41: Darkness
Somewhere in the city of Eria, a woman wearing maid clothes could be seen seated on a comfy chair in a basement.
The sole source of light was a luminae on the ceiling that gave a waning light.
Facing her was a man wearing a black tuxedo with a top hat and a monocle on his right eye, he gave the librarian vibe. There was another person inside the basement this person was completely dressed in black, making it hard to see its features.
The atmosphere between the three was silent and the shadow around them seemed to squirm as if they were alive.
Finally, after a silent contest, the maid asked with a smiling face.
"So, our new mission will be on the demon's continent gathering information?"
The man adjusted his monocle and with a jester smile, nodded,
"Indeed. It's what Zero said."
Only the third individual inside the room who was dressed in all black did not talk, Zero only spectate.
''I see. Zero, I thought that we have few men over there why not ask them instead?" The maid asked, finally Zero spoke, however, it was a short sentence.
''It's her order. Do not waste my time and let's leave.''
The maid could only smile bitterly when she saw the air inside the basement turned heavy all of sudden.
"Oh~ I'm so scared. I can feel your killing intent so easily. It seems like some are eager to quickly go. I wonder why? Oh~ I get it now, it must be because of what happened to that b-"
He didn't manage to finish his sentence before feeling a sharp edge over his throat and a slight prickling sensation.
Raising his head, he crossed his eyes with cold eyes devoid of any emotion in them.
"I forbid you from saying anything."
Those words were said in an emotionless way and without any threat in it. But he could clearly hear the unsaid part.
The more he looked at brown eyes the more he felt as if he was falling into a deep abyss where only death and darkness were present.
Despite this, despite knowing that death would reap him at any wrong words and that he could nothing about it, his smile never wavered.
He feared many things. But death wasn't one of them. They have been training to feel this way.
After all, there were so many things worse than death in this world. Facing those things one would beg for death instead.
The man chuckled merrily before pushing away the dagger from his throat while looking at Zero.
"Scary~Scary~ I was completely unable to react. My bad my tongue slipped. I will try to be more careful from now, however, it may slip from time to time I can't promise nothing."
The air inside the room's expression became colder at those words for a few seconds before slowly going back to normal.
"Seven, do not test my patience."
Wiping the trace of blood from his throat with a handkerchief he summoned, his lips curled in a mocking smile, "Oh~ Scary, scary.''
Zero wished for nothing more than to simply slit his throat and let him die while bleeding like a pig. But knowing that this freak would still keep his smile even then. Zero didn't bother saying anything more, releasing a bit of killing intent.
Fifth, the maid, spoke after letting out a sigh,
"Zero, Seven, it's enough. You know the rule. Infightings are forbidden. You won't want to make that person angry."
The tension that was building up seemed to deflate a little. Zero calmed down while Seven still have that annoying smile on his face, however, he stayed silent.
Seeing this, Fifth relieved that nothing regrettable happened, continued.
''Let's pack and leave, we will talk on the road.''
Zero and Seven nodded their heads before vanishing, Fifth also follows.
••••
The next Gracier woke up, as usual, however, Alex was still unconscious showing no signs of waking up.
Sighing she left him in Silveria's care as she went to level up.
In the evening she came back, Meera and the others visited just after she came, seeing Alex still in the coma, they could only sigh. They were planning to ask Alex to form a group with them. Knowing the sibling's talents coupled with Alex's leadership, they feel more at ease to form a lifelong group with them.
''Don't worry. I'll tell him when he wakes up. We are going to the capital.'' Gracier said after hearing their proposition.
''Oh? So you are going to the capital? I bet it's to go to Imperial Magic academy.''
It was Lucien who said this, the other curiosity got picked.
''Indeed. We are going there. Maybe we will encounter each other if you got enrolled.'' Gracier said.
''I'll try my luck. No, let's try our luck.'' Lucien spun around and faced the others and said excitedly.
''Great let's try,'' Sebastian said while Golfak pondered for a moment before nodding. Only Meera seemed lost about all of this.
''What benefits enrolling into the Imperial Magic Academy brings?" Meera asked.
Silence befell the round before Lucien started explaining things to her. Finally, aware of the advantages of graduating from the Imperial Magic Academy, Meera was eager to try her luck over there.
''Let's go,'' she said.
''We will.'' Lucien and others said.
Gracier was happy when she heard this. Somehow she had become attached to them after the few days they spent together, she wanted to go on an adventure with them one more time, whether or not they turned to form a permanent team is yet to be seen.
After a few casual jokes Meera and others left, Eleonora didn't show up on that day, she came the next day.
Like this three days passed with Alex still in the coma.
•••••
Somewhere in the demon's continent, a man dressed in black could be seen seated on a purple throne inside a big room. This man's skin was pale white, handsome face with purple long hair, his eyes were of the same hue.
Currently, this man had a twisted expression on his handsome face, he was angry, so angry that unconsciously some of his powers were leaking crushing the poor messenger kneeling in front of him.
''You should calm down, Your Highness.''
Someone seated on the purple-haired man right said. This person was not particularly handsome, however, his red eyes were full of wisdom and wickedness. Without a doubt, he was the advisor of the purple-haired man.
Controlling his anger, the suffocating feeling lessened, however, the kneeled messenger was sweating cursing his bad luck for being selected to deliver this kind of message that could cost him his head depending on his Highness's mood.
Taking a deep breath, the purple-haired man asked,
''So, none the men sent to accomplish that simple mission manage to return?"
Praying to the Goddess of Luck to help him keep his head if she ever existed. The messenger responded.
''Yes.''
A heavy silence descended until,
Bang!
The poor messenger was blasted back, he collided against the sturdy doors of the big room, the messenger was laying unmoving in a pool of blood, his fate was unknown.
''Why can they accomplish such a simple mission?" The purple-haired man asked after a sigh.
''Well, I bet the mission failed because we forget to take into account all the variables. Maybe, Chris, the guild master had moved?"
The man on the right pondered for a moment before shaking his head.
''Unlikely, there must be another person we are not aware of, a person who has deeply hidden. Either way now that the mission has failed we must think about our next move. Even though we lost our men, nobody will know it's us. They may be aware that it is a demon's doing, however, they will not know who is the person behind it.''
He then added, ''Also, we must open our eyes. In the coming days, some people may be sent to scout some information. I have this feeling.''
''I see. Ilroz, I will let you take care of it. However, what do we do for these two who survived? We must quickly get rid of them before they mature before they could threaten our plans.''
Hearing the man he calls Your Highness's words, Ilroz pondered for a moment before proposing a plan.
''Your highness, let's send some assassins this time. Few Rank 8 assassins will do. If we have followed my suggestion on the first time we may have killed those two.''
To Ilroz's words, the purple-haired man could only sigh, it was not that he didn't want to follow his suggestion, it was just it was that person's order, his wish, he couldn't go against it.
''Do as you see fit. As for the whereabouts of that traitor, didn't you manage to find any clue?"
''We found nothing. We are still searching. Knowing the princess, if she doesn't want to be found, we wouldn't be able to locate her. You know her very well.'' Ilroz said.
''Sigh! She too stubborn. Refusing to see the bigger picture. Find her before she'll manage to cause too much damage.''
''I will take care of it. I will take my leave then.'' Ilroz announced while making a bow before vanishing.
Once alone, the purple-haired man sighed.
''All the sacrifices are for the bigger picture. Why could they understand? I'm ready to sacrifice even my life for this cause and yet. Sigh! We will show them.''
When the man was talking, his purple eyes turned black making the room turn dark all of sudden, an eerie presence descended on the room. The purple-haired man's presence vanished and was replaced by something dangerous, something that shouldn't exist in this world. The eerie presence vanished after a few seconds and the purple-haired man was back to himself, leaning against his throne he closed his eyes.
•••••
Back to Eria's city.
Days become weeks and yet Alex was still in the coma.
142: Awakening
Time flies and soon one month passed and yet Alex was still in a coma.
Today was another day. The sun, that daughter of the sky, once again took her rightful place on the horizon. She let her rays cascade onto the world, bringing the scene into full view, adjusting the brightness and contrast.
~Eria's City, The Moonlight Inn. Alex and Gracier's room.
Gracier woke up as usual and after bathing, Silveria appeared and helped her clean Alex.
As they finished, they both sat on Gracier's bed looking at each other. Even though they can't be considered friends, at least the relationship between the two improved.
''Little Alexandra, you are not planning to go on farming today?" Silveria asked.
"No, I'll rest today. Farming without Big brother is tiring. Besides even though I didn't reach the first goal, I managed to complete the second goal. I'm now Level 45." Gracier announced, proudly sticking her a rather modest chest.
"Waouh! Congrats then." Silveria said while embracing Gracier. Gracier didn't push her away and reciprocated for a moment until they both separated themselves from each other.
Gracier summoned her status and showed it to Silveria, there is no harm to show Silveria her status.
『[Gracier Alexandra Touch]
「 Rank 5」
Level 45
Class: Fire Empress
Age: 14
Female
Race: High Half-Elf
Experience Value: 1500/8200
Magic Power: 1430 (200) 1630 (+60 (+20 BP) ✒ 1710
Magic: Fire Magic
Attack: 425 (+60 (+ 100BP) ✒ 585
Defense: 260 (100) 360 (+60) ✒ 420
Agility: 260 (+60) ✒ 320
Intelligence: 250 (+60) ✒ 310
Luck: 260 (+60) ✒ 320
BP: 0
SP: 0
Gift: Ignia's Bracelet
Skills: [Cooking Level 4] [Sewing Level 3] [Fireball Level 5] [Fire Arrows Level 4] [Meteor (???)] [Fire Snake Level 4] [Flame Shield Level 5] [Presence Detection Level 5] [Chantless Magic Level 5] [Fire Lotus Level 5] [Archery Level 4 (+ 1 SP) ✒ Level 5] [Blaze Steps Level 1 (+1 SP) ✒ Level 2]
Special Ability: [Dragon Eye Level 7 (+ 6 SP) ✒ Level 10 Max] [Flame Wings Level 1 (+2 SP✒ Level 3]
Titles: [Avenger] [Child of Fire] [The Awakened] [The Diligent]』
''Not bad. It seems that you've acquired few new useful skills and even a special ability. Ignia constant strengthening has given you 200 MP and 100 points on defense. With your current level, I think you won't be too far from your brother."
Silveria praised Gracier, the latter was happy at first but become dejected as soon as she heard of her brother, dejected for the simple reason that he was still in the coma.
"Sil, when did you think he will wake up? It has been one month already."
"Seriously, even I don't even know. His evolution is already finished, there are no injuries, and yet he shows no signs of waking up. I'm starting to worry but Big sister said to wait he will be waking up soon."
Silveria said as she remembered the short conversation she had with her sister when after all she was doing Alex showed no signs of waking up, her sister told her to not disturb him and let him wake up on his own, which will happen soon.
"Hope it's true," Gracier said after hearing Silveria's words.
Knock! Knock!
Suddenly, there was knocking sound, Gracier stood up and went to open the door, Silveria stayed because she knew who was the person knocking.
"Morning, Leena."
"Morning, little Cier."
"Please come in."
After exchanging a light greeting with each other Gracier invited Leena in.
As she entered the room, Leena's eyes quickly scanned the room, she spotted a smiling Silveria and a sleeping Alex. She couldn't help but sigh softly, I hope you will wake up soon, Boy, you only have a week before class starts at the Imperial Magic Academy.
While thinking about the Imperial Magic Academy, Leena advanced and sat on a chair.
"Howdy little Leena?"
"I'm fine as you can see. As for you, you are still lively as always. You don't seem to worry about your master's state."
Pouting Silveria said, "I'm worried about him but worry will not help him. We only need to wait for him to wake up."
"If you say so," Leena said before looking at Gracier, having noticed that her level went up substantially since the last time she visited, she praised the girl while wearing a smile on her face.
"Good job Gracier, with your current level who knows maybe you have caught up with your brother or even surpassed him."
Gracier could only smile when she heard this, inwardly she was thinking 'There is no way that it's true because he killed that monster, well you don't know this hence it is normal for you to joke like that.'
On the other side, Silveria rolled her eyes when she heard Leena's words, Leena smiled when she saw that.
The three girls continued chatting until Lea brought them the breakfast before excusing herself as she still had work to do.
After Lea left, Silveria reappeared and ate with the girls. The three resumed their talk shortly after they were done eating. It was just casual talk, things concerning fashion and so on.
Without knowing, three hours passed in the blink of an eye, Leena decided to go back after another two hours.
Suddenly, there was a movement coming from Alex's side, startled the three looked in Alex's direction to see Alex who had abruptly raised his upper body and like a robot turned his head in their direction before opening his eyes.
Buzz~
Leena's head buzzed for a moment when she locked eyes with Alex, Silveria's jaw hit the floor as she was surprised by what she was seeing, while Gracier body started to tremble uncontrollably until,
Bang!
She had fallen onto the bed unconscious. It was Ignia who makes her unconscious if not, the damage she'd suffered wouldn't be light, just a second was enough to make her paralyzed in fear, she was sent into a world where she re-experienced that tragedy that had befallen her village, fortunately, Ignia had been quick enough to knock her out, breaking her from that illusion.
[Seriously, what with these siblings? One gift skills like candy and now this? This is called cheating.] Ignia spat as she watched Alex, more particularly his eyes.
~Back to sibling's room.
Finally back to herself, Leena looked strangely at Alex, she felt uncomfortable under his stare and before she could intervene, Silveria was faster, flicking her fingers Alex immediately fell back on the bed unconscious.
"What was that?" Leena asked because what happened surpassed whatever she experienced.
Alex's normal green eyes were no more when he opened his eyes, only his left eye remained green while his right eye became blue, beautiful chilling blue that sends shivers down to those who stared into it.
"Like you, I'm clueless about what happened."
Silveria lied through her teeth. Leena rolled her eyes when she heard this. Obviously, Silveria knew something and yet she refused to talk about it. Even though, her expression was normal when she answered she couldn't conceal the happiness she was feeling inside her eyes.
Indeed as Leena guessed, Silveria was happy, truly happy at the moment, if not for Leena's presence, she would be laughing while dancing.
'Eh? Big sister's sure generous. Never would I have thought you'd do this. What an unexpected gift and timely as that. No wonder, he didn't wake for one month. You knew it, it was why you told me to not do anything, to just wait for him to wake up. Hehehe! Things are about to become interesting. It's good to see you back, master.'
Silveria checked Gracier's body and having noticed no obvious damage taken after staring at Alex, she heaved a sigh of relief. It must be Ignia doing. Thanks to her, the worse has been avoided. Silveria thought before moving her attention on Leena.
"What?" Leena asked when she noticed Silveria's intense stare.
"Nothing, I just wondering if you have an eye patch on you."
Leena glared at her, she almost asked what do you take me for? However, she calmed down as she remembered that indeed she had an eye patch on her, she was planning to give it to Gracier as the one she gave her before they went on the mission was lost. Hence, she had prepared another one she planned to hand over to her today.
"Yes, I do have one on me, how do you know?" She asked.
Shrugging her shoulders Silveria responded,
"Just a hunch. I thought you'd prepare another one for her. Please lend it to me."
Sighing Leena took out a black eye patch from her space ring and hand over to Silveria, as Silveria took it, she thanked Leena before moving toward Alex's bed, once there she crouched down and put the eye patch around his right eye.
The black eye patch plus Alex's handsome face, his long black hair was giving him a cool vibe and a mysterious air, Silveria had the impulse to tied Alex's hair into a ponytail to see the result.
However, she refrained from doing it, caressing Alex's face she went back and sat down.
"Let's wait." She said.
Leena did not say anything, she was lost in thoughts, judging by Silveria's action, whatever happened to Alex's right eye seemed permanent, if not Silveria wouldn't have bothered putting an eye patch around his right eye.
Glancing at the two sleeping siblings, Leena could not help chuckle thinking, indeed there are siblings, the little sister wear it on her left eye while the Big brother wears it on his left eye. What an interesting brother-sister pair.
"Let's wait then," Leena said with a faint smile on her face.
Silveria only glanced at her before closing her eyes while humming an unknown song happily.
143: Spanking A Bad Girl
One hour passed, Gracier who just woke up was feeling a little bit groggy.
"How are you feeling little Alexandra?" Silveria asked.
''I'm fine, how is big brother?" Gracier replied with a question while massaging her temples, she was more concerned about her brother.
"Still sleeping, don't worry. He will wake up soon. It was me who knocked him unconscious because of what happened to his eyes." Silveria said, reassuring her.
"I see. That's good." Gracier said while glancing at her brother, seeing the eye patch covering his right eye, she unconsciously touched her own, she couldn't fight the smile that had formed on her lips.
"Where is Leena?"
Gracier asked, finally aware of Leena's absence.
"Oh? Little Leena went to buy Icecream for us to eat after losing against me." Silveria said before she started to explain the reason why Leena was not currently present, remembering her unsightly expression as she lost against her in the rocks paper and scissor's game, Silveria grinned. The reward was that the winner would order the loser to do something and the loser will unconditionally follow the winner's orders. So, Silveria ordered to go buy them special Ice cream for them to eat.
Gracier could only smile bitterly knowing how Leena must be feeling, she had never won more than twice in that game against Silveria, even those wins were most likely Silveria going easy on her and let her win.
Just as she was about to open her mouth to ask a question, Leena entered. Seeing Gracier was already awake she smiled.
"It's good to see that you are fine.''
Then, her expression turned unsightly, lowering her head she spoke in a respectful tone.
''Your highness Silveria, I have brought the Special Ice cream. Here is it.''
Leena's face kept twitching nonstop when she said that, she quickly brought out Silveria's ice cream and placed it in front of her, on the table.
''Good job little Leena, I'm proud of you. I authorize you to eat your ice cream after giving Gracier her Ice cream.''. Silveria said dismissing Leena.
''Thank you, your highness,'' Leena said before moving towards Gracier who was watching everything dumbfounded, not being able to hold it anymore, she burst into laughter.
''Fufufu! The current Leena is too cute.''
Leena's steps faltered when she heard Gracier's words, she glared at Silveria promising to take her revenge later.
Looking at Leena's challenging gaze, Silveria put on a 'You are welcome to try at any moment' kind of smile.
The three ate their ice creams while exchanging jokes, Leena and Gracier refused to play another game against the cheater, it was how they came to call Silveria after their numerous games, She always wins no matter what.
''You two are no fun at all.'' Silveria pouted.
Both Leena and Gracier rolled their eyes at her.
Meanwhile, on Alex's side.
Alex slowly opened his eyes. He clutched his head without even realizing it, he wondered.
'Where am I?'
His eyelids were heavy, his body felt limp as if he had no energy inside it.
Suddenly, he noticed an unusual feeling in his right eye, slowly checking it, he became aware that something was covering his right eye.
'Maybe I was injured there.' he wondered.
As he raised his body, the soft blanket on him fell away.
Doing a quick scan, he became aware that somehow, he had ended up inside his room in the Moonlight Inn. How this happened, he had no idea, what happened after he fell unconscious he doesn't know either, he thought he was going to die, however, judging by him being currently alive mean that he has somehow survived.
Then, he heard women's giggling, turning his head in that direction, he saw three women, Alex recognized two among the three, as for the silver-haired woman, he had no- wait silver hair?
While Alex was wondering why that silver hair remains him of someone. Leena, Silveria, and Gracier became aware of someone's gaze on them, this could only mean one thing, Alex is awake,
They both turned their heads in Alex's direction, before they could speak they felt a chill running down their butts when they saw Alex's evil smile.
On the other hand, Alex felt energized all of sudden when he was finally able to piece together why seeing that silver-haired girl sounded familiar to him, it was because this girl is Silveria. Hehehe! He could not help but smile evilly.
Alex suddenly disappeared and when he reappeared he was back on his bed with Silveria placed on top of his knee, her butt raised high.
''Eh?"
''Eh?"
Both Gracier and Leena exclaimed, completely dumbfounded by what happened, Gracier was not able to follow Alex's movement, not at all while Leena was surprised because of Alex's quickness.
Silveria was completely bewildered by this sudden development, one moment she was about to welcome her master with her most dazzling smile and in the next moment, she was in this shameful position, wait shameful position? Do not tell me?
It was then the realization hits her on the possible outcome of her current position.
''Wait master, I b-"
''Not listening.'' Alex cut her off and swung down his right arm he had raised beforehand.
*Pah!*
''Ugh…"
''One''
*Pah!*
"Ugh…"
''Two, you shameless divine weapon who has no respect for your master, doing whatever you want, saying whatever you want, today I'll teach how to behave, did I promised you I'll spank you one day? Here am I.'' Alex said before swinging down his arm.
*Pah!*
''Ugh! Master, please stop I promise I'll listen…"
''I refuse, bad girl should be spanked.''
*Pah!*
''Five."
*Pah!*
"Hah, you two stop watching and help me will you? Aren't we sisters?" Silveria pleaded for Gracier and Leena's help.
The two were too far gone to respond, they were surprised beyond belief, what is the hell happening? They asked themselves as they watched Alex whack Silveria's butt continuously, Leena grinned satisfied, Gracier avoided Silveria's pleading eyes. With head lowered, she thought, 'Good luck.' As the saying goes 'someone has to do the dirty job.' Suffers a little, it is not like you will die, besides from big brother's complaints you kinda deserve it.
The spanking continued.
*Pah!*
''Ugh!"
''Will you be a good girl from now on?"
To Alex's question, Silveria quickly nodded,
''Ugh- I promise I will, please stop.''
''Good'' Alex nodded his head, pleased with her answer, he raised his arm and swung it one more time.
*Pah!*
"And Fifty.''
''Done.'' Alex smiled softly while looking at Silveria's swollen butt.
A sigh of relief escaped from Silveria's lips, but one instant later, she jumped out of Alex's arms and quickly distanced herself from him.
She hurriedly lowered her dress to cover her exposed underwear and glared at Alex with a look of anger.
''Master, you bully. I will tell big sister.'' Silveria said with a pout, her hands shined in silvery light, she tried to bring them back, toward her swollen butt, however, she was stopped by Alex.
''Don't even think about it. Please have a sit dear Sil, I'm happy to see you. Please sit I insist.''
Silveria could only reluctantly stop.
Looking at Alex smiling face, Leena couldn't help but think that his current smile looked evil.
Pouting Silveria sat down with an ouch sound.
''Pfft-"
Leena almost laughed but stopped under Silveria 'I will kill you if you dare to laugh.' glare.
Leena was inwardly laughing, Gracier was looking elsewhere, if not she wouldn't be able to control herself.
Both of them knew that Silveria would take revenge against them for sure, they couldn't help shiver just by imagining what she would make them do in the case they lost against her.
'Better not play any games with her, at least until she calms down.' they both decided.
Looking at the three lost in their thoughts, Alex smiled thinking that it was good to be alive to see such a scene, he must strive to become stronger to not face such unexpected situation as the one they had faced, he couldn't anything, he thought he was going strong, however that experience made him realize that he was too far from being strong, he needs to work harder if he wants to not lose anyone, not to be played by anyone, not let anyone decided his fate, his sister's fate.
To be free of these shackles he needed strength, to stand at the summit, he needs to have powerful allies, he may not be able to do alone.
Shaking his head Alex put on a sad expression before saying,
''I'm kinda sad, Alexandra doesn't want me anymore. I haven't seen her in a while, however, now that I'm back she stood there dozing off, not doing anything.''
Finally snapping out her thoughts, Gracier who heard Alex's words dashed toward him and jumped into his arms.
Alex hastily stood up and caught her before starting to slowly caress her hair.
''Welcome back Big brother. I miss you so much. Don't ever do that, I was so scared, thinking that you would never wake up again. I thought you'd leave me.''
Gracier released everything she had accumulated until now.
''Calm down a little Alexandra, I'm back, I promise it won't happen again. Sorry. Stopping crying, will you? It ruins your beautiful face. Don't worry, I'm now back , you are a big girl now so do not cry. Big brother is proud of you.'' Alex said while caressing Gracier's red hair, even though he wanted to know for how long he had slept, he decided to ask later as currently, he must calm down his sister.
Finally, as if Alex's words had worked, Gracier fell asleep inside his arms, she had a happy smile on her face. All her worries have been swept away now that she stopped pretending, now that her brother was back.
Looking at the sleeping Gracier, both Silveria and Leena sighed, it was not that they have not seen anything, they knew she was scared seeing her brother stay so long in the coma, they tried to lessen a bit of her fear through their conservation and multiple games, even though it worked to some extent there were still things they couldn't accomplish, they couldn't replace her brother, she needed her brother who had become her sole emotional support and now that he was back, she was truly free from all her worries.
After placing Gracier on top of the bed and put a blanket over her, Alex smiled while looking at Gracier sleeping contentedly with eyes filled with affection, he lowered his head and give her a soft peck on the forehead.
He then turned to face Silveria and Leena, bowing his head he thanked them.
''Thank you both to have taken care of Gracier while I was unconscious.''
They both smiled indicating that they will gladly do it again, Gracier was like a sister to them.
''Welcome back, boy. Just in time before you will depart toward the capital.'' Leena said.
Alex was surprised hearing this, did I sleep for one month? He wondered before facing Silveria and asked.
''How long have I been unconscious"
144: Astonishing Changes
''You have been unconscious for a month.''
Silveria responded to Alex's question.
Alex spat out a sigh. It was as he feared, he stayed in the coma for one month. It almost time for the Imperial Magic Academy to start the enrollment for new students. He only has a couple of days left.
Turning his head in Leena's direction, Alex wanted to ask her a question, however as if she had read his mind and knew what he was wanted to ask, Leena, replied.
''Boy, you only have one week. From here to the capital it will take five days even with the fastest carriage. So, I suggest you depart as soon as possible. As for me, I will be leaving today, what will you do?"
Alex pondered for a moment before he replied.
''We will depart tomorrow.''
''Good decision.''
Silveria looked bored, she was not surprised by Alex's decision, she would have chosen to leave tomorrow as well. No need for any preparation, nor they had some unfinished business here.
''So, what happened after I fell unconscious?"
Alex raised a question and naturally this question was directed at Silveria.
''Well, just after you fell unconscious, to not let my dear master die, I appeared, frightened the monster flee. I let him go to tend your injuries. After I was done, Leena came and with her help, we moved you two back. Gracier woke up the next day while you, well you did today, after one month. To summarize that's what happened.''
Alex watched Silveria spout lies without batting an eyebrow. Leena's face twitched when she saw Silveria smirking at her.
Chuckling Alex didn't say anything as he could probably guess why Silveria acted like that, she doesn't want to tell the truth in front of Leena. Leena may be their ally, but this doesn't mean that they should spill their secrets in front of her. It's not a wise thing to do.
''I see. What I want to know is whether or you know why that monster was particularly after us?"
Silveria's playful smile stopped the moment she heard Alex's question. With a serious face, she told Alex the information the two had gotten.
After digesting Silveria's words Alex said, his voice was so cold that it sends a chill down to Leena's spine, while in response to Alex's cold voice Silveria simply grinned.
''I see. So that's why. I must thank the man that generously sends a AA monster to greet me. My greetings mustn't be less than his. In fact, mine must be grandiose.''
Finally, Leena spoke after hearing Alex's words.
''Boy, what are you planning to do? Directly go confront the one that wants to kill you?"
''Ah? I'm not an idiot. Even if we know the gender of the person behind the attempt of assassination. We do not know his face nor we do know his true name. What position he occupied on the demon continent. Only death awaits me if I charge there recklessly without a concrete plan.'' Alex explained. As he said he needs to know the other party's identity, his strength, and other essential things before planning anything. What if he recklessly charges over there and finds out that the person who ordered to eliminate them was the current emperor? Well, if it happens then, he was good as dead, therefore he must know what he's after to be prepared.
''Good. At least you are aware of your shortcomings. You should be prepared before going after the other party because he is strong I can at least say this much. As for who he's I don't know.'' Leena praised Alex before suggesting that he must be prepared before moving to complete his revenge.
''You don't know at least for now that should be the correct word.'' Alex corrected Leena's words.
Silveria smiled while Leena was amused,
''What makes you say that?"
Alex rolled her eyes while saying, ''Let's not play this game. I just want you to tell me what you learned once your men collected information from the other side.''
''You are sure interesting. No problem I'll tell you, however, isn't going to be free. You'll owe me a favor.'' Leena replied to his demand with a business smile, she did not forget to ask something in return.
''Tch! As my backer, you should at least pretend to do it for free.'' Alex spat.
''Fufufu, I must consider my men's feelings, what they will go through to collect those information. Some may die while completing this task and you want me to tell you everything for free? Your jokes aren't funny at all. Even if it was my father, I won't tell him for free. So, Alex boy what will you do?"
Clicking his tongue for the second time since he woke up, Alex said. ''I get it. However, let me warn you first I will not do anything too dangerous.''
Leena smiled at Alex's words, and without his warning, she knew that she mustn't ask something unreasonable, Silveria was looking at her with a smile that was not a smile. That smile meant 'I'm watching you, so don't go overboard.'
''Don't worry. It's nothing serious.'' Leena said.
''I see. It's deal then.'' Alex said, then he shook Leena's hand.
''Well, it's nice to see you back. I'll be going. Ah! I almost forget here is your new guild card. Congratulation for becoming D Rank Adventurer in less than a month.''
Leena who stood up and was preparing to leave stop and hand over to Alex, his new guild card, Gracier had already received her card.
Alex took the light green card and played with it before storing it away.
By the way, guild card colors are classed like this.
F= Light grey
E= Grey
D= Light Green
C= Green
B= Cyan color
A= Light Red
AA= Red
S= Light Purple
SS= Purple
SSS= Crystal black
''Thank you. How can I contact you once in the capital?" Alex asked while seeing Leena off.
''Conrad, will tell you,'' Leena said before continuing to move forward.
''Conrad?" Alex asked confused, he did not understand why the name of Conrad was mentioned. Could be that-
Before Alex could think about why Conrad's name was mentioned, Leena explained to him.
''Ah! I forget to tell you. He will be the one accompanying you to the capital. To put it simply, he will be your driver. Be ready tomorrow you will depart tomorrow at 10 am.''
''I see. I understand we will be ready by then. See you in the capital.'' Alex told her just when she was about to go down.
Leena did not immediately answer, she turned her face in his direction to ask a question,
''By the way, did you need my help to find the traitor, the demons were after?"
Hearing her question, Alex shook his head while saying,
''No need, I'll figure out on my own. I already have an idea of who she might be.''
''Oh? Care to share it?" Leena asked with a chuckle.
''I can tell you but it gonna cost you a favor.''
Alex said with a playful smile on his face.
Leena was surprised for a moment before chuckling,
''No thanks, I think I'll pass. You are sure interesting. See you soon. I'm waiting to see what interesting things you're going to do over there. Say hi! to Gracier for me. Tell her that I have already left. Bye.''
Leaving those words behind she disappeared, watching her back Alex sighed before going back to his room where he spotted a Silveria happily eating Ice cream.
''So, now tell me everything that happened after I have fallen unconscious.''
Silveria sighed before putting away her Ice cream. She told Alex everything, how she requested her Big sister's help, how she finally agreed to help them, he killed the monster using his body, the backlash from using power beyond his current coupled with the backlash from using Overdrive Limit Break level made him unconscious for one month.
''I see. I must thanks her then. By the way what happened to my right eye did I-" Alex started to speak after hearing the whole story, however, he was stopped by Silveria who brought out a small mirror.
''It'd be faster if you see it yourself,'' she said and hand over the mirror to him.
Alex took and removed the eye patch covering his right eye, staring at the mirror what he saw left him speechless.
''What the fuck? Why my right eye has become blue?"
Seeing Alex's reaction, Silveria smiled before responding, ''Well, I was surprised when I first saw it. It's a gift from Big sister.''
''A gift, you say?" Alex asked while still looking at his right blue eye, somehow this eye gives him a pretty dangerous feeling.
''Yes, a gift. A pretty big gift. It's one of her eyes, a really special eye. More special than Gracier's eye. You'll be surprised once you know what it can do.''
''More special than Gracier's eye?" Alex asked eyes filled with disbelief.
''Well, for now, please check your status, you'll see,'' Silveria suggested.
Alex put the eye patch and the mirror on the bed and decided to check his status, even without her asking him, he was itching to check his status after he woke up as he could feel the power coursing through his body.
'Status'' he mumbled as a small window appeared right before his eyes. Alex's eyes almost fell from their sockets when he saw his new status.
『[Alexander Kael Touch]
Class: Magic Gunslinger
Age: 17
Male
Race: High Human
「 Rank 7」
Level 63
Experience Value (XP): 0/19800
Magic Power: 2430 (+ 200) ✒ 2630
Magic: None
Attack: 770 (+200) ✒ 970
Defense: 680 (+ 200) ✒ 880
Agility: 775 (+ 200) ✒ 975
Intelligence: 680 (+200) ✒ 880
Luck: 480 (+200) ✒ 680
BP: 400
SP: 20
Gift: Two Guns * Semi-sealed*
Skills: [Advanced Appraisal Level 1] [Item box Level 2] [Swift Fingers Max] [Divine Sense Level 4] [Throwing knife Level 5] [Dark Vision Level 2] [Dual Wielding Level 2] [Accel Level 1] [Knife Art Level 4] [Link Level 3] [Gun Art Level 5] [Normal Regeneration Level 1] (New) [Mana Recovery Level 1] (New)
Special Abilities: [Language Comprehension][Danger Sense] [Overdrive] [Death's Eye] (New) [Envisage] (New) {Erase} (New) {Magic Bullet} (New) {Snatch} (New)
Titles: [Otherworlder] [The one who can't use Magic] [The one whose fingers are faster than Flash] [Goblin Slayer] [The Reborn]』
''Ehh?" was the only word that left his mouth. His jaw almost hit the floor.
145: Awesome Abilities
Alex stood frozen, his eyes were glued on his status's window.
To say he was expecting something like this would be a lie. He was only expecting an increase of 10 levels at best not a jump from Rank 5 to 7, a jump of 20 levels. This surprised him.
What he did not know was that he would have gotten more than 20 levels if not for the cost of using Silveria's big sister ability.
''Let me check my new skills. No need to check the Normal regeneration skill as I'm already aware of what it does.'' Alex who had finally calmed down said. He then asked,
''By the way can you tell me how do I have acquired these two unusual skills?"
''You mean Normal regeneration and Mana Recovery?"
''Indeed, I am talking about these two.''
''Well, it's because of one of my Unique abilities: Snatch. Check it yourself. It appeared as one of your special abilities.'' Silveria explained.
Indeed it was as he said, Alex could see Snatch among his newly acquired Special Abilities. Without checking he knew that this ability enables him to steal abilities from its victims. For more information he would need to check the ability, however for now he decided to start from Mana Recovery.
Thinking on gaining more information on the said skill, a window containing a detailed information on the skill appeared.
[Mana Recovery: A skill that allows you to recover the mana spent.
Level 1: Recover 150 MP per hour.
The higher is the skill's Level, the higher the recovery rate will be and fewer minutes will be needed.]
''What a nice skill.'' Alex's eyes shined after he read the skill's description.
''Indeed.'' Silveria nodded her head, she was sharing the same thought.
Without wasting time Alex quickly added 4 SP to Mana Recovery thus the skill Level went up to level 5. Mana Recovery's description became like this.
[Mana Recovery: A skill that allows you to recover the mana spent.
Level 5: Recover 250 MP per 30 minutes.
The higher is the skill's Level, the higher the recovery rate will be and fewer minutes will be needed.]
With his current Mana Recovery's Level, he would need only Five hours to almost recover his Mana.
''Nicely done.'' Silveria praised him when she saw what he did.
Alex smiled before also adding 4 SP to his Normal Regeneration's skill, it also becomes Level 5. He then added 2 SP to his Accel skill making it Level 3. He was left with 10 SP.
Sighing before his expression became serious, Alex summoned Razor and,
''Master what are you planning to do?" Silveria stopped him just as he was about to put the cold blade against his left arm.
Alex looked at her confused, ''Don't you see? I'm trying to test my Recovery's speed after I added 4 SP on Normal regeneration.''
''Even so.'' Silveria wanted to argue but Alex stopped her with a 'don't worry' kind of look.
''Ah! Do whatever you want.'' Silveria said while setting Alex's hand free.
Smiling Alex used Razor to make a small cut on his left arm and waited.
1 minute..2 minutes...
The wound started to slowly close itself and in less than 10 minutes it was perfectly closed as if there was no injury there.
''Good.'' Alex praised, even though that cut was not too deep, to be able to quickly heal in less than 10 minutes was a good thing.
''Seriously,'' Silveria muttered with a sigh, she looked at Alex whose eyes were shining and thought that it was a good thing that little Alexandra was asleep or else she'd never allow him to do what he did.
''Time to check my Special Abilities.'' Alex said with a happy smile, his eyes were full of anticipation on the possible use of his new special abilities.
『Death's Eye: A special eye with numerous Abilities:
1st Lock: Fear: You will be able to induce fear into your enemy just by looking at them in the eyes. Makes them relive their deepest fear.
Create illusion and make your enemies see hell. Need a strong mental's force (i.e: High intelligence)
Cost: 500 MP
Note: Will not work on enemies two Rank higher.
2nd Lock: Sealed
3rd Lock: Sealed』
''Waouh! Too cool. I guess the two sealed locks are unavailable because of my current level?'' Alex asked.
''Indeed.'' Silveria nodded at his words.
Alex suddenly asked, ''Why did my eye seem to not work on you?"
''Well because I'm almost immune toward your eye. More importantly, it's because your eye is not fully unlocked yet thus unable to pose any threat to me.''
''I see. Do you also possess special eyes?"
''Yeah, I do.'' Silveria's reply was instantaneous.
''What it can do?" Alex asked.
''If you lie to me I will know.'' Silveria replied.
Alex stayed silent for a moment before finally saying,
''Let's continue.''
''Oi, say something.'' Silveria said when she saw Alex not saying anything after she told him about her special eyes.
''There is nothing I can't say. Well, good luck.''
Silveria's face twitched.
''Why do I feel as if you're mocking me?"
''It must be your imagination.'' Alex said while doing his best not to smile.
''Let's move on to the next ability.''
Silveria couldn't help but smile. ''Well, I was lying, though. My eyes can cancel any magic, however, it's useless against Big sister's eyes.''
Alex who was planning to select a new ability and read its description stopped and asked.
''Great, can I have one of your eyes, please?"
Silveria's face kept twitching nonstop until she responded, ''Not gonna happen, you already have the ability that cancel any magic.''
''I see.'' Alex said before choosing another ability and read the description.
『Envisage: Ability to foresee attack pattern and trajectory in advance.
2 seconds in advance.
Cost: 500 MP』
Alex whistled when he saw what Envisage could do.
''That ability is related to your eye. Once you fully unlock your eye, the time to foresee an attack pattern will increase.'' Silveria told him that.
''I see. I can't wait to see what it can do at its full potential.'' Alex said before moving towards another ability.
『Erase: Ability to cancel any magic fired at you.
Cost:1000 MP』
''With my current MP, I can only use Erase two times.'' Alex lamented.
''Even so, it's not bad, your MP will increase in the future.'' Silveria consoled him.
''I know, it's just- Forget it. Oh? The next ability sounds good, I'm liking it just by looking at its name.''
Silveria smiled as she knew Alex was going to appreciate this ability, he, who was lamenting on the fact that he couldn't use magic. With this it was possible.
『Magic Bullet: Ability to create magic from the killed monster's body.
Note: Only works on special monsters who use elements. Depends heavily on Luck.
Cost: 350 MP
Current numbers of Bullets: 20 bullets (10 Ice Bullets and 10 Fire Bullets)』
''Wonderfull ability. Can I see the bullets?'' Alex asked, his eyes were shinning like a child who got a new toy and couldn't wait to test.
''Just think about summoning them and they will come out.'' Silveria suggested.
Alex did as he was told and then twenty small objects appeared inside his palm. Looking at those twenty small objects Alex gasped.
In his hand was 10 blue bullets emitting chilling cold while the remaining 10 bullets were red, emitting heat. Alex quickly sends them back as the two types of energies were already drilling into his palm trying to harm him.
''How does it works?" Alex asked.
''Shoot it like a regular bullet however the damage it will create would be higher. When you shoot the Fire bullet it will transform into a fireball, the same with the Ice bullet. By the way, the higher is your Attack's power (stat) the more destructive these bullets would be. Well, that applies to the others type of bullets as well.'' Silveria explained how it works to him.
''I see.'' Alex nodded his head in understanding, then he moved on to the last final ability. Snatch.
『Snatch: Special Ability that helps you steal your target ability.
Cost: 500 MP
Note: The target must be dead before it can take away one of his/her abilities. Heavily rely on Luck. Can't snatch human abilities but can snatch a small amount of their XP.
Automatically snatch any killed human XP. This doesn't work on monsters』
''I see, indeed an OP ability. With this ability no wonder I got Normal regeneration and Mana Recovery. These two skills must be from the two-headed mutated ogre isn't it?"
''Indeed. After killing it Big sister used Magic bullet and Snatch on the dead monster.
Because he used two different elements: Fire and Ice. You acquired twenty bullets. As for his Abilities, you were able to acquire at least two: Normal regeneration and Mana Recovery. As for the ability to acquire XP not skills after killing a human, it's good, normally it's impossible to gain XP after killing another human, however now you don't have that problem. Well, the amount of XP you'll snatch will depend on your Luck and the stronger the human opponent is, the more XP you'll snatch, I presume.''
''I see, I had noticed that when I killed for the first time, at that time I thought it was maybe a mistake, however, the second time made me realize that it was impossible to acquire XP from killing another human. People will go crazy if they knew I have this ability. Well, it's not like I'll start slaughtering humans or people from other races just that I have this skill. I'll go crazy if I were to do something like that.''
Silveria smiled when she heard her Master's words. She was pleased to hear these words. It meant Alex knows what he must do or what he must not. He knows how to restrain himself. Others may abuse this ability if they had it. However, they would become crazy if they focused heavily on this ability, using it to massacre humans, not killing monsters.
''By the way. After using Snatch to get ability from an enemy, the said ability will be reset, becoming Level 1 once it became yours.'' Silveria added.
''I see. That's normal, though. I guess the three uniques abilities you said you possessed are: Erase, Magic Bullet, and Snatch while Death's Eye and Envisage are from your Big sister, am I right?" Alex nodded his head before raising a question.
''Indeed, these three are my Unique abilities. While the other two are from my sister. By the way, my unique abilities are OP isn't it?" Silveria replied before asking Alex's impression of her unique abilities, she had a proud smile on her lips.
''Yeah. They are truly OP. There is no doubt about it.'' Alex offered his honest opinion.
Silveria smiled shyly. Alex rolled his eyes when he saw her acting this way.
As if she remembered something Silveria suddenly announced.
''By the way now that I'm out, the MP needed to create some bullets have changed. You only need 10 MP per normal bullet, do note that this is definitive. Homing Bullet now costs 250 MP. Range 1 kilometer.
For other bullets it's like this:
✒ Piercing Bullet: now cost: 150 MP
✒ Vanishing Bullet: now cost: 150 MP
✒ Phantom Bullet: now cost: 300 MP
✒ Dispel Bullet: now cost 500 MP.''
Alex was pleased with this news. I guess my hard work was now getting rewarded. He thought.
Shaking his head Alex decided to immediately use his 400 BP. As for the remaining 10 SP, he would use them later. He quickly made use of his 400 MP. Most of the BP has been used on his MP, while what remained has been used on his Attack's stat.
『[Alexander Kael Touch]
Class: Magic Gunslinger
Age: 17
Male
Race: High Human
「 Rank 7」
Level 63
Experience Value (XP): 0/19800
Magic Power: 2630 (+ 370 BP) ✒ 3000
Magic: None
Attack: 970 (+30 BP) ✒ 1000
Defense: 880
Agility: 975
Intelligence: 880
Luck: 680
BP: 0
SP: 10
Gift: Two Guns * Semi-sealed*
Skills: [Advanced Appraisal Level 1] [Item box Level 2] [Swift Fingers Max] [Divine Sense Level 4] [Throwing knife Level 5] [Dark Vision Level 2] [Dual Wielding Level 2] [Accel Level 1] (+2 SP) ✒ Level 3 [Knife Art Level 4] [Link Level 3] [Gun Art Level 5] [Normal Regeneration Level 1] (+4 SP) ✒ Level 5 [Mana Recovery Level 1] (+4 SP) ✒ Level 5
Special Abilities: [Language Comprehension][Danger Sense] [Overdrive] [Death's Eye] [Envisage] {Erase} {Magic Bullet} {Snatch}
Titles: [Otherworlder] [The one who can't use Magic] [The one whose fingers are faster than Flash] [Goblin Slayer] [The Reborn]』
Just as Alex finished distributing his BP, he heard Silveria's advice.
''Master, quickly wear your eye patch in the case Gracier wakes up. The first time your wake up, you looked at us, however, while Leena and I, didn't suffer from locking eyes with you, Gracier almost breaks under that deadly eye of yours.''
''What?" Alex asked surprised as he was not aware of something like this happened, he quickly put back the eye patch on his right eye.
146: Farewell, Eria's City
Just as Alex finished putting back his eye patch, Gracier awoke with a yawn.
Looking at his sister with a concerned face, Alex asked ''Good to see, did you sleep well, how are you feeling?"
''Yes Big brother, there's no problem I'm feeling better after that little nap,'' Gracier replied as she could see the worry hidden inside her brother's eyes. 'He must be feeling guilty about what happened earlier, there's no need to worry, I'm really fine.' Gracier inwardly said while looking at Silveria for help, the latter immediately understood her intention, so she scanned her body and after she was done, she turned to face Alex and announced.
''Indeed, as she said there's no problem. Everything is fine.''
''That's good to hear.''
Alex relaxed a little when he heard Silveria's diagnosis.
To lighten the mood Gracier decided to compliment her brother,
''Big brother, you look handsome with that eye patch on your right eye.''
''Oh! Really? No wonder Silveria was acting shyly earlier. It must be because of my handsome face.'' Alex said while nodding his head as if he had finally understood something.
Knowing that her brother was teasing Silveria, Gracier laughed while covering her mouth with her sleeve.
Silveria only rolled eyes at Alex.
Growl*
Suddenly, Alex's stomach made a growling sound. Alex who was planning to keep teasing Silveria stopped and decided.
''I'm hungry. Let's go down to eat.''
''Let's go.'' Gracier stood up and followed Alex
however, she stopped when she saw her brother looking at Silveria who remained seated even when the two were prepared to leave.
''What are you doing, Sil?" Alex asked, confused by her action.
Silveria looked at him for a moment before she responded, ''Well, I will wait for you two here, just go.''
''Ah? What are you saying? Let's go.'' Alex said he was really surprised. 'Does she thinks I'll say, eh? Do not come with us. Just stay here?' He wondered.
Meanwhile, Gracier was surprised, so was Silveria, she had thought Alex wouldn't want her to be seen by others. It may raise unnecessary questions and trouble. However, now she had seen his reaction saying she was not surprised would be a lie.
''Let's go eat together. As for what excuse I will use once they started questioning me about who you might be. I will just say that you are a distant cousin of mine who come to visit me because you hear I was in a coma. Don't worry I have my plan, we will talk about it later.'' Alex said not going into the details, turning around he left with Gracier who didn't seem against the idea coming with them.
Silveria stood and hastily followed after the two, there was a bright smile on her face.
••••
The first floor of the Moonlight Inn.
Because it was nearing evening, customers had started to gather on the first floor, most of the customers currently present were adventurers who had just ended their missions and were hungry, there were also few merchants as well.
As the three descended, all the noise stopped and all eyes were on them.
''The Rookie is back, no it's the Hero now.'' one of the adventurers drinking suddenly shouted this.
Another adventurer nodded when he heard his drinking buddy's words before asking.
''Indeed. It's the Hero. What happened to his right eye?"
''Maybe, he was injured when fighting against the monster to buy his comrades time to escape. Well, let's not talk about that. Time to celebrate. Come sit with us Hero.'' the adventurer who spoke earlier gestured, inviting Alex to come to sit with them.
All the other customers who had heard about Alex's heroic deed started gathering and formed a long table (they joined the tables together).
Alex could only smile bitterly when he heard his new nickname. Not knowing the truth behind the accident they mistakenly thought it was because he wanted to save his party's members, well he was not going to correct them.
''Let's go,'' Alex said and with the two they sat across others. Naturally, Silveria attracted the most of the attention among the three, however because of Silveria's cold expression and the atmosphere around her, they could only stealthy watch her, not strike a conversation with her.
Finally, Ms. Lana appeared with her daughter, Lea, because of the commotion, she was surprised same as Lea, however, in the latter case, it was because of the silver-haired beauty sitting on Alex's right, her beauty made her feel inferior.
''Welcome back Alex. It's good to see you again. We were all worried.'' Ms. Lana said with a warm smile.
Alex who was exchanging with the nearby adventurers turned his head in Ms. Lana's direction, he smiled.
''Evening, Ms. Lana, Lea. I'm sorry for making you worry so much about me. Don't worry I'm fine.'' Alex said when he saw Ms. Lana and Lea's surprised faces as they saw his right being covered by an eye patch.
''And thank you for taking care of my sister while was unconscious. Ah! By the way, this girl on my right is my distant cousin who came to visit me yesterday. Sorry, she didn't like to interact with others, so she hides her presence. Silveria, say Hi! to others will you?" Alex added, he introduced Silveria.
Silveria only nodded her head not saying anything, the customers who were eager to know more about her and also exchange few words were disappointed when they saw how she reacted.
Ms. Lana could only smile bitterly when she saw Silveria's attitude, ''Nice to meet you, Silveria. I'm Lana, the proprietress of this Inn. This my daughter Lea.''
Lea smiled but her smile was a little bit stiff as she didn't like Silveria's attitude, her attitude made others think they are beneath her. She did not like this, is it because she thinks she is beautiful than everyone? Lea wondered with a sour face, she was jealous.
Ms. Lana frowned when she saw her daughter's behavior, she decided to give her daughter an earful later.
''Thank you for taking care of my cousin,'' Silveria said before continuing to chat with Gracier.
Ms. Lana and Lea who were going to the kitchen to cook stopped when they heard Silveria's words, Ms. Lana said 'you welcome' before leaving.
Gracier stood up and went to help Ms. Lana in the kitchen, meanwhile, Alex kept chatting with the Adventurers, Silveria did not speak, she only nods her head sometimes when a question was directed at her.
Soon, all preparation was done. Scrumptious foods were laid out on the tables, Ms. Lana and Lea, even the waitress sat around the table and everybody ate happily.
The celebration lasted until late in the night. Alex and the two had to excuses themselves as they would be traveling tomorrow.
Others wanted the celebration to continue when they learned that Alex would leave tomorrow for the capital. Lea even sobbed, saying Gracier must stay behind.
Unfortunately, Gracier refused which left her frustrated.
Back in their room, Gracier directly went to sleep.
When Alex was about to sleep, he heard Silveria's voice.
''Master, can I sleep with you?"
Alex looked at her for a moment, then he smiled before refusing. ''Not gonna happen. Good night, Sil.''
Silveria stood there dumbfounded, she was surprised by Alex's refusal, she had thought he would have accepted to have a beautiful girl sleep beside him. She could only cancel her plan tonight and try it another day, she disappeared and reappeared inside her mansion in her world.
Sitting on a queen size bed, Silveria was frustrated.
''Tch! Master is sure cautious. How can he refuses this beautiful lady invitation?"
''If only he had fallen for it,'' Silveria said with a wicked smile, if Alex had accepted, he would have suffered because Silveria was planning to kick him in the balls if somehow his hand ended touching her while he was sleeping.
''I'll try another time. Master, is sure a bully, my bottom is still stinging from that spanking.'' Silveria grumbled, however it changed into a smile when she thought about her revenge.
''Fufufu! Let's sleep.'' Silveria decided while thinking about another honey trap.
Alex who was about to sleep, suddenly felt a chill running down his balls,
''That black belly weapon must be planning something dangerous. Better be careful.'' Alex murmured before closing his eyes to sleep.
•••••
The next day. Alex opened his eyes. He felt the sensation of a soft blanket over his body and the warmth that came along with it.
He pushed the blanket off his body and got up. Looking at Gracier who was sleeping holding Mr. Bear so tightly that it gave the illusion that the bear was saying 'give up, give up', Alex smiled before checking the time with the help of his status window.
'It's 7 AM.'
Alex did some light exercise and after he was done he went to take a shower.
Just as he finished and came out, Gracier had woken up.
''Good morning brother.''
''Morning Alexandra. Did you sleep well?" Alex asked while putting on a white shirt.
''Pretty well. I will go prepare,'' she said before leaving.
Meanwhile, Silveria came out, while Alex decided to go to the barbershop for his hair.
Before it was 10 AM, Alex and Gracier were already in front of the northern gate, everybody knew that they were leaving so a lot of people came to see the siblings off.
''Good morning Mr. Conrad.'' Gracier politely greeted Conrad.
''Morning Conrad, we will be in your care.'' Alex greeted Conrad who was sitting on a beautiful black carriage, it was a magic carriage, it was Alex's first time seeing one.
''Morning you two. Let's quickly depart.''
Conrad said, urging the two, Alex and Gracier board the carriage while giving Eria's city one last glance.
''Farewell Eria's city and its inhabitants,'' Alex murmured, and with her sister, they waved at the people who came to see them off.
''Have a nice trip,'' Lea mumbled while the magic carriage slowly disappeared from their sights.
147: Ambushed
It has been three days since Alex and others departed toward the capital. They passed through several cities and villages until now nothing noteworthy happened.
Today they were passing through a forest. As usual, Conrad was driving the carriage while Alex and Gracier were inside it, Silveria excused herself saying she had something to do.
While wondering what Silveria was up to, Alex looked out the window to kill the time as the trees of the forest passed by at high speeds.
"Hoo-ahhhhhhhhm!"
Gracier let out a big yawn next to him. She stretched her arms as her mouth fell open. It seemed that she was sleepy.
Soon, the sound of quiet even breaths came out of her body. She had fallen asleep from all the exhaustion.
Suddenly her head fell on Alex's shoulder, spreading her red hair on him.
Alex looked down at her. He couldn't help but smile upon seeing her cute face as she slept.
"Mmm. Mmm-nyaa~!"
It seemed Gracier liked the feeling of her big brother's shoulder as she clutched at Alex's arm and leaned onto him. Alex looked at her for a brief moment, then moved his gaze out the window once again. 'How cute.' he mumbled.
For a while, he was lost in thoughts.
After some time.
"Ooh~ Mmm."
Gracier's eyes slowly opened. As she wiped away the drool around her mouth, she froze.
Her round eyes stared at Alex and rolled around to assess her current situation.
Realizing it, she quickly parted from him in surprise.
"Ah. I'm, I'm sorry!"
"It's fine."
Gracier's face turned red when she saw a large drool spot on her brother's shoulder.
"Oh, oh no! I'm sorry big brother."
She tried to bring out a handkerchief, however, Alex stopped her.
"It's fine. Th-"
Alex was about to calm down the flustered Gracier when he stopped. He had caught sight of something outside the opposite window.
His senses sharpened, and he recognized the object.
'Arrow?'
However, it was too late to take action against it.
〖Master-〗Silveria wanted to speak however, Alex already knew what she going to say.
'I know.'
Alex said, then he grabbed Gracier hand and pulled her in toward him. Gracier was taken aback as her face contorted, she finally felt the incoming threat.
However, without hesitating for even a moment, Alex used his Divine Sense and selected a location before Accel-ed there, there heard Conrad's warning just as left the magic carriage. They saw Conrad jumping high in the air using a sword to cut down an incoming fireball. He then kicked the air and jumped far away.
Finally,
The arrow flew and pierced the Magic carriage.
In a flash..
Boom!
The impact ripped the Magic carriage apart like paper, and its pieces were sent flying across the air.
Alex's face hardened as he looked at his surroundings.
On the other hand, Gracier was surprised by how powerful the arrow was, she paled thinking about what would have happened if they hadn't escaped.
Conrad appeared on the other side of the forest after he defended against the fireball.
An unknown group of attackers had suddenly appeared circling them. They were clad in armor that covered their entire body and wore masks.
Suddenly, Alex's eyes picked up something once again.
Another arrow
Aiming at the incoming arrow Alex fired.
Bang
Boom!
An explosion followed.
That was not a normal arrow.
'Someone is sniping me from a great distance thinking that I wouldn't know his location. Well too bad for you.' Alex said while grinning.
He then used his Divine Sense skill to localize the hidden archer's location.
''There.''
Having localized the archer, Alex aimed Silveria in the archer's direction and fired a,
'Phantom Bullet.'
Everything happened so fast that the archer didn't have time to dodge, by the time his instinct warned him it was already too late, the archer's head had been blown away.
Unaware of the hidden archer's demise, the others finally moved.
Six individuals dashed toward them, after a quick appraisal, Alex saw that none of the incoming attackers were weak, the weakest was Level 45, same as Gracier, the strongest was Rank 8, Conrad immediately engaged the Rank 8 and another Rank 7.
Gracier engaged the Level 45, on Alex's order.
Meanwhile, Alex aimed Silveria toward the enemy dashing at him and fired another
'Phantom Bullet'
As if the other party had sensed the incoming threat, the ambusher quickly brought a shield to defend against the incoming attack.
Bang!
The person holding the shield was blown away alongside the shield.
Alex planned to finish the ambusher, however as he was about to shot, something caused him to twist his upper body. A spear had flown in from the side, and its blade brushed past Alex's head.
'Shit!'
Alex glared at the enemy who had interrupted him from the side. This second attacker's face was hidden by a mask, but his appearance was malicious. Alex threw a Silver Bettie's toward this person, but the knife hit nothing as the second attacker twisted his upper body to dodge it.
Before the third ambusher could attack, Alex suddenly let go of Silveria, and due to its momentum, the gun continued on its path. At the same time, Accel-ed to appear in front of the third attacker who had been solely focused on Silveria, so he looked taken aback, and even so, the third ambusher still defended against Alex's fist.
Bang!
The third ambusher was sent flying to the side, and his figure collided against a tree. His left arm, which has been used to defend against Alex's fist, was bent at an odd angle.
However, Alex once again couldn't land the finishing blow as an arrow flew toward him.
''So, there is another one still hiding,'' Alex murmured before kicking the ground and jumped back. He did not forget to shoot a bullet in the direction of the hidden archer.
However this time he did not manage to kill the archer like the last time.
Just as Alex landed he quickly defended against the attack of another ambusher. He then distanced himself from that ambusher as a second one was coming from his back.
Looking at his sister he saw that she was doing fine, while the battle on Conrad's side was heated, Conrad was truly powerful to be able to fight against two strong opponents at the same time.
Shaking his head Alex quickly drunk a Mana recovery potion, then he had a sudden idea, so without wasting time he put his idea into motion as he saw two ambushers charging toward him.
Just after putting all his remaining SP on his Gun Art skill, Alex felt as if time stopped around him, he was somehow enlightened, the gun in his hand felt like an extension of him, the two were perfectly synchronized.
〖No way, to think he would acquire a domain like this.〗Silveria exclaimed as she knew what was happening to Alex, he was comprehending a domain, not everyone can acquire one. One's domain is related to either an element (Fire, Ice, Water, Earth, and so on) or a skill. In Alex's case, it was a skill like that monster Silveria's sister had killed. In your domain you're like a king controlling almost everything, others would feel pressure in your domain, it is all domain's basic function.
The two-headed mutated ogre's domain was Intimidation, it was related to the monster skill, it was why Alex and the others were feeling so pressured back then.
Alex's enlightenment state lasted a couple of seconds, his left eye shined, just as the two ambushers appeared twenty meters from him, Alex activated his newly acquired domain.
The two ambushers who were about to attack froze as they felt pressured all of sudden.
''Not good, it is a domain.'' shouted one of them shouted, he became panicked.
Before they could do anything, they saw a rain of bullets coming in their way, the speed which Alex was using to shoot was too fast, one of the ambushers died as a bullet went through his head, the last one was seriously injured and before he could escape Alex appeared behind him like a ghost, a shape knife pierced through the ambusher's neck killing him.
Alex quickly canceled his domain as it drains too much MP, only ten seconds or so passed yet he had lost 1200 MP.
Then he removed his eye patch and looked at the third ambusher (the one with a broken arm), as he saw Alex's right blue eye, he stood frozen, his head buzzed, he was sent back when he was suffered untold hardship to become an assassin, then the scene switched to his worst nightmare, he saw all of his victim's faces, they were crawling toward him, wanting to drag him into the abyss.
''No, stay away.'' the man shouted hysterically, Alex appeared behind him quickly finished him by beheaded the poor assassin who seemed to have lost his reasoning.
Alex's breathing was heavy, quickly calming down. He Accel-ed and caught up with the fleeing archer
''No way. They said you are just a low Ranker, level 32 at best. There's no that is true, you're a monster. I'll never let you capture me.'' the archer said before using the hidden poison under his teeth to kill himself.
Alex ended disappointed. He chose to go help Gracier, however, the battle was already over.
Approaching his sister, Alex asked, ''How are feeling? Are you injured?"
''No, I'm fine. As expected of Big brother. You've already finished the three who attacked you.'' Gracier responded before looking at Alex with shining eyes.
Alex could only smile wryly under Gracier's intense admiration, his expression turned serious when he saw Conrad coming towards them empty-handed. He could guess that none of the ambushers wanted to be caught alive, they'd rather die than to be caught.
''How are you two? Fine?" Conrad asked once in front of the siblings.
''We are fine. Conrad, you didn't manage to catch at least one?" Alex asked.
Shrugging his shoulders, Conrad replied.
''Well, I killed the Rank 8 and seriously injured the Rank 7, however before I could approach him, he killed himself.''
''I see.'' It was as he feared. Gracier was frowning, wondering why they have been attacked, last time it was an AA monster and now it's some ambushers, what's going on?
148: A Little Lesson
With the help of Alex and Gracier, Conrad buried the dead bodies.
Alex spat out a sigh as they finished. Conrad summoned another magic carriage, this one was more beautiful, it was a white carriage beautifully decorated.
''So, you have a spare one?" Alex asked while admiring the beauty of this carriage.
''I do. Well, it seems that G- Miss Leena had predicted something like this would happen, hence she left another carriage just in case.'' Conrad explained.
''I see,'' Alex mumbled, lost in thought, he was more interested in what Conrad wanted to say but changed to Miss Leena. What that G meant?
''I say, Alex. Do you offend someone you shouldn't, reason why there's always people after your life?" Conrad asked. His voice jerked Alex back to awareness.
Alex's lips twitched when he finally understood Conrad's question.
''How rude. I didn't offend anyone. Well, I once insulted the second princess by calling her bitch, the more correct word was 'Bitch go fuck yourself.''
Conrad looked at Alex with a look of admiration. Same with Gracier whose eyes were shining.
''I'm surprised that you still have your head after having said something like that. That princess was known for her ruthlessness. Did you think it's her doing, these eight men?"
Gracier's eyes narrowed dangerously when she heard this, she mistakenly thought that it was also the second princess who sent that monster after them. Her eyes turned murderous.
Having noticed his sister's unusual state, Alex stroked her hair to calm her down.
''Do not think too much about it.''
Gracier nodded her head, Conrad smiled seeing the interaction between the two.
''Well, it's possible that is her men. As for how they knew we will be passing here, it was not hard to guess that, someone sold us.'' Alex said and kept stroking Gracier's hair.
''Likely. Let's get moving.'' Conrad said, Alex and Gracier boarded the carriage and left.
•••••
Meanwhile, in a mansion in the capital.
The figure of Katherina, the second princess could be seen. She sat on a comfy chair reading a book when suddenly a maid brought a tea, she placed the tea in front of Katherina, she bowed before leaving quietly as not to disturb her mistress.
Katherina continued to slowly flip through the pages of the book in her hand as the steam from the cup wafted a pleasant scent past her. She paused for a moment, then she gently lifted the cup and drank. It was a pleasant temperature, neither too hot nor too lukewarm, she felt refreshed like her mind was clearing immediately, as she sipped at it.
Her mood was great, as she was about to continue reading when suddenly she frowned as she sensed an incoming presence.
Soon, a shadow materialized near her.
''Greetings your Highness. I have something to report.'' the man dressed in black said while kneeling.
Katherina was truly displeased, everybody knew she dislikes being bothered when she was reading. It was one of her few joys, her little heaven amidst the hell known as the royal family where you and your siblings will constantly at each other throats vying for the throne. However now, this Heaven was shattered, shaking her head she said in a voice that doesn't hide her displeasure.
''Go on.''
The black-clothed felt shudder running down his spine hearing such a chilling voice, even if he knew the princess was in a bad mood, he braced himself and spoke.
''Gregor took the initiative to send some men to take care of that otherworlder as he learned he was coming towards the capital, the men died it-"
He didn't even manage to finish his words when a powerful pressure coming from Katherina pressed his head against the floor as if to grind it.
''What did you say?"
Katherina's blue eyes were narrowed dangerously, she was furious beyond words, she had said to not make another move against Alexander and yet a retard among her subordinates went against her order. She could understand why this person did something like that, it was to curry the favor of the soon-to-be Empress, well from their standpoint. Nevertheless, an arbitrary decision is something she disliked more than anything, especially when she'd already stated not to do anything. As for the men's death, she was unbothered because this would mean that Alex survived, as for how she was not interested at the moment.
The poor man was on the brink of death as so much pressure was making it impossible for him to normally breathe, his bones were creaking threatening to break, fortunately before he passes out, the pressure receded.
Then he heard Katherina's cold order that seemed to have come from the depth of hell.
''Seize all his assets and throw him into the Hell's prison.''
The black-clothed man shuddered in terror when he heard the last order, nevertheless he still fearfully nodded his head, fearing that he may be sent to the Hell's prison as well, no word could be used to describe this prison, if not that it's the prison of no return.
''Quickly leave. I want to be alone.'' Katherina said in a bad mood.
The man in the black quickly stood up and bowed his before deciding to flee for his dear life, however, he stopped as he remembered another message he had forgotten to tell Katherina because he was too scared, he had the feeling that Katherina's mood would improve once she learned about this message.
''Princess, that person came back-"
''What? Why didn't you say that earlier?"
The man lowered his head inwardly thinking, 'Isn't it because you almost killed me?'. Well, there was no way he'd say something like that. Only Hell's prison awaits him if he were to do.
Seeing the man turned into a mute, Katherina waved her hand and dismissed him, her mood had improved.
''Forget it. I'll go see her.''
She then leaves the mansion disguised to go see that person. Someone she hasn't seen in years.
•••••
Back to Alex's Location.
Night came, The bright, full moon enveloping half the night sky splashed on the pitch-black ground with its illumination. The outlines of the leaves in the forest were visible.
The figures of Alex, Gracier, and Conrad could be seen sitting across the campfire which was making a Paki~ paki~ sound.
Silveria was not present she didn't want to make her presence known, she only appear when the two are inside the carriage and use a spell to hide her presence.
Suddenly Alex who was happily playing with his sister stopped and asked.
''I know that there are 04 empires, 03 kingdoms, and two principalities, but that's all I did not have the time to read to get more knowledge on this world as I was too focused on getting stronger. Conrad, can you help me?''
Gracier's interest was immediately piqued, she doesn't know anything about the outside world, after all, it could be said that Alex's question was timely, almost as if it was intentional.
Conrad did not immediately answer, he pondered for a moment before starting to talk.
''As you may have heard, there are four livable continents.''
'So this meant there are more than four continents?' Alex wondered but decided to listen to Conrad's explanation for now.
''Human's continent named Alexa, Beastmen's continent called Bestia, Dark Continent home of the demon, Elfira home's of Elves.
Alexa's continent is composed of:
04 empires: Drexia Empire, Holy Crux Empire, Sarz Empire, and Far East Empire.
03 Kingdoms: Renault Kingdom, Phaoh Kingdom, and the Sia Kingdom.
02 principalities: Andoras Principality and Lorn Principality.
''Big brother, what is it a Principality?'' Gracier interrupted Conrad and asked as it was her first time hearing such a term.
''A principality (or sometimes princedom) can either be a monarchical feudatory or a sovereign state, ruled or reigned over by a monarch with the title of prince or by a monarch with another title considered to fall under the generic meaning of the term prince. By the way which type are the two principalities?" Alex ended his explanation with a question directed at Conrad.
''There are sovereign states,'' Conrad said.
''I see.''
Gracier finally understood what Principality meant, so stayed silent and watched Conrad continue.
''By the way, Drexia Empire is the strongest empire followed by Holy Crux Empire, an empire governed by the church, after the Holy Crux Empire come the Sarz Empire, then lastly Far East Empire. Drexa Empire is situated in the center of the continent while the Holy Crux Empire is in the north, Sarz Empire in the south, as its name suggests, Far East Empire is in the Eastern part of the continent, the three kingdoms and Andoras Principality are in the western part of the continent, Lorn Principality is near the Sarz Empire.''
Conrad stopped to let them digest what he just said, then he continued,
''Moving on to the other continents. First let's talk about the Beastmen's continent: Bestia or Razen.
There are 02 empires and 02 kingdoms:
✒ The Lionheart Empire, home of the prideful Lion beastmen, and Wolfang Empire, home of the Wolf.
The two kingdoms are the Mixten kingdom where all lower Beastmens such as Rabbit race, Cat beastmen live, and lastly the Foxia Kingdom, home of the Fox, in terms of power they are the third, nobody likes to mess up with them even though they are extremely beautiful, it's almost women race. It's a matriarchal kingdom, Ah! It meant govern solely by women.'' Conrad quickly added to not allow Gracier to interrupt him again.
Gracier's eyes shined when she heard that, she was the urge to go there, patting her head Alex calmed her as he could guess what she was thinking, he had the same urge after all. He wants to see kemommi as well, especially the Fox one reputed for their beauty, however now wasn't the time.
Conrad was speechless as he witnesses the sibling's eyes gleamed when they heard about the Beastmen, especially the Fox. Coughing to break the unusual atmosphere, he continued.
''Let's move on the elven continent.
There's only one Empire, which shares the same name as the continent, Elfira. Then there are 02 kingdoms: the Lucia Kingdom and the Darkarda Kingdom, ruled by the dark elves. By the way, the Elfira empire is ruled by the High Elves, the current empress went missing two centuries ago. Nobody knows where she went.
Lastly, the dark continent or Asura continent, only one Empire, Crimson Empire, and several kingdoms. That's all you need to know for now.'' Conrad said before closing his eyes.
''Thank you for the information,'' Alex said bowing his head, Gracier also did the same thing, Conrad only smiled.
The two siblings excused them and went to sleep.
Once alone Conrad sighed and with a melancholic look he mumbled, ''Lastly, there was the beautiful Arda continent, however now it is the Void continent. Truly a pity.''
He then closed his eyes to rest, however, he was on the alert, nothing could bypass his senses.
149: An Unknown Organization
Deep in the night, a lone silhouette could be seen floating in the air going into a certain direction. Not even Conrad noticed this floating figure.
Silveria silently moved toward the location where Alex and the others buried the ambusher's corpses.
She created a chair and used it to sit in the air, she brought out a box of ice cream before snapping her fingers, her presence immediately disappeared as though there was nothing there in the first place.
Thirty minutes later a figure dressed entirely in black to conceal its presence appeared, checking the surrounding he moved once he was sure that there was nobody around.
The black-clothed man started digging where the corpses were buried, he seemed to be searching for a particular among the eight bodies.
Suddenly, just as he was about to pick up the body he was searching for, his body stiffened as he heard a voice.
''Isn't it's late for a night walk?" Silveria asked, she finally appeared now that what she had been waiting for appeared.
Unbeknownst to Alex and others among the eight ambushers, there was a spy, someone whose presence was different from the others, the aura around him was too sinister, it the Rank 7 Alex killed.
Having noticed the man's particularity, Silveria knew that someone would come to pick up the dead body to erase any evidence of their involvement, and more specifically to get some information. It was a gamble, however, it was a gamble that paid off.
He looked around fearfully, once should know that he was Rank 9, not a weakling for someone to appear without his prior knowledge spell trouble for him, this would mean that this person was stronger than him. Finally, he caught the figure of Silveria sitting in a chair in the air.
'Shit a Rank 10. Flee.'
The man's response had been instantaneous, so was his body. He chose a random direction and dashed toward it at fast speed, he even used the Wind to boost his speed.
Unfortunately, the death goddess did not seem eager to let him go, she disappeared to reappear in front of the black-clothed man who immediately stopped in his track.
''What, instant movement?" He asked in disbelief, she may be stronger than him but moving like this only meant it was instant movement, space element-related skill.
'I'm screwed.' he thought.
Silveria smiled, the man was shuddering not daring to appreciate the beauty in front of him. How could he? She may appear like a goddess to others however to him Silveria was the Death Reaper.
''Indeed it's instant movement. I also know instant K.O.'' Silveria announced with a sweet smile before her fist connected with the surprised man face, he was blasted back, colliding against with several trees, he had already lost consciousness, indeed it was Instant K.O.
''Let's have a little fun, shall we? I've accumulated a lot of stress lately, so it's time to release some.'' Silveria mumbled.
Then she snapped her fingers while humming, the unconscious man was brought toward her.
Soon she started her interrogation which lasted two hours. Unfortunately, she didn't get any information other than the man was from a certain organization, a sinister organization whose purpose was unknown, their headquarter was unknown. The only useful information she managed to get was that this organization seem to be interested in Alex, as for why it was unknown.
''How troublesome.'' Silveria spat out before using on the black-clothed man the same method she used on the poor demon to peacefully send him on his way. Well, it was a peaceful method from her standpoint.
Silveria disappeared afterward.
•••••
At the same time somewhere in a building devoid of any sounds, a man in his late thirties with golden hair could be seen sitting in a study looking at some old parchment when suddenly, his brows creased as if he sensed something, this happened at the same when Silveria killed the black-clothed man.
This man stood up and left, he appeared in a corridor.
In this silent building, his footsteps echoed particularly loudly. Moonlight shone through the window to cast its cold light upon his body, making him appear even more chilling.
At the end of the corridor, the middle-aged man took out a key, opened a door, and walked in. Beyond the door stood the item that he was looking for—a mercury mirror.
This mirror was around the height of a human, and it was designed in a manner that made it look like a door that one could pass through.
There was a slight ripple on the surface of the mirror before an eye suddenly materialized in the middle of the mirror.
The eye turned to look at the man before dissipating. Following that, powerful pulsations of mana emanated from the mirror before it suddenly swung open like a door, revealing a hunched old man holding a key in his hand.
The hunched old man bowed deeply to the middle-aged man.
''Welcome back, vice guild leader.''
''Mm."
The golden-haired middle-aged man who just got called vice guild master nodded quietly to acknowledge the greeting before walking through the mirror door. The scenery around him swiftly changed into that of a dark castle. As for where this castle was located it was unknown.
The vice guild master disappeared into the darkness and soon he reappeared inside a room.
''Did it fail? It must be that. I thought I said not to make a move.''
Sitting at the end of a long table was a dark figure cloaked in shadow, it was this dark figure who talked.
The vice guild master sat on the opposite end of the dark figure, he then said.
''Well, sorry I just want to test the water. Reason why I slipped someone into that lass men, I knew that even we don't get him, we will be able to collect some intel. Doesn't matter if my man died or not, however it seems that I've miscalculated, someone eliminated the man I sent to collect the corpse. A Rank 9 just die and the worst is that I didn't see anything, you know my ability to see things through my subordinates in the case of crisis, yet this time it didn't work. I'm frustrated.''
An inconspicuous frown of frustration formed on the vice guild master's impassive face
as he thought about what happened. His magic eyes didn't work, as if it had been canceled.
Seeing the vice guild master's expression, the dark figure cloaked in shadows chuckled softly.
''It's why I said not make any move against that boy. He is more dangerous than the other seven. Do not do anything until I order so, I'm warning you. More importantly, that person came back. So, better to lay low for now.''
''Wh-what? Did she come back? Why now off all times? Just as the boy is coming to the capital? Is this just a coincidence?" The vice guild master asked, his expression wasn't looking good.
''Unlikely. So, better stay low. We will see how things go before making a move. Maybe in the dungeons.'' the dark figure said.
The vice guild master contemplated for a moment before nodding his head. He then left.
Once alone the dark figure sighed, ''Things have gotten troublesome.''
••••
~Back to Alex's Location.
Unaware of all of this Alex was in a deep sleep. However, from time to time his brows would crease as if he was having a nightmare.
Inside his sleep, Alex was experiencing a rather unusual thing. He was walking in a destroyed town, this city was destroyed, there was destroyed building everywhere and bodies littered the ground, even so, he was unbothered.
Suddenly, there were numerous roars followed by the appearance of numerous black beasts that pounced on him.
Suddenly, he moved to dodge the attack of one of the beast shrouded in ominous black miasma, a silver gun appeared inside his hand, using this gun which looked like Silveria, he killed the black beast, his movement was too fast, without turning around he fired in another location, killing another beast.
Furious, the beasts started jumping toward him, trying to swarm him. Unbothered he kept shooting and dodging, having seen that the number of beasts coming toward him had increased, he created another identical Silveria, with these two guns he moved around reaping lives as if they were nothing.
It was as if he was dancing, he kills, dodge, then kill then dodge again, everything was done with the minimum of maneuver. From the onlooker's point of view it seemed that he was not moving yet it was not the case, his speed was too fast.
Soon, he had eliminated all the beasts in the vicinity. As he was done, he moved forward, he stopped and looked at a certain building, like the other buildings, this one was destroyed as well, however, some part was still standing, the glass window to be exact while looking at the building as if reminiscing about something, he was able to see his appearance, he had long black hair, extremely handsome face and unusual beautiful red eyes.
It was at that moment Alex comes to know that it was not his body, 'What going on?'
He didn't have the time to ponder before the world shook, then a gigantic figure descended, it was over thirty meters , fear struck his core, he couldn't help but tremble facing such a being, he was like an ant.
Whether or not this fear stemmed from him or the owner of this body, was unclear. However, Alex knew that it was the latter.
Indeed, the owner of this body's next action confirmed it. He dashed at the dark giant figure and a fight with a scale Alex couldn't fathom broke out with the man winning, however, he was injured. Just as he killed the giant, he felt a chill running down his spine, so without turning back he fired a red bullet.
This bullet deflected an incoming attack, using this chance, the man disappeared to reappear a hundred meters away, he looked in front of him with a bitter smile.
On the opposite side, stood another handsome man, he had long golden hair, golden eyes, however, there were slightly darkened at the moment. Holding in his hand was a beautiful golden longsword. When Alex saw this sword he had a sense of déjà vu, the same thing when he looked at the one holding the longsword.
Suddenly, Alex heard an unexpected voice he had once heard before.
''Sorry, junior the spectacle end here. See you soon, please take care of them. Silveria may appear mischievous and unruly but she means no harm, pardon her all her offenses. It is me who put restrictions on them. Blame me if you want to blame someone. Do not blindly trust. Take care and lastly, I've got a little parting gift.''
Alex was being pulled away when he heard those words, he saw the black-haired man with beautiful red eyes smiling at him, he was like a senior watching after his junior, however on the other hand the golden-haired man was glaring at Alex making shudder.
Just before Alex disappeared, the black-haired man pointed his finger in Alex's direction and a crimson light flee toward him and pierced his head. Immediately an excruciating pain assaulted Alex, he roared of pain, he felt like his head was about to split.
In his final moment before he completely disappeared from this world he saw the black-haired man apologetic smile then his expression changed as he turned to face the golden-haired man, ready to start a fight, a fight that would be epic from Alex's point of view.