Yanis gasped in astonishment, his eyes widening at the wretched state of his master, Nuu, whose right arm was grievously absent. His master was only able to trade two blows, and none of them were offensive.
The only thought that consumed Nuu's mind was the reflex of this woman. Not only did she skillfully parry Bonari, but she effortlessly severed his arm, with a mere butter knife.
After all, Nephilim possessed impervious armor-like skin, making it difficult for even those fortified by an Aura to sever their limbs in one go.
However, if Nuu hadn't intercepted Margaret's counter, Yanis's head would have kissed the cold floor.
Without wasting a moment, Yanis's pores started to wiggle, as if blood-red tendrils emerged from them.
A captivating spectacle unfolded before Margaret's eyes as Yanis swiftly collected the detached right arm still clutching onto Bonari. Like a spider spinning its web, Yanis used his blood as a thread, connecting it to the severed nerves.
These threads acted as a medium, carrying his Sanguine essence, filled with enough life force to stimulate Nuu's recovery. It was a remarkable feat, sparing Nuu the need to awaken Bonari's eyes, which would have been the worst-case scenario, especially in such an enclosed space.
If they were to truly fight, then all of Oga's plans would go right out the window. The death toll would be worse than in Durk Town.
Curiosity tinged Margaret's voice as she questioned, "What does he intend to accomplish?"
The fair-haired man continued the act of blood weaving, working diligently within the time frame of half an hour. Beyond that point, his abilities would become limited, and the tissues and nerves would succumb to death.
Not long after, Nuu's missing arm was restored, as if it had never been severed.
"What a remarkable ability! Utilizing your blood to expedite the process of regeneration. I am truly envious," Margaret exclaimed. "And look at this... such unwavering loyalty.
Sensing the surge of my killing intent and emerging to neutralize the threat. Such talent... Hey, young one, why not pledge your allegiance to me?" Margaret applauded shamelessly, as if she bore no responsibility for the unfolding circumstances, attempting to recruit Nuu's devoted retainer.
…
"Pray, spare me your reproachful glances, for I assure you, I never harbored the intent to orchestrate his untimely demise.
That audacious rascal had the temerity to encroach upon my domain. As one on the cusp of transcending into a higher life form, I trust you comprehend the nature of my reaction, right Nuu?"
" And as for your faithful servant, he not only displayed a flagrant disregard by assaulting a woman burdened with a child but pondered the fate that would have befallen me had I been a wretched mortal.
I venture to say that your brother would not take kindly to the mother of his progeny meeting an untimely end, would you not concur?" Margaret inquired, her mellifluous voice tinged with intrigue.
A profound silence pervaded the atmosphere, creating an opportune space for Margaret's words to reverberate. Nuu found himself devoid of any valid rebuttal; he knew deep down that Margaret's assertion held truth.
To make matters worse, he couldn't afford to amplify this predicament unless he wished to witness Yanis' beheading. Given his brother's disposition, the most prudent course of action would be to downplay the situation.
Just then, Yanis broke the silence, his words slicing through the stillness with the sharpness of a blade. "Anyone who dares harbor malicious intent towards my master shall face dire consequences as long as I draw breath. It is my solemn duty." With those fleeting words, Yanis exited the chamber.
In the wake of Yanis' departure, the pool of blood outside the chamber inexplicably vanishes, as if consumed by an unseen force.
Nuu couldn't help but facepalm at the predictable nature of Yanis. 'Yanis will always be Yanis...'
Margaret, despite the gravity of the situation, found a glimmer of amusement in the unwavering loyalty displayed by Yanis.
"Ah, the likeness between master and servant. Such madness... I must admit, I am rather taken with it. If your servant possesses such unyielding devotion, then what of my husband's retainer, I have yet to see her."
With Yanis gone, only Nuu and Margaret remained in the room. Nuu chose not to answer her question. Instead, his gaze locked onto her, devoid of any trace of jest.
Her ability to sever his arm and intercept Star Shift was a feat that surpassed the capabilities of most fledgling Divine Knights.
["Star Shift" Nuu's second innate ability—a captivating maneuver enabling him to seamlessly translocate himself with any object permeated by his blood or sworn allegiance...However, for this ability to take effect, the object in question had to be within the bounds of his vision.]
Curiosity piqued, Nuu couldn't help but inquire, "What exactly are you? " His voice carried a mix of fascination and caution, as he tried to unravel the mystery before him.
Margaret met Nuu's gaze with a breathtaking smile. "Since I feel remorseful for severing your arm, I shall offer you this consolation: I hope you won't reveal our little mishap here or my power to others. As for beings like myself….first off, what do you know about the Five Exalted Physiques"
Nuu was taken aback. The look and confusion on his face told Margaret all she needed to know.
"You truly have no idea... Well, perhaps it is understandable, considering their mere age of thirty," murmured Margaret to herself, her voice barely audible.
Nuu maintained a contemplative silence, affording her the necessary room to craft her thoughts. With a composed tone, she commenced, "As you have previously articulated, Heaven's Will traditionally imposes limitations on Aura Practitioner devoid of a noble bloodline.
Were it not for my possession of one of the Five Exalted Physiques, I would have succumbed to my mortal coil. Even with my prior standing as a Grand Knight, I would have succumbed to the wall just like my ancestor Basssal.
However, by a twist of fate, the consequences of which may be interpreted differently depending on one's perspective of my enigmatic Faceless Physique, I possess the capacity to transcend these constraints at the tender age of 16 years old.
Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that the remaining Four Physiques do not operate similarly to those like myself I have encountered."
Nuu silence betrayed a multitude of questions swirling within. "What do you mean by the Faceless Physique, and is it hereditary? How is it possible for you to circumvent this restriction? And what precisely do you mean by fortune and misfortune?" Nuu fired off a series of inquiries, brimming with eagerness to unravel the enigma that lay before him.
"...."
"A lady must retain her secrets, do you not agree?" Her lips curved into a subtle smile, momentarily leaving Nuu astonished.
"At least tell me about the remaining four physiques, and how you eluded Heaven's Will. It is not an intrusive inquiry, is it not?" Nuu shamelessly inquired, helping himself to a bite of sausage from Margaret's plate.
"Truly audacious! What shall it avail you to know of the remaining Four? Or do you fancy yourself a hero from the pages of a children's comic?" Margaret chuckled, playfully poking Nuu.
"Do not imagine for a moment that I am oblivious." Margaret continues, "The chances of my son inheriting this unique Physique are quite slim. Throughout my long years, there has never been a bloodline that possesses such an Exalted Physique.
So, it's best not to indulge in such thoughts. Individuals like me are usually born with an inability to connect with mana, which I have theorized to be a necessary condition….Regarding my Faceless Physique, it resembles a challenging 'game,' where every passing decade introduces its own set of trials.
"Hold on, your arrival at the estate and the submissive Knight was simply a performance?" Nuu interjected, his gaze fixed upon her as if he had unearthed a precious gem.
Margaret's hand tenderly brushed against her belly, the warmth of a motherly smile not escaping Nuu's notice, yet he got no response in return.
Margaret found this situation truly peculiar. Throughout centuries, she had undertaken roles even more demanding than that of the 'Daring Knight.' Yet, it only took a few intimate moments, and now she found herself burdened with a child.
This defied all logic, and she could only attribute it to Oga's potent bloodline. Despite her fair share of adventures, none of them had ever resulted in offspring over the years. The only logical conclusion she could draw was that she was infertile.
"Allow me to indulge in this thought for a moment. Are you suggesting that your physique generates a random mission?"
Margaret's eyes widen like a deer caught in a headlight
" If that's the case, could it be the reason why you refuse to become his Madame, instead settling for the role of a Consort? Does he know?" With the limited information available, Nuu begins to fill in the missing pieces.
"You're quite astute! However, there is something you have overlooked."
"And what might that be?" Nuu inquired. "Assuming your brother is unaware... If I am not mistaken, Oga has long since discovered my true identity, unlike someone else." Nuu couldn't help but laugh. "A random man impregnating you upon your first encounter, and you call that respect?"
"I wouldn't say it was our first encounter. It is simply the case that you brothers couldn't detect my presence at that time. Besides, how could a woman of my stature ignore two questionable variables?"
Reflecting on their life with Nylah, it had truly been smooth sailing, with minor troubles here and there, but overall, they had encountered no real problems.
"The very instant you align yourself with House Maverik, I had already meticulously crafted the Servitude Contract," she declared. Nuu found himself instinctively nodding in agreement as he discreetly stole another glance. With each step she took, her abundant hips swayed in a captivating rhythm.
"Control your gaze, you impudent child. I am not Caterina!" she admonished sharply.
Nuu could only offer a nonchalant shrug in response. "So, I gather that the individual we encountered on that day is merely a fictional persona, perhaps even an assumed identity?"
"Yes and no!"
"Wait," Nuu interjected, dissatisfied with the response. "This falls far short of true satisfaction. Why would you subject yourself to torment when you possess the ability to lead a purposeless existence? With your extraordinary capabilities, you can assume any identity and embrace any lifestyle your heart desires." Nuu's curiosity was piqued, urging him to delve deeper into the matter.
"My aspiration for longevity remains unwavering. The only remarkable aspect of my Physique is as you have stated," she paused, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.
"Moreover, my name is not Margaret; it is Zamira! Across the ages, it is the sole identity I adamantly cling to. Margaret, the Daring Knight, exists no more!" In that fleeting moment, Nuu's gaze pierced the veil of time, catching a glimpse of the enigmatic woman's past.
It was as if he traversed myriad lives, witnessing a flicker of nostalgia in the depths of her eyes.
"You desire to know about the remaining Four, right?"
Nuu hastily nodded.
"I beseech you to answer a solitary inquiry and bestow upon me a favor," she implored. Nuu paused, deep in thought, and ultimately yielded to her request.
"What compels you to endanger your life for a mere servant?" she inquired. This question momentarily stupefied him. Of all the inquiries he anticipated, she might have delved into their lineage or questioned their delay to break their mortal shackles. She could have even probed about a concealed truth. Yet, this particular question caught him completely off guard.
"______"
"I see. Your response was not what I anticipated. But very well! This favor I am about to ask does not bear a time limit. If you could obtain a copy of Soul Splitting from the Ninth Prince, I would be indebted to you!" There was no longer the haughtiness in her request.
"..."
"Consort Zamira, it appears that my previous words did not effectively reach you," Nuu spoke with a calm demeanor. "What do you mean?" she inquired, seeking further clarification.
"As of this very moment, you cease to be a mere stranger; you are now considered family. Therefore, there is no need for you to request favors. If your desires do not endanger the Clan, it is my solemn duty as House Thornbrick Sword to fulfill the wishes of the House Master's wife."
"Let me make sure I understand correctly, the simple change of status was all it took?" she began, seeking confirmation. "Yes, what belongs to you now belongs to House Thornbrick. Allow me, therefore, to take charge of retrieving the Soul Splitting Technique. And let us put past misunderstandings behind," Nuu shamelessly extended his hand.
"Wait just a moment, you little scoundrel! Shouldn't you have concluded that statement with, 'What is mine is yours and vice versa...'? Even when he's apologizing, he's still scheming," she couldn't help but burst into laughter.
His shameless personality reminded Zamira of a long-forgotten memory of a mischievous bright eye boy. Yet, she realized that this demeanor wasn't entirely unfavorable, and they shared a hearty laugh.
"Very well, let us now delve into the matter you wish to know. However, be forewarned: among the remaining Four, I have encountered only one other entity akin to myself and heard rumors of the other, as for the last two, keep a low profile….As for the one that I directly came across, it was during my adventurous years.
That wizened old fellow certainly knew how to lead others astray, would you believe I had to navigate the intricate Grotto of Shadows?" A solemn hush fell upon the surroundings as Nuu absorbed the weight of Zamira's words.
"The Grotto of Shadow... situated in the Eastern Continent, no less. Merely reaching that destination entails crossing the treacherous Sea of Whispers, a perilous journey spanning more than a year. And you are telling me that even then you have encountered only a solitary individual resembling yourself?" Nuu inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Yes, it is indeed not an astounding revelation. The possessor of this tyrannical Physique hails from the revered Sacred Grove of Arindor."
"But why would someone from that place embark on a quest to find the Grotto of Shadow? The sheer distance alone surpasses yours.
They would have to traverse the treacherous Misty Canopy of Zephyrreach, and descend the Yeti's Coven, only to reach the Port of Deadmen..." Nuu murmured to himself, lost in thought, while Zamira listened in silence.
"You ask me, who am I to question?" Zamira threw her hands up.
"If my memory serves me correctly, his companion refers to him as Cardinal Anderson, and he possesses the formidable Elysian Physique….Fortunately, I was nimble enough to evade his watchful gaze, but what I witnessed during his battle...This man stood at the zenith of Might. The longer the battle dragged out the more beneficial it became for the Cardinal! "
"Why did you flee, considering that you share a similar nature?" Nuu questioned.
"Humph, so innocent. Did you expect me to approach him and say, 'Hello, I possess the Faceless Physique'? I relish my freedom, and individuals like myself can sense each other, similar to your kind."
"?"
"As for the third Physique, it holds a profound allure for all males who tread the path of immortality. Given your inclinations, dear Nuu, I daresay this shall captivate you even further," Zamira declared, her words dripping with anticipation.
Nuu's perplexed countenance intensified, his eyes fixed on her as he anxiously awaited an explanation.
"The Primal Physique..." Zamira proclaimed, her voice resounding throughout the room. As her explanation concluded, Nuu's jaw dropped in disbelief, nearly grazing the floor.
"And I thought you only heard rumors."