The quiet room seemed to thicken with tension as Pyris let out a long sigh, his mind weighed down by thoughts he could no longer ignore. For so long, his ambitions had been straightforward: magic and technology, the two pillars that had driven him since childhood.
But as Liez gently pressed him against the wall, her sultry demeanor replaced with an unusual air of seriousness, Pyris knew this conversation would lead him to confront a deeper truth.
"Pyris," Liez murmured, her voice soft yet firm, "you're not fit to handle a succubus, not with all the weight you're carrying on your mind."
Pyris felt her words pierce through his frustration, his mind racing with the truth of it. He could scoff at it if he wanted to, but she was right.
Liez leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear as she whispered, "Let's cure that troubled mind of yours, shall we?"
For a moment, Pyris's mood soured—he didn't want to face his troubles, not now. But Liez knew him too well. She wasn't here to seduce him, not this time. She had come to help, and Pyris could feel the weight of her words settling in his chest.
"You know," Liez whispered again, sensing his reluctance, "I came here to help because I thought you needed it. With all this new responsibility... running the company, the empire, your family..." She pulled back slightly, smiling softly at him. "I didn't come for me this time, Pyris. I came for you."
Intrigued, Pyris cocked an eyebrow. "Alright, then," he said, his expression softening as he gazed at her. "What's going on inside that pretty head of yours?"
Liez's red eyes glowed softly, her smile turning radiant as she leaned back against the wall. Her tone became more thoughtful, contemplative. "You once told me your only real desire was magic and technology, right? But I've been thinking about that, Pyris. Technology, sure... I get that. You've always been passionate about it. But why magic? Why the obsession?"
Pyris stared at her, the question hanging in the air like a heavy cloud. He hadn't expected this conversation to take such a turn. For a moment, he was silent, deep in thought, as memories from his past resurfaced—his early passion for technology, the desire to create a better world, to leave his mark. But magic?
Magic was different.
He took a deep breath, his mind piecing together the answer. "I grew up loving technology because it gave me control... a way to shape the world, to make it better, more efficient. But the world... it's not as kind as I once thought it was. It's full of selfishness, brutality... and magic? Magic is the power that allows the strong to rule."
Pyris's voice grew darker, his eyes narrowing as old memories resurfaced. "I don't want my mother to protect us all alone anymore. I refuse to let my family's long-standing legacy end with me. And I definitely won't let people like Silas harm us again—not while I'm still breathing."
Liez listened intently as he spoke, her gaze never leaving his. She could feel the intensity of his words, the weight of his convictions. Pyris wasn't just playing a role in this world. He was determined to reshape it.
"So, my obsession with both technology and magic is the same," Pyris continued, his tone firm. "Both are paths to power. The deeper I go into technology, the more I see it commands power, just like magic. I made a vow to use everything I have to protect my family and the people I care about."
For a moment, the room fell silent as Liez absorbed his words. There was a fierce conviction in Pyris's voice—one that was deeply rooted in who he was, who he had become.
Liez shifted, her usual playful demeanor gone. "Pyris, darling... You're honorable. Your desire to protect those you love is something I admire. I can only hope to be one of them." She paused, her tone becoming more serious. "But you're still too naive for someone of your stature in Argos."
Pyris blinked, his brow furrowing. "What do you mean?"
Liez's eyes darkened slightly as she spoke. "You're focused on people like Silas—he's not even worth your time. There are far greater threats waiting in the shadows, watching your family's brilliance grow brighter, waiting for the perfect moment to strike."
Her words hit Pyris harder than he expected. He had thought about threats, of course, but Silas... he had always felt like a looming presence in the back of Pyris's mind. But now, hearing Liez speak so gravely about other dangers, Pyris felt a flicker of doubt.
["She has a point, Pyris,"] Lia's voice echoed in his mind. ["Silas may have been the beginning, but there are much larger threats waiting. You need to think bigger."]
Liez leaned in closer, her eyes glowing with a dangerous intensity. "Silas is a pawn, Pyris. Someone far more dangerous is pulling the strings. Your family's influence has reached into the Immortal Realm, and you know it. Tell me, is someone like Silas really worth your concern?"
Pyris was quiet for a moment, shaking his head. "No... I guess not. But if he was a pawn, then who's playing the game?"
Liez sighed, her voice softening as she caressed his cheek. "That's what you need to figure out. Pyris, even the smartest and strongest among us have demons. Silas has been one of yours for too long, and it's clouding your judgment."
Pyris's expression shifted, a mix of frustration and realization crossing his face. "I've let him get to me more than I should have, haven't I?"
"I'm afraid so," Liez whispered. "But you're not alone in that. We all have our weak spots, Pyris. It's nothing to be ashamed of."
Pyris sat down, running his hand through his hair as he thought about everything. "I have so much more to accomplish," he muttered. "The enemies will only grow more dangerous the higher my family rises."
Liez nodded, her expression grim. "Even the Dragon Imperial Family has their sights on your family's power. They're afraid of your mother... but not enough to stay out of it forever."
Pyris's jaw clenched. He knew this. The Dragons had always been interested in gaining more influence over Obsidian Tech. But now that his mother had stepped back, leaving the reins to him, they would see it as an opportunity to tighten their grip.
"And it's not just the Dragons," Liez continued, her voice dropping to a whisper. "The Vampires, the Humans, the Demons... They're all planning in the shadows. They'll wait for the right moment to strike. Your family is too powerful to ignore."
They both sank into the couch, their minds sinking even deeper into the storm of thoughts swirling around them. The weight of the world seemed to hang on Pyris's shoulders, but now, with Liez beside him, he felt like he could see the bigger picture.
"So where are you in all of this?" Pyris asked quietly, his voice low. "Your 'family' is soon going to scheme against mine. I don't want you caught in the crossfire."
Liez smiled softly, resting her hand on his chest. "You worry too much, darling. My connection to the Chaos Demons of Beginning is thin. Only my sister is tied to them through marriage, and I can distance myself easily. Besides, I've always been loyal to you, Pyris. I won't betray you."
Pyris nodded, his heart easing slightly. But before he could say anything more, Liez's expression darkened, and her voice dropped to a near whisper.
"But your worries shouldn't stop at the mortal realm, Pyris. There's something bigger on the horizon. I think we're about to witness another Heaven Decree."
The words sent a chill down Pyris's spine. Even Lia seemed stunned into silence as the room trembled slightly.
*******
Lia's voice might change to ["..."] Forever so that we can distinguish her from the system completely!
Power stones guys. I want you motivation, I'm putting alot of effort and I want to see the appreciation, a revelation that you guys enjoyed the work.
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