One second, two seconds, three seconds, four seconds… ten seconds passed. William didn't feel anything.
…What the? He opened his eyes to see the orc standing stiff with its tightened fist only an inch away from William's face.
William was startled and quickly moved away a little before he noticed the color in the orc's eyes fading before–
Boom…
Its huge body fell on William.
"I…I won…" All the strength in William's voice had disappeared.
His eyes blurred and were about to black out but he managed to stay awake. He pushed the orc's body off him despite being so drained and exhausted.
His legs wobbled as he used the wall to help him stand then went over to the goblins.
The goblin child nudged the unconscious parent goblin constantly with low cries.
When William approached, the child shielded its parent, still wearing those oversize shoes but it shuddered in fear. William had just won against a Grade-5 Orc Barbarian.
He patted its head and said, "Don't worry, I'll take it from here…"
…I can't let you die after you saved me… bent down and carried the goblin parent.
"Ugh…" He struggled and fell a few times as he walked towards the stairs leading up to the wooden door.
Upon getting to the door, it unlocked by itself and opened wide to reveal the person on the other side, it was Athena.
A shadow still covered her eyes and her arms were folded in front of her chest. Her shoulder shuddered and she bit her lip.
The fear William felt before returned immediately and didn't hesitate to scream, "Gil–"
"You're amazing!" Athena ran then hugged William with a smile and tears at the corner of her eyes, "William, I'm sorry! I'm so so sorry!"
William was dumbfounded at first …Wait, she's pleading? Oh, I see… this b*tch thinks she can play this off as some test?!
Still carrying the goblin parent on his back, William gnashed his teeth and weakly said, "Get the f*ck off me…"
Athena didn't retort and quietly obeyed. She stood a meter away from him.
His voice was weak but had an underlying tone of rage as he spoke, "Athena you… you want to play this whole thing out as a test?! I almost f*ckin' died you crazy psychopath!"
Athena pleaded, "William, please hear me out! This was the only way to–"
"Please f*ck off." William stopped her abruptly.
Athena retorted, "It was–"
"Necessary?" William completed her phrase. He let out a sarcastic scoff, "Heh, I don't have time for this sh*t."
William ignored her as he walked past her. She raised her hand and opened her mouth to speak but didn't.
William only managed to take two steps before–
Thud!
He fell to the ground face front. He had fainted.
"Sigh…" Athena quickly went to William and the goblin and bent down then was about to carry the duo with her manly strength when someone elegantly walked out from a corner; it was Selene.
She didn't bother to face Selene and picked William up along with the goblin as she said, "You cannot deny that there is no way he has something to do with the dark sorcerer."
Selene wore the same blank expression as usual. She spoke plainly, "It would have been better if he died there. I do not regret cursing him. When his purpose has been fulfilled, I will forcefully activate the curse and so will not have another problem on our hands."
Athena called out angrily, "Selene! You know William has nothing to do with 'her' death and that demon!"
Selene's brows knitted a little and she asked, "Have you forgotten it was his kind that killed her?"
"All celestials are unique! You know this. And his kind is human." Athena retorted.
Selene replied with a face full of disgust, "Even worse. He's an offspring of these greedy, vile, evil, and cold-hearted species."
"Well, why don't you say the same for the Viscount?"
Cat got Selene's tongue, she hastily replied, "He's different!"
"Exactly! William is his son!"
"That doesn't matter." Selene's views were fixed and never wavered despite Athena's words.
"Selene…" Athena sighed and looked at William's face and changed the topic, "What grade is the Water of Life he was fed?"
Selene replied, "He was never fed any. You must also know by now that Walter sees the Temple as his greatest enemy."
Athena thought …No wonder she believes there's something wrong with William. The Viscount has most likely found out a few of their secrets. Sigh, the subjects of that United Orthodoxy still have the most extremists. Even Sun has parted with their old practices. Maniacs…
"Hmm, very well then." Athena took William and the goblin parent away with the goblin child following behind her.
Selene stared at Athena's back as the latter walked away then turned to look at the door of the underground storage room with scrutinizing eyes.
❈ ❈ ❈
Right when the sun was about to retreat for the day, William opened his eyes into a small slit.
His vision was blurry and his body still felt weak and sleepy as he lay on his bed.
He relaxed …Ah, finally. I rest. Wait! The goblin!
William opened his eyes wide and stood upright on his bed to search around before he heard a young female voice, saying, "The goblin is on the couch."
Athena, who was sitting beside William's bed, said then pointed to the couch and added, "Gilde helped treat both of you. I never knew she had such talent. She's always so quiet."
William didn't bother turning to look at Athena. A dark shadow covered his eyes.
Athena took a deep breath and said, "William, I know no matter how hard I beg you the grudge you have against me will be there for putting your life at so much risk. But I need you to know that I'm immensely sorry for the things I said, but… but I don't regret my actions.
"Nova, you can do the honors," Athena said with a smile and folded arms.
「Congratulations master, you have awakened Ki.」