Edited by: ASaltedFish
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After talking with Marshal Caecius and Akimitsu about his brother, Ellery also talked about finding ways to safely separate Aster's soul from his body, transplanting it into another body.
It was something that he and Aster wanted, especially Aster, who still felt guilty about occupying his body.
Plus, Ellery didn't feel like his soul wanted to detach from his body anymore. He and Aster could control this body equally, and their emotions no longer influenced each other. It felt like they were two different people, just sharing one body.
That was why he thought it would be best if they could separate their souls. Sharing a body for the rest of their life was not productive for them or their future partners.
"This one will be a lot more difficult to figure out. I think the only clue we can look at is with the Beast God." Marshal Caecius inputted as someone who had looked through the archives the Imperial Family managed.
"From what I know, the idea that we had all come from the Beast God is not wrong. The Beast God created the people living in this galaxy, and they were normal at first. But with the threat of the Ineks, he created the Sentinel and the Guide to help defend the galaxy from the Ineks. The original Guides had the mark of the Beast God on their foreheads because they were considered the closest to the Beast God.
"Plus, the Beast God's lover wanted to be a Guide that helped the people of the Zephyrus Galaxy. Together, they created a united galaxy that fought against a common cause. When the Beast God and their wife left to let the people govern themselves, changes began to happen, and the once unified galaxy was split up into three major countries and some minor ones."
Akimitsu, Ellery, and even Aster listened to Marshal Caecius narrate the beginnings of the Zephyrus Galaxy and the large role the Beast God and their wife had in this galaxy.
They knew that the Beast God was still present because people who went back on their promises to the Beast God would get struck by lightning. Not only that but from time to time, there would be rumors that the Beast God and their wife were spotted in some part of the galaxy. The two loved to travel around, blending in with the masses and watching the changes of the galaxy happen in real-time.
Akimitsu also knew about these things and didn't pay much attention to them before because he thought it was normal. Now though, it may be the only way to separate Aster's soul safely from Ellery's body. Not only that, but maybe even creating a new body for Aster.
"Alright, I will keep an eye out on rumors to see if I can pinpoint the next location of the Beast God." Akimitsu volunteered.
Marshal Caecius also thought that it was a good idea. "Then I will focus on finding Ellery's brother, Orin."
"Don't worry, Ellery. With Marshal Caecius and I on the case, we will definitely find your brother and the Beast God!" Akimitsu confidently said.
Even though Ellery knew it would be difficult, knowing Akimitsu and Marshal Caecius would be helping him was a weight off of his shoulders that he didn't even know he had. He felt lighter like he could finally hope for a better future where his brother was back, his sister-in-law was happy, and he would be able to walk side by side with Aster.
"Thank you, Akimitsu and Marshal Caecius… I really appreciate it. If there's anything I can help with, please let me and Aster know."
When Akimitsu and Marshal Caecius finally left, Operation Find Orin and the Beast God commenced.
*****
When the Marshal and Akimitsu left, Aster took control of the body and began to plan out his safe room. First, he bought a large bed that looked like a really big dog bed, but it was made for people. Then he found the fluffiest blankets, the softest pillows, and even some animal plushies to complete the look of the room.
After that, he bought things that he liked including pretty crystals, gems, and cases to hold them all in. When he was living on Earth, he liked to collect pretty rocks and stuff and bring them back to his apartment. It didn't matter if they had no value to them. If they were pretty, he would take it with him. He also liked to look at jewelry that had pretty gems in them, so he bought a few of his favorites to start his collection.
Aster even ordered physical books about crystals and gems to keep on a bookshelf in his room. It was a bit old school, but many people liked the look and the feel of reading physical books, even in the interstellar era.
It was the first time Ellery had seen him so focused on something. He noted that he would try to find some gems and crystals for Aster in the future.
When Aster was finally done, he retreated to the back. He was excited, but all of his energy was used up, so he wanted to take a nap.
The things Aster bought came quickly, so Ellery had the housekeeping robots put it in Aster's room for when he had the energy to organize his belongings.
Then, he focused on organizing his own stuff for the next few days, sometimes switching with Aster when he wanted to help out.
When their home was fully furnished and decorated, Aster and Ellery decided to start taking appointments for Sentinels who needed to be guided.
Well, Marshal Caecius and Akimitsu were first in line, which shocked the netizens on the Starnet…
Many news articles revealed that Marshal Caecius also had high compatibility with Ellery Aster. Otherwise, why would he have an appointment with Ellery?!
Also, with two high-level sentinels fighting for Ellery, who would he pick?
Both Marshal Caecius and his adjutant had high compatibility with the SS-ranked guide, who else had high compatibility with him?
As for how people found this out, many people stalked the Guide Association after the news of Ellery's rank came out. When they saw Ellery, Marshal Caecius, and Akimitsu being escorted to the Guide Association, not just once but twice, they put two and two together to release these news articles!
Also, there were some people who took pictures when they ran into the trio on the day of Ellery and Aster's retesting and posted them online for others to see. With more photo evidence, people could confidently say that Ellery Aster had a high compatibility rating with two powerful sentinels!
Ellery didn't say anything when he walked into the Guide Association with Marshal Caecius and Akimitsu. He did smile for some pictures, but other than that, he didn't engage.
As for Marshal Caecius, no one could get him to talk, but Akimitsu, who liked to talk, said anything and everything unrelated, not revealing a thing! The trio was tight-lipped, and none of the reporters could get anything from them.
When Ellery finally got into the exclusive elevator, Aster sighed in relief.
[I knew we were going to be famous, but this is intense.]
'Yes, it will be something that you will have to get used to… I know you want to stay in hiding, but as guides who heal our sentinels who are on the front lines, we cannot stay hidden. If our powerful sentinels fall, so does the Empire…'
Ellery was right. If the Ineks overpowered the sentinels and guides, normal people would not be able to live peaceful lives. They would either die or have to flee to other countries. That's if they could even make it.
[I know… I will do my best to get used to it.]
Aster could not be like those overpowered main characters who hid their powers and did whatever they wanted. Yes, he would be in the public eye, but no one would try to hurt him or Ellery. As they said, people who had great power had even greater responsibilities…
Aster continued to chat with Ellery, who was controlling their body. Akimitsu wanted to say something but saw that the two were quiet, so he could only keep his mouth shut.
Once they arrived on the fourth floor, they got off the elevator and were escorted by Amari to their new private room. He would be the only one using the room for his sentinel clients.
In the middle of the room, there was a light gray chaise lounge sofa, where Sentinels could either sit or lay down during their guiding sessions. Across from it was a matching one-seater sofa for Ellery or Aster to sit on. Underneath the two sofas, there was a beautiful blue floral rug that was the only pop of color in the room.
Amari also pointed at the camera that was in the room. "For your safety, we have installed a camera, but there is no mic. We just want to make sure sentinels do not try to abuse you in the middle of a session."
Before Amari left the room, he mentioned one more thing. "I sent the program that we use to manage appointments for guiding sessions to your manager. If you need to blacklist a sentinel, let him know. Plus, you can also set priorities for certain sentinels. I hope that tool is useful for you."
"Thank you, Amari, for your hard work. If I need anything else, I will let you know." Ellery immediately opened up his messages with his manager, Teresa Tran, and told her to immediately blacklist Leonard Vales, that bastard. He would rather die again than give him a guiding session!
Aster saw his actions and couldn't help but laugh. It was petty, but totally understandable.
After that, Amari said his goodbyes and left the room.
Ellery then looked at Marshal Caecius and Akimitsu. "Alright, who are we guiding first?"