Chapter 288 - Another perspective
While Astron was fighting with the demon inside the cavern, Irina was not staying idle either. Facing off the entirety of the Phantom Horde that was continuously pouring down, she raised her hand.
"Burn."
The flames at her fingertips danced with a ferocity matching her determination. The heat emanating from her attacks formed a protective barrier, creating a zone of controlled chaos where the phantoms were met with an inferno.
–SWIRL!
The relentless onslaught of phantoms, however, seemed to be never-ending.
Irina fought with unyielding vigor, her movements becoming a whirlwind of destruction. Torrents of fire erupted from her hands; each controlled burst aimed at engulfing the malevolent entities in searing flames.
'Why are they not stopping? Where does this energy come from?'
She couldn't help but ask herself as she was continuously faced with phantoms. The amount of phantoms was certainly abnormal, and there were many of them that weren't simply in the form of humans.
There were some animals, some monsters, and even some hybrids. It was as if there was something that didn't add up.
Yet, she didn't have the time to ponder about all those things.
–SCREECH!
She had yet to end the fight, as the pouring phantoms constantly pressured her. As one of them attacked her right behind her head, she tilted it to the side, evading the attack. Even as an heir of a mage family, when she was a young child, she was educated in close combat. She could even use a sword, though she found it rather vulgar than elegant.
Though she was sure talented at it, at least, that was what she thought.
–SCREECH!
Amidst the fiery dance, a sudden screech signaled the appearance of another phantom right behind her. Reacting with ingrained combat instincts, Irina bent her body to the side, narrowly evading the claws of the attacking phantom. Her irritation grew at the constant barrage of foes.
"Enough of this!" she muttered to herself, her annoyance fueling her determination. Suddenly, another phantom materialized behind her, throwing its claws in a swift attack. Without thinking, Irina instinctively used her telekinesis.
"Die."
The phantom froze in mid-air as Irina's telekinetic grip took hold. With a focused expression, she crushed the ethereal core of the phantom, dissipating it into nothingness. A surge of satisfaction washed over her as she marveled at the unexpected development.
Yet, following that second, she couldn't help but think of herself.
"When did I get this proficient at telekinesis?" she wondered, a momentary lapse in her thoughts. The answer eluded her, lost in the chaotic nature of Phantom's Land and the mysteries it held.
'Well, I can't ponder about that for now.'
She thought as she threw a wave of fire to her right side.
–SWIRL!
After all, even if she was used to multitasking, it wasn't an efficient way of defending. For some reason, that guy was taking a bit long inside, and she had a hunch that keeping her mana for a while would be a lot more important.
Pushing aside the confusion, Irina seamlessly transitioned back to her relentless assault.
'But, this…..Should I combine them?'
It was a simple question, yet she thought of it. Whether it was because she felt like she could use her 「Telekinesis」 like her other limb or another reason, she wanted to utilize it more in combat.
SWIRL!
Deciding to test the idea, she closed her eyes and focused on the upcoming phantoms. With her mana sense, she was able to visualize where they were, and imagining another limb formed by her telekinesis, she grabbed them and brought them together.
–BOOM!
Following that, she immediately blasted the area where she had forcefully gathered the enemies.
'Ho? Would you look at that?'
She couldn't help but marvel at the process. Even in the initial stages of her thoughts, she was able to display this amount of power and what would happen if she were to master such a combat strategy.
Flames and telekinetic force intertwined as she faced the phantoms with a combination of fiery magic and unseen psychic prowess. Her movements became a spectacle of both elegance and power, a testament to her prowess as the Fiery Demoness.
'I am allowed to have a little fun, as well, right? I hope so!'
Thinking that, she smiled. Whatever happened inside that place, like a cave, she had full faith in him. Where did this faith come from? She did not know. Maybe it was not that she wholeheartedly believed in him, but rather, she wanted to believe.
From the moment she woke up, she herself had been rather strange. A bunch of strange emotions occupied her heart, as well as those thoughts that she could partially recover.
"NOOO! NOOO!"
Especially the part where a young voice continuously screamed.
"I am going to kill you! I am going to kill you no matter what!"
The scream came from the heart so much that, even now, she could feel the shivers on her spine. Yet, she had yet to think about those partial fractures in her head, though she was incredibly curious.
'Was it Astron? Was this his memories? Did we even enter a dream?'
There was also a small fracture where she was mumbling a 'parallel world.' What did it mean? She still couldn't find it.
–SCREECH! ROAR!
Just as another screeching sound echoed, coupled with the sound of a roar, Irina's attention returned to reality.
'Now, let's not think about all those things.'
She thought to herself and looked at the source of the roar. There, she could see another monster and a phantom different from a human.
'Raksha and Dark Elf.'
They were the ones that Astron had fought at the start. It seemed the definition of phantoms not being able to be extinguished was true. Even if she had smashed or burned their cores, they were returning back.
–SWOOSH!
Focusing on the immediate threats, Irina found herself challenged by the combination of Raksha's agility and Dark Elf's magical abilities.
The agile phantom eluded her attacks while the Dark Elf, a formidable mage, protected Raksha and posed a significant threat.
Amidst the chaos, an idea sparked in Irina's mind. The relentless assault from the monsters pushed her to think creatively. Also, she was kind of utilizing the theories that they had thought before. Now that her head kind of returned to its normal, she was working it at full capacity.
–BOOM!
Despite the challenges, Irina stood her ground, determination burning in her amber eyes.
'That guy was able to beat them. Then, there is no way I can't.'
Even in her eyes, Astron was a capable fighter; she still thought that she was stronger in terms of fighting, especially with her high firepower.
'Tch. I can't hit.'
Yet, she also realized that as long as she was not able to hit the enemy, having high power meant nothing. Of course, she was rather well-trained in this aspect as well, yet the small spatial warps that those guys were able to do make things quite harder than normal.
The battle against Raksha and Dark Elf intensified as she continued to face the relentless assault. The agile phantom and the magical prowess of the Dark Elf posed a formidable challenge.
–SCREECH! ROAR!
Just as Irina was having a challenging time, a surge of inspiration struck.
'Why hadn't I thought of that?'
The force Telekinesis was a force that affected everything, creating a field around the desired location according to the type of psions gathered around it.
But could it somehow pass through space and time? Was it possible?
When she asked this question to herself, for some reason, she knew it could. She was sure of it, and without a doubt, she started implementing her idea.
Closing her eyes, she focused on the spatial warps created by Raksha and Dark Elf. Visualizing the Psion fields surrounding the desired locations, she extended her Telekinesis beyond the physical realm.
The force of Telekinesis reached through the spatial warps, disrupting the duo's attempts at spatial transportation. Irina's mind became a conduit, pulling them out of their portals and into another dimension within the grasp of her unseen force.
The unexpected twist left Raksha and Dark Elf momentarily disoriented. The spatial transportation that had once been their advantage was turned against them, and Irina seized the opportunity to unleash a torrent of flames.
「Household of Emberheart; Ember Calamity」
It was the spell of her household. A flame formula that went beyond the general concept, becoming something that was only for weaponry.
Even though she hated her household, she could never give up the fire-spells she had learned there. Those were the only things that she liked about her household after all.
–SWIRL! BOOM!
The fiery magic engulfed the once-elusive duo. The controlled chaos of flames swirled around them, creating an inferno that left no room for escape.
Yet, the relentless power of Ember Calamity extended beyond its initial targets, reaching every other phantom within Irina's field. The ferocious flames danced with an unrestrained intensity, consuming the spectral entities that dared to approach. Trees and foliage caught fire in the process, turning the battlefield into a sea of roaring flames.
Irina's 'mastery' over her abilities was on full display as she went a bit overboard, exterminating every phantom within her vicinity.
"Hehehe…..That is what you get for opposing me."
Though, her mastery over her self-awareness didn't seem to be that good.
The relentless onslaught left no room for the malevolent entities to regroup or counterattack. Her amber eyes glowed with the intensity of the flames, a mixture of triumph and a touch of wild exhilaration.
–CRACK! THUD!
As one of the old trees fell to the ground with a loud noise, Irina couldn't help but flinch.
"Cough…Cough…."
With an awkward cough, she looked at the result of her own flames.
"I guess I went a bit overboard."
She exclaimed. Well, that wasn't certainly her first time doing that, so she was more of a professional at dealing with the aftermath of her actions.
Turning back to survey the area behind her, Irina found a moment of respite.
"AAAARGHK!"
Yet, in that silence, a hearty scream pierced the air, a rough voice distinct from Astron's.
"Huh? What was that?"
The urgency and unfamiliarity of the voice sent a chill down her spine.
'That wasn't Astron, right? Right?'
Concern etched on her face. The fact that such a scream came from that side and the feeling of the enemy's power….Irina couldn't help but think of some extreme scenarios in her head.
'No, no, no. There is no way. He said nothing would happen.'
In an instant, Irina sprinted towards the source of the scream.
The worry for Astron flashed in her mind, but the distinct pinch of the voice hinted at something different. Regardless, she couldn't ignore the uneasy feeling that gripped her heart.
Rushing through the cavern, Irina's heart pounded in her chest, anxiety gripping her as she rounded a corner. The sight that awaited her was beyond anything she could have expected. There, in the dimly lit cavern, stood Astron, his face smeared with blood, surrounded by an incredibly foreign aura.
"Astron! What happened?" she exclaimed, her voice edged with concern.
–SPURT!
Before she could comprehend the situation fully, the humanoid monster's body, the demon, shone on the ground. Its body exploded with an otherworldly sound, and at that moment, the entire Phantom's Land began to crumble.
The once foreboding atmosphere dissipated, and the fog that shrouded the surroundings lifted. Irina stared in shock at the unfolding scene before her, unable to grasp the sudden turn of events.
"Ah…."
As Astron turned to face her, Irina noticed he seemed to be rather shaky.
"Cough….I guess I pushed myself a lot….."
Saying that he staggered.
–THUD!
Though before he could fall to the ground, Irina managed to hold him.
"You did well; you can rest now."
Chapter 289 - Another Perspective (2)
"Cough….I guess I pushed myself a lot….."
Saying that, he staggered.
–THUD!
Though before he could fall to the ground, Irina managed to hold him.
"You did well; you can rest now."
Irina cradled Astron in her arms as the remnants of Phantom's Land slowly dissipated. Even though she was tired from the constant fighting, she still conserved some of her strength. And, it was not like Astron was too heavy, either.
'Looking close like this….'
She couldn't help but think a little. Even though his skin had now become a lot healthier and shinier than before, she still remembered the first times she had seen him.
There were times when he looked kind of fragile.
'Well, his sleeping face is really innocent.'
It really felt somehow familiar, as if she kind of remembered him as someone innocent. Considering their past relationship and how they interacted, these feelings didn't make sense, yet deep down in some place, she somehow found herself remembering something.
"Good morning, mother. Should I help you?"
It was a faint memory—a faint memory of a young child smiling at his mother. It was short, yet it felt like this memory affected her quite a lot.
'Who is this child?'
She couldn't help but ask herself. Who was this child, and why was she now remembering it? Even after this entity had died or Astron killed it somehow, it felt like it was still affecting her mind.
Yet, the faint memories continued to come forward. It was as if something that had been blocking her was released now, and she could freely think.
"You're never going to leave me, right?"
"No matter what happens, Estelle, I promise I'll never leave you. Even if the world breaks down, as long as I am still breathing, I will always stay with you."
It was another memory. A memory where two youngsters were talking-
"Argh-!"
Before she could even ponder about the details of the memory more, an immense amount of pain assaulted Irina's head. Releasing a groan, she clenched her hands, trying to withstand the pain.
However, at the same time, even though she could no longer see it, her mind continued to rack.
'Who is Estelle?'
A question that she asked herself. Who was the girl named Estelle? What were those memories?
'Are they related to Astron?'
Turning her head to him, she saw his sleeping face. For the first time in her life, she had seen him this defenseless. Even before, he had never once let his guard down in front of anyone. Irina was no fool. She could always see Astron with his guard up. No matter which situation occurred, he was always ready for something on his way.
That was how it always was. But right now, it was the complete opposite.
Irina hesitated for a moment, torn between the intriguing memories flooding her mind and the peaceful sight of Astron resting in her arms.
The desire to touch his cheeks grew stronger, an impulse she couldn't entirely resist. She scolded herself internally, muttering, "I shouldn't... I shouldn't..."
Yet, as if drawn by an irresistible force, her fingers gently brushed against his skin. The sensation was soft, almost ethereal.
A strange warmth surged within her as she traced the contours of his cheek, feeling the vulnerability that he seldom revealed.
"He's just a person," she whispered to herself as if trying to convince her racing thoughts. "Nothing more, nothing less."
However, the touch persisted, and the more she explored the tenderness of his features, the more she felt a peculiar connection. It was as if he existed in a realm beyond her comprehension, a ghost from a distant reality.
'Maybe I think this way because he always looks so detached from everything.'
Remembering the day she followed (stalked) him a little, she couldn't help but think how his day was always filled with training.
It was dull, monotone, and simple.
No hobbies, not anything for fun. His room was empty and dull as well….Well, she secretly checked it once, bribing a certain personnel.
'It is soft.'
While thinking about all those, her fingers continued to trace his cheeks.
'What if he one day vanishes?'
The softness of his skin seemed almost otherworldly, and for a moment, Irina entertained the notion that Astron could vanish like a fleeting apparition. For some reason, she felt like this was a possibility.
This person lying in her arms never tried to connect with anyone and always kept his distance from people.
As her mind ventured further, a memory surfaced— an article written by a famous psychic mage that she had come across. The article warned about individuals who perpetually maintained detachment from others and the world, emphasizing the need to handle them with care.
It suggested that such individuals might be at a higher risk of choosing an irreversible path, especially if they subjected themselves to excessive self-torment.
–SHIVER!
The realization sent a shiver down Irina's spine.
'No, he won't do that, right? He is not that kind of person; he is not that weak.'
Irina thought, desperately attempting to dispel the unsettling notion that had crossed her mind.
'What am I thinking?'
Yet, even as she tried to reassure herself, the haunting words from another article resurfaced in her memory. The article discussed the intricate stages and complexities associated with the act of killing oneself.
'It is not even a weakness.'
It emphasized that it was not a sign of weakness but rather a result of immense internal struggles that might go unnoticed by others.
'Why do I even think about it now?'
She wondered why all those thoughts started to surface in her mind. For which reason why? Yet, she couldn't find an answer. At the end of the day, she was left on her own.
Just as she was thinking to herself, suddenly, something different happened around the environment.
"Huh?"
She could feel the mana around changing rapidly as the psions started revolving around a certain space.
The once eerie landscape transformed into a more familiar environment, and the lingering fog dispersed into the air.
–PUFF!
As the last vestiges of the otherworldly realm faded away, a sudden burst of spatial disturbances caught her attention.
"What?"
From the place where the anomalies had occurred, a multitude of phantoms emerged.
"Phantoms?"
In an instant, she tried to get ready for the combat, yet she felt something different from the newcomers.
However, unlike the malevolent entities they had faced before, these phantoms carried an aura of gratitude and ethereal warmth.
'They are different.'
The phantoms circled around both Astron and Irina, their ghostly forms moving gracefully in the air. Each phantom emanated a soft, echoing voice filled with gratitude.
"Thank you," they spoke in unison, their voices blending into an ethereal chorus. "You have freed us from the torment of this realm. We are grateful for your sacrifice and courage."
Irina stared in awe at the spectacle unfolding before her. The phantoms' voices echoed with a sense of release and peace, their spectral forms glowing with a serene light.
As the phantoms continued to orbit around them, one of them broke away from the group and approached Irina. Its form shimmered with a faint glow, revealing the visage of an elderly soul.
"Young one," the elderly soul whispered, its voice carrying the weight of wisdom, "you carry a burden, and your path is intertwined with his. Take care of him; he walks on a thin thread, and he could fall at any time."
Confusion and concern knitted Irina's brows as she tried to comprehend the cryptic message.
"What do-?" She opened her mouth, yet before she could even say anything more, the elderly soul gently touched her forehead, imparting a sense of reassurance.
As if responding to an unseen call, the phantoms converged, forming a luminous portal.
One by one, the phantoms entered the portal, the elderly soul lingering for a moment longer. "Take care," it whispered to Irina before joining the others. The portal shimmered, and with a final ethereal glow, it closed, leaving the once eerie landscape transformed into a more familiar environment.
Irina remained still, a mixture of awe and confusion swirling within her. The words of the elderly soul echoed in her mind, adding an unforeseen layer of complexity to the mysteries surrounding Astron.
'What did he mean by that?'
Many, many, many questions were in her head, yet she couldn't find any answers to them. But just as she was about to ponder about it more, suddenly her eyes met with a pair of purple ones.
From those clear purple eyes, she could see her own reflection of eyes. Yet, maybe because her mind was still on the questions, she hadn't realized what this implied.
However, it didn't take long for realization to dawn on her. Astron was awake.
Astron, with his usual calm demeanor, raised an eyebrow. "Can you please remove your hand from my cheek?"
As the awareness settled in, a faint blush touched Irina's cheeks. She noticed that her hand was still delicately cupping Astron's cheek. Embarrassment flickered across her expression, and she swiftly withdrew her hand, avoiding eye contact.
Irina's blush deepened as she stammered an apology. "Cough…I-I didn't realize you were awake. Sorry about that."
"No need to be sorry. I'm used to waking up to strange situations. Now, what happened after I passed out?"
Even though he seemed nonchalant about it, for some reason, Irina got a feeling that he was acting a little differently. But she somehow managed to hide her initial embarrassment as she looked into his eyes.
'That's right. I won't be swayed by him. This guy challenged me.'
She still remembered the words she had spoken at that time, so she could no longer back down from them.
"Not much." She straightened her posture, maintaining eye contact. "The Phantom's Land had already started collapsing."
"I can see that," Astron replied, his eyes scanning around the place.
"But….." Irina hesitated for a second but still asked anyway. "What happened here?"
Astron's gaze swept across the surroundings as Irina questioned him about the events that transpired while he was unconscious. His expression turned more serious as he began to explain.
"The culprit was a demon," Astron stated matter-of-factly. "It recently awakened from its slumber. I caught it off-guard in the middle of a ritual and managed to defeat it. However, once it lost control of the portal here, it exploded on its own."
Irina's eyes widened slightly at the revelation. Demons were formidable adversaries, and the fact that Astron faced one and emerged victorious showcased the extent of his capabilities.
'As expected, he is strong.'
She couldn't help but feel a surge of pride in their combined strength. That explosion was the scene she had witnessed, so things matched up quite well.
"But, what was that scream?"
"It was nothing. Once I caught it off guard, the battle was already in favor of me."
"I see."
'Well, it certainly didn't sound like his scream either. I now kind of feel like an idiot rushing over in panic.'
She thought to herself.
"Then, now…." Just as she was about to speak more, suddenly, Astron interrupted her.
"I have a favor to ask you."
"What is it?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued, yet she never expected the words that would come out of his mouth.
"I want you to take the credit for this incident. Especially for the fight with the demon."
"What?"
It was an unreasonable request.
Chapter 290 - Another Perspective (3)
"I want you to take the credit for this incident. Especially for the fight with the demon."
The moment Irina heard his words, a cold feeling washed over her.
"What?" Irina's eyes widened in disbelief at Astron's unexpected request. It was an unreasonable proposition, and the audacity of it angered her.
It was a natural reaction. After all, what that guy had just said touched a place that she would never remember. There was no way that she would take it normally and scoff it off.
"Let me repeat. I want you to take the credit for this incident." And as if he didn't even notice her words, he repeated the same thing without any disturbance. He talked as if this was something natural.
"You….." And, Irina was not going to take it well.
–SWOOSH!
With a fast rush, she grabbed him by his collar once again. At least she tried to. Yet, this time, things didn't go as she wanted, as Astron slightly tilted his body backward, evading her grip.
"Calm down." He said, his voice monotone.
"Calm down? You want me to fucking calm down after hearing what you said?"
"What was wrong with what I said? Also, don't swear in front of me."
"What was wrong? Ahahahaha…." Irina raised her hand to her face after hearing his words, letting out a small laugh. "And you want me to not swear after saying all these things….This is beyond funny." Her face once again turned serious, as fire psions started to correspond to her emotional state.
"What do you take me for?" Irina's voice carried a mix of frustration and anger. "Someone who steals other people's achievements for the sake of her own success?"
Astron remained composed, seemingly unfazed by her outburst. It was as if he had already been expecting what she was going to say. "It's not about stealing." He started as he looked into her fiery eyes directly. "It's about keeping certain things hidden. There are matters that are better left in the shadows."
"….." Irina didn't respond immediately. She just kept looking into his eyes, her fiery gaze meeting his with an intensity that mirrored her building frustration.
'Here I thought his sleeping face was innocent. This annoying bastard…What does he think I am?'
After a brief silence, she finally spoke, her voice sharp and filled with indignation.
"Did I seem like a joke to you?" Irina's words cut through the tension, each syllable carrying the weight of her growing frustration. "Someone you can control and manipulate as you wish?"
Astron maintained his composure, his expression unreadable. "It's not about control or manipulation. I just proposed my wish to you. I am not controlling anything."
Irina's frustration flared, and she retorted, "If this is not controlling, then what is it? Proposing your wish? What kind of twisted way of asking for a favor is that?"
Astron has furrowed his brows at her words, seemingly thinking about them. It was as if he was saying internally, 'I should have been more considerate. I guess I underestimated her pride.'
While he might not have admitted it openly, Astron had been already trying to make Irina way more agreeable while diminishing her overly prideful demeanor. After all, she needed such a development.
'Well, the mask that one has been wearing for too long becomes a part of their real face, isn't it?'
He thought inwardly and raised his hand in a conceding manner. "Irina, my words were inconsiderate and too insinuative. It's my fault," Astron admitted, his tone more 'apologetic' than before.
Well, at least, this was what Irina wanted to believe, yet inwardly, she knew this guy's apology wasn't from his heart at all.
'At least, this should be fine for now.'
Yet, before he finished, Astron couldn't help but add one remark. "However, you should stop jumping to conclusions without listening to everything in detail."
And hearing it didn't make it better for Irina; otherwise, it might have made it worse.
'My bad, it is not fine.'
"You…..Are you looking for a beating?" She raised her hand, a small wave of fire swirling around her fists.
"Resorting to physical methods doesn't make you right; it just proves you don't have a valid point to respond." Hearing his words and seeing his relaxed posture, she could feel that he didn't even consider that she would hit him even for a second.
'Should I just do it?'
She wanted to hit his annoying, calm face so bad…..But she couldn't. After all, if she had attacked him right now when he was tired, it would mean both that she didn't have a valid point, as he said, and that she could only fight him when he was tired.
"Tch. Annoying bastard." She scoffed, turning her head to the side since she had no more answer to give.
"So, can I speak now?"
"It won't matter even if I say no, will it?"
"If you don't want to listen, I don't have any measures to make you do so."
"We both know I can no longer leave without hearing what you want to say."
"You can't?"
"Don't act like you don't know it."
"…" At this point, the conversation wasn't going to go anywhere, so Astron just stood and signaled her to do the same.
"Let's talk while we walk. The scenery is going back to normal, and I'm sure you have a lot of questions."
Without waiting for her response, Astron began to walk through the remnants of the cavern, and Irina, after a moment of hesitation, followed suit. The quiet atmosphere persisted, with both of them lost in their thoughts.
After a while, Astron took a breath and started explaining his perspective,
"Irina, the reason I want you to take credit for this incident, especially the fight with the demon, is not about stealing achievements or controlling you," Astron began, his tone more earnest. "It's about the practical aspects of our positions here."
He paused, choosing his words carefully. "First and foremost, my rank is relatively low. This incident, considering its scale and complexity, is beyond what a low-rank student like me should be able to handle. If the truth were to come out, there are a few possibilities."
Astron's eyes met Irina's, his gaze unwavering. "Firstly, people might doubt my rank and start investigating my strength."
'That makes sense.'
His words certainly made quite sense. After all, Irina was well aware that he was hiding his abilities to some extent. It was evident from the moment where she had requested his footage of the joint dungeon. She also could see how easily he managed to direct their party in the practical dungeons and many other cases.
His way of thinking didn't also belong to such a lower rank as well, as he was rather well-versed in terms of theory and calculations.
'As for why he is doing this, I don't know.' She thought as she continued to listen.
"Secondly, they might question whether you're lying and were somehow coerced by me or Sylvie into saying such things. But considering the rumors that had been going around regarding me, most people would be inclined to think that it was me." Astron made his second point.
This also made sense; after all, Irina also had her fair share of rumors, and she was also subjected to prejudice. She was also at first inclined to think Astron was quite like rumors, so she understood how it would be for any normal stranger student.
"However, the most dangerous one is this." He said, signaling the slowly disappearing mist. "There's the risk that they could think I was somehow entangled with the perpetrator of this incident."
'What?'
Hearing this, she couldn't help but ask herself.
'Isn't he being too paranoid?'
After all, who would link him to the perpetrator of this case?
"You may think I may be being too careful, but considering the number of things that demon-followers have done this semester, the academy needs to be careful about the events surrounding it. The public opinion is getting a little shaky as well. Therefore, demand on the investigation would highly likely occur."
Irina took a moment to mull over his words. While initially skeptical, she started seeing the logic behind Astron's request.
'I can see that….'
It wasn't about manipulating or controlling her; it was about mitigating the potential fallout from a situation that had escalated beyond what was expected.
"All of these things would make things hard for me," Astron admitted, his expression serious. "So, I wish for you to take credit for the incident, especially the fight with the demon, since only you could have done it."
Hearing the phrase 'only you,' Irina felt her heart throb a little, and she hated that fact.
'...'
She nodded slowly, understanding the weight of his reasoning. The situation was indeed delicate, and Astron's concerns were not unfounded. She could see the practicality behind his request.
Yet, that didn't mean she was obliged to help him.
"I see your point." She said while raising. "However, you know you should not-"
"I should not expect you to go against your own standards just to help me." He cut her words and completed them on his own. "This was what you were about to say, right?" He met her gaze with a calm determination that left Irina momentarily dumbfounded.
"Exactly," she finally managed to nod her head in agreement.
"This is the reason I'm requesting it from you," Astron continued, providing insight into his perspective. "I know it goes against your principles, and I am willing to pay the corresponding price."
Irina's eyes narrowed slightly. "What could you possibly do?"
"I will grant you one request equal to this one. Consider it a transaction. You take credit for the incident, and in return, I fulfill a request of your choosing."
Irina tilted her head, studying Astron for a moment. The offer intrigued her, and yet, she couldn't help but feel a sense of caution. Considering the fact that he had also promised her to another one when she was teaching him the basics of magic, she thought he might be scamming. After a brief pause, she asked, "Anything?"
Astron nodded. "Within my capabilities and within the boundaries of reason. I won't compromise my values too much of an extent either, and we both should deem it equal to what you are doing right now."
His words made sense as she studied his expression.
'Well, he certainly is not the type to go against his own words.'
Considering the fact that he was rather obsessed with being true all the time, Irina was sure his pride was also quite great.
Irina crossed her arms, considering the proposition. The exchange seemed fair, and the idea of having Astron owe her a favor was already satisfying.
'Should I make him bark like a dog?'
He imagined the scene in her head, yet she was unsuccessful in even forming it.
'Yeah, there is no way he would do that. But…..'
After a moment of contemplation, while her mind wandered to countless different scenarios that she 'could' think of, she smirked.
"Fine, deal," she said, extending her hand for a handshake to seal the agreement. Astron reached out, and they shook hands, their unspoken pact binding them in a curious alliance amid the aftermath of the mysterious incident.
'What should I ask him about this?'
As she was thinking about the future when she was in the position of control, she couldn't help but smile.
Yet, in a place where many different things were happening, one boy opened his eyes.
"No….."
Chapter 291 - Another Perspective [Interlude] (4)
How does this world work?
Was life hard?
A child once thought of it, reading it in a book that he got from his family's library.
It is definitely not hard.
That child thought. After all, for him, everything was as easy as it was. He had a warm place to live and countless different caretakers to take care of him.
Even if it was hard to see his mother and father, at least he wasn't alone. He had his twin sister with him all the time.
The child lived in a world that seemed to dance with hues of wonder. His days were adorned with laughter and warmth, his ever-present smile a testament to the joy that permeated his life.
A perpetual smile adorned the child's face, a beacon of happiness that seemed to radiate through his world.
Unbeknownst to him, his infectious joy became a source of delight for the caretakers who watched over him.
Mischievous stunts, carefully crafted to evoke laughter, painted the canvas of his everyday life.
The caretakers, a diverse and caring ensemble, created a supportive environment that allowed the child's exuberance to thrive.
His twin sister was the same as she shared in his zest for life, their unspoken connection weaving an invisible bond that only twins could understand.
But was that really the case?
As the child grew, his radiant smile hadn't disappeared, yet things had changed. From staying in their rooms together while constantly being cared for by the teachers that their family had paid for specifically, they started to be expected to enter the world of their family's real face.
At the age of five, both he and his twin stood in front of the man whom they hadn't seen in quite a while.
The person who made them born is their father. His face was just as they had remembered: strict yet incredibly handsome. Behind him stood another person that they rarely saw. A woman with an incredibly beautiful face – their mother.
That was a face that was so beautiful that it shared radiance to the atmosphere.
Yet, that moment was the point where things would start to differ from anything else.
He remembered the words of the man, their father.
As he began to speak, his words carried a weight that echoed through the room. "My children," he said, his tone firm, "it's time for you to learn the ways of our family. The path we follow requires strength, discipline, and a commitment to our legacy to stand on the top."
With those words, the children were introduced to a reality beyond the warmth of their home and the laughter-filled days with caretakers.
Their father, a figure of authority they hadn't fully understood until now, handed each of them a sword.
The weight of the weapon in their small hands felt foreign, a stark contrast to the mischievous stunts and laughter that once painted their lives.
"This is the way of our family," their father continued, his gaze unwavering. "For the path of sword…..starting strict is necessary. You will be trained to uphold the values that define our family's sword and uniqueness."
For the first time, the perpetual smiles on the children's faces wavered, replaced by a mix of uncertainty and curiosity.
The long metallic knife in their hands felt familiar as if it was engraved in their blood.
Daily training sessions commenced, turning the once carefree days into a routine of discipline and endurance.
The children, guided by their father and the radiant woman standing beside him, navigated the intricacies of swordplay and the principles ingrained in their family's history.
The laughter that echoed through the halls now mingled with the clashing of blades and the stern commands of their trainers—the caretakers, once the bearers of joy, were replaced by mentors who demanded precision and focus.
The twins now stood side by side as they honed their skills.
Through sweat and determination, the children learned the art of combat. The sword became an extension of their beings. The strict teachings, at first met with resistance, gradually became a part of their identity.
Yet, at those times of finding their identity, the child had noticed something different for the first time.
Something different between his twin and himself. It was a subtle difference, a very small one. Yet that difference was blatantly obvious in the face of someone who faced her every day.
–CLANK! SWOOSH!
A sword flashed in front of his eyes for a second, and after that, all he saw was the blade that was pointed at his neck.
"Winner. Middleton Household, First ring disciple, Julia."
"Loser. Middleton Household, First ring disciple, Lucas."
In the aftermath, Julia's voice reached Lucas's ears, breaking through the tension of the training ground. She smiled innocently, her eyes holding a mixture of camaraderie and sympathy. "Lucas, you did well out there," she praised, her tone genuinely encouraging. "It was a close match, and you almost had me a few times."
This was how she was, and Lucas knew it firsthand. After all, they had grown up together doing everything together.
'What is this? I lost?'
However, inwardly, frustration swelled within Lucas—a feeling entirely new to him.
From the start of their education in their rooms, he had always been the one who had the better scores on the small tests their teachers had given to them.
He had been the one that was praised. Therefore, he always thought it was natural for him to win.
Yet, now was different. He felt a new feeling rising from inside, something that made him clench his fists so bad that it started to hurt a little.
He wanted to shout and complain. And to do so, he raised his head. However, at that moment, he saw the faces of his stern father, the instructors, and his nanny looking at him with an expression he couldn't comprehend.
Their eyes bore into him, assessing not just his skill with the blade but, it seemed, something deeper. Words knotted in his throat, overwhelmed by the weight of expectations he hadn't fully grasped until this moment.
'What is this?'
His stern father, usually a figure of authority, seemed to hold a different intensity in his gaze—a blend of expectation and scrutiny.
'Why?'
The instructors, with their arms crossed, exchanged glances that hinted at silent conversations. Even his nanny, who had always been a source of comfort, now observed him with an unreadable expression.
Even if those things weren't completely true, at that exact moment, for the child who had been struggling with his internal feelings, their composure made him think in such a way.
In that moment, Lucas felt the frustration within him morph into a new emotion—uncertainty.
What if they were not satisfied with him? What if it was not enough? How should he act now? What should he do so that others wouldn't be disappointed in him?
Amidst the sea of gazes, he turned to Julia, his twin, and found that she was smiling while looking at him.
'Smile….'
And the realization hit him. It was a conclusion that he came to with his limited life experience and knowledge at that time as a child.
'I need to smile.'
He remembered how everyone laughed when he smiled, how his nannies acted. The memories of his young life returned.
"Haaaah….."
Lucas took a deep breath, realizing that he needed to act, to wear the mask of normalcy he had worn for years.
'I can do it….Just like I had done all this time.'
The clenching fists relaxed, and he summoned a smile mirroring the one on Julia's face. He accepted her words gracefully, acknowledging the close match and adding a touch of humor to diffuse the tension.
"You got me this time, Julia," he said with a playful wink. "But just wait; next time, I might surprise you. After all, it's not every day you see a loser with such style, right?" The words carried a lighthearted tone, a deliberate choice to deflect the weight of the moment.
"Hehehe….We will see about that."
'I will make sure not to lose next time.'
That was what he thought, yet the reality was never what he had expected after all.
*******
Years passed, and the children had now become teenagers. However, the reality once again proved the young Lucas wrong.
In the following years of training, Julia displayed a natural talent for swordplay that surpassed Lucas's efforts.
Despite his dedication and hard work, he couldn't match the fluidity and instinctive grace with which Julia wielded the blade.
Even though the difference was small, as they were both talented to the edges and were able to defeat their instructors at the age of 12, two years after awakening, Lucas always knew that small differences always existed.
The family, particularly his stern father and the instructors, showered Julia with praise for her remarkable skills.
While Lucas excelled in academics more, the very foundation of his family's values, it became evident that in the realm of swordsmanship, Julia was the one born with a natural gift.
'A genius that would only come once in a century.'
Was what his father said about her.
The realization struck Lucas, a mix of astonishment and a tinge of disappointment. His family's expectations were leaning towards the prowess of a sword, and Julia seemed to effortlessly fulfill those expectations.
The uncertainty he felt before transformed into a silent resolve—a determination to prove himself despite this unexpected turn of events.
As the days passed, Lucas continued to smile to maintain the façade of normalcy.
But beneath that smile lay a burning desire to catch up, to bridge the gap between their skills, and to show his family that he, too, could wield a sword with the grace and finesse they admired.
Yet, he never was able to.
"School of Middleton. Fifth style."
"Failed."
While she was able to master one of the hardest techniques in their family, he was not able to do so after all.
And that feeling was inwardly eating him alive.
'Feeling of being in the shadow of someone.'
Yet, at those moments, he was somehow able to cope with it, thanks to someone.
His best friend, Ethan.
In the presence of Ethan, Lucas found solace. Ethan, a non-awakened in their age and weaker in terms of physical abilities, became a refuge for Lucas.
In a world where Julia's prowess cast a long shadow over his ambitions, Ethan's friendship provided a sense of safety and assurance.
Lucas convinced himself that, no matter what happened, he would always be better than Ethan since he was a non-awakened. It became a reassuring thought, a pillar supporting his fragile ego in the face of Julia's undeniable excellence.
Even though it may sound disgusting, at the very least, he was able to make himself relieved a little at least.
As the shadow of inadequacy loomed, Ethan's companionship became a balm, offering temporary relief from the relentless pursuit of familial expectations.
Yet, things changed a little just before the academy started.
Ethan, the non-awakened friend who had been Lucas's pillar of reassurance, underwent a transformation.
The awakening, delayed but inevitable, occurred just before they entered the academy. It was a term called 'late awakening.'
'Well, he won't be able to catch up to me ever.'
Lucas was a little worried, yet he reassured himself inwardly that Ethan was way too late and would never be able to catch up to him.
Even then, the relief that came with Ethan's non-awakened status was replaced by an unforeseen twist—a twist that stirred a newfound insecurity within Lucas.
Ethan, the friend who had always been a step behind in the realm of abilities, had now entered the awakened realm.
Lucas could feel the ground shifting beneath his feet, and the pillar of reassurance he had built started to waver.
"Haaaah….haaaah….."
He had just recently woken up from a long sleep, yet he was able to remember everything clearly.
'No way.'
He didn't want to believe it, yet inwardly, he knew for some reason he had seen a weird dream.
❰This is my gift to you.❱
A voice echoed inside his head, a voice that was both strong but at the same time slowly trailing away.
'What is this?'
He asked to the voice inside his head.
❰It is the life you were supposed to live.❱
'The life I was supposed to live.'
❰That is right.❱
The voice replied inwardly.
'Who are you?'
He asked, trying to understand who was the source of the voice.
❰Who am I?❱
The voice asked.
And now it was crushed to the pieces, thanks to the future he had seen and still remembered.
❰I am a being who never desired to be in the shadow of others, yet couldn't find a solution for it before. But now, the solution presented itself.❱
The voice continued, revealing fragments of its existence. Lucas, confused and intrigued, questioned further, asking the voice to explain what it meant.
❰It is a feeling you know all too well, don't you? But now, I have found a way to step into the light.❱
The voice conveyed a mix of emotions, from bitterness to a strange sense of liberation. Lucas, still grappling with the surreal nature of the conversation, asked,
'What are you saying?'
Yet, the voice fell silent, refusing to provide any more answers.
Though inwardly, Lucas knew one thing.
'I was never able to leave his shadow no matter what?'
As he saw the future, he realized what was about to happen to him and how Ethan was about to be the hero while he was always on the backlines.
'I will never accept it; I refuse.'
It was at that moment that Lucas had accepted the feeling inside him.
End of Vol 2