Half an hour or so after Arianna made her report to Kenta. In another room of the temple of power.
Two of Able's men were waiting in a small, narrowed corridor several meters away from Kenta's room. Their presence was suppressed to a reasonable degree, hindering any who was not initially aware of their existences beforehand.
"Is this brat really that much of a trouble that we had to be stationed near here?" One of the young men, who had short, messy black hair asked. He was getting fed up with waiting here for so long without any further instructions.
"Quit complaining, whenever the boss makes a decision it's our job to follow through without questions." Another young man who seems to be the eldest replied, calmly. He had slightly long brown hair and was equipped with two daggers.
"That being said, it seems like the young master has his eyes on the new guy. He was a stupid fella, to think he would actually kill the younger brother of Mr Able." The younger youth said.
"I didn't think such stupidity actually existed." He further added, in a mocking tone.
"Indeed, since he had already committed the crime, even if the young master didn't have the intention of assassinating him, he would be hunted down by the higher-ups anyway. It was just his bad luck to be pitted against his younger brother." The older youth replied, his brow furrowing slightly.
In this world, only the laws of the jungle mattered. Social status could only be approved of by one's own power. Everyone respected the strong, and the weak are loathe.
To be born weak was a sin, only through one's own strength could someone live in happiness. Even if Kenta had no other choice but to kill, if he doesn't have the strength to face retaliation, he would simply die by the hands of the clan warriors sooner or later.
It was a cruel world, and if one wanted to oppose such cruelty, strength was essential. This was why the temple of power wanted to teach the members that only strength mattered in this world.
"That aside, what are we supposed to do once we had gathered enough information?" The younger youth asked, curiously.
"Once we gathered the information on when he leaves his room, returned and what time he goes to bed, the young master can adjust his plans, and approach him around that time." The older youth replied.
"Wouldn't it be easier if we dragged him out ourselves?"
"Fool, what if we were to be spotted by someone? It's best not to take such drastic measures without proper awareness of the situation." The older youth scolded harshly.
"I see... Hm, h-hey! Someone is approaching the door." The younger youths mouth twisted bitterly until he spotted a figure approaching Kenta's door.
"Hm, that woman... W-Why is that woman here!" The older youth face paled in fright.
The unknown person who was approaching Kenta's door was Jessica.
She was well known and feared in the temple of power. The clicking sound of her heels echoed through the dimly lit hallway as Jessica walked silently through the narrowed corridor with an unreadable expression on her face.
Suddenly, her blue eyes sharpened as she observed the corridor cautiously.
The corridor was vast, and although it was slightly narrowed, there was still plenty of room to move about. Magic crystal was implanted on the walls, illuminating the silent corridor in a slight glow.
However, she didn't find anything out of the ordinary, as she shook her head and continued walking, not bothering to linger there any further.
"Is she gone?" The younger youth asked, hesitantly.
"... It seems so. She was heading into the direction of that bastard's room; don't tell me they really have a special relationship like what was reported."
"... If so, we could easily incur that woman's wrath if she finds out about the young masters plan." The younger youth expressed his concerns, while the older youth sneered.
"It doesn't matter, even someone like her would think twice about making an enemy out of our clan." He said, confidently.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, two red eyes were gazing down on them from the dark ceiling of the corridor, a small bat hung upside-down with its wings furled.
It was a beast that was contracted to Jessica, she couldn't help but shake her head as she observes them from the corner of her eyes.
"... What fools." She mumbles coldly at their stupidity, before turning her attention back to the front.
...
"Master, you seem to have a lot of faith in this woman, are you sure she is to be trusted?" Morgana asked, it seems she was unable to completely trust Jessica so easily.
Julia also nodded her head in agreement. Her crimson eyes gleamed with undisguised suspicion. Towards their concerns, Kenta nonchalantly sipped his tea as he explained.
"Like I already said, I do have some level of trust in her, but even I'm not dumb enough to trust her entirely. There is no need for your concerns. In the off chance that she does double-cross me, I'll deal with her personally."
At his words, both Julia and Morgana could finally be at ease. They had complete faith in their master. So, they didn't prob into his intentions any further.
At that moment, a small creature jumped onto Kenta's lap. It had furs as dark as the starless night sky, and deep red eyes. It was the shadow hound he had formed a master servant contract with just recently. Its size has been greatly reduced, allowing it to sit comfortably on his lap like a small puppy.
"You seem to be doing well, little guy." Kenta uttered, as he gently caresses its soft, black fur. Both Julia and Morgana watched while failing to hide their jealousy.
The shadow hound growls pleasantly as it enjoyed its masters' caresses. Then, it sent both Julia and Morgana a gaze that seems to be a mocking smirk, both their brows twitch in response.
"Tch, did this mutt just smirked at me?" Julia wondered, while grinding her teeth.
"It seems I need to put this wild creature in its place." Morgana's crimson eyes gleamed dangerously, as her magical energy circulated.
"Sigh, can you two calm down?" Kenta uttered tiredly. However, at that moment Julia's expression changed abruptly.
"We have company." She announced.
"... She arrived much sooner than expected. Let her in." Said Kenta.
"As you wish." Julia bowed gracefully as she headed towards the door. With a soft creak, the door opened up, revealing the figure of a beautiful woman with long brown hair and ocean blue eyes. It was naturally Jessica, who stood in waiting.
'This woman?' Jessica's usual expressionless face twitch slightly as the figure of a beautiful silver-haired woman, clad in maid attire entered her field of vision.
"My master has been awaiting your arrival, please come this way." Julia said, her beautiful fairy-like voice was cold and detached. Now that they were in the presence of others, she swapped back to her professional self, rather than her usual playful attitude she put on around Kenta.
Jessica was left standing at the rooms entrance in a dazed. That was because she could feel danger coming from the silver-haired maid who had just greeted her. Today, she had actually met two unknown women whose strength was comparable to her own, she didn't know how to feel about that.
However, she exhaled a deep breath as she entered the room, easily spotting the one she had come here to meet. Her eyes narrowed slightly when she saw the creature on his lap, but she kept her silence and sat on the seat opposite to Kenta.
Before any of them could speak, Jessica observed the young blonde-haired youth before her carefully. While he appears to be himself outwardly, she notices there was a subtle difference in his demeanour, compared with the naive, yet cautious boy she had seen a day ago.
There was a strange calmness, along with a strong presence he didn't emit before.
'If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was replaced with someone else.' That thought briefly flash through her mind, as she narrowed her eyes slightly in doubt.
"It's nice meeting you again, lady Jessica. Though it's only been about a day since we last saw each other, hasn't it?" Kenta broke the silence as he offered her his greetings, unaware of her inner thoughts.
"Indeed, it has. Though I must say, you have become an even bigger monster in the few hours we haven't seen each other, haven't you?" Jessica replied, sarcastically.
"Calling me a monster is a bit rude; don't you think? Although I can't deny that I've changed quite a bit since we last saw each other."
"Quite a bit isn't doing your growth justice, that unpleasant aura around you seems just as dark and oppressive as before."
"Fufu. Is it bothering you? If so, I can suppress it if you want." As he said that, the aura of death gradually receded, and returned to his body, its vile presence completely disappeared from within the room.
"Oh, you actually learnt to control it? Not bad, but at least now talking to you should be a lot easier." Jessica's blue eyes widened slightly in a show of surprised, before she ultimately heaved a sigh of relief.
She naturally didn't like being in the presence of the aura of death.
Until now, she had been protecting herself from the influence of the aura of death using her own magical energy. However, her body could still feel the effects even when protecting herself.
The aura of death drained all life energy from the surroundings, this was a passive effect that even Kenta couldn't stop, even if he wanted to.
Just being near it is capable of weakening anyone with life energy flowing through their body. "Although I'm still not capable of completely manipulating it to its full potential. Suppressing my aura has become second nature for me." He said with a shrug.
'Although, my control of the aura of death should increase once my comprehension on the universal law of death increases as well.' He thought excitedly while keeping an unreadable expression outwardly.
"If you don't mind sharing, how exactly did you learnt to suppress that aura of yours?" Jessica asked, curiosity laced in her voice.
"... Let's just say I've been practicing."
"Fine, don't tell me."
"What makes you think I'm lying?"
"You've only been here for a day, when would you find the time to practice such a thing?" Jessica said, as though it was only obvious. At that Kenta chuckled. Discreetly, he made eye contact with Julia, who was standing a meter or so behind him.
Understanding her master's intentions, Julia promptly moved to poured Jessica some steaming hot tea as they sat.
"Now then, shall we go on with our main talk?" He asked after a short pause.
"... Indeed, I have a lot I'd like to ask you." Jessica took a sip of her tea to wet her throat, her brows furrowing slightly.
'This tea, did this silver-haired woman brew it?' She wondered, it was definitely the most delicious tea she had drank until now. Julia received the best teachings in the royal castle of the Kingdom of Oura, her skills were naturally all top-notches.
She was naturally curious about the origins of the assassin who could control shadows. And then, she shifted her gaze towards the silver-haired maid, and...
'Who is that woman? The magical energy fluctuating around her is astounding.' Jessica's eyes widen slightly, someone as experienced as her could vaguely sense the magical energy in the atmosphere.
Similarly, magical energy subconsciously gathered around individuals who are also highly compatible with mana, the woman currently sitting on the bed, with long silvery-white hair, the witch, Morgana was highly adored by the mana in the atmosphere. It was very rare to encounter someone so loved by mana.
'This woman, she isn't human, is she a witch?' Jessica narrowed her eyes. Although they were few in numbers, witches were known to be very talented in magic, they had more potential than even advance mages.
Silently observing her gaze Kenta smiled mysteriously, "Oh, how rude of me. I forgot to introduce these fellows, you two introduce yourselves." He ordered.
At his prompting, both Julia and Morgana quickly stood up and bowed solemnly, "I am Morgana, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"I am the maid serving my master, Julia, it's a pleasure."
"I am Jessica, it's a pleasure to meet you." Jessica said, curtly. After she ended her introduction, she sent Kenta an inquisitive look. Who are these girls? And how did you convince such powerful individuals to serve you? Her gaze said. Kenta smiled strained at her glare.
'How am I supposed to explain this?' He wondered internally.
If he had to explain the situation in detail, he would have to reveal the fact that he could manipulate the law of death, along with the fact that he was the reincarnation of the god of death.
It was doubtful if Jessica even knew about the existence of universal laws, as it touched upon the secrets of the gods. But Kenta wasn't sure if he should reveal such information to Jessica. Even though he had some level of trust towards her, he still had some doubts about revealing such secretive information to her.
"... If it's something you'd rather keep confidential, then I'm willing to make a heavenly oath right here." Jessica suddenly spoke up, out of consideration. Both Julia and Morgana gasps in surprised at the mention of the heavenly oath.
"Is she serious? This girl..." Morgana who had been silently playing with a strand of her silvery-white hair paled at the mention of the heavenly oath.
A heavenly oath is a secret technique used to bound the soul, if one breaks the heavenly oath their soul would be destroyed as a consequence.
Although Kenta didn't have any information about such a technique, it showed how much Jessica valued Kenta, as no one would ever want to fall under such restrictions.
Even if it's for a good cause, the heavenly oath, also known as the soul contract, would be fatal if broken.
After all, the soul was essential. If one's soul was completely destroyed rebirth was impossible.
Thus, not many would actually take that kind of risk.
This was the reason behind the surprise reaction of both Julia and Morgana.
"... Heavenly oath?" Kenta tilted his head in confusion, unsure of the meaning.
"A heavenly oath would put a restriction onto me, preventing me from talking freely, if I break it... Then I'd pay with my life." Jessica gently placed her hand against her chest as she explained.
"Huh, such a convenient technique actually existed?" Kenta's eyes widen slightly in surprised.
"Indeed, though it's not a technique that is used much these days. Currently, there are only a very few individuals who are actually aware of its existence. But in the past, it was something used by many." She added.
"I see... In that case, let's do it." Kenta agreed readily. Although he still had many questions, if this oath restricted her from spreading this kind of information, then he didn't see a reason to reject the idea.
'Not to mention, I have too many enemies. With that in mind, if word of this spread the chances of my existence being exposed will increase, putting me in unnecessary danger.' He thought. In his mind, he recalled the unknown god who could potentially target him in the future, being the reincarnation of the god of death, Hendrix.
'But that aside, I'm surprised she would want to use such risky methods, is this a ploy to gain my trust, or maybe—?' Kenta thought doubtfully.
Although it wouldn't have matter much as long as she kept her silence, it was still a very drastic option to choose.
"Then, with the heaven as my witness. I, Jessica, swore I will not speak a word of what the individual Kenta revealed to me at this moment." After saying that much, Jessica bit her fingers, she dropped a droplet of her blood onto Kenta's finger.
The blood lit up in a faint crimson light, before disappearing inside Kenta's fingers.
Despite that, he felt no discomfort. However, he did feel a foreign connection to Jessica, it was a different connection to the one he had with his servants.
The connection he had with his servants was strong, and deep. It was like the connection you would feel to a loved one, or a close family member.
This connection. However, seems faint, and artificial, like it would vanish at any moment. It was the seal of their soul contract.
"The contract has been signed, now you are free to tell me whatever you wish without fear." Jessica said, reclining on her chair as her lips curled upwards into a slight smile. It was already very rare for the usual expressionless queen of beast to exhibit a fleeting smile, this showed she was most likely in a good mood.
Kenta stared at the brown-haired beauty before him and placed his hand beneath his chin, in silence. Rather than being reluctant to talk, he seemed unsure where to start his story.
"If it's that hard, why don't you tell me from the beginning? Rather than trying to force yourself to explain the complicated stuff first." Jessica suggested. She gently brushed her long silky brown hair from her face as she waited patiently for him to begin.
"Okay, first... I'll tell you how I ended up here. That is, I'll tell you about how I ended up alone." He said, as a preamble. He decided to begin his tale in chronological order.
At the same time, he gently caresses the soft fur of the shadow hound that laid comfortably on his lap.
...
Back in the kingdom of Barat, in the city of Azuri one of the major cities in the south. In a certain garden, a large mansion towered higher than all the residential buildings in the surroundings.
The mansion was home to one of the key figures of the city. The governor, Micheal Mathew. In the rear garden, a young woman with long waist length pink-coloured hair could be seen. A beautiful pink gown wrapped around her body.
"Air cutter!" She recited an incantation for the activation of her spell. A magic formation appeared, firing blades of wind in quick, continues fire.
Swish!
The blade cut through the air at a tremendous speed, slicing through a giant boulder which crumbles loudly from the impact.
Even when seeing the resulting damage from her magic, the pink-haired woman's brow furrowed into a frown. She was unsatisfied.
"... I have to do more, if only, if only I was stronger back then." Her beautiful face twisted in both pain and sorrow as she recalled the figure of a blonde-haired youth.
"... Kenta it's because of me that you—!" She bit her lips bitterly. She was one of the orphans that once took shelter in the orphanage that was managed by Michael older sister. She was also one of the few children who had interacted with Kenta all those years ago, it was Charlotte.
Back when the orphanage was being raided it was Kenta who had given her a chance to escape. If it weren't for him, she would've most probably ended up among the many casualties.
"He saves me back then without even considering his own safety, I don't even know if he is alive and well." Her hands clenched into a fist.
Currently, Kenta's status was regarded as unknown as his body wasn't found among the many corpses that was taken from the orphanage. This implies that he was either taken away or he had left before any rescue could arrive.
Nevertheless, Michael still hasn't given up on him yet. He continuously requested a search party to investigate the case. With the sudden announcement of the marriage between the crown prince and the first princess of one of their allied kingdoms, the kingdom of Alilia. More importance had been placed in the marriage ceremony.
That was to be expected, as the marriage between the two would bring both the kingdom of Barat and the kingdom of Alilia closer together in a harmonious relationship. With the current increase in monster attack, followed by the constant aggression from the kingdom of Paullus.
They needed to join together to take care of the hostile nation that loomed over their heads. Currently, they had very little time to continue their search. However, in reality, they had little interest in wasting such precious time finding a mere orphan child.
Some of them didn't even put much effort into finding his possible location.
For them, the life of a mere orphan child whose fate is dubious at best isn't any more important than maintaining the order and relations of their nation.
As such, there was very little Michael could do about the situation regarding the missing Kenta.
"... I thought you'd be here, Charlotte." Suddenly a young girl with long waist length blue hair strode over to Charlotte. She stood behind Charlotte, draped in a long blue dress with a conflicted look on her beautiful face.
She was Nessa, another one of the orphans who had survived.
"Oh, Nessa, do you need me for something?" Charlotte asked even as she continues to fire her wind blades. Seeing that Charlotte wasn't even looking into her direction, Nessa sighed heavily this time.
"I came to inform you that Ellen has arrived." She replied.