that the Kozen army is equipping troops to send to Alzeria, and we have not yet sighted any monsters?" Liliana''s eyes pressed down on Helix with a steely gaze. The gravity in the room doubled instantly, and cold sweat dripped down Helix''s shoulder des. Both men next to him were tense, and the Royal Knights wore serious expressions. "It was a matter of time and perceived urgency, your grace." Helix replied. "As was mentioned in my letter, General Lackbolt was informed of the potential attack on the Capital. If you were to send him a letter, you could easily call it off¡ª" "This is not a question of whether I can stop their troops." Liliana interjected with a cold tone. "I''m asking why you decided to request support from a neighboring ally upon Alzeria''s behalf." Macron winced, and the other people in the room wore cold expressions. "Master Tyrene''s death was a massive blow to this army. The intel she acquired suggested an attack as early as tomorrow. That is why Master Tyrene ended my training two months ahead of schedule. The trip to Kozen takes a month. If we were to need reinforcements, no country could supply us with troops because of travel time alone. Diplomatic meetings and other concerns were pressing. However, I saved the lives of nearly a thousand Kozen soldiers, had proof of the ims, and the country owed me a debt for helping them defeat a beast capable of destroying their country." Helix exined. "I also helped them obtain defensive material capable of equipping their army, so I alleviated their resource costs. As a partner of Samma Shaw, I had ess to tailors that could create the armor and gifted Kozen the other Stalkwalker hand to auction off for resources. I was in a unique position and had the resources and temporary influence to aid this kingdom. I used that influence to act preemptively under the expectation her majesty would turn the soldiers away if she deemed the measure unnecessary." Liliana''s eyes widened in shock. The two men next to him had the same expressions. ,m Macron''s eyes were trembling in confusion as well. "Defense Chief Salkey, General Masov, please rise." Liliana requested. The two men stood up straight with their hands behind their backs. Helix and Macron''s eyes widened in shock. "Do you have questions for this young man?" Liliana asked. "I do, your majesty." Salkey requested. Lilliana nodded her head. The man turned to Helix. "Are you a traitor?" He asked with a cold voice. "No, Defense Chief Salkey." Helix replied with a beating heart. "From what I understand, people almost assassinated you three times in this city." Salkey prefaced with narrowed eyes. "Before you left, you were involved in a massive security threat. You were only away for three months, but now an army indebted to you is heading our way, you''ve thrown our Capital into disarray, and you''re training dangerous Earthians that are now loyal to only you. Forgive me for being so forward, but you''re a threat if you and your friends are as strong as you im." Liliana''s eyes trembled, and Macron''s eyes did the same. "I understand your concerns and suspicions." Helix replied after a deep breath. "I am not an enemy of any description. If you wish me to leave the Capital before official training for the Earthians begins, we will do so right away." The man narrowed his eyes at Helix. "That wasn''t much of an answer." Salkey scoffed. "Forgive me, Chief Salkey. Everything you''ve said is true, and I cannot refute your words." Helix replied. "I do not n to stay in Alzeria beyond the winter, so I cannot be considered a loyal Alzerian. If the impending attack were to happen tomorrow, I would not stay past the battle." Liliana, Salkey, and Masov''s eyes widened in shock. "It''s as you say. I don''t want to be here after what happened to me." Helix continued. "Alzeria brought me here against my will, people tried to kill me relentlessly, and my lover died. However, I owe life debts to Master Tyrene, Princess Eliza, Chief Elsa, Master Tilo, Macron, and her majesty. There are many Earthians and servants that I wish to protect as well. For those reasons, and those reasons alone, I have returned. I will not let people in Alzeria die after all they have done for me. I''m only fast tracking influence to obtainmunication with you in the event of an emergency. That''s why I emphasized my Alzerian citizenship." Those present couldn''t believe what they were hearing. His words were contradictory to his speech the night before. "The Earthians are also extremely dangerous." Helix continued. "The reason I''m training them is to prepare them for an attack, should it berge enough to require them. However, I do not do so haphazardly. We are building a new legal system that we can safely hand over to the Alzerian kingdom. It''s possible because I, the weakest of my parties, have enough strength to kill all of them if they cause trouble. That is the only reason I nned to stay until the end of winter." More shock washed over the room. "Therefore, if you suspect me of being a traitor for your reasons, I cannot defend myself against them." Helix concluded. Thirty seconds of silence passed after that. "Sir Helix. You spoke to the entire Alzerian armyst night as a loyal Alzerian Knight." General Masov prefaced. "Do you understand the gravity of lying to our people? People are supporting you as an Alzerian and are fighting for your reputation. If they learned of this, it could throw this entire city into disarray." Helix sent a wry smile to the floor. "I do, General Masov." He replied simply. "Then why would you casually expose your deceit!" Salkey snapped. "Because I do not wish to lie to her majesty when my intentions are already known, and I don''t want thousands to die." Helix replied with a cool voice. The atmosphere chilled instantly. "If the monster attack I believe is approaching is linked to the Colossus'' awakening from hibernation, everyone in this city will be ughtered." Helix''s voice was as cold as ice. "If one of my partners willed it, they could destroy this entire city single-handedly. With that being the case, if we''re seeking reinforcements, it means the attack we anticipate will wipe out this entire country before moving on. It''s also the reason I''m speaking to you today and requesting your support." "Is that a threat, Helix Margrave?" Masov asked with a cool voice. "No, General Masov. As I''ve mentioned, I will leave the city peacefully if her majesty or her army seeks it." Helix replied. "I''m not here to y political games or be the hero. If you do not wish for us to be here, we will leave peacefully and not help you fight. My presence here is to aid you. If you believe me a traitor, I will leave and consider my debt paid." Helix was genuinely fed up with the nonsense he was experiencing. His political tact only went so far when his presence was for their benefit. "Sir Helix. Are you willing to be held in confinement until further ruling?" Liliana asked. "Queen Liliana. Did you just say ruling?" Helix scoffed. He stood up, and the guards unsheathed their swords. Helix ignored them, turned around and walked toward the door. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 172 [Proof] "Wait!" Liliana cried out. She wasn''t talking to Helix but to the guard that was in motion to attack him. Blink. Helix disappeared. Blink. The guard crashed to the ground from his falling momentum. Blink. Helix reappeared on the other side of the guard. He continued walking without saying another word. The guards at the entrance unsheathed their swords. "Move." The guards present started swaying in disoriented confusion. Their heart pulsed from the loud noise, and one of them fell to a knee fromck of bnce. He didn''t hold back. They were hit with the same Ghost Walker Trigger experience as Tilo. "Stand down, guards!" Liliana screamed. Helix released his [Desync] circle, and the guards in front of him stood up in a disoriented state. He wouldn''t use something he couldn''t exin to those who didn''t understand the concept of [Killing Intent]. They sheathed their swords, and the guards behind them did as well. "Sir Helix, wait!" Chief Salkey yelled. Helix stopped but did not turn back. "You understand that this was a test, right, boy?" "Yes. However, in thest two days, five guards have tried cutting me down with swords." Helix announced. Liliana''s eyes widened in shock. Chief Salkey and General Masov were shocked. However, that was only the beginning. "Two nobles told five guards to execute me in public. An Earthian Knight from Thyme tried killing other Knights and me in the arena. Royal Knights and guards have unsheathed their swords. One tried to attack me. I''ve been used of being a traitor and now asked to be jailed until you can make a legal ruling of my innocence." Queen Liliana was stunned, speechless to understand how many times he had been attacked. Her intentions were well-meaning. Giving Helix a chance to exin himself could alleviate concerns. Masov and Salkey stared at him withplex expressions. "I was abducted from my family, friends, and future on Earth to fight your war. People killed my lover and tried to assassinate me three times. I fought an enemy that could destroy this country if it moved in this direction. In the process, I lost my Master, whom I dearly cared about. I apologize for not having patience with your tests and political games. If my presence before you isn''t proof enough that I''m not a traitor, I''m walking away." After five seconds of silence, Helix motioned to turn away. "Sir Helix. We apologize for your reception in Alzeria. We support you and are grateful. That''s why we''re here; we want to support you." Masov called out. Helix stopped again. "However, you understand how much you''re asking from us with nothing but a few credentials, right?" Helix took a deep breath and calmed down. "You''re asking us to support you with the full backing of the kingdom''s military and are making decisions on our behalf. We normally wouldn''t consider that request for a monarch." Masov reasoned. Helix took a deep breath, turned around, and met the man''s gaze. "I apologize for my resentment. I''ve caused you all a lot of trouble. My situation is abnormal, and I forget that. I''m also sorry for using my unique position to request aid from Kozen. A day after watching my master die, I made that request and was emotional. I didn''t want to see anyone else die. There were better ways to address the situation. I am sorry for my poor decision." He said with a bow. The three were stunned by the shift in pace. It was shocking how fast Helix was able to admit his wrong doings. "I request you consider my situation equally. I''m here because our power is too strong to use in battle without friendly fire decimating the troops. If you ced me in confinement for my benign intentions, this city would be razed by nightfall." A wave of fear washed over everyone present. Helix''s pitch-ck eyes showed how serious he was being. "That level of power is the reason I''m speaking to you. I''m not making a threat; it''s a general reality you must ept. I respected your tests until you asked me to be held in confinement because it was dangerous. That was also a well-meaning test. I understand you wanted to know whether I''d be peaceful and cooperative with Alzerianw. However, itpletely ignored the gravity of the reason I''m here. Our power is your greatest ally in times of need. We wish to share it with open arms. I am not an unreasonable person. I will sit down and have a discussion, share my resources, and cooperate with you. I''m not asking for power or authority. I only ask that you work with us to prevent soldiers from dying from friendly fire or our inability for us to fight. I will prove our power and let you experience my concerns firsthand. So please, your majesty, Chief Salkey, and General Masov. Please treat my request seriously and respect the sacrifices I''ve made to get here." Helix took a deep breath. "Permission to approach, your majesty." He said with a humble bow. "Y-Yes. You may approach." Many of the guards were hesitant to let him approach but stood resolved. When Helix reached Macron, he kneeled again. "I ask your forgiveness, your majesty." Helix said in a humble tone. "I am here to support you and do not wish to cause trouble for you or Alzeria. I request that all officials not threaten my life to avoid that. If you''re okay with that, I am willing to continue." Liliana took a deep breath topose herself. "Sir Helix, please rise." She requested. Helix stood up and showed the group theplex expression on his face. Beneath the confidence, everyone could see pain. "Please demonstrate your group''s Nightmares to Chief Salkey and General Masov tomorrow." Liliana requested. "I''ll arrange for a Gryphon to bring you to an area suitable for the undertaking. I believe it''s best for everyone if they witness your might. We can return to this conversation on an equal footing after you return. Chief Salkey, General Masov, do you find this eptable?" "I do." Salkey replied. "I agree as well." Masov affirmed. "Sir Helix?" "I would be grateful for that, your majesty." Helix replied. ¡ª "Boy¡­. Are you fuckin'' idiot now? If you weren''t so damn strong, I''d rip your femoral artery out and choke you with it!" Macron roared. Helix walked in silence. "At least say something, boy!" The man cried. Helix stopped walking and turned to Macron. "What do you want me to say?" The man quieted down, and his words got stuck in the back of his throat. "There''s only so much I can take, Macron. I only have so much fake charm at my disposal." Helix continued with a firm voice. "The only thing standing between the Alzerian Capital andplete annihtion is me. That''s a fact. The burden is on my shoulders." He took a deep breath topose himself. Macron stared at him with conflicted eyes. "Some might argue that I don''t owe Alzeria a damn thing. Some are cold and will say this is just the way of the world. You can''t save people from themselves. Let people be dumb; when they get ughtered, that''s their problem. They should''ve listened." Helix gave the man a resentmentced expression. "I''m not those people, Macron. I''m not a hero; I have no grand ambitions. I''m just a normal boy who should be starting College this month. But the idea of letting people die when I''ve heard it would happen haunts me. The images of Emelia and Master Tyrene dying are scarred into my memory. Thinking about what it would be like to have all the Earthians and people I care about die¡­ is emotionally disturbing. Yet I''m the only person that can bring Marie, Charlotte, and Riley together to fight. I''ve proven to be the only person that can keep the Earthians in check. No one can say, [It''s not your fault, kid. There''s nothing you could''ve done about it.] to me. Either I''m here risking my life with my partners, or everyone dies." Helix wanted to scream. The endless charm he was putting on was starting to eat at him. His internal emotion didn''t match his outside demeanor. He was strong, but it was a conscious action, not a natural mindset. "Now I''m here, Macron. Half a dozen people have tried to kill me out of misunderstandings or misuse of their power. Small movements are going to starting after me. I wake up, and all I think about is protecting the three women I love. Yet I''m risking their lives for others. Still, I''m getting tested for my loyalty." He asserted with a caustic chuckle. "Is it warranted? Sure. It''s natural; it''s normal. Am I recklessly running around doing whatever I want? Yes. Is it foolish? Absolutely. But in a world where people don''t ask you to prove things, what am I supposed to do? We might get attacked tomorrow or next week. Should I enter negotiations for a week to be the otaku babysitters? Do I need to go through a ceremony to get an audience with the generals? I''m training the otakus and just got a meeting in a few days. How else could I have pulled that off? How could I auction off items to Earthians without causing resentment? Imagine I suddenly show up one day, and General Masov says, [here''s your newmander. Listen to him]. How do you think that would y out? Please, Macron. Tell me what to do because I''m doing the best I can." Macron frowned and reached out his arms. "Come here, boy. I''m d you''re not dead. That means I can console your crazy ass." He chuckled bitterly. Helix leaned into his arms with his shoulder. He didn''t cry, but he wasn''t pretending like he was strong. "I can''t help you with your situation, but I can at least do this much." ¡ª [A/N: This type of chapter will turn people off of this novel. However, Helix is an extremely human character. What would you do if you had this on your shoulders? Real life. Anywho: Wait till you see the demonstration. While he looks like a pushover, he''s straight pissed. ;)] Chapter 173 [Burlow Street] "What do you think of my new dress?" Sarah asked with a shy smile. "I-I¡­ I think it will look amazing on you." Leo replied with a slight blush. "You two are sooo~cute." Charlottemented with a grin. The two of them blushed. "I think it''s fantastic. You two look happy together, and it brightens my day." Rileymented with a gentle smile. "Y-You think so?" Leo stuttered. "Of course. You can''t fake that level of happiness." Riley reasoned. "After experiencing it for myself, I can tell when people are happy." "With Helix?" Sarah asked. "Who else, dummy?" Charlotte asked with a puffed-out chest. Riley nodded with a warm expression. "You two look like we do when Helix takes us shopping." She exined. "We smile a lot, and even Charlotte gets shy when she asks Helix his opinion on outfits and jewelry." Charlotte gave Riley a venomous re. Leo and Share burst intoughter, causing Charlotte to turn bright red. "See? If Charlotte gets cute when talking about the man she loves, you should be able to see it in yourself." Riley reasoned with a sweet smile. Charlotte grinned when she saw the [blush match] turning back against the couple. ¡ª "War Goddess¡­ Marie¡­ just Marie." Samuel called out awkwardly. "Yes, Samuel?" Marie asked with a warm smile. "Do you think¡­ women would like this hat?" He asked. "It''s pretty quirky, but I kinda¡­ like that." "I like the quirkiness too. I think all of our people do." Marie giggled. "Many of the women might be drop-dead gorgeous now, but they''re still a bunch of cultured degenerates like us." Samuel''s face lit up. "Really? Hearing you say that¡­ I don''t know¡­." His eyes gilded to the left, looking for the words to say. "It makes me¡­ happy? Not because I''m flirting with you are anything!" Samuel started waving his hands in front of his face. The quirky hat, which looked like a balding peacock got in a fight with a fedora, bounced in the air. Marie giggled in bewilderment. "It''s just that you''re such a charismatic badass. So hearing that you''re an otaku like us is¡­ strange and inspiring." "Thank you for yourpliment." Marie giggled while giving Samuel a bright smile. Samuel''s eyes widened in awe. "Yes. I''m a proud otaku. I watched anime, read light novels, and yed videogames." Marie confirmed. "I was anti-social on earth. I never fit in with people. How would I exin this¡­." Her eyes gilded to the left in thought. p "I was afraid to openly like my interests." Marie continued after some thought. "I think that alienated me from people, because I was afraid of their judgment." Other power-weebs and super-otakus nearby walked over cautiously in interest. "So I mainly lived in forums andment sections online." She giggled. "It''s strange now that I look back on it. Creating aliases online. Turning down shopping trips because I felt ufortable. Laughing nervously around pretty girls that approached me. And¡­." The otakus and weebs hung on to every word. "Raging with a headset on while ying video games. I was a horrible trash talker online. It''s like I was venting my frustrations on the world. How embarrassing¡­." Marie turned bright red, and the group burst intoughter. "What about you guys? What was your online personality like?" The group took turns talking about their online personalities. They startedughing again. For a moment, it felt like the real world had returned. "Marie, can I ask you a question?" A super-otaku asked. "Of course, Kyle. As me anything but my cup size." Marie burst into giggles when she saw Kyle''s bright red expression. The others in the group followed. "I''m sorry. I got carried away reminiscing. What was your question?" Kyle blinked twice before turning his head and seeing everyone''s gaze. "I¡­ yes. I was going to ask how you became so different in Myriad. I feel like I''m the same person." He asked. A few of the otakus and weebs nodded. Marie looked to the sky for a moment in thought. "To be honest, I don''t know¡­." She thought aloud. "No, I know. It''s because I wanted to protect Helix." Many eyes widened. "Putting aside how absurd that sounds now¡­." Samuelmented. He was a Thymian Knight, so he couldn''t believe Helix was weak once. "How did saving Helix change your personality?" "Yeah¡­ you were like this from the end of the first week." Kyle Marie giggled when she was their bewildered faces. "It is strange, isn''t it?" She put her thumb on her chin and her knuckle to her mouth. "The first real night, everyone showed up at the cafeteria, and his servant Emelia was wearing beautiful clothing." Marie recounted. "Charlotte struck up a conversation with Helix right next to us. She asked him what he was after. He told her to survive. His best friend David reiterated that. However, he also announced that he had the lowest stats in the Alzerian Army." The otakus and weebs looked at her with shock. "Like the Myriadian soldiers?" Samuel asked. "That''s right." Marie giggled. "He was being humble, too. His stats were exactly zero for everything except 25 spirit particles." The otakus and weebs sent Marie gawking expressions. "Unbelievable, right? Anyway, he said he wanted to survive. He was the weakest young adult in all of Myriad. Despite that, he dressed up Emelia anyway. He said that Emelia''s smile was worth it and hoped that the super-otakus wouldpete to see who could treat their servants better. It worked beautifully. However, he ended up in the hospital with three broken ribs the next day and almost died. I''ll never forget him telling Charlotte that he knew what would happen. He wanted to survive. But he did it anyway because it was the right thing to do. That made me want to be his friend." She recounted with a warm smile. "So I visited him with other girls to give him a get well soon card. After we showed up, I noticed how many people plotted against Helix during his recovery. It made me so angry knowing he almost died, and people were still resentful we visited him. So I started standing up to those people. Soon other people starteding to me to stand up for them too. I just wanted people to stop bothering Helix. But it quickly became more generalized. That''s why the transformation was so quick. It just happened." Marie recounted with a perplexed expression. "That''s¡­ such a small reason, but it had a massive impact¡­." Samuelmented with wide eyes. "Yeah. I think many people were changed for the worse by power and jealousy. You changed for the better by power and standing up against it." Kyle followed. "Power didn''t change people. It was just salt¡ªa magnifier." Marie''s eyes glided to the left. "I think you''re right. Helix was always a leader. I wonder if this is what he would have looked like from the beginning. Or whether he became this way just for us as he always ims." She mused. The super-otakus nodded their head. "Hmmm. Enough about that. Who wants to hear what his favorite light novel is?" A flurry of excitement followed. "I want to know!" "On a level of 1 to super-NEET, where does Helix stand?" "Hmmm. I''ll give Helix a 10. He wanted to be a video game developer. He wanted to be a professional otaku for life." Marie giggled. "His favorite light novel was¡­." ¡ª "What about this? I think it matches my [almost handsome; still, a loser] persona. What do you think?" Maze asked. "Eh? Why are you askin'' me?" Miskie asked with a bored expression. "I¡­ don''t know. You''re kinda rude and mean. You have that [I''m moody, deal with it] thing going on. But, I like that about you." Heughed. "So you''re an idiot. Congrattions, you fit in with that ck-haired kid well." Miskie scoffughed. "What? You don''t?" Maze chuckled. "So? What does that have to do with anything?" She asked. Maze gave her a bewildered expression. "You''re still an idiot." Miskieughed before walking away. He followed her back as she continued walking down the street. "Yo. You gonna keep gawkin''? Or are you gonna get some Star Sparkle Alka so I can ignore you with a beverage?" Mazeughed in disbelief. "I''ming." He chuckled. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 174 [Burlow Street Park] "Gaaaaaaah. This tastes so amazing fresh!" Tammy announced. "Riiiiight!?" Mary affirmed with a refreshed smile. "Did you try the Sazzerberry vor? It tastes simr to lemon-lime soda!" Millie cried. "No way!" Sarah called out in line. "I''m getting some!" Leo chuckled with a warm smile. "I guess I will too." The group sat down in Burllow Street Park. "The music ain''t half back, neither." Miskiemented. "I agree. Helix called that instrument a [Swakie]." Marie replied with a smile. "It kinda sounds sad. I''m going to buy one." Maze chuckled. "You''ve got that whole [self-deprecation as a personality trait] vibe." Charlotte said with a grin. "I only speak the truth." He shrugged. "I like it. You wear many of our beliefs on your shoulders and rock''em." She replied. "Is that so?" Maze replied in a self-reflective daze. "This is¡­ nice." Millie remarked with a smile. "You think so? I do too." Marie said in agreement. Everyone nodded their head and listened to the music for a moment. "Um¡­ hey, Miskie?" A super-otaku called out. "Yeah?" Miskie gruffed. The young man shied away from her but returned with a determined expression. "I¡­ My name is Luke. I was wondering if¡­ I could rent your cat ears?" Luke asked hesitantly. "Sure thing. 200 gold." Miskie replied. "200!?" Luke cried. "Helix said you were charging 100!" "Oh yeah. That bastard did still low expectations knowing I''d price gouge¡­." Miskie frowned. "What a prick." She touched her neck and pulled out the cat ears. Luke started salivating. "150. 100 was prick''s price, not mine. Take it or leave it." The young man didn''t care about money anymore. He was thinking about his servant in the cat ears. Luke touched his neck in a hypnotized state and pulled out 150 gold like a bag of sunflower seeds. Then he handed it to Miskie without making eye contact. She handed him the cat ears. "You have till noon tomorrow. Don''t get''em dirty, or I''ll force you to cough up 500 to clean''em." Miskie warned. Luke nodded his head vigorously. "Pleasure. Now drool and fantasize somewhere else." Marie was chuckling with a bewildered expression. As soon as Luke scampered away with a stupid smile on his face, the group burst intoughter. "How long do you think it''ll take to return your investment?" Millie asked. "Hmmm? I don''t know if I''ll ever make it back. They''ll get dirty fast, and the price''ll drop." Miskie replied. "But it doesn''t matter. I didn''t buy''em to turn a profit." "Hmmm? Then why did you buy them?" Riley asked. Miskie gave her an evil grin. "Cuz'' everyone''s wille to me for their Tarok cards and other goods." Sheughed. "It''s advertisin'' for the people that don''t know me." "It seems you''ve got yourself an operation going on." Charlotte replied with a mocking smile. "Operation? Hah. Tryically lucrative side-hustle." Miskieughed contemptuously. "Today was the first time that people understood the value of a gold coin. Yet someone just paid 150 to rent a pair of cat ears for a night." Charlotte burst intoughter, and the others followed once they caught up. "I rake in a hundred for the stupidest things." Miskie chuckled. "I thought I was the queen untilst night." "About that¡­." Marymented while walking over. "Were you counting how much money Helix pulled in?" Charlotte and Miskie exchanged evil grins. "Enough that he sent the money out of the city instantly." Charlotteughed. The group burst into giggles andughter. "Serious talk. The exclusive auction alone pulled in over a hundo-fifty." Miskiemented in a low voice. "In total, probably 200k, and it was the [first] auction, and it had half the items being sold to us. Add in the 70k from the ticket auction, and that man is loaded. The hype is so insane that I''m sure it''ll rake in another 300k tomorrow." A ripple of shock washed over the area. She wasn''t talking loud, but everyone in the group heard her fine. "The only reason he wouldn''t is that people are saving for that Colossus finger. God knows how much that''ll rake in. He''s an insta-business cheat." Miskie chuckled. "The funny part is that this is all idental." Marie giggled. "To be honest, he was designing the clothes for training, and we agreed to sell them to you as a favor. Samma dropped a business proposal on him, which he tried to refuse because he wasn''t doing much." "Not doing much? What a joke!" Maze cried. "To Hellie, this iszy." Charlotte shrugged. The people in the area gave her wry smiles. "What? Hellie was selling you Earthian items on Samma''s behalf. He just happened to go ham as always." Charlotte rified with a confused expression. "Helix has only involved the nobles in preventing them from rioting." Mariemented with a serious expression. "Samma''s brand name value brought the crowds. Helix was a great public speaker and needed to keep the nobles from hanging him. In all honesty, he''s extremely bitter he''s doing the auction tonight." Excited eyes met her revtion. "Wait¡­ you''re being serious?" Miskie asked. "Yes." Marie giggled. "Hellie goes hard in the paint. You should see him rile up troops. He says things like [if you die tonight, you will die an immortal. There is no defeat on this battlefield because¡­ tonight¡­. Tonight marks a turning point in human history, and your name will be taught and spoken of for centuries! The only way you will die a mortal is to fight with fear! Now kill yourself! We''re watching and checking your names off lists]! I swear to god, people were more excited to die than live! The Colossus almost shit itself and fled in fear when battle cries drowned out its screams!" The group burst intoughter. Everyone was chuckling with perplexed expressions. "It''s true. Helix is fantastic at bringing up morale. I get excited every time." Rileymented with a smile. "So do I. Helix had me st everyone with my Nightmare to prove we were War Goddesses. He says we earned that title. But in reality, he gave us that title when he introduced us, and people stuck to it like a fly trap." Moreughter followed. "Can I join you guys?" Petra asked. "Woah! Is that a soul beast!?" Mary cried. "Yes! This is Liza. She''s an eagle." Petra replied proudly. "That''s amazing!" "So cute!" "It''d be cool if you can fly it!" The bird was the size of a regr eagle and was perched on her shoulder. It had bright red and white feathers, making it majestic looking. "By the way¡­ where''s your soul beast, Charlotte?" Charlotte gave her a bitter smile. "Tinker¡­." She began with a solemn voice. "Is too big and scary to bring out in public." Mary interjected with a smile. "Yeah. It''sme." Charlotte pouted. "He was so small and couldn''t walk. After his first evolution, he''s too big to even put into our wagon while we travel." "What!?" Sarah cried. Her lemon-lime Alka soda concoction almost fell out of her hand. "Yeah, can you believe that!?" Charlotte cried. "Tinker is not well trained because we were on the road after he evolved. He would have eaten Maska, Ronak, Cronk, or whoever if we brought him in with us when we all met. Tinker would scare the people here. Ever since my baby bit a Level 19 Liken Wolve in half, Helix won''t let him go into public without training." "H-He what!?" Millie cried in anxious fear. "Hmmm? He nommed a wolf?" Charlotte reiterated in confusion. "Charlotte¡­ how big is he?" Leo asked nervously. "Hmmm. I can ride Tinker, but it looks like I''m a grown woman riding a pony." Shock and disbelief washed over the group like a title wave. Marie and Riley giggled. "Haaaaaah. That punk was lying when he said that Liskaberry wasn''t the truth." Miskieughed. "Wait, what?" Charlotte asked. "Oooooooohhh. I see what''s going on." "Um, duh. Look at Liza? She''s a normal first-evolution." Charlotte gave the group an evil grin, but Marie elbowed her. She looked at her partner contemptuously but realized the issue. "Soul beasts grow with their owners. Charlotte''s a lot stronger than you, so she got a stronger first evolution." "Ooooooh." Leo muttered in understanding. The rest of the group followed. Except for Miskie and Maze. "Hmmm. Are you going to casually gloss over that gag order nudge?" Miskie asked with an annoyed expression. Marie gave her a wry smile and shook her head. "Helix drew a Level 5 circle designed to increase spirit particle regeneration." She sighed. "I wanted to hide that most people will never get ess to it." Shocked gasps spread over the crowd. Marie didn''t want to exin the spirit particle transfusions because they could kill people. "Helix drew a Level 5 circle?" Maze asked in amazement. "Yeeeeeeep. Helix is a certified Alzerian Circle Master and an honorary Kozen Circle master." More shock followed. "Helix is so talented with magic circles, he started creating refrigerators, hair dryers, hot tubs, and other modern conveniences for the people in Lexion." Riley giggled. An outcry broke out. The minute the women heard the words [hair dryer], they immediately pounced. Everyone rushed Helix''s partners, trying to acquire magic circles. Miskie stared at Riley like prey. She had business opportunities raging in her mind like wildfire. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 175 [***The Abnormal] "Ummm¡­. Hey, do you think that we could¡­ have a girls night something?" Millie asked nervously. Millie had never had friends until Helix''s clothing scandal brought the women together. However, they started getting pulled apart by the cultivation movement. "Yeah! That sounds fun." Sarah replied excitedly. "I''m in!" Tammy called out. "Of course!" Lily added. "Why~wait?" Charlotte asked abruptly. The men and women turned to her. She gave them all a quizzical expression. "What? We have a day off and all of the women together." Charlotte reasoned with a befuddled expression. "Look down. We''re cohabitating with men. Now look to the right. Girl time canmence if we women move¡­ eh ten~feet in that direction." Many of the women turned bright red in embarrassment. Sarah looked at Leo with eyes so nervous that they were on the verge of fear. "Hah. Ya''ll won''t die if you''re apart for an hour." Miskie asserted with a mocking face. "Probably." Charlotte added with a grin. "Helix ising back in an hour for dinner. It can''t hurt." Marie giggled. Sarah and Leo were the gatekeepers. They looked at one another with conflicted faces, but Leo nudged his head to say it was alright. Maze hopped in for support, and the other men joined in. Sarah nodded, and the women wore bright expressions while they stood. Then, as Charlotte requested, they moved to the right to a small hill under a tree. The color of the leaves was changing in Alzeria, and an autumn breeze was blowing. Riley reached up and picked one of the vibrant purple leaves and admired it. The female super-otakus and power-weebs got excited after watching her endearing expression and joined in. Soon everyone was looking at the trees around them with newfound interest. The group sat down and talked about men, male servants, and female conversations of interest. "I gotta question for the [Helix Harem]." Miskie announced casually. Most of the women blushed at the title. However, Marie, Charlotte, and Riley didn''t react. Theirck of reaction wasn''t a statement. It was better to say that they considered themselves a harem led by Helix. So the title was simr to calling a group of Christians [Christ Lovers]. "What is it, Miskie. We''re happy to answer your questions." Riley replied with a warm smile. Many women blushed when Riley epted the title and acted upon it. "So¡­ did Helix make you wear the school girl skirts?" Miskie asked with a grin. Sheced her hands behind her head and leaned back for the show. Millie blushed, and Sarah pretended not to hear. However, she was giving the women a sidelong nce. Helix''s partners burst into giggles. "Helix doesn''t make us wear anything." Marie giggled. Sarah and Whitney sighed a slight breath of relief. Millie was anxious and blushing still. "Sounds like a crock of shit to me." Miskie grinned. "It''s true though. Helix doesn''t even suggest what he''d like us to wear." Riley replied with wide eyes. "It''s okay, Riley. Miskie here''s just con~fuzzled." Charlotte grinned. "The question you should be asking is [have we]." Miskie''s eyes lit up, and she uced her fingers. Then she put her elbows on her knees. "So then, Char~lot, have you?" Millie, Tammy, Lily, Mary, Leera, Whitney, Sarah, Tanya, and most other otakus and weebs blushed at Charlotte''s bold words. Charlotte met Miskie''s gaze fearlessly. "Of~course." She grinned. Miskie smiled, blushing exploded, and Marie and Riley giggled. "So lemme get this straight. Helix doesn''t suggest you wear anything, but you ponied up and volunteered to wear them?" Miskie asked. Marie tried to reply tactfully for the sake of the blushers, but Charlotte had no intention. "Didn''t you hear my inflection?" Charlotte asked sarcastically. "I said, of~course. That slight vi~brato indicates that we did wear those skirts willing, and we liked~it." The blushing returned in full force. "Hah. That boy''s got your wrapped around his finger something savage." Miskieughed. "I like it when that happens, thank~you ver~y much." Charlotte smacked. Miskie''s eyes widened. "No way. No fuckin'' way. Did you just initiate sex talk?" Miskie grinned with excited eyes. "Depends on the blush parade." Charlotte shrugged. "I~''ll talk about it. The question is, will the school girls drop the act and express their excitement?" Bright red faces filled the hilltop. Their faces blended in perfectly with the area''s vibrant purple and red trees. However, no one tapped out among those with wiggling shoulders and fidgeting thumbs. "Well. Looks like these girls ain''t gonna stop the convo." Miskie grinned. "So tell me, haremites. Do ya''ll get the same treatment, or what?" Three faces were calm as stillkes in a sea of red, cringing expressions. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley''s eyes glided to the left in thought. "Hmmm. Riley and I do for the most part." Marie replied with a warm smile. "That''s not quite urate, but he treats us very gently and romantic every time." The women''s faces returned to a normal color, and they turned to Marie with excitement and enthusiasm. Many women wanted details on the term [romantic]. However, Miskie could care less. Even if she wanted to know, she didn''t fail to hear the ring connotation. "Wait. Hold your tits." Miskie demanded abruptly. The women turned their faces to her. "I''m down for romantic and shit, but what''s going on with Charlotte? He ain''t romantic with her too?" Miskie asked with sharp eyes. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley burst into giggles when they saw Miskie''s face. The other female otakus and weebs looked at them with surprised eyes. "No, it''s not like that, Miskie." Marie giggled. "Helix treats us all with the same level of love and attention." Riley said with a warm smile. "It''s just¡­ Charlotte doesn''t have the same sex we do. It''s a bit more¡­." "Freak~y." Charlotte grinned. The women started getting excited. Miskieced her fingers behind her head and leaned against the tree. "Freaky?" She asked with a grin. "What does that mean?" Sarah asked with a slight blush. "What does he do?" Tanya asked excitedly. "Hmmm~ how do I exin this? It''s like¡­ I invite Hellie to vent his frustrations on the world on my bod~y, and he pounces." Charlotte exined with madness in her eyes. "That¡­ sounds violent." Millie whispered anxiously. "No, no. Hellie won''t choke me like I want him to. He doesn''t like spanking, either. Pain is a no-go; he''s not about it." Charlotte rified while looking at her. "Oh¡­ you ask for those things?" Tammy asked with wide eyes. "It''s not that she asks for them specifically. It''s more like¡­." "I invite him to try every~thing." Charlotte exined with a grin. "E-Everything?" Lily cried. "What if you don''t like it?" Tammy asked with a blush. "Hmmm¡­ how do I put this? I think the idea that I won''t like something makes it exciting. Kinda like¡­ gambling." Charlotte said with excited, narrowed eyes. "Oh. I''m not sure I could do that¡­." Sarah whispered. "Gambling? Then are you a winner?" Miskie asked with a grin. "Winner? I''m a career degenerate, sweetheart." Charlotteughed. "Helix is a soft soul. What do you do to get him to react?" Lily asked with interest. "Hmmm~ It''s not that difficult. I always invite Hellie to try something while showing my excitement. I use my body and beg for him to release his curiosity." Charlotte described shamelessly. "How? Do you have an example?" Miskie asked to get the conversation going. "Hah. Charlotte''s nightly sex life is an example. The way she lost her virginity was¡­ abnormal." Marie giggled. ? "What!? Tell us." Tanya cried. "Deets!" Miskie demanded. "It wasn''t a big deal. I just thought that losing your virginity missionary was too normal. So¡ª" ¡ª "Hey, Hellie~ Are you sure you''re too exhausted for more? Can I interest you in multi-virginity conquest, mayhaps?" Helix''s eyes shot open. His manhood was screaming he would be a fool to turn down a legendary opportunity. However, his body was exhausted. He had just spent twenty minutes using his Nightmare nonstop while having multiple forms of sex with three women for the first time. Moreover, he fought his life through the forest two nights ago with Tyrene, so he was still sore. He turned onto his side to face Charlotte, but when he did, he froze. "My body wants you to use it as you please~" Charlotte was on her knees, her breasts were pressed against a pillow, and her ass was up. She had pulled her white panties halfway down her thighs, and her perfect, shaved pussy was facing him. "Use¡­ it?" Helix asked hesitantly while swallowing. "Yes~ enter, touch, lick, thrust, squeeze~" Charlotte replied in a sexual tone. Helix''s body heated up with confused excitement. Marie watched with a blushing face. She was embarrassed, but she doubted whether Charlotte''s approach was undesirable when she saw Helix''s mesmerized expression. "I¡­ that sounds¡­ how would I ensure you like it?" Helix asked nervously. He was hesitant but didn''t want to dissuade her, either. "This [is] my pleasure~" Charlotte moaned. "My body wants you to prioritize your pleasure. It makes me exci~ted. Not knowing how you''ll make use of me is the fun~" Marie and Riley watched Helix with bated breath. When Charlotte saw him conflicted, she got a devious grin. "For example, if Hellie wants to be sensual, he can lick me and then slowly move his hips close. He could y with my thighs and touch me to get me in the mood. But~ if he wants to be [bold], he can grab my waist, push his rod against my~lips, and unceremoniously take my virginity. To enjoy that feeling for himself greedily without restraint. Move as fast or slow, deep or shallow as he wishes. My body wants what [he] wants. It wants him to be bold and [selfish]. And to take what he wants when he wants it~" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 176 [***Madness] Charlotte gave Helix the green light on his cardinal desire. Helix pushed himself off the bed under the gaze of the other two. He got on his needs and started crawling over to her. When he was between her legs, he stopped. "This¡­ feels like madness¡­." Helix chuckled in a trance. "That''s what makes it ex~citing." Charlotte replied seductively. "It''s driving me crazy thinking what you''ll do to me. How will Hellie take me? How much will he enjoy it? The more selfish it is, the more exciting it feels~" Charlotte was grinning in pleasure. Watching Helix squirm and debate and build up sexual pressure. She was maxing out his desire for her, driving him to insanity. Helix decided to test the impossible situation. He slowly moved his fingers to her lips. His hesitation felt ironic. Helix had just had sex, but he had never felt a woman. "Touch it~" Charlotte called out seductively. Helix felt liberated through explicit validation. He touched her lips¡ª "Mn~" ¡ªthey spread slightly, and his fingers became hot and wet. He was instantly reminded of what it felt like to be inside Marie, and his body shivered. His mind went nk, and he pushed. "Ahhh~" Helix''s body trembled when his finger went inside her. He was inside her body. It felt surreal and primal. And when he did and enjoyed it, she expressed pleasure. He pushed in deeper. "Mmmn~" Every time he explored, it made her happy. It was strange. As she kept telling him, her pleasure was his. That concept started looping around his head as he yed inside her. "Ahhhhh~" His breathing became ragged, and his thoughts became cardinal. Helix''s body was pulsing and excited from Marie''s body and Charlotte''s mouth. His drive returned. He took his fingers out slowly. "Mn~" She rewarded him for every movement. [Madness]. Helix looked down at his body. It was lustful. His mind was selfish. The desires were greedy. And Charlotte permitted him to feed them. Helix grabbed her hips and pulled himself in closer. ''Yes~" Charlotte''s heart started pounding. So was his. "You want this?" He asked as he looked at his body. "Please~" Please was a magic word. He pulled himself close. Marie was in a trance. She felt more lustful out of nowhere. Seeing Helix so desperate was beyondprehension. Riley was moving her thighs together in repressed sexual frustration. Helix grabbed the base of his penis and lifted it to tip to her lips. His heart was pounding. Her heart and mind were in agony because she couldn''t watch. The anticipation watch torture. Helix pressed against her lips, and they spread. "Ah~" The moment her wet body touched him, his mind stopped thinking. He obeyed his body, and her moans continued. His tip entered, and euphoria washed over him. "Ahhh~" Charlotte moaned, and it was like a trigger. He pushed. "Ahhhhhhhhh~" Helix''s felt a new sensation flood over his body. He moved much faster than Marie. There was no leverage. Only gravity. Charlotte bit her lip. It was painful. But she enjoyed it. Charlotte asked for the wild thrill of Helix using her. She wanted him to take her. To use her. For excitement. Mystery. Lust. It also felt unworldly. He was inside her. It was a new experience. The feeling was raw. Unadulterated. Uncut. Helix read her body and gave her a moment to recover. "Mn~" Go. He pulled his body back, feeling every second. "Ah~" Helix took a deep breath and swallowed. His self-restraint was fading. "Use me~" Charlotte''s voice was pleading. She was living for the feeling of feeding his desires. The more passionate he became, the more he desired her and needed her. Helix obeyed and thrust forward with half his desire. "Ahhhhhhh~" Charlotte bit the pillow. It wasn''t as painful. It was just intense. Helix pulled back again. "Mmmmmm~" He could hear her muffled moans, and it made him excited. He thrust again. "Ahhhhh~" Back. "Ahhhhhhhh~" More. "Mmmmmmmmn~" More. "Ahhhhhhhhhhh~" More. "Ahh~ Ahhh~ Ahhhhhhhhhhh~" Helix put gravity''s full weight into a thrust to push himself as deep as possible. Charlotte bit the pillow and gripped it tightly in both hands. Her body was sweating. "Are you enjoy¡ª" Charlotte released her hands, grabbed his wrists aggressively, and pulled them to her breasts. Helix''s eyes widened, but he epted with pleasure. As soon as he was cupping both, he started thrusting again. "Ahhhh~" "Ahhhhhh~" "Ahhhhhhhhhh~" He kneaded her nipples between his fingers. It felt heavenly. ¡ª "No way. You''re telling me that Helix used illusion circles to have sex in a bed of flowers with you, and you had him take you rough doggy?" Miskie cried with bewilderment. Helix''s partners dropped subliminals regarding illusions often. If necessary, they could exin [Killing Intent] as [Desync]. Helix only used illusions that he could reasonably exin with real spells and artifacts. He put considerable effort into creating the Mirror of Helioquie to recreate the devastating [Nightmare Hallucination] that he was nning for Lina and her posse. By seeding in his use of illusions asionally, Helix would obtain more freedom to use his Nightmare without suspicion. It was a strategy used as a future fallback. "Yep~" Charlotte confirmed. "You¡­ seem proud of that. Is it true that you genuinely only wanted him to use you for his pleasure? That seems¡­. I don''t know¡­." Tammy asked with wide eyes. "Obsessive? Insane? Dark?" Charlotte grinned. The women blushed and averted their gazes. Charlotte waved her hand dismissively. "If you ask me, it was a feminist love story." Sheughed. "And I''m not joking, either; I''m being dead serious." The group of female otakus tilted their heads in confusion. "How so, BDSM super-queen?" Miskie chuckled. "I epted everything, so it was consensual. I also trusted Hellie to stop or listen if I wanted to. Did I let him have free~reign? Yes. However, I trusted he wouldn''t make me miserable for his pleasure. I had to coax him to continue in the beginning. That trust is an amazing feeling; it''s the good~feelie part. It''s a feminist''s wet dream." The women lit up with excitement after they heard her admissions. Excitement was heating up. "Hah. You win. But why did [you] go that route when Marie had a feminist paradise?" Miskie asked mockingly. "I didn''t do it just to please him. It was ex~citing." Charlotte grinned. "Exciting?" Lily asked with rosy cheeks. Her genuine enthusiasm was getting less bashful. "What''s Hellie going to do? What''s he into? What makes him tick?" Charlotte replied with a sly smile. "Think about it. After learning what Hellie would do unreserved, doesn''t that make the flower plucking paradise scene have more value? It shows that his love for us is much higher, doesn''t it?" Charlotte shed the group a warm smile. Marie turned bright red, and the women gasped with excitement. "Beyond, every~thing is exciting." Charlotte continued with a devious grin. "You never know that will happen. Every second your heart is beating, wondering what will happen because you don''t know. What''s it going to feel like? Will he touch me? Where will he touch? Will he go for the kill? Is it going to hurt? How will I react? How will he react? Knowing that Hellie would never threaten me made me capable of enjoying all of those pleasures and excitement without fear. And then things happen, and it''s new and exciting. You''re feeling things you''ve never experienced before and doing them with the person you love. None of us would trade our first time for the world. Everyone got a different experience, but we''re all winners in our minds." Charlotte concluded. "Damn. Now I wish I went that route." Miskie announced with augh. A flood gate of excited whispers broke in the area. Her approach didn''t seem bad. They liked it. It''s like a certain cringe-worthy bestseller hit the Earthian market, and suddenly women realized BDSM was exciting. Now Charlotte brought it to Myriad, but it wasn''t terrible, and she never said [oh my]. Countless female otakus and weebs were now thrilled, thinking about what their future could hold. If the men heard their conversation, they''d thank Helix with tears of joy running down their cheeks. Unfortunately, they''d only hear after it was requested, and then they''d get self-conscious and bitter at him. Timelines never worked out in Helix''s favor. "What about Riley?" Lily asked with interest. "Riley? We stopped half way through to ensure she got her turn." Charlotte replied with a slight smile. "You should have seen it. He went from primal instinct to gentle simp in five seconds." Riley blushed to the tip of her ears. It was so uncharacteristic that many forgot their newfound interests and melted in favor of romanticism. "It''s true. It was the warmest scene I''ve ever seen." Marie recounted with a beautiful smile. "Oh¡­ we need to get dinner. Let''s talk about it when we have more time, so it''s not rushed." The women pouted, but nodded reluctantly. So they got up and got ready to go to Trekim, thergest Burlow Street restaurant they bought out for fifty gold. While that number was paltry to them, it was overbearing for the restaurant, and they canceled reservations to amodate the eighty-three otakus and weebs. Offering too much could cause a scandal in the area, and they wanted to avoid that. But they nned to tip everyone in the restaurant with a gold coin. ¡ª [A/N: As promised, the scenes return. I''d have liked to release all six chapters simultaneously in Lexion. However, Sex skippers would lose interest if there were six chapters back to back. Denying Riley the right to a detailed, beautiful experience is [worse] than waiting. So I''m integrating themter. It''s more work, so please respect me and others.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 177 [Worked For Me] The front door to Trekim opened, and a young man walked through the door. The room fell silent. There were nearly one hundred people present, but Helix couldn''t hear anything besides shifting utensils. Helix panned the room with wide eyes. "Ummm. Hello? Is something wrong?" "Hellie!" Charlotte cried after realizing why people stopped eating. Marie and Riley called out too. Suddenly a ripple of apuse spread through the restaurant, and an explosion of cheers followed. Helix epted the hugs with a nonplussed expression. "Did something happen?" He chuckled nervously. He had never been so confused before. "Did something happen? You arrived, dummy!" Charlotte snapped. "Everyone sees you as a savior now." Marie announced merrily. "It''s wonderful, isn''t it?" Riley asked. Helix''s eyes trembled in a panic. He didn''t know what to say in situations like this. "Ummm. Thank you¡ª" Apuse detonated in the room before he could say [foring out]. "Psst. What should I say?" He asked Marie. "I don''t know. Let''s eat or something?" She giggled. Helix closed his eyes with appreciation. "Today we celebrate! Let''s eat!" He roared. A wave of excited cheers washed over the ce. "Haaaaaah. Bringing the Helliemander ir to simple statements." Charlotte said with a grin. "What else am I supposed to do?" Helix cried under his breath. The women started giggling. They led him to the main table and sat him down in his seat. He was officially next to Millie, who turned bright red. Her face triggered gentleughter and giggles in the room. Helix smiled and tried to prevent his face from cramping. Charlotte sat on the other side of Millie with a pouting expression. Marie took his right, and Riley sat to her left. In the group''s eyes, Helix was simr to a king, and Marie was their general. Charlotte and Riley were the Brigade Leaders by analogy. So it was [politically] right to have Marie next to him. However, he nned to break that misperception whenever he wanted to. Charlotte and Riley were equally valuable, and he could care less about what a pack ofnky technically ex-virgins thought. Helix looked around. Everyone was still quiet and watching him. He groaned inwardly but decided to y the role they thrust on him for the asion. "How does it feel to live normally for a day?" Helix chuckled. Cheers exploded in the room, and a wave of answers simr to [amazing] followed. "Did you try the other Alka vors?" He asked with a slight smile. More apuse followed. "Good! Let''s enjoy these appetizers and enjoy the rest." He requested with a warm smile. "Also¡­ I''m not sure how I ended up with these beautiful women, but¡­. I''m an anti-social otaku like the rest of you. So¡­ please don''t take awkward replies as coldness." Helixughed awkwardly after his admission, and a wave of bewilderedughter followed. People couldn''t believe what they heard. "It''s true." Marie giggled with a stunning smile. "Helix didn''t think anyone had feelings for him. We all confessed and fought for him. We decided on this rtionship; he just epted it." Excited gasps filled the room. Helix sighed when he saw the otaku''s anticipation-filled faces. "It''s true¡ª" Explosions of cheers carpet-bombed the area, and the corner of Helix''s mouth started twitching. When they quieted down, he finished his statement to end the conversation. "I guess I''m proof that you don''t need social skills to get women." Helix chuckled. Laughter followed, and his partners'' faces lit up with smiles. "While we''re on the subject." He said with a slight smile. "You''ll probably hear that I sigh a lot. It''s true. A person wanted to know how it was possible to have women like you despite that before I left." He chuckled with a bright expression. Everyone hushed down, and Peter''s face turned bright red. Many took notice, including his friends, who started chuckling. Three men, in particr, were staring at Helix with wide eyes. "To answer your question¡­." Helix panned the tables he could see. "I have no fucking clue." Stunned silence hit the room, and a wave ofughter exploded shortly after. Peter sighed with a bitter-sweet expression. He was d that Helix heard his message and was kind to him. The young man was one of the jealous people who bickered about him while he was [alive]. Helix gave everyone a charming smile. "I''m being honest. However, I can tell you what people have told me and give you my thoughts." Excited whispers washed through the room. After learning that his [sigh charm] became a cult ssic, Helix chuckled in bewilderment. He raised his hand casually but unofficially to quiet the otakus down. "I can tell you now that sighing doesn''t have a charm." Helixughed. "If you sighed in experimentation and got a bitter reply¡ªthat''s normal. I got a lot of those." Laughter burst through the walls and filled the streets. "There are plenty of Alzerian otaku women in this room that can testify to that." "It''s true!" Tanyaughed. "I hated it." Mary followed with a nod. "I was bitter for a week!" Petra huffed. Gasps of surprise washed over the room. "See?" Helix asked with a mysterious smile. Wide eyes turned from the women to Helix. "However, they always came back to me¡­." He burst intoughter when he realized what themon denominator was. "Because¡­ hahaha¡­ it was¡­ haha¡­ convenient!" The female super otakus erupted intoughter, leaving the power-weebs and males baffled. "I''m a search engine, and there''s¡­ no inte¡­ hahaha!" Helix cried. A wave of understanding met his words, and peopleughed and giggled. "I¡­ haha¡­ I think that''s why women talked to me, but¡­." He scoffughed with smiling eyes. "They realized I wouldn''t turn them down if they needed help." Helix looked at the table with a gentle smile, and the female super-otakus cheered. Many of the male otakus followed with bright expressions. Millie nodded with a bright expression. "Exactly!" Kimmie called out. "He helped me a lot in retrospect!" Leoughed. "Me too!" Sarah chuckled. "I realized how much I came to you once you were gone¡­." Kyle said awkwardly. An explosion ofughter from the super-otakus entered the room. "That sucked sometimes." Helixughed. Moreughter followed. "Wheeeeew. I got the most insane requests because I wouldn''t turn people down." The Knights quieted down. "I''ve turned people into women to get their swords back¡ª" Laughter broke the soundwaves, and his partners chuckled. "I created a hot spring for the male otakus¡­." Helix began. "Then no one showed up, and I got med for it sucking." People were doubling over inughter. "I created a person''s clone during practice so that they appeared to be present." Helix said with a grin. "The kid got their ass beat by our teacher when he found out¡­. I got med for that too¡­." Cries from people''s sides splitting were bing unbearable. "I''ve researched where to buy lotion¡­ I''m not going to say what gender the querier was." People started pping the table in pain. "People saw Emelia''s smiling face and asked me how to give a back massage to their servant." Helix chuckled with a warm smile. Many people quieted down instantly. "I said I didn''t do that, and they thought I was an asshole for not releasing trade secrets." Those that quieted down burst intoughter again. "I haven''t answered everyone''s request." Helix chuckled. Many took deep breaths so they could continue listening. "For example, someone asked me if the world was round here." Helix panned the audience. "I told him it didn''t matter in either world, so I didn''t want to bring that stupid fucking debate to Myriad." Otakus and weebs started gasping for air between breaths. "Someone asked me what the most popr names for babies were in Myriad." Helix chuckled. "I told them to ask me in ten years." The staff was dying. They didn''t even understand why his words were funny, but theughter was contagious. "Look. Most of you are ridiculously beautiful and handsome now." Helixughed. "So just be kind, useful, and let people walk over you until they find you interesting." People looked at him with wide eyes. "That''s¡­ the worst advice of all time, but¡­ it worked for me, I guess." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley cheered, and Millie turned bright red. Otakus and weebs started cheering in a frenzy. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 178 [Helix Vs. ____ ] People quieted down. "I''m sure helping people would get me nowhere in the real world." Helix said with a mysterious smile. "I wouldn''t know because I never left my room." Laughter erupted in the restaurant again. "I have no clue how normal women think, and I doubt the nice guy act would work." Helix said with a slight smile. "It''s an abomination to thews of equivalent exchange." Peter wiped tears from his eyes. "However! I don''t think people liked me because I had a stunning personality." Helix chuckled. "I think it''s because I was an otaku like everyone else. So when people found out that they could talk to me, they naturally liked that we were simr." Many people stoppedughing in contemtion. They looked at Helix as if they had helped them see the light. "I honestly believe that most women here are anti-social but would love the men if they just talked about themselves." He continued with a warm smile. "We''re the same people from the same high culture. Unlike the real world, where our kind is scarce, here¡­ everyone''s an otaku." Helix panned the crowd. "All you need is to be approachable because people won''t reach out on their own." He mused. "Perhaps, Marie, Charlotte, Riley, and I can help bring friends together somehow." Gasps washed through the audience. "Women¡­ are you okay with having conversations about light novels, anime, and video games with the men?" Helix asked. "Ummm¡­ yeah." Mary replied bashfully. "I''d be okay with that." Petra added. "It couldn''t hurt." Lily shrugged. The men''s eyes glittered with happiness. Three men that were creeping Helix out with their admiring gazes were looking at him like he were a god. "Men? You cool with us trying something?" Helix chuckled. He knew the answer, but it was only natural. The male otakus and weebs cheered. Helix turned to Marie with a hopeless, apologetic smile. However, her eyes were sparkling. She understood what Helix was doing. Bringing men and women together would be a permanent solution to the violence issues. If men were friends or lovers of women, they''d protect them. Everyone would fight for a world where they could be free to love each other. Then if Ronka showed up again, he''d get beaten to death by a mob of men that were friends or lovers of the women he tried to covet. Someone would have to be Helix''s strength, and Marie, Charlotte, and Riley would have to be gone for that to be overturned. "Okay! As a show of appreciation foring out here today, we''ll be giving you up to ten new Roshak cards." Helix announced. "Having fifteen cards should help everyone trade and start ying to get to know one another." Cheers exploded in the room. "However, to get the cards, you must meet a person of the opposite gender and tell them about a certain question." People quieted down. "However¡­ every woman in this room will dly talk to you because they need to at the very least." Helix gave everyone a mysterious smile. "I know because they need to use you to get something useful. So all you men get to experience what life for me was like!" The room exploded withughter and cheers. "We''ll give you questions to answer and limit conversations to two minutes to avoid awkwardness." Helix chuckled. Many people sighed breaths of relief. "Marie will oversee the process once dinner is over. Sound okay?" Helix asked. pping followed. Helix gave the waiters a hopeless, apologetic smile. "Now our staff wants to feed us." Heughed. "So let''s give them a round of apuse and eat!" The atmosphere became festive the moment that food came out. Once the eating andughter died down, Helix stood up. "Alright. We won''t be doing the official trading untilter." He announced. "If you want to get a headstart, we''ll be watching men and women if they speak to each other now. However, we ask that the women approach the men, as it would be better for both genders. The question is¡ªwho''s the most overpowered character in existence. You may begin." The entire room erupted into pandemonium. Men started getting [swarmed] by women. Helix watched with bewildered eyes. Heated debates broke out, but they were happy, and peopleughed at the various names used. He looked down and saw Marie and Riley watching with gawking expressions. Then he turned to Charlotte, who had a shit-eating grin on her face. Helix sat down in confusion and found a light pull on his peacoat sleeve. He turned to his right, and Millie was staring up at him with pleading eyes. "Hey, Millie. Who''s your choice?" Helix asked with a warm smile. Many people turned to the two with gentle expressions. "Ummm¡­ I think you are." Laughter and chaos followed, and Millie turned bright red. Helix chuckled in bewilderment. He was depressed because he would normally be sighing extravagantly. However, he wouldn''t deny [anything] that Millie said. So instead, he gave her a thankful expression. "Thank you, Millie. Thank you for always being kind to me." Helix replied with a gentle gaze. "You gave me the strength that you see here today. I wouldn''t have practiced and risked my life to get stronger if you didn''t help me recover. Thank you." Gasps and gentle sighs followed. Millie turned bright red but didn''t freak out. Helix was smiling and making her feel safer. "I think War Commander Helix is too!" Lily announced. "Me too. The dude''s pretty badass. I''m Peter." Peter said while turning to Lily. "Still not stronger than One Kick Man." Samuelughed. "Who do you think would win between War Commander Helix and Spiky Vegetable?" A power-weeb named Ca asked. "Depends on whether War Commander has a second form." Samuel chuckled. "He''d win over SV''s fourth form if he had even one." "I wonder what he''d look like with spiky hair!" Tanya cried. The corner of Helix''s mouth was twitching savagely. So he closed his mouth, but his eyebrow picked up the ck. "Now you know what it feels like, Com~man~der." Charlotte smacked. "At least you''re not a Fairie." Marie giggled. "I think it''s cute." Rileymented. The people sitting at Helix''s table burst intoughter. "Question~is, who would win in a fight between you and Yakuza~kitty." Charlotte asked with a grin. "Yakuza kitty? Is that like a snow bunny for gangsters or sumthin''?" Miskie asked. "Snow bunny?" Tammy asked with suspicious eyes. "Don''t look it up." Helix sighed. "It''s like looking up [green hat china]. I''ll make youugh your head off and then ruin your faith in humanity when you learn it''s serious." The table burst intoughter. "I guess you really are an otaku." Mazemented with fascination. "Hmmm? Of course, I am." Helixughed. "I wouldn''t be outside right now if I wasn''t." Moreughter followed. "No, I mean¡­ how do I put this?" Maze fumbled. "It''s like¡­ I''m from a wealthy family, so I was forced to dress and look like this." Everyone at the table quieted down. Maze''s face heated up, but he continued because he was talking to Helix. "So life is strangely difficult. Otakus think I''m a spy, and my peers think I''m a loony." Helix burst intoughter, and everyone followed. Maze gave him a wry smile. "I get that, a little bit. But why are you surprised I''m an otaku then?" Helix asked with a strange smile. "I don''t know." Maze replied while gliding his eyes to the left. "You''re confident in your likes to an envious degree, I guess." Helix caught Maze''s self-deprecating remark. Everyone did. The young man had captured the attention and hearts of everyone at their table. Helix thought about the point for a little while, while everyone waited with anticipation. "I''m not confident. I''ve always been mncholy and moody." He began. "I think I''m like that because people treated me like a loser, but I didn''t have the emotional capacity to care." Bewildered giggles and chuckles followed his words. Maze looked at him with trembling eyes. "So¡­ I just did what I wanted on Earth despite what other people thought and epted it." Helix chuckled. "Then I came to Myriad, people got jealous of me, and I just sighed and epted that. When people didn''t like me hanging out with the popr crowd, I epted that too." Helix gave his partners a warm smile. They returned bright smiles. "I like reading, magic, and fantasy worlds." He continued. "So I''ve read about Myriad, learned magic, and treated it like a fantasy world. That was my greatest strength. You wouldn''t know this, but I can''t use my Nightmare, and I can''t learn intermediate spells." Gasps of shock exploded through the room. Maze stared at Helix with trembling eyes. Helix looked at Marie and Riley, then to Charlotte. Everyone confirmed. Even Miske froze in disbelief. "It was too dangerous to use in the beginning." Helix sighed. "Then I got stronger, and it got worse. Even Master Tyrene and Master Tilo couldn''t make it safe for use." The super-otakus were stunned, speechless. "However¡­." Helix said with a slight smile. His smile captured the attention of everyone present. "I''m a battle circle master now, and I can battle with anyone." Marie and Riley nodded, and Charlotte gave everyone an evil grin. "W-What!?" Maze cried. "As I said, I ept things and move forward." Helix chuckled while looking at the man. "I can''t use magic or normal spells, so I became a certified circle master. Now I can use Level 5 magic circles so dangerous they can level a small city. p Usually, you need a Circle Master or higher to create these spells. I just need chalk and 30 minutes." Shock filled the room. "It''s true. Hellie is a boss." Charlotte said with a grin. "Marie can level half this city with an earthquake, Riley can hit it with a tornado, and I can toast a Colossus. Hellie can''t do any of that, and despite being at a higher level, he has the lowest stats. But none of us would want to fight him." Dead silence filled the room. The otakus couldn''t believe what they were hearing. "It''s true. I would cry if Helix and I were enemies." Marie giggled. "I agree." Riley giggled. Helix panned the super-otakus and power-weebs listening. "My love for magic, fantasy, and video games helped inspire me to learn magic." He continued. "I embraced Myriad for my interests, and I was able to aplish great things. For the first time in history, we have the option to bring our fantasies to life in the world we belong." Helix smiled and looked at Maze. "Your parents aren''t here, and you''re where you belong." He said with a gentle voice. "You can dress how you want, talk how you want, and learn what you want." Maze''s eyes welled with light tears. "Unless you want to be an asshole." The restaurant erupted withughter again, and Maze''s eyes dried as he joined in. "Marie, Charlotte, and I are here to ensure that you all can embrace this world as your new home." Helix said with a warm smile. "You''re speaking to a gaggle of anti-social otakus in a fantasy world. So live the life you''ve always wanted to." Maze shed everyone a truly warm smile for the first time as light tears streamed down his face. Warm apuse detonated when they saw his expression. "Wee home, Maze." Helix said with a gentle smile. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 179 [Welcome Home] "Wee home!" Marie called out. "I''m grateful to have you here." Riley affirmed. "Wee home!" Sarah called out. "Wee home, Maze!" Leo followed. ¡ª "GOOOOOOOOOOORRRRN!" "W-What the fuck is that thing!?" Maze yelled. BOOOOOOOM! "Gahhhhhh!" Dust hit Maze and Leo in the eyes. Many of the otakus and weebs were too terrified to watch. They were on the perimeter of the castle''s walls. However, the attack still sent dirt into their eyes. "That thing is nothing like what we''ve fought before!" ¡ª Light tears streamed down Maze''s eyes when he saw how much love and support he was getting. Sarah turned to Leo. "Wee home, Leo!" ¡ª "Sarah! Stay back. Please!" Leo yelled. "W-What''s going on?" Sarah stuttered. "Whatever that thing is¡­. Don''t get near it. We''ll handle it." "No! I''m not letting you go alone!" She screamed. "Sarah¡­ please! I can''t let you fight; I don''t think I can watch you get hurt." Leo pleaded. "Sarah!" Sarah walked to the top of the guard wall. "W-What the h-hell is that!?" She screamed. "I¡­ I don''t know." "GOOOOOOOOOOORRRRN!" ¡ª "Wee home, Miskie!" Maze announced yfully. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever, kid." Miskie replied. ¡ª "Miskie! What are you doing?" Maze yelled. "What the hell do you think I''m doin''?" Miskie scoffed. "I can''t run a fuckin'' business if there''s no clients." She was grinning fearlessly. BOOOOOOOM! Dust hit the group again, and the wall started shaking. "Haaaaaah. That''s gonna be one fucked up thing to fight." Miskie said with a grin. ¡ª "Wee home, Kyle!" Lily announced with a cute expression. They had bonded over their favorite characters, and now they were smiling at each other. "Wee home, Lily." He replied with a bright smile. "Wee home, Samuel." Samuel''s face lit up. "Wee home to you two, as well." He said with a warm gaze. ¡ª "Kyle, stay back! We''re formting a strategy with the military!" Macron roared. Kyle nned to jump over the wall and charge, but Macron stopped him. "Macron is right, Samuel!" Lamath yelled. "Why? Fighting monsters is what we''ve been training for!" Samuel yelled. "If you all start shooting off powerful Nightmares, you''ll kill the fucking troops, that''s why!" Macron roared. The otakus and weebs stared at Macron with wide eyes. "Didn''t any of you learn from Helix?" Macron asked. "He had to work with the Kozen General to prevent his men from being torn apart by earthquakes and tornados!" Everyone gave Macron a wry smile. They already missed Helix. "We don''t have influence, though!" Lily cried. "Yeah¡­ that''s a major problem." Mazemented with a sad expression. "I wish those fucking idiots didn''t chase Helix away!" Kyle yelled while gritting his teeth. "Yeah. Now that this thing is here, I bet those idiots are feeling seriously fucking stupid." Tanyaughed. "Look, kids! You haven''t been training with him for long." Lamath called out. "So you''re not Helix yet! However, you can still work with us to bring this son of a bitch down." The otakus and weebs groaned with mixed emotions. "Lamath. Establish a line ofmunication with Masov." Macron ordered. "I''ll hold the kids back; they''re not ready. If we don''t get our shit together, these kids will start going nuclear." Lamath gave Macron a wry smile, knowing that he was taking orders from his rival. "Look, Lamath. If you think you can wrangle these kids, I''ll do it." Macron barked with murderous eyes. "If you can''t, get your ass out there, or I''ll get Helix back here to rip out your femur and club you to death with it." Lamath chuckled in bewilderment. "It''s not fair anymore. Fine, I''ll get everything situated." Heughed. "Ourpetition is put on hold." Macron chuckled with a murderous gaze. Lamath started sweating but moved forward. ¡ª "Wee home, Mary." Tammy said with a warm smile. "Happy to be here. Wee home, Tammy." Mary said. "Let''s kick some monsters'' asses and make Macron''s threats a reality!" Tanya yelled. ¡ª "That''s right! Listen up, Knights!" Macron roared. "You can still be Cheat Knights or whatever the fuck they''re called. But you have to survive! You also have to shine as a group like Helix and his girlfriends do by keeping others safe. So hold back for now. Once we have a strategy, we''ll grind this monster''s bones to dust and season our food with it!" "Yeah, that''s right!" Tanya yelled. "Haaaaaah. I''m down with that." Miskie said with a grin. ¡ª "Haaaaaah. With Helix''s support, we''ll be able to do anything." Mary giggled. "Yeah. Soon, all of Alzeria will know that too." Tanya said with an evil grin. "I''m sure the princess will love it." Tammy giggled. "Hah. And those stupid nobles too." Lily added. ¡ª "General Masov!" A soldier yelled out. "What is it, Major Oakley?" The man gruffed. "We need to establish a line ofmunication with Macron immediately." Oakley replied with a calm tone. General Masov narrowed his eyes. "Why is it so urgent? Speak!" Oakley didn''t tremble; adrenaline was pumping through his veins. "The Earthian Knights don''t have battle training yet, sir." Oakley exined. "They know how to destroy things but not how to work with us. As a result, unless we want to send them to the front lines, we can''t use them as support without solidmunication. Masov groaned and put a fist against his chin in thought. After thinking about the situation for thirty seconds, he gave up. "Son of bitch. Those stupid kids have been a liability from the beginning." Masov scoffed. "But that thing is a fourth-evolution monster, and we need them now." Masov chuckled with madness in his eyes. "At the least, we should''ve supported that boy harder to keep them in check." He continued with a bitter expression. "With everything that''s happened, I didn''t see the problem he solved." He looked at the beast with narrowed eyes. "Bring the person sent here to discuss strategy immediately." Masov ordered. "We''ll need to know as much about those kids and their practical strengths now!" "Yes, sir!" Oakley replied with a salute before rushing off to get Lamath. ¡ª "W-Wee home, Peter." David said nervously. "Hah. Wee home to you too, dude." Peter chuckled. "You gotta help me get somedies with your looks." David turned bright red. "I-I''m not good with people." David replied. "Heh. Like that matters when your looks are a cheat!" Peter roared, "So just embrace it and stopining!" Many men cackled. "Hey, Peter. Do you think we should thank Master Helix for the advice?" A super-otaku asked. "Haaaaah. Say hi first, Chad. Also, he''s stupid and kind, but don''t call him Master. I think he''ll get super creeped out if you say that." Chad gave Peter a wry smile. "At least get to know him a bit, guys." Peter chuckled. "Chad, Halbert, Mason¡­ look, guys. He''ll be cool with you if he''s being nice to me after telling him I was part of the jealous crowd. He doesn''t turn anyone away. So just be cool." The three super-otakus look at each other for confirmation. They nodded in agreement. "So, what should we do?" Mason asked. "Hah. Go tell Helix [wee home], like the rest of the otakus, dude." Peterughed. "Wait, you''re right!" Halbert eximed with a nod. The three got up and walked over to Helix. Helix looked at them nervously and sighed inwardly. He knew these were the guys that Peter had warned him about. "H-Hey M-Mas¡­ Helix. Wee home." Chad stuttered. Helix suppressed a wry smile when he caught the intended meaning. If Marie, Charlotte, and Riley could handle War Goddess, he could handle [War Commander]. However, Helix the Harem Master was a no-go. "Wee home, Chad." Helix said with a slight smile. "W-Wait, you remember who I am?" Chad asked. "I remember everyone here." Helix said with a warm smile. He wanted to say, [for better or worse, I remember everyone here], but he suppressed the urge. Researching his enemies was something he did immediately. Helix knew more about their servants than they did. Emelia''s gossip espionage was gold. "Wee home, Halbert." He continued. Then he looked at Mason. "Wee home, Mason." "Wee home, Mas-Helix!" Halbert said nervously. "Wee home, Helix!" Mason followed after preparing himself. "Hah. Happy to be here." ¡ª "GOOOOOOOOOOORRRRN!" "Do we seriously believe that we can fight this thing without Helix?" David cried. BOOOOOOOM! "Hah. I don''t care if Helix is here. The next time I see him, I''ll be a broken cheat!" Petraughed. "I-I see! I just don''t see how." David replied nervously. "I hate to admit this, but we don''t have the monster-fighting training Helix does!" Peter yelled. "So let''s listen to Macron and Lamath!" "Yeah, I agree! That''s what Master Helix told us to do!" Mason roared. "Yeah!" Chad followed up. "I''m abiding by the master''s words!" Halbert yelled. ¡ª "Wee~home, Master Helix." Charlotte said while licking her lips. Chapter 180 [Fire Wall] "Wee~home, Master Helix." Charlotte said while licking her lips. Chad, Mason, and Halbert felt they had lost a liter of invisible blood and died inside. "Wee home, Charlotte." Helix chuckled with narrowed eyes. ¡ª BOOOOOOOOM! "Charlotte! You can''t keep this up!" Riley cried from a distance. "I don''t care! It hurt Hellie!" Charlotte screamed. "If I can''t roast this fucking thing, I''ll make it suffer!" "Charlotte! Until Helix is off the battlefield, none of us can hit it with our magic!" Riley cried. "We can''t hit it if you''re in the zone either!" ¡ª "I''m happy that we can see each other every day." Riley giggled. "It does feel like a home, and I''m d we''re all wee to live here." "You''re suh~cha sweetheart." Charlotte giggled. "I agree. Wee home, Riley." Helix chuckled with a warm smile. "I can''t wait for this to be over. Then we can live as peacefully as possible for as long as possible." "Peace~fully, is debatable." ¡ª "Charlotte!" Riley screamed. The blond was sweating heavily, and her eyes were getting hazy. After a briefpse, Charlotte dropped [Domain]. "GOOORN!" A massive hand sprung from the earth and grabbed ahold of her body. Gasps rang from the walls as Charlotte was lifted from the ground. "Gaaaaaaahhhhh!" Charlotte screamed in [pain]. Boom! The monster threw its back in the opposite direction, sitting up. Even sitting, it was around 20 feet in the air. Everyone helplessly watched as it lifted her 25 feet. "Gahhhhhhhh!" Charlotte screamed in [terror]. The women otakus started screaming at the top of their lungs. It was slowly moving her in the area above its mouth. ¡ª The otaku males at the table started taking note of her predatory eyes. Everyone was swallowing, and three were taking real notes. Charlotte was a Fairie in their eyes, but she wasn''t a heart melter like Marie or Riley. She was wild. However, she wasn''t [wild] in the way they were seeing. Now that they understood Charlotte''s rtionship with Helix, many looked at him like a god. "There''s room for negotiation." Helix chuckled before narrowing his eyes. "I''m okay with that." Marie replied casually. "I''m happy for anything." Riley said with a warm smile. The atmosphere was sickly sweet with a deadly spice. Marie touched Helix on the arm. "It''s not [our] home, but wee home to Myriad." She giggled. "Wee to Myriad, the ce we have our home." Helix replied with a smile. "Now that I think about it¡­. Everywhere feels like home when I''m with you." Marie giggled. "Hah. Lover~girl has a good point." Charlotte grinned. "I really don''t care where we are, as long as we''re together." ¡ª Rubbbbulerrrrublerrrublerrruble¡­. "Wait¡­!" David cried in a panic. "Watch out, boy!" Macron roared at the top of his lungs. "Charlotte!" Helix cried. BOOOOOOOOOOOM! "HEEEEELIX!" The otakus and weebs cried. "Hellieeeee!" Charlotte screamed in an impassioned rage. ¡ª Marie blushed, but a warm smile washed over her face. Charlotte insisted that she was Marie''s girlfriend from the beginning. While Riley epted it, Marie didn''t initially. However, a couple of monthster, she truly appreciated it. It warmed her heart. "Wee home, Charlotte." Marie said while shing her a dazzling smile. Charlotte blushed slightly but quickly recovered. "Tell me thatter~" She said with an evil grin. Marie narrowed her eyes dangerously. However, she quickly found out that she was immune to Charlotte''s behavior. "I wish Alzeria felt like home." Riley said with a gentle smile. "It''s lovely here, but I could tell by Helix''s expression that things are alreadyplicated." Helix gave her a wry smile. "Yeah. It is. ¡ª "Good job, Charlotte. I''ll start fortifying and trapping!" Helix yelled. "Marie! Move to a higher vantage point where you can see better!" "I''m on it!" Marie yelled out. "Make the best decisions, and remember that I''m wearing gear that can take a beating!" "... R-Right! I''ll do my best!" She replied nervously while running away. Helix pulled out fortification circles and threw them around Charlotte''s feet and general area. "Charlotte, hold [Domain] a bit longer until I can set the reinforcement and flood spells." He requested. "GOOOOO¡ª!" BOOM! "I''ll do my best! Hurry the hell up!" Charlotte yelled. "I''m on it!" Helix replied. "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAH!" A battle cry rang out in the distance. "Those idiots!" Helix yelled. "Riley! Make contact with Masov and tell him we can handle this alone!" "On it!" Riley yelled before running away at lightning speed. BOOOOOOOM! "Gahhhhhhh!" Charlotte flung thirty feet back. "Charlotte!" Helix cried out whileying the second set of circles. Boom! Boom! Helix jolted back as the monster stood up. It was forty feet tall, so every step cracked the earth. He hadn''t activated the reinforce spell yet, so he was blown away. Riley ran at full speed to where the soldiers were preparing to head out. Masov had just been given a battle harangue, and they were preparing to move the mages and support artillery to the back lines. "GOOOOOOOOOOORRRRN!" "RIley! Protect the soldiers!" Helix screamed. Riley turned around fifty meters away from the troops. "[Wind Wall]!" Riley screamed. Huge gusting winds tore through the earth at a lightning pace. Massive boulders were ripped from the earth and shot across the battlefield. A massive wind wall spanning fifty meters spread out in front of the troops. It was milky white like a tornado, but it was created in a straight line. "CAAAAAN!" The troops watched the scene in confusion. However, a massive sun turned the center of the wall yellow. Then the entire wall became orange. Finally, it became dark red. BOOOOOOOOM! A massive me shot across the battlefield, scorching over 200 feet over the earth. When the fire collided with the air, it whipped it into a frenzy. "What the fuck is she doing!?" Lieutenant Manson cried. "Stand back, Lieutenant!" General Masov roared. "[Cyclone]!" Riley yelled. A massive ball of water materialized in the air directly above the fire. Powerful wind gusts hit the soldiers from the back, causing many to fall. As soon as the water and wind met, it exploded violently, causing massive tornado-like winds. The area turned white, and the soldiers reflexively turned around. They would have received third-degree burns from the steam alone if they were any closer. Riley didn''t use [Water Windwall] for that reason. Had she done that, it would have instantly turned the area into steam that would have killed her. She separated the fire across the battlefield and then used windsing from the soldiers'' backs to prevent the steam from killing anyone. It was a bold move that is hard to think of in battle. Wind fuels fire. However, a [Cyclone] wouldn''t have stopped the massive hyperpressed fireball, and she couldn''t use [Water Windwall] and another spell simultaneously. It was strong battle prowess that greatly impressed Masov. Shortly after, the mist faded, and they could see the cyclone continuing the spread out, putting out the fire. Once General Masov could see the battlefield again, he was shocked. The monster was missing a leg, and Helix sliced it up between gravity attacks. Large amounts of blood flowed, and the ground around the monster sank. "Wow. I didn''t know the boy was that powerful." General Masovmented with wide eyes. "Me either. I knew he was strong, but I didn''t think he was strong enough to take on a small army." Oakley joked. Masov gave his Major a wry smile. "I''m joking." Oakley replied with a rxing tone. "He''s strong, but I can tell he''s well intentioned." "I agree, but his intentions were never the problem. Well, it doesn''t matter; we need him, regardless of his behavior." Masov replied with a grave tone. Oakley nodded and watched the battlefield. ¡ª "Alright, it''s time for me to go." Helix announced. "So soon!?" Lily cried. "It feels like you just got here." Maze chuckled with a wry smile. "Yeah. Unfortunately, I have to deal with some nobles." Helix chuckled bitterly. "I''ll be happy to get their auction out of the way, so I can pass the duties off once people feel validated." "Should wee?" Riley asked. Helix shook his head. "If there''s any trouble, I want to deal with it personally." He replied while staring into her light brown eyes. "Things are tumultuous, and I have to ensure that General Masov, the Queen, and Defense Chief Salkey don''t run into political issues." Marie sent him a wry smile, and Charlotte frowned from his back. Helix burst intoughter. "Don''t worry, you three. Finish up here, and I''ll see you when I get home." Heughed. "You can return to bodyguard duty tomorrow. We have an early demonstration tomorrow and need to leave by ten. So make sure this group gets up stupid early to do some training." The three reluctantly nodded, and he walked out the door. Chapter 181 [Disgrace] "Thank you for making history giving Samma Shaw the reception she deserves!" A three-minute standing ovation met Helix''s words in the auction house. Helix gave everyone a bow and walked off the stage. "These numbers are a joke." He chuckled in bewilderment. "I should''ve done this on Earth." Helix sold five times as many items to the nobles at the [Alzerian Noble Exclusive Auction] with a full auctioneer staff. The process was less of an [experience] and more of a professional endeavor without the otakus and weebs. While the individual price of items lowers when you put more through supply, Helix wanted as many of the products in noble hands as possible. Ultra-exclusivity stokes the mes of jealousy. Helix thanked and tipped the auction house employees, who were panicking. Their 5%mission fees raked them over 20,000 gold coins in two nights. So it was awkward for their patron to be so kind when they were supposed to be buttering [him] up. Moreover, sellers for nobles were rarely kind, so it was already ufortable. They didn''t dislike it, however. Helix walked onto the cobblestone street after the traffic died down. He looked at the massive moon in the sky and sighed. "I''m doing this job [too] well." He chuckled bitterly. "I can''t wait until someone else takes over, so the prices drop. Otherwise, I''ll face the same problem just as quickly. Thank god I''ve only sold the exclusive items so far." Helix had thousands of items for sale and had sold a hundred. He needed as many items in noble hands as possible. If the supply were too low, he''d be a target of 95% of the nobles who were jealous. It was a problem. Fixing it wasn''t easy because he couldn''t sell the items at a lower price. If he did that, the first buyers would be outraged if they bought clothing at a 1000% markup. Therefore, he was d he decided to only bring [unique] items to the first two auctions, so everyone won. He would have never let the buying frenzy get out of hand if he had a choice. However, he didn''t set the auction price. His hype made the products exorbitantly priced, but the nobles would have turned on him if he didn''t make himself famous. It was a mess. Luckily, his rtionship with Samma was irond. Because as much as she probably hated him at the moment¡ª "A quarter-million gold is a joke by Earthian exchange value in a night." Helixughed in bewilderment. "After Samma''s first paycheck, she won''t hate me as much¡­ probably." Helix continued walking back to his living quarters in the castle. When he walked out of the Kina district, the atmosphere cooled. He wasn''t in themoner area because it was separated. Unfortunately, that made things much worse. "Oui! Isn''t that the kid!?" A drunk man yelled out. He was a tall man, around six-feet high, and had a disheveled beard on his chin. He was walking with three men who were in different stages of drunkenness. [All of them were wearing Alzerian soldier uniforms]. "Yeah, it''s him alright. The fucker has a death wish." Another growled. "Please let me pass. I''m not looking for trouble." Helix sighed. "You''re not? I would''ve sworn I heard you begging for itst night." A third yelled out. "It doesn''t look like reason, proof, or disy are going to work on these people." Helix whispered bitterly. He was considering how he would handle the situation without resorting to violence. However, there weren''t many options. Helix could easily disappear from their sight with ghostly speed. That wouldn''t solve the problem. It could make things worse. He needed the loyalty and support of the Alzerian soldiers. If he were to run or directly harm them, both options would fan the fires of discontent. "Oui! What''s happening here!?" A gruff man roared as he entered the scene. "This is that Helix Margrave bastard." The first man chuckled. "Yeah, I know." The gruff man replied. "Then what''s the problem? Step aside!" The second man sneered. "The problem? Who the hell do you think you''re talking to? Answer my question, now!" The gruff man barked. "Who are we? We''re the people this fuck insulted." The drunk man yelled. "Now we''re gonna show him we don''t take kindly to his Earthian kind." The drunk man unsheathed his sword, and the others began snickering. Each grabbed the hilt of his own sword. Helix''s eyes widened in shock when he saw the man was willing to fight for him. "Saul?" He whispered in disbelief. The same Royal Guard tried to kill him [the day before]. "He insulted you? You have three seconds to put away those toys before I break your limbs." "Oui! Who in~the~fuck, do you think you are, pretty boy?" The drunk man taunted. "Who am I? I''m the pretty boy that''s about to break your limbs." "Hah! We''d like to see you try!" The three people with the drunk man unsheathed their swords. "Fools!" Saul roared while grabbing his own. Helix watched the scene with wide eyes. He couldn''t believe what he was watching. He figured that Eliza had forced him to apologize, which wasn''t an option the night prior. However, the man was in his [Royal Guard] armor, and his cloak was on the ground. In other words, far beyond apologizing, the man was [sponsoring] him. Fighting the men was a non-issue for either of them. So the protection was symbolic, and the symbol was extraordinary. "You''re going to break our limbs? Hah. You and what army?" A man sneered. "There are 500 troops and a couple of dozen nobles that will back us up. We don''t even know who the hell you are." Saulughed in disdain. "What army? The Royal Azerian army, you swine." He asserted with a cold voice. "W-Wait¡­ T-Tremon, look at¡­ that¡­." "Hmmm? What the fuck''s so special about that flowery pict~chure, pretty boy?" "No¡­ that insignia. Tell me, whoever you are. Is this an official decree you stand behind?" "No. It''s not. But when I snap your bones into dust, we''ll see who has more support." Saul barked. He unsheathed his dazzling sword. "Mo~re support, eh? That sounds interesting." Helix didn''t know what to do. Should he let the man risk his life for him or end it? Or perhaps should he y a card? The fight was symbolic, so intervening could be insulting. He couldn''t imagine Saul couldn''t crush a dozen men simultaneously at 160+ stats. The question was whether he should try rectifying the situation on Saul''s behalf or try to meditate. He sighed, not knowing what to do in the situation. So he attempted to make eye contact with Saul. However, Saul didn''t look at him in the slightest. He looked resentful or had another powerful emotion holding back his gaze. "Right now, we have a lot more support, don''tcha think?" The drunk man asked hisrades with a snide smile. "It''s obvious this pretty boy doesn''t know how to count." The men roared withughter, and their gazes became murderous. "And it''s clear that you don''t know how to read." Saul gruffed. "What''d you say to me?" The drunk man asked with narrowed eyes. "Saul, are you sure you want to show that off?" Helix asked in a low voice. "I''m pointing out that you''re all idiots." Saulughed while purposely ignoring Helix. The drunk man thrust his sword forward. Saul didn''t even sh swords with the man. He evaded and tripped the man with ease. "Gahhhhhhhhhh!" The drunk man screamed. "Hah. Pathetic. You can''t even fall without maiming yourself with a sword." Saul sneered. "Your defense stat can''t even handle gravity? What a joke." The other three men charged instantly. Saul circled the men in a direction two couldn''t hit him unless they wanted to stab their teammates. CLANG! Saul rotated the man''s sword out of the way and kicked him in the chest. The man flung back toward the other two. "GAH!" The man screamed. Saul''s kick was hard enough to break down the man''s defense stat, and the swords held by the others stabbed into the man. "Hah! Despicable. You don''t even know how to fight near another person." Saul dered mockingly It wasn''t a deadly wound, but he demonstrated that the men didn''t learn battle formations correctly. Helix was impressed by the disy. The guard was ying with the men. With his agility stat, he could crush them. However, he demonstrated his battle prowess to Helix while humiliating the men in a [fair fight]. The perspective was that he could win against them on equal footing, even if he didn''t have stats. He could point out their weaknesses as troops and not hide behind the emblem. CLANG! The first man to recoverunched their sword from the top of his head. The sound came from the sword crashing into the ground. Saul kicked the disoriented man in the head. "What was that? A suicide attack?" Saul gruffed. "Have you not even learned how to fight with a sword?" CLANG! ng! ng! ng! "Can''t even hold onto your sword?" Saulughed with disdain in his eyes. He stared at the fourth man, who looked like a helplessmb. He no longer held a sword. "I didn''t use a fraction of my stats." Saulughed. "That''s a sign that you don''t know who you''re messing with." He circled his four opponents. "If you fought this boy seriously, you would have all died." The men''s bodies started trembling. "You swine. Did you not hear the address?" Saul asked mockingly. "He''s Winter General Tyrene''s apprentice. Even if you don''t like him, you''re disrespecting her by trying to fight him." Saul spat on the ground. "Is she so weak in your eyes that her apprentice couldn''t take on four weak soldiers without proper training?" The look in his eyes was murderous. ¡ª [A/N: The word count is significantly higher than normal chapters to offset the already published content. I figured it would be better this way, so you don''t have to remember the sh.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 182 [Saul] The men looked at Helix, who was standing with a calm demeanor. He was in a new position as he casually moved around to avoid the battle. However, he looked the same in all regards. "You were insulted? Of what?" Saul gave the men a murderous gaze. He waited for the men to speak. They started stuttering in shock, aside from the man knocked out by Saul''s kick. "Well? There are 500 of you clowns. Why are you all insulted? You have five seconds to start answering before I start breaking bones as I promised." "I-I¡­ Uh¡­ It''s T-Tyrene, this boy isn''t Alzerian, h-he''s not w-worthy of her l-legacy." One of the men cried. "Hoh? Are you saying that General Tyrene isn''tpetent in who she hands her legacy to?" Saul asked mockingly. "T-That''s not what he''s sayin''! He''s sayin'' that we''re trying to respect her legacy." Saul turned to the original man with disdain in his eyes. "Respect? Winter General Tyrene told you not to give this boy trouble with her voice." Heughed bitterly. "Yet attacked the boy the next day against her will, yet you tell me you''re trying to respect her?" The man froze in shock and fear. He could see the unbridled rage in the guard beginning to boil over. "I-I¡­." "I don''t like this boy either." Saul said with murderous eyes. "I don''tpletely trust him and don''t feel he''s capable of fighting for Alzeria in a leadership capacity." "T-Then why are ya protectin'' him?" The drunk man stuttered. "Because General Tyrene does!" Saul roared. The men crawled backward in fright. "General Tyrene put her faith in this man. Therefore, so will I! Why? Because I trust my general and her judgment! You''re a soldier. You follow orders and trust your general. It''s what you do! That''s especially true of General Tyrene." Saul sneered. The men swallowed nervously. "Now tell me the real reason you feel insulted because I know for a fact you don''t give a shit about General Tyrene." The men shook with fear. "Three seconds. My patience is wearing thin." Saul barked. "I-It''s because h-he waltzed in here, and now he''s a-actin'' like he owns the ce." The drunk man stuttered. "Hoh? You''re finally talking sense. That pisses me off too." Saulughed. He turned to Helix aggressively. "T-Then why¡ª" "Did you not just hear me?" Saul asked while walking up to the man. "Because my general told me to." The drunk man started shaking in fear as Saul lifted his sword about the man''s neck. "Now shut your damn mouth." Saul demanded. He pulled his sword away and circled the area to see every man''s face. Helix sighed a breath of relief, knowing the guard wasn''t nning to kill the men. "Yeah. It annoys the shit out of me. Moreover, I''m finding it difficult to trust the young man." Saul announced. "Let me tell you why. He''s ridiculously strong and capable¡ªthat''s why." "W-What." The man who lost his sword asked. Saul scoffed and gave the man an annoyed expression. "He''s worthy enough for Tyrene, and he''s been proving it." He gave Helix a side-long nce with narrowed eyes. "Usually, if a person is strong but isn''t capable, the army will just kill them if they''re a problem." Saul exined. "However, this boy showed up two days ago, and he already has a thousand allies of various statuses and levels of loyalty. Nobles. Soldiers. Even generals are considering him. He has those rowdy, Earthian liabilities under control for the first time, but he also holds their loyalty. Lastly, he has some strange international fame now. This boy is already too powerful to kill in political standing. That isn''t counting his inhuman strength or the absurd power of his girlfriends." Saul scoffed in disdain for Helix and the men. "Someone with that much power can rock the foundation of the kingdom. That''s why I don''t trust him. It has nothing to do with his personality, history, or intentions. I just don''t trust anyone with that much power." Helix chuckled under his breath, and his expression showed his understanding. The guard was making a good point. Helix needed power quickly, and he used his connections and power to obtain it at a sketchy speed. Moreover, any one of his partners is a nuclear-grade threat to any kingdom in Myriad. He and his partners were a walking coup d''etat¡ªand they knew it. Saul turned his gaze back to the men. He was mildly satisfied that Helix at least understood the gravity of his position. The men swallowed. Their pain was feeling unbearable, and their fear and adrenaline were the only things pushing them forward. "But guess what? We have no choice either way." Saul sneered. The men looked at him in confusion. "I''ll remind you that you didn''t give a damn about General Tyrene''s words. You''d be reminded that this boy is here to help the kingdom if you did. The two were on their way back here, and General Tyrene took him to fight a Colossus stronger than she was on the way back. With that in mind, your arguments are irrelevant." Saul gave the men a disgusted expression. "Your jealousy will get this kingdom destroyed. It sickens me." The guard looked at Helix. "Let''s go." Helix nodded and started walking away. However, Saul stopped after a few steps. "Oh. And if you''re arguing that you''re fighting in favor of Alzeria, don''t attack a Royal Guard." The three conscious men recoiled in fear. "I-I was r-right!" One of them whispered to the drunk man. They started panicking as a group. "Make sure you ry my message about following your general to your 500 buddies." Saul demanded coldly. "Otherwise, I''ll see you all hang." Saul continued walking with Helix. After thirty seconds of silence, Helix turned to him. "Thank you for honoring Master Tyrene''s will." "Look, I didn''t do it for¡ª" ? The guard froze and chuckled bitterly. He expected Helix to thank him for his help, not for his purpose. "You''re wee." Saul replied after a moment of thought. Then he started walking again. Saul was walking Helix back to his quarters. "Sir Helix." He called out after a minute of silence. "Yes, Sir Saul? If that''s your title." Helix replied. He didn''t understand the strange custom of using the first name as a title. On Earth, the title is in the surname. So he would be Sir Margrave instead of Sir Helix. "It is. I have a question for you." Saul said with a cold voice. "Sure. I''ll answer if I can safely do so." Helix nodded. Saul gave him a mocking nce. "I want to know what you did to me during our fight." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 183 [Bitterness] "I used a spell that I created on you." Helix replied without hesitation. Saul froze and stopped walking, and Helix did the same. He couldn''t believe that Helix would release the information so freely. The guard wanted to know but recognized he would probably not get an answer. "It''s called [Desync]. I created it with the help of Grandmaster Tilo Szar." Helix continued after turning to him. Saul gave him a strange look. "It throws off a person''s equilibrium by disconnecting their body''s brain from their body''s motion." Helix exined. "That''s why you felt like your world was shaking." Saul gruffed bitterly. "That''s one messed up spell, boy." The guardughed. "If you didn''t disclose it to me, that spell would allow you to take out people far stronger than you." Helix gave him a mysterious smile. "I know. I used it on Master Tilo, and that''s why he helped me make it." Saul''s eyes widened in shock. "To address your concern, the spell doesn''t exist on record, so there''s no way to create a counter spell with [Negation]." Helix chuckled lightly. The guard gave him a bitter expression. "I primarily use it to neutralize people before they fight me." Helix continued with a serious expression. "People try to kill me regrly. Nobles tried to have me executed six hours after our run-in." Saul''s jaw loosened. "Why?" He asked in disbelief. Helix gave him a light smile. "The same reason. I''m the business partner of a legendary clothing designer." He chuckled. "Samma Shaw is to fashion that Winter General Tyrene is to the world of the military." Saul looked at Helix with a bewildered expression. He wanted to ask how he ended up with so much influence in his life. However, his words were stuck in his throat. "If you''re wondering, I don''t know how I end up in these positions." Helix asserted with a serious expression. Saul narrowed his eyes at Helix, who scoffed at the man''s distrust. "After surviving two assassination attempts, I created a magic circle that neutralized my enemies. I was sent away to Kozen to protect my life from them. Before I left, I gave Macron and Princess Eliza the information necessary to save the kingdom from the Earthians." Helix exined. The guard''s face rxed a little, but he was still interested. "Master Tilo Szer joined the caravan to teach me magic circles. I have a talent for it. Grandmaster Linus joined because he wanted information from my information artifact." Saul gave Helix a quizzical expression. "I have a mythical-grade library I obtained from the Hourss of Knowledge." The guard''s face crumbled when he heard someone had chosen the option. "I met Samma Shaw because Master Tilo found a magic circle in a back alley in Lexion and walked into it to tell the person it was breaking." Helixughed. Saul''s eyes widened, and he chuckled a bit. "I was drawing my partners in Earthian clothing as part of my training, and she sells exotic fashion. She paid me a small fortune to keep designing clothing. It was a freak encounter." The guard''s face couldn''t get more bewildered. "I agreed to sell her items to the Earthians when I returned. That''s all. I sold them to the nobles because selling them exclusively to the Earthians would lead to a scandal and my assassination. Nobles tried to kill me for selling the clothing. Imagine what would''ve happened if I hadn''t." Helix gave Saul a wry, mocking smile. "So you''re telling me that your auctioning wasn''t part of your strategy?" Saul asked with narrowed eyes. "No. The Earthians are a liability rather than an ally. I used the clothing to get the Earthian Knights to behave. That was my strategy." Helix rified. The guard''s eyes glided to the left. He was genuinely thinking about it. "I had no choice but to sell to the nobles, and I had to hype the sales; otherwise, they''d have tried to kill me. I yed the auction outside so everyone in the Kina district could hear I was a legitimate partner of Samma Shaw and the friend of the nobles. That was my best option to prevent rumors from spreading." Helix chuckled bitterly. "That sounds reasonable. However, what about Tyrene?" Saul asked discerningly. Helixughed in amazement. "Master Tyrene joined the caravan because she was bored." Saul''s face turned cold. "Are you messing with me, boy?" Helix met his gaze with his pitch-ck eyes. "No. Master Tyrene wanted an excuse to leave Alzeria for a break and joined the bandwagon that opened up for Grandmasters." He reiterated. Saul''s eyes trembled. "Master Tyrene found the militaristic strategies I used against the Earthians intriguing." Helix continued. "Given the situation, I could have thrown the entire Capital into disarray. However, I saved it using other militaristic strategies. The kingdom had informed her that I wanted to live a simple life with my partners as a cksmith. However, I was already training with a sword, so she decided to join me for her amusement." Saul stared at Helix in disbelief. Helixughed but in a way that affirmed the man''s confusion. "I''m not lying to you." He reaffirmed with a slight smile. "Then why¡­." Saul muttered in confusion. "I lost a lover in Alzeria, and wanted to get stronger so I could protect my partners." Helix exined. "I trained hard, and I won against opponents twenty levels or more above me and kept winning against them. In fact, I only fought monsters 20 Levels or higher with Tyrene after the first two weeks. I did that with strategy, which led to her teaching me to be a general." He continued. Helix looked into Saul''s eyes. "But she gave me everything because she believes I can fight the Mad Queen seriously." Saul''s eyes widened in shock. "You won''t believe this, but judging by magical might alone, the three women I''m with are all equally strong as Master Tyrene." The guard''s eyes narrowed. "You''re wee to view our power demonstration tomorrow. You''re wrong if you think she took us to fight a Colossus after a couple of months of training as a field trip." Helix matched his gaze. "Our stats are extremely strong inparison to Myriadians. Marie was stronger than Tyrene going into that battle from a stat perspective." Saul''s eyes widened in shock. "That''s right. Mine were close. We''re young and already have power." Helix continued. "We possess something others don''t. I have a talent for leadership and leading armies. Those are the factors weighed when she gave me her medals and my partners her weapons and armor. However, there''s one factor that I don''t have." Saul looked at Helix in the eyes. "What''s that?" He asked. "Ambition." Helix said with a serious voice. "Ambition? This isn''t [ambition] to you?" Saul scoffed. Helix scoffughed. "No. I''m obtaining the power to prevent my partners from identally ughtering all of the Alzerian troops on the battlefield. That''s it. That''s the only reason I''m risking my life and dealing with all of this." Saul''s eyes trembled with confusion. "That''s right, Saul. That''s 100% of the reason." Helix chuckled bitterly. "Master Tyrene showed up with the understanding I wanted to live as a cksmith. When I left, I also wanted to be a cksmith. Master Tyrene never expected me to be a leader. However, she trained me so I could take on the role if I chose to one day. Now is not that time. I don''t want to be here, Saul." Helix asserted in a firm tone. Saul was baffled by the strange admission Helix was giving him. "I don''t want nobles trying to kill me for selling clothing. I don''t want someone trying to kill me for unting Tyrene''s memorabilia. I don''t want random soldiers trying to kill me. I don''t want the kingdom to use me of potential treason again. I don''t want to lead an army. I don''t want political power. I don''t want to fight monsters. I don''t want to sell clothing. I don''t want to deal with politics. I only want to live life with my partners in peace. But before that happens, I have life debts to the princess, the Queen, Master Tyrene, Master Tilo, Macron, and Chief Elsa to repay. I want to help the weak Earthians who were abducted and are scared. I don''t want people to die when I can help them. That''s it. I''m leaving after protecting the Capital and establishing a legal system to control the Earthians." "Wait! You''re leaving after this?" Saul growled. Helix stared into Saul''s eyes with his pitch-ck iris''. Saul''s expression paled when he saw true killing intent in Helix''s eyes. "Yes. Why would I stay in a city where two groups of people try to kill me on the same day without asking questions?" Helix asked mockingly. Saul''s eyes filled with shame. "Nobles, Earthians, Soldiers, and Guards have tried to kill me in thest three days. This kingdom abducted me to fight your war against my will. Earthians tried killing me three times before I left for Kozen, and they killed my lover. Today I was used of potential treason by the Queen, Defense Chief Salkey, and General Masov. They asked to detain me as a test, and one of their guards attacked me before the Queen''s orders. For what, Saul?" Helix scoffed. "The only reason [I''m] here is because my partners are the only people powerful enough to stop an attack equal to the fifth-order Colossus. I''m also solving Alzeria''s Earthian problem because I''m the only person who can do that. Those are the only reasons. I''m bitter, resentful, and angry that I''m even in this city." Saul was shocked, speechless. He didn''t know what to say. Helix stared at the guard with a sharp gaze. "I''ll reiterate. Come by for the power demonstration with General Masov and Defense Chief Salkey tomorrow. You''ll see that I''m genuinely only making allies to prevent Alzerian troops from getting ughtered on the front lines. That''s it. There isn''t much time before the impending attack that Master Tyrene and I heard about hits. That''s why I made a big speech about being an Alzerian Knight. I had no other choice. I don''t have time to y petty politics with you. I don''t care about building rtionships, bing a general, or obtaining power. So please just let me go home. My patience is wearing thin, and I have to wake up to more people trying to kill me tomorrow." Seeing that Saul was frozen, Helix started walking back to his living quarters. He stopped ten feet away. "Don''t take it personally, Saul. I''m thankful you''re loyal to Tyrene and for supporting me. I don''t me you for what happened, and I hold no ill will to you. I just need sleep." After that, Helix continued walking and left Saul standing in the street, stunned in disbelief. ¡ª [A/N: Prepare for Helix to take control of the city. Remember that this is the same day he was used of treason. He doesn''t have the patience to give for rtionship building or bonding.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 184 [Gryphon] [A/N: Not a sex scene. Don''t get your hopes up or panic.] Helix opened the door to his room quietly but found it was pointless. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley were in battle gear, patiently waiting with nervous expressions. The moment they saw him, they breathed a sigh of relief. "That''s for staying up for me." Helix said with a bitter smile. "It means a lot that you''ll alwayse to protect me." Marie''s eyes trembled when she saw Helix''s state and rushed off the bed to hold him. Charlotte and Riley came running shortly afterward. "What happened?" Marie whispered with a beating heart. "Four soldiers tried to kill me; I resisted murdering everyone as always." Helix sighed. His partners chuckled. They were d that Helix was strong enough not to worry about dying in petty battles. "Then why are you sote?" Marie asked worriedly. "Eliza''s guard rushed in to show support in Royal Armor, and it became a two-hour event. So I had to deal with theworking as usual." Helix sighed. Charlotte gave him a quizzical nce with general killing intent. "That bastard showed up again, and you look like this!?" She growled. Helix took the pink sses off her face and put them on his own. Everyone was stunned, speechless. However, Marie and Riley burst into giggles after seeing Charlotte''s nonplussed expression. Helix chuckled and hugged Charlotte. "Don''t worry, Charlotte." He whispered. "He''s loyal to Tyrene, and thus he''s on our side." The young woman puffed out her cheeks but gave up and melted into his arms. "Luckily!" Helix announced. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley looked at him. "You can take out your aggression on three acres ofnd tomorrow!" Helix gave them all an evil smile. "Because tomorrow, General Masov and the Defense Chief are taking us out to an area you three can thoroughly destroy with your maximum power." "Gahhhhhh! This''ll be the bossest power y in existence!" Charlotte eximed. She pushed herself off Helix and did an arm pump. "I can''t wait. I''m going to show to Alzeria if they mess with you." Marie growled. "I like the idea of sending a message, too." Riley giggled. Helix gave the three hopeless smiles. "It''s been awhile since I''ve seen you in your yandere forms." He chuckled. The three turned bright red, but he gave them a mysterious smile. "But I [love] it. Tomorrow, I want you to go full yandere on Alzeria!" Helix eximed with evil eyes. The three started hugging each other. Helix felt like a bad influence on the three. He couldn''t care less, though. "Woah. He~llie is getting fei~sty." Charlotte smacked. "I have a lot of frustration built up with this kingdom." Helix replied with sharp eyes. "And I want you to help me relieve that frustration since I can''t." The three women looked at Helix with predatory eyes. He looked at the three of them in confusion. Charlotte licked her lips. "Hmmm? Did I just hear that Hellie needs help relieving frustration he can''t himself?" She mused. "Hmmm¡­ that''s what I heard, too." Marie affirmed with a predatory gaze. "I think that''s what he said." Riley giggled. Helix stared at the three of them with a hopeless smile. "I¡­." He began hesitantly. "Don''t~need~to do~any~thing." Charlotte hummed. "Nagh~t a th~ing." Marie affirmed with a grin. "I''m feeling yandere." Riley giggled with a strange smile. Charlotte grabbed his shirt and spun him around. Then she pushed him onto the bed. Marie crawled onto the bed behind him and put her hands underneath his arms to pull him to the back. Riley slowly started getting undressed. Helix was very okay with what was happening. However, he had no idea what had gotten into Riley. Or Marie, who was getting sexually aggressive to Charlotte''s level thest two nights. Charlotte was bloodthirsty. Was it the yandere factor? Being around more women? Taking over the role of protector again? The stress from the death threats? The feeling of power and control? Attraction to his leadership? Or was it something else? He thought about it for approximately five seconds until Charlotte started unbuttoning his pants. Then his mind went nk, and he forgot he was ever stressed. ¡ª "Is that¡­ a muthafuckin'' Gryphon!?" Charlotte cried in excitement. "That''s right." Helix said with a mysterious smile. In Alzeria, Gryphons were the size of a small whale. Tamed Gryphons were ridden like Persian war elephants, with full boxed seating. Myriadians primarily used them for sky travel and transport. Helix was satisfied knowing that Kylon wasn''t just selling them another fantasy. The Gryphon was twenty feet tall and ten feet wide. It had the massive body of a lion, with a robust white mane with gold highlights. The fur was reddish-orange, and its bird head was closer to an owl than an eagle. Its beak was massive and charcoal grey. It was truly a majestic beast worthy of a fantasy world. "I think it''s cute!" Riley cried with sparkling eyes. "You''re fascinating." Marie giggled. The Gryphon wasrge, majestic, and terrifying, but it wasn''t cute. Riley was in full yandere mode. Everyone was. Helix was in non-lethal cultivator mode. "Hello, Sir Helix." General Masov said with a firm voice. The man had a clean-shaven face and brown hair with grey highlights. His build was rigid; it looked like a statue chiseled without perfection. It wasn''t bad-looking. Rather, it was a body that looked like it had the potential to be perfect but missed the mark by a significant degree. His limbs were so solid that the motions seemed robotic. General Masov''s eyes were dark brown and ordinary. In fewer words, he looked military. "Hello, General Masov." Helix replied with a firm voice. He reached out his hand for a handshake, which the man epted. Masov did not grip-test him, which was surprising. "Chief Salkey." Helix added when he looked behind Masov. The man had grey hair and had the body of an ex-bodybuilder. His body was in decline, but he still looked formidable. Salkey''s eyes were light brown, making him look gentler. However, the scowl he was wearing eliminated all misconceptions of kindness. "Sir Helix." Salkey gruffed before refusing a handshake. Helix narrowed his eyes at the man but released his gaze. "Do you have a location in mind?" Helix asked Masov. "Yes. There''s an area outside of the Leiria Forest withrge hilltops." Masov confirmed. "It will give a full vantage point over the area while allowing you to demonstrate your capacity on elevated terrain." Helix nodded with appreciation. "That''s perfect." "Let''s get going then." Masov said with a serious expression. Everyone walked up an elevated dock. The Gryphon was in an area chilled into a mountain, so its back was only five feet off the ground. Helix was impressed by the efficiency of the docking system and shuttered to think what type of taming was necessary for a creature of its size. The group boarded. They were in arge box with another room for twenty people. Helix sat up front on the left-hand side. Charlotte sat to his left, closest to the open air. Marie and Riley sat to his right. It was an ideal seating arrangement. Charlotte wanted the [window] seat, and he wanted Charlotte away from the men on the right side. Riley was closest to them, which was the best he could ask for. "Hey, boy, I have a question." Salkey gruffed with an arrogant voice. "I''ll answer it if I can." Helix nodded. "Is it customary to sit with your harem during an official operation with high-ss officials?" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 185 [Yanderes] "Is it customary to sit with your harem during an official operation with high-ss officials?" Salkey asked in annoyance. Marie, Charlotte, [and] Riley turned murderous gazes to the man. Salkey trembled reflexively. Helix chuckled and patted Marie on the head. Then he gave the man a mocking smile. "Surely you jest, Chief Salkey." Helix chuckled. "This is not eptable by Earthian standards. However, yesterday, four soldiers tried to kill me in [your] jurisdiction." Masov and Salkey''s eyes widened in surprise. "Chalk it up with a Thymian Knight, five guards, two nobles, and a dozen people have tried to kill me in three days." Helix said with a slight smile. "Eight of those happened before my address, and I was asked to be held in confinement on treason charges. Forgive me if I want to keep my overpowered partners from getting moody on our way to show you our power." The men''s expressions crumbled, and they looked at the group with trembling fear. Helix narrowed his eyes on the man. The light white traces in his ck iris'' reflected the sunlight. "Chief Salkey. The moment Alzeria treats me as a guest is the day that I''ll sit with you." Helix said with a cold voice. "We''re flying to a spot for a demonstration to help take us seriously. Until that point arrives, I won''t sit with someone that won''t shake my hand." Salkey was sweating, but not as much as Masov was. Masov was the person trying to gain Helix''s support. The Defense Chief was making that very difficult from the beginning. It was a mess. "I see. So it''s customary." Salkeyughed nervously. "Ye~p. It''s quite normal for people to be wary of the people trying to harm them." Charlotte sang. "I agree. Usually, when a leader faces a threat from the defense leaders of another country, it breaks down negotiations immediately." Marie added. "Even if a conflict is avoided, allyship shuts down, and the force will not join sides." "I think it''s strange. In Alzeria, isn''t it customary to treat potential allies with respect even if you don''t like them? Or is that an Earthian concept?" Riley asked with a sickly-sweet voice. Salkey''s mouth opened and closed multiple times. Masov had a slight panic attack. "From where we''re from, that behavior is uneptable. At a minimum, it''s expected that the leaders politely ask people to leave instead of asking for their support." Helix chuckled with madness swirling in his eyes. "However, we''re not taking this an offense because we''re four people and not a country." Helix shed them a joking smile. A momentter, his face turned serious. "But the minute you see an entire hill 250 meters wide get turned into rubble, I''d like to see that respect. Because Alzeria keeps treating us this way, we''ll abide by Earthian customs, leave, and never return." Salkey''s eye started twitching. "You act like you have the power to fight back against an entire country." He growled. "Do you know who you remind me of, Mr. Salkey?" Charlotte chimed. The man turned to her. "The guards that started shing at Hellie while staring down a mass~ive skull from a Colossus." Salkey''s eyes narrowed, but he swallowed. "Because I''m pre~tty sure that you''ve seen that mythical skull, and now you''re speaking arrogantly and strikingly. However, you should''ve spoken to those guards who learned the~hard~way." Charlotte smacked. "It was pretty amazing." Marie giggled. "Helix just stood still while a Level 160+ guard shed down at him at full strength. You should''ve seen his face when he realized his sword didn''t even touch Helix''s coat." The three women burst into giggles. Masov and Salkey started breathing heavily. "I thought it was cute!" Riley giggled. "When Helix announced that he was wearing a level 157 Warpshire coat, the guards thought they could cut him. They forgot about the defense statpletely." Salkey shivered. Masov closed his eyes and groaned inwardly. "But that''s not what''s funny!" Riley giggled. The two men gave her a baffled expression. "The funny part is that they didn''t know living Warpshires are third-evolution beasts." The women burst into giggles. Both of the men''s eyes widened in shock. "It would have been priiiiice~less if he kept letting those men attack him ten times to break his defense stat." Charlotte sang. "Then they could''ve taken turns shing at the coat for the next hour until Hellie got bored and walked away!" Salkey and Masov stared at Helix in disbelief. Helix turned to the two men with a slight smile. "This is the coat. Would you two like to give it a shot?" He asked while popping his cor. "We still have an hour." Salkey''s face heated up, and his face mmed up. "How~cute." Riley giggled. "They think we''re joking!" The women burst into giggles. Helix chuckled and patted them on their heads. Then he turned to Salkey. "Ask us to leave or wipe that scowl off your face." Helix demanded with a frigid voice. Helix''s eyes were fueled with disdain, causing Salkey to shutter. "You heard how many people tried to execute me for baseless usations, and the Alzerian kingdom did nothing to address it. I was attacked at 9 pm by four people in the soldier''s quarters, under [your] jurisdiction. You showed up the next day, didn''t shake my hand, mocked us, threatened us, and now you''re indignant we''re being rude. You can''t even wait an hour to respect my reasonable request to work with you so our spells don''t kill your soldiers." Helix scoffed. "Until we get to the site, please be quiet. Otherwise, I''ll report your despicably unprofessional behavior to the Queen and cite it as the reason for leaving Alzeria." Masov froze. Queen Liliana desperately wanted Helix and his partners on his side. If Helix threatened them, it was one thing. However, they were under heat if Helix went through normal channels to strike them. Salkey was stunned in disbelief. He was still staring at the area where Helix''s face was. However, he had already moved it, so it was clear he was staring at nothing. The man messed up, and his pride wouldn''t allow him to apologize to someone who was barely an adult. So the group sat in silence. Helix watched the Gryphon glide through the air with fascination. He resolved that he would journey to a new country after the attack on a Gryphon so they could enjoy it. The atmosphere was awkward and dark. Helix couldn''t care less, however. He wouldn''t burn bridges with a country at any costs. However, in less than an Earthian month, Alzeria wouldn''t exist, and all of his political problems would instantly disappear. It was the darkest joke of all. Marie yed with Helix''s hand with a warm smile on her face. He wanted to hold her because she was so cute. Helix loved his partners, and he was d they weren''tpletely crushed by their situation. He, Marie, Charlotte, and Riley, loved thending. The Gryphon glided down and started pping its wings. However, contrary to expectations, it didn''t feel turbulent. It was simr to a rollercoaster high on mana dust. The group touched down on arge hillside. "See ya down there, chiefs." Charlotte said while giving a mocking salute. Before the riders could dock down, Charlotte casually jumped off the side of the Gryphon. Masov and Salkey''s expressions crumbled. There was a 50-foot drop off that side of the Gryphon! Marie stood up,ced her fingers, stretched, yawned, and looked at Helix. "I''ll see in a sec." She pecked Helix on the cheek and then jumped off without looking down. "Riley, I''d like to go down with style." Helix said with a warm smile. "Your wish is mymand." Riley said with a smile. She wrapped her hand around his waist and jumped in the air. "[Wind~Dance]" Riley chimed. The two flew off the Gryphon and began doing circles in their air like ice skaters. Helix was dying, watching the two men''s expressions. "Alright. That''s enough." Helix chuckled. "See you soon!" Helix waved, and Riley gently glided to the ground. The two men were shocked in disbelief when they saw the group. They were watching clouds on the bottom of the hilltop. They hadn''t jumped down to the hill¡ªthey jumped to the bottom. "Hey!~" Charlotte cried out. "Can we level that hill?" "What? That''s a mountain!" Stalky barked. The [mountain] was asrge as the biggest hill. The difference was that one was made of solid rock. "Hmmm. Good point! Can we level both?" Charlotte asked with a grin. [A/N: Yandere. Amidoinitrite? I''ll be releasing one chapter daily for the unforeseeable future, as my new novel isn''t being opened to voting. I can''t continue doing this as a passion; I''m very discouraged right now. Please consider searching for "yboy Cultivator in the Apocalypse." Despite its name, it''s a serious apocalypse novel with the same level ofplex character development. It is a dual cultivation novel. So know that. Thanks for reading!] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 186 [Flower Children] Salkey''s face turned murderous. "Sure. Do as you like." He replied in a mocking tone. "I see, I see. Okay. Thanks for the confirmation." Charlotte cried with a bright smile. "Marie. You''re up." Helixughed. The group was in the middle of a valley. It was easier to say that thendscapepressed the earth into a donut one hundred feet down. It was the perfect location to contain any amount of destruction. The women were [itching] for a location to exhaust serious power. Marie stood up and brushed off her bright white Earthian skirt. Helix had the fabric blessed with a spell that kept the dirt from hitting it. So when she stood up from the grass, it was as bright white as before. Helix grinned when he saw the men''s bewildered expressions. Charlotte and Marie wore skirts with shorts underneath, and Riley wore a colorful romper. They intentionally dressed up with extremely girly clothing as a show of force. Marie wore a white flower in her hair, and Charlotte wore a pink bow. Riley curled her hair like a princess. It wasical, and Helix was eating it up. "Alright. Let''s do it." Marie said with a yawn. Helix was dying with the skit. Masov and Salkey watched the young woman with a sharp gaze. They were analyzing everything about her. Then. Suddenly. They weren''t. Marie disappeared. When they looked over toward the mountain, the young woman had already traversed 200 meters in three seconds. When Marie hit the halfway point, she did a cartwheel. A cartwheel. A fucking cartwheel. Before¡ª "[Quake]." plete devastation. Rubbbbulerrrrublerrrublerrruble¡­. The men watched in disbelief as the entire valley in front of her. The valley. The entire fucking valley. Was shattered bit by bit by an earthquake before¡ª BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! Helix wasn''t even watching the small [mountain] in the distance. He wasughing his ass off at the two men''s faces. BOOM! Boom! Boom boom. BOOM! Boom, boom, boom! BOOM! Boom boom! Helix was dying as he listened to the massive chunks of rock smash down to the earth. He gazed upon his sweetheart, spinning around like a flower child. Riley was giggling, and Charlotte was grinning. She couldn''t wait for it to be her turn. "Alright¡­." Helix shifted his head from Riley to Charlotte repeatedly. "Hmmm¡­ Ahhhhhhhh." Charlotte and Riley grinned when they saw his yful face. He motioned for both women to get close and whispered in their ears. The two women cried like school girls and jumped up and down like children. Marie and Charlotte started performing patty cake. Then they ended their cheer session with a power handshake. Charlotte even spread her hands apart and said [boooom] for dramatic effect. The two men''s eyes had zed over. They [knew] Tyrene wouldn''t have taken the three women on as apprentices if they were immature children. Moreover, they had seen the Earthians training. In short, the men knew how much they were being mocked now. They had wry smiles because they watched a small mountain explode following a cartwheel. Their attention snapped together again when the two women disappeared. Helix didn''t care about Salkey''s expression. He was grinning because he wanted to watch. Marie arrived next to his side, and he gave her a big hug. Her smile was truly stunning. Once the two got to the border of the apocalypse Marie created, they stopped. The two of them sped hands and started waltzing. Waltzing. Fucking waltzing. Before¡ª [Tornado]. ¡ªapocalyptic winds assaulted the Gryphon 300 meters away. "SAWWWWWWWW!" The Gryphon started thrashing around. Helix warned Masov and Salkey that they needed to tie the Gryphon down and even provided the rope. Salkey gruffed indignantly, citing how absurd it was that they would need a precaution a minimum of 300 meters away. However, now they were sweating because [they] were being drawn in by the [light] winds. A massive tornado developed over the [ex-mountain], and massive boulders started flying 100 feet in the sky. The men watched in horror as the tornado swept across the area, and the two women continued waltzing. Their bodies? Completely unscathed. Helix gave them a Level 4 barrier, so they were in the middle of a deadly wind-stricken hellscape performing spins with bright smiles. The juxtaposition between them dancing and the tornado ripping into the hilltop was stunning. When the massive tornado was right over the top, Riley spun Charlotte so she was facing the hill. Then she canceled out [Tornado]. "[Zero]~" Charlotte chimed with a bright smile. The massive boulders 100 feet in the air were floating in zero gravity above the hilltop. Helix nced over to the men and saw their ck-jawed expressions. "Take a bow!" Helix yelled while pping. A massive white light shot up on the entire hilltop, enveloping the men, the drivers, and the Gryphon. Charlotte and Riley grinned when they saw the two men''s panicked expressions. As they bowed¡ª "[Exodus ze]." ¡ªhell itself shot to the earth in a stunning disy of true murder. The two men watched the hovering boulders in slow motion as they fell to the earth. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! "SAWWWWWWWW!" The Gryphon started thrashing around from the sound alone. Masov and Salkey covered their ears from the cacophony of brutal sounds assaulting their ears. Helix and Marieughed as they canceled their Circle of Silence. Charlotte and Riley did the same. When Masov and Salkey opened their eyes, they could barely see. The entire world was blue. What was once a mountain was not only destroyed, but the entire area was on fire with brutal blue mes. "We leveled up like crazy from the Colossus." Marie giggled. She gave Charlotte and Riley a thumbs up. "Yes, you did." Helix chuckled in bewilderment. "This is so cliche it''s sickening." Marie giggled again. However, her expression turned grim as she watched the mes. "It''s hard to believe it won''t be enough." She said with a wry smile. "Yeah. We should be able to take down the fifth-evolution Colossus as a group with the power increase, but that will leave us spent." Helix grimaced. "There''s ten third-evolution and five hundred second orders. Even if the army handles all of the second orders, the Cheat hopefuls need to take down the third orders." Marie nodded with a serious expression. "We''ll just have to make due with the resources we have." She said solemnly, "But I know that we can make it work. We believe in you." Helix gave her a wry smile. While he was happy his partners believed in him, he wished people didn''t so that he could avoid the impending nightmare with a pure heart. He gave her a bitter-sweet smile, looked into the blue firey hellscape in front of him, and then at the two men watching. There was at least one thing he was looking forward to. "Well, I guess I''m up." Helix chuckled. He pulled out a dozen battle disks and wrapped his face with a scarf made from Warpshire fur. Like a parkour runner, he threw down the discs one after the other in twenty feet gaps. Every time one touched down, it created a new barrier, and Helix jumped between them. The men watched in shock as Helix, the Nightmare-less Knight, ran [toward the blue mes]. Once he got within 100 meters, he grabbed another dozen discs from his item storage and slung them out like a Greek discus event. Every time one flew above an area of the mountain, massive fire sections instantly disappeared. It was like magic. He was using high-powered [Suffocate] spells to strip the area above the fire of oxygen. Once they touched the ground, they triggered off, so theck of oxygen didn''t kill him. Helix pulled out more discs and started throwing barriers onto the ground again. The entire valley started lighting up like a Christmas tree. Helix found it amusing to use different barriers to create various colors. The women were giggling and pointing at the dazzling sight. It was truly a devastating experience to watch. The two men took endless gut punches to their pride at 50 dp/s. Helix made it to the middle of the mountain and started spinning around,unching off discs merrily. He snuffed out the remaining mes in the area and took a bow. His partners started going wild. They were screaming like fangirls and covering their faces. Masov chuckled in bewilderment at the spectacle. He couldn''t help but find it amusing, knowing the group was willing to help them. They weren''t joking when they said they had the power of arge country. Salkey knew that now. He closed his eyes in shame and slight fear. Now, saying Helix was inciting a coup d''etat with some clothing and training was a joke. The Alzerian Defense Chief knew that the group could seize the country and decimate the entire army within days. In a world where cities were small, the group was a walking nuclear weapon. ¡ª [A/N: Alright, alright. Yandere. Amidoinitrite?] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 187 [Taste Of Home] Helix ran up the hill at full speed and walked past Masov and Salkey. The two men looked as though they had seen a ghost. He touched his neck and pulled out special herbs he got hunting. The terrified Gryphon''s eyes perked up, and it looked in Helix''s direction. Helix threw the herbs in front of the Gryphon. It was a bundle that was a foot high and six inches across. "Here you go. Maliko Root. Go on, take it." Helix coaxed with a gentle expression. The two men watched the scene in disbelief. The Gryphon instantly became gentle, and light tears welled in its eyes as it sniffed the roots. "Go on. I have more. I''ll let you covet some forter." Helix wore a truly warm expression that baffled the men. His partners ran up but approached respectfully and watched the scene with gentle gazes. The Gryphon took the smallest nibble of the herbs, and more tears welled in its eyes. It chewed them with a smile. No one could exin how a Gryphon could smile. However, everyone thought it was smiling. Masov walked up in a daze. "Do you mind if I ask you what you''re feeding it?" The general asked with a stunned expression. Of everything he had seen, what he was watching was somehow the most unbelievable. "It''s called Maliko Root. It''s an extremely rare herb that Gryphons covet in the wild." Helix exined with a warm smile. "Tyrene and I traveled a couple of hundred miles during our training to obtain some. I knew that I''d be traveling with Gryphons, so I thought it would be a good experience." Masov gave Helix a perplexed expression. "Why do they like the root?" He asked in a low voice. Salkey walked up to listen as well. His hearing was shot, so he had to get close to listen. Helix smiled at Masov and then sent a gentle gaze back to the Gryphon. "Gryphons can''t obtain the third evolution without it." He continued. "It''s simr to how Warpshires covet the Liskaberry for the same reason. Whether this Gryphon will reach the third evolution is irrelevant. Beast tamers caught this one in the wild, so it''s getting emotional because it reminds it of home." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley gave the Gryphon a gentle gaze as it nibbled at the Maliko Root. "How¡­ do you know this?" Masov asked. Helix chuckled and gave him a warm smile. "I chose the Hourss of Knowledge as my Nightmare Ceremony gift." He said with a slight smile, "It has endless practical use cases if it''s properly utilized." Masov nodded. He knew Helix chose the [now famous] Hourss of Knowledge. There wasn''t a schr or high-up official that didn''t know that he had it, as it was a driving factor in sending teachers to Kozen with Helix. The Nightmare induction ceremony wasn''t something that knights received. On the contrary, some Myriadians were given Nightmares at birth or afterpleting random quests. Only the Earthians had the induction ceremony, as the artifacts were passed down for centuries with the information on the ceremony itself. It was one of the greatest mysteries for the Earthians and the people summoning them to Myriad. Therefore, Helix was the only person in Myriad and may be the only person to ever receive it in their lifetimes. That was why they treated Helix as such a valuable resource and let Grandmasters travel with him after he left instead of dropping him off. After showing them that the Myriad Library had information on every type of magic circle imaginable, they recognized that he could make Alzeria a superpower. They regretted not protecting him sooner. Such is the nature of the world. "I learned about Gryphons while locked up in the Royal Infirmary." Helix chuckled bitterly. Masov gave him a wry smile, but his concerns were pulled aside when he saw the gentle face of the Gryphon. It was a massive creature, so nibbles didn''t make the small bundlest long. It looked to Helix with a truly pathetic smile when it finished the herbs. "Don''t worry." Helix chuckled with a warm smile. "I''ll give you a dried pouch you can wear on your cor." The Gryphon tilted his head. "Trust me. You''ll love it." Helix assured it with a gentle smile. "Sa." The Gryphon gave out a very kind calling and nudged its beak in Helix''s direction. Helix reached up and patted it on its beak, rubbing it softly. "Sa." He smiled when he saw the Gryphon''s gentle face. It made him feel grateful that he could bring a taste of home to the Otakus, Weebs, and creatures in Alzeria. "There are no more fires, and Riley will keep away the smoke." Helix said to the Gryphon. "Do you think you can fly now?" The Gryphon blinked twice but nodded its head. "d to hear it. We''ll load up now, and we''ll send the smoke away when you''re ready." The beast nodded with a gentle gaze and thenid down for boarding. Masov and Salkey were stunned with disbelief. The strange situation nonplussed even the riders. Gryphons were prideful beasts that riders trained through brutal ssical conditioning. So the idea that Helix walked up and asked it to fly after it was scared was appalling. Helix chuckled at their baffled expressions but jumped twenty feet in the air andnded on the deck. "Hey, Riley. If Masov and Stalkey want a lift, please give them one." He requested. Riley nodded and turned to Marie. Marie nodded in turn. "[Wind Dance]." Marie gracefully flew toward the sky like a fairy beforending on the deck. Then wind lifted Charlotte into the air in a beautiful motion. Riley looked at Masov and Salkey. "If you''re our allies, we mean you no harm." She said with a genuine expression. "If you''d like a lift up as a goodwill gesture, we''ll happily amodate." Her genuineness stunned them. Riley was gentle unless someone close to her was in harm. Then she would turn into a monster as much as Charlotte or Marie. However, gentleness suited her the most and was why so many people treasured her. Any stretch of the imagination cannot fake someone''s true demeanor. Masov and Salkey understood that she was being genuine. At the very least, the group wouldn''t drop them. If they wanted the two dead, they could snap their fingers, so there wasn''t any reason to lie. "I''ll try it out. Seems fun." Masov chuckled. Riley bowed her head and lifted her hands to the sky. Masov chuckled in bewilderment as he gracefully soared through the sky. When hended on the deck, his eyes were wide and a grin was on his face, thoroughly amused. Helix was sitting in the executive area where Masov and Salkey were sitting. Charlotte was in the same seat, but Marie was joining him. "Is it okay if we sit here?" Helix asked with a genuine expression. "Marie is my second inmand for leadership operations. So I''d appreciate it if she could talk too." Masov nodded in a daze and sat down. He wasn''t expecting the sudden shift in tone but appreciated it. A few secondster, Salkey hit the deck with a panicked expression. Marie giggled, and Charlotte grinned. Riley gracefully floated onto the deck behind him and sat next to Charlotte. Salkey looked around and realized the shift in the seating arrangement. It left him nonplussed, but he was grateful for it. "As I mentioned to Masov, Marie is my second inmand for leadership." Helix said to Salkey. "So I hope you don''t mind if she joins us." Salkey''s eyes trembled in confusion, but he nodded and hesitantly sat down. Helix nodded and looked at Riley. Riley nodded as well and reached out her hand. "Are you ready, riders?" Helix asked. The two riders with the reins gave him a hesitant nod. They were confused about what was happening but knew the smoke would be a problem. "Okay. I''m deactivating the barrier." Helix announced. Then he activated a [Spell Trigger Circle], and the white barrier disappeared. The entire area heated up instantly, but an icy wind pushed past the group a momentter. Riley whipped the smoke into a light tornado. "Let''s get going!" Helix called out in a warm but firm tone. The Gryphon winced. However, it pped its wings and shot to the sky. Riley controlled the wind to keep the Gryphonfortable as it soared. It amazed the riders, Masov and Salkey. Their use cases for magic were unparalleled and impressive. Within less than thirty seconds, they were soaring back toward the Capital. "Good job!" Helix called out. The Gryphon nodded. The group had never been so confused in their lives. Helix chuckled when he saw their faces. The riders and military men had no idea how valuable Maliko Root was. If they did, they''d have a heart attack. However, no matter how much gold it was worth, it paledpared to the value that Gryphons ced on it. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 188 [The Source] A refreshing gust of wind rustled the female''s skirts and rompers. The sun was pleasant, and the skies were a gentle shade of sky blue. It was a nice day to ride on the back of a colossal mythical creature known as a Gryphon. One person, in particr, didn''t feel that way. Chief Defense Salkey. He stared at the two young adults in front of him awkwardly. The look on his face didn''t showcase fear or trepidation. Instead, he desired to express many emotions that he couldn''t. Resentment, regret, humiliation, annoyance, remorse¡ªhis face showcased a plethora of emotions. However, there was one emotion that held all others back. Shame. "Gentlemen." Helix announced after a minute of awkward silence. Masov and Salkey snapped to attention. "As you''ve gathered, we came here with the secondary intention of mocking you mercilessly." Helix chuckled. The two men gave him wry smiles. "However, it was necessary." Masov and Salkey looked at Helix with quizzical expressions. Helix gave them a slight smile. "If we didn''t, we would feel bitter and resentful, making it impossible to build rtionships or move forward as allies." A wave of understanding washed over the two. "We''ve achieved our petty revenge." Helix announced loudly. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley burst into giggles, and the men gave them wry smiles. Then Helix made eye contact again. "Now we''re not resentful and can discuss as adults and equals with mutual respect." He said with a slight smile. "Do you understand?" General Masov panned the faces of the women, especially Charlotte, who radiated true bloodlust less than two hours ago. She was not friendly, but she had [respectful] disdain in her eyes. He understood with her face alone that Helix''s farce had auxiliary motives. "I understand. We apologize for your shameful treatment in Alzeria." Masov said with a humbled voice. "I hope you''ll forgive us given the timing and the extraordinary circumstances." Helix nodded in a respectful position. "I''d also like to apologize for my behavior as well." Masov continued in a humbled voice. "While I''ve never tried treating you poorly, I did not take you seriously or with the respect that you deserve." General Masov stood up and bowed slightly before sitting back down. Chief Salkey''s eyes widened in shock. Masov gave him a mocking smile. "I''m not bowing to him as a country''s leader." He growled. "I''m bowing to a potential ally that I treated like a child instead of a man." Helix and his partners nodded in respect. Chief Salkey looked at the group with aplicated expression. Then he took a deep breath. "I''m not a big enough man to do what General Masov is doing to the same extent, but¡­." Salkey began. ? Charlotte''s face began contorting. "I give respect where it''s due." Salkey sighed. He looked at Helix with his light brown eyes. "I was wrong to underestimate you, Sir Helix." Salkey continued. "I''m pretty fair in that I treat everyone aside from those above me in the same way. If you prove that you''re as honest as you are strong, I will give you the same level of personal respect as General Masov." Charlotte tried to interject, but Helix motioned respectfully, and she calmed down. "Chief Salkey is saying he will respect us professionally," Helix said to her. Helix turned back to Salkey. "He''s telling us that he''ll respect us as honorable people once we prove we''re honorable. Is that right?" Salkey nodded with a serious expression. "That''s perfect." Helix said with a slight smile. "Let''s begin, then. First, please let me answer all of your concerns as before." Masov and Salkey looked at each other hesitantly. "It''s okay, General Masov, Chief Defense Salkey." Marie said gently. "There''s a big difference between addressing major concerns and tying them to confinement and treason. Do you understand?" Salkey''s expression crumbled, and he gave her a wry smile. "Understood." He replied. "Then, Sir Helix, Dame Marie, please tell us why you''re so certain of an impending attack." Masov requested. Helix nodded with a serious expression. "As you know, Master Tyrene did not receive definitive proof of a monster attack upon the Alzerian Capital." The two men looked at one another with conflicted expressions. "The information she received indicated that the Mad Queen was bing active for a power y." Helix continued with a grave expression. "Ancient monsters were popping up out of the blue after centuries of being believed dead. It wasn''t coincidental that there were multiple popping up simultaneously. Therefore, we intended toe back ahead of our training schedule to continue closer to home." The men confirmed their knowledge of the situation. "A week before we were nning to head back, the Kozen Royal Army spotted a Colossus in the southern region, and we left a week ahead of schedule." Helix continued. "Gentlemen, the Colossus came from hibernation underground with an ancient level." Helix''s face turned grave, and the men noticed. "In thest century, the highest level Colossus was Level 10; Master Tyrene fought it. This Colossus was level 387. You know Master Tyrene''s power. Now that you''ve seen our power, can you understand the caliber of the enemy we fought?" Masov and Salkey''s eyes widened in shock. "Yes. We learned firsthand what the sighting of ancient monsters meant for humanity. You can witness one in the arena at any time." The men trembled in terror. "Alzeria is thergest power on the continent." Helix continued with a serious expression. "If the Mad Queen is looking for a fight, she''ll being here. Maybe not first, but she''s not going to y power games with small countries." "I see¡­." Masovmented with a frown. "So you''re here without knowledge of anything concrete. That makes things difficult." Masov grimaced. Helix nodded with a frown on his face. "Forgive me for being so forward, Sir Helix." Salkey said with hesitation in his eyes. "Please speak freely." Helix nodded. "You summoned Kozen''s army here with the urgency of an attack you warned could hit [today]." Salkey said with a bitter voice. "Now we''re being told that it is in the unforeseeable future. You do understand the skepticism that follows that. Right?" Charlotte''s eyes narrowed, but Helix called her down from the other side of the box. He looked into Chief Salkey''s eyes. "I''m aware." Helix said with a nod. "There is information that Master Tyrene wanted to share with the core cab alone." Masov and Salkey gave him quizzical expressions. Helix touched his neck and pulled out a piece of parchment. Then he handed it to two men. They read the note on it carefully, and then their eyes trembled when they read the final line. "This¡­." Salkey whispered in disbelief. Masov looked at Helix with a perplexed expression. "Is that legitimate?" He asked in a stunned state. "I don''t know." Helix replied with a serious expression. Everyone looked at Helix with strange expressions. Even his partners were looking at him with curiosity, which the two men noted. "I don''t know much about this woman or your history with her." Helix continued. "Master Tyrene gave this to me in her will and told me not to share it unless it was with the upper cab, if at all." The two men shook. "That was a wise choice, Sir Helix." Masov said with a serious expression. "The gravity of this note is quite serious, and if it weren''t for your background and close rtionship to General Tyrene, it would do more harm to you than good to show us this." Helix nodded with a serious expression. "I was warned of that and understand enough about her to understand the gravity for myself." He said calmly. "However, it''s the only thing I have to help Alzeria take an impending strike seriously and support us." The two men grimaced when they considered the note. "I understand the irony. However, you are justified in fearing aiding the Earthians grow, especially after what you''ve just seen." Helix asserted. Masov gave Helix a wry smile, and Salkey followed close behind. "However, that will only be more extreme as time goes on." Helix sighed. "So holding back critical information will not help us from the distrust or potential malice of this kingdom if attacks don''t begin urring within the next few days." Masov and Salkey developed bitter expressions with dead eyes. "Sir Helix. Please give us time to review this information with the Queen." Masov said with a calm tone. "We''ll send Knights to be your symbolic bodyguards from the Kingdom. The three of us will meet the day after the celebration of Tyrene''s life." Helix nodded in agreement. "Can I please request your help with the celebration?" He asked hesitantly. "Of course. We nned to make it a state sponsored event if we judged your im to be true." Helix bowed his head respectfully. Marie''s eyes glittered in happiness, and the others followed. "Thank you. For now, can we agree to a pact of mutual respect between us?" Helix asked while reaching out a hand to Masov. "Yes, I find that eptable." Masov replied while shaking his hand. Helix turned to Salkey and extended his hand. Salkey didn''t hesitate and shook his hand. "I''m not agreeing to trust you until we have made an agreement amongst the cab with her Majesty." He said with a sharp look in his eyes. "However, I''ll agree to respect you from now on." Helix nodded in mutual respect, and then the group sat in silence for the rest of the trip. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 189 [Linus] "Hey, Hellie." Charlotte said with a serious voice in bed. "Yeah?" Helix asked. "That letter. What was it, and why didn''t you tell us?" She asked. Marie and Riley wore ufortable expressions. He looked up at the ceiling with a wry smile. "I''ve been debating how to apologize tonight." Helix chuckled bitterly. "It''s dangerous for you to know about it, but I''m not hiding it. I only hid it from you, so your shock during the meeting was genuine." The women turned to him with baffled expressions. "Marie, Charlotte, Riley¡ªI''m sorry." Their eyes widened in response. Each was baffled and panicking. "To be honest, I feel foolish giving them that scroll." Helix chuckled bitterly. "I feel even worse not addressing all of you about it first." "Woah, chief. Hold up! We support you in anything you do." Charlotte cried when she saw his face. "Helix, we''ll always support you even if you make mistakes." Marie said with a serious expression. "We know your intentions are always pure." Riley followed. Helix gave them warm smiles before his expression crumbled. "Thank you for being so forgiving." He took a deep breath and sighed. "No. I''m very sorry. Yesterday, I was emotional." Helix reiterated. "I was used of treason, soldiers tried to kill me, and everyone keeps stabbing our goodwill." Charlotte wanted to speak, but she understood it was time to listen. "I did something reckless this morning." He chuckled bitterly. "And it might have put you in danger. I really must apologize." "Helix¡­ what did you do?" Marie whispered while motioning Riley to turn her body. The group had aying arrangement for normal cuddling. Marie and Riley turned their bodies so that Marie''s head was on his chest, and Riley''s was on his stomach. They did this so everyone could get close. Marie and Charlotte let Riley sleep next to him twice a week. She refused nightly switching, so the arrangement was by her request. "As you know, I haven''t been able to tell you anything I''ve learned from Linux." Helix began. "Most specifically, if I have or have not learned anything about the past Earthians." Their faces became animated when they heard their words. "I still don''t see why not." Charlotte said with a wry smile. "Because we are under a bloodpact." Helix sighed. Everyone''s eyes widened in fear and shock. ¡ªThree months ago. Meeting Linus, the Schr Grandmaster in Kozen, after waking.¡ª "Hello, Sir Helix." A man said while walking over for a handshake. He was a pudgy man with a face that was constantly a light shade of red. His brown hair was messy and slightly balding. Those that looked at him saw him as a teacher on sight. The man screamed [I''m a fifty-year-old historian that would''ve died a virgin if I didn''t get married]. His gentle face made him look like he''d be awkward and jolly at a party if he weren''t. "Hello, Grandmaster Linus." Helix replied with a slight smile. "Please,e sit. We have much to discuss and those heathens will beat me to death if we go over." Linus replied with a nervousugh. Helix hadn''t known Tyrene or Tilo for more than three days. However, he knew that they were the type that would threaten someone weaker if they pounced on an apprentice. They didn''t even like sharing him amongst themselves. If Tilo wasn''t a clear winner and Helix wasn''t in a unique position, he was certain Tyrene would break the limbs of any dissidents. Helix shivered and walked to the table with Linus. The two were in a room Linus had rented in Lexion; every one set up shop in different ways. While Tilo and Tyrene lived like Spartans in room-sized trailers, Linus already had a room booked out. They were in his rented study, which he would remain at for the next four months during his time with Helix before returning to Alzeria. "I''m certain you know why I''ve traveled here." Linus asserted. "Yes. I can take an educated guess." Helix chuckled. Linus narrowed his eyes in interest. "I can tell. You''ve requested that TIlo rece my Level 4 Circles of Privacy with the legendary Circle of Secrecy." Hemented. "Does that mean that you also seek information with gravity?" Helix nodded with a serious expression. "With the Myriad Library, I have ess to nearly unlimited resources." Linus started salivating at the reminder. "However, I don''t know where to look for certain information I wish to seek." Helix continued. "To put it bluntly, there is certain information I want, such as the history of previous Earthians." Linus froze with a serious expression and started trembling nervously. "However, that information is ssified. Therefore, I ask that our conversations are secret and we enter into a blood pact together to never share our information sources. Also, not to share information in a context that could threaten the source of the information unless agreed upon." Linus gave Helix a troubled expression. "Sir Helix. I''ve traveled 1000 miles to speak to you for information from the Myriad library." He replied nervously. "It''s expected that I gain knowledge from you in exchange for information I can provide you. That is the purpose behind me being here." Helix gave the man a slight smile. "Yes. As I''ve said, we can agree upon information that we share." He continued. "You can share most of the information you gain from me, as you''re here to obtain information from me, and I''m here to give it to you. However, I seek a rtionship where the knowledge you give [me] is not exposed, and I do not have to fight for your loyalty or secrecy to protect it. Bare in mind that all information that you can be tied back to the Myriad Library. Therefore, you''re not responsible for teaching me anything." Linus'' eyes widened in surprise. "Yes¡­ that is reasonable. However¡­." The man grimaced. "Sir Helix. You do understand it sounds like you''re seeking information that could be harmful to the Alzerian kingdom. Right?" Helix nodded with a serious expression. "I do understand that. I do not expect you to answer my questions." The man gave him a puzzled expression. "However, this is a give and take rtionship." Helix continued with a calm voice. "During our time together, I will answer your questions and let you [copy] works verbatim if you wish." Linus'' eyes widened in shock. "That is an exchange for providing me with the answers I seek." Helix reasoned with a slight smile. "I do not expect you to answer, but I ask that you respect my intentions and answer my questions. I will not ask about the Earthians until we build a rtionship of trust between us." Linus'' eyes glided to the left. "So if I enter into a blood pact with you, I do not need to answer questions and I can justify reasons for not doing so?" He asked. "Yes. I''m not an unreasonable person." Helix said with a smile. "I won''t take your hesitance or unwillingness to answer certain questions as a reason for a breakdown. I''d only ask that you try and be willing to give me some information if it''s not absolutely threatening." "If that is the case. I''m willing to enter into a blood pact with you after negotiating a contract." Linus replied. "However, I ask that Grandmaster General Tyrene Masney and Grandmaster Tilo Szar agree to it and oversee the blood pact ritual." "That is eptable." Helix nodded. The two spent a whole day working out their contract with details on how to exchange and handle information from the other party. Tilo and Tyrene both took that matter seriously, as a bloodpact would kill the other party. Therefore, setting up the contract was a serious ordeal that needed flexibility. Once theypleted their bloodpact, as promised, the two started their rtionship, providing information to each other twice a week, building trust. ¡ªPresent Time¡ª "You''re under a bloodpact!?" Marie cried. She understood just how dangerous they were. "Hellie, why¡ª" Helix sighed and raised his hand. Everyone quieted down instantly. "We have an ultra-flexible contract." He exined. "One of the stiptions is that we can share information if we can corroborate the source of it. Naturally, I can corroborate just about anything with the Myriad Library, and I gave him permission to share anything he learned from me. The contract mainly protects him from disclosing what I learned from him. So I''m not in danger. However, there was no way for me to corroborate the information that I got from Linus about the Earthians, and I could not search for the information in the Library. It''s locked." Everyone fell silent, looking at him in confusion. "However, I requested the aid of Zenith to tell me what happened to the other Earthians." However, they saw Helix''s harrowed expression and calmed your enthusiasm. "Since I didn''t learn the information from Linus, I can share that now." He continued. "Did you use our [present] from yesterday to get the information?" Riley asked with a warm smile. Helix shot her a gentle smile in response. "Yes. Thank you Riley, Charlotte." He chuckled. "If it weren''t for you both. I would have died today." "Died today!?" Marie cried. Helix chuckled and ran his fingers through her hair. "No. Not literally." He said with a slight smile. "It''s just¡­. She was seriously pissed when I asked for the information." ¡ª [A/N: A reminder: Zenith shows up in chapter 6 or 7, and then he ghosts her. You''ll figure out what the present was in the next chapter. It''s pretty amusing. Thanks for reading, everyone!] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 190 [Phone Charger Thingy] Two days ago¡ªexclusive auction. "It would be hrious if we could sell an Earthian cell phone." Charlottemented with an evil grin. "That would rake in a fortune." Miskieughed. "The look on their faces once it died would be price~less." Charlotteughed. "Then they''d get all [I''ll murder you. Just wait until my weak guards hear about this]! We''d be like, [we told you it''d turn into a fancy mirror during the auction]. They''d be like, [I didn''t listen to you. Seize them! Gahhhh. How did this happen]!? Then we could remind them that they didn''t listen about our strength either. They''d yell [you tricked me!], and it would be a great night." The groupughed about it. "Ummm. War Goddess." A nervous voice called out. "You''re Mark, right?" Riley asked with a gentle smile. The nervous weeb blushed with embarrassment when Riley remembered him. "Y-Yes. I just wanted to tell you¡­." Mark said nervously. "We¡­ My Nightmare [Shock Bolt] allows me to control electricity. So I can charge a phone for you." The group''s eyes widened in shock. Everyone around them was stunned with disbelief. "Then why haven''t ya been sayin'' that, kid?" Miskie huffed. "We coulda made a fortune by now!" Mark recoiled reflexively and gave everyone a wry smile. "It''s just¡­ I feared that Ronka would start using me¡­." The power-weebs groaned in understanding. Super-otakus also nodded with grave expressions. "That''s why I haven''t disclosed it up to this point." Mark continued nervously. "But while I''m here, I''m willing to do so. I trust that you won''t take advantage of me." Charlotte tried to y with him, but Riley gave her a murderous re. She stared at Riley in confusion. "What is it, Rize?" Charlotte asked in disbelief. Riley turned to Matt. "Matt, if you can do that for Helix tomorrow, we''d be very grateful." She said with a bow. Charlotte''s face lit up with understanding. "Oh yeah¡­." She whispered. "Yes. We''d be genuinely grateful." Charlotte added with a serious expression. "W-What''s going on?" Mark cried in disbelief. "Helix has a book that he loves dearly." Riley exined. "It''s on his phone, and he would be genuinely grateful if you charged it." Mark''s face lit up with excitement. Knowing he could do a favor for the War Commander and his Goddess'' was a dreame true. Miskie was still eyeing him like a hawk, but he didn''t notice her. ¡ª One day ago¡ªBurlow Street Park. The otakus and weebs were exchanging cards and having conversations at the park. Marie was pleased by the situation, and it left a warm smile on her face. "Helix always has the most creative solutions." She giggled. "I think it''s fantastic." Rileymented with a warm smile. "I think it''s evil, maniptive, and extremely~hot." Charlotte smacked. The women burst into giggles. Mark walked up with a nervous smile on his face. His heart was pounding. "Here''s War Commander Helix''s phone." Mark announced while pulling it out of his item storage. "I practiced on my friends'' phones first. I messed up Listie''s phone during the practice¡­ so I was hoping you could thank her." The young man took a bow with shame in his eyes. "We''ll thank Listie and give her a prized expression of her choosing." Mariemented with a regretful smile. "We''ll do the same for you." "I-I couldn''t¡­ I was repaying my gratitude for removing Ronka¡ª" "Your contribution is important to Helix." Riley said with a gentle smile. "He asks for very few things in this world, and you gave him something that he believed to be unobtainable." Marie nodded with a warm smile. "Therefore, it is only right we willpensate you." She added. "Besiiiiides. He would''ve taken out the trash anyways." Charlotte added with an aloof expression. "So this is a favor for nothing in his eyes." Mark''s eyes sparked. He wanted to do something nice for his leaders. However, he didn''t expectpensation. "In a couple of days, we''ll let you two pick out some items and give smaller prizes to the others that helped." Marie said with a smile. "We''ll have to give Helix his surprise first." ¡ª Present-day. "Oh~Hellie¡­." Charlotte sang. Helix smiled when he heard her voice. His eyes were still closed. "You''re up early. You''re always thest." Helix chuckled. "Are you excited to go full yandere today?" "Yep~" Charlotte replied. "But we have a preh~sent for you." Helix opened his eyes with a gentle smile. Then he froze. "You¡­ charged it¡­." Helix muttered in disbelief. "Yes. Mark and Listie helped you do it with Mark''s [Shock Bolt] Nightmare." Riley said with a gentle smile. "We figured it could help you." Helix sat up and took the phone. "Yes¡­ more than you could ever know¡­." He whispered. "Any~way. We need to beat the word of Tyrene into those helpless ex-virgins." Charlotte said with an evil grin. "So we''re heading out. See~yater." Charlotte kissed him, followed by Marie and then Riley. The three walked out of the door with full battle gear. Helix forgot that training began that day for the otakus and weebs. For the time being, he had different responsibilities, so he forgot that Marie was taking on that role. In his mind, he was still thinking about the uing meeting with Masov and Salkey. Helix stared at the phone andughed. Then he touched his neck and opened the Myriad library. ¡ª Query: General, unofficial request for Zenith. ¡ª The Myriad library returned zero results, which he found strange. The page was simply nk. So he waited for a minute. Then another minute. Helix had time, so he waited ten minutes in total. His eyes were starting to burn with dryness, so he closed out of the library. However, once he left, a new chat window popped up. ¡ª "You¡­." Helix touched his neck twice in confusion. "Hello, Ms. Zenith. Long time no¡ª" Words started blitzing out on the screen in a frenzy. "Who-the hell-do-you-think-you ARE!" Helix stared at the screen with a gaping expression. "I¡ª" "First, you offer me Earthian information, I told you how much I wanted it, and you didn''t return for FOUR MONTHS; now you''re asking for an unofficial REQUEST!?" Helix stared at the screen with disbelief. "Ms. Zenith, I didn''t¡ª" "Now you''re making excuses!? *scoff*." "No, I¡ª" "I don''t want to hear it! Don''t talk to me if you''re not asking for an official request!" "Ms. Zenith, I''m¡ª" "Say this is an official request, or I''m closing this down!" "Ms. Zenith!" Helix shouted. "Now you''re YELLING!? *murderous gaze*." "I''ve brought you Earthian books!" Helix shouted in his mind. He wasn''t angry with her, and his voice was baffled instead of angry. He felt that shouting and cutting her off would be the only way he could speak to the raging librarian. "W-What did you just say!?" "Ms. Zenith. My partners found a way for me to charge my phone." Helix chuckled in bewilderment. His tone cut down instantly. "I never saw a message from you stating you wanted the information." Helix continued. "But once I got the books I¡ª" "Give it to me! *panicked scream*." "Yes¡­ I will, but how?" "I don''t care!" "You don''t¡­ Zenith, I have an Earthian phone with the information." Helix replied in perplexion. "Can you steal it or something?" "What!? I don''t [steal] you swine!" "Ms. Zenith, that''s not what I meant." Helix replied in a panicked state. "Then what [did] you mean!? *indignation*." "I meant¡­. Can you take it off my phone?" "...." "...." "I''m trying to. But I can''t¡­." "Then what can I do?" Helix asked. "I automatically receive it if you speak, think, or write it." "Zenith¡­ these books are massive. I don''t have that much battery power. My phone will die." "Then how is it on!? You have a phone charger thingy, don''t you!? *desperation*." "The [phone charger thingy] is a human. They helped me charge it, but I won''t be with them forever." Helix sighed. "Then start, now while you have your phone charger thingy!" Helix was alone, and his partners weren''t there for support. So his natural mncholy hit him like a bag of bricks. "Ms. Zenith. I can''t do that." Helix sighed. "I''m busy saving my phone charger from the giggle-witch, and they might die if I don''t get information." "What do you need! Start asking questions; I''ll answer them! *panicked cry*." Helix chuckled in disbelief. He was grateful for the support but didn''t need it, and the costs were excessive. After thinking about it, he decided on the best strategy. "Ms. Zenith. If I survive this encounter, I''ll stay in Alzeria for the winter." Helix sighed. "I''ll try convincing Mark to help me, but I can''t guarantee my phone won''t get broken. But I will try transcribing as many texts as possible for a minimum of two hours a week until my phone fries." "Really!? *sps hands*." "Yes¡­ In the meantime, can you help us stay alive?" "Yes! What do you need?" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 191 [Earthian History] ¡ªThe Night Before the Meeting with the Generals¡ª Helix hated his life. Thest thing he wanted to do was transcribe Earthian books for Zenith. However, his ebook library had over a hundred non-fiction books and a dozen novels. Transcribing helpful texts could be a good way towork with Linus and the others. Volunteers from every corner of Myriad would transcribe them for free. He could not only win their influence, but he could also negotiate with Zenith so he could ask questions without removing lifelines. In short, it was the most rational option, and it wouldn''t be that time-consuming if he yed his cards right. So he grinned and bared it for the sake of rational decision-making. "Thank you. I''d like to know the history of Earthians in Myriad." "...." "Is there something wrong?" Helix asked in surprise. "... As mentioned, the Myriad Library mostly provides Myriadian information that''s physically recorded. Most information on Earthians is locked, even to me." Helix stared at the screen in disbelief. "Locked to you?" "... Yes. *regretful expression*." He stared at the chat window nkly for a few seconds. "You said that most physically recorded information is essible. Can you share the history of Alzerian and Thymian rtionships with Earthians since it''s doubtlessly documented?" "That, I can do! I can tell you everything that has happened after summoning. Is there something specific?" Helix''s eyes narrowed in thought. Something was very wrong with Zenith''s statements. There was information about the Earthians [before] summoning, but it was locked. Therefore, she could only speak about everything that happened once they arrived. In other words, the Myriad Record contained more information than what the world had to offer. Moreover, if the Alzerians were the ones that summoned the Earthians, then why wasn''t that documented? What more did they have, and why was it stored in the record? Nothing about the situation made sense. "Yes¡­ I wanted to know about Earthian survivors from past recruitments and, more specifically, if any have died but are considered missing or have joined the Mad Queen." "Why the hell are you asking if Earthians have joined that giggle-witch." "Because the giggle-witch sent me information of a massive attack threatening Alzeria." Helix sighed. "I can''t tell people that. Therefore, I n to forge false information on the event and me a notorious Earthian." "Putting aside that incriminating information¡­ are you insane!?" Helix stared at the screen bitterly. "You''re going to me [Earthians] for this problem!? People will n to kill the Earthians!" Helix scoffughed at the screen. "Do you think I don''t know that, Zenith?" "...." "We need the Earthians to survive the impending worldwide cmity Elise is unleashing on Myriad." Helix scoffed. "But in a few weeks of specialized training, they''ll be so powerful that the entire kingdom will try killing everyone out of rational fear. If I don''t gain support for training and taming them, I can''t gain the assistance of the kingdom''s military. More importantly, this ce might burn to the ground if the Earthians feel threatened." "That¡­ is a good point." "So I need a scapegoat to point out what happens if I don''t round these immature otakus up." Helix continued. "I''m bitter that I have to babysit toddlers and risk my partners'' lives. I wish people would stop treating me like a traitor or arrogant idiot whenever I say a sentence." "...." Helix scoffed when he read her ellipses. It was annoying that she would write something so frivolous in a serious conversation. "Are you going to ept a transcribed book called [Turning Points in Human Civilization] as payment or not?" "The history of Earthians! There have been eight waves of Earthians in thest 107 years." Helix''s face rxed, and his mouth curved into an amused smile. He still hadn''t taken out his rage on Masov and Salkey. If he had to deal with another person using him of being a traitor or an idiot, he would probably take Miskie and some friends and leave Alzeria to die. "The first three waves died from breathing in spirit particles within a month." Helix''s face froze in shock. "The altered physics from magic spells wiped out the fourth wave within the first year. Most identally killed themselves or others. Only two survived the first six months." His expression started crumbling in disbelief. The physics? Why wasn''t she saying they died from fire spells igniting them when they didn''t take the physical reality of spells seriously? Physics implied that spells were faulty, like a buggy video game. There was something horrifyingly wrong about her wording. Moreover, the individuals died from breathing in spirit particles, yet the problem was resolved over eight waves. Humans didn''t change. Therefore, the spirit particles needed to change. Helix didn''t like what he was reading. Too many connections began popping up, and he wanted to push every single one of them from his mind. "The fifth and sixth waves couldn''t limate to the culture in Myriad or learn how to utilize magic. Many died identally in battle alongside prior waves. Those who didn''t have technical difficulties using spells couldn''t use them in battle and died. A few survived five years by going into hiding but were eventually killed by the Mad Queen''s army." Helix took a deep breath. What he was reading was far worse than he originally imagined. "The seventh, andst wave, had no difficulties using magic spells. However, they couldn''t strategize how to use them, and most couldn''t adapt. They entered from magic circles in the Alzerian Capital, the Thymian Capital, and the Farok capital 60 years ago. The Earthians wiped out all Capitals after many revolted. The countries had not summoned new Earthians before you arrived. Six Earthians are still alive and have all entered pacts with the Mad Queen." Helix''s eyes trembled in disbelief and opened and closed his mouth multiple times. "Kaltrops...." He muttered, remembering the strange warning that Macron gave them during orientation. T-Rex was a name poprized [after] thest sixty years alongside its reptilian image. Both were poprized in a famous movie. It was a reminder of something terrifying. The timeg between Earth and Myriad was vast. As a result¡ªwhile the Myriadians were abductingrge groups of Earthian teens like himself every week or sooner. Perhaps even days. "Hmmm? What are you muttering about? *Annoyance*." Helix snapped back to attention. "Nothing. You''ve said that all six have entered pacts? Why¡­." Helix asked hesitantly. "Three did so for power, but that giggle-witch kept hunting the three good ones down! They eventually agreed to help her periodically for a non-aggression pact." Helix took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Everything Zenith had told him was equally shocking, and he had to get a grip over himself. "Can I get their names and locations?" Helix asked. "Starting with any near Kozen a couple of months ago." Zenith gave him a list of the Earthians and their locations. "Is there anything else you need? This conversation has gone on long enough without any exchange! *huff*." "My apologies. I have onest question." Helix began nervously. "You said¡­ they were summoned 60 years ago. Has their power decreased?" "Not in the slightest. The reason why is¡ª" ¡ª "She was pissed?" Marie asked in confusion. "Yeah. I told Zenith I''d give her Earthian information at the beginning." Helix chuckled. "But it was during the Nightmare Induction Ceremony, and I didn''t see her begging for it." "Then you didn''t contact her for four~months. A male ssic." Charlotte smacked. "Yeah¡­ needless to say, it wasn''t a great reunion." Helixughed. His partners giggled in response. "So you won her over with the Earthian books?" Riley asked. "Yes. Thank you two for thinking about me." Helix said with a gentle smile. He bowed his head lightly to Riley and Charlotte in thanks. Charlotte high-fived Riley across his chest. "Thank you for making it happen, Marie." Marie nodded with a smile. "You can thank us by telling us what you did~with the information." Charlotte said with a grin. Helix took a deep breath. "I used information on the past Earthians to justify the source of our monster attack information." "Well, yeah. We already agreed to that as a potential strategy, dummy." Charlotte said in a mocking voice. "We discussed and agreed to that when you asked Linus about it." Marie replied in confusion. Riley nodded on his stomach. "You''re right. We did." Helix sighed. ¡ªBack in Lexicon, Making a Blood Pact to Share Information¡ª "Under our blood pact of general secrecy, I ask you not to share this information." Helix requested. "That''s everything, dummy." Charlotte huffed. "Charlotte, Helix cannot threaten information he seeks from Linus as his source." Marie replied with annoyance. "Oh yeah¡­." Charlotte said while pping her cheek. "Yes. Especially now. I''m asking about past Earthians that have gone missing or have sided with the Mad Queen." Helix continued. "If we need to justify a source for our information, we can cite one of them and pray they aren''t alive." "That''s¡­ genius!" Charlotte cried. "Yeah¡­ that would solve a lot." Marie pondered aloud. "It''s risky if they are, though." "Well, yeah. Anyone that came here with broken stats and is still alive has to be." The four nodded. ¡ª "However, I didn''t consult you before doing it. We''re making strong enemies for short-term gains, putting you in danger." "Helix¡­." Marie whispered while touching him lightly on his face. "This woman is strong, and her potential allies are too. If I can''t hide that, I¡ª" Helix grimaced. "Hellie. We knew they''d be badasses no matter how powerful they are." Charlotte chuckled with madness in her eyes. "Charlotte¡­." Helix whispered with a conflicted expression. "Earthians¡­ don''t age in Myriad." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 192 [Mimicking Tyrene] "We¡­ don''t age?" Marie whispered. "Not exactly¡­ we just age extremely slowly to the point it''s nearly irrelevant." Helix replied with a grave tone. "Why are you so bent, Hellie? That''s awe~some!" Charlotte cried. "Our spicy life will never fade and we can live together forever." Helix smiled and hugged her with the hand wrapped around her body. He stroked Marie''s cheek and then stroked Riley''s with some effort. "That''s true, but that means¡­." Helix frowned again. "Sally Michaels walked in with broken stats and has lived here for sixty years." Shock spread through the women wrapped around him. "That means¡­ if she''s a Sensitive Sally¡­." Charlotte whispered. "We''re in trouble if she finds out." Marie whispered. "Why did you do it then? It''s not like you." Rileymented. "Because Zenith told me she''s technically contracted with the Mad Queen and likelye for us once she learns of our existence." Helix said with a wry smile, "So it doesn''t matter." The group groaned with understanding. "People be evil with power, but they don''t be pawns with power." He continued. "She was tired of getting hunted down, so she exchanged periodic cooperation for living peacefully. Whatever the reason, she''s dangerous and will likely seek out her kind or get ordered." Marie closed her eyes in thought. "Have any of theme back before?" She asked. Helix gave her a wry smile. "Earthians haven''te here since her wave¡ªthe seventh wave. The group destroyed the Alzerian Capital and needed to rebuild it. That''s why they carefully spent sixty years searching for people that were easy to manipte before deciding on the otakus. They''re desperate now because many kingdoms in the Easeka continent are falling like dominos." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley chuckled bitterly. "I feel bad dragging her into this, but if we don''t gain strong Earthian allies, we''ll die if the past Earthianse onto the chess board. It''s extremely cliche that we''re walking cmities and still weakpared to the intercontinental ballistic missile cheats." Helix sighed. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley giggled nervously before falling silent again. "I''m surprised the world still exists." Charlottemented. "Me too." Marie said with a serious expression. Riley nodded on his stomach. "Three live in seclusion, including Sally who was spotted near the Kozen regionst year." Helix exined. His partners listened quietly with serious expressions. "The other three control kingdoms on three separate continents with a non-aggression pact. Most are happy with their power and harems. If two go to war, one is certain to die, and the other will lose their army." He exined. "However, the three stopped growing statistically after the first five years. The requirements to level up always increase. So they settled into their new lives without pursuing constant fighting. The three ruling kingdoms only gained power by warring and killing other Earthians." The group grimaced at the revtion. "So, what are we going to do?" Marie asked. "Hmmm? We''ll crush this invasion and join the seclusion category." Helix chuckled. "We''ll buy a home, get married, and live a peaceful life. It won''tst forever, but isn''t achieving that life as long as possible the dream?" Marie, Charlotte, and Riley''s eyes lit up like fireworks after the reminder. The three cuddled Helix with happy expressions. Tomorrow would be a full day of constant drama, and no one wanted to deal with it. So they enjoyed their night of peace together. Helix didn''t tell them anything else about what Zenith had told him during that time. If he knew what she would say, he never would have asked in the first ce. All he wanted was to have a peaceful life, and he didn''t care how it happened. So he pushed other Earthians out of his mind alongside any other potential implications. They weren''t his problem and the time gap ensured that he and his partners would have a long life regardless of potential circumstances. The rest was irrelevant. So he determined that he would bare the curse on his own unless it caused problems for his partners. Any threat to their happiness was a threat to his own. So he vowed he''d share it if it threatened their happiness, but not before then. For now, he was going to push it from his mind and do his best to forget. ¡ªThe Next Morning. Earthian Training, Alzerian Colloseum.¡ª "Hmmm? Did I hear that you wanted everyone to have another 100 swings?" Charlotte mused with a bored face. She was pretending to read a book that Helix had given her to improve her Tyrene game. It was getting strong. "No¡­ I was just asking for a break." "Okay, another 150 swings for everyone before your break." The otakus and weebs groaned, and hatred burned in their eyes. They looked to Marie for their shining angel to save them. "I thought you wanted Helix''s training?" Marie giggled. "If you do, we''ll make it 2500 swings after using muscle memory circles to keep you at level 14 stats, and then make you go on a monster hunt afterward. The training will be fourteen hours instead of six, and we''ll viciously attack you if your form is off." Shocked faces rippled through the training group. Her voice was very cute, horrifying the otakus and weebs. Many shivered in fear. "Everyone, can I have a moment of your time?" Riley asked with a sweet voice. Everyone turned to her in a daze. "War Goddess Charlotte is mimicking Master Tyrene''s behavior for us." She exined. "If she weren''t doing it, we would. You can ask for mercy once, and we''ll allow it if we find it reasonable. However, if you ask again, you get more swings¡ª" "Riley! You''re not supposed to tell them!" Charlotte cried. BARK. Tinker agreed indignantly, causing the group to shutter. "Part of the journey is figuring that out!" The otakus and weebs burst intoughter. Charlotte huffed in annoyance. Marie agreed with Charlotte. However, she couldn''t fault Riley since the Earthian Knights weren''t voluntary apprentices, and they weren''t Tyrene. If they pushed them too hard, they''d snap. "Everyone, please listen up." Marie said with an anime p. Everyone turned their attention to her with wide eyes. Helix was their king, but Marie was their general. "We''re not Master Tyrene, so we''re working together to be like her." Marie said with a gentle voice. "This training isn''t even a fraction of what she put us through. However, it''s the minimum amount you need if you ever want the title [Cheat Knight] or [Broken Cheat Knight]." Faces lit up with understanding. So much had happened that they had forgotten. "Every practice, those who do notin will receive one Roshak card." Marie continued. The area exploded in excited whispers, but a violent wind sent sand into their eyes. Many yelped, and others shivered. Some looked at Riley as though she had betrayed them. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley demonstrated that [all] of them were equally brutal during training. Marie pped again. "You can be excited. However, don''t forget that training ends when you havepleted your goals." She continued. "If youin and earn more swings or penalties, you will continue until you''re done." Many immediately straightened up after that. "Now start swinging again, and don''t give Charlotte a hard time, or [I''ll] take over." Marie dered. The otakus and weebs stared at Marie with wide eyes. Everything she said wasw in their book. So if she was threatening them, it meant that hell would follow. "Thank you for your leniency, War Commander Marie!" Maze yelled out. "Thank you for your leniency!" Leo followed. Soon everyone was thanking her for her leniency. Marie gave Maze a mischievous smile. He was instructed ahead of time to use that terminology. Maze killed it, and she nned to thank himter. ¡ª "I feel bad leaving them to handle the morning training." Helix sighed. "I''ll do something special for them tonight once everything calms down." He reached for the door in a mncholy state. He spent the first hour of his morning transcribing [Turning Points in Human Civilization] for Zenith. Zenith popped in to thank him like a drug fiend when he tried searching for direction. While he found it amusing, he couldn''t enjoy it, knowing it would be another day of meetings. When he opened his door, his eyes widened. Four Knights were standing outside of the door. Three were male, and the other was female. "Is¡­ there a problem?" Helix asked nervously. "No, sir!" The four replied in unison. "We''re here under order from her majesty to serve as your protection at all times." A man said. "Another six Knights are guarding the mistresses as well." The female added. The four took a knee after saying so. When they did, he saw a small female standing behind them, bowing nervously. Helix''s eyes widened in shock when he saw her. There was also a fifth person waiting for him with a shy expression. "Mira?" Helix whispered in disbelief. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 193 [Alzerian Welcome Party] "Mira." Helix whispered in disbelief. "Yes, Master Helix." Mira called out nervously. She had mid-length, straight brown hair simr to Emelia''s. Mira was slightly shorter than Emelia and had light green eyes that were vibrant in indoor lighting. Her face was [cute] instead of beautiful. The word to describe her might be adorable if she wasn''t trembling. "Please rise. I''d like to know your names in a moment." He requested. Helix sighed internally, watching the guards stand up. They had straight backs and did not look him in the eyes. The group was simr to Royal Guards during meets. Helix was happy that the Kingdom was receptive to his request for protection. However, it was rhetoric to obtain respect from Salkey. Now that he was staring at guards, his only thoughts were [what a pain]. "Does Whitney need something?" Helix asked while turning to Mira. Mira blushed and shook her head. "Master Whitney doesn''t need anything." She replied nervously. "She¡­ I¡­." Helix smiled gently and motioned for her to walk over for a conversation. She was standing awkwardly across the hall. The servant walked over with a red expression. "You can speak freely around me. What do you need?" Helix asked with a gentle gaze. "Well, I want to thank you¡­." Mira said with teary eyes. Helix''s expression crumbled instantly. He remembered something very important. "Master Helix¡­ thank you so much for saving my life¡­." Mira said before bursting into tears. Helix stared at her with disbelief before opening his arms and motioning her to hug him. She awkwardly walked into his arms, and he held her close against her body. The young woman sobbed into his chest. It was so emotional that she forgot her position. "I''m sorry I couldn''t see you before I left." Helix whispered. "I-I¡­ thought¡­ you¡­ d-d-died." Mira sobbed. "I thought I did too for a moment." He chuckled. "But I left under that pretense so I didn''t." Helix stroked Mira''s hair. "Let''s talk about this in a little while." He requested. "I have a meeting with Macron to discuss Master Tyrene''s funeral. Are you freeter in the day when I can give you some time?" Mira looked up at Helix with puffy eyes. "I¡­. Yes, M-Master H-Helix¡­." She replied between sobs. "If¡­ you''ll have me¡­ I''ve been assigned as your s-servant during¡­ y-your st-stay." Helix''s eyes widened in bewilderment. "What about Whitney?" He asked in a haze. "W-Whitney is n-n-no longer my M-Master, Master H-Helix." Mira said while wiping away her tears. Helix''s expression couldn''t be more puzzled. "So, you''ve been assigned to me?" He asked. While thoroughly confused, he didn''t have time to hear the story behind it. In thest three days, he was too busy dealing with the otakus, auctions, royalty, nobles, and people trying to murder him to talk to Whitney. She was extremely quiet and awkward with Leera, but he couldn''t approach her. Helix wanted time to speak to her in private, as he was worried she was ming herself for his death. He nned to do it today if the drama calmed down. Now he was going to a meeting and didn''t have time to meet [anyone], let alone have a conversation. "Y-Yes, Master H-Helix. I''ve volunteered to be y-your servant, and they assigned m-me to you, ii y-you agree." Helix hugged her again briefly, and he looked at her afterward. "Let''s talk about this a littleter, okay?" He requested. Mira nodded hesitantly. "Okay. For now, please follow me and the guards to the ce I''m having a meeting." Helix turned to the guards. "I apologize I don''t have time to meet you personally right now." The guards looked at him with shock in their eyes. "Sir we¡ª" Helix put up his hand to respectfully cut him off. "I mean get to know you." He chuckled. "For now, I''ll thank you for your service." Helix bowed lightly, causing everyone in the hallway to panic. "Can I get your names? We can save introductions forter." The Knights snapped out of their daze. Regardless of their circumstances, they could never talk back to their lord. So they immediately got over their panic. "Yes. My name is Sir. Ripply, Master Helix." The first man announced. "My name is Dame Catalina, Master Helix." The female Knight followed. Helix panned his gaze slowly after each introduction. "My name is Sir Tok, Master Helix." The third followed. "My name is Sir Rudus, Master Helix." The final Knight announced. After finishing, the Knights lifted their left foot, stomped down, and stood at attention. "Sir Ripply, Dame Catalina, Sir Tok, and Sir Rudus, wee." He said with a slight smile. "I appreciate your service. Please escort me to Macron''s chambers." "Yes, Sir!" They yelled in unison. Helix sighed inwardly. He was cringing at the thought of helping four people be more gentle and human around him. Moreover, he would eventually leave and might break their habits. Then there was the mysterious story behind Mira Iris. Whether she or someone else ended up as their servant, he''d need to help her feel free again. He didn''t know if his heart could handle that. However, he wouldn''t turn anyone away for the same reason he kissed Emelia on his first night. Helix, his new guards, and his pending servant walked together to Macron''s conference room. He cringed every moment but understood the symbolic value of the Alzerian wee party. After all, he asked for it. Helix turned to Sir Ripply. "I''ve never had guards before." He confessed. "Do you enter the rooms during meetings? Or do you wait outside and guard the doors?" "Master Helix, we can do either upon your request." Ripply replied. "Thank you, Sir Ripply. Please guard the door and Mira here." "Yes, sir." The Knight replied with a salute. Helix opened Macron''s conference room. The room was arge, borate wooden table that couldfortably seat twelve. Macron wasn''t a teacher. He was a Captain assigned to the role of training the Earthian Knights. Once he had trained the Earthian forces, he would lead them. Therefore, his position in the army was high, but his standing with the Earthian Knights seemed low. Macron and four other people were in the room waiting for him. "I apologize if I''m a bitte." Helix announced. He checked the time and knew he was three minutes early. However, [early] was subjective to cultural understanding. Showing up [on time] for a meeting was rarely eptable in the real world. "No, you''re early." Macronughed with a gruff voice. "If you weren''t, I''d have taken the time to set this table up as a medics table." Everyone in the room burst intoughter. "Fair enough." Helix replied with a slight smile. "Please sit." A well-groomed man requested. He had ck hair that was cleanly cut in a military format. It wasn''t [buzz cut], but it was extremely short. His eyes were light grey with ck streaks in them. They were simr to Helix''s in their strange, muted expression, but they were gentle and soothing to look at. Helix wondered how they cut hair so close without clippers. The man motioned him to the left side of the table. The other four were sitting on the right as panel seating. He was still young, but he imagined this was what a panel interview would look like for his first job after college. Helix sat down at the table facing the men. The other two had light brown and dark brown hair, respectfully. They had the same clean appearance alongside their clean-shaven faces. He chuckled, thinking that Macron, who wasrger and had brownish-red eyes looked the same. Whenever he heard the man''s gruff voice, he thought he should have a beard like General Lackbolt. However, he was clean-shaven and respectable like the rest of them. The man with ck hair spoke first. "My name is Major Oakley." He said while reaching out his hand. Helix epted his handshake. "I''m Lieutenant Mosley." The man with light brown hair announced. Helix shook his hand. Finally, the man with dark brown hair and dark, yellowish eyes reached out his hand. His face was cold and sharp. "I''m Lieutenant Manson." When Helix epted his handshake, he felt the man grip-testing him at full strength. He casually shook his hand and released it. [Released] meant he elegantly [pryed free] from the man''s hand without resistance. To everyone else, it lookedpletely natural. It was a normal handshake to everyone at the table¡ªif they didn''t see the veins popping out of Manson''s arm. It was a bewildering sight that naturally struck fear into everyone present. On the one hand, it looked as fluid as a normal handshake. On the other hand, they knew that the Level 147 soldier couldn''t make Helix flinch at full strength. It was more terrifying than a punishment or regr show of strength. It meant that Helix had so much power that he didn''t see anyone in the room as a threat. Tyrene had the highest level in the army at 217, and they weren''t confident that she could have done what Helix did so naturally. While it would have been child''s y to break free, doing it effortlessly to the point of naturalness was out of the question. That meant that Helix, at eighteen, who was known for being the weakest of the people around him, was stronger than Tyrene¡ªand it was true. In truth, after the fight with the Stalkwalker, he was far stronger in terms of stats¡ªfar stronger. That didn''t mean that he [was] stronger or more capable, but it spoke volumes of his power. Lieutenant Manson stared at his hand in disbelief. He shivered, knowing that Helix could''ve shattered his hand if he squeezed back. "Okay¡­." Oakley called out awkwardly after ncing at Manson. "Let''s talk about General Tyrene''s celebration of life. ¡ª [A/N: I never write stories where a [character] is a victim of abuse. That isn''t to say that there aren''t implications of abuse in a story, but there is never dialogue between someone who has been abused. Mira''s story is sad and it''s brought up multiple times before ites to light. So I''d like to leave this disimer to prevent anxiety to readers.] Chapter 194 [Do You Think] "Yes. Thank you for taking the time to work with me on this impromptu celebration." Helix said with a voice filled with gratitude. "I was impassioned when I announced my ns for a gathering, so I''m humbled the military is sponsoring it." "No. I should be thanking you." Oakley replied with a rxing voice. "After learning of General Tyrene''s passing, I needed to n something anyway. You saved me the trouble of picking a venue and announcing it, and I would''ve had to get a symbol of her life. I assure you, I couldn''t have procured a Colossus skull on such short notice." The table, aside from Mosely, started chuckling. "I''m d to have helped." Helix said with a breathless chuckle. "Tell me, Sir Helix. How¡­ did you get that thing into the arena?" Oakley asked with a curious expression. "Macron told me that you pulled it out of your item storage, but no one believed him." "I took it out of my item storage." Helix confirmed with a slight smile. Oakey''s eyes widened in surprise alongside Lieutenant Mosely''s. Lieutenant Manson had recovered from his shock and was bitter and suspicious. "How? I''ve never seen anyone put something thatrge into their item storage." Oakley replied. "I looked it upter." Helix said. "The person that kills a monster and casts the intent spell can carry raw materials of any size in bulk." Helix said with a slight smile. "Once you reach third-evolution beasts, the pelts be extraordinarilyrge. So if they couldn''t, it would cause a problem. As a result, the Myriad Record allows a recognized killer the right to store it, and the size isn''t a barrier." The table fell silent. Oakley looked at Helix in a state of perplexion. "Are you telling me that the Myriad Record recognized you as the killer of the Colossus?" Helix nodded in confirmation. "That''s right." He said with a calm expression. "It''s likely that my partners could have also imed the skull or skeleton if they had cast the spell. The Myriad Record recognized me as one of them." Macron''s eyes trembled in confusion. The others were doing the same. Helix sighed internally. "Aside from personallynding the final decisive blow to its life, I led the army and developed the entire strategy and trap structure for the mission. I also led countermeasures to save soldiers'' lives by routing the Colossus on the battlefield." Helix rified. "Lastly, I cast ten intent spells on the Colossus'' head and led the effort to saw it off." Helix gave them a slight smile. "So naturally, I deserved at least partial killer status." The room fell dead silent after hearing the news. Everyone knew that Helix was involved in the death. "Then General Tyrene¡­ did she do most of the damage?" Oakley asked with wide eyes. "Master Tyrene was critical to its takedown." Helix said while shaking his head. "However, it took a dozen cmity spells from four people, a disaster-grade Level 5 magic circle, hundreds of magical attacks, ballista arrows, and three hundred men to kill." More silence filled the room. "Saying anyone did the most to kill it would lead to misconceptions, given that everyone was necessary to bring it down." Helix continued. "However, from pure physical damage alone, Tyrene''s apprentice Charlotte Kline did the most damage to it." After a moment of stunned silence, Lieutenant Manson stood up. "That''s bullshit! You want us to believe you and some girl apprentice did more than Winter General Tyrene?" He scoffed. Helix turned a murderous gaze to Lieutenant Manson. The look in his eyes sent an icy shiver down Manson''s spine. He turned back to Oakley. "Did General Masov not inform you that he witnessed Charlotte Kline level a small mountain with gravity magic before setting a 250-meter area on fire with 5000-degree mes?" Oakley''s eyes widened in surprise. "No¡­ General Masov told us you demonstrated your power and called the demonstration [terrifying]." The Major replied. "He didn''t give us details." Helix turned back to Manson. "Well, now you know. Please feel free to verify the legitimacy of my statement on your own time." He suggested with an icy tone. ,m "Until then, you''re in this room on General Masov''s orders. So while you''re in this room on General Masov''s orders, you will follow his orders like a soldier. Now sit down like a damn professional, or prepare to face insubordination." Manson''s face flushed with humiliation and anger. However, he stood tall, prompting Macron to begin yelling. Helix requested Macron stop with his hand. "Lieutenant Manson. If you don''t sit down and act like a professional in the next three seconds, you''ll learn my statements are true when General Masov aggressively reprimands you." Helix''s voice was cold as ice. Lieutenant Manson''s face paled, and he sat down reflexively. "Let me ask you something, Lieutenant." Helix requested in a frigid tone. "Do you think General Masov and the Queen would casually allow four young adults to walk in and pretend they own the ce if they didn''t need their power?" The lieutenant''s dark, yellow eyes trembled in fear. Oakley studied Helix''s face with slightly narrowed eyes. Helix''s demeanor felt unnatural. He didn''t sound like a snobby noble demanding full respect. The young man also didn''t sound like a person of power. Lastly, he didn''t sound pissed off or wallowing in resentment. Oakley could tell that the young man didn''t have experience as a military professional. So he understood he was trying to assert authority awkwardly. Lieutenant Manson looked at Helix with shock written on his face. He wasn''t answering. "Do you think General Tyrene would take four apprentices to fight a Colossus as a field trip?" Helix asked. Manson''s face started trembling more. "Do you think apprentices taught by Grandmaster Winter General Dame Tyrene Masney would be weak?" The young man trembled more. "Do you think you''re supporting her will by ruining the meeting held by her apprentices for her funeral?" The lieutenant''s face paled. "Do you think you were honoring her when you heard her voice tell you not to give me a hard time?" Manson was frozen stiff with fear. "Even if you believe any of those things, let me ask you, Lieutenant Manson." Helix requested in a sarcastic tone. "Do you think you can disregard your general''s orders and make a scene in front of two higher-ranked professionals because you want to?" Helix asked that question with a narrowed gaze. Manson looked at Macron, who wore a serious expression. Then he turned to Major Oakley, who was showing his disappointment. He didn''t want to offend Helix, who Masov strictly warned him not to offend. "N-No." Manson stuttered after ten seconds of silence. "Good. Now please act like a professional." "Lieutenant. Please leave." Oakley ordered after a deep breath. Manson turned his head to his Major with the fluidity of a rusty cog. "You were explicitly ordered to show Sir Helix respect." Oakley said with a rxing tone. "We shouldn''t need to remind anyone of that. So the fact that you were told and you still made a scene here today shows that you''re acting upon insubordination." Manson started shaking in fear. He didn''t want to get reprimanded, and he could tell it was serious. "Sir Helix wasn''t showing off. He was answering questions upon my request. You disrespected us both." Oakley continued. "Now leave. If I hear you start trouble orin to others, I''ll reprimand you seriously or strip you of your title." Lieutenant Manson froze in disbelief. Oakley closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Now, Lieutenant." Lieutenant Manson stood up with shaky legs and walked out the door. When he walked outside, he was facing four inner court Knights. "I-Is something wrong?" Manson asked the Knights with fear in his eyes. He felt like he might get arrested. "No. We are here to protect Helix Margrave." Ripply replied without moving his head. His eyes met the lieutenant''s, and the man trembled with fear again. "Now, Lieutenant." Oakley called out. "Y-Yes, sir!" The man ran down the hall with shaky legs. "Please forgive my subordinate." Oakley requested while turning to Helix. Helix nodded his head with a calm expression. "No, I should thank you and apologize for causing you so much trouble." He nodded his head, causing Oakley''s eyes to widen in surprise. Macron sighed in relief, knowing that Helix didn''t lose some screws. "If I don''t address these matters head-on, people will continue trying to kill me." Helix exined with a calm tone. "I''m not here to cause trouble, and I think I''m generally reasonable. I don''t have much experience, and I''m young, so I hope my method of dealing with Lieutenant Manson wasn''t too aggressive." Helix was genuinely remorseful, catching Oakley and Mosely off guard. "You did nothing wrong." Oakley said with a light chuckle. "I''m surprised, to be honest. I''ve never seen my general so shaken before." Macron''s eyes widened in surprise. "So I expected you''d be¡­ scarier I guess." Oakleyughed breathlessly. "About that¡­." Helix replied with a slight smile. "We had¡­ a rough reception in Alzeria. So my partners dressed up in girly clothing, put bows and flowers in their hair, and casually leveled a mountain and massive hill in five minutes." Oakley chuckled in bewilderment, and Mosely joined in. Macron burst intoughter and the entire table joined in. "I would''ve loved to see the man''s face." Macron chuckled. "I wish you could have." Helix chuckled. "My partners were waltzing under a Level 4 barrier as a tornado ripped through the valley. It was beautiful." Oakley''s eyes animated with a pleasantly surprised expression. "Waltzing? As in dancing?" He asked for confirmation. Helix chuckled and gave him a warm smile. "That''s right. Charlotte and Riley were doing spins in girly dresses when the whole ce exploded with fire. It was legendary." The table burst intoughter again. The group slowly got to business after theyughed about Marie''s cartwheel. Helix was d he finally met reasonable people. ¡ª [A/N: Charismaes in many forms; it''s not a question of charm or invigorating speeches. Charisma is the ability to inspire actions by mannerisms, actions, and purpose. While this scene is not as [entertaining] as mocking generals, he''s building [rtionships] by relying upon existing institutions and hierarchies. Oakley understands how powerful Helix is. So the fact that Helix is using legal authority instead of threatening makes him charismatic. While he has power, he kneels and uses decorum. Helix speaks to the otakus in their culturalnguage. He spoke to the soldiers in a way that was important to them. Helix and his partners mocked their poor reception dramatically to prove a humiliating point. However, their arguments were mocking the treatment Helix was receiving by throwing [their] customs in their face. His greatest charismatic feature is his ability to use force and show extreme reasonableness¡ªnot leniency¡ªafter. Helix has less than a month to capture the kingdom''s loyalty and soldiers'' hearts to train them and prepare them for a biblical-grade death blender attack. He''s eighteen and will face natural opposition. It''s life. But if he pulls it off, it shows his personality, and corresponding actions were enough. The moment that [mass murder to solve problems] is taken off the table, this is what the world looks like. No matter how cliche this book gets, this dynamic empowers it and makes it special. Thank you for reading; I hope you''re enjoying the novel!] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 195 [Make Your Luck] "Thanks for showing up." Helix said with a genuine expression. "Of course, boy! I love being roped into your reckless power ys!" A mocking voice replied. "So please invite me to bail you out every time you make one." "I''ll make sure to do that, Master." Helix joked. Tilo gave Helix a murderous gaze, but his facial rxed. "You know, somehow the stress you''re causing me here is mildly soothing." Tiloughed. Helix gave Tilo a quizzical expressionced with amusement. "How so?" Tilo gave Helix a mocking expressionced with equal amusement. "After I stopped training you, my stress levels dropped dangerously low." He replied in amazement. "I never realized life could be so calm, peaceful, and dreadfully lifeless." Helix and Tilo burst intoughter after that. The two were walking to the arena on the [day of rest] to prepare for Tyrene''s celebration of life. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley were training the troops on the city''s outskirts. Part of discipline was waking up and performing routine daily, even for a shorter period. It was something Tilo and Tyrene taught them. His Knights were walking behind him, ten feet away alongside Mira. Tilo and Helix were using a conversational privacy circle, making their discussion inaudible to anyone that wasn''t within a five-foot radius. "Besides. This one''s on my shoulders." Tilomented with a frown. "I should''ve gone back to Lexion with Tyrene''s body to get embalmed and caught up with you all." Helix nodded with an understanding expression. "We couldn''t have foreseen the cmity was the arrival of the Thymian Knights or the Myriad Records'' ruling." He replied. "We did the best we could with what we had." Tilo gave Helix a mocking expression. "If you keep that act on long enough, you might be charismatic one day." "I''m practicing, Master. At least give me feedback." Helix sighed. The two chuckled before bursting into lightughter again. "I never thought I''d say this, but your madness is finally being put to good use." Tilo scoffughed in amazement. "I think it was always useful, Master." Helix chuckled breathlessly. "The difference is that you''re not on the receiving end anymore." "Haaaaaah. True. I would''ve paid good money to see you hit Tyrene with that Ghost Walker Trigger." Tilo and Helixughed in bewilderment. "She came down screaming at me for giving you an Eruption spell." Tilo chuckled. "Oh yeah? How''d that go?" Helix asked with an amused expression. "Tyrene chewed my ass out for five minutes before I gave up and thrust your circle into her hands." Tiloughed. "Then she said, [Tilo. This kid''s a damn genius, yet you gave him an Eruption spell. That''s your fault]. Then she sighed and said, [Why do I have to do everything myself? Fine. I''ll train the kid full time; you can thank meter]." Helix chuckled in bewilderment before bursting intoughter. Tilo gave him a wry smile before cracking and joining in. "Sounds like her." Helixmented with a warm smile. "Indeed." Tiloughed breathlessly. "She''d be proud of you, boy." Helix turned to him with a serious expression. "You think so?" Tilo matched his gaze before walking through the gateway. Multiple Knights moved aside when they saw Tilo''s face and official clothing. To Helix, Tilo was always a teacher that he met in Kozen. However, in Alzeria, the man was the kingdom''s top circle master and extremely powerful. "Yes. You know why Tyrene came to train you, right?" Tilo asked. "I believe so." Helix replied. "It''s because of the strategic victories I won in Alzeria before leaving for Kozen, right?" Tilo turned to him with an amused expression. "Hoh? Did she tell you?" Helix chuckled lightly. "Not explicitly. However, Master Tyrene said it as a [joke] when we met, and I never thought it was otherwise." Tilo smiled with amusement. "Tyrene was honest in the strangest ways." He pondered the point a bit longer. "Well, it''s true. Now that death ising, your strange cunning is somehow gaining power with top officials without force." Tilo chuckled. Helix, Tilo, and Tyrene made a blood pact to share information on the pending invasion quest. Therefore, he understood what wasing to Alzeria. It was the only reason the man was so hands-on with aiding Helix with circles for all his stunts. While Helix''s ess to the Myriad Library ensured that he would eventually learn them, and wanted to teach them safely, that still didn''t justify teaching him cmity spells. The teen''s talent was unrivaled, and his spirit particle reserve was so high that it was in another world from everyone else. As a result, while a grandmaster like Tilo could activate three after countless years of developing into a level 189 grandmaster, Helix could toss them out like candy if he could activate them. And he could activate them. Therefore, Helix was a huge liability. However, his partners were walking cmities, and his need to amass power was unparalleled. So Tilo didn''t hold back when he taught Helix. "You realize how absurd it is for a nameless boy to show up and speak to generals, right?" Helix scoffughed and gave Tilo an exasperated expression. "Is that a joke? I can''t take a piss without someone reminding me." Tilo burst intoughter. "At least you understand." Helix gave him a wry smile and continued walking. "But it''s working somehow." Tilo continued. "Tilo, look to your right." Helix requested with a mocking smile. There was an 8000-pound Colossus skull right next to him. "Haaaaah. It certainly helps, but I''m not blind to the opposition, you know." Tilo scoffughed. "Me either, unfortunately." Helix sighed. "Hah! There it is! I thought those magical fairies hadpletely changed you!" Tilo cried. Helix turned away from Tilo with aughing expression. He couldn''t even look at the man at the moment. After Tilo calmed down, he stopped walking at the tip of the Stalkwalker''s snout. "Honestly, though. Do you have a backup n?" The man asked with a serious tone. "You''ve won 80% of the soldiers and nobles in a few days. But 20% is arge number in a country, and the 80% aren''t loyal, nor will they back you under heat." Helix closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I do have a backup n that doesn''t involve force." He replied. "Don''t tell me you''re going to give everyone in the city a harem." Tilo replied mockingly. Helix chuckled in bewilderment. "You know, that''s not half bad. I think I''ll¡ª" Tilo stopped him. "Don''t. Just¡­ don''t." Helixughed lightly. "Don''t worry, Master. It doesn''t involve a harem." Tilo narrowed his eyes and studied an expression. "However, it''s also not pretty. No trump card strategy is." Helix continued. "But it''s alsoplicated, and I don''t want to use it. It''s a gamble." Tilo looked at Helix with a serious expression. "You''re one for risks, but you''re not a gambler." Helix chuckled with lifeless eyes before sighing. "You''re right. However, there''s not much to lose when the alternative involves leaving the city and watching thousands die." Tilo gave Helix a wry smile. "Yeah. You''re right about that." "Don''t worry, Master. I''ll make this work." Helix said with a serious expression. "You make your own luck. And when I''m working this hard and dealing with this much nonsense, I''m feeling pretty damn lucky." Tilo burst intoughter. "Still cocky and arrogant as always, I see." Helix smiled and looked at the Stalkwalker''s skull. "Heh. It''s been working for me thus far." Tilo turned to the skull and chuckled breathlessly. "I guess you''ve earned it. At least a little bit." Helix turned to Tilo with a serious expression. "Tilo. You may need to protect Mira for a few days." Tilo nced at the young woman before turning back to Helix. "Why?" He asked simply. "She''s¡­ in aplicated situation." Helix sighed. "If things go wrong, I''m certain I can fix the situation. But I didn''t know what would happen to her if I disappeared for any length." Tilo nced at the young woman again. "You mean that her [position] is connected to you personally?" Helix gave Tilo a wry smile. "Yes. Mira''s entire existence revolves around me at the moment." Helix sighed. "It''s harmonious when I''m here, but it would be crushing if I weren''t. It''s a twisted situation that came at the worst time." Tilo took a deep breath. "You can''t just buy her out of servitude?" Helix''s eyes glided to the left. "She''s¡­ it''splicated. What''s more important is that Mira''s presence is symbolic of the kingdom''s gratitude and support." He sighed. "Buying her or leaving with her would be a p in the face." Tilo sighed as well. "What a pain. I''ll see what I can do." Helix gave him a grateful smile. "Just for a few days, right?" Tilo asked. "Yes." Helix replied with a slight smile. "Okay. That should be doable, considering you''re insane, and I''m certain you''lle back." Tiloughed. "My consistency is a virtue." Helix chuckled. Tilo gave Helix a murderous gaze before his expression rxed. "Heh. Your personality is like fire. It''ll keep you warm and alive, but it will raze a kingdom if it gets out of hand." ¡ª [A/N: Who''s ready for things to start spiraling out of control?] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 196 [Pressure] Tyrene''s celebration of life was set to take ce in the arena at 2 pm. It was noon. However, over three hundred people were standing outside the arena¡ªbecause it was already too packed. It could house over 2000 people, making a massive colosseum by Myriadian standards. Citizens and nobles lined every inch of seating in the arena. Helix announced the event three days ago, yet many flew Gryphons, and other winged beasts from neighboring countries had arrived. Among them were many individuals from Kozen who had traveled after word had spread about Tyrene''s death during the Colossus battle. "There is no room for mistakes when everyone''s watching." Helix sighed. In the arena, hundreds of people stood around a massive fighting pit. Helix suggested to Oakley that a fighting pit could keep soldiers and citizens entertained. It was a warrior''s funeral, after all. "I''ve got a que~stion." Charlotte chimed. She ran up to Helix and started rocking on the balls of her feet. Helix couldn''t help but chuckle at her cuteness. "What is it, Charlotte?" He asked with a warm smile. "Are~you¡­ gonna go super~duper mega ham and slice that cute little thumbsie in twosie?" Charlotte asked with a cute voice. Helix''s eyes widened in bewilderment. The cute words shot out of Charlotte''s mouth like she was unloading a machine-gun clip. However, the content didn''t align with the cuteness. "I don''t n it, but at least not until the opportunity closes. Why?" Helix asked with a warm smile. "Becaaaaause. It would be like, super~hot." Charlotte replied yfully. "I''ll think about it if someone makes a scene." He chuckled while patting her head. "Oh~kay. Good enough for me. Muah!" She blew a kiss and ran away. "That woman, I swear." Helixughed as she disappeared. Helix looked at the object in question. In the middle of the fighting pit, there was a thumb. It was the thumb of the Stalkwalker. As promised, Helix brought to the celebration to let anyone swing at it to vent their frustrations. Above it was arge sign that read: [Cut me to experience the type of enemy that can kill a legend.] Below that, there was a second sign. [Voluntary Betting Pool: Ten Gold to Enter. Prize for cutting it in half in one sh: 1000 gold. Five gold is added to the pot for every attempt. The pool resets after it''s cut in half. All proceeds go to the Alzerian Royal Army. If no person shes it in half by 4 pm, the entire prize pool goes to the Alzerian Royal Army. Sponsored by Helix Hellsgate Margrave. Exclusive to Alzerian soldiers with one year of military experience.] The betting pool allowed soldiers to bet ten gold to attempt cutting it in half. Every bet added another five gold to the pot. So by the 200th participant, the pool would be 2000 gold coins. Charlotte wanted Helix to cut it in half as a show of force. However, his experience policy cleverly excluded Earthians¡ªincluding himself¡ªfrom cutting it. A woman walked up to Helix. "That''s a mighty twisted game you''re runnin''." She said with an evil grin. "Hoh? You think I''m doing something nefarious, Miskie?" Helix asked with a grin. "Thinkin'' and knowin'' are two different things." Miskieughed. "Are you talking about making money for the army because I know at least a hundred people will cut at it before it breaks?" He asked casually. "Nah. I''m talkin'' about you settin'' up people to bicker about someone else." She replied with a mocking tone. "Oh my. I could never think of something so cunning." Helix replied with a sweet, innocent voice. Miskieughed with a sarcastic twang. "I can''t wait for people to chop that thing like a tree until it''s thin." She chuckled. "Then when thest person takes a swing and wins off everyone''s hard work, everyone will target that person with their bitterness." "Wouldn''t that be a dream?" Helix said with an evil grin. Miskie gave Helix a discerning expression. "Dream?" Helix nced at the woman with his evil expression before giving up and sighing. "It''s a beautiful system¡­ but I doubt four hundred people striking it in the same spot will cut it in half." Miskie''s eyes widened in shock. "You can''t be serious." Helix gave her a wry smile before looking at the thumb again. "Marie, Charlotte, Riley, and I were the only people that could cut the bones." Helix replied. "Marie was already stronger than Tyrene by a wide margin at the time. We chopped it up after we leveled up like crazy. High-powered Magic from overpowered people killed that thing. It took a hundred soldiers just to cut through the neck." Miskie''s eyes trembled in shock. She looked at Helix with a serious expression. "And you killed that thing?" "Yeah. We killed that thing." Helix chuckled bitterly. "But if we didn''t lure it into a trap, it would''ve killed us." "Ah. Well, best of luck gettin'' people to hate one another, cult lead." Helix gave her a wry smile as she walked away. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I''ve never been under this much pressure before." He looked around and saw thousands of people peering into the stadium. Soon he''d be standing before them. At that time, he would need to deal with hecklers and skepticists under the eyes of the entire army and countless foreign visitors. "Well, at least people will be distracted." Helix chuckled nervously. He walked around and greeted innumerable people. The caterers arrived, and they sent food into the stands. Helix spent 8000 gold on the event to give everyone free water and snacks for the event. He also provided liquor to the nobles, officials, and international guests. Anyone could pay for food and drinks, and the army sponsored a third of the cost. He also drew the [Air Conditioner Circle] around the stands to cool the visitors. Helix wrote [created by Helix Hellsgate Margrave] on each of them. It was controversial how he was buying supporters and advertising himself so much. However, the army and Kingdom couldn''tin. He''d be making the army a fortune with a Colossus finger sale and earning them thousands in the prize pool. There would be sponsored gambling on diator-esque fights shortly, and the military would earn proceeds from those. Lastly, he created a fundraiser for the army that provided donors a ticket for every hundred gold. He would randomly draw five donors from a hat to receive exclusive Samma Shaw items. In short, the army would make ridiculous money from the event. So he was also buying the support of the Kingdom and military. As a result, no one couldin too much. However, Helix knew exactly what he was doing behind the scenes¡ªemting Gaius Julius Caesar. He was intentionally amassing political support by gaining support from normal citizens and increasing his poprity. What he did far exceeded his decision to broadcast Tyrene''s speech to Alzeria, and he knew there would be consequences. Yet he had no choice; ultimately, he didn''t have time to waste with the kingdom''s political games, and he couldn''t just murder his way to the top. While that worked in cultivator novels, it didn''t work in the real world. It would destabilize the entire chain ofmandwork and cause the army to copse from shadow politics. It was a nightmare situation that made any other approachpletely counterproductive. So he gritted his teeth, calmed his beating heart, and prepared to act with charisma. "Gambling, food, drinks, disys of magic, cutting a Colossus finger, a huge skull¡­." Helix started listing items for the event. "I''m making a fortune for the army, but¡­ will it be enough?" Helix thought about it for a solid minute. "No. It''s not going to be enough." He chuckled bitterly. "You can''t buy loyalty at scale in a week. And there are still five days before the monsters start moving." "Sir Helix, is everything alright?" Major Oakley asked as he walked up. Oakley''s rxing voice was a godsend at the moment. "Yeah. I''m trying to strategize how I''ll deal with the hecklers in front of thousands of people." Helix sighed. Oakley thought about Helix''s statement with a thumb to his chin for a moment. "Sir Helix. If I may ask. Why go so far?" Helix''s eyes gilded to the left in thought. Oakley''s inflection felt moreplex than the usual questions he was getting. "Can you rify your question?" The Major''s eyes narrowed slightly in amusement. "You''ve already won the support of the military." Oakley asserted. "Not now. However, you''ll have our backing when monsters are sighted moving into Alzerian territory. With your power, we don''t have a choice. You have guards and are treated as a guest of the nation. So why are you making yourself arger target than necessary?" Helix''s eyes widened. He hadn''t considered things from that perspective. Helix opened and closed his mouth multiple times. The major waited patiently for the young man to speak. "To be honest, I have no fucking clue what I''m doing." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 197 [Public Introduction] Oakley''s eyes widened in bewilderment, and then he burst intoughter. "That''s not the answer I was expecting." He replied with a bright smile on his face. Helix chuckled with a wry smile. "You''ve done a hell of a lot for not knowing what you''re doing." Oakleyughed. "I''m just following human nature, Oakley." Helix sighed. "The nobles like money, exclusive clothing, power. The kingdom likes wealth, loyalty, and strength. Soldiers like prestige, glory, and honor. The otakus like ying cards, talking to women, and cat ears. I''m just giving people their simple desires. The problem is that in my mind, [more] is better than too little, so I go for most. I should get a power consultant." Oakley burst intoughter again. "That makes even less sense." The major cried. Helix looked at the man with bewilderment stered on his expression. "How so?" He asked. "Because you make it sound like providing limitless everything is easy!" Helix smiled when he thought about it for a moment. "To be honest, I''ve gotten lucky." Oakley turned to the young man who was speaking with true humility. "Hmmm. I got an idea. Hook me up with half your luck, and it will be impossible to take things too far." Oakleyughed. "Haaaaaah. I''ll give you half of my problems, too." Helix sighed. "No can do, chief." Oakleyughed. ? "I''m only epting luck. I canin about my problems when I''m drowning in cute girls, power, and wealth like you." Helix gave Oakley a genuine smile. "I suppose things aren''t so bad at the end of the day." "Nope. So just survive. The rest will iron itself out when the monsterse." Oakley said simply. "Are you confident they will?" Helix asked. "Yup." Oakley replied. "Tyrene said it in her recording. That''s all I needed to hear." Helix sighed a breath of relief. "It''s great to know one person feels that way." Oakley turned to him with a quizzical expression. "Most don''t?" He asked. Helix shrugged at the man. "Who knows. I only hear from the ones that don''t." He chuckled bitterly. Oakley burst intoughter again. "Sounds about right. Hopefully, the majority will meet your words with apuse tonight so you can hear us." Helix smiled and looked at the crowd. "I hope so." Oakley waved to Helix. "Good luck. We''ll be starting the choppin'' here soon." He called out while walking away. "So kill it with the announcement. It''s your event. You know, like everything else here. So kill it with those announcements too." Helix chuckled bitterly with a half-genuine smile. He then turned to the thumb in the arena. "Okay. Let''s do this." Helix sighed and walked toward the fighting pit. "Look! That coat!" A woman yelled out. "Isn''t that the famous designer?" Another replied excitedly. "Yeah! It''s Helix! Helix Margrave!" A third yelled out. Screaming came from the stands from a gaggle of young noble women. Soon different mutterings started urring from the soldiers on the left side. "Is that him?" "I think so¡­ I hear that strange coat is Earthian battle armor." "Battle armor?" "Yeah. I heard it''s super strong." "He doesn''t look that tough." "No¡­ he doesn''t. If General Tyrene didn''t call him out by name, I''d call bullshit." "Yeah. I''m halfway there just looking at the kid." While conversations spread like wildfire, Helix entered the fighting pit casually. The moment he reached the thumb, multiple cheers and ps rang out. Then the apuse started waving through the crowd from both sides. It slowly became more uniform as the pping reached new people and spread to the next like falling dominos. It was satisfying. Helix circled the audience to see as many faces as he could. Once hepleted the rotation, he took a light bow, triggering thunderous apuse. He reached his hands down and activated an amplification circle. "Soldiers, nobles, guards, officials, doctors, citizens, and every other proud Alzerian in this arena¡­." Helix began with a slight smile. "Thank you foring out to celebrate the life of Grandmaster Winter General Dame Tyrene Masney, the legendary warrior that protected our people for thest sixty years!" Booming apuse exploded in the arena, sending shockwaves through the Alzerian skies. "Thank you to the international guests that have journeyed her upon short notice to pay their respects as well. I do not speak on behalf of the kingdom, but I believe everyone appreciates the love and support you''ve brought her today. Proud Alzerians. Do you wee our guests!?" Thunderous apuse met his words again, and he circled the audience to give them a warm smile. "For those who do not know of me, my name is Helix Hellsgate Margrave." He continued. "I was one of four people General Tyrene took on as exclusive apprentices in her lifetime. For that reason, the other apprentices, along with the Alzerian military and her Majesty, and I have brought you here today¡­." Helix paused dramatically and circled the crowd to prevent cheering. "For a warrior''s celebration!" The audience detonated with cheering and apuse. "There will be time for real introductions in the future." Helix announced with a slight smile. "But for now, I''d like you to turn your attention to the small object in the stadium." Helix was next to the thumb but turned his full body to face the Stalkwalker''s four-ton skull. The people cheering for the thumb paused in bewilderment. After a second of confused silence, the stadium erupted intoughter. "Ladies and gentlemen. I''d like to introduce you to this sick beast in the stadium''s center." Helix requested with a booming voice. "Do you know what you call this monstrosity?" Excited whispers washed through the crowd. "Dead." Laughter denoted in the stadium and filled the Alzerian soundwaves. While the thousand people outside couldn''t see in, they could feel the emotion and started cheering the same. Helix circled the crowd again with a cheeky smile. "That''s right. This sick creature had half a dozen titles and some stats." He announced. "However, it''s dead, and the legendary Winter General Tyrene lives on!" Helix roared and circled the stadium, triggering wave after wave of apuse. "Legends don''t die! Today is the beginning of General Tyrene''s life!" Cheers started reaching a fever pitch in the arena. "She will be talked about for centuries, studied in sses, and recorded in the annals of history!" Helix yelled. "We''re here to wee Grandmaster Winter General Dame Tyrene Masney into the next stage of her immortal journey!" Deafening roars and battle cries came from the soldiers in the arena. "That''s right! Today marks a new era where children have a hero to look up to!" Helix continued. "An era where soldiers and generals look to this legend for inspiration and carry the torch to continue her legacy." Wild apuse met Helix''s every word. He circled the stadium to ensure everyone felt noticed. "It is our job to fill in where General Tyrene left off." Helix continued. "To start that step, I have brought you the left thumb of the hand that took General Tyrene''s life and made her immortal." The atmosphere in the arena suddenly turned dark. What was once a festive area was now an enclosed space with multiplied pressure. It became hard to breathe. They were looking at the hand that killed Tyrene, and the person who casually presented it was her unknown apprentice. Everyone stared at Helix with mixed emotions. Only then did they truly understand the gravity of Tyrene''s death and that the person before them was there. They didn''t know the story, and now they were facing it down. While he was charasmatic, he didn''t have a track record with the Alzerian army. He didn''t have medals. Distinction. Prestige. Most of all hecked something important: trust. Everything that Helix had was new; he was an upstart with wealth and backing. Beyond that, no one knew who he was, his background, or his situation. Everything he has done of value was in Kozen, and his aplishments in Alzeria ranged from representing the danger of Earthians to treason. Therefore, Helix had to turn things around. This was the defining moment that would make or break his reputation. He circled the area for maximum dramatic effect. Then he manerisms shifted. Helix stared at the audience with a cold expression on his face. He did not waiver and matched their gazes with a fierce look in his eyes. The teen did not shy way from anything. He was determined to face the truth head on, regardless of the consequences. So he prepared himself to tell the truth and spoke with a fierce passion that rocked the stadium. ¡ª [A/N: I love it when authors leave on cliffhangers. They provide something to look forward to when I wake up. I hope you agree. Thank you as always for reading. I''m d you''ve joined Helix on his ardeous journey and I hope it fills your day with entertainment. See you tomorrow, faithful readers! ] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 198 [Reversal] "That''s right! You''re looking at the thumb that threw a boulder that took General Tyrene''s life! She was immortalized after fighting a mythical battle worthy of a legend''s death. I don''t know about you, but even after seeing this thing''s head off, I''m still pissed off! So who wants to cut this damn thing''s thumb in half!" Helix roared. The dark atmosphere was shattered by the bloodlust that oozed from Helix''s body. His pressure cut their minds like a hot de. There was something about his appearance that felt off. It was vibrant in a way they couldn''t understand. It was both natural and unworldly, giving him the aura of a human demi-god. His voice, appearance, and demeanor set their souls aze. A single battle cry yelled out from the soldier''s section. Another followed it. Soon the entire area exploded in battle cries, and the rest of the audience started cheering. "Soldiers!" Helix yelled. "It''s your turn to take up the gauntlet and prove yourself worthy!" Helix turned his full attention to their section of the crowd. "Today, anyone with one year of military experience will have the chance to cut this thing with all their might!" He yelled. "Take out your frustrations! Take out your pain! Take out your proud warrior spirit!" The military section erupted in battle cries. "But be warned!" Helix announced. "This will be nothing short of a humbling experience!" The crowd calmed down for a moment to listen to his words. He circled the crowd with a mocking smile. "This thing''s only purpose in life was to give Tyrene the warrior''s death she deserved." Helix chuckled. Bewilderedughter spread through the crowd. "However! Anything that can kill a legend is a god amongst monsters!" Helix warned with a mysterious smile. He turned back to the soldiers to address them exclusively. His gaze was piercing and fierce. "So today, when you strike this thumb with all your might, scar the experience into your memory!" Helix roared. "Let it be a constant reminder of the goal that you aim to achieve! May you realize the full power of your Winter General for the first time!" Excited cries and apuse met his words. "There''s a friendly prize pool for anyone who believes they can cut this thing in half with a single strike!" Helix announced. "The winner will get a minimum of a thousand gold coins. They will also receive five gold coins for every failed attempt, so the pool will rise as time goes on. It will doubtlessly double soon." Excited whispers started rippling through the soldier''s area. "There are three things you should know. First, I encourage you to wait to enter the betting pool until you''ve seen what type of creature was able to kill a legend." Helix chuckled. "Second, it''s a donated item and a fundraiser for the Alzerian Royal Army, and I receive no benefit from it. On the contrary, I''ve pledged 1000 gold coins every time it''s cut in half. So the money benefits your military, and it''s not wasted. So please don''t use me of swindling youter. Lastly, this thing brought down your legendary general. If you think you can casually walk up and fill her shoes¡­." Helix circled the crowd with a mocking expression. "You''re out of your god damn mind!" Laughter rang out in the stadium, andpetitive faces heated up. Many wore the [challenge epted] mindset on their face. "I can see that warrior pride on your faces!" Helix roared. "That''s good! That mindset drove Winter General Tyrene to be the legend she was!" Battle cries rang out in the stadium. "Just remember that you don''t need to win money to prove yourself." Helix chuckled while shing everyone a cheeky smile. A pause. A moment of stunned silence. Augh. The colosseum exploded withughter and cheers. "Okay! Soldiers! Make your way down to the arena floor and line up at the chalk marks!" Helix announced. "And do it orderly. You''re soldiers, goddamn it!" Helixughed, and the soldiers joined him awkwardly. Many were already pushing their way to the front. However, theirughter increased when they saw his gentle gaze, and the group was more orderlying down the stands. "Vendors will pass out water and snacks as we begin!" Helix announced. "They''re free. You can also buy food and drinks as well. It''s not much, but we hope everyone can enjoy today without worrying about basic needs or hunger. After all, this is a celebration!" Cheers exploded in the citizen''s stands and the soldier''s areas. The nobles snickered until they saw finer-quality refreshments offered to them. International guests'' eyes widened in surprise when they also saw the extra gifts. Soon, no one was snickering at Helix''s gestures of goodwill. The soldiers lined up as vendors passed out the food and drinks to everyone. "Soldiers! Before we get started, I need to point something out." Helix announced. The soldiers lining up gave Helix their full attention. He panned their faces with a serious expression. "Below me is a Level 5 reinforcement circle to ensure this thumb doesn''t rip out of the ground when a few hundred soldiers sh this thing." Helix chuckled. Laughter burst forth in the stadium. "This circle can withstand an earthquake. With it here, you can go wild with your full strength without fearing bacsh from shockwaves. I know you are all ready to give it everything you have. Am I right!?" Helix roared. Battle cries rang out from the soldiers. "I''m going to activate this circle now." Helix announced. He put his hands on the ground, and the Level 5 reinforcement glowed with a golden light. "There''s two rules. First, no magic because there are thousands of people around." He said with a serious expression. "As Master Tyrene would say, don''t be an idiot just to show off. Damn kids, always walking around doing things for petty glory!" Laughter exploded among the soldiers. Helix gave everyone a slight smile after he saw their knowing expressions. "The second rule! Don''t make excuses!" He announced with a booming voice. "Master Tyrene would always say, [Are you going to make excuses to your enemy? Now shut the hell up and swing that sword]!" Roaringughter rippled through the stadium. The soldiers chuckled with bright smiles. Everyone who met her in training had heard those words or a close variation. "Luckily, everyone is on equal footing here!" Helix continued. "The kingdom has graciously provided master quality swords made from Kalinzium Alloy! It is the same quality of weapon used by royal guards! Everyone will use one of these ten swords to cut the Colossus thumb. That way, no one can me their gear or others for their gear during their attacks!" Cheers rang out amongst the soldiers. Aside from the weapons Tyrene and other prominent figures used, no one had higher-quality swords. "I''ll demonstrate, so no one questions the sword or the magic circle." Helix said with a slight smile. He picked up one of the swords and casually swung it at the thumb, leaving a visible scratch. Helix pretended to put effort into the swing as well. No one was impressed by the disy whatsoever. Many started snickering amongst themselves when they saw the disy and couldn''t wait to show the [apprentice] what real warriors were like. However, Helix was chuckling inwardly. He knew his casual disy would cause an uproar soon enough. If he gashed the thing, it would cause extreme resentment very quickly. "As you can see, I swung the sword, and it cut the Colossus'' thumb." Helix said with a slight smile. "Grandmaster Tilo Szar drew this magic circle, and the kingdom provided the swords. Is everyone convinced that there isn''t trickery here? Because the no excuses policy starts once everyone agrees and picks up one of these swords!" The soldiers looked at Helix in confusion. They turned to one another and started shrugging. Those that were snickering stopped to verify with others whether they missed anything. "Is that a yes?" Helix asked with a slight smile. "If so, I''ll randomly pass the swords to the first ten participants. So if you''re ready, let me hear a battle cry!" The soldiers looked at each other in confusion. Then one battle cry rang out and triggered a wave of battle cries. "You call [that] a battle cry?" Helix asked mockingly. "I make my women moan louder than that!" The soldiers burst intoughter. He turned to the audience, specifically the nobles. "That''s something that Master Tyrene used to say. So this is where youugh." Helix announced with a charming smile. Genuineughter sprung forth, and the entire stadium erupted withughter. "Much better." Helix chuckled. "Soldiers! Men! Women! Warriors of Alzeria!" Helix roared. "You''re staring down the monster that killed your legendary general. Show me your anger!" "YEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" "Send a message to the Mad Queen. Let her feel your bloodlust!" "YEAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" "Now, let''s hear a battle cry for Grandmaster Winter General Dame Tyrene Masney!" "YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" "Much better! You! Warrior!" Helix called out to a man. "Will you do the honor of striking the thumb of this Colossus for Alzeria!?" Helix did not ask the man for his name because he didn''t want to embarrass him. "Yes! I will strike it with Alzerian pride." The man replied with a firm tone. "Good! Here is your sword, soldier!" Helix responded while throwing the sword at the man. The man caught the sword and looked at it. He had never held such a majesty de, which filled his heart with pride. "Give it a shot! Remember! When you strike, you''re facing down a beast that Tyrene fought and killed alongside her apprentices!" Helix announced. "Now go forth!" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 199 [Tyrant] The man''s body trembled with excitement. He got into a full battle stance and prepared his mind to use 100% of his stats. He burst forth with the full might of his will and shed the thumb with vigor and passion. Ting! The man flew backward from the excessive bacsh, and one of the guards on duty caught the man to prevent him from falling on his sword. The crowd recoiled in shock and fell into whispers. The man looked at the thumb in disbelief. There wasn''t even a dust mark on it. "Someone else!" Helix called out, snapping the soldiers out of their daze. "Pick someone strong amongst their peers!" A man pushed his way to the center. He looked like a hairy bodybuilder. "I''ll do it!" The man roared. "Then here''s your sword, soldier!" The man epted the sword and roared with his hands in the air as a battle cry. Everyone in the audience snapped out of their maze of confusion. Then they started cheering and giving the man the attention he desired. He got into a battle stance, bent his legs, and exploded from his position. The man struck with all of his might. TING! He was sent back a few feet by the recoil. The audience looked at the man''s expression. He was staring at the thumb with wide eyes. There was the lightest scratch on the bone. It was only slightly visible. Helix walked up and rubbed his thumb across it. "You''ve done it! You''re the first Alzerian soldier to attack and harm this goddamn beast!" Helix roared with his hands in the air. The warrior stared at Helix in disbelief. But the young man''s enthusiasm was so contagious that it sent ripples through the stadium. Battle cries roared across the stadium from ordinary citizens. Nobles started pping. They were all mildly confused why leaving a small scratch was such a victory. Moreover, they also couldn''t understand how he was the [first] when Helix had just gashed it. However, when he turned to the soldiers with bloodlust in their eyes, they started roaring as well. The warrior circled the stadium with a confused expression. "What is your name!?" Helix asked with a booming voice. "Lesmond." The burly warrior said in a daze. "Lesmond!" Helix announced while circling the crowd with his hands held high. Cheers exploded in the stadium. Everyone in the audience cheered him for what he thought was a disgraceful disy of force. But when he snapped out of his daze, he lifted his hands high, and the crowd exploded with apuse. "And you, what is your name?" He asked the first. "Mammon." The first said in confusion. "Mammon!" Helix roared. Thunderous apuse met his announcement. Most people had forgotten their confusion. However, he wouldn''t let that happen. "Many of you look like you''re confused why it''s such an aplishment to scratch this thing!" Helix yelled with a passionate gaze. "Why!? It''s because this thing killed a legend! Do you think your legendary hero would die from something most soldiers could touch!?" Shocked gasps rang out in the stadium. Hushed voices whispered amongst themselves for confirmation. "Listen up! If someone can''t scratch this thing, it''s a reminder of the sheer force of nature that our legendary general and teacher was!" Helix roared. "And if someone can scratch it, it showcases the man or woman''s potential to take up the gauntlet. So let''s give Winter General Tyrene, Lesmond, and Mimmon a warrior wee!" Deafening apuse assaulted thendscape. Normal citizens could hear the stadium''s cries, cheers, and apuse from a mile away. The two men flushed with embarrassment, but Helix raised the first man''s hand high. The second raised his arms proudly. Tilo, Marie, Charlotte, and Riley were grinning on the inside. Helix was masterfully manipting the others into forgetting his disy of force. He had to create one; otherwise, the soldiers would suspect foul y. His light gash was small enough not to discourage others. However, it wasrge enough to showcase his worthiness. Now he was making everyone forget the scratch even existed. He was confident that no one would outdo the notch he put into the bone; so he got rid of evidence and prayed no one had the strength to question him. Thest thing Helix wanted to do was shame people with a [real] demonstration. "Soldiers! Take up your arms!" Helix yelled. He started throwing swords at men and women in the crowd. "If you cannot scratch it, you''re proving Tyrene''s godliness!" He roared. "If you can scratch it, you''re the pride of the Alzerian capital! Scar this demonstration in your memory so you understand what you''re to work toward now that your legendary general has passed away! Now go! Fight for Alzeria!" "YEAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!" After that, dozens of people started striking it at full force. Some left small gashes. Soldiers eventually started striking the grooves left by others. Slowly yet surely, there was a solid gash in the Colossus'' finger. Helix roared and encouraged others. He was the ultimate hype man, asking soldiers names and announcing them proudly to the stands. "There are countless soldiers here, but they keep you safe!" Helix announced. "So please give each the love they deserve!" Oakley watched Helix with a mysterious smile. Instead of sitting back, he was directly making contact with everyone. Most soldiers were disappointed when they couldn''t leave a scratch. But Helix built them up and made sure the audience recognized their efforts. He was gaining real poprity with his haters by bringing them love and glory. As for the crowd, who were tired, he used various means to trick the soldiers. Tilo activated gravity reduction circles with [Chain Activation] to make the pping less taxing. He activated amplification circles that adjusted to keep the volume steady, so the light pping and cheers seemed invigorating. He requested that the vendors pass out more free water. His magic circles created light mists that delighted the fans with cooling water, turning the air conditioner circles into swamp coolers. Small floating parasols passed through the crowd slowly to give people shade. Helix used every form of surprise and trick to keep the crowd enthusiastic and happy through the thirty minutes of nonstop pping and cheers. Oakley understood what was happening and found it amusing to watch. General Masov and Defense Chief Salkey didn''t understand the tricks and were appalled by the endless pping and cheers. It seemed contrary to human physics and biology to retain one''s voice and arm strength. They had never seen so many people that enthusiastic before. Even the nobles were in full force as they drank free high-quality beverages. It was a spectacle of the finest order. Helix was a powerful individual¡ªmuch more powerful than he was letting on. However, he showed up five days ago ahead of schedule and had already won thousands of allies in the city. There was a word for someone like Helix in ancient Greece. [Tyrant]. In modern times, [tyrant] is a pejorative term that describes totalitarian dictators. However, in ancient Greece and Rome, it meant a leader that seized power unconstitutionally. Tyrants sprung forth through charisma and pledges to people. These rulers often promised the poornd and wished to give individuals better lives. The elites hated these charismatic leaders, and most were brutally executed in public disys. Helix''s demonstration sent icy shivers down the spines of Queen Liliana, General Masov, and Defense Chief Salkey. Even the entranced Eliza understood the sheer gravity of the young man''s disy. She knew once the excitement wore off, she would worry about him. There was no way the government would casually ignore Helix from now on. If they couldn''t get him under their control, he would likely be deemed a threat as great [or greater] than the impending monster attack. That''s because a tyrant''s presence could causew and order itself to break apart at their seams. Helix could destabilize the government and military and prize the nobility right before a major threat without aplishing anything. He was a serious problem and didn''t understand the consequences of his actions. Eliza did and only prayed that poof of an attack woulde soon. Otherwise, there was certain to be trouble. Until then, everyone just watched the unbelievable spectacle ying out before them. Nonstop pping, love from the drunk nobles basking in his magic, move from themoners, and adoration from the soldiers who each got called out once. Everyone loved him, respected him, and listened to him. His poprity got to this level in only a few days¡ªbut now he had a serious voice. The leaders of Alzeria were both fascinated, invigorated, and terrorized by the scene unfolding. [Helix the Tyrant] was officially born. ¡ª [A/N: Fast sess always creates conflict. There is a difference between building rtionships and building support. While Helix struggles to achieve respect when building rtionships, he has no problem achieving support. It''s amon theme in [Nightmare] to show how Helix approaches situations. Helix used to trash talk enemies as a defense mechanism to throw them off and destabilize them when he was weak. Now that he needs the support of people, he doesn''t sigh or do so. Sometimes he''s gentle; other times, he demands respect. I hope you enjoy reading the realistic emotional journey towards creating and establishing power as a leader. If you don''t¡­ why are you still reading? XD I love you all. Thank you so much for reading. Let''s get this political ughter-fest rolling!] Chapter 200 [Panic And Comfort] ¡ª24 hourster¡ª "It''s already spreading that quickly?" Helix sighed, "Everything went well just yesterday." "Yes. This movement is absurd. We need to do something about it before it gets out of hand." Marie warned. "Even the Queen won''t be influenced to stand up to it if we let it grow at this rate." "It''s a tumor. I suggest chemo." Charlotte said seriously. Marie gave Charlotte a savage gaze. Charlotte shrugged in response. "What should we do?" Marie asked with a serious gaze. Helix stared at the table with a serious expression. "We need to take an unorthodox gamble two days from now. Please inform Macron I need an audience to discuss it. I''m going to get Master Tilo and Elsa. Riley, please find As. Charlotte, pleasee with me. You''ll be my guard detail." Helix turned to Mira. "Mira. Please follow me; I''m taking you somewhere safe." "W-What is going on, Mas-Sir Helix?" The young woman stuttered. Her green eyes were trembling in fear. "Mira, do you trust me?" Helix asked while looking her in the eyes. "Y-Yes. I trust you with my life." She whimpered. "You''ve saved me once before, and I''ve trusted you since." "Then please trust me now." Helix replied in a gentle tone. "I need to keep you safe at all costs. I cannot exin what''s happening in a way you will understand. So I ask you to trust me." Mira nodded with tears welling in his eyes. Helix walked out of his room and looked at his four Knights. "Ripply, Tok, please inform her Majesty that I''m leaving the Capital for now. Please give her this note. I''m trusting youpletely." The two men''s eyes widened in shock. "We will follow your orders as always, Sir Helix." Ripply replied. "But forgive me for prying. What is going on? We cannot abandon you without just cause." Helix nodded with a serious expression. "I''m currently under political attack." The four guards'' eyes widened in shock. "If the Capital rules me to be unwanted here, you will be relieved of your service to me." Helix continued. "So doing this is in everyone''s best favor for the time being. I''m protecting you and also protecting myself. I''m taking Catalina and Rudus for protection, so you needn''t worry about foregoing your responsibilities." Ripply nodded with a serious expression. "We haven''t known each other long." Helix continued. "However, if things calm down, we''ll have a strong rtionship moving into the future. So please trust me, and I''ll do the same. I have to go now; please take care." "Yes, sir!" Ripply replied with a stoic expression. "Yes, sir!" Tok followed. The two left. "Catalina, Rudus, you''reing with me, and we''ll discuss the next steps when we get there." "Yes, sir!" The two replied in unison. Helix held Mira''s hand, and they walked down the hall at a hurried pace. While he wasn''t concerned about himself, he [refused] to let another servant be wrapped up in an enemy attack. If he did, he''d have to resort to violence, which would cause problems. "Hellie. Will everything be okay?" Charlotte asked with a serious tone. "Of course." Helix replied with a breathless chuckle. "The second that the Capital sees a third-order beast on the horizon, let alone a Colossus, they''ll beg for our help." Charlotte listened with a serious expression. Her gaze was sharp, scanning her surroundings. She had a finger on the trigger. "The only reason I''m panicked is because we need to get Mira to safety." Helix continued with a bitter expression. Charlotte''s heart felt a stabbing pain. While Helix had spoken about Emelia''s death multiple times in heart-to-heart conversations, he never talked about the [experience]. It was the hardest part he was never able to address with them. Helix needed to be strong and protect them. So while he was candid with Tyrene and Tilo during the beginning of their training, he hadn''t spoken about it to them directly. Now she could see the full effect of his troubles. The way he was holding Mira''s hand was heartbreaking to her. He had known Mira for less than 24-hours, but now he was protecting her with her life. Moreover, her story was tragic, so it weighed down on him harder than usual. "Don''t worry, Hellie. Worst case scenario, we can take her with us." Charlotte said with a serious expression. Helix looked at her with aplicated expression. "I''m not ying around as usual." She rified with a serious gaze. "The kingdom may force us to leave, but they aren''t stupid enough to attack us." Helix thought about it for a moment with a serious expression. "That''s true. Thanks, Charlotte. I''ll see what Tilo hase up with and we''ll make that decision when the timees." He was honestly considering it. The political problems of kidnapping a servant [sent to him] weren''t devastating. His partners were walking cmities far more dangerous to the kingdom than monsters were. So they wouldn''t be pleased if he took her, but they wouldn''t even consider it a major slight. That was especially true when it came to Mira. They sent Mira to him for emotional connection reasons, and she was [ironically] the perfect candidate for a servant. The kingdom wouldn''t miss her, and they would certainly understand the consequences of harming her. Those that didn''t understand the consequences posed the problem. They, like Walter, would attack her without understanding the ramifications of doing so. "Hellie. We''re here to support you always." Charlotte said with a gentle voice. "I know. When we get to safety, let''s talk about my experience with Emelia." Helix chuckled breathlessly. "Honestly. It''s not just because I know what you''re thinking. I need to talk about it so that I don''t snap during the next two days and act irrationally. I should''ve done it long before now, but it''s a hard topic." Charlotte nodded with a serious expression. "I''ll look forward to it." She replied. "Hellie¡­." Helix stopped for a moment and turned to her. Charlotte was rarely indecisive. Her eyes trembled for a moment. "What is it, Charlotte?" He asked with a tender voice. "I¡­ love you." She whispered. Helix walked up and held Charlotte close. If people showed up to attack them during their moment, he would kill them. His partners came first¡ªalways. "I love you too, Charlotte." He whispered. "You don''t have to worry about anything. We''re strong together." Charlotte nodded with a breathless chuckle. "Can we murder people if we need to?" She asked. Helix chuckled with a warm smile. Charlotte said murder because it was her natural personality. "Yes, Charlotte. Youe first. Always." He replied with a warm smile. Her eyes lit up with shock. She wasn''t expecting that answer. "Charlotte. We''re not cultivators. However, we''re good people with good intentions. If people try to kill us, I won''t bat an eyelid to save you from them." Helix rified. "I won''t me you either. We have a pact to protect each other at all costs. We''ll live our entire lives hoping we never have to kill another person. We''ll fight for that in any situation we must. However, I will not sacrifice my life nor any of yours for ill-meaning people." Helix squeezed her tight, and sheughed with joy. Charlotte was so happy that he confirmed his eptance of killing. She wasn''t someone who thought of hurting anything. Hitting people was never an option in her mind unlesspletely necessary. But she knew she would kill [anyone or anything] that seriously threatened Helix''s life again. She didn''t understand how she felt about Helix until he fought for his life during his trip to Kozen. After that, she didn''t question her feelings. Charlotte was terrified Helix would leave her if she killed someone to save him. Now that she had his blessing, she felt far safer and more secure than in thest two months. Right now, she needs that. Seeing Helix''s panicked expression was a massive shock to her system, and she genuinely neededfort. "Let''s keep moving, Charlotte." Helix requested with a gentle smile. "The sooner we determine what we''ll do with Mira, the sooner we''ll get to safety." Charlotte nodded with a joy-filled expression. ¡ª [A/N: The time gap provides general mystery, but there isn''t another skip ahead and work backward scenario. He sessfully charmed thousands, and only 24 hourster, he''s already in hot water. Also! Charlotte showed vulnerability [once], so make sure to write your [death g] FUDments! Spoiler! She won''t die unless it''s like... the end of the novel. I don''t want to stress anyone out. Emelia''s death sucked writing, and the bacsh was far more extreme than I thought it would be. Like 70% drop rate for one scene. Like, it''s apliment that I made a character so loved that her death was an instant drop point, but it''s still depressing XD So fear not! I''m letting everyone know that I love Charlotte! She''s the best ever. <3 I love these characters. Thank you so much for joining me on this incredible journey. Happy reading, everyone!] Chapter 201 [Those Precious] "Master, this is Mira Iris." Helix announced. Tilo''s eyes widened in shock. "Why are you so panicked?" His olive-green eyes were bewildered by Helix''s sudden change of emotions. "You were stunning yesterday and received a remarkable victory." Tilo continued. "Even with the bacsh, your support base is extremely powerful." Helix grimaced and looked at Tilo with a serious expression. "Master¡­. Things aren''t that simple." Tilo looked at Helix with a quizzical expression. "This movement is state-sponsored. There''s no doubt about that." "What?" Tilo asked in disbelief. "Master. After achieving so much support, who would openly defy my influence in both the fashion world and the military world?" Helix asked. His teacher opened and closed his mouth multiple times. "The ramifications of doing so are too great. The Queen''s cab will try to chase me out if they rule us as a threat to the Kingdom''s power structure." Helix exined. "The situation is precarious, and if we don''t deal with it will cause havoc on the Kingdom, throw our rtionships in disarray, and everything will backfire." Tilo gave Helix a wry smile but nodded in understanding. "So you''re saying you did your job [too] well. Yes?" Helix scoffughed and nodded his head. "I''m known for blowing up wyverns and assaulting my teachers with harems to achieve victory." Heughed. "My tactics work out, but they''re often a threat to my safety." Tilo gave Helix a mocking smile. However, he couldn''t keep his facial expression together when he saw Helix''s evil smile. So he cracked and burst intoughter. "Fair enough." Tilo said while wiping light tears from his eyes. "So what''s next in the death wish ybook?" "I''m here to ask you if you can confidently provide asylum for Mira during my absence." Helix replied. "To the Kingdom, my leave will be permanent. However, I n to leave for only a few days." Tilo''s eyes narrowed in thought. "You''re gambling?" Helix nodded with a firm expression. "I''m gambling. However, I''ve decided to stay in hiding as long as I need to make the gamble a strategy." Tilo''s face rxed hearing his statement. "That makes me feel better, boy." He replied. Helix nodded with a gentle expression. "I can ask to take on Mira as an assistant, as you''re my legal apprentice." Tilo exined. "In the worst-case scenario, I can express you''re emotionally connected to her and will likely return if you hear she has been harmed. It has already worked with Millie Patterson. Therefore, I believe it''s rtively safe, so long as you return with a reasonable excuse and a way to quell discontent." Helix nodded with understanding. "I''ll need five days maximum, but I n for two." He replied. "By that point, the monsters will be on the move, and I''veid the groundwork to have the Kingdom spot them without connecting us. So, either way, I''ll return with my issues solved. I just need to survive the rtionship breakdown for now." Tilo gave Helix aplicated expression. "Thank you, boy. I don''t think I''ve told you that." Helix gave him a warm smile. "Thank you as well, Master. I''m meeting with Macron after meeting up with Elsa. I''ll be discussing my n under a blood pact. You can choose to take the risk or not, as you will not be involved as he will." "Then I''ll refrain." Tilo replied with a slight smile. "It''s easy to hide information that no one is looking for. However, it''s hard to hide the information they''re seeking. So the best I can do is hide your n to return. I''ll leave everything else to trust." Helix gave him a warm smile. "I appreciate it." He turned around to face Mira. "Mira. This is Grandmaster Tilo Szar." Helix said with a gentle smile. "He''s my teacher and good friend. He has a lot of influence here, and I trust him with my life." Mira''s tear ducts welled with tears, and she didn''t want to hear what Helix would say next. Helix reached out his arms to Mira, and she flew into his arms. She sobbed into his chest, and he stroked her hair with a gentle demeanor. After a minute of holding her tight, he kneeled before her. Mira''s eyes filled with panic when she saw him kneeling. "Mira." He said in a calm voice. "I''m kneeling so that you don''t have to look up to see my expressions." Mira sighed a breath of relief. Her puffy eyes were hard to keep open, so she was grateful. "Mira. I will keep you safe, and this is the best way I can do that." Helix said with a warm smile. "Even if I''m forced to leave, I''lle get you, and no one in this kingdom can stop me." Mira''s eyes trembled in panicked confusion. Her emotions were tumultuous. Helix was her shining light in pure darkness. She didn''t want him to leave when she had finally found hope for her life. "Trust me, Mira. I''m here with good intentions to help the people of Alzeria." Helix continued. "However, no one can stop me from saving what''s precious to me. I haven''t known you long, but we''re connected in many ways. I promise that I will protect you from now on." Mira began bawling and hugged Helix around the neck. He slowly lifted his body toplete the hug. "Now, please trust me and follow Tilo." Helix requested with a gentle smile. He turned to Tilo. The man matched his gaze with a serious expression. "I won''t be far. If anyone threatens Mira or Millie, please send a re somehow. I''lle to pick them up without bloodshed." Helix requested. Tilo grimaced at the thought. "Tilo, if anyone harms or imprisons these two, [I will] use force to free them." His teacher''s eyes widened in shock when he realized theck of words like [won''t hesitate to]. Tilo stared into Helix''s pitch-ck eyes for clues about the young man''s mindset. "Millie left me a Circle of Remembrance that led me back here to help. I fought in a death match and got stabbed to save Mira''s life. I will no longer have a reason to be here if these two are harmed." Helix exined. His teacher''s eyes widened in astonishment, and he turned to Mira. The young woman started bawling again. Tilo already knew about Millie, so the situation now made sense. "I''vee here with good intentions and repaid my life debts by trying to help Alzeria. However, if Alzeria harms the people I''vee here to save, I''ll save them and my friends and leave everyone else to die. My mindset isn''t a personality trait. I simply refuse to save the lives of people that constantly try to kill my loved ones and me. If anyone faults me for this mindset, they''re an idiot." Tilo closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I''m honestly surprised you didn''t leave after the first three days." Heughed. "Who the hell voluntarily stays in a city where a dozen people try to kill them?" Tilo doubled overughing, but his expression was pained. Helix gave him a warm butplicated smile. He understood Tilo''s mindset. "And yet I''m grateful because this is my home, and you''re the only person that can save it." Tilo''s face contorted in emotional pain. He hated putting the weight on Helix''s shoulders. However, he knew the Myriad Record had signed a death warrant for the city, and Helix and his partners were [literally] the only people that could save it. Tilo also had people precious to him. He had a grown daughter named Kiko in Alzeria. They named her after histe wife''s favorite flower. He had rtionships with friends and allies throughout the city. His life work was in the Capital. Even if he survived, he would lose everything he loved. Helix''s face rxed, and he gazed at his teacher. "Tilo. I''ll at least take out the fifth-evolution Colossus, no matter what." Tilo''s eyes widened in surprise. "I''ll do that for you and Elsa, at that very least. I owe you my life, as you gave me the power to protect people. The same is true of Elsa." Helix continued. His teacher''s eyes trembled. "Please protect these two with force, if need be." Helix requested with a rxed expression. "With or without me, five days from now, all of your political problems will instantly disappear, and you''ll be hailed as a hero. I''ll airdrop another Colossus skull off a Gryphon in the Kina district with the words [courtesy of Grandmaster Tilo Szar and Chief Elsa Lizco]." Tilo''s face froze with shock. Then he chuckled. Helix chuckled. They both chuckled simultaneously. The two burst intoughter and shared a final moment of peace. "Boy, I''ll protect these girls with force." Tilo dered with a serious voice. "I''ll go into hiding for a week if necessary. However, please give an old man a break. Try to get back here soon." The man gave Helix a truly pitiful expression. Helix chuckled breathlessly. "I n to." He said. "Mira. I have to go now. I''ll see you in five days maximum." Mira gave him a firm expression and nodded. "Take care, you two. Charlotte, let''s go." "Yes~sir." She replied with a salute. Helix chuckled breathlessly. "What am I going to do with you?" "Punish~me for not taking the situation seriously?" Charlotte chimed with a teasing expression. Helix scoffughed as he walked out the door. The moment the door shut, he grabbed her waist, pulled her close, and kissed her. Catalina turned bright red, watching the sight. It wasn''t the aggressive kiss that made her blush but Charlotte''s aggressive response. Rufus felt a deep desire to whistle but kept his mouth shut. After the very emotional scene they witnessed on the way to the room, they were happy the two could blow off steam. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 202 [Get Your Story Straight] "Elsa¡­." Helix called out after opening her office. She lifted her head off her desk. Aftering back to Alzeria, she was being overworked to catch up. Moreover, Helix was causing her daily panic attacks. "Helix?" She asked in a daze. Her ck hair was covering her face in the most ridiculously unprofessional way. It was aical sight. "Yes, it''s Charlotte and me." He replied with a slight smile. Charlotte saved but remained quiet. Her uncharacteristic quietness sent off rm bells, and she jolted awake. If it weren''t for Helix''s gentle demeanor, she''d be panicking. "What''s wrong?" She asked hurriedly. Helix gave her a wry smile in response. "I''m letting you know that Charlotte, Marie, Riley, and I will be leaving for a few days." He said with a calm tone. "While we''ve gained overwhelming support, we''ve also made an unknown powerful enemy as well." Elsa''s eyes grimaced. "So we''re leaving to put a hold on rtionship breakdowns. We''ll be gone for five days at most, and we''ll be safe." Helix exined with a slight smile. "It''s for our safety and also yours. I came to you immediately after I decided to do so." Elsa stood up from her desk and ran over to Helix. She threw her arms around his shoulders. Helix winced, believing she''d scold him. "Thank goodness." Elsa whispered in happiness. "I''m so grateful that you''re leaving when you''re at genuine risk." His eyes widened in shock, but he quickly hugged her and held her tight. "Of course. Things are different now, and I won''t risk our lives unnecessarily in our quest to protect you in the Capital." Helix whispered in a warm tone. "I''m so happy to hear that. I''m grateful¡­ but I worry." Elsa replied with an emotional tone. "I know, and that means a lot." He replied with a warm smile. "I need to go now, but I''ll be back soon. If anyone asks, I told you I''m leaving permanently due to the recent smear campaign. It is doubtlessly backed by someone with power in the Royal cab. If we run into any [impossible to fight] monsters on the way, we''ll take care of them as a favor to you, Master Tilo, and Macron. We tried working with Alzeria and consider our debt to Princess Eliza, and Queen Liliana repaid." Elsa released her arms and gave him a serious look. "Smear campaign? My apologies, I haven''t left work." She muttered in disbelief. "Don''t worry." Helix said with a mysterious smile. "I''ve anticipated this campaign, and some juicy presents will arrive shortly to crush it into oblivion." "It''s going to be juah~uuuu~see." Charlotte chimed yfully. Helix gave her an evil grin. Elsa gave him a murderous gaze. "You''re not asking for trouble, are you?" Helix chuckled with a devious grin. "I wouldn''t saypletely. But the first gift is as benign and well-meaning as it gets." "Let''s just say he''s unloading a ticking time bomb on the Kina district." Charlotte announced casually. "But they''re going to love~it¡­ until it''s twoooooy~tah." Elsa turned back to Helix and narrowed her gaze. "Just wait and see. I have to go; I have a meeting to make." The woman sighed in defeat. She knew she couldn''t stop him, and he was honest. If he said that the [first gift] was benign, it meant it was positive but explosive. The [second gift]... she knew she couldn''t ask about it. Helix wouldn''t tell her for her safety, so she wasn''t going to ask. So instead, she sighed as she watched the two walk out the door. Elsa decided to go home and sleep. She figured she''d have a panic attack in the next two hours and stay up three days straight if she stayed awake. So she trusted him and made a mental note to see Tilo and Macron in the morning. ¡ª "Boy¡­ what do you want?" Macron groaned. "Marie woke me up toe here, so it better be good." He had deep ck bags under his eyes. The Kingdom had put the Earthians under heavy scrutiny, so he worked tirelessly. "I''m here to solve your problems." Helix replied with a slight smile. Macron shot to attention, and heughed in response. The man gave him a wry smile but lost interest because he was too tired to fight. "You have problems dealing with Earthian oversight." Helix rified. "Yeah. I wonder whose fault that is." Macron replied sarcastically. "I''m fixing that problem in a few days." Helix replied with a slight smile "I need your help. I''ll give you three options for approaching this situation, as it''s ratherrge. First, I can give you a single instruction to follow. Second, you can blood pact in, and I''ll tell you what I''m doing. Finally, you can blood pact in, and I''ll give you a heart attack." Macron''s eyes widened in shock before he lost enthusiasm again. He was tired, and nearly everything Helix pushed him to the edge of a heart attack. "What typa heart attack, boy?" He asked in an unenthusiastic tone. "Like¡­ [you almost dying] heart attack, or [Tyreneing back from the dead to kill me after you die] heart attack." Helix chuckled in bewilderment. "It''s somewhere in between. I assure you, your hair will gray instantly, and you''ll probably have a stroke. But I''m giving you that option anyway because I trust you." Macron rubbed his eyes with his palms. "Boy¡­. The Kingdom has a telescope so far up my ass I can''t sit straight." He replied in a lifeless tone. "If you tell me anything, I''ll probably die from getting tortured for information." Helix grimaced and gave him a serious expression. "Macron. I''m leaving the city permanently." Helix said with narrowed eyes. Macron studied his facial expression and nodded lifelessly. "Yeah, yeah. I got it." He chuckled bitterly. "In the meantime, the Earthians aren''t ready to fight. So if troublees to Alzeria, hold them back at all costs." Macron''s eyes shot open. "You''re expecting trouble?" He asked. Helix nodded with a serious expression. "Yes. I''m certain trouble ising, Macron." The man scoffed bitterly and felt the desire to curse. "So why are you holding the Earthian''s back?" Macron asked. "Because you haven''t taught military cooperation yet." Helix said with a slight smile. "Basic training, magic training, monster hunts, and military tactics. You haven''t taught them thest, so they''ll kill all of the Alzerian troops if they enter the battlefield. That''s not conjecture; that''s a fact." Macron took a deep breath and grimaced. Then he looked at Helix with pleading eyes. "Boy, I get that. But why the hell do you have to act so damn happy about it?" Helix and Charlotte burst intoughter. "I don''t know¡­." Charlottemented with a finger pressed against her lips. "Per~haps it had to do with Hellie working with the military to prevent us~ from killing all of the Alzerian troops." Macron''s eyes widened in understanding. "So are you orchastratin'' something?" The man sighed. "The Kingdom is hiding our source for the monster''s movements and not taking it seriously. We are. So all we have to do is leave. The first wave of monsters wille to attack the Capital, the army will realize they''re fucked, and then we''ll negotiate toe back¡­ maybe." Helix replied while shaking his head. "We''ve agreed to eliminate any enemy impossible for you and the Earthians to face. We''re doing that for you, Elsa, and Tilo, which is the primary purpose of mying here. But that''s the issue. If arge enemy doese, we''ll be close enough to fight it. However, if the otakus and weebs jump in, we''ll kill [them] instead or die protecting them. An idiot doesn''t take that reality seriously. We do. We need you to prevent them from fighting at all costs. Can you do that?" Macron took a deep breath. "It''s not like I would''ve had a choice anyway." The man sighed. "You didn''t have to tell me that. However, it''s good to know that you''re not leaving this ce after the mythical-grade shit storm you''ve unleashed." Helix chuckled with a warm smile. "I''ll take that as apliment." Macron narrowed his gaze again but gave up on caring. He wanted to go to sleep. "Anyway, there''s two Knights outside, otherwise known as regretful spies." Helix scoffughed. "So people will be certain to question you tomorrow." Macron groaned in annoyance and waved his hand. It wasn''t like he wouldn''t get assaulted by them tomorrow anyway. "Just tell them we''re leaving permanently due to the smear campaign. We''re considering helping fight impossible enemies during our travels if we run into them. That''s for your sake, Elsa''s sake, and Tilo''s sake. You can also tell them that we rmend the Earthians not fight because they haven''t worked with the military. That''s everything we''ve told you." Helix said with a slight smile. Macron blinked twice to express his gratitude. Helix withheld any sketchy information. He had to twist it slightly, but he didn''t have to lie. Macron figured that Tilo and Elsa were given simr stories. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 203 [Message To Alzeria] Six am the next day. "Greetings, Alzerians." A familiar voice waved across the kingdom in arge chain of amplification circles. Groggy eyes met the voices'' words. Those that were awake stared into the sky with wide eyes. "Many of you met me two nights ago. My name is Helix Hellsgate Margrave. I am the apprentice of Grandmaster Winter General Dame Tyrene Masney, Grandmaster Tilo Szar, and Grandmaster Linus Trevon." Chief Defense Salkey''s eyes trembled in panic, and he quickly ordered circle masters to shut down the airwaves. However, the circles Tilo had set up for the kingdom-sponsored Tyrene address used a special spirit mix, and they couldn''t deactivate them. They were also created with Helix''s conditional trigger circles. Therefore, [he] could turn them on and off simultaneously without Tilo''s [Chain Activation]. Helix taught Tilo how to use conditional triggers during training and worked on them as a team following [Gravity Tip Trigger]. The wielder could activate all spells simultaneously by setting up triggers for a magic circle to activate by [another] magic circle instead of [proximity]. That was a primary reason the kingdom chose Helix''s amplification circles. The conditional triggers didn''t require [Tilo] to activate them¡ªbut it had a ring consequence. Salkey''s eyes widened in terror when he realized he was helpless. Masov narrowed his eyes to the sky after the same realization. Oakey starred along with him with a depressed expression. "But you may not know I''m the only partner and exclusive designer for Samma Shaw who owns Samma''s Exotic Fashion Bizarre." The general citizens'' eyes gilded around in confusion. However, the awake nobles were either excited about the announcement or panicking. "Samma Shaw is arguably the most legendary clothing designer for noble fashion in Myriad." Many were sweating. "Lastly, I''m in Alzeria because Grandmaster Winter General Dame Tyrene Masney acquired information concerning recent monster activity." Many citizens started panicking. "However, an address from Master Tyrene disclosed this information a few nights ago. It is not new, no monsters have been sighted yet, and I''m not here to start a panic." Salkey orders search parties to search for Helix. Unfortunately, he was a mile away. The Myriad Record didn''t ce distance limitations on conditional triggers. Magic was processed through the Myriad Record, and thus distance was irrelevant. It''s extreme, but so are nuclear weapons and seventy-year-old Earthians ruling continents. Such is life. "Now that the context is out of the way, I have an announcement. I''m leaving Alzeria due to the treatment of one or more members of the Alzerian Royal Cab." Shocked gasps rang through the streets. Helix became a hero overnight. Now he was leaving? Many were outraged by his audacity. They felt deceived and were bitter. The otakus and weebs were heartbroken by the news. Maze and Miskie were crushed, learning their friends were leaving without saying goodbye. However, they both knew that wasn''t something the four would do. So they had hope. Macron smiled wryly, knowing it was a ruse. Those close to Helix knew he wouldn''t abandon the city coldly. "I''d like to rify that Queen Liliana and Princess Eliza have treated me well. However, over a dozen people have tried to execute me for various reasons in thest five days. Eight people didn''t let me speak before they attacked me or ordered my death as nobles." Many people wore gaping expressions. They couldn''t believe what they had just heard. Salkey was crying in shock, and Helix was grinning, imagining his face. Major Oakley turned to General Masov for confirmation. Masov gave the major a shame-filled expression before nodding in confirmation. Princess Eliza was stunned and speechless after learning that her guards only made up a fraction of his assassination attempts. "However, I persisted and stayed. Two nights ago, I had the pleasure of speaking to thousands of you directly, telling you my story, and speaking about the fight in Kozen. We reminisced about Winter General Tyrene together. Weughed and cried together." Those who were initially outraged were emotionally conflicted by the news. They didn''t know what to think. "But yesterday, the very next day, there was an orchestrated smear campaign that a cab member started." Shocked gasps rang through the streets. Salkey continued barking orders and preparing soldiers for potential conflict. He was livid. Multiple nobles were running to various locations to meet with others. "There''s a movement calling me a traitor for requesting the aid of Kozen after helping them defeat the Colossus. They were one letter away from turning around. However, neither the kingdom nor its Defense Chief, Generals, or any other military personnel called them off. They confirmed they did not n to turn them away, and they told me my decision to do so helped their willingness to work with me." Those in support of the movement trembled. Queen Liliana was holding her head in her hands. She was getting dragged under the bus. However, she [requested Helix''s aid] and put him through the trials he was facing. After reading the letter that Helix gave Salkey and Masov, she was trembling in fear. Liliana [needed] Helix. But instead of treating him like a world power, she treated him like a single person. Even once Helix and his partners showed they were stronger than Alzeria, she did not summon him again to reset their rtionship on equal footing. Masov had the same thoughts moving through his mind. Helix desperatelyworked and tried to make a rtionship work. However, people cannot burn bridges with people with power. Helix couldn''t work with the army with poor rtionships. But his support was extremely valuable, and he didn''t ask for anything but trust he wouldn''t seize power. It''s the most dangerous task in human history and often proceeds coup d''etat or government takeovers. However, Helix was supported by Tyrene, and they had no choice. "Second, I''ve been called a fraud for selling Samma Shaw''s clothing to the nobles here. There have been payments withheld and movement for refunds. This movement came after Samma Shaw allowed me to sell her Earthian clothing line exclusively to Alzeria for a period¡­. [Upon my request]." Nobles everywhere started panicking. "Well. I''ve sent a letter to General Lackbolt stating someone in the Alzerian Royal Cab has deemed me a traitor for requesting his aid. Considering Kozen owed [me] a favor, and I saved their country from ruin and equipped their army, he''s certain to turn around now. Whoever you are, I hope you''re happy." Salkey was screaming at everyone in sight. Masov took a deep breath with anguish in his heart. He was one of the people who questioned him. With the new information Helix had given them, he realized Helix''s decision to call Kozen was a godsend. Liliana was trembling. "To the nobles withholding payments or requisition refunds, I have a surprise for you. Samma Shaw is riding a Gryphon to Kozen as we speak. She wanted to thank you for your warm reception. However, I''m certain she''ll be pleased you''ve insulted her business partner and called her clothing fraudulent." The Kina district was in a panic. "However!" The booming voice caused everyone to freeze in their tracks. "There are receipts from the good nobles who have supported Samma Shaw. I''m providing them to her so she doesn''t me all nobles for the disgusting treatment of the few. Alzeria gave her a beautiful wee, and she was so pleased she was visiting. So I''m certain she''ll still be grateful to those who treated her kindly and respectfully." Many of the nobles sighed with relief. Their beating hearts started calming down. However, every noble desperately trying towork for support was coldly shut down on the spot. "Additionally!" The young man''s voice made everyone''s heart jump again. "Queen Liliana, Princess Eliza, General Masov, Major Oakley, and a notable Royal Guard treated me kindly during my stay." Saul was stunned and speechless to be called out. After blindly attacking Helix, he deserved to be in the secondary category. "I still owe debts to her Majesty and the Princess for saving my life. I also owe life debts to Grandmaster Winter General Dame Tyrene Masney, Chief Elsa Lizco, Grandmaster Tilo Szar, and Captain Macron Tazon. There are countless Earthians I respect, innumerable servants I adore, Thymian Knights I''ve be friends with, a Grandmaster I''ve enjoyed talking to, and even a cool cat. These are just a few." The otakus and weebs had happy expressions. The super-otakus were d they had restored their rtionship with Helix. The power-weebs were happy to know that Helix epted them. Liliana''s eyes shook in disbelief. Tilo had a wry smile listening to the address. He couldn''t believe Helix had the audacity to create a public address without authorization. Elsa was fearful, but her eyes sparkled. Eliza was trembling in shock and disbelief. She was d that her friend didn''t hate her. The princess was worried sick after the smear campaign started. Kylon''s eyes widened in shock. He could hear Helix''s hesitation to say something like [gangster cat], but he didn''t. "So I won''t forget you. While I''m leaving the Capital with my partners, if Ie across a Colossus or third-evolution beasts, I will kill them." Everyone''s eyes widened in surprise. "I can''t guarantee I''ll run into them, but we''re traveling in the general direction of our source. In short, I will repay my debts by alleviating dangerous enemies for Alzeria if Ie across them. We cannot handle it alone. That''s why we were requesting Kingdom support to defend the capital. So if a Colossus is in the center of a swarm of beasts, we may not be able to fight. However, we''ll send a letter as quickly as we can. We don''t know if there is a Colossus or third-evolution monster. We''re just providing auxiliary support in anticipation of anything." The Capital was dead quiet. Everyone was frozen in shock and disbelief. No one knew what to say. "Lastly, the kingdom can also send a letter to General Lackbolt requesting their aid. Kozen is an ally. So I doubt they will refuse you, even though they won''t be happy. It''s customary for generals to work with allies, even if they are bitter or don''t like them." Masov and Liliana wore wry smiles after the insight. Salkey was sitting at his desk, waiting for his title and honors to be stripped from him. Everyone had the same rational fears of Helix bing a tyrant. However, Salkey acted on his own using a whisper campaign to which he couldn''t be officially tied. Helix grew up in the age of social media, however. An allegation alone can have devastating effects when made public. So the proof was irrelevant. People in power usually call upon troops to round up the four, kill them, or sanction users. However, the four could destroy the capital as easily as breathing. Moreover, they were guests helping the kingdom; they weren''t normal citizens. Lastly, Liliana and Masov knew he was guilty, so his authority meant nothing. "The wonderful Alzerians who have treated me graciously or I haven''t met yet me¡ªthank you. I was humbled by the reception for my Master''s celebration of life and my treatment there. Alzeria is a wonderful country, and I made countless amazing memories here. That is why I returned to support this beautiful Capital and its people. I wish you no ill will and pledge my support in fighting monsters during my travels. Thank you for your time, love, and support. Good luck, take care, and be well. Warm wishes from Helix Hellsgate Margrave." "Charlotte~Kline." "Marie Skybolt." "Riley Singer." "Oh¡­ am I supposed to say something?" "Your name, dummy!" "Oh. As." The super-otakus burst intoughter alongside Macron and Elsa. The power-weebs were confused because they had never met the young man. When confronted, every otaku had two words. [Gambling den]. The real joke was that As wasn''t joining them. He just wanted to make his debt collectors think he was gone so they wouldn''t check for Circle of Vanity use. If they knew that, they''d probably die. ¡ª [A/N: Looooong chapter. Hope you liked it. Consider rereading [Gambling with Cliches] and [Begging for Trouble] right before the auction. This sub saga''s thematic element is the historical consequences of fast rises to power. While the auction and Tyrene''s message were stunning, his Earthian takeover was mind-bending, and his funeral was a masterpiece [ording to Tilo]¡ª ¡ªHelix [and Liliana] understood the consequences of Tyrene''s public address to Alzeria from day one. Liliana called it subversive. It was. The question is never about positivity; it''s a matter of influence and, consequently, power. The ripples from that power y have spiraled out of control until they''ve reached a critical tipping point. I hope you appreciate the intricate storytelling in [Nightmare]. It isn''t easy to write like this, but I find it beautiful. Thank you as always for reading. I appreciate you all. PS: This story repeats itself throughout history endlessly like a broken record. If ten people name historical leaders that faced simrplications, I''ll post another chapter. Please don''t post more than one leader; otherwise, you''re giving people the answers and making it harder.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 204 [Mira] "How far¡­ do you think¡­ we''ll need to go." Marie asked between deep breaths. "Let''s take a break." Helix chuckled. "Yes!" Charlotte cried while pumping her arm. The group had been jogging for thest three hours while holding invisibility wall circles above their heads. Tinker was wearing a vest with a magic circle on him since he was horizontal, which the team envied. Of course, jogging was 20 mph for the group. They sat underneath a tree withrge leaves the size of dinner tes. These leaves were half yellow and half pink, making them look beautiful and delightful. Riley was having a wonderful time running through the forest during autumn time. Tinker was having the time of his life. He got to kill all of the beasts in the area [exclusively]. She had agility stats near Helix, of course. So while they were strolling, Marie and Charlotte were dying. Helix touched his neck and pulled out cold bottles of water with a form of citrus in them. After passing them out, he pulled out a massive monster bone to Tinker, pulled out some fruit, and started slicing it for the group. They were running through the forest to escape detection from riders who used avian mounts. Chief Salkey and powerful nobles were certain to be pissed. If they knew where the group was headed, they could start spinning lies of treason and siding with the Mad Queen. "Hey, hey." Charlotte called out while nudging Marie with her elbow. Marie was exhausted, and she gave the blonde an annoyed expression. "How pissed do you think Mr. Stalker is?" Marie''s expression crumbled, and she started giggling. "He was probably bludgeoning his subordinates when they couldn''t shut down the magic circles." The group started giggling, and Helix watched them with a smile. "How''d you get Queen Liliana to sign off on those special magic circles, anyway?" Marie asked with interest. Helix gave his partners a wicked grin. "It was practical. You wouldn''t want random people activating amplification circles." He chuckled. "So Master Tilo suggested they use my circle so they could make the circles more permanent. Naturally, since it was my circle¡­." The three women grinned at him and then burst into giggles. "I hope Master Tilo is doing alright." Rileymented nervously. "Ahhhh. He''s fine." Charlotte replied dismissively. "Hellie charged him with protecting Mira and Millie. He said if they ended up in confinement or got hurt¡­." Marie and Riley listened to Charlotte''s dramatic pause with wide eyes. "I told him we''de back to Alzeria and take them by force." Helix sighed. Marie and Riley looked at Helix with bewilderment in their eyes. "Was it a bluff?" Marie asked in astonishment. Helix gave her a wry smile before cutting more fruit slices. "No. I chose to go back to Alzeria specifically because Millie thanked me for always protecting everyone." He exined with a low voice. "If I went back to Alzeria to protect everyone, and Alzeria hurt Millie, Id¡­." Helix closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then he turned to his partners. "Considering their impending death, I''d ask you if you''d help me shatter the bones of everyone involved, even if it were Queen Liliana." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley looked at Helix with shock. "I hope that doesn''t scare you." Helix continued while slicing the fruit again. "The thought of those two getting hurt triggers the merciless feeling I had when L killed Emelia." His partner''s eyes trembled, and tears welled in their eyes. "I''d probably pull back to save my humanity." Helix chuckled bitterly. "That feeling is cold, lonely, and devoid of all the warmth I feel when I''m with you three." Helix''s eyes welled with tears as well. "Can¡­." Marie called out. Helix turned to her with light tears streaming down his eyes. "Yes?" He asked in a low tone. "I hug you?" Helix gave her a thankful smile, and he put down his knife. Marie stood up, moved close to him, dropped to her knees, and hugged him tightly. Charlotte and Riley joined on the other side and waited until their movement was over. After he rxed his grip, the other two hugged him as well. Charlotte then sat behind him and ran her fingers through his hair. "Do you want to know Mira''s story?" Helix asked with a pained expression. "We''re happy to listen, Helix." Riley said with a gentle voice. "Mira¡­." ¡ª "C-Can I get you some tea M-Master Helix?" Mira asked nervously. After meeting with Oakley, Macron, and Mosely, the two were in his room. As promised, he was willing to give her as much time as he had before his need meeting in three hours to speak. "Yes, please. Please make yourself a cup, as it would make me morefortable." Helix requested with a gentle smile. "I-If that''s what you w-wish, Master Helix." Mira stuttered. He wanted Mira to feelfortable. Emelia was always mostfortable when she could perform servant work for him. So he was letting Mira call him [Master] and serve him. However, he was also unwilling to hear her story without treating her as an equal. Mira''s face calmed down immediately when she was allowed to do tasks. Her nervousness melted away as her muscle memory took over, and she felt normal. Helix could tell she was nervous he might reject her. He patiently waited until the tea was ready and motioned for her to sit down. "Please sit down. I''m mostfortable when [my servant] sits with me." Mira''s eyes trembled, and light tears welled in her eyes. "Yes, Master Helix." She nodded hurriedly. Helix was d he could alleviate her concerns and make her feel morefortable. "Can¡­ I ask what happened between you and Whitney?" He asked nervously. Mira''s eyes welled with tears, and she averted her gaze. "I¡­ I caused Whitney a lot of trouble from day one." "Is it because Whitney is a lesbian and received immediate ridicule?" Helix asked in a calm voice. Mira''s eyes widened in shock, and her iris'' trembled. Helix sighed inwardly. The story would be rough, so he figured he''d guide it in a controlled manner if he could. "You¡­ knew?" Mira asked. Helix gave her a wry smile. "It''s a brutal reality that everyone knew on the first day." Mira''s eyes widened in disbelief. "When Alzeria summoned us from Earth, one of the main maniption tactics was to provide us sex. I''m sure you were ordered to seduce Whitney, correct?" Helix sighed. He gave her a genuine expression as she tried to hide her blushing face. "Y-Yes¡­." Mira replied awkwardly. She didn''t mind following her orders, but she didn''t want to talk about sex with her new Master, especially if it could sway his opinion of her. "Please don''t worry. I''m very epting of all forms of rtionships." Helix chuckled breathlessly. "I firmly believe that people can do whatever the hell they want as long as it doesn''t affect me. I''m not sure why other people don''t feel that way." Mira blushed awkwardly. She didn''t know what to say. "So you don''t need to worry about my opinion of you changing, Mira." Helix said with a gentle smile. Mira''s eyes welled with positive emotional tears. Helix could read the nervous woman like an open book at the moment. It saddened him, and he immediately decided to take her in and hope his partners would ept her as a servant. Each missed theirs, and their status in Alzeria was shaky. He felt there was another reason they sent Whitney to him. "Let''s move back. Since the Kingdom ordered all servants to seduce their Masters and Mistresses, everyone knew Whitney was lesbian immediately." Helix sighed. "Otakus like us are generally epting, but she was the only one, which led to gossip. I could tell from the beginning she was hesitant to be around you in public. Am I correct in that assumption?" Mira looked away from Helix in slight shame. Helix wanted to hug her. He remembered seeing the fear in Emelia''s eyes when she thought she''d be rejected. Mira must have had it hard. "Yes¡­ Mistress Whitney was hesitant to be around me, but¡­." Her eyes started tearing up again. "She wouldn''t abandon me. Even when some girls started getting nasty, she started pushing back¡­." Helix closed his eyes in bitterness. He didn''t need her toplete the story. "The person who was bullying her was Lina Wainwright, correct?" Helix asked. Mira recoiled in fear, and Helix realized his mistake. "Mira¡­ please. You don''t have to worry." He replied with an awkward, hurried tone. "Lina''s gone. Second, I''m never going to tell on you for saying anything about anyone. Our conversations are confidential." Mira calmed down with deep breaths. Helix hadn''t built trust with her yet. She wasn''t necessarily afraid of [Lina], but rather of making enemies with Helix by talking about the wrong person. For example, if she spoke ill of Charlotte without knowing their rtionship. "I''m asking about Lina because she was the person behind your kidnapping. I thoroughly despised Lina and punished her for what she did to you." Mira''s face heated up with shame. "Thank you, Master Helix." She whimpered. "No need to thank me, Mira." Helix replied with a gentle tone. "But you''re wee." Mira''s eyes widened, but she saw his gentle gaze and calmed down. "Yes¡­ it was Lina. It''s as you said; Lina was behind the kidnapping." Helix took a deep breath. "The guards¡­ they didn''t hurt you, did they?" Mira''s eyes shot open in surprise, and she started waving her hands in front of her face. "N-No! They took me to a room under house arrest!" She cried. Helix chuckled in bewilderment at the strange sight. Mira''sically panicked expression told him she was embarrassed at the mere suggestion. He was thankful nothing nefarious happened during that period. The thought weighed down on his mind, and he felt like her answer lifted a huge weight off his shoulders. "I''m d for that, at least." Helix replied with a forced, gentle smile. "If you don''t mind, we can skip past my agreement to fight in the deathmatch. What happened between you and Whitney afterward?" Mira''s eyes trembled, and she didn''t know what to say. "S-Sir H-Helix. Your blood pact¡­ was what broke us apart." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 205 [Blood Pact] Helix''s eyes widened with shock, and the news flooded his face with anxiety. His eyes glided to the left as his brain went through all the information at lightning speed. When he got to the blood pact, he grimaced with a pained expression. ¡ª "The rules of the blood pact are simple. You make an oath between two parties, and the Myriad record will require that the oath is carried out. The oath is simple. You dere you will fight a person in a death match. I will release Whitney Skarrot''s servant Mira Iris if you arrive, and I must protect her from future harm." A man in a guard uniform stated. ¡ª "The blood back required him to protect you from future harm." Helix whispered. Mira''s eyes welled with tears. "Yes¡­." She whimpered. "That request¡­ was extremely misguided and brutal." He whispered in disbelief. Helix looked up at Mira. "Did the guard start protecting you daily?" Mira nodded hesitantly. "Albert¡­ he followed us everywhere¡­." Helix closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I should''ve been paying closer attention." He scoffughed in self-deprecation. Mira panicked and hurriedly started speaking. "N-No, M-Master Helix, y-you did nothing wrong." She cried. Helix took a deep breath and forced a gentle smile. "You''re okay, Mira. I''m disappointed in myself for not catching it, but I don''t me myself, so don''t worry." Helix [definitely] med himself. He didn''t understand blood pacts well, so he was meticulous about his vow. He took a major risk by making the blood pact about [physical]munication. It turned out the oaths people made were [literal] in the lexical definition of the word. As a result, he didn''t consider the [casual] general vow to be literal. Mira put a hand to her chest and sighed a breath of relief. "Thank goodness." She whispered. "You did a lot for me, and¡­ I never got to thank you. It''s because of you that I''m alive today. That''s val-v-value-able." Mira burst into tears again. Helix reached out and offered her a hug. He didn''t know whether his reputation with Emelia made herfortable to hug him or the fact he saved her. However, he was d she let himfort her. Helix felt extremely guilty about what happened. "So¡­ Albert. He died, didn''t he?" He asked while holding her tight. "Y-Yes¡­." Mira sobbed. "H-He was reprimanded, l-lost his wife, a-and he started getting a-angry." Helix wondered whether Whitney hated him. Perhaps that was why she never approached or looked him in the eye. It must have been a rough time. With such a twisted pact, Albert couldn''t take his own life if he wanted to. "O-One day W-Whitney was carrying t-tea and dropped it n-near me." Mira continued. Helix wanted the story to stop. It was the most psychologically brutal way to live life. "A-Albert p-panicked and k-knocked W-Whitney out of the way, h-hurting her." She continued. "G-Guards that did-didn''t know the sit-situation¡­." Helix''s breathing started getting ragged. "T-They d-dragged him aw-away th-thinking he-he was a-a stalker for y-yelling he had to be ne-near me." He was hoping the story would end after Albert''s death. But he knew a minimum amount was necessary to exin how they separated and what happened to Mira. "A-And then I was pi-picking up the br-brok-ken ss and c-cut m-myself." "And Albert died." Helix sighed. Helix gripped the young woman tightly, and she sobbed in his chest uncontrobly. He was always meticulous with the boundaries of his blood pacts, and they exclusively dealt with information control. I''ll tell you this, and you cannot speak of it. Helix never imagined the serious consequences of a generalized blood pact. The guard wasn''t either. He imagined the man learned about it through Walter or another member who suggested it to [force] Helix to fight and die. While Lina might have brought up the blood pact, he doubted she''d go so far as to seal his death. She looked at least partially guilty during his deathmatch. It was better to say that she was trying to convince herself she did what was [necessary]. "After that¡­ Whitney was shaken. The Kingdom was worried about her health or reassigned another servant. Is that right?" Helix asked. He was being selfish. The general story was autpleted after he remembered Albert''s blood pact. "Mmhm¡­." Mira nodded in his chest. "What happened to you?" Helix whispered. "I¡­." Mira whispered. "Princess Eliza¡­ wouldn''t let me get sold after being relieved." Helix''s eyes widened in shock. "Y-You s-saved my life, and she said t-they were indebted t-to you." Mira continued with a shaky tone. "S-So they¡­ set me f-free in your honor." Helix felt like he had just stepped foot in an alternate dimension. He was not expecting the turn of events. However, it did make sense in retrospect. If Helix were assassinated for saving a person''s life, the Kingdom wouldn''t kill or harm that person when they felt indebted to him. "Then¡­ why are you assigned as my servant, Mira?" Helix asked in confusion. "I¡­ I was h-hired by the K-Kingdom to b-be your ser-servant." Mira cried. She pushed away so she could face him. "I-I just¡­ I-I''m sorry¡­ I put you¡­ in an awkward p-position, b-but I don''t k-know what to do with my l-life." Helix''s eyes widened in shock. "I-I don''t have f-family here. Th-They were sold into s-service and I d-don''t have a-any skilled trade e-experience." Mira continued. "A-After being s-set free¡­ the K-Kingdom won''t h-hire me. S-So when I a-asked to thank you, I-I epted an opportunity t-to work for you. I-I''m sc-scared once the m-money Princess¡­ E-Eliza gave me r-runs out¡ª" Helix pulled her back into a hug. "Mira. I''ll hire you as a servant and take care of you." He whispered while gripping her tight. "I''ll also free you from Royal obligations because they hired you." "I''m sorry! I just wanted to thank you!" Mira sobbed. "I know." Helix said with a gentle smile. "And I''m grateful." ¡ª Marie, Charlotte, and Riley had tears in their eyes after hearing the story. "It''s not your fault for the guard''s blood pact, Helix." Marie whispered. Helix shook his head with a wry smile. "I¡­ feel disappointed in myself for not catching it, but I don''t me myself." He said softly. "It''s our story, being abducted, given sex, and the consequences on Whitney and Mira''s lives that bothers me." Marie and Riley nodded with solemn expressions. Charlotte hugged him from the back. "Lina could have hurt Mira like Emelia¡­ it hurts¡­ it hurts so goddamn much." The three hugged him all at once. "It''s the same story. Emelia, Mira¡­ I won''t let that happen to Millie because she represents everyone else as a symbol." Helix whispered. "If they target the most defenseless who I''m actively protecting¡­ my hatred for humanity might boil over." "We''ll pull you back, Helix. We''ll prevent your rage from harming you." Riley promised. Charlotte and Marie looked at her in confusion. They wanted to support Helix if he felt it was necessary. But when they saw the look of gratitude in Helix''s eyes, they understood. Helix didn''t want to hurt or kill anyone. That wouldn''t likely change. His struggle was having the [power] to do so and knowing no one could stop him. The darkness that eventually fades from traumatic events would be far worse if he destroyed himself by feeding it. "Waiiiiiiit. Are you worried you''ll be a cultivator?" Charlotteughed in bewilderment. "Hellie, don''t insult us. We wouldn''t love someone capable of bing so boring." Helixughed, and his partners burst into giggles. "You''ve be strong, Helix." Marie said with a pride-filled voice. "Now, no one would dare to harm Millie." Charlotte and Riley nodded in agreement. "They may be stupid enough to take her as a political hostage, but that''s nothing a few non-lethal earthquakes can''t solve." Marie added with a warm smile. "The castle''s defenses only need to crumble to be too busy worrying about invasions to care about a hostage." Helixughed in bewilderment. "I hear that fear of tornadoes destroying crops makes people listen." Riley giggled. "And if people can''t walk to work because gravity triples, that''s bad for business." Charlotte grinned. Helix gave Marie and Riley a grateful smile with blurry eyes. He reached his hand above his shoulder to stroke Charlotte''s cheek. Then they all giggled and threw themselves on top of him for a bear hug. Once he hit the ground, Tinker pounced and started licking his face making him squirm withughter. The strange showcase of love made Helix forget about his troubles, if only for a minute. ¡ª [A/N: This story is dark af, and it has a lot of depth. I hope that you''re into that type of thing. Because... that''s what you''re gonna get. XD Seriously, though. Was this chapter satisfying? There''s a lot that happened in the first month that hase to light, and there is still more in the future. Do you find that satisfying?] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 206 [Leading] "We''re here." Helix said with a mysterious smile. "Wheeeew! Finally!" Charlotte cried. "Now we get to do rigorous training¡­ yay." Everyone gave each other a wry smile. "Well¡­ at least it''s what Master Tyrene would have wanted." Mariemented. "We''ve beenzy now that we have official responsibilities." The group burst intoughter. "Yeah. Master Tyrene always said, [Just because we''re going back doesn''t mean that training''s over. If you start cking because your life has measly ten-hour work days, I''ll remind you what an eighteen-hour work day is. Brats]." Helix dramatized. The group burst intoughter. "Well¡­ it''s been less than a week, and we had a month off. I guess we can''tin." Marie giggled. "Hell yeah we canin!" Charlotte snapped. Everyone looked at her with annoyed faces. However, she was waiting for them with a devious expression. "Once." The group keeled over inughter again. "Okay, well let''s get theining out of the way." Helix chuckled. "The faster we master this, the faster we can prevent walls from copsing, crops from being destroyed, and nobles developing osteomyelitis." His partners started giggling. "I have an [insane] spirit particle count now, so we can prevent brutal tolls on our bodies when we use our Nightmares at full force. So don''t hold back. We may never get training like this again." "I''m ready when you are, boss." Charlotte said with an evil grin. "Ready." Marie added with determination in her eyes. "I''m looking forward to it." Riley remarked with a gentle smile. "Alright. Let''s do it." Helix said with a wicked smile. ¡­ "This¡­ is seriously fucked up." Charlotteughed in bewilderment. "Yeah¡­ this is terrifying." Mariemented with wide eyes. "Well, we killed it and know it will work now." Riley giggled. "Yeah¡­." Helix looked at his partners after a breathless chuckle. "I think we should test to learn what happens if it gets out of control or our actions cause unnatural behavior." "I think that''s wise." Marie said with a nod. "Gaaaaaaah. I''m so excited! Training is officially fun!" Charlotte cried. "We still have the problems of keeping everyone alive." Rileymented with a worried expression. "It''s still lethal, and we can''t forget that. So perhaps we shouldn''t get too excited." "Yeah, yeah. You''re right." Charlotte replied with a bitter frown. Everyone''s enthusiasm took a nosedive instantly. "Okay. Let''s continue. While we practice, please think of how we''ll lead a third third-evolution monster close to the Capital without getting detected." Helix requested. "If it''s intercepted by the army ahead of time, it won''t have the same effect. It can''t get too close, either. That will make it difficult to fight it with our Nightmares without seriously threatening others." The group nodded with serious expressions. "We also need to get our story straight if someone catches us chasing after it ahead of schedule or notices we''re not intercepting sooner." Helix continued. "We can''t say we lured a monster there on purpose, so we need a solid story to exin why it was chasing us or how we found it." His partners nodded in agreement. "Charlotte. Work onmunication with Tinker, and we''ll start practicing with him." He continued. "We haven''t had the chance, but it''s critical if he wants to fight. We''ll need to end the beast''s life quickly if things get out of control, but we''re handicapping ourselves." Mmrrruhhh. Tinker started whining, and he sent his nose to the ground. Helix walked up and started patting his head. "You''ll be training with us regrly once I start with the immature otakus training." He chuckled. "We''ll take turns with training. So please have patience. Just a little longer." Tinker whined again and started licking Helix''s face. Their connection allowed Tinker to understand him, even though Helix couldn''t. "Okay! Let''s get started!" ¡­ "Gaaaaaah. It''s too easy to kill a third-order monster as a team." Charlotteined. "Yeah¡­ I never thought I''d be let down that we''re too powerful as a group." Marie frowned. "I think it''s a wonderful problem to have in the long run." Rileymented with a smile. "We need you, Riley." Charlotte chuckled. "Yeah. You make the rational part of our brains sound beautiful." Helixughed in bewilderment. "Has anyone thought about how to exin why we''re not intercepting a third-evolution monster long before it reaches the capital?" Helix asked. "I''m not sure if it''s a good option." Marie prefaced. "But we can research and look for monsters that may be hiding underground. If we can awaken one, it can happen anywhere." Helix put a fist to his chin in thought. "That''s a great idea, but how do we exin why we''re in the area?" The group groaned again. These were difficult questions. "It''s a great n, but I doubt third-order beasts go into long-term hibernation." Rileymented. "They''re well documented and live in forests and areas humans avoid, right?" "That''s right. I learned that after researching following the Warpshire incident." Helix replied. "Third-evolution beasts aren''t known to go into hibernation for more than a year." Marie frowned and thought about it some more. "This won''t help the question of power. But¡­" She prefaced. "The Kingdom doesn''t know where we are right now. I''m sure they''re looking for us, considering a liability. Since the Kingdom hasn''t sighed us in towns, it''s rational to believe we''re camping out and using invisibility circles." "That''s a good point." Helix pondered. "That being the case, we can exin why it''s close and why we''re here, assuming we can find a hibernation area and it''sing from the west." The group nodded in agreement. "I think that''s excellent. I don''t like the idea of bringing a fourth-evolution beast or monster near the Capital, but¡­." Helix sighed. His partners gave him yful smiles. "We can handle one, right?" Helix asked with a hopeless smile. "Ab~so~lutely!" Charlotte sang. "As a group, we can do so." Riley followed. "It''ll be difficult keeping the soldiers and otakus alive, but I''m confident we can." Marie affirmed. "Ruuurrr Ruff!" Tinker barked with enthusiasm. Helix nodded with satisfaction at his team''s response. "Okay. Riley, your job is to keep the soldiers out of the fight and safe." Hemanded. "Anythinging out of hibernation will be seriously dangerous, and we probably won''t have options. You can provide defense until they arrive, but you''ll need to keep them safe and prevent them from leaving. It will ughter the troops, and the idiots won''t take our warning to keep away so we can use our spells seriously. So convincing them to hold back is critical." "I can do that." Riley nodded. "Good. I''ll research our potential enemies to center our training around elemental attacks." Helix continued. "We''ll need that to test defensive capabilities and find what works best." ¡ª "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAH!" A battle cry rang out in the distance. The soldiers were lined up on the north side of the battlefield in heavy lines. The mages were out in front, preparing long-range fire spells. Ballistas were being wheeled into the area to prepare precision attacks with arrows. The soldiers were in the back, awaiting orders from the charge to finish the beast once the magic attacks were exhausted. General Masov did take Helix''s warning seriously. His strategy was purely supportive and was meant to provide support when the group was exhausted or decided to pull back. However, the fourth-order beast made every monster the army had ever faced look like a joke. He didn''t think anyone had faced third-order beasts, as they controlled avoided territories and rarely left. So they didn''t understand the defensive capabilities or firepower above the second evolution. If they fought blind, they would all die. That''s what Masov didn''t understand. "Those idiots!" Helix yelled. "Riley! Make contact with Masov and tell him we can handle this alone!" "On it!" Riley yelled before running away at lightning speed. BOOOOOOOM! "Gahhhhhhh!" Charlotte flung thirty feet back. "Charlotte!" Helix cried out whileying the second set of circles. Boom! Boom! Helix jolted back as the monster stood up. It was forty feet tall, so every step cracked the earth. He hadn''t activated the reinforce spell yet, so he was blown away. Riley ran full speed to where the soldiers were preparing to head out. Masov had just been given a battle harangue, and they were preparing to move the mages and support artillery to the back lines. "GOOOOOOOOOOORRRRN!" ¡ª "So let''s practice defensive spells that can keep an army safe." Helix suggested. "I''ll research the potential enemies we might face so that we can strategize ahead of time." Riley nodded in agreement. "I''ll do my best. I understand that failure may result in casualties." Helix gave her a grateful smile. "I''m so d you understand that. Charlotte and I will warn you of an attack and hold it back as much as possible until we know you''re ready to protect people." ¡ª "Riley! Protect the soldiers!" Helix screamed. Riley turned around fifty meters away from the troops. "[Wind Wall]!" Riley screamed. Huge gusting winds tore through the earth at a lightning pace. Massive boulders were ripped from the earth and shot across the battlefield. A massive wind wall spanning fifty meters spread out in front of the troops. It was milky white like a tornado, but it was created in a straight line. "CAAAAAN!" The troops watched the scene in confusion. However, a massive sun turned the center of the wall yellow. Then the entire wall became orange. Finally, it became dark red. BOOOOOOOOM! A massive me shot across the battlefield, scorching over 200 feet over earth. When the fire collided with the air, it whipped into a frenzy. "What the fuck is she doing!?" Manson cried. He was the same Lieutenant kicked out of Helix''s meeting with Major Oakley for the funeral preparations. "Stand back, Lieutenant!" Masov roared. "[Cyclone]!" Riley yelled. A massive ball of water materialized in the air directly above the fire. Powerful wind gusts hit the soldiers from the back, causing many to fall. As soon as the water and wind met, it exploded violently, causing massive tornado-like winds. The area turned white, and the soldiers reflexively turned around. If they were closer, they would have received third-degree burns from the steam alone. Riley didn''t use [Water Windwall] for that reason. Had she done that, it would have instantly turned the area into steam that would have killed her. She separated the fire across the battlefield and then used windsing from the soldiers'' backs to prevent the steam from killing anyone. It was a bold move that is hard to think of in battle. Wind fuels fire. However, a [Cyclone] wouldn''t have stopped the massive hyperpressed fireball, and she couldn''t use [Water Windwall] and another spell simultaneously. It was strong battle prowess that greatly impressed Masov. ¡ª [A/N: What do you think about the gamble to purposely lead a monster to the Capital? Let me know. ;) Please don''t skip the past content in the uing chapters. Each scene is heavilyced with new content [and new scenes]. Some are also quite massive to make up for pre-written content. Contrary to expectations, these chapters are exponentially more difficult to write than normal chapters. They must connect information from multiple sources as rejoinders and provide new information. Each chapter unveils the mask behind the mysterious scenes; things get crazier by the chapter. This section was torture to write, but I''m very proud of it. Thanks for reading! I hope you''re enjoying this mystery unfolding.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 207 [Trust] "Marie. We''ll need you away from the battlefield, on arge vantage point so you can ess the situation." Helix requested. Marie grimaced, and her face contorted with conflicting emotions. "What if my attacks harm you and Charlotte?" She asked. Helix gave her a gentle smile. "I''ll be setting down fortification circles and in the worst case scenario, my Warpshire peacoat and my furced boots can take a beating." Marie frowned with a skeptical expression. "Warpshires attack with ground attacks when they can''t use fire." He said with a light smile. "I''m displeased to tell you that I didn''t read that in a book." Charlotte and Riley burst into giggles. Marieughed nervously and nodded in understanding. "As long as wemunicate well, we won''t need to worry." ¡ª "Good job, Charlotte. I''ll start fortifying and trapping!" Helix yelled. "Marie! Move to a higher vantage point where you can see better!" "I''m on it!" Marie yelled out. "Make the best decisions, and remember that I''m wearing gear that can take a beating!" "... R-Right! I''ll do my best!" She replied nervously while running away. Helix pulled out fortification circles and threw them around Charlotte''s feet and general area. ¡ª "Tinker. Find the otakus and weebs location and prevent them from entering the battlefield." Helix said while kneeling and petting the dog. "It''s not fighting, but it is more critical to winning. Can I count on you?" Tinker looked at Helix with a serious gaze. His sharp blue eyes popped from the snow-white fur around them. "Rruuruff!" Helix pet Tinker''s head and the pup graciously epted. "Charlotte. Your role will primarily be to keep the monster pinned down with gravity between my attacks." He continued. "My attacks will ensure containment control, but you''ll be there to end it quickly if necessary. You''re also there to demonstrate the power of our spells in attacking, but Riley''s defenses should make our point. Remember, you two. The purpose isn''t to show might, but how we handle our magic carefully." "Got~it." Charlotte chimed. "I''ll make sure to keep that in my mind." Riley replied in a sweet voice. ¡ª "Charlotte, hold [Domain] a bit longer until I can set the reinforcement and flood spells." He requested. "GOOOOO¡ª!" BOOM! Charlotte hit the monster with 50 G''s of gravitational force, forcing its feet to crack in the earth. It sank five feet and fell to a knee to keep standing. "I''ll do my best! Hurry the hell up!" Charlotte yelled. "I''m on it!" Helix replied. He ran toward the castle''s walls with ghostly speed. "GO¡ª!" BOOM! It was sent into the earth with 75 G''s of force when it started pushing up. Their enemy used fire attacks, and Charlotte did too. So Helix set and activated the flood spells in preparation for the attack. If the fire spread into the area, it would trigger the spells and put the fires out. They were fighting 150 meters from the walls, and he set them far enough to prevent the steam from injuring everyone. ¡­ "Haaaaaah. Now that I''ve seen that spell in action, I''m kicking myself for not trying hard enough. Let''s get the soldiers to the back to provide support!" Masov roared. ¡­ "I''m going to learn from Riley. Did you see that?" Lily asked excitedly. "Yeah¡­ that was crazy¡­." Kylemented in a daze. "Charlotte''s pure murder. If this wasn''t so close to the city, I''m certain that thing would already be dead!" Sarahughed. ¡ª "Helix¡­ are you sure you want to be upfront in danger?" Marie asked nervously. "We''re talking about a fourth-evolution monster. No matter how much we control the situation, it will be deadly, and your defense stat is extremely weak. Our attacks are extremely strong, and having you upfront limits our power if we need to end it quickly." Helix chuckled and gave her a charming smile. "Of course. General Masov and Chief Salkey watched you and Charlotte level mountains. After seeing that, if they see [barrier boy] doing the fighting, they''ll understand you can''t use your magic." Charlotte gave him an evil grin, but Marie and Riley were unconvinced. "Perception of my invincibility is what will make people trust me." Helix continued. "If I don''t demonstrate strength, people will be bitter and see me as the cocky [boyfriend of the scary girls]." ¡ª Once General Masov could see the battlefield again, he was shocked. The monster was missing a leg, and Helix sliced it up between gravity attacks. Large amounts of blood flowed, and the ground around the monster sank. "Wow. I didn''t know the boy was that powerful." General Masovmented with wide eyes. "Me either. I knew he was strong, but I didn''t think he was strong enough to take on a small army." Oakley joked. Masov gave his Major a wry smile. "I''m joking." Oakley replied with a rxing tone. "He''s strong, but I can tell he''s well intentioned." "Well, it doesn''t matter either way. It''s clear we need him, regardless of behavior." General Masov never disliked Helix, nor did he question his good intentions. However, anyone who could gain power through non-institutionalizedworks quickly threatened a nation''s power structure. Even if Helix didn''t intend to seize power, his influence alone would make [his] decisions socialw. If Helix disagreed with a critical institution, it could throw the kingdom into disarray. For example, In modern times, Earthian countries found the feudal system and indentured servitude uneptable. So it was natural for Helix to disdain quasi-enved farmers¡ªand he did. However, Myriad had a simr system, and it was vital for food to pass through Alzeria. If Helix''s disdain started a movement among the city nobles to end the serf system, it could cause a famine due to abstracted decision-making. Certain things sound nice until an institution is removed without a recement. Then the economic solution the original institution fixed would cause havoc once broken. Those in the Capital, like modern politicians, are not aware of topics and make rulings based upon popr ideas before letting specialists iron out the details. If the general nobles¡ªnot the specializing nobles¡ªdemanded the reform, it could cause destructive problems. Helix was uninformed and only spreading his opinions, but if he had so much influence, his casual beliefs would influencew and cause mass famine. That is why Helix was a problem. It wasn''t personal. It was rational. Liliana and Eliza felt the same way, despite liking Helix. Masov was telling Oakley that the political problems Helix could cause were a non-issue when facing immediate problems. It was something everyone now agreed upon. Oakley nodded and watched the battlefield. "What a fuckin'' badass!" Miskie called out. "Hell yeah!" Samuel yelled. "Wow¡­ I hope this isn''t the end. I want to train more with Helix¡­." Leomented. "Hah. Back of the line, dude. I''m bing broken first." Peter called out with a puffed-out chest. ¡ª Charlotte burst intoughter, triggering Riley to giggle. Marie stared at him with a nk expression and blinked twice. Helix chuckled at her expression and shed her a dazzling smile that put her in a trance. Charlotte and Riley were stunned by the bright, confident smile as well. It threw their brains into an emotional ck hole. "Besides, if I get hurt by one of your attacks, wouldn''t that prove the point? It''s ideal." Helixughed. Everyone was stunned by his overconfidence. Charlotte started giggling in bewilderment, and Marie and Riley fell victim to theughter. "I''m the weakest, yes. But I also have barriers and a coat that puts my defense stats close to yours. I also have a Love''s Protection, and we have solidmunication." Marie snapped out of her daze. "That''s true. But¡­ if you don''t get up, the mission is lost, and we don''t know if you''ll recover from the monster attack¡­." ¡ª "[Liner Quake!]" Marie screamed from the west end of the battlefield. She was standing on an amplification circle tomunicate her spells. A massive earthquake ripped across the battlefield toward the east in a line, destroying everything in its path. It started from a high point 30 meters away and cut into the battlefield. "[Wind Dance]!" Riley called from the north side of the battlefield. "Wait¡­!" David cried in a panic. "Watch out, boy!" Macron roared at the top of his lungs. "Charlotte!" Helix cried. He was signaling her to move into the fortification zone he left behind her position. She nodded and jumped backward, trusting he''d be safe. Helix was 15 seconds away from cing the fortification circles underneath his position, but it was already toote. He jumped backward in the air at full strength to escape the attack. "[Gravity Dance]!" Charlotte yelled. Helix''s lightness allowed him to jump higher in the air. "GOOOOOOOOOOORRRRN!" The monster cried out in pain. The earthquake crushed its footing, and [Wind Dance] sent a huge boulder crashing into its back. Blood exploded everywhere in a truly gruesome disy. BOOOOOOOOOOOOM! The monster crashed into the ground on a knee before flying forward. Its body crashed forward from the momentum, and its arm shot forward as it fell. A yellow glow enveloped Helix''s body instantly, but the hand instantly crashed through the weak barrier, turning it into fairy dust. It wasn''t trying to hurt Helix; it just crashed into him naturally. Helix flew fifty feet across the battlefield and hit the ground rolling. "HEEEEELIX!" The otakus and weebs cried. "Hellieeeee!" Charlotte screamed in an impassioned rage. ¡ª Helix walked up and hugged her. "Marie¡­ if we don''t pull this off, we''ll all die." He whispered with a gentle voice. "So we''ll just have to trust that I''ll wake up alright." ¡ª [A/N: Who''s ready to get this party started? ;)] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 208 [Lagrock] "Let''s go over everything onest time." Helix requested. His partners gave him a nod. "There is a potential hibernation zone for Lagrocks thirty miles west of the Alzerian Capital." He began. "It''s in the Iko Forest in a rocky area. Grandmaster Linus should know of the area and its potential for hibernation and have texts backing up our im." The group nodded again in understanding. "Lagrocks are tall by the third evolution, making them 25 feet tall. A fourth evolution would be 40-50 feet tall, making every step cover a long distance. They stand on two legs and can jog, so getting close to the city shouldn''t be too hard before the army can fully mobilize." Helix exined. "It still won''t be easy. Every step will cause serious problems, so we need to ensure that we don''t make any mistakes." ¡ª "W-What the fuck is that thing!" A soldier roared on top of the city gates. It was close to sunset, but the guards couldn''t see the sun. It was setting over the west, and a massive forty-foot monster was blocking it. Even with it blocking the sun, he could see it clearly because it was half as tall as the 80-foot castle walls. BOOOOOOOM! The monster crashed into the earth, leaving a crater in distant farnd. The sun briefly returned before it was slowly eclipsed again by the monster standing up. It broke free from Charlotte''s gravity and started moving toward the Kingdom again. It was fast. Ridiculously fast. It couldn''t run. However, as a forty-foot creature standing on two legs, it covered a considerable distance with every step. So while it wasn''t running, it was moving ridiculously fast. Everyone watching panicked, realizing that it wouldn''t be long before it was upon them. Before everyone could panic¡ª BOOOOOOOM! It smashed the ground again. An aggressive, invisible force was weighing down on it, and the effects were visible even at a distance. The monster winced in pain, fighting against it. Whatever it was, it was brutal. ¡ª "To rify, how are we exining, not stopping it in time?" Marie asked with a serious expression. Helix nodded and panned his gaze to Charlotte and Riley to confirm their engagement. "Charlotte cannot use fire in Iko forest, and it would be irresponsible to use it near the Capital." He exined. "Riley cannot use her magic at scale in the forest, and she cannot summon enough power to affect it without Cyclone or Tornado. It''smon sense. Either way, if someone mes us for not stopping it sooner, we''ll tell them to fuck off. I won''t answer a question that stupid." Charlotteughed in excitement, and the other two grinned in amusement. Everyone hated their treatment and wanted revenge regardless. "Either way, Earth walls won''t stop a Lagrock, who can break through rock easily. It''s their domain." Helix continued. "Obvi~" Charlotte chimed sarcastically, turning to invisible people and giving them a sassy, mocking expression. Helix smiled at her antics, and Marie and Riley giggled. "That leaves Charlotte and Domain, which is temporary because we cannot attack while gravity is pressing down." He continued. "However, an exnation isn''t necessary because we''ll be leading it toward themercial loading zone away from the townships. They will be grateful that it didn''t destroy hundreds of homes, farms, or citizens during the run." "That¡­ is a good point." Marie giggled. "They best be grateful." Charlotte huffed, "We''re saving them from ourselves and a greater enemy. We''re superheroes, goddamn it." Helix gave Charlotte a wry smile, and Riley giggled at his expression. The contradiction in her statement was far too absurd to ignore. ¡ª The guards couldn''t see Charlotte because she was running behind the monster. The only thing they could see was the monster hitting the earth and causing major damage. "That kid wasn''t fucking around! Where is he!?" Another cried. "We don''t know¡­ he left the city because he was tired of the controversy¡­." A third yelled. "That''s fucking stupid! If he knew what wasing and left, he left just to fucking die¡ª" "GOOOOOOOOOOORRRRN!" "Ahhhhhh! My ears!" The Lagrock''s cry was deafening. The booming sounds were audible in the distance. However, its battle cry awakened the entire city. General Masov heard the sound and immediately ran to his station to get a status report. It pushed itself against gravity while Charlotte recovered from the deafening roar. She was wearing earplugs, but she was also extremely close. After recovering, Charlotte caught up again when the beast was within 150 meters of the Capital''s walls. "Stay down!" She yelled, reaching out her hand aggressively, "[Domain]!" BOOOOOOOOOOM! The guards fell from their position as the entire wall shook. It was a massive quake for a non-attack "Karcus, go send word to the military leaders!" The second soldier yelled out. "And go find that kid! There''s no way in hell we''re going to beat¡ª" BOOOOOOOOOOM! The guards fell again. "I-I''ll do what I can!" The first said, "But that kid isn''t even in the city! So we can''t expect him." "God! Whoever chased that kid away deserves death." The second scoffed in disdain, "If they don''t die right now. Fuck my life!" The sound and Macron woke up the otakus and weebs, and Titus immediately went to the separate dorms. There was a designated meeting spot for those staying in their own homes. The otakus and weebs rxing scrambled into their gear. Those already geared up ran to the wall at lightning speed and climbed the steps. Once they were looking down upon the city, their faces froze. ¡ª "Lagrocks are simr to golems, but their bodies aren''t made of rocks. Instead¡ª" Helix continued. ¡ª "GOOOOOOOOOOORRRRN!" "W-What the fuck is that thing!?" Maze yelled. BOOOOOOOM! "Gahhhhhh!" Dust from an attack 150 feet away hit Maze and Leo in the eyes. Many otakus and weebs couldn''t look over the wall after hearing the loud booms and battle cries. They were afraid, and Macron was at the stairs trying to round them up and keep them stable. "That thing is nothing like what we''ve fought before!" Leo yelled. "It''s not even close! It''s practically a Colossus! I officially respect what Helix did now!" Sarah ran up the steps to see what was happening. "Sarah! Stay back. Please!" Leo pleaded, trying to push her back. "W-What''s going on?" Sarah stuttered. "Whatever that thing is¡­. Don''t get near it. We''ll handle it." He replied hesitantly. "No! I''m not letting you go alone!" She screamed. "Sarah¡­ please! I can''t let you fight; I don''t think I can watch you get hurt." Leo pleaded, "Sarah!" Sarah ignored Leo and ran to the side of the wall. "W-What the h-hell is that!?" She screamed. "I¡­ I don''t know." Leo replied with a grim voice. It had a malformed boulder-shaped head. Its body had brown and grey scales that wererge and t, making them look like tes of armor. Mossy foliage had grown on the cracks during its hibernation, giving it a genuine rocky appearance. "It''s a fuckin'' golem, idiots!" Miskie yelled arrogantly from 15 feet away. "What the hell does it look like?" Maze, Leo, and Sarah gave her mocking expressions. "We don''t know what it is, and I doubt beasts made of rocks exist in a world with biology." Mazemented. "Look, I could give a fuck less what it''s called or what it''s made of." Miskie snapped. "It''srge, tall, and when it moves, it cracks the earth from its weight. It''s fuckin'' death, and I''vebeled it a golem. That''s how I see it and how I n to treat it. Got a problem with that?" Maze gave her a wry smile. "GOOOOOOOOOOORRRRN!" "Fuck, that thing''s loud!" Miskie yelled while covering her ears. ¡ª "Sounds fug~lee." Charlotte smacked. The group burst intoughter. "It is. The pictures are disturbing." Helixughed. "What are we doing about crowd control?" Riley asked. "That¡­ is going to be difficult." He sighed. "Their size makes them fast by default. They also use long-distance fire attacks, meaning that soldiers will be in the crossfire zone from arrival. That''s why it''s important to break their will to fight instantly. Otherwise, they''ll just be liabilities." Marie frowned when she was reminded of her past mistake. "So the only thing we can do is let them be attacked and protect them." Helix announced with an evil grin. "While I don''t want anyone to get hurt, I want to strike trauma into their hearts so they never forget why they [need] to listen to us." Charlotte felt pleasurable shivers crawl down her spine, and she wanted to thrust herself on him. Marie and Riley giggled at her situation and pretended they didn''t want to do the same. ¡ª [A/N: This arc is wild, and I hope you enjoy the climax. I''m not sure that I''ve ever seen or read anything like this. While the format is prettymon, there are onionyers of insights exploding from this point on. I don''t know. Thank you for reading, everyone!] Chapter 209 [Crowd Control] "Let them be attacked and save them? Super~effective, Hellie. It''s a good thing their attacks aren''t instant wide-scale murder or anything." Charlotte chimed. The group burst intoughter and giggles. "That''s why we''re having Riley protect them from the long-distance attacks." Helix replied. "About that¡­." Marie said hesitantly. "It shoots fire attacks, right? Wind stokes fires, and water explodes into deadly steam. So wouldn''t another type of barrier work better?" Riley and Charlotte nodded hesitantly. "There''s a way." Helix replied with a mysterious smile. "We''ll test it out in the uing training. But not only do I think it''ll work, but it''ll also send a stunning message to our friends to fuck off." "That''s blunt." Marie giggled. "So~dominant. I like it." Charlotte said while licking her lips. Helix gave her a wicked smile before turning back to face everyone. "We won''t be rude, however. It''ll be the opposite." His partners looked at him with confusion. ¡ª "CAAAAAN!" The troops watched the scene in confusion. However, a massive sun turned the center of the wall yellow. Then the entire wall became orange. Finally, it became dark red. BOOOOOOOOM! A massive me shot across the battlefield, scorching over 200 feet over earth. When the fire collided with the air, it whipped into a frenzy. "What the fuck is she doing!?" Manson cried. "Stand back, Lieutenant!" Masov roared. "[Cyclone]!" Riley yelled. A massive ball of water materialized in the air directly above the fire. Powerful wind gusts hit the soldiers from the back, causing many to fall. As soon as the water and wind met, it exploded violently, causing massive tornado-like winds. ¡ª "I~love~it!" Charlotte clucked. "Nothing shuts up an army like a 200-foot wall of fire." "You sound like you have experience." Marie giggled. "I''ve been around the block a few times." Charlotte replied dismissively. The group burst intoughter. "Anyway¡­." Helix chuckled while drawing everyone''s attention. "After that, Riley will make contact, and they''ll shut up and follow orders." ¡ª Riley ran up to the army at a ghostly speed. She was a small ck silhouette when the firewall hit. Fifteen secondster, she was in front of the soldiers. "We''re General Masov?" She asked in a kind yet firm tone. "W-Were you the one¡ª" "Yes. I just stopped that attack." Riley confirmed sinctly. "I may need to stop another, so can you please take me to General Masov as quickly as you can?" "Y-Yes, mam!" The two ran to General Masov. When he saw her, his face paled. She wasn''t happy in the slightest, which he had never seen. Macron informed him she was the kindest and sweetest. So he was sweating. "General Masov." Riley said with a salute. The man''s expression almost crumbled, and his face filled with shame and bitterness. "Greetings, Dame Singer." He replied awkwardly. Masov didn''t know what he should call her. She wasn''t an Earthian Knight, and they abandoned their titles. However, if he called her Ms. SInger, she might let them burn next time. Riley nodded. "General Masov. We have this under control. Please move your mages to the watch tower with archers and your soldiers behind the walls." Riley ordered. "I''m not defending the Capital or my partners because I''m saving your lives." General Masov''s face paled, and he froze. "Please move now. I''ll shoot a green signal re for long-range support and a red re for an attack charge." She continued with a serious voice. "They are requests, of course. However, we do not expect the Alzerian military to follow our orders. We are only ordering you to move to prevent soldiers'' casualties from our attack spells or us identally getting hit by one of your soldiers." "Understood, Dame Singer." Masov replied with a firm tone. Masov gave her a wry smile but immediately turned around. "We''re moving out! Soldiers! Behind the wall, now! Mages and Archers onto the wall to provide support if requested!" The general ordered in a booming voice. "Do you not attack unless a green signal re lights the sky! If you see that signal, provide support in a way that prioritizes the safety of the Earthians protecting the Capital first!" "Yes, sir!" "Thank you, General." Riley said with a salute. Then she disappeared with ghostly speed, leaving him baffled. Masov watched her disappear with pain in his heart. ¡ª "We''ll make a big show of military loyalty, of course." He continued with a grin. "That''s~harsh." Charlotteughed. "Why? Isn''t that a good thing?" Riley asked in confusion. "It''s because we~are treating them with respect after saving their lives." Charlotte sang with an evil twist. "Considering they treated us like garbage, it will rub salt in the wound." "We''re not Knights anymore. So if we treat them like ourmanders, it will beically embarrassing." Marie giggled. "Exactly." Helix confirmed with a grin. "Plus, we''re saving [their] lives, not the other way around." His partners burst into giggles. "What about the Cheat hopefuls?" Marie asked. "Ruuur Ruff!" Tinker barked indignantly. Helixughed and patted the lion-sized dog with a gentle gaze. His partners burst into giggles. "You''ll keep them in check like a king, Tinker." Helix chuckled. "They''re talking about keeping eighty of them from getting maimed by you." "Ruuuff." Tinker barked breathlessly in confirmation. He puffed out his chest with pride and satisfaction. His partners giggled, and Charlotte patted his back with an evil grin. Helix turned to the group. "Macron is our first line of defense." He exined. "Hellie ex~plicitly asked him to prevent the Knights from attacking." Charlotte chimed. "I''m sure he''s going to be pissssssed once he sees our present." Helix gave her a wry smile, triggering giggles from his partners. "Yes. I''m certain Masov will be extra proactive." ¡ª Macron was [pissed]. When he saw the Lagrock and Charlotte trailing behind it, he [knew] that the group was responsible for bringing it to the Capital. When Helix told him they had a n to get the situation back under control, he didn''t expect it to involve bringing a 40-foot monster to the Capital. "What the hell happened to the weak, rational Helix." Macron mumbled under his breath. "Bringing a forty-foot fucking monster to the capital. I''ll rip your balls off and use them to y ping pong. You just wait, boy." After rounding up the weebs and otakus, he ran up the staircase to the wall. Now he had to deal with those who ran ahead and hoped they were still there. Lamath was in charge of the wall, and the man had proved worthless thus far. So he was praying for a miracle. "This better be the [stroke] heart attack or¡­." Macron shivered at the thought. Helix had offered him his n and then offered him information. His expression told Macron it was serious and wasn''t part of a n. So Macron knew that this was the firstyer [heart attack]. Either way, he needed to keep the Knights from fighting. When he saw their state, he almost had a heart attack. "If I knew I''d have a fuckin'' heart attack anyway, I would''ve asked!" Macron yelled breathlessly. "Kyle, stay back! We''re formting a strategy with the military!" Macron roared. Kyle nned to jump over the wall and charge, but Macron stopped him. "Macron is right, Samuel!" Lamath yelled. "Why? Fighting monsters is what we''ve been training for!" Samuel yelled. "If you all start shooting off powerful Nightmares, you''ll kill the fucking troops, that''s why!" Macron roared. The otakus and weebs stared at Macron with wide eyes. "Didn''t any of you learn from Helix?" Macron asked. "He had to work with the Kozen General to prevent his men from being torn apart by earthquakes and tornados!" Everyone gave Macron a wry smile. They already missed Helix. "We don''t have influence, though!" Lily cried. "Yeah¡­ that''s a major problem." Mazemented with a sad expression. "I wish those fucking idiots didn''t chase Helix away!" Kyle yelled while gritting his teeth. "Yeah. Now that this thing is here, I bet those idiots are feeling seriously fucking stupid." Tanyaughed. "Look, kids! You haven''t been training with him for long." Lamath called out. "So you''re not Helix yet! However, you can still work with us to bring this son of a bitch down." The otakus and weebs groaned with mixed emotions. "Lamath. Establish a line ofmunication with Masov." Macron ordered. "I''ll hold the kids back; they''re not ready. If we don''t get our shit together, these kids will start going nuclear." Lamath gave Macron a wry smile, knowing he was taking orders from his rival. "Look, Lamath. If you think you can wrangle these kids, I''ll do it." Macron barked with murderous eyes. "If you can''t, get your ass out there, or I''ll get Helix back here to rip out your femur and club you to death with it." Lamath chuckled in bewilderment. "It''s not fair anymore. Fine, I''ll get everything situated." Heughed. "Ourpetition is put on hold." Macron chuckled with a murderous gaze. Lamath started sweating but moved forward. "That''s right! Listen up, Knights!" Macron roared. "You can still be Cheat Knights or whatever the fuck they''re called. But you have to survive! You also have to shine as a group like Helix, and his girlfriends do by keeping others safe. So hold back for now. Once we have a strategy, we''ll grind this monster''s bones to dust and season our food with it!" "Yeah, that''s right!" Tanya yelled. "Haaaaaah. I''m down with that." Miskie said with a grin. Macron sighed when he saw them willing to pay attention. "GOOOOOOOOOOORRRRN!" "Do we seriously believe that we can fight this thing without Helix?" David cried. BOOOOOOOM! "Hah. I don''t care if Helix is here. The next I see him, I''ll be a broken cheat!" Petraughed. "I-I see! I just don''t see how." David replied nervously. "I hate to admit this, but we don''t have the monster-fighting training Helix does!" Peter yelled. "So let''s listen to Macron and Lamath!" "Yeah, I agree! That''s what Master Helix told us to do!" Mason roared. "Yeah!" Chad followed up. "I''m abiding by the master''s words!" Halbert yelled." ¡ª "Will he be enough?" Marie asked worriedly. "Hell no. No one will stop them from jumping over the wall." Helixughed sardonically. "We''re [definitely] fucked, and we''ll have to work extremely hard for them not to die." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 210 [Ultimate Humiliation] "Most of all, Macron has Lamath helping, and the guy''s worthless." Helix continued. "So we can expect some otakus and weebs to hit the ground." The group chuckled bitterly. Helix couldn''t get rid of Lamath for political reasons. usations of stealing the Thymian knights would start a war. However, they did not consider him an evil person for what happened. Helix and his partners confirmed Macron''s long standing rivalry with Lamath. They knew he wasn''t a bad guy and that he simply didn''t understand the gravity of Ronka''s actions. Still, everyone recognized he was worthless as a leader. "But Lamath does have a military title. So he could help with Masov." Helix chuckled breathlessly. "That will help control them and be politically useful with the military at worst." His partners nodded in agreement. ¡ª "General Masov!" A soldier yelled out. "What is it, Major Oakley?" The man gruffed. "We need to establish a line ofmunication with Macron immediately." Oakley replied with a calm tone. General Masov narrowed his eyes. "Why is it so urgent? Speak!" Oakley didn''t tremble; adrenaline was pumping through his veins. "The Earthian Knights don''t have battle training yet, sir." Oakley exined. "They know how to destroy things but not how to work with us. As a result, we can''t use them as support without solidmunication unless we want to send them to the front lines. Masov groaned and put a fist against his chin in thought. After thinking about the situation for thirty seconds, he gave up. "Son of bitch. Those stupid kids have been a liability from the beginning." Masov scoffed. "But that thing is a fourth-evolution monster, and we need them now." Masov chuckled with madness in his eyes. "At the least, we should''ve supported that boy harder to keep them in check." He continued with a bitter expression. "With everything that''s happened, I didn''t see the problem he solved." He looked at the beast with narrowed eyes. "Bring the person sent here to discuss strategy immediately." Masov ordered. "We''ll need to know as much about those kids and their practical strengths now!" "Yes, sir!" Oakley replied with a salute before rushing off to get Lamath. ¡ª "That should dy them with serious support." Helix reasoned. "However, there''s no way they can hold back the hotheads like Samuel and Petra." "Those two act like the hero during practice." Marie scoffughed in annoyance. "I don''t think it''s just the hotheads." Riley remarked with a frown. "Aleko''s the real problem in my eyes." The group grimaced when they heard herment. "That man¡­ will be a great hero one day, and I''m proud of him, but¡­." Marie began hesitantly. "Don''t sugarcoat it. Just say it like it is." Charlotte chastised with a mocking expression. "I, Aleko, will rally the courage of the students to fight for justice." Charlotte dramatized Aleko in a dumb voice. The group burst into nervousughter. "Yeah¡­ it''s worrisome." Riley replied with a nervous tone. "We shouldn''t mock him too much because Helix is his idol, and he''s mature." Marie nodded in agreement. "He''s just not battle experienced." She added. "It''s unfair when we got daily experience with high-level monsters for a month. Helix for two months. It''s just notparable." "Yeah~yeah. I''m just lightening the mood on a disastrous problem." Charlotte replied dismissively. ¡ª "Macron!" Aleko called out while running to the Captain. Macron sighed with a look of dread on his face. "Aleko. Can you take a walk with me?" He asked. "I''d rather not. I think all of the Cheat Hopefuls should hear what I have to say." Aleko replied in a bold voice. It was kind-hearted but definitive. "Look, boy. I know the kingdom needs you all, and this is a time we need you most." Macron replied in a bold voice. Aleko looked at the man quizzically. He was taking Aleko''s words out of his mouth. "But look down there¡ª" Macron''s eyes widened in terror. Rubbbbulerrrrublerrrublerrruble¡­. "Wait¡­!" David cried in a panic. "Watch out, boy!" Macron roared at the top of his lungs. "Charlotte!" Helix cried. BOOOOOOOOOOOM! ¡ª "I appreciate that, Charlotte. He''s a major liability for our operation." Helix said with a frown. The group nodded in agreement. "He''s smart and will listen to reason, but the problem is if I get hurt." He continued. "If that happens¡­." ¡ª "Helix is hurt!" Leo cried. "Damn it!" Samuel growled. "I knew we shouldn''t have waited!" "Kids! Hold back! Charlotte can''t fire off her fucking spells if she has to protect¡ª" "Macron! Do you want Helix to die?" Aleko yelled. "We are Knights! We aren''t a bunch of kids! We''ve been trained to fight, and now one of our own is on the battlefield hurt because we''re not helping him!" "That''s right!" Petra yelled out. "I''m not sure why we''re still standin'' here." Miskie scoffed. "It''s not like the fuckin'' military listened the first time." The group started getting rowdy. "Kids! Are you going to make the same mistake then!?" Macron roared. "Helix was negotiation to prevent their fucking¡ªSamuel!" Macron watched in horror as the young man jumped down the eighty-foot wall. His Nightmare, [Glide], allowed him to glide in space. It was a very surreal experience to watch him fight. His motions allowed him to move with zero friction and skate on thin air with great control. So the Nightmare wouldn''t cause difficulty, Macron watched him flow down easily. Unfortunately, the sight made him lose attention. "Aleko!" Macron roared at the boy running towards the exit. Aleko, Samuel, Miskie, and Petra ran towards the exits in two directions. "Helix is negotiating to prevent their spells from killin'' the fucking soldiers, you toddlers!" Macron roared. "You''re doing the same thing as the fuckin'' military!" Everyone that heard Macron finish his sentence froze in shock. They had forgotten why Helix was fighting the military because they got heated after seeing him hurt. "GOOOO¡ª" BOOM! Unfortunately, the insane speed of the four made it impossible for them to hear their captain. Everyone else shook with shame after hearing that. Seeing they didn''t move, he looked to see Samuel. To his shock, the man was staring down a massive wolf. "Wait a minute, isn''t that¡­." "It''s Tinker!" Sarah cried. "Yeah. We''ve only seen Tinker for practice, but it''s impossible to mistake him!" Leo yelled. "But why is he fighting Samuel?" "Wait¡­ why is Samuel running to the tower again?" Confusion spread amongst the students. Samuel ran in shame back to the tower. When he got to Aleko and Miskie, he called out. "Go back!" Samuel yelled. "GOOOON¡ª" BOOM! "What!? Why!" Aleko growled. The second the word [why] was used aggressively, Tinker shot across the battlefield with extreme speed. He was moving at least 50 mph in an instant. When he got to Aleko and Miskie, he growled. "Wait¡­ isn''t that T-Tinker?" Aleko asked with a pale face. "Yeah, that''s Tinker, alright. What''s he¡ª" Miskie gave Tinker a wry smile and rubbed a palm against her eye. Then she took a deep breath. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever, bud." Miskie replied in annoyance while turning away. "Wait, Miskie, w-where are you going?" Aleko asked in shock. "Read his fuckin'' vest, idiot." Miskie replied dismissively. Aleko turned around to the annoyed Tinker staring him down. On his massive white chest was an orange vest that read: "Don''t make us protect you too." It was a terse message that told them to leave. While it was rude, it reminded them that Helix was working with the military to prevent soldiers from dying from their attacks. As a result, they were doing the same thing. If they had listened to Macron, they wouldn''t feel the shame and humiliation of being called out by a dog. Tinker started growing in annoyance. Aleko snapped out of his daze and turned around with a pale face. Tinker ran off once he started moving and barked in the opposite direction. Miskie turned around andughed when she saw Petra running from the other side. It was a much farther distance, so she waste. Petra''s face paled when she saw Tinker, and after reading the vest, she turned bright red. Miskie let out an evilugh. She was openly d more people were getting the shame treatment. Once Petra ran off, explosions started going off again. "GOOOO¡ª" BOOOM! The group reflexively turned around to see a livid Charlotte thrashing the hell out of the Lagrock in a rage. "GOO¡ª" BOOOOOM! "GO¡ª" BOOOOOOOOM! "Haaaaaah. She could handle it after all." Miskieughed with a bitter expression. "So¡­ we were the reason the fighting stopped¡­." Aleko said in a low voice. "Look, kid. Expect a thrashin''ter, or Tinker will drag you up the tower by your balls!" Miskie barked. "GO¡ª" BOOM! Samuel and Aleko''s faces paled, but they quickly ran away. They couldn''t see what was happening, and that hurt more. As pissed as Charlotte was, she was holding back. So their first punishment was not being able to check Helix''s status. All they could hear were explosions and cheering from the top of the wall. Other than that, they were left in the dark. ¡ª "Rrrrrruuuurr Ruff!" Tinker barked proudly. "That''s right." Helix chuckled while patting the dog again. "We''ll put you in a vest that has a message. It''ll provide them with ultimate shame topliment their fear." "Ruff!" Tinker responded with an evil grin. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley burst into giggles. "Now that we have our story straight let''s get our practice schedule in order." Helix said with an evil grin. Charlotte gave him a predatory gaze. "You''re so hot right now." She dered openly. She was eating up his sinister aura. After Charlotte pointed out the bold look on Helix''s face, Marie and Riley were also turned on. Helix''s expression was the ultimate personification of revenge, cunning, and confidence. He was like a warmander leading their troops on a surprise attack to take revenge and achieve victory for his people. The group was entranced and nodded to Charlotte. Helixughed breathlessly. "Okay, then let''s get started." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 211 [Lethal Sex Jenga] [A/N: Important chapter. No sex. Don''t get your hopes up, panic, or both.] ¡ª "Charlotte. We''re going to work on [Domain] control now." Helix announced with a warm smile. Charlotte''s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "We have the best cooperation already, but we need to work at scale." He continued. "However, if I''m leading the attack, we''ll need to drill the fortification spells and swordy and shift between intervals. It''s a new dynamic, as I primarily work with spells in mid-distance attacks." Charlotte nodded with an understanding expression. Helix turned to Marie, who was waiting patiently. "Marie, while we''re practicing, master [Sink]." Helix instructed. "You''ll need to master both if we want fall options. Dual sinks would be a dream, but don''t push yourself because it''s absurd to think you''d be able to do it in two days. So don''t overexert yourself. Use the short time to the maximum advantage." Marie nodded in decisive agreement. "I should be able to do that, so long as there are at least two seconds between intervals." "It''s huge. So that should be expected." Helix nodded. "I''ll work on it right now." Marie replied. "I''m moving south to practice in the eastern direction." ? "Thank you, Marie. You have the most difficult job, but if any of us, I know, can pull it off the fastest." Helix imed with a slight smile. Marie blushed furiously. "Y-Yes. I''m going now." She stuttered before turning around and running to the south. Helix turned to Riley. "Riley. Follow Marie and use the excess debris from [Sink] to practice long-range [Wind Dance]." He instructed. "Since you''re protecting the troops, we''ll need you to work at a distance. It''s critical. Once I''m done with Charlotte, we''ll practice our defense spell, as you need Charlotte''s Fireball to train for the Lagrock attack." "I''m on it." Riley said with a soft voice before disappearing with ghostly speed. Helix chuckled and took a moment to appreciate her gentle simplicity. He turned back to Charlotte. "Okay, let''s get started. Let me draw up earth pir spells so we can practice." Helix announced. "I can''t wait until something is protruding hiiiiiigh and proud~ly." Charlotte smacked. "You''re¡­ aggressive today." He replied with a narrowed but appreciative gaze. "But of~course, Master Helix." She replied while curtseying with an invisible dress. "I fell in super-like with you for your cunning, and you''re at the highest you''ve ever been." Helix wanted tough because Charlotte used a different way to avoid the word [love] every time. However, he was drawn in by her aggressive advances. "I suppose that is why you fell for me." Helix said with eager eyes. "And what you''re doing is why I was initially drawn to you." Charlotte gave him an evil grin. "Catch~me if you can." She burst from her position toward the training site with lightning speed. Helix followed behind but kept pace to let her win. He [wanted] to chase her. While he ran, he touched his neck and pulled out the one earth pir spell he had on him. It was a practice for the archway pirs he summoned for their arrival. When Charlotte got to the training site, she turned around with her hands behind her back. Then she started walking backward while swiveling her hips like a model. It drove Helix crazy to watch. He threw the battle disk thirty feet behind her, causing a massive fifty-foot pir to shoot out of the earth. Helix disappeared from his location as the spell summoned the pir. Charlotte gilded her eyes to the left to follow him. While she couldn''t keep up with Helix, she had insane stats. She could see him running, and she liked what she saw. Charlotte felt Helix''s arms around her waist abruptly. The blonde would have been knocked out cold if it weren''t for her extreme defense stat. So she bit her lip and sailed away with him. BOOM! Charlotte crashed back-first into the earth pir. It was an aggressive blow. However, she was grinning and biting her lip. Helix was pinning her against the shattered wall with a strong grip. "That¡­ was seriously fucking hot." Charlotte reached her hands to the back of his head and pulled his lips to hers. She pushed her tongue into Helix''s mouth before he could. They were at war for the most passionate partner. After a lust-driven make-out session, she pushed Helix off her yfully. "Aren''t~you aggressive?" She chastised yfully. "... Oh, shut up." Helix scoffughed. Then he pushed his mouth onto hers again. Rocks were falling on top of the two, and they didn''t notice. Charlotte reached up and touched the ceiling of their body-made cave. "[Do~main]." The earth cracked and groaned under pressure. Charlotte showed her immense skill by crushing a section off to the south where Marie and Riley might see it. It was time for training. ¡ª "This¡­." Marie muttered as she ran up to the pir. The pir itself looked like a poorly chiseled statue. Charlotte had practiced domain with pinpoint precision on various areas, crushing certain parts and leaving others intact. She used [Gravity Dance] to make rocks float, a basic wind spell to glide rocks above certain areas, and [Domain] to chisel off small sections. Gravity Dance was a new skill partially unlocked during training. But she fully unlocked it after the Colossus'' death. It took far more spirit particles but allowed [Domain] and [Zero] to be fused. It was masterful. However¡ª "Are those¡­ body imprints?" Marie asked. "I don''t know what else they could be." Rileymented in a surprised voice. When a body hits a wall at a massive speed, it doesn''t break the wall into a beautiful human figure. However, a boulder doesn''t create an oval-shaped crater in a rockface¡ªlet alone eight of them. They circled the pir and stopped halfway to the north side. "Ummm¡­. Hi." Marie called out. Charlotte and Helix let their heads fall to the left to face her. Boom! Boom, boom. Boom. A massive rock hovering above a chiseled-out section fell to the earth once [Gravity Dance] was released. Charlotte was casually chiseling out sections of the rock face whileying on the ground. Helix was alsoying on the ground with a worn-out expression. They both looked exhausted. "Hello~" Charlotte replied in azy voice. "Hey there." Helix chuckled with an exhausted expression. "What¡­ happened here?" Marie asked while pointing to one of the eight caves in the wall. "Hellie and I had extremely~kinking sex before training." Charlotte replied swiftly. Marie''s eyes widened in shock. She wasn''t even jealous. Marie looked at them and back at the imprints. [Kinky] didn''t begin to describe the violent scene unfolding. "It¡­ was hot." Charlotte rified. "Hellie''s worn out. It''s fine since you both like sex of the [gentle~er] variety. So don''t feel cheated; he left plenty of stamina for the both of you." Marie''s face turned bright red. The conversation she was having with Charlotte was extremely bold and surreal. There were craters in the wall, and Helix wasn''t sighing or trying to exin. He looked like a satisfied vegetable. Marie shifted her eyes to Helix for some form of confirmation. She didn''t know whether to be happy or concerned. "It''s true. If you want to¡­." Helix confirmed with an exhausted smile. Marie turned bright red again. "W-Was this [training]?" She asked nervously. "Nope. Just sex." Charlotte replied casually. "Just sex." Helix affirmed. Marie turned back to the wall again. "I''m sorry we didn''t use the full-time training." Helix said with azy voice. "We all have alone time together for two hours. I figured everyone could spend a half-hour with me how they wanted to since it''s rare." Marie and Riley''s eyes sparked, but Marie''s eyes widened again when she remembered the topic at hand. She looked back at the rock face. "Are you saying that¡­ this¡­ is how you wanted to spend your alone time?" "I don''t suppose the rock pir would look that way if we didn''t." Helix chuckle-sighed. "I don''t understand¡­." Marie replied nervously. "Tutorial. Hellie gets super~passionate and pounds you with the earth rod, and then he pounds you with¡ª" Charlotte tried exining. "No¡­ I get that you''re into crazy stuff, Charlotte." Marie replied in exasperation. "It''s just that¡­." "Just~what?" Charlotte chimed sarcastically. "I think Marie''s trying to ask why Helix allowed this." Riley interjected sweetly. "He doesn''t like pain or aggression in sex." Marie nodded with a mildly concerned face. "Defense stat." Helix replied weakly. "Defense stat." Charlotte confirmed. Hazy realization washed over the two. It made sense, but it didn''t at the same time. "During~battle, the defense stat kicks in." Charlotte chimed. "So we couldn''t feel the pain but only enjoyed the cozy love nests." "B-Battle!? So was this part of training too?" Marie cried. "Nope. Just sex." Charlotte replied. "Just sex." Helix replied softly. When Marie''s face ballooned in redness, Helix asked the gods for energy to sigh. "I try to give you three things you desire, so long as it doesn''t affect me negatively." Helix sighed. "I don''t like pain or the psychological feeling of hurting others." "But it did~''nt hurt." Charlotte sang. "It was aggressive without him hurting me in the slightest." "It was a unique, [inspired] experience." Helix chuckled breathlessly. "Charlotte wanted it passionately, so it worked psychologically. I couldn''t do it with either of you, so please don''t ask. I''m happy to give you what you want, but this is so extreme only Charlotte would beg for it." "Beg for it?" Riley asked with wide eyes. "Beg~ for it." Charlotte confirmed. "She begged for it." Helix affirmed. Marie and Riley looked at Charlotte like a sex fiend, but she liked that. She was a sex fiend, so it was apliment in her eyes. Helix chuckled when he saw their panicked expressions. "I did the first one to feed her passion." He exined. "I was certain she''d like it. After that¡­." "Begged for it." Charlotte reaffirmed. "She begged for it again." He followed. Marie looked around the pir to count. "Multiple times." Helix sighed. "All~the~times." Charlotte sang. Helix turned his head to give a wry smile. "Hellie stopped because he said it was too dangerous." Charlotte pouted. Marie chuckled with a gawking expression. That was obvious at a nce. "Multiple times~" Charlotte added seductively. Marie and Riley blushed slightly. "Charlotte¡­ The rock face was starting to wobble and fall apart." Helix sighed. "That''s what made it ex~citing." Charlotte dered with passion burning in her eyes. "It was like [lethal sex Jenga]." ¡ª [A/N: Obligatory 2022 reputation disimer: if you find this offensive as a simp or feminist, you''re questioning consensual decision-making and women''s decisions. Know your ideology¡­ BDSM. It''s a thing. A shocking number of women are about it. If they weren''t, Rihanna would have 150m fewer views on Youtube, 50 Shades of Gray wouldn''t have be an international best seller, and many love lives would have suffered dry, meaningless deaths at age 25.7. It''s not for everyone. Neither is sauerkraut, but it''s unreasonably delicious if you''re a winner. I don''t care if you don''t like sauerkraut, but don''t boycott it. If you do, I''ll call you out on Twitter with the hashtag #savethekraut. You''ve been warned. If something doesn''t hurt you or the people involved, it''s not a problem. Let people marry their anime body pillow or post regr pictures of their toasters online. It''s not hurting anyone. We''re otakus and weebs. We''re weird asf. If we were normal people, we wouldn''t be throwing money at cliche, cookie-cutter wish-fulfillment stories in our 20s. End obligatory 2022 cancel-culture driven, political ughter-fest shit-storm reducing, misguided-simp appeasing, sauerkraut loving, otaku and weeb eptance disimer.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 212 [Emotional Triggers] "That¡­ was amazing." Marie said in a long breathless promation. "I¡­ agree. I enjoy it when you and Charlotte get wild." Helix said with a warm smile. "But I cherish that we feel in love every time we have sex." Marie blushed before shing Helix a dazzling smile. The two wereying on top of a 35-foot rock pir that was 30-foot in diameter. "I love you Helix." She whispered while gently touching his face. "I love you too, Marie." He replied with a warm smile. "Too bad this thing''s been listening to us. It''s¡­ creepy." She giggled. "It''s concentration training for not losing my Nightmare''s control, even if I''m winded." Helix sighed. "It''s the~best training ever." Marie giggled. "I know. You didn''t hold back." Helix chuckled with a lifeless expression. "It shows my love." She replied definitively. He responded with a wry smile, and she stuck out her tongue. "Okay. Let''s get ready." Marie requested. She stood up,pletely naked, and started putting her panties on. Helix watched the beautiful sight for a minute before standing up, putting on his clothing, and pulling out his peacoat. While their clothes were on the ground, his peacoat never touched the ground unless he fell. The Life Silk lining was priceless and irreceable. "Okay. Time to y with our food." Helix sighed while putting in earplugs. "GOOOOOOOOOOORRRRN!" A deafening cry washed across the ins, leaving ripples in the air. "Don''t you think that''s a bit too loud?" Marie asked. Helix gave her a slight smile. "Alzerians will never hear it again." Marie giggled and gave him a mocking smile. "And if they do?" Helix sighed with a bitter smile. "If they ever hear this sound again, they''ll die. People can''t snitch if they''re dead, Marie." Marie giggled in response. He didn''t want to say it, but it was her punishment for his actions. A massive head with dark green eyes turned around to stare at Helix. Its scales had been peeled away in various sections from scratching its face. "You did too good." Mariemented with a frown. "It''s a bad thing?" Helix asked in confusion. "Looking at this makes me think you weren''t paying attention to love-making at all." She replied with a yful smile. Helix gave her a lifeless expression. "Didn''t it creep you out making this thing scratch its face while having sex?" Marie asked. "It did. But I wasn''t testing my ability to directly control it with my thoughts." Helix sighed. Her eyes widened and gave him a quizzical expression. "You weren''t?" She asked. Helix shook his head. "No. I created thought triggers." He replied with a slight smile. "The scales removed below its left eye were triggered by the thought [I love you]. That''s why its face is bleeding" Marie''s eyes widened in bewilderment, and her heart took a spear shot. "The area below its ear was triggered by the thought [this feels good]." Helix continued with a charming smile. "As you can see, it''s equally thrashed." Marie developed a dazzling smile and hugged Helix. "That''s so cute!" She screamed. Helix hugged her back with emotional passion. "I picked emotional topics so I could thinkmands like¡ª" ¡ª The Lagrock heard the battle cry of the soldiers and judged them to be a mortal threat. It couldn''t kill the annoying ants in front of it if more people started attacking. So the monster turned his head away from Helix and Charlotte to stare at the troops. General Masov''s face instantly paled upon sight, and his soldiers shook with fear. The Lagrock took a deep breath with a puffed-out chest. It was unnatural for Helix to call for Riley to protect the soldiers [before] it intended to attack them. "Riley! Protect the soldiers!" Helix screamed. "Wait for it!" Helix ordered. In the heat of the moment, he masterfully hid the small inconsistencies in the panic. Riley turned around fifty meters away from the troops. "[Wind Wall]!" Riley screamed. "Now!" Helix yelled under his breath. Huge gusting winds tore through the earth at a lightning pace. Massive boulders were ripped from the earth and shot across the battlefield. A massive wind wall spanning fifty meters spread out in front of the troops. It was milky white like a tornado, but it was created in a straight line. "[It only needs to make fucking point]!" Helix whispered while gritting his teeth. "[Fireball]!" Charlotte whispered under her breath. "CAAAAAN!" The Lagrock shot a massive Fireball shot out of the Lagrock''s mouth. The entire interaction took a matter of seconds. However, it looked perfectly natural. When it hit the [Wind Wall], Helix grinned with delight. He knew the soldiers were safe because he had witnessed the same scene dozens of times. ¡ª Marie giggled and gave him a mocking expression. "Those sound like normal orders, silly." Helix chuckled and gave her a slight smile. "No. The trigger is [it only has to make a fucking point]." Marie''s eyes widened in surprise. "I can''t control this Lagrock through thoughts alone." Helix exined. "I can only order it generally, and it can''t look unnatural." Marie tilted her head in confusion, but Helix continued. "The soldiers will let out a battle cry, and that will [trigger] the Lagrock to look at them mid-fight." He rified with an evil smile. "Oh. So the message is that it''s powerful enough to ignore its enemies and attack potential threats?" Marie asked. "Exactly." Helix affirmed with a wicked grin. "We don''t know when that will happen. So when the battle cry happens, I''ll yell that they''re idiots and order Riley, triggering the potential attack order. The illusion will fight on its own, and Charlotte''s job is to align [Fireball] perfectly with its breath with a power that suits it." Marie''s eyes widened in shock. "We now know that [Conditional Nightmare Fusion] allows us to manipte our spells to look natural." Helixughed with madness in our eyes. "Charlotte and I learned during our training that the illusion can also [modify] the spells slightly. After all, it needs to manipte them to make them look natural, right? The spell needs only enough spirit particles and the right spell to support the operation. It''s no longer a mystery why the Mad Queen would use this [Nightmare]." Marie''s eyes lit up in bewilderment, but a smile formed on her face. "That makes things even easier!" She cried. Helix gave her a warm smile but showed concern. "Yes. We also know it can modify them slightly. So long as the intention and the spell-casting align, it will work. So the emotional triggers allow for minor modifications mid-battle. Those are the triggers I''m creating in the conditional logic, so I don''t have to order the Lagrock. I only have to think naturally with emotions helping to guide the decisions." Marie blinked twice with a nk expression. "That''s¡­ amazing. But¡­ I feel bad. You''ll be holding this entire battle on your shoulders." She whispered nervously. "Thank you for thepliment, but [you] will be the person holding up this entire operation." Helix replied with a concerned smile. Marie cocked her head in confusion again. "How so?" Helix chuckled and gave her an apologetic smile. "Since I can''t control every output with orders, you all need to align your spell output to match the intention of the spell constantly." Helix mentioned with a wry smile. "That''s worse for you since you''ll need to chase the Lagrock and cast two [Sink] spells for every step in intervals." Marie chuckled bitterly, but her eyes held resolve. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 213 [Sink] "This is so embarrassing that it''s mildly traumatizing." Marie cried. She was leaping like a frog through the forest. Her crazy stats, agility, and strength allowed her to jump 20 feet at a time, aligning with the speed of the Lagrock. Between hops, she put her hands on the earth. "[Double Sink]!" She yelled for the forty-eighth time. Two earth ripples passed under the earth lightly. Once it reached the Lagrock''s feet, the earth sank where its feetnded. The group learned early on that spells aren''t assigned with Nightmares. Instead, they are developed through creativity and training. Then the autopilot feature takes over to smooth out orders. The spells are designated in advance but unlocked through discovery. So Helix''s Nightmare unlocking wasn''t unique. After countless hours of practice and [particle kisses], Marie unlocked [Double Sink]. It allowed her to activate two [Sink] spells at a designated distance, and [Conditional Nightmare Fusion] smoothed the endpoints. "Stopining!" Charlotte yelled mockingly. "I''ve never seen Hellie give so many kisses in his life!" Marie blushed but turned wrathful the minute she had to hop again. "Marie, you''re under Tinker''s invisibility wall." Helix reminded her. "Only we can see you from the sides, and the Lagrock is protecting you. Thank you for this. You''re critical to this operation." Marie blushed and kept her blush an entire hop. Then her eyes burned with determination. "I''ll do whatever it takes!" She yelled. However, her mortification returned in full force when the group exited the forest. The closer she got to the city, the worse it got. Luckily, she was hidden and only had a couple hundred meters to go. She stood up and started running in broad daylight. "[Domain]!" Charlotte yelled. The Lagrock began wobbling, causing Marie to fall over. When she hit the ground-- "[Sink]!" She thought in her mind. BOOOOOOOM! The monster crashed into the earth, leaving a crater in distant farnd. The sun briefly returned before it was slowly eclipsed again by the monster standing up. It broke free from Charlotte''s gravity and started moving toward the Kingdom again. It got up slowly, cracking the earth through illusion alone. "[Sink]!" She thought again. The Lag rock took its first step. "[Sink]! The second step cracked the earth. Silent casting was possible. However, aside from Helix, no one used it because it was a form ofmunication. "[Double Sink]!" She muttered out loud. Her words were an indication it was moving to Charlotte, who released [Domain]. It started walking again, taking huge strides at high speed. Each step covered 20 feet, making it 40 feet every two steps. Helix picked Marie up from the ground and pressed his lips to hers while carrying her. Once they ran a small distance, he put her on the ground to start running. "[Domain]!" Its body began falling. "[Sink]." BOOOOM! The body hit the earth. "[Sink]." It took its first step to get back up. "[Sink]." It took a second step. "[Double Sink]!" The Lag rock started moving. Pick up. Spirit kiss. Repeat. It was a grueling trial that tested Marie''s endurance and [resolve]. But she was making it work--miraculously. Once they got near a high point, Charlotte reached out her hand. "[Domain]!" BOOOOOOOM! The Lagrock hit the earth in a stunning disy that rocked the emotions of the guards. Helix started calling out. "Marie! Move to a higher vantage point where you can see better!" "I''m on it!" Marie yelled out. "Make the best decisions, and remember that I''m wearing gear that can take a beating!" She ran to the hill while Helix barked orders to Charlotte and Riley. Then hit that thing with [Domain]!" Helix yelled out. "On it!" Charlotte yelled out. "Riley! Stay on standby. We''ll need fire suppression once this thing''s on fire!" Helix ordered. "So focus on defense and support for now, and prepare for [Flood] or [Cyclone]. We''re too damn close to the city!" "Charlotte! Send Tinker out to prevent those showoffs from trying to fight! Everyone but Marie wore Amplification Circles that raised their voice a few decibels. That way, everyone knew who they were and when they were casting spells. Masov, otakus, and Macron all paled when they heard the voice. "Wait!? Is that Helix!?" Leo cried. "Wait... yeah! That''s Helix, Charlotte, and Riley!" Tanya cried. Cheers started exploding on the wall. "Wait. That''s Sir Helix, isn''t it?" Masovmented with wide eyes. "Yeah, that''s Sir Helix and his partners." Lamath confirmed with amazement in his eyes. "Why is he back here?" Masov asked in a stupor. "I don''t know.... From what Macron said, he came here to ensure that his friends didn''t die." Lamath replied in a daze. "I''ve been told that Helix is that type of person. His treatment here the first time was much worse from what I''ve heard. So I don''t think that his reception would change his mission. Maybe he was camping out or staying in a closeby township?" Lamath suggested. "GOOOOOOOOOOOR--!" BOOOOOOOOOOOM! "Haaaaaah. Now that I''ve seen that spell in action, I''m kicking myself for not trying hard enough. Let''s get the soldiers to the back to provide support!" Masov roared. The soldiers released a murderous battle cry once the general''s harangue was over. It triggered the Lagrock to turn to them mid-battle, sending shivers down their spines. "Those idiots!" Helix yelled. "Riley! Make contact with Masov and tell him we can handle this alone!" "On it!" Riley yelled before running away at lightning speed. Charlotte released [Domain] and allowed herself to be hit by the aftershock of a [Sink] spell. She flew backward, giving the Lagrock time to cast its spell. -- "I''ll... do my best." Marie said nervously. "If anyone can showcase that skill level, it''s you, Marie." Helix said with a gentle gaze. Marie''s face heated up, and she hugged Helix. He loved that she retained her blush long after achieving confidence in their rtionship. So while she blushed often, she wasn''t nervous about holding him or epting his praise. Perhaps it was Charlotte who broke the redhead''s shyness. The blonde''s nightly, shocking exploits always felt embarrassing. However... Helix loved it, so she epted it and soon became immune to regr embarrassing things. After all, after walking in to find 15 pairs of Charlotte''s panties on the bed and floor, she stopped thinking public kisses were mortifying. "Helix...." Marie whispered as she held him. "I''m scared you''ll get hurt. What if you pass out, and you''re cked out when the bacshes." Helix chuckled, squeezed her, and patted her head. "About that. I''mying a massive, multyered [Contained Charge] circle under the beast." He exined. "It has a conditional trigger to explode if I pass out." "How...." Marie whispered. "Gaming the system." Helix replied with an evil smile. "I made a blood pact with Charlotte to kiss her at least once after the blood pact if I''m conscious after the vow." Marie''s eyes trembled with shock. "To fulfill that request, I requested information that processes information while I was conscious." Helix continued with madness in his eyes. "I attached the blood seal to the [Containment Charge] so that it would trigger if passing out was a threat after activation." Marie''s [already cked-jawed] expression turned into a full-blown gawking disy. "Lastly, I''m setting up a conditional trigger for Nightmare Fusion to start dissolving immediately, and Charlotte will hit it with a low [Exodus me]." Helix concluded with an evil grin. "They''ll hear an explosion, see fairy dust, then see a bright sh of fire. The end." "How did you...." Marie whispered. "Charlotte and I were feeling devious and inspired." Helix replied casually. "Our rtionship started with mind games, and she was excited about this n. So we started scheming mid-sex." -- [A/N: Don''t get your hopes up or panic. The next chapter isn''t a sex scene. There are 20 lines of non-explicit, amusing dialogue in the next chapter. That''s it. :)] -- Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 214 [Resurrection Cliche] Marie''s eyes widened in shock. "M-Mid s-sex!?" She cried. She remembered the craters in the pir. "Yes. The ideas we came up with were¡­ inspired." Helix replied with a slight smile. ¡ª BOOOOM! Charlotte crashed back first into the pir. She grabbed the lower part of his neck to lift herself into position again. "That blood seal kiss¡­ was everything. So¡­ deadly. So¡­ exciting~" Charlotte whispered breathlessly. Helix gave her a wicked smile and connected their lips. After a passionate kiss, she pushed back against his chest. "What¡­ What if¡­ I screamed your name after you''re hurt, and hit~it with [Exodus me] in an impassioned rage¡ªHeeeeelie~!" Charlotte screamed in pleasure. Helix scoffughed with a satisfied grin. He loved the idea, but he was ying the teaser for the first time and loved that more. "Like¡­ Like that¡­ But with more hellfire and rage." She chuckled breathlessly with madness in her eyes. "It''d be sooooo~hot~" "Oh, shut up. No, scratch that. I''ll make you." Helix replied with a wicked grin. She yed off her name-calling [too] smoothly, and he wouldn''t let her get the upper hand this time. "Yes~siiiiir¡ªAhhhhh~!" Charlotte screamed in pleasure. ¡ª "I-I see¡­." Marie replied while blushing furiously. She thought she was immune to Charlotte''s escapades¡ªshe was wrong. Helix chuckled and gave her a charming smile. "Afterward¡­ we started testing our ns." Marie snapped out of her daze, triggering one of his half-smiles. "She threw massive rocks at me and used [Gravity Dance] to¡ª" ¡ª Rubbbbulerrrrublerrrublerrruble¡­. "Wait¡­!" David cried in a panic. "Watch out, boy!" Macron roared at the top of his lungs. "Charlotte!" Helix cried. "GOOOOOOOOOOORRRRN!" Helix jumped in the air backward with all his might. "[Gravity Dance]!" Charlotte cried. He jumped higher than usual, and his body glided. "[Wind Dance]!" Riley called out. "It''s moving too fast! Please slow it down enough that my barrier can kick in!" Helix yelled breathlessly. "I can''t pass out, or everyone will fucking die!" A small [Wind Wall] created a small barrier around his body. BOOOOOOOOOOOOM! The Lagrock fell to the earth violently after being hit by a massive earth pike. Blood spilled out violently to the earth in a gruesome disy of force. As its hand fell forward in Helix''s direction, arge boulder carried by [Wind Dance] passed through the Lagrock to hit him. The boulder slowed when it hit the [Wind Wall], and the Lagrock glitched unnaturally for a fraction of a second. It was just enough time for his barrier to kick in fully. The rock shattered Helix''s barrier, slowing the rock hitting his body. "Gah!" Helix coughed out blood, and his mind went hazy. The moment he lost full concentration, [gravity pushed him down instantly]. It allowed the boulder to pass over his body without the momentum dragging him farther. Helix flew fifty feet across the battlefield, and his body [lightened with gravity before impacting the earth]. ¡ª "So, while it seems extreme, we practiced getting hit and smoothing the fall." Helix exined. "That''s actually¡­ an incredible way to train¡­." Marie whispered in his belief. Her eyes glided to the left and started admiring Charlotte''s madness. Helix was insane for ying into it, but now that it wasn''t in the bedroom, she could understand their connection. "[Nightmare Infusion] will use part of the spirit particles to create a wind barrier to ensure my barrier activates when the rock hits me." He continued with a gentle gaze. "Then¡ª" ¡ª Helix hit the ground rolling after the impact, and [Wind Dance] rolled him at a speed that avoided his face hitting the earth. The impact wouldn''t have knocked Helix out, but he endured countless painful trials to [ensure] he wouldn''t pass out and expose his secret. Everything happened in a split second. "HEEEEELIX!" The otakus and weebs cried. "Hellieeeee!" Charlotte screamed [in an impassioned rage]. ¡ª "That eases my concerns." Marie replied with a sigh of relief. "But¡­ I don''t understand why you''re intentionally taking a risk and allowing yourself to get hurt." Helix gave her a self-deprecating smile. "It''s shameless storytelling." He replied with shameful eyes. "The most famous and influential story motif in history¡ª" ¡ª Helix winced in pain. "That seriously fucking hurt." He chuckled between wheezing. He was putting on a solid show before getting up. Helix was masterfully recreating the Hero''s Journey motif with the [hero''s death and resurrection]. The hero goes on a quest, faces countless trials, learns a lesson, and returns home. Then they die during a crisis and are reborn to save the day. The story ys out through various legends in history. The Odyssey, the story of Jesus, Hercules being gifted the right to stay on Mount Olympus after killing the Hydra, and too many cringe-worthy anime and light novel characters to count. As he yed dead on the ground, he could hear the otakus and weebs screaming in agony. "I''m an asshole." Helix cringed in self-loathing. ¡ª Marie burst into bewildered giggles. She lifted her hand to her mouth to hide her face once she saw Helix looking dead inside. Her eyes couldn''t get wider, and she eventually sumbed to her desire to close them. Light tears were rolling down her cheeks. "I can¡­ I can tell this is important¡­." Marie giggled while wiping light tears from her eyes. Helix gave her a pathetic expression. He was miserable. "Because¡­ you''d never intentionally hurt yourself¡­." She giggled. "And¡­ you''d [definitely] never let yourself do something so shameless." Helix scoffughed breathlessly. He''d be cringing if Marie weren''t shing him stunning smiles. "This¡­ is probably worse than the anonymous harem card." Marie cried withughter. Helix chuckled with a slight smile. He was reminded of everything she did in Alzeria on his behalf and that she was still with him. It filled his heart with joy. "So¡­ are you going to rush in to save the day?" Marie giggled. Helix gave her a charming smile. "Of course. By Charlotte''s request, I''m going to save [her] life." Marie''s eyes widened in astonishment. "I never thought she''d allow herself to y the damsel¡­." She chuckled in bewilderment. Helix gave her a mocking grin. "Marie. You should know this by now." He chuckled yfully. "Charlotte will do [anything] to y the trickster." Marie''s eyes widened, and her face flushed with embarrassment. She thought back to the countless incidents of her debauchery. Then she burst into giggles again. "I can''t WAIT to see this!" Marie cried. "Everyone will understand how [I feel] nightly, for once!" Helix burst intoughter. "Well, you''ll get your wish." ¡ª [A/N: This chapter is short because I break all the chapters by thematic elements. You''d hate~me if I split the chapter halfway through.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 215 [Titan Cliche] "HEEEEELIX!" The otakus and weebs cried. "Hellieeeee!" Charlotte screamed [in an impassioned rage]. "Helix is hurt!" Leo cried. "Damn it!" Samuel growled. "I knew we shouldn''t have waited!" "Kids! Hold back! Charlotte can''t fire off her fucking spells if she has to protect¡ª" "Macron! Do you want Helix to die?" Aleko yelled. "We are Knights! We aren''t a bunch of kids! We''ve been trained to fight, and now one of our own is on the battlefield hurt because we''re not helping him!" "That''s right!" Petra yelled out. "I''m not sure why we''re still standin'' here." Miskie scoffed. "It''s not like the fuckin'' military listened the first time." The group started getting rowdy. "Kids! Are you going to make the same mistake then!?" Macron roared. "Helix was negotiation to prevent their fucking¡ªSamuel!" Macron watched in horror as the young man jumped down the eighty-foot wall. His Nightmare, [Glide], allowed him to glide in space. It was a very surreal experience to watch him fight. His motions allowed him to move with zero friction and skate on thin air with great control. So the Nightmare wouldn''t cause difficulty, Macron watched him flow down easily. Unfortunately, the sight made him lose attention. "Aleko!" Macron roared at the boy running towards the exit. Aleko, Samuel, Miskie, and Petra ran towards the exits in two directions. "Helix is negotiating to prevent their spells from killin'' the fucking soldiers, you toddlers!" Macron roared. "You''re doing the same thing as the fuckin'' military!" Everyone that heard Macron finish his sentence froze in shock. They had forgotten why Helix was fighting the military because they got heated after seeing him hurt. "GOOOO¡ª" BOOM! Unfortunately, the insane speed of the four made it impossible for them to hear their captain. Everyone else shook with shame after hearing that. Seeing they didn''t move, he looked to see Samuel. To his shock, the man was staring down a massive wolf. "Wait a minute, isn''t that¡­." "It''s Tinker!" Sarah cried. "Yeah. We''ve only seen Tinker for practice, but it''s impossible to mistake him!" Leo yelled. "But why is he fighting Samuel?" "Wait¡­ why is Samuel running to the tower again?" Confusion spread amongst the students. Samuel ran in shame back to the tower. When he got to Aleko and Miskie, he called out. "Go back!" Samuel yelled. "[DOMAIN!" Charlotte screamed. "GOOOON¡ª" BOOM! The Lagrock sunk into the ground under 80 G''s of gravitational pressure. She''d add another 20 G''s every time it started getting up. "Stay the fuck down until those idiots leave!" She roared. Macron watched the young woman with wide eyes. Everyone did. She was holding down the impossible beast by herself. Macron looked down. Tinker was growling at Aleko. The moment he turned away sheepishly, Charlotte started rampaging. "GOOOO¡ª" The Lagrock tried groaning under pressure, but Charlotte hit it with 100 G''s of force. BOOOM! The group reflexively turned around to see a livid Charlotte thrashing the hell out of the Lagrock in a rage. Cheers starteding from the walls in support. They were worried sick about Helix but were d for revenge and killing the beast. "GOO¡ª" 120 G''s of force. BOOOOOM! "GO¡ª" 140 G''s of gravity hit the Lagrock and smashed its face into the earth. BOOOOOOOOM! "Charlotte! You can''t keep this up!" Riley cried from a distance. "I don''t care! It hurt Hellie!" Charlotte screamed. "If I can''t roast this fucking thing, I''ll make it suffer!" "Charlotte! Until Helix is off the battlefield, none of us can hit it with our magic!" Riley cried. "We can''t hit it if you''re in the zone either!" General Masov listened to the conversation with a shocked expression. He finally understood that the four weren''t treating his soldiers as ants. "I finally understand." Masov muttered in disbelief. "What do you understand, sir?" Oakley asked beside him. With the soldiers on standby, he kept his most trusted subordinate around him to await destruction. "I¡­ [They] can''t use their magic around each other." Masov replied. "The only difference was that they were using solidmunication systems." "Yes. I thought the amplification circles were to announce their presence." Oakley said with sharp eyes. "But I can see it has a very practical purpose. Marie can''t hear a thing without them." "Where is she?" Masov asked with narrowed eyes. He was squinting into the distance. "She''s on that hill." Oakley replied while pointing into the distance. Masov had level 191 agility stats. As a result, he had excellent eyesight. However, he couldn''t see the young woman in the distance. "How do you know?" He asked. "Look at the ground from that direction." The ground rippled unnaturally from the hill until it hit the Lagrock. "What''s she doing? That doesn''t look natural." Masov said with a pondering gaze. "I believe she''s canceling out the shock waves from it walking and falling." Oakley replied with narrowed eyes. "Dame Charlotte isn''t hitting the beast randomly. She''s waiting for the ripple and hitting it as it touches down." Charlotte''s breathing was ragged, and she took a break while waiting for the next ripple. She was stunning the monster between breaths. The ripple made it to their position. "[Zero]!" Charlotte yelled. The Lagrock lifted from the earth. "GO¡ª" "[Domain]!" 160 G''s smashed into the Lagrock. BOOOOOOOOOOOM! Masov watched as the ripple smashed into the shockwave. Charlotte was on reinforcement circles that stabilized her position. The ground canceled out. "Hah! That''s incredible!" Masov eximed in disbelief. "Yes. It''s extraordinary." Oakley said with a smile. "There''s another type of spell she''s sending down." Masov looked at the area again. "I''m not sure what it''s doing." Oakley continued. "But I think it''s helping crush it into the earth. It''s wildly effective, whatever it''s doing." Masov examined the battlefield again. After Charlotte lifted the beast with [Zero], she smashed it deep into the earth again. "Yes¡­." Masov replied with astonished eyes. Then his face darkened as he looked toward the wall. "She has a highly destructive spell, but it has consequences." Hemented with dark eyes. Oakley nodded with a frown while looking at the unmoving Helix. "Now, as before, she''s using it for minor yet critical support." He replied. "Without it, Helix couldn''t have gotten close enough to attack from the shock waves. He was doing the work due to the proximity. It seemed like an odd pair up at first, but he was activating a spell when the earthquakes started, leading to getting harmed from the coincidental attack. Just a few seconds ofg caused this breakdown." "Sir Helix, was that close to handling it?" Masov asked. He was hidden behind the wall of fire when the battle happened. Major Oakley was near Macron during that period before intercepting Lamath mid-route. "Yeah. Sir Helix was wiping the floor with it." The major affirmed. "The teamwork was unworldly, and he had serious power. All of them do. I''m certain any of those three could kill that thing right now. But they''re not because Sir Helix is too close. It''s harsh. Riley wants to save Helix, but she''s busy protecting the wall." Masov''s eyes glittered with a strange light. "Yes. Despite wanting to save the boy and end it¡­ they''re not." He remarked with a puzzled voice. "Dame Riley''s protecting us, Dame Charlotte is holding it down, and Dame Marie is providing support. The dog is holding people back. What are they waiting for?" Oakley turned to Riley, and his eyes widened. "Look." The major requested in astonishment. General Masov turned to Riley on the other side of the battlefield. She was where she was when using [Wind Wall] and protected the entire wall. Riley was staring at Helix, and they originally thought she was concerned. However, when they looked closely, they saw something astonishing. Her eyes were burning with anticipation. Riley had full trust that Helix would wake up on his own. Masov turned back to Helix, who was still on the ground. However, he did tremble slightly. "Did you see that movement?" Masov asked. "I think so. It''s too far away, and the sun''s almost set." Oakley replied. "So our eyes might be ying tricks¡ª" "Charlotte!" Riley screamed. The blond was sweating heavily, and her eyes were getting hazy. After a briefpse, Charlotte dropped [Domain]. "GOOORN!" A massive hand sprung from the earth and grabbed ahold of her body. "[Zeee~rooo]." Charlotte sang while looking at the ground. "[Wind Dance]." Riley thought with her full concentration. Gasps rang from the walls as Charlotte was [lifted] from the ground. The lowered gravity lifted her, and [Wind Dance] moved and stabilized her body. [Nightmare Fusion] was smoothing out the transition and creating ripples from her clothes being squeezed. It was beautiful. "Gaaaaaaahhhhh!" Charlotte screamed in [pain]. She was grinning on the inside, listening to all the screaming and gasps she was achieving. Her trickster spirit was singing~ Boom! The Lagrock threw its back in the opposite direction, sitting up. Even sitting, it was around 20 feet in the air. Everyone helplessly watched as it lifted her 25 feet. "Gahhhhhhhh!" Charlotte screamed in [terror]. The women otakus started screaming at the top of their lungs. It was slowly moving her in the area above its mouth. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 216 [Rescue Cliche] Marie''s eyes widened for a moment before she burst intoughter. "Charlotte wants everyone to watch it eat her!?" Marie cried. "Leave it to her to ask for the most gruesome, cliche titan death ever!" Helixughed as well and wiped light tears from his eyes. "I told her we were gambling with long-term trauma." Marie''s eyes widened in fearful understanding, but Helix''sughing was too contagious. "But she said, [But Heeeee~llie, that''s what [you~re] here fore." He cried. "We give them the most gruesome, terrifying shit they''ve ever seen and prove that [you~], a mortal, can skull~fuck it~" Marie burst into bewilderedughter. She didn''t even know why she wasughing. Helix''s Charlotte voice was god awful, but his words and inflection painted Charlotte''s face in her mind instantly. "So¡­ wait. Charlotte''s saying that you''re defeating their greatest fear?" Marie chuckled in confusion. "That''s right." Helix said after a deep breath. He turned to her with a charming smileced with mischief. "The super-virgins are critical to sess." Helix said with a breathless chuckle. "So we''re giving them the most cliche horror scene to take it seriously. And then we''ll give them the most cliche rescue hero scene ever." Marie''s eyes glittered with excitement. "Cliche? How cliche?" She asked with enthusiasm. "We''ll start by showing people how to win realistically; I''m not sacrificing that." Helix chuckled. Marie giggled while giving him a knowing smile. "It will be the most cringe-worthy hero fight-sequence style scene in history." Helix dered. "We''re even going to recreate¡ª" ¡ª "Wait! When did¡ª" "It''s Helix!" Leo cried in excitement. "He''s okay!" Sarah cried. The otakus and weebs gathered around the perimeter to watch their hero. "CHARLOTTE! PREPARE ZERO!" Helix roared as he ran full speed. He had gotten off the ground with very few people watching. His sword was twenty feet away. Twenty feet was [nothing] to Helix, so he grabbed at a ghostly speed. "READY!" Charlotte yelled in a strained voice. Her voice was low. However, the amplification circle smoothed themunication, reminding Masov and Oakley of its general usefulness. No one had thought to attack the circles [to their clothing]. "[Do~main]~" Charlotte chimed under her breath. Helix jumped 40 feet in the air. Marie and Charlotte could jump that high. Could he jump that high? Hell no. Lower gravity flung him forward, making him appear like a vengeful war god. "[Wind Dance]." Riley whispered under her breath. Helix shed down on the Lagrock''s arm in a brutal disy of force. BOOOOM CRAAAHHHK! A sickening crack followed the boom that broke the sound barrier. Do swords make a booming sound? No way. However, [they do] if the person hits a living rock with inhumane force, people can [see] it crack scales, and no one can prove otherwise. A shockwave of visible air followed, ruffling his clothing and hair in the wind. It shot him away from the arm before an explosion of blood could assault him. Could Helix send visible air shockwaves? Absolutely not. [Wind Dance] created the illusion, making him look like a hero. "NOW!" Helix yelled as he flew through the air. He grabbed a magic circle behind him as he fell towards the earth. It glowed with stunning blue light. "[ZERO]!" Charlotte screamed. "[WIND DANCE]!" Riley roared. A powerful gust of wind assaulted everyone on the wall. The wind wrapped itself around Charlotte and hurled her away. It wasn''t [gentle], but thebination of zero gravity and wind made the fall reasonable. ¡ª "Wait! I get jumping extremely high." Marie cried. "But you''re even having Riley create visual wind shockwaves!?" Helix burst intoughter. "Of course. It''s not like a tiny sword can cut off a [titan''s] arm." He chuckled in bewilderment. Marie burst intoughter again too. "So we need something cringe-worthy-ly loud and for the air shockwaves to hit me." Helixughed. "My straight ck hair will wave beautifully in the massive moon''s light before sending me back to the earth." Marie was [dying]. Helix''s mocking reenactment was so damning to otakus everywhere that she couldn''t help butugh. If she saw the scene, an eyebrow would have gone up. She''d believe it because Helix''s Nightmare was so broken people couldn''t question it. However, she''d spent months of sleepless nights trying to figure out how something so cringe-worthy existed in the real world. "I''m doing it for the culture, of course." Helixughed. "Is that so¡­." Marie questioned with narrowed eyes. "You''re so pragmatic, but you do a~lot of things for the culture." Helix gave her a charming smile. "Of course I do." He confirmed. "What type of second-rate otaku abandons their people for real life?" Marie burst into giggles. "I guess you''re right." Helix gave her a warm gaze. He loved seeing her happy and vibrant with energy. "So~Dr. Cliche and Mr. Realist, how will you turn the narrative back to the soldiers?" Marie asked yfully. Helix didn''t sigh or cringe. His cringe factor hadn''t even reached peak form in his eyes. "We''ll get rid of the evidence, wash away the blood, make it impossible to use an intent spell, and demonstrate the power of trapping¡­." Helix paused for dramatic effect, and Marie watched with bated breath. "And feed my manhood. I''m sorry, no matter how old I get¡ª" ¡ª Helix hit the ground and rolled, but his gravity was much lower. He pulled out another magic circle. "[CONTAINMENT CHARGE CHAIN TRIGGER]!" He roared at full volume. Was it necessary to yell so loud? Hah. Hrious. Helix needed all eyes on deck to watch the finale. A battle disc in his hand glowed with a searing white light, giving it a godly appearance. Everyone forgot about pure Charlotte, who had canceled her amplification circle so no one could hear herughing. That''s what Helix needed. He listened to the gasps of everyone on the castle''s walls with an evil grin. It was showtime. The Lagrock started glowing with various shades of the same golden light. There were circles on the ground, in the crater, and underneath it. The area was drowning in magic circles, reminding them that Helix [announced] he was setting traps and not just fortifying spells. It illuminated its arm, which was not cut in half. However, it was hanging limply after its humerus bone equivalent was shattered. It was much more powerful and disturbing to see. The Lagrock''s face contorted in pain in confusion for all to see. Then¡ª BOOOOM! BOOM! Boom! Boom. BOOM! Boom. BOOOOOOOM! Explosions rocked the area around the Lagrock. "GOOOOOOOOOOORRRRN!" The Lagrock roared with pain as massive fires spread around the area. While the area was zing with heat, the Containment Charge Triggers did not spread the explosion far. ¡ª "You''re such a man." Marie giggled. "Is there a problem with that?" Helix asked with a charming smile. "No." She giggled. "It just amazes me how¡­ normal you are sometimes." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 217 [Destroying Evidence] "Hey. There are very few problems that arge chain reaction of explosions can''t fix." Helix dered with a frown. Marie giggled in bewilderment. She couldn''t look at Helix''s face withoutughing. "Spoken like a true politician. You''re officially a leader." Helix gave her a wry smile. "I have my moments." He replied sarcastically. "I doubt your manhood is the only reason behind this strategy." Marie remarked with a stunning smile. Helix gave her a warm gaze for a moment. Then he continued. "Yes. I''ll use Containment Charge Triggers to show that we can kill beasts through trapping and tactics since most people don''t have our power." Helix exined with a slight smile. "But the primary benefit of using [explosions] is getting rid of the evidence." Marie narrowed her eyes. "Getting rid of evidence?" She asked with an interested smile. Helix gave her a mysterious smile. "Of course. Monster blood doesn''t dissolve after it touches open air." Hemented. "And tinker can only drag one Laymond Cow behind him to the fight." Marie''s eyes widened in realization. "So we''re short on blood to leave behind." Helix exined. "So we''ll have to wash away the evidence." "Wash away the evidence?" Marie asked with a discerning smile. "Yes. Literally." Helix affirmed with a slight smile. ¡ª "MARIE! NOW!" Helix yelled. "[Implosion]." She said with an evil grin. No one could hear her, but that didn''t matter. Rubbbbulerrrrublerrrublerrruble¡­. A massive line of cracking ground ripped across the battlefield in a breathtaking disy of raw power. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! The area underneath the Lagrock exploded and shot into the earth. "SOLDIERS, TURN AROUND AND DUCK!" Helix ordered at the top of his lungs. "[CHARGE BARRIER TRIGGER]!" Glowing orange lights shot across the battlefield. There was one in front of Helix, Riley, Charlotte, and finally, a faint glow on the mountain top. Barriers. "Turn around!" General Masov roared. Many soldiers, otakus, and weebs obeyed, while others were too stunned to move. Macron started forcing people down. Oakley pulled people from the wall, and Masov started barking orders. He knew whatever happened wouldn''t end well if Helix was triggering barriers. Helix was satisfied with the response after ten seconds. Riley gave him the thumbs up, confirming that most people had followed suit. "[FLOOD CHAIN TRIGGER]!" Helix roared. Sky blue light exploded in the area. Six [Flood] circles activated a fraction of a secondter, shooting water in the direction of the Lagrock. It was a gorgeous showcase of circle modifications to control the output of an otherwise chaotic spell. Unfortunately, most didn''t watch it. PRSSSSSHHHHHH! A massive explosion of steam and smoke assaulted the area as the flooding water touched the fires. The people on the guard tower started yelling. Suddenly, a massive heat wave sted them, turning their skin red. They were grateful that Masov, Oakley, and Macron started beating people who didn''t turn around. Those thatid down were grateful. Luckily, the steam was 100-feet from the 80-foot walls. Otherwise, it would have done serious damage. General Masov turned to assess the situation, and his eyes widened in shock. The otakus and weebs that obeyed and didn''t peak turned around instantly. Soldiers soon followed. Everyone watched in stunned silence as water filled the massive crater the Lagrock was in. "GOOOOOOOOOOORR¡ª!" "GOOOOORN¡ª" "GOOR¡ª" "GOOOOORN¡ª" "GOO¡ª" "GOOOOORN¡ª" Massive title waves shot from the crater as the Lagrock thrashed around. It fought for breath as the water flooded inside the crater, slowly drowning it. Its arms were useless, and Helix cut a leg off during the battle. So it only had its left leg to push it out of the water. As a result, it was drowning with no way to escape. The kingdom''s soldiers, otakus, weebs, and military leaders watched the pathetic creature drown. It would doubtlessly be a gruesome ten minutes. ¡ª "That''s¡­ one hell of a way to wash away evidence." Marie giggled. "Damn straight it is." Helixughed nervously. "I like it. So why do you sound nervous?" She asked with a tilted head. "That¡­ so we''re dazzling the otakus to give them strength, yeah?" He asked rhetorically. "Yes¡­?" Marie replied in confusion. "Well, in the real world, drowning is a very¡­borious process." Helixmented. "Hmmm. I''m not sure I like the way that sounds." Marie''s eyes widened in shock and understanding. "Yes¡­ It does make a dazzling, victorious death difficult." She affirmed. "It''s¡­ a lot more brutal and depressing, plus it''s a constant reminder of how dark it was." He cringed and gave her a solemn nod. "Thergest challenge we''ll face is helping the otakus and weebs on the verge of trauma recover." Helix sighed. "We don''t have a choice, considering what''sing will be much worse. So we must reverse the fear after the battle, which is difficult with such a brutal death." Marie nodded with a serious expression. "But we don''t have a choice about using water." He sighed. "So¡­." Marie gave him a serious expression. "So¡­ what? You don''t seem too pleased." He gave her a wry smile before taking a deep breath and sighing. "So, we''ll have to turn its [should be gloriously cliche] death followed by a cringe-worthy and inspiring speech into¡ª" ¡ª The death of the Lagrock was shocking, but not in a good way. Everyone was excited about the cliche rescue, followed by the dazzling firework show. However, watching a creature drown a pathetic un-warrior like death wasn''t exciting, romantic, or desirable. It made them cringe. Helix would [not] allow that to happen. "Charlotte! Are you okay?" Helix called out. Charlotte turned on her magic circle after a brutal thirty seconds of anticipation. She was trying her hardest to calm herughing. Helix was dying on the inside, knowing what was happening. "Yeah. That asshole ruined my shirt, so I had to change." The five hundred people burst intoughter. "Haaaaaah. d to hear it. Do you want to help me teach that asshole [wannabe titan] what happens when monsters touch my women?" Helix asked with a cheeky voice. Excited gasps rang through the crowd. The otakus and weebs lit up like a New Years'' celebration. Helix heard their cheers and sighed a breath of relief. The epic, brutal ending of the Stalkwalker was extremely heavy. While it was awesome for soldier morale, this [story] was about making a point without causing titan night terrors and trauma. The titan scene was too much, so they had to reverse that damage through a lighter atmosphere. "Well~yeah, dummy! I''ve been waiting [for~ever] because the guy giving the order to keep damage to a minimum was taking a nap!" A moment of stunned silence. A single confused chuckled. Bewilderedughter erupted in the area again. Helix smiled wryly at the response. He was having difficulty keeping hisposure and breaking out into realughter. ¡ª "Ah. The tragic victim Charlotte ys off the traumatizing scene like it was aedy set." Marie giggled. "She''s per~fect for that role." Helix gave her a hopeless smile before bing nervous. "Too perfect. Charlotte needs to control her desire tough seriously." Marie and Helix burst intoughter. "Of course, it can''t stop there." He chuckled. "Anyone can pretend something traumatizing didn''t happen, and most do. So if we want to do it seriously, we''ll need to make it an intentionally anticlimactic spectacle." Marie''s eyes glided to the left. "I¡­ don''t even know how to approach that." She confessed. He gave her a wry smile before taking a deep breath. "It doesn''t match my personality¡­." Helix sighed. "But I have a strategy." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 218 [Intentionally Anticlimactic] "Intentionally anticlimactic?" Marie asked in confusion. "Yes. We''re instilling fear, which is good for getting people to take situations seriously." Helix asserted. "However, if the fear gives them trauma, they could lose their will to fight. They could be callous or dangerous as well. That''s why we need to immediately remove trauma from the equation." She gave him a strange look. "That makes sense, but how can people casually remove trauma?" "You remove the feeling of helplessness and danger." He smiled. "They''re afraid because they''re seeing Charlotte move to the jaws of the Lagrock, helpless to prevent getting bitten in half and having a gruesome death, right? We need to reverse that and tell people she was never in danger. To do that, we need to remove emotion from the equation. Make it seem like it wasn''t worthy of glory or celebration." Marie''s eyes glided to the left. "So you''re nning to make its death as mundane and lifeless as a normal monster hunt?" Helix chuckled and shook his head. "That would be ideal, but that''s impossible." He exined. "So if we do want to y it off, we''ll have to turn it into a farce." ¡ª "Yeah, yeah, Char. Sorry for¡ª" Helix began, addressing Charlotte with a faux, cutesy nickname before getting cut off by the Lagrock. "GOOOOORN¡ª" The monster screamed out. Helix [forgot] it was drowning and gave it the most annoyed look he could muster. "Gooooooood! You''re like a broken record." He yelled in annoyance. Bewildered chuckles rang out in response to his rxed arrogance. Helix touched his neck and pulled out arge circr disc a few feet in diameter. Then he pulled out two other battle discs. A green light glowed when he touched the first battle disc to therger one''s center. Then he stacked the third disc on the second. He created the [beginners] explicit chant for the [Water Guard] spell, which creates a waterproofing barrier for circles. "GOOOR¡ª" "Yeah, yeah. We can all hear your depressing quest for living¡­." Helix called out sarcastically. "But give it a rest, would ya? I''m trying to have a conversation here." Therge disc lit up with vivid purple light. He then threw the disc like a frisbee one hundred feet into the smallke that had formed. The area instantly fell silent, and the sshing creature lookedical now that the circle drowned out the noise. "Haaaaaaah. Thank God for the Circle of Silence. You never know how annoying people and creatures can be until you run out of them almost daily." Helixughed indignantly. An eruption ofughter and cheers exploded from the walls. Now everyone could enjoy the victory without the disturbing backdrop. Moreover, Helix''splete ambivalence toward the creature was godly. It was offensive in the most delightful ways imaginable. "Ahem! Like I was saying, I''m sorry for napping." Helix coughed, getting on past with thest conversation. "Bute on, give me some ck, Char. It really hurt, it''s not like I was just rxing." Helix''s whining caused a wave of bewilderedughter. "Humph! If Riley had to blind the thing and I dropped to the earth, I''d be pissed." Charlotte huffed, "I demand flowers!" Many people were bewildered by the development, but everyone cheered regardless. It was so cute, and absurd, and the juxtaposition was too great to ignore. "Can they be store bought?" Helix sighed. "Thest time I got you flowers, a third-evolution Warpshire almost ate Master Tyrene and me in the Izian Forest." Shocked gasps rang out. However, the otakus and weebs started cheering loudly, triggering others to do the same. They started telling people in the story hurriedly, and the soldiers nearby beganughing. "Hmmm? What''s the problem with that? You got a fancy coat, and I found it char~ming." Charlotte smacked with a saucy voice. The atmosphere in the area was getting contagious. "Fine. Can we keep the zone under 100 this time?" Helix sighed. Everyone was puzzled in the most delightful way possible. People were cheering and whistling, hanging on their every word. Their casual, unbelievable conversation wouldn''t be taken seriously if the soldiers couldn''t see a fourth-evolution titan drowning in the background. The juxtaposition was far too ridiculous. "Hmmm? Did I hear you say something?" Charlotte asked mockingly. "Oh, snap! You''re fucked, boy!" Miskie shouted, making everyone on the walls explode withughter. Simr statements flew down from the area, heckling Helix and making him turn to them with a wry smile, saying, [why are you betraying me?] The soldiers lit up, including General Masov and Major Oakley. Everyone wanted to know how the teen would react in the situation, seeking inspiration or a demonstration of what [not] to do. "Thank you for your leniency, sweetheart." Helix sighed, "I''ll get you flowers from where you want." An explosion ofughter and apuse rocked the airwaves, pleased by his apology in front of all of Alzeria. The great Helix Hellsgate Margrave bowing to his girlfriend in front of the people he imed to protect was priceless. Since he had a reputation and proved his power, everyone found it charming and expressed their feelings. Whistles rang down upon Helix, who was chuckling due to the reception. "Hey, Riley." Helix called out. "Yes? What is it?" Riley responded in a sickly-sweet voice. It melted the hearts of otakus, weebs, and military personnel alike. After everything they had seen, hearing the savior of the troops act sweet and nonchnt was healing. She had a way of calming down the otakus and weebs, and the soldiers who didn''t know about it understood instantly. Half understood. "Thank you for having faith in me." Helix said with a warm smile. "I saw you were preparing to end that thing when Charlotte was picked up, but you ced trust in me anyway. I''ll get you flowers too." "They''re not necessary, but I''d love some." Riley replied with a bright, grateful smile. The female otakus and weebs started melting from the warm disy. Helix grinned inwardly, knowing that the female otakus and weebs were secured. He figured they''d be the hardest to recover from the titan scene. However, if their morale was up their new rtionship with the men will break them out of their shell. "Now that everyone''s okay, do you want to take out frustration and show Alzeria what [would] have happened if I was still taking a nap?" Helix joked. "It''s in a fixed position now. I doubt it''s going anywhere." Laughter burst from the castle walls and lightened the atmosphere in the city. "Sure. Give me a moment." Riley replied with a warm voice. The crowd''s anticipation was at a peak. "[Wind~Dance]." A sharp, massive rock fifty feet away from her shot at the drowning Lagrock like a dart. BOOOOOM! That was the sound that people imagined in their minds when it shot into the Lagrock''s eye, causing a bloody explosion. The Lagrock screamed for a moment before sinking underwater. It started slowly dissolving into fairy dust five secondster, causing shocked gasps to ring out. "Hmmm. Great shot. But¡­ I messed up." Helix sighed. "I should''ve asked you to do that before I shut it up. Now its death feels a bit¡­ anticlimactic? I don''t know. It was a pain in the ass to fight, I got hit by a rock, and now I have to pick flowers in death zones." Everyone listened to Helix''s mncholyining with shocked confusion. It wasn''t problematic; it was just¡­ strange. "So I would''ve at least liked to hear it yell, [Ahhhh! I thought I was at the top of the food chain! The Mad Queen tricked me! She said humans were a bunch of weak pushovers!] or something stupid like that." Helix sighed. He turned to the soldiers, otakus, and weebs. "That thing was a loud, whiney pain in the ass for you too. Is it just me? Or wouldn''t you have liked to have a more exciting ending too?" After he asked in a depressed tone, he grinned wickedly. A chuckle. Augh. A cheer. An explosion of cheers and apuse rang out over the dark Alzerian skies. "Ah. I''m d I''m not the only one." Helix chuckled. ¡ª "I don''t think I''d mind ying the housewife for a bit." Marie giggled. Helix gave her a lifeless expression,plete with dead eyes. "I don''t like the role of a deadbeat husband." Marie burst into giggles. "You''re right. It doesn''t fit you well, harem~leader." She chimed. Helix gave her a strange smile. "You know, I prefer that role to an alternative for once." The two burst intoughter again. "Do you think it''ll be enough?" Marie asked with a pondering expression. "ying it off like a casual event and turning it into a si?" Helix scoffughed with bitter eyes. "Not even close. We''ll have a big ass, depressing-lookingke to remind everyone that something brutal took ce." Marie frowned at the reasoning. "Good point." She said with a nod. "Moreover, fourth-evolution monsters are so rare they''re not seen for decades." Helix sighed. "When they are, they''re hunted out in the wilderness. The moment someone sees a monster that can take down the city''s walls singlehandedly will destroy everyone''s sense of security." Marie gave Helix a worried expression. "Then what can we do about it?" She asked. Helix''s eyes glided to the left. "Well, we can''t force this on Alzeria." He prefaced. "But there''s a way to instantly restore a sense of security while continuing our charade." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 219 [Restoring Security] "Hey. Monsters suck, and there''s a lot of water here suddenly." Helix pointed his thumb back behind him. "I''m new to castles, but¡­ do you guys want a moat?" Helix asked casually. Confused cheers rang out here and there. "Hey, General Masov. There''s already an awkwardke here." He rified in a puzzled voice. "We can turn it into a moat for you if you want. It won''t cover the whole perimeter, but it''ll be one less area to worry about. Themercial loading section won''t affect it since it''ll be from that hilltop to that scorch line. It''d also be prettier than this mess." General Masov was stunned, speechless. He couldn''t believe the casual offer he was receiving. He looked from the hilltop where Marie was to the 200-foot scorched line from Riley''s saving them. General Masov walked back to his amplification circle. "Do you mean¡­ now?" He asked in confusion. Helix shrugged with a casual smile. "Yeah. We''re already here, it''s great for defense, so I don''t see why not." He confirmed. "This entire area got destroyed anyway, and the only thing you got from it was a depressingke." The soldiers, otakus, and weebs erupted intoughter. General Masov turned from left to right. He could see soldiers'' faces brimming with excitement. Oakley walked up to the general. "Uhhhhh. Give me a minute." Masov said with bewildered eyes. The soldiers burst intoughter when they heard their decisive leader fumbling. "Sure thing." Helix said with a slight smile. Masov turned to Oakley. "What is it?" He asked. "Sir. I think Sir Helix is trying to downy the event and calm them down." Oakley replied. "Knowing Sir Helix, he could be leading a masterful harangue. However, many people almost died, which was pretty disturbing. If you look over there, many of the Earthians are still shaking and crying. I think he''s making it seem easy and trying to give people a sense of protection they''ve lost. It''s insane, but perhaps you should y along. Just a suggestion." General Masov''s eyes widened in shock and understanding. Everyone was confused by the situation that was so intense just moments before. He looked at Helix, who was giving him a genuine expression. "Ahem!" General Masov coughed. "I think a moat would look mighty fine on this side of the wall, don''t you soldiers think?" After a stunned moment, a massive battle cry rocked the nighttime sky. "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAH!" "Hey! Marie!" Helix called out. "Do you want some flowers too!?" "I''ll make the moat, but I''m getting some damn flowers regardless!" Marie huffed. The wall''s perimeter burst intoughter and cheers. "Will a romantic dinner night do?" Helix sighed. "May~be. But I want you to take off that~coat for it." Marie replied sassily. The otakus and weebs burst intoughter, causing a rippling effect of roars and cheers. Helix turned back to the soldiers with puppy eyes that showed he felt betrayed. More roaringughter followed. Helix took a deep breath and sighed. "Fine. I''ll wear an Earthian suit, and you three can wear fancy dresses." He pledged with a wearied voice. "Is that eptable?" "I ept." Marie replied in the affirmative. "Charlotte?" Helix called out. "I~ept. But you''re dead if you think you''re getting out of flowers." Charlotte huffed with her hands on her hips. The married soldiers burst intoughter. No one could see her in the darkness, but everyone knew her pose. Helix took a deep breath. "Riley?" He asked with a pleading voice. Laughter rang out because everyone could hear how desperate he was. "I think dinner sounds lovely." Riley replied with a warm tone. "Thank you, Riley." He whispered. It was barely loud enough for the military personnel, otakus, and weebs to hear. The wall erupted intoughter. "Okay. Epic date night and deadly flowers it is." Helix chuckled bitterly. "Charlotte. I''ll drop the [Fault Line Guards] because they''re your favorite color." "Aww. You''re so~cute when you''re sucking up!" Charlotte replied mockingly. Helix chuckled bitterly. The si had devolved into a [genuine] roast fest, and he was self-conscious. He wished he could just give an amazing speech and call it a night. However, they agreed on this charade, so he''d have to suck it up, grin, and bear it. Helix casually pulled out two dozen Level 5 fortifying spells he made while doing endurance training with Tilo. Hezily started throwing them on the ground in a mncholy state. Every time he activated one, it glowed with a radiant pink light that covered a circle with a fifty-foot radius. He was throwing them on the earth like he was feeding pigeons. Everyone was far too shocked by the beautiful neonndscape to think of anything else. It was a truly gorgeous experience that captured everyone''s attention. Using Level 5 spells without permission was a Capital offense in Alzeria. However, he was saving their wall from destruction after saving this city¡ªfrom himself. More importantly, he was about to create a massive 300 meters wide [moat] with an earthquake next to a wall. He couldn''t casually do that without announcing he had top fortification spells. So he casually pretended not to know Alzerianw, causing the people in the know tough with shock. After all, he was an official Alzerian Circle Master. "Wheeeeeew!" Charlotte whistled. "Be~U~T~ful. You''re already halfway to not sleeping on the couch tonight. So keep it up." The otakus and weebs burst into ragingughter. Meridians didn''t understand the Earthian culture, but they still understood the sentiment, so they joined in theughter merrily. Helix was [walking], but his speed was absurd. So it didn''t take long to cover the entire wall. He took a deep breath and sighed. "Marie?" "Hmmm? Did you say something? Sorry, I was napping." Theughter became hysterical, and many started cackling. Many had doubled over and were holding their sides. The roast fest was heating up, causing Helix to give the hilltop a wry smile. He was doing this on purpose, but it wasn''t like the group had a script. It wasn''t meant to turn into a roast session, but his partners were having a ball now. The experience was bitter-sweet. "Hey, honey? I just want you to know that you''re extremely beautiful, your personality is dazzling, and I can''t wait to spend the rest of my life with¡ª" "Much~better. [Chasm]!" The crowd started roaring withughter, but when they started. Rubbbbulerrrrublerrrublerrruble¡­.CRRRAAAAACCCCKKKKKKK! Everyone watched in shocked silence as a massive chasm split the earth. The fortifying spells stonewalled the earthshaking. As a result, it was a surreal sight watching the earth split without their earth trembling. It was biblical. The water from theke flowed into the chasm. Helix walked past the neon pink perimeter as casually as he was speaking. He stepped to the edge of the chasm with an impressed face. "Amazing as always, sweetheart." Helix chuckled nervously. "That thing was forty feet tall and couldn''t jump. There''s no way in hell another could get close to the Capital now." General Masov''s eyes widened in astonishment. When Helix casually offered him a moat, he wasn''t expecting something with massive defense capabilities. He looked to his left and right and could see a sense of security returning to his soldier. His announcement sent ripples of excitement through the crowd. After a spark, the entire wall erupted into gratitude-filled cheers. Otakus and weebs that were crying perked up at the announcement. The peopleforting them could exin the amazing security Helix and his partners had restored. It gave them genuinefort. Helix looked around and smiled at the happy faces. He was d things were working out. Unfortunately, the charade¡ªaka vicious roast session¡ªwas still in effect. So he sighed inwardly and continued. "See the excitement, Marie?" Helix asked with a nervous smile. "Everyone thinks you''re amazing. You''re incredible, gorgeous, and I love you." "If you think you''re getting out of dinner, forget it." Marie replied with a stern tone. "We''re going out and staying until we''re satisfied." Marie and Charlotte were having a ball with the [housewives] act. Helix wasn''t, but he was genuinely d they were having fun. "Why do you make it sound like I don''t like leaving my room?" Helix sighed. The otakus and weebs exploded withughter, confusing the rest of the soldiers. The groups started keeling over, causing many tough at them. Whispers like [it must be an Earthian thing] or [I think it''s a sex joke] started spreading, causing the otakus tough harder. "Mhmm. I''ll believe it when I see it." Marie sassed. "You say it''s like it''s a bad~thing." Charlotte chimed. "Oooooooooh~" The men started going wild and sending out whistles. Helix touched his crimson sun tattoo and pulled out a magic circle. "I wish at least one male would support me." Helix grumbled under his breath as he threw them The wall burst intoughter again. "Hmmm? Did I hear that the couch sounds~fy?" Marie asked with a mocking tone. "I said I wish at least one male would support me in my love for you three gorgeous women." The men started howling from the wall. "Ah. I must have heard wrong. Forgive me." Marie replied sweetly. Helix shivered and casually lit up the magic circle. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 220 [Myriad] "If they ept it, I think the moat is an amazing idea." Marie remarked with a pensive tone. "But there''s fear thates with magic." Helix gave her an understanding nod. "If I casually split the earth in two, and you start throwing around Level 5 magic spells, it shows we''re more dangerous than monsters." She continued. "We''ll be stuck with the same issue we faced before we left." Helix gave her a mysterious smile. "That''s true. So when we create the moat, we need to make the experience positive and memorable." Marie tilted her head in confusion. "Marie. With our skill, we can show everyone the otakus the fantasy world we always dreamed of." Helix said with a gentle gaze. "It''s something only beautiful people like you, Charlotte, and Riley can do." She blushed and got lost in Helix''s captivating smile. Marie could tell that Helix''s vision was more important to him than a simple strategy. It was something close to his heart, and she immediately wanted to help him bring it to fruition. ¡ª Helix wasn''t going to announce he was using a cmity spell, so he casually dropped the [Crop Cmity] circle into the 100-foot-deep crevasse. The 300-meter-wide crevasse exploded with water the instant it touched down, causing waves to shoot up. General Masov''s eyes widened in shock. The soldiers didn''t know how deep the crevasse was, but they could see it was 50-feet wide. So [everyone] knew that whatever the hell Helix casually threw into the crevasse was at least a high master-grade to early legendary-grade cmity spell. Helix casually jumped back 50 feet and started walking around and whistling a tune as if nothing had happened. A chuckle. A single chuckle. Two chuckles. A few chuckles. The entire wall exploded withughter. Helix chuckled himself and then looked into the moat. It filled up 70% with the spell, but he couldn''t casually throw in two, or the entire area might flood over. "Hey, Riley¡­ I mean gorgeous, delightful sweetheart of mine¡­." Helix called out nonchntly. "You don''t have to tter me if you want me to do something." Riley giggled. "Oooof." Helix muttered while clutching his chest. "You''re too good for me." Joyousughter filled the nighttime skies. The atmosphere was getting merry and delightful. Even those crying or shaking were warming up and feelingfortable again. The otakus and weebs knew what Helix was doing, but that was what made themfortable. Riley walked over to the chasm. "I don''t think so. [Flood]." She called out with a giggle. A massive ball of water collected in the sky, ready to fall to the earth and cause a flood. The entire wall saw the 50-foot sphere with shock in their eyes. It was hovering a hundred feet in the air, allowing everyone in the Capital to see it. The pink fortification spells made it a gorgeous neon sun shining in the darkness. "Charlotte, can you help?" Riley asked gently. "I''d like to keep from getting wet." Bewildered chuckles started waving through the audience. The idea that someone with a massive sphere of water wouldn''t get wet was far too much. "Sure, whatevs Rize. [Gravity Dance]~" Charlotte replied casually. The ball of water started hovering on its own. It gently burst into a million droplets of water floating in the air, causing gasps to ring out. It was beautiful. A million droplets shined bright pink and white from the moonlight, illuminating the area with sparkling neon light. "[Condense]." Riley whispered out with a gentle voice. The water droplets ttened out into condensed water again. "[Wind Dance]." The water exploded through the nighttime sky, creating a beautiful floating stream in the air. "Aaaaaaaaahhhhh." The sight captivated the otakus, weebs, and military personnel. So were the citizens within the city wall. Riley intentionally made the water ball 100 feet in the air so those in the Capital could see the neon pink stream gliding through the sky. Princess Eliza, her sister Lc, and Queen Liliana watched from a castle window in wonder. Saul watched the scene with a strange smile on his face. He knew there was only one group of people capable of the spectacle he was witnessing. Nobles came out of their houses again to see what the attraction was. Those with puffy eyes were watching in a trance. Regardless of their fear, the beautiful magic of Myriad was on full disy for the first time. Leo started hugging Sarah. Maze started smiling at Miskie, who pretended to ignore him. Halbert, Chad, and Mason stared at Helix as if he were a god. Peter and Lily exchanged smiles together. It was so obvious that she was trying not to crack that it made him smile. Aleko and Samuel watched together with pride-filled smiles. Macron was tearing up slightly, seeing how the disastrous situation turned so inspiring. Major Oakley watched the scene with a genuinely satisfied smile. General Masov forgot how batshit insane the entire scene was and let himself forget about the impending meetings in his future. One of Linus'' apprentices forced the man out of his room. When he saw the sight, he stared into the air with true amazement. He was already preparing to write about the sight to pass it down for ages. Kylon watched from a guard tower on the opposite side of the city with a gentle smile that periodically turned into fang gnashing. He was charmed by the disy, but he always saw Helix''s face in his mind and started pretending to hate what he saw. Tilo watched from the castle with a bright smile. Mira and Millie were crying with joyous expressions, making his heart sing. His daughter Kiko was next to him, nudging him with her shoulder. As was sitting on a castle wall dangling his legszily. He had his chin in his palm, watching the sight with an amused expression. The pink neon light created a retro contrast with his blue sses. Elsa had walked to arge window and let the beautiful pink light wash over her body. She cried for thest hour, but when she saw the beautiful scene, she knew Helix, Marie, Charlotte, and Riley were safe. Timothy came out to console her and hug her. No one in Alzeria had ever seen such deadly magic used for something so breathtaking. Riley glided the stream to the crevasse in an intricate pattern for ultimate beauty. She practiced it a dozen times, and she received amazing feedback. Therefore, it was the most enchanting use of [Wind Dance] the world had ever seen. The sound of the stream touching down with the water in the moat. "That¡­ was stunning, Riley, Charlotte, Marie." Helix called out in a genuine and gentle voice. The warmth in his voice was charming to most people. Helix started slow pping. Leo started pping. Sarah joined in. Peter joined in. Maze started pping more vigorously. David, Lily, Tammy, Tanya, Aleko, Leera, Whitney, Kyle, Chad, Halbert, Mason, Ramond, and all of the other super-otakus burst into apuse. ¡ªexcept for As, who was toozy to move. The weebs, led by Maze, Mark, Simon, Samuel, Mark, and eventually Miskie, gave a thundering ovation to the sight. Oakley started pping. General Masov joined in, triggering a full ovation from the soldiers. The nobles started pping in the city. Then a single cheer triggered a rippling wave of excitement throughout the city. The shopkeepers on Burlow Street started cheering, spreading through the Kina district, where the nobles followed. The soldiers gave out a battle cry in the night air. A celebratory mood rocked Alzeria. Helix, Marie, Charlotte, and Riley sent gentle smiles in each other''s directions. They had made a gamble¡ªand it paid off. ¡ª [A/N: I wonder how you feel about this adventure now that they''ve experienced it¡ªall of it. I didn''t use sh-forwards of the monster fight to create a cliche Jekyll twist. I wanted you to enjoy a scene of otakus enjoying soda without stressing about the next fight scene. You won''t remember the Colossus fight in a year, but I hope you never forget Tyrene spending two hours listing off students'' names. Small scenes make a story memorable. However, action scenes make stories entertaining. That''s why [Nightmare] is written like it is. It uses time leaps to jump to important parts of the story and works backward to present information when it''s relevant. It allowed you to witness a fight scene with [Nightmare] early and sent you into training without forcing development. This week was gruesome because [everything] was relevant. Helix has a month to gain control of a country''s army¡ªthink about that¡­ lol. This entire sub saga''s [twist] has nothing to do with using [Nightmare] to create a monster. The mystery from the beginning was why Helix [needed to leave] the capital. It was likely baffling for those who don''t read history andmon sense for those who do. Myriad is a realistic world; without seizing power through force, Helix was branded a tyrant for [rational reasons]. The [twist] is seeing how Helix uses this demonstration to solve his mounting political problems so he can face the [biblical-grade death blender attack]. The monster attack solves his problems by showing Alzeria the opponents they will be facing. After that, Alzeria has no choice. It has nothing to do with Helix being the hero; however, soldiers won''t follow someone who''s not a leader. It''s an equallyrge issue. [Having institutional power is useless if you cannot organize people into action]. Sorry cultivators. Helix can seize power by force, be branded an emperor, have sex with the queen, and have a harem of female generals, but it won''t solve his problem. For those who immediately thought [it''s [obviously] his Nightmare], I hope you enjoyed the game of cat and mouse. It''s an illusion; wait, it''s hurting people. Helix gets hurt, but the monster remains. Is Helix leading a real monster to Alzeria, or is that an excuse? But even if you saw through all of it, how did you enjoy the [strategy]? It''s an illusion, sure¡ªbut it could have killed people, and it would have without training. Yes, he can infuse attacks, but it''s difficult and ridiculously [impractical]. So how does he pull it off? How does he send a message? How does he cover his tracks? The soldiers can''t attack it, or it could be exposed and then [game over]. That''s the [gamble]. So how does he keep people away from it? Lastly, and most importantly, how does he prepare the otakus and soldiers without leaving them traumatized? The final scene says it all. Helix always talks about how Myriad is supposed to be a fantasy world. In this scene, he finally proves to the otakus that Myriad truly is the world they always dreamt of. Myriad is a normal world with magic; how you view it is determined by your mindset and how you paint upon its canvas. Thank you for reading, fellow otakus. I appreciate you taking the time to read this long author''s note to explore the deeper meanings behind this intricate story. Talk soon.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 221 [Earthians Vs. Soldiers] Helix addressed the Alzerians after the gasps of shock and awe faded and the emotional tears dried. "So. Ummm. This is awkward." Helixughed nervously. "I know we destroyed your backyard and ripped yournd in half, but¡­ it''s getting kindate, so can we stay for the night?" A stunned silence fell upon the Alzerians, otakus, and weebs. "I have some deadly flowers to pick and need some rest, so¡­ I know it''s not much, but I''ll buy people some drinks wherever we eat and stay? Ha ha ha ha haaah." Helix scratched the back of his head awkwardly as he asked. One confused chuckle shattered the silence. A bewildered cackle apanied it. Multiplied nervous cheers provided support. "Drop the fuckin'' act, boy, or I''ll tear off your arms and use them as drum sticks!" Macron roared. The second they saw Helix''s cheeky grin, it triggered an instantaneous response. "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAH!" Battle cries broke the sound wave. Cries of joy from the otakus and weebs sted the nighttime sky. A burst ofughter followed, and everyone in Alzeria startedughing for an unknown reason. Most were just happy to be alive. While they had never seen the Lagrock, everyone could hear it for miles. It was loud, and its steps rocked the earth. They heard the explosions, saw the cyclone, and watched fire illuminate over the walls. They awaited the battle cry with bated breath. The moment it reached their ears, it filled their heart with joy, and they startedughing with the soldiers in the distance to share their feelings. Helix touched his crimson tribal-sun tattoo, pulled out a battle disc, activated it, and threw it on the ground. It was a modified [Circle of Amplification] that increased the sound. The bright blue light turned the neon area around it purple. He also attempted to activate the circles he had created and used before. A magic circle in the queen''s chamber lit up, confusing many guards. However, Liliana grinned, and Eliza and Lc followed once they saw her face. The Kingdom had removed most of them. However, those within the Capital chambers remained; if Helix returned and tried to make another speech, leadership wanted to hear what he had to say. Now they had gotten their wish. "Proud Alzerians!" Helix yelled out with a booming voice. Cheers met his booming words. He was showcasing the confidence that they hade to respect and admire. While the political ramifications of a speech were dire, General Masov sighed a breath of relief. The general finally understood they [needed] Helix. So the fact he was speaking to them as an Alzerian was relieving and gave him hope the young man would stay. If he did stay, he would need to gain the support and trust of the soldiers. "How do you like the moat?" Helix chuckled with a cheeky smile. "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAH!" Helix turned around to look at it with a satisfied expression. "It doesn''t look very inviting to swim in, do it?" He asked with a pondering tone. Laughter erupted from the walls. Helix turned back to them to gaze at their lively faces. After the moment died down, he suddenly erupted intoughter. Everyone watched his bizarre reaction with confusion and slight anxiety. "I''d love to see¡­ hahaha¡­ the face of a monster¡­ haha¡­ that traveled hundreds of miles and then realized¡­ hahaha¡­ for the first time¡­." Helix said between breaths. Everyone listened with bated breath and wide eyes. "That they can''t swim!" He roared before bending over and wheezing. Bewilderedughter detonated on the walls, triggering a celebratory mood. Even General Masov was chuckling, leading to an amused expression on Major Oakley''s face. "When¡­ hahaha¡­ it ran to the moat¡­ haha¡­ it''d have to go left or right¡­." Helixughed. "And then it''d look¡­ haha¡­ like it was running from tiny soldiers¡­ hahaha¡­ in a panic!" Moreughter followed his words, sending the military personnel into a frenzy. "Wheeeeew. That was satisfying." Helix sighed with a deep breath after thirty seconds ofughing. Chuckles met his words. "It''s just a reminder that no matter how big a thing is, there''s [always] a way for humans to destroy it." A moment of stunned silence. Three seconds of disbelief. Four enthusiastic cheers. Then¡ª "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAH!" The otakus and weebs'' eyes lit up with excitement and joy at Helix''s deration. There was a massive difference between having him protect them and him telling them that [they] could protect themselves. General Masov grinned when he saw confidence returned to his troops. "Yeeeeeeeeahhhhh!" He roared with his arms in the air. Another wave of explosive battle cries reached the nighttime sky. Helix''s partners watched him with satisfied expressions. "Did any of you notice?" He called out with a booming voice. Everyone quieted down. "Did any of you notice that the battle was won by contained traps [anyone circle mage] could use?" Helix yelled. Stunned disbelief followed his words. "Did any of you notice that regr soldiers, strategy, and tactics could have killed that thing?" After a cheer rang out, the entire area erupted into hysterical cries of joy. The people within the walls could hear him and cried with hope in their hearts. "Did you notice?" Helix asked with a dramatic pause. He panned the soldiers, otakus, and weebs on the wall with a serious gaze. "That no one died despite that?" Frenzied cheers rang into the Myriadian sky. The scared soldiers, otakus, and weebs shaking from the shocking experience of near-death opened their eyes wide. "Did you notice?" Helix asked with a booming voice. Hushed silence ripped through the audience. "That although we''re strong enough to have killed that thing easily in the distance¡­." Helix made eye contact with as many people as possible. "You didn''t need us to do that?" Shocked shivers waved through the soldiers'' bodies as electric synesthesia passed from one person to the next. "That Alzerians are strong and don''t need anyone to [protect] them!?" Helix roared with passion in his eyes. He threw his arms in the air with full force and a raging fire flickering in his gaze. "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAH!" A deafening battle cry rocked the city, sending everyone inside a profound feeling of security. General Masov and Oakley exchanged grateful nods. Queen Liliana and Eliza exchanged excited nces when they heard their soldiers return safety and confidence to their people. Defense Chief Salkey listened to the roaring cheers with wide eyes. He was under house arrest but knew who had returned and their impact. "Did you notice?" Helix yelled at the top of his lungs. "That my partners are beautiful?" Marie and Riley blushed furiously. Charlotte heated up slightly before recovering with a grin. "Heh." "Heh heh." "Hehe hehe." An explosion of frenzied cheers followed a ripple of chuckles. "You''re [not] getting out of picking flowers." Charlotte called out with an annoyed tone. Thunderousughter detonated in the area, leading to apuse and whistles. "Charlotte, Marie, Riley, I''ll risk my life for flowers and brave public dinners for your happiness without a battle!" He dered. "I''ll do [anything] to make you happy and protect the people I love! That''s what proud men do!" Booming apuse and cheers rocked thendscape. Marie and Riley''s eyes widened with understanding. Helix had just called them beautiful and simultaneously triggered the emotions of others. Charlotte watched the spectacle with an evil grin. She just got yed¡ªand she loved it. Lilianna, Eliza, and Lc started giggling when their guards around them joined in the deration. They were trained to never breakposure but joined with enthusiasm after Liliana gave them a look and raised her eyebrows. Helix turned back to the crowd with an amused grin. "Did you notice?" He asked with a whisper. Hushed silence befell his audience again. "Even though I was knocked out, and they were angry and couldn''t fight back, they put their confidence in me and that I''d return?" Helix asked with a booming voice. "That they trusted [me], the weakest mortal with the lowest stats, was capable of leading them to victory without casualties?" He panned his gaze to everyone with a dramatic pause. "Do you think that''s a coincidence?" Helix asked. "Or do you now understand why General Masov and Winter General Tyrene can face foes far stronger than them¡ªand lead you to victory!?" Masov''s soldiers turned him into a frenzy before someone yelled and¡ª "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAH!" ¡ªthe rest of the wall exploded in chaos. The general turned back to Helix with a shocked expression, and Oakleyughed at his response. "General. Even if that boy leads strategy, do you think he could organize ormand the troops?" Masov scoffughed with a strange expression. It was conflicted, but it was positive. "Brave Earthian Knights! Did you notice?" Helix called out before pausing. The area quieted, and every soldier turned their gaze to the flock of young adults. Alzerian soldiers disliked the group in general. They were dangerous and arrogant and got special treatment, wealth, and power. There were endless things to be jealous and bitter over. However, Helix was one of the Earthian Knights, and most Alzerians remembered that for the first time. He was an oddity who didn''t speak, act, or resemble the others. Now they remembered and watched the group with interested expressions. The otakus and weebs were either nervous at the gazes of the soldiers or listened to Helix with bated breath. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 222 [Political Time Bomb] [A/N: This chapter is important. You''ve been warned.] "Brave Earthian Knights! Did you notice?" Helix said with a dramatic pause and wicked grin. "Did you notice that we were strong enough to release a cultivator-grade shitstorm on that ant¡­." The otakus and weebs looked at each other in confusion, seeking confirmation. They were confused for a second because Helix and his War Goddess'' hated cultivator ideology. However, they quickly realized Helix was roasting the concept and burst into roaringughter. The soldiers looked and the group in confusion. "But we''re so [broken] that we had the luxury of using a damn sword and magic circles?" Helix asked with a bewilderedugh. The super-virgins exploded in excited cheers after the implied deration. "Cultivator?" "Broken?" "Ant? That was an ant to him?" The soldiers started whispering in confusion because they had no idea what Helix was talking about. General Masov and Oakley looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. They understood it must have been an Earthian thing. When the otakus and weebs saw their puzzled expressions, they burst intoughter again. Those who were shaking and crying shed dazzling smiles between breaths. The Earthians supporting them felt fire in their hearts again. "Let me ask you, Cheat Hopefuls!" Helix roared. The group became animated and immediately responded to his call. "Let me ask you! Would you rather be the cliche cultivator that destroys for cheap reaction fulfillment¡­." Helix panned the group with a sharp gaze. "Or be the cold, annoyed, reluctant, anti-social antihero character that''s so broken they have the casual luxury¡­ to be the hero!?" "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAH!" Ecstatic screams came from the women, and euphoric battle cries came from the men. General Masov''s eyes zed over. He turned to Major Oakley with an expression that read, [I''m so lost]. Those around the two had the same type of reaction. "Isn''t everything he just said kind of¡­ depressing?" Masov asked in confusion. "Ye~p." Major Oakley smacked. "But whatever he''s saying to these strange people is doing the trick." They shrugged their shoulders with rxed expressions that showcased their eptance. Only Macron and Lamathughed because they had watched this scene countless times. Princess Eliza giggled because she watched Helix''s speech after arrival and had heard of cultivator culture before the cab. "Do you want to be such a cheat¡­." Helix asked with a grin. "That you need to save people from yourselves!?" "YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAH!" "That''s¡­ kind of terrifying¡­." Oakleyughed. "Yeah¡­ Those four are already a liability." Masov replied with a stressed-out expression. "But as much as I hate to say this¡­ we really [do] need them to get that strong." Oakley''s face rxed into a neutral expression. "It''s that serious?" The major asked. Masov nodded with a grave expression. "It''s that serious." "That''s right! If you want to be as broken as us and prove it¡­." Helix began with a serious voice. "Then when the timees to protect this capital, save the soldiers from yourselves, and theny was to the monsters with godly wrath!" Oakley frowned as he watched the hysterical Earthians yelling and screaming like fan girls. "At least we know he fears them too." Hemented. Masov nodded with a serious expression. "We''ll need to convince him toe back and support him fully with his legal system." The general said. "We need him. If for only for that reason alone." Oakley chuckled breathlessly and continued watching the spectacle. "Alzerian soldiers!" Helix roared. The confused soldiers who felt left out instantly snapped to full attention. He gave them a wicked grin. The soldiers listened with sharp eyes in anticipation of his next words. "Will you let a rowdy pack of eighteen-year-olds get so strong they have to save you from themselves?" Helix asked mockingly. "Or will you show these young adults that they have a lot to fuckin'' learn!?" "YEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" The battle cry from the hundreds of troopers was deafening. Most of the otakus and weebs snickered but knew what he was doing. Therefore, they didn''t let it show on their expressions out of fear of getting called out. "What''s that?" Helix asked with a yful expression. "It sounds like there''s apetition here!" The entire was burst into zealousughter and snickering on both sides. "So let that be a challenge!" Helix roared. "You both have a shared goal! Save Alzeria and be the legends of this story!" Delirious battle cries rang out in the neon pink Myriadian sky. Liliana felt her heart skip a beat and watched Eliza clutch at her chest. While the queen never confirmed it, she knew that her daughter had be friends with Helix while he was in the Capital. She would be a foolish ruler if she didn''t keep tabs on her daughter or couldn''t get information from her guards. But Eliza had no friends¡ªshe only had acquaintances of the same age from rivaling factions that showed up to the same events she was forced to attend. Having no close rtionships was a reality that all high nobles and royalty faced. So Liliana let her daughter sneak to the library every day because Helix was extremely weak and unthreatening. It made Eliza happy to have a friend, and Liliana could tell how important it was to her. Once Helix returned, Liliana was too busy dealing with the crisis to remember their rtionship. So watching her daughter express her friendship during the festive atmosphere put a smile on her face. However, a momentter, an icy chill crawled down Queen Liliana''s spine. Scenes of his speeches and hysterical cheering shed through her mind. She remembered how dangerous Helix was and became nervous. Hope and appreciation for Helix filled her heart when he returned to save their kingdom and chose to build up their troops. However, he was dangerous as a potential tyrant and had the power to overthrow the monarchy. Liliana wasn''t worried he would and trusted he had no interest. That wasn''t the problem. The problem was that Helix could break their authority by contradicting their statements, thus leading to an organizational breakdown. Just living and speaking made him a political timebomb. She knew and epted they would have to support Helix if he returned and understood they had no choice but¡ª Liliana looked at Eliza''s excited face as she listened to the speech. Eliza was a different story. Helix had partners, so she wasn''t worried he would try to court her daughter. But his friendship with Eliza was a political disaster and dangerous in countless ways. Helix and Eliza, being friends, legitimized his actions with a political argument of Royal Authority. Nobles could act on Helix''s words and then point to Eliza and say [I thought he was acting on Royal Authority]. She would forgive them because she can''t kill off skilled people for [misconceptions], but the things they set in motion were irreversible. At that point, they had already wrought damage, and those following [Helix''s] orders¡ªthe noble''s orders¡ªwould be bitter if the queen reversed it. The same was true of the troops, who might disobey General Masov''s orders, even if he spoke on Helix''s behalf. If that happened, Helix would gain the full cooperation of the Kingdom through legitimate channels and peaceful means¡ª And fail. Liliana nced at the young woman looking out of the window with excitement burning in her heart. She needed to make a decision regarding their rtionship soon¡ªand pray that whatever she did wouldn''t result in disaster. ¡ª [A/N: This novel is a sardonic parody of cliches, but it''s excessively realistic in everything it touches. Virgins have sex, battles lead to death, and people can''t hop around and sh at a 350-foot Colossus without gravity killing them. Massive dogs can''t ride in caravans, walk through cities, or start chewing on monsters without getting hit with blue mes and gravity. Once the question was about war, it became realistic in politics and military organizing. Now it''s temporarily the Game of Thrones of trash novels¡­ lol. I love shameless wish-fulfillment novels. However, I''ve grown tired of scenes where four people decimate an entire horde of monsters, and the army and Kingdom watch for shocked reaction fulfillment. What about you? ¡ª Commentary ¡ª Too many, the constant political whining may seem annoying, but he needs the army to seed, and thus gaining power is necessary. Be a cultivator! Seize power by force; it''s an insta-solution! It doesn''t work that way. Seizing power is indeed faster in terms of full power. However, we are talking in increments of [months]. Political restructuring and picking sides will lead to a governmental and military breakdown. Game over. Remember that any monarch [will] fight back if their power is in danger, even if it costs [their life] or the lives of others. It''s their vow. So it''s not like they''ll bend over if true force shows up. Most will do serious damage through politics and allow themselves to hang¡ªit''s a historical fact. Helix doesn''t have that much time, so he needs the existing institutions to back his decisions. In an ideal world, Masov would stand next to him and say and do whatever Helix wants. However, Helix can''t be next to him, and a general of 60+ isn''t going to trust or bow to a nameless 18-year-old. Helix''s tyrannical leadership or seizing power can lead to the same problem he aims to fix. If the soldiers listen to Helix, Masov loses control, his institutionalized protocols retaining order copse, and the army breaks down. Confusion on who to listen to will create conflicts and cause confusion and disorder. Then the army isn''t prepared to listen to Helix''s strategy. Game over. The princess could be a catalyst that sets that breakdown in motion. If his words be institutionalized, it can cause political chaos within the nobility and the military. Game over. The princess cliche was always a disaster waiting to happen. I hope that you like this realistic approach to trash novel cliches. Thank you so much for reading, and I''ll see you in the next~chapter. ;) ¡ª Note: It won''t always be this way, so please don''t getfortable. Ultimately the groups are looking to unrealisticallyy waste to a cliche horde of monsters. So it''s not like this book ever became enlightening XD] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 223 [Forced~Development] [A/N: You have my blessing to roast me in thements for [relevant topics]. How~ever, I suggest you read everything. See you in thement~sections. ;)] ¡ª "Excuse me¡­ your majesty." Helix replied with trembling eyes. "Can¡­ you please repeat that?" He was standing in the throne room with Queen Liliana staring down at him. Her throne was upholstered with a rich, royal purple exotic fabric he imagined was expensive. The expression she was giving him was neither angry, joyous, or respectful. Liliana''s face expressed pity. She sighed as sheid her gaze on the young man. Helix was Earthian and came from a different world with different power structures. She knew by his personality alone that he would not approve of his request. "If you wish to help lead the Alzerian army, I humbly request that you marry my daughter, Crown Princess Eliza Zinon." Helix released a short breath. Liliana felt a pang of sadness in her heart. She could tell at a nce that he understood the gravity of the situation and the reason behind her marriage proposal. Moreover, Liliana also understood that it was extremely heartbreaking. Princess Eliza watched the scene in agony. They were friends, and she understood his rtionship with her made things a lot more emotionally difficult. As a political marriage, he and Eliza would never have to see each other after a faked consummation. However, that was extremely cruel to her. She didn''t care¡ªthat''s what she told herself. However, no one could survive that life development emotionally unscathed. That was especially true of Princess Eliza, who would genuinely enjoy marrying Helix. Aside from enjoying their friendship, she didn''t have feelings for him. As a princess, she never considered it. She was born to be traded to a Kingdom as a political chess piece. Elize could end up with anyone; they could be cruel, vile, or abusive to her. Marrying Helix was a dream, even if she didn''t know him personally. Helix knew she was being given a once-in-a-century opportunity, and it panged his heart to think of how her life could y out if he refused. "Queen Liliana." Helix sighed. "Before I consider your request¡­ you do understand that I''m a shameless polygamist with three partners that [insist] they be called a harem, correct?" Gasps rang out in the room. Many of the guards started trembling. Helix was implying that he would [refuse] to marry the princess unless she [joined a harem]. Refusing Eliza insulted them; suggesting a princess join a harem was a different level of disgraceful behavior. Liliana raised her and sent the gaspers a murderous re. The men trembled. Liliana was a queen. While she was gentle, she was not used to disrespect. So her rage at them was a firm sign they should obey. None of the men had seen the Lagrock, so they didn''t understand the gravity of the situation. She did. "Yes, Sir Helix. I''m aware you are a polygamist, and people often disrespect your Earthian [cultural custom] of polygamy by calling it a harem." Lilianna replied. "I also know that people joke in casual settings and that you do not use that term in official decorum or events." Helix gave her a slight smile with sharp eyes. Her reply was extremely reasonable, and they''d have to be careful if she were forced to marry Eliza. That was a given. Being forward was important; he would consider solving Liliana''s issues to save the Kingdom but wouldn''t change his ways. Liliana was presenting a solution to a problem yet discussed. He was grateful, and it was onest thing to worry about. Helix stood tall with his hands behind his straight back like a soldier. "Thank you for rifying your understand, your grace." Helix said with a slight bow. "I have another question; this one is political in nature." Liliana raised an eyebrow in interest. He presented his request as an [issue], not a question of ramifications. Moreover, she was pleased with his formal tone. It made it clear he would consider the proposal and wasn''t making a scene to cause issues. "Please speak freely, Sir Helix." Liliana replied with a formal tone. "Thank you, Your Majesty." Helix said with gratitude in his eyes. He made eye contact with a discerning gaze and narrowed his eyes slightly. The lighting reflected the white brush strokes in his pitch-ck iris''. She could tell he was getting her attention for a critical test. "While we have not yet had our ceremony, my three partners and I have already married." Helix announced. Gasps rang out in the room, but the guards collected themselves. "I do not know whether Alzerian customs allow a political marriage to exist under these circumstances. So I need rification on the subject before I can [discuss with my partners] and make a formal decision." Liliana''s eyes trembled in shock, as she had not prepared for this development. She wasn''t concerned knowing he was lying¡ªshe was in politics. Helix had just made her life a lot more difficult. The reason was self-exnatory¡ªit would be humiliating for a man to marry three women directly [before] marrying an Alzerian Princess. Alzeria was a world power; marrying a nameless Knight to Liliana was already politically humiliating. However, Liliana had expected that from the beginning, so she wasn''t surprised. It wasn''t a dealbreaker, considering the alternatives were decimation orplete political breakdown. Those weren''t the causes for her surprise. She was shocked because Helix gave her an out and presented her with a prepackaged solution on the spot. If Helix didn''t marry his three partners first, he''d likely refuse, and the problems the marriage was solving would persist. His political approach was cunning because it solved the issue of how to handle his current rtionships. If Princess Eliza were forced to marry Helix after his partners'' ceremonies, she could exin by stating that they were [already] married. Therefore, her daughter goingst was strictly cultural, and she had something to spin. She sighed internally. "Political marriages can indeed ur after an existing marriage." Liliana rified. "I was already under that assumption. However, do you have your ceremonies simultaneously?" Helix''s eyes widened slightly. She made [his] life easier by leaving the question open for spin interpretation. He gave her a slight bow before standing back up. "Thank you for rifying, Your Majesty." Helix replied. He gave her a sharp nce with slightly narrowed eyes again. Liliana prepared to listen this time, as she understood he was political adept. "To answer your question, we typically marry as a group in our Earthian culture." Helix replied with a humbled voice. Liliana raised her hand to her guards before they could gasp in shock. The insinuation was that Princess Eliza would be part of a harem wedding was nothing short of a scandal. But Liliana''s lips started curling slightly. "However, I believe that in Alzeria, the custom is to provide the princess with an official Royal Wedding, and our cultures may be insulting." Helix continued. "As a result, I would not ask you to abide by that custom, so long as you abide by the Earthian custom of having a ceremony for those already married first." Liliana''s eyes sparkled by Helix''s adroitness. She didn''t show it, but she was now certain he was [willing] to marry if his partners agreed. "Additionally, I would not ask they be on the same day, nor would I ask to make it a public or Royal event." The guards sighed a breath of relief. They may not have seen the Lagrock but heard about it from reports. Additionally, everyone in the Capital knew who Helix was and why he imed to be in the city. Lastly, they had heard it first hand before General Masov and Defense Chief Salkey less than a week ago. So they understood why Liliana was willing to work with him. Knowing Alzeria and the princess wouldn''t be humiliated to such a degree was weing. "Please give me a moment, Sir Helix." Liliana requested. "Take your time, your grace." Helix replied with a slight smile. Liliana made a huge show of thinking about it for a long time. She wasn''t, but she was thinking. The queen was studying Helix''s expressions. He was hiding it, but he was still as conflicted about the situation as when he was first asked. Helix also kept sneaking subtle nces at Eliza. The young woman was trying her hardest not to burst into tears. It also didn''t show on her face; one had to look closely to see how nervous they both were. Queen Liliana thought back to her previous encounters with Helix Hellsgate Margrave. He wasn''t arrogant, but he was frustrated. The young man didn''t live in a world of politics but did his best and received endless bacsh. Helix knew what wasing; he seemed [suspiciously] certain of it. It would concern her if [Tyrene] wasn''t equally suspiciously [certain] of it. He said that [death wasing], and he saved them from ruin five days ago, proving it. Now he had [100%] of the cards, and she couldn''t refuse him. Helix should be much more frustrated and resentful for such a bold request. But he wasn''t; he was [helping] her. The answer to his behavior was Eliza, and she knew it. His soul looked crushed by the situation, and seeing her disheartened was tugging his heartstrings. Helix tried working with Liliana and was certain he''d ept if his partners did. With everything he gave her, further negotiation, even as grandstanding, might cause him to meltdown. "Sir Helix. As the person asking this request, I will honor your customs of having non-Royal wedding ceremonies for your married partners [should you ept]." Liliana proimed. The guards were stunned and speechless by the level of leeway she gave him. Helix bowed slightly. "I understand that it is Earthian polygamy custom toe to social agreements as a group." She continued. "Therefore, I will ept a formal answer [after] you have spoken with your partners and made your decision." Helix sighed a slight yet visible sigh of relief, satisfying Liliana. Many guards were stunned, but when they saw the relief in Helix''s bodynguage or expression, they at least understood he was trying. "Thank you, Your Majesty." Helix replied with a slight bow. "I will speak to my partners and make a strong argument in favor of the marriage proposal. I understand the value of the marriage and respect the honor and privileges you are presenting me. I also respect Princess Eliza Zinon and find her a charming and suitable potential partner." Eliza''s face turned light pink for a moment before she recovered. She was in politics, so she was trained not to show her emotions. Only Helix and Liliana could tell how tumultuous her state was during the meeting. Liliana gave him a slight smile. She was pleased he knew how to grandstand for others, at the least. It would make her life somewhat easier in the future, and she knew he''d be receptive. "Sir Helix. Is there anything I can do to help you convince your partners?" Liliana asked with a sharp gaze. Helix gave her a mysterious smile. "Yes. I believe if you work with me and give me some of your time, we can convince them with 80% certainty." ¡ª [A/N: If they~do marry, you''re reading the most epic troll on Light Novels/Web Novels I''ve ever written. If you don''t know what I''m trolling, I''ll tell you: people that scream [forced development!] or [harem by necessity? Hah!] on WN. Reader: MC gets an advantage by Chapter 3; by Chapter 10, they''re a cheatpared to their peers? Interesting¡­ revolutionary¡­ I like it! Same reader: A powerful girl goes to school with the MC!? They meet immediately!? Forced development! ¡­ lol. It''s refreshing to proudly announce that this chapter is~ [forced development]. Literally~ This~is a harem farming and cringe-worthy harem princess cliche by~necessity. <3 Political marriages are [forced development] by nature and are [necessary] to prevent conflict between Kingdoms. Liliana needs to legitimize Helix''s authority so that the power structure isn''t thrown into disarray. If he''s making decisions as a Royal, those listening to him are following Royal decree. It''s that simple. This development is as realistic as it gets¡­ kek. Marrying princess Eliza didn''t require them to be friends or read books together. However, this book intentionally throws the mc into cliches. This is the [consequence] of the princess~cliche. Obvi. I''ve intentionally drowned this book in cliches to explore them, so meeting the princess ahead of time shouldn''t~be shocking. In short, this development is justified because it''s realistic and fits the theme. However, please don''t forget this novel is a sardonic parody, and it''s ultimately a [trash novel]. There are monster swarms, overpowered characters, and an MC that uses magic circles like they''re a limitless recement for modern technology¡­ lol. A realistic development doesn''t mean the story is realistic. Please don''t misunderstand. ¡ª Thank you for letting me enjoy my troll; now it''s your turn. Feel free to roast me mercilessly; you have my blessing. Warning: If they don''t~marry, I''ll troll you again mercilessly if you roast me. ;) So get to trolling if you want to risk getting trolled. Lulz.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 224 [Liliana’s Proposal] Helix walked back into his room awkwardly. His partners were waiting as he had received an official summoning. It was already sundown, and the [summons] took six hours, so they were all waiting with anxious expressions. Over thest five days, he had been in innumerable meetings with the Royal Cab. Queen Liliana had asked for him multiple times for meetings in person. However, this invitation was an official summons, so everyone was on edge. When Marie, Charlotte, and Riley saw his hesitant expression, they immediately defaulted to the worst-case scenario. "Do I have to push the moat back together and cause mass flooding?" Marie asked in a serious tone. Helix''s eyes trembled in confusion. "Can you even do¡ª" "I think the Capital could use another a niiiiiice~big~sun." Charlotte chimed. "Uh, no. I don''t think¡ª" "Helix. If there''s something on your mind you can tell us." Riley suggested sweetly. Helix sighed a breath of¡ª "Together we can find a destructive disy that will minimize rtional damage. We''re a team." She added with a bright smile. He took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. It was rare for him to do so around them, so everyone''s eyes shot to attention. Their bloodlust was boiling over. "The Kingdom isn''t raising a major fuss." Helix announced with a mncholy voice. "Then what''s going on?" Marie asked worriedly. Helix opened and closed his mouth multiple times. Eventually, he decided to rip off the bandaid. "To solve the mounting political issues in the Kingdom, Queen Liliana has formally requested that I marry Princess Eliza." Shock rang out in the room. "That fucking bitch!" Marie growled. She tried to storm out of the room, but Charlotte held her back. "Marie. Mass murder is a rational solution for this offense." Charlotte announced. Helix''s eyes widened in terror. Marie was trying to escape, but Charlotte had the highest strength stat by a mile. "But Hellie would be extremely angry and would''ve turned them down if there wasn''t a reason." Charlotte continued. "So let''s at~least figure out [who] we''re killing." Helix started sweating again. The situation had devolved into aplete trainwreck. Marie looked at him with eyes that demanded an answer. She wasn''t angry at him; she had just had enough. Helix took a deep breath and sighed again. "As Charlotte pointed out, I would have turned them down instantly under normal circumstances." Marie''s eyes started welling with tears. She didn''t want to believe he would break their harem agreement. He started feeling a pang in his heart seeing her expression. "However, it''s a political marriage." Helix sighed with turmoil in his eyes. "That means that Eliza wouldn''t have to live or interact with us, and there''s an unspoken agreement that I could fake the consummation. It''s in name only. So it won''t affect our rtionship at all unless we let it." Marie''s expression crumbled, and she felt ashamed for a minute. Who could me her? Sharing Helix with three others was a huge emotional sacrifice in the beginning. He would have turned everyone else down for her so long as he could keep Emelia by his side for life. More importantly, harem cliches are emotionally damaging. The first extra wife is like a floodgate that allows every applicant through the door. Marie controlled her breathing. She knew he wasn''t pushing for such an oue, so she needed to hear him through. "More importantly¡ª" Helix added with a mysterious smile. His elevated mood caused everyone to look at him with bated breath. "¡ªI made some demands just to [bring you the proposal]." Marie was stunned for a moment, but Charlotte was thrilled. "Demands~you say? Hmmm?" Charlotte hummed. "Yes~ Demands." Helix chimed yfully with a charming smile, "Would you like to hear them, lovelydies o''mine?" After seeing his charming, yful attitude, the three''s emotions did aplete 180. Their eyes started sparkling for various reasons. Marie was sold on demands before discussing them. She wanted to know how bad he rang the Queen dry for even proposing such a thing. Charlotte was grinning with thrill to hear the mind games. It would be juicy. Riley was sold on his smile that spoke of his loving intentions. That''s all that mattered to her. "I''d~love~to." Charlotte replied while rolling her tongue, "Hopefully, it''s a long list." The disy made Helix shiver. In a good way. A very good way. "Please." Marie replied nervously. "I''ll listen to anything." Riley replied with a gentle voice. Helix gave them all a slight smile and touched his neck. He pulled a royal envelope with the Queen''s stamp on it. Their eyes widened in surprise. Whatever was in the envelope¡ªwas important. Getting an official written letter from [Queen Liliana], the ruler of the most powerful Kingdom on the continent, was an honor. He showed the letter to them with it dramatically. "Would anyone like to open this sealed envelope and read what''s inside it?" Helix asked. The entire room warped, and the atmosphere darkened. Sounds of insects and birds and rushing water filled the area. Moonlight beamed down on their clothing. They were now in a forest with Fairie Marie butterflies pping around Marie. Their pink wings and luminescent bodies lighted her face. Marie instantly started crying with joy. The other two wore brimming smiles. Charlotte looked to the waterfall, but Helix shook his head to stop her. The group hadn''t been to the beautiful muted nighttime forest since the night they all lost their virginities. Helix told Marie they would return one day, but it was a time for creation and exploration. Eventually forgot about it until they found themselves back in it suddenly. "Marie. Would you like to read the first part out loud?" Helix asked while shing her a charming smile. Marie''s eyes trembled, and she hesitantly grabbed the envelope. The luminescent bodies lit up the paper, and the sight made her heart flutter. Marie''s hand trembled as she attempted to break the wax sealing. She didn''t know what was inside, but she could tell it was life-changing. And she had wishes for what it could be but no expectations. She was so nervous that she couldn''t open it without destroying the envelope! It was embarrassing. "[Desert~Heat]." Charlotte sang, helping her partner out. The wax seal on the envelope melted extremely gently. Marie was surprised, but she didn''t question it. She couldn''t feel the heat. Charlotte activated a Nightmare, so her defense stat immediately kicked in. So while she could feel the heat [from the sun], she couldn''t feel an attack with such a low output. It was muted. Marie opened the envelope. "[Gentle Breeze]." Riley whispered. The wax cooled on her fingers, so it didn''t stain the envelope. Helix watched with a gentle smile. He loved when his partners worked together; it touched his heart. Marie stared at the small print with wide eyes. The entire page was filled as though it was a legal document. However, she didn''t skim it because she knew it should be read from the top down by Helix''s expression. "To Dame Marie Skybolt, Dame Charlotte Kline, and Dame Riley Singer," Marie began with a shaking voice. "I, Queen Liliana Zion, ask you to consider a Royal Proposal from the Alzerian Kingdom. You have full decisional authority for epting or rejecting my proposal." Marie started crying with happiness when she read the opening. Knowing that Helix had demanded that [they] make the decision was enough to make her heart sing. Riley looked at Helix with a loving smile. Charlotte had a shit-eating grin on her face. In a patriarchal society, giving authority to wives was a humiliating thing to do for a Queen. The blonde thought it was a charming demand that was simplistic, sentimental, and ruthless. "Wheeeeew! You needed to throw down a serious power y to pull this off." Charlotte whistled. The women burst into giggles, and Helix smiled. Queen Liliana begging Helix''s [partners] to ept a proposal and telling them that it was a proposal, not a Royal Request was bold. Helix nodded at Marie for her to continue. "Before I make my request, I would like to¡ª" Marie burst into tears and started hyperventting. Charlotte and Riley immediately panicked, but when they saw Marie shing dazzling smiles between deep breaths, they changed their minds. They looked at Helix with an eager expressions. Everyone was ready to hear what the mystery note said. Marie started reading again between breaths. "I would like¡­. I would like to invite¡­ you¡­." She continued between breaths. Riley started feeling anxious, and Charlotte was half a second away from ripping the letter out of her hand. "... you to share your¡­." Marie burst into tears andughter again. She looked at Helix with a loving expression, drawing the gazes of Charlotte and Riley in his direction. "Your what, woman!?" Charlotte snapped. "Your¡­ wedding ceremony in the¡­ Alzerian C-Capital¡­." Marie announced with a dazzling smile. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 225 [Marie’s Proposal] There were tears of joy running down her cheeks. Charlotte squealed and threw herself at Helix, who epted her hug at lightning speed. Marie felt an insane desire to join but held back because she had the letter. Riley waited patiently with glittering eyes. She was slowly choking up. The young woman always felt grateful to share time with the three but never believed Helix would love her enough to marry her. No matter what he did, it just felt too surreal. Now she was overflowing with emotion, and tears started rolling down her eyes. "Come here, dummy!" Charlotte snapped. Charlotte disappeared with ghostly speed. "Ooof." Helixughed breathlessly. Riley hit him in the chest after Charlotte threw her at him. It was a charming, albeit aggressive, form of love. Helix hugged her. Marie waited patiently with sparkling eyes filled with tears of joy. She was holding the letter and knew their love was [forever]. Helix nodded at her, and she continued after a few breaths. "The Kingdom¡­ offers you our blessing." Marie continued. "And we''d love to share in your loving ceremony. A-As proof of our s-support for y-you and Helix¡­ Hellsgate Margrave¡­ I''ve personally enclosed¡­ s-symbols of yo-your love. In the envelope, t-there are th-three pockets. D-Dame M-Marie Sky-Skybolt, in the middle, you will find yours¡­." Charlotte''s eyes glittered with anticipation as Marie fumbled with the envelope. She reached into the pocket and burst out with tears again. "What is it!?" Charlotte cried. Marie took an object out of the envelope, and everyone''s eyes sparkled at the sight. "H-Helix He-Hellsgate Mar-Margrave has provided you w-with this ring and the A-Alzerian Roy-Royal Family has had it-it engraved." Charlotte and Riley ran over to the ring. Helix watched their reaction with tears in his eyes. It felt like the happiest day of his life. Seeing his partners ted about sharing their lives with him forever was a dreame true. Marie cried when she saw the engraving. It read¡ª [Protector]. Charlotte developed a beaming smile when she saw the ring. "P-Please hand the ring to Sir Helix Hellsgate Margrave." Marie obeyed and walked over to Helix. Charlotte was grinning with delight over the scene. She understood what Helix''s message was. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley were more important to him than anything else. If Liliana asked him to marry her daughter, she needed to ept their love for one another and give them the respect they deserved. It was not only a huge power y; it was a show his price for such a request was high. Helix took the ring and dropped to one knee. "Marie Mira Skybolt, I offer you a very un-Royal Proposal for you to be my wife." Marie burst intoughter and tears at the strange deration. Her vibrant green eyes glittered from the luminescent butterflies passing over her tears. "Your ring reads [Protector] because I''m only here because you protected me." Helix exined with tears in his eyes. "You protected our people from Lina, protected them from themselves, and you traveled 1000 miles to protect me emotionally when I needed you most." Marie burst into tears, and she shed him a dazzling smile after dazzling smile between breaths. Her red hair kept falling over her eyes, so she tucked lock after lock around her ear. The cute disy was so charming and endearing that Helix got lost in wonder. "When I asked you to be my girlfriend, you burst intoughter because the harem was eight levels deeper." Helix chuckled with a happy expression. "Well, asking you to spend your life with me forever is far deeper, harem or not. Will you marry me?" Marie burst into tears and started shaking in happiness. Charlotte casually yanked the letter in her hand so she didn''t destroy it identally. "Y-Yes!" Marie screamed in happiness. Helix shed her a grateful expression before putting the ring on her finger. The second it was on, it glowed bright green and surrounded the entire area with a barrier. Everyone was extremely confused by what they saw. "Marie." Helix chuckled with a charming smile. "There''s a Level 5 barrier spell called the [Song of Survival] engraved into the inside of your ring." Marie''s eyes widened in bewilderment. "Tilo spent countless hours helping engrave this ring while you were traveling." Helix exined with tears in his eyes. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley''s eyes trembled. "I should say that he beat me for messing it up 70 times and giving me quality assurance." Helixughed with tears of joy. His partners burst into bewildered giggles. "I kept reminding him it was so small, but he kept saying [Hmmm? Do you n to say that to your wife as an excuse for why she''s not satisfied]?" The room exploded withughter. Tears of joy were running down everyone''s cheeks. Charlotte had the lightest tears and passionately used every ounce of willpower she had to y off her emotions. "Marie. The Song of Survival is an invincible barrier for five minutes." Helix exined. "Nothing physical, magical, or gravity-rted can touch it." Marie''s eyes widened in shock. She looked at Charlotte and Riley to see their expression, only to find they were just as confused. "However¡­." Helix chuckled with a charming expression. "It uses a minimum of one thousand spirit particles to activate." The three burst into giggles. Normal mages achieve a thousand [spirit particle reserve] around Level 120. To the four in the room, it was aical joke. Helixughed and gave them a gentle smile. "A minimum states that if you have more than 1333 spirit particles, it will take 75% of what you have to activate." The room quieted down when they heard his bombshell. Song of Survival could soon cost Marie tens of thousands of particles to use. It was simr to the strange phenomena where [Nightmare] only cost a minimum of 1 spirit particle to use, further validating Helix''s theories about Myriad. Yet he still didn''t talk about them and hoped he never would. Still, it didn''t change the nature of the magical technique or how to use it. Moreover, he was unperturbed by the news. "Marie. It''s not about cost." Helix chuckled breathlessly with tears in his eyes. "Because any cost pales inparison to a loved one''s life. You''re receiving this ring because you saved mine, and I know you''ll do the same for others when you''re needed most." Helix''s eyes welled with tears as he thought back to Emelia''s concern for his purchase of her. There was no cost too great for her life. Nor was there a cost for the life Marie saved countless times. He was convinced he would have died long before he was attacked had she not rallied Charlotte and Riley to protect him daily. Helix was only there because she and everyone else saved his life countless times. It was a reminder that his partners were loving before their rtionship began. It was a sentimental feeling for someone who had lost so much and suffered so greatly for things he didn''t want. Marie burst into tears of joy as he stood up to kiss her. "Moreover, you''re not alone now." He said with a choked voice. "I promised you that I''d help protect Charlotte and Riley with you." Her eyes trembled at his words. "You''ve depleted 12,750 spirit particles using it." He whispered. Helix touched her ring, the Song of Survival stopped glowing, and the barrier disappeared. Then he touched her face and pressed his mouth to her lips. A vibrant, colorful explosion of emotions burst into her body. Marie was reborn in terms of energy, and the depleted feeling she endured from losing so many particles so fast instantly disappeared. Helix disconnected his lips. "Now, you can use it again." He whispered, "That''s the power of fighting together instead of living life alone." Marie burst into tears again and kissed him before hugging him tightly. His small demonstration was so powerful it moved everyone to slight tears. Elise, the mad god of Myriad, was the number one fear in their lives. Helix lived in fear that he wouldn''t be able to protect the people he loved. However, now they had a trump card to keep them safe, if only for five minutes, while the world connected again. It was an emotional moment¡ªone that everyone appreciated. He lightly released his grasp and looked Marie in the eyes again. "When we made our blood pact to speak about Nightmare I requested information that identifies you as a person." Helix exined. "So only you can use that ring. So please continue protecting your damsel." Marie gave him a vibrant, dazzling smile and turned to the others sharing gentle smiles with her. "Charlotte." Helix requested in a warm voice. The room warped again, and the sky turned a light hue of purple. Cartoony scenery popped up in the area, and colorful explosions rang in the distance. "W-Wait! Nooooooo~way!" Charlotte cried. ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 226 [Charlotte’s Proposal] Marie looked around in bewilderment. Riley perked up with a bright smile. "Isn''t this Liskabomb?" BOOOOOOM! A dazzling rainbow-colored bomb exploded right next to them. "YEP!" Charlotte screamed with an ecstatic expression, "It''s definitely fucking Liskabomb!" Marie started giggling uncontrobly. She was captivated by how happy Charlotte was by the illusion. "Leave it to Hellie to travel countless lightyears away and then use his magic to recreate my favorite video game." Charlotte cried. "But now I''m IN IT! I''m livin'' this shit!" Charlotte looked around with an invigorated expression. She had never been so thrilled in her life. Helixughed with a bright smile. He was so happy she was getting the experience she wanted. Marie giggled and looked around. "Leave it to¡ª" BOOOOOM! A blue bomb hitting the area near them cut Marie off mid-sentence. "WHAAAAT!?" Charlotte yelled with a mocking tone. BOOM! "ONLY YOU WOULD WANT YOUR MARRIAGE¡ª" Marie yelled back before¡ª BOOOM! A vibrant red and yellow explosion on a hilltop. "PROPOSAL IN A PLACE WHERE HELIX CAN''T HEAR YOU!" BOOOOOOOOM! A sparkling pink explosion hit Charlotte, shredding off her entire t-shirt, leaving her tattered green bra barely intact. Marie and Riley blushed furiously. They looked at Helix with shock in their eyes. He shrugged and gave them an expression that read, [It couldn''t be helped]. They turned back to Charlotte, who was trembling. "FUCK YES!" Charlotte screamed at the top of her lungs. A bright orange light lit up behind Helix''s back. Charlotte saw the alchemy design from a fortification circle light up, and her face exploded with excitement. She ran at full speed and hit Helix in the chest. BOOOOOOM! A booming sound rang when Charlotte threw him into the wall and kissed him. He used the orange light with the Level 5 fortification spell the night before. The fortification spell, paired with the Circle of Secrecy, made it impossible for anyone in the castle to know Charlotte almost sted through a wall. As a result, she didn''t hold back as she physically assaulted him with her love. Marie and Riley watched her kiss Helix with blushed expressions. Her shirt was almost non-existent in the illusion, and her movements were aggressive and primal. The scene was far too extreme for a marriage proposal. Helix pushed her away with force, but it was yful. He also didn''t have a choice andughed while doing it. Otherwise, things could''ve gotten out of hand. Helix moved over and picked the envelope and letter off the floor. Everyone''s eyes widened when they saw she had thrown it. However, when his hand touched it, a white embroidered circle on the back of both lit up, and the envelope straightened out. "That''s¡­ so extra." Charlotte chuckled with happiness in her eyes. Marie and Riley burst into giggles. "Only Helix...." Riley giggled. "Uses magic for the most useless yet special reasons imaginable. Helix gave them a charming smile and handed her the envelope and letter. "Will you continue reading the letter?" "With~pleasure." Charlotte chimed, grabbing the letter. She opened the envelope and took it out slowly, truly nervous. "Charlotte Kline, in the right pocket, you''ll find your¡ª" Charlotte stared at the page with disbelief in her eyes. Helix gave her a wicked grin. "W-What does it s-say?" Marieughed with a choked voice. "It~saaaaays." Charlotte chuckled in astonishment. "Symbol. Sir Helix Hellsgate Margrave requested I tell you that he put your engraved ring in the right pocket for an unknown reason." Charlotte burst into uncontrobleughter, letting herself fall to the floor in disbelief, dry-heaving. "I¡­ don''t understand." Rileymented in confusion. "He~had¡­ hahaha¡­ the queen¡­ haha¡­ the motherfuckin'' queen make¡­ hahahaha¡­ a harem joke!" Charlotte cried. "He put our rings¡­ in order¡­ of our sleeping positions!" Stunned silence. Marie looked at Helix. Helix grinned. She smiled. Riley giggled. The room rattled with a hysterical explosion of screamingughter. Helix gave Charlotte an evil smile. "You¡­ power y¡­ hahahah!" Charlotte screamed. "You know how to charm~your~woman!" He reached into the envelope and pulled out her ring. It had a rainbow gemstone on it that looked slightly pixted. Charlotte''s eyes glittered with excitement. She gave Helix a childish look that screamed [gimme, gimmie, gimme]! Helixughed and gave it to her. When it connected, it glowed with a spectrum of colors. "The rainbow is a cheap illusion." Helix chuckled, "But I knew you''d like it." Charlotte looked at him with eager, golden hazel eyes. "I love it!" She cried with genuine happiness. The blonde was trying her hardest not to burst into tears. "So¡­ I mean like¡­ I extra like you forever." Helix said with a charming smile. "So, whatevs. Here''s a ring. Love and stuff. Wifey?" Marie and Riley''s expressions crumbled. They were extremely confused by what Helix had said. However, they were even more confused when Charlotte burst into tears. She grabbed him by his shirt before putting her forehead on his chest. "You dummy!" Charlotte cried, "You''re not supposed to make me¡­ cry, you idiot!" She pounded it lifelessly, and Helix looked at her with a gentle gaze. What bewildered everyone was that it wasn''t a joke. Marie and Riley had never seen so much genuine emotione from Charlotte. It was truly unreserved and special. Like soldiers hearing the words [broken] and [cheat], whatever Helix said was special. As with their love life, the two spoke a differentnguage only they understood. Marie and Riley could never understand how she got Helix to do and say things so out of character. However, they learned that it worked in reverse as well. They couldn''t figure it out because they didn''t speak the samenguage. It was simple as that. "Wifey, yes, love, things, house, WHATEVS!" Charlotte cried. Helix hugged her close and let her sob on his chest. He was so happy he could express emotions so pure. When she stopped sobbing, he patted her head. "Charm Frag?" Helix asked while pulling something off her waist. "I like explosives." Charlotte replied yfully. Helix gave her a bomb, and her eyes glittered with excitement. Three men ran over a mountain top. "Let''s fuck that hoe up!" "Hey! You''re not ying a dating sim, little girl!" "But she''s cute, though!" "Get lost, noobkes!" Charlotte roared after pressing a switch and throwing the grenade. When the grenade got close, a thin, blue horizontal wall shot across the battlefield and fell on the men like aser scanning an object. "Gahhhhhhhh! What the fuuuuuuuck." Charlotte''s eyes widened in shock when the men smashed into the earth. Marie and Riley were confused as well. It looked a lot like¡ª BOOOOOOOOM! A massive pixted rainbow exploded in the area, destroying the entire hill. ¡ªgravity magic and a firey explosion tied to it. "What the fuck was that!?" Charlotte cried. Her puffy red eyes were sparkling like a prism with the residual rainbow light. "It''s like a charm frag after an area is scanned and [Domain]ys waste to someone!" Helix chuckled and gave her a mysterious mile. "That''s what you just watched. [Literally]. A demonstration of what will really happen, anyway." Charlotte, Marie, and Riley looked at Helix with shocked eyes. "Marie''s a leader and protector." Helix exined. "You''re our tank that rains death and murder on things. Therefore, your ring is a Level 3 Circle of Illusion whose only purpose is to make [Fireball] look like Charm Frag and aser scanner for [Domain]." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley looked at Helix as if he were an alien for a moment. Then Charlott exploded withughter and delight. "I LOVE IT!" She dered. Everyone burst intoughter. "You can''t use it in this room. Hence the demonstration illusion." Helix chuckled. "But that''s [exactly] what it looks like. Make sure to show it offter to the otakus and weebs." "Haaaaaah. This is exclusive, yeah?" Charlotteughed. "Because everyone will be jealous of me like they were of you when you got here. Mwahahahaha!" More giggles andughter burst through the room. "Look at the engraving." Helix chuckled. Charlotte looked down at the ring he had just put on her finger. Then she burst into evilughter. "What does it say!?" Marie cried. "It~says." Charlotte sassed. She showed it to Marie and Riley. They instantly had a meltdown and burst into tears. Of joy. Andugher. On the side, in cursive letters with two words. [So~Hot]. "Ultra~punnnnnn." Charlotte sang while holding her ring out to admire it. "Talkin'' bout me, my Nightmare, and word~choices. I~like~it." She smacked with ultimate emphasis. Helix chuckled before turning to Riley. "Riley." He called out while taking the letter out of Charlotte''s hand. It glowed again, and the parchment straightened. Helix was so casual about it that it made them giggle. Activating any circle took skill and centration, as they took different spirit particle mixtures. Creating magic circles was extremely difficult, and using them required more skill than normal spells. So the fact he activated one so casually was bewildering. "Will you continue reading?" ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 227 [Riley] Riley took the sheet of parchment with nervous hands. "Sir Riley Singer. Sir Helix Hellsgate Margrave has requested that¡­." Riley''s eyes welled with tears. Marie and Charlotte looked at Riley in confusion. She wasn''t one to be emotional immediately. "I tell you how much he loves you in this letter. As the most selfless of the Earthians, you''re never in the spotlight, so you deserve something¡­ special." Riley burst into tears, and Marie and Charlotte''s faces developed blinding smiles. The two ran up to Riley to hug her. The young womanughed and cried at the attention. "This is¡­." Riley choked. "Is surreal. And¡­ that happiest day of my life." Helix''s partners hugged her and held her tight. Riley took out the ring in the envelope, which was extremely minimalistic. It was a in silver band with nothing on it. Everyone was confused at first, but they knew nothing Helix did was so simple. Helix reached out his hand to ept it from her. He took the ring, took a knee, and looked into Riley''s eyes. "Riley. Will you marry me?" Riley burst out into tears. Charlotte watched the spectacle with narrowed eyes. She was waiting for the twist. Marie was too happy watching Riley and didn''t notice. "If you''ll have me, I''d love to!" Riley eximed. The moment the finger touched Riley''s finger, it transformed into the most dazzling ring the women had ever seen. It was an onyx-colored stone with waves of vibrant yellow electricity waving over it in a beautiful design. It was extremely subtle, and the effect looked like simple sparkles if one didn''t look closely. With the improved eyesight of his partners, they could see it clear as day. "Riley." Helix called with a gentle voice. She looked at him with wide eyes. "I made you this stoneless ring because you''re gentle, simple, and appealing on the surface." Helix began with a warm smile. "But anyone that knows you understands you have the most vibrant, stunning, and electric personality among us." Riley burst into tears again, and Marie and Charlotte hugged her with tears rolling down their cheeks. "Those waves of electricity you see are easy for us to see." Helix continued with a mysterious smile. His partners looked down at the ring with wide eyes. "However, normal soldiers need a Level 140 agility stat higher to even see it sparkle." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley turned to Helix with shocked eyes. He chuckled at their response and continued with a genuine, gentle expression. "I did that because very few people can see how wonderful you really are," Helix imed with a charming smile. Charlotte squealed, triggering Marie to start hopping up and down. Riley looked at the ring in a stunned state as his partners danced around her. "It requires around Level 50 Earthian stats to see the electricity wave." Helix continued with a mysterious smile. His partners turned to him with shock. "Even Tilo can''t see them." He chuckled with a sassy smile. "That''s my way of saying that only [we] understand just how perfect you are." Marie and Charlotte squealed again and hugged Riley, who was sobbing. Helix stood up and grabbed Riley''s hand. "The day you became my partner, you asked me what harem girlfriends do." He said with a dazzling smile. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley looked at him with wide eyes. "I told you we''d figure it out." Helix said with a mysterious smile. "As it turns out, they live together, fight together, protect each other, fall in love together¡ª" Riley''s emotions overflowed as she waited for Helix''s final words. "And then get married." Tears of joy flowed in the room, and the partners hugged each other. "I''m so¡­ happy." Riley replied with gentle tears. "I¡­ wanted to be selfish and request we spend our lives together. Now I''m being told I''m selfless, and you want me too." Helix chuckled and felt a small pang in his heart. "I don''t¡­ I''m grateful. I''m so happy to spend my life with you." He reached out his hands, embraced her face, and kissed her. It was a simple kiss that held powerful meaning despite its simplicity. "Oh¡­." Helixmented with a cheeky smile. "I don''t have a normal illusion for you, because your illusion wille the day of the wedding." Riley''s eyes widened in surprise, and the others followed. Helix smiled and gave them all mysterious expressions. "While everyone enter the ceremony on different mounts." The excitement in the room reached a fever pitch. "Only you''ll get to ride [this]." The room warped, and the backdrop enveloped their faces with gold and white light. Riley''s eyes widened in shock, and tears rolled down her eyes. "Wheeeeeew!" Charlotte whistled. "If Hellie didn''t go hard when he gave me my gift, even I''d be crying in jealousy." Marie giggled. "If Helix didn''t create a new species to name after me, I''d be crying too." The group burst into giggles andughter. Riley was stunned, and her heart was pounding. "I''ve created a Circle of Illusion that will recreate this image of a [Wico Hawk]." Helix exined with a warm smile. "So you''ll get to ride him." Riley''s eyes welled with excitement. "Both of you will get to ride stunning, magical creatures as well, but only one can ride this one." Marie and Charlotte''s eyes sparkled when they learned they could ride into the wedding with magical mounts. "Now, may I?" Helix asked while reaching out his hand to the parchment. Riley nodded and the others'' hearts filled with anticipation. She handed him the document with shaky hands. Everyone waited with bated breath. Marie was initially devastated, but now she was conflicted with excitement for whatever came as the offer. ¡ª [A/N: Short chapter¡ªon purpose. Read the title; Riley gets a [special] chapter title. It''s sad, though. It''s special, but in reality, she''s getting her [character chapter]st, as always. Riley deserved this long ago. I''m sad to tell you that it''s intentional she hasn''t and has [always] been intentional. The reason she''s getting her character chapter now is that the mystery behind why Riley''s so lovable is being addressed for the first time. Let''s talk about Riley. I promised she was a special character from the beginning; that had nothing to do with her [personality]. She''s special because of a [character trait]¡ªthat''s why I was so confident. Riley''s character is deceptive; she seems one-dimensional, but somehow, you might feel emotionally attached to her. Why? Excessively nice characters aren''t loveable and memorable. Riley''s not profound or funny and doesn''t provide a Yandere factor greater than the others. Worse, Riley''s a sad character that gets [neglected], so why? I hope you realize by now that Riley is lovable for the most depressing reason possible¡ª She feels she''s not worthy of Helix or equal to Marie and Charlotte. As a result, she''s [genuinely] grateful she''s even with them. It allows them to be happy without conflict. Riley isn''t [selfless]. Her gratitude isn''t a front. It''s not an internal justification. It''s true; that''s why she''s unique. Riley''s not making [sacrifices] for the sake of others in her mind. When she asks for attention, she genuinely feels [selfish]. That''s sad. However, it''s also positive. That mindset allows her to be [genuinely happy] in their rtionship despite always beingst. Helix is grateful to Riley chapter after chapter for that character trait. It''s a reality that having three people is uneven, unfair, and frustrating¡ªone person is always left out. Then there''s conflict. Therefore, Helix always tries to give her special things when he can because he [needs] her sacrifices to keep Marie and Charlotte happy. This novel is realistic, and I''d have to examine what a real harem would look like if she had a strong character. I don''t like that dynamic¡ªand neither would you. So I selfishly created Riley''s character to allow for a happy rtionship while maintaining [Nightmare]''s realistic equilibrium. Riley is lovable because she allows their rtionship to thrive by epting her position asst. She''s the glue that allows the emotional rtionship to work. It''s a sad reality that a point [may] nevere where Riley gets the same equal treatment as the others. The reason is simple¡ªMarie and Charlotte might treat Riley, but they''re forced to sacrifice. People don''t always do that. It''s depressing, but if I removed that trait, you''d forget why Riley''s special. She would just be one-dimensionally kind and willing to spring into action at the drop of a dime. That''s rough, isn''t it? Creating a visually and emotionally magical scene for Riley would be [disrespectful] to her. Letting her [experience] his love instead of [hearing] it is the most amazing thing he can offer. She must be put on disy and [shown] Helix''s love, not told about it. Do you understand why Riley''s scene is so important? In my eyes, she had the most beautiful, meaningful scene of the three. Hopefully, this sheds insight on Riley and why you may love her. Note: If a fourth persones into the fray, alternating doesn''t get awkward, and Riley''s character can thrive. Forced rotation; no one would leave Riley out. That''s another reality. Helix would [have an excuse] and wouldn''t let them.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 228 [Eight Words To Die For] "In anticipation of your marriage, the Alzerian Kingdom has already arranged for a potential ceremony. We can hold it for five days upon your request. It would ensure that the wedding can be held before any attack to ensure your wedding is risk and care-free." Marie and Riley burst into tears again. Charlotte trembled lightly with happiness in her eyes, trying her best to get ahold of herself. Helix took a deep breath and gave them all a slight smile. Then looked up at him with beating hearts. They knew it was time [for the request]. "After your [official] marriage ceremony, the Kingdom invites you spend your life together in Alzeria." Helix continued. His partner''s eyes widened in astonishment. "As a wedding gift, we have purchased your first official home together to symbolize our gratitude for the Earthian leaders." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley''s eyes started sparkling at the news. "While we understand that your life isn''t simple, you''re wee to spend as much of your peaceful lives here in Alzeria as you wish." Helix choked up slightly. While it was a request made on behalf of his partners, it was the most important to him. His decision to leave Alzeria after forming the legal system was due to negative feelings toward the cities. Moreover, he wanted to live a simple, peaceful life. Now that rtionships have improved, it would be easier to aplish their goals of a peaceful life if things remained stable. He didn''t care where he lived so long as life was peaceful. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley cried when they saw his happy face. "We have also¡­." Helixughed and gave them all a stunning smile. "Created a limited autonomous administrative district in Alzeria to honor the Earthians as an official legal people." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley''s eyes widened in shock. "A piece ofnd has been offered to the Earthians to form their nation." Charlotte grinned when she heard the announcement. Marie was equally enthusiastic. Riley didn''t understand why they were offered thend, but she understood the ramifications. Helix gave Riley a mysterious smile before continuing. "I, Queen Liliana Zinon, formally wee his Majesty King Helix Hellsgate Margrave, Queen Marie Mira Skybolt, Queen Charlotte Lisa Kline, and Queen Lilian Singer to Alzeria." "Yeeeeessss! I''m a muthafuckin'' queen!" Charlotte cried while pumping her hand in the air. Riley cocked her head in confusion. "Why are we queens?" She asked innocently. Marie gave Riley a wry smile. "It''s the only way to make her request." She sighed. However, she giggled after watching Charlotte prance around for a few more seconds. They weren''t political queens on paper. The three were [legally] Royalty of their nation. Now she truly understood why it was difficult to refuse queen Liliana. She was trying to save her Kingdom and went to extreme lengths. Marie couldn''t be bitter about politics when Liliana formally crowned them as [legitimate queens]. Helixughed at the absurdity as well. Everyone burst intoughter as a group. "As a strong political ally who has aided Alzeria, we have a request for the Earthian kingdom and their rulers." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley calmed down again. "After your consummation, we seek a political alliance and wish to tie our allegiance through a political marriage. We offer a marriage between Princess Eliza Kinon, King Helix Hellsgate Margrave, Queen Marie Mira Margrave, Queen Charlotte Lisa Margrave, and Queen Riley Lilian Margrave." The three were bitter for a fraction of a second before processing thetter statements. They looked at Helix with wide, sparkingly eyes. Marie Margrave, Charlotte Margrave, and Riley Margrave. While it was a harem marriage¡ªit was a real marriage. "As the Earthian custom of polygamy, unofficially referred to as harem rtionships on Earth, the marriage would be between Princess Eliza Kinon and all Monarchs of the Earthian kingdom." Charlotte started trembling. "WAIT, WHAT!?" Charlotte cried. "How the hell did you get Queen Liliana to say that!? Power y to the max!" Marie and Riley burst into bewildered giggles as well. Everyone sought an exnation. Helix gave them a slight smile that was wry on the inside. ¡ª Queen Liliana agreed to work with Helix to convince his partners after ironing out the political necessities. "The gate keeper is Marie." Helix exined. "Without her, I cannot, and will not, ept the political marriage." Liliana listened with a serious expression on her face. The two were standing in a conversational secrecy circle while guards circled them five feet away. That way, they couldn''t hear the content of the discussion but could attack if necessary. "So helping me make my marriage proposal and offering gifts condition-free helps me make the proposal special." Helix exined with a charismatic smile. "I can purchase the gifts myself. It''s not the point. Having a queen help you make a marriage proposal is independently attractive. It''s the only way I can justifycing my most powerful emotional experience with a Royal request. It''s ideal for all of us." Liliana giggled lightly. She could understand why, regardless of the circumstances. "I can do that." She confirmed with a nod. It was a small price to pay. "Now, onto the strategy." Helix chuckled nervously. Liliana''s eyes sharpened; she knew whatever came out of his mouth wouldn''t be positive. "Riley is a gentle soul that will go along with anything, so long as the others are happy." Helix exined. The queen nodded. She had heard about Riley, notorious for being extraordinarily kind but willing to go to any extreme without issue. "The real key to victory is in Charlotte." Helix continued. Liliana narrowed her eyes and let them glide to the left in thought. It was a strange deration she wasn''t expecting. "Her excitement is contagious to an extreme." He chuckled with a warm smile. "Marie tends to follow her without Charlotte even requesting." The queen''s eyes widened in surprise when she understood the value. "So, what do we need to do to excite her?" She asked suspiciously. Helix opened and closed his mouth awkwardly. "Queen Lilianna, can I speak bluntly under the secrecy of this circle without fear of offending you?" Liliana nodded with a serious expression. "Given the circumstances, I''d prefer it." Helix took a deep breath and gave the queen a wry smile. "Eight words and one added sentence will increase approval''s chances by 50%." Liliana''s eyes widened in shock. It was an astronomical difference. She knew that whatever the words were, they wouldn''t be good. However, it was a number she couldn''t ignore. "They are?" He took a deep breath with an apologetic expression. "Unofficially referred to as harem rtionships on Earth." Helix sighed. Liliana blinked twice and frowned. "Why?" She asked bluntly. He nodded with a sorrowful expression. "As you''ve been informed, wee from a special subculture on Earth." Helix sighed. "I couldn''t forget even if I wanted to." Liliana replied with a serious expression. The difference between cultures was deadly and bordered on disaster 24/7. "And, as you''ve seen, a few strange words can turn a lethal group of young adults into docile kittens preparing to protect your country." Liliana gave Helix a gawking expression. She immediately understood his implication. The queen had forgotten something critically important¡ª "While it''s not apparent, I, along with Charlotte, Marie, and Riley, are [also] part of that subculture." Helix chuckled with a shame-filled smile. Liliana sent Helix a vicious mocking smile. She''d take [any] opportunity to hit him while he was down without consequences. "There''s an awful cliche in the cultured books our people read." Helix chuckled with dead eyes. "The main character bes so influential they obtain a princess as part of their harem." Helix winced as he said the words. Exining it to his mom would be traumatic¡ªpresenting it to the queen of a continent''s superpower was paralysis-inducing-grade mortifying. Liliana wanted to re daggers at him but understood he wasn''t ying games with her. It was clear he hated the cliche. Moreover, he didn''t want to marry Princess Eliza. So she gave him a serious look and didn''t express disdain. Ultimately, they were ying politics. The value of the political marriage far exceeded the humiliation of the circumstances, so long as the humiliation wasn''t public. So she swallowed her pride and let him continue, gesturing by closing her eyes, taking a deep breath, and then opening them again. Helix gave her a grateful smile. "Charlotte doesn''t read those novels, does not like the cliche, and doesn''t want to share me.". Liliana''s eyes widened in surprise at the sudden twist. "However¡­." Helix sighed. "If you leave the insinuation, she''ll take it as the ultimatepliment to [me], find it hrious, and [beg] Marie to ept." Liliana scoffughed at the exnation. Helix emphasized the word beg, so she knew that the admission wasn''t a joke and ignoring it would be foolish. At the same time, it was insulting and made her bitter. "That''s why¡­." Helix sighed with bitter eyes. Liliana perked up again after seeing his heavy expression. "I''m willing to enter a blood pact with a guard to keep the letter you write safe and confidential within reasonable limitations at the cost of my life." ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 229 [Wife Farming] Liliana''s eyes widened in shock. Then she chuckled and became extremely bitter. He made her an offer that was excessively foolish to refuse. "I''ll do it under those terms. Burn the letter after." Helix nodded with a serious expression. "That''s a given. Also, to increase chances with Marie¡ª" ¡ª "You risked your life for this? That''s¡­." Mariemented with trembling eyes. Charlotte was shocked and speechless. Riley looked mildly concerned. Helix shook his head. "The contents of the pact were reasonable, so the only real downside is that I have to burn the letter." His partners were sad when they heard that. "However." Helix announced with a charming smile. "Isn''t it much better to have the Queen formally admit Eliza would be joining our harem?" Giggles exploded in the room. "When you put it like that¡­." Marie whispered with trembling eyes. Charlotte started freaking out. "Marie. Marie. You''re an otaku. You have a duty to our cultured people to ept." She cried. "It''s a political marriage. You don''t have to share, so there''s no reason to hate. This is the perfect just cuzziez. Seriously, there''s a zero thousand percent chance this is a bad development." Marie took a deep breath with a wry smile. She officially understood Liliana''s pain and chuckled bitterly. It was through her marriage proposal that she obtained the opportunity. "His Majesty Helix Hellsgate Margrave has advised me to say the following." Helix continued dramatically. Charlotte''s ears perked up with an evil smile. Marie''s heart started beating. Helix constantly reminded her that he wouldn''t allow her joyous asion to be overruled by politics. Perhaps the emotional rollercoaster increased the power of his words. "While we''re not running a farm, having a princess at our side is still valuable to our story." Marie and Charlotte''s mouths instantly gawked at the deration. Riley cracked and started giggling in a frenzy. "He has pledged that this is a sign of respect to princesses and partners when addressing polygamist marriages." Charlotte burst intoughter and tears. Marie startedughing, and real tears ran down her cheeks. Riley hugged her with all of her might. ¡ª "Farming?" Liliana asked with dead eyes. Helix sighed and gave her a hopeless smile. "This seems extremely counterintuitive, but¡­." He sighed, triggering a bewildered gaze from the queen. "The statement says that we would not ept Princess Eliza as part of our rtionship for a cultural reason tied to a harem." Liliana''s expression crumbledpletely. "Sir Helix Margrave. Please allow me to be frank." She growled with a neutral expression. The queen wouldn''t show the guards her disdain. "Please, go ahead." Helix replied with an apologetic voice. "Do you mean to tell me that you''d have me write something so humiliating, only to turn around and announce it was pointless?" Liliana asked with a contemptuous gaze. Helix sighed and gave her a dismissive sigh. "Queen Liliana. I cannot exin how our culture works to 99% of the Earthian poption, let alone Myriadians." Liliana''s rage melted when confusion overpowered it. "But I can tell you how it will y out." Helix chuckled with madness in his eyes. "First, Charlotte will beg Marie and tell her it''s a duty to our cultured people. I know this because our rtionship formed out of duty to our cultured people. Our rtionship is proof that I''m telling the truth." Liliana was perplexed by the strange admission. "Second, Marie will feel like you do¡ªbitter that the opportunity is so good that she doesn''t have a choice." Helix chuckled in shame. "Please remember she''s a young adult in love and already sharing someone who offered exclusivity out of that duty." The queen gave him a mocking smile, but he cut it down with a mocking scoff. She frowned at his behavior but listened. "It''s a joke to you, but we''re not Royalty with cultural expectations of forced rtionships." Helix reminded her sternly. "We''re normal people who have never thought of such a duty. She already feels her shared rtionship is as much a duty as a political marriage. So pushing more on her arbitrarily isn''t fair." Liliana gave him a wry smile, and he matched it with an equally powerful one. "I see." She replied curtly. Helix nodded, sighed, and continued. "Then she''ll read this line, and half the impact with disappear, and half the humiliation will disappear for Princess Eliza." The queen''s eyes glided to the left to contemte the situation. "Then what about Charlotte?" She asked after giving up. It was clear that she wasn''t getting anywhere worrying about the strange culture. She was at the mercy of something neither she nor anyone else in the kingdom understood. Helixughed with a strange expression. Liliana''s eyes narrowed, and she waited with a serious expression. "As for Charlotte¡ª" ¡ª "Marie!" Charlotte cried while doubling over, hyperventting. "This¡­ hahaha¡­ this is¡­ haha.. the most cliche¡­ hahaha¡­ ultra-not cliche¡­ haha¡­ thing in existence!" Marie''s eyes widened with tumultuous emotions. Riley looked at Helix with a strange expression. She wasn''t worried about the situation and didn''t know how people felt. So she was tactfully waiting with a gentle expression. It was an important point in their rtionship. "Think!" Charlotte cried between gasping breaths. "A necessary forced development¡­ thatnds a princess¡­ haha¡­ in a harem¡­ hahahaha¡­ where the haremites are exclusive¡­ married¡­ haha¡­ strictly human¡­ hahaha¡­ and actively non-farming!" Marie burst into bewilderedughter. She understood the irony, but she didn''t particrly care. The redhead wasughing because Charlotte''sughter was so extreme. It was horrifyingly contagious! Riley burst into giggles next, and Helix followed. The group was falling like dominoes; it was nearly a tragedy. As for Helix, he was doubling over understanding the bewildering turn of events. He was d that one cliche entered his life that was both rational and situationally necessary. Systems, evil gods, and a forced Hero''s Journey life were ridiculous. He had a harem, was now overpowered, and was forced to save a kingdom. With so many forced cliches and natural corresponding elements and coincidences, he was d [one] was original. "Please, Marie!" Charlotte cried. "My sides! Hahaha¡­ my sides require this development¡­ hahahaha!" ¡ª "You mean that implying Eliza join a harem would make her beg." Liliana began with a baffled expression. "But then explicitly stating she wouldn''t be joining a harem make her beg more?" "As I said, it''spletely insane, irrational, and inexcusable." Helix chuckled breathlessly with a wry expression. "But that''s true about¡­ everything in our culture." Liliana''s eyes widened because she could tell Helix wasn''t just being self-deprecating. "Trust me, Queen Liliana. We''re the cultured subset of our people." Heughed with minor sadness in his eyes. "Otakus¡­ get worse. So¡­ so¡­ so much worse." "Worse!? Don''t tell me things will get more extreme." Liliana cried. She had broken herposure. "Don''t worry." Helix said reassuringly with a long sigh. "People in Myriad don''t live thousands of years; they age normally, there are no shape shifters, beast people are extinct, and vending machines don''t exist." Liliana''s confusion only grew. "People can''t get more powerful through sex, animals don''t transform into innocent children, and women like exclusivity." Helix gave her a breathless chuckle and a strong smile. "So, luckily, you''ll never see the full depravity of some of the Earthians you summoned." ¡ª [A/N: On a scale of one to emotional damaging, how was the roast sesh? ;) Also, did you like the hyper-rational and natural 4th wall troll? - Trash of Thrones Commentary: In case anyone''s wondering¡ª Yes. Making Helix a King is politically realistic. It would create an [international economic meltdown] if the most powerful kingdom on a continent married their Crown Princess to a nameless, eighteen-year-old Knight. Yes, meltdown. Rtionships with allied nations¡ªand trade deals¡ªrely upon the expectation of mutual security. Say Kozen gets its food imports from Alzeria, and ites out that Alzeria is on the verge of copse. (i.e. reliant upon an 18-year-old to survive). Kozen will panic and cut the food trade to prevent Alzeria''s destruction from causing famine. Humiliation in politics isn''t so simple, folks. However, there''s a [golden opportunity] to spin with the Earthians. Helixes from a different race of people, and Liliana can im she summoned a King. Simple as that. After acquiring territory, Helix bes a legitimate kingdom, and the political issue of marriage disappears. Monarchs mightugh, but they''ll be interested, not panicking. As a reminder, [Nightmare] examines what would happen if a cliche became a reality. Casually dering people kings in a few days has never been a historical option. Neither has to let four young adults crush half a monster horde to save a major nation from ruin. However, if four adults can crush half a monster horde, taking them up on it is realistic. The same is true of rushing a political marriage to prevent political breakdown and total annihtion. ¡­ lol. I provide thementary for anyone that likes it. Thank you for reading Trash of Thrones, fellow otakus!] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 230 [Shared Situation] [A/N: No roast, as the time hasn''te.] ¡ª "If you are unaware, the purpose of political marriages tie allied kingdoms together." Helix exined to his partners, listening to him with a myriad of crashing emotions. "So a rtionship with Princess Eliza Zinon can be strictly tonic. As Earthian rulers, you are not bound to stay in Alzeria, as you can leave Queen Eliza to run our kingdom. We can also move our kingdom elsewhere, and then she''ll run it there. The rtionship has many benefits, and it''s practical for everyone." Marie''s eyes widened in shock. It was different to understand the implication of tonic marriage and be given an explicit affirmation from the queen. Moreover, it solved a major problem they would face. "As Earthian custom dictates, many who marry do not consummate the marriage on the first night." Helix continued with a serious voice. "As an agreement between shared cultural customs, we have agreed to honor this custom. We''ve agreed not to discuss it in public or private discussions." Marie''s eyes welled with tears, and she turned to Helix with a thankful expression. "While this is the case, if you agree, I hope you will ept my daughter into your rtionship." Helix continued. "Princess Eliza deserves a good life. She''s kind, gentle, and good-natured. Since she can live with you, she isn''t bound by Alzerianws and customs. As a result, she can live the life you may seek to avoid without pulling you into it. Eliza is a beautiful young woman with everything perfect to be your wife." Thest statement hit the group like a bag of bricks. Charlotte had convinced the group to ept each other as wives. It was an agreement, and a clear distinction Helix made with the queen. Therefore, the rtionship they considered wasn''t a marriage between their husband and Eliza. They would all be marrying Eliza. Marie shed Helix a beautiful smile. He sent one back. Riley smiled when she looked between the two of them. Charlotte got pumped the moment there was near certainty for the rtionship. "For the sake of the Alzerian and Earthian people, I humbly request you consider this offer." Helix continued with a warm smile. "Even if you refuse, please remember that the kingdom supports your marriage ceremony with open arms. I hope my aid in making his Majesty''s ceremonial preparations and message shows that. Sincerely yours, Queen Liliana Zinon." "Yes!" Marie cried before bursting into tears. Helix and Charlotte''s eyes widened in surprise. Riley was also confused. "Ummm¡­." Helix replied in a daze. "This¡­." Marie said before bursting into sobs. "The way you approached this situation¡­." Charlotte''s mind clicked in understanding. Riley''s did too. "Shows that you care¡­ about my f-feelings¡­ far more than a refusal." Marie exined between deep breaths. "It''s¡­ the logical thing to do¡­ and it''s symbolic¡­ but¡­." Helix listened with a thankful expression. He was truly devastated he had to consider the proposal. "It still hurt¡­ because of¡­ our vow." Marie cried. "But you proved the vow¡­ was just as important¡­ to you¡­ as it was to me¡­." Helix opened his arms, and she ran into them. "I made you a promise." He whispered with a gentle voice. "I wouldn''t break it for anyone." Marie cried, and Riley and Charlotte''s eyes welled with tears. The two were reminded for the first time in a while that Helix offered her true exclusivity. Helix considered them all equal in terms of his love. Back then, it wasn''t the case. Marie was his number one supporter and protector. She was the most beautiful, with a strong fashion state, and charismatic in general. Men love dazzling women they''d be proud to take home to their parents. Charlotte was [not[ that woman. No matter how incredible she was, she was still a trainwreck of positive emotions. Riley was quiet, sweet, and perfect for emotional stability and support. She was perfect but not heart-catching. It''s not shocking that Helix was head over heels for her. So the fact they were in a harem instead of friends with Helix was a miracle in retrospect. But with their group rtionship, they had be a perfect, harmonious, tightly wound rtionship. They were all loved and happy. Charlotte and Riley owed Marie as much as Helix did for their current happiness. They looked at her with strings tugging on their hearts. "I would have refused outright if the Kingdom breaking down wouldn''t have fallen on Eliza''s shoulders." Stunned silence followed. Marie, Charlotte, and Riley looked at Helix with trembling eyes. "So you''re not considering it because you like her as a friend¡­." Charlotte said with wide eyes. "Well, they''re connected." Helix replied with a neutral expression. "I think¡­ she''s saying that it''s not your primary motivation." Rileymented with gentle eyes. "Correct. It''s a sad situation involving my friend." Helix replied with a nod. "I would have had the same difficulty and worked with the queen if it were Millie, Mira, or Miskie." The three looked at Helix with trembling eyes. "I love that about you." Riley announced with a determined nod. "It''s the only reason I feltfortable joining you always, despite being confused when you asked. So I also support marrying Eliza." Helix, Marie, and Charlotte''s eyes welled with tears at the admission. It was then that it clicked when Riley couldn''t understand his love for so long. Since he was always epting and never let anyone get left behind, it''d make sense why anyone would question whether he [wanted] them there. She rarely showed her opinions first, so the impact was far more powerful than usual. "Come to think of it¡­ I''m pretty sure we''re in a rtionship because Hellie didn''t want anyone being left out." Charlotte pointed out. "Everyone here was in Eliza''s shoes." Marie and Riley looked bewildered by the admission. While Helix was mildly confused, he thought he knew where she was going. "Even Marie?" Riley asked. "Yep~" Charlotte smacked. "There''s no way in hell he''d date Marie exclusively if she forced him to treat Emelia differently." A gravitational wave struck Marie and Riley. They looked at Helix with wide eyes, and he returned a confused expression. "I¡­ thought that was a given, I guess?" Helix replied nervously. "I imagined she might not sleep in my bed, but I''d still love her emotionally the same." He genuinely didn''t think the admission would shock anyone. Marie considered it a given conceptually, but she never truly considered it. They were dating and created a harem on the same day. So she never had to. "Then there''s Riley and me." Charlotte continued. "Hellie had a crush on Marie and a special bond with Emelia." Marie, Riley, and Helix listened with the same level of interest. "But when we all confessed, Hellie epted our love without question." Charlotte continued while addressing Marie and Riley. "However, he gave Marie the same level of control over epting us as he is with Eliza." Marie''s eyes widened in surprise. It truly was the same scenario. "See? We might be three people, but we''re still being offered exclusivity as one." Charlotte reasoned. "So culture aside, I think we''re lucky Helix did the same thing for us. Since we''ve already agreed to marry Princess Eliza, perhaps we should give her a shot with our rtionship." Helix, Marie, and Riley were stunned by Charlotte''s strange character turn. Everyone was curious whether she wanted to be in a rtionship with Eliza or truly grateful for Helix''s character trait. "Putting aside your strange eagerness¡­." Mariemented. "Of course we''ll try." Helix, Charlotte, and Riley looked at Marie in surprise. Her statement was the [second] time her bold willingness to enter the rtionship threw them off. She looked around her with a puzzled expression. "Why is everyone so surprised?" Marie asked in bewilderment. "I''m not thrilled with the idea, and I''m scared it might cause problems. But¡­ does everything think I''d be so cold that I''d let Eliza get married and be alone for the rest of her life?" A stunned silence followed. The gravity of the situation hit Charlotte and Riley for the first time. Only Helix was understanding and grateful. "No, it''s just¡­ you know¡­." Charlotte replied awkwardly. "You wouldn''t be so¡­ eager?" Marie''s eyes widened in confusion, and she started to reply. However, Riley saved the day as always. "I think Charlotte''s trying to say that you''re much more willing than we expected." She exined in a sweet voice. "Your reaction to Helix''s love and the corresponding eptance is touching. It is a monumental day for everyone, after all. I think it''s wonderful, and Charlotte does too." Marie''s face heated up as she looked around. Helix was staring at her with the most loving smile imaginable, making her want to hide her face. It was a touching moment for everyone. "It''s~decided. Princess Eliza will be our wifey." ¡ª [A/N: We''ll save the super epic roast session for the wedding. So sharpen your knives. I''m preparing to cry for week. ;)] Chapter 231 [The Rush] [A/N: Try not to have expectations about the wedding. First, ceremonies are boring af. Second, so are weddings.] ¡ª "This feels like¡­ I don''t know." Mazemented with a confused expression. "I got a participation award?" "I¡­ don''t know how to feel¡ª" "Ah, shut it, idiots." Miskie growled ten feet away. "Miskie¡­ people are watching us." Millie warned nervously. "Yeah, and?" Miskie asked in genuine confusion. "I¡­." "Ah. Please don''t make Millie nervous." Sarah requested. "Yeah, yeah. Sorry, Millz." Miskie replied with a genuine expression. "Were you saying something?" As asked while giving David a side-long nce. "Ummm¡­ no." David replied nervously. He was genuinely conflicted about his position. "It''s kinda¡­ strange wearing a tie." Mazeughed while looking down. "Yeah." As sighed. "We traveled thirty million light-years away to an undeveloped civilization, only to wear the same clothing we were avoiding." "Ah, I get it. You''re rockin'' the whole [realist by convenience] vibe." Maze remarked with a knuckle on his chin. "Or~maybe." As chimed. "Weddings suck. They''re boring, formal, and there''s no gambling, thrill, or shame to earn." The four people standing to the group of men burst intoughter. As and Maze were standing in a line in front of a shockinglyrge number of people. Shockinglyrge meant three hundred people, which would have been five hundred if the massive outdoor area they were sitting in wasn''t full. It was a noble wedding area north of the Capital, and it was not meant for public weddings. The issue the Kingdom faced was how to organize the people that knew Helix at such short notice. So they made announcements to talk to Helix, but he was drowning in people. They ended up giving [priority] invitations to those close to him, official invitations to important people, and then opened it up for others until upancy. No one expected it to be such a massive event. Standing on the stage were ten people before an alter. On the right there were male otakus; on the left were the females. The order from the left was: David, As, Maze, Leo, and Aleko. Miskie, Millie, Leera, Leo, and Petra were on the other side of the stage, with Miskie closest to the alter. "Ah. I see. Sorry, man. I thought you were too cool for a wedding type." Maze chuckled. "Turns out you''re just a shameless degenerate at a wedding." As groaned after the admission. Everyone looked at As. "Wait. No¡­e back?" Leo asked in bewilderment. "I would on any other day." As sighed. "But this is the most public [private event] in existence. As a result, I''m avoiding eye contact with my debt collectors right now." Everyone''s eyes widened in surprise. "Wait. The rumors you''re always running from debt collectors are true?" Maze chuckled breathlessly. "What? You think people create backstories like that up?" As asked with a lifeless voice. "No¡­ it''s a rational point. It''s just¡­ you make a lot of money, so I''m surprise you never pay them off." Asughed at Maze''s naivety. "I see. You don''t understand how this works." Everyone listened to As with expressions showing their interest. The man''s tinted blue sunsses and [dangle earring] at a wedding made him stand out. Combined with the suit and tie, he looked like the son of a syndicate head. "If I paid off my debt collectors, I wouldn''t have money to gamble with." As exined. Maze''s eyes widened in shock. "I''ve always wondered this, but¡­ do gamblers make money gambling?" As turned to Maze with a quizzical expression. "What does that mean?" He chuckled breathlessly. Maze put a knuckle on his chin. "I mean¡­ gamblers are notoriously broke." He reasoned. "But it with the amount of money they gamble, you''d think they''d win big sometimes." Asughed sharply. "Ahhhhhh. I get it. You don''t know how this works." Maze''s eyes narrowed in annoyance after being told the same thing twice. "We win lots of money, revel in it for two days, and no matter how much we earn¡­." As chuckled with confused shame in his eyes. "We lose it all gambling in one epic night." Maze''s eyes trembled with madness swirling in them. Everyone was likewise surprised by the admission. "We don''t go broke two dayster, of course." As chuckled. "Instead, we live by streaks." Everyone listened with true curiosity in their eyes. An otaku gambler is not a conventionalbination. Of all of the Earthians, As was the strangest. He had the strangest fighting style and habits and never talked about anything otaku-rted. However, no one knew much about him other than Helix. Even Helix didn''t know much about him. "As gamblers, we throw in money, and then it multiplies." As exined with madness in his eyes. "You throw in 500 hundred, and it turns to 1000; suddenly, you''re at 25,000 and coked up on endorphins and adrenaline. Those neurotransmitters don''t line up biologically, but they sure as hell do at the gambling table." Hearing As'' exnation was shocking to Aleko. That''s he couldn''t see the madness written on As''s face. There was no shame whatsoever. Nor was there regret. Everyone else felt adrenaline and excitement pumping through their veins. It was strange. "H-How did you get into gambling?" David asked. The young man asked the question on [everyone]''s mind. As never talked about anything regarding his life, past, or otaku-rted. He''d avoid the topics. However, everyone was misguided about their assumptions of him. As didn''t avoid conversations about his life. The main reason that no one knew about him was that no one asked about gambling. Gambling [was] his life. That''s not to say that he was one-dimensional. It meant that his lifestyle was the result of gambling. So if someone didn''t ask about it, they wouldn''t get answers. So they didn''t get answers. They were afraid to ask. As was wild to them. Now two people have asked questions, and they would both get answers. Asughed and gave him a yful expression. David was so nervous that he was trembling. He was interested in how much people feared him despite being so bored and uncontroversial during training. "It starts with betting you''ll win a game against a friend." As chuckled. Everyone''s eyes widened with shock. "The friend says they''ll pwn you; you call them an unqualified noobjack, suddenly you''re betting snack packs." Confused chuckles rang out. They just connected that As told them his story started in elementary school. "Then you keep betting." He continued with a sharp gaze. "Somewhere along the way, you figure out that betting something real makes the blood pump." The four near him could feel their hearts racing. It was contagious. "You put on your nerve gear, and your mind bes crystal clear, and strategies start ying out." As exined in a vortex of delirium. "Now you''re in a Unilink RPG world going wild." His insanity was sweeping outward. "When you''re in that state, the muted nerve reality experience from Unilink was no different than Myriad." As chuckled with manic fervor. "The fake magic feels real; losing feels like death. Your body is throwing around magic as if it were reality. Then you get summoned to Myriad, only to find it''s the same world you''ve been living in." Maze''s mouth curled into a grin. Everyone else was being sucked into As'' words like a ck hole. "Lastly, someone gives you a lot of money. You have money to bet but don''t have games to bet on. Otakus surround you, gambling isn''t exactly otaku, so you must find a way to bet. You discover a gambling den, win an insane amount of money on your first night, and then you wake up three monthster an addict. It''s a st. You should try it." They finally understood two things. First, how being an otaku turned As into a gambling degenerate. More importantly, how As was so strong, despite treating practice like a 9 to 5. "I''m not going to lie¡­ that sounds fun." Mazeughed. "Fun''s not a good word. Thrilling." As dered with an evil grin. "That''s the right word." David''s eyes trembled in confusion. "You did say Unilink, right? Not Kalcon?" He asked nervously. As gave David a side-long nce. "Yes, Unilink. It''s used by 98% of world''s connected poption at least once per month." Hemented. "So why do you look so nervous?" "I-It''s just¡­." David replied in a panic. He wanted to shake his hands in front of his face to clear the misconceptions. "I''m surprised. While there are RPGs, Unlink games are physical and taxing¡­ so they''re for athletes and professionals¡­ and not exactly¡­ video games." David exined. "So it''s odd for an otaku to y them." Asughed and looked into the air. "Well. It''s also odd for an otaku to neglect magic training to gamble." The groupughed lightly. "I''m curious¡­ how often did you y Unilink games?" Leo asked. Asughed lightly with a self-deprecating smile. "Daily." He replied. The expression of everyone crumbled. "Did¡­ you exercise?" Leo asked in confusion. "Yeeee~p." As smacked. "Mostly endurance and cardio training when I woke up." Everyone listened with interest. "I ran five miles a day and did basic bodyweight exercises." As continued. "You''re¡­ the strangest otaku ever." Mazeughed. "I guess? I still yed RPGs and had the same interest in light novels." As shrugged. "The difference was that I was seeking out the real experience. I wanted to be the undefeated, overpowered protagonist and achieve real victory. To live on the cusp of life and death. That''s why I yed in Unilink worlds instead of Kalcon and gambled on my matchups. Death has meaning, and victory has real rewards. You''ll do [anything] to win when you live for the rush. Real exercise bes easier when you''re living out a fantasy. So even if it''s a muted world with fake fighting, it gives you something you can''t achieve IRL." The four otakus stared at As in disbelief. While he was a degenerate, they respected him. Especially Aleko, who was inspired by As'' desire. It felt dangerous. "So I''m curious." Maze prefaced. As gave him a sidelong nce. "Now that you''re in a world with real magic, where you can feel real pain, and you can die¡­." Maze began pensively. "Why do you skip practice when Marie doesn''t force you to show up? Isn''t this what you were chasing after?" As chuckled. Then he chuckled again. He chuckled a third time and then burst intoughter. "About~that¡­." Asughed. "As it turns out, it was never about the magic, being a hero, or achieving victory." The other four were shocked by the sudden shift. Aleko was stunned, speechless. "I just liked gambling." Asughed. "After getting 500 gold and finding a night of Largon den, I found out that I didn''t need to work hard to get my fix." Maze''s eyes widened, and his mouth curled into a bewildered smile. "So that means¡­ you''re genuinely not working hard here¡­." He chucked breathlessly in disbelief. "You''re just using your experience from Earthian videogames to be strong. We just suck because we''ve never exercised or fought using our real bodies before." "Cor-rect." As smacked. "And you''re genuinely spending all of your time gambling or blowing money?" Maze rified. "Cor-rect." As smacked again. "That''s¡­ legendary." Mazeughed in disbelief. "Come with me next time." As chuckled. "I¡­. As, to be frank with you¡­ I don''t try things I find negative out of fear I''ll like them." Maze chuckled nervously. "Smart man." As replied with a wry smile. "Oh my god!" Millie cried. "What''s going¡­ oh my go!" Sarah chimed in. "Haaaaaah. That''s stupid dramatic." Miskie chuckled mockingly. "Who cares. I''m jealous." Petraughed. "Not gonna lie¡­ I am too." Leera said with a bitter-sweet smile. "Well. At least the guy bailing me out showed up." As sighed. "Can''t you leave him out of bail duty for a day?" Maze scoffughed. "Maze¡­. No." As replied with a serious expression. ¡ª [A/N: Please save conjecture until the future; it will only drive you crazy. This novel is extremely twisted, so it''s best to sit back and experience it unfold.] ¡ª Power stones and grammatical errors = more content. :) Chapter 232 [Wedding Entrance] "Hiiiiigh! Purrrurup" "Ahhhhhhhhhhh!" "That''s so beautiful!" "Oh my gosh! It''s so perfect!" "You''ve got to be kidding me." Leomented with dead eyes. "Why do you sound so bent?" Maze asked in confusion. "It''s got that whole, [I''ll make any wishe true] type of vibe. I think it''s charming." Leo closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "That''s the problem, Maze." He sighed. "I vowed to treat Sarah as well or better than Helix does his partners." "Oh¡­." Maze chuckled awkwardly. Maze gave the young man a wry smile; he couldn''t say anything. "It''s not jealousy. It''s a positivepetition, and I''ve done well making her happy so far. Bute on. How the hell am I supposed to match a wedding entrance on Pegasus, for fuck''s sake!" Leo cried under his breath. "Bro¡­ just ask Helix for a hook-up." As sighed. "You did hear that we''re positive rivals, right?" Leo scoffughed. "You''ve got it all backward, man." As chuckled breathlessly. Leo gave him a strange expression. "How so?" As turned to him with a mocking smile. "Say you could create illusionary magic circles." He replied sassily. "Do you think Helix would give two fucks about apetition when he knew you could help him make his partners happy?" Leo''s eyes widened, and his face turned red. "That''s¡­ a good point. Do¡­ you think he''d mind?" Leo asked nervously. Asughed bitterly. "Trust me. He won''t refuse." Leo studied As'' facial expressions. At Helix''s funeral, he heard a story that Helix used to help As out of his debt collector problems. It seemed like a joke at the time, but now he knew it was true. So he couldn''t call out As. "Ooooooooooooooh!" "That''s majestic!" "What is that thing!" "Is it imported? I must have one!" When Riley flew down from Mount Olympus on [Pegasus], hundreds of people were captivated. It was a Wico Hawk Avian mount, but a Circle of Illusion had created a flying white horse surrounded by ambient golden light. While there were many creatures in Myriad¡ªPegasus wasn''t one of them. So the females were squealing, and the nobles checked their pocketbooks. Princess Eliza held her breath, unbelieving that Helix would create magic so beautiful. She would never admit it, but she fantasized that he would treat her wedding that way, but she knew he wouldn''t. No matter what, it would be a simple wedding. His partners would protest otherwise. Cataclop, cataclop. "Hiiiiigh! Purrrurup" Cataclop. Helix was grinning when he heard the Wico Hawk''s [hooves] touching the ground. The hawknded on a mount on the stage. While it was stationary, the flying horse illusion was clip-clopping around. It was a majestic disy of magic. However, it wasn''t nearly as beautiful as Riley, whose hair was braided like an actual princess, courtesy of Queen Liliana''s personal stylist. The otakus and weebs realized something remarkable when they saw the beautiful brte, known for her kind, beautiful smile¡ª ¡ªshe never wore makeup. It was something people ignored because her personality and smile autocorrected to gorgeous instantly. However, that day, they witnessed what she looked like after putting in the effort that most women did. Riley was stunning. Her light tan eyes became golden behind the subtle mascara, and her smile radiated behind the subtle yet perfectly contrasting lipstick. Everyone was left in awe. "It''s still hard to imagine that he brought a beauty down on Pegasus." Leomented with a wry smile, "That''s serious talent." "If you think Helix turned a hawk into Pegasus on his own, you''re out of your damn mind." Asughed derisively. Leo''s eyes widened in surprise. "Wait! That thing''s not a flying horse?" He cried under his breath. "Nooooope." As smacked, "It''s a fuckin'' hawk. A bird. Tweet tweet. He went through some brutal shit to get a Grandmaster to help him make it." Leo turned to As with bewilderment and disbelief in his eyes. He was listening to his every word and soaking them up like a sponge. "No matter how talented Helix is, he has only been here for half a year." As chuckled breathlessly. "So he relies on everyone he can to aplish what he needs. If he were strong enough to do everything on his own, he wouldn''t be here training us and building rtionships with the army. He''ll do everything he can to make those women happy. You should do the same." Leo''s eyes lit up with determination. "I think... I''ll try that. I''m not sure what to ask for, but I''ll make it happen, whatever it is." "Yeah...." Maze chuckled breathlessly, "You go, man." The light faded from Leo''s eyes when he realized how awkward he was. However, there wasn''t much time to get lost in the details. "Ahhhhhhhhhhh!" "Stunning!" "She looks so free!" "Fairy Marie!" "No, seriously, Marie''s a Fairy!" "She''s an angel. Stop being such a weeb." Everyone looked up in shock to see Marie flying through the air with angel wings on her back. Her mount wore a suit made by a Wyko Hawk suit Samma Shaw, who was currently in Alzeria. It had invisibility circles that hid the hawk from all angles. As for the angel wings... that was [conditional summoning]. Naturally, he created the best possible circle to exin it to others. Marie did a strange hair maneuver flying around, moving horizontally for a moment before standing up again. "wless." Helix smiled. She stood up on the Wyko Hawk, so when she got to the ground¡ª The audience exploded in feverish apuse when Mariended on her feet and began walking without pause. Most everyone understood that Helix was using magic to create beautiful sights. However, the angel wings and missing mount left everyone bewildered. Marie''s appearance was truly wless. She embraced the charismatic smile she was famous for and waved to everyone gratefully. The crowd went wild, looking at her lush, red hair. It was silky smooth, falling past her shoulders without any clips. It defined her natural beauty that no one could get in Myriad. "Tell me, As." Leo said with the eyes of a dead fish, "Can Helix help me do that?" "No-pe." As smacked, turning to him deviously, "You''re pretty boned if you want Sarah to be a living angel." "Thought so." Leo chuckled bitterly. "Women don''t dig if men ask for everything, though." As rified, "Also, I doubt Sarah wants to be an angel." Leo turned to the female section and looked at the gambling addict with a mocking smile. Sarah was in her bridesmaid dress with her hands sped, gasping with sparkling eyes. "I repeat, you''re pretty boned if you want Sarah to be a living angel." As shrugged nonchntly, leaving the guy suffering without a distraction. Luckily, or unluckily, Leo couldn''t sulk too long because¡ª "AH!" "IS THAT A MONSTER!?" "SOLDIERS!" "Everyone calm down!" Queen Liliana boomed, causing everyone to calm down. The queen looked into the sky with a wry smile, indignant she had to exin. "You''re looking at an illusion of an Earthian myth." Liliana exined. A hypnotic whistle pierced through the sound waves right before¡ª SRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEK! A horrifying shrill shattered the airwaves. Whooooooosh! SRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEK! Whoooooooosh! Everyone in the audience watched nervously as a roaring me streaked across the air, making hypnotic yet indescribably terrifying noises. Queen Liliana watched the sight in awe before continuing. "This mythical creature is called¡ª" "A Phoenix?" Leo chuckled with madness swirling in his eyes, "Charlotte''s riding a fucking Phoenix?" As turned to him with a slight smile. "How is this much different than watching Pegasus fly down from the heavens?" "How?" Leoughed awkwardly, "Her crimson dress is on fire, As! There''s real mes flickering off her sses!" The gambler looked into the sky. Whooooooosh! SRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEK! Charlotte reigned supreme from the heavens. A majestic wyvern-sized bird with ming wings flew through the sky, leaving after-trails everywhere it went. She was in the center, wearing a crimson dress that was on fire in the illusion. As Leo pointed out, the mes from the bird flickered off herrge framed sses, showcasing the natural effect. Helix smiled wryly, knowing that the Phoenix and all its details weren''t enough to exin the fire illusion circle suit Samma Shaw made for him. Whooooooosh! Whooooooosh! Shiiiiiiieeek! Whooooooosh! Whooooooosh! "Ooooooohhhhh!" As soon as Charlotte stopped terrifying everyone with the terrifying image of the Phoenix, she led it to the ground, watching everyone''s faces with a satisfied grin. The crowd watched in awe as the beautiful bird descended from the heavens lightly, pping its fiery wings. She jumped off it to get onto the tform. When she did, people saw the mes on her dress and panicked. However, when she touched the ground, the mes turned blue and disappeared. Everyone gasped in shock at the woman''s stunning disy. One person pped. That''s all it took. A momentter, the entire building exploded in feverish apuse. Helix sighed. Riley was supposed to have the most stunning mount. However, he couldn''t deny Charlotte the Phoenix on her wedding day and figured the overbearing force wouldn''t steal the show. Or, at the very least, it would spread absolute fear instead of being mesmerizing. But, as expected, she yed it. Marie had a wry smile, and Riley''s eyes were sparkling, pping with everyone else. "I love you, Riley." Helix smiled warmly, "Maybe... ah, why not." Without warning, beautiful angel wings grew out of Marie and Riley''s shoulder des, making them look at their future husband with wide eyes. Helix shrugged, saying [I''ll make an excuseter. Either way, it''s your wedding.] and smiling gently. They both lit up in unbridled happiness. As for Charlotte, she was eyeing him down with predatory eyes. She understood what he was doing and couldn''t care less about angel wings. The blonde was horrifyingly aroused by his bold disy of [Nightmare] in public, right before everyone. It made her shiver. "You see those looks, Leo?" As asked with a slight smile. "Heh. How can''t I?" Leo chuckled bitterly, happy for Helix but simultaneously jealous. The ck-haired sighdere was overpowered even in the most absurd and useless categories. "Yeah, that sarcasm won''t get you anywhere." The gambleugh-scoffed, "Don''t you think those smiles were strange?" Leo looked at Marie and Riley, giggling glee at their semi-permanent angel wings, and Charlotte swiveled her hips to join them with subtle, illusionary smokeing off her. "Yeah, it''s almost like...." Leomented, "Excitement?" "A pleasant surprise, Leo." As smiled warmly, "Even with Pegasus, angel wings, and a Phoenix flying down from the heavens, those three are happiest about a surprise. Sarah doesn''t need a grand disy to feel that special. You just need to make her something stunning and surprise her with it. Then she''ll feel like those three right there¡ªthe happiest women in the world." Leo watched in awe as his partners lined up at the opposite end, ready to walk down the aisle as a group. Each had the most stunning smile imaginable. He vowed that he''d do whatever it took to make Sarah feel that way, even if he had to beg Helix to help him. Chapter 233 The Ceremony Helix smiled as his three partners walked down the aisleway, stunning every guest in Alzeria. The smiles on their faces were breathtaking and showed how much they cared about him. Marie sent him bright smiles and looked at the floor for charming effect. Riley had light tears in her eyes, confused about how she ended up on the aisle with the other two but eternally grateful. Charlotte walked with a smirk, knowing that Alzeria was about to have a state-sponsored harem wedding between them. Better, while Marie and Riley had bright white dresses highlighting their hair and eyes, Charlotte had a crimson cocktail dress that was nothing short of derisive. Combined with the fake sses on her face, she was walking around taunting wealthy aristocrats everywhere. Marie was ovee with emotions. She had never been so happy in her life. Somehow she got kidnapped from Earth and found her true love. Someone who was a nerd like her. He was socially awkward when he arrived. Treated her well. And loved her unconditionally. Riley was overwhelmed by the gazes of everyone. She was genuinely starting to believe that she belonged with the three. Somehow, she was walking down the aisle to marry the most famous person in Alzeria and Kozen. It was a surreal moment. As for Helix, he was chuckling at his absurd luck. Despite his constantints since he arrived, there were beautiful things that happened. Helix wasn''t living his dream. He was living his nightmare. However, every nightmare is a dream. And. Right then. At that moment. As they walked forward. Nearing their vows to live forever. To proim their love for everyone to hear. Helix was living a dream that he never knew he had. But he didn''t question it. He was so grateful. Grateful to the people that saved his life. The grandmasters that trained him. Ice General Tyrene Masney. His mentor Tilo Szar. Linux, his teacher. And even... Kylon. At that moment, and only for that moment, he was grateful to everyone. He was thankful to Kylon for abducting him to bring him into the moment. Elsa. Macron. Eliza. Samma. Liliana. Millie for giving him courage. As for treating Myriad like a fantasy world by necessity. The Warpshire, who was gracious enough to lend him its coat. As for Elise, the Mad Queen¡ª He still fucking hated her, and no amount of beautiful moments would change that. But he didn''t think about her. Helix focused every bit of thought on the three women walking toward him in slow motion. He listened¡ª To Maze and Miskie riling everyone up from the sides. To the gasps of the audience. To the minor exhales of Eliza, who was breathless at that moment. It was a beautiful moment that no one could stand between. "Hiya, stranger." Charlotte said sassily, disregarding the priest-like ceremony attendants. Helix shed her a charming smile and turned it to his other brides. "Wee to the ceremony of King Helix Margrave, Queen Marie Skybolt, Queen Charlotte Kline, and Queen Riley Singer." A brte presiding over the marriage announced. "These four are already married by Earthian customs but are here today to affirm their vows and seal their rtionship." The otakus and weebs exploded in roaring apuse, which was extremely awkward because it was not a moment for apuse. Helix chuckled, giving the individuals who screamed a look that read [I expected this¡ªobviously. Thank you]. Charlotte grinned at hisx attitude, and many people that saw his look giggled orughed. "In ordance with Earthian customs, the ceremony will be an exchange of vows." The announcer exined, "There aren''t set words involved. It''s a simple deration of promises." As'' eyes widened in surprise, and he grinned alongside the other otakus and weebs. Helix lied about Earthian customs to get the wedding he wanted. It was indeed a remarkable powery. "We''ll begin with Marie Skybolt." The brte said, turning to the redhead. Helix walked to the podium opposite Marie, who was blushing. "King Helix Margrave, please dere your vows to Marie." He nodded and looked into Marie''s vivid green eyes. "Marie...." Helix smiled, speechless for a moment, "I''m about to make you some promises, and I''ve realized I''ve only ever made you one. Otherwise, I cocktail out of promises that I won''t die, or do stupid things, or make dangerous magic...." Everyone in the audience gasped, chuckled a few times, and burst into bewilderedughter. Marie giggled, and Charlotte grinned, all under the loving gaze of Riley. "It''s embarrassing to repeat that vow, but it''s crucial in a way." Helixughed in self-deprecation, "I promised our rtionship wouldn''t turn into an isekai nightmare. Well, there aren''t ancient lolis, cats that can transform into women, or dragon women." The redhead blushed to the tip of her ears, mortified by his public omission. "It was a ridiculous, extremely unnecessary promise to make." Heughed, "But... I kept it. So... that''s kinda... a one-hundred-percent promise to keep the ratio." Marie''s eyes widened in surprise at his charming awkwardness, and she burst into embarrassed giggles with everyone else in the audience. The otaku and weebs were dying. "Despite ourck of promises." Helix continued, "I''ve vowed to love you forever and to be honest with you. To treat you well and make you happy. I like to think that I''ve done an excellent job of that so far. And... I want to do that forever." Marie burst into happy tears alongside most of the bridesmaids and audience members. Helix''s rtionship with the three was extraordinary. It ran deep and was filled with strife. They earned their rtionship, so it wasn''t the same as college lovers or political marriages. It had real meaning. "You protected my life around the clock when I came here." Helix continued with light tears in his eyes, "And I''m still here. Now it''s my turn. I also promise to share the burden of protector, to protect you as much as you protect me from now on." Marie choked up and nodded. "I love you Marie." Helix said with a warm smile, "I''ll let those feelings drive actions far more significant than any promise could ever present." He stopped speaking, and after a short emotional moment, the audience met them with thunderous apuse. "Marie Skybolt, please present your vows." The announcer requested. The redhead nodded and looked at Helix with happy, teary eyes. "Helix..." Marie choked,ughing to release pressure, "I know your personality better than anyone, so I''ll prove that right now." A wave of excited anticipation washed through the audience. "I promise to love you forever, and...." She said, "Love is an action, not an emotion. So I''ll spend my life constantly proving my love for you." After that simple statement, the audience watched in disbelief as Helix moved forward, embraced Marie''s cheek, and kissed her lightly yet passionately. They couldn''t believe that the charismatic leader Marie Skybolt summed up her vows so simply. However, Helix truly believed that words and feelings were irrelevant. Promises were meaningless. Only proving your love with actions would prove it. When a person approaches rtionships from that perspective, they will constantly act in the best favor of the other, and it will work the best. When peopleprehended the power of the statement, they gave the new couple a round of thunderous apuse. "Charlotte Kline, it''s your time to exchange vows." The brte announcer stated. Charlotte nodded with a slight grin and swiveled her hips up to the podium in her derisive dress. Her appearance captivated everyone, especially the otakus and weebs. While many people changed their appearances at the beginning, few changed their style, let alone their personalities. The blonde had transformed from a quirky trickster into Loki''s enchantress. She was horrifying yet captivating, charming, and charismatic. Helix smirked at his wife-to-be with a slight smile, and she matched it. "I want to go first." Charlotte announced bluntly, shocking everyone. "Of course." He replied, easing everyone''s concerns about the strange [potential] custom. "Ahem." She coughed dramatically, "I pledge full-time." After that, she bowed slightly and stepped away. Dead silence. However, the king gave her a beaming smile. "Charlotte, when you told me you''d join my harem part-time and that you''d join but not be a girlfriend, I told you that was every man''s dream." Helixughed. Waves of understanding washed through the crowd. Charlotte''s statement abruptly made a lot more sense. "Well, I''m here to announce that I was wrong." He smiled, sparking whispers, "My dream is full-time. Forever." Gasps and smiles washed through the crowd. Charlotte gave him a charming smile but awaited the crescendo. "Charlotte." Helixughed in amusement, "When I asked you to be my partner, you nonmittal agreed. It wasn''t good enough for me, so I asked for a dating sim walkthrough on how to earn your willingness to join my harem." After a second of stunned silence and confirmation whispers, the otakus and weebs exploded in roaringughter. Charlotte grinned, amused by the confused faces of the royals. "You didn''t give me one." He smiled bitterly. Moreughter detonated. It became contagious, and soon most of the audience wasughing. "However, I promised that I''d earn your full-time love." Helix smiled, "Well, that doesn''t end now that you''re my wifey. I promise to continue to earn your love and the right for me to be at your side." Charlotte''s mouth fell open, and her eyes trembled. She instantly touched her face to check the temperature and found she was burning up. The blonde was bright red to the tip of her ears, and light tears welled in her eyes. "Then don''t embarrass~me... jerk." Charlotte huffed, making the audience members burst into merryughter. Helix smiled and stepped forward. The announcer gave the strange couple a warm smile before turning to Riley. "It''s your turn, Queen Riley. Please step forth to exchange your vows." Chapter 234 Riley’s Vows

Chapter 234 Riley''s Vows

With a nervous gait, Riley approached Helix, still in disbelief that she was wearing such a gorgeous dress and standing before her crush. The introverted brte had always struggled with social interactions, yet there she was, facing the person she cherished most on their wedding day, her heart brimming with emotions she couldn''t express. Helix smiled as she drew near, well aware of her thoughts. He was, after all, not just an observer but her partner. The officiant exchanged a few words with them before prompting Helix to speak. "Riley, I love you," Helix began, his gaze sweeping the room. "It might be hard to believe, but trust me, I can hardly believe it myself." Surprise shed in Riley''s eyes, and a wave ofughter spread through the audience. She joined in with a giggle, charming the guests. They adored her shy, caring nature as long as it didn''t involve her partner. Helix gazed at her tenderly and continued. "Riley, you''re the glue that holds us all together. Yourpassion and willingness topromise have made Marie, Charlotte, and I strive to improve as a group. It''s because of you that we''re so harmonious despite having¡­ emotions and three-dimensional personalities." Otakus, weebs, Charlotte, and Marieughed heartily, leaving Riley and the rest of the audience astonished. "I love that about you," Helix smiled. "I love your humility, your constant readiness topromise, and the joy you take in waking up early to bake treats. I love you more than you could everprehend." Tears welled up in Riley''s eyes, and she clutched her chest, sobbing softly. "Please know that we need you," Helix dered. "You''re essential not only to my emotional well-being but to all of ours. You''re indispensable, and we couldn''t do it without you." Riley nced at Marie and Charlotte, worried they might resent sharing their special day with her. But seeing their supportive, loving gazes, she finally broke into tears. "Riley," Helix said, holding out a ring. "please be my wife and stay with us forever." Overwhelmed, Riley choked,ughed, and sobbed all at once. The ring on her finger, she cried, captivating the audience and her partners. It was a touching moment that moved everyone present. When it was her turn to speak, Rileyposed herself and began. "I''m not good with words or people," she admitted. "If I were, I probably wouldn''t be so confused right now." The room filled with gentleughter, lifting everyone''s spirits. "But," she continued. "I''ll do whatever I can to make you happy. I know it''s not something tangible, but¡­ I seem to be doing something, so I''ll just keep doing that¡­ I guess." Riley pressed on, feeling a mix of nervousness and fear, and her heart pounded. "But I love you, Helix!" she eximed. "I''ll always be there for you because my love for you grows so strong that it hurts when I see you risking your life. As long as you''ll have me, I''ll be here to protect and support you because that''s what I want more than anything else in the world! I''m humbled, grateful, and overjoyed to be here!" A surge of powerful emotions gripped the audience. With tears in his eyes, Helix gently wiped away Riley''s tears, kissed her softly, and was met with a deafening round of cheers. Riley''s heart soared as she gazed into Helix''s pitch-ck eyes, seeing a reflection of herself that was different from the one she used to see in the mirror. This reflection showed someone filled with happiness and contentment for the first time. It felt like a fairy tale. A true fairy tale. Not the kind with a hero and a princess. No, it was a story of a shy and awkward person finding a ce where they truly belonged. Helix kissed her again to thunderous apuse, and she joined the others, who embraced her warmly, conveying their love and support. It was a poignant moment for everyone present. *** During the reception, Tilo entertained the audience with stories from their past. "So there I was, a grandmaster, on my first day, disoriented, and choosing between losing a fight to the weakest person in Myriad or negating a cmity spell," Tilo recounted. "And all I could think was¡­ who the hell is this boy?" The audience listened, enthralled, as Tilo shared one incredible story after another about the four of them. They didn''t think anything could top the tale of the flower children destroying a mountain¡ªbut they were wrong. "Thanks to his intelligence and my preparation, everyone in the city was safe ¨C except King Helix and me," Tilo chuckled. "Tyrene nearly killed us both!" Laughter swept through the capital as everyone delighted in a surprise cameo. Even Queen Liliana and Princess Eliza joined in the merriment. "And what was King Helix''s excuse?" Tilo inquired. "He wanted the power to protect his lovers." A warm sentiment washed over the audience. "And I told him, boy..," Tilo continued, serene and smiling. "You won''t be able to protect anyone if you''re dead, and I''m about five seconds away from ending your life!" The irony shattered the brief respite, and a round of apuse erupted. "Did he listen?" Tilo mused. "Not a chance!" Peals ofughter filled the room as he shared story after story of their training and Helix''s exploits. "Then I met the women he was determined to save," Tilo chuckled. "and I finally understood his obsession with strength..." All eyes turned to the blushing women, who were met with warm smiles. "They were gorgeous, had maic personalities..," his expression softened. "And charged into battle more recklessly than he did!" he eximed, pointing to Helix. "It takes incredible strength to protect such powerful and audacious women!" He continued to regale them with stories of their shared battles, training, and memories, keeping theughter flowing. "Helix, Riley, Marie, Charlotte... working with you all has been a delight, a nightmare, and a humbling experience," Tilo dered with a cheeky grin. "I wish you the life you''ve trained tirelessly for every day." A standing ovation greeted his words, and countless gazes fell upon Helix and the blushing women, who found themselves at the center of attention. "Now that I''ve introduced our students," Tilo said, his voice wavering as he retrieved a circle of remembrance and ced it near the amplifier. Shock registered on the faces of Helix, Marie, Charlotte, and Riley as their eyes widened. However, their surprise paledpared to when Tilo activated the circle, and everyone in the audience gasped. The circle radiated a brilliant white light. White. Circles of Remembrance glowed in a spectrum of colors, depending on the emotional intentions. From white to ck. The realistic spectrum began with crystal blue and progressed to crimson red, symbolizing murderous hatred. White. The intention was so pure, it was unmistakable. "Weddings are the worst... I can''t start this message with a threat," Tyrene''s deep, grumbling voice filled the Al Chapter 235 [Tyrene’s Message]

Chapter 235 [Tyrene¡¯s Message]

"Weddings are the worst¡­ I can''t start this message with a threat." Tyrene''s low, grumbling voice pierced the Alzerian skies. A moment of silence ensued, followed by uproariousughter from the Capital. "But I suppose this wedding is special, so I wouldn''t anyway." Alzeria''s citizens'' and soldiers'' minds went nk when they heard Tyrene''s characteristic opening. "How do I put this?" Tyrene hesitated. "Witnessing Helix''s tireless devotion to Charlotte, Riley, and Marie¡­ it gave my life a sense of purpose." Her confession took many aback but couldn''t help shedding tears for an inexplicable reason. "It helped me understand why I dedicated my life to safeguarding others," she exined. "Perhaps he gave me words to express my aspirations. Or maybe witnessing his love illuminated the ideal I had always sought. Helix''s unwaveringmitment to protecting them was the most genuine emotion I''ve ever encountered. Regardless of how many challenges I added to his routine, how many extra hours of training I assigned, or how formidable the foes I set before him were¡­ his determination remained unshaken. It was constant." All eyes were on Helix as he wept, and Marie, Charlotte, and Riley rushed tofort him. The Alzerian otakus experienced the rawest emotions they had ever felt, watching them together. "Helix, I apologize." Tyrene sighed. "The day your partners arrived, I followed you to witness what motivated your fierce determination." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley sobbed. "The joy on their faces when you revealed the home we rented for you¡­" Tyrene caught her breath. "It made meprehend why you''d risk your life every day." Her words brought the emotions of everyone present to a crescendo. "And the day I epted Charlotte, Marie, and Riley as my apprentices¡­" she went on. "That day had an equal impact." The four shared an awkwardugh, piquing the audience''s curiosity. "I take every student on a journey to teach them they''re not invincible and can''t always depend on magic," Tyrene rified. "But that lesson never worked on you, did it, Helix? No matter how strong the opponent was, you''d lead them into a trap, pull out some deadly herb, or if all else failed, they''d swallow a half-cooked cmity spell." Helix scratched his cheek awkwardly, and the crowd burst into euphoricughter. "For everyone else, confronting a Balken Bear 21 levels above the strongest individual is terrifying, and the lesson is easily learned¡­" Tyrene chuckled. "Unless they''re with you. Then you ruin it for them, too" His partners wept tears of happiness, embracing him tightly. "Helix made a monster 12 levels above him seem like a confused kitten," Tyreneughed. "He demonstrated he wouldn''t let anyone so much as roar at his women." Marie, Charlotte, and Riley giggled and nudged Helix yfully. "Witnessing that, I realized that fleeing is pointless when loved ones are at stake," Tyrene expounded. "And seeing the radiant faces of my lovely apprentices set my heart aze. That night, I cried tears of joy." Helix, Marie, Charlotte, and Riley cried alongside many audience members. "Helix''s ability to fight against extreme odds to protect those he loves drove me crazy," Tyrene continued. "Until today." Astonishment swept through the crowd as they detected the emotional shift in Tyrene''s voice. Helix, Marie, Charlotte, Riley, and Tilo were equally perplexed. "I bet that boy used a Warpshire pelt to create some ostentatious, impractical attire, as always," Tyrene choked. "So you''ll likely see him around in it." A wave of surreal realization passed through the crowd as they grasped that the recording was made before Tyrene''s will. "If you do, understand it symbolizes his love for his wives and the day Helix Hellsgate Margrave saved General Tyrene Masney''s life." Shock reverberated through the Alzerian Capital, touching streets, stations, shops, barracks, and the Kozen military encampment. Every eye turned to Helix, who appeared just as bewildered. "I''m recording this wedding address tonight because I made a grave mistake and nearly missed the chance to create one." Tyrene choked. A somber hush fell over the Alzerian Capital. "Teachers must protect their students and help them learn from their mistakes," she asserted. "Today, I failed in my research and almost cost him his life." The turmoil in Helix''s bodynguage was undeniable. Charlotte hugged him immediately, followed by Marie and Riley. Eliza observed from afar with a heavy heart. Tyrene recounted the story about the Warpshire leading up to the climax in detail, including the darkness, mapping, and challenges with leaving. "Despite those odds, Helix Hellsgate Margrave confronted a third-evolution Warpshire Hellhound, equivalent to level 357, while he was only at level 70, without any senses ¨C and triumphed." Tyrene dered. "That''s the kind of miracle this kid can achieve." Charlotte, Marie, and Riley panicked, realizing the extent to which he had downyed the event. "We were that close to death because of my ipetency¡­" Tyrene swallowed. "Yet, when we emerged alive¡­" Her tone caused many to gulp or flinch. "... he was relieved I was unharmed," she choked. "He saved both our lives from a hopeless situation I caused, and his first concern was for me!" The sight of the Winter General crying sent shockwaves through the Capital. "I wanted to scold him right then," Tyrene swallowed. "But the look on his face¡­ It was the same expression he wore when he saved Marie, Charlotte, and Riley from the Balken Bear. He showed the same concern for me as for his now beautiful wives. After witnessing and experiencing it, I couldn''t bring myself to reprimand him. So I just hugged the fool." Helix dissolved into tears, and his wives gathered around him. He drew Riley into hisp for a hug while Marie and Charlotte hugged him from the sides. It was a heartwarming scene filled with potent emotions. "It was a surreal experience for me," Tyrene chuckled. "After more than half a century of defending Alzeria, I remembered what it felt like to be protected." General Masov and the other Alzerian military personnel choked up at her words. For so long, everyone viewed her as the invincible guardian of Alzeria, never considering that she, too, might need protection. "I finally grasped why my three beautiful apprentices would often burst intoughter, even after enduring 14 hours of relentless training," Tyrene smiled. "I sensed the sheer force behind that expression I witnessed when the four reunited. It was among the most profound experiences of my life. So, I''m recording this message while its intensity still flows through me. I hope the emotionse across, helping you all to understand just how remarkable this young man is. And to my lovely apprentices, I want you to know how genuinely ted I am for you. You deserve the best, and Helix Hellsgate Margrave is the finest the world has to offer." Tyrene ended the connection with that, and thunderous apuse erupted in the reception area. It cascaded down the hill, reaching those who hadn''t attended the ceremony. From there, it surged through the city streets. Guards on the towers began cheering. Barracks and stations filled with military personnel joined in the apuse. Finally, those in the Kozen encampment unleashed exuberant war cries. Their passion was unmatched, for Helix had saved their lives and country. As the war cries from the encampment reached those on the wall, they added their own, causing the wave of cheering to return with even greater force. Helix, Marie, Charlotte, and Riley embraced each other tightly. The four received a standing ovation, their affection on full disy. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!