Grey and Aira walked through the grand hallway lined with various doorways leading to different rooms. The silence between them was palpable, each seemingly waiting for the other to break it.
Grey's attire was a blend of monochromatic hues, accentuating his mysterious aura. He wore a fitted, high-collared grey shirt that hugged his lean frame, tucked neatly into black trousers that were both functional and stylish. Over this, he sported a long, white coat that reached down to his knees, the fabric flowing gracefully with each step. The coat had intricate black embroidery along the edges, adding an elegant touch to his ensemble. His hands were casually tucked into the deep pockets of his coat, giving him a relaxed yet composed demeanor.
Aira walked beside him, her presence equally captivating. She wore a flowing white dress that contrasted beautifully with her striking black hair and dark eyes. The dress was simple yet elegant, made of a soft, shimmering fabric that caught the light with every movement. It had long sleeves that tapered delicately at her wrists, and a fitted bodice that accentuated her slender figure. The skirt of the dress billowed slightly as she walked, adding a touch of grace to her every step. A silver belt cinched at her waist, highlighting her silhouette and adding a touch of sophistication to her attire.
Aira glanced at Grey, noticing how his clothes complemented his striking grey eyes and newly enhanced physique. She admired the subtle details of his ensemble, from the finely stitched patterns on his coat to the way his trousers fit perfectly, hinting at the strength and agility beneath.
The hallway itself was adorned with luxurious tapestries and ancient artifacts, each door leading to a room filled with history and magic. The silence between them grew heavier, the echo of their footsteps the only sound accompanying their thoughts.
"So, what was that about?" Aira finally asked, breaking the silence that had enveloped them.
Grey glanced at her, his grey eyes meeting her inquisitive black ones. He could see the concern and curiosity in her gaze, and he knew she deserved an explanation.
"I was refining my body with mana," Grey began, his voice calm but serious. "It's a technique to enhance physical and magical abilities. The process creates a lot of energy and, unfortunately, a lot of disturbance."
Aira nodded, absorbing his words. "I've heard of such techniques, but I've never seen anything cause a reaction like that," she said, her tone both impressed and worried.
"I think it's because my mana is pretty unique, and I released a lot of it," Grey explained.
Aira frowned. "But I've never felt such huge fluctuations of mana from you before. It was strong, but not enough to cause a disturbance like this."
"What disturbance? Are you talking about the room?" Grey asked, confused.
"You really don't know?" Aira asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No clue," Grey said, shrugging.
Aira chuckled. "Come on, let's go outside. You'll see what you've done today."
Grey felt a mix of curiosity and dread, sensing that he might have caused something big.
They stepped out of the grand mansion, and suddenly, black wings unfurled behind both Grey and Aira. They spread wide, lifting them into the sky. After a short flight, they hovered in place and looked down. Grey's eyes widened in shock.
"Holy shit!" Grey shouted, staring at the scene below.
The city was in chaos. Buildings were crumbled, streets were torn up, and debris was everywhere. It looked like a natural disaster had hit, leaving destruction in its wake.
"Now you see what you've done," Aira said, giving him a pointed look.
"...Yeah," Grey muttered, unable to tear his eyes away from the devastated city below. He felt a heavy weight settle in his chest as the reality of his actions sank in..
Grey wasn't a good guy, but he wasn't bad either. He was neutral towards most things, but he always tried to start with good intentions. His grandmother always said, "A good beginning might not always bring a good ending, but the ending won't be worse than bad." So, he approached everything with good will, hoping for a positive outcome, whether it came from humans, other races, or nature.
He gave the same respect and care that others showed him. Although Fallen Angels were often viewed as beings tainted by evil, Grey didn't see them that way. His perspective was different, shaped by his own experiences and thoughts.
Initially, he approached Aira to gather information about the realm and its situations. They began talking, and he even cooked for her. Over time, they grew closer, becoming acquaintances, or perhaps even friends. Eventually, she invited him to her home.
Despite being the daughter of the realm's ruler, Aira was kind and gracious to him, a stark contrast to the typical image of a Fallen Angel. She knew he was human, and yet, she didn't harm him. Even after the destruction he caused, she didn't scold him.
The other Fallen Angels in the city hadn't harmed him either. They interacted politely, and despite being an intruder who caused significant damage, they treated him with a level of respect that made him feel a pang of guilt.
Grey looked at Aira, his gaze heavy with remorse. In a low voice, he said, "I'm sorry. I really am. I'm willing to accept any punishment you think is right." He lowered his gaze, feeling the weight of his actions.
Seeing Grey so visibly guilt-ridden, Aira smiled reassuringly. "It's okay, no one was harmed, just some buildings and roads. Those can be rebuilt, so don't worry," she said with a comforting smile.
Grey felt a bit relieved hearing her understanding words. He looked at Aira and offered, "I'll help you rebuild the city. You'd be surprised how capable I am," he added, flexing his biceps playfully.
"Haha!" Aira couldn't help but laugh, feeling the tension ease between them. Grey smiled back, enjoying the moment with her. Despite their age difference, they seemed to connect effortlessly.
"Now that I'm offering to help, what do you need from me?" Grey asked sincerely.
Aira pondered for a moment, then a light bulb seemed to go off above her head. "I know! I want a massage. My shoulders are a bit tired from all the trouble you caused," she teased.
"What?" Grey chuckled, taken aback. "I meant help related to the city."
"Oh, right!" Aira realized her mistake and lightly tapped her head with her hand. Then, snapping her fingers, she seemed to summon something. Grey's senses heightened instantly, detecting a dark figure materializing behind Aira.
Despite feeling nothing threatening from Aira herself, Grey remained vigilant. He knew better than to let his guard down, sensing that something dangerous had just entered their midst.
Just as the figure appeared, Grey's senses flared up, warning him of something dangerous. However, Grey remained composed, knowing that nothing could harm him in Aira's presence.
The figure behind Aira was a stunning woman, her beauty rivalling Aira's own. She had an air of cold indifference about her, displaying no emotions as she stood there, observing Grey with an intense gaze. Her features were sharp and ethereal, framed by long, flowing black hair that cascaded down her back like a river of shadows. Her eyes, deep and piercing, seemed to hold a universe of secrets within them, reflecting a wisdom far beyond her outward appearance.
She wore a flowing gown of midnight blue, adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer with a faint iridescence under the ambient light. Around her neck hung a delicate silver pendant, glinting softly as it caught the light. Despite her outward beauty, there was an undeniable aura of power and danger emanating from her, like a silent storm waiting to unleash its fury.
As she stood there in silence, Grey couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine, sensing the formidable presence that accompanied her. He glanced at Aira, silently questioning the identity and purpose of this mysterious newcomer in their midst.
"Meet Selene," Aira introduced with a gesture towards the woman behind her. "She is my protector and right hand in governing our city. As the city lord, I rely on her expertise to maintain our economic stability and defense."
Selene stood beside Aira silently, her presence imposing yet composed. Her eyes, sharp and discerning, met Grey's with an intensity that spoke of her vigilance and dedication to her responsibilities. She wore an intricate armor that gleamed softly in the ambient light, a symbol of her role as both guardian and strategist in the city's governance.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Selene," Grey acknowledged respectfully, recognizing the weight of her position and the pivotal role she played in ensuring the city's well-being.
Selene's response to Grey's extended hand was silence. Her cold gaze remained fixed upon him, her expression unreadable yet tinged with an underlying intensity. She stood motionless, her demeanor composed and unwavering, as if assessing Grey with a scrutiny that cut through any pretense or facade.