《High-Class Mob》


 1 1. Did Truck-sama sent me?

    "Yep, this is not my face."


    Lying down on an unfamiliar bed, Leo observed himself with his eyes squinted trying to make out what the hell was happening.


    Whilst laying down he observed his visage, his body, and his overall self and finally confirmed that it was not his face or body.


    He pinched himself earlier only to get hurt. He tried once again trying to see if it was not enough and ended up with a wound on his left thigh.


    "It is real!" What he thought was nothing but a dream. He was pretty sure that he fell asleep after a long night of drinking his sorrows away but he found himself in an interesting, but odd position.


    "Did a flying truck came rushing to my flat when I was asleep."


    After having read a lot of books in his life, Leo had come across the myth that is Truck-sama.


    Having the ability to send anyone in another world is but a single hit; you may die in your first life but you will become some kind of God-like protagonist who attracts women left and right in the other.


    "If the Mythical Truck-sama is real then it may be possible. I don''t really know, anything is possible if it is that guy. But I "


    While thinking this way, he realized something and with from his abdomen, he gathered his strength and spoke the magical word.


    "Status!"


    Nothing happened.


    "Properties!?"


    Still nothing.


    "System! My cheat! Blessing of the almighty Truck!"


    Goddammit, still nothing!


    "Young Master Colt, is something the matter? Why are you waving your hands like a baby?"


    While he was busy summoning the almighty system that is capable of granting him unlimited powers a voice sounded out from the luxurious-looking wooden door to his right.


    It was a large built middle-aged man with white hair and a strong jaw.


    ''Those eyes of his are really scary.''


    This middle-aged man was a mercenary or so he had thought. The black suit and tie gave it away and from the way he was called, he should be a butler of sort.


    ''Young Master Colt? The name sounds familiar somehow.''


    And upon learning of the truth that he was not someone about to kill him, Leo turned back to the mirror above and observed his current face.


    A generally well-built body, olive skin tone, obsidian black eyes, low arch eyebrows, and a medium-length ink-black straight thick hair; such is his current characteristics.


    Piecing together everything he had gathered, he had a hunch where this place was.


    He got up from the bed and turned to the middle-aged butler and asked.


    "Are you Neun? One of the butlers of the Edgeworth Family?"


    "That is correct."


    "Then am I Colt Edgeworth?"


    "Yes, Young Master is Colt Edgeworth the oldest son of Count Edgeworth, and the wast... ehem, the whimsical and free Young Master of the Wing City, also..." he paused for a bit before finishing his sentence, "...also the most gorgeous man of the Edgeworth County."


    Without commenting on the fact that he was almost called a wastrel, Leo shuddered after hearing the term of the most gorgeous man, Leo shuddered and looked at Neun. The words "most gorgeous" is too much for him.


    "Neun, you don''t have to call me that anymore."


    "Really, Young Master!?"


    The joy in his voice was too apparent for Leo not to notice.


    "Yes, and spread it to the other staffs as well, please. If you could, please have the other staffs spread it to town when they go out."


    Upon hearing his words the Neun''s expression beamed and he almost burst out crying for the endless stream and thankfulness he was feeling. The cringe worth days are over, he was finally free, no everyone is finally free.


    Try as he might, the quivering in his voice was still present when he spoke. Leo noticed this but he didn''t say anything. It was understandable.


    "I¨CI shall inform everyone of your instruction."


    "Thank you, it would be for the best. Also, prepare some drinking water, I have a rather painful headache."


    Neun nodded his head and went out of his room with a jovial expression. He was practically skipping when he left. It was creepy and scary though.


    Having been left alone, Colt looked around his room decorated with furniture reminiscent of the middle ages. The room had three mirrors, not including the one on the ceiling.


    "The narcissistic Colt Edgeworth, the son of the wealthy Count Shickly; he is the wastrel of the family. A background story type of mob in the novel, [Sword of Heaven]. A mob character mentioned in three sentences."


    He wasn''t even killed by the Hero, he was killed by the third major villain of the story, Mina.


    Mina was the daughter of the Marquise who happened to fall in love with Colt. She was the perfect lady, good looks, good status, and a good personality. The only problem is that she had a few screws loose.


    She learned of Colt''s infidelity and then killed him with some stabby-stabby action. She got him in the heart thereby killing him.


    Only after Mina was killed that it would be known she was the one who killed Colt and masked it as an incident. Colt''s spine tingled at the thought of dying in such a manner.


    Mina would later be ironically killed after being pierced through the heart by the Hero.


    "I have to at least avoid that ending."


    He thought to himself. It was hard, being a no-named backstory mob was too hard. His fate is sealed and he was already inching towards that end.


    Neun returned with a glass of cold drinking water. Colt, had him draw a bath. As he spent his time on the bathtub, Colt began contemplating his situation.


    In a world of a novel, where he would eventually die is where he is at. He doesn''t even know what year it was so he can prepare.


    "The novel of Sword of Heaven, a reincarnated person from another universe would come. Though that hero is somewhat of a lunatic as he had been tortured until he was seven years old, before dying in his previous life; he still became a hero."


    It was a tragic story, but who cares? It''s not his life. In the end, Colt only cared about himself.


    "Now, where would the hero appear?"


    He did not know where the hero came from, as he did not know about his younger years. The hero would appear as a mysterious character and by the time Leo got tired of justice and righteousness, he stopped reading around Vol. 6 where the past of the Hero got revealed.


    "I must first avoid any contact with Mina. Then I will live a lavish life. This wastrel here had already been snuffed out of the succession race so I am free to do whatever I want, right? I just want to live a free life."


    He was accepting of his fate. He is now in this world so what best would it be trying to change that? His goal now is to live a good, boring, but still fulfilling life.


    Stepping out of the bath, he begrudgingly accepted being dressed by Neun.


    "Neun, I will be staying in my room for the day. Inform my father that I am feeling sick."


    He was expecting the obedient Neun to oblige, but this butler showed stiff expression as he began to speak.


    "I cannot do that, young master. The Count will punish you if you try to sneak away. I know you do not wish to be tied down, young master but at least try to go with it for the Count''s sake."


    "Why, is there something going on today?"


    Neun opened and closed his mouth before making a sigh. The young master had forgotten about it. Why was he no surprise? In the end, he had to refresh his mind.


    "Marquis Liron Vera will be coming with his family here, today."


    Colt''s face stiffened at the familiar name. Marquis Liron Vera was a good person, but he was the father of Mina Vera and if he is here with his family, then, Mina will be here as well.


    "Goddammit!"


    He cursed as he tried to jump out the closest window.

 2 2. Love is in the air

    "Ow! I give up, Neun!"


    Colt, sighed at his helplessness and observed the window nearby. Once again, he made the run for it only to be stopped by the mercenary-like Neun and got held down.


    It was a rather brutal sight. With the young master of a noble family being held down by the butler, the butler would have had his head fly out. But in today''s rare occasion, the Count let Neun do everything in his power to stop Col from leaving.


    And with Colt, no, Leo knowing the future, he was trying to do everything in his power to get away from there.


    "Give it up young master, you know I cannot let you run away."


    Although he was hurting Colt and his tone of voice sounded sorry, Neun had a jovial expression plastered on his face.


    "What is this ruckus all about!?"


    "The young master is trying to escape."


    Explained Neun to the newly arrived lady. A fierce-looking lady, she had pale white skin, and blue hair, different from Colt''s. This was Risa, the first daughter of the Edgeworth family. And unlike Colt, she was an exemplar person who was a master of the sword and good at supervising the land.


    Although it had yet to be decided, everyone hoped she would be the one to inherit the position of the Count. Though she was a lady and this world was a male-centric society, Risa would eventually inherit the position.


    After all, the youngest of the family was also a young lady and the Count chose not to have any more child after Colt''s death.


    "Older brother, it is the wishes of father that you stay here, if you don''t care about anything, then at least honor his requests."


    "I understand, but I am also leaving as not to disgrace his name. With the wastrel away, will father save face?"


    Risa raised her brow after hearing his answer. It was not her as Neun also raised a brow. But he didn''t notice it as he was too focused on finding a way of escape.


    "Do not worry about it. Please, just listen to father''s request."


    Colt in the novel was said to be cowardly and a drunkard. The perfect recipe for trash.


    He had an innate fear of the strong. With Risa''s immense strength, it was natural for Colt to fear her. In the novel, Risa was announced as the Countess after Vol. 5.


    Now that Leo was here, he has no intention of stealing her position. The concept of fighting a family for power is foreign to him. Although it may very well exist back earth and he just missed it, he can''t help but shake his head.


    "Let''s just go, I won''t try anything any longer."


    "..Is that so?"


    Risa and Neun could not believe seeing Colt act so obediently.


    Colt stood up and from a sorry excuse of a slob noble, his demeanor took a massive change. He didn''t notice the eyes of Risa as he was walking out of his room too fast.


    He opened the door to the dining area and found the Edgeworth family already eating, Count Shickly raised his head and he smiled as he saw Colt.


    "You decided to join us for breakfast? It seems like you are excited to meet the Young Lady of the Vera family, huh."


    ''No! I want to run away and get away from here as soon as possible! I do not want to meet with that psycho!'' is what he wished to say, but Colt can''t say that.


    "Yes, I am pretty excited to meet Young Lady Mina." Is what he said was a genuine-looking smile.


    Risa who was by Colt''s side looked at him like he was some kind of wizard. The way he said those words were too heartfelt and if not for the fact she saw him trying to escape earlier she would have believed Colt was in love with the Mina Vera.


    But in the end, she saw the smile of her father and did not say anything. If Shickly was satisfied then that is enough for her.


    But it was not just her who was surprised by how Colt was acting. In fact, the youngest sibling looked at Colt for a moment with a surprised expression. His mother also flashed a smile, after hearing his way of speech.


    The brother and sister pair sat to eat with the whole family and when they began eating, Colt ¡ª Leo who has no memory of ever being a man with noble-like etiquette began to eat like a slob. The goal was to stuff his face with food, so he did what he must do and ate the perfectly good breakfast.


    The breakfast was a pasta dish he did not know the name of. And assuming that everything in the table is palatable and digestible, he began to eat the salad that had vegetables that has knock-off version of different greens.


    ''This is pretty good, better than cup ramen even, and that is my favorite food.''


    He commented in his head. His way of eating lacked finesse, but that is not a problem, his free-willed way of living is one of Colt Edgeworth''s characteristics and this is just one of those characteristics.


    The family is already too used to such a sight. But seeing him eating his food with so much enjoyment and glee as if he had been deprived of food for two years is something new.


    "You seem to like the food, Colt." It was Countess Faerith who commented.


    "Yes, I have not eaten such delicious food before." Colt''s response made the Countess show a mysterious smile. The others were the same, looking at Colt from the side with interested eyes.


    Colt did not notice this as he was too focused on eating. After cleaning his plate, he stood up.


    "I will be preparing myself for the arrival of Young Lady Mina."


    He was ready to leave, but then, the voice of Countess Faerith entered her ears.


    "Colt, will you join us for breakfast every morning?"


    Colt was silent for a few moments but in the end he smiled and nodded his head, "I will, mother."


    He then left the room through the door he entered. When Colt said the words of "mother", a chill run down his spine but some sort of familiar warmth also surfaced in his heart, it was a weird sensation he could not explain.


    The rest of the Edgeworth family was left in the dining room. Countess Faerith scooped up a miscolored carrot and gave a comment that pierced the ears of Count Shickly.


    "It seems like Colt has taken a liking to Young Lady Mina Vera. Do you think this might brought about change?"


    Risa laughed to herself.


    Colt felt his skin crawl as he began to change in a much more proper attire. He wore something similar to a double-breasted suit and a white undercoat, he wore all black attire that it made him look like a reaper.


    ''If not for the uselessness of Colt, this guy would have been a dashing general.''


    In the Edgeworth family, only Count Shickly and Colt have Ink black hair. The rest of the family have blue hair they inherited from Countess Faerith.


    The Edgeworth family they were known as fierce warriors of the darkness for their black hair, but, that line is supposedly cut off because Colt is only fierce inside a bar while he is drinking. But when it comes to a battlefield, a dog is much more helpful than he was.


    A slight buzzed came from his breast pocket, he checked the pocketwatch Colt always had with him and confirmed that the time was already 12:00 pm.


    It was finally time for Count Vera to arrive.


    Colt sighed and head to the front garden. The whole family was present to greet the long time friend of the count.


    "You must be excited, huh, son."


    Colt responded with a smile.


    Soon, a carriage that had a two-headed snake on its doors was pulled by magical beasts known as Dragon Horses stopped in front of Colt''s group.


    The doors of the carriage open and Marquis Liron stepped out. But, he is not the focus of Colt''s attention because right after Liron, a beautiful woman who seemed to have an ethereal beauty stepped out of the carriage.


    Perfectly proportioned body, well-endowed to all the right places, and she had a pink hair akin to that of the mythical Poisonous Rose Serpent.


    Her beauty was something that is sung to every corner of the Kingdom. But that pink hair of hers only reminded Colt that this beauty before her is someone capable of killing her lover.


    ''Damn, it''s always those the pink-haired ones.''


    While Colt was worrying about his future, his parents were smiling.


    ''He''s smitten.'' Is what the Count and Countess thought.

 3 3. What has the world come to?

    "Shickly, my good friend, it has been a while."


    "Same to you, Liron. I haven''t seen you since the war." The two old friends shook hands before pulling each other closer to give a hug to one another.


    The two separated and Liron began grumbling.


    "I wished to visit more often but someone pushed the duties of a General to me so I don''t think that is possible, why don''t you become a General too? The King has been bugging me about it!"


    "Haha if I do that then I''ll be losing my time to create the wine I send you so often. I can stop making wine if you wish."


    "Forget about it, my personal winemaker cannot be disturbed."


    "Bastard."


    Like Count Shickly, Marquis Liron had a good built, and even without focusing one can see the thick calluses on his hands from practicing the spear. He was a Tier-7 Martial Master just like the Count.


    Marquis Liron Vera and Count Shickly Edgeworth. The two were old comrades both out and in of war. The two went to the same War and Military Academy, fought in the same war, and rumors said that when the position of General was being decided, the two played rock-paper-scissors in order to decide between the two of them.


    ''From the novel, it is said that Count Shickly is working for him as his right-hand man. He was supposed to be another General for the Kingdom but the Count declined because it was too much problem and left all the work to his friend then he focused on doing wine business. It makes one wonder, did these two played that fabled rock-paper-scissors''


    In the story Sword of Heaven, a lot of characters have a lot of mysterious background and stories. These characters can have a story of their own just from the depths of their background alone.


    ''I stopped reading the book because I found it tedious to read their stories and I didn''t even touch the side-stories for that matter. Ugh, I wish I read it all if I knew I would end up in this place.''


    But he couldn''t because he was too lazy and ended up reading another book instead. Now, he is stuck with this situation without knowledge about the past.


    "Young master Colt, my name is Mina Vera, it is a pleasure to meet you."


    While Colt was thinking too deep into the useless idea of being too lazy, Mina approached him a smile. Colt was awakened from his daze and he too introduced himself befitting that of someone with manners.


    "The pleasure is all mine, Young Miss Mina."


    Holding a pleasant smile in order not to make Mina uncomfortable or irritated by him, Colt tried his best to act.


    Liron finally noticed the upright man adjacent to the Countess and smiled widely.


    "So, this is my nephew Colt? You have the same eyes as your father, piercing and strong. She may have already introduced herself, but this is my one and only daughter, Mina, she is my beloved child given to us by the Goddess herself."


    "I can see that she had indeed blessed by the Goddess as her hair and beauty is as pleasing to the eyes as the Spring Breeze that soothes the soul."


    Like a poet wonderful and pleasing to the ears of many. However, his emotion was bordering fear, but he never crossed over and controlled himself as he bit his vestibule to control any emotion from showing.


    This resulted in his smile looking frail that it would collapse at any moment, making his seem flustered at the presence of the beautiful Mina Vera. When in all truthfulness Colt was simply hanging on for dear life in order to make sure he will get to see another day.


    Countess Faerith saw this and smiled mysteriously to herself. Before clapping her hands to get everyone''s attention.


    "Alright that is enough of that, dear husband why don''t you show the Marquis the wine you have been brewing?"


    "That is a good idea. Liron let us go, hehe, I got the ingredients from the South this time and I made it...nearly fatal in terms of its alcohol level. It is currently my masterpiece"


    "Truly!? Ehem, then, lead the way Shickly!"


    Like two teens, the Marquis and the Counts two men who hold great power and status in the Kingdom walked away like idiots in order to drink alcohol.


    "Colt."


    "...Yes, mother?"


    "I will need to tend with the Count and the Marquis, you are to show the Manor to Young Lady Mina with Risa. Take Lyra with you, I don''t want the drunkards to influence her."


    "I will do as you say, mother."


    The Countess followed the two bumbling idiots inside to tend to their needs, she could almost see the headache that is about to unfold, yet she bravely entered the house, ready to beat anyone who will cause trouble.


    By the time she entered, Colt looked over to Risa and smiled, his meaning was clear "please deal with it", or so his smile says.


    Risa did not know what their parents want to do by asking the wastrel to guide the Young Miss but seeing that smile already made her aware that whatever it is he wishes to do, it will not be so pretty.


    "Young Miss Mina, please, follow me."


    "Young Miss Risa, calling me Mina will do, it makes me feel distance when our family is so close. I wish to form a bond with you and the rest."


    "If that is the case, please, refer to me as Risa as well..."


    Their conversation entered one of Colt''s ears and exited the other.


    ''The two were close friends until Risa was sadly forced to cut her down.''


    While Colt was busy contemplating over matters of life and death, others not his.


    He was instinctively inching away, trying to find a path of escape. But alas, every time he sneaks out, Risa will throw him a glare making him stop dead on his tracks.


    He tried multiple times but failed, in the end, he gave up and let things be.


    Colt is not stupid nor was he an idiot, he is not doing this to just be an asshole, he merely wishes to leave and have little to no interaction with the she-devil. They got to a canopy prepared by Risa earlier today.


    There, lunch was already set and as Risa invited the beautiful Mina, she accepted with a smile. The four youths began to eat with much delight, Colt was the most delighted as he gobbled up the food thrown into him without concern to how he looked.


    It was just like this morning.


    Mina observed his actions with interest in the unrestrained Colt. But against everyone''s knowledge, this was a part of the plan, by being his usual unrestrained wastrel ways, he showed the parts a nobleman should not have.


    ''Good she''s laughing at me, hehe, a little more and it will become ridicule.''


    "Older brother, please, mind yourself, we have a guest present."


    "I am merely acting the way I usually am, please, do not mind me and enjoy yourselves."


    A mannerless man that is who he is. And he has no intention of changing that.


    ''Avoid me, come on, avoid me!''


    Lunch soon came to past and with the passage of time, it was already time for tea. Colt was planning to do the same as before, he will let Risa do all the talking and him acting like a bumbling idiot.


    ''Leaving a bad impression and having so little interaction is the key to being forgotten. She will forget me like the passing wind thus, I will get to see the light at the end of the tunnel after I die of old age.''


    That is the plan.


    But fate would have it, one thing led to another and soon enough Colt was alone with Mina, Lyra was there but she didn''t count for much.


    Around the second floor of the mansion, in a room where the back garden can be overlooked, Countess Faerith watched over the scene of Colt and Mina alone with nothing but a child to create a soothing atmosphere.


    With her in that room was Risa who was having a headache after being called by her mother. She held her head, a headache, and right now, she is thinking...


    ''What the hell is happening right now?''

 4 4. Hands in the Shadows

    "Mother, what are you doing right now? If you have some sort of insidious plan, please, don''t do it."


    "Do you really see your own mother as insidious? I am hurt, Risa dear."


    "Watching you stalk older brother and Mina like that, I can proudly say that I am seeing someone insidious."


    Risa looked at her mother Faerith acting so suspicious and felt the need to straighten her out. In the Edgeworth family, everyone has a very unique temperament, the Countess is someone who is very calm and always observes her surroundings before doing anything.


    Right now, she is acting directly opposite of that which led to Risa sighing deeply. Faerith looked at her oldest daughter and showed a rare smile.


    "Didn''t you say you wanted for Colt to become more mature and take his responsibilities more seriously? Hear me, what if, hear me now, what I am doing is for that. Did you not notice your brother acting more subdued compared to the past few days? This must be the effects of the Young Lady."


    "Mother, I don''t want to tell you this but, I saw older brother trying to escape through the windows today."


    "Bah, he''s probably just shy. Look at him right now, he''s acting as if he''ll never hurt a fly."


    Risa got up from the bed where she sat and peeked out the window. In the back garden and saw Colt peacefully sipping tea. A distant memory came to from past, the thought of what if he returns to being that proud noble of the past? What then?


    "Think about it, Risa. Didn''t you say you didn''t want to go to the capital for the Academy visit? Usually, it will be Colt who would be sent. But because of your brother straying from the right path, you took it upon yourself to go, think about it, if he''s to be changed by the Young Lady, you''ll be free from that fate, and you will be able to laze around more."


    Laze around, when those words were uttered by the Countess, it sounded like a drug that intoxicated Risa''s mind. The Edgeworths are known to be noble warriors, but, against the sight of the public, the line of Count Shickly tends to lean on doing what is easiest to them.


    Although they train hard, other than that they try not to do much other than tending to their hobbies.


    Why did the Count reject the position of Marquis and General? It was because he thought it would be too bothersome, and that line of thought had been passed to Risa through her blood.


    Laziness through blood, that is what this was. And despite Risa''s fight against the whisper of the devil (her mother), she couldn''t do it and ended up envisioning a time where she sat on her courtyard terrace, sipping tea and reading a book.


    "My bliss will return." Risa then turned to Faerith who was observing her expressions, and smiled just like her mother, "I''ll assist you, but when I see it is going to drag Mina down, I will stop your plans."


    "Hohoho, I have good eyes and I can see that your brother is showing signs of change, I shall succeed!"


    After a few exchange of words, the mother and daughter pair looked at each other''s eyes, shook on their words, and this day, at 2459 N.E continental calendar, the alliance of mother and daughter was born.


    Colt at this moment did not know a shady business dealing was going somewhere in the mansion. He took a casual sip of his tea and because he didn''t wish to eat the cake that was in front of him, he looked at Lyra who just finished her cake and is eyeing Colt''s with her round eyes.


    "Lyra, do you want this cake?"


    "Really, older brother? Ah..." She then shrunk away as she still found it hard to deal with Colt, who was known as a wastrel.


    Colt ignored her reaction and handed her the slick of cake without much thought. That simple action caused Lyra to get a better view of him


    ''Nobody is bad if they give you delicious sweets. Self-sacrifice!'' Is what she thought. She then raised her plate like it was a treasure and ate it with a wide smile on her face.


    "How kind of you, Young Master Colt."


    "It is nothing, I don''t like sweets to begin with"


    "...I have been meaning to ask you this, Young Master Colt."


    Colt''s heart began to shudder, but still, he kept a straight face when talking to Mina. Those eyes of her felt piercing.


    "What is it?"


    "You have been trying to get away from all this right? Does my presence unwanted, Young Master Colt?"


    Colt''s heart shuddered, ''This is not good for my heart,'' is what he thought. Colt looked at her eyes, they exchanged gazes, and as if there were daggers in those eyes, it felt like it will stab him if he leaves now.


    ''Is she testing me? For what?'' Colt shook his head, as he began to subtly chortle.


    "I am the wastrel of the family, I think it is only fitting for me to try and create trouble for this family of mine. Your presence has nothing to do with it, in fact I find your presence acceptable, Young Miss Mina. I am merely being myself."


    His words carried different meanings, but it boiled down to him not minding her presence while still being genuine. This caused Mina to smile at him even more.


    "Your usual self? Do you mean to say that this is not how you usually are?"


    "Pretty much, I enjoy wine rather than tea, and I enjoy the company of beautiful girls....like yourself so you do not have to worry about me."


    "Is that so?"


    Colt''s heart is about to burst if previously it skipped a single beat, now, it was skipping who knows how many beats. He doesn''t need for Mina to stab him because he will die if this goes on, his stupid choice of words is catching on.


    ''Goddammit, I almost slipped.'' Colt knows that he is not her man, but the concept of what if still exists. What if she detests people who like hanging out with prostitutes and courtesan? A yandere has a flimsy frame of mind.


    He didn''t know how her mind works so it much better to be careful. But he also knows one thing.


    ''I may just be digging my own grave.''


    Colt does not know how things got to this point but he is pretty sure that after this thing, after a week or so of getting used to living in this place, it would be best to learn some...precautionary measures to keep his life.


    Time passed as swiftly as Colt''s pulse began raising every single time Mina speaks. In all truthfulness, he was acting like a scared bitch, that had its owner angry.


    Thankfully, as night came and the moon replaced the sun; the time for Mina to return to their land has come.


    As the Core Lighting Lantern is turned on and the back garden turned bright, Colt stood up.


    "Lyra, come here, it is time for us to enter the mansion."


    "Okay, big brother." At first she was hesitant, but Lyra still grabbed Colt''s hands.


    "Young Miss Mina, please, follow me mother and the rest should be at the front garden."


    He spoke with passiveness whilst holding the hands of Lyra.


    Mina stood up and watched his back slowly walk away from her.


    ''Weird, this is the first time I felt something like this. A bitter emotion of separation, is this what it is? Hmm, this is weird.''


    She needed to say something to Colt.


    "Young Master Colt, can I ask you something?"


    Colt stopped and then turned around to look straight in the eyes of Mina. His eyes were pure devoid of any agendas that wish to get anywhere near her. It was as if he didn''t see her for the daughter of a Marquis, but for who she truly was.


    "What is it?" Colt asked.


    "It is nothing, I am sorry for bothering you about my nonsense."


    "Do not worry, no harm done, please, follow me." He said that with a smile, a rare smile for Colt to do in front of Mina. That was the first smile and it caught Mina''s attention.


    ''Freedom is at hand.''


    Mina obediently followed Colt without saying anything. And as Colt felt his freedom was about to be achieved a bomb dropped on him as he heard the Countess spoke five words.


    "Please stay for the night, the Marquis is still drinking with my husband;.."


    "Mother, I don''t think that..." Colt tried to intervene. He tries to plug up the dam to halt the flow of water, but Mina dropped a bomb, rendering his efforts useless.


    "I would love to, Countess."


    "Great..."


    After that, Colt''s mind went blank, and he couldn''t hear the rest of the Countess'' words. With went up and excused himself after agreeing to have dinner with the family.


    In his room, he sat there with his mind blank, and by the time he regained himself, the glass of water was already in his hand.


    He drank that glass of water, stood up, looked at the window, and reveled in the beauty of the full moon.


    ''The world is pulling me towards death, huh.''


    Melancholy stuck to him whilst two women of the Edgeworth family was masterfully working their magic.

 5 5. Loving a Yandere doesn’t sound that bad.

    "Mina, do you like the food? Is there anything else you wish to eat?"


    "Yes, I am fine, the food is good. Young Master Colt, you have been silent this entire time, you don''t seem to have too good of a complexion."


    "Ah...my apologies, I am fine. I merely have a lot going on in my head, please do not mind me."


    Just like Colt promised, The Countess was not present and only the spawns of the family are eating together. Unlike before, Colt did not eat with the same gusto as before; although he did enjoy the food something blocked him from enjoying it too much.


    "I am finished, Risa, Young Lady Mina please excuse me. Lyra, you can have Older Brother''s dessert."


    "Yay!"


    He finished his food and got the hell out of the dining area real fast without making much eye contact with anyone. Returning to his room, Colt took removed his coat and jumped on his bed.


    He closed his eyes but he couldn''t sleep from the loud beating of his heart.


    Colt felt the need to move around so he got up, wore clothing that''s easy to move in, and then checked what''s under his bed. When he saw nothing, Colt touched the frame of the bed and there, he got it, the practice sword of Colt and then head out of the room.


    Upon opening his room, he found someone standing right outside, thinking if she should enter or not.


    Mina Vera was startled when the door suddenly opened.


    "Young Master Colt, are you going somewhere?"


    "I am going to the training grounds, I seem to have too much energy. What is it, Young Lady Mina?"


    "Can I...um, come with you? I just wish to say something."


    "I see no problem with it, I do not control what you wish to do, Young Lady Mina."


    Colt said some nonsensical things and walked away. Mina followed closely behind and with a smile, she walked leisurely without concern. Colt has had previous relationships before, and it must have been that reason why his steps are more subdued than the usual.


    Before long, Colt was walking side by side with Mina and the yandere who loves to stabs things watched him from the side. Colt could feel her powerful and observing gaze, and in order to calm down, he made sure to think of different images.


    ''The Mina Vera in the book was described to be really proactive with everything she does. It is said that she didn''t care much about others and is selfish in every manner, but, in this world, she''s different.''


    "Young Master Colt? What is the matter? You seem dazed."


    "Oh, I was merely thinking about someone else please don''t...mind...me."


    "Huh? Um, was it by any chance a...woman..."


    "Ah no, it is a man, a man!"


    "You''re lying, Young Master Colt, I can tell that you are. Well, it doesn''t really matter, whether you lie to me or not, does it?"


    As soon as he got to see Mina''s expression was when Colt knew, he fucked up.


    And the only way out of this is something that will further result in him digging his own grave. Will he do it? A simple question and the simple is, Yes!


    Clearing his throat, Colt delivered a sigh and looked directly in the eyes of Mina. When he opened his mouth, he was once again back to his usual self.


    "I apologize, Young Lady Mina, I had indeed lied, but that is only because I was too embarrassed to tell you the truth."


    "Huh, why is that?"


    "I was simply...thinking about you, thus, I was embarrassed to say it to you face to face, please forgive me."


    "Is...that so."


    The previously dark face of Mina caused by anger was replaced by a blossoming redness from a blush as she looked away.


    On the other hand, Colt was cursing himself for digging his own grave that is about to reach six feet. But in the end, he could only sigh.


    ''The force of this world is strong, but is that it? Why did I even think about her when I wished to distract myself? Also, with how things are going, what would happen if we were to truly end up together? Although I will try to avoid things, I wonder, if we really end up together, wouldn''t a relationship be easy? I can rest easy and not worry about getting betrayed, if I die, that means I did something stupid, isn''t that the gist of a yandere?? I wonder..."


    Colt''s mind was slowly beginning to lean on the idea that no matter what he does, fate would pull him towards that end.


    If Mina at this time began to have some sort of emotions for him, then, it would be best if he builds a relationship with her now.


    Colt resumed his steps and soon enough he reached the training grounds where he swung a sword base on the memory of Colt.


    Although Colt''s memory has yet to settle with him, Colt, no, Leo could at least see the basics of swordsmanship, mainly, vertical slashes.


    Colt tried to focus on his swings, from one sword swing it branched out to three, and now he could do horizontal, vertical, and angular sword slashes. Colt was getting the hang out of it, and when he stopped a few minutes later, he was already drenched in sweat.


    ''Hmmm, this didn''t feel embarrassing at all, I wonder, if I did this on earth will others think I am some kind of weirdo? A weeb perhaps.''


    Colt then looked to the side and tried to find the pink-haired Mina, she was originally sitting on one of the resting benches but now, she was no longer in sight.


    ''She must have left after feeling bored.''


    Finishing some more swings, Colt was prepared to leave, but when he was about to do so, he saw someone running towards his direction with a towel in hand.


    It was pretty easy to know that it was Mina thanks to her pink hair. She stopped in front of Colt and tried catching her breath.


    "Young Master Colt...here, please use it." She heaved and puff trying to catch her breath.


    Colt took the towel from her and instead of using it on himself, he used it to wipe the sweat away from Mina''s forehead.


    "Young Master Colt, I..."


    "Do not move too much."


    In Colt''s mind, this is the first step to build a friendly relationship with Mina, but to the pink-haired maiden, this was the last step for her to look at Colt with eye different from how it was earlier.


    Her eyes that are filled with soft and warm emotion caused Colt''s heart to skip a beat.


    ''Her eyes, it''s genuine. I have always thought it is impossible to fall in love so quickly, but her eyes, it is telling me it is genuine. She''ll become a good bride.''


    With this, Colt could see that she is actually a caring woman and on top of that she was a great beauty. So, it made him wonder, why? Why did the original Colt betray her when she was blessed with such genuine love from a wonderful lady?


    While Colt was watching the possibilities of having a relationship with his fated one, inside the mansion, the deal was already done as the Count and the Marquis created a document no one thought they would create.

 6 6. Man of Culture

    As morning came for Colt, he opened his eyes his muscles aching but not so much that he could not move. Slowly, he got up from the bed, his head hurt but a clear memory flashed past his mind.


    That moment when Mina looked at him with genuine emotion of love in her eyes stuck to him.


    He inadvertently smiled at that thought as he thought of something from the past just before getting off his bed.


    ''She wouldn''t betray me like Tia, right?''


    Colt, no, Leo had a sudden image flash in his mind. He remembered the reason why he got drunk before ending up here in the first place and a sad smile crept up his face.


    Cheated and used, that is what happened in his previous relationship. He was left by his girlfriend of years for someone else right after finishing college which Colt paid for as she had no money to pursue her own dreams.


    It was still fresh in his mind as it happened a week before ending in this world, and thinking about it now, Colt could not help it but flash a sad smile.


    ''Well, the ending is not that bad, I did destroy her social status...''


    Remembering what he did, satisfaction replaced his sadness and he finally decided to get ready for the day. Going over his wardrobe, he checked what kind of clothes he would wear.


    He wished to get some simplistic clothing, but, nothing was more simplistic than the black coat he wore yesterday. Everything else is like a grandiose costume party-esque dresses which he didn''t like in the slightest bit.


    ''This world is weird; it had advanced in magical technology and yet it has yet to improve in fashion? What bulshit.''


    In the end, he chose the white undercoat which was easy to wear and black pants similar to yesterday. He wishes to train today in the ways of swordsmanship as he had yet to have the means to protect himself.


    Not that he is still worried about dying in the hands of Mina as he already got that covered if he stays faithful, but this is a fantasy novel and this novel in particular involves a lot of wars.


    The Kingdom of Regalus, which is where the family of Count Edgeworth resides. Unlike other novels, the Sword of Heaven doesn''t actually discriminate in interspecies children and relationships as a whole.


    In the Western Continent where they are situated at least.


    But over at the Eastern Continent where most of the Beast Tribes reside, a lot of "racism" occurs. Although Colt never got to see the Eastern Continent thanks to his laziness, it had been hinted that demi-humans are referred to as slaves over there.


    The Eastern Continent is also ruled over by the cleverly named enemy ¡ª Empire. Colt was pretty sure that around Vol. 4 it is revealed that the enemy is not the actual empire but the hidden organization that controls everything, but that doesn''t matter right now.


    ''The bottom line is that a war will happen in three years I guess?


    "The timeline should start three years after Mina Vera and Colt Edgeworth get engaged; and two years after Colt dies.''


    "Young Master Colt, what are you doing?"


    A voice echoed in the ears of Colt, he turned to the owner of that serene voice and saw Mina Vera and her perfect visage looking at him, shocked.


    Colt looked at himself, from top to bottom, and then back to Mina, tilting his head, asking...


    "I am changing, is there anything wrong with that?"


    At the moment, Colt had his top bare. And his pants were partially down. It was a humiliating position, but he didn''t cover himself nor did he do anything outrageous like screaming in embarrassment that is simply stupid.


    Colt''s body has a good form, great build, and most importantly the package he carried with him is not something any ordinary male possesses.


    ''Heh, only incompetent men hide their bodies, look at my six-pack abs, look at it and revel at my beauty...holy shit, I am actually turning slightly narcissistic. It must be the remnants of the original owner of the body.''


    Colt looked at himself in one of the many mirrors of the room. He was indeed handsome, but he couldn''t believe narcissism plagued him. So, he put the blame to the original Colt to which the original one would reply with indignation for such false accusations.


    "That''s you, not me. Don''t throw baseless accusation on me, the narcissist is clear - that''s you, but I do got to say I have a good body." Is the words of the original would say.


    Moving forward, Colt didn''t hide his body, instead, he did went ahead and flaunted it and did the next best thing.


    "Can you please close the door, I am trying to change."


    But, the reply of Mina caught him by a surprised.


    "I am sorry, Young Master Colt but I was asked by the Countess to help you get dress, please do not mind me and raise your hands, now."


    Colt rubbed his temples and raised his head to observe the beauty of the ceiling. ''I knew there were people planning things behind my back.'' He thought to himself before complying with her demands.


    Right now, Mina, the one and only daughter of the Vera Household is helping the wastrel of a Young Master of the Edgeworth Household. If word gets out, Colt wouldn''t die by Mina''s hands but through the hands of her countless suitors.


    ''This woman is simply too attractive, if she becomes my wife, then I''ll be able to have her as a companion...I left earth at age 22, this time, Colt is around 19, right? Wait...''


    Colt''s mind began to process some things, and then looked at Mina who was going through his wardrobe trying to find clothes that are easy to move in. He looked at her with great intensity, a single question filled his head.


    ''Is she legal?''


    Legality, a question every man in the 21st century should care about when heading into a relationship with anyone. If she is not 18 and above then it is a no go. Colt has the same preference and value, in fact he actually likes older women who had ripened in every correct area.


    Like how women like a man who has tall stature, he likes his women just right, mature in both mind and body.


    Looking at Mina''s body, she was a perfect ten, and her attitude is also a perfect 10, even if one places her yandereness in the equation, at the very least she was still a solid 9.


    Colt looked at Mina, gathered his courage, and decided to ask the question he is keeping in his chest...that is, until he chickened out and decided to go around the whole thing and finished changing clothes and went to find Neun.


    They say asking a woman her age is a really insensitive thing, thus, he didn''t want to make any cracks to their relationship so he went to find someone who might know something.


    Going to find Neun alone, after asking Mina to tell his family that he would come for breakfast in a bit, he now faced the mercenary-like butler of the Edgeworth family.


    Colt looked at the eyes of Neun, with the seriousness he never had before. Neun saw this and immediately understood that whatever it was he wishes to ask, it would be a matter of great importance.


    "Young Master, what is the problem?"


    "Neun, answer me, how old is the Young Lady Mina Vera?"


    "Huh?"


    "I am asking you, how old the only daughter of the Vera household is!?"


    "...19 years of age, Young Master, why?"


    Colt''s entire body cooled down and then he heaved a sigh of relief, he looked at Neun and then said a single follow-up sentence, "Around 2:00 p.m, get the Captain of the guards to come to the training grounds E, I wish for him to train me."


    "...Yes..."


    "Good."


    Colt did not clear anything to Neun and the butler looked at Colt''s disappearing back with a headache.


    ''He''s acting upon spontaneous thoughts now?''


    Colt went to the dining area and once he opened the door, he found his family talking with smiles on their faces. He had a pretty good idea of what is going on, but then, Colt looked at Mina who was right sitting right next to him with immense joy.


    "Colt dear, have a seat." Countess Faerith said with a calm expression.


    Doing what he was told, He sat down beside Mina and then looked at his father who had a serious look on himself.


    "Ehem!"


    Shickly cleared his throat and Colt immediately knew what is about to happen...


    "The Marquis and I have decided, in consideration to your and Young Miss Vera''s feelings to one another that you two will become betrothed to each other and in the future will become husband and wife who will support the Kingdom."


    Colt and Mina looked at each other, and then to their fathers who had a wide smile on their faces.


    Not showing any emotion other than happiness, Colt got up and bowed towards Marquis Vera and spoke all the formalities he had to say all the while thinking about something else...


    ''Did being tied down made the original feel constrained?''


    Colt thought as he smiled seeing the smile on Mina who said a single word...


    "Dear..."


    "Mm." He nodded his head with a smile.

 7 7. Pedophile

    "Mina is a very beautiful and capable woman, please treat her well."


    "Don''t worry, I will."


    "...Hmm, it seems like mother was correct, after all."


    Showing him an understanding smile, Risa stepped out of the dining area, leaving Mina and Colt alone. Everyone had already finished eating, but Mina was not done yet. So, Colt decided to play the role of a nice fiance.


    The two had just gotten engaged, it would be weird for him to just up and go all of a sudden, what if he gets stabbed in the back in the future because of this? Thus, Colt watched as Mina continued to eat. Watching her do so with a smile, Mina''s perfect complexion brightened as she blushed.


    "Um, please don''t stare too much..."


    "I apologize, you must have been uncomfortable."


    "N-no, my heart simply cannot take too much stimulation...dear."


    Colt turned away, closed his eyes and began to feel an itch in his chest.


    ''Ack, what the hell?'' it was weird for him, ''It''s like I''m a teenager again, ack!''


    Breakfast finally finished and the newly engaged pair finally head out. It was still around 9:00 in the morning when they made the sudden decision to head out of the manor and go to the city.


    It was triggered by a single comment, "I have not gone out for a while," coming from Colt.


    "Then let us head out, my dearest."


    They ended up in a carriage heading out.


    Despite everything else, Colt only wore simplistic clothing in order not to stand out so much. He''s well aware that his reputation in the city is not that good, thus he wished to avoid getting seen by too many people, Colt went ahead and wore something the original wouldn''t usually wear. Even Mina wore a one-piece dress, she brought with her if any unforeseen circumstances are to arise.


    ''I supposed a change of pace would not be so bad.''


    Colt thought as such and left in a horse-drawn carriage. The carriage they got in was similar to the design of the medieval period back on earth. It had four wheels a wide space inside, and even a coachman driving was present.


    But the only difference to the medieval era is the fact that this carriage is, first and foremost not drawn by ordinary horses. Instead of ordinary ones, these horses had the mane of dark flames, making them look menacing.


    But they were gentle so it was all good.


    These horses are not animals, but a creature known as Magical Beast. Most of them are dangerous man-eating demons, but nowadays, some Magical Beasts are bred like normal animals, most of them are even turned to cattle.


    The carriage is also different in terms of its functionality. The carriages that could be found all over the continent has layered magic runes engraved in them so its weight would become lighter and have less rocking motion even if the road is bumpy.


    These carriages were once only available to the nobles, but when the next king was seated to the throne, he implemented a lot of noble-exclusive miscellaneous to the day to day lives of the common people.


    Colt had always seen the King of the Kingdom as someone unique. He liked him as he was not a greedy villain.


    "Where to, Young Master?"


    The Coachman asked Colt and he looked at Mina and asked...


    "Where do you wish to go?"


    "Anywhere, you wish to go, dear."


    "Then, the Garden of Serenity."


    "...Yes, Young Master." The coachman nodded his head with a serious expression, but deep within he was smiling, Colt Edgeworth don''t go to a teahouse like Garden of Serenity as he was a regular to the many bars around the city. Almost every day, Colt would disappear and then reappear outside the doors of the Edgeworth Manor hammered from all the alcohol intake.


    And for the past few days, the Young Master''s been disappearing more frequently, the coachman smiled thinking, ''He must have wanted to say goodbye to the bars.''


    News of Colt''s grandiose ways settling down had spread, and it was said that Mina Vera is the cause of the change. And seeing what is happening right now, the rumors proved to be true.


    They reached the Garden of Serenity fairly quickly.


    Colt could hear the ramblings of others and some girl selling flowers by the wayside.


    Getting out of the carriage, Colt offered his hand to Mina and assisted her down with grace. In front of them is a three-story building. On its entrance was the very eye-catching sign, "Garden of Serenity".


    "What time does the Young Master wish for me to get you?"


    "Around lunch would be fine, I merely wish to stay here and read some books."


    Colt entered the Garden of Serenity and everyone inside went silent. There are numerous well-off people that is a regular of the teahouse present. Colt simply ignored them and approached one of the male attendants. He avoided the females like they were the plague.


    "Is the third floor open?"


    "Y-yes, there is currently no one in there."


    "Good, we''ll be going to the third floor to have some tea, send us your best."


    "Understood, Young Master Colt."


    Colt had Mina follow him to the third floor, whilst taking leisure steps. Soon after disappearing from the first floor, Colt could hear a commotion bursting.


    "Did you see that lady the wastrel Colt was with? She was so beautiful, do you know who she is?"


    "I don''t know her, but she''s wasted on a wastrel like him."


    Mina Vera stopped dead on her tracks, she turned around with a smile but a dark expression loomed over her sweet smile.


    "Mina, please don''t, we can''t refute them anyway their words are all true."


    "But..."


    "I don''t need other''s opinion other than yours."


    "Dear...yes, I understand."


    Colt wished to throw up, he could not believe this nonsensical playboy words were coming off his mouth. in his mind he was already killing himself, he raised his head and thought...


    ''You save a dozen people today, Leo, you''re a hero.''


    Then the two of them continued their way up to the third floor.


    He picked an area closest to the window after picking some books on the bookshelves that are laid about everywhere.


    The books he picked was not a storybook, but a historical book that tells a lot of different landmarks. The World Building of the story [Sword of Heaven] happens around Vol. 4 but even then Colt has no means knowing what is actually out there in this world.


    He wishes for knowledge, the reason being he wishes to do something interesting in this world, running a business.


    He calls it a business when in actuality, Colt simply wish to take the hidden treasures of the world.


    These treasures came from ancient times. And these treasures range from a sword to a book that teaches ancient techniques. Even though this world is already advancing in terms of magical technology, ancient weaponries and techniques are still somehow stronger.


    ''I want the Ocean''s Sword, and the World Devouring Book. Now, where is the Heaven''s Plateau and the Thunder Tiger Mountain.''


    "I didn''t think dear likes reading books such as those? Do you like legends, dear?" Mina commented as she took a sip of tea.


    ''She''s really hung up on using the word dear.''


    To others, the book in Colt''s hands was something a scholar would read, but to Colt, it was a fantasy book with fantastical locations. Even though he does not like reading educational book, it felt like Colt was reading some World Building thread on the internet so it was pretty entertaining.


    "I am choosing where I should go in the next months."


    "Are we going on a trip?"


    "...Yeah, I have been fascinated about the Thunder Tiger Mountains, I heard they have some good hot springs there.."


    Hearing his words had Mina squirming and blushing about. She held her burning cheeks that were as red as a tomato and embarrassed she said.


    "Do you not think it is still too early, dear? I do believe marriage has to come first, but if that is your wish, I do not mind at all."


    Colt looked at Mina, speechless. Right now, there were three choices of words that could lead his relationship with her down to three different paths. There is the cold path, loving path, and just right...


    Colt obviously picked the just right and said with a smile whilst going ahead and holding her hand...


    "It is just for vacation, we can take our time after the marriage."


    Mina nodded her head, and Colt heaved a sigh of relief. He turned his head and looked down the road. He looked around and when his eyes caught sight of one particular alleyway, he creased his brows and stood up.


    ''Sigh, this really is a fantasy world, idiots do idiot things in broad daylight.''


    "Where are you going, dear?"


    "Um, please stay here, where I am going might be dangerous, I don''t wish for you to get hurt."


    "Dear, I do not know what you are trying to do, but I have seen your swordsmanship last night, and I can say that I more capable than you are."


    "...okay."


    Colt''s dignity as a man was hurt, it showed a tiny bit of crack, but it cracked nonetheless.


    He shrugged her words off, and head down the teahouse.


    "Are you leaving already, Young Master?"


    "No, I am simply going to head over somewhere real quick. Don''t touch our table."


    Colt, head out with Mina. Walking exactly twenty steps away from the teahouse was an alleyway, he went through that alleyway and immediately caught sight of four people.


    "Hey young girl, you''re from the orphanage on the hill right? Your sister owes us a lot of money, so, it is your obligation to pay, right?"


    "Leave me alone!"


    "Oh, you have quite the nice voice there, missy..."


    Three burly men with tattoos all over their bodies and even face entrapped the girl who was selling by the wayside. The little girl was who was not even half their size. The girl had her back on the wall.


    Colt sighed at their petty


    "Sigh, these pedophiles are something else...Hey! Enough of that! Do you even know where you''re doing this?"


    The three men turned around and seeing Colt''s mug and the beauty by his side, it was almost instinctive to direct irritation at him.


    "Hey, dipshit, don''t try anything stupid or else, what do you want lady do you¡ªack!"


    "What the?"


    Mina moved and using her palms she hit the paedophilic thug who badmouthed Colt on the jugular. Once that thug grasps his throat, Mina went ahead and used some of the Mana in her core and pushed him away with one hand.


    "Don''t badmouth my husband like that."


    Boom!


    The thug''s body flew into the air and then the other two who were startled did the routine of every thug.


    Scamper around and then pick up the beaten up one and announce the three phrases of...


    "You''ll regret this!"


    And once Mina watched them disappear with her cold stares. Once they disappeared from her sight completely, Mina turned to Colt with a smile, but then that smile disappeared and turned to a cold glare.


    "What are you doing, dear?"


    She asked Colt, who was being hugged by the little girl


    "It''s big bro Sparkly, you saved me!".


    Colt was petrified by many things. Not even thinking about how this girl knew him, or if this thing is connected to the still missing memory of the original, Colt had a headache about one thing.


    ''She''s also jealous of little girls? Damn, what would happen if we have a daughter in the future...''


    Despite the uncertainty of his fate right now, there is one thing that''s clear. He''s already rescinded to fate.

 8 8. Reason of the original’s death part 1

    Being hated; being tortured; and being killed is not something one should be able to associate to one''s lover, but as of this moment Colt could feel a deep sense of bloodlust coming out of Mina.


    Although Mina had yet to fully show her yandereness it is gradually being cultivated. While being hugged by a young girl who seemed to be no older than 12 made Mina creased her brows at Colt.


    "Dear, who is this young home wrecker? Do you know who she is?"


    "Um, no, no, I do not know who she is, believe me. Young lady, can you get away from me? My lovely future wife is eyeing me at the moment..."


    "Hah? Big bro Sparkly what are you talking about? Just because you didn''t come to the orphanage for two days you''re already forgetting your great benefactor?"


    "Benefactor?"


    Mina''s voice instantly returned to normal upon hearing the word benefactor from the young lass. Colt looked at the young lady, surprised of what she had just said, and wryly smiled.


    "O-okay great benefactor, can you please unhand me? I am currently finding it a little hard for me to breathe."


    "Ah, sorry about that."


    Colt was released from the tight grip of the lass and looked at Mina who carefully approached the young lass, asking "what did you help my husband with? I am intrigued to know.".


    "Ehem, well you see, around two years ago he wished to learn how to handle a child and I was the who taught him everything he knows. Hehehe, I was also the one who took care of him when he collapses on the ground, drunk in front of the orphanage, also..."


    Colt listened to the words of the lass named Hylda and smiled wryly. These memories are not something he could remember, in fact, when he tried to remember what she''s talking about Colt would feel a headache.


    ''Goddammit, is this a part of the puzzle?'' the puzzle he speaks of is not something tangible. The memories of the original, Colt wished to know what that is, yet the only thing he knew is the events mentioned in the book, as for the rest it was blank spaces.


    Leo knows only the base knowledge of what the only book told him. In his sleep, he managed to inherit most of the knowledge not spoken in the main series but most of them were still vague. But Leo won''t complain, after all, even inheriting such little past experience and knowledge of a 19-year lifespan is not something he could take.


    ''My head might explode if that flooded my mind with that so much information and knowledge.''


    Colt looked at Hylda and sighed, she seemed to be attached to the old Colt, thus he found this really intriguing.


    He crouched down and looked at Hylda talking to Mina.


    "Young Miss Hylda, you seem to know a lot about me."


    "Of course, you could say that the two of us are best friends." Hylda then showed him a thumbs up and a wide smile.


    "Is that so, I am sorry to say this but since the other day, I have had gaps in my memories as I have hit my head while I was asleep. Young Miss Hylda, do you think it you''ll be able to tell me about our connections in a cup of tea?"


    "Blegh, why are you talking like that? Just be your normal untamed self around me..."


    "And around me as well...oh sorry I didn''t mean to cut you off." Mina apologized as Hylda continued her words.


    "I''ll tell you everything but you have to treat me to cake...you told me you''ll bring the cake on your next visit!"


    Colt laughed at Hylda placing her small hands on the side of her waist to show her confidence. Colt, no, Leo was no pedophile but he found that rather cute and the thought of getting a daughter flash in his mind.


    ''Would she have pink hair like Mina?'' He thought to himself before shaking his head after realizing what his thoughts had led him to think.


    Clearing his head, Colt motioned with his chin for Hylda to follow him. He smiled widely and pointed at the Garden of Serenity, "If you want cake, we''ll go there."


    "Really? Good going, big bro sparkly."


    Hylda threw her hands in the air to celebrate. Running up to the place the Garden of Serenity. She opened the door and immediately froze upon seeing how classy the place was. She seemed to have forgotten her position and the types of people who enters the teahouse and couldn''t handle the pressure.


    "Hey! You rat! You''re not supposed to be here!"


    "S-sorry."


    One of the attendants saw Hylda and was about to take her by her arms and drag her out, when a another hand grabbed the attendant by the wrist.


    "Hoo, are you telling that the friend of Young Master of the Edgeworth Family is a rat? Are you also telling me that I am a rat as well?"


    "N-no, I wasn''t...my apologies, I..."


    Colt raised his hands and looked at the shaking attendant and smiled. He threw the attendant away and took out a handkerchief and wiped his hands clean before throwing the said handkerchief away.


    He looked around and smiled at the customers enjoying their time..


    "Tsk, the mood had been sullied by an idiot, Hylda, let''s go somewhere else..."


    "...Yes, bro sparkly."


    "Argh, don''t be so gloomy, it''s not worth the time."


    Smirking, Colt spoke and then turned his back against the Garden of Serenity; having Hylda exit first, he said one last thing before leaving.


    "I may be a wastrel, but remember this, I am still a part of the Edgeworth family. It would be in your best interest to learn who the ruler of this city and fief. Hylda, let''s go, we''re hitting every place that sells cake and you''re going to eat until you''re bloated, got it?"


    "YAY!"


    The two left the teahouse and Mina decided to enter for the last time.


    She eyed everyone on the first floor, it didn''t matter if they were nobles or wealthy people, she looked at them and said.


    "To everyone who spoke badly about my future husband earlier, I only wish to tell you that it would be rather hard for you to find yourselves doing business in the territory of the Vera Family. Well then, have a good day."


    Mina left the first floor and everyone became silent until someone broke the silence.


    "Pink hair, gentle smile, red eyes, and a beauty that is akin to a fairy...w-was that the sole daughter of Marquis Vera?"


    "I-it can''t be right?"


    Silence prevailed, and a minute later, they left, the news about Edgeworth and Vera family having their children married to each other spread like wildfire.


    The name of Colt exploded without him even knowing.


    The only thing he knew was that he protected the friend of the original Colt...and that he wants a daughter and a cake.

 9 9. The reason of the original’s death part 2 `

    "Uwaaa, I can pick anything from all this?"


    "Yes, you can pick anything that you wish to eat."


    Hylda was checking every little detail in the bakery. The Owner watched in horror as Colt smiled in glee.


    ''What''s this wastrel of a young master doing here? Shouldn''t he be in a bar? Dear Gods, please spare this store of mine from being trashed by this young master.''


    Praying to be spared by Colt''s outburst of destruction, the owner had a stiff smile plastered on his face. Colt looked at the owner''s smile and could not help it by sigh himself.


    ''What did this body do before I got here, exactly?''


    Colt is feared, and he knows it because he saw the reaction of the populace when he was walking around the city. The Colt everyone sees is the wrecker of all stores after he gets drunk, this young master is not someone who hurts people but the store itself.


    ''The people would avoid my gaze every time I look at them, they even make their kids look away when I smile...this is not that bad, I feel like no one is going to bother me if I don''t do anything stupid.''


    Being treated like some kind of plague has its fair share of perks. First, he''ll be able to act on whatever he wants without fear of others'' view of him and second he''ll be able to avoid social contact.


    Though Colt, no, Leo is not that proud of it, he''s not that good with socializing with others. Even though back on earth he had a handful of people who calls him their friend, he has that time when he would rather be alone than hangout.


    Leo is a professional loner with a social life of his own....


    ''In this life, I won''t be needing to make any elaborate excuse to not join any social gathering. Hehe, it''s a good thing I have a very responsible and hard working sister to do that for me. Being the wastrel of a wealthy family is amazing.''


    In this life, Leo has many options. Other than bending over to every demand of Mina to keep his life, he has the freedom to do everything he wants. Also, Mina doesn''t even keep a tight leash on his neck as she was very lenient for someone considered as a psychopath.


    "Big bro sparkly, I want this!"


    Hylda pointed at the cheesecake with her eyes glimmering with a strange light. The world may be different, but the combination of a woman and sweets is the same as ever.


    "Is this everything that you wish to eat?"


    "I want to pick some more but it is almost lunch, and today, Sister Mary will cook us Moriam Stew."


    "Is that so..." Colt had a smile that said "good for you", and "what the hell is a Moria", but he didn''t let the latter expression show and simply said, "...then that is a shame, mister."


    "Y-yes, young master Colt?"


    "Pack everything from here..." Colt stepped forward and pointed from the start of one row to the end, "...to there."


    The Owner looked at Colt in disbelief. Colt felt slightly irate and sighed in dissatisfaction.


    "Do it, or do you want me to first make a ruckus before you do anything?"


    "Ah, yes young master, I will do as you say."


    From a stiff smile to a gleaming expression, the owner''s expression changed as fast a dog goes into heat. Colt watched as the owner moved faster than normal.


    "Big bro sparkly, you don''t really need to do that..."


    "Heh, don''t worry, it''s not like you''re the only one who will eat it. Share it with everyone in the orphanage. And don''t act like a meek child, as you have said, it''s disgusting..." Colt laughed as he said those words


    Hylda realized his point and immediately put up a smile, a happy and energetic smile so to say.


    The cakes had been all wrapped up and handed to Colt. There were five types of cakes thus there are five boxes, looking at the boxes, helplessness struck Hylda as she found it hard to take it back with her.


    The five boxes were tied together, and Colt picked it up with a smile on his face.


    "Follow me, I''ll take you back to the orphanage, it''s about time we head back to the Edgeworth mansion as well."


    Against Colt''s knowledge, Hylda jumped as she stared at Colt in shock.


    "What? Is there anything on my face?"


    "Edgeworth Mansion? D-don'' tell me, big bro sparkly, are you the young master wastrel of the Edgeworth I hear often?"


    "Huh, you didn''t know? I never told you before? Also, weren''t you listening to my preaching earlier?"


    "No, no, and no you said you were some wandering God of Beauty, so I assumed you were just some weirdo from some wealthy family."


    Colt felt something stab him in the chest. The words of the original are simply too much for him to deal with. Colt''s shoulders droop as he looked at Hylda.


    "Well now you know my name, stop calling me big bro sparkly and just refer to me as Colt or young master."


    "I don''t like calling you young master, I''ll just call you big bro like I always did, is that okay oh glorious God of Beauty young master Colt Edgeworth?"


    "Ugh, please, stop it."


    Finding someone so refreshingly uncaring about her position made Colt smile at Hylda all the more favorable. But not too favorable as Mina was eyeing him from behind, he could almost feel something stabbing his back.


    Picking up the boxes of cake, he urged the two girls to follow him. Colt looked at the owner one last time and flipped one Perum Coin over to him.


    "Young master, this is too much...I can''t possibly..."


    "Keep the change, just treat kid earlier nicely, give her some cake when she comes by."


    "Ah, yes Young Master Colt.":


    One Perum is the most valuable coin in the continent. There are three coins in the Western Continent, Priba, Fella, and Perum.


    These three coins are similar to the bronze, silver, and gold of every isekai novel.


    Priba is the lowest it is like the bro, Fella is 100x more valuable than Priba, and Perum is 100x more valuable than Fella


    A single Perum equates to 10,000 Priba and a single cake is 15 Priba at most. Hylda can drown in cakes if she actually gets more than what the owner can earn from that single Perum.


    In the mind of the owner, Hylda had just become a VIP.


    "Ah, young master, where have you gone to? I''ve been looking everywhere for you."


    The coachman who was assigned to Colt and Mina was almost crying as he encountered them in the city plaza where the three ended up in.


    "I''m sorry sir, I didn''t like the way the teahouse was operating so I left. Sorry for bothering you."


    "Ah no, it doesn''t warrant for the young master to lower your head...please don''t."


    Colt smiled, and entered the carriage with Mina.


    "Hylda, come on up, I''m taking you back to the orphanage."


    "Yes! Big bro Colt."


    The coachman watched in a daze as Colt took five boxes of cakes inside while a seemingly street flower vendor entered with him.


    "What''s the name of the orphanage again?"


    "Light Orphanage, it''s in the third district."


    "Okay, sir coachman, let us go to the Light Orphanage before we head back."


    The coachman found it odd but still did what he was told. Inside the carriage, the trio began to talk, mostly Mina and Hylda were the ones talking to each other.


    At this point, Mina knows more about Colt than Leo. It was baffling to watch, it was as if he was watching his stalker gather information about him.


    Soon enough, they stopped and Hylda stepped out of the carriage. The orphanage was all the way up a hill and the poor coachman was tasked with taking the cakes all the way to the top while Colt and Hylda talked to one another.


    "Big bro Colt, when are you going to visit us?"


    "Maybe, tomorrow, I''ll come tomorrow."


    "Good, Little Filla would be delighted if you visit, she had been asking me when you''ll go back. I actually went to sell flowers in order to track you down, and drag you back with me to the orphanage as she had been crying saying she misses you, with that, ciao."


    Hylda ran all the way up to the hill and entered the orphanage. She said one last goodbye to Colt before entering, and as she disappeared from their eyes, Colt and Mina left in a carriage.


    "She''s a good kid, right dear?"


    "Yeah, sadly, I still can''t tell much about certain things seems like regaining my memory will be rather troublesome."


    "Speaking of lost memory, dear you should have..."


    Thus begin a lecture from Mina telling Colt about how he kept silent about losing a part of his memory.


    He apologized and all was good, but amidst it all, a single name floated in Colt''s mind...


    Filla.


    Such is the name that is still surrounded in mystery and why did his heart felt like it is clenching every time he remembers or even hears this name?


    ''Who is she? The original couldn''t have been a pedo right?''


    He wondered as Mina continued her nagging.

 10 10. The reason of the original’s death part 3

    The couple returned to the Edgeworth Manor, Colt was burned out from all of Mina''s nagging. But he still listened to them and kept them at heart just to make sure that if she asks what it is that she says on this particular day, Colt will be able to answer.


    They had lunch with their family and was asked a bunch of things; Colt didn''t listen to any of them because he was too preoccupied with a bunch of things.


    It was mostly regarding the name Filla, he just can''t get it out of his head...but once he began eating everything floated away.


    ''Worries would come for later after I finish eating.'' Is what he thought whilst devouring the perfectly cooked steak of God knows what kind of meat it was.


    This world has a lot of different races that are considered edible. Thankfully, Colt had yet to read something about humanoid monsters being eaten so he was eating without a care for the world.


    He finished eating and together with Mina, the two enjoyed a pleasant afternoon on the back garden where Colt slept under the shade of a tree. His body was gently embraced by the soft nurtured grass, the humming of Mina put him to sleep as his head enjoyed the pleasantness of her thighs.


    ''This is bliss.''


    Is what Colt thought. He is not a person of this world but he is enjoying this life for his and the original''s sake. And Mina was the one who offered so why not. Colt is aware of the dos and don''ts. He won''t cross a boundary and he won''t hesitate to cross one if need be.


    ''A man only refuses advances if he''s two-timing and cheating. If your woman is a yandere all is a green light, other than the forbidden thought.''


    Colt is experienced in many ways; he is a man who had delved deep into the internet and the embrace of a real woman.


    But when 1:30 pm strike, Colt abruptly opened his eyes; he slowly got up from Mina''s thighs and stretched his body.


    "Dear, where are you going? Were you unsatisfied by something?"


    "No, not by any means. I simply have swordsmanship training that I must do today. I will be heading to the training ground E you can join me if you wish."


    "You go first, dear, I''ll be heading to get you some refreshments as you train."


    "Thank you, Mina."


    Colt turned away and then left for training grounds E. All the while Mina was left watching his back, she left for somewhere else, not the kitchen by up to the second floor. She heads for the room of Colt and closed the door...


    ''Refreshments for my dear will come for later, I am sorry for your wife is too impatient.''


    Click! The door was locked...


    Colt walked slowly to the training grounds E. And by the time he reached it, there were still ten minutes before 2:00 pm. But standing in the middle of the training ground E was Neun, holding a wooden training sword in his usual Butler uniform.


    Swoosh!


    The training sword was swung a total of one time, the training sword caused a tumultuous gust of wind. From a single sword stroke, Neun then proceeded to do a series of sword slashes creating fiercer sword strokes.


    Neun''s sword was like water, fluid and but strong, its sense of self is reflected in his every movement, And as the waves of his sword began to show its might, Colt saw it clearly, tall waves appeared from out of nowhere and as they were about to crash on Neun, he held the sword in front of him and pierced forward.


    Boom!


    The waves dissipated as Neun''s sword made the accumulative wave disappear. But to Colt''s realization, there was no water; there was no wave; only sword movement that is as fierce as the crashing waves.


    What he saw was an illusion, and Colt found that sight truly amazing and...


    "Beautiful."


    Neun was awoken from his daze and he turned his head towards the direction of Colt who had been silently watching from the side.


    "Young Master, there you are."


    Colt walked fast and stopped a few centimeters away from Neun. With his eyes shining, Colt was in reverence of Neun''s sword skills.


    "That was amazing Butler Neun, what was that? I didn''t know you were so good at the sword, it was amazing."


    "Haha, Young Master it is but a fluke, these old bones of mine can no longer move as it used to. I just got lucky that I managed to show a competent display. Hahaha."


    "No, no, no, that was amazing, those fluid movements connecting sword path, and most importantly that grace you carried as you made the waves dissipate, it was amazing."


    Neun watched Colt revering his sword art and smiled widely. Only after Colt finished fanboying did Neun finally spoke.


    "Young Master, I am just here to inform you that the Captain of the Guards would not be able to join you, He was sent to a mission by the Count, so it is sad but your training must be postponed."


    "That is sad, but, I am in an urgent need to train, um, when do you think he''ll be able to return?"


    "Sadly it should take one or two months before he can return."


    "How about the Vice Guard Captain?"


    "The Captain is accompanied by the Vice-Captain."


    "Is that so..."


    Colt was in a state of distressed, he didn''t think everyone would be out and as he lowered his head in his contemplation, he completely missed the smile of Neun.


    "Young master, how about I teach you my sword instead?"


    "Really? By all means yes, I would appreciate learning from you, Butler Neun."


    "However, although my training is really effective, it is also hard, it may strain the Young Master''s body so I better warn you about it."


    "Don''t worry, I won''t run away, Butler Neun, I''ll try my best to do what I can."


    ''That is good, young master."


    All the while this was happening, Count Shickly was together with Marquis Liron watching Colt from afar with widened smiles on their faces.


    "Hahaha, it seems like the effects of your daughter to my son is truly magnificent, I have never seen him have so much fervor about training before."


    "No, no Brother Shickly, it is your son who is a good influence to my daughter, I have never seen Mina so happy before after her mother''s death she had been too devastated so I am happy to see them happy. It seems like getting them engaged with each other is mutually beneficial."


    "Yes, that is correct! Come now, Brother Liron, let us drink to this wonderful occasion."


    Thus, the Count and Marquis found another reason to drink. The two had a wide smile on their faces.

 11 11. The reason of the original’s death part 4

    "Ugh!"


    "Don''t slack, a strong foundation equals strong swordsmanship, young master, fighting."


    Colt''s sweat had already drenched his clothes. His white long-sleeves had already turned to brown from the many times he fell to the ground. It was a pitiful sight, and yet it was also admirable.


    The task of Colt is simple, run fifty laps around the training grounds E. But it is not so easy, the training grounds of the Edgeworth family is large, terrifyingly so, and training grounds E is around 150 meters.


    Colt needs to run that fifty laps and as he gritted his teeth, he was observed by Neun.


    In Colt''s memory about the story, Neun is just some intimidating butler, nothing more nothing less. However, that is only the case until Vol. 5, Colt does not know if he was some sort of hidden masters but he should have at least read the book until Vol. 10 when the Edgeworth Fief was attacked.


    ''I could have seen the prowess of this old man if I had stuck to it.'' But Colt is not saying he is regretting his decision, no, he merely wished to see what kind of sword skills he will have, and with the lengths, the novel describes he''ll have some insights.


    He wishes for a walkthrough or the beta version of the technique.


    ''Hehehe, that sword skill is powerful, I''ll get it no matter what. An artifact is a tool and without the proper techniques to use that tool, it is nothing but a glorified paperweight. I''ll learn that sword technique!''


    A man is a person of passion, and most men wish to have powers unlike any other. Why do you think many tries to use the kam*ham*ha, the spirit gun, or the b*nkai?


    The kam*ham*ha of this life might be different but it is power nonetheless. Colt may just be feeling a little homesick of earth before, but now that learning techniques are a possibility, he will not let the chance go to waste.


    Also, there''s the oncoming war, the risk of having his neck slit by his fianc¨¦, and the uncertainty of this book. But it was mostly because of his childhood dreams.


    And as the fire of passion burned within his eyes and heart, Neun was astounded by his perseverance. He can see it, the burning fire behind his eyes, the depths of his desire for power, he could see it, and he was amazed.


    There are times when he had fallen when he vomited the food he had eaten at lunch but he still kept going. Colt, the wastrel of a young master is showing perseverance a soldier might not even be able to show.


    ''What passion, is this the power of change brought upon by the Vera lass? Haha, this young master may just become the successor of my ancestral legacy!''


    Neun was satisfied, he is overly satisfied by Colt''s performance and perseverance. The push of love is not a myth after all, or so he thought.


    Colt''s training is just running, and more running. By the time he completed the twenty laps, night had already fallen. The body of Colt is not so resilient as what others think.


    He is strong at the battlefield of the night, but not at this kind of exercise. Colt finished the first part of his running, he collapsed on the ground, looking at the night sky and the beautiful stars,


    Trying to catch his breath, he smiled widely. Leo of Earth is also someone who had experienced extraneous activities before, he knows that the more he sweats and he experience body ache the more effective the training would be.


    He smiled like a shounen protagonist and felt satisfied.


    "Good job, young master. This will be your training regiment for a week, please keep in mind that the longer we train the more torturous the training would become..."


    "Hehehe, such a thing is not enough to stop me. I shall later serve you easy to digest food, come, young master, let me help you up...oh it seems like your personal assistant is coming."


    As such, his shounen-like trait blossomed. Colt tried his best to get up and as he did, he would stumble down, but then, someone helped him up, he looked to the side, it was Mina who had a reddened face.


    "Darling are you okay?"


    ''It seems like she hurried over here when I collapsed, her complexion is different from normal. And she is sweating profusely. And she changed from Dear to Darling? That''s an abrupt change.''


    He thought and then had Mina help him go back to his room so he could rest.


    That night, Colt''s body was too tired to even move. Thankfully, there was Mina who helped take care of his battered body.


    Mina helped her sweet darling clean his body by wiping his and feeding him. His bed even smelled good, giving him the chance to deeply relax.


    Now, he was sure that the love of a yandere is truly something sweet.


    Colt closed his eyes, that night it would be like any other. Or so he thought.


    That night, when his mind and body were in the most vulnerable state ever since he got to this world, memories and information about the original Colt surfaced.


    A mix of a slideshow and a dream appeared. As if he was in a trance, Leo just watched with his heart aching from the emotions the original had gone through.


    Leo did not expect the memories showing up in front of him, but, he also knew that on the back of his head he expected such a development.


    The memories finished flowing; Leo met with Colt face to face.


    The original Colt who was dubbed to be a wastrel had an amiable look on his face, His handsome visage was still there, but it was far from the description of others.


    He did not seem haughty but someone who kind and honest.


    The original Colt opened his mouth to speak.


    "I apologize."


    "You did nothing wrong."


    "But I was the one who may have brought you here. The Gods answered my prayers for letting me rest, and it seems like they answered me by letting you enjoy the life I rue living."


    "It is fine, I had already given up my previous world, please rest at peace for I also wished to leave that life behind." Leo and Colt looked at one another and smiled.


    Colt had a sincere look on his face as she said.


    "Please let her know the truth, and protect her for me."


    "I will."


    Day came, and as he felt a headache attacking him, Leo sighed, Leo received the last of Colt''s memories. He sat down, having a headache as he finally uncovered the truth as to why the original Colt decided to "cheat" on Mina.


    ''That explains a lot.''


    As if the world was waiting for the moment he woke up, the door opened and Mina walked in with a glass of cold water.


    "Darling, it seems like you''re finally awake. Sir Neun really worked you up a lot, his means are brutal but I saw improvement, ah, I still can''t get your fierce eyes out of my mind..."


    As Mina mumbled in glee, Colt''s back was already drenched of cold sweat. Should I do it? Should I not? He asked himself these questions.


    ''If I wait for too long my life will be on the line for not trusting her, and if I say it now, just maybe, my future may survive. If I tell the truth, her safety may just be compromised, but the promise to the original...now, what should I do?''


    He has the promise and the circumstances. If he waits for too long, her and his life will be taken for lying and not trusting Mina. He had to make his decision.


    As Mina walked forward towards her beloved, Colt finally decided what to do.


    "Mina, I have something say."


    "Yes? What is it darling?" Her smile was ever prevalent.


    "Um, it may not be too pleasant to the ear, but please, listen to what I am about to say...please don''t hate me for it."


    "Worry not dear, there''s nothing that you do that will make me hate you..."


    "....I have a daughter."


    Break!


    The glass on Mina''s hand she was holding broke, as for her smile, it was deeper than anything than it had been before.

 12 12. You deserve the truth

    "Oh, dear is messing with me, please do not say such jokes or I might just take them seriously."


    Colt looked at Mina''s eyes, her smile was filled with joy but at the same time not. Colt could feel it, the atmosphere around Mina was changing, and as she took a step forward, Colt felt his heart would go off.


    But still, he stayed seated on the edge of his bed. Soon, Mina is right in front of Colt, her eyes, devoid of any other light as she asked a simple question.


    "That was a joke, right dear?"


    Colt felt his heart tremble. He felt a lump on his throat, from the fear that is beginning to form. He was unable to speak, unable to clarify it. As he stared into her eyes, the abyss that is her eyes, zoomed into Colt.


    He was choking, but then, he remembered a promise. A simple promise from the original. It was a promise he created to the pleading man, who''s too tired to lie about the existence of his child.


    "It is true."


    Bam!


    Colt lay on the bed, on top of him was Mina whose smile had already disappeared. She looked at him, and he looked at her. Colt''s mind was clear, and his fear was gradually beginning to lift. To live a lie, that is the life of the original, the only wish he had was for his daughter to know of the truth.


    He wishes to let her know how much he loves her as a father and his regret of lying to her. Colt, no, Leo is nothing but an ordinary human.


    "Why are you telling me this? You could have lied to me, do you want me to wallow in this emotion of sadness and despair? Why did you do it? Are you playing with me, young master Colt?"


    "It''s because you deserved to know the truth. Lying to you is the cruellest thing to do, I have filled the gaps in my memories and only learned of this today, I know it would hurt you, I know that you will hate me, but I do not want to lie to the woman I love."


    He was a man who experienced the heartbreak of being lied to and seeing the anger in Mina''s eyes, he knows that is acceptable. The man you loved and adored has a child you did not know; it was one of the worst feelings in this world.


    Being betrayed is something Colt did not want to happen to others, he wants to kill those who betray those who lay their whole being to the one they love as that is what they deserve. Colt has experienced this pain, he did not wish to lie to Mina.


    Yes, he contemplated whether he will live or die if he speaks of the truth, but, on the back of his head, he knew he had to tell her.


    ''This is the right choice.'' Is what he thought, ready to accept his fate.


    He spread his arms, looked at the eyes of Mina and said one last thing.


    "I have hurt you I know, if I had known sooner I would have told you right then and there when we met, but I didn''t. Mina, I only have one request, if you are to kill me out of hate, please, do not touch my child, but I know you are kind, so I trust you that you will do the right thing..."


    He then closed his eyes, ready to receive her emotions, her hate at him.


    Leo expected for Mina to lash out, it was in the range of her right to do such a thing, but she didn''t. Instead, a tear reached Colt''s face.


    He opened his eyes, he saw it, Mina''s eyes were red as she began to cry. She buried her head on his chest as she cried.


    "You''re unfair! What can I do to you? I can''t hurt the man I love!"


    Leo could feel it, his fear was no longer present; he felt a weight being lifted on his shoulders. He had treated Mina as someone close to a monster since he got here, no, he treated her as a monster wearing the skin of a human.


    But at this moment, the emotion that had surfaced after spending time with her was enough to confirm what it was.


    ''This emotion is not a compromise to keep my life; it is an emotion deeper than what I felt before. To love a woman who wished to devote herself to me, being truthful to the one I love, this is refreshing.''


    He does not know what Mina was thinking nor did he know what she thinks of all this, but as she lifted her head from his chest Leo moved his trembling hand, and slowly stroke Mina''s hair.


    "Mina...I love you."


    It was but a whisper, but Mina heard it loud and clear and she responded with a sincere.


    "I love you too."


    He then pulled her for a loving deep kiss.


    He now knows that his love for her was true.

 13 13. Youthful Desires: Claiming each other

    The heavy doors were closed; the curtains pulled down and covered the windows; it was morning and yet the atmosphere told Colt and Mina it was night.


    As the couple had each other in their embrace lay the middle of the bed, their clothes that wrapped their bodies; the clothes that covered their flesh was already on the ground, scattered about, without a hint of organized placement.


    Their impetuous actions reflected on their actions. Their eyes met as their bodies momentarily separated.


    Colt was atop Mina, his mind was infatuated by her beauty and scent. Every part of her body; every inch that had not been seen or touched by anyone other than him infatuated him; she intoxicated him with her beauty and allure.


    His lips met with hers, as he moved his head like a hungry beast trying to devour her everything. Her lips opened, welcoming Colt''s tongue that conquered and penetrated her.


    Her tongue met with his. Their saliva mixed; their tongues wriggled and embraced; their bodies began to burn from the emotions that continued to well up.


    Colt''s hands began to move, his fingers began to satisfy Mina''s craving down below; playing with her to get her ready for the act of union that is about to come.


    The two separated their lips, a connected line of the saliva broke as Colt went to kiss her body. He wanted to eat her whole and leave his mark, he wishes to claim her as his, he didn''t want her to leave his side.


    He was everywhere, leaving his mark so she would never forget.


    Time moved forward, and Mina was sufficiently wet. He guided his fingers down her stomach, tickling her as he reached the funnel-like hole that let the two become one.


    Mina did her best to open herself to him.


    "Please...do it."


    Her warm words echoed in his ears, tickling his desire even further. His youthful desire burst, as he inserted it to Mina.


    "UHN!" She pained yet sweet moan escaped from her lips.


    She winced at the pain from having to lose her purity; and yet she showed him a smile moments later.


    A look of concern flashed Colt''s eyes, Mina did not let him speak; using her hands she pulled herself up and sealed his lips. She rested her chin on his shoulders near his ears; her heavy breathing echoed in his ears, amplifying his desire by a notch.


    "Don''t hesitate, give it to me."


    Colt responded to her words, he did not plan to hesitate to begin with as he was already near the end of his wits.


    "Mina!" Pushing Mina down the bed, his lower half began to move. Their bodies began to melt onto each other''s embrace. Mina clawed Colt''s back as she endured the pain.


    But soon, the pain disappeared; her body accepted his everything; and she too was intoxicated by the act of making love.


    They were finally one and as she held him tighter, her innate desire to have him to herself blossom.


    She bit his shoulders; it was deep; as deep as she could go without hurting him. She too wished to mark him as hers so no other could claim him.


    In this life Colt was hers; only to Mina.


    No one could have him nor could anyone take him away.


    Colt felt her desire, and he responded with a deep thrust; a thrust deeper he previously had done.


    Mina let out a long moan as her mind felt a shock. Colt could feel he was about to release, it was about time, but he held it in as he tried his best to satisfy the desire of his love.


    He knows that as he holds it every time it was about to come, the more powerful it would become. It was painful for her but he wished not only for his pleasure but for hers as well.


    And as the two finally met eyes, Mina climaxed and moments later, an iota of second after she did, Colt finally released the deep seethed desire for him to mark even her insides.


    "UHN!"


    A deep and long moan escaped the mouth of the two. Colt held himself up using his arms, as the hot semen flowed inside Mina.


    As their sweat permeates the room, and their eyes locked onto each other''s Mina pulled him to her and gave a deep kiss.


    Colt responded to her desire and so did Mina. As they marked each other with their scents to the core of their very being.

 14 14. The Alliance makes their move

    Mina and Colt lay on the bed, embracing one another as they settled down after the long battle that lasted for 3 hours. Mina could no longer feel her lower half, thus they had to stop.


    Mina placed her right hand on Colt''s chest and rested her head on his arms.


    "Mina, do you wish to meet her?"


    "Who?"


    "My daughter."


    "Silly you, she''s no longer just your daughter for she is now also, my, Mina''s daughter."


    Colt smiled at her words and gave her a kiss on her forehead. He was currently content, happy that he told her the truth, and as he snuggled up to her, Colt felt an indescribable warmth.


    Their time on bed lasted for quite some time, they got up when noon finally hit. The two stood up, and with a quick realization, Colt remembered something.


    ''It is still daylight.''


    Everyone in the house is present, his parents, and Mina''s too. Not that he was ashamed of what he had done; rather he was proud of it. But he feared that the Marquis will come and kill him for making a move to his daughter when they are yet to get married.


    Also, he did not know how to help Mina get dress and at the moment she was incapable of movement; or so he thought as Mina stood up after her body glowed green.


    "Wha?"


    "It is magic, my darling."


    A simple explanation was enough to make Colt shut his mouth. Getting clothed took them quite some time because none hurried or panicked.


    Colt was a man, he would not chicken out and accept anything that will get thrown to him by the Marquis.


    ''I won''t die at his hands at the very least.'' was the solace that kept him from chickening out at the very least.


    Mina had no make-up on at the moment, and yet she was stunning as the light from outside the window illuminated the room.


    They head out and headed over to the dining area, where they found no one. Not even the maids preparing for lunch.


    "Hmm? Did they leave?"


    Colt asked after seeing no one was present. Well, it seems like no one got to know at the very least. Being a loner, he does not want to parade his sexual life so much.


    He heaved a sigh of relief while Mina offered to fix themselves lunch and head to the kitchen. As he saw her leave, Colt did a much-needed stretch and then he heard it...steps.


    The steps were calm, and even, as he turned to the origin of the steps, which is at the door where he entered through, he found Risa looking at him with a fan hiding her mouth from showing the wide grin she had on her face.


    But, Colt could see it through her eyes. Those slanted eyes of hers from smiling too much spoke endless things. And as she casually approached him, Risa whispered so that only the two of them could hear.


    "Did you enjoy yourselves, Older brother? Mother and I worked hard to ensure no one will be able to bother the two of you, like Marquis Liron Vera. Did we do a good job?"


    Colt looked at Risa, he was taken aback. He pieced together everything, the reason why no one knocked, the reason why no one was present, it was all Risa''s and Countess Faerith''s doing.


    The secret alliance had made their move and at this moment, Colt could feel. He was trapped; backed to a corner with no way out.


    "What do you want?"


    He sounded firm, but his emotion showed through his eyes, he was worried, he was thinking a lot of what-ifs. But he was sure, that he will not suffer no matter what these guys want. Countess Faerith spoils Colt and Risa has whatever she wants.


    They have nothing against Colt. But one thing does come to mind...


    ''What if they send to some faraway land as to not interfere with Risa''s ascension to power? What if? Such a good thing could occur? Mina will come, even if that happens. What a peaceful life that would be.''


    Colt was daydreaming that he''ll get banished and live a peaceful life. But then, Risa''s silent chortle awakened him from this daydream.


    "You''re becoming sharper Older Brother, you can see that I want something from you. Hehehe, this is not going to be hard, after all. The service of mother and mine is not going to be free, you have to do something for us. Worry not, I already have mother''s request so you won''t have to bother meeting her later.


    "Be warned, if you refuse, we''ll tell on you to the Marquis, hehehehe."


    Colt swallowed the saliva forming on his throat. He said nothing and only waited for Risa to speak.


    In the novel, Risa was depicted as a valiant warrior that is worthy of the title of Count. She even became the first General; at least that''s what Leo found after being spoiled in the reviews.


    So, Colt was pretty sure she won''t ask anything that is out of her bounds.


    But he''s not going to lie, at this moment Risa looked more sinister than what Mina had ever shown him. It was creepy and he felt like if he declines their requests, the story will get twisted. And she''s kind of annoying.


    Finally, the nerve-wracking wait ended as Risa finally spoke of her demands!


    "First, would be the request of Mother..."


    Risa paused, she seemed to be contemplating if what she''s about to say is appropriate or not! But she made up her mind in a few seconds as she spoke...


    "She said she wants you to train in the sword for at least 4 hours every day..."


    Colt tilted his head, and simply shrugged his shoulders saying, "Sure why not, Butler Neun said I need to train for at least 6 hours a day so 4 hours is no problem."


    "Really?"


    "Yes, really."


    Risa paused once again. She shook her head in disappointment. But she quickly recovered.


    "Moving on, Older Brother, this one is my request...you may not agree to it but, listen to me, represent the family at the Academy."


    A serious request, a request Risa doubt Colt would even accept it...


    "Yeah sure, why not." Colt accepted without putting much thought into it. He already got the gist of what the academy is thanks to the novel, most noble go there until they are 21 years old. Colt still has ten months before reaching that age and being the eldest, he was destined to go there anyway.


    ''The original didn''t get to go because he died, right?''


    He was put into a deep contemplation; Colt looked at Risa who had already dropped her fan. She looked at Colt with thankful eyes, and as she gave him a hug, she thanked him from the depths of her heart.


    "Thank you, brother."


    Then, Risa left the dining area, to report to her mother who was watching the Count and Marquis empty another jar of Count Shickly''s secret stash.


    Mina came back and set up the table. She was not assisted by any maid because she didn''t need them.


    That day, the Edgeworths was in a festive mood.


    "You smell like Risa, Darling."


    "Y-yes, she was just here."


    Well someone was still not used to sudden shifts of temperament.

 15 15. To fight with numbed legs is bullshi

    [7:00 pm]


    The world is not so easy that Colt will be able to live a colourful life without doing shit. Right now, it was the afternoon; the sun is about to set but still, Colt still run around the training grounds.


    He had finished forty-laps and only ten more to go. Neun kept watch of Colt''s running and nodded his head.


    "Ha~! Ha~!"


    Mina was watching from the side, worried of Colt but also smitten by his figure that is drenched in sweat She was silently anxious and also enamoured by his serious expression. Mana silently floated up to her hands as she tried doing something.


    "Darling..." She whispered but then, Neun moved his hands in front of Mina.


    "Please, do not interfere, the young master decided to do this for your sake Young Lady Mina so please let him be without using any magic. Heal will dissipate his tiredness but it will also make him incapable of getting used to being tired so please understand that all of this is for him."


    Mina heard Neun''s words of ''for your sake'' and stood there, daze at Colt''s dashing yet pathetic figure.


    Colt continued running for another hour and finally completed the rest of the thing. Now that he is finished with his ''stretching'', the act of actual training shall start.


    Right now, stretching is what Colt had been doing and real training will come after he finishing the fifty lap running. And as he plopped to the ground, wheezing to catch his breath and trying to endure the burning sensation on his lungs, Colt looked at Neun and asked:


    "So, what''s next?"


    "The next part of the training is going to be the most important of all swordsmanship ¡ª footwork."


    This is the second day of Colt''s training day. And if yesterday Neun spoke of running being the week-long thing; he meant that for a week the training will become exceedingly more rigorous than the day before until the seventh day comes and "real training" begins. And as for the week-long running, that''s the only thing that will not change for the week.


    It was confusing even Colt.


    "Here, Darling."


    "Ah, thank you."


    Having been handed a towel by Mina, Colt wiped his face clean of dirt and sweat as he listened to Neun speak without pause.


    "Footwork is the most important part of swordsmanship, training your footwork now while you''re tired is the aptest time. Destroy your legs multiple times and then reconstruct it; that way, even when are tired after fighting for three days straight, even when your foot goes numb, you''ll be able to move and decisively dispatch an enemy."


    "Is that really true?"


    "Hehehe, do not worry, I have tried it before. Now, please start, after this Young Lady Mina will be taking care of you so do not worry."


    The second part of the training has begun. Destroying and reconstruction, Colt had heard of that phrase millions of times from different sources. Considering how it is also used in real life, he believes that it is true and not some useless rambling.


    But, he is in doubt about the other thing Neun spoke of. Fighting while numb, he''s pretty sure that''s some fantasy mumbo jumbo. But still, this world is not earth, after all, so the chances of it being true are rather high.


    "I''ll show you how it is done first, then, you will do it on your own after. Ready? Okay, I shall start the explanation, the name of this footwork or movement arts is Water Ripples. When trained to its full extent, you will even be able to tread on water, only leaving a single ripple in a tranquil lake! There are five steps in the Water Ripple, this is the first step..."


    Neun placed his right leg in front of him, his body straight and as if he was just going to take a step forward, he suddenly disappeared from where he stood and the next thing Colt knew, he was already nowhere to be found.


    "Piercing Droplet, that is its name."


    Colt turned to his right, around twenty meters away was Neun, looking at him with a smile. Colt couldn''t see it properly, Neun''s movement was too fast, leaving him with a gaping mouth.


    Neun continued to speak.


    "Moving straight, like a water droplet uniting with a larger body of water; it is a quick step and if I use it to its fullest, I can move a hundred meters in a single step! Also, this step is used when you wish to attack and swiftly kill your enemy."


    Colt''s mouth was opened wide, he looked at Neun in reverence and he quickly got up. He looked at Neun and smiled, before saying.


    "Can you repeat your instructions? I didn''t get it."


    Night came to pass, Colt''s training lasted until ten in the evening then he collapsed and needed to be dragged back inside his room where Mina took care of him. He was also healed by Mina to relieve him some of his fatigue.


    And before Mina left Colt''s room, she rummages through his stuff, and that night, some of the more intimate clothing of Colt went missing as Mina left the room.


    As for what she intends to use those for, no one knows.


    The next day!


    "My daughter, are you sure you''re going to stay here? Do you not wish to be with your father?"


    "Worry not, father for this daughter of your wishes to spend some more time with my beloved. I shall return to the capital in two weeks when the time to attend the academy arrives. My Darling and I shall go there together." No one argued when Mina said Darling nor did anyone cringe.


    Everyone accepted it.


    "Okay, if that is your decision."


    It was finally time for Marquis to leave after receiving an immediate summon, but despite the sad farewells of father and daughter, the atmosphere was light.


    After saying some fluffy words to Mina, Liron looked sternly at Colt.


    Pat!


    Liron placed his hands on Colt and looked into his eyes.


    "I shall leave her in your care..."


    Liron then pulled Colt in his embrace and whispered something only the two of them could hear.


    "I have seen your effort to change...but I also know your past, try not to hurt my daughter or I''ll give you a visit even if I am at war...okay?"


    Colt felt his spine tingle, he now doubts if Marquis Liron had some association to the original''s death in the novel.


    The Marquis separated with Colt and flashed a wide smile as if he said no threat earlier.


    He moved over to Count Shickly who, he too pulled close to him and hugged. He whispered something to Count Shickly and the two turned to Colt with a wide grin plastered on their battle-hardened mug.


    It was unnerving for Colt. And he didn''t even know what they are talking about, he just wished he won''t get killed.


    The Marquis finally left, and an hour later, Mina and Colt decided to take a stroll outside the city.


    They had the coachman take them to a bakery and bought a cake before heading to the orphanage.


    Mina held a beaming smile and Colt felt his heart is about to burst.


    ''I''m a father...''


    A new kind of pressure is adding to his many stress.

 16 16. The daughter and the past of Colt Edgeworth part 1

    A child, a kid, a daughter, or a son; some life is a part of you, that is what this was. A part of Colt, no, Leo is in the orphanage that is left to believe she has no family.


    As his hand was held by Mina, and he took a step out of the carriage, Colt began to feel ¨C scared.


    Fear, he was scared of all this. He and the original is now one, the original asked him of one thing in order to keep this life as his, let his daughter know of the truth.


    Colt raised his head, he looked at the orphanage that is uphill and began to walk forward. The coachman was left to wait by the roadside, this will not take that long, is what Colt said.


    One step, two steps, three steps up... the fear of having a child he knows only of Colt as someone else hurt even Leo. The innate fear, the deep seethed emotion that appeared on his chest is burning as the memories merely surfaced a day prior to this.


    He could remember it as clear as the day, and as Leo felt scared, he also felt determined to right the wrongs of the original, to answer his prayers, and let him be free of the guilt that plagued him for the longest time.


    Four steps, five steps, six steps up, Leo''s determination crystallized to courage, he began climbing up the hill not as Leo but as Colt Edgeworth.


    He was now a man with a child, if he is to fear what is to come then he is unworthy of answering the prayers of the original, much less facing the one he is supposed to call daughter.


    Seven steps, eight steps, nine steps, stop...Colt stopped on his tracks, he raised his head and uphill; in front of the orphanage were two people.


    A child with golden hair, a petite figure with seemingly frail limbs; her shoulders, drooping as she walked out of the orphanage. She was downcast, dissatisfied by something.


    With her was Hylda who carried a woven basket that will be used to collect the fruits at the back. Although the basket was half her size, it will later be filled and she is going to be the one to drag it back inside.


    And as the golden-haired lady felt depressed, her keen eyes caught sight of a man, a beautiful man with olive skin. Her face suddenly brightened, her smile showed, the golden eyes that were devoid of light exploded with brilliant luster!


    The energy of a young child exploded, her golden hair fluttered with the wind, the never-tiring energy reserve of children was directed at Colt.


    And as Colt watched the golden-haired child take off with nimble movements. She jumped and with perfect accuracy held Colt''s head almost sending Colt and the kid tumbling down the hill due to the fearsome villain who killed millions known as gravity.


    "Big bro sparkly!"


    "Filla! What are you doing!? That''s too dangerous! Ouch, don''t pull my head too much!"


    "You liar! Hylda said you promised to come yesterday, you also didn''t appear when Sister Mary cooked the Moriam, you promised to come! Do you not like Filla anymore?" Filla the golden-haired child had a vice-like grip on Colt''s dark hair.


    She was sobbing and crying as Colt''s hair got pulled in different directions.


    "Filla! What you''re going to make big bro Colt go bald. Climb down from there."


    Hylda was to the rescue of Colt''s dilemma, but even her attempts to pull Filla off of her left Colt screaming for pain. In the end, everyone gave up, which was the natural course of action.


    The only thing unnatural about all this thing is not Filla''s strange attachment to Colt as she did not know his true connection to him, but also Mina''s strange silence. And when Colt snuck to look to the side and check out how Mina was reacting to what was happening, he saw it, a pained smile...she was enduring.


    ''Good work, Mina.'' Colt gave an honest compliment to Mina in his head.


    Soon enough, Filla calmed down, her tears stopped flowing after some time and only her sniffles could be heard.


    "Are you okay now!?"


    ",,,"


    Filla didn''t answer and kept acting like a koala.


    "I won''t break my promises anymore, I still like Filla."


    "...Really?"


    "Yes, yes really."


    Filla heard his reassuring words and then slowly came down off Colt''s head and held him by his sleeves. Because she was too little to actually reach out to Colt''s sleeves, she can only hold a tiny portion of the hem but she still had a very stubborn look on her face, saying ''I won''t let go.''


    "That''s your fault for breaking your promise you know."


    Hylda who was by the side spoke without mincing her words.


    "I know."


    While Colt answered Hylda, he didn''t notice the conflict that is happening between his daughter and his future wife. Both ladies directed fierce glares at one another, nobody let up and both kept their focus at one another.


    Mina held a smile on her face and Filla''s childish face had sniffles all over it. Mina crouched down, took out a handkerchief from her sleeves and carefully brushed her nose and eyes.


    "So you are the young Filla my darling is always talking about. How adorable you are."


    When the words darling was uttered, Filla''s eyes turned sharp. Her vulnerable outlook suddenly disappeared and was replaced by a serious expression ¨C as serious as a child could get at least.


    Filla nodded her head towards Mina before hiding behind Colt. When she used what she called the "Sparkly Shield", Filla asked Colt a matter of true importance.


    "Big bro sparkly, why did she call you darling just now? What is your relationship?"


    Colt''s back suddenly straightened as the question didn''t felt like it came from a three-year-old but his mother-in-law.


    But still, he answered in a jovial manner.


    "She''s this big bro''s fianc¨¦."


    "Huh?"


    Filla was shocked down to her core, as her steps staggered, she took a step back and she became angry.


    "You are a liar! You said you will marry Filla!" Her cheeks puffed as lightning descended on Colt''s mind.


    But the worst of it all was Mina having a staredown with Filla who barely fits the age limit for school.


    It was the stare down of rivals, sparks flew.


    Colt worries and Hylda enjoyed on the side.


    She brought out an apple she kept in her dress and handed it over to Colt.


    "Big bro Colt, want some food as we watch? You can''t intervene in a fight between two women anyway." She said that despite one of these women is nothing but a three-year-old.


    "...Yeah, why not." Colt gave up, in his mind he was thinking something that is truly inappropriate for the situation.


    These thoughts are too inappropriate but its idea circulates at the original being a pedo and another topic that is too disgusting to bring up.

 17 17. The daughter and the past of Colt Edgeworth part 2

    Colt and Hylda sat underneath a tree cooling off from the heat of the sun whilst the two supposed rightful lovers of Colt duked it out in a staring contest, which had gone on for quite some time.


    "I know him for all my life! He was there in my every birthday!"


    "You''re three years'' worth of life with my darling is not important for the two of us are already engaged. We have the blessings of our parents and we love each other!"


    The petty rebuke of Mina was oddly effective, resulting for Filla to take damage. But, she is not down for the count, "Urk¡­.we love each other too¡­! We even take baths together until some time ago!"


    Mina felt an invisible damage piercing her very core, "Ugh¡­well I bathed him last night!"


    "Argh!"


    This is basically the fight of the women who wishes to claim Colt as theirs. It is as petty as it was glorious and the one that is most involved sat next to Hylda talking about life.


    ''This is not what I expected when I came here.''


    Not everything in life is dramatic, sometimes, it is simply full of bullshit that just drags on. However, it did paint a smile on Colt''s face.


    ''I wish this lasts even when the inevitable comes.''


    He sighed as someone from the back touch his shoulders. He cheek was poke as he turned around.


    "It had been some time since you came, Sparkly."


    "Well, there are a lot of things I had been doing Sister Mary."


    Wearing an amber-colored tunic, a black pendant around her neck, and a dagger with a pommel that is etched with two wings, both with contrasting color of light and dark.


    She was a beauty as well with an oval-shaped pair of eyes, well proportioned body that is outstanding because she is well-toned, this is Sister Mary, a Priestess of the Dracian Fate.


    Colt looked at the beautiful Mary and smiled. He stood up from the ground and placed his right hand on his chest before nodding his head as a show of respect.


    "Hoooo, I thought you didn''t believe in the Gods? For you to bow to a Priestess of the Fate, are you saying the heretic Sparkly, the most handsome men of all has a change of heart?"


    Colt cringe after remembering the past he do not wish to remember, but he also felt something in his heart.


    ''Ugh, this is the worst feeling.'' Colt turned to Sister Mary and shook his head.


    "Well, let''s just say I am a different man now."


    "That''s rather surprising. So, are you going to play with Filla today?"


    "No, I wish to¡­"


    He was cut off by Sister Mary as she raised her left hand.


    "I can see where this is going to lead to, no need to say anything further, follow me to my office, then, we will talk."


    At this time, Mina stopped her bickering with Filla. She looked at Sister Mary and didn''t even feel a hint of jealousy. The sudden change on Colt''s expression told her many things.


    Things that are regarding to the golden-haired child named Filla that is in front of her and Colt.


    Colt looked at Sister Mary; he followed Sister Mary who said her farewells temporarily to Filla and Hylda before beckoning him to follow.


    "Filla, Hylda, go and pick some apples, I will be talking with your big bro Sparkly for a while, got it? IF you do good, then I''ll bake some pie for you later."


    "Okay!"


    The two responded with glee in Hylda''s and Filla''s eyes. Hylda headed out first, but FIlla had to stick her tongue out to Mina before running away. The duel shall continue for a later date.


    With the two children away, Colt and Mina followed Sister Mary to the Orphanage. The Orphanage was also a part chapel. But as time went on and the more children who had lost their parents grew, it had expanded to be the Light Orphanage.


    Today, the Light Orphanage have eight children but it still receives a hefty donation from an anonymous source.


    "Your office is as barren as ever, doesn''t the orphanage has a lot of money?"


    "Well, you give that money for the children¡­to your child to be exact so why spend it? It''s technically not mine."


    "You can use it, still."


    "Hahaha, let''s move on, why don''t we talk about the important thing¡­but first, does she know?"


    By she, Sister Mary referred to none other than Mina seated beside Colt.


    "I know, and I support my husband''s decision."


    Mary smiled at her words, but something else surprised her.


    "Husband? You two already got married?"


    "It will happen in the future so it doesn''t matter if I call him my husband now¡­" Mina confidently answered. Her chest was up as her confidence reached the skies.


    "I like this girl, Colt. Don''t let her go." An aunt-like compliment was given by the Sister.


    Sister Mary moved around the cabinet to find a red folder. The folders of cabinet are all brown, however, only one was red and this folder was obviously Colt''s.


    The brown means the parents either abandoned the child or are already not of this world. However, there are rare cases where a Noble sends his or her child to an Orphanage for certain reasons, thus, the folder will become red.


    This kind of practice was no longer used in the Kingdom and the Continent for a hundred years. After all, the red folder is associated to scandal so it is no longer practiced.


    But Colt asked Sister Mary to do it as proof that he acknowledges his responsibilities.


    "Finally, after three years, this folder will finally get thrown away. Sigh, I wonder, what your family will say if they get to learn the story of Colt Edgeworth, the wastrel young master of the City¡­are they going to cry?"


    "Is the story of my husband that sad?"


    Mina casually asked.


    Mary raised a brow as she looked at Colt the obviously look of "Seriously? You haven''t told her?"


    Colt merely shook his head and Mary sighed.


    "Do you want to know, miss wife?"


    "Yes!"


    Seeing Mina''s expression, Mary looked at Colt. The pressured Colt could only sigh as she began telling his story for the two.


    Colt was hesitant at first, he looked at Mina for he knew what he is about to tell is not something he would want her to hear, but Mina showed a determined look that told him to continue.


    Her eyes tell him, "I wish to know."


    So, not wanting to hide the darkness in his heart, to lay it down to Mina, he began to speak.


    "Well, it is not that spectacular of a story, it is not that even special.


    "When I was 15 years of age, I was infatuated with the idea of having sex. I met a woman, a prostitute and had a night with her, her name was Felis¡­she was a woman sold to become a prostitute by her parents. She was but 16 at the time¡­"


    Colt stated the number and even he felt bad about the fate of Felis.


    "She was a new ''item'' in the ''house'', thus, the house master let me picked her to have a good time. But, we only had two nights before knowing she was pregnant. I was skeptical at first, however, only I have ever touched the woman, thus I bought her off from the ''house''."


    "As a young man, I feared my family learning of my mistakes, thus I bought a house for her to stay, only meeting her when I ''snuck out'' to ''drink ''. At first it was hard, because there are guards around me all the time, but the more I slip away, the more the guards let me be.


    "Besides, I would always come back when the time is right so it didn''t really matter.


    "I was guilty of the fact she got pregnant, and without the courage to take the life of an innocent child, I took care of Felis. I frequently snuck out of the manor; they would think I am drinking but in truth I was taking care of her. I wished no one would know of Felis and the child, so I could ask no one.


    "Weeks passed and it seemed like I was merely playing, but as months went on I was already known as a wastrel. And then, I took the title of the wastrel as a cover and head home drenched in alcohol, acting drunk to let them know what I did.


    "And as the time came, when Felis was about to give birth, there was a storm coming. And as an idiot who didn''t know how to midwife, I panicked. I was torn of between keeping the secret and calling someone for help.


    "But as I am in a state of being torn, Felis grabbed my hand and told me one thing, "I don''t care what happens to me, please, just take care of our child." Those words of her made me feel the selflessness of a mother, and I rushed out, seeking the help of Sister Mary.


    "I banged on their door, as the storm raged and the thunder rumbled, with all my strength I tried getting their attention as if I was trying to redeem myself as a pathetic excuse for a human. And as Sister Mary appeared before me, I kneeled and asked her to save Felis and my child.


    "She answered my plea, and helped delivered the baby, and as Felis got a hold of our child and looked at me with a smile of bliss, she said to me with a tear-stained face and a happy expression.


    ""I will not last long, I can feel my strength being sapped away. This is the best time to say it, thank you for not letting anyone else touch me and saving me from ending up as a prostitute. When I was a child, I wished to have a family of my own. A husband who will care for me and love me, to have a child who will smile as she frolicked on the grass, that is what I wished. But even though I never got to see my child run around the grass, I saw her breath and live; despite myself not getting married and having a husband, I still managed to experienced being cared for by my savior¡­Young Master Colt, thank you for granting my wish even if you didn''t mean it; please, take care of our child..", she died with Filla in her arms.


    "I cried, as my heart began to bleed, I could have saved her if I had told others about it. I should have learned then, took Filla with me to the manor and raised her as my own, but I feared she''ll get criticized so I had Sister Mary take care of her, and for the past three years, I would sneak out of the house every single day, I would sneak out of the manor come here to take care of her as I had promised. And as I watched her grow knowing she is my daughter and her not knowing anything crushed my heart.


    "And everytime she asked me if her parents hated her and that''s why she was abandoned, I always wished that I could hold her and scream that I am her father, that I didn''t hate her but loved her from the bottom of my heart. I lived a lie, a lie that hurt everyone around me, I¡­"


    And as Colt told his story, a single tear escaped and more followed. He began to bawl as he began to sob.


    "I am a coward."


    Leo cried.

 18 18. One-meter

    The world is not afraid to shit on you, Colt and Leo knows this as fact. As his tears stopped Mina gave him solace and peace, he held her hands and she became a pillar for him.


    Mary smiled at the pair; she couldn''t believe that Colt would be able to find someone as good as Mina. It was quite frankly sweet to see and as she held the pommel of the sword.


    She waited for Colt to calm down before talking about the thing Colt came here to do, adoption. Picking up the red folder, Mary looked at Colt and passed it to him as she wiped his tears away.


    "Quite frankly, I do not want to rain down on your parade but, can I ask you how you''re going to tell Filla about the truth, better yet, how will you tell your parents and this young lady''s parents. I believe Filla is going to face pressure once her identity as an Edgeworth is revealed."


    Colt flipped through the pages of the red folder, his hands stopped and he began to remember why Filla was sent here to begin with. She was sent to the orphanage to avoid criticism of everyone around her.


    Mary saw the change in Colt''s expression and shook her head.


    "You must be thinking that taking the blame upon yourself will be enough, but, taking care of a child is not so simple. To begin with, once she becomes an Edgeworth, she''ll become a noble and the life of a noble is not exactly pleasant to begin with.


    "The child of the wastrel with a commoner; the bastard child of the wastrel; the unneeded child. Do you think such titles will not befall the child? Do you?"


    Colt''s hands stopped moving. And he looked at Mary whose eyes is full of concern, he couldn''t speak, a lump was stuck in his throat forcing him to stay silent throughout.


    However, a word did come out from their side, but it was not Colt who spoke, but Mina.


    "Your concerns are warranted and I do believe that my husband is being hasty, thus, I wish to say a few things that will clear this whole thing."


    Mary was interested at hearing her words.


    "We need only to create a way for the young woman to easily transition to becoming a Noble, without having been affected by my dear husband''s¡­not so flowery reputation, correct?"


    "Indeed, his not so flowery behavior¡­hehe." She couldn''t hold it in.


    Mina ignored her chuckle, "Then, that only means we just need to improve his reputation, and once that happens. The kid will be accepted easier even if there''s a backlash of his lies being uncovered."


    "That makes a lot of sense, but, the single most important question still stands, are we going to let Filla know of the truth?"


    No one answered, Mina simply turned to Colt waiting for an answer. Mary did the same and now, Colt''s decision was.


    "I''ll tell her, I have led a life that is full of lies for three years already. I am Filla''s father, she is my flesh and blood and I have seen her cry far too many times I don''t want to see her suffer more from those insecurities."


    Creekkk!


    Thud!


    "Ah, we''re sorry about this, um, I think we were going to ask Sister Mary for the stool and we just¡­um¡­"


    Filla and Hylda looked up with effort. While Hylda was panicking about suddenly opening the door. These two had come to Sister Mary''s office to ask about the stool that they desperately need, but when they were just about to open the knock, they heard it, the determined voice of Colt coming from the inside.


    "I am Filla''s father¡­" a single line was enough to make Filla''s and Hylda''s young mind go blank.


    They didn''t know what to do and as they panicked, the two lost their balance and fell. accidentally opening the door and letting everyone know of their presence.


    Everyone was silent, even Hylda who had yet to calm down has stopped speaking. She looked at Colt, and to Filla before coming back to Colt.


    The two had the same expression on their faces, blank. Filla was surprised to know the truth and Colt was too stupefied to speak.


    The lump on his throat had come back. But he summoned his courage, his strength, and pulled everything out to say¡­


    "I''m sorry."


    Once again, his tears began to well up as he fell on his knees. Leo did not know what is causing him to do this, but he had already come to accept that he and Colt is but one person. And Colt''s emotion is geniune and it is now his, the guilt he felt is not some foreign emotion, this is real.


    The two was one meter apart from each other, but it felt like a giant chasm was between the two of them. Colt wished to crawl to cross that one-meter. So he reached out his hand, trying to get to Filla.


    However, when he raised his head, he saw Filla''s face, she was still silent, still unable to react in any way.


    ''She hates me; but that''s understandable, after all, I was the one who left her.''


    This is enough, if he pushes further, she would run away. He could tell, he had read enough novel and watched enough tv to know what would happen next.


    Colt left Filla, she cried at night thinking about it; it is not so surprising really. It would be the perfect reaction an orphan would take, but, a warm hand clasped Colt''s hand.


    The one holding him was trembling; Colt raised his head and looked at Filla holding his hand and saw her shaking.


    She was scared.


    She looked at Colt and her tears also flowed, she moved her other hand and held Colt with all her hand as if telling him to stay.


    "Do you not hate me?"


    Filla profusely shook her head, she vehemently shook it as she tried to show her point as her ability to speak had already left her.


    "I left you¡­"


    "You didn''t!" Filla raised her head and looked at each other''s eyes, "You didn''t leave Filla¡­big bro sparkly was always there for me¡­when I was sick you were there¡­when I am lonely you were by my side¡­you never left my side."


    Filla sniffled as she tried to say what she wished to say but failed for she was too overwhelmed by emotion. Her eyes could no longer see for her tears had already flowed. She cannot wipe her tears, for she feared Colt would leave.


    She was scared; scared that what she had nightmares of thousands of times before would come true¡­that she would be truly be abandoned.


    So, Filla tried her best to speak with.


    "Filla ish the one hu ish rong! Filla''sh fader never aban¡­doned her, she just never new he was always by her side! Pleash don''t hate Filla!"


    "No, no, never¡­never!"


    Colt crossed the chasm and held Filla in his arms. He had done it so many times before, but this time it was different. Because right now, she know that she her parents didn''t abandon her and Colt is finally free of his guilt, thus, this hug was the most genuine hug of them all.

 19 19. The storm ends and spreading one’s wings

    Filla was crying on Colt''s embrace. She was sniffling as she tightly hugged the seated Colt. She was like a golden koala hugging its parents less the sh*t eating part.


    Her eyes were puffy and so is Colt''s. The father and daughter pair calmed down and Colt looked around the room. There were a more diverse set of expression present in the room.


    Mina was conflicted between happiness and jealousy; Mary was enjoying the lovely scene; and Hylda was bawling her eyes out crying just like Colt and Filla.


    "I didn''t know you were a father, big bro Colt. Uwaaa, and here I am thinking you''re nothing but a drunkard pedophile who frequents the orphanage to satiate his desire¡­" She was guilty, but still honest.


    That day, a lot of crying was involved and thankfully no blood. Colt and Filla separated from one another and as she sat on Colt''s lap and had her head stroke by her father, she was satisfied. This was one of her dreams, even though Colt always does this for her, but it felt different right now.


    "This is nice." Her feet were swinging back and forth as she enjoyed herself with the companion of Colt. She moved it back and forth and from the corner of her eyes, she saw Mina and turned to her, before showing a wide smirk as if saying to her, "I win, he loves me more."


    Mina''s eyes widened. She was not going to war with a three-year-old, that''s the daughter of her future husband¡­however, she''s her future daughter as well so it is a good time to know her place.


    Thus, a war began through their eyes alone.


    Colt purposely ignored the two and just looked at Sister Mary who was finalizing the red folder. She looked at Colt with a satisfied smile on her face and asked.


    "You''re finish already, in terms of letting her know the truth, that is. Now, what are your plans? Are you going to leave her here with us for the time being?"


    "You''re leaving Filla? I knew it, you hate Filla!" It was not a surprise to hear Filla suddenly wailing as Mary''s words were too insensitive.


    "No, no, it''s just temporary, Dad just have some things he needs to sort out in the capital. I''ll be attending the academy and when the seventh month comes and your birthday and Fate Baptism comes, I''ll take you home with me. But, for now, I can''t take you home because I''ll leave sooner or later."


    Filla found it hard to believe his words, but as it was the job of Colt to make her stop.


    ''Thing''s didn''t really change.''


    The talk continued as Filla finally settled down, as Colt and Sister Mary came down to a conclusion, the day was finally beginning to settle.


    Soon enough, it was time for Colt to leave.


    "Come again tomorrow, okay?"


    "Of course, Daddy will come again tomorrow/"


    "Big bro¡­daddy, you promise?"


    "I do, don''t worry."


    Filla had Colt promise his return. And as Filla celebrated, Colt turned to Hylda who was quietly watching from the side with her arms by her side.


    Even before Colt could say anything, Hylda already gave him a thumbs up.


    "Don''t worry big bro, I got Filla, I won''t fail to take care of her, she''s like a sister to me. What, you don''t believe me!?"


    "I believe, that''s why I can leave this place without worry."


    Colt smiled at Hylda also and looked at Sister Mary one last time, he bowed and paid his respect. She held the pommel of her dagger with and with her right arm placed on her chest.


    "I''ll be seeing you, sister Mary."


    "You too, kid."


    Mina looked at Filla just as she was about to descend the hill. The two rivals looked at each other''s eyes. Filla was warry and Mina merely smirked.


    "Practice calling me Mommy or Mother from now on, okay? My dear Filla."


    Filla raged as she said some unsavory things. Mina left with her waving hand at Filla and Hylda who was holding the kid from charging forward.


    "It seems like you had your fun, young master Colt. Did something good happen there? Young master?"


    "There was¡­"


    The pair left the orphanage with smiles on their faces. Colt thanked Mina for doing what she did and Mina kissed him as she claimed her rewards.


    This is the start of Colt''s quest for glory and cleanse his name of the title wastrel. Though the path is stiff, he will tread it and go against the will of the original story.


    Although he can''t remember every character and every event. He at least has a good grasp of what will happen in the next three years.


    These three years will play the pivotal role of starting the different issues. These issues ranges from complicated to simplistic and browsing through his memory, there would be three chances to let them know of his might.


    ''I''ll become strong and go against the odd of this world. The structure of the world is going to change and I will lose my edge over this world, the five Vol. advantage but it will all be worth it.''


    Colt is ready to become a ''Hero-like-'' figure of this world.


    "Dear husband, pleased don''t tell Filla anything more about marriage with you, okay? She might get the wrong idea." Mina casually said as she retreated from Colt''s lips.


    And with his speaking ability retained. He simply answered.


    "Yes."

 20 20. A whole new world

    Days passed and Colt did what he had to do. At day he would head out to the orphanage with Mina and on the afternoon, he would beat his body in the hellish "Tutorial Training".


    Colt learned three of the five basic footsteps and to summarize, it was basically retreat and sidestep; which to be fair is extremely useful. His training turned from being 6 hours to 10 hours but every single day he trains, he sees himself to be coming back for more.


    He does not know what it is but he actually became addicted to training, it was a miracle he didn''t think would happen. And as the final day of Tutorial Training came, Colt and Neun came face to face.


    It was dead into the night, most of the staffs in the manor were already resting and only Colt, Mina, and Neun were outside.


    "Hey, Butler Neun¡­"


    "That''s master to you, disrespectful disciple."


    "¡­Master, what exactly am I training for? To be honest I think I am training for health reasons rather than to become strong."


    Neun looked at Colt and saw that the flames underneath his eyes are burning brighter than it had ever been.


    "Did something happen? You seem to be in a rush my disciple. Did something happen?"


    Ignoring the fact that Neun is acting more and more like an old hermit that irate Colt for the past few days; he''s actually pretty astute from time to time and as he noticed the change, he was quick on his wits and says the right thing.


    When he saw Colt not answering that question, he became serious.


    "This training is nothing but the basics of the basic, and you know it and all of it builds the foundation for aura to manifest on your body; you should be aware what aura is right?"


    "Yes, it''s basically the mana for Mages or the prana for Illusionist."


    "That is correct, aura manifest in different people at different times, others manifest it when under extreme stimulus and some heaven sent geniuses are born with it but the most fundamental way of manifesting it is through training .


    "Train the body enough and you will be rewarded with aura. We do not undergo much meditation like Mages or undergo baptism like illusionists. Warriors train their body and core to become stronger vessels and once you reach a certain threshold¡­"


    Neun picked up Colt''s training sword and made a vertical swing. A splash of water appeared as the swing was fully realized.


    "You can call upon the elements and do this¡­"


    Colt was honestly amazed, but being amazed is not enough for him to become stronger. But he also knows that being impatient will lead to, in the end, Colt shook his head.


    He can work harder and push his body to the limits, but any more and he will only be destroying his body. In the end, he couldn''t say anything to Neun.


    Neun on the other hand gave him a piece of advice.


    "Whatever it is you are chasing, just make sure you take it slowly, if you run like a horse for war, you will trip be shot in the neck as you cannot see the greater view. That''s enough, you can now rest, tomorrow is the day you will leave for the capital. Do not do anything stupid, okay, my disciple?"


    Neun then left, feeling satisfied as he had said something profound to his disciple and acted like an old master.


    As always, Colt was helped by Mina. She was patient and while in the bedroom, she wiped Colt clean with a white towel. The towel would be drenched in Colt''s sweat and usually, they would converse a lot but not today as Colt fell asleep quicker than normal.


    Mina prepared herself to leave, but just as she was about to take her leave, she became conflicted on what to do. In her hand, she held the towel and Colt''s spare clothing. She looked at it and then turned to Colt''s wardrobe.


    At first, she abandoned the idea that suddenly sprouted in her mind and decided to make do with the wardrobe, but in the end, she hurriedly took the towel and clothes of Colt in her room and locked it so no one could enter.


    No one ever knew what happened to the towel and the clothe because before even the sun rose from the eastern mountains, it had already been washed.


    Colt''s luggage had already been prepared since three days ago; and as the coachman prepared the carriage and loaded it with their luggage Colt and Mina said their farewells to the Edgeworths.


    "Older brother, don''t go....the sweets!" Lyra hugged Colt and begged him to stay, she now has a better relationship with him but the sweets Colt donates mattered most.


    "Don''t worry, in two months I will return¡­I''ll bring back a lot of sweets then, okay?"


    "You promise?"


    "Yes, yes, I promise."


    Although Colt felt wronged being loved for the desserts he donates to Lyra, he couldn''t say much because ever since he came to this world, he hasn''t really paid any attention to her.


    Their connection was built on top of the foundation of desserts, as brother and sister that''s not something good.


    ''I need to spend more time with my siblings once I return.''


    Good thing he acknowledges his mistakes but how he acts on it is a different matter altogether.


    Lyra was satisfied with Colt''s promise and turned to his parents.


    "Take care of yourself out there, okay?"


    "Yes, Mother, do not worry about this son of yours. Besides, I have Mina with me, I won''t die by doing anything stupid at least." Colt jokingly stated. But he shut his mouth quickly when the Countess gaze him a glare for what he just said.


    ''It seems like every mother in every world is terrifying. The only thing missing is a slipper or a stick.''


    "I''ll leave her to you, Mina."


    "You can trust in me¡­Mother."


    Count Shickly didn''t say much and only gave Colt a thumbs-up as if to tell him go out there and be free.


    As for Risa, she was merely looking at Colt with a pleasant smile.


    "Get me the brand-new Heavenly Pillow of the Willow Merchant groups. I hear they made it using the fur of a Cloud Beast, make sure to give me that and I''ll do what you asked of me the other day."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll give it to you, just make sure to watch over your training in swordsmanship."


    It was bizarre for Colt to talk like this with Risa. She was supposed to be one of the hardest working character in the novel so why is it does Colt need to bribe her in order for her to train?


    ''This novel is getting fucked.''


    The two said their farewells and as they did so, Colt decided to head to the orphanage where they said their farewells as well.


    "Do you really have to go?"


    "I''m sorry, Filla but daddy has to go this so I can take you back home with me without others looking down on you."


    "I don''t care about others; I only want to be with you!"


    "Me too sweety, but, I can''t bear others doing that to you so, wait for daddy okay? I''ll come back in two months, when your birthday comes."


    Filla was hesitant to separate with Colt. It was understandable as she was but a kid who just reunited with her father. But she knows that what he is doing is for the better.


    "You promise you''ll return on my birthday?"


    "Yes, I promise. Have I ever broken a promise before?"


    "Yes, multiple times already!"


    "¡­"


    ''Fuck you original!''


    Colt cursed the original in his heart.


    "Well this time I won''t break it."


    Filla gave Colt a hug and only separated minutes later.


    "I leave her to you, Sister Mary."


    Mary nodded her head.


    Hylda looked at Colt and smirked. She chortled a bit.


    "Take care out there, big bro. Make it big out there, I''ll come to watch the Scarlet Festival if I sell enough flowers."


    "I don''t even know if I''m participating in that thing, but if I really do participate, just ask Sister for money, I have given her funds for a lot of things."


    "I won''t hold back."


    It was finally time to leave the city. Colt and Mina would be escorted by the Vice-Captain who was supposedly just came back from his vacation.


    As Colt looked back at the city gates, he remembered the last week he was in there.


    He felt a certain sadness that one would feel when they leave their homes.


    Farewells are always sad and hard. But it is also exciting because once you leave your home you will be greeted a whole new world.


    And this world is a world that is filled with magic and adventure.


    He does not know what will happen at this point of the story and what will change with his actions, but in order to live his life to the fullest, it is paramount for him to look around him and embrace the world.


    ''Now, let''s see what''s ahead.''


    Volume 1 end.

 21 21. Wishing for plot armor is not viable

    Leo once had dreamt of marrying his girlfriend after she graduates from her course.


    But, that dream never came to be because as soon as she graduated, she met him face to face and told him everything she had done, how she just used him and laughed at him, mocking him for his stupidity for believing the words "I love you."


    She laughed at him for believing someone would actually love him. Leo picked up his phone one time in that whole conversation and placed it down as he chose to stay silent and listen to her mockery.


    He did not stand up for himself and merely listened. There''s only one thing he said, "You only dated me for money, and while I am away working for you, Tia Olivia, you were meeting someone who you truly love on my back¡­I do not want to believe it, but, just tell me, is this true or not?"


    "Heh, look at yourself, you should already know the answer to that question! Do you think I''ll ever approach you if not for you being a fool and having money?"


    "Then¡­this is goodbye."


    Leo picked up his phone and left without turning back.


    Tia and Leo separated; one was smirking while the other had an expression that is neither cold nor saddened.


    If he had called her a bitch then are there his words would have been justified, but he didn''t. As to why that is, Tia didn''t know, that is until three days later, after her name spread like wildfire.


    Leo went to call a hotline where broken hearted people tries to find solace in and talk about their heartaches. There, a certain recorded break up conversation surfaced. And with the mention of Tia''s and Leo''s full name, it soon surfaced.


    It started on Tia''s social circle, then soon enough it reached her parents, her batch, and everyone who has access to the internet found out who she was and what she did. And considering how nosy humans are, soon enough, those who wished for Leo''s betterment spread Tia''s photos online.


    It was distasteful in the eyes of others, but the majority wanted to drown Tia with their spit and that was how Leo dealt with his breakup we. It wasn''t dealt with in a particularly healthy manner¡­


    "But it was satisfying¡­"


    "What was that now, darling?"


    Colt opened his eyes and found Mina by his side looking at him in concern.


    "It is nothing, Mina."


    He sat up straight and stretched his aching body. He looked at Mina and promptly pulling her to his embrace.


    "D-darling, t-this is not the right place and time."


    Catching the yandere by surprise, Mina''s face turned beet red. She was aggressive on what she desires, but, she is also a woman, and with her always making the advances, it was pretty obvious she would be caught off guard by Colt''s actions.


    "Please, just a little bit."


    Colt''s peaceful voice echoed in Mina''s ears as their travels become more pleasant.


    It had been a total of two weeks since they set out for the capital where the academy was located. Thanks to the advances of magical technology, the carriage does not rock nor does it receive noise from the outside or the other way around.


    Their travel went smoothly, even with bandits appearing here and there, the Vice-Captain of the guards managed to fend take care of them without any problem.


    The travel from the Edgeworth territory to the capital would take at least three weeks to complete. And in these past two weeks, hardships have yet to be encountered.


    When their group stops to rest, Colt would begin his daily training given to him by Neun before leaving.


    10,000 swings of the three-sword variation and train in the movement techniques until he drops, that is all there is to it. It did not matter whether Colt was in a town inn or in the woods, he would complete his training and Mina would assist him to rest.


    Seeing the ''wastrel'' of a young master train so hard ignited the soldier''s competitive heart. Led by the Vice-Captain, they too would train when they got the chance.


    In this world, despite the strange names of the food and ingredients Colt really liked the food without a doubt. But he was aware that such dishes could only appear in the manor where the Head Chef was.


    They traveled with only soldiers so Colt and the soldiers expected food that is worse than dried meat. But, a Goddess descended to spare their tongues.


    Colt and Mina also did not experience having to eat dirt tasting food because Mina came prepared and learned the recipe of the Edgeworth family Head Chef so Colt could enjoy his meals without a problem.


    Colt noticed that Mina is slowly invading everything he likes, and he appreciates that. For a woman to go all this way just to please him is definitely a keeper.


    Now that all had been said and done, Colt was placed in a very precarious situation. The world is changing before the three years of the story begins.


    Colt Edgeworth was never supposed to come to the academy but here he was, heading to there to gain popularity for his future and his daughter''s.


    ''There''s a lot of different flashbacks in the story, right? So, I better be careful on how I approach this world, but then again, don''t I have the ability to change the lives of so many people?''


    Colt had a sudden flash of idea and he found clarity; he doesn''t know why this is, but he finds remembering villains more interesting than the hero.


    A hero would always be a hero; but a hero can one of either two things.


    A righteous person who saves everyone but cannot die despite his numerous enemies because of plot armor.


    And an anti-hero protagonist who kills everyone but cannot die despite his numerous enemies because of plot armor.


    ''Though I also wish for that legendary armor. Come on legendary God of stories, give me PLOT ARMOR!''


    He wishes for it but he''s pretty sure it will never come.


    From Vol. 1 ¨C 5 there are three major events that will happen today and some background stories of different antagonists are birthed.


    ''Vyra, Gilbert and Avern''s backstories happens at the same time, correct? Should I avoid them or not?"


    And while he was thinking about it, the bell that was install in the carriage to let Colt know if anyone on the outside needs to speak rang.


    Colt opened the window of the carriage and peeked outside.


    But all the while he was doing so, Colt felt something was wrong. As if something similar had happened before, ''Strange, why do I feel like something troublesome is about to happen.''.


    The Vice-Captain was the one who rang the bell. And now that Colt paid attention to his surrounding, the carriage had also stopped.


    "What is it? Why did we stop? Bandits?"


    "There''s a young man blocking our path, young master."


    "Please! Take me with you to the capital! My sister, she needs this medicine quickly!"


    Right after the Vice-Captain spoke of those words, Colt heard someone shouting.


    Colt got interested and stuck his head out to see what was happening. There, he saw a young man with silver hair and ragged clothing. He had a scar on his chin and he was pretty handsome.


    "Ah, Great Noble please let me accompany one of your soldiers to the capital, I need to return and give the medicine to my sister! Please!"


    The young man saw Colt peeking out of the carriage and immediately began to plead at Colt.


    But, Colt could hardly focus at the young man''s words as he had his own concerns.


    "What is your name, young man?"


    The young man found it weird that a Noble was asking his name, but he answered quickly to show no disrespect, "It is Avern your Lordship."


    Hearing the name had Colt sighing, and as he looked at the Vice-Captain, he motioned with his chin.


    "Have him come in the carriage."


    Fate was toying with him.


    ''I wished for a plot armor, not a goddamn Necromancer.''

 22 22. I just want to take a bath

    The killer of the Ten Thousand; the Lord of the Dead; the torturer of souls; such is the monikers bestowed upon by Avern, who sat before Colt.


    ''I always thought he would be much flashier than this, seems like his state a year he becomes a well-known Necromancer is harsh.''


    Avern was described as someone wearing a black cloak, a black undercoat, black boots, and everything black that is as dark as the night skies. The only thing that wasn''t black was the red brooch he kept with him.


    That brooch came from his deceased little sister, who died sometime this year. Colt doesn''t actually know much about Avern''s past because, as of Vol.5, he has yet to be killed by the hero.


    The only villains he truly knows about are Vyra and Gilbert, who died at their respective volumes of 4 and 5.


    Colt, no, Leo had always found it ironic that a man of death is always getting away from death.


    ''It''s entertaining and frustrating.''


    Remembering those days when he wishes for every annoying character to die is somehow irritating him now for some odd reasons.


    As Colt continued to stare at Avern, the poor guy lowered his head for feeling inferior towards the handsome noble that is Colt.


    ''That''s also not in the story. Wasn''t Avern an arrogant bastard? Oh, how the world works in mysterious fashion.''


    In the end, for Colt, it felt surreal. While he was thinking of matters that should not be thought about, Avern finally lifted his head to give Colt a sincere gaze.


    "Thank you for letting me ride with you, sir noble¡­it may be a little insolent of me to ask, but may I know the name of this gentlemanly noble?"


    Colt awoke from his daydream, as Avern inquired.


    With nonchalance, he answered.


    "My name is Colt, and my surname is Edgeworth."


    "Ah, so this young master Colt is a noble of the valiant and courageous Edgeworth Family, no wonder you are so kind as to help even someone lowly such as I."


    Colt waved his hand to show his disinterest in flattery words.


    Avern got the hint, and as he looked around the carriage, he realized one important thing.


    "Um, am I allowed to be with you in the carriage, young master Colt? I could have just joined the soldiers in their horseback, no problem."


    With even looking at him, Colt answered.


    "Your feet are sore, and your body is ragged; I am more surprised that you can say that to me instead of sleeping. No one is stopping you from sleeping; you know that, right?"


    Those words caused Avern''s body to ease up slightly, and as he did so, his tense body began to feel weak and soon collapsed on the soft chair of the carriage. Because there are no rocking and the regulated temperature inside giving maximum comfort, Avern fell asleep as soon as he eased up.


    "He''s much more battered up than I had thought."


    Colt quietly noted as Mina got up from her seat. She walked up to the sleeping Avern and was just about to heal him out of goodwill to the poor fellow when she suddenly turned around to Colt.


    "I just want to heal him, okay?"


    "Yes, I understand."


    She just had to confirm her intentions right before healing Avern. After confirming things with Colt, green light emerged from her palms, and the fatigue that had built up on Avern''s body disappeared slightly.


    It was the same spell Mina uses when Colt trains with Neun.


    There are six kinds of magical elements; Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Healing, and Dark.


    Out of all these magical elements, Healing and Dark are the most versatile and sought after. Coincidentally, the two people in front of Colt possesses the most sought-after elements.


    Night came to be, and finally, Avern opened his eyes. When he did so, the light in the carriage was already turned off, and no one was present. A fragrant scent wafted over to his nose as the food cooking outside reached him.


    He stepped out and saw the camp of the group. Everyone was mostly done eating, other than Colt and Mina, everyone had already finished their meal, and as he smelled the food, his stomach demanded food.


    But he was too embarrassed to just walk over and say, ''Please give me food.'', he had earlier thought that he would help out with cooking, but it seems like it was not needed.


    Thankfully, he didn''t need to ask for food as Colt saw him and invited him over to eat.


    "Come, Mina had cooked a lot of food; you should ear before I finish it all."


    Avern ate a spoonful of the stew, and his face instantly beamed.


    "It''s good, isn''t it?"


    Colt was the first one to speak. The cold demeanor he previously sported was no longer present, thus giving Avern a much better impression of Colt.


    And as he nodded his head, Mina, who was on the side, was nodding her head as her smile was reaching her ears. She was satisfied with Colt''s compliments.


    Colt''s tone of voice was more jovial than usual. The only time he is like this is when he is in the face of food. Mina liked him acting this way, so she is trying to better herself in terms of cooking skills. She plans on surpassing the head chef of the Edgeworth family, so no one will be able to contest for the love of Colt''s stomach.


    Going back to Avern, he accepted Colt''s offer and received a bowl of Ferios Stew.


    Ferios is actually a magical beast that is bred to be food.


    Colt has yet to know what a Ferios is, but it was tasty as hell, so he doesn''t really care, and he trust Mina won''t try and poison him, so who gives a damn, really?


    By the time Colt finished eating, the pot was already cleaned off by him and Avern, and as he rested for a bit, he began to converse with Avern.


    "So, what are you doing here? If you are traveling, I doubt you have no horse, the town before here and the capital is three days away by horse, don''t tell me you walk all the way here to the capital?"


    Avern scratched his head as he embarrassingly nodded his head.


    "I did walk; I have no horse, nor do I have money to rent one, but I needed to go to the Ferum Valley to find this."


    Taking out a pouch, Avern showed Colt a red flower that resembles that of a crystal.


    Its ten petals were like rubies, its leaves like emerald, and the stem was like sapphire. This flower in his hand is a Fairy Flower, a rare kind of flower that can regulate or awaken the mana in the body of a Mage.


    It was an unbelievable item that is sought after by every noble and seeing Avern taking out such a treasure was rather bizarre, outlandish even.


    "You''re taking out such an item? You''re pretty brave, do you not fear I won''t take it away?"


    "¡­If the young master was interested with it, the lady with you should have already sensed the mana fluctuations with me and took it while I was asleep or even before that."


    "You got me there."


    The Fairy Flower is a special kind of treasure that rarely appears, it has a specific kind of mana fluctuations that mages senses even from afar and indeed, Colt had already known of it since he was informed by Mina.


    "So, where are you going to use that? I heard your sister need it as medicine?"


    "Yes, she is currently undergoing awakening process and if I don''t take this home soon, I don''t know if I''ll be able to see her¡­alive when I get back, so I am thankful that you are giving me a ride."


    Avern clenched his fist as he spoke these words. Colt didn''t miss that and stood up.


    "Where do you live?"


    It was a sudden question that caught Avern off-guard, but he still answered with honesty.


    "In the common area of the Capital, young master Colt."


    With that in mind, Colt walked away with his training sword in hand. Avern watched as Colt conversed with the Vice-Captain moments later and pointed at him a couple of times.


    By the time, Colt finished talking with the Vice-Captain, an announcement was made.


    "We are to leave at 3:00 am sharp! Sleep now and those on guard duty shall watch over us until then!"


    Avern looked at Colt holding his training sword pass by him as if nothing just happened.


    Avern approached Colt as he asked.


    "Young master Colt, did you do this because of me?"


    Colt once again returned to speaking in a cold tone of voice.


    "I just wish to take a bath quicker, don''t mind it."


    As Colt walked away from him, Avern looked at his wide back and bowed deeply without saying anything.


    This gratefulness shall be etched in his heart.

 23 23. Like I said, I wanted to take a bath

    The guards on duty were yawning as it was still too early for anyone to pass through the City Gates. It was the lazy hour, but as one of the guards on duty waits for the sunrise and looked out to the horizon, his brows creased.


    A cloud of dust was already forming on the horizon of the Capital City Regal. The guards on duty became alerted as they thought about the possibilities of someone attacking the city.


    It was farfetched, but it was a possibility. They stand on guard only to ease up almost immediately as they saw the crest on the carriage''s doors.


    The crest on the carriage was unique; a black tiger lying atop a boulder, sleeping in peace. There are only two families in the whole Regalus Kingdom who chose the color of black to represent their family crest.


    Only the two hegemons of the military choose the color of black - the Vera Family, and the Edgeworth Family. Despite the two not being a duke and only one of them a General, everyone knows that if the two wishes to, they will be able to ascend to become a duke.


    Fifteen years ago, Marquis Vera was only a Count just like Count Shickly, it was said he was offered to become the fourth duke of the Kingdom, but at the time, Count Vera refused and said the title of Marquis was enough.


    It was also said that Count Shickly was given the opportunity to become a duke, but refused everything. He didn''t even rise up to become a Marquis, and the two became legends in the noble circles.


    They said that the move of the Marquis and Count was made so the balance of power will not be altered. And indeed, because of their power-move, there had been no major shifts in power since Marquis Vera took the seat of a Marquis.


    If one wishes to rise to power, one must first surpass the contributions of these two legends, and that''s not a simple feat, one would be able to enjoy. The King also sees their sacrifice as truly noble, so no one can voice their complaints.


    They are both respected and hated throughout the noble circles; however, these guards are not nobles but ordinary men, and as they stood in the face of the Black Crest, they stood tall as their yawns disappeared like morning dew.


    As the Vice-Captain approached the guards of the gate, they saluted him to show their respects.


    "Open the gate." The command of the Vice-Captain carried weight.


    "May I ask who is inside the carriage?" The guard asked, still very much awestruck of the Vice-Captain''s presence.


    The Vice-Captain had a steeled face as he answered the inquiry, "It is the young master of the Edgeworth Family, the young miss of the Vera Family, and their companion."


    And as Colt''s carriage approached the gate, the doors opened for the mandatory inspection. As the guards peeked inside the carriage, they saw a handsome young man with olive skin, a beautiful young lady, and a man dressed in ragged clothing.


    The soldier was understandably surprised by seeing Avern mixing in with nobles. He looked at him suspiciously.


    "Um¡­"


    "He''s a companion of mine."


    "We need to¡­"


    "He''s a companion of mine."


    "Yes, yes, if the young master says so."


    Colt is not a genuine Edgeworth warrior. He is looked down upon as much as he is a wastrel in name. However, for every Edgeworth, there is that sharp gaze of theirs that pierces those who do not know of their true selves. And with the immense backing behind Colt, the guard saw Colt as someone bigger than who he was.


    ''You''re not going to get in my way of saving the lass.'' Not considering Colt''s every adapting choice of words, he had basically figured out the simple logic on how the Killer of Ten Thousand came to be.


    If this place takes too much time, then Colt will be really pissed off.


    "Please, you may now pass."


    Subsequently, as soon as those words were uttered, Avern stepped out of the carriage and rode a horse together with a soldier.


    "Thank you for everything, young master Colt. I will never forget this debt."


    "Do not worry, no need to repay me; just live a happy life. If you need anything else, do not be shy to approach me."


    "Thank you again."


    Avern left their destination, to the common area where Avern''s home could be found.


    The carriage was just about to proceed forward when Colt caught sight of a person from his peripheral view eyeing the direction where Avern left with a peculiar eye and a slimy smile.


    "Stop the carriage!"


    As he saw that gaze, Colt had the carriage stopped all of a sudden, shocking those at the gate. The Vice-Captain didn''t expect the sudden orders of Colt, but in the end, he followed his commands and had the carriage stop.


    Colt slammed the door open and stepped out of the carriage. Everyone in the gate was frozen, their gaze all directed at the irritated Colt.


    Colt''s every step echoed in their ears, and despite the numerous claims regarding the wastrel young master of the Edgeworths, his demeanor as of this moment is impeccable managing to command the attention of everyone without fail.


    Approaching the person wearing a tunic, Colt stood tall face to face with the cowering man.


    "I-I am a man of the Magic Tower!"


    The man was a mage and the wand in his hand proof of his identity. Mages are prideful people; they do not bow down towards others. But as Colt stood before the Mage, he trembled in fright.


    The long silence only prolonged the suffocating feeling of being judged, and when Colt finally spoke, his tone of voice was cold and unfeeling, "If you are from the Magic Tower then I am from the Edgeworth family. Whatever it is that you wish to do, give it up. If I learn anything that happens to that boy or the item that is in his hands, the consequence you will face is not something you will be able to shoulder."


    Colt turned his back and left with the carriage leaving the Mage to plop down on the ground, still shaking from coming face to face with a noble of Colt''s caliber. Or so that would be the reason others would see if they only looked from the side.


    Because from the point of view of the Mage, the one who made him tremble in fear was the immense mana mixed with bloodlust coming from inside the carriage Colt came from.


    ''He''s with a monster!''


    The Mage was scared.


    As Colt and Mina entered the city, there was nothing noteworthy as the stalls and markets were still being opened. The preparations for the Academy''s opening are still underway; thus, the two of them headed over to the Tiger Manor of the Edgeworth family.


    As the gate opened, a line of maids and butlers welcomed them to the manor. Colt did not waste his time speaking and merely thanked them for their hard work.


    As he settled in his room up on the third floor, he opened the faucet in the room and filled the bathtub as he prepared to take a bath and clean his body of the dirt that had piled up.


    As he relaxed his body, Colt''s mind sunk in the euphoric feeling of getting his body revitalized. And as he was just about to reach a pure sense of ease and relaxation, the door to the bathroom suddenly opened.


    "May I join you, darling?"


    It was Mina entering the bathroom with a single line of question. But she didn''t wait for Colt to answer as she entered without any hesitation.


    She properly cleaned every part of her body before joining Colt inside the bathtub. And as Colt and Mina shared such a tight space, everything about Colt was at ease, but something else tensed up.


    And this marks the day of Colt''s arrival in the capital.

 24 24. No secrets

    Mina awoke in the middle of the day. She turned to glance over at Colt who lay by her side and showed a sweet smile.


    ''Oh, how sweet this feeling is but¡­''


    She was bare without clothes and so was Colt, her finger moved and reached Colt''s chest. Her fingers glowed a bright green light and it entered Colt''s chest.


    The light seeped into Colt''s heart and traveled towards his head reaching the mind. Colt groaned but he didn''t feel discomfort nor did he feel pain.


    When the green light reached his mind it didn''t even take a minute for it to enter inside.


    She could feel it, Colt''s emotion, she moved towards his ears and whispered her name, "Mina", in a very affectionate manner inciting for Colt''s emotions to react.


    Mina closed her eyes as she relished the emotions Colt felt. Genuine, that is what she is searching for and today, this is the third time she checked if Colt''s emotions are true and untainted.


    She started this the first time she offered herself to Colt. Mina wished to know if the emotions he showed at the time were genuine or not, she does not wish to be betrayed.


    The trust she gives Colt is not something one would be able to measure. Her trust in him is immense for he speaks the truth, he told her something that could have jeopardized their relationship so that she will be able to know the truth.


    Ever since she was a child, her parents taught her to find a man that will speak truthfully to you and not lie. "A liar will betray you for his gains, use you for what is backing you, and walk past you when you need them the most.


    "But, those who are honest will let you know who they are, if they are vulnerable they will show you who they are, they will cry and if you find a genuine person who does not act, then, he is someone you should give your all to."


    He is honest and that honesty is the thing that should remain.


    "If you had lied to me¡­I wouldn''t know what I would have done to you my dear husband. But oh well, I can forgive you. Besides, I was given a daughter who loves her father, that''s good¡­that''s good."


    At first, Mina was attracted to his free attitude, not letting anyone react to how he acts is attractive to her.


    She touched her belly and smiled expectantly.


    "Bad boys really do attract women. Oh dear, I just wish our child and Filla do not end up like myself."


    She got off the bed and cast a spell on Colt to make him fall deeper in sleep, Mina then began to make her move; she crouched down on the warm floor of the room and took a bag from underneath the bed.


    Opening the bag, there were seven boxes that are as big as four inches, opening one of these boxes and what she saw was a 3-centimeter blue gem-like circular object that''s as flat as paper. She looked at it and set it aside for the time being.


    There other five boxes contained the same thing. And as six of these sheet-like circular sheets laid out in front of her. These sheets were fragile so she carefully lifted them up using her mana.


    This is basic mana manipulation used by most alchemists. It is considered as hard to do by most despite its simplistic application, but Mina is not someone normal.


    The sheet-like gems were scattered around the room.


    "These would alarm me if anything big happens."


    These seven sheet-like gems are known as a "Defuser". A defuser costs around 1,000 Perum (Gold) each, or 1,000,000 Priba (bronze).


    The use of a defuser is simple, negate a jamming device. The Tiger Manor is littered with magical devices, from recording gems to a protection array, it has everything.


    An attacker would deploy a Magic Jammer to make the magical technology go haywire, however, with these defusers, the jamming device would be stopped and push comes to shove, the protection array set in this room would activate when something happens.


    Mina set it all up and 6,000,000 worth of items were now used to protect the room without Colt''s knowledge. However, this is merely the start, there was one more box that remained in the bag and as that box was opened, a 10-centimeter spherical gem glimmered and an earpiece no bigger than a fingernail.


    This sphere is known as a Voice-Transceiver device, it cost 5,000,000 Priba.


    "Now, not one conversation held in this room will escape my ears."


    This Voice-Transceiver will let her hear anything that will be spoken in this room, and none will be able to escape her in the future. She actually wanted a Gem-Recorder, but that cost 15,000,000 Priba, and her funds is not bigger than 12,000,000.


    Besides, she can''t just make without a defuser so she settled down with a Voice-Transceiver.


    ''If a magic jamming device is set off, the recorder will prove useless, at least with this I''ll be able to hear anything that may happen to my dear.''


    Mina set up everything and nodded her head. She won''t always be in this room, but anything that will be talked about in this room will not be missed.


    ''I wish I know dark-magic to learn about Hell Ear magic¡­wait, the man with us earlier reeked of dark mana, maybe¡­''


    Mina had an idea. And after setting everything up, she went back to bed with Colt and cuddled with him as a sweet smiled blossomed as if nothing happened.


    As she was just about to go back to sleep, she remembered the few words her mother left her.


    "Don''t let him get away from you¡­"


    "I won''t, mother."

 25 25. Not for me!

    Colt woke up at around 6 when the sun was just about to set. His body felt light as if every part of his body was liberated from any form of inconvenience.


    "You''re finally awake, my dear husband."


    Colt looked at the side and saw Mina who was already dressed and is helping him unpack his clothing. Adjacent to him was also food that still had steam coming out of it.


    Colt was just about to ask how she knew he would wake up but she already had an answer for it.


    "I woke you up using magic, of course, you will miss your training if you don''t get ready."


    This is kind of weird for Colt as there are still questions in his head, but he chose not to ask them as they were not that important. He has doubts but chose to believe; he is not na?ve enough to not doubt some of her intentions but Colt still believes Mina means no harm to him.


    ''I wouldn''t be waking up if she''s dangerous for me.''


    Colt half-joked inside his head. He knows that his attraction and emotion to her are genuine, and he also knows what to do in order to live. He just needs to be honest and embrace what is to come¡­well if worse comes to worst he has something up his sleeves.


    That night, Colt trained like hell and when the time came and he collapsed because of exhaustion, he found himself in his room with a revitalized body.


    It would have been any other day, but today was the day that Mina would have to leave for someplace else. And as Colt prepared himself, he stepped out of his room and knocked on Mina''s door.


    The door opened silently as Mina stepped out with a trunk that''s around half her height.


    "Let me help you carry that."


    "Thank you, my dear husband."


    Mina did not do anything to argue and just let Colt take the trunk. She said nothing which was weird, and until she was about to board the carriage, she said only one thing¡­


    "I will be leaving now." Before going for a quick hug on Colt. She blushed as she was seen by the maid nearby but as she separated from Colt, she made sure to whisper in some words, "I''ll be back in a bit."


    Her words were soft but also piercing. When Colt met eye to eye with her, he smiled as he nodded his head, "I''ll be awaiting your return."


    When Mina finally boarded the carriage and left for someplace else, she gave Colt one final look before leaving. When she finally left through the gates, Colt knew that for a time, he was free to do whatever it is that he wants without Mina getting on the way.


    ''Though it would be best to avoid meeting any woman.''


    Mina is the daughter of a Marquis, it would not be weird if she has several eyes in the city. Colt sighed, he was free to do what he wants but he is also restricted, thankfully the restriction is not so tight around the things he actually wishes to do.


    Two days, there are still two days before Colt goes to the academy, and to make proper preparations, he would be needing two things also ¨C a proper sword and a pet.


    With that said, Colt went on a trip outside, alone, his destination was in a weapon shop, and with him was a few hundred Perum.


    If converted, he has at least 5,000,000 Priba. This is the pocket money he got from his father. This should at least last him for the next two months but he was sure that he''ll be able to last with this much money.


    Back on earth, he didn''t have to spend 5,000,000 in a single day, he only needed a few hundred to survive.


    So, he was pretty confident that this will last him for the next couple of months he will be staying in the capital.


    He heads out with a carriage and asked the coachman to bring him to the best smithy in town.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The sound of metal hitting metal eached the ears of those outside the smithy.


    ''Astora Forgery¡­is the owner named Andrew?''


    He asked himself this simple question.


    The smithy looked left alone and had never been taken care of, the walls are covered with dark patches from the smoldering heat it comes across every single day.


    He looked at the coachman as if to confirm if this was the place and the coachman only gave him a big thumbs up without saying anything, like a man of few words.


    Colt took a step inside and as he did!


    Bang!


    A broken blade of a sword flew across his face and almost tore his face. It missed him by hairs breathed and as he looked at the blade.


    ''Goddamn, I think I do have plot armor.'' This was a world of a novel, Colt was very aware of that fact, and seeing such a thing happen to him, made him sigh in relief that it truly was a world of a novel.


    ''This is good, good, even if it''s this kind of plot armor, I''ll be satisfied.''


    "Damnit, why can''t this motherfucking piece of garbage ever withstand the power!? What ingredient, should I use to complete this thing?"


    As Colt looked at the Blacksmith, he wished to approach the blacksmith making a ruckus so he can get the hell out of the forge but as he approached, the blacksmith raged even more so than before and smashed the sword on the adjacent stone table!


    Bang!


    Swoosh!


    Colt felt a sting on his cheeks and when he touched it, there was blood. He looked behind and another blade was sticking on the wall.


    "Yup, this place is not for me."


    He decided to leave.


    ''Getting a pet first should be a fine choice.''


    But as he was just about to take a step out of the smithy, he heard another banging sound and another blade flew out and grazed his other cheek!


    "Goddammit, old man!!"


    Colt was pissed!

 26 26. What?

    "Dammit, old man!"


    "Woah! How long have you been there, young man!? A customer, I haven''t had one of them in a while! Wait a minute, those clothes, you lashing out, you''re a noble aren''t you!?"


    The old blacksmith was flabbergasted at his sudden appearance. As the old man saw his noble-like clothing of Colt, he creased his brows and began lashing out.


    Having come to his irrational senses, the old blacksmith picked up the hammer that was adjacent to him and pointed it at Colt like it was some kind of weapon.


    "Nobles that knows not how to use a weapon as it should be is not allowed in my, Fareld''s SMITHY!"


    Swoosh!


    The blacksmith was short, about waist height of Colt. No bigger than a meter and his beard was blooming. He seemed weak by such descriptions but his body had chiseled muscle as if they were sculpted by the gods.


    His forearms looked like the metal he was hammering and for some reason, even his beard had the metallic sheen of a metal and its rigidity. All in all, this old blacksmith was jacked for his height, and the reason was simple, this Blacksmith can only be someone from the Legendary Dwarven tribe.


    And the Dwarves are known for their immense strength as they were natural warriors. He can kill with that hammer throw if he wants to, but he lessened its strength so that someone of Colt''s standards would be able to survive with a nasty bump on the head.


    The hammer traveled through the air aiming to hit Colt''s head, it was flying fast, however, Colt simply moved his head to the side and easily evaded Fareld''s hammer.


    The hammer flew past him and hit the walls.


    ''I knew you''re going to do that!''


    A smirked blossomed on Colt''s face; and as Colt focused his strength on his toes, his figure disappeared and then reappeared before Fareld.


    With his middle finger drawn backward and held back by the thumb, Colt looked at Fareld''s eyes as if to mock him.


    And Colt went to take a form of petty revenge.


    ''You fucked up¡­but I still can''t hurt the elderly that badly so...'' his morals still exist.


    Pat!


    His revenge came in the form of a simple flick on the forehead!


    "Ow!" Fareld was so surprised that someone who looked like a silkpants noble that he reacted to a painless flick to the forehead. He overreacted for in his mind he thought that his life ended under the appearance of a hidden master.


    Fareld overreacted as he thought that he was already going to die.


    But then again, managing to still react, Fareld figured that he''s still alive and kicking.


    "I''m still alive? You''re not a silkpants young master, that''s a surprise? Are you a Warrior? I apologize for my disrespect to the hardworking ones, um, my sincerest of apologies may not be enough but please forgive this blacksmith!"


    He looked at Colt whose smirk had all but disappeared. Fareld looked at Colt with a bewildered gaze as he realized what was going on and how he had treated him that to him his actions seem to be of nothing wrong!


    Colt looked at the apologizing Fareld and found the complete 180 of his attitudes. He was in a state of mixed emotions; surprised, amazement, and scared, these are the three emotions mixing inside him right now.


    But he still let it go because even when Ferald was apologizing, he never lowered his head nor did he sound exasperated. The only thing that changed was his tone of voice which was now filled with respect rather than the disdain and anger it previously held.


    "It''s alright, I am still considered a silkpants and a wastrel by many so you didn''t assume anything wrong."


    Ferald was just about to heave a sigh of relief when Colt continued¡­


    "However, that is not what I am angered about, do you see this?" Colt pointed at the cut on his cheek and then at the blades stuck on the wall, "I almost died while I was about to leave, do you not think a disaster will happen if those broken blades flew out of this Smithy? Someone could have been hurt, and if those people are unlucky, they will not end up with a small cut like this!"


    The eyes of Ferald widened as he looked at Colt''s fervent gaze filled with hate and irritation directed at him. And instead of getting offended by his words, Ferald burst out laughing.


    "Hahaha, worry not noble-warrior, my Smithy may not be soundproof but it a formation is set up around here to make sure what you fear does not happen! Anything that flies out of here will never reach the outside world, also any projectile like those blades won''t cause any fatal or major injuries. I apologize if you were hurt, as a way of apology, I Ferald shall give you a gift, what do you wish? What kind of weapon do you want and I''ll create one that is most suited for you!"


    Colt''s hate towards this guy suddenly disappeared, albeit slightly. Not only did he just explained that what just happened is nothing but an unlucky coincidence, which Colt still wishes to make him pay despite him being so old, the idea of getting something good for free managed to triumph over everything else.


    "That''s a deal!" and true to his desires, Colt accepted the deal.


    With that being said, Colt brought out a piece of paper to Ferald.


    Ferald accepted the paper and raised a brow. He looked at Colt with bewilderment and asked, "Were you the one who wrote this down?"


    "No, it was my Teacher who did." He shook his head.


    Ferald looked at the piece of paper once again and nodded his head in astonishment, "Well whoever your teacher is, he''s one amazing person, for him to create such detailed recipe for an Aura Weapon¡­it is simply amazing."


    After hearing Ferald say these words, Colt was also astonished.


    ''That sheet of paper actually was actually that amazing?''


    He read it once but because of the foreign materials being something unheard of for him, Colt didn''t really know how to react to it. The smelting process was also foreign to him so he couldn''t really care less.


    He was told to give it to a Smithy whose skills are considered the best in the capital.


    But hearing it now, it would seem that it has its importance as well.


    "So, can you do it or not? Remember, this is free of charge as you have promised!"


    Ferald had a deranged look in his eyes as he said, "Hehe, this is going to be the most dangerous work I''ll ever do in my life. I can die from this you know¡­of course I accept this job!"


    Colt was honestly creeped out and moved out of the way and escaped the Smithy as fast possible right after settling down the deal.


    And as Colt boarded his carriage that was parked not too far away, Colt could feel his heart beating wildly in anticipation of what is to come.


    ''I''m going to get my Pet.''


    The Pet he was talking about is going to be his Soul Partner. No one calls them pets other than him.


    He can choose up to three Soul Partners but as he is not even a full-fledged Warrior, he can only have one.


    In this world, there are Serpents that is as long as a mountain range, a dragon that can decimate a city, a phoenix that bestows life, ferocious beasts with a harrowing set of teeth.


    Colt could not wait. The only thing that comes second to men''s desire of the k*me*h*m*h* is cool looking beasts or monsters. Who doesn''t like a Dragon? Who doesn''t appreciate it? The Tiger?


    He was excited and when he got to the Soul Partner Store, Colt entered with the expectations of a glorious beast.


    But when he came out, for some odd reason that no one could explain, in his hand was a fat white cat that is no bigger than his cupped hands.


    ''What?''


    It was too sudden that Colt had yet to actually process what just happened.

 27 27. Nyaaaa!

    Colt was inside the carriage, in his hand was a fat white cat. He rubbed its soft body and it meowed in delight.


    He held a satisfied expression on his face, but, in his head, he has questions like¡­


    ''Why did I take this cat again?''


    2 hours ago¡­


    Colt entered what is known as a Soul Friend, looking at the name of the shop, Colt doubted if it was not for lonely singles who shops there.


    But as two burly men walked out of the shop with wide smiles on their faces and a scaly beast resembling that of a red salamander of so many fantasy stories, Colt would have left already.


    ''Why are the shops I go to look so¡­unwelcoming to the eyes?''


    In the end, he shook his head and entered the shop with a passive expression on his face.


    "Welcome, are you looking for a Soul Partner?"


    Colt was greeted by a female attendant who had a smile on her face. Colt nodded his head and did not say anything giving off the air of someone stoic.


    The attendant had seen all kinds of eccentrics before and learned how to accommodate them accordingly. Warriors are fickle creatures, after all.


    ''Heh, this kind of person always look for either elegant creatures or strong ones. He''s handsome but he also wears simplistic¡­he''s hidden practitioner. But he also seems to have no soul partner at this age, he also has yet to master aura, so this is going to be an easy catch.''


    She showed a smirk and as she began to speak.


    "Dear customer, is this your first time coming here?"


    "Yes." His answer was confident and as he stood there looking around, he was in awe of the many ferocious-looking beasts that were lined up in front of him. There were scaled beasts who seemed like armored from the top down, a beast with a sharp set of teeth.


    They were all intimidating as he wanted them to be, however, he feels like something is missing, something vital. He can''t click with any of these beasts that he couldn''t pick any of them at all.


    They were cool-looking, yes, but he wishes for something¡­more. Something that is not only cool looking but also has the power to back how it looks. However, the beings before him are all beast that is no bigger than his arms.


    They looked puny and weak, and he fears that he will die together with this beast if he dares take it out with him in a fight. Meaning, they all seem useless.


    "Don''t you guys have anything more interesting? A baby dragon, a little phoenix, garuda anything close to that."


    "¡­huh? Um, I don''t know if you are joking dear customer, but those beasts are mythical creatures, I fear that no one in the kingdom would sell such beasts and would only keep it for themselves."


    Colt was silent for a while and looked at the beasts once again to avoid any eye contact, he wishes to save his dignity after being looked as an idiot so he kept a hardened face and spoke in a cold manner.


    "I know that what I meant by what I said is I want a beast whose potential is close to them as much as possible, do you get what I mean?"


    The attendant was made to think and as she did so, she remembered something and went to the back of the store as she asked him to wait.


    When she returned, with her was an egg that was as big as Colt''s torso. The egg was white with uneven turquoise lines going around the shell. It was a weird egg but it was so beautiful that it resembled a work of art.


    It was being taken to him through a cart and when it stopped, Colt was in awe of the massive size of the egg.


    "This is an egg that was auctioned off in the Red Dragon House ten years ago for 17,000,000 Prima, Nobody knows what beast this egg came from nor why it hasn''t hatched all this while, Originally the owner of the shop bought it so he can hatch it but failed, so he used it for other things


    "Now we use this egg to attract customers to try our Lucky Egg Draw, by letting them try to hatch this egg for a hundred thousand Priba, however, as we are without any more egg for the past three months because of our suppliers found it hard to enter the Skylark Mountains, this unhatched egg was kept in the back.


    "According to this dear customer, you wish for a beast that has potential that is around the same as the mythical beasts, then I say that if you wish for anything that is anywhere close to them, you should try opening this egg and if it hatches I am sure you''ll be able to get what you wish for."


    Colt looked at the sincere eyes of the attendant and nodded his head, "Well, might as well."


    However, the attendant had different thoughts.


    ''Heh, no one has ever opened that egg even when the son of the duke and many bigshots came here, hehehe, this is going to be easy money again.''


    The Lucky Egg Draw the attendant talks about is for warriors trying to make a mysterious Beast Egg respond to his or her blood. A Beast Egg survives for a long time depending on how rare an egg is and how strong the beast inside.


    A normal beast egg lasts for about 7 months and a Dragon''s Egg is said to last for a hundred years, this egg had lasted for 3 years in this shop and because it is still alive, it had attracted a lot of customers and after years of business, the owner had already recovered what he had lost and more.


    The Lucky Egg Draw has been dismissed by the owner for the time being but the attendant took this out to meet Colt''s request and try to earn so she can earn some extra money behind the back of the owner.


    ''A hundred thousand Priba, that should be enough of a secret allowance.'' She had been running this scheme for two months now and had earned millions without the owner knowing.


    And she again expects another easy money this time.


    However, as Colt opened up a small cut on the tip of his fingers and had a drop of blood fall on the white egg, a brilliant white light exploded out.


    "What!?"


    The attendant exclaimed and the egg cracked and exploded with a boom!


    The attendant fell on the ground as the pressure blew her away, but Colt stood still as he did his best not to embarrass himself further.


    And as a smile blossomed in his face, his emotions became chaotic and as he approached the egg, he was expecting something truly great.


    ''Maybe, just maybe!''


    He peeked over inside the egg and was expecting for a dragon but then, as he saw the almost sphere-like white furball inside and here it makes its mighty ''roar'', Colt was left speechless.


    "Nyaaaa!"


    And as he found this cat, his mind went blank, instinctively paid the price to save face, ignored the shouts of the attendant and found himself outside the shop and then before long inside the carriage.


    He looked at the white fat furball''s gem-like blue eyes, as he sighed.


    "Are you really going to contend with a Dragon?"


    "Nyaaaa!" the furball who seemingly understood his words confidently answered.


    "Well, your intelligence does seem like above average." Colt decided to make do with the fat furball.


    And with that, Colt got his first Soul Partner.


    He looked at the cat with great intensity, "Should I name you Fatball?"


    "NYAAA!" the cat didn''t like that.


    And as they were returning to the manor, the name Fatball was coined.

 28 28. The cat and the human

    The carriage stopped and Colt stepped down out of the carriage. The maids sweeping the front garden looked at Colt with soft gazes as he held a ball of cuteness.


    ''What''s that? A cat? That''s so cuteee.''


    ''Aw, the young master brought home such a cute thing? Is it a gift for the young miss Mina?''


    ''Hmmm, is he gonna eat it¡­? I hope not.''


    Aside from the last comment, everyone looked at Colt with an eye of envy. The cat was attracting attention through its fluff and package of roundness.


    However, it had a scowl on its face making it seem grumpy. But despite that fact, it was still cute and very huggable despite the scowl and its size.


    Colt entered his room after instructing everyone he doesn''t need dinner for the night and had one of the present butlers take care of him later when he collapses in the field.


    He does not have Mina around and if any girl is to help him go back in his room and somehow reaches Mina''s ears, all hell may just break loose.


    ''We have to avoid that at all cost¡­now, let me deal with you for the time being.''


    Colt sat in the middle of his bed with crossed legs, he stretched his hands forward and attempted to caress and joyfully play with the white ball of cuteness.


    "I made you hatch, correct? Come on, come to daddy, don''t be shy, come on and play with me."


    But as his hands approached the white cat, he faced the wrath of someone who had been wronged by a man who knows nothing of naming other beings!


    Scratch!


    "MEOW! HISSS!"


    "Ouch, bastard!"


    Colt''s hand was scratched with the young yet oddly sharp claws of the ball-like cat! Colt''s head turned to it in surprise, and with widened eyes he saw the cat sit in a way no cat does - it was sitting like a human.


    On its buttocks and without any support of its front paws, it gave Colt a dirty look and glared at him before waving its paws around as if it was demanding something!


    "Meow! Nyaa, meow, nyaa, nyaa hissssssssssss~! MEOW NYA!"


    As a man of modern times, Colt had seen a lot of cats before. These cats range from cats with stupid behaviors and intelligent ones; cats who infuriate others and make others smile; and some who are only seen in fiction and in real life.


    At this moment, however, he faces another kind of cat. A cat that does not speak the human language but can still talk shit on his face.


    He can''t tell what the cat was going on about, but he knew that it was talking shit about him. He knew it because of one simple gesture of the fat cat sticking out its front paws with its last "MEOW NYA!" as if to let him know it was saying, "Fuck You!"


    And the response of a grown man listening to a kitten whose size is no bigger than two hands was obvious¡­


    "What the fuck did you just say!?" at this moment, he was on the same level as a ''newborn'' kitten.


    Any cat would have booked it after hearing a human explode like that, but not this cat. This cat was dedicated and as Colt blew his top, the cat blew his top as well!


    "MOEW NYA! HISS!"


    The human and cat began to fight, the ball of white can understand what the human could say but the human could not understand his enemy. However, the emotion was there so there was no need for speech.


    It had once been said that if two beings are close enough, even intelligible words are not needed to understand one another. Colt and the Fatball looked at each other as they tried to catch their breath, they look at one another as if they were ready to end each other''s lives.


    If this was a no barred fight, blood would have already been spilt. And as Colt prepared himself to end Fatball''s reign of terror, the opposition was ready as well.


    The two fought it out and Fatball threw itself onto Colt and the human was ready to take out the cat with a single finger but as he thrust his finger forward, Fatball manoeuvred in mid-air and successfully landed on Colt''s face.


    Colt saw the cat smile, and as he got ready to face its wrath, his and the cat''s stomach grumbled from hunger and doing stupid shit.


    As if Colt could tell what the cat was feeling, he took it away from his face and looked at it and asked, "Truce?"


    The cat nodded its neckless head.


    "You want some food?"


    "Myaaa!" the cat raised both its paws in resignation to his question.


    The two fighting forces decided to make a truce and dropped it altogether. And as Colt placed the cat on his arms, the cat moved and jumped on his shoulders them sat on top of his head.


    The two were oddly settled on what they want and became closer.


    "You''re actually androgynous, I didn''t know that¡­do you want milk or fish?"


    "Myaaa!" It wanted both.


    And after the dinner that wasn''t supposed to happen came to past, Colt trained that night with a cat watching him from the side.


    He collapsed that night and the next day found himself in his room being woken up by the cat tapping his face multiple times.


    "Meow!"


    It demanded food.


    "Oh, you''re awake Fatball?"


    Pah!


    Colt was slapped on the face by the cat whose face transformed from its amicable face to an angered one. It was painful despite the softness of its paws.


    However, Colt didn''t have the strength to argue. Without Mina, his bodily pain doesn''t disappear magically thanks to her spells. He oddly also had back pain as if he experienced being bumped multiple times.


    "We''ll talk about your name later, so stop slapping me, will you?"


    Colt raised his hand and resigned on the argument.


    The Cat who is now nameless meowed in satisfaction with the victory it sought after, and as Colt stood up, it jumped on top of his head and ordered Colt to bring it food.


    Colt didn''t argue and as he headed out, he saw the maids and butlers looking at the cat and human pair with grinning faces.


    And as he reached the dining area where no one was present other than him and the butler, he shared the table with the cat and remembered something.


    "Butler Go, who was the one who brought me to my room last night? I never got to thank him¡­"


    The Butler then smirked as he pointed at the cat.


    "It was your companion over there who dragged you back to your room¡­"


    Colt turned to the cat who gave him the cat version of a smug face and thumbs up.


    "Nyaaaa!"


    It sounded like it was saying, "I got you!"


    Despite their rocky start, it would seem the pair is moving forward towards a bright future. But Colt now also know why he has back pain and is looking at the Butler as if to say, "Why didn''t you help it?"


    Why indeed.

 29 29. Birth of a Legend

    Colt does not know when Mina would return. From what Colt knows, she went to the Magic Tower in order to complete her Mage training.


    Mina was a Sixth Circle Mage, in this world, the Mage''s level of power reaches all the way up to Grand Sorcerer.


    To elaborate, their power levels are as follows, First Circle Mage to Ninth Circle Mage -\u003eMinor Sorcerer, Sorcerer, True Sorcerer, and Grand Sorcerer.


    Colt never really got to know what''s the strongest level a Mage could reach. First of all, he didn''t even get past the fourth volume meaning he didn''t see most of the combats, and second, he''d been too preoccupied with his sword training that he''s forgetting most of his responsibilities.


    Colt was pushing his body to the limits so he can achieve aura faster. Wishing for aura is the dream of warriors and him wishing for it is natural and he''s particularly keen with the color of his aura.


    ''From my training, I should receive Blue aura, right? But from my lineage, I''ll most likely inherit the Black aura of the family.''


    In this world, there are three kinds of power. Mana, Prana, and Aura.


    Mana is used by Mages to cast spells: Prana is used to form illusions: and Aura is used to strengthen the body through elemental means.


    Other than Prana whose properties are much more complex than the other two, Aura and Mana call upon the elements; the only difference is how they do so.


    If mana commands the elements to form into complex formations and cast complicated spells; aura commands nothing and simply exists together.


    Blue aura commands the water element, if used properly by a warrior it will increase the flexibility of the body and its elegance. And when it is time to incorporate real water in the attacks, fighting would be much easier.


    As to where the water element stands it is unusable in combat, but there are moves that can only be done by water and Colt is aware of what those are.


    He had seen Neun move his sword, and that water movement is pretty terrifying in the eyes of Colt.


    ''That tier 2 movements are not to be used in a war.'' He shivers just by remembering them.


    Just like Mages, Warriors have levels too like the first phase of mages there are nine levels in warriors. Colt has yet to even step in the realm of warriors. Mages only become circled mages once they create the first magic circle in their hearts and warriors only become warriors when aura arises from their bodies.


    But Colt is in no way going to remain stagnant, he wants to become popular for his name to reach every ear of every citizen and be welcomed as an upstanding individual but not so much that he''ll be hailed as a hero.


    In short, he wants to erase his past and become a hero-like but not so much. He is not heartless but he also doesn''t think he''ll be able to shoulder the pressure of stopping the upcoming war and stopping whatever disaster comes.


    Colt especially does not think he''ll be able to become a good leader of the people.


    Besides, he only needs to become well-known so when Filla''s name is said, she??ll be accepted by the majority. He does not want to become so popular where there are women trying to chase after him, no, he can''t handle that much blood on his hands.


    "Hey ballsy, do you know any way to become popular?"


    "Meooww."


    "You''re right, I shouldn''t be asking you about that¡­"


    Colt had inexplicably become closer to the cat in a span of a day and a night. As they say, the best way to become friends is through the exchange of fists and paws. And as for its name, that''s just a nickname Colt is using because the cat says that Fatball is too degrading.


    As for the question, if it has balls or not, the answer is no¡­the cat has no balls nor does it have the other one. It''s androgynous and is pretty laid back.


    The cat leaped on Colt''s head.


    "Nyaa, meow, purr."


    "I know, it''s time for my training. Oh yeah, if you could, can you have asked someone to assist you when you drag me back? It adds to the pain when my back is dragged through the stairs¡­"


    "Meomeow."


    "Yeah, I''m counting on you."


    As the two converse like normal, Colt got out of the bed and began stretching his back. He walked out of the room and as he was doing so, he was struck by a sudden inspiration, "Hey, do you want the name, Inu?"


    The cat thought about it for some time but its answer came after some time¡­


    Swat!


    Colt was slapped on the head as an answer¡­it''s a no.


    Having no one to heal him as his body is slowly getting destroyed by the training and with a cat to drag his ass back to his room, the bumps on the way to his room was no joke. The stairs were especially hard work and the fatso cat didn''t even try ask anyone for help like it had said.


    But as the next day came to be, Colt could only sigh as he brought out a simple white long sleeve shirt and on top of it wore a red blazer that had an insignia of a golden sword on its chest area signifying, he was of the Warriors Class of the academy.


    Colt hanged his sword on the scabbard hanging by his side. This sword was a real sword weighing around 2kg.


    It was actually pretty light compared to the training sword given to him by Neun which weighed at around 8kg. Having such a light sword on his hand felt too unreliable as he could not get a good grasp of it.


    So, he replaced it with his training sword.


    The handle of the sword carried no special accessories and coincidentally resembled his training sword so why not use that?


    Besides, Neun was strict about him bringing the training sword whenever he could and NEVER use any sword other than the training sword.


    Unlike other nobles, he did not need the help of a maid; he came out of his room already changed and dressed. His handsome visage garnered second glances from the ladies of the mansion.


    Colt never really use anything to prepare himself when he is heading out, a simple finger comb was good enough for the handsome Colt.


    But this time, he made sure he was very much prepared. Impressions is not something to laugh at so he did his best to match the preferences of this world and had his hair combed back to make himself presentable to others.


    And as he and the fatso finished eating, it jumped on his shoulders.


    Even the cat was groomed by three maids earlier today, its body was shining and its cuteness was in full explosion. And as Colt and the fat cat boarded the carriage their aura of elegance is undeniable.


    Colt was ready, he was ready to increase his popularity to the populace, to prove himself he was a man amongst men, and as the carriage ride took only a few minutes to reach the Dragonheart Academy, he and his partner stepped out of the carriage in full style!


    It was now the start of the first day of school. And Colt doesn''t know it yet, but the appearance of this cat and human duo was the start of a legend.

 30 30. Not all popularity is good

    The Dragonheart Academy is an academy with a history that spans for 200 years.


    The Kingdom of Regalus values people of great talent and this particular academy aims to nurture the talents of the kingdom.


    The Academy grounds also covers a lot of space in the Capital City. With the number of training grounds, it has and the three separate classes it offers for the three different paths the youths could take is something that speaks for how large the area of the academy itself.


    From what Colt knows, there''s also a colosseum where the famed Scarlet Festival is held. This place was only mentioned to give a background for the villain of the story like Mina and Vyra.


    And as he stood there, in the middle of the road trying to process his emotions, Colt was receiving a lot of attention.


    And he could enter now and avoid those gazes but Colt was waiting for someone he cannot hope to ignore. So he was stuck to wait there for some time.


    "Who''s that? How come I haven''t seen him before? And¡­that cat why does it have a bowtie?"


    Such is the question of the people around Colt especially the women of both high and low birth.


    The good attention was mostly for the females and as Colt stood there with his straight body, his posture and the way he carried himself spoke volume of who he was.


    He was of high birth and the female nobles who found his visage and way of carrying himself truly magnificent. In normal cases, Colt would have appeared unapproachable as he seems to be no ordinary man or even no ordinary noble.


    But as the round white cat on his shoulders yawned and rubbed its eyes all adorable-like.


    ''So, this is the academy¡­it''s rather lackluster that what I had imagined.''


    Colt was still standing at the golden gate of the academy. The gates were as high as a two-story building and the golden round bars it had were beautifully glistening with the sun. There were guards wearing golden armors by the two pillars of the walls surrounding the academy and they seemed powerful, yes, but all of that didn''t seem all that grandiose for Colt.


    ''I''ve been to better theme parks.'' He was a man of the modern era. He had been to many theme parks and had played with VR. The world inside the VR was beautifully crafted and its designs were much more eye-catching than the one in front of him.


    Inside, he reckoned there would statues of people who achieved the highest form of achievement one can get and the teachers would then use that fact to encourage the students.


    "I just wish there is not much drama to have. I''ve read the story; I don''t want to deal with most of these nobles." Colt whispered to himself.


    The first four volumes tackle the kingdom so he was pretty sure that many of these nobles are scums and have too much pride on their balls. He also knows who''s the most rotten of them all, and he also knows who did what.


    Many in the novel were spared for having their scandals thrown underneath a bigger issue, but if anything pops up, Colt can destroy almost anyone''s life here if he picks his cards right.


    Many of their families have done a lot of good things and these good things are what keep Colt''s gun loaded.


    But he got to say, these guys are as annoying as they are petty. Just him standing there attracting the attention of women already attracted a lot of bad eyes from the men whose face now resembled a grumpy old man.


    "Meoww¡­"


    "I know, they''re petty and annoying, don''t mind them."


    Even the cat was annoyed and had to say something to Colt. It even sighed as it looked around the men. No one saw it but its eyes were full of disdain and are snorting at these men.


    "Excuse me, but may I know your name?"


    While Colt''s mind was preoccupied with the thought of having to spend his time in this academy for some time, a lady with scarlet hair and had a smile on her face.


    Those around Colt saw this and immediately began to whisper amongst themselves. It didn''t matter if Colt wanted to listen or not, but as their voices echoed together, Colt managed to hear them loud and clear.


    And they were talking about one thing anyway, the name of the woman who approached Colt.


    ''Millia¡­!! That doesn''t ring a bell.''


    Colt looked at Millia. She was beautiful and had a dignified expression on her countenance; he do not know who she was nor does he know what nobility she comes from if she was someone from a high position, but considering the number of whispers she is getting, Colt decided to play it safe and acted courteous and respectful as he attempted to slid away from trouble.


    ''I can feel the glares of the guys.'' Colt doesn''t want any jealous driven plot that will lead to a duel and he will get injured. That kind of thing may spread his name but it might cause untold consequences that is too bothersome to face so, Colt would love to avoid any of that.


    Placing his right hand on his chest, Colt introduced himself with a cool and respectable grace.


    "My name is Colt and my surname is Edgeworth, and may I inquire if your name is Young Miss Millia of the Horias Family?"


    ???Oh? Young Master Colt is from the Edgeworth Family? Two of the noblest of the noble families, I can see that Young Master Colt''s aura is something you inherited from the great Vice General Count Shickly."


    Milia sung praises to the Edgeworths giving Colt time to reevaluate the worth of the woman before him. For her to respect the Edgeworths means that she should be someone above the rank of a Count.


    Either that or she just genuinely respects Count Shickly.


    Almost every Count in this Kingdom hates Shickly because they cannot move up in power because if they do so, they will be seen as greedy bastards.


    The Marquis'' hates are directed at Marquis Liroy.


    It was weird how the hate was oddly given equally to the right sides, but it may be worse and he just doesn''t know it. At this moment he didn''t really care because what Colt wants to do is just end this conversation and silently wait for someone.


    "I do not think that is the case if ever, the one who inherited that aura was my little sister Risa. I am just someone forgettable." The translation, ''Get the fuck away, I won''t have power in the future, everything belongs to Risa so flock to her when she comes here.''


    However, Millia didn''t even get to read between the lines and simply laughed at his words.


    "Hoho, it would seem that Young Master Colt likes to joke. I have trust in my eyes, and I can tell that your bearing is comparable to that of a great warrior."


    "Haha, Young Miss Millia you jest, I am considered as a wastrel, something like that is impossible for me." Colt was not mincing his words now and was full on degrading himself.


    But Millia seems to have too much of a thick skin as she continued to converse with Colt, "You are too humble, Young Master Colt."


    As of this moment, Colt didn''t know what to say. He was tongue-tied and the one before her was expecting him to make a follow-up. The only problem is that he has no idea what to say.


    Millia''s eyes were expecting him to say something, he didn''t know if she wants him to sing praises about her or anything else.


    ''What do you want me to say? You''re the one who approached me, lady! I didn''t want to talk to anybody!''


    Colt was having a headache and just before things could enter the realm of awkwardness, someone came to his rescue¡­


    "Nyaaaa."


    "Hoooh, that''s a very cute cat."


    Colt looked at the fat cat and gave him a look of appreciation and the cat raised a paw to tell him that it knows.


    "Aw, she''s so cute. Wait, is it a he or a she?"


    Millia asked something very trivial but to the nearby female students, many went to lean forward as they tried to learn the gender of the cat.


    And as Colt gave a soft chortle, he gently rubbed the fat cat''s head and it purred as if to show it was enjoying it.


    Colt noticed this a gave it a light tapped it to let it know that, it was showing too much affection.


    A few moments later, he answered.


    "Neither, I call him he, I call him she; he''s androgynous so you can refer to him as you wish."


    Then as Colt said those words and acted out the image of a gentle image, his troubles increased.


    "Um, may I know what his name is? I am really interested in knowing."


    "Me too¡­"


    "I as well."


    One after the other, women flocked around Colt.


    He did not know if it was because of his family name or because of his handsomeness, but he was swarmed with women, he began to grow restless.


    He wished to push them and then run away but he can''t do that as it will affect his name, so he was left to handle the swarm of females and the death stares of the many men.


    He was already in too much stress dealing with the women he did not even know but as time always move forward, trouble also moves¡­


    "My Dear?"


    A sweet voice sounded filling the air, everyone turned and saw a beautiful woman with a glowing radiance as if she was an angel.


    Her pink hair was perfectly formed into a crown of braids going around her head. She had a smile that resembled that of an angel.


    It was Mina Vera, the only daughter of the Marquis Liron Vera and one of the most decorated students of the Mage Class.


    She wore the uniform of the academy like any other else but her beauty carried it to the next level.


    Tap! Tap! Tap!


    Her steps echoed as she approached Colt. As if it was the red sea, the crowd parted and before long, she was already before Colt.


    She smiled at him and questioned¡­


    "Did you wait for long, my dear?"


    Her voice was sweet but Colt could feel it, the hidden dagger behind her tone.


    The cat saw this and touched Colt''s back as if to say, ''Good luck.''

 31 31. It’s in the blood

    The Veras and the Edgeworths, they are the forces that each controls a sway in the decision of the Kingdom. Even though they do not exercise their powers, everyone knows what they can do.


    A family can fight or go against them but it is useless, even Merchants do not want to go against them. Fighting the Edgeworths and the Veras is like fighting the King and the citizens of the kingdom.


    The reason is as simple as to why this was the case. It is said that nobles have skeletons buried on the path that they walk on. However, not Liron and Shickly.


    The only skeletons on their path are the ones who they killed to protect the kingdom and its citizens. Also, being the scale who keeps the power of the kingdom in balance, the two families are heavily favored by the king.


    Their numerous war achievements and their innate kindness towards their soldiers and the citizens gave them prestige that no one can touch.


    There was once a Ducal Family who tried to fight against the rising Liron Vera by sending out a woman to entice Liron into committing adultery.


    When the woman approached Liron, she tried everything she does to make him fall for her but Liron ignored her and turned his back on her. When she became too pushy and tried to cause a ruckus in the streets to tarnish the name of the illustrious Liron Vera, she was slapped in the face and Liron said a single line that resonates with every man in the Kingdom.


    "I, a man and as a man, I only look at the woman that I love, whoever sent you to me tell this to them; a blade can sever my neck, but none can sever my love for the one I love!"


    This would have ended differently if not for the fact that the late Marchioness unearthing the plot of that Ducal family and then dragging the lady they sent to her husband by the hair. She looked at them with condemning eyes and smiled at them.


    "Try this again¡­I dare you."


    After that, the people rallied and the King answered the people by stripping off that Ducal family title off them after a long trial forcing them to flee to another Kingdom.


    In the case of the Edgeworths, a large merchant family in the line of winemaking tried to destroy the growing business/hobby Shickly Edgeworth. They tried sabotaging the Edgeworths and when this came to light, that wine selling merchant lost 85% of his patrons and was forced by the king to pay reparations.


    And the abuse of power can''t even be placed on Count Shickly by doing what he did, because after the merchant went to pay the reparation, Count Shickly turned him back saying¡­


    "I do not want your gold, you already suffered enough. Keep them and start a new life with your family¡­"


    It was said that the Count then slept the whole day after letting so much money go as if it was nothing to him proving he cares not for money but virtue.


    And from that story alone, the history of the two families alone, many are already scared to make anymore bad move against them lest they become another one such example.


    Though they can hate them without fearing about the consequences, making a move is different.


    But at this moment, what stuck to many the most is the story of the Vera family and how the late Marchioness marched to the Ducal family without fear.


    And as Mina appeared before them today with a smile on her face while flocking around the one who is obviously her lover made every woman in the vicinity feel the pressure of the Vera lineage.


    Their loyalty to the one they love is something everyone knows and seeing Mina smile just in the same manner told in the story, it could be understood why the atmosphere turned sour.


    However, it was Colt who was in the most pressure here. Though he held a smile on his countenance, he fears that something will happen to the ones present. Their lives are in the hands of Mina and as her prowess was at Sixth Circle Mage so who can blame him?


    She is a Healing Mage, but he is very much aware that she also has a minor in some elements. So, the only thing he can do is smooth things over and try to save them to the extent of what he can do.


    If he fails? Their lives will be forfeited and he''ll feel bad¡­he thought.


    Colt took a step closer to Mina and held by her willowy waist, he leaned in to give her a quick peck on the forehead. Momentarily stunning the enraged Mina.


    The silence made the sound of his parting lips echo in their heads and as he parted with her, he too showed a smile.


    "How I missed you so, Mina."


    Against the sudden attack of Colt, Mina''s face flushed and the hidden daggers on her eyes crumbled. She lowered her head as she placed her hands on her chest as she felt the wild beating that sounded like the trampling of wild horses in a plain.


    "I too have missed you, my dear."


    Colt released genuine soft laughter as he saw her acting so meek. He always sees her acting so domineeringly and with her like this made Colt think such a sight ain''t so bad at all.


    He smiled widely and held her hands.


    "I''ve been waiting for your arrival and you caught me having the ladies get attracted to my partner over here. I should have just let them have them earlier, are you jealous, my love?"


    And as Mina held some more doubt, the round white cat on Colt''s shoulders released a timely assist.


    "Meow~"


    Mina saw the shining eyes of the cat and secretly turned to Colt once again. At this moment, she felt like she had assumed something wrong, and seeing how cute the cat; by the standards of the women around, they indeed should have flocked around Colt.


    With a weak voice as if to admit that she wrong, Mina finally uttered some words again.


    "I¡­no, I have always believed in you."


    Colt then held Mina''s hands and escorted her inside the academy.


    As Mina and Colt were leaving, the women heaved a sigh of relief. They thought they would inflict their family some trouble by having meddled with the man of a Vera.


    "Tsk! That pink bitch!"


    However, not everyone is sensible and women like Millia looked at Colt who she actually truly fancied and then at Mina and snorted silently.


    She didn''t think that Colt was taken and seeing Mina dominate the circle of women made her pretty pissed thus cursed Mina under her breath. She cursed Mina silently to make sure no one heard her, as it might taint her name.


    However, mages of the Healing attribute have keen ears as their body is always in tip-top shape.


    And as she secretly turned, Mina and Millia exchanged glances for a moment, and in that instant where no one took notice, Millia saw Mina''s true eyes.


    And was frozen in fear.


    Other than Millia, no one saw Mina''s eyes because the majority was focused on Colt''s back. Some of the women saw how sweet he was with Mina and couldn''t help but feel their heart skipping a beat.


    ''That was too cute.''


    They spoke not of the cat and as the aura of admiration rose to the air, so did the malice of the men around Colt.


    Those glaring at his back were those who had been in unrequited love with the only daughter of the Vera family.


    And as Mina and Colt entered the academy, many targeted Colt for different reasons.

 32 32. Move, bitch

    In the Dragon Amphitheater, the students of different classes were separated.


    "The Dragonheart Academy has been established for 213 years and the number of Phase 2 [Pathfinders] we cultivated numbers at the dozens we of¡­"


    Colt was lined up with the rest of the aura-less warrior pathfinders and as he listened more to the old dean''s words, the more he grew tired and almost fell asleep.


    He was beginning to nod off but every time he is about to fall into the sweet trap of the dean.


    Smack!


    The cat would smack him from the back of his head waking him up. But as he stood there with his back straight and a cat on his shoulders, Colt was drowsing off undetected.


    However, he suddenly woke up after hearing the name, Mina Vera being called out to the stage.


    Mina who was in the Advance Mage Class walked away from her line and walked up to the stage. There, she stood tall with both dignity and elegance radiating from her awing both the noble and commoner students alike.


    "As the representative of the Mage Class¡­"


    Mina began her speech. Colt could not listen properly for he is beginning to notice unwanted gazes mixed into the crowd of men. The leering of the many lust fiend and lovestruck males were many.


    "If I can just hold her hands or smell her hair..."


    "Take her body as mine¡­"


    Such remarks were enough to make him consider abusing his nobility status.


    Colt was irritated, very much irritated by the men looking at his woman in such a manner. He was not a man of this world, but at the end of the day, he too was a man and his irritation could not be measured.


    The cat saw the irritation coming out of Colt and it merely sighed. But it too decided to remember the faces of those who were looking at the woman of its partner. It was ready to point paws when need to.


    Colt has no aura, but his presence was larger and those who were aware of who he was and his relationship with Mina all paused for a moment. They discreetly looked over at the enraged Colt and saw his veins bulging from his anger.


    There were females in the line as well, and as they saw his enraged visage, they all thought, ''That''s not so bad as well.''


    The morning address ended after the Illusionists Representative who Colt didn''t even have the time and focus to observe finish talking.


    After the morning address on the first day of class, there would be a one-hour break before the next classes were to start.


    "My dear, this is your first time in the academy, correct? It would be for the best if I show you the way."


    Mina and Colt met up and Mina offered to give Colt a tour of the school, her way of speech that radiated with odd confidence got to Colt and made him smile without reason.


    "That would be much welcomed."


    "Then, is there anywhere you want to go to, my dear?"


    "Ah, yes, can you show me the way to the library? This little one over here wants to read some books and pick a name for himself. It says that it doesn''t like my naming sense."


    "Meow!" the fat cat agreed with the sentiment of Colt.


    The fat cat was pointed at by Colt and as Mina looked at it, the fat cat meowed in an expecting manner.


    Mina and the cat stared at each other without saying anything. Unlike Colt who mysteriously got the ability to talk to the cat, Mina does not have such an ability but as she and the cat stared at one another, they came to an understanding.


    ''Watch over him and make sure not to let any flies approach him¡­I''ll reward you with something you would like if you do good.''


    ''Meow!''


    They communicated through the eyes and for the first time in a long time, Mina managed to make a friend. Other than Risa who she treats as a real friend and her sister-in-law, this nameless cat was her second friend slash trade partner.


    And on the side, Colt was left there wondering what the hell was happening with Mina and the Cat. He shook his head as he waited for their staring contest to end.


    And as Colt waited, he saw some people looking at them and one of these people was a man with a not so handsome visage who has pure white skin and a sword on the side.


    A man who resembled that of an Orc, and with his not so beautiful visage he openly glared at Colt for no reason whatsoever. Colt observed the Orc-like man and he does not know where he got the idea to do it but he smirked at the Orc in a mocking manner.


    The Orc went away with fumes coming out on top of his head.


    Colt watched this and thought to himself:


    ''That guy would surely go after me, he must be a noble and the way he looked at me means that he has some beef against me and with my current position in this academy, the only source of hate I can get is because I have Mina by my side¡­at least this will become a problematic but fun school year.''


    After thinking in such a manner, Mina and the cat finally cut off their gazes and smiled at one another before doing a fist bump.


    ''What the hell?''


    Colt watched this and headed out soon after with the two.


    The tour went smoothly but the whole academy cannot be covered in a day and as the one-hour time was about to end, Colt and Mina had to say goodbye.


    In the plaza


    "I must go now my dear, I hear the training regime of the Warrior Class is pretty strict. You are still in the aura-less class but it will not be any less intense, I ask of you to take care of yourself, my love."


    Colt nodded his head and assured her that everything would be fine. And as he did so, he felt like something was wrong with their interaction of farewells. It was more like a mother sending out her son to kindergarten, it was pretty embarrassing.


    Shaking his head, Colt rummaged through his inner breast pockets and handed out a piece of paper to Mina.


    Mina opened the paper and it contained names that Colt had compiled.


    "What''s this?"


    "The people you must avoid at all costs."


    The paper she gave Mina was a list of names in the Mage Class that he remembers. Of course, if there is a villain there are lackeys so he made sure to also list out the lackeys he remembers.


    Colt does not know most of the plot points because he had forgotten it, however, the odd and bizarre occurrence of him still remembering the villains'' names and their lackeys that appeared in the first four volumes was like his special ability.


    The reason why he can remember the background character Colt is because of this odd turn of events. Being the background of the villain Mina helped him remember who this body was and remembering the name of villains, their lackeys, and their backgrounds were something that Colt truly appreciated.


    Because right now, the information he held in his mind were more powerful against a sword against different families.


    Reading the piece of paper which contained of many males and some females, Mina showed a mysterious smile. She looked at Colt and with a peal of coquettish laughter mixed with the hint of a shy giggle.


    "Even the girls?"


    "Yes, those girls are dangerous as well."


    Mina giggled some more.


    "I understand, my dear. You don''t have to worry; I won''t be talking to anyone you don''t want me talking to." Mina left in high spirits and Colt left satisfied.


    Colt headed to the Aura-less Warrior Class Room A or AL Room A in leisure. He already knows the general direction of the building and as found the Aura-less study building, he found Room A plastered atop the door.


    He would have entered the room without a problem, but as he approached the room, trouble obstructed him!


    ''What the hell?''


    Roar!


    An amber-colored panther blocked the path to the room. The panther was on its four legs and as it stood stall, it was clear as day that it was half of Colt''s height.


    "What are you doing!? Come on, enter already, don''t tell me you''re acting like a coward in the face of a mere Soul Partner?"


    Looking past the panther, there were three students laughing at his predicament, the Orc-face he saw earlier was there with the group. He was even the one called out to Colt just now.


    Colt looked at the three with a passive expression...


    He does not want trouble, but he has ways to deal with them if they walk towards him. He was taught by Neun different methods on how to deal with them and most of them comprised the use of a sword but as he was just about to do something, the fat cat suddenly jumped off his shoulders and approached the panther.


    "Haha! What the, this guy is even more pathetic than before. It seems like the phrase a tiger does not beget a dog son is not true."


    The three annoying students saw this and began laughing even louder than before.


    The panther was growling as it eyed Colt and ignored the fat cat. But as the fat cat was just a few inches away from the panther, it suddenly kicked the ground and appeared before the blockade!


    "Nya!"


    Pah! Boom!


    The panther was sent flying as the fat cat snorted and spat on the ground. It looked at the three annoying humans and then at the panther with disdain.


    "MEOW! NYAAAA! (MOVE! BITCH!)"


    The fat cat cursed out loud!

 33 33. Duel

    "NYAAA! MEOW, MEOW! NYAAA MYAAA! NAA, MEWWW!"


    "Hey, I don''t feed such a dirty mouth. Stop cursing at the panther its heart will burst from fear."


    The fat cat looked at Colt and listened to him, but as it turned to the panther one last time, it made sure to look at the Orc-face who sent out to deal with Colt and growled.


    In most circumstances, the Orc-face student would be kicking a growling cat such as this one, but right now he was trembling before a fat cat.


    The fat cat made sure to not look away as it climbed up Colt''s shoulder where it still glared without fail. Colt walked into the room, passed the panther that was almost slapped and cursed to death by the fat cat, and then went past the Orc-face.


    As Colt walked his splendor was heightened and the twenty or so people in the room could not help but gasp in amazement. To avoid any annoying gaze, Colt decided to go to the very back of the lecture hall where he sat with his back straight and the fat cat on his table keeping watch of the room like a guardian hawk watching over its prey.


    As the cat acted like the Lord of the room, Colt was already assessing the situation and the powers of the cat. He then remembered the fight he had with the cat, the soft paws it had, and the sharp claws it possesses.


    Their fight lasted for hours that should have been recorded in the annals of history. As he remembered that time, he couldn''t help but wonder the possibility of him sprawled on the ground twitching as a cat curse at him.


    The thought made him shudder.


    "I didn''t know you were that powerful."


    "Nyaa!"


    It waved its paws as if to say "It is nothing to speak of." Before returning to its lording position.


    Colt could tell the fat cat was enjoying the view from the back, and as the back was the most elevated seat of the hall, the cat could look down upon its subjects without fail.


    Murmurs could be heard but no ruckus was created for the cat would ''meow'' to demand the silence of the room. One of the companions of the Orc-face who, in Colt''s standard had a Goblin-face had his panther rest for the time being after being abused by the cat.


    While Orc-face was glaring at Colt with eyes that speak "This is not over yet." Colt ended up paying no attention to him as the panther entered a green pendant that hanged on Goblin-face''s neck. The panther disappeared with a "swoosh" sound.


    ''So that''s a Beast Domain accessory? Should I get one of those?''


    Colt was only thinking of that but the cat meowed and showed a look of disagreement. He was given the, ''Put me in one of those and I''ll fuck you up like that panther'' kind of look.


    Colt shook his head as he laughed at the contrast of the fat cat''s external features from its words and thoughts. As Colt laughed, the Orc-face and his lackeys gritted their teeth out of spite at Colt.


    As the three glared more, they forgot the passage of time, and soon enough, a middle-aged man shouted as he sensed the bloodlust coming out of Orc-face and then shouted as he entered.


    "What''s going on here? Why are you emitting such lust for blood inside a classroom?"


    The middle-aged man had a perfectly well-maintained facial hair and a square jaw, his bulky body suited his fierce eyes and his red hair completed the savageness of his external feature.


    He wore a teacher''s suit and the poor suit seemed ready to burst at any moment as his bulging muscles forced the fabric to its absolute limits.


    Colt was shot to his feet as he shockingly stared at the teacher who just entered the room.


    ''W-why is he here?''


    Everyone was asking the same thing, but Colt''s sentiment was not the same as the others. If they were in awe of the man''s sudden appearance, Colt was in fear.


    The red-haired valiant looking man entered the room, and everyone had a broad smile on their faces for this man was a well-known figure¡­despite his status as a commoner and a mercenary, he was hailed as one of the strongest men in the Kingdom; this man was known as "Gilbert the Dragon Slayer" or in the novel, he was more well-known as "Gilbert the Crimson Slaughterer".


    Colt''s face was so contorted with fear, he had to take a step back from reflex alone. He had to shake his head in order to calm down.


    ''Let''s calm down, the Incident of the Sapphire Cavern has yet to appear, he''s still the Dragon Slayer at this time¡­remember, he''s not the Crimson Slaughterer just yet. He''s a man who loves family, nothing more, nothing less.''


    Colt took in several deep breaths before calming down.


    The Crimson Slaughterer was what replaced Gilbert''s title after slaughtering three small villages and harvested their souls together with the people of the East in order to save the life of his family from the epidemic at the time.


    ''The Red Vein Epidemic that struck the Kingdom would be the start of it all, and it was said that the Eastern Continent did it, but I''m was sure that the Secret Organization was the one who started it as to force the two continents to fight.


    ''Though the Kingdom of Regalus is one of the many forces in the Western Continent, the spark that started in the Kingdom of Regalus spread to the rest of the Continent inciting the rest of continent to think that the one who did all the attacking was the Eastern Continent''s Empire.


    ''At this point in the original story, the five forces of the Kingdom would unite into one superpower and then fight against the Eastern Continent.''


    Around 80% of these thoughts was not mentioned in the actual book, in the volume where he dropped the story, this part wasn''t explained though.


    But using the scummish power of looking for spoilers and making speculation, Colt could very well see how the story would turn out from where he left off.


    But that does not matter at the moment, because at this moment, Colt was staring at Gilbert with his heart in trepidation.


    Gilbert entered the room with manliness practically reeking out of his body. Orc-face looked at him and Gilbert looked at Orc-face who was not more docile than a child wanting something to ask their parents for something.


    "What''s the problem? Why are you releasing such bloodlust in my room? That lust for blood may not be refined for now, but it is still dangerous. Now, tell me, who are you targeting and why?"


    Orc-face''s lips were trembling but he decided to tough it out and pointed at Colt and his cat¡­


    "I-it was because he hurt my friend''s Soul Partner!"


    Colt was taken aback by the shamelessness of a not even third-rate background character villain. Colt had to defend himself as to not receive the spite of Gilbert and become a target. Colt didn''t want to be turned to a bloody pulp when he betrays the Kingdom, now does he?


    But as he decided to protect his name, Colt must do it in the most upstanding fashion he could. So, he straightened his back, had his fears and anxiousness disappear, and stared in the eyes of Gilbert.


    "He and his companion''s Soul Partner barred my way as they let it growl at me while they, the owner of the aforementioned Soul Partner stood behind it, laughing at my predicament. My Soul Partner here only made its move in order to protect me from the viciousness of the beast that wants to attack me and my little friend."


    Colt isn''t mentally challenged. He can make a scene and mock the Orc-face on their faces aggravating them to make a move against him and then have them be punished for it. But no, Colt wouldn''t do something such a thing.


    He spoke only the truth without even a hint of mockery, he spoke nothing about how pathetic the panther before a mere cat nor did he make fun of his face, or how he can''t even qualify as a third-rate villain. No, Colt merely stated what is truth.


    Thus, with his wordings befitting his title of nobility, everyone agreed and backed Colt.


    Gilbert was amazed at how well Colt took care of the situation but sensing the ever-growing hate of the Orc-face student towards Colt.


    He was about to say something when the Orc-face who had his dignity and pride systematically dismantled by Colt took the badge on his chest and raised it overhead!


    "Y-you bastard, you dare defame me in front of a teacher!? I Formillo Jerte challenge you to a duel to defend my unblemished name!"


    ''This is why they call these kinds of people useless and idiotic...he had seen how the pather almost got slapped to death and now he''s challenging me to a duel? Does he have the memory of a bird?"


    Colt felt a headache, as he looked at Orc-face whose name he already has forgotten.


    He wanted to decline, but because of the academy''s system regarding the duel of aura-less students, he can do nothing but accept.


    In the Dragonheart Academy, for an aura-less student who has no power-level whatsoever, they must accept a challenge for a duel if there is conflict. And a Teacher must be present when a duel is issued for a duel of "Certain Conflict" is to arise.


    With Gilbert present as a witness, Colt cannot refuse the challenge.


    "I accept your challenge!"


    Thus, Colt accepted the challenge.


    Gilbert smile broadened and he clapped his hand to gather everyone''s attention.


    "Okay, if you are going to have a duel, better do it somewhere where there''s an open area! Come on, follow me to the training hall!"


    Gilbert sounded excited and as Colt and the rest found themselves inside a dome-like building where inside there is an open circular ground where the training of the warrior classes are held.


    The ground was made of dirt, and as everyone circled Colt and Formillo, Gilbert stood between the two as the one who will officiate the duel.


    "Remember, no killing and avoid causing any major injury as much as possible. If you are knocked down and lose your consciousness then you lose, if you admit defeat then you lose, if you fall on both four limbs, you lose¡­now, begin!"


    Colt looked at Formillo get his ready sword. He unsheathed the sword on his waist and stared directly at Colt with hate-filled eyes.


    Colt is not worried because he can just let the fat cat take care of the Soul Partner and he knocks out Formillo.


    "Can I count on you?"


    "Meow!"


    The cat sounded fierce, it was ready to fight and tear out the opponent. It was ready to leap off Colt''s shoulders, that is until it suddenly froze as it saw its opponent.


    CAW!


    A one-meter black raven appeared from out of nowhere and as Colt urged the cat to leap forth and take care of it, the cat instead touched him by the shoulders, shook its head, and gave him an apologetic look.


    The cat did not jump off his shoulders, but it didn''t head to the battlefield. It walked towards Gilbert and stayed by his side.


    It looked at Colt and Colt looked at the cat.


    "Meow!"


    The cat raised both paws as it cheered for him to win or in other words¡­Colt was abandoned by the cat.

 34 34. BitDar

    ''So¡­the cat had abandoned me and I am left to deal with a raven and a hybrid of an Orc. I am unsure how I am supposed to react to all this but, I supposed this is the first step to have my name spread out¡­little steps, Colt, little steps.''


    "Ha! You have been abandoned by the cat! Without a Soul Partner, this is two against one! Do you really think you can win against me!? HA! Now I''ll be able to show how inferior you are and expose the deceit you have used against the Goddess Mina!"


    While thinking in such a manner, Colt looked at Orc-face celebrating and then took the sheathed sword hanging by his waist.


    "Is that so, then, in order to face you properly, I must do something that is of importance."


    Taking out a handkerchief he had brought with him and began trying the scabbard to the sword guard as to not have any unwanted accident.


    And as he did so, Colt began to speak without as much as lifting his head.


    "So, you are acting like an uneducated person because Mina had chosen me over you? I do not know what logic it is that you use in order to decide whether it is worth the trouble of fighting me and troubling your family, but I must say, you''re brilliant at doing something stupid."


    Colt finished tying the scabbard to the guard of his sword so he will not be able to unsheathe his sword by accident. He swung it a couple of times and confirmed that it was firmly going to stay in place, he looked at Orc-face with an expression he had not shown in this world before ¨C seriousness.


    He had been irritated before but not in a situation where he is combat-ready, but right now when in actual combat, Colt''s heart was in trepidation as his heart began to beat wildly.


    "I am now prepared, do your worst, Orc-face..." as Colt looked at Orc-face with seriousness, he realized what he said and then clicked his tongue.


    ''Shit, I let it slip.'' He cursed in his brain.


    The sudden throwing of insult made Orc-face angered and irritated.


    "Thost! Attack him!"


    Caw!


    The Raven soared and dove towards Colt with its sharp claws.


    The Raven had pitch-black feathers and had claws and beaks that were purple in color. Its eyes were red and it had a white line under its eyes.


    The movement of the Raven was fast, in a manner of seconds, it found its way a couple of inches away from Colt.


    A Soul Partner is a Magical Beast, only that it has formed a connection to a Warrior and had been tamed. Its physical ability is strong enough to crush a boulder.


    In a way, this Raven before him is much more dangerous than a bullet. But looking at the Raven, Colt could not help but shake his head.


    "Hmm, Thost¡­that''s a rather inappropriate name for a pet."


    Colt commented as he pivoted his left foot too and turned his body to the side to dodge the oncoming trouble.


    Woosh!


    BooM!


    The Raven crashed on the ground with its claws clawing up nothing but dirt.


    "Make him suffer, Thost!"


    But dodging it once was not enough. The Raven flapped its wings once more as to get away from Colt and gain enough distance for it to attempt another dive at Colt.


    It moved around, cutting through the wind as it attempted to puncture a hole through Colt''s body.


    But its attempts to do so have the same level of value on how much Colt cared about this duel ¨C nothing. However, Orc-face didn''t seem to see it that way!


    "You coward! Is dodging the only thing you can do!?"


    Orc-face tried aggravating Colt, only to turn up nothing to show in return. Colt merely gazed at him without saying anything and just focused on the Raven.


    To him, this is a learning process, he is facing a beast whose speed clearly outmatched his, but his eyes could clearly see through its movements.


    ''This is not good enough; this chicken is not going to help me train for actual combat. Neun is faster than this thing even if he severely lowers his speed.''


    Colt had enough, and his eyes finally hinted that it was time to finish this.


    With a flap of its wings, the Raven darted forward and tried once more, but the oversized black garbage chicken had a sudden realization that it was not the one in control of the situation


    Bam!


    Colt abruptly raised his sword and hit the Raven squarely in the body sending it upwards!


    CaW!


    It was a magnificent display from Colt, his movement was fluid without any stop on his right arm.


    ''Tsk! I missed its jaw¡­!''


    But Colt clicked his tongue as he finds what he had just executed is nothing but an unpolished movement every man can execute! It was a disgrace to what he had learned.


    CaW!


    But for the Raven, it was a massive and painful hit. It tried flying once more, however, its wings were grabbed and its ability to fly was stripped away from the poor trash chicken.


    CaW! CaW! The Raven tried to get away from his grasps, but as it turned its head to Colt who had raised his sword, its face turned violet from fear!


    CAWWWWWW!


    Bam!


    Colt swung his sheathed sword and bumped the annoying black bird''s head knocking it unconscious.


    "What!?"


    Orc-face Formillo asked himself what he had just saw and as his mouth remained open, Colt''s attention was turned to him.


    "???"


    His confusion peaked as he wondered what was about to happen, and as Colt took a step forward his figure disappeared and then came face to face with Orc-face.


    "I''ll make this as painful as possible, don''t worry."


    "Eeek! I~" Orc-face tried to get away, but Colt had already tightly clenched his fist and sent a direct blow onto Orc-face''s liver.


    The air on Orc-face''s lungs was flushed out! He fell to his knees one of his hands touched the ground while the other holding his sides. He was in immense pain, but he has yet to be defeated for he was not in all fours.


    Colt wishes to trample his face down, but he can''t do that as it will only gain him infamy. So with his left foot, he delivered a quick kick to the jaw knocking the bastard unconscious.


    Looking down on Orc-face, Colt shrugged his shoulders.


    "Seems like I didn''t need to tie my sword anyway, it was a useless act¡­" Colt turned to his teacher, Gilbert whose smile could almost reach his ears and asked, "Is this enough, can teacher please announce my win? I think he needs someone to take him to an infirmary or something?"


    Gilbert smiled at Colt''s attitude of being nonchalant about his victory.


    Raising his hand, Gilbert announced the victor of the duel, "Colt had won!"


    And that match should have set Colt''s standing in the academy for the whole day, telling others that he was someone whose strength is worthy of respect and not someone that everyone could walk over on.


    But the day is not over, and there are still some surprises that could cause a disturbance in the original plan.


    The first half of the day ended and now, it was time for lunch.


    Other than the duel with Orc-face, the entire morning classes were nothing but an orientation and some corny jokes of old professors. Other than Gilbert''s class turning out to be actually fun.


    It was now lunchtime and Colt had promised Mina to eat with her at the resting area so as he prepared to leave the room, his destination was already set.


    "Hey cat, why didn''t you help me earlier?"


    "Myaa."


    "What do you mean "I knew you can handle it?" that''s a lie, I saw your eyes earlier, I know it''s a lie."


    Colt began his interrogation to the cat as to what happened earlier. Just as he was about to step out of the room, Colt was barred on the door.


    "Are you Colt Edgeworth!?"


    A loud and obnoxious sounding voice entered his ears. Colt turned away from the cat and looked forward, in front, he saw girl with golden hair and drills in the end. As for her face, she had a pair of round eyes. She was pretty, yes, but Colt had been staring at Mina for so long that his value of beauty had been distorted.


    No ordinary beauty can move him now.


    To him, only Filla can match Mina''s beauty. Not because he was his daughter because that notion is simply facts¡­Colt is in no way bias.


    The lady was wearing the badge for warrior classes, and as he stared at her, he can feel that something about this lady was amiss.


    ''I can feel my "Bitdar" tingling.''


    He wanted to get away, but it would seem that it would be impossible as she seemed not to be the type to be ignored and move to the side. And from the two bulky men who standing right behind her, Colt could ascertain what type of person this woman before him.


    "That I am, and may I ask what this lady wants from me?"


    The golden-haired lady looked at Colt and smiled.


    "Good, then come with me, I want to talk to you."


    Colt''s wrist was about to be seized by the drill lady but he moved his hand away and wryly smiled at her as he explained his situation.


    "I apologize but I have somewhere to be, my fianc¨¦e is waiting for me, so I must leave. Have a good day."


    Colt walked to the side and attempted to escape the woman whose name wasn''t even given to him. He wishes to get to Mina as soon as possible because it is too bothersome to deal with this woman and Mina''s temper.


    But as he was just about to leave, the woman tightly held onto Colt''s wrist and turned him to look at her.


    "What do you mean you have somewhere to be? This is more important, forget about that woman."


    At this point, Colt was already irritated and as his smile began to crumble, he once again refused.


    "Please unhand me and I will be getting on my way, Mina of the Vera family, my fianc¨¦ is waiting for me."


    "Who cares about some bitch whor-"


    Pah~


    And then and there, the woman''s words could not be completed as Colt''s free hand had already smacked her square to the face.


    With his smile washed away, Colt looked at a woman with nothing but a pair of an expression that was both irritation and anger.


    And even without him saying anything, everyone in the room knew the air around Colt had changed.


    "No one insults my woman in front of me."

 35 35. Juked

    Pah!


    The crisp slap echoed in the ears of the students inside and out of the room. And as Colt''s words left his mouth, he thought of something that made him pause for a minute and rethink his decisions.


    ''When did I become so become so violent?'' remembering the duel earlier and him slapping this lady up, he felt like he was not himself. It felt like something is melding with his original self, or was it just him growing accustomed to this world with different customs and ways.


    However, his thoughts were cut short as he saw two fists with bright red smoke coming his way.


    Colt''s trained eyes saw the oncoming fists and responded by blocking with his arms!


    BANG!


    Colt''s body was sent flying back and crashing on the wall hitting his back. The impact he sustained was not something he can easily shrug off.


    As the two guards who were with the lady earlier made their move and executed a punch with their fist laced with red aura.


    "You bastard, you dare hit Lady Mary!?"


    "You are courting death!"


    The two bulky men walked past the lady named Mary who is still dazed as she held her bright red right cheek.


    On the other hand, Colt could feel his arms shaking and pulsating from the pain. The good was that it didn''t break completely, but Colt was sure that it was cracked and broken.


    With his ass on the ground and his arms laid down unmoving and unfeeling, Colt raised his head and chortled.


    ''And this is why I shouldn''t have done that¡­man, I messed up this time. And that name, Mary was it? That sounds a tad bit familiar, now, where did I heard it? Ah, who cares¡­I''m going to be beaten to a pulp by these two dudes so I think that''s the least of my concerns.''


    As he spoke of such, the two men released their Soul Partners which was an Eagle that has a set of feathers with blazing flame and a Red Tiger that seemed to have scale as armor all over its body.


    Colt looked at them and did his best to get up. Without his arms, he used his upper body to prop himself back up and looked at them with eyes filled with anxiousness and a mix of excitement.


    His heart was in trepidation, the what-ifs in his head were going off, but this situation is also out of a novel. Colt knows he can''t win and instead of fighting these four opponents, he was instead planning on how he could escape.


    ''Now, let''s see¡­how can I get out of here? I need some sort of opening.''


    He was wishing a meteor would come out, but instead what came out to his rescue was the very being who abandoned him earlier ¨C the fat cat.


    The valiant fat cat stood before Colt and faced four enemies, together with him. Compared to the other Soul Partners before it, the fat cat was not even comparable to their head.


    However, as it stood there in front of Colt, the Soul Partners, the tiger, in particular, began to shake.


    The fat cat at the moment was not acting arrogant nor was it acting in a way that can be seen as such.


    The fat cat was acting like a cat that its tail stepped on, meaning, it was pissed.


    Even more so when it slapped the panther earlier today. And as it stared at the Tiger, it was hissing and growling.


    "Nyaaaaa!" It raised its back, straightened its tail, and tried to make itself bigger than it should, and as the fat cat trembled in anger, it didn''t even let anyone react to its actions and just jumped forward and with its tiny right paw punched the Tiger right on the face!


    Bam!


    Its face caved in and it spiraled on the air as it crashed to the board!


    "What''s that cat!?" Everyone was once again surprised by the cat, and the two bulky male was the most surprised.


    And as the fat cat was sent up to the air, it found itself twirling about like a dancing Crane, and using its hind legs, it delivered a ferocious and vicious kick.


    The eagle flinched as it saw the hind legs of the cat coming to its face. It had seen the power behind the cat, it knows what is about to come. And when it finally hit¡­


    Poof!


    The fat cat''s kick was as effective as an egg being thrown to a rock. The damage the eagle sustained was not even a single percent of what the cat showed earlier.


    But it didn''t matter, because the fat cat only used the dumb eagle as a platform and as it kicked its face it sent itself flying to the man with an olive skin moving past the two men.


    Landing on Colt''s head, the fat cat and the two men stared at each other and as it tried to curse at them, Colt was already heading out of the room!


    With crude and unpolished movement, Colt hit Mary on the body as he was escaping.


    Thud!


    Mary fell to her behind and as she and Colt exchanged gazes for a moment just as he was passing by, she stared at his eyes and felt the need to say something but couldn''t!


    In the end, Colt ran away as he and the cat underwent a symphony of movements and as the two bodyguard-like men, who were misled by the eye-catching and bizarre performance of the white cat realized what was happening, Colt was already out of that building.


    They tried to chase after him, but as they were about to do so, the golden-haired drill lady stopped them.


    "T-that is enough¡­"


    "But Young Lady Mary, he hit you."


    As Mary touched her cheek hit by Colt another time, her face brightened and giggled.


    Distracted by her own thoughts Mary was acting weird and the two men were thinking if Mary had been hit too hard by the bastard.


    "Young Lady Mary?"


    "Huh? Oh yeah sorry, I was thinking about something. Either way, that is enough for today, I shall deal with him myself. But still, thank you for stepping out to protect me¡­"


    "It is merely our responsibility." The two men answered with pride.


    Mary turned her back against them and then left in dazed.


    The two men stared at her and as they remembered Colt''s actions, they looked at one another and decided to ignore the orders of the Young Miss.


    "The Master told us to protect her. We can''t let this go!"


    "Yes! There''s still an hour before lunchtime ends, let''s go and find that bastard."


    "Agreed!"


    And somewhere in the academy, Mina stared at Colt whose arms he could barely move and as she quickly casted a spell to heal him, it was her turn to speak coldly¡­


    "Who did this?"

 36 36. This is the real world

    The Resting Area of the Academy was near the Plaza. In the resting area, one can find the aroma of the flowers too be alluring and have a calming effect filling the air. The shades provided by the trees with the lighting from the sunlight piercing through.


    It was a place frequented by lovers to each lunch. However, at the moment, in the place where it should be swarming with couples, trying to find reasons why they should be touching each other, there were little to no couples around and those who were present were deciding to leave.


    The air is no longer light. Heaviness pervaded the air despite the green light of Healing Magic illuminating the area.


    "Who did this!? Tell me?" Mina''s voice was filled with rage. Her eyes were different from normal, the signs of a Yandere being brought on the edge is now appearing. A pair of lifeless eyes stared at Colt as if she was ready to commit something one would not dream of committing.


    In the world of stories; mostly in the realm of novels, mangas, and animes there is one force that everyone fears most ¨C the deranged people and to be more specific, the psychos who go to great lengths in order to prove their love.


    The Yandere, a genre beloved by thousands if not millions are something everyone treats with a line. Loving a yandere is only accepted if it is inside a story, in a fictional world where life cannot be taken.


    In the world of anime or any fictional platform, a lady massacring an army for the ones they love is accepted and is seen as fateful. But on earth, others will see them as someone who needs to be killed.


    A woman who abandons her reality for the one she loves is someone who is seen as devoted, but others see it as crazy.


    All-in-all, there is one bottom line that appears, one must not bring craziness to the real world. It is fun to read, but not when it is experienced. The lives that will be killed for reasons other than to fuel the rampage of a Yandere is not something one would appreciate to watch in the real world.


    In most circumstances, Colt, no, Leo would be up for it if Mina would go on a rampage. But he can''t have that; he can''t have her dealing with his troubles and getting into trouble for it.


    She can''t kill so easily in this world. She is meant to be a villain and he does not wish for Mina to be one.


    If she is ready to kill for him, that is not something he wishes to exploit. Because if he exploits the fact, she would do anything for him in exchange for love, then that is not what Colt sees as a relationship of two lovers, but an abusive asshole taking advantage of someone.


    He does not want to end up as a man of that caliber. If he has the to choose, he wishes to become the one who protects his woman, not the other way around. If he tells her the names of the men then that''s it, there is no going back.


    This is his real-world now for all he cares and the consequences of killing in this world may be lighter, it was still killing. And somewhere along the line, if that triggers something within Mina and makes her think, "I will kill for his sake¡­" then her killing him and avoiding the route where she turns to a villain will be all for naught.


    He does not want to see Mina end her future for his sake. He will forge his own future and his own path in life.


    For Colt, his path is somewhere along the line of Mina, Filla, his family, and him living snuggly without a care in the world. And he can''t have that if Mina is misled in life.


    Thus, as his arms healed and he could properly move and get a grasp of his core strength again. Colt did what is the best thing he should do in this situation and have his hands sandwich Mina''s face.


    Mina''s cheeks were squished as her mouth slightly opened. She jumped in surprise and the light and life in her eyes returned.


    "What are you doing!?" She asked in confusion.


    "Heehee, did the dark thoughts in your head disappear? I wish it did." He showed her a broad smile that caused the dark atmosphere around her to disappear, "Come on, show me a smile, I like seeing your smiles rather than seeing you act all angry for me."


    "Bat¡­jey hertch yoo." Mina tried to speak with her face mushed by Colt, but as she spoke, she found it rather hard and hearing her try her hardest to justify her actions with her words being borderline incomprehensible.


    At first, she was struggling to get away from Colt''s grasps, but as time moves forward and she got tired of arguing with Colt, Mina stopped fighting it altogether.


    With Colt kneading Mina''s cheeks, he asked her, "Are you okay now?"


    Mina nodded her head like a child and Colt released her from his grasps. Staring at Colt, Mina still showed signs of not giving up.


    Colt sighed, of course, it is not that easy to calm someone like her.


    "Don''t worry, I didn''t sustain any irrecoverable damage."


    "But, I do not want to see my darling getting hurt. When I think about such things happening¡­I, I feel the urge to do something untoward to the onesh caushes iht."


    Pup!


    Colt resumed kneading her cheeks as she neared going off again. She calmed down and she took in a deep breath.


    After regaining her freedom from Colt''s attacks to her cheeks, Mina jumped back as she retreated. Like a crouching chinchilla rubbing its cheeks, Mina playfully glared at Colt as she pouted her lips.


    "Don''t touch my cheeks like that¡­pu, my husband is bullying me." Mina made a fiercer glare as her cheeks puffed up in rage.


    Colt approached her and he too crouched on the ground, he ruffled her smooth and soft hair as he said, "Please spare this foolish husband of yours for I was tempted by the softness of your cheeks¡­and can I please get some foods, I was in fierce battle just now and it feels like I would die from hunger at any second now."


    "Oh, we cannot have that, please wait a minute, I shall prepare the food."


    Colt looked at Mina who was heading to get some food and little did he know, as she walked past the three trees forward, she said something.


    "Do something to him and I will make the life of the one you are serving a living hell. You both have aura and my dear husband don''t, I do not know what he did but if I am to cripple you both right now and say it is for self-defense, no one will question me."


    This was the first time Mina showed someone her fangs. Though her voice was as sweet as always, and her face still carried her signature happy smile, her words contained daggers behind it.


    Her words were direct, for she knew this is the best way to do things.


    "If not for the fact he talked me down to it, I would have ended you both already."


    As she continued to speak as she moved, she heard someone asks.


    "Then, what do you want for us to do? He hit our Young Miss on the face, do you think we can just let that go?"


    "Stop taking it off context, my husband is a man whose heart is as kind as he is open, he does not wish to get into trouble and he does not simply act violently for nothing. But don''t worry, I will meet the Young Miss myself, try to say anything else and I will end this conversation now."


    "¡­"


    "Good, then tell her this. I will meet her in the Training Hall 3."


    The presence of the two disappeared as Mina finished her speech.


    ''It seems like I won''t be able to go home with my husband¡­such a shame.''


    Their lunchtime was well spent after all the troubles. They flirted as they ate, and Mina managed to convince Colt to head home for now, or else, she will be going to the trouble of going to find the one who hit him.


    Colt naturally agreed as he does not wish to see any bloodshed.


    It would seem that even Mina is learning how to treat Colt like Colt is learning how to treat her.


    But Colt made sure to say that he will be going somewhere important along the way and Mina didn''t stop him from doing what he wants.


    She will know what will happen in the city anyway.


    As Mina saw Colt''s carriage disappear, she began walking with grace towards the direction of Training Hall 3.


    While walking she remembered something of importance, ''I need to visit that smithy next.''


    After thinking as such, Mina found herself at Training Hall 3 face to face with Mary and as she saw her, Mina creased her brows.


    "So, it was you after all."


    She already knew who Mary was.

 37 37. Name

    "So it was you after all. I heard you troubled my future husband. Do you have anything to say?"


    Mina didn''t have the intent to mince her words. She stared at Mary with eyes laced with animosity.


    Mary didn''t flinch at her provocations and merely stared at her with her hand at her sword.


    The one before he represents the entire Mage Class of the Academy, the only female who stands at the very top. Holding the title of the Mage Queen, she is the strongest student mage in the academy.


    Even outside, it is rare to find someone as talented as her. Currently, she is only a Sixth Magic Circle on her Healing Element, but it is said that even her secondary element is about to catch up and some even say she''s going to be a tri-elemental Mage once she reaches the age of twenty.


    Overall, what everyone meant is that Mina is someone one should not mess with.


    Mary took in a deep breath and asked:


    "Where is he?"


    "Who? I said I would be coming here alone, didn''t I? Why are you searching for someone else."


    "Don''t act like you don''t know. I am talking about Colt Edgeworth, your fianc¨¦, I have some unfinished business with him."


    At this point, Mina''s gaze was no longer friendly.


    "Why do you speak of him? You have no business with him nor does he have business with you. I heard what happened earlier, you came to him, troubled him, and then badmouthed me in front of everyone by calling me a bitch.


    "He slapped you, yes. But he did it to protect my, his fianc¨¦e''s honor so he is in the right and none condemned him for lashing out as such. Then and there you were already in the wrong but you let your bodyguards who have aura attack him. Do you think I can''t have at least one of your fingers cut off and these two fools beheaded if I say anything to your family? Do you!?"


    A gust of cold wind blew as Mina''s words escaped her mouth. She had been made forbidden by Colt to do anything that may end up into something bad, so she wished to just end it without her releasing her pent-up anger.


    But, talking to Mary right now and having been asked by such a thing made her unable to control herself after remembering what happened to Colt.


    Mary felt the thick mana coming out of Mina and swallowed some saliva.


    Taking in deep breaths to calm herself once again, Mary spoke.


    "Do you even know my intentions when I tried to speak to him? It is to test and warn him for what is about to come."


    This caught Mina''s attention and the violent movement of her mana disappeared.


    "What do you mean?"


    "The seniors of the Warrior Class are targeting your fianc¨¦. They wish to humiliate and make him know his place."


    Mina was confused about the irrationality of these people, "Heh, so those guys are making their move? Are they trying to humiliate my dearest so that I will look at them? What a bunch of buffoons. To be blinded by romance and act so irrationally to get my attention is something only a man who thinks with his lower head is able to have such a brainless idea. Heh, now that I think about it, what did I expect? They always think with their dick, how would they be able to get access to their brains?"


    Having listened to Mina speak of such things, Mary almost puked when Mina said, "Blinded by romance".


    ''The most unqualified person to say that is you.'' While thinking like so, Mary then heard Mina continue speaking.


    "Heh, it seems like you actually have good intentions, it would seem that I was jumping to conclusions. I thought you were aiming at him for always falling short when you fight me."


    "What!? Did you really think I am such a scoundrel who would do something so dishonorable? I may not be able to speak to others with clarity, and others may think I am weird but I am a proud warrior who is aiming to become a Holy Paladin in the future and your rival." Mary harrumphed as she puffed her modest chest up.


    Mina showed a genuine smile and then said, "It seems like I owe you an apology and my sincere thanks, Lisa."


    Mary was proud of herself until she heard Mina say her name, "What did you just say my name was?"


    Confused, Mina tilted her head, "Lisa, why?"


    "WHO THE HELL IS LISA!?"


    "You are!?"


    "My name is Mary Courtgain! How can you not know my name? We were having a moment and you even said, "So, it was you.", how can you act as if you knew who I am when you didn''t even know my name!?" Mary was incensed.


    Mina just shrugged her shoulders, "Well, I thought that was your name, well I apologize for that. Then, now that I know your name, I wish to ask for an apology for my dearest slapping you on the face.


    Mary let it go with a sigh as she gave Mina her reply, "It is nothing, and as you said, I was in the wrong in so many angles and as for the slap¡­"


    Mary suddenly paused as she touched her left cheek as she unknowingly smiled at Mina in a perverted manner, "Um, that slap¡­I don''t mind being slapped by him¡­hehe, hehe."


    Mina was taken aback and even she had to take a step back as she spoke, "Something''s wrong with you, Marie Curtain."


    "It''s Mary Courtgain!"


    "Achoo, hmmm, this means someone is talking about me, right¡­? Must be Mina."


    Colt was in a carriage. On his lap was the white cat having its belly rubbed by Colt. And as the carriage stopped, Colt was just about ready to step out of the carriage, but then, he heard the bell, and then the coachman spoke as he opened his window on the coachman''s side.


    "The Apothecary Guild is closed, Young Master."


    Colt was downheartened as he heard the coachman speak and then just had him return to the Mansion.


    While riding in the carriage, Colt looked at the cat and asked it something that had been bothering him.


    "Have you decided on your name?"


    "Meow!"


    "Not yet, huh."


    Colt, was just about to let it go, but then, the fat cat spoke again.


    "Nyaaaaaa, Mew, Meow."


    "Hmmm, Lord Phat Fluff¡­think about it some more before we decide, okay?"


    Colt and the cat returned to the manor. That night, Colt trained even though his body still ached from having been punched by aura users. And while he was training, he felt something flow in his body, and as he did so, Colt felt the need to train even more.


    While swinging his sword, he remembered something close to importance, "Oh, now I remember, blond drills was Mary Courtgain. The Pure and Righteous Paladin!"


    As he remembered that, he collapsed and was dragged back inside by the cat whose temporary name is Lord Phat Fluff.

 38 38. Fair Enough

    Poof!


    The fat cat slapped Colt straight on the face in order to wake him up. It was hungry and is demanding to be fed.


    "Okay, okay, I am up already, so stop it, cat."


    Poof!


    He was once again slapped in the face with the soft paws.


    "Nyaaa!


    "Oh yeah, you go by Fluff now."


    Poof!


    "Myew!"


    "I''m not going to call you Lord Fluff. But if you insist then you can go hunt for your own food."


    Fluff shrugged its shoulders after thinking for a while thinking that such an agreement was fair. It hopped on Colt''s shoulders and the two head down to the dining area where they went to eat.


    In the dining area where Colt found Butler Go, he was given a piece of paper as he ate. He accepted it and began reading through it.


    The front of the paper stated one thing, "Letter of Duel", seeing that, Colt ripped the paper and returned to eating.


    "What utter nonsense."


    "Nya? Myaa, Myaaa, Mew?" fluff interestingly asked.


    "Look here, Fluff, I don''t care about upholding my honor as a man. If I accept that letter, endless amount of trouble will follow. The matter with Orc-face had already been settled, I avoided anything that will hurt anyone''s feelings to not get any duel challenges. Also, Mina''s suitor will come for me now, they will send various henchmen to me and will try to humiliate me, that''s going to be a given thing, so why bother accepting other things?"


    Colt may be conservative when it comes to his approach of things in this world, he is a realist and is very much aware of what he can get into.


    The Orc-face was a warning to the radicality of the people in this world. No, that is incorrect, it is not only of this world but also on earth.


    Back on earth, there are little to no stories about such people, but that is only because they are never broadcast. The rich stealing the love of a man who is poor, humiliating a man they do not like, killing them to suit their taste.


    This world is the same as earth, there are politics and irrational people. Blind people who fail to see what is truly happening as they reject the truth of the world.


    Colt is not some wise old sage, rather, he is a man of both adulthood and childhood. The stories that he had heard, the knowledge he bears, the information he holds, most of them align with the values of this world.


    ''Though honestly, this world is more upfront about things like that. If that is the case, sweeping them off their feet is going to be quite easy.'' Colt is a man who had seen and experienced a lot of things.


    He had managed to take care of things on earth, he managed to reverse a situation where he is supposed to be in despair and destroy the life of the one who deserved it.


    As he finished his food, Colt''s eyes reflected a different kind of light than the norm. It was a much brighter light rarely seen in him, but this light is not something that is unique to him for this pair of eyes is something every human in any world possesses.


    It was the eyes of someone who is enjoying the situation.


    ''Well, if I fail, I''ll get beaten up and then have my body experience a lot of things. My reputation will plummet and others would look down on me resulting in announcing Filla''s existence even harder thus, this academy life is crucial for me.''


    "Young Master, there is another letter that came for you."


    "Is it another Duel Request? If so, then just burn it."


    "No, it came from the orphanage back home."


    With an oh, Colt washed his mouth with water and then took the letter from Butler Go''s hands. He accepted the letter and then stood up, he had Fluff get up after seeing him finish his food so they can head to the academy.


    "Here is what you asked of me to prepare, Young Master."


    Colt accepted a leather bag and thanked Butler Go before leaving in a carriage. Along the way, he made sure to check the contents of the bag.


    Inside there was a diamond-like gem, it carried an azure hue and is about the size of a walnut. He looked at it and sighed.


    "This caused me a whopping 20,000,000 Priba, damn, even with the original''s savings I''ll be broke soon enough if I don''t do anything to earn some money."


    The original had a fortune with him when he relinquished his body to Leo. He had a total of 10,000 Perum or 100,000,000 Priba. He had been saving up money for occasions that he deems as an emergency.


    For example, the original had thought of running away with Filla and starting a life in a faraway backwater land. With so much money like this, Colt and Filla would be able to survive for a whole lifetime.


    But in the end, he didn''t do it and simply stuck to what he had been doing.


    Colt shook his head and ignored this wild thought of the past and focused on the future.


    Taking out the letter from his chest pocket Colt opened it and he instinctively smiled as he saw its contents. The handwriting was not that neat, but it only showed the effort put into the letter.


    But the smile turned to astonishment as soon as he read the letter.


    [Daddy, I learned how to control Mana, Sister Mary said that once we learn what elements I am attuned with. Hehe, she said that if I train hard and become a prodigy, I can be together with Daddy faster. I can''t wait for my birthday, you can take anyone home with you, and please bring back Miss Mina so I''ll be able to thank her. Take care in the capital, bye-bye.]


    Colt had always seen Filla as a prodigy. She can already speak without a problem while she is at such an age and right now, she even managed to control mana.


    And thinking about it, Colt realized something.


    ''A prodigy and someone who is really young, hmmm, Filla, my daughter. How come I can''t remember anything about her? I''m pretty sure nothing is said about Filla dying. There are three prodigies in the western continent, is she one of those children?


    ''But, what if Sister Mary changed her name? Also, Sister Mary and Mary Courtgain both of these ladies have the same name. Damn, this author sucks at naming. But this is going to be confusing, I should at least have a nickname for them to differentiate them from one another??Sister Mary should be Sister, and Mary Courtgain¡­let''s just go with M, that''s easier to remember.''


    Colt didn''t want to know, because the lives of these prodigies are not something one should envy.


    While he was forming some form of theory, Fluff who was purring while having his tummy gets rubbed tapped Colt''s hand as it asked, "Myuu?"


    "The reason I am smiling is simple, I got a letter from my daughter."


    "Nya!?"


    Fluff chirruped as its shock could not be contained from the plot twist of its master¡­before returning to purring and having a look of contentment on its face.


    Then as it was being all comfortable, Fluff remembered something, "Nyaaaa¡­"


    "What? You have siblings¡­? Let''s worry about that later, I don''t really have time to deal with your problems. We''ll find them once I take my daughter home."


    "Myaa¡­(Fair enough)."

 39 39. The Dragon Slayer

    Stepping out of the carriage, Colt once again came face to face with the students of the academy. Holding a smile on his face, he was feeling refreshed today.


    He stared at the students coming in the academy and peacefully walked with every step taking the attention of people to him. Murmurs could be heard but he ignored them all with an honest expression on his face.


    "Is he the one? The one who defeated Formillo?"


    "Yeah, I heard he was challenged out of jealousy towards his fianc¨¦e the Queen. Wait, wasn''t he also the one who slapped the daughter of the Courtgain Family? Damn, is he brave."


    "I heard that too, I heard he acted as such because the Queen was insulted. For him to challenge someone for the one he loves¡­how I envy the Queen."


    His name had already begun to spread. Despite him not knowing about the thing regarding Mina being called as the Queen. He was pretty much expecting this kind of thing to appear as soon as he steps into academy grounds.


    At the moment, Colt has one goal in mind ¨C to not get stepped all over by Mina''s suitors. The fact had already been established that in a story, a conflict between two people will occur because of a woman and vice versa.


    Most of the time, it is harmless insults, but there are times when all of it goes too far, and dealing with them becomes a hassle ¨C just like this situation.


    Colt stopped his steps, he looked at the man before him and sighed. The person before him wore the uniform of the Mage Class, he was well built but not so much like the students of the Warrior Class.


    "I expected a Challenger but I didn''t expect someone from the Mage Class. I would like to warn you that I have no interest in bullying the weak I ¡ª"


    "Shut your mouth! You were the one who seduced and took the Queen away from us, how dare you, you fucking bastard! Colt Egdeworth, I Porlena Loequio challenge you to a duel!"


    In the Academy other than the duel of Certain Conflict, there is also another form of duel a student can issue ¨C personal duels.


    This form of duel is something that can be ignored and thrown aside as there is no witness or proof of anything that necessitates one party to accept it.


    Regardless, Colt looked at the young man''s burning eyes and nodded his head and accepted the duel.


    "Okay, I accept."


    "If that is so, then, follow me to the¡ª"


    "No need, let us just do it here, there is no need to change locations."


    "Hmmph, it would seem that your arrogance blinded you. For you to like to endure public humiliation is something I did not expect. I accept, let us do it here, I can''t wait to beat the shit out of you!"


    The Mage Class student harrumphed as he noticed Colt''s arrogance. Thus, he accepted it and as the mage got ready to cast a spell, Colt''s toes grasped the world and then darted forward.


    With a passive expression, he looked down upon the student and held his sheathed sword ten centimeters away from the student''s neck.


    Gulp!


    The student swallowed his saliva and fell on his knees.


    "Are you satisfied or do you wish to continue?"


    "Bullshit do you think I ¡ª"


    Swoosh!


    Colt swung his sword once again and this time, it was closer than before. The pressure from his sword was stronger than before.


    "So?" he asked a simple question and the student made an incoherent sound before falling flat on his face ¨C he had already fainted. A golden pool formed around the student as he had pissed himself from fear.


    Not expecting for such thing to happen, Colt looked around as he tried asking for help. Most of the students avoided his looks as they did not want to get wrapped into having to deal with taking the student to the infirmary.


    Thankfully, someone came to his rescue.


    "Are you having trouble with another duel, child?"


    Turning around, he saw the bear-like person Gilbert and chuckled as he nodded his head.


    "Haha! It seems like you are busy even though it is so early. Don''t worry about your opponent a guard will take him to the infirmary, let us go I want to ask you something.??


    Colt was a little apprehensive to leave his challenger in such a state and indeed, he took the challenger''s arms and dragged him to one side. Yes, he still looks pitiful as she slumped down on the wall, but at least he wasn''t in the middle of the road.


    "Sorry about that, shall we get going? Teacher Gilbert?"


    "You''re a good kid, I expected no less from the scion of the Edgeworth''s family, of Shickly no less."


    "You know of my father?"


    "Why of course, I frequent his shop for his [Secret Collection] and even get drunk with him and Liron. Oh yeah, we also fought with many Magical Beasts in the past."


    Colt released an "Oh" sound as he realized he knows nothing about that as there was nothing stated in the book.


    Secretly, Colt peeked over at Gilbert and asked.


    "Um, I heard you recently got married, congratulations."


    "Ah, why thank you. I didn''t think you would know such a thing."


    "You''re the Dragon Slayer, a hero of our Kingdom, I think many people are trying to know about you. It seems like one lucky lady managed to catch the heart of the great Dragon Slayer, Sir Gilbert?"


    Laughing, Gilbert smacked Colt''s back to his embarrassment. It felt like Colt''s back would cave in, but then again, it didn''t happen so all''s well.


    "Haha, is that how others see it? It seems like I''ll be getting in trouble once this reaches Sela''s ears."


    Colt raised a brow at his words, "Hmm, that''s a surprise, is the great Dragon Slayer someone who fears his wife?"


    "Nonsense! It''s just that it was I who went trying to get her to marry me since we were kids."


    "Oh?" Once again, it was not a piece of information he didn''t know.


    "Yes, she''s a fragile flower that a bear like me wanted to get. Since we were kids, I have been trying to woo her, I even tried becoming stronger because I heard she likes strong men. I even found the courage to fight the Fire Dragon because she once told me she adores heroes."


    "Then she must have been all over you when you became who you are, no?"


    "No it''s the opposite, she almost refused to talk to me after all that I did."


    "why is that?"


    "She said she didn''t want me diving headfirst into danger. Haha, now that I remember it, she said that she had already liked me when we were young, I simply lacked the courage to tell her how I feel. And now, we got married though she now keeps a tight leash on me so that I won''t do anything more dangerous. Ah, you may think I am getting stepped over in this relationship, that is not true because she is simply trying to protect and I see it as her showing me her love."


    Colt nodded his head for he too understood what Gilbert was saying.


    Smiling, he nodded his head and agreed to his words.


    "Ah, I need to head to the Teacher''s Faculty we have a meeting today. I will see you later, student Colt. Hehe, I sounded like a teacher with that."


    Gilbert turned his back to Colt and run along. Watching Gilbert now with his cheerful and energetic self, Colt could not imagine how he turned out to become the slaughterer that he was.


    Seeing him live his life like this made Colt remember what happened in the original story.


    Gilbert, the one who was hailed as the hero went to make a deal with someone and caused a mass slaughter.


    His heart ached as he swung his weapon against his people, he cried blood as he did so but he didn''t stop. He wished to save the one he loves, his wife who had been inflicted with the Red Vein Disease.


    Although Colt didn''t know how much he loves his wife and how much affection he holds, right now, Colt could understand.


    The one he adored for his life lay sick on the bed smiling at him wishing him to not worry. She grows weaker by the day and a cure had yet to appear.


    He who knows nothing other than to fight could not do anything other than to care and smile for his wife to lighten the burden she carries in her heart.


    Then one day, someone appeared before him claiming he carries the cure for his wife''s disease. He did not think it over and simply did what they ordered.


    Under the veil of the night and the rumblings of thunder, Gilbert went around killing people. Those he killed cried and every time he reaps a life, he would cry.


    Crushed by the guilt, he didn''t want to move forward. But the memory of his wife drove him forward. And when the Hero''s group appeared before him, he was already at his limit as he tried to go against his morality.


    The hero''s party faced him and asked, "Why are you doing this? Please, stop this!"


    Gilbert looked at them and cried tears of blood, he bawled as he begged for them to move away.


    "Please, do not stop me, this is the only way I can save her. This is the only way I can find hope for her, I am strong but I can''t use it for the one I cherish the most, please, move, I do not want to kill anyone I don''t need to kill."


    A fight broke out and Gilbert fought the opposition, he was too strong and overwhelmed them. But as he continuously apologized and begged for forgiveness before taking their lives, his wife appeared.


    Gilbert rushed to her side, asking why she was there. His wife banged his chest, crying and sobbing telling him to stop, she coughed up blood as she held his face. She stared at him and he did the same, she opened her mouth and asked him, "Can we go home?"


    Nodding his head, Gilbert went back to their house, as he walked with his wife in his arms, her already weakened body slowly lost its warmth and died shortly in his arms; and as they reached their home, Gilbert slit his throat and followed his wife.


    Colt remembers the story clearly and as he looked at Gilbert''s back, he decided to not let the epidemic take anyone''s life.


    "You deserve better."

 40 40. Proposition

    "Nyaa!"


    As the cat lying on Colt''s desk got up and pulled its partner''s hands-on its belly so it could continue the belly rub it had been having for the past hour and began purring once more, Colt was currently questioning what is happening.


    ''The day had already passed and I don''t believe that no one is going to challenge me today.''


    It was already the afternoon and this the hour he would need to spend in the academy. Colt imagined for the stupid nobles to be truly stupid and act all high and mighty as they barge in Colt''s lecture hall and demand his presence out.


    But the whole day passed without such a thing happening, the academy was in a state of peace. And as Mina only goes to the academy during lunchtime as she has her own responsibilities in the Magic Tower, Colt was left to do whatever he pleases this whole week.


    Colt walked out of the room, slightly disappointed that nothing major happened but also satisfied the day passed without trouble.


    So, when it is time to leave, Colt made sure to head out to the Apothecary Guild once more.


    But little did he know that there were two things that is happening behind his back. One, there is someone following him, the other is that the challenges didn''t come because the people who challenged him were already waiting at the right place.


    In three separate areas of Training Hall 1, 2, and 3 were three different people who had taken the time to wait for Colt to come. In the back area of the academy where there is an open area used by many students to hang out, there were also around four students there waiting for him to arrive.


    "When is he coming?" All of them asked the same question. They had sent out the letter to Colt and as time passed, all of them realized that Colt Edgeworth did not respond to their letter of duel.


    "That cowardly bastard!" like their question, their sentiment was also the same and as they cursed Colt both aloud and, in their mind, the person in question was casually riding in a carriage unbeknownst to him the number of people he had just stood up.


    But even if he knew, Colt wouldn''t care because if he accepts those challenges, then that defeats the purpose of his plans. Well, he had unknowingly avoided such an issue for today but the fights will happen for tomorrow.


    Right now, however, that is not something that occupies his mind. The thing in his mind is in regards to the thing that bothers him the most, the villains and the upcoming war.


    Three years from now, in Vol. 5 to be exact, the war would break out. The war would start down south where the Edgeworths are living.


    At the moment, no one would believe him if he says that a war would start in three years'' time without any evidence to back it up. Right now, Colt already knew the day when the start of the novel would begin.


    It would happen roughly in spring when the flowers are blooming and the world is at peace. The MC will appear and then he will kill the first villain, a Bandit Lord, and then the Second Villain who happens to be a Slave Trader would shortly follow.


    Then, he will arrive at the Capital where he is searching for a certain plant to improve his Mana. The MC controls Mana and uses the martial arts of his previous world making him the first and only Magic Swordsman.


    Colt doesn''t care about that because the MC is stupid and only uses magic like an idiot and mainly uses his sword to solve everything. Well, moving forward, the MC will then have conflict with the buyer of the plant he wanted.


    The plant he wants happened to be the same thing Mina wanted, because, of course it''s a story. The MC fights with Mina over it, Mina did something stupid that gives the MC a good reason to fight Mina and then kill her in the process.


    At that point, some more stupid plot armor led to another and somehow, he managed to unearth the misdeeds of Mina so he was suddenly hailed as a hero. Remembering the story, Colt covered his face in shame.


    "How did I like such a story? Goddammit, that was so stupid that I can say that the power of the MC is more of the plot armor rather than his Magic or Swordsmanship."


    Colt was ashamed. But as he thought about it, most of the stories in the world have plot armors of their own, though it varies on how thick it is, every hero has a plot armor of some kind.


    "Again, I wish I have that plot armor so I''ll be able to live without fail. I envy the heroes of this story, I wonder¡­what if I stay beside one of those heroes'' side? Hmmm, will I also be bestowed upon by the power of friendship? Nah, maybe not."


    Colt finished his daydreaming of an easy life and focused on what actually matters. His life.


    Regarding the upcoming war, that is directly coming for them, Colt doesn''t need to worry too much because his family has one of the best soldiers in the Kingdom and by the time three years pass, Shickly, and Liron would already be Phase 2 Pathfinders.


    At the moment, he needs to deal with something that is as important as making sure he doesn''t cheat with another woman and that is the need to save the lives of the people from the upcoming epidemic.


    The backstory of the villains starts in this timeline but will not show until three years later. The Red Vein Epidemic is something that happens this year and this disease kills the ones who get it either very quickly or very slowly.


    According to the book, those who contract this disease will have their veins feel like it was getting smoldered, their breathings would feel like they are inhaling fire in their lungs, and their flesh will slowly feel like it is burning.


    Despite the constant plot armors of the author, the people of this world are not blessed with that gift. They are sacrificed to give light to the MCs actions, they are used to justify something, used to become the tools for the author to manipulate.


    That is the role of a background character, a mob in a story where you are not the Main Character. Where the world does not revolve around you.


    However, Colt was now reborn as one of those background characters, and he may not be able to save them all, at least, in the upcoming epidemic, they will be saved by what he is about to do.


    The carriage stops and Colt stepped out of the carriage.


    He stepped out and found the Apothecary Guild to be open. The Apothecary Guild is basically the drugstore of this world. It is a three-story building with each floor having fewer and fewer people within it.


    The first floor is where the people go to buy the medicine, the second floor is where the Apothecaries create their craft, and the third floor is where the Guild Master resides.


    Colt stepped inside and the aroma of the medicines wafted over to his nose.


    Colt looked around and saw many people coming and going. Both nobles and commoners alike mingle together as they bought medicine. Colt approached a receptionist who had long green hair and a somewhat beautiful face, seated behind a counter and asked, "Is Apothecary Jin here?"


    The receptionist looked at Colt and noticed his demeanor and clothes, she reckoned he was someone from a noble. The people of the Apothecary Guild deal with a lot of nobles.


    Though the Apothecary Guild does not necessarily exist to serve the Kingdom, it is still paramount to ensure an amicable relationship. After all, there are situations where only one of the other parties can deal with the situation.


    "Might I ask who is inquiring so I can inform him?"


    "My name is Colt and my family name is Edgeworth, I simply wish to talk to Apothecary Jin about the matter regarding the Genesis Family."


    Hearing Colt speaks of the Edgeworth Family and the Genesis Family in succession made the heart of the receptionist''s heart skip a beat.


    "I shall let him know, but first, please, follow me to a private room where we talk about matters such as this."


    "Mm."


    Colt nodded his head and followed the receptionist to a secluded room. The room was nicely furnished. With two sofas facing each other and a small table in between.


    Having been given a sweet refreshment, Colt sat on the sofas without a single care to anything.


    He waited, and waited, and soon enough, the one he was waiting for finally arrived.


    "I, Jin greets Sir Colt Edgeworth.


    The doors opened and a man wearing the robe of an Apothecary came in. It was a young man around the age of twenty or twenty-one, and he has long green hair, and other than that, he is somewhat handsome but not at Colt''s "turn the ladies'' head twice" kind of level.


    "Please, have a seat."


    Colt sat comfortably as he looked at Jin who was shuddering as he waited for what Colt wish to say.


    "Hmm, Jin, you know why I came to you, do you not?"


    "Um, is it to silence me? I-I, promise she didn''t do anything wrong, all blame lies on me, if you wish to punish someone, I accept everything."


    The Apothecary bowed his head to Colt which caught the carefree Colt by surprise. But he managed to regain his senses soon after.


    "It appears you are misunderstanding something; I am not here to end your relationship with the Young Miss of the Genesis Family."


    "You''re not?"


    "Of course not, I am not someone who wishes to end the love life of two young people. I want your relationship to continue so, I have an offer to you, hear me out when I say this, how do you want to become the Hero of the Kingdom?"


    Jin, a commoner who became an Apothecary and gained prestige in the Guild. He was someone who has a bright future ahead of him, but he was going to die in four months.


    But it was not because of the Epidemic, it was because the people of the Genesis Family will have him dead for having a forbidden relationship with their Young Miss, the Fifth Major Villain of the story, Vyra Genesis.


    ''Damn that''s an awesome last name.'' Colt thought to himself.

 41 41. One more reason why he stopped

    "So, how about it? Do you want to hear my proposition?"


    Jin was in disbelief, for not only Colt knowing his current situation when no one is supposed to know about it, but also because he was acting very suspiciously.


    ''Why is he trying to help me?''


    Such is the thought of the suspicious Jin whose hands were trembling from the thought. Colt took a sip of the tea he was served then rubbed the belly of the cat to keep his calm.


    Colt looked at his little partner and signaled it with his eyes.


    "Rrrrr¡­Nyaaa,"


    Fluff understood Colt''s intention and purred and made sounds to break the silence snapping Jin away from his complicated thoughts.


    Like a villain that had gained the attention of the hero, Colt picked up Fluff and placed him on his lap. Jin followed Fluff who took his attention back to Colt.


    "You''re worried about my intentions, aren''t you?"


    "¡­Yes, I am. I do not know how much you know and I can''t risk my sister and Vyra being endangered by your plans. I would rather die than anything else."


    Colt looked at Jin''s eyes that were burning with passion and seriousness. He can see the same expression the original had with him when they met. It was a determined gaze that will never waver no matter what happens.


    In silence, he laughed for he can feel his heart and feelings sympathizing with Jin. He can tell just how much he wants to protect his family and the woman he loves. He also can feel the burning desire he has to give the life he had created another chance.


    "Have you heard the tale of the Poisoned Noble Sorceress?"


    Jin shook his head as he truly did not know the story he speaks of.


    "Let me tell you the story, it goes like this: A short commoner man whose height is around 1.5 meters long green hair and a thin body who goes to the mountain in search of medicinal plants to sell encountered a beautiful Noble Sorceress who had been poisoned by the lakeside. The Noble Sorceress had lost her consciousness from a deadly poison known as the Red Rose Poison¡­hmm? Your expression speaks that you know of this tale?"


    Colt raised his head and looked at Jin who was dumbfounded as he speaks of this tale. But as he was not saying anything, Colt continued.


    "The poison was dangerous; it was a live poison that attacks the veins of the infected. This poison will create a Red Rose pattern on the center of the chest of anyone infected and the only way to cure this poison is easy, one would need for the opposite sex to take one-halve of the poison thereby sharing it. And with the process of procreation between a man and a woman, the poison will vanish.


    "But, the man refused to violate the woman, so instead of halving the damn poison he took it upon himself and did the stupidest thing anyone can do¡­take the poison off a random stranger and bore it himself. His actions led to him coughing up litters of blood and because of the backlash, he collapsed. The woman woke up and then found her clothes ripped apart, and screamed aloud, he saw a commoner by his side and thought that she was violated. She was angered, acted like a furious bitch, and then killed the commoner, the end."


    "Wait a minute, that''s not what happened! Vyra didn''t¡­" Jin shut his mouth as he realized what he was doing.


    "Hoooo, so, you know about the story? It seems like you know what really happened. Come on, do tell."


    Acting like a gossipy chick slash bitch that had heard some juicy shit to know about, Colt leaned forward to listen to Jin''s story. Looking at Colt who was currently having fun with the situation, he felt the urge to punch him on the face.


    But he made sure to stop himself and began assessing if correcting Colt was necessary. But what he didn''t think about is the fact that Colt already knew what was happening and had no need to tell the story himself.


    And yet, because of pressure and pure stupidity, he began to speak.


    "¡­um, the Noble felt guilty and then tried to save the commoner through the se¡­common knowledge of how to cure it. S-she saved his life and then the commoner fell in love, then tried pursuing the beautiful lady instead. Also, the man wasn''t stupid he honestly thought that saving the life of the lady was the right thing to do! Besides, the poison will take ten years to kill the man, surely he would be able to find the cure to the poison as he is a genius in terms of medicine. Also, the lady was an honest pure and innocent lady, the reason she got the poison because she was helping a Solar Lioness Cub! She''s a good person and the commoner didn''t have any regrets about what he did because he knew what he did will help the people¡­and he''s not 1.5 meters he''s 1.52!"


    Colt was honestly taken aback, by Jin''s fierceness. In truth, Jin was a man on the short side and with Vyra being tall, he has some issues with it. He is a man who is not used to scheming as he is an innocent person.


    He is not as handsome as Colt that is true, but that is not his charm. With long hair, short stature, a thin body that borders resembling a woman''s, Jin was not a handsome man but someone who, in the language of the eastern arts lover is known as a Trap!


    Before Leo had even read the story, he already knew Jin as he had seen him in a fanart. He was in Vol. 4 when it happened, he saw a picture of Jin who will appear in Vol 5 and then got excited.


    When he was around Vol. 4, Colt was already fed up with the story but he stuck with it because of Jin''s cute portrayal.


    But, after reaching Vol. 5 and read what happened, he cried, and when he learned that Jin had died he celebrated.


    The reason why the two emotions surfaced could be summarized in one sentence after he learned of Jin''s death.


    ''That''s what you get, you fucking Trap!'' but he when he said this line, he was conflicted.


    He celebrated his death, for reasons others may or may not know. The pain of learning that Best Girl was a man; can crush a man''s heart and soul.


    And despite what a wise man once said:


    "It takes a real man to be best girl."


    Leo had already given up, and with a heart filled feelings of betrayal and a story where no character can push him forward to read, he got fed up with the Righteousness and moved on with his life.


    Girls may or may not understand that pain, but for a real man to be catfished by a beautiful female looking character and treated him as Best Girl without knowing the truth. The pain one would go through is not something one should laugh about.

 42 42. A Man Worthy of Respec

    There are three families in the Western Continent long before any of the other forces came to be.


    They are known as the Three Great Families.


    First of the Three Great Families is the Ancient Warrior Family, the Hellbane Family. Specializing in the way of every known weapon, Chakram, Spear, Halberd, Sword, Scimitar, Estoc, and many more weapons that came to be.


    They are an overpowered family that stood at the forefront of the war that will happen in three years'' time. They are situated up north near the Dragon Blood Warrior Coalition.


    The second of the Three Great Families is the Ancient Illusionist Family, the Phantasmagoria Family. Specializing in Illusion, it is said that the current Family Head can put anyone and anything in an Illusory World and that includes an entire army.


    According to a wiki, they are in the West of the Continent, where everything is covered in fog and if Colt remembered it right, they should have fought with the Dragonic Cavalry of the Eastern Continent to a standstill for three days before getting decimated after three more armies came as reinforcement letting the armies of the Eastern Continent create a base.


    The third of the Three Great Families is the Ancient Mage Family, the Genesis Family. Having a Grand Sorcerer to lead them, this family''s firepower is enough to wipe out any power they wish with ease, other than the other two of the Great Families, that is.


    The Genesis Family is the one that Colt has a lot of dirt on. It is a Family of an Elven Race known as the Ancient Elves. They are the ancestors of the current Dark and Forest Elves that is spread throughout the lands.


    And other than that, they are the families who will go to war with the Phantasmagoria Family and cause their demise. And then create two kinds of descents a righteous descent who became a part of the Hero''s party who cleaned up the dirty Genesis Family and a villain named Vyra.


    Colt has a cheat in this world, he can remember clearly the side of the villain compared to the other part of the story which is necessary for survival. Yes, it is kind of shitty as it gives him no power, but it is also a pretty good power considering how he can make use of this knowledge to divert the plot to something more that will ensure a happy ending.


    In that happy ending, Colt is a part of it.


    ''Or at least he better be or I''ll throw everything into the air and become some edgy character and destroy this world. Nah, it is but a jest¡­or is it?''


    Colt joked around with his insane, cringe-worthy but also realistic thoughts. He doubts he''ll become someone who will kill millions for his own gains, but he doesn''t know the future so he might as well solve the problems and profit off of it.


    He was thinking that saving Jin and Vyra from their destiny is going to be rather fun because he can use Jin''s research to fill in the blanks with the medicinal recipe.


    But at the moment, Colt was thinking if he should just blackmail him and forcefully take the formula away.


    Jin looked at Colt who was holding onto his temple and slammed the table with enough force to take back his attention.


    "Are you listening to me? S-she''s not the kind of woman you say she is¡­Vyra is."


    "Okay, enough, I know your point so spare me with it. I only wanted you to admit your relationship with the Miss of the Genesis Family, you don''t have to say anything else. Sigh, you''re a handful."


    The pain of having been betrayed remains. Leo looked at Jin and felt the need the smack him on the face, but he didn''t. His self-control was astonishingly good.


    But he did have the urge to hit him just a couple of seconds ago when Jin cupped his mouth when he tried shutting himself up.


    "Okay, I know where you''re going with your words, and now that I want to rip my ears off. Listen to me, what I''m about to tell you is something you must decide as soon as possible, okay?"


    Jin was put into deep thought and lowered his head. He tried thinking as much as possible before raising his head to look at Colt once more, "If this has anything to do with Vyra, I want to decide it with her. I don''t hold her life."


    Colt agreed with his words.


    "Yes, that''s true, that''s why I''m giving you the chance to think about it with her when you meet. Okay, tell me if I''m wrong but you have yet to eject the Red Rose Poison out of your system, right?"


    At first, Jin was surprised, but Colt gave him the sign that to not asks too much question or else.


    "Yes, because of my actions, the Red Rose Poison mutated, and to this day, it is still stuck to our chest and we have to do it every month or else we will die in an hour."


    Gently, Jin disrobed his upper half and showed Colt the rose patter than had appeared. He nodded his head in satisfaction because he had ascertained that this part still remains in the plot.


    "Okay, is it true that you have been trying to create a cure for it so that Vyra will not have to suffer having to be with you? Yes or no?"


    "¡­Yes, I''ve always been guilty of¡­"


    "Ah-ah-ah, don''t try to lengthen this conversation, I just want you to answer my questions."


    After that, Colt finished giving Jin ten more questions and ascertained that he was indeed getting close to perfecting his medicine.


    Jin listened to Colt''s words more and more and then his eyes as he revealed his goals.


    "My research as the basis for the cure for a disease nobody knows of?"


    "Yes, that''s my plan."


    "But¡­my research is exclusive for the cure of the Red Rose Poison, not something for any kind of epidemic. Sir Colt, I must warn you that medicines can also be poison if misused." Jin was incensed at the thought of Colt trying to use his research to cure a disease he had never even heard of.


    Medicines are used to heal, but if used in a way it was not meant to be, then the only thing waiting is death. Jin could not stomach this thought.


    "Burning feeling on the veins feel like it was getting smoldered, their breathings would feel like they are inhaling fire in their lungs, and their flesh will slowly feel like it is burning; do these symptoms ring a bell?"


    Jin''s expression changed, "It''s close to the Red Rose Poison¡­but brought to the extreme."


    "That''s right, this is the Red Vein disease I spoke of. I can''t tell you exactly how I got to know of it because my contact says it''s something the people of the Fairy Forest is keeping silent and he only got a glimpse of it, but I fear that if this poison is just like the Red Rose Forest, he says that it can be contagious and it might become something close to an epidemic."


    "Epidemic!? T-that can''t happen! The number of people who will die, i-it''s simply unthinkable."


    "That''s right, and I want to make sure that we will be prepared when such a thing happens. Though this information is still vague, I fear that if it happens and we are unprepared, we will be at a loss on how to properly handle the situation and that is to happen, then¡­many people will surely die just like you said."


    Jin looked at Colt with suspicions under his eyes. He even remembers the words he had uttered before.


    "You say you are unsure, but when you asked me if I want to become the "Hero of the Kingdom" you sounded rather sure on that something will happen."


    Colt raised his brows as he laughed, "You''re correct but also wrong, what I am sure about is not the upcoming epidemic but your success. You can become a hero on your own, even without my presence, but there''s one problem¡­to become a hero, your cure must first come to fruition but in order to do that, you must stay alive."


    "What do you mean? Are you threatening me that you''ll kill me?"


    "I won''t kill you, but the Genesis Family will. After all, according to my contact, they already know about your relationship with Miss Vyra. What do you think they will do to you?"


    Colt''s words speak the truth, but it was not something that Jin wanted to believe.


    "I don''t believe you! Miss Vyra and I have been going about our relationship secretly, there''s no way they''ll know."


    "Oh, but they did. Even I know about your relationship, what do you think about the Genesis Family?"


    Having realized this point, Jin was in a state of panic. He was worried that Vyra would be in trouble because of him as such, he slowly entered a state of paranoia.


    And seeing this, Colt used this to his advantage and asked, "Jin, I want to ask you something that may sound rather inappropriate, but this is crucial to the decision of the Genesis Family and Miss Vyra''s safety. But, is she pregnant with a child?"


    Jin''s eyes shrunk as he heard Colt''s worried tone of voice as he asked that question. Staggering to him, he went around the table and knelt down before Colt as he asked,


    "Why? What do you mean by that?"


    Colt tightly closed his eyes shut as he saw Jin''s face.


    Jin furiously shook Colt as if he did so, the answers would come out of him. He was desperate, the fire under his eyes are now gone and now, he is merely pleading for answers.


    "Because if she is then, I fear that they are going to kill you and then dispose of your child with Vyra by using the child as a husk to transfer out the poison from her. With that, they''ll be able to dispose of you and¡­the child."


    At that moment, Jin''s eyes showed nothing other than despair. Vyra was indeed pregnant, it was the secret she told him weeks ago.


    He was a man whose stature is not something to be desired. A man who thought he was nothing other than a medicinal plant seller.


    However, everything changed when Vyra appeared before him. He saved her without much thought as his innate kindness took over before he can think things through.


    But then, when things went wrong, Vyra in turn took the chance to save him rather than condemn him.


    She offered her body to him when she could have taken him somewhere and have him be cured there, she was a child of high birth, she could have paid someone to do it for her or even leave him in the woods for dead.


    But, she didn''t. Vyra did the unthinkable and offered him her body to save him from the vile poison.


    Jin and Vyra were cured instead, instead of curing it, the poison mutated; in order to calm and suppress it and secure their lives.


    Slowly, the two became closer to each other. The time they spent no longer became something they HAD to do but something they wished to do instead. Vyra taught Jin how to read and enabled him to become an Apothecary and Jin taught Vyra the joy of life outside her responsibilities.


    The two fell in love with each other and when Jin gathered his courage to confess his love, she listened to him and cried.


    She did not laugh, she only cried for she knew that their love could never be. Jin saw this and he promised her one thing¡­


    "I-I will make sure to become a enown apothecary and once I do, I will sweep you off your feet and marry you." It was a promise he made to make her stop crying.


    From then on, they fell deeper and deeper in love, and Jin became more and more renowned as a prolific researcher who has shown results after result.


    Their love even bore fruit and they were blessed by a child.


    But now, all was beginning to crumble as Jin listened to Colt, he asked him time and time again if what he speaks of is indeed true.


    The future they envisioned, the fruit of their love they wish to raise and nurture, and the happiness they sought together were slowly burning.


    And as Jin looked at Colt''s eyes, his tears began to flow and moved away before prostrating before Colt.


    As his cries softened and his will exploded, he banged his head to the ground to show his determination as he cried aloud¡­


    "Please! Help Miss Vyra and my child live."


    The burning determination of Jin was showed and his wish was not to save himself but to save the life of the one he loves and the unborn child.


    And as his cries pierced Colt''s heart, he too knelt down as he whispered, "Do not worry, I will save you all."


    At that moment, Colt saw how manly the one he calls to be feminine.


    The original tried his best to hide his child and Jin is trying his best to announce his and Vyra''s love. And as Jin raised his head and showed Colt a weeping face with blood trickling down the cut on his forehead, Colt was certain that Jin before him was a man worthy of respect.

 43 43. Rats

    Sniffle! Sniffle!


    "W-will you really?"


    "Yes, yes."


    "Really, really?"


    "Yes, really, really."


    Colt was made to console the sobbing Jin. Though the stigmata of being a Trap had disappeared, Colt was still feeling a little restless around him.


    However, he can sympathize with his emotions so he can''t say that what he is showing is not understandable for Colt. Rather, he understood him that''s why he''s helping the couple.


    Jin gradually regained himself and raised himself up. He wiped his tears away as he looked at Colt with puppy eyes.


    Colt held onto the cat to give him the armor he needed to not feel anything and become calm and looked at Jin with a serious expression.


    "Okay, then I will now be leaving as I have preparations that I must do to ensure that no one will end up dead under my watch. But I must tell you this early on if you wish for Vyra and your child to not suffer then think about this carefully, but you must never, NEVER extend this any further than the day Vyra comes for a visit. Better yet, you, Jin, leave this place and come to my manor, that way, I can ensure your safety."


    Colt did not want to take any chances. Him making contact with Jin is enough to change the plot, and if the Genesis Family suddenly makes their move because of this, then his preparations would be fucked.


    He has to keep Jin alive for as long as possible and then, slowly control his perception and make him ''accidentally'' discover the needed ingredients to complete his research.


    ''I can''t exactly teach him the recipe, but if I slowly draw him to the right path, then I''ll be able to manipulate him without fail.'' This is the plan and if have him by his side in the manor, then his book recommendation will be more inconspicuous as it will come off as him wanting to help Jin.


    It was the perfect plan of a manipulative villain. Which neither Colt nor Leo originally was. But thanks to him staying here and thinking more and more how he will survive by the time the war starts his mind is showing its ability to scheme.


    Though his schemes are still harmless, it will soon evolve to something more - or not. No one knows the future, not even the Gods and Goddesses.


    Jin didn''t have to think much about Colt''s proposition and accepted it without fail. As he took in a deep breath and nodded his head, he shouted, "I''ll do it! I''ll follow young master Colt! For my Miss Vyra, for our future!"


    "That''s good, oh yeah, when are the two of you going to meet anyway? "


    "We decided to meet on the first Friday of the Month. If that is all you want to ask, then I shall take my things and leave the Guild altogether." Jin was just about to leave when he turned around and asked, "Um, can my sister come to? She might be targeted and¡­she''s really good with numbers and talking with people, I think she''ll be a good maid¡­"


    "Yeah, make her pack up too."


    Colt sighed as Jin left the room with springs on his steps. He''s not happy, simply energetic.


    "I forgot about the sister,??? Colt remembered the sister Jin spoke about and then the image of the receptionist appeared.


    After Jin''s death, and Vyra''s eventual demise she was the one who gave the hero''s party Jin''s research to help the populace. Though she too was saddened of Vyra''s death as the two were close friends before Jin''s death three years prior, she still handed it over to the party to assist the people.


    Just like Jin, she too was a person bearing a kind heart.


    Colt sat down on the sofa and cooled his head. Currently, it was Tuesday and the time for Vyra to meet up with Jin is three days to go, meaning:


    ''He''s two weeks away from being murdered?''


    ''Jin, the Prince of Medicine, that was his title before having been burned to ashes by the people of the Genesis Family. A genius who died by having his dwelling bombarded by the people of his lover. It''s currently the first week of April, on Wednesday night of the third week, he''ll die.''


    Colt could only shake his head. Disregarding the fact that he was a Trap; Jin was a kindhearted person and a genius to boot who delved into medicines to cure the helpless and the poor.


    But he was murdered by the Genesis Family to make his mark disappear. The Apothecary Guild couldn''t take justice for him because of obvious reasons like the Genesis Family being too powerful to fight with for one person.


    However, even years after his death, Jin''s research miraculously survived, and then, the Red Vein Epidemic was pinpointed as a variant of the Red Rose Poison.


    The way it kills and its symptoms were nearly identical thus, with his research and one ingredient, Jin''s research for the Red Rose Poison became the cure for the Red Vein Epidemic.


    The Red Rose Poison was also cured a month after it was released and as a way to remember the genius who had fallen in such a gruesome and unfair manner, the cure was named Jin''s Vein Elixir and Jin''s Rose Elixir.


    As his thoughts wandered more and more into the depressing stuff, Colt took the teacup and downed the remaining tea. He opened his closed eyes and whispered¡­


    "This word is fucked up. If the Genesis Family could have waited, for a month then no death would happen."


    Colt cursed as he stood up. He was angry despite the things happening is not connected to him until he meddled into their business.


    He did not notice it but the more his emotions run wild, the more something well up inside him. But at the moment, when his mind is not in its best state, him not noticing it would be much better.


    Getting up, Colt left the room with Fluff. He walked out of the Apothecary Guild altogether and outside, there was the receptionist who called Jin.


    She turned her head to him and asked him a question.


    "What did you tell my older brother?"


    The lady was shaking from a mix of uncertainty and fear. But as she asked Colt about the matter, her voice sounded stern and courageous.


    This made Colt chortle, "As I said, it''s about the matters of the Genesis Family. Why? Are you worried about your brother?"


    "Of course, I am, he''s my brother. It is my job to be worried. I can''t trust you just yet¡­but, thank you for giving him hope. My older brother¡­he had been stressed about the matter since Miss Vyra told us about the matter of her condition, and you have given him a rope to hold on, thank you very much." The green-haired girl lowered her head to Colt.


    He smiled at her and simply ruffled her hair and watched as the carriage arrive. Jin promptly arrived soon after and as he and his sister boarded the carriage, Colt stopped himself and then looked at them.


    Turning his attention to the coachman.


    "Wait for a bit, I will return shortly."


    "Yes, Young Master."


    Colt then left the entrance of the Apothecary Guild and head to some alleyway across the street.


    "Are you sure about this, Fluff?"


    "Nyaa."


    Fluff waved its tail in assurance.


    Colt looked around and then called out¡­


    "Come out, I already know you''re there."


    His call was met with silence, but Colt knows that someone was there. Colt does not know how but Fluff somehow managed to detect someone keeping an eye on him since they left the academy.


    Normally, he would have left it as is as it might be dangerous to approach them, but according to Fluff, there was not a hint of dangerous intent directed towards them.


    Instead, it was something weird; a mix of pleasant, unpleasant, and impatience was present.


    The only reason why Fluff managed to sense this one was that there was impatience leaking from his location multiple times. Meaning, even if this one is an enemy, he or she is someone Colt can handle.


    And if he got it right, this person might just be the one he was searching for.


    Thus, Colt repeated his words once more.


    "I told you, come out!"


    His shout echoed along the alleyway, attracting even the attention of those just passing by.


    "Nya!"


    "Over there?"


    Colt raised his head and then unsheathed his blade before throwing the sheath to the hidden enemy!


    The sword sheath cut through the air and soon enough, it reached its target, Bam! A figure descended from above ten meters away from Colt.


    At first, Colt was apprehensive about the situation, but as he got a better look at the stalker, he sighed as he picked up the sheath of his sword and asked, "Hey Miss M, why are you here?"


    "Who''s an M!?" Mary abruptly raised her head as she looked Colt with a satisfied expression making Colt take an instinctive two steps back.


    Feeling safe, Colt gathered his courage to ask, "So, why have you been following me?"


    Mary realized the situation and how much she fucked up and then quickly got up as she regained her noble aura, "How dare you accuse me of such a thing. Me? Follow you? Nonsense, I was simply walking around the area and bumped with you."


    It was a lie that even a child could see. But Colt didn''t care for much.


    "Really Now?" Colt sighed but he didn''t have the time to argue, then he simply acted as if he realized something as he intended to finish this conversation and make her leave, "Wait, don''t tell me you''re here for an apology because I slapped you before. If that is so, then I apologize. With that said, I shall take my leave." Colt wanted to escape from Mary as fast as he could.


    Mary wanted to stop Colt but then, she didn''t really need to put in any effort as Colt stopped and turned to her with a broad smile on his face.


    "Um, Miss M, might I ask of you for a favor? If you do this for me, I''ll do anything you wish as long as it is in the scope of my ability."


    "Really!? Deal!" Mary was delighted to the point she disregarded Colt calling her Miss M once more.


    Mary accepted and Colt was delighted and before she knew it, she was riding in a carriage in place of Colt together with two people she knows nothing of.


    "Wait!??


    "Thank you for doing this, Miss M. I''ll reward you with anything you want later so please just escort them to my manor for now."


    Mary shut her mouth for reasons Colt did not know. But he didn''t think she''ll cause trouble because she was a Hero, someone who''s righteous.


    And as Colt closed the door, Mary secretly formed a smile.


    "You can leave now. I''ll walk home today. Don''t forget my words about taking care of those two, treat them as you would treat me."


    "I understand Young Master. Please, take care."


    Colt waved as he saw them off. Then, he turned to Fluff and handed him a gem before tying his sword and sword sheath together.


    He stretched his back as his eyes turned serious.


    When he saw Mary, he was disappointed it was not the ones he thought. Now, he wishes to draw them out, and to make sure they''ll appear, he must first take care of the other rats that followed him from the academy.


    "Let''s take care of the other rats following us. Then, maybe, they''ll appear."

 44 44. Alley

    It was night, Colt was walking down an alleyway. He had no one with him, not one person, not one cat. He was utterly alone, and as his sword and sheath were tied together, he was basically defenseless.


    As he walked along by the roadside, Colt caught sight of a white carriage that was moving slowly. He raised a brow as he turned to a corner¡­the carriage was still following behind him. He made another turn and still, the carriage was still following behind.


    ''What utter nonsense, this is.''


    And as he walked down an alleyway, he snickered as two men who carried an ugly expression with them showed up barring his way out. Colt was silent, as he observed the two.


    He felt no unnecessary power coming out of them, proving what Fluff had said. They were aura-less just like him and the two wore the uniform of the academy.


    "You are Colt Edgeworth, correct!?"


    "What do you need of me? I don''t want any trouble."


    Colt asked as he raised his head before turning his way to the man that is in front of him.


    "What do you need of me!? I don''t want any trouble, so, just leave!"


    He repeated himself, but this time, his words were stronger and more powerful and he even added a few words as if he was correcting himself. The one in front took one step closer towards Colt.


    "We don''t want any trouble; we are only here to get some pointers. As a fellow student, is it not proper for me to seek someone of great skills such as yourself?"


    He laughed as he drew his sword out.


    "That''s right, this is just a duel. But as it is a duel outside the academy, we won''t use our Soul Partners and we ask of you to accept our challenge ¡ª oh? You''re willing to do it, that''s just great! Then, let us begin!" The man who stood on his back spoke loudly so some ''loitering bystanders'' would hear him as he made the first move.


    ''Such a stupid plan.''


    Colt looked at the carriage still following him closely behind.


    He twisted his body and received the full swing of the sword lackey #2 was using. Colt observed its sheen and noticed that it was dull.


    ''It seems like they do not have the balls to go beyond the line. But this is going to hurt when it hits me.''


    Colt''s knees touched the ground while he was busy thinking. Then, one more time, another one came from behind.


    Lackey #1 jumped him with a dull sword. Colt''s face changed and he drew his body backward to meet the oncoming attack. But he couldn''t swing his sword and deflect the attack. So, he raised his right arm to defend against the oncoming blow.


    ''Got you!'' lackey #1 thought as he caught Colt''s hands in that surprise attack. But as his swing was supposed to touch Colt, the impact he felt was rather¡­weak.


    "Ahhhh! My arm!" Colt dropped his sword.


    But his doubts were cleared as Colt screamed aloud. A kick was then sent on the back of Colt''s head as lackey #2 did not want to keep Colt waiting. Just like his companion, the kick he sent out felt like it hit empty air.


    But just like his companion, the blow he delivered sent Colt in a sea of pain as his head crashed to the ground with a loud thud.


    "Ugh!":


    Colt painfully groaned as he held onto his right arm with his left. In pain, Colt looked at his attackers and asked with a pained groan¡­


    "Why are you doing this!? I told you, I don''t wish to fight!"


    His voice was loud and his eyes showed that he was pleading.


    Lackey #1 and #2 heard Colt''s words and their laughter echoed around the alleyway.


    "Ack!" Colt''s hair was pulled upwards and his scalp felt like it was being torn to apart. He gritted his teeth in actual irritation.


    Lackey #2 showed a broad grimace as he saw Colt act as such.


    "Well we apologize, but our employer really wanted us to rough you up. Hehe, but personally I am enjoying this!"


    A dull sound of flesh being roughed around was heard. Colt''s face was punched and Lackey #1 spoke as he delivered a kick on Colt''s face.


    "They especially asked us to ensure that your face gets roughed up! Hehe, you act all big and mighty but you''re nothing but a weakling after all! Do you think you deserve to stand beside her? Even I am more compatible with her than you ever will!"


    Colt hid his head. His expression could not be seen but his face was bombarded with punch and kicks. And with a weak voice, he tried to speak.


    "Who¡­ordered you to do this? Do you not know who I am? What my family can do to you? If I so wish it, I can bury you guys and your family under the military might of my family."


    His words were weak, but his intentions were strong. The two lackeys unexpectedly drew back, but as they gritted their teeth, they gathered their courage as they began berating Colt once again!


    "You, useless piece of shit. Are you trying to scare us? Do you think your Edgeworth Family can touch our backers!? Let me tell you something, it was the Second Young Master of the Fortiko Family, and the Young Master of the Slitherhead Family who told us to do this. Those are Marquis and Duke Family, I have yet to even mention the others and those two are enough to ensure you won''t be able to scare us with your family. Come on! Try it! Scare me again!"


    "Oh, gladly."


    It was at this time that Colt finally spoke with a chilling light. His right hand that was supposed to be broken moved like a serpent!


    BAM! He had the cocky Lackey #2 have an intimate time with ground. Lackey #2''s nose became crooked as he began to bleed.


    "What!?"


    Lackey #1 wished to take a step back, but as he was originally crouching from the ground, he didn''t have enough force behind his legs that he stumbled and almost fell. But he was not happy that he did not fall, because his right arm was being held onto by Colt who was currently on the ground.


    His arrogant expression turned to a terrified bitch as he cried out¡­


    "Please, I-I was only ordered to do this I~AHHHH!"


    His words could not be finished as his screams were the one that echoed. His arm was broken, not fractured, but broken! Colt snapped it in two by using his full force and punching it!


    He fell to his knees as Colt stood up. He looked at Crippled Lackey #1 and felt a tinge of guilt in his heart.


    ''This is now normal¡­they come to you and if you can, you beat them up until none is willing to approach you for trouble. Besides, I already told them not to do it.''


    Colt assured himself and regained his state of mind. He focused his strength on his legs and delivered a kick to the screaming Lackey and knocked him out! He turned to the still conscious Lackey #2 and he walked past him.


    But as he did so, Colt made sure to stomp on his arms and broke it.


    "I told you, I didn''t want to fight."


    He knocked the second guy unconscious.


    That should be enough, but Colt was not finished. The white carriage that had been following him slowly opened. The crested door of the carriage slowly opened and a man with scarlet hair walked out.


    He was muscular and held a much noble aura than the other two men. He looked at Colt''s injured face and at the two behind who was on the alleyway.


    The young man sneered as he raised his hands and announced:


    "How barbaric, for you to do such a thing! Do you even see the~"


    He was talking on his high horse when Colt''s figure inexplicably appeared before him with his sword on hand!


    "Shut up."


    Colt swung his sheeted sword and hit the man on the collarbone without holding back! The man cried out, but it didn''t last long before Colt shut him up as he hit him in the solar plexus draining the air out of his lungs.


    The man fell to his knees and with great difficulty, he looked up at Colt who was looking at him in disdain and disgust.


    "You¡­bastard!"


    He spoke with great difficulty, but Colt didn''t mind him and simply knocked him out just like he did with the two lackeys.


    Colt was finished with him now, he turned to look at the ones remaining inside the carriage. The ones whose earlier grimace could not be measured and now are cowering like a scared dog.


    "Coachman, what are you doing!? Move it!"


    "Let us leave!"


    The three people inside saw Colt''s gaze and ordered the coachman to drive away. But Colt simply said¡­


    "Move and you''ll end up worse than them. If you fear losing your job; after this, go to the Tiger Manor."


    The coachman abided to Colt''s words.


    And as the carriage stayed, Colt took a large step up and entered the carriage. He closed the door and after ten minutes it opened up once again and he left the scene as if he did nothing wrong.


    ===


    It was 8:00 pm, Colt walked with his face aching so much. He may have acted earlier but he still let most of the punches make contact.


    ''Damn this is going to hurt. I better contact Mina as soon as I get back or else all of those guys will lose an arm at best.''


    Colt thought to himself as he walked towards the direction of the Tiger Manor. But then, while he was walking past an alley, he was pulled in by a mysterious person garbed in all black cloak.


    Colt''s heart was beating fast as he thought he was being kidnapped but as he slowly regained his sanity and himself, he recognized who it was.


    "Scion of the Edgeworth, you are meddling too much in the affairs of the Genesis Family. If you want to live, then you better let go of the man named Jin." A hoarse voice entered his ears.


    The voice was threatening, but as Colt encountered this man his face beamed with delight, because finally, he managed to draw out this guy.


    "I have a proposition."


    And just like that, the night was fully realized.

 45 45. Tired

    The oh-so-wonderful night has come for Colt. He didn''t actually think he''ll be able to bait one of the Genesis'' Black Cloaks, but here he was facing one while being backed against an alley.


    He smiled as he spoke, "I have a proposition."


    "You are in no position to make any proposition. Do you think I can''t kill you?" The Black Cloak threatened.


    "Oh I know you can kill me, but I also know that you can''t, after all, I am the scion of Top-Notched Military Family. So, would you kindly release me? I have something to say about the matter of your Young Miss and my newly hired Apothecary."


    "Tsk!"


    The Black Cloak released his hold of Colt. Although his glowing amber eyes are the only uncovered part in his body, it was enough to let Colt know that this man was irritated from the manner of his speech.


    So, he stopped.


    Acting like a professional, Colt''s expression became calm and unfeeling. Showing no emotion, hesitation, or fear.


    He calmed himself as he recalled various data from the novel.


    ''The Genesis Family is not scared of the Edgeworths, they are scared of our connections; to be more specific, a Warrior''s connection.''


    Warriors, Mages, and Illusionists these three are the classes people could take. The three have their advantages and strengths, but with that comes weaknesses.


    Mages are weak against Warriors because they need time and space to cast a spell; Warriors are weak against Illusionists because they have weaker minds thus are more susceptible to illusions; Illusionists are weak against Mages because Mages have stronger minds necessary to resist illusions and possesses the attacking power to retaliate.


    The power balance of this world is easy to understand, and the reason why the MC of the story to the point he can face anyone without consequences is that his powers bypasses this power balance.


    He is a man born with Mana Affinity that strengthened the mind and someone who has the past-experiences to become a warrior thus giving him an edge in every possible way. One could ask, why doesn''t anyone train in more than one way then? The answer is simple it leads to death.


    Mana, Aura, and Prana these three are different forms of energy that govern the world.


    Humans are born with one of the three energy; only one can exist in a vessel and if another exists in the body other than their original force, they will become mentally and physically crippled before dying a horrible death.


    The three create a balance that makes the world function as it is. Thus with the three great families being the hegemon of one path, a balanced system of power between the three forces naturally forms. However, that doesn''t mean they do not fight with one another, actually it was the opposite as they often have conflicting values against one another.


    An example of this feud is the Genesis and Phantasmagorias who had been fighting for who knows how long.


    Thus, the Black Cloak is not afraid of the Edgeworths, he is afraid of their long time enemy the Phantasmagorias who may or may no back a Warrior Centric Family to attack them. If the beehive known as the Edgeworths is poked and decided to retaliate, the Phantasmagoria are sure to jump into the fray and take advantage of the situation by backing them.


    As they say, the enemy of an enemy is a friend.


    "Even if you don''t want to talk about it, the fact is that you have to listen to me, or else you won''t get to Jin."


    The Black Cloak member grunted at Colt''s words, "What is it that you propose?"


    "I propose a trade."


    "What? An item for Jin? That''s not possible."


    Colt made a silent laugh and riled up the Black Cloak ever so slightly.


    "Yes and no, I meant I want Jin, his sister, and Vyra Genesis to be written off as a target from your little escapades."


    Bam!


    A few inches away from Colt''s head was a hand radiating with blazing heat.


    "Don''t push your luck, kid. Do you really think that¡ª"


    The Black Cloak was angered and tried to threaten Colt once more, but such an act wouldn''t work.


    "Ah-ah, I am not finished just yet. I also want the Dragon Pearl from your vault."


    The Black Cloak''s eyes twitched. Instead of anger and irritation, his expression leaned on being surprised at the fact that this brat knew about the Dragon Pearl.


    ''Should I kill him?'' if this was a normal circumstance death should have befallen against Colt by now, but the confidence in the child''s eyes made the Black Cloak hesitate, ''He''s too confident, he must have his reasons why he''s acting like this.''


    "What is it for the Genesis Family?"


    "I don''t know who you work for, so I can''t tell you. Instead, have Yrva Genesis come here. I''ll give him what he wants, even the information about the fruit he is drooling over."


    "What do you mean?"


    "As I said, I can''t tell you, but if this doesn''t reach Yrva Genisis'' ears then that means something is up with you guys then once I confirm that¡­you better ensure that your defenses are fortified or else the other Great Families might make a trip to your terittory."


    Colt and the Black Cloak exchanged gazes. The Black Cloak can''t touch Colt as he can''t start any conflict, but as he stayed his hands, he remarked.


    "So, the useless Young Master of the Edgeworths is beginning to rear his head from his shell?"


    "Humph, I am simply doing what is right."


    "¡­I shall convey your words to the Family Head."


    The Black Cloak left by traveling through the shadows of the alleyway. Colt looked at the direction where he had left and heaved a sigh of relief.


    Colt''s heart was beating wildly, he was in a state of anxiety as he could have died if he showed any reluctance.


    ''They might fear the Edgeworths, but¡­that doesn''t mean they can''t eradicate us if they pour their hearts into it. Hehe, thankfully, they can''t do that right now.''


    While Colt''s mind was thinking and his heart was racing, a white ball of cuteness walked towards his direction.


    "Nyaaa."


    "So, you''re here already? What happened to the job I gave you?"


    "Myaa, Nya."


    "Well sorry for not entertaining you enough."


    Colt laughed as Fluff hopped on his shoulders. Fluff rested as it asked something to Colt.


    "Meww?"


    "I can''t do that. I can''t break those guys like the Lackeys. Unlike the other two, they were the mastermind and I can only take care of them so much. Fortiko and the Slitherhead Families are people I can''t touch so easily. Despite their actions being out of line, I can only give them fractures and such.


    "Sigh, they didn''t even make a plan that can actually work. The only thing they did is endanger the position of their families; they are no better than the¡­Fellatio Guy?"


    "Nya."


    "Orc-face, yes. All of them are just third-rate Young Masters without any power or influence that''s why they are not afraid of risking this much on someone who will never look their way. It''s pitiful and pathetic."


    The ones who attacked Colt were mostly the Third or Second Young Masters of their respective families. The First Young Masters, the Heirs, and the ones who are born to rule would never act in a manner such as this.


    However, there are stupid people, those who had little to no responsibilities are the ones causing a ruckus. They are those who are born with money and those whose punishment after doing something stupid is getting some mild beating.


    "They don''t know the might of the legendary Tri-Weapon: Slippers, Branch, and the Belt. I pity these young''uns."


    "Nya?"


    "Oh, you don''t know about it? Well, the Tri-Weapon of a Mother, or a parent in general can make anyone swoon whether it be a gangster or martial artist, you see¡­"


    Colt recounted the tale of the Tri-Weapon of the Parents as he heads home with light footsteps. The night will come to pass; Colt wishes to talk with Jin and his sister but nothing productive will come of it.


    The two were tired from the emotional rollercoaster they had ridden, thus they were understandably tired and were forced to turn in early.


    ''The true talk will come once Vyra and Yrva arrive.''


    As for Mary, she left the second it turned 10 in the evening. A maiden like her cannot stay too late in the house of a wastrel with a bad rep like Colt.


    That night, Colt was tired, both mentally and physically, but as he ate his daily sustenance, he dragged a sword out and began practicing.


    He would not let anything stop him from completing his routine. Unless he is knocked unconscious, there is no such thing as rest.


    ''Training with a beaten-up body is the essence of Teacher Neun''s Sword. To have a soft flow like a river, that is how I am supposed to move. The more tired I become, the weaker my sword will become but in turn, smoother will flow, the number my hands and feet end up the more I will gain.


    ''The essence of water is to flow, to let it flow is to make it stronger. The more fluid it flows, the more accurate it becomes, and the more accurate it becomes, the sharper it will be."


    Slash!


    A flash of an azure hue came out from Colt''s body. It was a dim light, but it was present. As the cat watched, it felt irritated as it realized that its partner was blue.


    ''Meow'' The Lord remembered something and was thrown in a state of irate.


    When 2:00 strike, Colt finally swung his last before having to be dragged inside by the Lord.


    ''Mya, nyaaa (Maybe I should change my name).'' It thought as it dragged Colt to his room. When it was time to sleep, the Lord contemplated something before nodding its head.


    Usually, it would lay on Colt''s chest, but this time it slept on top of Colt''s forehead.


    As Colt slept, he began to dream, in the dream he was in a dark room where he and Fluff sat.


    For some reason, there was a White Line going down Fluff''s forehead. The line was around the size of a toothpick as it went over Fluff''s head in a curve.


    Colt looked at him and asked, "Is this a dream or is this one of you doing?"


    Fluff shrugged its cat-shoulders as it answered, "Myaa." it waved its paw as it tried dismissing the issue.


    "Both, huh, I don''t get what you mean but I don''t think I''ll be able to rest if I am here so why not finish this quickly?"


    "Nya!'' That was an agreeable statement.


    Fluff agreed to his words and as it jumped up, it used its cat paws to kick Colt''s forehead sending him flying.


    There was no wall in that dark room, so Colt was forced to stay fly into the distance.


    In the physical world, a white light flashed from Colt''s forehead as Fluff covered it.


    Inside the dream, Colt landed on the ground sending his body to jerked up as he lay on the bed. Fluff who was sleeping peacefully was catapulted as Colt abruptly got up but he soon felt tired and returned to sleep.


    Fluff hit the wardrobe that was in Colt''s room, but the cat was sleeping too soundly to wake up. So, the cat just slept on the floor, not caring that it had been catapulted across the room.


    It was a peaceful night.


    Morning came, Colt ate breakfast early in the morning after having been slapped awake by Fluff. Jin and his sister were nowhere to be found but Colt didn''t care for much.


    As he scratched the middle of his forehead, Colt and Fluff yawned.


    "Did you do something last night?"


    Fluff nodded its head.


    "Will it harm me?"


    Fluff shook its head.


    "Fair enough."


    Colt didn''t care and left for the academy.

 46 46. Fluff Reaper

    "Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Demons, and Beastmen, there are other beings that live in the world. They are beings that soar through the boundless skies; the vast Oceans; and the fertile land ¡ª they are Magical Beasts¡­"


    Having to go to the academy is something Colt uses to gain popularity. Currently, he has a track record of 1 win and 0 losses, sitting in the lecture hall where he rubbed Fluff''s chubby body, he yawned as he found the subject as useless.


    The professor was talking about the history of Magical Beasts. Beings that are intelligent and powerful, but they are unlike the other races as the energy in their body, is something that is not a part of the three world energies people use, namely Mana, Aura, and Prana.


    The energy of a magical beast possesses is known as the Zara. Like the three energies, the Zara is a power produced by the earth and gives the beasts the ability to evolve and become more powerful than before.


    The professor continued with the lecture, "These Beasts have nine levels like our classes, they are known as Savage-tiers, a tier-1 to a tier-9 magical beast is known as a Savage. But once they go to the Second Phase, like how the classes have a second phase known as [Phase 2 Pathfinders] that are given different levels than before, it is also the same for magical beasts.


    "Like us, they have three more levels on the second phase, to improve beyond that is just as hard as ascending further. But it is said that there are legendary beasts that defy logic and¡­''


    Even to this point, Colt didn''t care much about the lecture.


    ''Magical beasts play no major role in the story, so I shouldn''t worry about them for now.'' He said that, but Colt has bought many books regarding magical beasts. Back home, he has ten and twenty more in the mansion here in the capital.


    As to why he bought it, the reason was simple, to understand that it was the reason why anyone would buy a book - because the illustration was good.


    The detailed illustration of the magical beasts was enough to entice and turn Colt to some sort of Magical Beast Otaku. The books he read also became the reason as to why Colt was made to think how cool and awesome his Soul Partner would become.


    The dream of riding on the back of a Storm Dragon blossomed in his heart, and as it did, his expectations grew. But that expectation came crashing down as he saw his partner.


    "Meow!"


    While Colt was in contemplation about his epic adventures on the back of a massive dragon, Fluff demanded Colt to move his fingers so the sacred belly rub can continue.


    Colt and Fluff exchanged gazes, and the two had a conversation with their eyes as Fluff asked, "What?" it didn''t know what Colt was thinking.


    On the other hand, Colt just rubbed its belly and watched it halfway close its eyes in pleasure. He almost wanted to cry if not for the fact that this little ball of fluffy hair had saved his ass more than once.


    ''Dammit it, I am so conflicted.'' Even the name Lord is reminding him some majestic beast of power, ''Oh dear gods, what kind of species is this one? I do not know what this cat is, come on, for my second Soul Partner give me something cool.''


    Lunchtime came, and today is a sporadic day rivaling that of the mythical beast''s appearance¡­Mina was nowhere to be found.


    Currently, she''s too busy with the Magic Tower that she can''t even sneak out. Colt does not know why, and he has no way of knowing what she is currently doing because he has no contact with the Magic Tower.


    Thus, Colt was forced to eat in the cafeteria of the academy. But before he can go, he had to wait for a strange thing to happen again.


    All the ladies lined up, starting from the top of the stairs of the lecture hall where Colt and Fluff sat to the bottom. They approached to hand over some food.


    Colt readied a bag where to store the food as he received one of them.


    "I present food for Lord Fluff."


    "You may give it a pet."


    With the loud screeched escaping her mouth, the Lord Phat Fluff sat on the table with its ''chest'' puffed out and its white fur in its full glory. The lady petted Fluff, and it meowed in delight.


    That simple meow was like an arrow piercing her heart.


    Kyaaa! The screeches would not stop as one after the other, the twelve ladies in the room, and three males presented food as an offer, so the Lord will let them fluff him.


    They walked away with a pleasant feeling on their hands, and Colt left with a bag full of offerings for his cat.


    ''I am a courier for this little one.''


    At the moment, Colt''s reputation has been rather good. Though it was weird that no one was approaching him for some odd reason, he already got a moniker in just but three days of attending the academy.


    [The Fluff Reaper] that''s what they call him, which was demeaning for someone like him. The Fluff Reaper wasn''t even his nickname but was initially meant for his soul partner, who slays with a single meow after allowing anyone to give him a fluff. The story spread like wildfire in a day, and after two days, somehow, this moniker came to be.


    Meaning, at the moment, Colt was riding at the coattails of a cat, which made him even more pitiful. Thus, with his back as straight as a spear''s and a mind as flimsy as jelly, Colt head for the cafeteria to buy some food.

 47 47. Caught in a Trap

    In the bustling cafeteria, he walked through the doors carrying with him a bloated bag. The cafeteria had blue and white walls just like the academy giving everyone a fresh feeling and peace of mind.


    It was a place where many gathers to socialize with their friends and bootlick on others. But at that time, when most of the ladies stopped talking everyone followed suit and silence pervaded the cafeteria.


    "Is it him? Is he the one?"


    "I think so, look at the cat, that must be him."


    His entrance garnered the attention of many students, both with aura and without alike. And in the background, Colt could hear the murmurs talking about the mighty moniker that he had received, "It''s the Fluff Reaper."


    Colt wanted to curse his fate and cry in a corner, but he didn''t and just held a stoic gaze as if he was unaffected by the embarrassing moniker. Instead, he found an empty seat where he placed the bag and the cat before going to take a tray and falling in line to receive food like an average person.


    While the attention was no longer at Colt and was at the cute cat sitting on the table sitting on its soft bum holding a prized cooked beef taking small bites of it as it held onto it having almost every single one present thing, ''What''s that? How cute.'' Or somewhere along the line, Colt was busy observing the area.


    The cafeteria was a place where the students gather, and once Colt entered, he finally saw how broad the demographic of the academy is.


    Though there are only humans in his lecture hall, and the ones he had come across are mostly humans, that doesn''t mean that the inhabitants of this world are just humans.


    Dwarves, Beastmen, Demons, and Elves also exist just like any other story. The only difference is that Demons are not an enemy as a system had already been put in place that gave the continent long-lasting peace.


    Although in this Kingdom humans are still the majority and the other races are a minority, that doesn''t mean that in the academy where humans outnumber the other four races even when combined that they are in a disadvantage.


    In truth, this year, the representative of the Warrior Class is a Beastman, and the representative of the Illusion Class is a Demon, so it is fair to say that the other races are dunking over humans.


    While silence prevailed in the cafeteria and they followed the eating habit of the cat, Colt somehow managed to get to the front of the line and got what he came for.


    What he got honestly surprised him, it was a deep-fried meat dish, on the side, there were vegetables and a soup. As for refreshment, there was plain water, ''This is a pretty good deal.''


    Colt was satisfied as he returned to his seat so he and Fluff could eat in peace. The only good moments he has in this life is him eating a meal.


    And as he tasted the cafeteria meal, he confirmed it¡­


    ''It''s quite good.'' An honest surprise expression blossomed as Colt realized that it suits his palate. He had been spoiled by the delicious cooking of Mina and the Chefs, so even good food such as this was merely adequate, and his thoughts were about his current palate was, ''I can''t turn back anymore.''


    Outside the cafeteria.


    Six students were present right outside; four of them were energetic and fine; however, the other two didn''t have too good of a complexion.


    With them was an old man with an adequately combed thin white hair and a majestic flowing beard.


    "Are you sure about your claims? He is the scion of the Edgeworth any false claims can¡­"


    "It''s real, have we not showed you enough proof? And can you not see their situation? If you''re a teacher, then please help us get justice."


    "Alright, I will help you." The old man calmed the youth down, but as the youth heaved a sigh of relief, his spine tingled as the old teacher placed his hands on the young man''s shoulders as he spoke, "Try and disrespect a teacher again and don''t think I won''t teach you a lesson just because your father is a Duke. Remember, every single teacher here is someone who once served the military or the Magic Tower, don''t push our buttons."


    "Yes¡­sir."


    With the teacher leading the entry, the cafeteria was rocked once more. Everyone looked at the teacher entering with the six students and gasped at the sight of two people wearing casts to support their broken arms.


    A ninth-circled Mage can heal most injuries, even laceration and gashes can be treated, but not broken bones. Bones are different from muscles as they do not regenerate as a tissue does, so only those at the second phase of healing magic can do such a thing.


    The professor walked across the cafeteria before stopping at the very middle where a cat and a human sat together like it was normal.


    Colt didn''t mind the silence and even enjoyed it as he and Fluff savored their food. But as a shadow cast over his food. He raised his head and saw someone wearing a teacher''s uniform who had a rather unpleasant smile on his face.


    Colt immediately stood up and quickly lowered his head to show respect to someone above him.


    ???Student greets, Sir¡­I apologize for this student''s ignorance for I do not know Sir''s name."


    The teacher raised a brow seeing Colt''s reaction, but he smiled as he answered, "It is Cutlass, my name is Cutlass Meyers."


    ''Nobility?'' There are two kinds of people, those who had surnames and those who don''t. And it can also be classified as being a part of Nobility and not.


    Colt had every information of every villain and possible villain in the first six volumes. However, the identity of the old man is someone he does not know. Meaning, he''s a good guy, and unlike those idiotic arrogant bastards, these kinds of people appreciate honesty rather than not.


    "So, it is Professor Meyers, may this student know what brings you to bother searching for this student?"


    Colt didn''t need to ask because the reasons stepped forward with a smug look on their faces.


    "Hah! Do you think you can get away from breaking my friends'' arms? You barbaric bastard who cannot even tell the difference between an exchange for pointers and a brutal and savage act!? You even attacked me when I tried to reprimand you for your actions!"


    It was a sudden statement that caused the others to gasp in disbelief.


    "You have spoken out of line, student Gargosa, do you wish to be punished?" Cutlass was irritated.


    Colt looked at the one named Gargosa with a passive expression before turning to look at Cutlass who asked him:


    "Is that your doing?"


    "Yes, it was."

 48 48. As you said

    A simple answer reverberated in the cafeteria causing the students to give Colt strange stares, but he was not talking just yet, "They were the ones who started it, I told them I wished not to fight, yet they pushed me to do so. They plotted against me who and was forced to retaliate back, that is all."


    As Colt gave his answer, Cutlass saw his eyes that were as clear as a gem. He looked around, and seeing how many people are present, Cutlass wanted to settle this dispute somewhere else. So, he wanted to take them away.


    But when Gargosa and the other students heard Colt''s answer all of them secretly formed a grimace as Gargosa brought out an azure gem.


    A hologram-like panel appeared mid-air in the middle of the cafeteria. A recorded video feed coming from inside a carriage was seen; as if they caught what happened on record just in time. And when one said in time, it was truly in time.


    "I~AHHHH!" a scream came echoed from; it was night but the video managed to capture the details of what happened very clearly. Colt walked out of the alleyway with a scary expression, Gargosa stepped out of the carriage carrying the recording crystal and when words about him trying to condemn actions out of his mouth, Colt darted forth and silenced him.


    Gargosa fell and the recording device captured the floor, but as Gargosa forced his body to turn to the side, he managed to capture the sight of Colt entering the carriage and leaving sometime after with the passengers all banged-up.


    "Did you see that!? A recorded scene cannot be tampered with, sir, please you must give us justice. This barbaric man hurt our fellow schoolmates, what is there for us to say? The proof is here, those who were hurt can testify against him! And you dare lie we were the ones who started it? How dare you defame me and twist the truth!"


    Gargosa had a melodramatic expression on his face as he cried out for justice riling up many to stand up against Colt.


    The two injured students promptly stepped forward with tears flowing down their faces as they cried for justice.


    "P-please, help us, Professor Meyers."


    "W-we were wronged, he even forced us to fight him saying that there will be accidents. And I assume you all know what he meant by accident."


    Cutlass Meyers looked at the hundreds of students in the cafeteria going against Colt. The students were turning to a rabble as they chanted for Colt to be punished.


    At this point, Cutlass should be angered at Gargosa for starting such a scene. Evidence such as that should be shown in the Disciplinary Office, yet they showed it here.


    But Cutlass'' anger was more apparent at Colt for he tried lying his way out of the trouble. He thought he was an honest and respectful student but it seems like he was wrong.


    In anger, he was just about to take Colt by his arms. But he saw Colt''s calm expression and stopped.


    Gargosa at this moment was celebrating inside. He had two plans, one for Colt to lose and embarrass himself and two for Colt to win and make him the villain of the story.


    If he had just beaten the two to a pulp and left them in an alleyway, then that would be enough to tarnish his name. But to his luck, Colt broke two arms and even attacked him and the other nobles.


    He was smiling in the victory he achieved over Colt, "Hehehe, how stupid of you! Do you really think I am that dumb to just hire them and beat up? I have layers upon layers of deep thoughts!"


    Gargosa sneered, but then, he saw Colt smiling at him with an azure gem on his hand.


    And before he can do anything, another recorded scene played out. It started with a white carriage parked by the roadside before showing was the same scene, but from a different time, angles, and perspective. The angle came from above, and it captured Colt and the two students who had their arms broken before the ''receiving pointers'' started.


    And as the mob saw this, their angered expression towards Colt began to lessen especially when the first exchange of words echoed in the alleyway.


    "You are Colt Edgeworth, correct!?"


    "What do you need of me? I don''t want any trouble."


    This part was enough to prove Colt''s earlier words but then another set of words flew out that completely flipped the situation.


    "What do you need of me!? I don''t want any trouble, so, just leave!"


    "We don''t want any trouble; we are only here to get some pointers. As a fellow student, is it not proper for me to seek someone of great skills such as yourself?"


    "That''s right, this is just a duel. But as it is a duel outside the academy, we won''t use our Soul Partners and we ask of you to accept our challenge ¡ª oh? You''re willing to do it, that''s just great! Then, let us begin!" The man who stood on his back spoke loudly so some ''loitering bystanders'' would hear him as he made the first move.


    Their words echoed about and as the two engaged in the fight, Colt did his best to defend himself against the two. But nothing worked. The scene showed Colt on the ground, not doing anything then something more shocking was heard.


    "Why are you doing this!? I told you, I don''t wish to fight!"


    "Well we apologize, but our employer really wanted us to rough you up. Hehe, but personally I am enjoying this!"


    The dull sounds of Colt''s face being thrashed reached the ears of everyone present. It was a pitiful sight already.


    "They especially asked us to ensure that your face gets roughed up! Hehe, you act all big and mighty but you''re nothing but a weakling after all! Do you think you deserve to stand beside her? Even I am more compatible with her than you!"


    Everyone''s reaction was a given, and the students who were in the cast watched everything transpire with a weird expression. Gargosa was also flabbergasted, but the next words that came out almost made him vomit a liter of blood.


    "You, useless piece of shit. Are you trying to scare us? Do you think your Edgeworth Family can touch our backers!? Let me tell you something, it was the Second Young Master of the Fortiko Family, and the Young Master of the Slitherhead Family who told us to do this. Those are Marquis and Duke Family, I have yet to even mention the others and those two are enough to ensure you won''t be able to scare us with your family. Come on! Try it! Scare me again!"


    It was here that Colt finally retaliated that broke his assailants'' arms. They pleaded but Colt responded with coldness. Then it showed the white carriage once again where Gargosa came out of talking nonsense trying to incite the anger of the people before being brought down by Colt out of anger, it was already clear it was his doing. It ended as Colt entered and left the carriage where he beat the shit out of his enemies.


    The recorded feed ended and Colt looked at the six students especially Gargosa.


    "As you said, I couldn''t have created this."


    Everyone fell into silence.

 49 49. Value

    "Y-you set us up!?"


    "I didn''t set anyone up, this one simply took a Gem-Recorder. It sensed you guys flying around us like flies so it took the feed, you simply moved according to its thoughts, in other words, the played you."


    Gargosa was at a lost for word. He does not know if Colt was telling the truth or not, but hearing him say he was played by a cat made him so embarrassed his blood rushed to his head. To make matters worse the cat even looked at him and did the cat-version of a sneer.


    "Nyi!" Fluff''s paws were raised to incense them further.


    Colt is not a man of many talents.


    Right now, he is an expert in the sword because he inherited the original''s untapped potential and he knows a lot about the power system and magical beasts because they are fantasy elements to him.


    But not being a man of many talents does not translate to him being incompetent.


    He is a man of a few skills and one of them are setting up someone. Being a delusional introvert, it is only natural for him to contemplate on how he should take revenge on others.


    The revenge part doesn''t happen on earth other than when he broke up with his ex, however, that doesn''t mean his ideas had gone down the drain. Quite the opposite as the ideas began to swirl in his mind and from time to time, he would perfect these thoughts until they are seamless.


    Of course, the idea of his plans being seamless is nothing but a pier dream, but right now as he stared at Gargosa and the rest, Colt managed to execute it down the very last detail.


    He set things up even before the lynching happened. Having Fluff leave him so that they will not fear him and have it carried the Gem-Recorder to record everything that will transpire.


    Before the act began, he checked if Fluff was in the scene and made sure to alter the tone and range of his voice when needed. Making sure his provocative words will not reach the Gem-Recorder and only his pleadings could be heard.


    Yes, his attempt to set this up caused him to be beaten like a dog for some time, and be humiliated but all of that is worth it. He does not like pain, but he also didn''t like being walked over by everyone just because Mina is with him.


    He knows his past leaves many to be desired and his strength is not something he can flaunt about, but he is trying. And to those who are trying to ruin what he is trying to build on will become the sacrifice and become his stepping stone.


    ''This is not a game and I am not just some background character. I must take the limelight, and with your sacrifices, I will take one more step up the stairs of grandeur.''


    Cutlass Meyers looked at Colt''s honest and untainted eyes. He was the Professor of an aura class, the highest in the Warrior Class teaching hierarchy. Teaching students for 30 years had let him a bunch of youth who shone to become great figures of today.


    One such figure was Shickly Edgeworth.


    ''He''s as fierce as his father¡­well if he''s not sleeping or drinking wine that is.''


    Cutlass turned to the Gargosa and his group with an enraged expression.


    "Teacher, we~" Gargosa wanted to smooth things over before he can speak, but Cutlass lifted his hands and gave him a crisp slap on the face.


    Pah!


    "Your lies have already been exposed and yet you try to speak some more? Have you no shame!? Look around you, do you not see their scornful gaze? Do you not feel their disgust on your distasteful deceit!? Your audacity baffles even me, from where do you get your confidence to stage such a scheme!?"


    Cutlass'' words were like his name; a blade cutting through Gargosa''s skin and pride. His face was bright red, and he gritted his teeth as he stared at Colt. His gaze was full of hate. The urge to jump on Colt blossomed in his heart, he wanted to tear him for putting him in such a position.


    But the funny this is that the stage he is standing upon was not built by Colt but by himself. Colt''s original plan did not have this part. Though he knew he was 60% sure he''d be framed considering how Gargosa stepped out so confidently yesterday, Colt was rather pretty sure he has something other than the ambush.


    But not this. The stage he is standing on was constructed by Gargosa meaning, from start to finish of his plan, the one who destroyed Gargosa was not Fluff nor was it Colt, but his recklessness.


    "Why are you so angry? You have no right to act as such¡­"


    However, the end is yet to come. Ending this here will simply mark Colt as cunning and ruthless therefore if this spreads nothing will come of it other than him being a scheming person. He is the son of a famed military personnel.


    He is the son of Shickly, the one who darts forward on foot against cavalry. He is the son of Shickly who stands at a mountain pass to let his injured companions escape; he is Colt Edgeworth, ending this occasion like this will not garner the attention of people.


    His name must resound throughout the ears of everyone in the academy and the people of the capital. Let the King, the Nobles, and Commoners hear his name, let it resound to their hearts who he was and what kind of man he is.


    Colt is not powerful enough to get the attention of everyone to call him a genius, so, without any major events happening in the Kingdom, the only way he can get their attention is by doing such audacious acts.


    Colt took his pin and threw it over to Gargosa.


    "Without any Soul Partner, only the weapons of your choice ¨C I challenge everyone who schemed to defame me to a duel."


    For himself, his daughter, and his dignity.


    Colt will fight them without fear.

 50 50. Colt Edgeworth

    In an open training field, there was Colt who stood with a straightened back and before him were the schemers who had the situation turned against them. There were only four as the two were together with Cutlass Meyers and Fluff who brought with him the offerings he was given.


    They were injured thus has no ability to actually fight. However, the other four were different, they picked up their weapons, as they sized up Colt.


    Barely holding onto a sword as if they were no able to properly lift it. They were panicking as they were under the gazes of the hundreds of students who gathered to witness the duel.


    The spectator seats were filled to the brim. This may be a training hall but it was also a place where people go to witness duels so it was quite normal for such a sight.


    Cutlass spoke the rules and raised his hands, the sign of the start was about to begin. The other three felt fear, but also courageous as they remembered the humiliation, they had undergone both today and yesterday.


    Colt had beaten them up, he was a man whose prowess they could not match, but they believe he was merely lucky at the time, a thought only idiots and delusional people make.


    Thus, as the Cutlass'' voice echoed, announcing the start of the duel and his hand making a soft sound as it cut through the wind, the three charged forth with no plan.


    "STOP!" Gargosa whose head was oddly the clearest at the time shouted as he tried to keep them under control. But they didn''t listen, their eyes seemed crazed and their fear had long disappeared.


    Colt looked at them and held a face filled with fate, but all their courage and hopes were met with disappointment.


    "You bastard!"


    One of them shouted as he reached Colt first. He held an axe, but it was clear he was unaccustomed to it, so much so when he swung it forward, he was dragged forth and met Colt''s fist.


    ''My techniques originated from being a mere sword art, I learned it from my master when I was seven and I followed its original path until twenty-three years ago I met your father. He defeated me and made me join him in the battlefield, and my sword meant to fight a single person evolved to fight a small group of five until it grew bigger and reached a group of fifty. And as to where it stands now, the sword technique is not executed by the sword, but the body that will face hundreds of enemies.''


    The sword technique he learned from Neun is a technique created to become a dueling technique, used against one person. But as Neun grew older, he was honed in the battlefield and when it was time to pass the technique to the next generation, it had evolved to something one cannot fathom.


    The technique''s original name was [Heavenly Water Sword] but it evolved and became known as [Bloodbath Sword Art].


    Its every aspect had been turned to become useable in an actual war and in short span Neun was together with Colt, he hammered everything it is that he needs to know about the skill.


    But Colt was simply supposed to know the basics, but as time went on, as he spends more and more time honing the sword he was given, for days to no end until his arms can no longer be lifted, Colt swung his sword.


    He sweated and vomited his food, but never did he quit. He looked forward as he tried his best to get what he wanted, to become stronger, and then gain the fame that he needs.


    And to the rejected Young Masters before him who had not spent even a sliver of their time to try and pursue new heights after having lost the succession race at an early age, they are nothing compared to a man whose whole purpose is to stand on top of mediocrity and gain the right to have a family.


    Colt''s right hand moved. Opening his palms, he grabbed the first man who came seeking death on the face and had him thrown to the ground like a rag.


    BaM!


    The Young Noble groaned in pain, his head had been rocked and lost all strength to move. Colt on the other hand continued to move forward, two more were before him, both of them held a sword.


    Having the time to swing the sword in their hands, they smiled as Colt was left with nowhere to run.


    "You can''t get away this time!"


    They had seen Colt''s nimble movements twice already and with this, he cannot escape anywhere. He''s trapped! Or so they thought, because colt simply raised his sheathed sword and blocked the oncoming assault.


    The weight of the attack was enough to make anyone stumble as they feel their legs become something akin to jelly; their wrists and arms become weak and bend ¨C but Colt didn''t stumble neither did he bend.


    His training was meant to push his body, especially his limbs to its limits. He had trained when his body had already been pushed beyond its limitations, such flimsy attacks like this will not faze him.


    "Back off." A cold voice sounded out as he pushed the two backward. The strength he possesses was also not normal for he had been swinging a sword many times heavier than the norm like it was nothing.


    And as the two got pushed back and began to fall on their behinds, Colt raised his right leg and kicked the one on the right on his chest!


    Kuk! He grunted as a few ribs cracked to the point of breaking, and as the other one remained to go down, Colt clenched his fist and punched the other one on the face, breaking his nose and sending several teeth flying about!


    Both fell on the ground, their groans echoed and before Gargosa can even follow what was happening, Colt was already before him just like before.


    His body became frozen stiff from the fear save from his eyes that widened in disbelief.


    Somehow, he forced himself to swing his sword but Colt simply stopped it by grabbing him on the wrist with his left before his swing could be realized.


    "From now on, don''t you dare try and dream of making an attempt of fighting me for Mina." Colt lightly threw the sword on the side. He was too close to make a proper sword slash thus he clenched his fist and with cold eyes, he delivered the strongest punch he had delivered in both lives.


    BaM! A muffled notice echoed along the training filed as Gargosa''s body spiraled through the air and Colt turned his back against him as he picked up his sword. Thud! When Gargosa''s body touched the ground, Colt had already picked up his sword and as he looked at the stunned crowd.


    "Winner, Colt Edgeworth!"


    As Cutlass announced, everyone was silent, the duel they waited for didn''t even last twenty breaths of time for Colt already beat them up. But before they could even cheer, some of them realized something absolute weird, as they stared at Colt unwrapping the sword, the same train of thought emerged:


    "He didn''t even use his sword."


    And from then on, they realized something even more baffling. The video feed, and his first duel, there was only one time when Colt used the sword and that is against a Soul Partner.


    But against a human? There had been no news regarding such a thing. He was a swordsman who didn''t use his sword, and as they realized this point, they looked at Colt with admiration and bafflement.


    Everyone wished to ask why he was acting like so, was it for show, or was it simply because he was arrogant and this thought process also emerged on Cutlass Meyers.


    As Fluff went to Colt''s side dragging the bag that held onto the numerous empty containers of food so he can carry it for him, Cutlass approached Colt.


    Colt noticed him coming to his direction and bowed as he said, "Thank you for officiating this duel."


    Cutlass raised his hand to say it was nothing as he laughed. And as he watched Colt pick up the bag Fluff dragged to him, he couldn''t fight his curiosity and asked the thing everyone wished to know.


    "Why didn''t you use your sword?"


    Colt raised his head to look at Cutlass and showed a soft smile as he gave the answer, "They are not strong enough to make me draw it."


    "Oh?"


    "If that is all, I leave this thing to Professor. As I have already given you the evidence, and I protected my honor, might I ask if I may now take my leave?"


    "You''re free to go."


    Colt''s step reverberated in the ears of the students who was stunned by his answer. And as Colt walked out the training hall with a bag of empty containers and a cat on his shoulder, the crowd went wild as they learned of his reason.


    And as the lady''s squeal and the men roared, all of them looked at Colt in admiration as they realized that he truly was the son of the Edgeworth Family.


    As the crowd left the hall, they carried with them admiration in their hearts and a story that will spread around the academy which will eventually reach the ears of the populace.


    In a single fight, Colt''s training finally manifested. And the idea of him being weak disappeared, and as everyone thought that [The Queen''s] man was nothing but a weakling, they realized that he is simply someone who has yet to show his cards.

 51 51. Meeting

    Friday, two days had passed and Colt''s name had spread around the capital like wildfire.


    It first started in the academy, and then around the youths before reaching the ears of the adults. His name was elevated, being held to the standards of Count Shickly''s son.


    The plan to become popular was smoothly moving along and Colt was rather satisfied with its advancement. Right now, he is even considering the words he will say to parents and more importantly his father-in-law.


    Mina already somewhat accepted the current situation with Colt and Filla, she is much more accepting than he had thought. Thus, it was pretty much a done deal with her. Unless he truly fucks something up, Mina is already someone who will support he wishes to do.


    Also, he had been able to control her outburst, no incident had occurred that led to anyone getting hurt.


    Colt at the moment was at the high time of his life, but in the meantime the only thing he sees is his popularity and how he will react to it. And at the moment, people''s view of him was split in two.


    They saw him as a fierce reaper, but also a kind and merciful man. He was fierce for he will take revenge on those who attack him and kind because he holds back and has a cat as a Soul Partner.


    The latter part of the rumors was weird, though it was the truth. Colt was indeed becoming more popular because of Fluff and because of this, for some unknown reason, there was now a gathering of ten cats on the back garden.


    By the open pagoda in the middle of a pond sat Colt with a passive look on his face. The water lilies bloomed in a myriad of color making it look like an ethereal realm.


    It was early on Friday morning and the pleasant spring breeze almost made him fall asleep. The tempting caress of the wind almost pulled him down the darkness that is taking an early nap.


    "Nya¡­"


    But he chose not to be pulled down as ten or so stray cats gathered. Sitting one side of open pagoda''s ledge, a synchronized meow echoed.


    Placing the teacup on his hand on the table before him where the proctor white cat sat to observed the ten cats of varying colors. With a stern piercing gaze, Fluff raised his hand and the ten cats raised their chins like trained soldiers.


    Fluff turned to Colt with a what seemed to be a cat version of a smug face as it boasted about its achievement.


    "So¡­is this your army?"


    "Mew!"


    Fluff tapped its chest as if to say, "leave it to me" and began teaching the strays some more new tricks. Colt could understand Fluff''s words, as for the strays, it was vague but he can make out some of their words also.


    He calls this power, ''Catnection'' a stupid name but he came with it and he doesn''t care if people judge him for it but this is now canon for this world.


    While Colt was busy watching the "spartan training" of the cats under Fluff who was talking about Zara and the like, Colt took one more sip of the tea and asked, "These cats are going to start eating here aren''t they?"


    "Nya! Mew, meow, mow, nyaaa!"


    Fluff nodded its head vigorously and even demanded a diet to be created for its soldier to be created. It claimed that it will create the strongest cat army, these ten will become its Generals and captains.


    An insidious smile appeared on Fluff''s mouth as it began thinking of the future. It rubbed its paws together like a master planner and continued the training.


    While all of that was going on, Colt returned to his thinking of popularity and something crept up from the back of his head as a girl with green hair walked towards the open pagoda together with Butler Go.


    The girl was Jin''s sister named Sera.


    Like Jin she was staying in his manor and had asked Colt to employ. Colt accepted her request, and in most cases, she should be wearing a maid''s uniform resembling a Victorian-style uniform.


    However, for some reason, she is now wearing a Butler''s Uniform. But the worst part is that as she stood before Colt with a straightened back, and hair styled like a bun, she seemed suited for it.


    "What is it, Butler Go?" But despite his amazement, Colt will not let it show on his face as it might deteriorate his image of someone respectable.


    "The Young Miss of the Genesis Family has arrived together with Sir Jin, at the meantime I had them stay in the Guest Hall. However, if the Young Master wants to¡­"


    "Direct them here. Butler Sera, you go and call them here, I have something to say to Butler Go for the time being."


    "I understand, Young Master Colt." She left with a satisfied smile. Colt watched her enter the mansion wand then turned to Butler Go.


    "I didn''t think she''ll ask to be a Butler, and you accepting her as a disciple was even more of a surprise to me¡­so, how is she doing?"


    Butler Go noticed that Colt''s teacup was empty and picked up the teapot to pour Colt a new one.


    "Everyone in the mansion likes her as she helps around and I think she has the talent to become a Head Butler, hoho."


    "You didn''t think you''ll be training another butler, did you? Much less a woman."


    "Well, it was unpredictable but I am having a rather good time right now."


    "That is good."


    Colt picked up the teacup and took a sip, he turned to the cats as he asked Butler Go, "Any news about the thing I asked you?"


    Butler Go closed his eyes with a smile and looked over to the cats as well before giving the answer, "I didn''t think your words were true, Young Master but, it is already done, I have compiled the information and archived them together."


    "According to Father you were his and Grandfather''s leader in his espionage squad, and it seems like you''re still really skilled."


    "Hoho, you flatter me, Young Master. I am still only half done with the list you gave me; it seems like I am rusting with age. But I should be able to get it done in a week or so."


    "Alright, just be careful. Oh yeah, why not train Sera to become someone as capable as you? If she''s skilled with other things, she may just also be skilled in this line of job. After all, is she not a receptionist? Being the face of an Apothecary Guild is something done by someone who capable of reading emotions and picking up subtle motions to react to them."


    Colt was merely jesting. Sera was merely an ordinary girl who hid from the Genesis Family when they attacked her brother and came looking for her. In the novel, her role was never associated with espionage.


    But with his simple comment, Butler Go had an idea and smiled.


    ''She might just become a great help to the Young Master. I am also about to kick the bucket anyway, why not pass it down to her?''


    Go, is a man who served Gars Edgeworth, the father of Shickly Edgeworth and the Grandfather to Colt Edgeworth. He has no family and had already retired a long time ago and if not for Colt''s request he would idle by in this mansion without making a move and die somewhere along the line.


    But after one job, Butler Go''s flames was ignited and it appears that Colt ignited another passion for the retired old man.


    And as time passed, Butler Go left as the maid he asked earlier arrived with tea and some sweets.


    With her arrival, Fluff left with his recruits to train somewhere else. But they didn''t just leave, they followed the maid as she left for the kitchen after setting things up, and then the cats began acting on their first mission, "Asking for food." Thus, the recruits led by Fluff braved through the garden and went to the kitchen.


    Soon enough, three people arrived. With Sera leading the way, a couple arrived.


    Both of them looked feminine making the scene resemble a girl''s love story. Colt stood up and walked to one of the open pagoda''s entrance. He nodded his head to Jin as he smiled before turning to the girl with the pointy ears and a rather tall stature.


    "Welcome, to my humble home."


    The tall lady was beautiful with a beautiful braided silver hair. She slightly lowered her head as she showed her respect to Colt, "Thank you for the hospitality, Young Master Colt."


    Vyra had a pair of fierce eyes. Although Jin referred to her as kind and really gentle, those eyes gave the impression that she was built to become a villain.


    And she was known to show a smile thus she was rather passive when she met with Colt. And as she stared at Colt who knows the secret and claimed a lot of things, Vyra was extra careful making her look like battle-ready.


    Colt felt rather fearful because if his information was right, she should be an Eighth-Circled Mage right now. Being someone from a Great Family had made her have a lot of advantages in life.


    Also, she''s older than she looks. Being an Ancient Elf, her lifespan is long and her youthful looks are almost retained throughout her life ¡ª she should be around 73 years old.


    But she is still considered young despite that. However, from one point, Colt looked at Jin with an impressed expression.


    ''Very admirable.'' Jin truly deserves his respect despite everything else.


    "Jin, Miss Vyra, please why not have a seat?"


    Colt offered and the two thanked him as they sat on the chairs. Sera by this time had already left and the three were left by themselves.


    And as Colt took in a deep breath he smiled as he began thinking about his opening words. This was an important conversation, so it was necessary to start it with the lightest topic:


    "Miss Vyra, why don''t you leave the Genesis Family?"

 52 52. Two Choices

    Vyra, a woman whose beauty is said to rival if not surpass every other elf. It was said that her beauty is so radiant that it could blind a man.


    Other than her beauty, she is regarded as a genius of Magic. Having the ability to call upon the Four Elements of Wind, Earth, Fire, and Water; she is someone who is regarded as a true genius.


    It was said that the only reason why she has yet to reach Minor Sorcerer Stage is that she is too focus on keeping the four elements balance. But if she had focused on one or two elements, then in her age she should already be a Sorcerer or stronger.


    Being someone of her status and position, it is not so simple to do what Colt is asking of her. Thus as she looked at him, Vyra repeated his words to confirm.


    "Leave the Genesis Family and join the Edgeworths together with Jin and Sera. Is that what you mean?"


    "That is correct."


    Vyra was apprehensive about her approach towards Colt. She had just arrived in the capital and had been invited by Jin to go to the Edgeworths to talk about something really important.


    She expected it to be something in regards to Apothecary, but hearing Colt''s bold opening statement made her heart skip a beat. Leave the Genesis Family? That is not something she can easily decide.


    But on the back of her head, she was considering doing just that. She remained speechless for some time after hearing Colt''s affirmation. She looked at him carefully, trying to discern anything that she can use to read his intents.


    But came up with nothing. She wanted to speak but felt like she needed to choose her words properly. Before her was someone who''s unpredictable and mysterious, like an old schemer that had won a thousand battle of words.


    She cannot read his thoughts that is, ''I want to sleep'' floating in Colt''s head.


    In the end, her words stuck to her throat. But her hand was held by Jin, he too was anxious but he showed her a smile saying, "I am here'' before looking at Colt.


    "What do you mean by your words?"


    "You haven''t told her the situation?" Colt raised a brow as he asked Jin.


    Jin shook his head, "I reckoned it would be much better if you tell her yourself.


    "Is that so. But did you at least tell her that I know about your relationship?"


    "Yes, I told her that much." Jin nodded his head.


    Colt turned to Vyra once again. He now understood why she is so apprehensive about the situation.


    "Miss Vyra, if you wish to know what I mean by leaving the Genesis Family then the meaning of it is simple. I want you to cut every connection to the Genesis Family and when I mean everything, I wish for you to ask to be disowned or announce to the public you will leave the Genesis Family for the Edgeworths."


    BaM!


    Vyra''s eyes turned hostile. Icicle spears around Colt, their tip pointed at Colt''s neck.


    Colt didn''t move, his expression remained the same as he stared at Vyra''s expression. No words to be said because Colt can understand.


    "I know you''re to kind to kill me so drop the fa?ade because you''re not scaring anybody. Continue doing what you are doing and the one who will be on the ground will not be me but you."


    As Colt said his part. Chilling energy came rushing to Vyra''s side. She froze up as a chilling intent almost swallowed her. She turned around and saw a smiling Butler Go standing beside Sera near the door of the mansion.


    Though he cannot hear their conversation, when Vyra made her move against Colt, the battle-hardened old man instinctively reacted.


    If not for Colt''s earlier warnings about this happening, then he would have made his move. He may be old, but he is a warrior and against a young elf Mage with little to no battle experience, even Butler Go is sure he''ll be able to subdue her.


    Vyra''s heart received a shock as Colt''s calmed voice entered her ears. Slowly, her heart settled because of Butler Go waking her up.


    Taking in a deep breath, Vyra looked at Colt with serious eyes.


    "Do you mean to say for me to betray my family? I can''t do that! Despite everything else, they are still the ones who gave me life! They are the ones who provided for me! They are the ones who molded my current self!"


    Colt could see the emotions rising in her heart through her eyes. She was wavering, she should be aware that if Colt knows her relationship with Jin then the Genesis should also be aware.


    Her conflicting emotions stemmed from her love for her family and her love for Jin. Family or one''s lover, it is a question that is hard to comprehend if one had not been placed in a similar situation before.


    There are those who do not hesitate to pick one from the other, they follow their desire, and whether they regret their choice or become with it, at least they still made the choice.


    However, Vyra is a kind person.


    She is attached to them no matter how badly she is treated. They may treat her like a tool one day when they need to, but she cannot let go of them just yet.


    Memories of the past linger like chains acting as the fetters that shackle her from making the decision. The fond memories of what had been still lingers to this day. Despite those days ending so long ago.


    Colt looked at her eyes, he felt the need to talk to her and speak as he can feel something within him resonating with the emotions she is trying to convey. She is conflicted, but she is also begging him to give her a much-needed push so she can live away from her past.


    "Yes! They are still your family, but they do not see you other than a tool! That family has given up on you! But this, together with Jin you have created a family, you will become a mother and if the Genesis kills him, they will sacrifice your child''s life to save their useful tool! What is more important!? The past or the present!? Choose!"

 53 53 One Answer

    Vyra was already at the tipping point. She knows what Colt is saying was true, however, there is still doubt in her mind and the only one who can clear that doubt is no longer Colt but herself; Colt is not aware of her thoughts because the main series in the novel never truly delved into her past.


    To him, the only thing he sees in the Genesis Family is that they are corrupt and evil who will go to war against the Phantasmagorias.


    But, to the Vyra of this world, her perception is different from Colt''s. Her life is not a plot of some novel but a reality that she had lived.


    As she sat there staring at Colt''s eyes, she managed to see and recount the past. The past when the Genesis Family was not broken to bits.


    67 years ago, when Vyra was but 5 years of age, she, her little brother, father, and mother lived a peaceful life.


    The name of her father was Gyrus Genesis and her mother''s name was Versa.


    They were a family full of smiles, frolicking about the carpet of greens that spread across a beautiful flowery garden. They would laugh as they go about their lives peacefully.


    But in an ancient family like theirs, there are always those who are considered as the villain that is envious of those around them.


    At the time, the Elders of the family had already been acting rather strangely, as they eyed the position of the Family Head and gain the power for themselves.


    But they could not beat Gyrus in a head-on battle and they cannot match his charisma. So, the only they could do was target his family, more specifically, they targeted Versa.


    Although Versa, Gyrus, and the rest treated everyone fairly including their servants and maids, the Elders picked the most vulnerable of the maids and threatened her with the life of her family.


    With that, they ordered for Versa and Gyrus to be poisoned. Slowly, the two grew weaker and weaker but as Versa was weaker than her husband, she was the one who collapsed first.


    Gyrus ordered his people to call for the best apothecaries, but even the best could not find a cure. At the time, the poison had no cure. Gyrus'' search for a cure became a burden he wished to carry on his own, he was so focused on trying to save Versa that he became a tunneled vision man. Creating questionable decisions that the Elders used to further bury their marks and slowly take over Family.


    With sunken cheeks and eyes, Versa was nothing but a shadow of her previous vibrant self. Slowly, she grew weaker and weaker, becoming thinner as time went on eventually, she began coughing up blood.


    All of this happened when Vyra was already 15 years of age, she was by Versa''s side every single day in order to keep her mother company. She became a much-needed support to her mother when she needed it the most.


    However, as she reached the age of 16, the age for Ancient Elves to train, the Elders tricked Vyra into turning her attention to magic in order to, according to the Elders "heal" her mother. Vyra being as young as she was had been successfully tricked.


    Giving it her all, slowly, she became adept in trying to learn magic and searching for a cure to Versa''s situation. Time moves forward and the more Versa became weaker, the harder Vyra practiced.


    She would cry at night as she felt helpless, she would crumble as she sees her mother becoming weaker by the day. When she reached 17 years of age, it was the time when she became a Quadro-Elemental but it was also the time when Versa could no longer hold on.


    When Vyra came to learn of her mother''s death, she was busy practicing magic; and the day before that happened, Vyra can still remember Versa''s word which was, ''stay''.


    But as she was hopeful that she can find the cure the more time she spends on researching, Vyra made her a promise, "I will heal you, mother. Wait for me."


    She can still clearly remember the helpless smile of her mother. That smile already told Vyra everything, that she knows that her life is at the edge. Versa''s wish was to stay with her daughter and son, however, when she heard Vyra''s hopeful cries, she could not bear to destroy that hope.


    So, in her last moments, she let her go. When Vyra realized that fact, she cried like a little girl. She could not help it, her mother just died and the guilt almost crushed her soul almost prompting her to kill herself.


    But every time she remembers her mother, she could not.


    It was supposed to be going well, but ten months after Versa''s death, it was Gyrus'' time to say his farewells.


    He did not die from the poison, at least not entirely; he was too strong to collapse and be bedridden but he was also just a Mortal. The weakened Gyrus learned of the Elders'' scheme after digging for information and tried to kill them with his own hands. But as he was weakened, Gyrus was overpowered and was slain.


    But before he died, he made sure to transfer the power of the Clan to his son, Yrva who, at the time was the most stable so that his children would be able to live as they would then be protected by his remaining followers. As for Vyra, he left a journal that detailed his findings and his last wishes.


    "My daughter, if you are reading this, then that must mean that I have passed away¡­" His findings detailed events and their motives, Vyra at this point had negative emotions rising from her chest. However, those emotions were washed away as she read Gyrus'' final words.


    "My daughter, don''t do anything reckless, do not plot anything, and simply live. If you plot for revenge then¡­I fear that you will be killed. The Elders are watching you now, so, instead of plotting and living your life in the darkness of hate, please, just remember that in this life, you and your brother are my and Versa''s treasure. Please, don''t throw away the treasures that the heavens gifted us¡­please, don''t darken the gem that we have polished and don''t tarnish the proud and beautiful life that is yourself."


    She wished to plot for revenge, but instead, the last message of the book saved her from actually doing so. She cried ten days and nights, almost dying from doing so. She was weakened, but she thrived in her promise and memories.


    And soon enough, Vyra''s mind survived thanks to these memories. The Genesis Family is something she had already forsaken and only her brother and the memories are what remains.


    Despite everything else, being the one to inherit their wishes saved Vyra from throwing herself into the darkness of revenge. She kept everything to her heart, not letting even Yrva know.


    However, right now, as she listened to Colt, she can tell that the possibility of her newfound family will also end.


    Colt''s push inched her towards, the edge and finally pulled through. And as he shackles slowly cracked, Vyra realized that the darkness in her heart had never left her.


    If she had truly let go and did what Gyrus had wished then her best actions of that time would be to leave that place. But something within her stopped her from doing so, was it fear of being tracked down and then killed or was it that on the back of her head, Vyra wished to get revenge.


    However, starting from Jin who showed him another new light and with the family, she is going to build with him, Vyra''s shackles cracked. And with Colt helping Jin completely pull her out of that darkness, she finally realized what it is she needs to do.


    And that is to follow her desires and finally fulfill her parents'' wishes and that is to live.


    Thus, she gave the answer to Colt''s question:


    "The present, I choose the present. Please, Young Master Colt¡­help Jin and I be free of the Genesis Family."


    And as she lowered her head, she closed her eyes as she awaited his answer.


    Colt showed a soft smile upon hearing her words, and as he smiled, he nodded his head, "I will save you both, do not worry."


    And as Vyra nodded her head, she tightly held Jin''s hands as her body trembled. Tears began to flow as her dignified voice cracked and shake, "T-thank you¡­"


    As Vyra did so, Jin stood up and held Vyra. He held him close to his chest as the one he loves began to cry from the realization that for the first time in so many years, she was free.

 54 54. Who?

    A story is built upon the foundation of the characters and their world. Colt had read the Sword of Heaven and had learned almost everything about its main characters.


    He never cared for the background mobs as he was too busy reading the adventures the MC takes and his righteousness that is mixed with his ruthless character. He cared for the villains, but he only hates them.


    In the story Sword of Heaven, no, rather in every story that he reads, he only ever sees the perspective of the hero.


    The villains are considered as bad and could never be redeemed. He was swayed by the ideology of killing everyone the hero sees.


    Though in most cases, that ideology is the correct approach, seeing a villain cry in front of him was something that managed to break the misconception.


    Though he already realized this point before, that mobs and background characters are people, seeing the humanity of every villain made Colt think things through,


    Their drive and their lost, there are reasons why they are trying to get revenge, why they are slaughtering people, and why they have gone insane. In other words, there is no one born evil, there are only those who are swallowed by darkness.


    ''No one needs to die if there is no need. Asking to take the lives of others is not so easy to accomplish. Sigh, was I a maniac by wishing such things to happen? Well, at least I can cheer their love life now.''


    Colt could only watch as Jin calmed down Vyra. That is not the job of Colt, but her future husband.


    Married life is supposed to be supporting one another, as one makes a decision one would support it and tread that road together. When the other is pain, one would come for support; and when one is in trouble would be there to help.


    The one before him was not a married couple, but they are starting to look like a family¡­


    ''Though I don''t know what that actually means.''


    Colt laughed as he drank his tea. While sipping the tea and reminiscing over the past of the original together with Filla, Colt inadvertently smiled.


    ''You too were a good parent, also.'' Colt''s silent laughter was kept to himself.


    While he was busy keeping things to himself the army sensed the atmosphere and returned to the open pagoda. While each of them carried a plate with food in it, Colt watched Fluff make the ten cats line up.


    "Nya!"


    The cats lined up and waited for the next command to be issued. Their backs were straight, all of them looked dignified, despite some having scars that proved their battles in the streets, all of them seemed dignified.


    "Meo!"


    The cats began to eat as Fluff gave the command. As Fluff smirked at this accomplishment it turned to Colt as if to say, ''Heh, that''s my army.'' It was really proud of what it had accomplished.


    Colt just laughed it off with as he nodded his head. He was going to ignore its antics for a while but then, something, or more appropriately someone caught his eyes.


    With tears still running down her face, Vyra sniffled as she bent her knees to crouch down and watched the cats eat while Jin comments.


    "Come here, come here¡­kitty, come here."


    Vyra had her hands stretched out as if she was hoping the cats would notice and give her some form of comfort. She noticed Fluff and the ten cats coming to the open pagoda while her head was lowered.


    Seeing them made her somewhat calmer than before.


    Jin turned to Colt, and with mysterious methods, only two men with a deep understanding of hardship could do, the two conversed with their eyes. Though their connection is not that strong, Colt still managed to get the gist of the words he wishes to convey.


    "She really likes cats, um, can you help me with this, Young Master?"


    Being someone who is also faced with the challenge of facing his own woman, Colt could understand Jin. He may look like a woman but he is also a man who deals with his own girl, thus he can sympathize with him.


    So, Colt secretly called upon Fluff, and this time, through the connection he had with his partner a full and unbroken conversation was held.


    "Help the guy, use the full power of your army!"


    Colt''s urgent cries for help resonated with Fluff''s desire to show off his army. As the cat began to eat, Fluff made a discreet meow, sending its ten soldiers the signal to commence the strongest tactic they can take.


    "The ten cats slowly raised their heads, as they ate. They noticed Vyra''s outreaching hands. As if by chance, a chubby orange cat walked to her hand and licked it before placing its paws to Vyra''s hands.


    With such a thing happening, Vyra began caressing its head as gently as she could. A soft smile blossomed as Vyra and the cats associated. She turned to her lover with a puffy eyes and a smile, "Jin, aren''t they cute?"


    "Yes, they are."


    Seeing Vyra act like that made Jin smile in contentment.


    ''She is slowly coming back to her cheerful self.''


    Thought Vyra is kind and helps other people when she can, it was rare to see her smile. Only when she is with either Sera or Jin does she actually shows a smile.


    Most of the time, she shows a melancholic expression or a somewhat irritated one.


    Jin thought that it will take a long time to see her smiling again, but it seems like she too is trying to find ways to smile.


    "I''m glad." Vyra looked at Jin was a smile as she held his hand.


    Jin was caught off guard. Vyra rested her head to Jin.


    "I''m glad you''re the one I met." Vyra said in a soft voice.


    Colt would want usually find such words cringeworthy, but he is letting it go this time as he finds her words rather suitable for the occasion.


    After this scene, one war or the other, Colt was left to watch the two play with the cats with a smile on his face. On his side was Fluff who looked proud at what he had accomplished.


    He sighed in relief as he commented, "This is such a treat for the eyes."


    However, from behind, someone grabbed his shoulders from behind. A soft and sweet-sounding voice echoed.


    "Hooooh, so, the husband invited two girls while the wife is away?"


    Colt''s heart sunk as his eyes widen and his mouth gape. Fluff too had the same expression as Colt because the bloodlust coming from behind made even him stupefied. Colt turned his head slowly and saw a smiling Mina.


    He didn''t even have the time to say a word when she continued her questions.


    "Who are these two lovely girls?"

 55 55. Resonating Values

    Colt turned around with widened eyes, he didn''t expect for Mina to arrive today. It felt like he was caught cheating when in fact he didn''t even touch a single hair on Vyra''s hair much less Jin.


    On Fluff''s side, it also stiffened like a stick. It had never felt such aura before, and seeing Mina act like so made it slowly slide to the side. Joining its army and blending in as it acted like a normal cat, it meowed with a shaky voice.


    Colt saw Fluff do all this and cursed it in his mind. The Lord Fluff can do almost anything, even train an army but it shirked away in the face of Mina in a simple action saying, "I know nothing; I''m an ordinary cat." As it meowed with a broken voice and licked its paws.


    As for the ''two girls'' in question, they are watching Colt with much interest. They could not say anything, especially because Mina''s bloodlust was pointed at them.


    They need to first wait instead of just jumping into the fray and making things more complicated than it should be.


    Colt''s attention returned to Mina. Wanting to correct any misconception she may have; he did his best to describe the current situation.


    "Mina, you see, those are not girls."


    "Hooh, I don''t think the elf is a warrior who can alter her body. Don''t tell me those boobs of hers are fake?"


    Colt fucked up a little bit, "Wait, let me correct that, one of them IS a female; the elf and the other one of them is um¡­a man who seems like a girl and is confusing to identify."


    Mina just smiled. Colt felt the need to speak up. This is one of the problems with Yanderes, they are smart and intelligent but cannot process the fact someone is approaching their man. And as Colt tried to explain, Mina couldn''t seem to understand.


    So, he had to use his most persuasive argument.


    "Despite his looks, the green-haired, non-elf is a man and has a dick. He is not a girl he is a man!"


    Those words caused for Mina''s face to turn red¡­


    "Y-you vulgar man." Mina is not a virgin, that much is clear. But, to hear such words in public made her face turn red as she innocently turned to the side.


    Even on earth, it is not entirely acceptable to say such words, much less in a world where there is no internet and such things circulate. This place is much more reserved than the earth so one can only imagine how shocking it is to hear such words.


    Even Jin who heard the words blushed. Especially when the ''ambassador'' being talked about was his. He covered his face with cupped hands, as he groaned in embarrassment.


    Vyra, the one who is clearly the dominant party in their relationship looked at Colt hatefully. She too had a reddened face, she wanted to defend Jin, but she is torn on whether she corrects their savior or not.


    It was a fight in her head, however, she managed to correctly find what''s more important for her and the answer is was simple and that is to stand in front of Jin.


    "Are you mocking my husband? Jin is as manly as a man could get!" With that said, Vyra pulled Jin to her embrace. Jin was presented to Mina in his full glory. His head was even supported by Vyra''s assets.


    When Vyra said those words, her heart was rather shaken. Jin also reacted in the same manner. He looked at Vyra standing up for him and fell for her all over again. His heart was seized, by the strength of her voice and thought, ''This kind of Vyra is also very beautiful.''


    Mina who had been rattled tried regaining herself, and as she cleared her throat, some remaining embarrassment remained. She was in the wrong and as soon as she heard Vyra''s confirmation.


    She wanted to apologize with dignity for jumping to a conclusion but embarrassment doesn''t leave that fast and with her face still red that reaches her ears, "I-I''m sorry for the misunderstanding, I just thought my husband was cheating and I didn''t want him to leave me so I feared for the worst. It''s just that, I don''t know what I would have done if¡­he¡­was cheating."


    Mina''s words somehow managed to click with Vyra. Her words resonated with the newfound values that Vyra had found. She too wanted to protect her newfound family to the point that she left the Genesis Family.


    With that in mind, Vyra had Jin step to the side as she takes a step forward. Separated few inches, Vyra held Mina''s both hands. Mina lifted her head and exchanged gazes with Vyra.


    "Do not worry, sister for I know what you mean."


    "Really?"


    "Yes, I also don''t think I''ll be able to contain myself if some fly approaches my husband. Such thoughts make troubles me."


    Mina''s eyes sparkled as she heard Vyra. A smile replaced her embarrassed look as she intensely nodded her head.


    "Um, may I know the name of this big sis?" Mina asked.


    "It is Vyra Genesis¡­no, it is simply Vyra starting today."


    The year 2459 N.E is the birth of the alliance of a Mother and Daughter to get the firstborn of their family hook up with a certain Marquis daughter so he''ll become more responsible.


    But other than them, another force came to be. The friendship between the two women started. Though one of them is more ''advance'' than the other, it was friendship nonetheless.


    And witnessing this made Colt look at Jin with pity. Standing side by side with Jin, Colt almost wanted to cry as he placed his right hand on his shoulder, saying:


    "Good luck."


    Jin did not know what Colt was talking about, but he could only nod his head as he felt that it was an appropriate response, "Mm."


    As for Fluff, it gave Colt and Jin a helpless look.


    "Meow."


    It even said a valuable lesson to its army, "That''s what you should avoid."

 56 56. Invitation

    In the open pagoda, Vyra and Mina were discussing a lot of things regarding different topics but mostly focused on magic and spells.


    Vyra had already told Mina her and Jin''s situation and surprisingly, Mina allowed them to stay with Colt without a problem. She even ensured her a promise¡­


    "My Master is the Grand Sorcerer of the Magic Tower, they will not be able to touch you with my and husband''s support."


    Colt listened to her words and felt relief. Though he doesn''t like always being supported by his fianc¨¦e because it feels like he is nothing but a bum, Colt still felt rather comfortable upon hearing Mina''s words.


    Because with her words, he has more cards to play when Yrva shows himself. He is somewhat thankful she appeared here today, although he is also a little bit apprehensive as he doesn''t want her to get an idea of making use of the Red Rose Poison.


    ''If they ever begin talking about that I will need to step forward¡­though these two will be able to turn me into a pig face human if they want to do so.'' The two before him are mage villains.


    And with Vyra being a master of Elemental Magic and Mina on Healing, if these two decided to join forces, it is unthinkable what they will be able to do.


    Especially when Healing Magic is something many people fear.


    ''I need get strong fast.''


    While the two newly formed friendship of Vyra and Mina continued to blossom, Jin and Colt was on the side with the cats while ''debating'' over what can be used to complete the cure, Colt managed to slip the ingredient known as, "Frozen Tears."


    Colt caught Jin''s attention and inwardly he smiled but outside, he seemed bewildered at Jin''s reaction. So, he expounded on his words.


    "The Frozen Tears is also a poison but I just thought it may be able to cancel out the burning sensation of the Red Rose Poison. Um, was it wrong of me to say anything about using poison to cure poison?"


    However, as Jin was put in deep thought, he was suddenly enlightened.


    "No, you''re onto something. At the eastern continents and the northern plains, it is normal to use poison to cure poison, why didn''t I think of that!?" Jin clasped on Colt''s hands as his eyes began to shimmer, "Young Master, I think I am close to completing the cure, and it''s all thanks to you! Um, can I ask of you to buy me some ingredients? I am currently in the red at the moment and I don''t think Miss Vyra¡­will have money with her considering her situation."


    Colt simply smiled, "Go to Butler Go and ask him for the ingredients, I already ordered for a room at the uppermost floor to be turned to an Apothecary Room. I have hired you, it is only right for me to provide what you need."


    Jin abruptly stood up as he became teary-eyed. He nodded his head towards Colt with fire blazing in his determined eyes, "I won''t fail you, Young Master Colt. I shall immediately go to work!"


    He cried a little as he runs towards Vyra telling her of his plans. Vyra was surprised to see the flames burning under her beloved''s eyes. She giggled as she too stood up from where she sat, "I would like to excuse myself, Young Master Colt. May I assist Jin in doing his research?"


    "You don''t need to ask for permission over such trivial matters. I did say join the Edgeworths, so as someone who will fight with us in the future, I expect our relationships¡­" Colt made a quick pause as he observed Mina''s reaction to the word relationship. She was sporting a pure and innocent smile without a hint of hate or anger.


    Thus, Colt continued, "¡­to be mutually beneficial."


    "I understand Young Master Colt. Mina, I shall tell you about the Mana Pool later."


    "Alright, we shall talk later." Mina stood up as they left to show her respect.


    Vyra and Jin left to speak with Butler Go in regards to the Apothecary Room. Butler Go gladly took presented Colt''s idea to the two as he brought them to the highest floor of the mansion leaving Colt and Mina in the open pagoda alone.


    "You seem to have hit it off. For you two to become such good friends so quickly, I didn''t think it was possible." Colt said as he took a seat.


    "I was the same. I thought she was here as a homewrecker, but it seems like I was wrong. Hmm, it would seem I have to be careful on not misunderstanding people."


    Colt''s eyes widen in shock as he heard Mina''s words. He almost shed a tear because of it.


    ''She''s¡­growing up.'' Colt didn''t know that the meeting would prompt such a change. To his delight, he pulled Mina to his embrace in order to cuddle with her.


    "Kya!"


    Mina was surprised but she didn''t fight him and reciprocated his sweet gesture! Then, as the two found themselves at peace at that very moment, Mina remembered something and asked, "My dear husband, I am going on a journey westward to the Thunder Tiger Mountain in order to secure a rare material for my wand, do you wish to come?"


    "I would love too¡­" Colt nodded his head as he accepted the invitation. At the time, he was rather tipsy because of some reason he could not understand, but then as he came into the realization, the destination settled in his mind.


    ''Thunder Tiger Mountain!? Then, I''ll be able to get the World Devouring Book!''


    Finally, it was the start of Colt''s adventure and him stealing some of the heroes'' and villains'' treasures. On the first of his list would be the World Devouring Book.

 57 57. Negotiation

    "Father! I only did it so that I''ll be able to damage the Edgeworth''s reputation, I just thought that if we shake them, we''ll~"


    "Enough! Do you even know what you''re talking about!? Tsk! The Edgeworth Firstborn was already a rotting wood, if you had just let him alone then nothing bad will happen! He''ll become forgettable, drift into the background like any other. He has no footing in the capital so why the hell would he have a pull here!? Dammit, just admit it Gargosa, you did it for that little Vera witch!"


    "No father, I~!"


    Gargosa was about to say something, but Duke Slitherhead raised his hand to slap his face. As the hand touched him, it was time for Gargosa to open his eyes.


    When he opened his eyes, he saw the roof of the carriage he boarded. He thought back to his father''s words and gritted his teeth as he cursed.


    "Dammit! That conniving bastard!"


    Bam! He smashed the adjacent wall of the carriage as Gargosa began to remember. At the moment, he''s being sent to the Western Area of the Kingdom in order to "heal" his injuries.


    That''s the official story sent to the academy and the public at least. But the fact is that Gargosa had already met the end of his usage. To be more specific, he was being disposed of.


    The words of his father still echo in his head.


    "You worthless waste of a son! You have caused our name to be tainted while lifting his name! Leave! Go to the Lion State and cool off, I''ll call upon you after I deal with your mess."


    His words were not so harsh, hope was present, but the truth is that Duke Slitherhead is making sure he will never get to return to the capital. After all, what is there for a son whose only use is to create trouble?


    Gargosa was already thrown out of the succession war when he remained aura-less at the age of 20.


    His older brother has already been named the heir, but he still can''t accept that fact, thus he tried using the Edgeworth name to make him seem more valuable in terms of the brain and schemes.


    Making use of the outrage Colt was receiving when the news of Colt and Mina getting engaged surfaced Gargosa called upon those who hated Colt and gathered them to one banner.


    His plan was simple and yet layered: by involving the families of the suitors. Gargosa would find Colt and create concrete evidence of his savagery and cruelty. He will release the video and it will spread inciting the people''s persecution and then dragging the Edgeworth name with them thus lowering their grasp on the nobility.


    The involvement of the other noble descendants will prompt their families to join in on the fray once the Edgeworths take a beating thereby pulling them to his family''s side.


    His plans never had Mina in mind, he only wished to get back on the race for the title of Duke. He doesn''t want to lose the position and the power that is slipping away from him.


    If he managed to execute his plans, then, he''ll be able to receive the favor of his father and he might even throw the race over. Instead, Gargosa was instead used as a stepping stone by Colt, but he also dragged his family''s name to the ground!


    "Dammit, that fucker ruined everything! That wastrel should''ve acted his role, dammit, dammit, god fucking dammit!"


    As Gargosa was cursing, he heard a bell that indicates there are people wanting to speak to him outside. He tried to retain his composure as he opened the doors of the carriage trying to look as decent as possible. He no longer wishes to anger the Duke as far as he had already done.


    But as he opened his doors, an abnormally bright white light blinded him. The last things he saw were two silhouettes and a hand out to grab him.


    ===


    Three days after Mina''s arrival ¨C Monday.


    It was deep into the night; the manor was already silent as most of the maids and the staffs are already asleep. On the balcony of the mansion, he stood overlooking the back garden''s pond that reflected the beautiful moon.


    Behind him was his bedroom where Mina was fast asleep. He closed the door to ensure no cold wind would bother her.


    Colt leaned on the railings as he yawned. He observed the pond with eyes full of curiosity. The pond was still, fully reflecting the splendor of the moon, but as a slight wind blew past a ripple was created destroying the beautiful reflection.


    ''Such is the flimsiness of beauty I supposed. Just like the moon''s reflection on the pond, the heart is also flimsy. Shaken by the slightest emotion that appears¡­when did I start thinking like this?''


    Having witnessed too many lives has caused Colt to think in this manner. The individual lives of those villains are the cause of a ripple created by a tempest known as fate.


    Sanity borders insanity, a thin and brittle wall separates the two. A small puncture can cause the walls to crack and collapse.


    As Colt found himself in an unusual state of mind, a person garbed in a jet-black cloak.


    "I knew you''d arrive by now, so, what do you think of my proposal, Family Head Yrva Genesis?"


    The man who had his face hidden took off the dark cloth hiding his face. A beautiful countenance that can rival Colt''s face appeared.


    It was Yrva Genesis. Standing before Colt, he did not have a pleasurable expression on his face.


    Colt didn''t care as he asked, "Did you received your older sister''s letter? She said she''ll write you one and inform you of the situation."


    Colt expected Yrva to say some unsavory words, but as he asked him those words his expression eased as he nodded his head.


    "That I did."


    "Hooh, it seems like you are very accepting of the situation. I didn''t expect such maturity. Then again, you are three times my age. So, do you agree to my terms?"


    Yrva silently smiled as he said, "I respect her decisions. Though the Elders will use this chance to attack me and shake my position, I can still manage. I know that she carries the burden of our parents'' death. She had also shielded me from the Elders for the past four decades so that my talent will blossom, it is my time to do the same for her.


    "To let her blossom like the flower she never got to be. I agree with everything you asked of the Genesis Family."


    Colt was taken aback. But he merely shook his head as he remembered that Yrva was a hero of the original plot.


    He was the younger brother of Vyra and unlike his older sister he only possess one type of element and that element is a variant of the original air, water, earth, fire, healing, and dark.


    It was the element of lightning. Yrva will become the first Lightning Mage of the world.


    He was forced to kill his Vyra as she was devoured by her rage. In the novel, Vyra tried to kill Yrva as her mind slowly began to deteriorate because of the hidden plot that is going on in the background that the MC is trying to unravel.


    In the end, Vyra was slain by Yrva while he was crying. And as Vyra slowly lost her life, her last words were, "I never got to live." As she remembered the words her father left her.


    Colt looked at Yrva and took a piece of paper he kept on his pants. He handed it over to Yrva.


    "These are the names of your parents'' killers and the location of the Lightning Orb of Astrape."


    Yrva received the paper with trembling hands. He bowed to Colt as he found this exchanged life-changing for him. With this list and the location, he''ll finally be able to get his revenge.


    "Thank you, Young Master Colt."


    "Don''t mention it, this is a trade so don''t worry about it. With that, you''ll publicly announce Miss Vyra leaving the Genesis Family and you owing me a favor. If you''re generous you can also owe me a Dragon Pearl, I really need that one."


    Colt laughed as he shamelessly showed his greed to Yrva.


    Yrva did not took offend of this as he simply found his way of speech and doing things refreshing. He is neither sneaky nor conniving, Colt was honest and straightforward which was really nice.


    As he heard his requests, he even showed a beaming smile, "I''ll give it to you once I take over the Genesis Family."


    "Really? That''s good then."


    Time was of the essence and soon it was time for Yrva to leave. He can only stay out of the Genesis Family for so long before the Elders do anything stupid.


    "Farewell, Young Master Colt. I shall invite you once the Genesis Family has been cleaned. With that said, please, take care of my older sister."


    "I will, oh yeah, you better succeed you''re going to be an Uncle soon."


    As Yrva was just about to jump, he slipped on the railing and lost his balance upon hearing Colt''s words and fell from the third floor.


    Colt hurriedly looked over to see if anything severe happened and as he saw Yrva sprawled on the ground he shrugged his shoulders as he thought, ''He''ll be fine, he got plot armor.''

 58 58. Generals

    "Butler Go, I am leaving the mansion in your care."


    "Leave it to me, Young Master."


    Colt awoke without any Genesis family member attacking the manor so he assumed Yrva was alive. Vyra was also not causing a stir so everything is fine, right?


    He was now aboard a carriage that is headed west. He is headed to the Lion State, where ironically where the Thunder Tiger Mountain was.


    As Colt entered the carriage after Mina and Fluff a sense of freedom wept Colt. It was weird but it felt like he was finally free.


    ''With this, I should be able to find reasons to leave this place and the academy altogether.''


    Colt had achieved what he needed. Butler Go had reported what happened to the capital to his parents and his name had reached a lot of ears.


    He now has two monikers; one is Fluff Reaper which is the dominant moniker and would probably never go away even after he dies; the other would be Slumbering Tiger.


    With the Edgeworths being the Black Tiger of the Kingdom and Colt being the "wastrel" of the family it was quite understandable on why he got such a moniker. From what Colt is aware of, he even has a sort of legend going about.


    "With his head lowered, the tiger rests. A man of kindness and beauty, a majestic beast in a literal and metaphorical sense. But for anyone daring enough to try and awaken him, the Tiger shall rise and the Slumbering Tiger shall bear its fangs on the wicked."


    It was funny just how much the Slumbering Tiger moniker had come.


    The Fluff Reaper moniker also has its own unique story, but Colt curses that story to the bone so he would rather die than have it spread some more. One of the reasons why he hates it is because the ones who adore that moniker are the little boys and girls.


    But to give a better idea what the Fluff Reaper moniker story is, it has something to do with him serving the King of the Fluffiest of Cats where he bows down and rub its belly all day long trying to satisfy the king.


    Though the Tiger one is slightly edgy and screams chuunibyou, at least he''s not the personal belly rubber of a cat.


    But the worst part of it is that even now, Colt is rubbing the belly of Fluff¡­so it might just be true. Even if he tries to stop, Fluff will stand up and take his hand and position a free hand so its belly could be rubbed.


    ''Goddammit, the stories are true.''


    It also doesn''t help the fact that Colt is traveling with five cats.


    Inside the spacious carriage, there are two soft seats that face each other. When Colt traveled with Mina, the other seat is empty as she likes to be by his side even if there is not to be talked about.


    However, right now there are five cats on the other seat. Seated with their backs as straight as a cat could have their back straightened, Colt observed the five cats.


    "Hmmm, you five, do you want some treats?"


    No one responded to Colt''s words. They were as taut as a palace guard; they could not be shaken by words.


    "Nyashisi! MYAAA!" Fluff laughed in a strange manner as it "roared" at Colt and exchanged a very triumphant gaze with the human, as if to say, "You can''t shake them, they are the elites of the elites! ELITES I TELL YOU!"


    It is simple to say that Fluff was proud of what he had achieved. But seconds later, as Mina took interest on the cats, she suddenly brought out a weapon that broke the stoic expressions of the cats ¡ª a cattail had appeared.


    Nyaa!


    Nya!


    Mew!


    The cats began playing with the dangling cattail. They were doing their best to reach it but Mina mischievously laughed as she played with the Generals. Fluff wanted to be angry at the embarrassment, but the Lord was in the forefront of the bunch competing with the others.


    ''Yup, if this Lord actually successfully creates an army it will collapse the moment a mouse appears.''


    Colt shook his head at the pitiful appearance of his Soul Partner. As Colt watched Mina laughed at the six cats, he sighed in delight as he gradually fell asleep.


    The passage of time remained undisturbed. While they traveled with the Vice-Captain and some guards, Colt slept.


    The carriage used in the world is not normal and the horses pulling it is also far from normal. Their carriage is like a high-end car and one can only imagine a carriage zooming through the path in haste.


    However, no matter how fast they travel, this world is still quite large and their destination is still a week away from the capital even if they travel at full speed.


    But because Colt never really liked to move like he was out of time and didn''t want the guards to suffer, he asked them to travel at a reasonable speed. This trip will take three weeks, and after that, the month of April should already be ending.


    If he decides to return to Filla for her birthday, he will still have plenty of time.


    Without much happening, four days passed. It was night, and as Colt and the others camped out in the open, Mina was cooking for the tired guards while Colt watched Fluff reprimand the Generals for once again failing to fight the urges.


    Mina had once again pulled out another "weapon" that destroyed their composure.


    Colt laughed as it asked, "Hey Fluff, are you legible to tell them off like this? I mean you were the first one to jump at the feathers, right? So, how come you''re telling them off?"


    As Fluff listened to Colt''s words, its body trembled and the anger within finally burst out!


    "Nyaa! Myaa, myuu! Mewwwww!" [I know! I know what I''m doing wrong and I am ashamed of myself, but I cannot fight it! The urge is too strong, go on, laugh at meeeee!] (translation provided by Colt)


    Fluff was on the verge of crying as the self-loathing it had within burst out.


    Fluff cried and had its head lowered in shame. The five Generals saw this and an amber-colored cat touched his King''s on the back trying to utter words that can comfort the saddened King.


    "Mya, nya nya, myaaaa-mew, nyuu!" [Oh King, do not be disheartened. This is a trial we shall overcome together. We shall follow you, oh glorious and benevolent King!] (translation provided by Colt)


    The amber cat said as the other four of the Generals nodded their heads in agreement. Fluff nodded its head and smiled before going in to hug the loyal Generals as it cried.


    "Nyaaaa!" [I didn''t choose wrong.] (translation provided by Colt)


    While a drama transpired between the six cats, their archnemesis, Mina came to their side and presented them a plate of freshly roasted meat. The meat was three times bigger than a cat and as they looked at Mina with a glare all of them meowed at the same time.


    "Nyaaa!" [Thank you, Saintess!]


    Despite their grievances, the cats could have manners as they said their thanks to Mina.


    "Thanks, they said." Colt relayed the message as he was passed his own food.


    "You don''t need to translate every single time they say it. I can understand that much." Mina laughed as she sat beside her beloved.


    Colt and the rest were just about to eat, and as he took in a bite, a gust of wind blew past him and then, he heard it!


    NYA! The angered sound of the cats echoed. And as Colt turned his head, he saw a young child, around the age of six or so. His skin was brown and he had brisk long hair. He had a pair of red eyes and he had nothing on other than a tattered cloth.


    The kid seemed feral as it competed with Fluff''s and the Generals'' hisses of anger and on the side, Colt could tell that this kid was someone important in the story.


    As he stared intently at the kid, Colt realized something.


    ''I don''t know this one.''


    As he thought of that, the cats and the child fought for the meat.

 59 59. The Kid, The Cat, and the The Food

    An intense fight so intense one could see sparks flying at the exchange of gaze. The battle o species, cats versus a feral human(?) child.


    Colt looked at the situation with both bewilderment and interest in his eyes. As he swallowed a spoonful he commented, "I bet on the hu¡­"


    "Nya!?"


    "¡­The Great Cats for the win. Go Fluff, take back what is rightfully yours."


    Fluff turned its head towards the humans and as the child looked at the danger that is the six cats, it gave no shit and took a bite off the meat.


    "Yum!" A simple word escaped the child''s mouth and as the cats saw the irredeemable damage caused by the child, Fluff and the other five charged forth!


    The fight had begun! The guards did nothing to stop the fight as they all watched with interest, some were betting to the grand battle that is before them.


    The grueling was filled with bloodlust as the fight became more and more intense every time the feral child took a bite of the meat. The roars of the cats exploded and brandished their claws!


    "Hoaaa! Fury¡­not lose to cats!"


    "Nyaaa!" [For the meat!]


    The roars on both sides intensified as time went forth and, in the end, the victor was decided. The cats won, but at what price? The meat had been damaged, only a third of it remained.


    As they stood at the battered body of the feral child and took back what is theirs, the cats won the fight but lost the war. Their hatred grew and as Fluff walked towards the feral kid, it readied itself to finish the fight.


    The child looked at the eyes of Fluff, and the smirked as it roared!


    "I regret nothing!"


    "Myaaaa!"


    Pat!


    "Okay that''s enough, leave the food and go to Mina. She cooked some food for you guys."


    Fluff was lightly tapped on its head as Colt crouched down while holding a plate of another serving of meat. Fluff and the five cats turned to look at Mina who had finished cooking in the midst of the grand duel for supremacy.


    The cats'' expression bloomed but as they all turned their heads back to the child all of them snorted at the loser.


    "Myaaa!" Fluff did not forget to say some last words before heading to Mina''s side for some food they deserved.


    Colt looked at them leave with light steps as he now turned to the kid, "The cats said you''re lucky that I arrived here on time else they would have cut you down¡­you still hungry, kid?"


    The feral looking kid looked at Colt with his head still on the ground and nodded after some time. Slowly, he got up and accepted the food he was given.


    "Thank you." He said as he began gobbling up the food he was given. The meat on the plate was several times more than what he had stolen from the cats. With a satisfied expression on his face, no one could stop him from eating now.


    "It seems like you are capable of speech and some manners. Kid, do you have a name?"


    "Fury." He stated as he ate with delight.


    ''Still doesn''t ring a bell. He has no surname so he''s not from nobility.''


    After reading a lot of stories, like novels, webtoons and mangas, Leo had developed an eye that can see through a possible major character. And from the oversized cloth the kid treats as a shirt, Colt could tell that he bores an immense strength.


    Those brisk hair and unique pair of eyes that radiate power, Colt could tell that this kid was someone important for the plot. Also, the name Fury is not given to a mere mob character who will not do anything. So, Colt is pretty sure this kid is an important character from his name alone.


    But there is one thing that worries Colt, and that is he could not tell if he was a future villain or some hero that appeared beyond Vol. 6, he is simply clueless.


    The only information he has about Vol. 6 and above is through spoilers found in reviews and his own speculation. However, Colt could not remember anyone that could fit this child before him.


    In the end, Colt could only use the only reasonable thing he can do in a situation where he does not know who''s who and that is to befriend them.


    ''I can''t risk dying because I don''t know the enemy.'' In any story, a young master such as he can get taken down because he mistook the MC or a member of MCs crew for a small fry when he himself is the small fry.


    Colt doesn''t want to end up like that. He need not be taught a lesson by anyone, he knows his place. So, when he got to this world unless someone is being an actual asshole who knows not control his temper or act like a proper intellectual being then Colt will not do anything that will beget a beating.


    "Fury, huh, what are you doing in this place? This is a place where no there is no beast or hunt so¡­are you traveling"


    Fury nodded his head, "Fury is traveling from South to North and back to prove himself as a Great Warrior. Fury is currently on the way back home, three weeks remained before the mission ends so I must not tarry!"


    "A mission to return and a great warrior, huh? Then¡­the fight with cats?"


    "Fury was merciful and was hungry! Fury had not eaten for three days now!"


    "NYA!" someone was naturally discontent with Fury''s words.


    "The cat said bullshit¡­ignore the cats, you stole their food so please don''t fight anymore, okay?"


    A fight was about to erupt once again, but


    Fury nodded his head as he controlled his anger.


    ''This kid is not a villain.'' Colt could conjecture that much because he was acting obediently, however, there are still some things he could not let go, ''There are villains who are kind so¡­the chances are pretty high, ugh! I can''t tell what side he''s on."


    He was still torn on what side the kid was on, but in the end, Colt simply shrugged it off as he observed the kid some more.


    From what Colt could observe, Fury was a child whose fist has been tempered. He carries no weapon with him so he must also be a barehanded specialist. A pugilist he is.


    Fury finished his food and then abruptly stood up, he bowed to Colt and rest and then said, "Fury is thankful for the food, I wish to repay this kindness you have given me but I must return to my home. Please, inform me of my benefactor''s name so I know who I must see to repay in the future."


    "It''s Colt Edgeworth, I am of the Regalus Kingdom."


    "Fury shall remember thy name, but Fury cannot rest now for the journey is still long¡­the food was delicious, this is farewell."


    Fury bowed once again and then left in a hurry causing Colt to have a weird expression on his face.


    ''Well, it seems like the kid is a whirlwind. I just hope you don''t become trouble later.'' Colt hoped for the best outcome.


    He didn''t expect Fury to leave as fast as he arrived. But this is also good for him as this will erase any trouble that may arise from this meeting.


    That weird night however is not a simple one for Colt, and as he remembers that night, he would always curse it for different reasons.


    And after the kid disappeared, their travels did not last long as they reached their destination.

 60 60. To the Thunder Tiger Mountain

    Lion State, Azure Skies City.


    Passing through the gates of the city, Colt and Mina were led to an inn where they would be staying for the night.


    The afternoon, Colt and Mina stayed inside the inn at least until Mina proposed for her and Colt to walk around town.


    Colt started thinking about it and shrugged his shoulders, thinking, "Why not?"


    The cats stayed in the inn as they resumed their training. Only Colt and Mina came out to experience the city.


    It had been too long since Colt and Mina came out without anyone and because no one can actually match Mina''s combat capabilities in their group, Colt managed to shake the guards away and just had them watch from the shadows.


    He also knows that spontaneous danger may arise so he had them wander around silently so that public order will not be affected by a ''possession''.


    Walking by the wide paved road of the Azure Skies city was pleasant for Colt. As he held Mina''s hands with confidence, they walked down the road whilst enjoying the view while the populace enjoyed the view of two lovely couple enjoying their youth.


    Mina walked around with a big smile on her face, as her untied hair bobbed up and down as she dragged Colt to a stall, her smile had never been brighter. They reached the area where the market dedicated to food stalls and souvenirs¡­so basically the street market.


    The couple stopped at a stall selling glistening skewers. The smoke coming from the stall was not black nor gray but a beautiful color of blue. The smell of the smoke was not suffocating either, as it was fragrant.


    "Come and try the city''s specialty, Brobo Bird skewers grilled over Lightning Wood!"


    "May I?" the meat caught Mina''s attention and she stopped and asked in a very innocent manner.


    The stall owner was a big and burly man making him seemed like a mercenary. The name of his stall


    "Hooh, is this beautiful missy interested!? Gahahaha! Why don''t you try some, on the house!"


    Mina accepted the skewers and looked a bit hesitant, asking, "Can I really?"


    "Gahaha, enjoy it is good publicity to see such a beautiful lass enjoy the food of us common people. Mister boyfriend, why not try some for yourself!?"


    Colt watched the owner of the stall laughed and he too was given a skewer to try. The skewer they were given had five cubes of meat skewered by a stick, the meat was perfectly cut as it was done by a swordmaster and the meat was glistening with meat juices.


    The fragrance wafted over to Colt''s nose intoxicating his mind and urging him to take a bite. As soon as his teeth sunk to the freshly cooked skewers, its juices flooded his mouth and the exquisite harmony of flavor exploded.


    "It''s delicious."


    A pleasant surprise rocked Colt. The harmony of the flavor between saltiness, sweetness, and spiciness gave Colt a pleasant surprise.


    "Gahahaha, you''re goddamn right it''s good. This recipe stems down from three generations and every generation it nears perfection, this is the tastiest it had ever been! But still, the wood we use is still the same old Lightning Wood!"


    The mercenary-like owner was proud of his creations and Colt asked for ten more skewers to eat. Mina on the other hand bought five before haggling for the recipe to be leaked to her so she can serve it to Colt.


    The mercenary-like owner merely laughed before the negotiation began. Colt on one side ate the skewers while enjoying the serenity of the surrounding. As he, Colt Edgeworth watched the frolicking children and people buying some memorabilia that is exclusive to this city.


    While he enjoyed the peacefulness and the background noise of the lovely haggling of his dear soon-to-wife. However, as Colt looked around a person garbed in a black cloak passed by him and then entered the alley nearby.


    Colt saw this and immediately thought, ''Something''s not right.''


    However, he is not going to follow the man for the possibility of that man being a part of some unknown organization is very much plausible. Colt could die so to hell with going to investigate.


    ''I just need to¡­hmm?'' As he was thinking, he looked down and saw a golden pin that was not there before. The pin had intricate etchings on its surface and it seemed really important. Colt picked it up and looked at the alleyway.


    ''This must have belonged to that person¡­'' he looked at the alleyway and threw the pin just near the entrance to the alley, ''Meh, I''m not going there just for some pin. But what''s that weird feeling I just felt?''


    For a moment he was tempted to go inside the alley. But as he found his forehead itchy, he shook his head to the idea.


    "Dear, let us go."


    Mina called out and Colt turned to her. He then saw the burnt-out man who seemed to have gone to a rough fight and seeing Mina so cheerful, it was clear that she got what she wanted.


    ''What the hell happened?'' He questioned but didn''t dwell on the matter. As he looked at the alley, he merely shrugged his shoulder and continued on his way. Later, the cloaked person would return to find the pin and as he found it, he looked at the direction where Colt disappeared to.


    "It didn''t work on him? It seems like his mind is stronger than we thought." Then he disappeared into the darkness.


    Night came and after finishing his training, Colt went to sleep with Mina by his side. The cat army also slept on the floor with them. When morning came, it was finally time for Mina and Colt to find their respective items.


    In front of the inn, Mina and Colt boarded the carriage and left. They are headed westward, finally, to venture to the Thunder Tiger Mountain.


    Mina''s goal is to find ore for her wand and as for Colt, his goal is to get the treasure devoured the mountain and caused for the Thunder Tiger Mountain to disappear, an ancient artifact named World Devouring Book!


    But as they left, his forehead itched once again as he boarded the carriage and then Fluff''s ears went up. It seemed serious for a moment but it purred like it was in heat as Colt rubbed its belly.


    ''Nyaaaaa~'' it as in bliss.

 61 61. The Entrance to the peak

    Colt looked around at the mountain before him that is filled with greeneries. But as he raised his head and looked up at the Mountain Peak, he saw flashes of lightning and his ears picked up the sound of rolling thunder.


    "This place seems rather dangerous."


    The Thunder Tiger Mountain has a long history that ends in the coming three years. The Thunder Tiger Mountain is said to house the Terrestrial Beast God that controls the earth.


    The Terrestrial Beast God is a mythical class beast that rules over terrestrial beasts. It is said that its roars make the world tremble. The Terrestrial Beast God fought with the Aerial Beast God that controls the element of lightning and rule over the aerial beasts.


    It was said that their clash resulted in lightning to never disappear from the peak, like a God overseeing the world.


    Colt remembers the events of where to get the book and how to get it, but he was not aware of this danger. In the novel, it was simply said that the archeologists trying to find it "were prepared".


    The author merely said where the Key in the mountain was and where the keyhole was, but then it returned to the nearby MC''s point of view who witnessed the powers of the book. It was said that the archeologist who ventured to the ruins that day was very unlucky because it was such a coincidence that it was on that very day that the book became rogue!


    The rogue book just happened to go off that very day, killing the archeologist and his team.


    ''Well, I''m going to take this book so no one will get hurt.''


    According to the book, not only was the mountain carved, but the heavens were also destroyed.


    The lightning of the mythical beasts exploded and spread across the continent, thus starting the arc of Vol. 7 where Yrva will help the MC gather the lightning. From what Colt heard, Yrva became someone badass after absorbing the purple lightning.


    But at the moment, the book has yet to go rouge and devour the mountain peak so it is currently still tucked away in the ruins within the mountains. He is aware where the path that leads to the entry of the ruins but he can''t get to it because when one reaches a third to the mountain, then he shalt be struck by the lightning.


    "I should have prepared if I knew it would be like this."


    Colt was hesitant to return, but it would appear that he had no other choice than to do so.


    ''It appears my knowledge about the story is showing its holes.'' Colt shook his head. When he was reading up on this place, Colt had to stop halfway through because he had to save Hylda, ''I better come back later. The city is nearby, I should be able to gather enough information and material to venture to the peak.''


    "Mina, I''m going back, for the time being, I failed to prepare something so I''ll¨C what is that?


    "It''s Lightning Absorbing Orbs."


    On Mina''s hand were purple marble-sized orbs. They are shimmering in the same purple hue as the lightning that writhed atop the heavens.


    "I already made preparations. Take this one and we''ll head to the peak. These Lightning Absorbing Orbs will let us bypass the lightning. Even if lightning strikes at us, we won''t be able to feel anything other than a gust of wind." Mina handed Colt the all-important, all-expensive Lightning Absorbing Orb.


    Looking at the Lightning Absorbing Orb, Colt realized something, "How did you know I was going to the peak? I remember I never mentioned going up to the peak?"


    "Do you not remember when went to the teahouse? You said you wanted to go here for vacation so I reckoned if that is the case then I thought you should also want to see the peak. So, I bought these two from my master, I got it for cheap, she said its original prize is 2,000,000 Priba each, but she gave it to me for 2,000,000 for two. It was a steal."


    Mina only have two Lightning Absorbing Orbs, each one costs 1,000,000 Priba. A fortune amongst the masses. Only Mina and Colt could go up to the mountains.


    "Vice-Captain Lopre, it seems like you and your men will have to stay here and wait for us."


    Lopre was hesitant to leave Colt''s side. But as he saw Mina being with him, he somewhat felt relieved. Although Mina''s strength as a Healing Mages is not so impressive against too many opponents at once, Mina was still strong enough to take care of one or three enemies at once.


    ''She''s not the Queen in name alone.''


    The Dragonheart Academy was the best academy in the Kingdom. They did not receive such title just for its progressive outlook on social standings but also because they train the best of the best.


    The best of each path goes to the academy to pursue their dreams, and those who become the Representative of a Class are hailed as the strongest of that path. Mina is the strongest, and she achieved this by beating down every single opponent that stood in her way.


    She is strong, and very much experienced in the way of fighting, ''She can protect the young master.''


    These are the thoughts of Vice-Captain that if heard by Colt will cause massive damage to his pride which will be accepted as the truth after a few seconds. In the end, Lopre gave a thumbs up to Colt.


    "Mina, let''s go."


    With a cat on his shoulder, Colt took Mina''s hand and began going up the mountain. Going through the lush greeneries of the surrounding, Colt and Mina felt like they were going on a romantic walk.


    No one went to disturb them not even beasts. Mina made sure to bring the strongest beast repellant to ensure nothing will come their way. It is okay to splurge if she can stay by Colt''s side.


    The more they went up the thinner the foliage became. And soon enough, after an hour of trekking, Colt and Mina saw a barren land where no greeneries could be found.


    A desolate plain where the lightning made sure that the ground will not bore anything with life. There is no beast at the peak for the lightning kills everything and everyone around. The lightning killed everything before any life could blossom.


    The rolling thunder echoed in Colt''s ears. The strong rumbling of the thunder and the fierce lightning writhing beyond the curtains of ominous black clouds made Colt''s heart tremble.


    The purple lightning was like a serpent swimming in the dark sea of clouds, lurking about as it waited for something to prey upon.


    It didn''t take long for it to find prey.


    BooM!


    Lightning struck and went for Colt and Mina. It was too fast to dodge or even react to. It was clear that Colt and Mina would be struck by lightning.


    But as the lightning reached him and he flinched, the bolt of lightning inches away from him. He opened his eyes as he felt a strong gust of wind came with the lightning. It passed his face and then the purple lightning circled around him and Mina before being absorbed the Lightning Absorbing Orb.


    In trepidation, Colt was in awe of this world''s laws.


    "This is amazing." Colt could not help but comment. The sight was simply too surreal for someone who is not of this world.


    Mina chuckled as she saw Colt''s shining eyes. She looked down checking if there the thing she wants was created. To her luck, there was a glowing purple crystal shard the size of a fingernail.


    "Lucky me." She smiled as she picked it up.


    "Is that the ore you are talking about?"


    "Yes, it is. This is a Purple God Shards. It is from the remaining the Aerial Beast God''s lightning. It''s really useful." Mina answered as she placed the shard inside a bag.


    "Hooh, so it''s useful to mages? Then why aren''t there anyone selling it? If it is so useful surely there are people who are in need of it, right?"


    If one thing is in demand then it should be in the market. If there are people who will buy this stuff then shouldn''t there be a market for it? That''s the basis of the economy, so Colt found it weird that they had to come all the way here to gather some of it themselves.


    The answer came with soft laughter, "Oh, don''t get me wrong, I say useful but it is only useful for me and my master. In the world, only the two of us are using so no one actually sells it. Though it was said that back in the day many people thought this was of value and tried selling. But because of its course and hard to control attributes that often cause the death of those who tried to manipulate it. No one really does research on it any longer."


    "Is that so. Then with this shard, are you done? If that is so then why not go back down? It''s dangerous here, after all."


    "Of course not, I still have to collect a lot of shards."


    Hearing that caused Colt raise a brow, "Is that so? I''ll help you, how many do you need?"


    "Really? That would be a lot of help. I only need a little, around 10,000 or so should be enough. I knew I could count on my dearest."


    As Colt heard those words, a stiff smile appeared on his face and that smile never wavered as they reached the peak.


    Time passed very slowly, but also very quickly at the same time. The job is to collect ten thousand shards.


    It was a tedious and hard job that started in the morning and ended when the time reached 12:47 in the afternoon.


    "We''re finally finished!" Colt celebrated as he looked at the ten bags of Purple God Shards containing a thousand shards each, "I thought it would take the whole day! But it appears that the Gods smiled down upon us."


    "Yes, we are very lucky indeed." Mina smiled as she met the required number of shards with interest to boot, "I didn''t think we''ll be able to find so many at the peak."


    Colt was very thankful to the Gods that a number of Purple God Shards were at the peak of the mountain. For the past decades, the peak had been left alone for so long that a great number of shards had been left untouched.


    They didn''t just collect 10,000 shards, but around 25,000 shards instead. Colt looked at the bags by Mina''s side and smiled at what he had achieved. As he laughed, Colt was healed by Mina and whisked his exhaustion away.


    ''Okay, it is time to find what I came here for.''


    He got up and walked around the peak. The mountain peak wasn''t steep making it easy for Colt to walk around. He looked around as Mina looked at him and asked, "Hmm? Are you looking for more Purple God Shards, Dear?"


    "Ah no, I am looking for the...Key! Here it is!"


    Mina looked at Colt with interest as she watched him go around the peak and when she saw him celebrating, she was more interested in his expression rather than what he found, ''How cute.''


    Colt stopped before a pile of red rocks. Before him was a red rock sticking out from the ground. Colt took his sheathed sword and began digging through the ground as he unearthed the rock.


    He dug through it some more and finally, Colt got it. When it was buried, only the smooth and round surface could be seen. It was just like a bald head that''s about the size of an apple. But as he got it out of there, it was no longer just a simple rock but a key that resembled an ice pick or a dagger.


    The red top is merely the pommel and the five-inch rounded blade was something else entirely.


    Colt picked up the key and went up to the very top where the mountaintop was as pointed as a lightning rod. Once again, Colt used his sheathed sword and then bashed the mountaintop and destroyed it revealing a rounded keyhole!


    ''Here it is¡­'' a hole could be seen, and its size perfectly fit the key he had found!


    Colt stabbed the key to the keyhole and the mountaintop trembled!


    As it did, Colt looked around and saw the ground a few meters away terraforming as the peak shook.


    "What''s happening?" Mina asked as she went to Colt''s side so she can protect him. But as she followed Colt''s eyes, she was dumbstruck, "T-that''s."


    Around twenty meters down, Colt saw a part of the mountain open and became the entrance to the ruins.


    "I found the entrance!"


    All the while this happened, Fluff who remained still the entire time it was with Colt had its ears perked up as it looked down at the bottom of the mountain.


    ''Nya?''


    Something was wrong, it could tell at least that much.

 62 62. Black Smoke

    In a fantasy story, it is paramount that one should keep a secret or two. Sneak around and build your strength in the shadows without anyone knowing.


    Keep oneself hidden in the shadows, let no one know what you''re doing ¨C not even your family and loved ones.


    Such an option is not viable for Colt.


    "So, how did you come to know of this? I didn''t think my dear husband was searching for the entrance of ancient ruins and I didn''t even know that this ruin existed."


    "Research, I''ve been interested in ancient treasures and artifacts for a long time. I was planning on testing my research findings and it appears that I was correct."


    "Is that so." Mina nodded her head; she was very accepting of Colt''s words.


    With Colt being in a relationship with Mina, it is much appreciated for the two sides if he just does what he needs to do without being sneaky. One way or the other, Mina will learn his move, and instead of Colt sneaking up on the shadows, it would be Mina sneaking up from behind.


    Though he can tell that Mina has changed since she had that misunderstanding with Vyra and Jin, she is still a yandere at heart.


    In most cases, it would be troublesome to show this kind of place to anyone but being together with a "very loyal" woman by your side such sneaking can be thrown to the side.


    Mina will not stab Colt in the back for power as she will instead push him to gain more so he''ll become stronger. The only reason why Colt can be stabbed in the back while listening to a peal of laughter that pierces the ears and the soul is if he cheated with some woman.


    So, showing this to mina will not cause him a problem. It will be much more of a problem if Mina learns he did not something behind her back and a misunderstanding arose.


    ''A misunderstanding is the last thing I want to have at this time.'' Such is Colt''s thoughts.


    The two of them left their bags outside near the mountain peak they entered the ruins together. Mina doesn''t care about what''s inside, but she is worried about Colt''s safety so she came with him.


    They took a step forward and their feet landed on the steps. As soon as it did, a chilling wind rushed past them as the presence of the World Devouring Book was felt.


    They took the steps and descended without fear. Colt held Mina''s hands as he assisted her from going down. After what seemed to be hundreds of steps, they finally reached the bottom of the ruins.


    Colt was just about to get the only thing he prepared going into the ruins used to illuminate the way when Mina flicked her wrist and a small ball of fire. This is Mina''s second element, Fire.


    Colt looked at her smiling as she did something for him and could only nod at her to show thanks. With the light of the fire giving light, Colt and Mina got a good look at the surrounding.


    They are currently in a wide pathway, that was also made with black-colored bricks.


    Mina approached the wall to her left and touched it. As she did, her mana went haywire and the fire she conjured disappeared. While touching the black walls, Mina could not activate her mana, but once her hand backed away, she once again regained control of her mana.


    "These bricks are made of Void Stones," Mina stated.


    "Void Stones, huh. It appears that the one who sealed the artifact"


    Mina needs not say anything regarding these stones because Colt was already aware as to what they are.


    Void Stone is simply a material that keeps the life force of the world away from it. Phase one Mana, Prana, Aura, and even Zara cannot affect these stones. They are really useful against Pathfinders, but this stone is so rare in the outside world that a brick-sized stone such as the ones around him would cost a fortune.


    Any normal person would be tempted to take a brick or two to sell. But Colt and Mina didn''t because they are sensible enough to know that this place was created specifically to not let any life force inside.


    If they take a brick out, something might happen. Untold consequences can happen if they are not careful.


    "Let''s go, we should go get the artifact. There shouldn''t be any traps if these void stones are present here, that must mean that there shouldn''t be one, A single gap in this place can cause a massive change in the ruins."


    Mina nodded her head at Colt''s words. The two of them walked down the pathway and just passed the void stones without showing any interest. As they walked forwards more and more, Mina felt something amiss.


    Her mana was being sucked away and then; her fire got whisked away by some mysterious force. The fire traveled forward Illuminating the way.


    Colt was not apprehensive about the situation but it was Mina who took the first step forward as she went after her fire.


    She was a Mage, someone who wishes to learn the inner workings of magic and the world itself. Her interest at the cause of the strange phenomena was something akin to a child discovering chocolate¡­she was very excited.


    Colt run after Mina, but to his surprise, he couldn''t catch up despite her being a mage and him being a warrior in training.


    As he runs after her, he noticed that the pathway was slowly getting illuminated. And soon, he saw the end of the pathway.


    Mina exited the pathway earlier than Colt, but three breathes later, Colt also exited but Mina was still by his side.


    She didn''t move as she steps into a spacious hall made entirely of Void Stone Bricks. There were cracks around the ceiling of the hall. The shockwaves from the purple lightning have caused for the Void Stones to show cracks.


    Void Stones may have the ability to survive the onslaught of Phase One life forces, but the Purple Lightning came from the Aerial Beast God, it far surpassed the prerequisite needed to overcome it.


    There was a stream of lightning coming in the hall, but none of the lightning was causing a problem. There were no sparks around them, instead, there are lines of purple lightning constantly getting absorbed by an ancient black book that is atop an altar.


    The fire absorbed from Mina was circled the book and soon disappeared as it touched the book. The presence of mana found in the book could no longer be felt.


    The altar was elevated a hundred steps from the ground and as Colt looked at the book, he now understood how the book got so much energy to carve the mountain and the heavens.


    ''I better take it now before it absorbs more lightning.'' Colt took a step forward, leaving the side of the mesmerized Mina.


    He took a step forward and up the stairs, exactly a hundred steps later, he now stood before the book.


    The World Devouring Book was now before him. Its cover was black, it did not have a single word on its cover but Colt could tell this was it.


    He reached his hand forward, and as he got his hands on the book, something bizarre happened. Upon contact, the World Devouring Book began to trembled and then shot up before flying around the hall.


    "What''s happening!?"


    "Dear! What''s wrong!?" As soon Colt''s voice echoed, Mina snapped out of it as her heartbeat wildly. She looked at Colt and wanted to run up to his side and see what she can do, but Colt''s voice echoed once again!


    "No! Don''t come up here! I''m okay!"


    Colt was bewildered however he was not in pain so he thought everything was okay, but the surprises have yet to end. An unknown force made him raise his left hand.


    His hand was slowly made to be raised, and as his palm pointed at the ceiling of the hall where the World Devouring Book was coincidentally flying over. It dove from above and suddenly turned to black smoke before entering Colt''s left hand!


    "Aaaahhh!"


    This time, there was a pain! Colt shouted aloud, and as he did, the force coming from the book made him lose strength on his lower body.


    His knees almost buckled, but he felt like if he fell now, he''ll lose something very crucial to his life. So, he stood his ground and took the black smoke into his left hand.


    The wind blew around him and the lightning went wild, but it didn''t matter because Colt stood his ground and the lightning never touched him as the Lightning Absorbing Orb was still in effect.


    Fwuuuu!


    BooM!


    As the last of the shadows entered Colt''s hands, something in his head created a muffled explosion. A wave of information flooded his mind, but he couldn''t sort it out as the information was simply too much!


    And as the flood of information finally stopped, Colt finally fell on his behind. His body was drenched in sweat as he felt like his body just underwent a very strenuous exercise.


    ''That part didn''t happen in the book.'' Colt laughed.


    He looked at his left palm and he found a black smoke-like swirl on his palm.


    "What''s this?"


    He questioned himself as he stared at it some more. As he was staring at it Colt felt something soft on tapping his cheeks.


    "Nya." Fluff gave him a thumbs up.


    Colt smiled as he nodded his head, "I forgot you were there."

 63 63. Going down the Mountain

    "My dear, are you alright!?"


    Mina rushed up to Colt as he fell to his butt. She runs up to him and quickly heals him, three times in a row to ensure nothing was wrong.


    Colt felt his body lighten from her healing. And as she looked at her anxious filled eyes, he smiled, saying, "I am alright, Mina. I simply got a new tattoo without my knowledge!"


    Showing Mina his left hand, he laughed. But Mina took his hand and observed it with great intensity. She glared at it for a while before nodding her head as she came with a conclusion, "Yep, this is not a curse, no amputation is necessary."


    ''What?''


    ''Nya?''


    Colt and Fluff abruptly turned their heads towards Mina in shock. With the master and pet still shocked at her words, Colt was assisted by Mina out of the ruins. She no longer had any interest in the book as Colt''s safety became her priority.


    Lighting up the way with fire, Mina, Colt, and the forgotten Fluff got of the ruins.


    While they were walking, Colt regained his sense of strength and walked by himself. It didn''t take a while for the three of them to leave the ruins altogether.


    Colt took in a deep breath and calmed himself down. All the while he was walking down the pathway, Colt had been on constant edge. The black smoke on his left hand was too mysterious for him to understand.


    ''This is not mentioned in the novel.''


    In the novel, when the MC picked up the book, it stayed as a book. However, it''s different now. The book had disappeared and transformed into a cloud of smoke and is now stuck on his left hand. He doesn''t even know if this is the World Devouring Book anymore.


    Colt wishes to access the information that is stuck in his head. But try as he might, he is getting barred from accessing it. As if a wall is blocking his memory from accessing the information he inherited from the book.


    It was weird because just earlier, the book was trying to flood his mind with information and now it''s trying to bar him from learning the truth. It was a mystifying thing he could not understand.


    ''I''ll just think about it later.'' Colt thought to himself as face a different kind of problem for the time being¡­getting the bags of shards down the mountain will be the peak of his troubles.


    Thankfully, he realized something as he got to see the light of the situation. The answer to his prayers had come down from the heavens and lighted his path! And with such a brilliant realization, Colt had to share it to the world!


    The brilliant tactic had come to light.


    "Mina, let''s just hand the Lightning Absorbing Orbs to the Vice-Captain and let him pick it up."


    The aged old tradition of the Edgeworths instinctively surfaced on Colt''s psyche and that''s letting someone do the hard work for you.


    Of course, Colt did not know if this was his true intention of if it was the Edgeworth bloodline rearing its lazy head! But it was good that Colt didn''t know this bloodline ability of laziness for if this came to be known to him, gods know he???ll abuse this fact.


    Mina was not lazy, but she was concerned about Colt''s conditions so she nodded her head and agreed to his idea. The three went down the mountain with their goals more or less achieved.


    Mina got her ores and will later be harvested by the guards and she also got to spend some quality time with her beloved so that''s an additional win.


    Colt got to earn more of Mina''s trust and he also got the book that turned to smoke that then later turned to a tattoo. The World Devouring Book¡­rather, the World Devouring Mark is now at his possession, if he learns how it is used, then he''ll be able to have some degree of protection with him.


    Fluff also got to do what it wanted. The Lord got to observe the Thunder Tiger Mountain and enjoyed the flashes of purple lightning spectacle here and there. The added bonus of Colt discovering a ruin was also something it very much enjoyed that it was willing to let the fact that Colt forgot its majestic presence.


    Its vigilance also went down so it was pretty calm right now!


    The only thing it had to do now was to sleep.


    It yawned and then jumped up Colt''s head. It wanted to sleep there, but Fluff felt like it was unpleasant so it once again changed location to Colt''s right shoulder. But it once again felt uncomfortable so it moved around some more.


    Fluff now sat on Colt''s left shoulder and as it did, the Lord was not amused about the situation. It yawned but it didn''t fell asleep¡­its instincts knew that something was wrong and telling it not to sleep.


    "Hey, isn''t that one of your Generals?"


    Colt looked in front and saw the running cat.


    "Is it training at this hour? The sun''s about to set, that''s really impressive."


    Colt saw the cat widely opening its mouth. But he couldn''t hear what it was saying. Which was a shame because Colt could not understand the Generals as much as he understood Fluff''s words.


    He wondered what the cat would be screaming about while running.


    However, unlike him, Fluff''s ears are so much stronger. And as it heard the words of its appointed General, Fluff''s face changed. It abruptly raised its head and saw what its warning was talking about!


    Fluff acted fast, its instincts kicked in and kicked Colt''s face and send him flying away! Mina was also caught on this sudden attack by Fluff!


    Boom!


    The pair crashed to the ground, but not one of them said complained to Fluff because as they turned to where they originally stood, there was now a man who bore a bloodstained dagger.


    "I missed?"


    The man said!


    But Colt could attest that he didn''t!


    "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Colt screamed in pain as he saw his left arm beside the man''s feet.

 64 64. Anger

    A scream so loud that it echoed around the mountain sounded out. Colt''s face twisted as he writhed in pain.


    He held onto his left arm, but he could not do anything. He looked at his arm and at the man, he could not think straight and merely let out the scream.


    However, as Colt screamed out in pain. Mina kept quiet. She froze, as she looked at Colt''s bloodied self. Her hands trembled as mouth began to twitch.


    Unknowingly, she shed a tear out of fear as she held onto Colt''s back to cast healing spells one after the other. Gradually, Colt''s pain disappeared, but Mina''s fear did not.


    Greenlight continued to flash and then magic circles floated about. Six green circles appeared mid-air; the intricate weaving of lines created shapes that overlapped to create an image of a six-pointed star.


    One after the other Mina casted a spell. Memories of the past floated about, a bloodied figure appeared arose. The death of the Marchioness was still fresh in her mind, and as she felt her heart was about to burst from fear, Colt touched her face.


    "Mina¡­the pain is gone now¡­thank you."


    That was a lie, but Colt had to say something for Mina''s twisted expression made his heart bleed. As he gritted his teeth, Colt cursed his fate!


    ''Dammit! If I have aura! If I had just been more sensitive to intents! I could have avoided it!"


    Colt was in severe pain and his mind was in shambles. But there is one thought that circulated within his mind.


    There is a single fact that had not changed in this world, and that fact is that it''s a world that, in essence, a world filled with danger.


    The number of people that can cleave mountains is a dime dozen, and Colt had been thrown in the sea of such a world. Since coming to this world, Colt already knew the hardship he may face.


    Slowly, he had been preparing, taking precautions against the people who may kill him in some way and giving them a new start! But even then, he also knew that the most important thing is his own strength.


    He must awaken his aura to protect not only himself but also those around him, thus his nightly practice will last for hours. Doing what he had been told, to train the body, and draw out the hidden aura within.


    He is not born with Mana or Prana; he is no monster with Zara so the only thing he can awaken to strengthen himself is Aura. But even after hours of training, Colt was left auraless!


    He would curse himself for this fact, ''I had not been sitting idly, I have been destroying myself in order to be reborn. So why!? Why can''t I have awoken it for this time!?''


    Colt cursed; he cursed his powerlessness. He had been working his butt off to get stronger, but everything is crumbling. The world is pushing him to die; it is pushing him to become powerless.


    Even the only power he has attained, the World Devouring Mark is no more! He knew that he has no plot armor, he knew he was no main character but why is it that his fate is too bleak?


    He had learned swordsmanship, became strong enough to be a first-class swordsman that none of the auraless students can match him, but it was all for naught, ''I am powerless in the end.''


    And as he sat there with self-loathe and self-deprecating thoughts filling his mind, someone with actual power actually stepped forth.


    Mina looked at the calm Colt, she saw his shaking pupils and knew that his situation is not so good as he made it out to be. Thus, she stepped forth.


    She glared at the man dressed in all black, her anger was rising and she was becoming more and more agitated the more she saw him. But as her eyes caught sight of the arm on the ground, Mina found her skin to be burning.


    It was hot, too hot for her to bear. Her hands began to grow hotter by the second and in order to calm herself, she forced the mana in her body to circulate. Her sanity was intact, but slowly, it was getting eroded by the anger in her heart.


    She stared at the man and then looked around. She could not see anyone, but she can tell that this man before him was an amateur. It was a dagger that he wielder, and yet he used it to slice not stab nor thrust.


    Meaning, Mina can do whatever it is that she wants, "I''ll kill you." Mina uttered with a deranged tone of voice.


    BOoM!


    The ground she stood on exploded as Mina dashed forth. Dashing forward whilst clenching her fist tightly, Mina drew her fist back, and with her speed causing for the assassin to see a blur, Mina unleashed her fist!


    Her fist was too fast and eventually reached the assassin who tried his best to raise his dagger and guard for the oncoming attack. However, the fist of a healer cannot be blocked so easily. As Mina''s fist met with the dagger, an explosive power came about!


    Bang!


    The assassin felt the immense strength behind her fist and as his feet left the ground, his body went spiraling through the air and then crashed to the adjacent tree.


    Mages are weak physically; they cannot move too fast thus they are at a disadvantage against Warriors. However, a question was once raised.


    If the body exploded with vitality, accessing the full potential of the body, enhancing every part of the body, and granting it constant regeneration then, what will happen?


    As the question was raised and spread, a group of mages stepped forth. Using their body to experiment and seek answers, they found results a century ago.


    And then, as this path got solidified the title of the strongest in a path was birthed. The ones support role mages rose up to become the strongest.


    In this era, the strongest is the Healing Mages!


    And in this era of Healing Mages stood one person at the top, a lady named Mina Vera and with military training at the age of three, she is the perfected fighter of the Vera household.


    And at this moment, her killing intent had dyed the world of the assassin red.


    "I''ll kill you.''"

 65 65. To fight with numbed Legs

    A roar filled with rage echoed as Mina darted forward once more. Her eyes were red as she failed to contain the rage within. She wore no dress to this place; her boots were meant to sustain heavy strains and she was not wearing a dress.


    She wore a pair of black pants and her hair was braided. She may not be dressed to fight, but it was enough to grant Mina enough mobility to move. She needs no spear, she only needs her fist, the years of training she had with her father was now showing, the martial arts meant to kill is now being used to protect her beloved!


    Gathering her mana to her fist, Mina threw a punch!


    The wind picked up the pressure her fist generated was not something to scoff at.


    The assassin''s hand was still quite numb from Mina''s first punch. He was hurting, but he moved to the side and let Mina split the tree in two. Though Mina''s fist bled, it quickly stopped as she applied healing magic to her fist.


    The assassin saw this and felt even more pressured. A single move was enough to bring his heart to trepidation. Though he''s a Rank-6 Warrior, he cannot help but feel fear towards the woman before him.


    ''Tsk, I don''t like using the elements but it appears I don''t have any choice!'' As he said those words, the assassin gathered his aura. His element was the wind and then his body lighter. He kicked the ground and moved around.


    The assassin was sent upwards, atop a tree, the assassin wanted to catch his breath. But even that was taken away from him as Mina was not so weak that she won''t be able to follow someone from such height!


    A web-like formation underneath her feet as Mina she jumped up. In a manner of a split second, she was once again meeting eye to eye with the assassin.


    For a moment, he was feeling fear, but underneath the cover of his face was a smile blossoming.


    "You''re too reckless."


    The man said and just like what Mina had predicted, two more jumped out from the covers of the trees. They too were garbed in black and held them in a reverse grip.


    They were weaker than the first one, they were only a Rank-5 Warrior. Right after the two appeared, the assassin that Mina was after took the chance and join in on the fun, catching Mina on every side. It didn''t matter if the reinforcement is weaker, they still have the number advantage.


    Mina may seem like a Valkyrie but she has no wings to fly. Dodging all of them was impossible.


    "Die!" He screamed out.


    They are at a clear advantage; they can kill Mina if they so wish to do so. However, it won''t be easy!


    Her eyes further turned savage but her mind was quickly turning sharper. The anger filling her head became a drug that frees her mind from unnecessary thought.


    To fight in a battlefield where your comrade dies, it is necessary to have a strong mind. And one lesson she was thought was that it''s necessary for any soldier to not delude one''s decision with anger.


    ''Do not be dragged around by emotions, use the piling emotions to strengthen the mind. Wait and find an opening you can tread upon, the body is a weapon, stretch out thy fingers and it is a blade! If the skin is too tough, then pierce their vulnerabilities! Make sure you observe their movements!''


    Mina''s thoughts run wild. She processed what was happening and began calculating the path she could take. On the battlefield, one must have an acute sense of sight and have a sharp mind. The battlefield is ever-changing; thus, one must see through every opening they can find and execute the best course of action!


    As the two blades flew towards her, Mina focused on the possibility of survival. Her enemies all have a single dagger. These daggers are sharp enough to cut through bones like butter, and she is no Earth element Warrior to deflect these blades.


    However, there is one rule in combat she can apply. She raised both hands to the side and met the enemy head-on. The two hidden assassins used thrust their blades towards Mina!


    Stab!


    Their goal was met, but their eyes widened at the sight before them. Blood flew like the fountain as both Mina''s hands were stabbed.


    But that didn''t faze Mina. Using magic to make the pain go away, Mina managed to not react. Instead, she looked forward, her eyes never left the one who cut Colt''s arm. Her eyes that are filled with killing intent met with the assassin''s.


    The one goal in her mind was simple, that is to kill. She can just spare any of the two for later questioning. But the one before her must die!


    As the Rank-6 Warrior saw Mina''s eyes, he too thrust his dagger forwards. But as he did so. Mina used her remaining weapons, her legs. Kicking his hand and deflecting the dagger, her opponent is now unarmed.


    ''T-this is insane! I already knew she''s strong but¡­she''s something else entirely! I can''t even call upon my Soul Partner, dammit! But we managed to hit her¡­tsk, how long do we have to fight this monster!? UGH!''


    Bam!


    Slightly twisting her body, Mina delivered a kick straight to the abdomen sending him flying away. The main assassin broke many tree branches along the way before reaching the ground.


    As the remaining two who had been trying to pull their daggers out of Mina''s hands, their fate was also sealed.


    They were pulled by Mina and then as their sword was pushed deeper into Mina''s hands. The guard of their daggers touched Mina''s palms.


    Normally they should be happy. But Mina''s long and slender fingers reached their wrist and broke it.


    "Aaaaah!" It was now their time to scream in pain.


    Thud!


    The three of them fell to the ground. Mina landed but the other two crashed. Now that no one held the daggers, Mina took it for herself and threw it to each assassin''s legs, pinning them down.


    They screamed in pain as Mina dashed forward trying to reach the one in front. She kicked the ground, trying to be as quick as she could so that he''ll be tortured faster.


    She wanted to rush, so she circulates more of her mana around her body but halfway through it, her hands grew numb.


    "What''s happening?"


    Starting from her hands, it reached all the way to her shoulders! Soon, all of her arms could not feel anything.


    Her hands dangled to the side as she tried running for the main assassin.


    The Rank-6 Warrior saw this and grabbed his abdomen whilst snickering.


    "Hehe, it''s taking effect! HAH! How do you feel now you bitch! Y~" His words stopped as he stared at Mina whose eyes never changed as her hand grew numb.


    She was still running towards him and she even picked up the face as if she was afraid that she will not reach him. Mina never lost eye-contact. Slowly, Mina can feel her feet growing numb, but as felt her legs growing numb by the second, she kicked the ground and sent herself darting forward.


    Like an arrow that had been released from the bow, Mina cut through the wind! And then, seconds later, her knee reached him, sending him spiraling down!


    But the cost of this was Mina losing the feeling to her body. She tumbled on the ground resulting in her skin being peeled.


    When she fell, Mina landed just right and managed to see the ones she pinned down drinking something from a tiny vial. This sight confirmed her suspicions ¨C poison.


    With that confirmed, Mina confirmed this and she gritted her teeth from frustration at the fact she couldn''t protect her beloved. She watched as the two stood up and listened as the other one scrambled to get up.


    They were limping towards Mina; they were hurt but they were smiling as they approached her. They were injured by her but at the end, she was the one who lost.


    They may have been beaten, but she''s the one to die. Mina could not open her mouth, she can only watch and listen. Little by little, they grew closer to her side. She watched them but something else caught her attention!


    And soon enough, they were already beside her. Casting a shadow to obscure Mina''s sight, she heard one of the weaker two speak!


    "You gave us a lot of trouble, but this is the end of the line."


    The stronger one wanted to speak, but from what Mina could tell, his jaw must have been busted for his words were nothing but incoherent ramblings. That or he''s simply an idiot.


    "I would have loved to play with your body and torment you but we''re not allowed to touch you, so, die!!"


    They raised their weapons. Mina was on the brink of death, but she didn''t care about her killers, for she looked at the figure that made her heart thrum with mixed emotions.


    She wished for him to stop, she wished for him to run! She wanted to scream, but her mouth could not open.


    She should be in despair, but at this moment her heart was beating wildly from something else other than fear.


    Even with numb limbs, even with his auraless self, Colt runs to Mina''s side. And with only one hand, he unsheathed the sword dangling by his side with a roar that pierced the heaven and rocked the earth!


    "GET AWAY FROM MY WOMAN!"


    He who had been training with numb limbs finally saw his effort bore fruit. With eyes that is filled with fear, he stepped forward devouring the darkness in his heart.


    And despite his nature and morality forbidding him from taking a life, he dashed forth with the intent!


    Slash!


    With that roar stopping the assassin''s hands, Colt finally used the unsheathed sword. And as he made a decisive slash, he managed to split one of the injured weaker assassins in two.

 66 66. Unsheathing the Sword

    Death, a topic one would face one way or the other. It is taken heavily by others and it is grieved. The topic of death and killing coincides and if any of them are mentioned in a conversation, it is not something to laugh about.


    Everyone fears death, no one wishes to say goodbye and on the back of the mind one fears the idea of taking someone''s life.


    Soldiers who go to war are delighted when they get their first kill in the heat of battle. However, once the high disappears, they fall to despair. As the truth sunk in and they saw the blood on their hands, they recall the moment they saw the light in the eyes of their enemies disappear.


    The haunting voices of the dead echoes and the guilt slowly crushes them.


    This is the case for soldiers trained to take the life of others in the name of peace. However, what of the normal people?


    Those who lived in a world where the only war they can participate in is surfacing the world behind the internet and using the weapon known as the keyboard.


    These keyboard gangsters and soldiers think they are strong, thinking they can kill if they see the one who told them they are stupid and hurt their feelings.


    They read stories that empower their belief of death, gaining superficial strength gaining momentary courage making them think they are strong and incapable of hesitation.


    They think they can do better and slay another being and smile as they watch the blood of the life that they took flow to the ground and create a pool.


    But the truth is that if they are given the chance to take a life you will tremble. As you hold a knife in front of you and point it towards another being, you tremble as you fear for the consequences.


    On the back of your head, you are fearful make others suffer. To take the life that others have.


    However, this does not mean it is impossible to take a life. It is hard to take a life but it is not by all means impossible. One may hesitate to slit other''s throat but when a push appears behind you, the knife will travel on the neck of your target.


    Blood will flow and like a soldier, you will feel the power of manipulating the life of others. Or so that''s how murderers are created.


    But, when those who truly value life got a hold of a knife and got a push on the back, their reaction would be different.


    Colt, no, Leo is a man of earth. The world he lived in was a peaceful land where war is far away from where death is grieved and killing is shunned upon.


    However, as he stared the people trying to kill him approach Mina so they can finish her off, Leo''s heart began to beat wildly.


    As if thousands of beasts stampeded over a plain Leo could feel his heartbreak. Like many other humans of earth, Leo values life more so than he is willing to admit.


    But as he stared at the ones garbed in black approach Mina, his moral compass shattered. The push had been given and he drew every power he had within.


    Within himself is the hammered feeling of moving with numbed limbs,


    He is no killer nor is he a hero or a villain. He is an ordinary man, tossed in a world that s filled with chaos and killing.


    He wishes for a normal life, a life of normalcy, nothing more nothing less. He didn''t want to be disturbed by the people who will throw the world into chaos, thus, he helped them lead a better life.


    He was a good person trying to help others by helping himself; but then, why? Why would fate fuck him for this?


    As he looked at the people about to touch Mina, he came to his senses on what he must do. His words reverberated within himself. An oath had once been told, he uttered it to himself but it reverberates within his heart.


    ''That''s right...I swore to protect her.''


    Standing up slowly, a deep blue aura slowly appeared out of Colt''s body. Like a first-time killer, the hesitation finally vanished. The "shaking hands" stopped and the power he already had flooded his body.


    The aura that already appeared but kept within as he feared to hurt others began to unravel as he slowly lifted his sword that had been sheathed for far too long.


    The sheath that represented his hesitation finally left the blade of him being in this world. The sword that he tied down to the "sword" in order to avoid taking the life of other people finally revealed himself.


    As the sword was unsheathed, his very self finally saw the light of the new world. Slashing through the very morality he held dear, Leo was no longer himself, and as he drew his sword, he now truly became Colt.


    He had already bored the original''s emotions, now he will bore the morality of this world. As he took in a deep breath Colt''s mind saw nothing other than what is up ahead, he stared at the ones trying to take Mina''s life.


    The deep blue light then drew the other light within himself. The color that represented the night, the lineage he inherited from the original, and the name that is bestowed upon the very few.


    The color of the night exploded as a dark aura enveloped his very presence.


    His muscles that had turned numbed due to poison reawakened; and as pain emerged from every corner of his ligaments, blood spurt out of his orifices.


    He stood up, and his anger rose, his desire to protect the woman who loves and cherished him exploded into a piercing gaze that evolved into a savagery.


    A cat watching from above the tree, the master it picked had finally revealed himself. And as it stared at him, the white cat noticed another person hiding amidst the shadows.


    The cat looked down upon this person as it thought to itself, ''You shalt not take over his mind for he is the one I have chosen to serve. I may have not finished creating the beast that shall follow his trail, but I have already granted him my "Mark", your vile means will not pierce his mind.''


    For the first time, the white cat felt the connection bridge by the aura. Released aura.


    ''That day, when I gave you this mark, means that you already have the aura.''


    Colt runs ahead, and as his presence was obscured from the world by the black aura rising from his body, the silver line he received from the dream finally glowed.


    As the black and blue aura appeared, the bride that had been kept from his partner from protecting him properly had been lowered and as the connection finally be made, the illusion trying to pierce his mind got repelled.


    And with a partner protecting his back, Colt continued on his way, and with a presence obscured from this world hid his presence from the injured enemies, he drew close upon them brandished his sword!


    Slash!


    As he took another person''s life, Colt trembled. But as he saw Mina''s state, he gripped the sword and kept his emotions in check.


    And as the words stuck to his throat finally revealed themselves, Colt shouted to reflect his determination!


    "GET AWAY FROM MY WOMAN!"

 67 67. 20 seconds exchange

    ''In a fight, what do you wield? The sword? No, if you wield the sword aimlessly without controlling it, then you are not the one wielding the sword but the sword is wielding you.


    ''Then if that is the case, to avoid getting wielding by the sword do you wield the body and let the sword flow along with you? NO, the body is merely the vessel and a vessel cannot move unless you make use of it. If you let the body wield your whole being then you are nothing but an automated doll, no worse than a beast.


    ''The correct answer is both and at the same time not. You wield the body and extend your senses to the sword, wield the sword as if it is your limb thus controlling the sword and the body at the same time. But the thing you must wield is something will guide the movement of the vessel and the weapon and that''s the mind! Find the crux of not only your but also the opponent''s mind! Understand and move, only then will you find yourself on top of a thousand battlefield.''


    This is the long lecture of Neun to Colt. For the past one and a half months he had been in this world, Colt had been thinking of these vague words.


    He had read about the concept of turning the body to a weapon but he has yet, to let the body act before the mind, but he had not heard of Neun''s words.


    His words were a mixture of vagueness and simplicity, and Colt simply could not see through their simplistic meaning because he''s too caught up seeing through the complication of his words.


    What he needs to do is simple, he only needs to look at his enemy''s everything. The mind controls the body and the body controls the mind; it is good to have a strong body but it is not good to have a tunnel vision.


    Colt''s eyes had never been this opened before.


    ''Look at the big picture see their injuries, their faces are twisted from both my actions their minds are rattled and their bodies are battered. I can move, my body is sharper than I had ever been, the more my numbness grow the weaker I become, but the weaker I become and the sharper my sword will be.


    ''My opponents are innately stronger; I am but a cub that had just grown its fangs before a fully-grown tiger. But a cub that had just grown its fangs is still better than a fangless tiger, a rabid dog can kill a man, I too can kill you guys.''


    The assassins were all taken aback, but Colt was calm amidst the chaos. He looked at the situation and his mind began to work faster than it had ever did before.


    ''There are three people still alive before me. Mina is on the ground unable to move, my sword is too sharp in this state and I can''t properly control my swing as I only have one arm and I have nothing to use to support it. To the left there is another, and in front of me is the one who took my arm. They are stronger than me, far-far stronger, but they are severely injured and all of us are mortals. They too shoulder pain and fatigue. ''


    Colt analyzed the situation faster than he thought possible. He can feel his mind becoming lighter, and the lighter it gotten the slower the world became.


    The white line on his forehead began to shine, even more, he was utilizing the power of mark. The mark is not only used to protect him from illusions, it lets his mind become free from strain.


    At this moment, when his body is at its breaking, and his mind is functioning at its highest possible output.


    So, he took another step forward and made a wild wide swing.


    The other two jumped backward leaving Mina''s side. Pivoting his leg, Colt turned his body to the left in order and dash forward as fast as he could towards the retreating Rank-5 assassin and as he drew near towards him, he swung his blade to the left where the man held the dagger.


    Clang!


    ''I blocked it I just need to¡­what the?''


    The sword was met, but it didn''t for Colt''s sword is sharp enough to past through those flimsy daggers of his. Colt could have made his move to the right but he didn''t for the broken right wrist may be sacrificed.


    He decided to move towards the left, the non-dominant hand held the weapon meaning he can only show at most a third of his strength and because he''s too injured now, he can no longer clad his weapon with aura.


    But Colt was different, with his flow smoother than ever before, his sword was sharp and even if he wields the aura that mainly increases his flexibility and sneaking ability, his aura still strengthens the body and against an enemy that had been damaged far too much, Colt can easily cut through such weapon.


    And beyond the weapon lies the flesh!


    The man met eyes with Colt and his last words were, "Please¡­no."


    "¡­All of us are mortals." An uncharacteristic answer that the assassin could not understand.


    Slash! Another one had fallen.


    Colt moved and grabbed the dagger, he turned his head and looked at the last assassin who had already straightened himself. He held no knife, but his fist was clenched. His right leg is stepping forward the right is behind.


    ''Is he a pugilist?''


    Colt could tell that his air had changed he had given him the chance to regain his stance. But that didn''t matter. Colt could see it, the path that will lead him to survive this predicament.


    However, the assassin also came prepared to meet him back, "Come! Do you think you''re a hero? Screaming like that to prove your worth!? You are nothing but a pampered brat!"


    He taunted him to come forth, but those are his emotions.


    Lukas, that was his name. A pugilist who obeys someone weaker than him. His fist was his weapon but was made to use a dagger, his two companions had been slain, and yet he still lives.


    He hates people of the higher rank; they are blessed with social status and money from when they are young. They do not know the struggles of life, the struggles they must go through in order to live.


    ''I can''t die here; I need to continue living and earn money¡­I have my own responsibilities to take care of.''


    As he thought of this, an image of two people flashed right before his eyes!


    "You bastard never got to struggle. You''re nothing but¡­a spoiled brat!"


    The assassin screamed aloud and Colt responded. Holding his sword tightly, he kicked the ground another time and gained enough momentum to reach the one before him in one go!


    He too roared aloud, but then; the assassin threw a green pendant at Colt. The pendant exploded with light and a Rhino appeared. With its horn pointed at Colt, it was poised to skewer and then trample over his body together with Mina.


    ''Got you.''


    It was a full proof plan. The assassin may be injured but his beast wasn''t anyone would hesitate right about now, but Colt didn''t stop nor did he try to. The assassin was before him, it was merely beyond the roaring beast, and if he can''t take care of it another would¡­


    "Ruaaaa!" The Rhino''s roar echoed, and the assassin celebrated, but another roar pierced everyone''s ears!


    "NYA!"


    A white cat jumped from the side. The Rhino was several times bigger than the cat, it was like a kid against a truck but as the Lord touched the Rhino''s body the beast suddenly lost its defensive strength and the Lord exploded with power!


    Boom!


    The Rhino was hammered on the body and was sent flying away! The assassin''s eyes widened as he saw a tiny creature tank his beast, but he can''t give up so he held his hands up, he looked forward and tried meeting Colt with his trained fist.


    He knew what would happen but he kept at it.


    Colt looked at him with pitying eyes yet he brandished his sword without fail and as he swung his sword it turned to a slithering snake and then two arms were cut off!


    "AAAAHHRRRR!"


    He fell to his knees as the blood on both arms stopped. Colt looked down upon him and kicked him right in the temple rendering him unconscious.


    "I''ll keep you alive. You only had so much reserve and you used it to call upon your beast? Sadly, that Hail Mary attempt to kill me didn''t work." He spoke to the unconscious assassin; he drew in a sharp breath of air as he hurriedly turned back to where Mina was.


    As Colt looked at Mina, he hesitated to touch her body as he saw the injuries she had sustained. His tears began to fall as Colt felt the need to apologize but as his tears fell, he felt Mina touch his cheeks.


    She was still numbed all over but she managed to force herself to touch Colt.


    She then mouthed off, "Thank you." And then smiled.


    Colt also smiled as he nodded his head. He momentarily closed his eyes as he held Mina''s hands before lifting her from behind with one hand and wrapping Mina''s hands around his neck, he carried her with ease.


    He began descending the mountain with Mina on hand. With him were two cats, the Lord was dragging the body of the Rank-6 assassin and the other was carrying Colt''s sword.


    The cat already reported what happened at the foot of the mountain and as Colt carried Mina, his glare grew even sharper.


    At the bottom of the mountain, there remained three humans of the twenty and the four cats fought to keep these numbed humans alive.


    [author] I wish for this chapter to be longer or post another chapter but I have an appointment with a doctor for a bunch of tests tomorrow so I''ll be sleeping early, please forgive me.[/author]

 68 68. Drugs

    "You bastards! I know who you are, I ''ve seen your faces, do you really think you''ll get away with this!?"


    Lopre had a stab wound on his stomach. It had damaged his internal organs but he is as ferocious as ever. In front of him were ten black men garbed in black. They too were severely injured but unlike the opposition, they are standing.


    Before them were four cats and three paralyzed humans; around them were the dead bodies of Soul Partners, seventeen guards of the Edgeworth Family, and hundreds of assassins.


    The remaining assassins stared at the three guards; an innate fear had already appeared deep within their hearts. The ones before them were not guards, they are monsters.


    The Edgeworths boast one of the foremost strongest military strength in the whole Kingdom. The guards of the Edgeworth Family are all monsters trained by the Count himself and the legendary butler of the Family.


    Lopre was in a dilemma, but his mind was still on his duties. He looked at his enemies before him coming for him gritted his teeth.


    Lopre looked at the assassin with a savagery that it caused them to step back. He was too oppressive and because of the spectacle he showed them earlier, the assassins were hesitant to make their moves.


    But as they drew what remained of their courage and pride, these assassins also gritted their teeth and all cried out, "Kill them! They can''t do anything to us now that they are paralyzed!"


    His body was numbed, but he drew everything he has within him in order to move his limbs. The words of the illustrious butler of the Edgeworths reverberated in his ears and the training he and the guards were given began to show.


    Regaining some of his grip strength, Lopre took the spear on his side. He was ready to fight until the end. Though he thought he will die in a war together with his brother in arms or on a bed with his wife by his side, Lopre didn''t find this kind of death regretful.


    ''To die with a cat that is braver than most man, how many can say they died like me?''


    He already accepted his fate; he was ready to embrace death together with the brave cats and his brothers. But death was not ready to embrace.


    Swoosh!


    A gust of wind past by him as a beautiful lady with pink hair clenched her fist went to decimate the forces of assassins. As she clenched her fist and punched out, she roared and destroyed her enemies.


    Her punches would crush the bones of her enemies and kill them upon contact. Mina had descended from the mountain and after ingesting the antidote Fluff found from the body of the Rank-6 Assassin she finally regained her strength to kill who tried to kill them.


    But as she was too focus on what is before her, Mina forgot to be careful on a sneak attack. Her back was wide open and the enemy would not let such an opening go. A light graze would do the trick, thus they went and tried to kill Mina with such tricks.


    "Miss Vera! Behind you!" Lopre screamed as he saw a man sneaking from behind.


    Mina didn''t care about Lopre??s words, because the ones who came for her back wasn''t the one sneaking up on her but the ones getting sneaked up on.


    Lopre stared at the assassin behind Mina, as he felt helpless, another gust of wind passed him by. As he saw the figure of that man oozing with two kinds of aura, his eyes widened.


    Colt appeared from somewhere and like an arrow, he pierced through the ranks of the enemies and then brandished his sword. As Colt''s slow yet sharp sword reached his opponent, life was once again reaped away by him.


    Lopre had heard of the talks regarding Colt and his sword. They say that his sword was too dangerous that he fights with his sword in a sheath to avoid killing someone. He thought it was a bunch of shit as he knew the Young Master all too well.


    A drunkard who likes to disappear from his guard, that is who he was. Though he was once hailed as a genius of the sword, he suddenly stopped and became a wastrel. It had only been a few months since the trash of a Young master began showing the change.


    He thought those stories about his sword being so brilliant it was blinding was false, but seeing it now, he finally learned that Colt''s sword truly can only kill. And what''s more, is that it resembled the sword of the butler.


    ''How beautiful.'' Lopre commented as he saw Colt creating an arc of blood.


    Though the fight didn''t last for more than a few seconds and Colt merely killed a measly one man, Lopre was still in awe of Colt''s amazing display of swordplay.


    Colt didn''t know that he was being judged behind his back, but as he stared at the dead bodies littering the ground, Colt felt an extreme sense of anxiousness.


    He could not believe that he is seeing such carnage and he is managing to keep his calm. He looked at the cats and Lopre and nodded his head before saying, "Good job." Before moving to their side and give them the antidote they collected from the assassins.


    Colt gave the remaining guards the antidote then Mina healed their wounds with Healing Magic. Right after that, Colt looked around and gave them the instructions to clean up the bodies of the guards so they can be buried later and he also asked one of the cats to retrieve his left arm he forgot near the peak.


    "Oh yeah, can anyone get my severed arm? I want to reattach it to later¡­huh?"


    And right after saying those words, Colt felt a sudden surge of pain in his mind. As if he was struck by lightning, he was in tremendous pain. As his head began to feel like it was about to split in half, Colt looked at Fluff who was observing him calm eyes.


    Right before he collapsed, Colt saw Fluff raise its front paws and say, "Meow¡­.Mew (You''ll be fine¡­I hope.)."


    The day finally ended with Mina being alarmed, Colt having a severe headache, and some questions left unanswered.


    However, as the day ended in the physical world when Colt collapsed, he found himself in a white world.


    With his mind feeling refreshed, Colt knew that something weird was happening.


    And as he thought of this, Colt heard a loud voice reverberate in his ears!


    "MAH-JONGG!"


    He turned his head to the left and saw three beautiful women with varying hair colors playing mahjong in the middle of the white world.


    ''What the hell? Did the antidote have some drugs mixed in it?''


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 69 69. The Girls

    "Hey, you cheated again didn''t you!? This is the seventh consecutive time that you won! I demand we change the game; I demand it¡­.! Uwaaa!" A little girl with glowing white hair began to cry as she accused the black-haired young lady who seemed to be in her early twenties of cheating.


    "Don''t say such nonsense, I told you I didn''t cheat, I~"


    Tak, tak, tak.


    From the long and baggy sleeves of the black-haired lady were mahjong tiles. Her eyes widened in horror but still smiled as she looked at the little girl, "Surprise~? Hehehe."


    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!


    Three balls of light passed by the black-haired lady''s neck. Blood dripped as a small cut was created from her cheek. Her face darkened before running away.


    "Get back here, Darkness! I''m going to kill your ten-timing cheating ass!"


    "Hey, I already told you that''s not how you use that phrase. Didn''t you learn from his memory? Also, stop that! You''re going to actually hit me."


    Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Three more light bombarded the girl named Darkness as she runs away from the danger.


    "DIE!"


    Three more light appeared and just as it was about to reach her back, Darkness waved her hand and a wall of darkness swallowed the light balls. She looked at the little girl and then chortled.


    "Hehehe, I told you little brat you''ll never reach me. Jahahahahaha! It''s futile, you''ll never catch me once I decide to make my move!"


    "Bastard!"


    The little girl didn''t care and came in swinging as her tears burst out of her eyes. Then, while the two girls were fighting, the remaining lady whose hair was as gray as ash cleared her throat and spoke while gathering the tiles.


    "Ehem, do you two want me to go over there before you stop fighting? Light stops shooting those lights you might birth another star and the Mortals think it''s another premonition. Darkness, don''t devour those lights and stop cheating or we''ll stop this game right now."


    "Ugh, okay Root." Darkness and Light lowered their heads before the lady named Root.


    "Now, go and apologize to each other."


    "But~"


    "No buts, sisters shouldn''t be fighting each other."


    Darkness was very reluctant to do it but, in the end, she apologized to her sister.


    "¡­I''m sorry Light, it''s just that you and Big Sis Root had been winning too much that I did it¡­so, sorry about that."


    "It''s fine, I''m also at fault here. Sorry for shooting those light balls at you."


    The two hugged it out and returned to the table where they were playing, which now that Colt took a good look at it was actually a mahjong-table slash kotatsu that is used by the Japanese people.


    But his attention was still poured to the gray-haired girl. She was very beautiful and seemed to be the oldest of the three. She sounded and acted very mature and her beauty has already bloomed to perfection.


    But that''s not the reason why Colt was staring at her with such intensity. It was because while the two were fighting, Root was actually hiding some extra tiles of her own.


    ''She was also cheating. Sigh, I think this is not me tripping.''


    When Colt saw this, he could not help his eyes twitch. He shook his head and seeing the three was about to start another round, Colt finally spoke to get their attention.


    "Um¡­excuse me can you guys tell me where I am?"


    His words echoed in the almost empty world of white. The three turned to look at Colt and as they opened their mouths the only thing that came out was, "Huh?"


    Seeing Colt in their presence made their minds stop working. They looked at one another and back at Colt. Staring at their themselves, they realized something really absurd and frantically moved about.


    "Light!"


    "I understand!"


    Colt didn''t know what was happening and before he knew it, a bright light exploded and he was momentarily blinded.


    "AAAAHHHH!" Colt felt like he was flashbanged, which had never happened before but he had played some games so he thought that it must have felt like this. He held his eyes and then gradually regained his vision.


    Slowly, he got to see again, and when he looked at where the three were seated and saw three beautifully dressed ladies instead of the shabby t-shirted ladies whose hair was let down like they were at home, are now wearing grandiose robes that exuded majesty.


    Their hair was neatly decorated, and the kotatsu slash mahjong-table was now nowhere to be found.


    The girl named Root stood in front of the three. Light was on her right and Darkness to her left. Approaching Colt with elegant steps, Root reached her hand to Colt as she spoke, "Young Mortal, how did you reach our realm? Hooh, are you too shock to even answer my question? I supposed I should explain where you are¡­this is the Celestial Realm, the place where we, the Goddesses of the world reside."


    Colt looked at them, shocked. He was shocked that these people were the same cheating ladies were the Goddesses of this world.


    Light who seemed to be the youngest approached Colt and crouched on the ground. She was now facing him. She creased her brows and realized something, "Big Sis, this guy is the one! He''s the second guy to drift in our world."


    Darkness heard Light''s words and stared at Colt very carefully, "It appears that you are correct. It seems like his soul had also assumed the face of this body."


    "You know me?" Colt asked, confused at what they are talking about.


    Root heard his question and laughed ever so softly, "Yes, that is correct. But I failed to notice your visage for your face from when you were from your world. It seems like you and one of our children''s wishes have been granted. That is good. So, how did you get here?"


    "I don''t know myself¡­but, Goddesses, you don''t really need to act like this. Um, I already saw what happened earlier so¡­um, can you please just act like how you did earlier?"


    "¡­"


    The Goddesses didn''t say anything for some time but their faces all changed dramatically. At first, it was dejection and embarrassment but after little Light''s face beamed with happiness, the other two just shrugged their shoulders.


    "Light, blind him."


    "Ah shit, wait, I''ll just turn around!"


    Too late as the little girl named light already blinded Colt. When he regained his vision, the Goddesses were no longer wearing robes but t-shirts and some pants, they looked like ordinary people, just that they were too beautiful to be ethereal.


    Colt was also already inside the kotatsu and as he felt the warmth it had, the little Goddess Light tugged on his shirt and showed him a deck of cards.


    "Do you want to play UNO?"


    "Say what now?"


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 70 70. The cheating Goddesses

    "So, can you explain to me how you guys got to learn of this game? Last time I checked this is not available anywhere in the world, oh +4." Colt threw a card as he asked.


    "Your memories, we accessed a bunch of things from your mind, the heated table and the mahjong game is something we got from you as well. We need to scan the minds of those who drift in this world to ensure they''re not going to cause the destruction of the world." Root, who seemed to be the boss of the three creased her brows and threw a +4 to stack up the cards.


    ''Oh, we''re playing like that? Well, that''s more fun than the original rule anyway.'' As Colt thought this way, he realized something from Root''s words, ''Wait, does that mean they also know about the plot? And can they also see my cards?''


    Colt looked at the three and they all avoided eye contact.


    "Hey, you three better not be reading my mind¡­"


    "Of course, not! What do you think of us? We''re the Goddesses of the world, we will never¡­cheat. Haha." Darkness said before realizing what she had shown to Colt earlier, in the end, she had to lower her head, "Sorry, it won''t happen again."


    She said those words and threw another +4, stacking them up further.


    ''They didn''t say anything about the plot¡­so, am I on the clear?''


    Colt thought as much and then watched Light throw another +4. Seeing another +4 being thrown, Colt had his doubts. He lowered his head and saw that there was another on his hand.


    ''Hmmm, I''m pretty there are only 4 of these cards¡­so, how come there are so many of them?''


    "Someone''s cheating here. You should have read my mind already but in the off chance you didn''t, there''s only supposed to be 4 of these wild cards +4s so why are there five of them? Huh?"


    The two older Goddesses were startled by his words. Colt showed them the other +4 in his hand and saw them panicking.


    "I-I don''t know what you''re talking about. W-we''ve been honest this whole time." Root said three of her cards glowed.


    "Yes, yes¡­this is Goddess harassment, don''t doubt us. We''ll smite you." Darkness agreed as almost all of her cards glowed as well.


    Colt look over at the little Goddess and ruled her off the cheating group as she saw her pouting at Darkness.


    "¡­"


    "Okay, the cheaters are disqualified., agreed?"


    "Yes, we''re very sorry." The two Goddesses seemed to have learned their lesson.


    The ending of the game was Light winning after beating Colt. The other two Goddesses were disqualified. While starting another round of the friendship ending game, Colt began questioning the Goddess.


    All of them seem to have no knowledge of the plot as they do not say anything about it to them. He doesn''t understand them, but it appears they understand him very well.


    They also know about Earth as they read his mind while he was drifting to this world to replace the original''s position. Throwing the cards on the table, Colt lied on the white ground and asked them a simple question.


    "Hey, do you guys know what I''m supposed to do?"


    Having been in this world for so long. Colt no longer knows what it is that he needs to do. He had been living the best he can but still, he felt like what he is doing is not something he should do.


    The Goddesses looked at Colt, bewildered from his seemingly weird question. Root put the cards on her hand down and smiled, "Young Drifter, do you even know why you are here?"


    "No, that''s why I''m asking you guys. Aren''t you supposed to be Gods? The strongest beings in the universe? Both omnipotent and omniscient, you guys should know what I should do, right?"


    Hearing his words made Light snicker, "Hehe, that''s now how Gods works. We are powerful, yes, but we are not all-powerful or all-knowing. We can create life but we still have boundaries, and we may have access to everyone''s mind but we don''t like dictating others what they should do. Humans, Dwarves, Elves, Demons, Beastmen, and Magical Beasts have their own paths only they could tread.


    "We can do everything we do, but just like you saw we also have boundaries like we''re playing a game. Don''t fear to try to do what you want, if you think what you''re doing is right then pursue it if you think it will end badly but still want to go and do it, just go. Consequences will come for later. Though the boundary should be placed, of course, decide to destroy the world and we''ll send someone after you. Oh yeah, I already chose my¡­@#$#@ !@$@!#$ #@%$!@#"


    Light wanted to say some more things but Darkness stopped her from talking.


    Seeing this made Colt sigh, "Is there some world-ending catastrophe happening?"


    "Would you believe it if I tell you no?"


    "No."


    "Then your question is already answered. Dammit Light, why are you so talkative? Well, I want to tell you more but it seems like time is up. You''re waking up already. I want to say, see you next time but I don''t we''ll see each other again. But, hey, what do you know, we might just see you again next time."


    As Darkness aid, those words, Colt''s body began to float away. Slowly, he was lifted from the ground, his time in that world of pure white was over.


    "Aw, I liked being here, can''t you guys do something about it?"


    Root shook her head, "We can but you have been here for far too long. The flow of time here and there is not the same, well, you''ll know what I mean once you awaken, and if we keep you here any longer than your wife might kill everyone."


    "Is that so, such a shame then."


    Colt sighed but he didn''t feel like he was losing out. Just before he was going to disappear, he heard Root call out to him.


    "Mortal, can you do me two favors? In return, I''ll tell you something interesting."


    Though Colt didn''t want to say yes, this information coming from a Goddess. It felt like he needs to hear her out so he was forced to nod his head.


    Root smiled at his answer, "Then, listen, there is no destiny or fate in the world. But you attract too many of a problem so if you don''t get stronger soon, you''ll die. Listen to your Partner''s request and you shall receive a bountiful amount of benefits."


    "That''s all?" disappointed, Colt began contemplating on what he should do, and as he saw Root smiling as she succeeded on making Colt promise to do her a favor, the decision was settled in his mind, "Goddess Light, Goddess Root was also cheating at the Mahjong game earlier!"


    Colt disappeared leaving an awkward silence in the white world. Light and Darkness looked at Root shuffling the card.


    "Really? Big sis? Just, really?"


    "¡­I''m sorry."


    Colt was returning to the world of the Mortals. At the moment, he is feeling rather light and his mind was full of questions. As his soul got dragged away, information began flooding his mind. The favor of the Goddess had arrived.


    He rummaged through his memories and began uncovering the information he received. And as he managed to gather his thoughts, the only thing he could say about the favor was, "Fuck."


    Regalus Kingdom, Tiger Mansion, the mansion had been in a state of worry for two weeks now. The Young Master of the Edgeworth Family is currently in a coma.


    There is not a single problem with his body, even his cut off left arm had been reattached. But his mind, it has yet to respond to any calls.


    However, on the night of a full moon. Colt abruptly opened his eyes. As he did so, he felt someone gripping tightly on his hand. He turned to the right and there, he saw Mina who had a sunken face and dark circles under her eyes.


    She was trembling from both being weakenef and happy. Colt saw this and whispered, "I''m hungry, let us go eat."


    Mina nodded then a crying fat white cat jumped on Colt''s face.


    "NYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"


    The cries of cat echoed throughout the mansion. The young master has awaken.


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 71 71. Just another day

    "Are you okay? Do you need anything? Dear, do you feel anything amiss?"


    Mina bombarded Colt with questions that Colt responded with a smile. Today was a rather nice day for Colt, staying inside the mansion and not going to the academy using the pretense of being injured was the life.


    As such, he is currently being babied by the person who always showers him with love, and as Mina asked Colt the question whether he is comfortable or not, of course, the answer is resounding, "Yes, I''m fine. This is actually too comfortable for me. Thank you...dear."


    That simple word was enough for Mina''s heart to skip a beat. Being called dear by her beloved almost made her heart stop, it was too much for her but she''s not going to ask him to stop.


    Colt had been getting better at approaching Mina''s mentality and as a reward and thanks for taking care of him when he was in a coma, Colt decided to start calling her "Dear" as a sign of thanks and a reflection of his own affection towards her.


    Mina had been taking care of Colt both day and night without missing a day when he was in a coma. She even dragged out her master who was infamous of avoiding getting out of the Magic Tower in order to reattach Colt''s arms.


    Mina wanted to do it herself, but she''s not much of a healer and she''s only a Sixth Circle Mage making her incapable of reattaching bones. It was said that when the Grandmaster of the Magic Tower arrived, she was crying after what Mina did to her.


    As for what Mina did, no one would ever know¡­


    ''I really want to know what she did, but I think it''s best not to ask. It''s best to do what I''ve been doing.''


    At the moment he was being lazy, he was being cared for and he does not need to act, in short, it was heaven. Lying on Mina''s soft lap while the two of them rested underneath the shade of a tree while awaiting the spring breeze blow almost made Colt melt.


    ''Not doing anything and not having to deal with the bane of the strongest men (pollen) is the best. So, this is the life of not having allergies.''


    If Colt opens his mouth, Mina would give him a spoonful of soft and jiggly pudding. Yes, the world has pudding and it made Colt almost unable to muster speech. And in this environment where he is being the laziest, it truly was pretty good.


    "Darling, do you want some more?"


    Colt nodded his head like an obedient dog as he opened his mouth and awaited the blessings of Heaven (Mina). Colt savored in the soft and jiggly texture of the pudding. He''s not a fan of sweet things, but the texture of the pudding was something he adores.


    This pudding virtually had no sugar so Colt was pretty ecstatic about eating it.


    "Darling, are you sure about going back to the Edgeworth Fief tomorrow? You are still recovering after all."


    Colt looked at Mina''s worried face and smiled to ease her worries, "If we do that the whole family will come here instead, I heard from Butler Go that Father was thinking of bringing the army with him. Also, the guy we captured was already sent back home while I was asleep, I want to question him too."


    "Is that all?"


    "¡­And Filla''s birthday is coming up, I don''t want to break my promise with her. I need to go back home because of that. Also, didn''t you say you have been feeling more fatigue recently? Don''t you think it is time for you to take a vacation? With the Marquis heading West to investigate so I think it''s time for us to rest for the time being."


    Mina nodded her head at Colt''s words. She smiled and then resumed to feeding Colt.


    "It appears that you two are enjoying yourselves."


    "Oh, Vyra, out for some fresh air?" Mina saw her friend and called out to her with glee.


    While the couple was having the time of their lives resting without a care for the world, Vyra walked towards them with a smile. With her was Sera who nodded her head in acknowledgment of Colt''s presence.


    Colt attempted to get up from Mina''s lap only to have his head drag back down. When he tried saying something, he saw Mina''s eyes and decided not to go against it.


    In the end, he had to speak while lying down, "It appears that Jin is not with you?"


    "Yes, he''s cooped inside his laboratory saying he''s about to perfect his medicine, and these days I can''t exactly join him inside that place where chemicals abound."


    "Don''t hold it against him, after all, a breakthrough with like this does not come so easily. Also, his worry is warranted as your bump is now more visible than ever. Your dear husband is merely being careful." Colt stated.


    "I know." Vyra sat on the ground while supporting her belly and Sera on her side making sure nothing goes wrong.


    It had only been four months since Vyra got pregnant, but her bump was already so big. She is being extra careful because of this and add to the fact that an Elf pregnancy is much more delicate than any other race made Vyra approach anything she does very carefully.


    Currently, she is very happy and all of this was possible because of the kind Young Master Colt. Though she can''t do it at the moment, Vyra would do anything she can in order to repay his kindness.


    Colt did not know that a seed had been planted on Vyra''s heart but it didn''t matter for that seed is a seed of gratefulness. If in the original plot the seed planted in her heart was hate and regret making her grow crazy, it was different now.


    With the arrival of Vyra, Mina became very talkative asking her many questions about pregnancy and would occasionally shoot Colt signaling glances while holding her belly.


    Colt would smile when he picks up on this side glances but say nothing. With the passage of time, it was finally time for lunch. Mina and Vyra stood up leaving Colt behind to finish his food and Sera so she can watch over Colt.


    Vyra and Mina walked inside the mansion. Mina was going to cook some food and Vyra wished to accompany her in order to learn her techniques and recipe. She too aspires to become a capable housewife just like her sworn friend.


    However, upon entering the mansion, Mina suddenly felt nauseous. Leaning against the wall as she felt really nauseous.


    "Are you okay!?" Vyra was tried supporting Mina.


    Mina wanted to say something back to Vyra but then she began to run while holding her mouth. Vyra quickly followed Mina as fast as she could. Vyra found Mina in the bathroom where Mina was vomiting.


    Vyra saw this and her brows raised as she said with high anticipation, "Mina, could it be that you''re¡­pregnant?"


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 72 72. Change

    "I-I''m pregnant?"


    Mina looked at Vyra''s face and at her belly. Directing the gentle and soft mana of Healing Mage to her belly, Mina began going through her own body trying to find the sign of life.


    Her mana began to move and there it was, a sign appeared. Mina looked at Vyra with a blank look, her lips quivering as she formed a smile, "I-it''s true."


    Mina smiled at Vyra. She was happy at the fact, and as smiled, her nausea and the fact that she abruptly overused her mana made Mina''s consciousness fly away.


    "Help! Someone, come quickly! Hurry!"


    Mina could still hear Vyra''s voice.


    Darkness replaced light and Mina lost her consciousness. By the time she woke up, she was already lying on Colt''s bed.


    When she opened her eyes, there was Colt by her side. He held onto her hands like she had done for her when he was in a coma.


    He looked really worried, the creases on his face twisted as his head was lowered. He is not looking at her but she can tell from touch alone that he was worried.


    ''He''s truly someone fascinating, he''s trembling from anxiousness, how cute. Vyra should have already told him that it was merely a headache, right?''


    Moving her finger ever so slightly, Colt quickly raised his head.


    "Mina!?"


    Colt looked at Mina with her eyes already open and heaved a sigh of relief.


    "Are you okay? Do you need anything? Dear, do you feel anything amiss? I heard you collapsed in the bathroom, did making pudding for me made exhausted you? It appears that my selfishness has caused you harm. I-I¡­"


    Worried over Mina, Colt brought with him a lot of things. But at the moment he knows not what to do as he could not even act properly around Mina.


    Colt was being super extra worried about her condition. She was supposed to be a trained soldier and a healer to boot. She''s very healthy and takes care of herself really well.


    Mina is the epitome of health, even her magic is base on being healthy so it was a surprise to see Mina go down in such a manner.


    "You don''t have to be so worried; it is just the effect of my pregnancy I will be fine with some rest."


    "Oh is that so, the effect of pregnancy you say¡­what!? Y-you''re pregnant, is that true?"


    Seeing Colt''s reaction made Mina realize that her beloved has yet to be informed, ''Vyra must have wanted for me to tell him myself.''


    With a smile, Mina nodded her head, "It appears that we managed to create a life right before leaving for the trip to the Thunder Tiger Mountains."


    When those words came out of for Colt to hear, he was left speechless. Though he had experienced many things since coming here and his heart had beat wildly for many reasons, the happiness he had right now was incomparable to those times.


    Holding onto Mina''s hands, Colt clutched it even tighter than before. He was happy, too happy to contain himself as his tears exploded, Colt hugged Mina as his tears rolled before jumping in delight, and running back forth in the room like a child!


    "Yeeeeeeeees!" He was delighted.


    Though this was already a natural sight, Colt and Mina had only been together for less than half a month.


    Colt had been in this world for less than three months and yet he already has a child.


    When Colt first told the words "I love you" to Mina when he told her about Filla, his daughter.


    At that point, he was still hesitating, trying to evade the ending of death early on. But now, his worry and anxiousness, when she collapses and experiences something bad, is genuine.


    Though he had never noticed this, the emotions he shows and bears towards Mina had already changed right before they left the territory of the Edgeworths.


    Her way of being there for him, her decisiveness to support him, and the child that was not hers. It was something that had already touched his heart. In truth, Colt was very shocked when Mina accepted that fact for her knew how difficult it was to do.


    Back on earth, there are people who undergo remarriages where there is a kid left behind from the previous relationship. Many of these relationships fail because one of the partners cannot accept the so-called package that came with the marriage.


    Slowly, they will fall apart and leave.


    Mina was supposed to be a yandere, someone who manipulates the one they love so they can keep them for themselves. Anything that gets in the way of that love and affection or even lessens that affection should be pluck away, or so the convention goes.


    She should have been the one opposes to the idea of Filla''s existence. And yet Mina was the one who bridged the way for Colt to take Filla back to the manor.


    At this time, Colt didn''t know but he was already very much attracted to Mina. His emotions at this time were already true, which was laughable for in the past he would laugh at couples who speak of "love at first sight" or something close to that.


    Yet he unknowingly fell for someone without his knowledge not even a week after his arrival in this world.


    And after being with her for less than three months, Colt already transformed into someone who is ready to take the life of others so he can save Mina. It was weird, but in this world, before Mina can even take the life of others for his sake, he was the one who took the lives of others so she can live.


    Colt didn''t know it but his love for Mina is pretty much on the same level that she has for him.


    And right now, as he learns of her being pregnant, his happiness could not be contained and his cheerful laughter echoed in the manor.


    After Mina''s little announcement and Colt''s celebration. Colt spent the next few hours doing everything he could for Mina like a butler.


    It didn''t matter how little it was, Colt would still do it for Mina. And as the next day came and the time for him and Mina to return to the Edgeworth Fief arrived, Colt had already transformed into a capable butler overnight.


    After successfully loading the carriage, Mina boarded together with Colt. Fluff was also inside but its handpicked Generals were nowhere to be found.


    When asked, Fluff merely said that they were sent for training. Colt closed the doors of the carriage and left the capital. He arrived with one carriage but left with two.


    The other carriage only had one person on board, it was Sera.


    And as Colt left the capital, his goals had already been met. He had become well-known for more reasons than one.


    And as he left the capital, Colt was already a different person. As for what is to come, not even he knows.


    Vol. 2 End


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 73 73. Dammit Vol. 3 Child of Ligh

    In a temple where light always fills the hallways and the darkness never looms was an old man kneeling before the statue of young beautiful girl.


    Wearing a white priest robe, he began to pray. His sweat fell as his fate burned brightly.


    ''Oh dear Goddess gift us your protection and let us control our hearts. Release the seal of the mind and let the emotions flow like the river of the North. Dear Goddess, hear your lowly servant''s prayer and help us vanquish the church of the wicked, the darkness that looms over the heart of the people must be cleansed, help us oh dear Goddess¡­''


    The prayer of the old man was heartfelt. Untainted by his own agendas, his brows creased and his wrinkles began to show. Black lines began to appear on his forehead and the pain on his knees began to surface, but the old man kept praying, he continued to pray for he can do nothing but pray.


    "How long have you been praying to the Goddess, Emperor?"


    However, prayer was cut short when the voice of the young echoed withing the confines of the church; but with the voice came no sight of its bearer. The old man''s tightly closed eyes opened as his forehead touched the ground as if to apologize for his prayer being cut short.


    "If you are here, then, that must mean they have finished their job? Is the south finally opened?"


    The old man wiped his sweat as he waited for the answer. Luckily, it didn''t take long for the voice to echo once again.


    "Sadly, they have not. The south remains close, the power of the guardian protecting it has yet to wane. Truly, it is an impregnable fortress."


    "Then, have the mind of the Tiger been rattled? Or have they at least whispered in the ears of the child of the Black Crane?" The Emperor questioned as he puts away the handkerchief.


    "They have yet to do any of those. The only thing they have accomplished is wound the tiger, but even then, the cub only grew out its fangs and claws. As for the child of the Black Crane, it appears that the cub had already spoke the truth, bewitching her kind would be impossible at this point."


    A sigh escaped the mouth of the Emperor.


    BooM! That simple sighed caused the ground to sink around him, "It appears that your people have been acting truly weird. For them to fail every task handed over to you, do they even know what they are doing? The more time passes, the more the people are corrupted!"


    Speaking once again, the Emperor''s tone was no longer calm, instead, it was enraged and yet not at the same time. The pressure from the Emperor gradually disappeared as the voice answered once again.


    "Worry not, my Emperor. They seem to have managed to catch a Snake; he should be enough to be of used to our cause. With him, they''ll be able to move freely."


    "Is that so, then do it. We need to slowly wither them, the year''s end is coming, his death should come. The Tiger must lose its vitality so get it over quickly! Fjord, take one of the Children of Light and head west; hunt the beast yourself. Forget the Crane and just take the child, with her in your hands she should be enough to become bait."


    "I understand, my Emperor. I shall fly west and do as you have commanded. I Fjord Volusk Lumiere shall not fail you¡­.my Emperor."


    A lifeless and sad voice echoed from Fjord who cannot show his face from the shadows. A whisper that could not reach anyone made its way to the abyss never to be heard by anyone and from one of the twelve pillars inside the church was now water droplets that should had not been there in the first place.


    The Emperor raised his head to the Goddess of Light and smiled before retuning to his prayer.


    "Dear Goddess, guide us to a¡­"


    From that church filled with light, the prayer pierced through the laws of the world and slithered to a White World where a shout resounded in the distance!


    "Taihai! Shanpai! Chonbo! Furiken! Noten! Mopai! Double East Doubt South Reach Kick!! Mahjong!" The Goddess Light and Darkness celebrated at the fall of the oldest.


    "We did it, Darkness, we managed to beat big sis together. She has fallen!" The Goddess Light ran around shouting their victory filled with delight.


    On the floor was the Goddess of everything else, Root acting as if she had been vanquished, ''Ths should be enough right? These guys even took the move from "Kintama" just to beat me. I don''t even know if this counts as a lost.''


    Root was on the ground twitching as she had been beaten. After ten minutes or so, only when Light had recited her victorious cries did she got up from where she was lying.


    Their day in the White World resumed. The trio continued their games and Light frowned as she heard the ardent prayer of a certain follower.


    The other two saw this and Darkness spoke, "You have done your job, Light. You have already picked as Shepard; we can only watch the Mortals¡­"


    "I understand." Light weakly nodded her head.


    Root could not help it but smile wryly as she looked at the young Goddess and decided to speak, "Hey, do anyone of you want to watch the Drifted? He ought to be doing something nice by now."


    When the word drifted was uttered in the room, the other two Goddesses'' face blossomed. Light in particular was beaming.


    Water appeared gathered on top of the Mahjong table and then formed a thin sheet on top of it as the pieces disappeared. The reflection of the Mortal World appeared and it reflected the edge of a cliff.


    A cat and a human were standing on the edge of a cliff watching the moon. The two of them sighed the cat meowed and the human showed a crying expression.


    "I don''t think I''m human anymore I¡­" Colt felt his left hand burning and then his throat began heating up as well. His mouth opened widely and then¡­he breathed fire like a dragon.


    FUUUUU!


    The cat looked at Colt and sighed.


    "Nya, nyaaa." (Fightinggggg)


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 74 74. Let it go

    3 days before the human Flammenwerfer that burns heathens.


    With his eyes close shut, Colt was meditating. It is not to increase his aura because that''s useless but to remember the important points of the novel''s plot.


    At this point of time where he had eradicated most threats to his life by keeping his enemies close to him and giving them a brand a new road to follow. He should be in the clear now, but there''s still something bugging him about all this.


    ''Why are there people trying to kill me? I haven''t done anyth¡­'' His train of thought stopped as he remembered his previous actions where he was acting all edgy against the young masters who tried scheming against him, ''Well, I broke their ribs and arms, but that shouldn''t warrant for them to take my life, right¡­RIGHT?''


    It was as if the world is trying to kill him outright, he had not done something that should make anyone risk his death, but he just experienced something rather unfortunate that he is doubting if his death is a pivotal role in the original plot.


    His problem lies in the fact that his objective had been met. If his life was a story then the whole book should have ended when he got Mina to accept Filla, or when he got Vyra and Jin together.


    He should be living his best life back in the Edgeworth fief, occasionally pulling the strings to strengthen the forces of his family in order to make sure the enemy will not be able to take a stand so he can live in peace whilst rearing his children.


    But noooo, the world is still trying to end him. It was as if the reaper is constantly behind him, creeping slowly in order to take his life.


    ''Looking at it objectively, my current fate is having an unknown future, having a mysterious world unraveling before me where I am still unaware of the truth, the mysterious Magical Beasts were replaced by the three cheaters, and someone is trying to kill me¡­hmmm, why does it feel like I haven''t made any progress?''


    In the end, Colt could only shake his head. He opened his eyes and looked at the other seat of the carriage where he saw Mina also meditating. A red light was being emitted from her body, and two magic circles surrounded her.


    ''She already created the third magic circle? She really is talented...more talented than what people take her for.'' Colt smiled for Mina''s persistence to improve.


    Mina was known as a peerless genius, but she had stopped trying to improve to reasons unknown after reaching a certain rank in her Healing Element. Was the Healing Element strong enough for her?


    It was never known to the others, but right now she is trying to improve her strength in order to keep Colt safe and secure. When she fell to the assassins, Mina realized she could have finished them off much quicker if she could have used Fire Magic.


    But that is not just it, she is also trying to become stronger so none will dare try and take something from her. Once she is strong enough, Mina will be able to scare anyone off. Being strong in the element of fire is merely the first to her domination.


    She wants to become an unquestionable Empress for the sake of the dream of spending time with her future family with her beloved.


    ''We''ll have twelve kids, and seven pets, living in a mountain where no one will be able to come to bother our time together. Yes, yes, that is the dream that I am trying to pursue. Those who stand in my way shall burn.'' With such a dream, the fire in her heart burn, she was laughing as she thought of this.


    Currently, Mina is striving to become stronger for not only Colt but for their future children.


    Colt was aware of her wishes; if this was back when he first transmigrated, he would have been in fear of what might come, but right now he is smiling instead, "Though she is still scary sometimes¡­that''s the nature of a wife. Right now, Mina can be possessive and will kill anyone who harms Colt but at least she won''t simply take the head of anyone she gets jealous of so...that''s an improvement, right?"


    So many questions, leads to so many doubts. But Colt could only shake his head, ''I have fallen hard, huh. Welp, it seems like having met her merely a weak after a breakup made me want for love¡­that''s kind of cringy and cheesy, ugh.''


    Laughing at himself, he once again closed his eyes. But through his close eyes, the bright red light shone brighter than it should have and a pained shout.


    "Aaah!"


    When he opened his eyes, Mina was already engulfed in fire. Her fervor on pursuing strength became her weakness. She became too hasty and had let the fire explode and became uncontrollable.


    However, that doesn''t really matter for Mina can control it in a few minutes. It will hurt but she''ll be free of the pain. It is common knowledge Healing Mages have absolute mana control that lets them manipulate the mana in their bodies to enhance their strength.


    For Mina, the genius who is above every is most certainly someone like that. A person who has great mana control.


    But Colt was not aware of such a simple fact. When Mina was just about to take control of the raging flame, she saw Colt extend his hand forward.


    "My dear, wa¡ª"


    Before reason could appear in Colt''s mind, his left hand was extended and the black smoke that had stayed stationary for the longest time swirled and attracted Mina''s mana.


    Like a hungry whale, the World Devouring Mark took everything that it could, everything Mina''s Fire Element attuned mana could offer was sucked away by Colt.


    The pair then brushed past their gazes and immediately, Colt noticed that something else was wrong.


    ''What''s happening? Mina, your eyes are losing its light.'' Turning to look at his left hand, Colt''s face became twisted as he retracted his hand but the fire mana was already sucked away.


    Because Mina was too unguarded against Colt, she let him take everything away instead of fighting and accidentally hurting him.


    Thud! Stumbling, Mina felt weakened from all the mana that had been taken.


    Colt on the other hand was in pain. The World Devouring Mark did its job of absorbing the fire mana, but what of the storage? Where would it be stored? In Colt''s body of course.


    From his left arm, Colt''s body began to burn.


    "AAAAHHHH!"


    A pain much more horrible than having his arm cut off arose.


    ''This is bad¡­my body¡­the fire is too strong.''


    He has no means of controlling mana, and yet here he was. In a situation where mana occupied his body.


    Since ancient times, the body had been unable to sustain more than one energy, or else the body will be destroyed and the mind will be crippled. However, with the World Devouring Book, that is what just happened.


    At first, Colt was unable to control his mind. The accursed backlash had appeared, his body was getting destroyed and his mind shortly followed.


    "NYAAAAA!"


    The roar of the cat was followed by the appearance of the white line on his forehead; freeing him from the headache! His thoughts were finally freed.


    ''I must expel the mana out.'' In the midst of this thought, he looked over at the valiant white cat.


    He did not know how to expel the fire mana in his body, but then, an image appeared in his head. He did not know how he managed to do it, but through sheer instinct, he forced the mana to follow a channel.


    And then, he breathed fire that destroyed the carriage''s roof.


    That''s right, the image he projected in his head was the beast that appears at night¡­a drunkard puking his vowels out.


    And like a drunkard, Colt puked the fire out of his system.


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 75 75. Return

    The Dragon is a beast that stores fire or any of the elements they breathe in their lungs. As everyone knows, the lungs of a human or most beings are really fragile as it is more like a balloon that can easily be pierced.


    It is easily damaged and with that in mind, the idea of, what if the fire began circulating inside it? The ending should be clear, a very painful and harrowing death would follow the one who cannot control the fire.


    BooM!


    A towering flame blew the carriage roof off as Colt''s body began to burn. His lung was being burned and his blood and veins were boiling. It was very painful, but despite the pain, Colt bulldozed through it with a steel-like frame of mind that remained unshaken despite the harrowing experience.


    Mina cannot help him and Fluff can give moral support at best; he has no treasure to rely on but the fact that his mind works as intended was truly a blessing.


    Thus, he controlled the water elemental aura the best he could. Focusing 90 percent of his effort trying to sustain what is happening would not free him from the pain, but it would at least pull him out of death''s embrace.


    With a mind that is freed from any traffic of unnecessary thought birthed the method that led him to keep his life. The fire was not doused by the water elemental aura for it was too weak to contain the said mana, but Colt began reeling in the mana''s firepower in order to keep his internal organs from turning to char.


    Slowly, he began lowering its temperature. From a burning campfire, he turned it to burning coal. Like a burning candlewick, the fire became calmer, but Colt knew that it will rampage again once his focus wanes.


    ''For the time being that will keep things calm¡­'' He looked at the cat and conveyed his message of being unable to speak for the fire will rampage if he tries to open his mouth.


    His message to the cat was as follows, "Have Mina rest and don''t let anyone touch me. Once Mina recovers, she will heal my wounds and will help me keep my life. With that, I''ll be able


    The cat caught on the message and relayed it to Mina before having her go and rest. Though Mina wished to quickly heal Colt, there was a risk of some unknown adverse effect happening if she does that, she Colt had her go lie down.


    As for the guards who rushed to the carriage after seeing that fire, all of them were given a bitch slap by the cat who was made to safeguard his partner. When Mina woke up to heal Colt''s injury, it was already midnight and Colt was still doing his best trying to suppress the fire.


    If not for the white line''s help, then he would have already burned to death. And as Colt''s injury got healed, he had Fluff stop the carriage and then run as fast as he could to where no one will be bothered by what he is about to do.


    Colt calmed his heart and opened his mouth; the World Devouring Mark began to whirl and then through the path he unknowingly discovered sent the fire out of his system!


    Pushing the fire out as much as possible and just like that, three days passed and the present time where three Goddesses watched over Colt in order to the past time abounded.


    The spectacle of him breathing fire lasted for five minutes before stopping.


    The fire is no longer as strong as before no longer poses a threat to his life, it is now a mere First Circle Fire Mage''s element. It burns, but Colt decided to not eject everything out.


    ''It won''t have an adverse effect on my body, and who knows, this might just become my trump card in the future, hehe. Though I think it''s best if I check for how long I''ll be able to hold onto the fire element.''


    No one would suspect him a wielder of the water and dark element to suddenly use a fire element attack, it''s simply not something that is considered as normal.


    ''It''s just like finding out the childhood friend of the protagonist is no longer a virgin. It''s not impossible, but it sure is not something you would expect¡­or not, no one really cares¡­they always lose anyway¡­dammit.''


    While descending the mountain, he reminisced over the past of hurtfully cheering for the always losing childhood friends caused him to click his tongue.


    With his descent, the one who met him was Mina rushing to his side to heal anything and ensure nothing bad happened.


    "Darling, are you okay now!? Is the fire mana you absorbed from me already out of your system? Wait, I can still feel lingering mana in your body, Darling why are you keeping that? It will destroy your mind and body! Get rid of it!"


    "Don''t worry about it, the mana is under control, I won''t¡­"


    Colt tried to argue, but Mina grabbed him by the collar and pulled him closer to her face. With eyes devoid of emotions looked at Colt and said, "Get rid of it¡­now."


    A chill went down his spine resulting in Colt to shiver. Those eyes of Mina says one thing, "I won''t take no for an answer." Colt knows not what she will do if he disobeys so he simply raised his head and looked the other away before using flamethrower at nothing for ten minutes.


    "There¡­it''s gone," Colt said as he wiped the sweat pouring out of his forehead.


    Smiling, Mina began checking every nook and cranny of Colt''s visible external body. The swirling black tattoo on his left hand had already settled and stopped swirling.


    "Good, if you''re feeling anything wrong, then just say it, okay?"


    "I''m fine dear, let''s just go back and return to the camp, I want to rest already."


    Walking to the carriage, he saw Sera awaiting their return.


    "Young Master, Young Miss you have returned. Is the mana in your system been purged, Young Master?"


    "Yes, it is, I''m really tired today so I''m going to turn in today."


    They are now sharing the carriage with Sera as the other one had already lost its roof. Though Sera consider it as sharing, she actually disappears during the night. Colt doesn''t know where she goes nor does he know what she''s doing.


    But it doesn''t really matter, he trusts Sera will not betray him for he holds Jin by his side. She''s a brocon, she won''t betray the benefactor of her brother¡­at least that''s what Colt is wishing.


    Closing his eyes, Colt began reviewing the uses of the World Devouring Mark, at least what he can understand of the cryptic information that he cannot unravel for the time being.


    The level of life force I safely absorb and control and absorb is the same level of my aura mastery.


    I can''t use mana (or most likely the other life energy) to enhance my strength.


    If the mana is too strong, it is possible to overwhelm and destroy my body.


    Lastly, the reason why the book became smoke and why I can actually use the mark without hurting my mind is due to the reason that I have Fluff with me.


    This is what he knows so far. Considering the cat''s strange activities in the past and how its strength is both unstoppable and not at the same time, Colt already found Fluff as interesting and weird.


    Colt fell asleep after the review and then Sera left the carriage for somewhere else and then returned when the sun was just about to rise.


    Like always, Mina would wake up early, an hour before sunrise to cook the food of the guards and Colt''s. In this timeframe, Mina and Sera would converse. During their conversation, most of the time Mina would smile, sometimes she would pout, and sometimes she would reek killing intent that stifles even the most hardened of veterans.


    As to what they are talking about, none can yet know.


    Time passed and without any more unsettling shit happening, the 29th day of May arrived. Two days before Filla''s birthday, Colt had returned to the Edgeworth Manor.


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 76 76. A Guilty Heart part 1

    "My darling son Colt, my dear daughter Mina you have finally arrived!"


    Countess Faerith Edgeworth''s smile could not be any bigger as she saw Colt and Mina stepping out of the carriage. She was a Countess with known prestige and elegance but from the fact that she had been worried sick for the past weeks.


    Seeing them made the Countess'' worry disappear but also made her emotion burst out.


    After a while, Faerith let go of the pair. But it was not over yet for a loli came running from behind and hugged onto Colt''s leg with expecting eyes. The ever-oblivious little twerp that is Lyra was pleading to Colt.


    "Older Brother¡­your promise." She looked at Colt with dazzling eyes. The five-year-old was very deadly as it got Colt having a heartache.


    ''Too¡­cute.'' Colt was on the verge of just hugging his sister without care about how it looked, ''No¡­you must resist! Don''t go to the dark side¡­in public.''


    Lyra and Colt locked eyes and Colt quickly nodded his head. With a snap of the finger, he had Sera walk from behind with a basket of sweets and bags of ingredients.


    "The sweets, as promised, for my dearest youngest sister."


    Colt handed the basket of sweets to Lyra and gave her the best head pat he could give.


    "Thank you, Older Brother! You''re the best! I love you!" The lass raised the basket over to her head. She was ecstatic, truly like a child that had been blessed with riches, this basket will become the offering that shall bring the siblings together.


    With that basket given, Lyra turned to the sacks of ingredients. She pointed at it and asked, "What''s that for? Older Brother?"


    Colt smiled, but he didn''t give an answer as Mina who was by his side crouched down to meet the young Lyra face to face. Lyra took a step backward. She was both anxious and shy around Mina.


    "Do you like sweets, younger sister Lyra?"


    Lyra nodded her head. Not getting an answer was not something Mina took offense about. She continued smiling at Lyra.


    ??How about a pudding that''s the size of a bucket? Do you want to eat something like that?"


    Lyra''s eyes shone at the idea of a bucket size pudding.


    "That''s good. I brought these ingredients to prepare you just that. Do you think you can finish something that big?"


    "Yes, yes, I can."


    She profusely nodded her head at Mina at the anticipation of eating such monstrosity.


    Mina on the other hand kept her smile all the same as she lured the lass with food. She will become a part of the family in the near future and with that in mind, Mina must befriend everyone.


    Take them on their side so everyone will be accepting of her as a whole. To embrace your lover is to embrace their family, that''s just how it is. Mina was determined to reel in every single one of them to her side.


    ''This is for our future.''


    Colt watched Mina and Lyra getting alone and smiled. He then saw his father, Count Shickly looking at him with a smile and nodded at him and received the same gesture.


    With the mother was acting so energetically; the youngest sister getting baited by food, and the father acting like some hardened veteran as he tried to keep himself awake, the first-born daughter Risa was calmly looking at Colt.


    Eyeing Colt with a mix of worry and a hint of hostility. She had confirmed that he is fine. Now that no longer matters, the worrying heart of a little sister disappeared. What surfaced is the face of a hostile enemy.


    Colt smiled as he ignored her for some time as he began talking to Faerith. But ignoring Risa was not possible.


    Risa''s gaze gradually became hazy from irritation towards Colt. Blue smoke rose from her body as she mouthed off to him, "You didn''t send me the Pillow!"


    Risa had a much-developed aura that him. While the original was lazing around, Risa was forced to become the face of the Edgeworths. Made to train a harsh training regime, she was someone strong for someone who wishes nothing but sleep.


    At the moment, she is 16-years-old but she''s already a Rank-3 Warrior. Her swordsmanship and spearmanship are already top-notched for someone her age. Colt knew that he cannot beat her in a fight, so with a snap of a finger, Sera walked out from behind carrying a white pillow.


    Risa held it and quickly felt the high-quality materials used to create the pillow. Hugging the gift, her anger slowly dissipated. With anger being replaced by bliss, Risa''s eyes returned to normal.


    "¡­Thank you¡­and it''s good to see you''re okay, Older Brother."


    The reunion of the Edgeworth family did not end simply with this meeting. The time was perfect for lunch and as the family gathered in the family dining area. Lunch was served and Colt looked at everyone present.


    They were talking about his exploits, carefully weaving around the topic of the assassination attempt.


    "I heard you have beaten the second son of some Duke Household after unearthing their schemes. Hehehe, I heard those guys were jealous of your relationship towards Mina." Risa stated.


    Laughing, Colt shrugged his shoulders, "It was not that big of a deal. Those guys had stopped training a long time ago, their skills were simply not up to par against mine."


    "Is that soooo. Then, what about that little cutie over there, is that the Fluff Reaper? The one who holds the legendary paws of fury? The smack can send any Soul Partner flying the opposite direction!?"


    Fluff was eating on beside Colt''s plate. It was tearing through meat when its name was mentioned and after listening to the showering praises it was given, it turned to Colt with a smug expression!


    Puffing out its chest, the cat proclaimed, "NYAA¡­MEW!"


    "It said that, "You''re right, that is indeed I¡­the Lord Phat Fluff!", or so it says." Colt translated.


    "Cute and strong, the perfect beast of legends¡­wait, you can understand the cat!?"


    "I don''t know how but I actually learned how to talk cat...Mina can understand it too. Also, I want to argue about its capabilities, but it saved my behind a week ago so let''s just say that this guy has some particular sets of skills." Colt said as Mina laughed whilst nodding her head.


    Lyra who sitting across Colt listened to the stories and was now looking at her Older Brother with reverence. It was clear she was in awe at the fact that Colt can talk to cats.


    While the young ones were conversing, the Mother and Father of the family watched them with a soft smile. Faerith looked at Shickly and softly spoke, "He had changed, has he not?"


    "That he had, his maturity had also improved to a point where even I am impressed."


    With Shickly being in the military, he knows full well of overcoming the hardship of almost dying. Fear will settle in the hearts of those who almost met their end and there are many occasions where they break down.


    There was also the fact that he had taken his first life. The blood in your hand is something that can be washed but the stigma birthed from blood remains for a long time and for other people, it never leaves.


    The fear of taking a life overshadows any actions you create and you wallow in the darkness of guilt¡­Colt had not shown them such symptoms.


    He is showing fortitude, laughing as if it was normal. It made the Count smile at this sight. Everything was at peace; everything was in place the future of the family is secured with Colt a part of it.


    "Colt, my son, you have done well. It appears that you have truly changed from your previous ways." From amidst the loud voice of Risa and Lyra''s laughter, Shickly''s voice pierced the room when he finally decided to speak up.


    He showed a rare smile at Colt as he continued his words, "You have abandoned your ways of drinking all day and waiting the day away. I have heard of your exploits and the tribulation you have undergone, the harsh training that you kept on doing, and everything that you have done.


    "It appears that having Mina by your side has truly changed you for the best. You have changed for the best, and right now, I can say that you have become a fine man."


    Whether he succeeds in the position of Colt or not didn''t matter, what matters is that he had finally grown out of the mistakes he had done in the past.


    Colt looked at Shickly and his heart wavered. He held the original''s emotions and his thoughts, of course, he would be affected by the affectionate words of his father. After all, he was now Colt Edgeworth not Leo of Earth.


    He looked at Shickly and smiled. Everyone around him was smiling at him and accepting his change. It was peaceful, but he felt that those smiles...they are hallow. They only knew the surface of Colt Edgeworth.


    He looked at them and then his lips quivered. He wanted to speak, but it felt like he was lying if he did so. His hands trembled for reasons unknown and he didn''t know how to react.


    Colt tightly held her hand and she looked at his family with a serious expression. He wanted to thank them for their words, for accepting him and the change he had done. With a slightly trembling voice, he called out, "Father, Mother I want you to know¡­"


    "Yes, son?"


    He wished to say the words "Thank you" but for some reason, he felt like he can''t. The words were stuck in his throat. It was not coming out; it was as if he felt some sort of guilt in his heart.


    When the words "thank you" could not come out, the words he had been meaning to say overtook it and were blurted out.


    "¡­that I have a daughter long before I met Mina."


    These are the words that haunted the original. The truth that picked his heart for the past years that result in him wishing for death. Finally, they were uttered in front of his parents.


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 77 77. A Guilty Heart part 2

    Silence pervaded the air. For some time, no one uttered a word. Colt could feel his heart in trepidation. His lips quivered as he felt a sense of fear.


    The cat by his side watched him. It contemplated on whether if it should activate the line or not. In the end, it didn''t do anything as the passive gift it gives is already in effect.


    This is its partner''s tribulation of the heart. Helping him will only do him worst than good. Besides, he already has all the support that he needed in the form of Mina holding his hand.


    The silence was suffocating, but like the night, it eill br broken after some time.


    "What is it that you mean, son? I can see that you are fearful, but worry not. I will hear your words from start to finish, but you must only speak the truth, and only the truth." Shickly''s voice was soft and calm.


    Colt was aware of his father''s consideration. He found this uplifting, and with Mina by his side giving him a much-needed push, the courage the original did not have appeared for him to speak his story.


    Like what Shickly had wished of him, Colt spoke of truth. Starting from what happened four years ago to now, he told them everything. Not leaving a single detail, even his mistakes, his lustful and undignified past, were uttered.


    He told them everything; the fact that his lies continued for years, that Mina was the first to know of this secret, and that he had been doing everything for the sake of the daughterf. He laid bare all of it bare for his family to listen.


    Risa was aghast at his past doings. But at the same time, she could not help but feel a thorn in her heart. She had been criticizing her Older Brother for a long time when she doesn''t even know what''s going on.


    Lyra, who barely understood Colt could only react after hearing the death of Colt''s old flame and her last words. She was the first to let out a whimper and cry. Shortly after her, Risa also felt tears welling up.


    "For four years, I''ve been sneaking out of the guards'' and your eyes in order to sneak into the orphanage and take care of her. I had been afraid of letting you know the truth; I couldn''t face my family, for I feared for her being looked down upon and being mistreated¡­no, that''s not exactly true.


    "I was more afraid of myself being outcasted and being thrown away. My dallying actions had resulted in the death of an innocent woman. If only I had called for help¡­ Filla''s Filla''s mother could have lived.


    "I was afraid of the fact that I would be abandoned and failed to see the bigger picture. I deluded myself thinking what I am doing is the right thing, trying to see past the mistakes that I have committed and resulted in a massive failure that I cannot face¡­I am a coward who deserves no praise!!


    "But not anymore. I speak of these words of truth as a sign of my determination to prove that I am done running away from what I have done. The child did nothing wrong. I bear all the blame, Father, Mother, I am not deserving of anything. I am nothing but a cowardly-trash!"


    Colt grabbed his thigh; his flesh almost rendered by himself as he felt he could tear himself to bits. His eyes were beginning to redden, but he stilled his tears.


    He wishes not to accept pity so he can wholeheartedly meet out his words. For him to stand on his intentions, he must keep his back straight to reflect the determination he held through his words and action.


    Colt looked at Shickly''s eyes and tried to look strong. Faerith was silent. She was showing no major emotion to anything that Colt had said.


    It took some time, but Shickly finally opened his mouth to speak.


    "My son, you have done something detestable merits a hundred lashes."


    His words pierced Colt''s heart. His hope began to crumble with this sentence alone.


    "Letting lust take over you, impregnating a woman, and due to pride letting the mother of your first daughter die. If you had manned up and came to our doorsteps and asked for help, death would have been avoidable. Your pride and cowardice caused her one chance in life.


    "The wave of your actions also brought upon a myriad of consequences. You were engaged to the lovely Young Miss Mina knowing full well by doing so will result in her honor being tarnished¡­"


    "Wait a minute; my Darling was~!"


    Mina, who was beside Colt, wanted to say something. But she felt his tight grip and stayed put.


    Shickly continued his interrupted words¡­


    "¡­like you have said, you were a coward who ran away from what he had done. But that doesn''t mean that you are trash."


    "Huh?" Colt''s eyes widened upon hearing his father''s words. He was not expecting him to utter these words.


    "Your mistakes were your lies and the fact that your cowardice resulted in someone''s death. You are a coward, indeed, but in respect to her wishes, you did your best to keep her last words. You even asked the help of others in an attempt to keep the child alive when you could''ve let things bury the past. You already failed, and in that failure, you already wallowed in despair and walked through the darkness.


    "In the shadows, you supported your daughter. You faced the humiliation you feared when you became a wastrel to cover your tracks as to subject her to any form ridicule and disgusted looks of nobility. In your own way, you protected her with everything you can, isn''t that right?"


    Colt nodded his head. He was still left speechless.


    Shickly looked at his son with a serious expression.


    "For your daughter, you changed and became the person that you are now. And the fact that you can now face the darkness head-on in order to show your daughter the light you cannot give her means that you are no longer a coward. I may not be able to fully judge you, but, Colt Edgeworth, you are a man who bravely faced his mistakes against all the odds."


    These words from his father caused Colt to finally shed tears.


    The original was long gone, but this redemption, this acknowledgment was felt in his soul. He and the original are one and the same.


    Finally, the darkness Colt had been trying to pierce had opened. His guilty heart found freedom, and as he looked at his father, who held a stable expression and his smiling mother before uttering the words, "Thank you."


    Finally, he was able to say those words.


    Finally, he managed to acknowledge himself.


    And as Colt wiped his tears away, he heard Faerith speak.


    "Son, why not bring her here for us to meet? She is our granddaughter, after all."


    "¡­Yes." Colt stood up and bowed to his parents before leaving the dining area with Mina.


    The two sisters also left and decided to follow the two leaving the Count and Countess alone in the dining area.


    Inside the dining room where the Count and Countess were left alone, Faerith stood up and walked over to Shickly.


    She forcefully turned Shickly''s chair to face her and then lock eyes with her husband before giving him a smile that is full of warmth.


    Her slender arms wrapped itself to Shickly and pulled him to her bosom. With a soft voice, she spoke.


    "They are gone now, Shickly dear¡­it''s fine."


    With those words, the battle-hardened Shickly known to watch death with a smile trembled. His whole was shaking. His hands touched his wife''s arms, and then¡­he began to cry.


    "Dammit¡­what a useless father I am. Known as the pillar of the military, and yet I can''t even act like a father and support in his darkest times. Letting him do what he wants, I thought he was like me from the past, a man who loves to drink...


    "I couldn''t see past his actions; he was calling me for help, and I couldn''t hear it! Dammit, dammit, so much for a dignified father! So much for being a man! DAMMIT!"


    The Count cried. He laid down Colt the verdict, calling him out of his mistakes when he himself was useless. He was a father, a man who was supposed to guide his children, and yet he let such a thing happen.


    "I am useless! What use of a father who can''t even help his child!? How can I be so shortsighted if only¡­shit!"


    Even a man such as himself feels emotion. He may show indifference, but that is a mere fa?ade of being the family head. For Shickly, he''s a father before he''s a man of the military.


    Countess Faerith tightly held her husband. She too finally let go of her tears.


    She had been trying to hold it in since Colt was telling his story. Faerith didn''t cry because she knows that Shickly will shortly follow once she lets go.


    "It''s okay ¡­we''ll do things differently now. We can help him now¡­it''s okay, my love."


    The Count and Countess known as the Tigers of the South, but they are parents. And as parents, they could not help but feel saddened by Colt''s hardships.


    The two cried.


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 78 78. Questions

    "Are you sure you didn''t want to announce your pregnancy?"


    "It is fine. I know how much of an impact it would bring if I tell them the news, it is not something you should worry about, darling. Also, as long as you are with me, all is fine."


    Mina hugged Colt''s arm as she had her head gently patted by her beloved. Colt looked at her and also smiled. He said nothing for words was not needed.


    The carriage ride to the Orphanage was nerve-wracking. Two carriages set out, one for Colt and Mina, and the other was for Lyra and Risa.


    Around 1:00 PM, two carriages stopped in front of the hill where the Light Orphanage was situated. Colt and Mina stepped out of their transport.


    "The Light Orphanage? So it was across town. You''ve taken measures, Older Brother."


    Colt turned to Risa, who stated the obvious. A sigh escaped Colt before nodding his head, "Yeah, sure."


    He took a step forward, and from here on, he is no longer sneakily entering the premise as he tries to avoid others'' eyes.


    He is no longer in fear of him being there will implicate his daughter.


    With a heart freed from fear and guilt, Colt walked with confidence and reached the peak of the hill. On the summit, Filla and Hylda were playing.


    Filla turned her head as she heard footsteps coming from the below, and when she saw Colt, her face lit up, "Big bro! I mean, Father!"


    With a broad smile, Filla ran over to Colt. She jumped and held onto Colt''s body like a koala.


    Lifting her head, Filla''s broad smile was beaming, "You came back!"


    "Of course, I promised you, didn''t I?"


    Colt ruffled Filla''s golden hair. Finally, her father had returned from somewhere so far. Her laughter echoed about, and then more footsteps echoed.


    Filla anticipated the appearance of the "Pink Witch". She looked over, and there she was, the Pink Witch. Glaring at Mina, Filla didn''t like her one bit, for she too vied for Colt''s attention.


    However, what caught her attention some more is the fact that there are two more people with her. There were two young girls, one who was around her mid-teens and the other someone who seems not that older than Filla.


    "Who are they!? AH! Are they also your mistresses!?"


    "NO, they''re not! Wait, where did you learn that word?"


    "From Big Sis Hylda?"


    Colt looked over at Hylda who turned the other way and avoided his gaze. Colt felt a headache creeping from behind his head, "No, they are not. Those girls are your aunties."


    "Aunties?"


    "Yes, I''m going to bring you home with me."


    Filla looked at Colt, she cried and laughed at the same time. After some time, Filla stopped her tears as she calmed herself, Colt introduced her to his sisters.


    "Filla, this blue-haired tall girl is aunt Risa, and the little one is Lyra."


    "Awwww, she''s cute and smart to boot. I don''t think most girls her age acts like this."


    "Well, she is my daughter, so what did you expect?"


    "Nah, that can''t be, mother said you were bad in almost everything other than the sword and horseback riding. This lass'' smarts should have been from somewhere else¡­"


    While the Edgeworth family was fawning over Filla who had shown some impressive and unnatural smarts, Mina looked back and saw Hylda watching in silence. She had a smile on her face, but sadness was radiating from behind it.


    Hylda stared at Filla, gaining a family, and finding her place was indeed a good thing. She was happy for her.


    However, from deep within, something crept up, and then she shook her head then entered the church. Filla looked back to find Hylda. She wanted to introduce her to her newfound family, but she was nowhere to be found.


    "Um, big bro¡­I mean, father¡­Big Sis Hylda, she''s missing. I want to introduce her to aunty, she''s my older sister, after all."


    Colt looked at Filla''s pleading eyes and then nodded his head. He looked at her and showed a soft smile.


    "Go, you don''t have to worry."


    Filla turned to her aunties and bowed, "If you would excuse me."


    Filla left, leaving Colt, Mina, Risa, and Lyra in the front yard. The three girls could not be bothered by Colt as they were too busy gossiping their topic...him. Both good and bad were uttered.


    Risa was mostly were fishing for information on what else Colt had told her. Lyra was just there listening.


    ''Well, at least they''re not speaking behind my back.'' Colt then turned to one side of the chapel, where he saw a lady wearing the tunic of the Dracian Fate.


    Colt left the three and walked over to Sister Mary.


    "Are you going finally getting that darned red folder torn to pieces?" Sister Mary jokingly asked.


    "Yeah, I am. But¡­ I''ve been thinking about this for a long time¡­do you think you can process it by the end of the day?"


    "You seem serious, what is it?"


    "I want to take care of my dear benefactor this time around." Colt smiled.


    ===


    In dimly lit damp place, there was the raggedly breathing of a man with no arms. With both legs chained. Blood was coming down from the cut on his forehead. His body almost shriveled from the lack of nutrients.


    He was in a cell, where iron bars separated him from two people wearing butler uniforms. One was a middle-aged man, and the other was a young girl.


    The middle-aged was calm and collected. The girl only looked calm but was slightly trembling.


    It was apparent that she was not used to this kind of sight before.


    She was about to hurl when she heard a voice only she could hear, "If you are to be Butler Go''s successor, then you must not be fazing by this mere sight. Something far worst will eventually show itself to you. Be strong."


    "Yes." She answered with a robust whispery voice.


    "Then I shall begin."


    Neun nodded his head and then opened the doors to the cell. Sera remained outside, watching what he will do, trying to learn what it is she must do in the future.


    Standing before the man with no arms who kept his head down was Neun, who asked, "Who sent you to go after the young master?"


    "¡­.."


    No answer.


    Neun snorted and then brought out a knife and then threw it at the man''s leg.


    "AAAAAHHHH!"


    "It appears that you still have your senses. Now, why don''t you tell me who sent you?"


    "I can''t ¡­they''ll kill me¡­"


    Pang!


    Neun delivered a kick across the man''s face.


    "Stop saying bullshit. You don''t fear death. If you did then you would have already told me everything three weeks ago when you arrived here, what you fear is not your death but your family''s..."


    "BASTARD! DON''T YOU DARE TOUCH THEM!" the man who had been acting all meek suddenly tried pouncing at Neun before he can even finish his sentence, but he couldn''t even touch Neun''s coattail.


    Neun continued to speak, unflustered by his reaction, "We look up your information. Real name, Farlo, a citizen of the Reglaus Kingdom. Your family is located at Harlow Village. I won''t threaten you using your family, because your children are already dead."


    "¡­? Y-you''re lying!" The man finally raised his head and looked at Neun with widened eyes.


    "I do not lie; I only speak of truth. We were going to use them against you, but when we got to your village, your children and everyone else was already dead. It seems like your employer was both a lunatic and an idiot who acted out without thinking. Did he take your failure upon your family? It was quite tragic; your daughter''s head was put in a stake, and your son''s¡­"


    "Enough! Please¡­enough." The man pleaded.


    "Are you ready to talk now?"


    "...yes."

 79 79. Smile

    Hylda had her head hanging low. She could barely lift her legs, and she had little to no energy to even move properly. Hylda''s destination was Sister Mary''s office. She at least wanted to be there when Colt receives Filla''s documents.


    Pat! Pat!


    Slapping both cheeks with relative force, Hylda regained her energy and bounce. She pumped her fist and smiled, "No, use mulling over what''s about to come. I had already taken a detour and got my emotions under control, so I should be okay. Look forward! Look forward! There is no direction other than forward! Let''s do this! Yahoo!"


    Hylda regained herself with a few cheers. Sadness and envy will only bring her down. She needs to be strong so that others won''t be affected by her atmosphere.


    She was saddened but has now recovered. It was then that she heard someone calling her name aloud.


    "Big Sisssss!"


    Filla was running towards her direction. Filla had a big smile while waving her hand. Hylda saw this and secretly heaved a sigh of relief that she managed to regain herself.


    "Oh, Filla, your smile seemed to rather bright today are you happy that you''re going to the Edgeworth manor with Big Bro Sparkly? I mean, Colt, hehe."


    Filla''s brows raised as she let out a hearty laugh, "That too, but I''m also excited that we''ll be able to see and eat a lot of things. We''ll also be able to eat good things there!"


    ''We?'' Hylda stared at Filla''s bright smile and could get to tell her the truth. In the end, she could only smile in return, "Yes, we''ll do that."


    Filla threw her hands upwards as her laugher echoed about.


    ''I''m not technically lying. I can still visit her frequently ¡­but, with her being the child of a noble family, she''ll drift farther away. It''s sad, but that''s just how the world works.''


    Filla reached her hand forward, and Hylda took her hand. This is the last time they are going to be socially accepted as sisters. Hylda''s smile must not waver now.


    They reached the doors to Sister Mary''s office, and as Hylda touched the door to open it, she and Filla heard a voice from inside.


    "Hylda, always hold a smile on her face, laughing as she looked ahead of what''s to come. She tries to find the beauty in everything to keep her mind positive and always does her best¡­are you sure you want to take her with you?"


    ''Are they talking about me? Wait, take me with him? Does that mean big bro wants to bring me away? He''s''sHe''s''s pitying me. It appears that I need to stop big bro from doing something stupid again.''


    Hylda thought as such. She wanted to burst inside and announce what it is that she wants. But then, her hands stopped.


    "She is a girl who would raise her head against tribulation. She''s very energetic and does things her way. Well, I can''t tell you much. After all, I brought Hylda to the Orphanage a mere month after you took Filla here.


    Sister Mary''s voice was booming. It could be heard clearly from the outside. Hylda didn''t want to hear Colt''s answer. She was in a state of fear¡­her smile had once again waned.


    ''N-no, don''t answer that. Please, don''t.'' Right then and there, Hylda decided to put a stop to the conversation. She didn''t want to hear it. She didn''t want the possibility of being rejected. She no longer wants to listen to those words of rejection again.


    The words, ''Useless! Disappear! Bastard! Worthless! Eyesore! Waste!'' still remained fresh in her mind despite it all happening all those years ago. Her smile was starting to disappear; the smile she uses to protect herself was trembling from both fear and sadness.


    A single streak of tear finally escaped from her eyes.


    She took a step forward and was about to push the door open when a hand stopped her. Hylda wanted to shout, but another hand covered her mouth. She looked behind and saw Mina smiling at her with melancholy found in her eyes.


    Mina exchanged eyes with her and whispered to her, "Don''t stop them and listen¡­I have fought in my beloved husband before for this to gain my approval. Don''t waste his efforts."


    Hylda struggled, but she couldn''t fight against Mina''s strength. Filla wanted to help her big sis from the Pink Witch when she saw Mina''s eyes filled with consideration, telling her to stop.


    Inside the office, Colt looked at Sister Mary and smiled as he spoke.


    "The Nuns of the Dracian Fate is really scary. Don''t worry. I know what you mean. To be taken in through pity alone is a frightening thing, You will feel like you don''t belong by their side, and you will eventually go in a downward spiral.


    "The result of such a thing happening will only be the downfall of both parties. The pain, the hardship, everything is something I already know. Don''t worry, Sister Mary. I won''t let Hylda undergo such a painful experience. Besides, she had been with me since she was seven years old. She had been with Filla and I to me she feels like a genuine daughter and I know that Filla also sees her as a genuine older sister. I don''t think leaving this place without her with me is right. I don''t leave my family behind, after all."


    Colt sounded soft and caring as if he was talking about the most precious jewel in the world. From outside, Hylda''s tears were flowing.


    She cannot say anything, but she heard Mina''s words.


    "Before we even left for the capital months ago, he already asked me about this¡­the words he said then is the same as now. You may not have his blood, but he had already seen you as his family since long ago."


    Inside the office, Sister Mary looked at Colt and chuckled. She placed her hand on the table in a relaxed manner.


    "It appears that you are sure about this, well, in the end, I don''t want to give the answer for them. Only dipshits and idiots force their ideals on others. In the end, the one who needs to decide is her...so, what do you say, little Hylda? Do you want to go with this loser!?"


    Hylda was released from Mina''s embrace. Filla held her hand, and then she pushed the door open. As her tears flowed and she sniffled, Hylda had to ask.


    "I-is that true? A-am I needed? Am I your family? Am I not unwanted?"


    Hylda had her head facing down. She cried and cried, waiting for Colt''s answer.


    Colt walked over to her and then kneeled. He opened his arms and embrace her and Filla and then whispered¡­


    "You had always been my family ¡­you''re ¡­you''re necessary for my and your little sister''s life. You are important to us."


    Hylda''s hands grabbed Colt''s back. She tightly grabbed onto it and then cried while saying, "Thank you."


    Hylda had been smiling since she was young. Hailing from a poor family with abusive parents, she cannot complain or show a frown or else she would get beaten up.


    She must smile and please everyone, but even that caused her to be mistreated, telling her smile to be unwanted.


    But she felt that their fists were lighter when she smiles, so she kept on smiling even when they kept on beating her bruised body.


    Even when she was abandoned, she continued to smile. When she is sad, she smiles, when she is hungry, she smiles, and when she is in pain, she smiles. She never cries.


    But at this moment, she no longer smiled.


    She wailed like a child-like she should be. It was as if she was letting out the trapped emotion in her heart.


    The girl who always smiled now cried and wailed.


    Hylda cried as she founds herself a family where she doesn''t'' force herself to smile.

 80 80. Watched over by the Divine

    On the 28th day of July, there was a lot of crying involved. Colt waited for Hylda to stop, and after some much-needed counsel, everything became calm.


    "Are you okay now?"


    Hylda nodded her head. After calming down, she found crying like that to be rather embarrassing. She lowered her head to avoid his gaze.


    Colt ignored this as he the gap between the usual Hylda to be rather adorable. From outside the room, Mina walked in and looked at Colt. She had a mix of pleasant and unpleasantness mixed in her smile.


    "I''ll help the kids go pack their things, okay, darling?"


    Colt could only respond with a weak nod. Holding both her daughters'' hands, Mina stepped out of the room. Despite not having given birth, Mina had already become a mother¡­she was mysteriously pleased by this.


    Hylda and Filla were brought out of the room, leaving Sister Mary and Colt inside. Colt sighed and looked at Sister Mary, who was laughing at him.


    "I heard they called you the Hidden Dragon of the Edgeworth. It seems like the Dragon is but a worm in front of his wife! Hahahahaha!"


    "Shut it, I¡­let just moves on."


    "HAHAHA! You''re not even trying to deny it!? Just how much does she have you under her thumb? That''s freaking hilarious!"


    "Are you a person of fate or not!? You shouldn''t laugh at people''s pain."


    With those words, Sister Mary suddenly stopped laughing and then spoke with a grim expression, "Don''t question my fate, boy. I am a follower of the Dracian Fate, I follow the Goddesses'' will, and nowhere is it recorded not to laugh at henpecked husband! HAHAHAHA!"


    Her laughter regained momentum, and Colt felt his face burning from embarrassment. Throughout the whole process of the adoption, to receiving the papers and the blessing, Sister Mary was either laughing or trying her best to stifle her laughter.


    It took a while because of her fooling around. In the end, as Colt received the papers, Sister Mary ripped the folders where it used to belong and placed the documents inside an envelope.


    "I get it already. I''ll take care of them, don''t worry."


    "I''m counting on you then¡­Young Master Henpecked Worm."


    "Will you stop that?"


    "Nope!"


    Finally, the process ended. The two sisters were caught by surprise by the sudden announcement of, "I actually have two daughters." That Colt made.


    Risa was surprised but was accepting. Lyra was accepting of the matter, but she was torn about something.


    She looked at Hylda and backed Colt, asking, "Um, she''s older than me, so is she my aunty, or am I the aunty?"


    The farewells were also filled with tears. It was not just Hylda and Filla who lives in the Orphanage. Other unfortunate children wishing for a family also stays there.


    Colt watched them cry and try to keep their smiles on their faces. It was heart-wrenching, and somewhere within, he wanted to take them with him like Hylda and Filla.


    But he also knew he couldn''t. Raising a child is not so easy. Providing emotional support is harder than it seems.


    ''I''m still a child in the eyes of many. I am, but 19 years of age, if I take on such responsibility and fail to show up the things they need, the ending will only be pain and hardship for both sides.''


    The children left behind will miss them, but that doesn''t mean they won''t see each other again. If this is a novel, then he wouldn''t be able to do anything; he can simply wish the author to do something about his concerns.


    But this is not just a novel anymore. This is the real world. Colt can interact and change the outcome of the future. He had already changed the future of so many, guiding these children to a better future is something he will also do in the future.


    ''But for now, I need to increase my strength first and then get on with it. In three years or possibly shorter, war will come. The East will raid us. The Continent will be destroyed, and many will die. I need to become stronger for myself and my family. Preparation for war is something I must do right now.''


    They say people give others the power they need to change themselves. One man cannot rely on oneself. Once he sees the vastness of the world and finds the thing he wishes to protect, he''ll reach out to become stronger.


    He''ll reach out so that he''ll have more power.


    Colt and the rest left the Light Orphanage. But before leaving, he bowed to Sister Mary and then went with the rest. Sister Mary watched them board the carriage and their final goodbyes. She stared at the carriage where Colt and the other two boarded and then grinned.


    ''Seems like the Goddesses is watching over him. He reeks of Divine Energy¡­that ought to attract a lot of bad luck to himself.''


    Sometimes, receiving the attention of the Divine is not so good. If the Divines wished for entertainment, then trouble will be finding itself to that person to entertain the people above.


    The Divine will not wish for it to happen, and Sister Mary doubt they want it to happen.


    ''It is said that the Divine only pays attention to Mortal when they are either an Apostle or a problem that might endanger the world. Hmmm, I wonder what''s your position, Young Master Colt? Are you going to bring salvation or destruction? Welp, either way that doesn''t matter. I am more of a Goddess Root follower. Our doctrine says, "Mind your own business", I don''t want to get involved.''


    Sister Mary just hoped Colt lives to see the coming years. For his children''s sake, not his.


    "Children, let''s have Morian Stew tonight."


    ===


    Coming home to the Edgeworth Manor, Count Shickly and Countess Faerith greeted Colt and the rest.


    Soon after stepping out of the car, the two children froze at the sight of the tall Count Shickly whose height was two meters.


    Count Shickly had apparent confusion in his eyes. He looked at Colt seeking after an answer. Colt stepped forward and looked at his parents and then showed them a sweet smile, saying, "These are my daughter, the one little one with the golden hair is Filla, and the one with the Fiery hair is Hylda. They are both my daughters."


    Count Shickly didn''t know what to say. He was speechless and tongue-tied, signaling his savior to come and swoop him up his feet, Countess could only shake her head at this big oaf of a husband she has.


    "So, you''re the ones joining our family? I welcome you both to the Edgeworth Family. Though we were not expecting that our dear child already has two children at such an age, hohoho¡­."


    The Countess was laughing, but then, it was suddenly cut short as they heard someone speak.


    "He has three children¡­ I''m pregnant, Mother-in-law."


    Silence prevailed, and Count Shickly fainted.

 81 81. Troublesome

    Count Shickly''s study.


    Name: Colt Edgeworth, Age: 19, Height: 193 centimeters, Weight: 82.5 kilograms, Power level: Rank-1 Warrior, Status: In a relationship, No. of children: 3.


    These would be his stats if Colt were playing some kind of simulation of something.


    There''s something wrong here.


    Colt was kneeling as he looked at his father and mother. Beside him, Mina was smiling without a hint of worry. Colt was shaking at the current predicament.


    His parents are understanding, but there''s a limit to it. He does not want to cross that limit.


    After Mina''s little announcement, Colt had to tell the whole story.


    With a creeping headache, Count Shickly found it hard to think straight, "My dear wife, Young Daughter Mina, I want to talk with my son man to man. Please leave us."


    "Understood." Faerith could see the seriousness in her husband''s eyes. She nodded her head and left the study with Mina.


    Colt is now alone with his father.


    The silence was suffocating. It almost halted Colt''s breathing. The pressure coming from Shickly, who sat behind his chair, was terrifying!


    ''So, this is the presence of a man who stands atop the military.'' With Shickly glaring at Colt, it was terrifying for him. Indeed, Shickly is a man of unfathomable strength.


    "Son?"


    "YES!?"


    "I don''t want to say that what you did is wrong, but I also won''t say what you''re doing is right. I want to reprimand you, and for better or for worse, all I want to say is good luck. Sigh, get up from the cold floor, and take a seat. I want to tell you something."


    Colt raises his head and saw Count Shickly showing him a soft smile. The Count then offered him a seat to the sofa in the room.


    Count Shickly got up from his seat behind the desk and went to one of the two bookshelves in his office.


    Taking seven books from the top right corner of the shelf, Count Shickly revealed a hidden jar and two wine glasses, "Do you drink, Son? Or was it also a show?"


    "No, that one is rather true."


    "I see, then you would love this wine. I created this myself. I used twelve different fruits across the four seasons. This wine was aged for twelve years, twenty feet underground, and then distilled using the finest of methods. I must say that this is one of my three hidden masterpieces, only your mother and I know of this one."


    Shickly opened the jar, and the sweet fragrance of the wine swept the room. Shickly sat on the sofa across Colt and poured him a glass.


    "I call this one "Fruits of Change" drink and see if it up to your taste."


    "Thank you, Father."


    Colt lifted the glass and brought the wine close to his nose. The sweet and intoxicating fragrant of the wine wafted over, his mind and mood uplifted by its aroma alone. Once the dew entered his mouth, a light feeling embraced him.


    All was going well. The atmosphere was light and warm. It was the perfect time for the Count to say the words of wisdom he had been trying to impart, "Son, with this...make sure to control your lust. And also...make sure you prepare yourself, Liron, your father-in-law, will beat the shit out of you once he hears of this. I won''t help you, so pray to the Goddesses for protection."


    "Yes, Father." Colt shivered as he felt a chill run down his spine. Thankfully he had wine to keep himself warm.


    Anyone can make mistakes. That mistake results in many ways, and it affects those around you. Whether they know of it or not, all are affected by your lies.


    In the world where aristocracy is present, there are many rules seen as ridiculous in the modern world.


    In that world where noble families oversee the people, there exist two kinds of social status other than from the "Rich" and the "Poor."


    Nobility and Commoners, such are the two roles. Many noble Family values, power, and prestige more than anything else. They even use marriage to strengthen their connection and relations with other nobility.


    The act of marriage and boring a child is but a tool used to become stronger. The stronger the connection becomes, the deeper the relationship and power they share.


    To marry a commoner is a humiliating act. The blood of the ''impure'' is seen lower than a cattle''s when mixed with that of nobility, yet many nobles have sexual relations with these mere commoners.


    Satiating their lust and once a child is born, the child is mistreated. More often than not, the child with the ''impure'' blood will even be looked down upon by servants.


    If they receive the love of the Family, other people will use that fact to find fault against them, stating that he or she is but a mere lowlife lower than a bug.


    They will be given a disgusted look for as long as they live. Even if they achieve something good, others would still look down upon them for their pedigree.


    The Edgeworths on the other hand couldn''t care less about pedigree or their achievements. The Edgeworths is a family that has a line of lazy masters in their midst.


    They are Tigers who constantly sleeps and conforms to nothing. They are nobles but prefer mingling with commoners and ordinary soldiers, for they find their way of living more comfortable than nobility.


    They were once called the Black Sheeps of Nobility. But like the unconventional Vera family who also received the title of Black Sheeps. They cared not for anything and even used the color of black to their advantage.


    The color of black was used in their crests, representing them not giving a fuck.


    The night came to be, and Shickly and Colt continued their conversation. At 8:00 pm they went to eat with the rest of the Family.


    Colt and the rest of the Family had Moriam Stew. Colt requested the stew as he remembered it was his kids'''' favorite dish.


    Hylda and Filla were delighted by this, and once the eating began, Colt, Hylda, and Filla were having too much fun eating. The Family didn''t care much for table manners as they had already seen Colt eat.


    Also, seeing the two kids enjoy their food was a thousand times more lovely than seeing Colt eat like a slob.


    It was a jovial dinner. After dinner, Hylda, Filla, and Lyra played together. With Lyra raised in a family where the Older Brother didn''t care about his image and an Older Sister who secretly loves sleeping and playing. It was clear that she''d also be free-willed like the others.


    Laughter filled the mansion until nine in the evening. The three were exhausted and ended up being tucked in the same room.


    At 9:30 pm Colt began training with Mina until 10:00 pm where he finally collapsed. While he training, he has used his aura without placing limitations to himself, so he got tired faster than usual.


    Colt woke up at 11:11 pm. His bones were creaking, but he found himself feeling refreshed. He walked out of his room with a sleeping cat and a training sword in tow.


    The Lord Fluff woke up as it was tossed made to watch over Colt. At 11:20 pm, Colt returned to training and then collapsed 30 minutes after. He was dragged back by the cat and then woke up at 2 am and then returned to training.


    All the while Colt was hammering his body. Count Shickly was with Neun.


    Neun looked out from the window of the study where Colt was training and nodded his head at what Colt was doing, "He''s at the second step of training, not bad. My Lord, it appears that the Young Master is about to reach Rank-2 Warrior in a week."


    "That''s good, but that doesn''t matter right now. Neun, what have you recovered from the assassin?"


    "It appears that the one who hired them was someone anonymous. Hiding his identity at the very end. According to him, his employer was garbed in dark gray cloaks."


    "So, there''s we got no clue from him? It seems like finding the root of it all will be harder than I thought." Shickly smacked his lips in irritation.


    Neun on the other hand, shook his head as he disagreed, "Don''t jump to conclusions, my Lord. This is much more troublesome than you think."


    Intrigued, Shickly raised a brow, "What do you mean?"


    "I can''t be sure, but according to the man, one of his employers began screaming while in the middle of recruiting him. Then one of the people wearing dark gray cloaks subdued that screaming person, and then a white light appeared, blinding him. Also, the man died from the Shadow Heart Oath Curse after confessing his sins¡­I might also point out that his family and the whole village were killed. I suspect the ones who did it are his employers. I think they were trying to uproot anyone who might have seen that light. With this much, I think it''s legit."


    Upon hearing this, Count Shickly rubbed his temples as he felt like a severe headache appeared, "So you''re saying someone with the Light Element has appeared?"


    "I''m afraid so."


    "This is going to be really troublesome."

 82 82. Good days

    Under the guidance of the moon, the people of the capital city of the Edgeworth Fief is under a festive mood. The streets were brightly lit, and the pubs offered free drinks and food.


    In the shadows, people are patrolling, and the guards who are on duty cursed the others who weren''t. Tonight, was a festive night for it was July 31st, the birthday of the second oldest child of the infamous Young Master Colt was held today.


    The announcement was made the day prior to today. The entire Kingdom was shocked, and the King regretted the fact that he had some urgent matters to care for so he couldn''t come.


    The nobles were the ones who had been shocked for a rumour quickly spread.


    The story about how the wastrel of Wing City was nothing but an act to hide his daughters'' presence. It was said that the Young Master and a commoner fell in love with each other. In their union, a child was created.


    But because the child was from a commoner, the Young Master decided to keep it a secret from everyone, including his family.


    So, he decided to become a wastrel to hide this fact.


    He disregarded his image so that no one will pay attention to his actions so that he''ll be able to rear his daughters in secret.


    He gave up everything, even his position of the successor just to create the perfect camouflage. Only when he saw it fit to show his daughters'' presence to the world that he saw it fit for him to show the head of the sleeping tiger.


    Like a caterpillar metamorphosing to become the Dragon and then the Fluff Reaper who takes a life once the sword leaves the scabbard, once the wastrel found his name to be sufficiently known, he returned home and announced his daughters'' existence.


    The story spread far and wide. Some people saw Colt as human trash, and some admired him. Many nobles used this instance to attack the Edgeworths for being unbecoming only to fail spectacularly.


    For the commoners'' side, Colt became a figure of respect. He reared the child who was of also of common blood. He even adopted someone from the common populace.


    Though many cannot remember who Filla was for she rarely leaves the Orphanage; Hylda was a different matter.


    A young girl who sells flower by the wayside. That''s who she was. Her past was unclear, but the family accepted her no problem.


    The common folks'' view of the Edgeworth Family has increased. The stigmata that Colt carry on his name disappeared with this event.


    Colt became a figure to be respected. Women of both common and noble birth who came to learn of his story started seeing him in a better light, thinking, "For a man to have such kindness and dedication¡­and masculinity ¡­he''s perfect."


    Such thoughts were not accurate, but one should be able to get the point. In short, women began thirsting for him.


    However, as Colt was walking with Mina, it was inevitable that none approached him. With Mina by his side giving silent death glares at every girl who so much as show a hint of interest to Colt, then no one would approach him.


    At the moment, it was only the two of them going around the city. His children were going about frolicking near the Orphanage together with Lyra.


    Colt wanted to go too, but he was stopped by Hylda and Filla saying he should also relax from time to time. They had seen their father train day in and day out trying to become stronger.


    Instead of him, it was Shickly placed on watching over the children. Countess Faerith wanted the Count to spend some time with his granddaughters.


    According to the Countess, the tension around the grandfather and granddaughters must be lessened.


    "Dear Husband, I don''t care if you are a Count or have a meeting with Neun. The mental health of the children is our priority. You look intimidating, so it''s best if you spend some time with them."


    Since one could remember, the women of the Edgeworth Family had always been strong and tough. This criterion is not a written rule; it was just the type of women every Edgeworth men across multiple generations prefers.


    So, with that being said, Count Shickly was left babysitting the children. And because the Count himself went out with the children to the Orphanage, it became some sort of publicity that further increased public opinion.


    ''Good luck with that, Father.'' Colt could only wish him luck. Looking around the city as he walked, there were indeed many women eyeing him and this made Colt somewhat conflicted.


    If it were any other man, then he would be revelling with such attention focus onto him.


    But no! Colt is a man who values both his pride as a father and a lover. He also values his life.


    ''If Mina learns of any case of infidelity, the best-case scenario would be ending up in a cage, chained and fed like a dog for cheating¡­that''s quite intense¡­but still fair. Hmmm, is my perception of fairness getting screwed?''


    The night came and went, Colt returned to the manor at around 8 pm, which coincidentally the time when the Count and the children returned.


    The two groups met at the front door of the manor and as soon as Filla got out of the carriage and ran towards Colt and gave him a big hug. Hylda did what she always did and acted all mature with a smug look on her face.


    Filla had a big smile on her face. And then, Colt''s pupils shrunk as he saw Count Shickly coming out of the carriage with Lyra in his hands and with his tied to a twin-tails.


    ''Oh.'' Colt was shocked.


    Count Shickly saw Colt. The Father and Son locked eyes.


    Colt had no idea what''s going on, and he had no interest in learning. Whatever happened in the Orphanage would stay in the Orphanage¡­at least until the Countess makes one of the three children spit out what happened.


    They had a family dinner to celebrate it Filla''s birthday themselves. All in all, the night was very peaceful and the coming nights as well.


    With Filla''s birthday coming and going, time quickly passed.


    Soon, it was already a week after Filla''s birthday. But despite that being the case, the manor was still as lively as always.


    Many nobles sent their congratulations to the family this past week alone, and Colt reached Rank-2 Warrior and is already showing signs of improvement.


    He is not slowing down at all. The Countess is busy handling documents, and the Count is busily playing with the children day after day. He''s volunteered to be on babysitting mode.


    The Count transformed into a doting Grandpa to Filla and Hylda, and he is now spoiling Lyra more than ever. It was getting out of hand.


    The baby was getting more apparent now, and the Marquise who received the news was hurrying back to the Edgeworth Fief to have a thorough talk with his son-in-law.


    All in all, Colt is not showing signs of slowing down. He is as busy as ever.


    And a week after that, the night before the arrival of the Marquise arrived. Colt swung his sword multiple times, trying to clear his head as he prepared lines to make sure he doesn''t get slaughtered in tomorrow''s meeting.


    According to the Count, the Marquise is fuming. He is not mad because of Colt''s children, but because of Colt''s lies and the fact that Mina got pregnant so early in her life.


    The Vera family doesn''t care about conventions, but they value the truth. With Colt having a family of his own completely hidden, the Marquise fears that his daughter had been deceived and is ready to liberate her from Colt''s grasps.


    ''In short, the father is worried about her daughter.''


    Colt can only sigh because he knew that the Marquise has every right to be angry about the current situation.


    ''Well, I could have confessed when I regained my memories, but I didn''t so I don''t have any alibis to give. I just need to make sure I stay alive.''


    Colt has his priorities straight at least.


    However, while he was trying to clear his mind, a bright white light exploded from the side.


    "NYAAAA!"


    "What is it. Fluff!?"


    Colt turned his head and saw Fluff writhing in pain. Only after a minute or so did the little fellow stop its pained cried.


    "Hey, what''s the problem!? You never did that before."


    With one eye closed, Fluff struggled to get up.


    "Nyala, Meow! Mew!" (One of my Siblings got revived! Fuck, I hate those guys.)


    With a low voice, Fluff spoke.

 83 83. Father-in-Law

    Immortals, Vampires, Deities, and The Protagonist; these entities are almost invincible and cannot easily be killed. They are so hard to kill; they can even survive a nuke in a way one would not expect¡­except for Immortals, everyone knows how they''ll survive ¡ª they''re Immortals.


    However, according to the many legends Colt had gathered, even they can be slain. In this world, the so-called Immortal Slaying weapons can be found. Even The Protagonist can be killed if the Goddess wants him to¡­or, so he thinks.


    Nothing is impossible to kill. Every life will end after some time. Colt knows this all, but there is one opponent he does not know how to beat.


    That person is his Father-in-Law. Colt awoke rather late today of all days when he should have been up early to greet the Marquise first. However, when he got up, he heard something somewhere in the manor and decided to check what was happening.


    Little did he know that he would be shocked to see what he would see.


    Outside the back garden of the manor, there''s a big tree that provides shade. That''s where Colt and Mina like to spend their time to rest while watching over the three kids frolic about with big smiles on their faces.


    Today was supposed the day of the reckoning. Colt couldn''t come up with a plan to reason with the Marquise and be ready to face everything he will throw at him.


    But something weird was going on that Colt couldn''t comprehend. Now is the time when the Marquise should be beating the shit out of him for lying. But at the moment, the Final Boss to the road to acceptance was playing with the three children with the Count.


    "Are you also our Grampapy?" Hylda asked with a big smile on her face.


    The Marquise saw that unfazed and honest smile of hers and with replied with a big smile himself, "Yes, that I am. Also, um, can you and the little one call me that one more time?"


    The Marquise requested at Hylda while pointing at little Filla.


    Filla already heard Marquise Liron''s words, and together with Hylda and Lyra, who decided to join in, she called out, "Grampapy!"


    "Hehehehe." The marquise let out a creepy laugh befitting of a pedophile, and then turned to the Count and gave him a thumbs up.


    "You have done well in teaching them, my friend." ''


    "Of course."


    That''s the words the two exchanged as they met eyes.


    Though Marquise Vera had a scar going down his right temple to his neck and had a scruffy beard with a bulky body making him look like a bear, Hylda asked without flinching. Even adults are scared of Marquise Vera, and it was a mystery how Mina''s beauty came out of from the abomination that is him.


    Hylda should be terrified, but her bright smile couldn''t be fazed. She was already experienced with dealing with the surprisingly soft Count, so she was courageous. The Marquise liked that.


    Mina mysteriously walked out from behind her beloved and saw his reaction.


    "Are you surprised to see them like this?" Mina asked, shocking Colt out of his daze.


    Colt couldn''t say much and could barely nod his head.


    Chuckling at his childish response, Colt was invited by Mina to take a seat under the shade and watch them play. She said nothing, and he was the same. They enjoyed the peaceful sight of the children playing with the two warriors.


    It was an odd but peaceful sight.


    The Marquise and the Count continued to play with the children until 8:00 am. The children were called by the Countess to come in as their lessons are about to start.


    Filla was only four and should have been excepted from the lessons, but she insisted on learning them, so she was also going inside with them. But it wasn''t just the three children made to enter as the Count was also dragged back to take care of the paperwork.


    "Liron, I''ll be going now. Make it quick and help me with something, I need to talk to you about something first."


    "Okay, just go and do your job. I have something to talk to your son."


    "Sure, just make sure not to kill him¡­son, Goodluck."


    Finally, everyone left, and Colt was left with Mina and the Marquise outside. It was not the most appropriate place to talk, but before Colt could attempt anything to change location, the Marquise already sat on the grass a meter away from him.


    "Colt Edgeworth, when are you planning to hold the wedding?"


    "Huh?" Colt blanked out as he tilted his head in confusion, "What was that?"


    The Marquise looked at Colt with disgust as if he was looking at a retarded man, "What you don''t even know marriage is? Wait, are you telling me you won''t get married to my daughter!? HUHHHHHH!?"


    The words of the Marquise suddenly unleashed the demon lord that is Mina''s silent anger. She stared at Colt, and that alone carried enough to wait for Colt to feel threatened.


    With the daughter giving him a death glare and the father polishing his fist to beat him to a pulp, Colt quickly answered, "Of course I''m going to marry her, not once have I thought otherwise."


    The daughter smiled cheerfully, and the father snorted. Colt''s life was spared.


    ''Being indecisive and slow will cost me my life someday¡­wait, isn''t that the same as dying in the most foolish manner?''


    The Marquise, who was satisfied with his answer, shrugged his shoulders, "Is that so, then decide when the marriage is. It should be held this year. I don''t care about honor and stuff, but if my daughter gets defamed because of her getting pregnant before her marriage, then I might wage war against the nobles. I''m going to your father now."


    With his mind floating in a sea of thought, Colt heard the Marquise''s words and instantly got up from where he sat.


    "Father-in-Law wait a minute!"


    "Huh? What is it?"


    Colt called out without thinking much about his actions. But there is something he must confirm.


    "Are you not angry about me lying? And weren''t you going to punch me?"


    The Marquise had to tilt his head in confusion, "Why the hell would I punch you? Have you done anything wrong!? Wait, don''t tell you cheated or something!?"


    Mina''s silent stare was unleashed¡­


    Colt quickly answered, "Of course I didn''t. Also, that is not the reason why I asked. I wanted to know if you, Father-in-Law is angered by my lies."


    Liron saw the brewing anxiousness in Colt''s eyes and then grinned, "Hehe, are you worried about the words of your father? Don''t worry about it. I made him say that. I wanted to see if you''re going to run away if I made him say that, and now that I saw your guts to stay and await my arrival and even oversleep, I can say that you pass.


    "I was merely testing you, so don''t worry about it. Also, don''t think much about the matter of your daughters. Shickly and I had been wanting grandchildren since five years ago, and we''ve wished for you two to bless us with one since you two got engaged all those months ago, so they are a godsend to us.


    "As for your lies, that doesn''t matter to me¡­if my angelic daughter complained about it, then sure I would beat the shit out of you. But you and Mina already talked about the whole matter. Mina already knew about this before a week had passed after you got engaged, correct? She could have annulled at that time, but she didn''t. That means she accepted everything about you. If you love her and she loves you, then that''s all that matters to me. Oh yeah, but make sure not to make her cry or else¡­your answer!?"


    "Yes, Father-in-Law."


    Colt bowed, and Liron entered the manor in search of Shickly.


    "So, the marriage, when are we going to hold it?" Soon after the Marquise left, Mina quickly asked.


    Colt''s body jolted and realized something very crucial to his survival. With a wry smile, he gave his answer, "Um, in November? Does that¡­work? Hmmm, seems not so much, huh."


    Mina''s silent smile emerged, and from that Colt had to use his sharpened tongue to make sure his wordings won''t result in full yandere activation. His battle is just beginning.


    ===


    The Regalus Kingdom is located South East of the Eastern Continent. They are positioned in a very dangerous position, for they are near two of the seven Forbidden zones of the Eastern Continent.


    Down South where one of the Greatest General watches over is the Magical Beast Forest, where the majority of beings residing within are Tier-5 Savage Magical Beasts. The ocean is just beyond the Forest, but no one dare goes there, for it is also infested with Magical Beasts. That is the reason why the Wing City, the capital city of the Edgeworth Fief and closest to the Forest, don''t import fishes despite being so close.


    Eastward there stood one of the three Great Families, the Genesis Family, and near them are is another Forbidden area known as the Valley of Death. It is a place where the undead gathers.


    At the moment, the Genesis Family is in turmoil after the mysterious deaths of the Elders. The Valley of the Death is watched over the Genesis Family.


    Monitoring its activities, so no bizarre is going on. But with the valley staying at peace for a hundred years and the sudden eruption of trouble in the Genesis Family began. The Valley of Death was left unattended as the people posted over there was called back to help their respective supporters and show their loyalty.


    However, at this moment, the Valley of Death became lively as lifeless beings started walking the land.


    "Nya, mew, meow." (We''re going to the Valley of Death.)

 84 84. Preparation

    "Don''t you think we should just send someone strong to that place¡­? Is my presence needed¡­? Hey, is your Nekomancy (Catmancy) working¡­? I thought you''re going to summon some of your Generals¡­? Hey, don''t ignore me." Colt was getting irritated by being ignored by the little fat cat.


    "Nya?"


    Only when he raised his voice did the at notice him¡­but, he couldn''t stay angry for it held a shield Colt couldn''t go against.


    "What was that, Father? Is there a problem?" The shield that is Filla asked.


    "No my dear, sorry about that."


    Fluff looked over at Colt while having its belly rubbed by Filla and Lyra. They were at one of the training grounds watching Hylda train in the way of the spear from Shickly and Liron.


    Filla on the other hand, was on belly rubbing duty while reviewing the important points of magic and mages she got from Mina. Although Filla was having a hard time adjusting to Mina being her Mother. Filla still looks up to her when it comes to magic.


    She was the greatest Mage Filla met in this life.


    "Mina, can I¡­" Colt tried talking to Mina, who was busily teaching Mina, but all she got was a snort and then was ignored.


    "Hmph!" Mina pouted before returning to the lesson.


    Colt looked at Mina, who avoided his gaze. Mina was ignoring him, and he found it kind of hurtful. It had been two days, and he had been trying his best to woo her. But nothing seems to work. She even stopped sleeping at Colt''s room.


    ''I can''t blame her. I asked her to postpone the marriage after all.'' All of it started the day after he asked Mina to suspend the marriage.


    At first, she was cool about postponing the marriage, but the very next day, she stopped talking to Colt and even exchanging gazes with him.


    Colt had already talked to his parents about him leaving. The Marquise was disappointed, but after hearing his reason of, "Needing to find an appropriate gift for a "Bride Token" and make the nobles shut their mouths."


    That was enough to give everyone Colt a green light and let him head out. The Bride Token is an essential culture in not only the Kingdom but also the continent.


    It started when the three Goddesses descended from the heavens and chose an Apostle. The Apostle was tasked with saving the world and was given Three Blessings.


    The Blessing of Light: The Blessing of Darkness: and The Blessing of Origin.


    The Three Blessings however, came at a price. In exchange for power, the Apostle would ascend to heaven, and there she will stay with the Goddesses.


    When the Apostle finished her tasked, she was ready to ascend. But, along her journey, she fell in love with a companion. They were fated to separate. But the man pleaded for her to stay.


    The Apostle was touched, and her love for him was reaffirmed.


    The man did what he was told and gathered many treasures and presented them to the Goddesses. From this point on, depending on the region and culture the legend changes.


    Some say the hero presented the Goddesses the most precious of gems. Others claim that it was pure love.


    "I say they were offered food." This is Colt''s opinion.


    Long story short, that legend became acknowledged as a religious belief after the ladies found it romantic. With that, the culture of Bride Token was born.


    To marry a girl, one would need to offer something in return. Commoners also practice this, but they follow the "Pure Love" kind of mindset to save money.


    As for nobility, they must see something precious, or else the bride will get looked down upon. His Father Shickly offered victory in a war.


    It was said he took a thousand head and offered it to Faerith, who laughed at the sight of a bloodbath¡­this is one of the few reasons why they are feared.


    ''Welp, I just need to find something perfect to make it up for my action. Sigh, I don''t want to go there, but I must, getting that treasure would be pretty hard at the moment.''


    Colt sighed at his position. According to the cat, the egg will only surface when he, Colt, appears in person. If he doesn''t go, then the egg will hibernate for ten years¡­which was pretty shitty considering a war can happen at any moment now that the butterfly effect had been unleashed.


    Colt looked at Mina and was once again ignored, he was saddened by this development, but at least she wasn''t pissed enough to kill him.


    ''Best to leave it alone for now.'' Colt could only accept the situation as is; he was left without an option for reconciliation and then went to make necessary preparations.


    Fluff followed Colt as it felt something was up. It got up and ran towards Colt. It left Filla and Mina behind.


    Mina watched Colt leave and then felt her heart in pain. She pouted as stared at Colt''s back with a hint craziness on her eyes, ''Darling, I...''


    Fluff hopped onto Colt''s shoulder and then said, "Myaaaa."


    "It''s here? Finally, good news."


    Colt left for the front gate; there, he awaited the arrival of a mysterious being. He arrived at the front entrance where two guards kept watch and stood there for hours, stupefying everyone who saw him.


    They asked him what''s wrong, and all he said was, "I am waiting for something to come."


    So, Colt stayed there for hours until 2:00 pm, and a cat walked out from the crowd and reached the gates.


    It was two cats with fluffy red fur. It looked like a leaving ball of flame.


    The guards saw the cats wanting to enter the manor and tried shooing them away, but Colt stopped them, "That''s the one I''ve been waiting."


    The guards found this weird but didn''t question his intentions. But the guards and the nearby servants found it exciting and observed what was going on from the corner of their eyes.


    One of the cats stopped in front of the Young Master and released a single, "Meow."


    Colt creased his brows and nodded his head, as he answered, "That''s good, thank you for coming here when you are training."


    "Nyaa."


    Colt looked at Fluff and snickered, "It''s for the Lord they say, heh, what a joke."


    Pah!


    He was secretly slapped on the back his head by the cat on his shoulder¡­Colt ignored Fluff.


    "The Fire Generals have been working hard. Thank you for your hard work. You may leave now."


    The cats bowed to Colt and left the premises.


    His brows met each other for the reports of the cats was simply something he feared.


    ''The Valley of Death is being overrun with undead¡­it seems like this is not going to be easy.''


    Fluff''s catnection is very useful, for he can give out orders to his ten vassals wherever he was. Though it was one-way communication, and the cats would need to come back to him to make a report, it was still useful.


    The two red cats called the Fire Generals were ordered by Fluff to head East and see if anything bizarre is going on. Colt remembered one of the two remaining events that he had yet to encounter in the timeline.


    One of these events concerns a villain, and the other is something pertaining to one of the heroes.


    The Valley of Death is a focal point in the creation of one Major Villain, and it appears that Colt''s suspicions had been cleared.


    ''The cats said there''s an outbreak of the undead¡­this event was mentioned once in the novel. There was a time when the Valley of Death was overrun with the undead, and an invasion almost happened.


    ''But then, the undead was suppressed and later at that timeline, one particular name surfaced, Avern the Necromancer. This incident was supposed to be one of the few reasons why Avern became so strong.


    ''By absorbing the energy of the dead, he enhanced his Dark Magic and became stronger than anyone could predict. The hero first met Avern when he was going through the Valley of Death as he was headed for the Genesis Family territory. By then, the reason why the two fought was that Avern tried taking his soul and turn him into a puppet like the others who came before him.


    ''But now, Avern should still be in the capital city. No one is there to suppress the rising of the undead, and I don''t think going there is safe. Hmm, should I call Avern on this one? He owes me one anyway...no, he''s not the same person in the novel; there shouldn''t be any reason why he should go there?''


    Colt asked himself but immediately left, leaving a stunned audience behind.


    The servants saw this exchange between human and animal that it made their jaws slack.


    ''What the hell did we just witness?'' Is what they all thought.


    That night, Colt ate dinner with his family and told everyone about his plans to leave for the Valley of Death. He didn''t tell them about the rising of the undead, but he did ask for Neun to come with him for protection.


    The Count agreed. Colt felt a little relieved about this fact. Colt sighed and then, trained for some time and decided to rest after collapsing once.


    He had a day tomorrow.


    He entered his room and then closed the door. The room was not lit, the light was off, but it didn''t matter for Colt only wanted to rest by now.


    Clack!


    The room closed behind him, and he unsteadily walked over to his bed. However, what he didn''t notice was a pair of glowing pupils inching closer from behind.


    Two arms came from behind and grabbed Colt.


    "Hiiiiiii!"


    He wanted to scream, but a hand covered his mouth. He tried escaping but was instead pushed down on the bed.


    ''Who''s there!? An assassin!?'' Colt''s mind was racing. His heart was beating like crazy, and he was even praying to the three Goddesses to send some divine intervention to save him.


    While in a state of mixed fear and anxiousness, he was flipped over, and there he saw a pair of glowing pink eyes.


    It was Mina whose face was flushed because of unknown reasons.


    Mina let go of Colt''s mouth and mounted his body. She held both of Colt''s hands and locked eyes with him.


    Colt was shaking in fear. Retaliation was possible, but he didn''t dare to as it might become a reason for something to happen to the child she was carrying.


    So, with the gentlest voice he could, he asked, "Why are you doing this, Dear?"


    But Mina didn''t give him the answer that he wanted.


    She leaned forward and began penetrating Colt''s mouth with her mouth. A deep and torrid kiss was exchanged between the two as Mina didn''t let up for at least five minutes.


    As Mina finally left Colt, her eyes finally regained a sane light as she spoke.


    "I-I am very sorry Darling¡­but you see, it has been a veryyyy long time since we had this much skinship. I know that we can''t risk anything since I am pregnant, but you have not given me even a single kiss¡­I thought I could last until I give birth by making do and simply stare at you all day. But after I realized I wouldn''t be able to see you for a long time, my body began to shake and hot¡­so, at least for tonight, let me stay by your side to settle my heart so that I shall last for the next months without gazing managing to have a single gaze of your visage."


    Mina leaned forward and once again delivered Colt a kiss.


    Finally, Colt understood why Mina was acting in such a manner for the last few days. She was not angry. She was simply horny.


    That night, there was sexual intercourse that happened¡­however; it was a restless night nonetheless.

 85 85. Finally, He Faces the Future

    "Don''t forget to eat a lot and do not neglect your sleep, okay?" Countess Faerith was very worried like she was previously when Colt first left.


    She said many things to him and packed a lot of items. Most of them were unnecessary, but Colt didn''t try arguing.


    Arguing with a Mother is one of the things he must avoid¡­or else.


    It took a while, but Colt managed to say his farewells to his family. His mother was worried and reluctant to let him leave, but the Count and the Marquis nodded their heads in approval of his decision.


    They are not that worried for Neun was with him.


    ''He''s a Phase 2 Pathfinder. A Transcendental Warrior is not someone so easily dealt with.'' Their thoughts coincide with one another.


    Risa and Lyra said some things of encouragement to him before giving him a thumbs up. Colt sighed at this sight as she looked at Risa and reminded her.


    "Risa, don''t forget to train. You''re already about to reach Rank-4 Warrior, make sure you get stronger soon.???


    "Yes, yes brother."


    "I''m not kidding, make sure you get a Soul Partner too. You''ve been postponing it since you were little. You already have aura; you can already get two if you want to."


    "I know, I''ll form a contract once I meet a good Beast, don''t worry."


    Risa complained as she yawned. Unlike Colt, Risa had no Soul Partner despite her strength. She doesn''t like to get an egg and always says she wants a Partner from the wild.


    She says those from the wild are stronger.


    ''That''s her belief, but she doesn''t make an effort to find one.'' he was becoming a proper older brother without him noticing.


    Lyra also said her goodbyes ¡ª to Fluff. Colt didn''t mind being ignored she gave him a peck on the cheeks....really, he didn''t mind at all.


    Hylda and Filla were reluctant to have Colt leave them again. They didn''t want to get separated so soon. Though Colt had been with them this entire time, and they barely played together, the mere presence of a Father is much better than none.


    It''s different when they can see him than not. They didn''t say much because they didn''t know what actually to say to him, so they hugged him and whispered, "Take care, Father."


    "Thank you. I will be very careful, don''t worry." That was enough for Colt.


    The two separated with Colt, and the last remaining person left would be Mina. Colt stood up and met face to face with Mina.


    "Take care out there, my Darling."


    "Yes, I will. But you should also take of yourself for you and our youngest child. Remember to take it easy."


    "Of course."


    "¡­" Colt stared at Mina. He remembered what happened last night that lasted until 4:00 am and whispered in her ears as he asked, "Are you calm now? Will you be able to last?"


    "What was the last part? I didn''t quite hear that."


    "I said you shouldn''t try and look at other women when you''re out¡­okay?"


    "¡­Yes ma''am."


    "Oh yeah, I left a letter in your luggage, read it as you go


    For better or worse, Colt didn''t hear Mina''s silent voice. Colt could now see she was fine.


    with everything in order, he gave his daughters one final kiss on their cheeks.


    Hylda, who used to be embarrassed when Colt do that, returned the favor by giving him one as well. So did Filla.


    With a joyous expression, Colt looked at his two wonderful daughters, "Take care now. Make sure to study hard then play harder. Also, I''m counting on you to taking care of your Mother and your youngest sibling."


    "Yes, sir¡­hahaha." they giggled.


    The last echoing chuckle burst out to sound Colt''s departure. After this, the Count and Marquis would talk about something with a drink; the Countess will begin the lessons of the children; Risa will train, sleep, eat, then sleep again; and finally, Mina will cook snacks for everyone, including the servants and then "clean" Colt''s room where she and her beloved spent the night together.


    In the span of three days...


    A bed sheet and three pillowcases will disappear without anyone ever noticing.


    While Colt was leaving the Wing City, there would be eyes observing the carriages that took off.


    A man on the third floor of the teahouse, Garden of Serenity observing his group before turning his attention to the manor.


    The young man was handsome. With long white hair and a decent build, he was a man who naturally attracts attention.


    ''With this, the biggest headache is gone. Always being observed by one of the Monsters inside as he trains day in and day out had been problematic in terms of stakeout. With this, we''ll be able to move forward. I need a reward for this...hmm, his wife, Mina, was it? She seems delectable.''


    A smile emerged from his mouth.


    ===


    Cot traveled with three carriages.


    The first carriage is for supplies. The second is for him, Butler Neun and Butler Sera to stay in. The third is both for medical supplies and tired soldiers.


    Traveling with a Platoon of Soldiers was something he asked for the Count.


    ''You want a Platoon of Soldiers? I can understand your worry. I''ll make sure to send some of my Soldiers to protect you.''


    ''No, Father. You misunderstood me; I want a Platoon of Soldiers not only for my protection. I want to make my own force. With that in mind, I want funds and volunteers, please.''


    ''Why do you need them? My forces should be enough for you, right?"


    ''Father¡­listen¡­a war of a different scale is coming. I want to prepare for that war and make sure no one in our family will fall.''


    Colt has taken the first step out of the safe zone of his knowledge and began thinking of the coming future.


    ''War will come no matter how much I want to avoid it. So, I''ll prepare for them and make sure that I''ll be able to push them back off.''


    He thought as he was once again given the duty to rub the belly of a cat.

 86 86. Ragdoll Part 1

    When Leo was back on Earth, he had no notable talent and nor parents. He was an orphan who, got adopted but felt like he didn''t belong in his family.


    When he was 16, the family who adopted him died in an accident, and once again, he was alone.


    But it was at that time he got himself a girlfriend. She said she loved him, and the lonely Leo ate those words turning him blind to her flaws and mistakes. In short, he became stupid.


    That girl was Tia.


    Leo supported her dreams both morally and financially. Tia became a support to Leo''s crumbling mind, and as time went on, he considered marriage despite his young age.


    He wanted to get married. Because then, he might find himself in a family where he doesn''t find out of place if he was the one who built it.


    But once Tia got what she wanted. Just when she got her first project after graduating, Tia revealed her true colors, and everyone knows the story from then on¡­


    She broke up with him, and Leo destroyed her social status. Leo drowned began drinking while gloating as he had the satisfying last laugh. A week later of doing that, he woke up in a different world and was dragged to a world within a story where.


    He changed the story to a point where weird events are now beginning to show. He now has two daughters and a child that''s about to see the world.


    He has a family who he feels oddly settled with, and his mind was clear no matter what he does. He now had saved a lot of people and straightened the paths of villains.


    In the process of doing so, Colt inadvertently saved thousands of lives. The slaughter Gilbert was supposed to cause will not happen; Mina''s descent to madness will spare him and anyone who might suffer in the crossfire; the epidemic will be avoided; Filla and Hylda now have a father; Vyra will finally realize her dream of creating a family.


    He cannot save the world from whatever the hero was supposed to protect it from. But he can at least say he managed to save the lives of few and avoid the unnecessary deaths of some.


    Colt knows not where or where the Hero will appear. But from the looks of it, the hero has yet to transmigrate to this world and is being tortured in another world.


    "Poor lad¡­"


    "Oung...Mas¡­ter?"


    Colt unconsciously spoke but his eyes remained close. He had a splitting headache, and his head was rested on an uncomfortable pillow. He could hear faint words as if they are from somewhere far, but Colt couldn''t get grasps what they are saying.


    He tried opening his eyes but was blinded by something shiny. He thought back to something from the past.


    "Am I back in the Goddesses place? Did I almost die again, or did I finally kick the bucket??"


    "Bah! That lass will not do anything to me. I''m this kid''s master; I am the teacher, the instructor! I will do everything I need to do to make him more powerful than he is now! This is what he wanted!" Neun retorted back.


    Sera was silent for a while, but she remembered Mina''s words when she first met her and then shuddered from the implanted fear.


    But she regained herself reasonably quickly thanks to the training she received from the very same person who instilled fear to her bones "¡­You don''t understand. The Young Mistress will grind your bones to dust if you hurt him too much¡­"


    "Sera, that''s enough. I am fine." Sera was trying her best to warn Neun when Colt spoke.


    Slowly, Colt regained his sense of sight and realized he was staring at the sun and he was resting his head on someone else''s lap ¡ª Neun''s lap!


    "Ahhh! Dammit, so that''s why it felt wrong." Colt felt a splitting headache, but that was blown away as he realized what was happening. The shock was indeed effective.


    Colt looked at Sera and Neun then waved his hand, "Sera, I requested this training to improve my strength faster, and I can tell that my aura is getting stronger, so I don''t mind and neither should you. that aside, how long was I out?"


    "Four hours since 9:00 am today, Young Master." Sera answered.


    "Hooh, that''s a pretty long nap, no wonder I managed to recover most of my aura." Colt looked around and noted the fact that they have stopped moving, "Seeing that we stopped our travels, are the soldiers and horses on break? Have the soldiers eaten?"


    "Al the soldiers and horses have eaten. They are currently training under the guidance of the Platoon Leader. They are currently running about to shake off their sleepiness."


    "Good, they are not slacking off. It appears showing them a wastrel working hard is quite effective." Colt looked around and found the soldiers five hundred meters away.


    They were fully armored under the glaring sun. The soldiers had their tongue sticking out. But one man in their group stood tall and kept at it like it was nothing to him.


    That man was Lopre. He is the oldest of the Platoon and is the Platoon Leader.


    Colt asked for volunteers who wanted to fight for him. The veteran guards and soldiers of the family are loyal to his father, so only the new and barely trained soldiers joined his troops.


    However, it was a surprise Lopre stood up and volunteered to join the nameless platoon. Lopre was a Rank-6 Warrior. He receives a nice salary from his position from being the Vice-Captain of the Guards, but he gave it all away to follow Colt.


    He had seen the wonderful and pure sword of Colt. His valiance to his Young Master was born when Colt saved him from the assassins. He was in awe of this person, and as he learned more about Colt''s true nature when they returned to the Edgeworth fief the more he was impressed.


    Thus, he was easily swayed when the chance to serve Colt came.


    Lopre was loyal to Shickly, but he finds Colt someone with more charismatic. He was a guard who had not gone to war, but if Colt wishes for it, Lopre will obediently follow.


    As for the other soldiers, they were working hard because they don''t want to be outdone by the old man and the master they serve. They gritted their teeth as they made a run for it.


    "Sera, give me water and hard bread. I''ll eat as I wait for the soldiers to prepare for departure. Once we''re ready, we are moving again. We''ve been traveling for a week. I want to reach the city by tonight."


    Sera felt Colt''s nonchalance to be quite strange. But she still handed him the food he requested, Colt quietly ate and rested his body some more.


    The soldiers arrive right after Colt finished his food. As they did, Colt moved his body around and warmed it up. The soldiers saw this and looked at him like he was crazy.


    "Is the young master doing it again?"


    "That''s crazy! He''d been doing this since day two, how long is he going to keep this up?"


    The young soldiers were quite scared by Colt''s perverseness. His training methods were too bizarre. Lopre, on the other hand, had already transformed into one of Colt''s zealous followers, and once he heard the soldiers'' complaints, he burst out of anger.


    "You damn worms! You dare criticize the Young Master!? You fools have no right to say such things unless you can at least match his determination. Look at yourselves, already out of breath and complaining after some light runs. Do you even have the balls to do what he''s doing!?"


    Lopre killed them with his words.


    Colt saw this and shook his head as he chuckled. But he felt bad for the soldiers that he had to cut Lopre''s words short.


    "Platoon Leader, that''s enough. They''re simply tired because of the heat, let them rest and cool their heads. Besides, they''re just words. You can''t lose a liver through words alone."


    "If the Young Master says so¡­" Lopre obliged to his request.


    The Young Soldier found Colt in a new light after this. This was one of the first interactions that will give birth to a loyal army that belongs only to Colt.


    And as for Colt, he doesn''t even know that this was going on. He just genuinely felt bad for the soldiers; that''s why he stopped Lopre.


    While all of this was happening, Sera watched as Colt take the rope that had its one end tied to the back of the carriage and tied the other end to himself.


    Sera panicked as she saw this.


    "Young Master! You''re going to die if you continue doing this." Sera was against his crazy idea.


    "It''s going to be fine. My neck is strong enough. I won''t die from a whiplash. You''ve seen me do this dozens of times already. Also, your cool head has been deteriorating. Butler Go won''t be happy seeing his successor like this."


    "Ah!" Sera realized that she had been complaining and screaming all this while and bit lip until it bled. The pain brought her back, and her cold expression returned.


    Her eyes became sharper as she spoke in a cold but respectful manner, "I am merely worried over your safety, Young Master."


    "Stop worrying so much. I won''t die from this. Teacher, I''m going to go again!"


    "That''s my successor, hahaha. Don''t worry. With what we''re doing, you will surely reach Rank-3 Warrior before we reach Golden Eye City."


    "Thank you, Teacher."


    Everything''s ready. The Soldiers had cleaned up the mess scattered around their resting area, and Sera entered the carriage to rest.


    Neun got up the carriage''s roof, and the Colt remained outside, tied to the back carriage.


    "Ready, my successor?"


    "Yeah! Do it!"


    HYA!


    The soldier driving the carriage heard Colt''s shout and ordered for the Magical Beasts pulling the carriage to move. The Dragon Horses moved and pulled the carriage, which in turn pulled Colt''s body.


    The carriage pulled Colt, and then he let his body go limp. However, he didn''t let himself flail around


    When the carriage suddenly dragged Colt, the force caused his body to be lifted from the ground momentarily.


    The time he will stay mid-air will range from a quarter of a second to two seconds tops.


    While in mid-air, there is not much danger other than bugs sieging his open mouth.


    But once his toes touch the ground, Colt must react and lift his body by kicking the ground, or else he will lose his posture, and then he will become a doll that will be dragged about.


    But it''s not so easy to do that as the ground is uneven. The road is paved, but the carriage he was tied to wasn''t using that road. It was using the rough way that''s by the roadside.


    Colt will have to be aware of what he must do. This will test his concentration and his reflexes. This will also make him wary of his aura usage so he''ll be able to last longer in a fight.


    Neun watched Colt jump and down with a serious expression.


    ''His sword is sharp, but his footwork is shit. After this, his usage of his aura will be so refined that it will make others cry. Hahahaha, my student is a genius! He''s also the very depiction of courage and determination!


    ''Once you''re done training my swordsmanship, you might just be able to conquer the world!''


    Neun was becoming a devil of a trainer.


    But Colt didn''t care. He was enjoying this harsh training.


    ''Training is nothing once you get used to the pain. You''ll even begin enjoying pain after some time¡­wait a fucking minute!'' Colt suddenly realized something, and his concentration lapsed.


    He tumbled on the ground as he realized that this training might be turning him into something; he doesn''t want to become¡­a masochist.


    ''Oh, no¡­I''ll have to continue doing this.''


    Colt prayed to stay normal once this whole thing was over as he got dragged on the ground.


    That night, Colt reached Golden Eye City. He was not that hurt, but his psyche took a massive hit.


    Colt collapsed as soon as they neared the city. Sera booked an inn to accommodate most of the guards and Colt. The rest would be on night watch duty.


    Colt would wake up 2:00 am without a care for his battered-up body to train his sword. He opened his eyes and observed his current situation.


    He realized he was in an inn and then shrugged his shoulders and accepted it as is. He went out and went to the inn''s stables where the horses stayed to rest.


    There, he would practice his sword, but as he was just about ready to swing his sword, Colt looked up the moon and saw a young man with golden hair holding a sword coming to him.


    ''Holy shit, another assassin?''

 87 87. Ragdoll Part 2

    ''An assassin!?''


    Colt looked at the assassin descending from above, and his mind instantly registered it as an enemy. The one falling from above was a boy whose hair was as golden as a wheat field.


    The boy showed no signs of emotions, and his clothes were in tatters. Colt looked at it and shrugged his shoulders in realization.


    "Well, you''re going to die."


    Boom!


    One side of the inn exploded, as an old butler with a wicked grin appeared ready to smack someone''s face.


    "Gahahaha! Surprise Mother Fucker!"


    Butler Neun began winding up as he prepared himself to use his almighty slapping technique. He wanted to savor this moment for it had been too long since he entered the battlefield.


    Colt watched from a lower vantage point, and as he did, he prepared himself to bath in blood. But then, he noticed something weird. And as he paid more attention to it, Colt found something strange with the boy.


    Colt''s mind began working very quickly, and then; he understood the situation!


    "Teacher! He''s not assassin!"


    "Huh!? Ah, dammit!" Neun heard Colt and quickly tried stopping his hand. He killed most of the force ¡ª but he failed to stop it in the end!


    Pak! BOOM!


    The loud slapping sound echoed followed by a resounding crash to the horse stables.


    Neun landed on the ground and then looked at Colt.


    "¡­If he dies, it''s not my fault."


    Colt gave Neun as his respect for his teacher decreased a little bit, ''This old man is beginning to show his eccentricities.''


    A sigh escaped Colt as soldiers rushed to where his location.


    "What''s happening, Young Master!? Are you all right!?" From above, a voice echoed aloud.


    Lopre''s voice came out from an open window. Colt saw the worried Platoon Leader who seemed to have just woken up from the loud noise.


    "I am fine. It was just a false alarm. I have butler Neun with me, just go and rest, your presence isn''t necessary."


    With great reluctance, Lopre nodded his head, "¡­Okay, I shall now sleep." He became depressed.


    Without knowing, Colt had hurt Lopre''s feelings. In Lopre''s room, mumblings of the words, "Must become stronger." Could be heard throughout the night.


    And without Colt knowing, this night became one more driving force for Lopre to become someone better. But it was also the day when the words unnecessary became a scar on the energetic Platoon Leader.


    But Colt wouldn''t know for Lopre will take this incident to the grave.


    "Well, with that matter out of the way. Someone, go and search for a golden-haired boy. If he''s alive, bring him to my room. If he''s dead, report the Butler to the local Lord. Tell them we don''t know why he did it." Colt coldly stated.


    "Young Master! How could you!?" Neun protested.


    The boy was bleeding from his head, his feet were the same, and his body was full bruises. But he was alive¡­Colt finally looks over at Neun.


    "I''m was simply making a jest, don''t worry¡­" Colt stopped his words and then ordered the soldiers to take the boy to his room.


    Colt looks back at his teacher one last time as he stated, "I trust teacher will take care of this, yeah?"


    Colt then pointed over to the side of the inn and then to the horse stables.


    The Young Master entered the inn, and Neun was left with work in the middle of the night. Neun simply sighed as he thought, ''I was sure I sensed a killing intent, though.''


    Colt was inside his room with no one other than a cat and a boy with golden hair. Colt looked at the boy and noticed the thick shackles on his ankles.


    ''A slave? That can''t be. The slavery system was abolished when the current King rose to power!''


    While an awkward silence filled the air, Colt heard someone knocking.


    Tak, tak, tak!


    "Come in."


    The door opened upon Colt''s words. Sera was on the other side of the door with an old man wearing a white coat and a hat.


    "Young Master, this is the local Fourth Circle Mage Healer."


    "Giorno is my name. It is my honor to meet the honorable Young Master Colt."


    Giorno bowed deeply to Colt.


    "That''s enough. Can you heal this man? You don''t have to make him wake up, simply heal his injuries."


    "I will try my best."


    Giorno took a step forward, and Colt chose to step back. He now stood side by side with Sera.


    As Sera, Colt, and the cat watched as Giorno heals the boy. Colt didn''t break eye contact with those shackles as he asked.


    "Didn''t the Kingdom abolished the slavery system?"


    "Yes, the King ordered crackdown to the Slave Traders who ignored his orders. The slaves the many nobles possessed at the time had been freed and given a job. They have already integrated into society five years ago after years of rehabilitation and some societal reforms."


    "Then, why are there still children like him!?" Colt''s tone of voice was very cold. His words shook even Sera.


    Giorno the Healer silently sighed as he heard Colt speak.


    However, Sera kept her cool as she gave him the answer, "Such a thing never ends, Young Master. Though the idea of slavery in the Kingdom is gone, that doesn''t mean the whole continent will follow suit.


    "Since Golden Eye City is near the border of the Genesis Family territory, there are a lot of Tribes, and small villages settled here. Regions like the East is too hard to control as it not under the Kingdom''s territory. With the Genesis Family only caring for their self-preservation, and their avid refusal to cooperate, we are unable to do anything to the Slave Traders here in the East.


    "Also, there are many rumors that there are still Nobles who keep slaves for their sick pleasure. They say that Elves and Demons are smuggled into the Kingdom to satisfy the lust of some nobles." Sera''s words pierced Colt.


    Colt had never cared less for slavery. In many stories, it had always been prevalent, and he sees them as a regular thing.


    Sometimes the MC even has Slaves as companions, so he didn''t find anything wrong about it. But seeing one in person now made Colt feel disgusted.


    He is now a father; his perspective on things had changed in many ways. The simple thought of imagining such a fate happening to his children made Colt gnash his teeth in anger.


    Giorno finished Healing the boy. However, the boy has yet to regain consciousness.


    Sera took care of the remuneration and asked Colt.


    "What are we going to do with him, Young Master?"


    Colt was in a bind. If this child is a slave and escaped his capturer, then he should still be getting pursued by them.


    "He should still be getting pursued by those bastards. We''ll take him with us."


    "Understood, Young Master." Sera didn''t need any orders or confirmation.


    Sera would take care of things according to the needs of the situation. She stared at Colt and secretly smiled. She got out of the room and squealed as quietly as she could.


    "As expected of the Young Master¡­he had already started planning to deal with the Slave Traders. The Young Master must be boiling with anger, right about now!"


    Sera attempted to lower her voice as much as she could. But Colt could still her words.


    And as he stared at the body, he closed his eyes.


    In deep thought, Colt questioned himself, "What is she saying now?"

 88 88. Ragdoll Part 3

    The night came but still swiftly passed. Colt returned to training his sword and then collapsed after some time.


    He found himself embracing Neun as soon as he woke up. It was a beautiful and traumatizing event for Colt.


    The first floor of the Inn.


    Colt was eating together with the soldiers. The Inn was silent despite the numerous people inside. Lopre had trained the soldiers to such an extent in such a short time.


    "They have good discipline. Good Job, Platoon Leader."


    Lopre found Colt''s words to be encouraging.


    He felt satisfied and thought that he needed to keep it that way. The recruits didn''t know but their hellish days have yet to come.


    "All right, I am finished. Teacher, we''ll train later, please contact me once the one we''re waiting for appears."


    "Understood, Young Master."


    Finishing his meal, Colt returned to his room. With him was a perfumed letter from Mina. Colt had already read its contents.


    It basically says that a helper Mina handpicked will meet Colt in Golden Eye City.


    "Darling, the one I sent is someone proficient in the ways of the undead...."


    This helper would be a great asset to conquering the Valley of Death, or she says.


    ''She''s from the Magic Tower, so she must know a lot of people who possess Dark Element.'' Colt can only think that the one who will come to help them would be someone with the element of darkness.


    ''Light Element doesn''t exist in the novel. Neither have I read anything about it in any reference texts. Damn, now that I think about it, how come there''s no Light Element in this world? The only Goddess I came the respect was the little girl. The Dracian Faith''s doctrine still preaches her teachings, so why?''


    Colt''s mind delved into the meanings behind the things that don''t add up.


    ''Goddess Root governs, Healing (Life), Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, and other natural elements that have yet to be harnessed. Goddess Darkness governs over the Dark Element. But Goddess Light remains blank¡­shouldn''t there be a Light Element? She mentioned about choosing a Child, does that mean anything? What if¡­''


    The more he questioned himself, the deeper he descended into the Abyss. He wanted to know the truth as it might bridge his missing knowledge of the plot.


    However, he could not go any more profound as he heard knocks.


    Ta, tak, tak.


    "Young Master, it is Sera, I have something to report."


    "Come in."


    Colt threw what he was mulling over and shifted his attention to what matters.


    "Has he arrived?"


    "It''s not about that, Young Master."


    Colt looked over at her direction with nonchalance and asked, "Then, what is it?"


    "Jin, my older brother had perfected the cure to the Red Rose Poison. According to the reports, the markings on their body disappeared upon usage. Their pain came left with the mark."


    Sera nodded her head in agreement with his words.


    "He had; Butler Go is now helping him patent his creation. They had now posted Jin''s name the day before the antidote was created. The Crest of the Edgeworth Family especially the Young Master''s name was marked as the sponsor. Your fame had increased, Young Master."


    "I am happy about everything and all, but I fear that this is not the only thing you want to report, right?"


    Fame is good, and all but Colt already achieved what he wanted, so he no longer has the need for glory. He will earn money from the medicine, but he doesn''t even have an issue with money, so that''s not what he cares about either.


    What he cares about are the unfolding events.


    "I was getting to that. You see, since the announcement of the medicine, many powerful forces have shown a great deal of interest. From all across the continent, many people want the antidote. We can''t exactly wrap our heads around why this is the case, so, they are seeking your guidance, Young Master."


    Colt''s eyes widened as he began to realize what these events meant. He didn''t smile as it was not the appropriate expression, but he did felt unusually pressured.


    "Tell your brother to meet the demands of those people. Take their money and then give them what they want. Have Butler Go investigate the far Northwest and have him look for the reasons why the other powers are ordering the antidote. Tell Jin this might just be signs of what I told him. Make haste, or else the whole continent will turn to shit."


    "Understood."


    "...Ah wait! Sera, tell Jin to first wait for Butler Go''s findings before sending out the antidotes. Act accordingly when giving out the antidote. Tell him that if it''s administered to the wrong people with an opposite disease or something only resembling the Red Rose Poison, then I fear there will be trouble.


    Sera didn''t understand what Colt was talking about, but she will not disobey a direct order from him. She went to her room and wrote the letter she will send back.


    Colt was left with the unconscious kid and began thinking, ''The Red Vein Epidemic has started already¡­with all the manipulation of information I did to give him so many hints, and with the antidote to the Red Rose Poison as the basis of it all, the cure should arrive in a few months. I want to warn everyone about the epidemic...but, they might get suspicious of us and pin the blame to us.''


    Colt was treading a thin line. he can become a savior, but he can also be turned to the villain.


    ''I am facing two fronts in one battle. Once the epidemic becomes a real threat, then¡­the continent will try to find a cure as fast as possible. Hundreds of thousands will be infected, both young and old, poor and rich.


    ''I can''t simply give the medicine to the other forces; they''ll be sure to abuse it. Sigh, even the damn distribution is a problem. Helping many people is a huge problem, huh. Welp, soon enough money will come rolling in, and we''ll be able to afford self-distribution. It will become a charity. Sell to the rich, donate to the needy. It''s the circle of money...I''ll suffer some major losses though.


    ''Charity is the last resort. I''ll try finding another method first.''


    Colt could only sigh. Colt''s mind wandered as his sea of thought focused only on the coming epidemic. It was then that he heard someone else knocking from his door.


    Tak, tak, tak!


    It was Neun''s voice behind the door, "Young Master, the one we''re waiting for has arrived. Can we enter?"


    "Come in."


    As soon as the people entered the room, Colt felt his body jolt up as he saw who it was.


    "Avern!? Wait! You''re the one Mina is sending to me? You''re the Necromancer!?"


    "Haha, that I am. Pretty surprising, right Young Master Colt? It was Senior Mina who invited me to the Magic Tower and introduced me to my Master. Right now, I am leading a much better life than I could ever imagine. Senior Mina and you are my benefactors, Young Master."


    Colt smiled and thought to himself, ''That was unexpected.''


    Avern still became a Necromancer despite having his faith derailed.


    Colt and Avern talked about some details, and Colt learned that Avern was a Second Circle Mage.


    Avern was happily talking with Colt about the matters of his life.


    "Well, Senior Mina said she wanted me to become strong for curses. But I was more proficient in calling upon the dead, so I¡­huh?"


    Avern suddenly stopped talking as his jaw became slack. His eyes were focused on the one who suddenly walked into the room.


    "Young Master, about the letter, do you¡­oh, I apologize. I didn''t mean to be disrespectful." Sera unknowingly entered without knocking and disrupted the conversation. She bowed her head as she multiple times as she apologized.


    Colt waved his hand and dismissed what she did as nothing.


    But then, he turned his head to the right and saw a pair of gleaming eyes. Avern was in a state of a daze as he stared at Sera.


    ''??That''s also unexpected.''


    Colt grinned.

 89 89. Fuck

    The border of Genesis Family territory and Regulus Kingdom territory.


    The summer breeze went past the face of the soldiers on horseback. The travel of Colt''s group continued at a leisure pace.


    With a Sera and Avern inside the carriage and the screams of pain of Colt coming from the outside remains unchanged, it was clear that it had been a peaceful tourney.


    "My successor, what treasure are you trying to find in the Valley of Death? I haven''t heard any legend pertaining to that place."


    "That''s a secret, Teacher. But, don''t worry, teacher. It''s not that dangerous.''


    "Is that so¡­oh yeah, after this run, we''ll stop this training here. Your footwork and aura regulation will no longer increase now. I''ll teach you killing techniques later."


    "¡­Okay."


    At around Noon, the carriages stopped for a short break. Colt cut off the rope and freed himself from the training. He stood tall, and as he did so, many of the soldiers found Colt''s body to be¡­different.


    Before, Colt was already strong. He had muscles and perfect abs. But now, he had grown taller and is now nearing two meters in height.


    His skin was soft, but everyone knew that no ordinary person could pierce it. He''s already handsome countenance only grew to become even more prominent than before.


    He was a new man; whose power recruits can only imagine. However, the weirdest thing was that Colt''s presence didn''t become more domineering. Instead, it came softer, like the cloud.


    A gentle air was coming from him, and every time he smiles some doubted their gender identity. His hair had grown longer too, and instead of cutting it, Colt just tied it into a tiny ponytail.


    "Teacher, I still have energy, why don''t we start training those killing techniques now?"


    "Later, you must learn it at night. The first swing of the Art must be when the Moon is present to guide your motion with fluidity."


    The technique Colt trains in is known as the [Bloodbath Sword Art]. It sounds a little edgy, but from what Colt can see, its power is something amazing.


    The night would come eventually, and by then, Colt will train with Neun to master these so-called Killing Techniques.


    But right now is the time for resting.


    Sitting on the open grass of the plains they are in; Colt rested his body.


    ''First, I must arrange my memories. I need every hint I can get in getting the World Tree.''


    Colt knows of Seven Treasures hidden throughout the Western Continent.


    The World Devouring Book and the Ocean''s Sword were simply two of the seven. Each treasure holds different powers.


    ''The World Tree is located in the belly of a land where no life cannot bloom. It is planted in the middle of the Valley of Death. Hmm, reading the wiki for spoilers was a rather good decision.''


    ''Welp, it''s not going to change anything.''


    Colt could only sigh.


    While Colt was busily thinking about so many matters, Colt heard some scuttling about and saw the doors of the carriage open.


    "So, you have awoken."


    The golden boy walked out of the carriage. His body slumped and only had meager strength. He was now merely supporting his body.


    "Who are you? Where am I!? Y-you, are you the one who bought me!?"


    The boy with the golden hair became apprehensive. Colt stared at him and asked, "I was the one who healed your ragged body. You, what''s your name and we can talk from there."


    The boy was looked like he was in his not that older than Hylda. His eyes as burning with suspicion and doubt, but with trembling lips, he answered, "My name, it''s Julius¡­"


    Thud!


    His face went pale and then collapsed. Then, something weird happened. Smoke appeared from the boy''s body, and then from a human, he turned to a golden furred cat.


    Colt raised both brows. His surprise could not be fathomed. Quickly, he was jolted up as he hastened to the side of the boy.


    "What the? Are you okay?" Colt asked while examining the body of the cat.


    The now cat boy tried opening his mouth to answer. But he couldn''t quite correctly utter a single word.


    "If you can''t speak human tongue, then speak the language of the cats. I can talk to cats¡­don''t ask how."


    The boy wanted to, but even that simple task was too hard. Thankfully, his body managed to respond.


    Grrrrrrr!


    A rumbling stomach became the answer to Colt''s question.


    Food was served in haste. A soup was given to the boy and then to everyone else. Colt watched the cat eat with gusto, devouring every bit he could to satiate his hunger.


    "This is good!" The boy praised while still being in his cat form.


    ''How come this guy can speak the human tongue, and you can''t?'' Colt thought as he stared at the Lord.


    As always, Colt got the silent treatment when Fluff refused to answer a question.


    "Um¡­thank you, for saving me and giving me food¡­um."


    "Oh, my name is Colt Edgeworth. I hail from the neighboring Edgeworth Fief."


    "¡­"


    The boy drew blank on who his benefactor was, but he still lowered his head.


    "I thank you for your help. But I must now take my leave."


    "Hmmm? Why? Is something the matter? Do you need to go somewhere? We can make a detour, to there, you know?"


    Julius opened and closed his mouth. His lips trembled as he stared at Colt with hope, but the light disappeared as soon as he remembered what''s going on, "I¡­I was captured by slave traders. I managed to get away from them, but I am sure they are looking for me¡­I am the last remaining person of my Clan, after all."


    "¡­I''m sorry for your loss."


    Colt can see the sadness in the boy''s trembling body. He had lowered his head but teardrops could be see.


    Silent sob echoed as he tried his best to stifle his cries. The air grew silent, and the atmosphere grew somber.


    Colt couldn''t say anything for a while.


    Julius is a troublesome fellow. It is not his personality but his position.


    ''Slave Traders will come and hunt us down. Those fellows will surely not want one of their merchandise telling about their shady dealings to one of the continent''s most avid fighter of Slavery. They will surely try and get him back¡­sigh, I''m a fucking idiot, aren''t I?''


    "Do you want to join me on this journey? That way, we''ll be able to protect you."


    Julius raised his tear-stained face. He looked at Colt in disbelief.


    "I-I can''t burden you any more than I have."


    "Julius, I can''t help you get revenge or anything like that, and I am going to somewhere far away. So, why don''t you join me on this journey? With the soldiers with me, we''ll be able to protect you from harm''s way. I can''t sleep at night thinking I left someone for dead when I could''ve done something."


    Julius can see the determination in Colt''s eyes. Julius smiled as he deeply bowed to Colt, "¡­then, I shall be in your care."


    "That''s good."


    Colt nodded his head. Another person joined his journey.


    Neun watched from the side and thought back to when he slapped Julius. Then, he felt a hint of killing intent coming from somewhere.


    ''Are we already getting followed? If yes, then they''re good.''


    Neun became more attentive to his surrounding in anticipation of an ambush.


    Neun then remembered the words of his Master when he was still a student.


    Colt was once again trying to help another. But that didn''t matter, after all, he has one of the strongest people with him.


    Neun, someone beyond the first phase of Pathfinding. A Transcendent human who can do wonders.


    But, Colt tilted his head as he found something rather odd.


    It was night, the moon was beautifully shining from above.


    Colt looked at the moon and sighed as he tightly held his sword.


    "Hmmm, something doesn''t feel right."


    Colt mumbled to himself as he stared at a dozen people holding weapons stared at Colt with a big grin. With their eyes leering with bloodlust, Colt looked back and found a cat and old man casually eating dinner as they watched Colt fight.


    ''How the fuck did things went this badly?''


    Colt could only curse his life.

 90 90. Bleeding Part 1

    "Teacher! Don''t you think it''s inappropriate for me to fight?" Colt asked while being surrounded.


    Neun simply watched and waved his hand, "Don''t worry about it. You want to be strong right? Just simply do what I taught you. Also, the guards are incapacitated. They can''t move a muscle right now."


    Neun disregarded Colt''s plea.


    "Get him! Kill him and take the child!"


    While Colt was busily convincing Neun for help, the people around him rushed to take his life.


    None of them hesitated to brandish their blade against him.


    Colt at first was hesitant, but something in his mind clicked once he felt danger. As soon as his opponent took a step forward, Colt already moved with Piercing Droplet and took the initiative.


    Slash!


    Colt painted a crimson arch with his sword. The first life was taken, and Colt still didn''t feel the least bit of guilt for these people deserved death.


    Some hours ago before this incident.


    "We''re travelling at a much faster rate now. At this point, we''ll be able to reach Origin Mountain."


    Sera reported with her usual expressionless self. If this were a typical journey, a week and a half in like this one would have many of the soldiers and horses tired.


    But thanks to Colt''s training which made them stop a lot of times, the horses are well-rested, and soldiers have been trained not to complain.


    "With this, we''ll be able to return in less than two months. It seems like I''m going to get married far earlier than expected. Ugh, I want to see my daughters." Colt was complaining, but he had a smile on his face.


    Before him were two fascinating scenes, first, there would be Avern acting like a teenager as he watches Sera from one corner of the carriage.


    The other would be Julius prostrating before a Fat Cat who was looking down upon the Beastman.


    According to Julius, he could supposedly feel a regal presence coming down from the cat. The pressure was too much, and he couldn''t raise his head to look directly at the cat.


    Colt wanted to make him stop it, but his devotion was too intense.


    After an hour or so, Colt had an idea, ''What if I take Fluff to every Feline Beastmen Clan? Will I get an army?''


    He smiled at the idea. He wanted to dismiss it as a joke, but the thought was already stuck in his head, ''This guy is a Lord indeed.''


    Their travels continued forth without getting hindered. They reached the Origin Mountain in two hours without trouble. Though there would be bandits trying to rob them, the mere sight of Dragon Horse and a Platoon of soldiers would make them piss their pants.


    Colt was pleased to know of this outcome. Everything was going well. Everyone was trying not to become a piece of luggage for the group.


    Even Julius did his best for the group. The Ragdoll Cat Clan is a native in the Origin Mountain.


    "I¡­also want to see what happened. This is more of a selfish request than anything else."


    Colt didn''t fight against Julius. Going through the path Julius pointed them to, Colt and the rest of the group found themselves with burnt trees throughout.


    There were huts around the area, bloodstains could be seen, but there was no life. Only the ugliness of what happened remained¡­it was not a pretty sight.


    Julius got down from the carriage and witnessed what is now his village. He fell to his knees, unable to get up for he had lost strength.


    He was shaking and sobbing. His pain was apparent, and Colt couldn''t find the words to comfort the child.


    Gathering around a campfire, Colt handed over food to Julius. The young beastman accepted it but failed to eat and finish the meal.


    "You need to eat." Colt could only say these words. He did not know how to comfort Julius of his lost.


    Julius looked at Colt and forced out a smile, "Thank you, Young Master Colt. I''m fine, and I am merely reminiscing of the past. This place used to be filled with laughter, but two months ago, a rain of blazing arrow killed most of us. We tried to fight back, but none of us could prevail. All the young boys were captured to be sold as slaves, and the women were turned to toys for those slave traders.


    "There used to be thirteen of us, but when we tried escaping, all twelve of them were killed, and only I managed to escape. Young Master¡­am I, going to die soon?"


    Julius raised his head and stared at Colt. He seeks an answer Colt could only answer with, "No, I''ll make sure that you live."


    Colt could not longer smile as Julius lowered his head. An intent to kill rose from Colt''s chest.


    A strange but familiar emotion it was. He was pressured to abandon the sentiment, but he couldn''t.


    ''This is not a good emotion to carry.''


    Colt was at a state of wanting to kill but also trying to avoid that emotion. He knows the feeling of taking someone else''s life.


    He thought he''d find it more repulsive, but he didn''t. It was an experience not worth noting.


    However, Colt knows that his fate is to kill. War is coming, and there, he will surely kill more people than he could imagine. But for the time being, he wants to remain as pure as he could for his children.


    But fate wants to lead him to a different path.


    While Colt was busily trying to comfort Julius, the young beastman suddenly fell to the ground.


    It surprised Colt, but it was not just him who fell because the guards around the area also fell. Only Avern, Neun, Fluff, and Colt was left awake.


    "What''s happening?"


    "Calm down¡­ some people are trying to make this an unpleasant night," Neun spoke with indifference as he looked around the area.


    Colt stood up and carried the young beastman to Neun.


    "Teacher, how are we going to take care of this?"


    Colt could feel a lot of people surrounding them.


    Neun already analysed the situation, and instead of panicking, he picked up his food and sat down, "You take care of it. I''m going to continue eating."


    "What!?"


    "Oh, shut up. Hey, Necromancer boy, don''t you try and say you''re going to help him. Take care of Sera instead."


    Avern wanted to say something, but he was fearful of Neun and decided to follow his orders.


    And so, Colt was made to take care of everything. His sword will be tainted with blood.


    He wanted to avoid it, but it is an inevitable fate. Neun is merely preparing him so he will not hesitate when he needs to do what he needs to do.

 91 91. Bleeding Part 2

    Killing is easy if you have the skills. Watching Colt dispatch over a dozen whose aura level is higher than his was something else to watch.


    Neun watched as Colt kill more and more of the bandits. He sneered at their skills. They are useless and untrained.


    ''Aren''t they from the Eastern Continent? Well, they might not be, but¡­the one who''s hiding sure has enough skills to put the guards to sleep. That person''s going to be too much for the youngling.''


    Neun became stoic. His front of an eccentric old man disappeared and his smile also. A sharp and undetectable intent loomed over his body. From his toes to the tips of his hair, he became someone else entirely.


    "Hey, cat, take care of this one. I''m going to take care of something." Neun threw Julius to Fluff, and as he said, he disappeared from sight.


    Rummaging around his breast pocket, Neun brought out a pendant with a green gem embedded on it. Neun brought it close to him and whispered, "Wake up, I need some help."


    "Hmm, this smell, are you in a war? Why didn''t you call me sooner?" A jovial voice came out as a Bulldog came out of the gem. The Black Bulldog came out of the pendant and looked around.


    They were within the darkness, but its yellow eyes were still prominent as ever. It looked at Neun, who was perched on a tree branch, "It''s been a few years since I woke up¡­so, do you want me to activate the [Gift], or do you want me to do all the job?"


    "Activate it. Heighten my senses, and let me sniff out the bastard trying to mess with my vacation."


    "Got it, boss."


    The Bulldog''s eyes grew even more ominous. But it did nothing other than making a proper connection to Neun.


    His nose began to blacken like the color of the Bulldog. His sense of smell heightened by a couple of hundreds of times. But what he smells is not the worldly aroma scattered throughout. It was the smell of Life Essence.


    Neun closed his eyes and focused his senses to pick up everything in a Five-hundred-meter radius¡­.!


    "There you are!" Neun coldly spoke. Gathering his strength, Neun extended his middle finger. His figure disappeared. The branch he was standing on exploded to bits. When he reappeared, Neun had already pierced the heart of a golden-haired man wearing a white robe.


    "What the!?" The golden-haired Illusionist''s eyes widened from shock.


    His mind wavered, and in an instant, Neun grabbed him the beck and pinned him to a nearby tree.


    "A Master? I wasn''t told this!? That bastard whoreson¡­did he tricked me!?" The illusionist cursed aloud.


    Neun had a cold tone of voice and demeanor. He can see the despair in his eyes. The Illusionist knows that he will die, and Neun exploited that without missing a beat.


    Of course, it was clear he will be tempted. The Illusionist opened his mouth, ready to spill the beans he is keeping within. But before he can speak, Neun got a whiff of another smell.


    The Illusionist reeks of Prana, but this time, it was an aura.


    Boom!


    The tree where Neun held the Illusionist exploded to bits. A sword pierced the tree and then the head of the Illusionist before he can tell Neun anything. Neun caught the sword and sighed in disappointment, "There was another rat? I am getting rustier by the day."


    Brain matter and blood spurted out like foundation, yet Neun''s butler clothes remained clean. Neun tried sniffing out the smell, but there was no longer anything.


    ''The aura disappeared. Hmm, are there Master Level Warriors here? If so, then, that will help my successor become stronger.'' Neun thought without batting an eye.


    There are three known paths for intelligent lifeforms: Illusionist, Mage, and Warrior.


    All three are paths have two phases which are measured separately:


    Phase one: Illusionists are by Layer; Mages are by Magic Circle: and Warriors are by Rank.


    However, in Phase two, pathfinding, there is no aura density or something of that matter.


    There are only skills. Phase Two pathfinders refine their skills not just their aura, mana, or prana. It''s tough to become a Phase Two pathfinder so, it''s only natural that they are strong.


    However, Neun now looks at them as if they are fertilizer to nurture Colt. He sees his talent as something genuinely worth nurturing.


    "Well, I can''t let them kill him, so I supposed that''s not possible anyway." Neun was somewhat disappointed at this fact.


    This night, Neun learned nothing and many things at the same time. He learned there were a lot of people in the shadows, and there''s something weird about all this.


    He wants to worry about them, but he can''t do anything other than a sigh.


    Tonight was a significant night for him and Colt. Neun wishes there are a lot more ambushes like this, but sadly, after another week, they had already reached the Valley of Death, and no such thing happened.


    ''Dammit, why don''t they want to kill my Young Master?'' Neun complained.


    ===


    September 5th, it was a bright Tuesday.


    A woman with golden hair and drill-like hair stood before the door of the Edgeworth Family manor.


    Mary Courtgain has arrived at Wing City.


    Mary was met by Mina who looked at her with a pleasant smile.


    Mina put both hands together as she welcomed Mary, "It''s good to see you, Miss Marie."


    "It''s Mary...wait I''m not here to argue." Mary gathered herself and managed to stand tall again, "Ahem, as the representative of the Courtgain Family I am here to congratulate you on your pregnancy, Miss Mina. Also...um, is he...here?"


    Mina looked at Mary and closed her eyes.


    She took in a deep breath and answered with the most jovial expression she could, "Thank you for that, Miss Courtgain. Now, please leave because MY darling of a husband is not here! Have a nice day."

 92 92. Bleeding Part 3

    "Mother? Who is she? Don''t tell me¡­Father''s Mistress? A Fly!? Does this mean we get to punish father?" Filla''s anxious filled voice was heard clearly. Her words were a little disturbing, but Mina was now a role model of a mother.


    "Filla, stop it. Don''t make such early assumptions. You don''t want to punish your father, right? But¡­if it''s true that she''s a Mistress, then your father and I will have a talk." Mina sounded stern about her warning.


    Filla''s eyes glistened as she asked, "Can I watch? Big Sis Hylda and Lyra''s away to the Magical Beast Forest after all. It had been too boring."


    "Oh dear, of course not. It''s an adult''s talk. You need to wait until you''re at least in your teens before you can listen to adult conversation. Also, Big Sis Hylda and Lyra will come back any time now, so you''ll get to show them your magic very soon. So, practice hard now. Come now, get your books, I''ll teach you how to form your Magic Circles properly."


    "Okaaaaay."


    Filla''s disappointment about Mina''s answer about the matter of listening was very much apparent.


    However, Mina masterfully followed with words that distracted her from what she''s interested in, to something else. It could be said that Mina had become very proficient in her mothering skill.


    As proof, Filla left to get her books with a smile.


    She''s very proud of that simple fact. She puffed up her chest as her success was very much apparent.


    "Um¡­that''s a unique conversation topic. What did she call me? A Mistress? A Fly? Have you been teaching her that?"


    "Yes! Isn''t she the little prodigy? I thought she was just some cheeky kid, but now I learned how brilliant and lovely she is. She even understands everything I teach her.


    "From the Ancestral Teaching (Her Mother''s teaching) to Magic, she''s very interested in learning. Also, Hylda, oh, she''s our oldest daughter, is a very talented Spear Wielder. Father and Father-in-Law are enthusiastically teaching her! Our daughters are also very kind. Quite the angels, I say¡­"


    "You sound rather¡­proud of them¡­ahahaha."


    "Of course, I am! Hmph!" She snorted as if to say, ''That''s obvious.''


    Mina, the woman who rules over the women of the capital. Holding the hearts of countless men captive, Mina was respected by all. She was a cold blood woman.


    However, Mary can only see Mina as a doting and prideful bordering arrogant mother. Having been thought of the way of a Mother by the Countess Faerith and remembering the words of her late Mother, Mina transcended her previous ways.


    She would have already been perfect if not for the weird things she is teaching Filla.


    But even then, she managed to shrug that off, ''The Vera and Edgeworth Family are simply eccentric. That''s it, clearly that''s it.''


    "Of course, hohoho¡­so, what brings you here searching for beloved, huh!?" Of course, that atmosphere was destroyed as soon as Filla left.


    "Your mood seemed to have shifted¡­Miss Mina."


    "Of course, I couldn''t show my daughter such ugliness. But now that Filla is gone, we''ll be able to talk seriously." Mina snapped her fingers, and seven balls of fire surrounded Mary.


    The surrounding''s temperature rose instantly.


    Mary inadvertently raised both hands like she was caught red-handed.


    "Hiiiii! I-I''m not here for Young Master Colt to become a Mistress or anything like that. It''s just that he owes me a favor. I want him to take responsibility."


    Poor choice of words.


    Mina raised the temperature even higher, "Is that so. I already saw your reactions when you mention my beloved darling. Your cheeks become as colorful as a rose, and your eyes glow with a dangerous glint. If not for my beloved darling''s distaste for violence, I would have already punished you according to my Ancestral Teachings."


    Mary was silent. She wanted to say no to her words, but there was one problem¡­she was not that good of a liar. Thus, Mary could only look away as she thought of ways to calm Mina down¡­


    She racked her brain, trying to find the answer to this problem. Then, she came to a sudden realization.


    "Miss Mina¡­you shouldn''t get too angry while you''re pregnant. I hear that it has some adverse effect on the child."


    Fwu!


    The balls of flame disappeared.


    "R-r-really!?"


    ''Yes, it worked.'' Mary celebrated in her heart, "Yes, that''s correct. I heard from my Mother that it may affect the child''s development. So you should calm down. Try calming down, Miss Mina. Breath in, breathe out."


    After a minute or so, Mina finally calmed herself.


    Her attitude took a complete 180; from a warring wife to a peace-loving mother.


    But seeing the abrupt change, Mina experienced shocked even Mary.


    Nonetheless, this was the perfect atmosphere she needed.


    "I have a favor to ask of the Young Master. I¡­"


    But she couldn''t finish her words for a loud cry echoed across the manor, "Arm yourselves and be vigilant!"


    A cry to arm the guards and soldiers were heard. That meant only one thing; battle abounds.


    ''If a large scale like this appears, then¡­an invasion? Is there a war coming?''


    Mary was confused.


    ===


    The cries of the soul beckon the man.


    Death is but a process that eliminates the weakest from the herd that is the world.


    And Colt finally stepped forth in his journey to the valley where life cannot bloom and where the soul is trapped for eternity¡ªcursed to roam the lands until the curse of the Valley breaks.


    Before he was black soil and ground, the roars of lighting echoed together with the cries of the soul.


    Colt''s heart beat faster and faster as his breath became ragged.


    ''Finally, I have arrived.''


    He has arrived at the Valley of Death.


    And for a person who is followed by death wherever he goes¡­surely, he will face even more hardships as he steps onto the land of the dead.

 93 93. Bleeding Part 4

    "Young Master, I thought you gathered soldiers to protect yourself from danger. So, why did you send the soldiers somewhere else?"


    Sera was killing a sword-wielding skeleton with a short sword as she casually asked.


    Colt killed two walking rotten corpses before answering, "They''re weak, and they were trembling against opponents like a skeleton soldier. It''s better to leave them with Lopre to be trained. We have Butler Neun with us. Even if we die against someone strong, then do you think the soldiers will be able to do anything to stop it from happening?"


    "Understandable, but¡­why is he here with us then?" Sera nodded her head as she put her short sword to the side. She looked behind and saw Julius closely following Neun.


    The kid trembled as he felt Sera''s piercing glare.


    "I-I''m very sorry, I-I''ll try not to be a hindrance."


    The child could not look directly into Sera''s eyes. He was too scared.


    "Sera, leave the poor child be. The Young Master said he''d protect him so he should be here with us, in the most protected group of all." Neun said with absolute confidence.


    "¡­I see." Sera was unconvinced, but she didn''t try to argue. Instead, she drew her blade and went to help Colt and Avern act as the spearhead.


    Julius watched Sera''s back with anxiousness and then turned to Colt once again.


    Neun saw this and smiled, asking, "Are you scared? Don''t worry I''ll protect you."


    Julius shrunk away and nodded his head.


    While all of this was happening, Colt and Avern were making significant progress into cutting down the enemy forces.


    Although Colt is but a mere Rank-3 Warrior and Avern only being a Second-Circle Mage, they were still a force to be reckoned with in this place.


    With Avern calling upon two [Skeleton Soldiers] and letting them take most of the damage, then having Colt deal the finishing blow, they were moving pretty fast.


    Colt stopped his sword''s movement and looked back at Neun, who smiled back at him. He shook his head and turned his attention forward. He knows he can''t expect anything from the old man.


    ''This will take a long time.''


    Though Colt and Avern acted as the spearhead, Fluff was in front of them, it was acting as the dog sniffing out the location of its sibling.


    Looking around, Colt could see more and more undead, being attracted to the smell of life. Colt''s breathing was smooth. He was not ragged at the least.


    His opponent may have number on their side, but Colt has the mind. The ones before him were brainless idiots. They wield a weapon according to instincts alone.


    It will be a problem if the ones before him are Master Level. But thankfully, they are not.


    ''However, it truly is strange. The number of undead is a bit much.''


    Colt stated as a wave of undead rushed his side.


    He wasn''t complaining. He was merely stating the fact. With a white light shining from his forehead, Colt''s mind was freed from any and every triviality of the mind. He became a ruthless killing machine.


    Colt will dive into the fray without fear of death. Why would he fear if he is as rational as can be?


    He will move if he can do it and retreat if he can''t. Simply put, he was fighting intelligently.


    Neun watched Colt perform at a higher rate after the white light appeared. His mind opened as he grinned.


    "That Gift of his is mighty." Neun couldn''t help but take note.


    Then, for a moment. Neun felt something sinister. A familiar killing intent was coming from nearby. Neun jumped back and even left Julius behind, startling the kid.


    "Mister Butler, what happened?" The kid asked, unable to comprehend the action of the old butler.


    Neun, however, only grew more confused than ever before.


    His brows met in the middle of his forehead. The situation became dire.


    "Alpha! Come out and activate your Gift!"


    Neun called out, and a black bulldog named Alpha appeared. Neun''s nose darkened, and for better or worse, he picked up nothing.


    "M-mister, Butler?"


    While Neun was busily searching for an enemy, Julius found himself being attacked by an undead. Neun realized this mistake and quickly moved to mutilate the enemies that abound.


    Butler Neun did his best to calm the Young Julius, but his brows continued to crease, and he never made Alpha leave his side.


    Neun wants to leave immediately. Sadly, he can''t.


    Colt''s improvement is significant to the family. Colt already told him the truth that there''s a secondary objective he needs to achieve in this place.


    One night, Neun asked Colt, "Young Master, are we really just searching for a Bride Toke?"


    He was merely gauging if the Young Master has something else in mind.


    And true enough, there was.


    ''I''m sensing that I can find my Second Soul Partner.'' Colt casually answered.


    Considering the strength of Colt''s first Gift from his Soul Partner, Neun is also looking forward to this Second Soul Partner he speaks of.


    Night finally came, and Colt, Avern, Sera, and Julius gathered around a campfire. Neun was nowhere to be found as he was keeping the undead at bay. During the night, he would be one of the people to remain sleepless.


    The undead is so much more active during the night. Neun knew he couldn''t have the young ones to take care of it alone.


    Colt was eating his rations to sparingly.


    He always eats fast, but not this time. They only have packed rations that will last them a full two weeks.


    They do not travel by carriage, for that is too dangerous in situations where they can be sieged all over.


    While they remain gathered around the campfire Avern could not help himself but ask, "Young Master, um, your training. Um, I saw you being dragged by the carriage once, and from what I see, you''re trying to be strong. May I ask why?"


    Avern''s words and phrasing were stiff. In truth, he just wanted to break the silence. Everyone''s tired, and the atmosphere is not exactly light, so he tried asking. But as Colt remains silent, Avern felt like he fucked up.


    "I-I''m sorry for my insolence, Young Master."


    Colt lifted his head and laughed the sight of this supposed Major Villain.


    "It''s fine. You don''t have to act like that¡­" taking a deep breath, Colt thought of his past plans and simply said, "Well, I just want to be strong enough to live a peaceful life. I just want enough strength to be able to protect those that I want to protect. I''m here to do just that."


    He can''t avoid getting dragged into the shit that is the war, but he can at least prepare. If at some point, he grows strong enough to drive away his enemies, Colt will be able to live in peace with his family.


    Julius stared at Colt slack-jawed. He closed his mouth as he stated, "What an admirable vision."


    It was not Julius who was amazed at those words as Avern''s eyes glimmered upon hearing him.


    "Haha, how admirable, how truly admirable Young Master. I would pledge my loyalty to you if I could, but¡­"


    "Why now pledge your loyalty to the Young Master? You won''t find such a kind and dignified Noble anywhere else."


    "W-well¡­" Avern avoided Sera''s eyes, for he felt pressured.


    Sera, on the other hand, moved closer to him and stated over a hundred good points about Colt.


    In all seriousness, Colt found that rather embarrassing and terrifying at the same time.


    Embarrassing because he was being advertised like he was the leader of some cult. And terrifying because he can somehow see fanaticism behind Sera.


    ''Dear Goddesses, I''m surrounded by weirdoes.''

 94 94. Bleeding Part 5

    Like always, the passage of time remains constant.


    Soon enough, three days had passed, and Colt and the rest found themselves before a deep ravine.


    Colt stood above the ravine, and he had to ask the cat, "Are you sure you''re not asking me to kill myself?" to confirm if it had hidden hate for him.


    "Nya!"


    "You''re sure? You can feel it, down there?"


    Colt was doubtful. Peeking over the ravine, Colt couldn''t see its bottom. Once more, he looked at the cat who gave him a thumbs-up as if to say, "You got this."


    ''There are more dangerous things I can imagine.'' but something else was bugging him, ''This Ravine¡­this is where the World Tree is supposedly located, right?''


    The Ravine of Darkness. A place where the presence of death is strongest in the Valley of Death.


    ''The World Tree''s presence sucks up the life essence of everything around it.''


    The World Tree is a mythological treasure. Even from the ancient people''s perspective, the World Tree is something close to a myth.


    It was once the Heirloom of the Ancient Elves, or otherwise known as the Genesis Family of today.


    ''A treasure with the unparalleled ability to heal everything it touches. It was said that the treasure has a mind of its own. It will pick its Master and then become a mark that will be etched on the body. It will grant an ability that''s close to Immortality¡­hmm, that sounds a lot like this thing.''


    Colt stared at the spiraling cloud tattoo of the World Devouring Mark.


    ''It latched itself to me and became a mark. I want to think it''s a Mythical kind of treasure, but...if that''s the case, then why didn''t it happen to the protagonist in the novel? He should have been the ''worthiest'' to wield it.''


    Colt''s mind was clouded with many thoughts. But then, he felt someone hold his hand. It was Julius staring at him with fear apparent in his eyes.


    "Are we going down there¡­Young Master?"


    "Well, you can stay here with Sera if you want. But I have to go down there and retrieve something very important."


    "I-I will go with you¡­please, let me go with you." Julius pleaded as he turns to look at Sera only to tremble in fear.


    A peal of dry laughter came out of Colt.


    "Teacher, can you please scout the place below?"


    "Understood."


    Butler Neun didn''t hesitate to jump down the ravine. Scouting the area, Neun returned and gave the okay to descend.


    Colt and the rest cannot descend on their own. Neun had to carry them down. Though their combined weight was over 200 kilograms, Butler Neun didn''t even break a sweat as he descended with the rest.


    The Ravine of Darkness. It was referred to as such because it was so deep that light from above couldn''t reach the bottom.


    He brought out a pearl from the backpack Sera was carrying. Having his aura circulate inside of it, a bright light exploded from within. Light was provided.


    They regained their vision and saw the rock formation around them. The walls on both sides were oppressing.


    The overall width of the area was surprisingly spacious. Even if twenty men stood side by side, it would be enough to accommodate them all.


    But then, Avern sensed something off.


    "Young Master¡­there''s something here."


    "¡­I know."


    As soon as light appeared, Colt felt a wave of malice swept the area. Colt could tell that something was coming. He swallowed his accumulating saliva and then¡­


    Swoosh!


    An undead came from the side!


    Colt was dazed. He couldn''t react even though his fate was about to be sealed. But then, a gust of wind pass by Colt. Neun, who had drawn an ordinary sword, had already cleaved what seemed to be an undead warrior with rotting flesh.


    With a body that has a beautiful formation of muscle, the undead that attacked just now was not normal. It was faster and stronger than the others. It was much more dangerous than the rest.


    "Holy¡­what the hell is that? A Master Class undead?" Avern jumped back, startled at the horrific sight.


    Neun however, merely creased his brows.


    "Young Master, when I say run, go run. If anyone hesitates, all of you are doom. Avern, can you seize control of an undead at the Master Class?"


    "¡­I can, but only for ten seconds. After that, the body will disintegrate into nothingness."


    "That''s unusable then¡­you can detect the aura of the undead, right? If so, then you''ll be leading the Young Master''s path. Young Master, carry him, he''s a mage he can''t move so well. Sera, carry the cat and the cat boy, they also can''t move that fast."


    "Okay!" All of them answered without question.


    Though Avern was embarrassed to the point of wanting the world to swallow him whole, he still has a job to do, and he''s not going to fail Neun and Colt''s expectations of him.


    Also, Avern didn''t need much explanation because he could feel it. A suffocating amount of Master Class undead was coming their way.


    Neun could smell it much better. As Alpha stayed by his side, Neun could tell that there''s a tide coming.


    "¡­Tsk, it seems like I can''t face them with just this alone."


    Neun whispered and then knocked on Alpha''s head.


    The Bulldog known as Alpha felt the intent on Neun''s eyes and then started jumping around, "We''re doing it!? We''re doing it!? We''re doing it!? We''re doing it!? We''re doing it!? It''s been so long since you called upon me!"


    "Yes, now shut up and help me with this one."


    "How about the other two!? Are you not going to ask them for help!? If they learn of this, they''ll break your arms later!"


    "I can''t sustain too many at a time. I''m already old, you useless mutt! Also¡­I need to simply move faster than I currently am so that I''ll be able to protect them all."


    "Got you, partner."


    Neun nodded his head, and Colt, who stood by the side, intently listening to this exchange, stared at the dog and human combination.


    His eyes were glittering from the anticipation.


    Neun tightly held onto his sword. Holding it by his side, the ground under him began showing web-like cracks.


    Alpha, who was jumping around, began to tremble. A large amount of Zara flowed out of its body as its body grew bigger by the second.


    From a Bulldog, it turned to a proper beast. Its lower jaw expanded, and its lower fangs protruded out of its confines. Its body grew as big as a car''s, well-defined muscle structure became more apparent, and on its back was a row of protruding spine.


    From an adorable pet, Alpha became a full-blown monster.


    "Zara Manifestation¡­" Colt whispered while his mouth remained open.


    With the flow of Zara, which is instinctively kept at bay upon becoming a Soul Partner being fully unleashed, the Magical Beasts tamed to become docile will return to its original form.


    Alpha was a Magical Beast known as the Nightmare Hound, a beast whose body can grow as big as two meters high. Colt could already see its majesty.


    This was the first time he had seen a full-blown Magical Beast, and it awed him to no end.


    "However¡­this is just the first part¡­"


    Alpha roared and shook the ravine. A surge of Zara exploded out of its body, and Butler Neun who stood adjacent to it, absorbed all of that Zara.


    The Aura and Zara inside his body began to mix, at first, it fought against each other, but then it started coexisting.


    Mana, Prana, and Aura cannot coexist in one body, and the same goes for Zara.


    However, in the case of two beings having a deep connection through their souls could bypass this law. But that''s not all¡­because aura has some properties like changing body structure similar to Zara, they could coexist in the human body.


    With two souls enters the same wavelength, and then Zara and Aura began to mix without conflict, a phenomenon unique only to Warriors appears.


    A part of their body will show change. It will transform according to their partner.


    And as Butler Neun and Alpa synchronize with each other, Butler Neun''s feet became black before swelling and deforming.


    From his knees to foot, his feet changed its shape.


    His toes became more prominent, his toenails were now sharper than a blade, and the natural red color of Zara created an artificial vein.


    BooM!


    The ground finally caved. The undead eyeing Neun and the rest eventually grew past their fears and started coming at them.


    With speed faster than a fully drawn arrow, the undead flew out to take out Colt''s group.


    It was then, that Colt saw it¡­a black-red light disappeared from his sight and before he could tell what''s happening Neun already killed three undead.


    Neun then shouted, "Now, Run!"


    Neun told them to run, and run they did.


    With Avern showing the way and Neun using the two walls on the side as a foothold to send himself flying over to any undead that comes close to Colt and his ground, a bloodbath began.


    Colt wanted to watch Neun''s movement.


    His fast and accurate maneuvering was a sight to behold that sends chills down his spine. He wanted to learn by watching.


    But he couldn''t for he has another job. He needed to sense and pinpoint the location of the Egg and the World Tree.


    The World Tree is somewhere in this place. It was said that it would show when an earthquake happens, and a part of ravine collapses.


    However, Colt has no time for that.


    ''I''ll ask Teacher to create that earthquake later. For now, I need to find where this connection leads.''


    Colt could feel it, a kind of connection he couldn''t understand.


    "Meow!"


    "Yes, I can somewhat feel it. But it''s terribly weak, is it still too far away? Well, no matter¡­let''s just follow it and see what comes of the situation."


    No use crying over it now.


    He smiled and continued running.


    All the while, this was happening, the ones watching over them were having quite the eyeful.


    There were five people in total. All five were standing on a short sword sticking out of the stone wall.


    "We were told to wait¡­but should we move now?" A man wearing all black asked. He had been itching to leave the place.


    "Reel in your bloodlust, that old man has acute senses. I doubt we''ll be able to get under his radar. He had been able to react to the Captain''s leaking intent. That old man is not normal." A lady''s voice echoed.


    They continued watching as they wait for the opportune time.


    They may or may not make a move.


    They will act according to the situation. They will act according to orders.

 95 95. Bleeding Part 6

    Colt kept running and running. Following both his instincts and the instructions of Avern, he weaved through the undead while Neun made sure no one can get close to them.


    Alpha was mowing down the front. He''s spearheading against everything. The undead and the terrain, nothing could stop him.


    "HAHAHAHAH, IT HAD BEEN SO LONG! MORE! MORE! MOREEEEEEE!"


    Alpha''s voice was intense. Like a demon from the deepest parts of the abyss, his laughter can turn human blood cold. His external feature was worthy of being called a Magical Beast.


    Running through the crowd of undead that had been spread by Alpha made it so much easier. With Avern pointing at the direction where there is lesser undead than the other, Colt and the rest couldn''t be stopped by anything.


    No one could stop them. But no one needs to because, after some time, Colt suddenly came to a full stop.


    He turned his attention to the right wall and tilted his head without speaking.


    Avern, who was by Colt''s arms, looked at the Young Master with weirded out expression.


    "Young Master! We need to move! The undead! They''re coming!!" Avern cried out, but Colt didn''t respond to his cries.


    Instead, Colt threw him away. Walking over to the wall, Colt didn''t care about the surrounding undead.


    There were three undead coming for him, yet he didn''t flinch and simply continued walking. Neun came from above and maimed every single one of them.


    "Young Master! What are you doing!? We need to move!"


    Neun shouted; alarmed that something might have happened.


    ''The Young Master cannot be put in an illusion. He said it himself. He''s supposedly protected from all illusion. He didn''t fall even when the Illusionist appeared the other day. But why is he acting like this?''


    Neun was confused, but he has no time to be as seven more undead from all sides rushed to Colt. Neun was forced to protect Colt once again!


    "Young Master!" He tried calling out again, but he didn''t get any response.


    He wanted to take him away, but something was off with Colt. He was too enamored by the wall that if he approached him, Colt would act even weirder.


    Because of this, he was forced to stay there.


    ''They''re coming from all sides, they move around and even use the vertical walls as foothold¡­they can assault us in any and every direction. I need to do something fast.''


    Neun is basically the leader of the group. In terms of combat experience, he was unmatched. His strength was also unquestionable; thus, it was placed on his shoulder to carry the burden of protecting the weak.


    "Alpha! Come back and take care of the left and frontal area. Make sure nothing gets past you. I''ll be the one to take care of the ones above us and the rest. Sera, Avern, and kid, go to the Young Master''s side. But don''t get too close, he might just attack you...he''s acting weirdly."


    "Ripple! Leave it to me. I''ll slaughter everything! GAHAHAHA!" Alpha laughed as he called out to Neun. He opened his mouth and devoured everything he could swallow. He raised his feet and trampled everything he could crush.


    He destroyed everything he could kill.


    Neun, on the other hand, was cursing, "I told you not to call me by that name."


    "Hahaha, I forgot about it!"


    "You bastard! It had been four decades since I told you!"


    While Neun and Alpha continued a slaughter, Colt stood before the wall. He can feel it; something was calling for him. The cat also stood before the wall; it too is responding to its call.


    For some odd reason, Colt could not hear anything that clearly. He can only respond to the call. It was as if he was too focus to care for anything else. But he''s still self-aware.


    "Is it here?"


    "Nya."


    "Then¡­I supposed I need to open up a path."


    Colt stated and then stood in a horse stance. Gathering his aura, he strengthened his lower half and gathered strength.


    He planted himself to the world, solidifying his rule of being. He clenched his fist and then steeled his resolve. The white line on his forehead glowed ever resplendent and then¡­his fist flew out and hit the wall without hesitation.


    BANG!


    When his fist met with the wall, it sounded like a gunshot. A muffled and compact shot. It was powerful, piercing even.


    "Young Master! What are you doing?" Everyone called out and asked him. Colt didn''t pay them attention. It was not to say he couldn''t hear them. It''s just that he didn''t care for much.


    Thus, he threw a punch once more.


    BANG!


    This time, his fist was more potent than ever before. His legs had grown more robust, and with that, his grasp of the world grew.


    His steps had been solidified, and his overall strength increased tremendously. He had trained his body in all sorts of ways.


    Now, Colt is showing the results and is even improving by the second as he does so. As he continues throwing punches, his awareness of his fist grew.


    His mind analyzed his stance, his momentum, his draw; and everything else. Every time he throws a punch, he would improve until finally, he found the perfect form.


    He lowered his body and felt the world through his toes and the sole of his feet. He twisted his hip and then felt the whole world whirl, and as he threw his thirty-seventh fist, a pure compact sound could be heard!


    BAM! Web-like cracks appeared.


    Then, the wall crumbled to nothingness.


    A path was made, and the cries became stronger.


    The wall opened to a cave, a hollowed-out part of the ravine no one had seen was mysteriously there.


    A glowing evergreen light reflected on its walls giving it an even more mysterious feel to it.


    "Young Master, h-how did you know that there''s a cave here?" Avern asked. He was confused and unable to understand how Colt punched wall multiple times, and then from behind a thick wall, there was a cave with radiant light inside.


    Colt finally turned to the sight to give a response, "I read it in a book."


    Colt didn''t try explaining anything because his words didn''t make sense in the first place. Without waiting for anyone to say anything, Colt entered the cave.


    Sera tried to stop him. But she felt Avern''s hands on her shoulders.


    "It''s okay. I can feel a lot of life inside that place. There is not a blemish of death aura inside. It should be safer than here. Let''s just follow the Young Master."


    They can do nothing to help Neun, and for some reason, as soon as the cave opened, the undead went into a frenzy! All of them tried rushing to the cave as they tried getting inside.


    Neun, who was left outside, wanted to follow. But if he do that, there would be no one to protect them from a wave of the undead. So, he was forced to stay out.


    "Tsk, Alpha, block the path of the cave. Make sure nothing enters."


    "Got it."


    Inside the cave, Colt continued walking. His steps remained constant, unfazed by anything he encounters or by any terrain.


    While Aver, Sera, and Julius were all busy looking around, Colt only looks forward.


    It was bright enough that he didn''t need a light, and the deeper he goes, the brighter it became.


    That''s all good and all, but the more he heads deeper, the stronger the connection became. He can feel it, he can feel it, the one he''s looking for is in here.


    After a minute of walking, Colt finally stopped. Everyone following him also stopped, and their jaws slacked.


    They were surprised because, in front of them, there were two Altar.


    On both altars, there was an item different from the other.


    Colt looked at them, and he smiled.


    "The Egg, hey Fluff, it seems like we found your sibling. We even found an extra treasure."


    On the right, there was a meter large egg. The Egg had purple lighting and crimson fire etchings on its round surface.


    The ones behind Colt looked at him, confused and unable to say anything.


    Avern and Sera simply stared dumbfounded at him. Both of them are waiting for an answer as to what''s happening.


    Colt smiled at them wryly as he casually said, "Um, the egg is going to be my new Partner, and as for the other one, that''s the World Tree (World Tree)." Colt heard Julius strangely echo his words.


    On the remaining altar, there was a capsule that''s about the size of a basketball. Inside that capsule was a tree sapling. The tree has nine leaves. Every leaf was glistening with majesty. It was a breathtaking sight.


    Colt, who heard Julius smiled as he raised his brows in surprise, "You''re pretty knowledgeable about¡­"


    Colt couldn''t finish his words because another weird thing happened.


    Julius had approached him behind, and as the child did so, Colt bled. Colt turned his head, as blood flowed from the corner of his mouth.


    "¡­That''s¡­unexpected, kuhak!!"


    Using just his now deformed nails, Julius stabbed Colt in the back.

 96 96. What luck indeed

    Neun just finished killing the last of the undead. However, trouble is yet to stop finding him.


    A sharp and focused killing intent erupted from within the cave.


    "So, I was right after all. It was the kid¡­tsk. I was too preoccupied with the undead that it slipped my mind and even let the Young Master leave my side."


    Neun had always been warry of Julius.


    Julius was a beastman that coincidentally landed on Colt while he was training. He never really stood out other than the fact that he was non-human and his strange attachment to Colt.


    Though Neun was warry of Julius, he couldn''t'' really say anything against him.


    His attachment to Colt was totally understandable because of his "supposed" gratitude. Colt was the kind noble who helped him, and Julius used that to his advantage.


    ''The Young Master is too kind. He might be a good person and is looked up to by everyone else. But¡­he''s too kind for his own good.''


    Colt was a person of kindness. He never admits it and acts cold to everyone else, but he always leans on doing what''s best for the masses.


    It attracts people to him as it makes others trust their future to him, but it was too exploitable.


    Kind people always get the end of the stick. Those who trust others easily are taken advantage of and will die early.


    "Alpha, move! I need to go to the Young Master''s side!"


    Neun''s nose twitched just as he was about to enter. Twisting his body he intercepted a sword aiming for his head.


    "Not bad, old man." A man garbed in black state.


    Neun saw a man garbed in black.


    "That aura of yours is really familiar. Were you the one who killed the blonde? If you are, then you must know you''re no match for me. Leave this place, or I''ll fucking slaughter you and the other four hiding in the shadows."


    "Sorry old man, but I think our job is to take care of you! And you talk big for someone your age. What, do you think you''re the only one capable of undergoing Mutation?"


    The hands of the man mutated, and Neun sunk into the ground.


    "Gahahaha! This will be easy! If I knew you''re this weak, I would have finished you off that night!"


    Laughter from the man echoed in Neun''s ears, and the old Butler, who had been stressed out all this time, looked at man''s eyes!


    "You know what? I think I''m going to slaughter you all now."


    Zara exploded into the scene. Alpha, who was watching the entrance, showed fear as it smiled.


    ''Oh, they are fucked.''


    ===


    "You bastard!"


    Sera rushed Julius with her short sword drawn. Her eyes had turned a complete red, and a red aura surrounded her body.


    Upon seeing Colt getting stabbed in the back, Sera awakened her aura. With the manifestation of the red aura, her strength increased explosively.


    Avern''s intent was unclear, but at this moment, with the emotion of seeing Colt get stabbed, he thought that Julius deserves death.


    However, against Julius, even if there are hundreds of them, none of that would suffice. Pulling the knife from Colt''s body, Julius glared at the two.


    Julius raised his hand and a golden light came out of.


    "Illusion Art: Sleeping World." the light flashed, then a moment later, Sera and Avern were already both on the ground sleeping.


    Looking at the two with disdain, Julius was just about to approach them, when Colt sprung up from behind.


    With a black aura coming out of his body, his presence became obscured. Colt wielded his sword.


    Though he was in pain, Colt drove that feeling down his gut and simply powered through it.


    He was getting weaker, his swing was slow, but now, his sword was sharper.


    ''Illusion isn''t effective on me. Tch, I have to subdue this kid. I''ll make him talk on who''s after my life.''


    Colt could see opportunities from Julius. If he can pinpoint who is creating all the trouble, Colt will be able to plan ahead properly.


    Sparing Julius was a must for him to achieve this. Of course, this was not all there is to it.


    The decision of subduing Julius obviously came to be because Colt couldn''t bring himself to kill Julius.


    But, despite this, he is still prepared to take a limb or two from Julius. Colt may be kind, but he has also grown to be quite ruthless.


    He swung his sword, and Colt expected to take an arm or a leg from Julius. As the kid before him dodges, Colt would be able to meet him with a maneuver.


    However, Julius didn''t dodge.


    Julius moved forward with a knife on hand. Wielding that knife with grace, Colt''s defenses were bypassed.


    The knife traveled at a set pattern, it moved like a slithering snake and reached Colt''s abdomen.


    Julius and Colt locked eyes. Julius stared at Colt, and Colt did the same.


    Julius had an unexpressive face, as he looked at Colt, he stated, "You''re too weak of a warrior. Did you think your meager skill can triumph over my hundred of years of experience?"


    Spsshhh!


    Colt was stabbed in the stomach. As Julius withdrew the knife, Colt fell to his knees.


    Julius walked past Colt and stepped up to the altar. He reached out to the capsule, which held the World Tree and felt the overwhelming energy of life.


    A smile blossomed from Julius''s face. He was teary-eyed as he held it near his forehead.


    ''This was not the plan, but¡­it''s all worth it. If I bring them this and take at least a leaf, then I''ll be pardoned, and I''ll get what I have been searching for. A single will be enough to revive anyone from the brink of death¡­surely, this will work.''


    He turned to Colt and then gripped the knife tighter. He wanted to say something, but Colt, who was doing his best to sit down, beat him to it.


    "Julius, I really don''t want to die, neither do I want those two to die either. So¡­can you spare our lives? See it as you compensating for the good you ate."


    "¡­Are you saying your lives are just worth a couple meals?"


    "Meh... could be lower...really."


    "...." Julius remained silent.


    "You see, I don''t know why you''re doing this, but I can guarantee that you will gain more than you will lose if you let me live."


    Colt wants to live. He can''t die here; he has a family to return to.


    Death here is not something he wants.


    He wants to return to the family waiting for him. Negotiating or begging, whatever anyone calls it, Colt will be sure to do it.


    However, Julius gripped the knife tightly, "¡­I like you and your ideals scion of the Edgeworth. But¡­I need your head to sow discord and incitre rage."


    Julius already raised his sword, and Colt was prepared to intercept it with his own. But on the back of his head, Colt knew that he was most definitely going to die here.


    Slash!


    Julius cut through the air, but then, the entire cave began to shake.


    Hong!


    Everything began to shake, and the stalactites that hanged on the ceiling started dropping. Unluckily, right below the falling stalactites were Sera and Avern.


    "Damn it!"


    Seeing this, Colt immediately turned his back to Julius and pushing his body beyond its limits, Colt dashed forward and wielded his sword.


    Slash!


    Colt blew the stalactites away, keeping Sera and Avern safe!


    But he forgot that another person was trying to take his life.


    Stab!


    A flying knife stabbed deeply onto Colt''s back. He looked back and smiled at Julius, saying, "T-that''s rather¡­dirty."


    "I don''t care, as long as it gets the job done¡­now, please die!"


    Julius dashed forward. His claws extended, and he planned on ripping Colt''s head off.


    Colt could only watch his end and think, ''I didn''t think I''d die here...what luck''


    Julius dashed forward, expecting to reach Colt in moments. He is a beastman with heightened physical capabilities and years of experience, after all.


    With his head and body lowered, what he met was not Colt, however.


    What he met was an azure fist aiming to get his head.


    It was then that he heard the echoing voices of the men that are supposed to be outside!


    "Captain! RUN!"


    Julius somehow managed to raise his head. There, he caught sight of one of the few memories that will be engraved in his mind.


    The old butler Neun, being held back by three people but still somehow managed to overpower and reached this place in mere moments.


    "Surprise! Mother! Fucker!" Neun repeated his words when he first punched Julius!


    Colt who was watching all this raised both brows.


    ''What luck indeed.''

 97 97. Pah!

    Neun''s fist had grown bigger. On his fist were Azure colored scales acting as armor. The scales reached up to his neck and spine-like protrusion extended from his neck down to his tail bone to create an actual azure tail.


    The scales on his body and the tail made Neun seem like an actual Dragon. With legs coming from Alpha and fists that had been enhanced by an unknown beast, Butler Neun looks far from being a normal human.


    Julius was frozen stiff as soon as he exchanged gazes with Neun. He has a hundred years of experience thanks to a particular technique, but his actual age was twelve.


    He had experienced many things. He had even experienced death more than a hundred times, but still, Neun was a monster on a different level.


    "I''m going to die." He already knows his ending.


    Boom!


    Julius stayed frozen, he didn''t dodge, no, he couldn''t dodge Neun''s fist, but one of the three men garbed in black pulled on Neun''s arm until his veins began to pop out to redirect the attack.


    The fist missed, and Julius lived.


    "Captain! We need orders! If you die here, then everything you have worked for will end!"


    One of the men screamed out. Julius woke up from his daze and tightly grabbed onto the capsule of the World Tree!


    He raised his hand and used every Prana he can! His eyes turned red and, in that sense, Neun saw Julius'' body turned to a bloody pulp.


    Julius'' body turned to a puddle of blood. That puddle of blood swirled around and turned to snakes that slithered on the ground and coiled to Neun''s body!


    "What cheap Illusion."


    Nine Anacondas were wanting to devour Neun. Neun simply snorted and planted his feet deeper on the ground.


    He let his aura and zara ran amok and destroyed the blood anacondas surrounding him. But that wasn''t enough.


    The moment the Anacondas were destroyed, the splattered blood marks on the ground swirled and turned into a spherical cage that enveloped Neun.


    Inside, the blood sphere cage then had chains going over Neun''s body. The old butler was caged and chained to the ground.


    His mind was continually assailed by the illusion trying to make him think that what he''s experiencing is the truth!


    "I already told you that this shit is not going to fucking work!"


    Neun''s eyes only grew even more enraged. His real disposition appeared. His unmatched rage exploded.


    Clenching his fist, Neun called upon the strength of a Dragon. He grabbed onto the world with his legs and drew out power by solidifying his stance before throwing a punch!


    "BREAK!"


    The illusion utterly broke. The cage disappeared, and the world returned to its standard view. Three men clad in black appeared trying to attack Neun.


    Their eyes were filled with shock, but they still tried to take his head.


    Neun looked around and only found Sera and Avern sprawled on the ground. Colt was nowhere to be found, and the World Tree was missing.


    "DAMN IT!" Neun roared aloud!


    His anger was rising, and the azure scales around his body was slowly beginning to turn blood red as his anger increases.


    He was just about to use Alpha''s nose when he heard a voice deep inside his head.


    [Head out and then proceed East. They are moving quite fast.]


    Fluff hopped on Neun''s shoulder.


    Neun looked at the strange cat with confusion in his eyes. The question "what the hell is happening" could not match his surprise. Some of his anger and irritation even disappeared as he found the scene to be bizarre.


    PAH!


    Fluff saw Neun''s dumbfounded face and slapped it out of irritation, [Damn it, Human! Go after Colt goddammit! I need him half dead, not fully dead! He''d been stabbed so go fucking move your fucking ass before he dies from blood lost!]

 98 98. Seriously, What?

    Neun shook his head and hurried out of the cave. Neun wanted to stop asking as he activated Alpha''s nose.


    He wanted to track where his target was. But the ones on his radar were not Colt. They were scattered, and if Neun goes to pursue one and that person ends up the wrong person, Colt would be dead before the sun goes down.


    Thankfully, Neun had Fluff with him.


    Pah!


    [Head deeper east, I can feel them heading over there.]


    Ignoring another slap from Fluff, Neun did what the cat instructed and head east. With his legs mutated to such a degree, his speed was much superior to any of the people clad in black.


    In a mere ten seconds, he managed to pick up Colt''s scent. After half a minute, he could already see the back someone.


    In front of him was one of the people clad in black. From the person''s chest, the person was a woman, and she was moving quite fast.


    In her right arm was the bleeding Colt and on her left was Julius.


    Julius'' limbs were hanging lifeless by the side. He was left with no strength after using his prana to try and entrap Neun.


    He turned back as soon as he heard the ground breaking with Neun''s every step. When he saw Neun hurrying to his direction, he knew that the baits did not work.


    Now, with only one warrior with him, he knows there was no chance he would survive against an encounter with Neun.


    The lady looked at Julius. She wanted to know what it is that she should do. Julius gritted his teeth. He was pressured, but he can already hear the sound of the ocean''s waves.


    "Continue running for now. We''ll dive at the ocean that''s the end of this ravine. We''re almost there. We''ll be able to reach it don''t worry. Focus on running, and I''ll try and distract them by trying to negotiate¡ªOlder Sister!"


    His eyes widened as the one carrying him suddenly lost one of her legs. Neun had thrown a sword successfully incapacitated the enemy. He wanted to take the head, but right now, his body was nearing its limits and his hands were shaky. There is the risk of hitting Colt.


    So he was forced to compromise...there was a chance he would fail, but thankfully, he hit the mark.


    "Huh?"


    It was too fast for her to notice, and she still tried to take another step only to end up tumbling on the ground.


    The girl''s body, however, reacted as she immediately hugged Julius to protect him.


    Julius was shocked by what happened, and he lost his grip on the capsule. The capsule hit the ground and it shattered from the abrupt force.


    Julius could still see through over the girl''s shoulder and tried reaching out for the World Tree. Three of his fingers managed to reach out and grab onto one of its leaves.


    He needs the World Tree to get what he wished. It''s something that simple.


    However, a hand managed to grab onto its stem. Julius saw Colt, who was also supposed to be tumbling on the ground, quickly regaining his posture.


    Using just his fingertips and the most minimum of movements, Colt quickly regained his posture and retrieved the World Tree.


    Pulling it away from Julius, one of the leaves was taken, but Colt successfully retrieved it.


    Julius saw this and wanted to break free from the clutches of the girl. But he couldn''t, and before he knew, they had already reached the end of the ravine and fell onto a cliff that connects to the ocean.


    Julius finally realised he had failed, "NO, NO, NOOO!"


    Colt managed to stop his forward just before the cliff and collapsed on the spot. He peeked over the cliff and saw the hundreds of meters high fall.


    The waves down below were rough and powerful, and there were plenty of rocks sticking out.


    Colt didn''t see Julius or the girl anywhere and reckoned, "He must still be alive."


    In this kind of fantasy world, no one dies quickly unless his head is taken.


    "Tsk¡­I couldn''t secure information out of him¡­he''s going to be a cockroach, isn''t he? I need to behead him once I see him next time."


    Colt decisively thought.


    He wanted to capture Julius so he can secure some information. But if Julius indeed survives this fall, and come after him again because of the World Tree, Colt will instead behead him rather than spare the guy.


    If he tries sparing him, that guy might find a way to survive, "It would better to just kill him immediately rather than have him give the chance to turn the tables on me."


    Colt weakly said. While he held onto the World Tree, Colt was waiting for it to turn into a goddamn mark and become half-immortal.


    He knows the torture of immortality, but it''s better than leaving for now and dealing with it later. But¡­the World Tree didn''t change into a mar like the World Devouring Book.


    Instead, it just radiated life. It was doing nothing to help him leave.


    "Dammit, this thing must be...defective! Tsk, I''ll just eat a leaf."


    Colt made the decision and was just about to pluck one of the leaves when the cat that did jack shit when he was about to die appeared from the side and smacked his hands to keep him from doing something stupid.


    "MEOW!"


    "What the hell! What are you doing you little shit! What do you mean I''ll die if I eat one of these? Also, where the fuck were you when¡­I was about to die!? Damn¡­it hurts to shout...that was stupid of me."


    Fluff didn''t answer him and simply looked at Neun who picked him up without reason and carried him back to the cave.


    He was placed down on one of the altars without anyone explaining anything from him.


    He was laid down on the altar of the World Tree then Fluff took his blood and smeared it all over the Egg. A white then exploded out of Fluff''s and Colt''s forehead.


    The dazzling white light continued for some time and some reason, as Colt became more exhausted by the second and his life slowly escaped him, the Egg shone brighter by the second.


    The purple and red etchings on the Egg''s surface continued to shine brighter, and just as Colt was about to lose consciousness, the Egg broke, and his body exploded into ablaze.


    "AhhhhH! Shit! What the hell¡­!?"


    "Young Master!"


    At this moment, Butler Neun was about to step up and interrupt them when Fluff slapped him on the cheek.


    Colt''s cries didn''t last very long as he felt his body became more energetic than before.


    He felt his wound heal up in a matter of seconds, and before he knew it when the fire disappeared his body was already healed up, and for some reason, there was a purple-reddish chick on his lap.


    "What?"


    He can only ask as he found the whole situation the same when he received a cat rather than a dragon.


    He once again felt cheated for some reason.

 99 99. Meow! Meow! Motherfucker!

    Colt''s head rested on his palms. His body was aching, and yet he was feeling fine. On his lap was a round chick, looking at him, with a tilted head.


    On Colt''s shoulder was Fluff, glaring at the purple colored chick.


    ''It looks like the one you get at a festival¡­will it also turn into a different color after some time?''


    The chick was no bigger than his palms. It''s roundness, and tiny feathers made it look like a ball, the three crimson lines from its eyes to its undeveloped tail resembled that of fire.


    But something else needed to be addressed before moving forward.


    "Hey, Fluff? I thought it was your sibling?"


    "Meow."


    "What do you mean it IS your sibling? This thing has feathers, and you have fur, this thing has a beak, and you have a mouth, this thing is a bird, and you''re a cat¡­don''t you think there''s something wrong with this?"


    "Myao?" Fluff shrugged both its shoulders as it could not understand why Colt was fstressing over this, "Nya, nya, meow."


    "Well¡­I can''t argue that a normal cat also doesn''t come out of an egg¡­touch¨¦."


    Colt was understanding of the situation. He stopped caring about logic and simply accepted this as facts.


    ''This is still a fantasy world¡­there are things outside my comprehension.''


    But still, Colt found this situation weirder than normal nonetheless. But an even more critical question rose from the back of his head.


    ''If this thing is a chicken¡­and I start learning its language, will I still be able to eat something like roasted chicken?''


    Tis a question that must be answered. But of course, the answer will not come to him unless he delves deep into his desires¡­which would always say yes, no matter how he tries looking at it.


    Thinking of some roasted chicken Colt looked at the chick with strangeness in his eyes. As he felt his stomach grumbling and demanding food, his mind couldn''t function well enough that he spoke aloud.


    "I wonder what you''ll taste like."


    The chick jolted and turned to look at Fluff with fear in its eyes only to see its supposed sibling looking at it with interesting eyes¡­it also wanted to have a taste.


    "Nyaaa." A suggestion came from Fluff.


    Colt was taken aback by this as he looked at the feline like it was crazy, "Are you sane? Don''t even say you''ll have a taste. That''s ethically wrong."


    "Nya, mew, meow? Myaaa, mow, mewwwe."


    "Well, it''s not that I''m not curious about it¡­wait, what do you mean immortal? Do you mean this little thing can regenerate if we take a drumstick¡­nah, that''s still not going to work. This guy''s whole body is as big as a drumstick."


    Fluff, who had been listening to Colt''s excuses, felt angry and irritated.


    Smack!


    "Nyaaaa! (Stop being a bitch!)" Fluff roared aloud.


    BaM!


    Thus, began to start a fight between the supposedly injured Colt and Lord Phat Fluff, who wanted to eat something it shouldn''t.


    Like always, the fight was intense. Against all the odds, the cat managed to match Colt''s strength without a problem.


    The chick was forced to stand on its altar to watch the two idiots fight it out. After some time, the roars of the cat and the bellowing of the human stopped.


    Their fight ended in a draw.


    "Nyaaa." Fluff praised.


    "You''re not so bad yourself¡­you traitorous cat." Colt said with a smirked.


    All the white, the standoff between the two continued, a cute voice echoed inside the cave, "Brother¡­why are you talking like that? I thought you hated being a cat?"


    "!!!!" Colt was alarmed and looked around, trying to find who it was that spoke. He saw no one other than the chick slowly waddling towards Fluff.


    "???"


    The chick stopped in front of Fluff, and Colt read between the line and realized something huge. He and Fluff eventually crossed eyes, "¡­is the chick telling the truth? You''re telling me you can speak human tongue all this time?"


    "Nyani? (What? Me cannot understand.)" Fluff looked the other way; it was sweating profusely.


    "Human, do you mean you''ve been talking with him as he speaks in the language of cats? I thought you would never act like that. You said our kind should not act like domesticated pets. That we should be proud and be aloof." The chick stated whilst giggling like a child.


    Colt''s stared at Fluff with a different kind of intensity, "Hey, weren''t you always asking for a belly rub? What''s this chick talking about? Aloof? Proud? The Head Chef and the Maids also told me that you begged for food every so often, and you''ve been coercing my daughters and Lyra of their allowance to have them feed you more¡­hmmm, proud and aloof indeed."


    Fluff was now drenched in sweat. Its white fur was turning red from embarrassment.


    The chick saw this and looked at Fluff with confusion, "Brother, is that true? I thought begging is for the lowest of the low? When I gave you food, you rejected them, and we even fought each when I questioned your values. Brother, what happened? What happened to the proud and aloof Sovereign of the Land?" The chick looked truly hurt.


    "Yeah, what happened to it?" Colt fanned the flames.


    Fluff was trembling, and tears welled up on its eyes. It looked at the Chick with reddened eyes and pounced at it while roaring with a cute feline centric voice.


    "Shut upppp! How dare you humiliate me like this, you ungrateful brat! I just freed you from your seal, and you''re acting like a pompous shit who knows it all? I speak the language of cats because it''s short and convenient, deal with it. What wrong with saying all of this with four sounds? This is how I talk now, you¡­."


    Fluff was in tears as he strangled the chick with its fluffy paws.


    Colt watched this with a wide grin on his face.


    He was having fun seeing a kitten strangle a chick. He was even cheering from the side as he fanned the flames.


    "Chicky sibling, you can do it. Retaliate against that traitorous fake. Proud and aloof! Hah, what a joke."


    But of course, Fluff who heard Colt found his words irritating and used its claws to scratch him on his face, saying, "Colt you useless shit! I just helped you with your injuries be more grateful."


    Of course, after hearing the one who caused his injuries because of its choice to not help him curse at him, Colt was enraged once more, "What was that!? You bastard! How dare you say that you traitorous faker of a cat!? Come here you, I''ll teach you a lesson!"


    Fluff''s cute voice was filled with deep seethed hatred against the human who had been laughing at him from the sideline, "Come on! I''ll tear you to pieces like fish! COME AT ME!"


    The chick who had been strangled was also pissed, "Brother! How dare you! I merely told the truth! You''re not my proud brother! You''re a fake Brother!" It also joined the fray.


    Neun, who had been taking care of Sera and Avern, looked at Colt''s direction and saw Colt fighting with a palm size cat and a palm size chick. He was once again left speechless.

 100 100. Untold

    The crashing waves of water could be heard from hundreds of meters away. The ocean was roaring as the waves crashed onto the sea stacks scattered about its territory.


    On some shore was a lady with one leg carrying the body of a boy with golden hair. The lady was the same person as the one who tried to kill Colt and Sera.


    Her face was no longer covered, and her clothes were ripped to pieces. She felt her body was heavy, but she dragged the boy with all her might.


    She only had one leg remaining, and the sharp pain from the one that had ripped out by the monster of a butler never left.


    Her face and body had many cuts and bruises on it. The unforgiving sea almost devoured them, but, in the end, they lived.


    The boy could only be Julius, and their location were east near the Valley of Death,


    The crashing waves echoed from afar. The lady fell face flat; her strength had already been sapped out.


    She was trying to catch for air, but other it was not looking good. She had lost too much blood, and she used all of her aura trying to escape from the sea with Julius.


    She can tell that death was coming to embrace her sooner or later. In Julius'' hands was a glowing evergreen leaf. If she takes it, then she will live.


    The regenerating factor it has is something of a myth after all. The chance to live was in front of her, but instead of taking it, she shook her head.


    "Julius¡­it seems like big sister is going to die here¡­it seems like we won''t be able to have that trip you always asked for."


    The lady had no golden hair; neither was she a beastman. She has no blood connection with Julius, but for her, the kid that betrayed the Young Master of the Edgeworth Family will always be her brother.


    He was her family, her only family that she has.


    She will die here for him.


    But she regrets nothing.


    Death will come.


    But it didn''t matter.


    Recalling the memories of the past, the lady began shedding tears. Before she met Julus, she was a street rat that''s about to die.


    She scavenges the corpses of the dead, and she herself reap the life of others. She prostitutes herself at a very young age to eat something.


    Her fate was already sealed, and it was Julius who saved her. That time when Julius extended his hands to someone who had been stoned almost to death was the moment when, she, Mia gained her name and another chance in life.


    Mia closed her eyes; she was crying as she was scared. Everyone fears death, and she is no different.


    The suffocating feeling of the end enveloped her. The feeling of suffocation enveloped her.


    She was afraid to die...but this fate was inevitable.


    As he eyes grew dim, Mia closed tried looking around for Julius'' hands. She wanted a companion before dying.


    She felt someone grasps her hand, and she smiled ever so slightly.


    She was ready to leave. Her last words were uttered, but from what seemed to be far away, she heard a cry, "No! No! No! Nooo! D-don''t, please¡­don''t."


    The cry was feeble, but it was heartfelt. Mia smiled weakly. There is no one waiting for her in the afterlife, only she will ascend, but at least she knows that the one she cares about is still alive.


    But, as Mia was about to entirely lose her consciousness, the cold left her body, and she was enveloped with warmth.


    ''How warm¡­.''


    Under the bright light of the sun, Mia''s leg was regrown, and her injuries disappeared. The leaf of the World Tree is nowhere to be found, and Julius now carried Mia on his tiny back.


    He was a devious bastard who tried to kill his benefactor for the sapling of the World Tree. He ignored his orders and acted out of his own desires.


    He managed to get a single leaf from that very World Tree, and that might have been enough to save anyone from any ailment, defect, or injury.


    But¡­he lost the World Tree and the last saving grace of this failure, the one leaf he retrieved had now been officially used up.


    Mia slept from exhaustion, and Julius left with her on his back. As he walked, he spoke, "I''m not so much of scum to let my sister die. Even if I save her due to your sacrifice, our Mother will be saddened and angered at us. So¡­sister¡­dodon''t hate me when you wake up."


    Julius stated as he disappeared into the nearby woods.


    Julius is a traitorous man. But as he continued to walk forward, the view of his back carrying his older sister can be seen as a young man walking away with his back turned against the world...his story remaiins untold but his life remains constant.

 101 101. Don’t think much about i

    "Hey, spit it out."


    "Nyo."


    "Spit it out! The chick will drown if you don''t!"


    "Pyak osh shik heatd, sho shup uhp, AH, you bastard give that chew toy back!"


    "It''s not a chew toy. This is emergency food and your sibling. Calm down already. It''s been three days."


    Colt reprimanded Fluff. The cat snorted before pouting and seeking Sera for comfort. Colt was left to tidy up the mess it left.


    "Are you okay, little chick?"


    "Mm." the crying ball of feathers nodded its head as it tried to stop its tears.


    It had been three days since Colt was stabbed and almost died. He looked at the chick and felt a special connection to it.


    He and this chick already have a form of special bond. According to Fluff''s begrudging explanation, he and the chick already underwent to form a bond, and he''d already been given the Gift.


    ''I had you almost killed because if that''s the only way for this loosed lip bastard to give it to you.''


    ''Wait, doesn''t other Magical Beast only need to make something called a [Blood Pact]? Why is mine so hard to get?''


    ''Those Magical Beasts are weak. Their Gift doesn''t hold a candle against ours. No Magical Beast can gift your complete immunity to Illusions. And you got that from me after I entered your dream that one time.'' Fluff stated.


    ''Oh, I remember that one. That one dream where you slap my forehead, right?'' Colt doesn''t really care about that slap as he didn''t feel pain then.


    Fluff felt relieved that its partner wasn''t so much of a butthurt and proceeded to further its explanation¡­


    ''This little Chick''s gift is an unnaturally strong vitality. Its effect is fast regeneration and doubles your stamina and progress. You''re now also immune to poison and ailments, meaning, it will be hard to kill you. It also doesn''t have any drawbacks, so it''s a pretty good trade-off for almost dying, right?''


    ''That''s useful¡­I won''t have to fear much about death by disease. Fate can''t pull me towards a Deus Ex Machina using poison and diseases now, nice one. But let me just confirm this. What about the thing you said about dying if I ingested a World Tree''s Leaf?"


    ''That''s a lie.''


    ''Oh¡­well, I didn''t die, so who cares.'' Colt honestly chose to let it go. Fluff also activated its gift to ensure Colt won''t be angered. Fluff wasn''t taking any chances.


    While Colt was busily tidying the chick, the carriage stopped. The doors opened, and no one was there other than Neun.


    The soldiers had been left behind the clean up the Valley of Death. The cause of the Valley of Death coming to be was the World Tree and the Chick sucking up all the life around them.


    The World Tree took the life of the land, and the Chick influenced the soul of the undead to protect it from danger.


    Leaving the soldiers to train in the Valley of Death to make them survive that place for three months was the plan all along. Though it had been changed to "cleaning" the Valley of Death instead of trying and survive.


    This training is rather harsh and dangerous. But on where it currently stands, those soldiers of his are useless. They need to be ''upgraded'' before they can be of use in the upcoming war.


    ''I''m getting stronger. My soldiers can''t be any weaker. They must reach Rank-7 Warrior to be of any use.''


    Most of the East Continent soldiers are at Rank-6. This includes the soldiers of the West Continent.


    This was the case as the barrier for the majority of soldiers are Rank-6. Those who can reach Rank-7 are already treated as captains. Lieutenants are Rank-8 and Rank-9 for the Colonel. Phase two Pathfinders are Vice Generals and Generals alike.


    Shickly and Liron, who became Generals at Rank-7, are exceptional cases as they stopped a war at this stage of their lives.


    ''But still, this ranking system includes only the elites of the Army. As for those weaker, they are nothing but glorified cannon fodder used to gauge out the enemy. It''s sad but true, and I don''t want my men to end up like that.''


    He wants his men to be as strong as one of the elites of the elites.


    ''Heeheeehee, after this, I''ll send them to the Magical Beast Forest and make them eradicate as much Monster as possible. I''ll train real killing machines.''


    Colt will have them do it, but that''s something happen for another time.


    Focusing on the present, Sera prepared the food for everyone, and Colt already finished after a few minutes.


    But, he was not the first to finish, as Sera and Avern stepped out first, saying¡­


    "I need to sort things out."


    Colt will watch them leave, but he will not question what it is that they will do. He already knows they are in pain.


    ''Must have sucked not managing to do anything against Julius.''


    Though Colt was also severely beaten by Julius, he doesn''t mind it that much because he''s alive. That''s his goal, staying alive. Honor and victory can eat shit if he can''t live.


    He may have been defeated, but overall, he won.


    However, for Sera and Avern, it was a pretty big blow. Especially to Sera.


    After Sera learned that Fluff could talk, she made it recount what happened when she fell to Julius'' illusions.


    Long story short, she learns of Colt''s ''pride'' and ''honor'' being trampled to the ground as he begged for the lives of Sera and Avern.


    Being trained to become a Combat Butler, Sera was ashamed of this turnabout. Because of that, her self-loathing fueled her Red or otherwise known Fire Aura. With Sera burning with rage, her growth became nothing less than explosive.


    As for Avern¡­Colt can''t say anything. Avern''s been going around and talking to himself. The only thing Colt can make out of it is that he''s talking to spirits.


    Either that or he''s troubled with being ignored by Sera and is mulling over it.


    Colt knows that they''ll get over their issues without his help, ''It''s better to avoid getting wrap up in all that. My words might sound patronizing.''


    He was dedicated to dealing with his own problems.


    "What is it that you need from this old man, Young Master?"


    Colt went up the carriage roof, where he found Neun, watching over the stars.


    "Teacher, I just wanted to ask about Mutations and if it''s possible to do it while still being low-leveled Warrior like myself."


    "¡­don''t even think about it, you can''t just initiate a mutation. Try it, and you''ll most likely die; you''ll explode after having your organs boil with your blood."


    Colt was left speechless.


    Neun laughed at Colt''s reaction as he asked, "Young Master, what are you going to name the little chick?"


    "¡­I said I''ll name it Chickpea or Fat Chick, but it said no, so we decided that it will think a name for itself."


    "Young Master."


    "Yes?"


    "Your naming sense sucks."


    Colt was once again speechless.

 102 102. Mother Part 1

    The return trip from the Valley of Death to Wing City wasn''t supposed to take that long.


    With the Dragon Horses pulling the carriage and without soldiers escorting them, everything should have been quick. If the Dragon Horses are pulling it, that is.


    Not everything is so easy.


    After all, Colt, was the one acting as the horse is nowhere near in reaching Wing City even after a week of pulling the carriage.


    "Come on, you lazy disciple, move it! You''re not getting any stronger by having your tongue out like a dog. Go and pull, pull you lazy bum."


    The devil within Neun was rereleased. But the icing on the cake was the Chick on Neun''s lap, staring at its human partner doing the job of a horse.


    The Chick turned to Fluff with an opened beak. It couldn''t say much about the situation. It pointed at Colt with its tiny wing, questioning what in blazes is happening.


    Fluff looked over at Colt then back to its sibling, "Yes, that''s the one I chose. Don''t look at him like he''s trash¡­at least not too much. He''s doing that to get stronger, give him a break. Don''t worry, he''s going to become super strong soon, and we''ll regain our Sovereignty, but for now accept it as a fact and it'' s real, okay? Now scooch over, I have a belly rub appointment."


    Fluff finished justifying Colt''s existence and made the Chick move to the side. Neun''s belly rubs are only second to the Edgeworth children and Colt himself.


    Fluff had already gotten over the Chick''s belittling stares. Not only Fluff but even Colt had gotten used to it. The two uncaring partners couldn''t care less.


    Fluff was enlightened, and now¡­it doesn''t care if it lazes around in front of the Chick or not.


    For the Lord Phat Fluff, eating, sleeping, and playing around is more interesting than arguing on how one should act.


    It once said one line to encapsulate its meaning, "Meow!" and such a word is too beautiful to be forgotten.


    As Fluff got its promised belly rub, it decided to do what it wants. It lazily tapped Neun''s legs like a cat would and was given a treat.


    It watched Colt train hard and.


    "NYAAA!" It cheered on Colt while having a man considered as a Master rub its belly.


    The Chick remained watching with a dumbfounded expression.


    ''Dear Goddesses, is this really what you meant when you said good future?''


    And as the Chick thought of that, the three Goddesses were face palming themselves as they watched the cat and Colt.


    They can only say, "Sorry."


    For they have also chosen Colt...it''s easy to say that they too are embarrassed for that choice.


    ====


    September 18th, the temperature was cold, the leaves are showing signs of changing color despite it being so early in the year.


    Under the shade of a Willow Tree was a tea table brought by the Edgeworths to enjoy the pleasant day.


    With Mina was Faerith, Risa, Sister Mary, and Mary Courtgain, who is now called Miss M. To note, it was Mary Courtgain who said to call her as such.


    ''The Young Master called me as such one time. Let''s just stick to that nickname.'' it was the first nickname given to her. And it oddly resonated with her.


    Mina took a sip of ginger tea and enjoyed the pleasant day. The sun was up, but it was not so hot as it was already the season of Autumn.


    As she finished drinking her tea, she saw Filla from afar waving her dainty hand.


    Mina responded with a motherly smile and waved back.


    It was a calm and peaceful day.


    "You''ve rather soften up a lot, Miss Mina." Sister Mary noted, "In the past, I thought you were a warmonger."


    "Well, we have all have those kinds of days. Mood swings are very much a problem for me."


    Sister Mary looked at Mina and could only conclude one thing, ''Oh, the benefits of becoming a mother is astonishing.''


    Having become a Mother and even pregnant, Mina had softened a lot. Her presence that had always been cold and oppressive like a glacier, is now mild and soft like pudding.


    ''You say that yet pregnancy also brings about a lot of mood swings.'' Miss M kept this thought to herself.


    These past two weeks, a lot had happened. Risa and Hylda had awakened the motherly instinct inside Mina.


    While taking a sip of the tea, Mina noticed Risa''s somber expression and couldn''t help but ask.


    "What''s the matter, why the frown? It would help if you trusted in Father-in-Law. We''ll win this war without question." Mina assured.


    Risa sighed, "It''s not that, it''s just that the Beast that I found is um¡­you know relatively lazy and do nothing. It sleeps all day inside the pendant and only comes out to eat. I find it troubling that it might become someone who only eats and sleeps."


    ''That''s you, basically.'' Faerith thought to herself from the side.


    Mina also thought that, but she held on her hands to comfort her troubled heart, "Everything has its special abilities that only it could do. The King of the Forest is sure to have something that made it ascend to such a level."


    "¡­I supposed so." Risa felt somewhat assured.


    An hour later, Hylda came back with Filla on her back and a sleepy-eyed Lyra beside her.


    "Mama, Filla''s tired. Can we go home now?"


    Mina smiled and picked up Filla. Carrying the child, Mina turned to the rest, "It appears that I must take my leave. I have an examination today, and Filla''s already tired. Mother, are you going to go home with me, or are you going to do your rounds?"


    "I''ll walk home, Risa, you''re going with me."


    "Ehhh? Do I have to?" Risa grumbled.


    "How can a noblewoman act like this? Come and get up. If you want to train your Soul Partner, you should at least try and become more active. Don''t criticize the poor thing when you''re not any better."


    "¡­" Risa was left speechless and accepted her fate, "I''ll see you later Mina. Miss M, please take care of Mina and the children."


    "Trus tin my sword Countess Edgeworth." M had been doing this for two weeks since she arrived here, so she had already gotten used to it.


    While Mina and the children rode a carriage back home, Faerith and Risa will walk home on their own without any guard with them. They will interact with people like normal and do what they do when they go out of the manor.


    This is the current tea time of the Edgeworth family. They would leave the manor and take a stroll on the streets to show their fortitude and strength.


    They are known as one of the Strongest for a reason. In terms of mental strength, their family is known to be firm. Like a pillar, they are whole and unbreakable. And in the eyes of the simplistic Edgeworths, the people of their Fief are a part of their family.


    And by walking around town, showing no signs of fear, they strengthen not only themselves but also the people. They receive their trust, and they receive their support. By showing no fear, the people will have no doubt, eliminating the idea of public distress.


    Calmness must come from the top. They must become the light and banish the darkness looming over people''s heart. And that''s what they are doing.


    Everyone knows that War is inevitable. But with the people knowing they can depend on their Ruler, they feel safe and their smiles are retain.


    The message is simple, "Worry not for we are here: worry not for you have us: and worry not for we are strong."


    This is the Edgeworths, and this is the start of warfare. Quell the fear and discontent, focus on the war, and kill the enemy.


    Fear is not an enemy to be used against the Edgeworth.


    Fear is their ally.


    Fear creeps out when the Tigers are awakened.


    Because once the Tiger opens its eyes and sees its prey, an insatiable hunger shall rise and that hunger shall permeate into an unbearable pain until the prey is either devoured or if it disappears from its territory.


    Sadly, the eyes of the Tiger had finally opened and the enemies of the East are now destined to fall.

 103 103. Mother Part 2

    Night arrived, and dinner had passed. Lyra is already asleep in her room, and Mina was in Colt''s bedroom together with Hylda and Filla.


    She tucked the two in bed readying them for sleep. Though Colt is not with them, they still have smiles on their faces.


    Mina had been trying to forge a bond with them, and it is clear that her efforts had paid off.


    Their relationship is not limited to their association with Colt. It does not stop there; they too have their thoughts and emotions that for Mina alone.


    Filla may be a genius, but her age is still four; thus, the longing for a mother is strong. Hylda is older, and yet she had been cast away for so many times that she too is no better than Filla.


    Mina knows a lot about the two, and at some angle, even more so than Colt.


    And because she knows of their past, she knows that she needs to be strong for them. After all, she knows how it feels to be motherless.


    Mina tucked the two children into the bed and waited until they fell asleep. She, however, did not feel any tired and stayed awake. Mina grew restless by the second as she remained longer in bed, unable to calm down, resulting in her moving around without reason.


    She can just close her eyes and wait for her to feel tired, but she knows this situation cannot be solved by mere time.


    ''It''s occurring more frequently since he left my side.''


    Mina longed for Colt; an itch is blossoming in her heart. Anxiousness and worry that cannot won''t leave her be.


    She got out of the bed and opened the doors to the balcony. She stepped out of the room and experienced the chill of the cold night wind.


    It was midnight, and the moon hanged low. She stared towards the east, the longing and desperation in her eyes were present.


    ''My love, for when will you return? I grow restless by the day, memories of the past seeps into my mind attacking my psyche like the days before I met you.''


    Her expression grew more somber. Memories of the past began to show. A woman dressed in a light pink gown appeared in her mind; it was her mother, the late Marchioness Maya Vera spending time with Mina.


    To this day, this memory remains ever so vivid in Mina''s mind. She is unable to erase it no matter what it is that she does.


    Try as she might, this image is burnt into her mind.


    Her heartbeat raced, and soon, her breathing followed.


    Mina looked at the moon, and to the east, she held herself trying to keep her sanity in check.


    She yearned for his arms, she yearned for his warmth, but most importantly, she yearned for his presence.


    That presence that makes her feel as though she is truly not alone. She wanted him to return, so he can comfort her in his arms so that he''ll be able to become a pillar for her.


    Mina had promised to wait for his return, and she had done that magnificently over the past days.


    She grows scared at the fact that he might disappear in her life. She is worried that he will leave him and go away without her knowing. In short, she is scared of his death.


    Mina''s thoughts only grew more vivid. Her emotions finally could not help but burst. Memories of the past flowed like the river of time.


    From her early childhood to the time when it happened.


    Since Mina could remember, she had always been with her Mother, Maya''s side. May was the Marchioness, the wife of the Hero known as Liron Vera.


    Maya was a cowardly and yet courageous woman. She fears many things, lightning, dogs, sword, fire, and even blood.


    And yet she always steps up to protect her family. Her smile is retained when Mina trembles at lightning and faced a rabid dog when her daughter was chased..


    Maya was a good woman, and an even better mother and wife. She protected her family from those who tried to harm and tarnish its reputation.


    However, that became her downfall. The Ducal Family Maya forced out of the Kingdom sought revenge.


    Under the brilliance of the sun, and the shades that the Forest provides the carriage was ambushed by that Ducal Family''s soldiers led by its First Young Master. He had lost his mind after being robbed of his inheritance and future.


    The guards protecting Maya and Mina were all slain with ease, one managed to escape and ask for reinforcement, but Maya and Mina were not so lucky and were forced to stay.


    Mina and Maya were stuck in the carriage with no one to protect them. As the Mother and daughter were dragged out of the carriage, Maya hugged her daughter and used her body to protect Mina.


    Maya was a Healing Mage, albeit not so strong for she had no talent. She had no experience of fighting; thus, if she fights back, then worst things may happen to her daughter.


    Thus, Maya acted like a shield for her daughter. With her back turned to her assaulters, she received slash after slash from the sword that she feared.


    Because Maya was not big enough to fully shield Mina from harm, the young lass would experience cuts hear and there, but it was then that Mina heard Maya speak¡­


    "Does it hurt¡­my precious? Don''t worry¡­Mother will make it¡­go away."


    Maya, who had been cut tens of hundreds of times, didn''t use her magic to save herself but to make sure that her daughter was left unscathed.


    She poured her life to Mina so she can save and protect her child.


    Her pain could not be measured, and blood flowed out of her deep wounds, yet she remained silent to ensure Mina won''t get scared.


    She smiled throughout the harrowing experience, and without her knowing, blood flowed out of her body trickling down to Mina.


    Only after the cries of reinforcement did the swords of the enemies stopped.


    "MAYA!"


    That time, Maya heard the calls of her husband, it was at that time that she looked at Mina''s eyes.


    The mother that had bled to protect her daughter looked deep in Mina''s eyes. She smiled at her, with blood trickling down her mouth and said, "See¡­everything''s all¡­right¡­Fa¡­ther''s¡­here."


    With a body riddled with gashes and is devoid of strength and mana, Maya breathed her last from losing too much blood.


    All of this happened with Mina watching inches away from her mother. Her mother''s breathing growing faster with every cut, Mina could remember it with the tiniest of details.


    And when Maya showed her that smile, it was retained by Mina throughout the years. It became a lasting memory and a bitter reminder that life is fleeting.


    Thus her reaction to when Colt''s arm was severed.


    Often, she would dream of her mother''s final moments, and when she closes her eyes, she''ll see that smile from across her, and her body will tremble from fear.


    And as time passes, tears would flow out, and the child that lost her mother would appear. Unable to stop the tears she cried.


    Mina''s knees grew week and slowly, she slid down on the ground.


    Mina''s tears could no longer be stopped.


    She cried and wailed, waking up the sleeping children.


    Moments later, her sobbing was heard by Hylda and Filla. The two awoke and stepped out and saw their Mother crying, unable to stand.


    Mina raised her head as she saw her daughters.


    They looked at her, and without saying any words, Filla walked to her side while Hylda went to take the thick blanket.


    They do not know what''s happening, but they can tell that what she needs is not words but companionship.


    The children held onto Mina''s hands, and they shared a blanket.


    Filla and Hylda know not what is happening. But they felt that no one words are needed to convey what it is that they need to say.


    These children were also motherless, just like Mina; however, they did not know that Mina was like them. And yet they knew what it is she needed most.


    Mina felt their dainty hands tightly holding onto hers. She wept as Hylda and Filla held onto her.


    "Ahhhhh."


    Mina felt their emotions.


    And it was then that she realized that being a mother was beautiful,.


    Only then did she realized that strength can be drawn out from them.


    She thought that she needed to be strong for them. But it appears she can grow stronger with them.


    Such is the connection of a Mother and her children.

 104 104. Unexpected

    "Mistress Mina, what are you doing with the Young Misses!?"


    Mina could hear the loud cries of a maid. Meekly opening her eyes, she saw a maid trying to assist her to stand up.


    "What are you doing, Mistress? You are a pregnant woman; how can you act in such a reckless manner? Lessa, Issa take the Young Misses to bed. Dear Goddesses, what are you doing?"


    She was Helia, a 45-year-old Head Maid of the Edgeworth. She was a mature and strong woman and had a background in medicine.


    She is the second-in-command when Neun is out. It is rumored that she is in a secret relationship with Neun, but that still unconfirmed.


    Helia is a strict woman, but she''s as respected as the Countess. After all, Helia had been following Faerith since she was a child even after Faerith married into the Edgeworths, she dustily followed without question.


    After the previous Head Maid of the Edgerworths passed her prime, it was Helia who took over and managed the duties with the Countess.


    "You are as reckless as the Countess,why are the women I take care of acts like so!?" Helia was in the middle of trying to lecture Mina when she noticed an important feature. She sighed as she ordered the maids, "Go fetch hot water and a towel."


    "¡­We already brought that with us, Head Maid."


    Helia felt the irritation coming up from the bottom of the pit, "Goddammit, read between the lines. I mean, go and leave the room; I''ll take care of everything!"


    "Hii, yes, Head Maid."


    The berated maids scuttled out of the room, leaving Mina and the two still sleeping children.


    Helia went to get the warm water and towel to wipe Mina''s body and face.


    "Thank you, Head Maid," Mina said amidst the silence.


    "It''s my job, Mistress." she unfeelingly said while cleaning the tears stains on Mina''s face.


    Helia need not ask, not because it would be disrespectful but because she already knew the answer. She had already seen this when Faerith had to wait for Shickly''s return from war??the stress and worry do pile up, and it breaks anyone down.


    Helia examined Mina''s body and her conditions and confirmed everything was in good health. She is the one in charge of Mina''s examination, just as she was the one in charge of Fearith.


    An hour or so later, it was already 7:00 in the morning. Helia wanted to wake up the kids, but Mina stopped her from doing so, saying, "It''s fine, let them sleep a little longer for today. I''ll be the one to wake them up and prepare them for the day."


    Helia wanted to argue, but he couldn''t. She can see something very genuine behind Mina''s eyes like she wanted to spend more time with her daughter like she wanted to spoil them and give them what it is that they want.


    And yet Helia, can''t see that wall.


    ''¡­'' She left with a pleasant smile.


    Just like that, the passing days arrived.


    Before anyone knew it, the last day of the month arrived.


    The war on the southeast has yet to be concluded, heck, it has yet to start.


    Only small-scale skirmishes are present. Both sides are probing the other, trying to see how they will react. War does not merely happen and end. A war may take a whole year without anything major happening.


    A spark must ignite the hearts of the soldiers, and intent must be created to fuel conflict.


    However, that flare is yet to be found. However, the Edgeworths are not in a hurry. They are only watching the enemies make their move.


    The only thing they are doing actively is preventing the enemy from hunting large scale beasts to feed on.


    A Tiger must wait for the optimal time to attack, and at the moment, the Count is waiting for the enemy to starve.


    Once ration becomes scarce, then many openings would appear. In some wars, no blood needs to be shed. One needs to be patient and sleep it out to keep the mind as calm as possible¡­well, maybe don''t just sleep all day, that''s only the Count.


    Back in the Edgeworth Fief, the bustling city is the same as ever. Though the commerce is no longer as lively because of the lack of Magical Beast Meat being brought from the Magical Beast Forest, it was bustling and vibrant nonetheless.


    In the Edgeworth Manor, it was the same as always. The presence of the men is nowhere to be found, and the children are learning a lot.


    It was one in the afternoon; the sun was up, but the pleasant wind compensates for its faults. The Edgeworths are making their preparation to leave for the Light Orphanage.


    Lyra, Risa, and Countess Faerith are all going to take a walk around the city before heading to the orphanage for tea.


    It was Lyra''s first time participating with the walk, and she was incredibly excited about it. This was weird because for an Edgeworth to be energetic is the same as having Risa voluntarily go to school. It was near impossible.


    It appears that Lyra either didn''t inherit the laziness in her blood, or Filla and Hylda just rubbed off her to become energetic.


    The Countess was leaning on the former. Filla is also an Edgeworth and Filla is nothing like Risa or the Count, she determined that it must have been Hylda that brought about this change.


    ''She''s a godsend to this family.'' Is what the Countess thought, ''Should I have Risa play with the children?'' She honestly considered this idea.


    While Countess celebrates Lyra''s change for the better and reprimands Risa actually to change, Mina, Filla, and Hylda boarded a carriage that will take them to the Light Orphanage.


    Mary Courtgain was with them as an acting bodyguard.


    "Are we ready to leave now, Mistress?" the coachman asked with a smile.


    "Yes."


    With that, the carriage left. They left with no guard, for they will only make the atmosphere of the city tense, ruining Faerith''s and the others'' hard work.


    The guards saw off the carriage. The gate behind the carriage closed.


    While heading to the Light Orphanage, Hylda gathered her courage to ask a selfish question to Mina.


    "Mama, when can I get a Soul Partner? I already unlocked my Aura, and I just thought it was about time, oh, but we don''t need to get one so quickly. We can wait for later, I just...!" Hylda instantly tried to retract what she had said.


    Hylda was still very embarrassed to ask for herself. So much so that she couldn''t even ask for a Soul Partner that she needs.


    But Mina gently placed her hands on the embarrassed Hylda with a smile, "You don''t need to be embarrassed asking for something so minor. What, do you want to find a Soul Partner now? We can get one from a shop. We just need to make a quick stop."


    "Really? AH! Then¡­um, if that''s the case, then, can I request to have one for when Father comes back?"


    "That is not a problem. We''ll find one once Darling comes back."


    Hylda happily threw her fist up in happiness. Then, the carriage stopped without reason.


    "Huh? Is something wrong?" Mary asked the coachman as she opened the window.


    "Miss Mary, the thing is that someone is blocking our path. I''ve asked him to move, but he wouldn''t step aside." The coachman answered, exasperated about the current situation.


    Noting the coachman''s tone, Mary deduced that whoever it is blocking their path, then it must be someone who is too stubborn.


    She sighed and decided to step out of the carriage. In the middle of the road, there was a white-haired man staring at the carriage with a smile on his face.


    The coachman who had already been exasperated by the situation growled at the man, "You lunatic, get out the road! Do you know who you''re blocking!?"


    The white haired-man ignored him. This serve only to ignite the burning hate the coachman have with the white-haired man, "Why you little¡­"


    "Mister Coachman, please stop with your words, there are children inside."


    "Ah! My apologies, Young Miss."


    The coachman apologized.


    Mary turned her attention to the white-haired man, "Sir, would you please step aside? We only wish to pass so that we can go to our destination."


    Mary didn''t sound condescending nor commanding. Her tone was natural and was passive, it was not unlike how a noble should speak.


    Her flamboyance had slightly lowered since she had stayed with the Edgeworths.


    The white-haired man finally responded with a deep sigh, "Beautiful lady, I am afraid I cannot do that. At least, not yet, oh wait, it seems like I''ll be moving soon, don''t worry."


    "What do you¡­" Mary was bewildered and confused. But then, inside the carriage, Mina''s mind was jolted awake, a large amount of mana was gathering on the direction manor''s direction.


    "Oh no."


    BooM!


    A large explosion devoured the manor from afar. Mary quickly turned her back only to see a tower of black smoke rising to the skies.

 105 105. Sadistic

    "What happened!? That came from the Lord''s Manor, did it not!?"


    "You''re kidding me, an attack!?"


    "Is the Countess and her family okay!? Dear Goddesses, please protect them all."


    Everyone grew warry of the situation. The people of the city were not running away; however, they were rushing towards the manor, carrying buckets of water, trying to see if they can help in any way.


    "Mama, what''s happening?" A shaking voice came out of Filla. She''s scared and warry of what might happen.


    However, at that moment, Mina was also shaking. Unpleasant memories rushed, ''It''s just like that time, I-I¡­''


    She was trembling from fear.


    "Mama¡­?"


    But then, she her daughters'' face. The fear she held disappeared. She remembered Maya, her mother, and how she faces things she was most fearful of.


    ''A mother must be strong so that her children can feel secure.'' Minacleched her fist and touched her belly, "Don''t worry, everything''s all right. Mama''s here." Mina''s voice was no longer shaking.


    She was praying for the best and was ready to escape. However, from the corner of her eyes, she saw a white shadow passed by.


    "Mary! Watch out!"


    Mary, who was stunned at the sight of the Edgeworth Manor being attacked, failed to hear Mina''s cries.


    Mary lost the ability to move and only regrouped herself when someone took her by the hair and hammered her head on the ground.


    "GAH!" Mary couldn''t do anything, and the white-haired man who had been silent took out Mary without a problem.


    Mary didn''t lose consciousness, but she lost her strength to move or even raise her head.


    The white-haired man shook his head and turned to the carriage.


    He entered the carriage only to be greeted by a fist of a Healer-Mage square to the face.


    BAM!


    "Get the hell away from my family!" A powerful voice sounded out from inside the carriage.


    It was a powerful impact that drew blood from the enemy. And yet, the white-haired man didn''t even move a single step backward.


    He merely laughed, saying, "Commendable, but your fist is shaking."


    The white-haired man grabbed Mina by the wrist and pulled her towards and then headbutted her, knocking out the cowering Mina.


    "Okay, you''re coming with me¡­now, I need one of the brats."


    While speaking a light exploded from behind Mina. A yellow light that is laced with red light coated Hylda''s body.


    A spear pierced through the air.


    It was unexpected that, even Hylda, the one who executed the attack, didn''t know that she was already making a move.


    It must have been because there was no pressure or because of the shock of seeing Mina get attacked, but Hylda made a move to protect her mother.


    She was weak, unbelievably weak, but she didn''t care.


    She knew of this, but for her, that didn''t matter. For Hylda, Mina was her parent.


    "Get away from my mother!" Hylda desperately wanted to protect her newfound family.


    Hylda fearlessly jumped forward with the weapon she brought to make a demonstration in the Orphanage. The tip of her spear didn''t have a specific trajectory. It was pointed at the man, and that''s all that mattered.


    However, that spear was caught with two fingers. The white-haired man then grabbed the shaft of the spear and swung it to the side of the carriage, bashing Hylda''s body on the wall.


    Hylda coughed up blood. Her organs had been damaged.


    The white-haired man stared at Hylda, and spoke, "Poor lass." He said, yet that sadistic smile never left.


    On one side of the carriage was Filla, who was frantically trying to form a spell. Under the pressure of seeing Hylda and Mina get hurt, Filla''s mind was starting to crumble.


    Failing to conjure even a single Magic Circle, Filla couldn''t cast a single spell.


    Tears were flowing down her face. She was afraid and was trembling, and yet she tried facing the white man, "G-get away from them! I-I''ve been trained by Grampapy, y-you don''t scare me."


    She wanted to do something. But in the end, she amounts to nothing.


    "You''ll do, I supposed."


    The white-haired man approached Filla and hit her in the solar plexus. The blow was enough to make the lass lapse into unconsciousness!


    Carrying Filla and Mina, the white-haired man, looked back at Hylda and thought, "It''s best if I send out a stronger message."


    His grin grew even wider as he raised his leg. He wanted to smash Hylda''s head as to make a stronger impression; however, a dense killing intent swept him.


    Mina''s hands moved and grabbed onto his neck. Her bloodshot eyes opened wide, and her fingers became akin to steel, "DON''T TOUCH HER!"


    However, a few seconds later, Mina''s fingers lost its grip. Blood continuously flowed out of the cut that appeared on her head. She had lost too much blood.


    The man felt his neck break free of her grasps. He couldn''t say anything for a good three seconds, and only a massive pressure coming from the Edgeworth Manor broke him out of that trance.


    ''Tch, the Monster of the Manor had broken out of shock. I can''t stay here any longer. Besides, this woman¡­is someone I really like.'' His grin could not get any bigger.


    With Mina and Filla in his hand, the man stepped out of the carriage. He didn''t even notice that he wrote off killing Hylda.


    Mary, who was trying her best to stand up, was seen by the man and had her legs were broken as it was stepped on.


    The man left a single line, "If you want them to leave, then give us the heads of Shickly and Liron in 32 hours. If you fail to comply, then we will send you the head of these two instead."


    The man in white left with a pleasant smile on his face. Mary was there, writhing in pain, and Hylda was hanging by a tread.


    The man in white quickly moved away. Escaping amidst the sea of troubled people, it was reasonably easy to make an escape.


    He escaped over the walls, and when he turned his attention to Edgeworth Manor for a second, a terrifying amount of aura and bloodlust escaped the premises.


    ''The Mages should be dead by now¡­we got what we came for. This should be enough.''


    And as he left, a hurrying white carriage came into the city.


    Colt had arrived, the exact moment Mina was taken.

 106 106. Where are they!?

    "Mother! What happened!?"


    Colt was met with no grand reception or happy smiles.


    The deep creases on Faerith''s brows could be seen clearly; there was blood on her hands, a sign that she had been fighting.


    As soon as Faerith saw Colt descend from his carriage, she rushed to his side, seeking to give him comfort before telling the truth.


    "Listen to me calmly, my son, what I am about to say is of utmost importance. Ensure that your heart is prepared to listen¡­"


    Faerith recounted what happened. How mysterious men came to attack the city and how she defended the city all by herself.


    It only now did Colt knew of Faerith''s title, the Mother of Monsters. She is not a Beast or anything of the sort. She is simply someone strong enough to control the Edgeworths through her own worth.


    But, because of certain circumstances like past injuries, that Faerith cannot fight in the frontlines.


    "At the moment, Risa had sustained injuries. Her Soul Partner came out to protect her and the people nearby¡­"


    "How about Mina and my daughters!? Where are they!? If they sustain injuries, I can heal them!"


    Faerith''s expression grew tense.


    "That''s good. We can help Hylda, but as Mina and Filla¡­we can''t help them for they have already been taken."


    It was at this point that Colt''s mind blanked. The white line on his forehead grew ever brilliant, and Fluff mounted his shoulder to let him know that his rationality is getting taken over by anger.


    "Nya¡­"


    "I know¡­but, they dare mess with my family. Ha, hahaha¡­" he didn''t speak any further and walked away.


    "Son! Where are you going!?"


    "¡­I need to help my daughter. Her condition is severe, isn''t it?"


    Colt didn''t wait any longer and hurriedly made a run for it. He is now a Rank-5 Warrior after the grueling training Neun put him through.


    He doesn''t need a horse to reach such a near place.


    Colt ran through the destroyed garden of the manor. Burnt Corpses littered the ground. Both combatant and non-combatant were killed in this attack. It was a gruesome sight to behold.


    He hurried to Hylda''s side, which was in the hospital where most of the injured lay. The hospital was east of the city, and from outside, eve non-mages could feel the thick mana.


    Colt entered the hospital, and almost immediately, he smelled an unwanted stench. The stench of burnt flesh assailed his nose.


    He doesn''t need to look around to see people suffering. There were those who stared at him, hoping to receive some help, but Colt didn''t waver for he did not have the time.


    He went to the very back room of the Hospital where Risa, Mary, and Hylda were placed.


    After taking a deep breath, he managed to calm himself and opened the door. As soon as he did, he was met with a growling face of a white winged-lizard.


    Colt knew that this before him was a Dragon. Was it the Soul Partner of Mary, or Risa? He did not know nor did he care.


    If this was any normal circumstances, he should be squealing in happiness, seeing such a beast in front of him. But at the moment, that cannot be far off from his mood.


    With Fluff on his right shoulder and the Chick on his left, he looked down upon the Dragon, "Sit!"


    His voice was low and powerful. With his emotion running wild, Fluff and the Chick didn''t hesitate to pressure the poor beast.


    The Dragon moved to the side and buried its head on the ground as it whimpered.


    Colt didn''t care, and the Chick who passed the Dragon pressured it further and made it show its belly to show respect.


    Colt knows not how it works, but he is well aware of the pressure Fluff, and the Chick carries. He''s not so idiotic to not abuse it.


    The three women were unconscious; all of them were in pain, especially Hylda. Colt saw his daughter writhing in pain, and almost immediately, he felt his heart being gripped.


    "Teacher, the World Tree."


    Neun, who had been standing behind Colt, brought out a box made of ancient wood. A sapling with eight leaves appeared. The glow of life enveloped the room alleviating everyone''s pain.


    Colt didn''t even try examining Hylda''s wounds and already fed a crushed leaf.


    Hylda''s body glowed evergreen, and the damaged internal organs were restored. She regained her color. Her breathing became regular, and her aura returned to normal.


    While watching Hylda, a sudden epiphany appeared from behind Colt''s head. He then checked Mary and Risa and seeing them that their lives are not in danger, ''They''ll be fine with a Healer.''


    "Teacher, go to Mother and hand her that leaf. Have her boil in water. If we can distribute its efficacy of the leaf in the form of a soup, then we can help the suffering people."


    "How much water exactly, Young Master?"


    "A hundred liters." It was not Colt who spoke but the Chick, "I didn''t think you''d use such a treasure for Mortals, but I am not against it. Use a hundred liters to dilute the effects, and half a cup would be enough to heal minor injuries and alleviate pain for a few days. Though it will not regrow limbs."


    Colt looked at the chick and smiled.


    "You seem knowledgeable about this?"


    "Well, the World Tree was created to go against me, after all."


    Colt doesn''t know what it meant by that, but Fluff only looked at its sibling without saying anything. Fluff grew silent at its sibling''s comment.


    "You heard it, just go with its instruction. That should avoid any death and help lighten the load of the Healers."


    "Yes, Young Master."


    Colt sat on a chair near Hylda and covered his face with his hands. Despite the help of Fluff, he was still under a lot of stress.


    He can tell that he was slowly breaking down under the pressure of what might happen to his family.


    His heart was beating fast, and with the echoing cries of both adults and children in the hospital, Colt felt like the world is pushing him to the brink.


    He is a man of modern earth; he had not stayed here for even a year. He killed many and even almost died himself.


    There are many stories where the Hero only meets those who are on his fighting range. He or she will mysteriously meet those he can match in strength.


    But that''s not the case for Colt.


    The enemy is someone he does not know. The enemies are the bastards even the MC of the original plot has yet to uncover. All this time, he managed to change the future thanks to his knowledge of the plot.


    He acted thanks to the information of the plot and even changed the fate of many people.


    But right now, he is treading a road that is far off from the original. This story is now his own, and it seems like the world is trying its best to make sure that Colt will meet his end.


    And that''s crushing him.


    He''s just a normal human. He''s not a hero. He''s just a man who wants everyone to live in peace. But why can''t he achieve that?


    ''Isn''t it better if I just end this? This is too hard.''


    He asked himself as he found all this to be so heavy.


    When humans are faced with so much stress, the concept of death makes it seem like an easy release. They would run to it for it makes them feel that once they disappear, their lives would be free of problems.


    ''I am not a hero. I am not strong enough to¡­''


    He was in despair, but then, a dainty shaking hand held onto him. It was warm, and it was trembling. He turned his head and saw Hylda in tears.


    "I''m sorry," She was trembling while crying, "I-I''m sorry¡­I-I broke my promise¡­I said I''ll protect them¡­but, but I, I was too weak. I''m sorry, Papa, I''m sorryyy."


    The cries of his daughter brought him back from the darkness. The doubt in his heart was broken through, and the thought of death disappeared.


    He held Hylda in his arms as he held his tears at bay, "Don''t blame yourself, I''ll be sure to save them. Don''t worry about anything. I''ll save your mother and sister."


    ''I can''t fall apart now.'' Colt reassured himself. He is not alone anymore. He has people counting on him.


    Colt did his best to calm Hylda down. After a few minutes, Hylda, who had also been under too much pressure, fell asleep.


    Colt called upon Fluff and the Chick and stepped out of the room.


    It was just in time as Neun was about to enter.


    "Young Master, where are you going?"


    "I''m going to find my wife and daughter."


    Colt''s answer was firm.


    Neun was taken aback as he felt something about Colt had changed.


    "Then, should I leave now and track down their life essence, Young Master? I can sniff them out with Alpha''s help."


    "No, your nose has a limit of five hundred meters. If what Mary said was true, then I''m sure they''re already out of your range."


    "Then, how?"


    Colt didn''t answer. He left the hospital in haste. He heads to the Light Orphanage, where he saw Sister Mary with the children.


    "Young Master Colt, I heard what happened. How may I help you in any way?" Sister Mary was also incensed. Her presence told everyone that she''s pissed off.


    She held onto the pommel of her sword as she asked Colt.


    Colt, however, shook his head.


    "I''m going to have to talk with the people who know where they are, don''t disturb me."


    Colt then kicked the door of the church open and saw the statues of the Three Goddesses.


    "You three, I know you can hear me! Tell me, where they are!"


    Colt shouted as he called out to the ones who know everything about this world.


    The Three Goddesses.

 107 107. Knowledge for a Favor

    Standing before the statues of the Goddesses was Colt. He barged inside the church without so much as an iota of respect, and almost immediately Neun began panicking.


    "Young Master, please, don''t cause a ruckus¡­!#@ $!@$%#@ !@ #?????"


    But as Neun was trying to speak up against Colt''s actions, Sister Mary jumped on him and covered his mouth.


    Neun pulled Mary''s hands from his mouth. He looked at her perturbed expression. Unable to comprehend her actions.


    "Sister Mary?"


    "Shhh! Don''t talk, the Young Master¡­he''s¡­ Divine Energy surrounds him."


    "What!?"


    Bam!


    Neun had his head buried on the ground by Sister Mary.


    "I said, shut up. Don''t disturb him¡­I thought the Divine was just watching over him, but it appears that he''s something else entirely. He¡­he might be an Apostle of one of the Goddesses."


    "¡­"


    Silence prevailed. Neun could not correctly react in the stream of information.


    Inside the church, Colt raised his head to stare at the statues. His mortal body was there, but his mind was already in the white space.


    "How dare you scream at us like that ¡ª or so I would like to say, but hello, Colt, what brings you here?"


    Before him were the three Goddesses who gave up dressing to impress those who wander in their realm, their baggy clothing and lazy disposition had only grown since he was last there.


    "I know that you''re aware of what I want. Please, tell me where my wife and daughter are."


    Root and the other two had a shift in their expression. They became serious all of a sudden.


    "I think you''re aware that we can''t help you. If we help you, then we''ll be breaking our creed. You know we can''t just interfere with the world. We set up order and law to ensure we won''t mess up the balance. Listen, if we, the beings who created you all began interfering with the smallest of problems, then, your lives, to lack of a better word, will become meaningless."


    A puppet without will. They will be no better than dolls. That is not something the Goddesses want. To become a puppet is the worst than death.


    "You Mortals have limited life but that what makes it special. To enjoy it to the fullest and pursue your ambitions, that is life. There is no string pulling you along. There is no destiny, nor is there fate. The future is uncertain; that''s what makes life worth living. Colt, we know your pain, but we cannot help you."


    Colt clenched his fist so hard that his skin began to rip. He looked at the Goddesses, with tear stains forming in his eyes.


    "You lie, that is not all there is to it! I know that you have intervened with the world in the past. You have sent apostles and called them your children. You saved the world from certain doom, is that not interference? If you truly want to become neutral, then why interfere? Why not let it happen?"


    "¡­" The Goddesses have no answer.


    Colt fell to his knees, his tears continuously flowing.


    "I don''t want to lose them."


    With his words, the Goddess Light stood up and walked towards him.


    "Are you prepared to tread on a valley of knives to save them?"


    Colt nodded his head.


    "You see, I was the reason why we can''t go and help Mortals¡­"


    "Light! Stop talking! He''s a Mortal. You know the risk!" Darkness, who had been listening, stood up and tried stopping Light.


    Light, however, raised her hand and shook her head, telling them it''s alright, "You see, I messed up, and many things led to another, and now this is the current situation. We still occasionally send Apostles to the surface to give the others hope by saying that we are with them. But that does not change the fact that I left a massive scar on the world. Tell you what, if you help me with a single request, then I''ll tell you where they are."


    "I will do what you want! Just, help me, and I will do whatever it is that you want."


    The Goddess Light showed him a bright smile, "Then, I shall grant you your wish. I will show you what happened, and whatever it is that you see, it is your choice on how you use it. But be warned, a Mortal''s mind is incapable of processing them. Thus you will be in pain. You, however, are fortunate for you have received a King''s Gift. But it will still hurt, however."


    Light leaned in to kiss Colt on his forehead. An aureate blaze engulfed Colt''s body. And just like she said, sharp pain assailed his body.


    His physical body trembled as Fluff was forced to support Colt''s mind to keep it from breaking down.


    The Chick and Fluff were on the edge of the church''s door. They can enter but chose not to. And as the Chick watched Fluff support Colt, it could only shake its head.


    After a while, Colt''s body calmed down.


    It had been a couple of hours since Mina and Filla were taken. And sadly, that was enough to make them suffer.


    He looked at the statues for the last time, making a silent oath to finish the request of the Goddess Light.


    He may be in the process of completing the request of Goddess Root, but what''s the harm of taking on another? He then heard Light''s echoing voice.


    ''Your mind is in shambles, calm yourself, and regain your rationality. And don''t try carrying the burden on your own. You''re not alone. In short, don''t be an asshole.''


    He stepped out of the church, and his two Soul Partners leaped onto his shoulders.


    "Nyaa?"


    "Are you okay?"


    The two asked him with a concerned tone.


    "I''m fine, don''t worry about me."


    Colt wiped the tears away and made use of Fluff''s Gift to grant him peace of mind.


    He turned to look at Neun and Sister Mary, and with a soft expression, he asked them¡­


    "I have been rude to you earlier. I would like to apologize, Teacher, Sister Mary."


    Sister Mary laughed, "Don''t worry over such minor things. We understand what you''re going through."


    Neun merely shook his head.


    Colt smiled as he remembered the words of the Goddess.


    "Would you help me reclaim my family?"


    The two fell to their knees.


    "I obey your command, Young Master."


    "I listen to your request, Lord Apostle."


    Colt heard Sister Mary''s words and shook his head, "Sister Mary, don''t get me wrong. I am not an Apostle; I am merely an Aberration for the Goddesses."


    Sister Mary grew confused, but Colt didn''t explain as he only showed her a smile.


    Colt looked at the horizon and saw the setting sun. He can feel Sister Mary''s now intense gaze. He began to sweat as he thought to himself, ''Wait for me, Mina, Filla, I''m coming to save you.''


    Thus, the first step of the Legend was taken. And with his back turned to Neun and Mary, a tear of blood escaped him.


    Colt had seen Mina and Filla''s fate, and inside him, his morals had begun to show cracks.


    Neun called upon Alpha to carry Colt with him. Without wasting any time, they head Southwest in an unnamed forest.


    Colt recalled the information given to him by Goddess Light.


    Entering the tree line, Colt looked at Neun and Sister Mary.


    "I''ll split here, please, take care of the Master level Warriors and the Mages. There are no Illusionists around, but please be careful."


    Neun and Sister Mary nodded their heads.


    "Are you sure you don''t need my help in fighting the one who took the lass?" Sister Mary asked.


    "Thank you, but I am the only one who can use Darkness Aura. I''ll also be able to take on the one who took Mina."


    Colt separated from the rest with Fluff and Chick with him. He clads himself in Darkness aura, dampening the presence he bears. He went around the future battlefield and decided to take the long but safest route to Mina and his daughter.


    He disappeared into the darkness of the night, while Sister Mary and Neun searched for an enemy they can kill.


    "I hear that the Dracian Fate has a powerful order of Valkyrie that fights for their cause."


    "Hehe, and I heard there''s an Old Monster who can mutate his body using two Partners."


    Sister Mary and Neun disappeared into the forest with a laugh.

 108 108. A Mother Part 3

    In a damp and dimly lit room, Mina opened her eyes, with bodily pain.


    "Ack."


    A sharp pain assailed her head and belly. And that instantly raised the alarm on Mina''s mins.


    Upon realization, Mina quickly healed her belly to ensure the safety of her child. She was in pain in some other places, but that doesn''t matter.


    She then quickly searched for Filla, but she was nowhere to be found.


    "Is this¡­a cave?"


    She was behind bars that seemed to have been shabbily put together, just enough to keep her in.


    Mina looked around, trying to find a way she can escape her cell.


    "I need to look for Filla¡­" To the right of the cell, there is only a dead end. On the left was the only path she could take.


    There was no guard present, and Mina was not bound by anything. No chain or even a rope, is to seen present.


    Mina was in a state of urgency and worry. She got up and circulated mana to her limbs. She clenched her fist and struck the steel bars, only to have her hand feel like she struck something too hard for her to deal with.


    "Tch, what is this thing made of??" She was confused.


    The steel bars were arranged neatly, but it appears that it was reinforced.


    "Is it¡­Earth Magic?"


    "Pim-Pom, you got that right!" coming from the left was the white-haired man that attacked her and her daughters. He had a broad smile on his face, as he happily clapped for Mina''s discovery, "You know your stuff, huh, Miss Queen."


    Mina looked at him, with worried eyes. She is not in a state of combat, and she knows she can''t fight him head-on, but she''s not just going to let an opening go when she sees one. Thus, she was in a state of high-alert.


    Mina did not answer or even tried speaking to the white-haired man.


    This caused the white-haired man to show a saddened expression, "Aw, why are you acting like that¡­?" He took a step and opened the cell. He entered the room and stood before Mina, towering over her, he then showed a smile, "Come on why don''t you smile?"


    A thick stench of blood arose from the white-haired man, inducing fear on Mina. She took a step back.


    "Who the hell are you? Why are you doing this?"


    "Oh, dearie, you finally took an interest in me. Well, considering your current position, I guess it is only the gentlemanly way to tell you my name, ehem." He cleared his throat as he bowed with the most exaggerated of forms as he presented himself, "Mine name is Olivier, I am an Apostle of the Goddess Light, or in my land, I am referred to as a Child of Light."


    "Apostle¡­? Child of Light?"


    Mina stopped her movement. She looked at the man before her and felt an extreme sense of worry. An instinctive fear crept up to her. She backed away slowly, not realizing she cornered herself away.


    Olivier reached out to Mina''s hair. He played with it, as Mina looked at him with disgust not leaving her eyes, "Your hair is like the scales of the Mythical Beast of the Ocean. Ahhh, it is the same color as one of the previous Apostle''s Servants that devastated this land. How beautiful, I wonder, how beautiful would be my child if you gave birth to them?"


    Mina''s mind jolted as her anger spiked, "Get away from me! The only one who can touch me is my beloved!"


    She screamed and swatted his hand away.


    Olivier only looked at his hand, he laughed at Mina''s reaction and took her by the neck and pinning her on the wall, "A feisty woman. I like that, I really...really like that."


    He leaned in to kiss Mina, only to have Mina''s anger rise even further. Her mana spiked, and her fingers became as hard as steel. Like a snake, Mina went to strike his eyes, only to be met by a hand.


    Mina can see him growing ever closer, and with that, her temperament exploded with a brilliant blazing, setting herself on fire without care.


    "Crazy bitch! What do you think are you doing!?"


    "GET AWAY FROM ME! DON''T TOUCH ME WITH YOUR FILTHY HANDS!"


    Mina experienced excruciating pain. Her skin was burnt, but she focused her Healing Magic on her belly.


    Her hair, her skin, and clothes, her everything else was sacrificed to keep her "purity" from being tainted. It was painful, yes, but that pain was all the more worth it for Olivier jumped back.


    With a thud, Mina fell. She was in horrible pain, and it was an ugly sight. Her beauty was ruined, but even then, she didn''t use Healing Magic on herself but focused on the child on her stomach.


    Olivier saw this, and his frown deepens. Never had he met someone like Mina before. Her will is not towards the idea of her own survival, but for the life of the one, she kept in her stomach and keeping her purity for the one she loved.


    ''If I do it wrong, then this bitch will rather die than let me touch her¡­interesting.''


    An even more sadistic grin formed. He could no longer contain his desires, ''Ah! This is the kind of woman that I loved.''


    With the snap of a finger, Olivier simultaneously got Mina''s attention and called upon a guard to come to his direction.


    The sound of heavy footsteps echoed in the cave. These steps accompanied Olivier''s words.


    "You don''t want my touch, and you don''t want that kid on your stomach to die either. If that''s the case, then I''ll give you a nice deal."


    Olivier tossed Mina a hidden knife he had been keeping hidden in his sleeves. Then, at the same time, a black and white armor walked in the cell with Filla in his grasps.


    The guard threw the unconscious Filla on the ground and Olivier crouched to pick her by the hair.


    A white light appeared from Olivier''s hand. Slowly, Filla awoke, her eyes blinked multiple times, and the first she recognized was Mina, "Ma¡­ma?"


    "Kill her if you want to live."

 109 109. A Mother Part 4

    "Do it, or I kill yourself and the life in your stomach. Choose, why don''t you?"


    Olivier can see the hesitation in Mina''s eyes. She was distraught, and it gave Olivier the most pleasure.


    ''Ah¡­that''s the look I''m looking for!''


    Mina was given a choice. Kill or be killed. That''s all there is to it.


    "Mama? What happened to you!? Are you okay?"


    Filla saw Mina, and almost immediately, she runs to her side, trying to see if she can do anything to relieved Mina''s pain.


    Filla''s mana circulated, and she formed a single Magic Circle. She called upon water to try and soothe Mina''s pain.


    Mina, however, then pulled Filla to her embrace.


    "Aahh!" Filla was understandable surprised.


    Mina made her move and planted her feet on the ground and sent herself flying to get a good foothold on the ceiling.


    Mina is not willing to make a choice. Thus, her only option is to escape. She made her move and tried running away.


    Locking on to the gate, she sent herself flying like an arrow with a single kick.


    "Where do you think you''re going?"


    The sadistic smile of Olivier appeared before Mina. He wasn''t just going to let her get away. After all, she''s both a hostage and a plaything.


    "MOVE!" Mina drew her mana enhanced fist. She threw a punch, only to be stopped as her fist was caught by Olivier and was thrown on the ground. Mina did her best to protect her belly and Filla.


    She coughed up blood and gave Olivier a death stare.


    "Kill her, or no one gets saved."


    "No." A simple answer was given.


    Olivier''s smile disappeared, "Why? Isn''t that child the result of your beloved''s infidelity? She''s a mistake, an unwanted stain that is not needed! Do you not feel hate!? Do you not feel repulsion!?"


    Olivier''s words escaped his mouth, and Filla shrunk from the words he had uttered. A Stain, unwanted, a mistake, and unneeded.


    Listening in to him, Filla could not even say something otherwise. After all, she was born of lust not of love. Colt may have changed, but what Olivier said was true.


    She is but a stain that should have never existed, ''Maybe, he''s right?'' this thought entered her mind. Her previous misconception of being unwanted was brought back to light. And her heart got swallowed by sadness.


    Filla looked at Mina and at Olivier, "I¡ª"


    "She is not a Mistake!" But just as when Filla was about to speak, Mina interjected with a boisterous and rage-filled roar, "How dare you call her like that!? Filla is OUR daughter! So, what if she is not of my blood? All that does not matter! She''s my, Mina''s, precious daughter, and I''ll protect her even at the cost of my life!"


    Upon hearing her, Olivier only grew more incensed. His eyes became bloodshot, and he began lashing out!


    BaM!


    "ACK!"


    He remembered a failure and began thrashing about! He threw kicks at Filla, but Mina went and dove to protect her daughter.


    "FILLA!"


    Using her body, she covered Filla and received all the attacks.


    "What the hell is so hard with what I am telling you to do!? Do you not want to live? Are you willing to die for the child that is not yours!? You''re supposed to be a woman who despises your lover''s infidelity!"


    Olivier picked the knife from the ground. Instead of kicks, he used the knife and gradually began cutting Mina''s body, drawing blood with every swing of the knife.


    "You goddamn hypocrite! You are nothing but a bitch who''s role is to kill the Cub of the Tigers! You are supposed to be nothing more than a tool! How dare a lowly Mortal such as yourself dares defy me!?!!!"


    "Mama!"


    A cry of distress and worry escaped Filla as she saw a deep gash form on Mina''s back. In her body, something began to crack.


    Mina looked at Filla, she lovingly touched her cheeks and whispered to her sweetly. Healing Magic flowed out of Mina and onto Filla, who received cuts on her face from time to time.


    Mina also ensured the life she carried was all right. She let the Healing Magic flow into her belly, ensuring their safety.


    She was getting weaker by the second. She was in torturous pain, and yet, she remained still and unmoving. She did groan, neither did she cry.


    She carried a smile on her face, just like how she remembered her Mother did it for her.


    "I will¡­keep you safe. So, don''t cry¡­my lovely daughter."


    Mina''s sweet words were cut short, however as Olivier finally had enough. He picked Mina up on the back of her head.


    "I''ve¡­had enough of you. You just needed to act tough, I only wanted to have fun, and you ruined everything for me. I want you to scream in agony and despair. I wanted you to cry tears of blood as guilt crushes your very soul. I didn''t want to watch this bullshit."


    "Let my Mama go!"


    Swoosh! Boom!


    At this time, Filla managed to forcefully draw a Magic Circle and attacked Olivier with a ball of fire.


    But that did as much damage as a cat''s playful bite.


    "Insolent brat!"


    Pah!


    Olivier slapped Filla away as he cursed.


    He turned to Mina once again.


    Rumble¡­.


    The ground shook a little, but Olivier paid it no heed.


    Holding onto Mina, his smile began creeping out.


    "You''re nothing but a tool for my glory of being a Cardinal. And yet because of your gullibility, all of that was shattered. Honor, Pride, and a brighter future. All of that is now nothing but a pipe dream!"


    His grip tightened, "You say you accept a child that is the result of your lover''s infidelity? You say you''re a mother and you want to protect her? What hypocrisy. But I know ¡ª I know what it is that flows in your heart! That dark, murky heart of yours that had been swallowed by jealousy, I know what it is that you truly want!


    "You must be pushing it, right? Those repressed emotions must be hurting you, right? You must be in pain. Don''t worry, as an Apostle of Light. I''ll be sure to let your emotions run free. I''ll give you a push, so, show me the horror of your heart!"


    The brilliant white light enveloped Mina''s head.


    "AAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"


    Mina let out a blood-curdling screech. She was in pain; her head was hurting. Her mind was getting dug. She was suffering!


    "AAAAAAAAHHH!" She was screaming as tears flowed down her cheeks!


    The light influenced her thoughts and emotions. She felt lightheaded, and the most perverse of emotions in her heart were unearthed.


    She was forcefully brought to the extremes of her mind.


    Her deepest of perverse desires came to the world.


    Her eyes were rational, and yet at the same time, it wasn''t. She was both sane and insane at the same time.


    Olivier stood behind Mina, awaiting the show that is about to unfold, "Now, show me your darkness!"


    Olivier threw her the knife, and Mina gladly accepted. She stood before Filla.


    The sadistic bastard waited to when Mina will eviscerate Filla with the knife.


    He wants to see the child tremble in fear as she witnesses her mother die in front of her, ''That''s the scenario, so why?''


    Filla did not act as Olivier expected. Instead, she runs to Mina instead of away. Why did she do it?


    Simple, because she can see what Olivier cannot ¡ª Mina''s apologetic smile.


    Mina raised the knife to her throat, and in the influence of the Light Element, the true essence of being a mother Maya showed Mina won every other emotion and desire.


    However, seeing Mina''s hopeless expression, Olivier''s smile resurfaced.


    ''This way¡­I''ll be able to protect you from me.''


    Mina was ready to slit her throat of her own choice, but then, a hand stopped.


    "Dear, that''s enough, y-you''ve already protected our daughter¡­thank you."


    Colt''s left hand reached out to Mina''s head, releasing her from any kind of manipulation. The Light Magic Olivier used was sucked up from Mina''s mind.


    Mina regained her sanity and little by little. She saw Colt''s visage, and tears flowed down.


    "Darling¡­y-you''re here." Mina could not believe her eyes.


    From she knows, Colt was supposed to return the next month. But now, he''s by her side, saving her from Olivier.


    Mina''s body was riddled with injuries. She was in a horrible state, her beauty had been ruined, and yet, Colt held her in his arms.


    ''Her condition is severe.'' Gently placing Mina on the ground, Colt''s hand moved towards his breast pocket and take out the World Tree.


    Olivier, however, is not so welcoming about Colt''s figure.


    Appearing behind Colt, he turned his hand something similar to a blade.


    "You sacrificial bastard, how dare you ignore me."


    His hand was fast, and yet, Colt''s sword was profoundly faster.


    Colt''s sword severed Olivier''s hand, "Huh?"


    And before Olivier can react at the confusing situation, Colt clenched his fist and threw a punch that sent Olivier flying to the steel bars.


    Colt said nothing, as he looked down upon Olivier. His body was radiating Black but as he casually brought out the World Tree, he passed it to the Chick and Fluff, "This guy will only make things difficult for me to feed Mina a leaf, give it to her in my stead."


    Colt then turned back to Olivier.


    The Chick looked at Fluff to ask, "How is his condition?"


    "It''s at the point where his mind is at the deep end...he''s anger had devoured my light."


    Fluff said as it stared at Colt''s back.

 110. Disgusting

    When Colt was trying to find Mina, the Goddess Light showed a specific memory.


    The whole cosmos was showed to him, and it zoomed in to capture Colt standing still in the church. As if his soul got dragged out of his body, he was showed the way to the enemies'' hideout, and he saw the exact number of people presnt and their level of strength.


    The cave was heavily guarded. There were three Master Class and a dozen of Rank-9 Warriors. The area was littered with strong enemies. He cannot wish to fight in his current level of strength.


    But then, the ground shook, cries of people could be heard from afar. Sister Mary and Neun had encountered their enemies. The commotion caused the cave to be left unattended.


    Neun and Sister Mary drew the enemies far into the woods, and then Colt, garbed in the aura of darkness, swoop into the camp to attempt a rescue.


    No one was around, there was no danger, but then, Colt heard a cry. It came from his wife and his daughter.


    Colt''s mind blanked as he quickly made a move for it, and when he reached the end of the cave, there, he saw Mina holding a knife on her neck while Filla was crying, begging her to stop.


    A man dressed in white stood on the back, watching them with a maniacal grin on his face, savoring the grotesque and morbid sight.


    When Colt saw this, his mind cracked.


    Garbed in black smoke, he instinctively moved his left hand at the first notice of an element in the mind of the man dressed in white and then stopped Mina from killing herself before freeing her from the shackles of the mysterious element.


    Colt''s mind had been wrecked to oblivion; his morality crumbled, but he held on by satiating his lust for blood by taking a single arm.


    He had to heal Mina to free her from the pain. He needed to be swift and calm. He spared the man in white a moment to reflect on life before passing on, but he chose to cross the line.


    With an attempt, Olivier''s body morphed, and his mind began to change. His limiters were once again removed. His eyes changed. Olivier tried attacking Colt, wishing to end his life with a strike unbecoming of a gentleman.


    His cries were heard. A battlecry to enhance his capabilities appeared. Colt heard it, and that was enough to set him off.


    And as he handed the World Tree to his Soul Partner, Colt picked up his sword. At this moment, Olivier, the man in white had already called upon strength.


    "Die, you bastard!"


    Olivier cried out loud. Colt, however, lifted his left hand.


    "Your voice grates my ears."


    With Olivier pushing forward, Colt raised his sword and simply pointed it at him.


    This action raised Olivier''s sensitivity to danger, causing him to abandon his attack and move to the side.


    And as Colt grabbed Olivier''s face, his anger finally began revving up. His emotions ran wild, and his grip became similar to a vice.


    "The burn marks all over Mina''s body, the cuts on her back, the mind-shattering element injected in her mind, and worst of all, you forced her in attempting to take her life." Colt unfeelingly stated.


    His grip tightened and tightened up some more before he finally could no longer control the rage and slammed Olivier down on the ground!


    Crack!


    "GAH!"


    Olivier coughed up blood as his internal organs were wrecked! His skull didn''t crack, but it felt like it actually did after having it bashed onto the ground with remorse.


    Colt''s eyes became bloodshot as he took Olivier''s legs and threw him to the steel bars once more!


    The ground cracked as Colt planted his feet on the world, and as he kicked and sent himself flying, clenching his fist-


    BAM!


    He delivered a devastating blow crushing not only three ribs but also the steel bars behind Olivier. Olivier spiraled through the air before crashing to the cave wall behind him.


    Dust smoke abounds, the atmosphere became heavier. It was the apparent sign that Olivier is not going to keel over just yet.


    "Y-you bastard, who do you think you''re messing with? I''m an Apostle; the heavens chose me. None can oppose me. No one should oppose me! Everybody should lie down and wait for their deaths as I enjoy your screams!"


    The dust had settled, and beyond that is Olivier with a body that had seemed to have mutated from a lizard.


    A pattern of white scale was on his right neck and cheek. His pupils had turned to something akin to a Dragon''s. His fangs grew, and his right hand had mutated to claws.


    Veins were popping from his temples, a sign that he was nearing an overdose of his ability. Even his own body was warping out of control.


    He no longer seems like a human, but he didn''t seem like a beastman either. He couldn''t have undergone mutation as the presence of Zara is nowhere to be seen.


    Colt, however, didn''t care. He looked at his enemy powering up by screaming.


    "I don''t know how you are canceling the Light Element, but I just have to be fast enough to ensure you won''t get to touch me, right?" Olivier kicked the ground but didn''t pounce at Colt.


    Like a spring, he bounced around, and with his claws, began chipping away at Colt''s body, tearing off Colt''s skin little by little. Blood was drawn, and despite his accelerated healing, Colt wasn''t able to keep up.


    However, Colt wasn''t panicked. He has a trump card that he had not used just yet.


    ''He''s too fast I can''t keep up. I need to try it...I am still new to this, but¡­I just need to redirect this into my mind and body, correct?''


    Colt had a sudden realization, and the Light Element stuck in his left hand began to move. While he focused on protecting his vitals, Colt''s body screamed from pain as he forced the Light Element into his system.


    ''Recall the information you inherited. Create a path using the smoke, slowly, but steadily¡­release the power of my left hand.''


    Indeed, the black smoke churned and wriggled.


    Like a snake, it coiled around his arm and reached his neck. Finally, it reached his temple. The path was established, but the invading World Devouring Mark showed a side effect.


    His sclera turned dark as the night, and as the Light Element flowed in, his pupils turned pearly white. His mind was invaded, and his mind screamed in pain.


    With his rage, Fluff cannot help or assist him. Thus, Colt was forced to have the Light Element settle down on its own.


    The pain caused for his veins to almost pop, but with the Chick''s help, he managed to avoid the worst.


    Colt felt his body tremble. But he held on, aura rushed into his body, and quickly, his strength shot up, reaching Rank-6, then 7 then 8 and eventually, reaching 9.


    His breathing caused steam to come out. His body was burning from all the energy he had ingested. And as his blood also boiled, it mixed with his breathing resulting in a bloody mist.


    The now blood-red steam became more and more dense, becoming more visible by the second.


    "You''re nothing but a sacrifice! DIE!"


    Olivier came rushing in as he saw a chink on Colt''s defense. With his claws turned sharp like a blade. Olivier wanted to pierce the heart of Colt from behind.


    With bulging veins and a body that seemed about to explode, Colt felt he was going to die. Luckily, he had an outlet.


    With a burst of strength, he turned around and grabbed Olivier''s remaining hand.


    "What!? Dammit, let go!"


    Olivier was surprised and tried pulling away. Colt had just about enough, and with his body now steaming from all over, he crushed Olivier''s wrist. Colt then pulled him to him and cut off the remaining arm.


    "AAAAAAAH! MY ARM!" Olivier screams and fell to his knees. He then saw Colt''s eyes, those white and oppressive gaze of his fell onto him. His breathing froze.


    An instinctual feeling of needing to escape arose. The thoughts of, ''I''m going to die.''


    Repeatedly echoed in Olivier''s head.


    With a kick on the ground, Olivier tried passing by Colt as a last-ditch effort. But his efforts were futile. Colt caught his leg, and it too was crushed, and as for the other leg, it was severed to ensure he won''t get away.


    "AAAAHHHHH! IT HURTS, IT HURTS! PLEASE, STOP! I SURRENDER!"


    Colt heard Olivier''s plea, but he didn''t care and moved his foot to his neither regions and crushed his balls and castrated him shortly after.


    A gut-wrenching scream echoed in the room.


    Colt was angered. He was too angry to even consider that what he''s doing was no longer humane.


    What he can think of is the thing he had done to Mina and Filla. He even brought Hylda to the brink of death. If not for his timely arrival, Hylda would no longer be of this world any longer.


    Colt then wielded his sword and made continuous slashes, cutting him far from the vitals and keeping him alive for a long time to relish the anger, and the punishment Colt wants to give him.


    With a twitching body, Olivier stared at Colt. He was still begging as tears flowed down his cheeks, "Please¡­spare me¡­"


    "You disgust me."


    Colt slashed and severed Olivier''s head...killing him without mercy.

 111. The Sovereign

    ''Light is the everlasting element. It never fades and can never be defeated! So, why am I on the ground?''


    Olivier was the wielder of the sacred Light. The element that was lost and erased was in his possession. It was the element gifted by the all-powerful Goddess Light.


    Before him was a man clad in dark smoke. The dirty and disgusting color of the darkness.


    But he was the one on the ground, having the Light of his life robbed off him. He watched as Colt swung his sword, and Olivier saw flashes of the past.


    He remembered a group of people in white and a man possessed by a beast. Olivier, who once had a body as frail as a lily, was reborn to become stronger.


    "You are now an Apostle, a savior of the world." They said to him with a smile.


    At the young age of 5, he became the savior that shall give rise to a new era. This idea was drilled into his head repeatedly, so he would never forget his reason for living.


    He was destined to become someone great. And as he received his first assignment of whispering in Mina''s ears, he was ecstatic.


    He was supposed to wait until their love grows deeper before crushing that relationship with a single sentence, but that backfired.


    They visited the child, and he was left with nothing but a failed mission.


    Olivier was pissed. He wanted to vent out his frustrations but and the perfect opportunity to do that came when he captured Mina and Filla, but even that didn''t bore fruit. Now, out of the three Child of Light sent to the West, he, the oldest, bit the dust against the man he deemed worthless.


    ''I wasn''t supposed to die like this!'' He screamed in his mind as his head got severed by Colt, whose anger overwhelmed even the strongest fat cat on land.


    Slash!


    Colt raised his head as he killed Olivier. His rationality came back slowly. He raised his head and felt the anger leave him.


    Then, before he can fully regain his unguarded morality and conscience, Fluff managed to break through the barrier of anger. The white Light appeared on Colt''s forehead, giving him a clear and clean mind bereaved of guilt for what he had done.


    Colt stopped releasing the blood-red mist. His body felt weak and lightheaded; he had lost too much blood from the steam.


    With the Light Element out of his system, the World Devouring Mark receded to Colt''s palms. It returned to being a tattoo devoid of strength. It now became something that made Colt look edgier than usual.


    And as everything went back to normal, the pain assaulted every corner of his body.


    "Haaaa, haaaa, haaa, ack! Damn, this hurts like a motherfu¡­"


    Colt was out of breath and what came next was bodily pain. He was just about to curse when he was slapped by Fluff, saying, "The lass is with us, don''t curse and teach her anything bad. You''re going to turn my effort of covering her eyes in vain."


    "¡­ aren''t you concern about my condition?"


    "Erm, no, I''m not. You''re not going to die, so suck it up. It''s far from any vitals, and you have the Chick''s Gift. Your wife has more willpower than you, you''re disgraceful."


    Colt couldn''t say anything back. It''s true that Mina indeed had a stronger willpower than him.


    It was the truth, so why go against it.


    "How about Mina? How is she?"


    "She''s fine, the Chick gave her a leaf."


    While Colt was busily conversing with Fluff, Mina walked out of the cell with her strength and body at a normal capacity.


    When Mina saw Colt, she ran up to him, hugging him tightly.


    "I did my best, my love. I managed to protect our daughter."


    "You did, thank the goddesses both of you are all right." Colt hugged her back.


    "Papaaaaa! Ma-Mama almost got killed because of me! I-I''m sorryyyy!" Filla came running to Colt, and she cried as soon as she got a hold of him.


    Mina heard Filla and carried the crying lass in her embrace. Though the lass was a genius whose mind is way ahead of her peers, her emotional capacity is no older than that of a four-year-old.


    Mina gave her daughter a loving embrace.


    "It''s fine. Mama''s all right now. You were also very brave that you didn''t cry, and that alone gave me strength. Thank you for being brave¡­"


    Filla cried louder after hearing her words. Though Filla received no injury thanks to Mina''s self-sacrifice, her mind experienced a tremendous toll resulting in her falling unconscious.


    Colt wanted to carry Filla, but Mina shook her head, saying, "It''s okay, I''m used to it."


    With this, Colt managed to save Mina. She suffered at the hand of Olivier, but as he tormented before killing him in cold blood.


    Walking out of the cave, Colt and Mina saw Sister Mary waiting for them.


    Sister Mary had no blemish on her clothes or any signs of having been in a fight. She was uninjured, and she carried a pleasant smile on her face.


    As for Neun, he was nowhere to be found.


    "What''s the status, Sister?"


    "Everyone''s dead, but we let one of them escape per your orders. The Butler is now heading to inform your father and confirm everyone''s safety so that he won''t actually give his head to the enemy."


    "That''s good¡­with this, Father will have enough reason to decimate the enemy forces. The war would begin, and it should last for about a month. With Olivier gone, they should be in a state of chaos. They will either retreat or be eradicated."


    War lasts for months to years, but they''ll be easier to deal with without a leader.


    When Colt received the information from Light, she added that Olivier was the one leading the Fleet. So with that thought, it was easy for Colt to think of what was needed to be done.


    "Let''s return to Wing City, Young Master Apostle. I''ll call upon my Soul Partner to bring us there, Luna, come out."


    Sister Mary called out, and the pommel of her dagger glowed a majestic green.


    What came out was a little eagle that soared to the sky and used its Zara to become a Lunar Roc.


    With wings spanning twenty meters and being as big as a truck, the Lunar Roc was a majestic Magical Beast.


    The Lunar Roc named Luna descended from above. It looked down upon Sister Mary and the rest, "Why have you called me, Mary?"


    "I want you to give us a ride back to Wing City."


    "What nonsense, do you think I am some kind of transportation? I am from the Race of the Great Rocs, the Sovereign of the Skies, the Ruler of¡­"


    Pah!


    The giant Roc was then slapped mid-sentence by the Chick and flew tens of meters, "Who did you say was the Sovereign of the Skies? You Chicken!"


    Said the bird who looked like a Chick.


    ''So, that runs in the family?'' Colt thought as he glanced at Fluff.


    Seyer_Jad

 112. End of the Day

    The wind was passing, and the birds, both ordinary and magical beast alike, were making way for the Lunar Roc cutting through the skies at a fast pace.


    The Lunar Roc¡¯s beauty was accentuated by the moon. Its deep blue feathers were awe-inspiring.


    However, its majestic aura couldn¡¯t reach its peak as it had a swollen cheek and a round bird sitting on its head with its feathered wings crossed.


    ¡°Fly faster! Sovereign, pah! You¡¯re lower than a chicken!¡± the Chick berated.


    As for the Lunar Roc, it only trembled from fear. But that trembling angered the Chick for being annoying. The Roc wanted to cry.


    Sister Mary was confused after seeing this. Her Roc was a Beast unmatched in the skies, yet it was almost slapped to death by a mere chick.


    Her mouth was opened wide. But then, she came to a realization, ¡°I see, the Great Apostle is truly someone favored by the heavens. Even your Soul Partners are out of this world!¡±


    Sister Mary was in awe.


    Colt wanted to correct her, but he gave up. He already tried once, and this woman doesn¡¯t seem to give up.


    ¡®Sigh, who gives a crap anymore. She¡¯ll realize how wrong she is after some time.¡¯ Thought Colt as he felt helpless with the situation.


    But little did he know that the silence he gave was enough to cement the thought in Sister Mary. He managed to shot himself on the foot by trying to get away from it.


    Then, as Colt and the rest were flying over to the Wing City, Mina, who had silent all this time, managed to form a question, ¡°What is she talking about, Darling?¡±


    Colt didn¡¯t bother hiding the truth from her, ¡°I asked the Goddesses for your location, and apparently, that¡¯s enough to make her think I¡¯m their Apostle or something. Sigh, it¡¯s not something I want. I don¡¯t want to be involved with those guys.¡±


    Colt had been to the higher realm; he had seen what¡¯s going on up there. ¡®Those three rarely work, and they spend their time playing mahjong. They also spy on people¡­which, now that I think about it is not that bad. They did help me...so I¡¯ll forget the mahjong incident.¡¯


    He then snuck a peek at Mina.


    Mina grew silent at the mention of Goddesses. She remembered the talks and praises of people in the many cities she went to. Though they have different cultures, there is one sentiment they share, the Goddesses¡¯ beauty was unparalleled.


    Mina pounced at Colt and pinned him on the Roc¡¯s back after handing the sleeping Filla to Sister Mary. Her eyes that had shown fear earlier was now showing hostility. She is a loyal wife and lover. She will never hurt¡­ kill her beloved, but she at least knows that punishment must be met to teach him to not mess up¡ªor else it could get messy.


    ¡°Tell me, are they pretty? Did your heart skip a beat when you saw them? Did you!? Did you!?¡±


    ¡®Oh shit, she¡¯s acting up again.¡¯


    Colt looked at Sister Mary, asking for help, but she was too enthralled to know his answer to even say anything.


    Colt had both his wrists pinned, and Sister Mary, who was holding Filla, watched in anticipation for Colt¡¯s response. The doctrine of Goddess Root was to be carefree¡ªit doesn¡¯t prohibit doing actual work.


    Knowing of Mina¡¯s disposition, Colt knew that she can somehow peer into his mind.


    Despite everything else, she could tell if Colt was lying or not.


    It used to be not that accurate, but as time went on, Mina had picked up the subtlest of expressions he makes. She was now a master at reading Colt.


    Even Fluff couldn¡¯t save him now. Thus, Colt used what most men use when in situations where their girlfriend or wives corner them to the point of no return ¡ª he spoke of the truth.


    ¡°Yes, they were gorgeous. And indeed, my heart did skip a beat multiple times.¡± Colt had no choice.


    Mina felt her heart take damage.


    Colt was an honest man. At least in front of Mina.


    Men, in general, were not liars by default. But, there are times when they must lie. In most cases, it is seen as deplorable and distasteful, but in some cases, it¡¯s understandable, in the eyes of other men, at least.


    One of these few occasions would be when one¡¯s woman asks if their lover sees another woman as beautiful or attractive. That would be when most men lie. No one can answer that truthfully without getting some sort of backlash. It¡¯s near impossible.


    But not Colt, he couldn¡¯t lie or else that¡¯s going to become a bigger problem.


    Mina became downcast, but her grip mysteriously grew stronger. Her eyes were lonely, and yet it was full of vitality.


    ¡°I see they were beautiful enough to make your heart skip a beat, huh?¡± she said as a smile crept up.


    Colt knew of this; it was becoming more and more problematic. Thus, he activated his card. He got close to Mina and whispered to her ears.


    ¡°My heart skipped a beat when I was attacked by the Goddesses to hide their embarrassment. And it also skipped a beat when I felt like my anger will burst as the Goddess Root and Goddess Darkness cheated me in a game. But most of all, my heart skipped a beat the most when they showed me your and Filla¡¯s image of having been injured.


    ¡°My heart was in trepidation as I saw you and Filla, my worry over your safety, weighs heavier than any emotion I have felt for them. That¡¯s when I knew that my love for my family tops everything, and everyone, including even the highest power, is only second.¡±


    Mina felt Colt¡¯s heartfelt confession. Touching his cheeks, Mina embraced Colt.


    Colt heaved a sigh of relief, ¡®Finally, it¡¯s¡­¡¯


    ¡°But you did find them beautiful.¡± Mina secretly whispered.


    Colt, could only laugh. But it was weird for he didn¡¯t feel that this kind of relationship was wrong.


    He found this reaction from Mina to be expected compared to her subdued self. In the end, Colt fell for Mina, whose love for him was deadlier than any sword.


    Colt smiled in relief. He found peace in the embrace of his jealous soon-to-wife. Sister Mary, on the other hand, was left in the dark.


    The secrets of the Goddesses didn¡¯t reach her ears. She could only imagine what kind of wondrous and majestic secrets they held. In the end, however, when it all came down to it, Sister Mary¡¯s thoughts and curiosity towards Colt had a limit.


    They reached Wing City and landed a few hundred meters from the City Gates.


    ¡°Young Master Apostle, this is where I¡¯ll split with you.¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Why so? We can enter together, and the City will see you as a hero who helped me saved Mina¡­now that I think about it, you and Teacher did most of the work. I only took care of the small fry. So, why not enter together with us? I''ll even give you a hefty reward.¡±


    Sister Mary shrugged her shoulders at his words, ¡°Young Master Apostle, you may be someone I, from the Dracian Fate wants to follow, but, in the end, I want to live my life without worry. I only helped you because I was in a state of shock and because Filla and Mina were taken. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t even get involved with these matters.


    ¡°Also, I just realized that I¡¯ve been acting like a fool as I stay longer by your side, and I¡¯m suspicious if this is the power of a Goddesses Apostle?¡± Sister Mary didn¡¯t care about the amount of life she reaped.


    She¡¯s a nun, that¡¯s a regular thing.


    But after going through her memory when she was with Colt and how she was acting, the more she realized how ridiculous she was acting that it made her almost want to punish herself, ¡°I know I¡¯m not the brightest, but I don¡¯t think I used to act like this. So, I¡¯m not going to go with you. But Mina, you can go and come to the Orphanage to have tea whenever. Bring some pudding next time, okay?¡±


    Sister Mary demanded before leaving. Mina and Colt stared at Sister Mary, who called back the Lunar Roc and snuck back to the City.


    ¡®I still don¡¯t get that Nun.¡¯ Colt commented as he sighed, ¡°So, shall we return?¡±


    Under the full moon, the guards saw Colt and Mina¡¯s figure, and quickly, they raised the alarm letting everyone know that the Young Master who suddenly disappeared came back with his beloved and daughter.


    Quickly, the alarm was raised. Colt and Mina met with the guards and were soon assisted inside.


    With Colt being topless as he had given his top to Mina to cover skin, he had his bare body filled witnessed by many.


    With his chiseled body, the guards remembered the rumors of Colt being the Hidden Dragon of the Family.


    Now, they finally believed those rumors.


    Rescuing his fianc¨¦e single-handedly without even a hint of injury, in their eyes, Colt was a hero.


    With their arrival, Countess Faerith rushed to the gates. When she saw the two, she opened her arms wide and run to them for a hug.


    Colt opened his arms only to be ignored.


    ¡°Mina, Filla, you¡¯re both all right! Thank the Goddesses.¡±


    Faerith hugged Mina and took Filla in her arms.


    Mina nodded her head, ¡°Yes, we were saved by my Darling and Butler Neun¡­¡± She wanted to mention Sister Mary but remembered her distaste for attention.


    She kept silent about her.


    Mina explained what happened and mentioned how Colt came with Butler Neun and faced the enemy. The reason she gave Faerith how Colt found them was simple, ¡°Butler Neun used his nose.¡±


    When Mina explained it like that, Faerith nodded her head and accepted it as was.


    Faerith assisted Mina and Colt, who must have been exhausted from their travels to the most famous inn of the City. Faerith insisted on taking care of Filla to let the two get some goodnight sleep.


    Mina went to take a bath, and Colt looked over at the City with a distant gaze.


    When Mina returned, she was wearing a nightgown. Colt went to clean himself up, and when he returned, he found Mina on the bed, sleeping.


    He lay down by his side, touching the belly she so dearly protected. It was then that Colt heard Mina talk in her sleep.


    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­protect¡­you....¡±


    That night, Colt felt the need to grow even stronger. That day finally came to an end.

 113. The Wife, the Goddesses, and the Celestial War

    ¡°So, you¡¯re here again?¡± Goddess Darkness shuffled the deck of Uno cards before distributing it.


    ¡°Well, Light helped me rescue my wife and daughter, so I thought it was only natural to give my thanks to her personally. Also, we made you pudding, don¡¯t be too much of a stickler, you cheater¡­oh nice.¡± Colt bluntly answered before celebrating internally as he got a reverse Uno card.


    Darkness looked at the cooling pudding on the side and couldn¡¯t say much about it.


    But Darkness¡¯ eyes drifted to one side and just had to ask, ¡°I¡¯m thankful for the pudding because we can¡¯t create food here. I don¡¯t have a problem with that and you being here, but¡­what is she doing here?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Goddesses, and please, if you have a request, do tell me what it is, and I¡¯ll cook it for you.¡± Mina, who was sitting beside Colt, bowed her head to show respect before receiving a card from Darkness. After receiving the card, she showed it to Colt and asked, ¡°What¡¯s this card with the big + sign?¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t show him your cards, woman!¡± Darkness shouted!


    Colt heard Darkness and tried to appease the situation, ¡°Well, let¡¯s not get too heated. Also, she¡¯s the one who really did all the job, and Root told her it¡¯s okay, so why not?¡±


    ¡°But!¡± Darkness still wanted to say something.


    Mina, however, turned to her with a smile. Darkness felt an instinct she didn¡¯t know existed. It was then that she remembered why they were forced to let her enter this place, ¡®She¡¯s scary.¡¯


    Says the Goddess who reigns over Darkness. Well, who can blame her? She had read Mina¡¯s thoughts countless times, so she had seen her schemes. Especially to the girls who come close to Colt.


    ¡®She even had those thoughts against us.¡¯ just remembering how Mina tried planning how to kill the Goddesses made her uncomfortable.


    Darkness can only pray for Mina to see the light.


    ¡®Dammit, this girl is the biggest liability to the world.¡¯ Darkness shivered.


    Root saw this and shrugged her shoulders, ¡°Well, let¡¯s leave it at that, Darkness. Mina, welcome to our humble home, and thank you for cooking all that for us. I appreciate it. But, um, can you help me cook steak later? I¡¯ll give you the ingredients, no problem.¡±


    Said Root, who had been eyeing the pudding for some time now. Goddess Root could create anything she wishes in this world, except edible food.


    In that white world, they could create anything, but their thoughts must be used as the catalysts.


    If they need thoughts to create food, then why not just imagine the taste and make it materialize in their mouth? Root tried doing that before, but it didn¡¯t feel satisfying. She tried martializing food, but it didn¡¯t taste quite right, so she stopped doing it.


    Then she tried creating them by hand, cooking every needed ingredient, but she almost gave life to another organism, so it¡¯s easy to say that it was a bust.


    However, when Colt brought Mina over, Root quickly remembered how Colt enjoyed her cooking. She brought her to some empty area and created a kitchen and gave her plenty of ingredients.


    Goddess Root then practically begged Mina to cook for her.


    Root, as her name suggests, is the Goddess of Origin. She is the start of all life in the world. Cattles and ingredients all come from something; thus, it is easy for her to materialize them.


    She was easily bought by Mina, who knows how to cook. It was easy to say that Mina had a Goddess under her foot.


    Starting from now on, Root won¡¯t let Darkness kick out Mina so easily if Colt ever visits.


    Colt can see the greed in this Goddess¡¯s eyes, and he can only shake his head.


    ¡°Goddess Light, I¡¯m just here to say my thanks, so¡­erm, Light? Did you go take a pudding while we weren¡¯t looking?¡±


    ¡°What!? Of corshe not, how dare a Mortal akyushe a Goddesh that I would do something so disgraceful?¡± The lass of a Goddess said with smudges of pudding present on her face. She resembled a chipmunk as she ate.


    Colt looked at the fall of the only Goddess he respected, ¡°There¡¯s some more pudding on your cheeks.¡±


    ¡°AH!¡± she hurriedly wiped her face, ¡°Like I was saying, I did no such thing.¡±


    ¡°So much for lying.¡±


    All the while this was happening, Root, who could no longer wait, pulled Mina away to ask her to cook for her.


    ¡°We¡¯ll play later. It¡¯s fine; if you cook, I promise I won¡¯t cheat.¡± Root shamelessly stated.


    Light saw this, and she too snuck away to steal some more pudding thinking, ¡®Mina will create some more later.¡¯ leaving Darkness and Colt alone on the table.


    Darkness felt a massive headache creeping up. It was clear she¡¯s the only one who feared Mina.


    ¡°So, wanna play one on one?¡± Colt asked.


    ¡°Yeah, why not.¡±


    The two began to game just the two of them. They were throwing cards one after the other when Colt opened the conversation.


    ¡°So, who¡¯s the enemy I need to face?¡±


    ¡°Olivier¡¯s people.¡± Darkness casually replied.


    ¡°But, who specifically?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t tell you. And don¡¯t bother with the other two, you won¡¯t get anything from them; +2.¡±


    Colt shrugged his shoulders, ¡°+2, Is that so? But, don¡¯t you think everything will be over if you tell me now?¡±


    ¡°¡­I think you¡¯re right, but there are some things we can¡¯t just say. You said that we send Apostles down, right? That¡¯s true, back then, we were only choosing people to become an Apostle and gave them power; we didn¡¯t need to tell them who to defeat because it would always be a Devil King. But the Devil King¡¯s line of reincarnation is broken. The necessary evil can¡¯t find its soul in the line of reincarnation.


    ¡°Now, the Calamity we are trying to stop is also the same reason why there is no longer a Devil King. It¡¯s complicated, but you¡¯ll know the reason when the time comes¡­especially when the answer is always by your side.¡±


    Colt raised his head and asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    But the answer he got was not what expected, ¡°Uno!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You have one card, and you didn¡¯t say Uno, so I said, Uno. Now, get some cards, this is not finished, hehehehe.¡±


    ¡°You, bitch.¡± Colt couldn¡¯t help but curse at the smug Darkness who didn¡¯t rebuke his words.


    Three hours later, Colt and Mina returned to the land of Mortals, but before they leave, Root told them an important message.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to say this, but don¡¯t go to our realm for some time. Mortals aren¡¯t allowed in here anyway. It¡¯s not normal, so don¡¯t ask for entry. You can only enter once you, Colt, finish at least one of our requests. Oh yeah, our Divine Presence may or may not attract trouble, so I¡¯ll close our doors for the time being. Mina, thank you for the weeks¡¯ worth of food. Bye now.¡±


    Colt and Mina found themselves in the Church. And as they looked at each other, they exchanged a smile.


    ¡°So, what did you think about those three?¡± Colt asked.


    ¡°They were funny.¡± Mina giggled.


    A week later, a massive surge of information reached Colt.


    First, the war going on down south came to an abrupt end after a week.


    According to the report, Neun sent to Colt; the Count almost killed himself and offer his head to the enemy.


    The entire army tried to stop him, and if not for his timely arrival, Count Shickly would truly have beheaded himself.


    After he was stopped by Neun and informed of what happened, he and the Count raised their swords and sieged the enemy.


    There were deaths and casualties on their side, but with a disoriented lot as an enemy, Neun and the Count decimated the enemy ranks without so much as a scratch to their armors.


    At the end of the report, Colt received, there was an important note, ¡°We managed to seize three ships¡­it appears the reports of there being a Fleet was an exaggeration.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s rather disappointing,¡± Colt mumbled, but in the end, he was glad after thinking things through.


    A Fleet consists of more than 400 Ships, if that number appeared down south, then the risk of having his father¡¯s forces being overrun by sheer number was a possibility.


    ¡®Something good came out of it at the very least.¡¯


    The other news would be Jin bragging about Vyra¡¯s improvement to the Ninth Circle of the Fire Element.


    Other than the Trap bragging about his wife, Jin let him know of the millions they amassed after selling the Red Rose Poison Antidote Jin named [Evergreen].


    Colt read all the reports and sighed, ¡°Well, as expected, they did buy our medicine thinking the Red Vein Epidemic is a mass spreading of the Red Rose Poison.¡±


    Colt foresaw this and didn¡¯t let the world know about the Red Vein Epidemic. He couldn¡¯t possibly tell them that the antidote they sell didn¡¯t work on the epidemic.


    After all, the symptoms are similar to that of Red Rose Poison, and if he told them that it¡¯s a different disease, then all hell might break loose.


    ¡°They might become suspicious of me and even think that I was the one who spread it.¡± Colt doesn¡¯t want to get mobbed, ¡°Well, thankfully, [Evergreen] is slowing down the symptoms from going berserk and killing everyone.¡±


    From what Colt knew, there was a reason why the epidemic hit in two waves. The first wave happened at around this time and resurfaced two years after.


    The first wave was like the testing phase of the epidemic.


    The second wave was when the epidemic showed its fangs. The number of deaths at this time skyrocketed.


    ¡°The second wave must have been the improved version of the Red Vein Epidemic. Well, thanks to this, Gilbert¡¯s wife was inflicted with the first wave, and she managed to live for another two years¡­wait!¡± Colt had a sudden epiphany that made him abruptly stand up.


    ¡°....what if the reason why the first wave happened was for those guys to weaken Gilbert¡¯s mind?¡±


    Colt remembered what Mina told him about Olivier¡¯s Light Element. It forces the mind to think in the most radical way possible, forcing them to commit a crime they do not want to commit.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then, the valorous Gilbert must have been afflicted by the Light Element. And thinking about it now, what about Vyra? When I talked to her, she was a peace-loving elf. She was a woman who loves her family and respects the wishes of her deceased father. Even if her supposed child gets killed, the worst she can do would be to kill the Elders. But she also tried to kill Yrva, the brother she protected from hate.¡±


    Colt pieced things together, and finally, he managed to open the door to a possibility. It may be a longshot, but the possibility was there.


    ¡°Considering the fact that Olivier is not from this place means he¡¯s from the Eastern Continent. The enemy of the Continent, according to the novel. Then...was the cause of their actions the Light Element?¡± Colt managed to piece together a massive breakthrough.


    All of it was still speculation, but at the moment, this was his biggest lead to the truth. He wanted to rush to the Church and ask the three about this, but he couldn¡¯t.


    The three told him they would close their doors because trouble might come running to his side.


    But Colt could only shake his head at that thought.


    ¡°Those guys won¡¯t tell me anything anyway. They want to make things appear cryptic and confusing. I want to strangle them sometime.¡±


    Then, as Colt threw the thought on the back of his head, he just prayed that they¡¯re watching over him right now.


    But little did he know that the higher realm was in a war.


    The Three Goddesses were in a standoff against one another.


    In their midst was a table with the last pudding that¡¯s supposed to last them weeks.


    ¡°The last pudding is mine!¡±


    Thus, an unrecorded Celestial War began.

 114. A peaceful day

    "Young Master, you''re as early as always! Wait, you have little Miss Hylda with you today?"


    "She wanted to accompany me in my training, so I brought her with me. Hylda, this is Mister Lorei, a Butcher who provides the best cut of meat in the city."


    The spear-carrying Hylda was still half-asleep but was jolted awake when she realized the man''s identity ¡ª the meat provider.


    "Good morning, Mister Lorei." She made sure to show her utmost respect to ensure the quality won''t drop.


    Butcher Lorei laughed as he saw Hylda acting as such, "Gahahaha, how energetic you are. Well, good luck with your training, Young Master, Young Miss."


    "Thank you, and I''m counting on you to provide the best cuts for the workers later."


    Lorei nodded, and Hylda and Colt left with a pleasant smile.


    Walking through the street market early in the morning, where the stores were still just preparing their goods, many people greeted them.


    The Vegetable Seller Sesa, the Construction Worker Shin, and old man Geralt were the few people who greeted the two in their early morning walk.


    "Papa, are we going to do this all day? We could just train at the Inn''s open area, right?" Hylda suddenly asked.


    "Why? You don''t like it? They called you pretty and brave, aren''t you enjoying it?"


    "I''m¡­not used to being called Young Miss or brave. I only go to the Orphanage, and there, they just call me Big Sis. Back in the Manor, the maids call me Young Miss, but I''m already used to them. However, this is the first I ever walked out in public like this."


    Hylda''s face got all red from embarrassment.


    Colt saw this and could not help laughing at her expression.


    "Hah! Such a brat! You still don''t know anything. You should more like me, mature and responsible."


    "Huhhhhh!? That''s rich, coming from you! I was the one who taught you how to rear Filla. I''m not a brat!" Hylda swung the spear at her "Father" from the frustration.


    She used to kick Colt when she''s irritated, but her methods had improved.


    Colt dodged by moving side to side while walking. Hylda got incensed even more by this. She gritted her teeth in frustration, "Dammit!"


    She used aura to quicken her spear''s thrust but still failed miserably. And ten minutes later, Hylda was already sweating profusely before they even began training.


    Colt saw his daughter struggling, and instead of comforting her, he laughed on top of his lungs.


    "HAHAHA, you can''t beat your old man! You''re still green, no matter how I see it. A brat, I say, so a brat you are." He then dashed for it, leaving Hylda behind.


    Hylda watched Colt''s disappearing back and felt irritated. With a tight grip on her spear, Hylda went after Colt, "Get back here!"


    Colt was smiling ear to ear.


    ''Good thing, she''s okay.''


    Ever since Mina and Filla were kidnapped, Hylda had been acting down. She''s usually a bright and dazzling child. Colt was worried about her mental health as a parent should.


    This world was filled with danger, and the experience she had against Olivier was just one of the few she would face in her life.


    This life would be much more challenging than now, and Colt does not want her first defeat to become a scar in her heart. It should be a lesson but not something that would stick to her as an irk in her past. That''s something he wanted to avoid.


    ''I''d rather shoulder the traumas for them¡­I have Fluff for that.''


    Colt was learning very slowly.


    Colt reached the empty plaza, and there, he and Hylda began their training. It was 4:00 am, still too early for anyone to be there.


    For thirty minutes, Colt had to stretch while avoiding Hylda''s spear.


    The two were very energetic early in the morning. And despite the banter, when training time arrived, they took every second of it seriously.


    At 4:30 am, the two began their early routine. Like always, Colt poured everything in every swing. His whole being was placed in the sword, his deep blue and black aura mixed as Colt made a swing.


    But Colt''s single swing lasted for ten minutes to be completed.


    From head to toe, Colt was drenched in sweat. His whole body was trembling, and after a mere four swings, his hands lost its strength. His sword fell on the ground.


    "Hah, hah, hah¡­this is pretty hard." Colt''s hands were trembling. He had never been this tired this quickly before, but there he was, shaking in just a couple of swings.


    ''Even with the Chick''s Gift, I am already in this sorry state. If not for its Gift, two swings would already be hell.''


    Colt''s swings were not normal.


    Every time he swings the sword, there''s a constant fight happening inside his body. The war of aura caused his body to not only have sudden outbursts of strength but also experience excruciating pain.


    With that in mind, the burst of aura he is using becomes something similar to a gunpowder barrel exploding. It was spontaneous and hard to control. Thus, if Colt executes an abrupt slash, then there''s a good chance a vein will explode.


    This training was nothing short of dangerous, and in the entire world, no one uses it because it''s practically suicide.


    One wrong mistake and Colt would die.


    However, that''s what made it all the more worth it to train.


    ''Training in the First Phase of anything is strengthening the veins for the energy to flow in it. Normally, if I continuously damage my veins in this manner, I would become a cripple. But thanks to the Chick, a long rest would be enough to heal my body. Hehehehe, my improvement will be endless.''


    This training was self-made. He had been doing this for three days, and at first, three swings was his limit. After three days, it was now four.


    ''Hehe, when I reach ten swings, I''ll be an official Rank-6.''


    Colt was very much aiming for a speedrun in training.


    The only reason why he''s able to do this was that Colt had both Fluff''s and the Chick''s Gifts. So, this was indeed a training only he can do.


    Colt and Hylda''s training lasted till 6:30 am when the plaza began filling up with people and Colt collapsing on the ground, unable to stand up.


    By 7:00 am, Colt regained his strength and walked back to the Inn where Mina and Filla were waiting for them with breakfast.


    In the Inn''s dining area, Colt and the rest of his family, including Mary Courtgain, ate a big meal.


    "Hey, older brother." while eating, Risa called out to Colt.


    Colt ignored her, for he knew what she''d say even before she opened his mouth.


    "Older brother, don''t ignore me, come on? Come on, come on? I promise it will be good." Risa didn''t give up.


    "Risa, we''re in the middle of eating¡­" Colt reprimanded like a true older brother.


    Risa heard him, and instead of getting dejected, she grinned ear to ear before announcing, "Draco managed to make a purifying breath. Haha, it was so cool you should come to see it sometimes."


    "Ack¡­" Colt wanted to say something, but he swallowed his bitterness and let it be.


    Draco was a True Purifying Fire Dragon and Risa''s Soul Partner.


    A week and a half ago, Colt was too angry to pay attention to the Dragon. But after things calmed down, Colt immediately began acting like an idiot in the presence of a Dragon. It was the beast of his dreams.


    He was in awe of its mini form and revered it to no end. He fawned over the Dragon named Draco when Risa wasn''t in the picture.


    But one day, he grew lax and was discovered.


    Risa only smiled and stared at him when he was caught.


    ''Goddammit.'' Colt already felt the foreboding future he would have.


    Since then, Risa had been making great use of that incident.


    ''The Hidden Dragon of the Edgeworths, what a fitting title! Hahaha.'' She was an expert at getting to him.


    The Dragon was very cool, and he couldn''t deny it.


    Colt secretly took a glance to the side and saw Fluff and the Chick eating without holding back. Their round and chubby body couldn''t be any far from being a badass looking beast.


    ''They''re strong, and I''m thankful, but still...'' the appeal of a cool beast was still something Colt very much desired.


    After breakfast and surviving a barrage of teasing, Colt took a bath right after Hylda.


    Hylda, Filla, and Lyra were then called by Faerith in a room to be taught the ways of the nobles.


    Their house may have been destroyed, but that was not a good enough reason to skip lessons. This lesson was also a good distraction from all the troubles happening around them.


    The lessons would continue for three hours, and at this time, Colt and Mina were free to flirt all they want.


    Colt would accompany Mina to his morning walks, where he would feel like his life would be put to the edge when young maidens squealed at the sight of his handsomeness.


    After all the lessons, lunch would come, then rest for the entire day would be left to their discretion.


    At this time, Colt would spend some time with his family. Faerith would go check the rebuilding of the Manor and the process of preparing the welcoming party for the army who eradicated their enemy.


    Colt would watch Mina teach Filla about Magic.


    After a couple of hours, he and the others would go to the Light Orphanage to have tea at around tea time.


    Then, at night, Colt would train until he collapsed, and then Fluff and the Chick would drag him up.


    Mary Courtgain, who first saw this felt her heart flutter.


    This kind of life continued. That is until two days later, the army returned with a celebrated victory.


    The whole city was brought to a festive mood. Everyone cheered, and like when it was Filla''s birthday, booze was provided for free.


    Count Shickly returned in a glorious fashion wearing a black plated armor. When Count Shickly and Colt met face to face, the Count who had been away to the battlefield nodded at him, saying, "Good job at protecting them, my child."


    "Thank you, father."


    And as soon as Colt uttered those words, Count Shickly walked past him and went to his granddaughters'' side.


    "Were my preciouses afraid? Sorry, Grampapy was not there. It must have been scary. Don''t worry, Grampapy''s here."


    Only now did Colt saw how much of a doting Grandfather the Hero Count Shickly had become.

 115. Butler

    Deep into the night, Colt remained awake. Mina and the children lay on the bed, fast asleep from the fatigue of the day.


    But, Colt, he remained awake.


    ¡®It seems like practicing through the night until midnight has severe consequences.¡¯ at night, Colt could no longer sleep properly if he¡¯s not sufficiently tired.


    If his body was not falling apart, then can one call that being tired?


    ¡®I need to train for an hour.¡¯ Colt thought as he slid out of bed. Inside the room, there was a mini-bed where Fluff and the Chick rested.


    Colt walked over and casually picked up one of them.


    The lucky winner was Fluff.


    Fluff was dead asleep, its limbs even hanging from the side without a sign of life.


    Couldn¡¯t care less.


    ¡®This fat devil had been waking me up every 2:00 am demanding for food. You better pay up the price for that.¡¯ Colt could still remember the scratches Fluff would give him if he refuses to stand up.


    It was painful and irritating. It made Colt want to rip the fat cat into many pieces. Colt walked down the Inn¡¯s lifeless and dark hallway.


    His steps didn¡¯t make a sound as his body was hidden in a dark aura. As he walked about, his mind raced with many thoughts.


    ¡®Should I torture this one? But what should I use? Tickle Torture won¡¯t work this little traitor is too fat, pain is no good because the littles ones might hang me¡­Filla and Lyra with Hylda leading at the lead is a headache¡­¡¯ Colt tried dealing with them once, and he never wants to experience such a thing again.


    ¡°Hmmm, should I lock you up and deprive you of any food for a week?¡±


    ¡°MYAAA!!?¡± Fluff came alive at the mention of the cruelest of tortures.


    Colt just covered its mouth without much of a reaction, ¡°Keep quiet, do you want to wake everyone up?¡±


    ¡°Meow, NYA!¡± It felt indignant and argued.


    ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t do it anymore. Jeez, just make sure you take me inside when I collapse, okay?¡± Colt could only bend.


    ¡°Nyaaaaight~¡± Fluff went back to sleep with a shrug. Which infuriated Colt even more for odd reasons reason.


    Soon after Fluff fell asleep, Colt reached the back exit of the Inn. When Colt was about to go out, he heard it, the minute sounds of a sword flying through the air, cutting its resistance.


    ¡®From the aura, the practitioner should be around Rank-1. The blade holds sharpness, but its animosity is lacking. But more importantly, it¡¯s not a blade used to kill¡­hey, look at me, acting like a Master who knows it all.¡¯


    A laugh escaped the embarrassed Colt. He opened the door as he determined that the one behind it was weaker. He would stay inside if it was stronger, but if it¡¯s weaker than he, it was no problem. But even knowing that, Colt still hid his presence with the dark aura.


    ¡®Cowardly it may be, but it might save my life someday.¡¯ Colt said with a pleasantly shameless smile.


    The back of the Inn was an Open Garden. It was spacious, and it was an excellent place to relax. The only thing that could be found there was a single Maple Tree and a swing. But now, another thing added as Colt saw the radiant red light of fire aura.


    A sweat-drenched Sera was under the moonlight. Her eyes were focused, determined to execute the sword skill she was training.


    On her hand was a single-edged curved sword. A crescent moon-like blade flowing under the moonlight¡¯s shine was a satisfying sight.


    The graceful short sword flowed without gaps, but the red aura Sera had somehow made it seem unstable. Sera lowered her body and dashed forth. As low as her body could take, Sera executed a singular motion and made the sword travel from the bottom up like a rising dragon.


    Her sword moved like a venomous snake, but then, a flicker of red smoke appeared amidst the graceful swing. The image of the venomous snake got devoured by the flames, and the silent strike became a roar!


    The snake became a serpent! A serpent of fire bent on destruction.


    ¡°It¡¯s raging again!¡± Sera grew warry. Her blade did not sprout flames a real flame. The risk of anything catching fire was nowhere to be found.


    However, the raging fire serpent that became unstable, backlashed, sending sharp waves to her face!


    ¡°Shit!¡± Sera tensed up and panicked.


    Then, a sudden silent gust of wind swept to her side. A reliable hand took Sera, and from the tiny slits of her eyes, she saw Colt dispersing the waves of uncontrollable aura.


    Colt looked at Sera, who was a head shorter than he and asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Nn!¡± She barely eked out a sound as she nodded her head, and when Colt let her go, Sera¡¯s energy left her, and lost the ability the stand.


    Colt knelt down on one knee and helped the lady properly sit up. He examined her condition, and only then did he saw the small cuts that were under her long green hair and some other places he didn¡¯t quite catch when he was far away.


    ¡®Cuts on the neck, wrist, arms, palms, and even face, this girl is quite lucky.¡¯ Remembering the raging fire aura, Colt was amazed that Sera had yet to lose a finger or two.


    ¡°Thank you, Young Master Colt, you saved me.¡± Sera bowed her head.


    ¡°It is nothing, I should have acted sooner when I saw the flow of your aura and sword seemed weird.¡± Colt stated, ¡°You¡¯re already exhausted, I think would be best to rest for the night. I¡¯ll take you to your room¡­¡±


    Colt gentlemanly offered his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Young Master, but I can¡¯t stop now. I need to train in this sword technique.¡± Sera refused.


    ¡°If you continue, it would only do you more harm than good.¡±


    ¡°...It is fine, Young Master. I just need to train some more.¡±


    Seeing her stubbornness, Colt had no choice but to act tough as he spoke a rougher tone, ¡°Sera, that¡¯s enough!¡±


    He wanted her to gather herself through his reprimand, but the next thing Colt saw was Sera, shaking.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to disobey your orders, I, I was out of myself! Please punish me accordingly.¡± Sera buried her head on the ground as she begged for forgiveness.


    Seeing her act as such made Colt unable to react appropriately.


    ¡®She¡¯s not acting her usual self nor her fa?ade.¡¯ Sera was usually calculative and acts appropriately. Her fa?ade was that of a cold person, but deep down, she was caring, especially to her family.


    ¡°Why are you acting like that, Sera? Do you think I¡¯m someone who likes seeing others bow down to him? Do I look like that much of a tyrannical person?¡±


    ¡°Of course not, Young Master, I¡­¡± Sera wanted to say otherwise, but her shaking voice spoke volume.


    Colt sighed at the sight of this lady Butler. With a thud, he sat on the ground and placed Fluff on his lap. As the cat made a purring sound as it slept, Colt spoke, ¡°Okay, I don¡¯t think you¡¯re thinking straight. Tell me, is there something bothering?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Her silence even hurt Colt. He sighed and thought aloud, ¡°Am I really that untrustworthy?¡±


    Sera, however, profusely shook her head, ¡°No, Young Master, it¡¯s nothing like that! I-I just really need to relearn my sword skill.¡±


    Her voice was trembling still. She was scared of something.


    Colt raised a brow at her words, ¡°Relearn? What do you mean, did you already know of this sword technique?¡±


    To relearn, something meant that one would have to at least learn one particular skill at some point.


    But from Colt¡¯s perspective, Sera was nothing but a newbie who couldn¡¯t grasp the basic.


    Sera nodded her head, ¡°That¡¯s right, Young Master. This is the [Silent Venom Snake] that Butler Go taught me. I used three weeks to learn it and another month to master it without an aura.¡±


    ¡®A month? Wow, this girl is talented at the sword. Even I have yet to grasp the sword technique Teacher taught me, and she¡¯s already mastered hers? That¡¯s some talent.¡¯


    Colt was jealous. But he kept a dignified face as he listened to the rest of the story.


    ¡°The aura suited for its use is supposed to be wind, and Butler Go taught me his expecting me to develop wind aura and become his successor. But, when I awakened my aura, I found myself awakening fire aura instead! Right now. My techniques aren¡¯t working, and I fear that¡­I would become useless to the one who gave my brother a chance to live a happy life. My Older Brother, I-I don¡¯t want to become useless and become a baggage to anyone again.¡±


    Colt remained silent for some time.


    ¡®So that¡¯s what¡¯s going on.¡¯


    There were two kinds of Butlers in this world. First, there were those treated like shit and the other treated with respect. Butler Neun and Butler Go were both treated with respect and was looked up to by many.


    They held significant power for a Butler, and they took command of the house when the Masters were away. Butler Go commands the Capital and Butler Neun of the Fief.


    It was a preposterous idea, but the only way this could have come to be was if they were given much trust. Butler Neun was a War Veteran together with Shickly, and Butler Go was a leader of an Espionage team also under the Count.


    It was quite clear that the two have quite the past with Shickly. They even made a [Vow] to serve the family.


    ¡®I don¡¯t know how they became so loyal to us, though.¡¯ Colt honestly did not know.


    It was understandable why they were in their position. Sera was a Butler, but she had yet to make a vow to anyone.


    She held no position whatsoever but was not treated with respect and was being trained to succeed Butler Go.


    She trained diligently without making any complaints and even built a persona to match her position.


    She became stronger as time went on. Now, she was capable of dispatching thugs, and no soldier without aura could match her. She grew exceedingly pleased, but all that ended when she faced failure after failure.


    It started when she failed to protect Colt from Julius and was told that he was forced to bargain for their lives.


    The other would be when she became useless as she awakened the wrong aura, thereby losing her capability to regain her credibility to Colt.


    And as she remained there, seated before Colt, she was shaking as she pleaded, ¡°Please, Young Master, just give me some time, and I¡¯ll be able to force down my aura, I-I¡­¡±


    She was afraid to drag Colt and Jin down.


    ¡®The little sister of the kind of Apothecary. According to Jin, Sera is 17 years of age. When they were young, Sera was in an accident where she witnessed her Father and Mother¡¯s death under the hands of a Thunder Panther.


    ¡®When the Hunters reached their place to save them, only Mina was found with her eyes widened with her parents in front of her. She was left trembling. Scarred and unable to think straight, at the age of five, Sera became someone close to a retarded person. She would hole up inside a room, and there, she would cry. She became terrified of the outside world and would break down as soon as she left their home.


    ¡®Jin and Sera did not have anyone else other than themselves, and being who he was, Jin lovingly took care of Sera without a single complaint. When she was twelve, she managed to head out and return to normal, and to help Jin, she went to learn words and numbers and became a receptionist of the Apothecary Guild.¡¯


    Colt sighed at her story. He already knew of Sera¡¯s story, and remembering how she was initially suspicious of him, it only made Colt sigh.


    ¡®She was once an anchor to her brother¡¯s life, is that how she sees it? And now that she gained a chance to prove herself useful and helpful to those around him, she felt needed and now that she was stripped away of that ¡ª she grows scared.¡¯


    Not everyone possesses a strong heart. Many, like Sera, have a fragile heart.


    In her case, just when she was beginning to strengthen herself, the rope she clung onto snapped, sending her plummeting down far lower than where she originally began.


    Was she scared of abandonment? Eyes of contempt? Or the cackling of others? Colt had no idea neither could he understand.


    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t have my Butler bumbling having so much problem.¡± Colt stated, and Sera dejectedly lowered her head.


    ¡®Like I thought.¡¯ Sera felt like the ground swallowed her. Her hopes we crushed.


    But then, Colt gently placed his right hand on Sera¡¯s head and ruffled it as if he was playing.


    ¡°Young Master, what are you doing?¡±


    Bewildered, Sera raised her head and saw her Young Master showing her a broad and energetic smile.


    ¡°Come on, stand up, we¡¯ll calibrate your technique to match the flow of your aura and get this over with.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Sera was utterly confused, ¡°You¡¯re not firing me?¡±


    ¡°Huh? What are you talking about? I need you to go through the accounts mother would send me. You know I¡¯m no good with that.  I need you in your top form to take care of them, and if your mind wanders, then I¡¯ll be facing problems. So, to avoid that, it would be more efficient to help you deal with your problem. I may not look like it, but I¡¯m rather ingenious when it comes to manipulating aura, now, draw your sword and show me your grit, or did your words held no weight?¡±


    ¡°T-thank you, Young Master! I¡¯ll do my best!¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    A Butler needs a strong heart to support the Master he or she serves. Sera neither have any of that quality. But, Colt knows Sera has the potential to become someone like that.


    ¡®She already broke once, and she managed to climb out of that darkness. She also didn¡¯t run away when the danger that is the Genesis Family loomed over them. It¡¯s clear that she has a strong heart, mind, and is loyal. She¡¯s also smart and very quick to pick up on things¡­in time, she¡¯ll be very useful.¡¯


    As Colt thought of his genius, he failed to catch Sera¡¯s shining eyes.


    Sera idolized Colt when she learned of what he did for Jin and Vyra. Despite being a noble, Colt risked everything to help Jin and Vyra after learning of their predicament.


    The Edgeworth Family may be strong, but the Genesis Family was stronger. Colt could¡¯ve died if all went south. However, that didn¡¯t matter to him and even helped Jin become rise. He already even began searching for a cure on the spreading disease to ensure the safety of the populace.


    She saw him as someone extraordinary and wanted to repay him for helping Jin. She became a Butler as she thought that would be the position where she¡¯d help him at all times. And now, seeing how he was willing to spend time on a useless servant was when she knew that her decision wasn¡¯t wrong.


    ¡®He¡¯s indeed different. A strong yet kind man, this is the Young Master that I serve.¡¯ Sera¡¯s reverence to Colt only strengthened that night.


    That night, Colt didn¡¯t train. He instead helped Sera with her predicament. Sera trained like a madman and would collapse around midnight. Colt was the one who had drag Sera back to her room.


    When Colt returned to his room, he saw Mina, Hylda, and Filla happily sleeping.


    ¡®Oh, good, they¡¯re still asleep.¡¯ He didn¡¯t think about it earlier, but it would have been a catastrophe if Mina saw him with Sera like that.


    After throwing Fluff, who ended up useless, back to its bed, Colt went to sleep. He was tired.


    ¡°I never thought thinking how to use aura would be this tiring¡­in the end, I didn¡¯t get to help her much,¡± Colt whispered to himself.


    He was mentally tired, and that was enough to put him to sleep.


    Four in the morning came, and he and Hylda trained like any other day. Sera was nowhere to be found. Only Colt could train only hours after he already underwent grueling training.


    After training, he and Hylda went back home and saw Mina preparing the food.


    Everyone at the table ate happily as they got to eat Mina¡¯s cooking. But, Colt, on the other hand, felt like his mouth was at war.


    ¡®This is too spicy¡­what the hell is in this thing?¡¯


    The food he was given was spicy beyond compare. He looked at Mina, and with a twitching smile and swollen lips, he asked her, ¡°Dear?¡±


    ¡°Yes? Is there a problem? I heard that it helps in metabolism, so I thought it would help you in your training.¡±


    Mina answered with a smile.


    Colt looked at her, and when she showed him that cheery smile, he already knew what¡¯s going on.


    ¡°Is that so, thank you then, dear.¡± He sounded cheerful.


    But on the back of his head, he screamed, ¡®She knows!¡¯


    Colt, however, was still surprised she didn¡¯t stop what he was doing last night if she knew all along.


    Seyer_Jad


    Also, I was not kidding when I said I''d avoid cutting the chapter length this will become the format at the moment. Do you like this more or should be more bite size?

 116 Questions after Assumptions

    October 19th, in an empty Inn room, was the makeshift office of one particular Young Master. Inside, there were two office desks, two humans, and a single Chick.


    ¡°You can call me King Chick, the one and only Sovereign of the boundless skies!¡± Colt stared at the one who claimed to be named Chick, speechless beyond compare.


    ¡®Heh, so much for my naming sense being shit.¡¯ Colt was smug. He wouldn¡¯t correct Chick for its stupidity. No, Colt would embrace it to show the world what genuine stupidity and idiocy looks like. Then again...it was a Chick.


    ¡°Chick, was it? Where¡¯s your brother? I haven¡¯t seen him since lunch passed.¡±


    The newly named King Chick felt wronged and puffed its cheek, ¡°Call me King! KING!¡±


    ¡°Were you always this demanding¡­? Then again, you have been prejudiced about me since we first met. Have you gotten used to being out of that Egg¡­King?¡±


    ¡°I have, and after looking around, I found a lot of things have changed.¡± A melancholic expression surfaced on King¡¯s face. Then it recovered and remembered, ¡°Oh yeah, older brother is in the kitchen, he¡¯s cooperating to complete the Chef¡¯s new dish.¡±


    ¡®That gluttonous cat never stops eating, does he.¡¯ Colt could only imagine what the cat was doing.


    ¡°Hey, King, do you¡­¡±


    ¡°Ahem, Young Master, may you please, keep silent? It is hard to concentrate when you and that ball of fat feather continue on distracting me.¡± Sera¡¯s voice echoed from the side.


    She carried a respectful tone, but her choice of words was harsh. Colt was the Young Master, but he didn¡¯t say anything against Sera¡¯s request. After all, she was the one doing the family¡¯s accounting.


    It had been three days since they started training, and the two had become closer than they were previously. Sera experienced a massive leap in both demeanor and strength. She began showing changes.


    ¡®Well, she¡¯s at least embracing my words.¡¯ Colt told Sera to act in this manner more.


    Become sharp and direct, not conforming with the constraints of a Butler¡¯s or a servant¡¯s attitude, and embrace the fiery and uncontrolled temper of the fire aura. Colt told her to do this after noticing her refusal to acknowledge it whole.


    ¡®Your dislike for the fire aura must have stemmed from trying to meet Butler Go¡¯s expectation. Thus, to start with controlling the fire aura, you should change a bit of your fa?ade.¡¯


    Was Colt¡¯s words, and at first, Sera was reluctant. But after a mere two days, this was the result. She was now a butler without regard to common knowledge. Her tongue was sharp despite her tone, and her whole being reeked of a mature vibe that met Colt¡¯s innate intense presence.


    Now, when Sera stood beside Colt, her being there seemed more natural than before. And with her standing straight and tall, Sera looked more beautiful than ever before. But it did worry, Colt.


    ¡®She might become too unruly. I just need to keep her respect.¡¯


    Colt was worried about his future. But to keep his subordinates in check, he decided to make his presence more prominent than ever before. He overwhelmed those around him, and Colt became more eye-catching than before.


    ¡®I don¡¯t want fame, but this is to keep my end of the bargain.¡¯ Colt accepted this fact. Because of a particular reason, Colt needed to stand out from the rest once more. He was just about to let out a deep, deep sigh when he heard three knocks on the door.


    Tak, tak, tak.


    ¡°Enter.¡± Colt spoke as he sat then straightened her back.


    The door opened, and Neun entered. In his hands were stacks of paper, ¡°Good day to you, Young Master. I have things to report regarding the Ships and the ¡®Questioning¡¯ you asked of me.¡±


    Thud! Neun placed the stacks of paper on Colt¡¯s table.


    Then, the sound of a skidding chair echoed.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Colt asked Sera that stood up, ready to leave.


    ¡°I thought the Young Master and Butler Neun would be conversing something confidential. I just thought I¡¯d see myself out.¡± She got ready to leave.


    ¡°No need to leave, you¡¯d know sooner or later, and I¡¯d be leaving the work to you later, so it would be best if you stay and listen.¡± Colt argued.


    ¡°Understood, Young Master.¡± Sera obliged.


    Colt skimmed through one-half of the stacks regarding the answers of the interrogated soldier. The other half of the stacks regarding the plans to the three ships were handed to Sera.


    Neun began his report as he stood stationary.


    ¡°Like the Young Master has predicted, the attackers came from the Eastern Continent led by three people they refer to as the Apostle of Light. When I was just about to pry open his secrets, he died from trying to utter the secrets he was about to say, and a Shadow Heart Oath activated. I wanted to learn about their intentions for coming here, but I fear that I failed to unearth their intentions. Please, forgive me, Young Master.¡±


    Neun apologized with a somber tone. He grew frustrated not only because he failed Colt, but also because of this concerned something bigger. Its scope involves the safety of the whole continent.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Teacher, you already gathered enough information that I want.¡± Colt, however, already found his findings to be enough.


    ¡®There are three more Apostles? Three more children I do not know? That¡¯s going to be hard to deal with. I only know about Vol. 1 to 6, the forums and spoilers I visited never specified anything too much to avoid spoiling too much¡­dammit, why does internet etiquette work at the worst of moments?¡¯


    Even after scouring through his memories of villains, nothing came to him.


    ¡®Well, there goes my advantage.¡¯


    His genius, his confidence, and even his plans stemmed from the fact he knew of the villains he needed to face and take care of.


    But now, all that had gone, poof, ¡®That was the closest I had with a Plot Armor too, that¡¯s too bad.¡¯


    Now, he was like the Isekai MC without the plot convenience. Colt was left with no armor to lean onto. Thus, there was only one way to conquer the situation, ¡°And, now, it¡¯s time to become a sword.¡±


    ¡°What was that, Young Master?¡± Neun drew a blank on his words.


    Sera, however, felt her heart jolted. With her expression slightly shifting to a much anxious expression, Sera asked, ¡°Young Master, are we finally doing it?¡±


    ¡°No, but we¡¯re getting there. First, send a letter to Butler Go, tell him to assemble the papers I asked of him when I was there.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Young Master.¡±


    Neun noticed Sera flashing a rather sinister smile. Once again, he drew blank from the conflicting emotions.


    ¡°¡­was she always like that, Young Master?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, that¡¯s a part of her training. She¡¯s training to claim the fire as hers by integrating it to herself. She was refusing its existence, so I had her act like fire herself¡­is there a problem with what I told her?¡±


    ¡°¡­no, there¡¯s nothing wrong with her. Rather, your method was good. In fact, I was going to teach you that if ever you didn¡¯t manifest water aura. But it appears your hard work pushed your body to forcefully accept the water aura, heh, heh, heh, just as planned.¡±


    Neun showed that devilish smirk of his.


    Colt happily reminisced of the past.


    With time, noon came to be, and, in the afternoon, it was announced that the rebuilding of the manor was around 70% completed.


    Colt did some extra training and managed 6 swings.


    Midnight, of the same day, a messenger, Night Falcon, was received by a naked Shickly.


    This was messenger Night Falcon used by nobles top quickly send their letters to others. It was the fastest of all messenger birds. Shickly received the Night Falcon¡¯s message carried back to bed.


    ¡°Hmm? You didn¡¯t rip a letter? Did Liron send it? I¡¯m pretty sure I sent him a message through a Golden Globe before the Night Falcon reached him.¡± Faerith asked as she covered her body while shooing the Falcon away.


    Most of the time, Shickly would rip the letters if it¡¯s not from Liron or something regarding war.


    But this was different.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Royal Seal.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    Shickly read through everything, and the next thing he did was write a quick response before ignoring everything else and spending the night with his wife.


    Morning arrived.


    ¡°So, who wants to go to the Capital and meet with the King?¡± Faerith asked with a smile on her face.


    For a moment, everyone was silent until Risa raised her hand and break the silence.


    ¡°Not it.¡±


    ¡°Not it.¡± Shickly spoke of without acting ashamed.


    Colt was last to realize what was happening, and he already knew what¡¯s going to happen, so instead of waiting for the verdict, he just raised his hand, ¡°Fine, I¡¯m going.¡±


    ¡®Such is my luck.¡¯


    Faerith saw the reluctance in his eyes. She could only sigh and then turned to Risa as she realized something brilliant, ¡°Risa, go with your brother to the capital?¡±


    ¡°What!?¡± Risa¡¯s celebration was doused by cold water as she heard Faerith¡¯s words.


    ¡°Why, are you disobeying my orders?¡± Faerith¡¯s words were both oppressive and didn¡¯t give any leeway for argument.


    Risa knew she wouldn¡¯t win against Faerith. She gave up and swallowed her words.


    But, then, a timely assist she didn¡¯t would appear arrived, ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a good idea, Mother.¡±


    It was a surprise seeing Colt not wanting Risa to suffer after everything she put him through.


    ¡°Why is that, my son?¡±


    ¡°An epidemic has swept the capital and surrounding City. Now that I think about it, I suppose this is the perfect time to talk about the current situation.¡±


    Faerith¡¯s brows raised. Her attention was robbed by Colt¡¯s words, ¡°What do you mean? Isn¡¯t it just some widespread Red Rose Poison? I heard you already had someone make an antidote for that? Which takes me to a question, a birdie informed me that you had your hand in that? And that bird is not Butler Go, I wonder why your overseer didn¡¯t tell me anything.¡±


    ¡°Hooo, it appears Older Brother is starting to show his head.¡± Risa became uncharacteristically serious.


    ¡®My escapades have reached their ears it appears.¡¯ Colt could see Faerith¡¯s irritation; he put down the utensils, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to hide it, I simply forgot to tell everyone about what I¡¯m doing.¡±


    He motioned only to point at himself, ¡°I confessed about many truths and then leave soon after. So many things were going on that it slipped my mind.¡±


    He motioned towards Hylda and Filla. He was barely spared from criticism, ¡°Okay, where do I begin? I probed around the capital as a noble should and then got a whiffed of many shady businesses. One thing led to the other, and I saved Jin, Sera¡¯s older brother, and employed him to become my personal Apothecary. I funded his endeavors, and this is the result.¡±


    Colt told the diet version of what happened and somehow managed to convince them. Though the sharp Faerith could see that he¡¯s hiding something. She stopped digging any deeper.


    ¡°If it¡¯s not anything illegal, then I have nothing against it. Just make sure you¡¯re not hurt. And just so you know, you didn¡¯t explain anything about this epidemic thing.¡±


    ¡°¡­Research.¡±


    Breakfast was adjourned, Colt went to prepare for the journey ahead.


    ¡°Do you really have to leave?¡± Mina hugged him from behind.


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t, it¡¯s the King¡¯s order. I also want to stay and rest, but that is impossible for the time being.¡±


    ¡°I want to go with you then.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re pregnant, and our daughters won¡¯t come with me anyway. They need their lovable mother here.¡±


    Mina pouted and buried her head on Colt¡¯s back, her cheeks still puffed like a chipmunk.


    Turning around, Colt saw Mina¡¯s face, with one cheek on both hands, Colt mushed and rubbed it to his liking, No, You, Can''t. that¡¯s final.¡±


    ¡°Awww.¡± Mina acted like a child. With her shoulders drooping down.


    Colt sighed, a sense of guilt washing over him, ¡°I won¡¯t be long, promise. The date of our marriage is coming, so I think it¡¯s high time that I help cure the epidemic. We can¡¯t exactly hold celebratory occasion with hell about to erupt all over the world.¡±


    ¡°...I understand.¡± Her cheeks only grew in size.


    ¡®Ah, she¡¯s sulking, I like this version a lot.¡¯


    Colt was pleased. Then, while he continued playing with Mina¡¯s cheeks, he thought of something rather unconventional and asked.


    ¡°Dear, do you think I can ask for some Light God Shards from your Teacher?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? I guess I can ask, but...¡±


    ¡°You still can¡¯t come.¡±


    Colt interjected, and Mina punched Colt¡¯s chest ever so softly.


    Colt was tickled.


    Mina calmed down after a few minutes, and she gave her answer, ¡°Yesh¡­Y du you ashk dow?¡± it was hard talking while Colt rubbed her sulking cheeks.


    ¡°Hmmmm, I want to build a Nuke.¡±

 117. Colt Faction

    Under the glorious moonlight, two people wearing white priestly robes knelt before a campfire on the edge of a precipice.


    One of them was a girl around the age of 20, and a young man around 17. Both had white hair and reddened eyes from crying as they held onto a gray shard.


    ¡°Dammit! Those bastards got to Senior Olivier! God damn heretics!¡± the young man¡¯s voice echoed into the distance, ¡°Senior may not have been strong, but his fate was strong!¡±


    The girl¡¯s lips quivered from sadness. She choked and failed to utter anything. She placed the shard on her hand close to her forehead, ¡°May you reach peace and salvation, oh, dear senior.¡±


    The lady knocked her head on the ground as she grieved the death of a companion. The boy did the same.


    The two cried and grieved. Then, they lifted their heads. Determination filled their eyes.


    ¡°We must cleanse them and save the people. They, who protect evil, must be destroyed. They must crumble to save this world.¡± The young man stated.


    The lady nodded her head in agreement, ¡°This Continent of Evil must be cleansed.¡±


    ***


    At around 11:00 pm, Colt was training his sword with King, who watched him with interest and Fluff sleeping without a care. The fat cat had become lazier the more it stayed with the Edgeworhts.


    ¡®Is the innate laziness here amplifying its desires? And it got even flabbier.¡¯ Fluff had turned into a lazy, flabby cat, and what¡¯s worst for him was that it was loved more than ever, so he failed to say anything.


    Filla and Lyra especially spoiled the lazy cat.


    King was supposed to be the lucky winner, but it got irritated, and because it hadn¡¯t done anything wrong except for judging him, Colt was without any reason to take it with him against its will.


    So, Colt had to make do with Fluff, but King, who got woke up against its will, followed them after an hour. They were now in a situation where the one he brought to help him slept, and the other watched with intensity.


    Swoosh!


    Colt swung his sword, and then, he felt a sliver of killing intent from behind.


    Without hesitation, he twisted his waist and quickly went for the kill. His sword was covered with a black aura, deafening its movement. With his body imbued with the attribute of water, his joints and muscles obeyed his every command.


    However, the sword swing was never realized. He didn¡¯t stop it, but Neun used two fingers and caught his sword.


    ¡°So, it was you, teacher?¡± Colt sighed in relief.


    ¡°Not bad, you¡¯re less hesitant in reacting to such intent. Before, you would have hesitated, but, right now, you¡¯re ready to kill anyone and anything that may bare its fangs.¡± Neun praised, ¡°But, you still need to differentiate people from their aura and presence. It will be troublesome if you go to war where killing intent is all over the place.¡±


    In a war, everyone carries killing intent. If someone with the inability to differentiate who¡¯s who, then it would become a problem.


    Colt reacted with an ¡°oh¡± he had not thought of that before because, in every novel, every MC just seemed to know everyone¡¯s presence.


    ¡®That makes sense.¡¯ Colt agreed to Neun¡¯s sentiment.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you later how to do it. But, that¡¯s now what I¡¯m here for, Young Master.¡± Neun lowered Colt¡¯s sword and became severe.


    Colt, too, sensed the change in atmosphere.


    ¡°Young Master, I heard you¡¯re going to the capital again?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. The King¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± The little Chick turned its head as it heard its name.


    ¡°Not you¡­ that¡¯s going to get annoying, so we¡¯re going to talk later about your name.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Yes, or else I¡¯ll let Fluff eat you.¡±


    The Chick sulked as its name got stripped out of it at the last second. But it couldn¡¯t say anything against Colt because this human was the only one stopping Fluff from eating it, ¡®Dammit¡­¡¯ the Chick inwardly cursed.


    ¡°Anyway, the King asked for a representative to receive some form of reward, and I was the one who got the short end of the stick.¡±


    Everywhere in the Continent, only a few would find meeting the King of a Kingdom as unlucky. Most of the time, they would be the Major Families, but it was not supposed to be an ordinary Noble Family like theirs.


    But that was just how it went.


    Neun nodded his head, ¡°Well, you can¡¯t go against it, as it is the order of the King. But, before you head over there, I think I should inform you about what the other Nobles call, the Colt Faction.¡±


    Colt winced at the name, ¡°Colt Faction?¡± he did not like the name at all.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t take this as a joke, Young Master. This is bigger than you might think.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay, so what does this have anything to do with me going there? Will they try and assassinate me? If that¡¯s the case, then I¡¯ll risk my plan with the Ships and have you come to the Capital with me.¡±


    The Ships he talked of were the three they seized from the Eastern people. Neun shook his head, however.


    ¡°No, the Nobles are not trying to assassinate you just yet. After all, no one knows about your intentions, and they can¡¯t risk angering those behind you. They do not know if you¡¯re going to become a thorn, but according to Butler Go, they are still observing you from the side. But if they prove you to be trouble, then assassination might not be the only problem you would face.¡±


    ¡°Teacher, can you please get to the point because you have not established any reason why they would want to look at me. Also, the significance of this Colt Faction is not showing.¡±


    Neun sighed. Of course, Colt wouldn¡¯t understand. He doesn¡¯t even have any interest in politics. From what Neun had seen, Colt was more interested in living his life and protecting his family.


    He was ambitious in gaining power, but from what Neun can make out from Colt¡¯s previous decisions and actions, he came to the conclusion that Colt¡¯s foresight was simply too broad for anyone to understand, ¡®He started producing medicine as soon as signs appeared, he took care of unnecessary troubles like the Genesis Family through unknown ways and even unearthed new blossoming talents like Avern and Apothecary Jin. The Young Master cares more about life than anything else¡­his interest in politics is about the same as the Count¡¯s interest in working, none.¡¯


    This made Neun nod his head in appreciation.


    Colt does not hunger for political power. He even showed interest in giving Risa the position of Count, and that¡¯s something Neun respected and liked about this disciple of his. But the Nobles did not know that.


    ¡°They think you want to become King.¡±

 118. How is that possible!?

    ¡°A King? That¡¯s utter nonsense! Besides, do they not see the actual King? He¡¯s alive and well. The very thought of usurping the throne is simply stupid. How about the Crown Prince? Do they not respect his presence?¡±


    Colt knew not what kind of drugs the Nobles were smoking, but it sure had to be strong to induce such stupid thoughts.


    Neun, however, could not agree with Colt¡¯s logic.


    ¡°Young Master, it may be common sense to think in such a manner, but that is not the case in the politics of nobility. Currently, the Kingdom is in a state of balance because both the Edgeworth and the Vera Family are balancing the status quo. There are people who sing praises to our name, but most of them are confined in wartime. We have influence all over the Kingdom, but we do not abuse them. You, however, are different.¡±


    ¡°Different? How so?¡±


    ¡°First of all, the war here had reached the ears of the Nobles. With the news that war may happen, many ambitious Nobles wanting to make a name for themselves prepared for weeks, trying to march to ¡°help¡± us in our dire hours. But just as they finished and lined up to go, news of our victory, especially your act of slaying the enemy Supreme Commander swept the Capital. Your name had spread through many circles, calling you a Hero left and right.


    ¡°Second, you funded the production of the Evergreen antidote, which is now helping the people infected with the newly named disease known as Red Vein disease. Apothecary Jin also sang praises of how you were the one who brought him to your side and let him focus on the medicine to help people. Third, everyone also now knows of your connection to the Genesis Family, which I did not know. Fourth, your sacrifice for your daughters had basically become a much-beloved legend to many common people. Amid this calamity with an unknown disease, it had become a nice light and became a distraction for many. With all that, the common people on your back, the Genesis Family are supposedly backing you, and your engagement to the Vera Family, your influence is nothing to scoff at, Young Master.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Colt finally saw the light. They say that even the tiniest of attempts to change could amount to something huge. However, Colt¡¯s steps were far from small, resulting in his meteoric rise.


    ¡®I¡¯ve been too obsessed with the future and the big picture that I seemed to have missed the smaller one.¡¯ Not being a master planner, Colt couldn¡¯t hope to grasp the entirety of his movement while thinking of every kind of thought appearing in the mind of others.


    He may be able to predict some of the waves he created, but even those predictions were restricted to his narrow view of the world.


    He was flawed, but even then, Colt showed a smile. Against all the odds, he smiled.


    ¡®This is unexpected, but this only goes to show my influence.¡¯ he was flawed, but he was also alive. Rather than mope about and curse about his position, he would instead make use of this chance than to sulk and be crushed by the pressure.


    ¡®I had enough of dark thoughts. Heh, heh, like a wise turtle once said, the present is a gift.¡¯


    To be alive was to strive for higher heights, and without him knowing, Colt had already pushed the idea of retaining an ordinary life to the back of his mind.


    As the Goddesses said, there was no such thing as Destiny. There were only the future and the past. And in the middle of that was the present.


    ¡°So, do you have any plans to go against this, Young Master?¡±


    Colt turned to Neun, and with a shrug of a shoulder, he smiled, ¡°Who knows, I don¡¯t know where to begin.¡±


    ¡°This is a dire situation, Young Master. You can¡¯t simply take this lightly; do you even know what is happening? If the Nobles makes any radical decision, then you might face a bad end.¡± Neun questioned with a calm tone of voice.


    He was relatively surprised by Colt¡¯s answer.


    Colt looked at his sword and then at the moon, ¡°One cannot control everything, and I once learned that I should break free of the illusion of control. I will face a lot of danger, but that¡¯s the risk of living. I am already gifted as it is, I have a family and money, my life is in a much better position than a commoner in the slums. I tread on a tightrope with the Nobles eyeing me, but I have a far better escape route than an ordinary soldier who has a family awaiting his return.¡±


    Colt swung the sword in his hand, the idea of conspiracies left his mind, ¡°I can do nothing but prepare, with that said, Teacher, do you think I could finally use at least the first form of the Bloodbath Sword Art? I think I would need them soon.¡±


    Neun had seen Colt¡¯s passion before, but before that was more of a selfish endeavor. But now, it was different as Colt felt like he was a different person. He smiled as he answered Colt¡¯s question.


    ¡°Hmm? Far from it, I only ever taught you the form and its flow. Do you think you can see through its essence already? You have yet to grasp the Heavenly Water Sword Art Ultimate techniques, and you¡¯re already this impatient? You should temper your patience some more, my disciple.¡±


    ¡°I supposed you are correct. I may have also been too impatient because of what¡¯s happening as of late.¡± Colt dejectedly agreed. He knew it was the truth. He couldn¡¯t rebuke him. The Chick nodded its head in agreement.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get too discouraged, Heavenly Water Art may be inferior to the Bloodbath Sword Art, but it was still based on the idea of the enlightenment my Master received. It was supposed to be used to slay the Monarch of Waters.¡±


    Colt wanted to feel relieved, but then, a tiny voice reverberated in his ears.


    ¡°WHAT!?¡±


    Neun looked down and saw a fuming Chick. It was trembling from anger.


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem, little one?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem!? You want to ask me! What¡¯s the problem after uttering such blasphemy!? You, humans, had always been like this, full of hubris, too full of themselves despite having little to no actual strength!¡±


    Pah! The newly awakened Fluff smacked its sibling on the back of its head.


    ¡°NYAW?¡± It angrily yelled as it asked what the hell was happening.


    ¡°They were badmouthing Big Sis, and¡­¡±


    Pah!


    ¡°Why?¡± The Chick was confused.


    It was smacked again as Fluff snorted out of spite. It spat on the ground from hate and disgust, ¡°Meow, mew, nyuoo! (Tch, you just had to make me remember that blue bastard!)¡±


    With a glare, Fluff felt its stomach rumbling and looked over at the Chick. Grabbing it by the neck, Fluff walked away, searching for a place to roast Chicken for a midnight snack.


    ¡°I wonder what kind of creature your sibling is.¡±


    ¡°Nya¡­(A piece of shit, that¡¯s what.)¡¯ Fluff answered while fuming with anger.


    Colt thought of many things as he watched a flabby cat knock out the Chick with a chokehold and even start a fire by creating sparks.


    Neun was on the side, with his mouth opened, ¡®How did he do that chokehold? How?¡¯


    Seyer_Jad


    My update schedule would now be every 12:00 at GMT+8 timezone


    There are three chapters ahead of on my Patreon =D, and if you''re wondering why I changed the cover, it''s to match the coming atmosphere of the story

 119. Nun

    ¡°Make sure always to eat. You can¡¯t lose yourself because you¡¯re going away. One must always be aware of their health and retain themselves, okay?¡±


    ¡°Meowwww~.¡±


    Fluff nodded its head as Lyra spoke her farewells. Colt bitterly watched this scene. He felt jealous of the cat who had stolen his little Sister away.


    But what was worst was that Hylda and Filla were also with it, saying goodbye to the flabby cat.


    ¡°Fluff, take care, okay. I¡¯m going to miss you.¡± Said the teary-eyed Hylda. Filla nodded her head by her side.


    Fluff glanced over at Colt and sighed at the pitiful sight of its Partner. It turned its head towards the lasses and raised its right paw, ¡°MYA!?¡± It¡¯s going to be okay, it said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get too jealous, Darling. Fluff helped them overcome the stress of the past days; you should let them have this time. And they already said their goodbyes last night, so you shouldn¡¯t pout like that.¡±


    ¡°But still...¡± he was reluctant to agree.


    Mina chuckled.


    ¡°Yeah, older brother, being too strict may cause more bad than good. You should be a little more lenient, so with that said, do you think you take back what you said last night?¡± Risa pleaded, but to no avail.


    ¡°Give up, go and train to become a Rank-5 Warrior before I return, else I¡¯ll have Mother send you to the Magical Beast Forest. I heard the New King and the one with you are not in the most harmonious relationship. You¡¯ve been slacking off for much these days, learn from Hylda and the little ones at least. Do you not feel shame that Hylda¡¯s catching up on you?¡±


    ¡°Ngn, but I¡¯m not as strong as you¡­¡± Risa grumbled.


    Colt walked over to Risa and gently placed his hands on her head, ¡°No, you¡¯re stronger, and you also have a Dragon, the talent, but just a lot lazier. It would be impossible for you to be weak. I don¡¯t know what kind of Gift you got but at least find a useable way to use it.¡±


    ¡°¡­Okay, but if I reach that level, you¡¯re going to help me search for my second Soul Partner.¡±


    ¡°Deal, I¡¯ll even help subdue the Regal Void Butterfly if you reach Rank-7 before I return.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, don¡¯t worry. Now, just do it and stop worrying about so many things.¡± Colt watched as Risa punched the air. She was delighted.


    Lazy, as she may be, Risa was like Colt in many ways. The fact was that she also loved strong and cool looking beasts. She wanted them to be intimidating to ensure that no one would mess with her even if she does not do anything.


    In a way, she wanted something intimidating to become lazier.


    ¡®I understand your sentiment that lazing around is the best way to live. But I can¡¯t have General Risa Edgeworth sitting by the wayside.¡¯


    General Risa Edgeworth was how the spoilers referred to Risa, but Colt was unsure if those guys were trolling or not. Colt wanted Risa to become stronger so that she could protect the fief even if his presence was nowhere to be found.


    Colt said his farewells to everyone.


    The Count and Countess told Colt to be careful and said nothing more. They trusted him enough to know what to do.


    With that said, Colt leaned in to kiss Mina.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon, Dear.¡±


    ¡°Yes, take care, Darling.¡± Mina affectionately said.


    Colt walked over to the crowd around Fluff and picked up the cat around its nape, ¡°Okay, you flabby cat, we¡¯re going.¡±


    Colt was still a little pissed, but as he begrudgingly picked up the cat, his two daughters hugged his legs and looked up at him, ¡°Take care! Come back home, soon, okay, Papa!?¡± the two enthusiastically said.


    Colt looked at them with a grin. He threw the fat cat on his shoulder and ruffled Hylda¡¯s and Filla¡¯s hairs.


    Lyra saw this and also came running to Colt, giving him a big farewell hug, ¡°Bye, bye, Older Brother! Take care!¡±


    ¡°Of course, of course, I will.¡±


    Colt was grinning ear to ear. He could now see why Fathers act like they do when they see their children fawn over them, ¡®I can even sympathize with Father and Father-in-Law. These three are very fun to spoil.¡¯


    ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll leave now.¡± Colt walked out of the Manor Front Gates. With him were two people, Sera, carrying their rations, and the other was Mary Courtgain silently eyeing Colt.


    When Colt walked away, Mary Courtgain walked over to Mina and whispered, ¡°I¡¯m going to ask him tonight, cheer me on, okay?¡±


    Mina looked at Mary with a simple smile. Tilting her head, Mina slowly nodded her head, ¡°¡­Sure.¡±


    Mary pumped her fist and said her farewells to Mina and the rest.


    Colt noticed them and tilted his head, ¡®How long has she been with us again?¡¯


    He had forgotten of M¡¯s presence. M¡¯s been relegated to a mere bodyguard. Colt had even placed Sera at a much higher status in terms of importance.


    ¡®I forgot; she¡¯s supposed to be a Main Character!¡¯ Colt forgot. He felt a wave of a headache coming for him, ¡®Well, at least Mina¡¯s not bugging me about her¡­¡¯


    He glanced over at Mina as they left and saw her piercing eyes. He shook his head as he smiled, ¡®I don¡¯t even know what¡¯s happening.¡¯


    Mina had been in a precarious position where she was a full-blown jealous yandere and a soft and warm mother slash wife. Colt found this situation harder to read than how she was in the past.


    ¡®Well, who cares, she¡¯s not a bad guy, so who cares?¡¯ Colt rarely worried over anything other than his life, so Mary was far from being a troublesome villain; he couldn¡¯t be bothered to add her to his thoughts.


    He wouldn¡¯t want to add another headache to his already long list.


    After surviving the stares of his soon-to-be-wife, Colt left for real this time around. They left via carriage like always. It was the same old routine.


    Everything was the same as always, he and Fluff fought, Sera was beside them taking care of documents, and Mary was busy playing her newly found friend the Chick.


    All was the same, nothing changed. However, that changed when Colt decided to open the window for fresh air.


    It was at this time that he caught a glimpse of a Dracian Fate Nun walking towards the city.


    She was alone with no guard or escort in sight.


    Almost immediately, Colt¡¯s senses heightened. He had been very cautious of religious people. As of now, religious people in his eyes could either be really fucked up or very helpful. Colt didn¡¯t want to take any chances.


    ¡°Fluff? What do you think?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s clear, I don¡¯t feel anything strange. Her smell is more similar to the Sister back home than the maniac we met.¡±


    The Dracian Fate Nun walked all the way to the Wing City, reaching it in a manner of minutes. She had a pleasant smile on her face, and she was met with the people without any sign of displeasure.


    The Nun bowed her head to those who said pleasant things and prayed for those she saw doing something sinful acts. However, more often than not, the people would look at the lady with bewildered eyes.


    The reason? Her eyes were covered by a yellow cloth. It was a mystery how she managed to see the world with it on.


    The Nun weaved through the crowds. She paid no heed to their thoughts. She reached the foot of the Light Orphanage, and when Sister Mary, who was busily tidying up the front entrance of the Church, saw the smiling Nun coming her way, she immediately rubbed her temples and released a deep sigh.


    The Nun reached Sister Mary.


    With her smile still ever-present, she respectfully bowed before Sister Mary, ¡°I offer my everlasting Fate to the Saintes Mary Poniff.¡±


    Sister Mary looked before the faithful Nun. She could feel her genuine fate, and as Sister Mary smiled, she placed her hand on top of her short sword¡¯s pommel, and a flash of green light exploded to the scene.


    The blindfolded Nun suddenly jumped back without reason.


    With bulging veins appearing on her temples, Sister Mary glared at the blindfolded Nun, ¡°Call me that again, and I¡¯ll be sure to cut your tongue. Did you forget who took your eyes? Fer.¡±


    As a light breeze flew past the area, the nun''s blindfold was cut and drifted down, showing an aged horizontal scar across both eyes.


    Fer smiled, and with her pleasant voice, she spoke once more, ¡°I apologize, let me rephrase my words. I greet Mary Freyja, the Queen of the Valkyries.¡±

 120. Knight

    Colt fiddled with an evergreen leaf he took from the World Tree.


    ¡®The World Tree only has five leaves, including this. They say it would die if it loses all of its leaves. I need to use this sparingly.¡¯


    ¡°You¡¯re going to lose that if you keep fiddling with it for no reason, Young Master.¡± Sera casually warned him from the side.


    ¡°I know, but I noticed that the Dragon Horses recovers quicker when I take it out.¡± Colt argued.


    Staring at the resting Dragon Horses, Sera raised her brows and accepted his point, ¡°But, you still need to put it away. It¡¯s a Mystical Treasure.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I supposed you are right.¡± In the end, he was still scolded.


    Colt put the leaf back to a slim ancient wooden box. He looked at one last time and kept it in his inner pockets.


    ¡°Please, take care of your things and don¡¯t lose them, Young Master.¡± Sera was borderline disrespectful. If it was anyone else, there was a good chance that her master would feel humiliated and would punish Sera to save face.


    But Colt didn¡¯t bother and simply shrugged his shoulders. Though the stigma of a wastrel had mostly vanished, Colt still embraced his past. It was easier to move like that when he¡¯s with his people.


    Though he was viewed as somewhat eccentric for a Noble family¡¯s descendent, Colt could hardly care. The Edgeworth Family was a cluster of such eccentricities. So, who gives a damn, really?


    ¡¯ Acting like this will probably make them think less of me anyway. That should at least obstruct them from thinking I¡¯m trying to become King.¡¯


    ¡°Young Master, I¡¯ll be going to train for the time being. I shall take the Chick with me. I need someone to Carry me back if something happens. Please take the cat if you need to train.¡±


    Sera casually picked up the unnamed Chick and brought it with her. Not only had she been changing to a colder and brash butler, but she was also getting more and more straightforward every passing day.


    ¡°Remember not to push yourself too hard...I just remembered, where is M? I haven¡¯t seen her since we stopped to rest.¡±


    ¡°Erm¡­I think she¡¯s preparing herself for you, Young Master.¡±


    Sera scuttled away with the Chick. She was trembling, and with her back turned, it was unknown what kind of expression she had.


    ¡®M is missing again.¡¯ It had been two weeks since they left for the capital. But every time they make a quick stop, M would go somewhere they do not know. But she would return with a haul of monster meat, so Colt had no problem with it.


    And if he says anything otherwise, M would prostrate before Colt and apologize as if she had just been convicted of terrorism.


    However, Colt would sometimes notice her doing questionable things. As for what those are, it was nothing much but light stalking.


    Colt, in the end, couldn¡¯t find anything wrong with her. If she wanted to kill Colt, she would have done it ages ago, not when they were just about to reach the capital.


    Their traveling schedule had been relatively quick. The three-week travel was lessened to two weeks. Without guards or making stops to a City in fear of being infected, they managed to save a lot of time.


    Colt much preferred it this way so that he¡¯d be able to help create a cure much quicker and get his wedding plan going.


    It would become problematic if her name were to be tainted because of her pregnancy without marriage.


    Colt went somewhere, carrying his training sword. His mind opened, and his body trembled. He swung his sword for the first time.


    Colt was now at the ninth swing, a bit more push, and he would reach the tenth. And with the passing of the night, the tenth swing was realized, elevating his Rank from 5 to 6.


    He fell to the ground with a thud, and with a single breath, he released the air trapped in his lungs.


    ¡®Just a little more.¡¯ He quietly whispered to himself.


    It was then that he noticed a pair of eyes looking at him with great intensity. It was so intense that it was a miracle it didn¡¯t burn him.


    An exasperated sigh escaped him, and finally, he decided to stand up and face the problem at hand, ¡°Do you need anything, Miss M?¡±


    Mary jolted from behind a tree. She froze and walked out from hiding, showing herself to Colt.


    ¡®What the?¡¯ Colt questioned as he found the situation to be rather bizarre.


    She was wearing full plate armor and a Valkyrie Helm. On her left hand was a paladin shield and on her right was a sword much bigger than what Colt used but not so big like a two-handed sword.


    ¡°Are you going to war, I am not aware of?¡± Colt couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°N-no, I¡¯m not!¡± she defended.


    Like a maiden that was pure of heart, Mary squirmed as she tried to find the words to say. And as for Colt? He was too shocked to think properly. He failed to grasp the situation.


    An awkward silence prevailed.


    Only after a few minutes or so did Mary regained her senses to speak, ¡°Y-young Master Colt of the Edgeworth Family, I have come to claim the favor you owe to me.¡±


    ¡°¡­Right, the favor, then, what can I do for you, Miss Mary?¡±


    Colt finally realized what she was talking about and nodded his head. He wanted to play off the part where he forgot about everything, but his silence was rather hard to miss.


    ¡®He forgot.¡¯ Mary felt indignant.


    Mary shook her head as she felt her heartbeat go wild. She could see Colt¡¯s rather irate expression causing her breathing to grow ragged.


    ¡®What¡¯s happening to me? No, no! Come on, Mary Courtgain, get yourself together!¡¯ Mary screamed inside her head, begging herself to get a grip!


    As she lowered her weapon, she took in a deep breath and shouted aloud, ¡°I have been watching you, Young Master Colt. I have seen your good heart and intentions.


    Your bravery and dedication put me in awe, and that was before you charged into the enemy line just to save Miss Mina and Filla. Thus, I have decided that you are the one meant for me. I want to be by your side, supporting you for when you face the world! So, please, let me stay by your side forever!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I love my fianc¨¦e, so I cannot.¡± An almost instinctive reaction came out from Colt. It was the words he kept at heart. The words he would use if ever someone confesses their love for him.


    An instant rejection was enough to bring anyone to tears, but it was only made worse by Colt staring directly at Mary¡¯s eyes.


    It was an unwavering gaze devoid of impure thoughts. Mary Courtgain slowly came into a realization as to what Colt had thought of her words. Her face reddened as she threw the sword and shield away! Mary was thrown into a panic!


    ¡°AH! NO, NO! I didn¡¯t mean it that way! W-what I meant was that I wanted to be your Knight! Someone who will support you and shield you from harm¡¯s way!¡±


    Listening to her, Colt finally understood what she meant. It appears that a misunderstanding had formed.


    ¡°Ohhh, so that¡¯s what you meant. I apologize if I jumped into conclusion, I thought you were proposing to me. It appears that I heard you the wrong way.¡±


    Mary waved her hands around in alarm, ¡°I-it¡¯s no problem, Young Master. I was the one in the wrong. But, may I get your answer?¡±


    As Colt cleared his throat, he stood up straight and looked at Mary¡¯s eyes. In all truthfulness, he doesn¡¯t want to accept her.


    He barely knows her in this world, but he knows her very well when this was just an ordinary story.


    ¡®She is the only daughter of the Courtgain Family, a Ducal Family. The youngest of the two children. She¡¯s very loyal and stands up against Villainy. She faced against a crazed Gilbert to a standstill, she¡¯s currently Rank-8, but she¡¯ll reach Master-level soon.¡¯


    It was pretty clear what his answer would be.


    ¡°I accept. What do I need to do?¡±


    Mary¡¯s eyes brightened as she heard Colt¡¯s words.


    ¡°First, get a sword and kindly cut your palm, enough to draw blood¡­¡± she recited the necessary words.


    Colt used his sword and did what she asked. He didn¡¯t mind getting cut. He was already used to pain. Though it still felt unpleasant.


    As blood escaped his body, Mary Courtgain cut her wrist, letting blood drip down onto Colt¡¯s. As the blood merged into one, Mary took Colt¡¯s hand and knelt on one knee.


    She placed his hand close to her forehead, a sign of servitude and loyalty to those who travel a Knight¡¯s path.


    ¡°I, Mary Courtgain hereby vow that my sword, shield, and life belongs for my Lord¡¯s sake. In the name of the Goddess Root, I seal this Vow with her glorious name.¡±


    Mary then proceeded to lick Colt¡¯s blood, sealing the vow. Colt was taken aback. He had no words and felt like if a certain someone saw him create this vow, his life would be put in danger.


    Flustered, Colt retracted his hands in haste. He wiped his hand on the corner of his pants then heard Mary speak, ¡°From now on, I am now your personal Knight...Master.¡± Mary smiled.


    ¡®¡­Why does the word Master sound wrong when she uses it?¡¯

 121. Cry for Help

    "Knight Mary Courtgain, stand before your Maste¡­Lor¡­stand before me," Colt ordered.


    "Yes, Master."


    Mary picked up her sword and shield. She stood tall before Colt, ''Master¡­'' her heart mysteriously was in trepidation as she thought of those words.


    Colt saw Mary''s eyes change. Although it was deadly, it was not the same danger he knew. But it was dangerous, nonetheless. Colt looked at Mary with seriousness.


    Despite the mysterious repulsion he had with the words "Master" and "Lord", that was now his role, and nothing would change that. Mary would add a fine addition to his collection of people.


    She was powerful and had a large circle of influence. Though betrayal was not out of the question, at least Mary''s loyalty was strong enough for Colt to trust her.


    However, there were still points left unclear. But all that should be clear in time.


    "My Knight, let me ask you, with your honor and your Goddess'' honor on the line, answer me, who am I?"


    She got on one knee, "My Master, my Lord, the only one I would serve in this life!" Her answer was clear, strong, and unwavering.


    "That''s correct, then, Mary Courtgain, who is Colt Edgeworth?"


    "???" this time around, however, she failed to answer as quickly. She lowered her head as she gave her answer, "My Master, My Lord, the one I serve in this life till the end!"


    "That''s wrong."


    "Huh?"


    She lifted her head and saw the amiable expression he had.


    "Just like how Mary Courtgain is not just a Knight but also a lady and a daughter, I am Colt Edgeworth, I am both your Lord and not. Do you understand?"


    "¡­ I''m afraid I do not."


    "Well, at least you are honest. But that is enough for now. I''m going to sleep for tonight, come on, let us go back."


    "Understood, Master."


    Mary was still a little confused, but she regained herself as she saw her newly appointed Master leave. She bore a smile on her face showing the delight of finding a Master to serve.


    Colt, on the other hand, had a complicated expression.


    ''To be completely honest, I don''t even know why Mary would want to become my knight. Nothing comes to mind when I think about the main plot, and I don''t think we''re close enough for her to ask me to become her Master...that still doesn''t sound right. But, this turn of event is better instead of having her turn up as an enemy.''


    He would rather claim her as his than have her appear as an enemy. He does not know what kind of family the Courtgain was. But because he heard from Neun that the Nobles of the capital might just be scheming against him, then it was for the best that Colt accepted her and possibly stopped any possible aggression.


    There was also the fact that Mary made a vow using the name of the Goddess of the Fate she worships, which meant that he could at least trust her vow to be genuine, ''Am I reading too much into this?''


    Colt was unsure. He would love to leave it up to fate, but even that was nothing but a sham, so he could only trust what he can do.


    ''I already have too much on my plate to deal with this complicated conspiracies.''


    Time moved forward, and three days later, Colt and the rest reached the capital. It was noon, yet the roads were desolate.


    Everyone was trying to avoid getting infected. The guards were marching on the streets, watching if people were gathering.


    In most cases, no one would go out, and the carriage from outside the city would be inspected, but Colt only needed to open the window to let them know who he was.


    His credibility as someone who co-created Evergreen was enough to make them feel that he knew what he was doing.


    "Let''s hurry. I do not wish to dally."


    Mary saw Colt''s severe expression, and she immediately knew that the one before her was no longer the Colt she traveled together with. Sera saw Colt, and she was not the least bit surprised. This was the Young Master she decided to follow.


    He was different yet the same.


    Colt was not a good person, but he had the innate desire to help people like any other. But unlike others, instead of merely thinking about it, he acts on it.


    Like Butler Neun had said, ''Despite his cold front, the Young Master of the Edgeworth Family is different.''


    As Colt ordered, they quickly reached the Tiger Manor, where they were met with Butler Go, Jin, and some maids.


    "We welcome your arrival, Young Master." Everyone greeted. The Maids were all well and good, and as for Vyra, she was nowhere to be found.


    ''Jin must have prohibited her from going outside.'' Vyra was just about to give birth. She had survived the Red Rose Poison; it would be her best interest if she doesn''t go anywhere near outside.


    Colt didn''t waste time in waiting for anything else. He got out of the carriage and didn''t even care about appearances.


    "Sera, Mary, take care of the luggage with the maids."


    "Understood." The two unhesitatingly obeyed his instructions.


    "Butler Go, report."


    "Three hundred deaths all over the Kingdom for the past two months. The Kingdom managed to contain the disease, at least to a certain degree.."


    "I see, gather every necessary information about the current situation. However, in these troubled times, I reckoned it was easier to discern what is right from the wrong?"


    It was a vague and unclear statement from Colt.


    However, Butler Go smiled, "I have indeed seen the right from wrong, Young Master, do not worry. As for the letter, I have received it, and I have secured your "sword", for when you receive the medal of honor for your endeavors, Young Master."


    Colt simply nodded his head.


    "Jin, have you found the cure?"


    He didn''t say anything and shook his head. He was too ashamed even to meet Colt''s eyes.


    "help us!"


    Colt was just about to say something when a cry for help reached his ears. Colt looked around, "Who was that?"


    "Young Master, please, pay it no heed." Butler Go worriedly said.


    "Please!"


    There it was once more.


    "Young Master!"


    Colt changed his direction and followed the calling voices. He heard Butler Go''s voice, but he ignored them, and before long, the synched chimes of people entered his ears.


    "I-it''s the Young Master of the Edgeworth Family!"


    Outside the Edgeworth Manor, he saw commoners flocking to their gate, asking for help.


    "The Hero of the South has come to help us!?" An old man questioned.


    "Young Master Colt, please, help my child, spare us an Evergreen antidote. S-she can''t hold on any longer. The pain is overwhelming her, please, help us!"


    All of them, infected with the virus, both old and young, were on his gate, begging him for help. Even a mother holding onto her daughter looked at Colt dead in the eye, pleading, begging him to give him the antidote.


    He can see their veins bulging out of their body.


    According to the novel, the pain one experiences when inflicted with the Red Vein Poison is enough to knock out an adult. To move amidst the pain would risk in the veins to pop.''


    And right in front Colt, he saw people bleeding from either cracked skin or their orifices.


    Colt had been called a Hero not only to pretty his name. People amidst the chaos would find a light to find hope, and Colt became that said light with his multiple achievements.


    "These are the unfortunate of the Slums. We want to help them, but we lack the resources to do so." Butler Go said from the side.


    "HERO, PLEASE, HELP US!" A voice that could be barely heard entered his ears, and yet it was the most powerful voice for Colt.


    Their calls almost deafened Colt.

 122. Guilt

    ¡°Butler Go, bring out the Evergreen Antidote stocks that we have.¡±


    ¡°Young Master, we already gave our stocks away, only five of them remaining in our Manor are usable. You know how hard it is to create an antidote, and with the current supply moving slowly because of the many precautions we must take, production is going further down.¡±


    ¡°Then repurchase the antidotes we sold to the Apothecary Guild. I don¡¯t care how much we lose, just make sure to buy them all.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t. Everything had been ransacked by the Nobles. Only the five that we have here remain.¡±


    The Evergreen Antidote was a rare medicine. It had only been discovered a couple of months back, and the only one who could manufacture it was Jin.


    With Colt¡¯s wealth and Jin¡¯s persistence, Jin managed to manufacture and sell thousands of bottles, but it wasn¡¯t enough.


    The stocks were never enough, it was always lacking, and now, the Evergreen Antidote that used to be 500 Priba a bottle costs 10,000 Priba each.


    Colt was rolling in fortune, he was happy about the development, but seeing so many people suffer, he felt more of a villain than the real ones.


    ¡°Please, I beg of you¡­help her.¡± The pleading Mother¡¯s still resounded amidst the chaos. She was getting weaker by the second.


    ¡®This is going to bite me in the ass later.¡¯ Another stupid idea came to his mind, ¡°Jin!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Young Master?¡±


    ¡°With five Antidotes, do you think you could dilute them and spread them and kill the pain in their body for a while?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s possible, Young Master. But I fear that if we dilute the antidote, only the infected children would be affected. As for the older ones, I think they would be spared from the pain.¡±


    Colt looked around the pleading commoners. The number of infected children was outstanding.


    He drew in a sharp cold breath, ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll go with that plan. Prepare as much as possible, because I don¡¯t think what you have in mind would be enough.¡±


    When Butler Go heard Colt, his mind immediately sounded alarms. His plan was so easy to see through, ¡°Wait, Young Master, you can¡¯t mean!¡±


    ¡°Silence! I know what I¡¯m doing is not fitting, but¡­just look past over it, Butler Go. Now, everyone, including you, Butler Go. Just prepare the medicine. No one is to get out of the Manor without my orders once I open these gates.¡±


    However, before Colt could even take a step forward, Butler Go grabbed him by the shoulders and stopped him dead on his tracks.


    ¡°Let go, Butler Go.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t let you go, Young Master. Please stop this nonsense, just promise them that we¡¯ll complete the cure quickly. What else can we do now?¡±


    ¡°This is your Young Master¡¯s orders.¡± Colt carried a harsh tone.


    However, Butler Go ignored him, ¡°Young Master, you¡¯re going to get infected. I made a vow to the Master of the house to protect the immediate descents from any harm. That also means I have to protect them from themselves.¡± The gentle old Butler had was not planning on backing down.


    A white line appeared on Colt¡¯s forehead. It was still a weak light, but it was there nonetheless. His head became calm, and the rising anger was suppressed.


    Colt faced Butler Go, ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing, Butler Go, and I know why you are worried about me. But don¡¯t mind, I won¡¯t get infected by the disease, I have this little one with me.¡±


    ¡°Human, let him go, he¡¯s telling the truth. Such a weak disease is nothing before the great, I!¡± The Chick nodded its head as it presented its Grand Self.


    Colt shrugged Butler Go¡¯s hands. Butler Go saw Colt¡¯s back who bravely marched forward the danger and could not help but shake his head and flash a smile.


    He then shouted aloud, ¡°Every Gardener, Coachman, and Guard go inside the Manor and do not come out unless instructed! The Maids and the Chefs prepare easily digestible food. Let us go, Jin, I¡¯ll help you prepare the medicine you spoke of.¡±


    Colt heard the movements behind him. Before long, Butler Go left there, and the maids, guards, and everyone else scrambled out of the way, leaving only Colt and two of his Soul Partners.


    The commoners who were begging for help saw Colt walk towards them and a hopeful, albeit slightly flabbergasted expression befall them.


    The Gates of the Edgeworth Manor opened. As soon as it did, Colt walked over the Mother begging him to help her child. He reached over and tried taking the child.


    However, the Mother evaded his arms, not because she was scared of him, but because she was worried, ¡°Young Master, y-you may get infected. We only need a bottle, please, that is enough for us.¡±


    ¡°Do not worry about me.¡± Colt softly stated.


    ¡°I apologize, but I cannot give you a full bottle.¡± With everyone¡¯s eyes on him, Colt insisted and took the child from the Mother. With an infected child in his embrace.


    Looking at the little girl who seemed about as old as Lyra or Filla, Colt felt a pang of guilt. The white light shone ever so slightly, ¡°I cannot fulfill your wish but would you at least wait for an alternative to ease her pain?¡±


    The Mother and everyone else should have mobbed Colt¡¯s gate if this was back on earth, but the commoners? They froze in front of a Noble. They were not afraid of him but were in awe.


    A Noble was someone far above them, someone they should not meet the eyes of, someone they could only revere.


    The act of begging in front of a Noble household had happened many times before, but their endings were not the least bit pretty. However, Colt showed them a kind of expression far from disdain or arrogance. It was a warmth-filled gaze, eyes filled with both kindness and guilt.


    What was he guilty of? They did not know for the only thing they saw was a man trying to help another.


    The Mother looked at Colt. Although she clearly heard Colt¡¯s reminder that he might be able to fully help her daughter, a single streak of tear escaped her eyes.


    She lowered her head as she knelt on the ground and weakly uttered, ¡®Thank you.¡¯


    As she bled from her nose and mouth, the Mother failed to stay conscious.


    Colt quickly caught the Mother with his open arm and entered the Manor with her.


    As Colt entered, not everyone followed immediately. They were too taken aback by this show. Such a display was out of the question for a Noble.


    However, an infected old man followed Colt, ¡°Can you not see his sincerity? You are disrespecting the Young Master by showing such distrust.¡±


    With his words and actions, the people followed the Young Master. Colt could not take them deeper into the Manor, so he had them stay in the front garden.


    It took about thirty minutes the Chef to finish cooking some porridge for the hungry. They tried to take the vat of food directly to Colt, but they were stopped by Butler Go.


    ¡°Do not get drawn by the Young Master¡¯s sacrifice. You may be inspired to help as well, but your ending will not be the same as his. Do you want to end up like those two?¡± Butler Go pointed at Sera and Mary, tied with a rope and watched by a Red Anaconda.


    Butler Go reminded the Chefs and maids who almost run out to help Colt. They scuttled about as Colt went to take the vats, bowls, and utensils to the commoners and began serving them.


    Butler Go watched him with a smile, remembering the words his mothers used to say to him, ¡®A foolish yet brave Martyr who risks it all for everyone and anyone, huh? It appears the legend of the past millennia is getting reborn.¡¯


    Legends from thousands of years ago surfaced in Butler Go¡¯s mind.


    ¡®Hero, was it?¡¯

 123. The Cure

    ''There are many things unknown about the Red Vein Disease. The people infected are at random, but those who are strong are most likely safe. After all, Gilbert, who alone took care of his wife didn''t get infected, does that mean those at Master-level you''re immune?''


    Colt knew all of these points, but he didn''t know how to tell this to the world. After all, he was nothing but a Noble, who knows how to fight at best.


    ''At the end of the day, I''m not the expert who discovered the medicine.'' He was comparable to that of someone who searched for symptoms on google but only checked one source.


    Yes, he could share it and wish for the best, but he was no hero, his every decision does not have a success rate of over 60 %. He was 25% at best.


    Night fell, and many more people came. Hungry and people in pain rushed to the manor seeking solace from the harsh world outside.


    It took some time, but Colt managed to give everyone food and blankets to warm themselves.


    The mana powered lamps around the garden gave light to the people. Colt watched them and the children sleeping.


    As Colt sat under a tree, with his back slumped, he released a deep sigh. The sight before him seemed helpless.


    ''I thought I''d be able to save everyone from the disease because I know the list of ingredients, but it didn''t end like I hoped it to be.'' Colt was saddened, but unlike when he was enraged with Mina and Filla''s kidnapping, he was more tamed.


    Everything was silent. The groans of people could be heard all around them. By this time, there were a total of 107 infected people in Colt''s front yard, 39 of whom were children.


    He was distressed and decided to walk away for the time being. The more he saw suffering people, the more it brought him guilt.


    So, he walked away and reached the back garden, where no one was there.


    As Colt played with the soft body of the sleeping Chick, a meow echoed in his ears, "Nyaa." followed with, "Young Master, how may I assist you?"


    Six feet away from him was Jin, who was brought there by Fluff. He lowered his head as he was just about to apologize for the incompetence he had shown.


    However, Colt stopped him as he threw a piece of folded paper over to Jin.


    "What''s this, Young Master?" He asked.


    "Open it, and you''ll know."


    Jin did just as he was told, and immediately, he saw a list of materials.


    "Herb Grass, Lily Blood Flower, Ice Roots, Froeza, Lascor¡­" Jin listed off the twenty or so ingredients in his hands. He looked at Colt with a flabbergasted expression, "Y-young Master, t-this is."


    "The list of ingredients is supposed to be the cure for this disease. I got it from the supreme commander of the Eastern Commander Corps I fought with down south."


    "Wait, did you have this with you the whole time, Young Master!? All around the Continent, thousands of people had already died! And I heard that another surge was happening at the North!" Jin felt quite betrayed as he became irate. It was a given as Colt could have ended this whole thing in a heartbeat but, for some reason, didn''t.


    He was an Apothecary, and just like what Colt promised him, he became a Hero of sorts. However, that came with a price as for the past months, the whole Continent had been pressuring him to do better.


    No one said anything to his face, but the pressure was still there. That was because the anxiety came from himself.


    In his mind, he thinks that the death happening around the Continent was because of his incompetence. Colt had already foreseen this possible future, and he was informed that this deadly disease might ravage the Continent.


    Indeed, it happened, and they were unprepared. The whole Continent was unprepared, "If I had done better...then we wouldn''t be in this situation, Young Master."


    Tears fell from Jin''s eyes as he weakly said, "This is hard, Young Master Colt. Many people had died because I failed to create the medicine they need...that you told me to create¡­I¡­am an...Apothecary, and it is my duty to save them with my medicine. But¡­I am failing at my role¡­I am failing your trust, Young Master."


    In the end, the only reason why he blamed Colt was to escape from the one he hated the most, himself. Colt watched Jin break down. This would not have had happened if he didn''t help him live through his original fate. But still, Colt didn''t regret saving him.


    Colt listened to his tone and then shook his head, "Keep quiet for a moment, and listen to me."


    Jin rubbed his tears away as he looked at his Young Master.


    Colt took in a sharp cold of breath as he spoke, "That ingredients I listed was what I managed to decode from the mind of the Supreme Commander that I killed. I got it by chance, Mina''s mind was attacked and so was mine, but, because of Fluff''s protection, I managed to inherit some of his memories¡­until just a moment ago, Fluff had been deciding that bit."


    "NYAAAA~" Fluff sounded out as it tried to convince Jin.


    Jin looked at Colt''s unwavering eyes. Jin''s trust at Colt was already immense; after all, he was the one who gave him the chance to live a new life.


    Now, the only thing he needed now was to trust himself. As Colt looked at Jin, he gave him a nod, "I know you can do it, Jin. You have already tried and failed, but this time, you can do it! You can save them."


    As his mind cooled, he lowered his head, "I¡­shouldn''t have doubted you, Young Master."


    "It is not your fault. You have been on edge for the past months. But I ask of you for one final push, do you think you can help me save everyone in the Continent?"


    With a determined gaze, Jin nodded his head, "Yes, Young Master."


    "Good, then, have Mary follow you to the Apothecary Guild if you need materials. I only gave you a list of materials. You have to think of the process yourself."


    "Don''t worry, Young Master. I won''t fail you."


    Jin left, despite his mind being riddled with questions. A question like "Why does that Supreme Commander have the list" came to mind, but he didn''t ask them as he thought he was losing valuable time.


    The Chick watched Jin leave as it asked in a whispering voice, "You lied to him, didn''t you? Older brother has no such powers."


    "It''s better this way. Some things are better left unknown. Also, you''re going to get a tub full of food once this is over." Colt gave Fluff a thumbs up.


    And Fluff drooled.


    Colt looked at the moon again, he closed his eyes and thought, ''I didn''t have a choice.''


    He took the risk and tried to save everyone. His excuse had many holes, but for now, to keep his conscience from falling apart, this would be enough.


    If Jin carried the guilt of incompetence, then Colt bore the weight of the life-saving ingredients slash materials.


    Colt sat on the ground then as he was just about to finally take a rest, he remembered an important character, ''Gilbert!''

 124. Not Enough

    As Gilbert wrung out the water out of a towel, his eyes became proof that his mind was clouded. The energetic warrior who braved even the fire of a Dragon had grown thinner.


    His body was void of motivation and strength. His gusto was nowhere to be found. The act of doing the dishes which he used to love was no more. He was a different man compared to when he was a teacher.


    But his senses were still as sharp as before.


    ¡°Ngn¡ªack! AhhhHHHH!¡±


    A subdued groan that transformed into a scream of pain reached Gilbert¡¯s ears.


    In haste, he ran and grabbed a vial on the kitchen table behind him. In a rush, his pinky toe stabbed the doorframe¡ªdestroying it in the process¡ªhe hurried along and reached the bedroom where a sick woman lay.


    A woman with purple hair and a spiraling horn on the left side of her head twisted and turned on the bed. Interconnected purplish veins protruded all over her body.


    ¡°Elpyie!!¡± screamed Gilbert as he hurried to her side. He opened the vial of Evergreen Antidote he had with him and quickly held down his wife.


    He tried giving it to her through the vial but failed. He quickly downed the Evergreen antidote and gave it to his wife through the mouth.


    Elpyie¡¯s four limbs thrashed about, her now extended claws cut through Gilbert¡¯s unprotected skin. Only after Elpyie drank the medicine did she show signs of calming down, ¡°How do you feel, Elpyie?¡±


    Gilbert asked as he slowly retreated and touched his wife¡¯s face. Elpyie smiled at his words, ¡°Of course, I am. We demons don¡¯t bend over such a minor affliction. Your wife is strong, ngn¡­¡±


    Elpyie showed a strong front, but that proved difficult as her words were followed by coughing a mouthful of blood.


    ¡°Elpyie, please, don¡¯t push yourself.¡± Gilbert panicked as he moved aside. His eyes showed nothing but anxiety, softness, and pain.


    Elpyie, however, smiled at her pain, ¡°Don¡¯t frown, I thought¡­you became a brave warrior¡­seems like my little Gil¡­ hadn¡¯t grown up after¡­all.¡±


    ¡°Haha, don¡¯t worry, I was just talking to Elder Zartract in town earlier. He told me the legend of the Guardian Behemoth again. It just¡­made me cry is all.¡±


    Gilbert touched Elpyie¡¯s weak and tender hands. He showed her a wonderful smile, Gilbert pushed down every other emotion other than happiness from his eyes¡ªhe tried to look happy, but what appeared was nothing but desperation.


    His voice trembled, and as Elpyie¡¯s mind grew weary by the second, she did her best to grasp his hand. With a voice even weaker than a child¡¯s, Elpyie stated, ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡±


    Gilbert tried his best to smile as he weakly nodded his head, ¡°Of course¡­of course, you are.¡±


    Elpyie closed her eye. As she slept against the pain, it just goes to show how much pain she was in.


    Gilbert touched Elpyie¡¯s hands on his forehead. For ten minutes, a silent whimper escaped the man who once claimed the life of a Dragon.


    When he raised his head, he lowered Elpyie¡¯s hand and stood up. As he closed the door as silently as possible, Gilbert went to the kitchen and thew vial he had with him.


    He went to the medicine cabinet and found the remaining three vials of Evergreen Antidote. Inside the medicine, there was a bundle of papers. Fifteen pages worth of detailing his wife¡¯s unique conditions he himself wrote today laid out before him.


    He took out another piece of paper and began writing once more.


    ¡®Week 1, Day 4 of her new symptoms and complications. The purple veins she developed on the fifth day had become darker in color, and with this change, so does the increase of the pain. The Evergreen Antidote thankfully still works, but the previous three days of pain relief it is used to provide before this sudden mutation turned to a mere twelve hours.


    ¡®I only have three more vials, and I fear that I¡¯ll burn through the vials soon. I may be being too shameful for this, but may I ask for more? You don¡¯t have to give it to me for free this time around, I¡¯ll pay for them no problem.¡¯


    Elpyie was just like the other infected a week and a half ago. Because she had a healthier body than humans, Elpyie wasn¡¯t as hindered when it came to Red Vein disease. But when Gilbert returned from hunting a wild game, he found Elpyie on the floor with purple-colored veins.


    Unlike the red veins where she only felt uncomfortable and mild pain, this time, it made her scream.


    Gilbert didn¡¯t know what to do, and he went to the Tiger Manor to inquire what was happening, but even they had no idea what to do.


    In the end, Jin could only prescribe to take Evergreen Antidote and inhibit the pain. Now, after the passage of weeks and days, his reports about Elpyie¡¯s condition remained constant as per Jin¡¯s request.


    As Gilbert finished the letter, he took the other fifteen papers and rolled it together. He called upon a Hawk from the ring that he wore. The hawk was about twice the size of an ordinary one, and its color was as red as magma.


    ¡°You¡¯ve grown thinner since I last saw you, Gilbert.¡±


    Gilbert could only smile at the worlds of his Soul Partner. He passed it the letters, and it didn¡¯t even ask what to do. The hawk flew off without so much as a word.


    Gilbert stared at its disappearing figure and whispered, ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡±


    Gilbert cleaned the house and placed a vial on the kitchen table to ensure he¡¯ll be able to get it when he hears Elpyie. Gilbert walked outside, the moon was hanging really low, and as his house was on top of the highest hill three kilometers north of the Kingdom, the moon seemed closer.


    As he sat down on the steps of the porch, Gilbert wished that this nightmare would end.


    ¡°Goddesses, please, help me get through this¡­help Elpyie, please, she¡¯s the only one I have left.¡±


    At the age of 49, Gilbert had no children, neither did he have any of his parents left. Elpyie was the only he had left. He had companions and friends, but they do not hold the deep connection he had with Elpyie.


    Thinking more about it, Gilbert felt complex emotions more and more. He held onto a white wing pendant he wore around his neck and wished for Elpyie to get better.


    ¡®Goddess Light, please, help us through this. Please, give her your light, heal her, rejuvenate her life energy. Elpyie had always been devoted.


    Gilbert stared at the moon that was said to be one of the many personifications of the Goddess Light.


    ¡°Might I ask if you are Sir Gilbert, the Dragon Slayer?¡±


    Gilbert raised his head and saw a young man dressed in a priestly robe. An odd expression surfaced on Gilbert¡¯s face. As he wiped away the forming tears, Gilbert asked, ¡°Yes, that would be me¡­Father? How may I help you?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s lovely, Horus is my name, and I am a priest from the East. I have heard that the Heroic Gilbert¡¯s wife had contracted a disease.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes, that is correct.¡±


    ¡°I came here to offer my prayer to the Hero¡¯s wife, but it appears like you were already devoting yourself to the Goddess.¡±


    Gilbert nodded his head as the two of them stared at the moon. An awkward silence pervaded the atmosphere that lasted until Horus suddenly asked, ¡°Do you wish to save your wife?¡±


    From the bottom of his heart, Gilbert nodded his head, ¡°Yes, I¡¯d do anything to save her.¡± A melancholic smile blossomed on his face.


    Indeed, he was prepared to do anything for Elpyie. After all, she was his life.


    ¡°What if I say that I have a way for you to save her?¡±


    ¡°Really!? Please, tell me!¡±


    Gilbert immediately jumped on the thought of hope.


    Horus showed Gilbert a genuine smile, ¡°I would love to tell you, but I have a tiny bit of problem that I need to be fixed. If it can just¡ª¡±


    ¡°Tell me, and I¡¯ll do it! Just help me with anything you ask of me, Sir Priest.¡± Gilbert didn¡¯t need to hear what he needed to ask. He accepted oh so quickly without a hint of doubt.


    He was blinded, but as Horus showed Gilbert a smile, ¡°That¡¯s great, then, please bring the Apothecary Jin and Colt Edgeworth¡¯s head.¡±


    ¡°What? You must be joking, right?¡± Gilbert¡¯s smile cracked.


    ¡°No, no, I am not. I am in fact, serious. Jin and Colt Edgeworth had done something really bad to me.¡±


    ¡°Leave.¡± Gilbert turned his back on Horus. Disgust appeared in his heart, not for Horus but for him as he considered in actually taking the offer, ¡°Leave now and never return, you damn Priest.¡±


    Horus casually glanced at Gilbert and whispered to himself, ¡°I knew doing this too quickly will not convince you otherwise. Such a tough psyche you have. But you should really think over, Sir Dragon Slayer.¡±


    Gilbert sensed a massive amount of Mana brewing overhead. He looked up, and he saw a dimly lit giant circle hiding from him from beyond the clouds.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to come to this but¡ª¡±


    Without missing a beat, Gilbert made his move. His fist was already just seven inches away from Horus¡¯ face.


    ¡®The Supreme Spell has not been completed. If I kill him, it will deactivate.¡¯


    Gilbert aimed to blow Horus¡¯ head off with a single punch. But he had to agree, this Horus person was not the sharpest in the group. After all, actually went face to face against a Warrior without proper preparation.


    If Gilbert¡¯s fist was to hit Horus, then everything would end.


    ¡°Gilbert?¡±


    ¡°Elpyie!?¡±


    But then, saw Elpyie appear before him. The trajectory of his fist would hit her.


    ¡°Shit!¡± With all his strength, Gilbert forced his fist to move to the side. He crashed to the side as he dislocated his shoulder.


    But he didn¡¯t care as he quickly turned to look at where ¡°Elpyie¡± stood, and the only one he saw was a hand radiating with a Healing Mage¡¯s Mana.


    A tight grip caught Gilbert¡¯s head. He became unable to move for odd reasons.


    Gilbert and Horus locked eyes, and Gilbert saw Horus laughing, ¡°Oh, how much your mind has deteriorated, Sir Dragon Slayer. To be caught in such a minor illusion.¡±


    A white light devoured his Gilbert¡¯s sight.


    But he didn¡¯t fail to see it, from above, a young man clad in black aura descended with a sword in hand.


    Slash!


    Colt had arrived.


    Seyer_Jad


    Three Chapters ahead on Patreon

 125. Flee and Defeat

    "Butler Go."


    "Yes, Young Master."


    A single call summoned the aged assassin dwelling in the shadows.


    "Do you have an aviary kind of Soul Partner? Preferably something with high speed."


    "I have a Shadow King Raven who glides through the night. As it is the full moon, its speed is comparable to even that of a Lunar Roc."


    "Good then, call it, I''m going to use it and go somewhere."


    Colt said in a severe tone. He sounded urgent, and Butler Go couldn''t argue with him. He wanted to ask what was going on, but he first called a four-meter large feathered beast.


    The Raven soared to the skies, Skrriiiii! Its screech pierced the skies.


    Butler Go bowed as he asked, "Where should I deliver you, Young Master."


    "No, you stay here. I''m going out alone. This place needs someone to protect it. I have a bad feeling that someone might come to attack us if you leave."


    "That proves to be impossible, Young Master. Dark Shadow doesn''t follow a stranger''s orders."


    "That''s right, puny¡­"


    PaH!


    "Shut up."


    A crisp slap fell upon its face¡ªit instantly got tamed by Chick.


    "There, solved." Colt turned his back to Butler Go and mounted the Raven while dragging the flabby cat. He then asked Chick to order the Raven, "North, Chick."


    "You heard him, go north."


    Skriii, a rather unenergetic screech echoed. As they left, they passed by a bright red hawk, but Colt didn''t bother with it.


    Colt and his Soul Partners soared beyond the clouds, and as Colt reached a few hundred meters away from his destination, he saw a dim magic circle that had the radius of twenty meters circled the supposed hill where Gilbert and his Wife''s residence was.


    Seeing this caused Colt to worry.


    Fluff who was acting as lazy as ever jolted up as it felt something, the Chick was the same. The two of them stood on the Raven''s head, both staring at the hill.


    The Chick was worried and stomped on the Raven''s head, "Hey, chicky, put your back to it. Hurry up, or else I''ll crush your head."


    "YES!" The Shadow King Raven did not dare dally and cut through the air upon hearing the King''s order.


    But Colt was still in the dark.


    "What''s the situation, you two?"


    "I don''t know how you predicted this, but there is indeed someone similar to Olivier in that hill. And this one, the strength of its Light is far stronger than Olivier''s." Fluff gave a dire answer.


    "But is it strong enough to affect Gilbert''s mind? Gilbert should be as strong as Father or Teacher, is his mind going to be infected with their Light?"


    Fluff began to think and considered the different factors in play. The lazy cat was in deep thought for some time, "If we''re talking about the red bear-like human I met back then, I supposed he shouldn''t be affected. It will cause him to be confused, but he should be able to shake it off. His mind seemed strong enough."


    Colt clicked his tongue at his words, "What if his mind was weakened? Do you think he''ll get devoured?"


    "There''s a strong possibility." Fluff answered quickly, "The Light Element could devour and play with anyone''s mind. This Light might not be as strong as an Apostle''s, but it should be enough to deal with the weakened human."


    "¡­" Colt was silent. He stared silently on the horizon, his mind occupied by many thoughts.


    The Chick''s voice then echoed, "I can feel the fluctuation of the Light Element."


    Colt was panicked until Fluff''s light took over his mind. With his mind clear and devoid of useless thoughts, he considered many options of attack.


    He could sneak up on them and try to take them out in silence or gamble. He was considering the former, but a flash of little white light entered his sight and quickly instructed, "Dive, Raven."


    "Yes!" it didn''t dare defy.


    Colt''s eyes turned sharp. The Shadow King Raven swoop in faster than any arrow could. But a commentary of the Light Element from the Chick alerted Colt and caused him to stand up and kicked the face of the Raven to send himself darting forward like a bullet.


    He drew his sword and clad himself in dark aura, hiding from detection to some degree. Colt''s blade glided through the air, and as the white light devoured Gilbert''s visage, his sword was already in the midst of a slash.


    Slash!


    The swing was fully realized! Colt''s aim was the neck. He was not going to let this so-called Priest get away from him.


    But then, something bizarre occurred. With three fingers clad in Healer''s Mana, the Priest caught Colt''s sword.


    The Priest turned its head towards Colt, and when it saw his visage, the Priest''s amiable expression disappeared.


    "I am baptizing him. Do not bother me!"


    The Priest said, and without him noticing, a Chick somehow found itself on the tip of Colt''s sword. It looked at the Priest and then turned its tiny beak into the most effective weapon¡ªit poked the Priest''s eyes!


    "AAhHH!


    The Priest screamed in pain and held onto his eye. With one hand on his eye and the other on Gilbert''s face, the sword was now free.


    "Die for me!" Colt made a slash and cut through the man''s body. The Priest''s blood spurted like a fountain.


    And as his grip on Gilbert''s face loosened, Colt delivered a devastating kick on the Priest''s chest, sending him spiraling to the air!


    As Colt performed somersaults and twisted his body multiple times, his left hand found itself on Gilbert''s head. He initiated absorbing the Light Element! But as soon as Colt sensed the amount of Light Element injected in Gilbert''s mind in such a small timeframe, he was left speechless.


    ''This amount is surprising, to say the least, and this power, it''s stronger than a Ninth Circle Mage''s Mana.''


    Colt could feel his bones cracking. The World Devouring Mark writhed and twisted as it continued absorbing the Light Energy.


    Colt''s arm swelled as he continued to absorb more mana, but as the mark spread from his left palm to his left shoulder and even chest, the Light Element was finally out of Gilbert''s system.


    ''This is too potent; I might die if I try using this.''


    The Light Element was a versatile Element, but what he just absorbed was too strong to increase his strength. There was a possibility it might burst his mind if he used it now. That''s the no-no ending he wants to avoid.


    "Ngn."


    "Sir Gilbert, are you all right?"


    As Colt heard Gilbert''s groan, he went to his side, inquiring for his well-being. Gilbert slowly lifted his body from the ground. He was still groggy and disoriented, however.


    "I''m fine, thank you¡­but what are you doing here, young Edgeworth?"


    "I heard of your Wife''s condition, and I left to check on you."


    Colt lied as easily as breathing.


    Gilbert opened his eyes and clutched on his head. He looked ahead and saw the Priest lying on the ground with a pool of blood.


    "Did you do that?"


    "Yes, I saw him attacking you and acted on my own. Why? Do you know him, Sir?"


    "I don''t know him, he came here and asked of me to do something egregious and attacked when he threatened me¡­wait, are you okay, Colt?" Gilbert noticed that Colt was sweating bullets as Colt limped towards the Priest''s body.


    He wanted to dispose of it.


    His face was pale, and he seemed to be struggling.


    "I''m¡­not fine. I''m actually struggling to keep a straight face." Colt turned to look at Gilbert.


    "Why? What''s wrong?"


    "It''s nothing, I¡ª" Colt was talking when he suddenly shifted his body back and tried his best to swung his sword in retaliation. The Priest made its move while Colt was distracted.


    Colt managed to dodge the first strike. But then, three fingers managed to break his sword and stab his right hand, effectively incapacitating him.


    "What!?" Gilbert''s eyes widened as he saw Horus slowly appearing out of mid-air. He was supposed to be dying from blood loss, but there he was, appearing before Colt with bloodshot eyes.


    Gilbert glanced at the place where Horus lay and saw a dissolving body, "Illusion?"


    Another illusion managed to pierce the already heavy mind of Gilbert.


    While he realized what was happening, Horus had already successfully taken care of Colt''s right hand. Unlike Gilbert, Colt actually saw what the Priest did.


    After all, no illusion could fool his mind. He was unaffected. Yet he still failed to dodge him, and Colt noticed that the Priest'' wound had already begun to close.


    ''He''s stronger than before?'' Goddamn, two-stage bosses.'' he cursed.


    And with Colt''s left all fucked up and unusable at the moment, Colt was sitting duck and was an easy target to kill.


    Horus then opened his mouth to speak, "You''re the one who killed my Senior, right?"


    Gilbert was still groggy from the effects of multiple mental assaults. Gilbert moved to help Colt, but it would be too late already if he reaches the two. If Colt receives anything severe, then there''s a chance he would die.


    Colt saw a pair of deranged eyes, and as he saw Horus'' bloody fingers aiming for his head, Colt made an immediate decision to use the stored Light Element in his body.


    Calling forth one-eighth of the Light Element, the World Devouring Mark writhed and reached the left side of his face. An imaginable amount of pain assailed his body.


    The Chick quickly noticed what Colt had done and activated its gift, slightly alleviating the pain.


    ''I have five seconds to deactivate this.'' he made a quick estimation.


    With what little he had and the Chick''s assist, Colt was given five seconds to live through this encounter.


    He was now a Rank-9 Warrior. With his right hand fucked and his left hand would explode from the overwhelming amount of Light Element if he uses it; thus, he used his head and headbutted Horus.


    Bam!


    Horus was taken aback.


    2 seconds passed; 3 seconds remained, both his eyes were now bloodshot from the overflowing energy.


    Colt twisted his body to the side and raised his right leg.


    1 more second passed.


    Colt drew everything he had and spent one second before delivering an axe kick, "Die."


    Swoosh!


    Horus'' left shoulder took the direct impact.


    BAM!


    Crack!


    The ground formed under Horus formed a web-like crack.


    Spurt!


    Colt''s right leg was now destroyed. A bone stuck out, and a fountain of blood filled the area. The Light Element was ejected out of his mind; the accumulated pain assailed his body. From his eyes to his toes, everything creaked.


    Horus was also in pain, but he used Healing Magic to regenerate and regain as much strength as quickly as possible and used the Light Element to stop the pain from interfering.


    Putting three fingers together, he aimed for Colt''s head.


    However, Colt locked eyes with Horus and whispered, "Checkmate."


    Horus was flabbergasted, but before he could even react, an enraged Gilbert gathered his strength and delivered a punch so devastating that it sent Horus flying dozens of meters away.


    Gilbert looked at Colt, but the only thing he heard was the injured young man, shouting, "Go! Don''t worry about me and kill him, tis but a scratch." He said with a bone was sticking out of his leg.


    Gilbert passed Colt and attempted to finish off Horus, who was still bouncing off the ground like a ball.


    Gilbert didn''t hesitate. He could see Colt was sure that he''d be fine.


    "Fer, come out, I''m going to hunt."


    Another ring of his shone a green light and what came out was a wolf. Zara exploded in Gilbert''s body, and his body began to mutate.


    Fer''s red fur appeared all over Gilbert''s body. His forearm, legs, and his sideburns grew out the fur.


    His body became leaner than muscular. He became more of an Apex Predator than a human.


    His speed became faster, and his senses as a Hunter increased. He doesn''t want Horus or anyone else to escape.


    The Illusionist must be hiding somewhere else. Gilbert decided to deal with that person later.


    But then, as Gilbert appeared right on top of Horus with a clenched fist, a child with Golden hair appeared.


    "Hello, there."


    A girl around the age of eighteen appeared before him, she reeked of Prana, yet she held a knife.


    She stabbed forth, targeting Gilbert''s eyes.


    Gilbert quickly went to parry her blade, but his hand passed through her first attack, and the same hand that disappeared before him reappeared next to his head and had already deeply stabbed into his left shoulder.


    Gilbert roared and suppressed the pain. He could feel his shoulders growing numb. He deduced that the knife must have been laced with something.


    His right hand was still perfectly fine, however. He gathered his strength and delivered a powerful strike, "Wolf Fangs."


    Gilbert punched and aimed for Horus and the mysterious girl, but when he did, the only thing he managed to hit was thin air.


    "Fer, where are they? Go and find them!"


    He called out, but then, he heard tittering followed by a playful voice from the golden-haired lady, "Heh, heh, heh, not that I think you can actually search for us, but do you really think you have the time for that? Why not try looking up?"


    Gilbert looked up and saw the activation of the half-baked Supreme Spell.


    The Supreme Spell was half-baked and was not finished. But it was an Area of Attack. Thus, it was something Gilbert could not ignore, especially it was targeting his home.


    The mana gathered, and then, it swirled. A red beam came from above. It seemed like a laser.


    When he saw this, Gilbert quickly made his move and jumped onto the roof of his house and then sprung up to face against the Supreme Spell.


    With him was the Giant Wolf Fer, who, together with him, ripped the spell before it could even reach the ground.


    Fwooooosh~ Bam!


    Gilbert landed on the ground and gazed towards East where the woman with the golden-hair escaped to. He was rather pissed and confused as to what just happened.


    As for the woman with golden hair, she was already a few hundreds of meters away and looked back at the hill, "That Edgeworth Kid was dangerous, all of my illusions didn''t work on him. Good thing the Supreme Spell managed to be charged to operational status. If not, that guy may have been able to track me down."


    She was afraid of Colt despite being a Grand Pantasia-Class Illusionist.


    And as they escaped, Colt was biting on his shirt as he endured the pain of the consequences of his actions.


    Chick managed to convince him it would be better not to use the World Tree leaf because it was too valuable. And because Colt wouldn''t die from blood loss, he was persuaded to wait and be later healed by a proper healer or in the most ancient way¡ªby waiting.


    ''Come on, Colt, don''t cry, come one, you can do it!''


    He cried.

 126. None can resist this Lord

    ¡°¡­Are you okay?¡±


    Gilbert¡¯s inquiry was sincere, but to Colt, it sounded more like sarcasm.


    He drew in a sharp breath as his tears silently escaped, ¡°I¡­could be better.¡±


    Colt was rationalizing everything to not freak out and have a worst experience than he was having. While in that state, Colt asked Fluff, ¡°Hey, can¡¯t you suppress this pain? Turn off my pain receptor to free me from this fate.¡±


    ¡°Nyaaa.¡± Long story short, Fluff couldn¡¯t do that. So, Colt would have to suffer some more. But then, the Chick snuck up on him and hit the back of his head, putting him to sleep.


    Colt blacked out with a thud, leaving Gilbert and the two little Soul Partners to stare at one another.


    ¡°Human, can you pick him up? I can¡¯t exactly drag him with his current state.¡± The Chick ordered without so much as a hint of respect.


    ¡°O-okay.¡± Gilbert didn¡¯t mind and did what he was told.


    Colt was his savior. If not for his timely arrival, then whatever it was Horus was planning would have come to be. So, despite his injury, Gilbert willed through it and picked Colt up.


    Gilbert took Colt inside the room. Colt was placed in an empty room; the bed quickly dyed with his blood.


    A bone sticking out, three holes on the right arm, and a swelling left arm with ruptured veins was not something a normal person could survive from.


    Gilbert looked at Colt with worry in his eyes.


    ¡°Are you sure he¡¯ll live? I know the Master of the Magic Tower; she¡¯s someone proficient in the use of Healing Magic.¡±


    The Chick gave Gilbert a quick glance as it hopped on top of Colt¡¯s chest, ¡°He¡¯ll live, don¡¯t worry. Back home, his wife always heals him when he gets so much as a tiny cut, so he can¡¯t get used to my Gift. Having him on the verge of death will grant us a better connection.¡±


    The Chick sat on Colt¡¯s chest, and a bright crimson and purple light appeared. From underneath its soft body, a mix of crimson and purple mark reminiscent of fire became a source of his life.


    A giant source of vitality appeared inside the room. It alleviated Colt¡¯s pain and even affected Gilbert¡¯s weary mind.


    The Chick slept together with Colt. Gilbert could see that a large amount of vitality circulated inside Colt¡¯s body. It was an amazing amount, beating even Gilbert¡¯s own.


    ¡®Amazing.¡¯


    It was truly a sight to behold.


    While all that was happening, a tiny wolf cub strolled in the house. It was Fer, the red wolf returning from its patrol.


    ¡°They managed to escape. The golden-haired woman was indeed at Pantasia-Class.¡±


    ¡°She set up a Domain on the trail?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°A Pantasia Illusionist and a Sorcerer, what an odd combination. Sorcerers and Illusionists rarely get along, and yet two Masters of their Paths attacked me tonight.¡±


    It was a weird encounter, and it proved that Gilbert was not a proper match for them. He may have been unprepared, but still, the combination of the two was not something to be messed with.


    Gilbert went to get a bandage and pain killers. The stab wound he got was not a laughing matter.


    ¡°This would take at least a week before it gets better¡­I better go to the Magic Tower before Elpyie wakes up.¡±


    Gilbert tried to patch Colt up as much as possible, but his hand was slapped away by awakened Chick.


    ¡°Let it be, he won¡¯t die, that¡¯s good enough!¡±


    The Chick was not going to take no for an answer, and Gilbert was left with his head hanging. He became depressed. All the while all of this happened, the passage of time continued.


    Before he knew it, nine hours already passed, and then, he heard it, a scream of pain.


    ¡°Elpyie!¡±


    His tiredness went away, and Gilbert slipped out of the situation. Gilbert took the vial he already prepared and rushed to Elpyie¡¯s side.


    Gilbert disappeared to the second floor, leaving the still sleeping Colt and the two Soul Partners. Fer was outside, keeping watch of the surrounding. It chose to stay out for obvious reasons.


    Fluff was also awakened from his slumber. At first, it was annoyed, but something suddenly that caused its ears to shot up. It did something rare, move in haste.


    It left Colt and everything else in search of a source. It was led to an open room. Peeking from the gap, Fluff saw Elpyie. Its eyes strangely shrunk for a moment, but also recovered just the same.


    ¡°What happened to your shoulder, Gil?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I was hunting earlier and encountered a Brizza. It caught me off guard, you know how sneaky the bastards are.¡±


    ¡°Is that¡­so?¡±


    A quick exchange was given. Elpyie didn¡¯t return to sleep as fast as before. For a good hour, she and Gilbert talked for some time.


    Gilbert talked about the untimely visitor they had downstairs but made sure to not speak of what happened earlier. The fight could not be disclosed to Elyie, for it might add to her stress.


    ¡®She¡¯s already suffering just staying awake.¡¯ Gilbert wanted to keep his wife¡¯s load as light as possible.


    Fluff remained outside the door; it had stopped peeking at them for some time. It was in deep contemplation and with a shoulder shrugged, it though, ¡®It¡¯s no longer my problem.¡¯


    Fluff turned its back on the door. He had no intention of getting involved. However, a few minutes after leaving, a commotion echoed from below.


    ¡°Brother? Where are you taking that?¡±


    ¡°Somewhere, it could be used.¡±


    ¡°Wait, brother, I was using that to calm his mind!¡±


    ¡°Shut it, I¡¯m going to activate my Gift, so it won¡¯t be a problem!¡±


    After the little exchange of the tiny creatures on the first floor, Fluff returned to the second floor with the box containing an evergreen colored leaf.


    The door opened with a creaking sound, catching Gilbert¡¯s and Elpyie¡¯s attention.


    As soon as Elpyie saw Fluff, her eyes shone brightly, ¡°EEEEEE, it¡¯s, cough*, cute.¡±


    Elpyie somehow powered through coughing up blood. She extended her hand and called for the flabby cat to enter her embrace.


    Fluff meowed and jumped on the bed. It got on Elpyie¡¯s embrace. Upon getting close, Elpyie felt lighter than before. A nice and cool feeling assailed her; it was a refreshing feeling she had not felt days prior.


    Fluff held the box near to Elpyie as closed as possible. It didn¡¯t care what Elpyie did; it stayed there without so much as a sound of displeasure.


    ¡°Whose cat is this?¡±


    ¡°I-it belonged to the student who visited. It¡¯s rather friendly, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Elpyie clearly knew that the disease could not be contracted by an animal, and with such an adorable being visiting her, Elpyie couldn¡¯t help herself from hugging it.


    Gilbert, however, could not help but feel flabbergasted at the sight of Elpyie acting so energetically.


    Gilbert looked at the cat whose action he could not comprehend.


    ¡®I-it¡¯s a miracle.¡¯


    Gilbert had the urge to bow before this cat. It wouldn¡¯t be weird if Gilbert was to enshrine this cat and have this Dragon Slayer treat him as the Apostle.


    An hour later, Elpyie felt tired and fell asleep. Fluff escaped from her embrace but left the ancient wooden box.


    Gilbert was just about to beg it to stay by Elpyie¡¯s side as it feared that the ¡®miracle¡¯ it witnessed may disappear. He couldn¡¯t bear to see his wife suffer once more.


    Fluff, however, beat him, ¡°I know what you¡¯re going to say, and yes, I can talk, and as for how she got better, that ancient box is special. I¡¯m going to leave the ancient box here, don¡¯t open it or it will stop working. Just hang on, the cure is being worked on by the Jin girly-boy.¡±


    Gilbert watched Fluff exit. This would be an experience he would never forget, and right then and there, Fluff reached the top of the board Gilbert respected.


    However, one question remained, how did the cat know that his wife loved such species?


    That was a silly question that the Lord Phat Fluff could easily answer.


    ¡°No one can resist this Lord.¡±

 127. Noooooo!

    Colt woke up at around five when the sun had yet risen from the east.


    ¡®Ack¡­dammit, this still hurts.¡¯


    The pain was still very much present all over Colt¡¯s body. The Chick lied about everything being all right. He couldn¡¯t feel his right leg, and both arms were fucked. His head was pulsating, and his body was burning for odd reasons.


    ¡®Though that warmth is rather pleasant.¡¯ He¡¯d at least give the Chick that.


    He also lost the urge to cry and scream. It may have been because he got used to the pain, which did not sound good to Colt.


    Either way, it was not good.


    ¡°Hey, Chick, I don¡¯t think I can get used to this. I need to go to a proper Healer; I¡¯ll lose my mind if I endure much more. Let¡¯s just break my bones later. That sounds more pleasant than staying like this.¡± His words were very soft; it was almost a whisper, but it should have reached the Chick.


    It didn¡¯t even respond.


    For someone who¡¯s on the verge of dying, Colt was even talking calmly to sound nice. However, that didn¡¯t matter, for no one heard his words.


    As he creased his brows, Colt looked at the heavy ball of feathers on his chest. He blew on its round and imperceptible behind and asked, ¡°Did you even hear me?¡±


    It didn¡¯t even to notice his calls. This irritated Colt. Having an almost broken body, it was vexing when no one even noticed his cry for help. It may have been his fault for lowering his voice too much, but that didn¡¯t quite register.


    ¡®Do I have to lose my head for proper healing...? I miss Mina.¡¯


    He needed help, and he was prepared to let the Chick know of his presence. He moved his head and bit on the Chick, but then, he saw the view clear-out and with a purple Chick in his mouth, he saw it, an odd and bewildering view.


    ¡°What.the.hell?¡±


    A cat was reclining on a chair with a soft pillow as a cushion. There was an assortment of colorful berries on the left armrest, and on the right was what seemed to be the spine of the roasted fish Fluff devoured.


    But the most bewildering of all was the one on the ground, on his knees with both hands creating an elaborate, almost mystical set of movements; Gilbert, the Dragon Slayer, was happily massaging Fluff¡¯s paw.


    Colt and the cat met eyes; they didn¡¯t separate for some time. And slowly, without a hint of guilt, the cat took one berry and asked, ¡°Meow??¡±


    It asked whether Colt wanted some or not.


    Colt looked at it with unanswered questions. He was too shocked even to comprehend such a sight. He was more shocked at this cat¡¯s shamelessness and this overall situation than when he found himself playing Uno with three Goddesses while watching one of them steal pudding.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    In the end, he failed even to make any appropriate retort. He just felt¡­exasperated about this whole situation.


    Pituu!


    Colt spat out the Chick while he was at it. The Chick still could not regain itself. It was too shocking to see Fluff being treated like it was some Deity.


    Colt could hear it speak the words, ¡°Sovereignty and regain¡± repeatedly from its corpse.


    With a sigh and a body aching so much, Colt asked, ¡°So, what is happening right now?¡±


    Fluff waved its paws around as it explained, ¡°Nya, nya.¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re cute? Shut up. You¡¯re not helping.¡±


    Colt turned to Gilbert, who he so much respected hours before this display, ¡°Sir, please, stop that, it¡¯s simply deplorable, and I can¡¯t help but want to smack that cat for enjoying it without so much as a sign of guilt.¡±


    ¡°Mya!? (What did I do?)¡± Fluff felt wronged.


    ¡°Shut it, and please pass me a sweet berry. I have not eaten since last night; I can¡¯t move, so feed me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sir Gilbert, please stop at those words. I respect your strength and your deeds, so it simply feels wrong thinking you hand-feeding me berries¡­Ugh.¡± Colt shivered at the thought.


    Fluff sighed at the words of this human and shook off Gilbert. Carrying the bowl, it kicked the Chick out of the way and jumped onto Colt¡¯s chest. The cat begrudgingly stuffed the food in Colt¡¯s mouth.


    It was now Gilbert¡¯s time to watch how the cat he treated like a Deity serves Colt.


    Colt and Fluff looked at Gilbert and asked, ¡°What?¡± ¡°Nya?¡± they were genuinely confused.


    Gilbert shook his head at the situation. While watching Fluff feed colt, Gilbert chose to excuse himself.


    ¡°It appears that the Young Master is hungry. I¡¯ll go and fix us a meal if you¡¯d excuse me.¡±


    Gilbert was also hungry from all the foot massages he did. With Gilbert leaving the room, Colt, Fluff, and an idiotic Chick remained.


    ¡°So, what exactly did you do to make Sir Gilbert do that? I don¡¯t remember you doing anything to make him kneel before your flabbiness.¡±


    ¡°Mya.¡±


    ¡°Stop saying, ¡°because I¡¯m cute¡±, just tell me what you do.¡±


    ¡°¡­Mew¡­¡±


    Fluff recounted the events with a sigh, how he saw Gilbert¡¯s wife and how he found her pitiful and handed her the Ancient Wooden Box, which Colt kept with him at all times.


    ¡°I call bullshit.¡± Colt was not impressed with its lies, ¡°You¡¯re a heartless being who watches me die and deceive my daughters and youngest sister to buy you food and rub your belly¡­¡±


    ¡°Nyu!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that shit about it being a fee for your lessons on cat tongue! I¡¯ve seen how you effectively, somehow taught Mina and Sera how to speak it; why can¡¯t you do it with them? You hack!?¡±


    ¡°Nyani!? Meow! Meow, mya, mew, nyaaaaa!¡±


    ¡°I know I¡¯m the hack, I¡¯m no master, nor am I perfect noble. But at least I don¡¯t act, wait...hmmm.¡± Colt realized that he somehow shot himself on the foot on that conversation.


    ¡°Nyeeee? (See?)¡±


    Colt gritted his teeth as he thought, ¡®How the hell am I losing an argument with this cat?¡¯


    He was perplexed, and Fluff managed to masterfully diver the conversation from its source. The Lord was indeed, skillful.


    Gilbert was cooking food when he noticed the time and heard the subtlest of audible sounds coming from Elpyie¡¯s room. The pressure from the wood being stepped on entered his ears.


    From the sounds of it, Elpyie was walking, but then, Thud, she fell. A low grunt echoed in Gilbert¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Elpyie!¡±


    When Gilbert opened the door, he found a kneeling Elpyie on her knees. She was trembling from the pain, and yet she kept her form.


    Her forehead touched the ground, and both her arms lay flat on the ground. Her palms touched the wooden floor.


    The wooden box was on the bed, far from her reach.


    Gilbert moved in haste to get to her side and assisted her up, ¡°Elpyie, what are you doing? Also, do not let go of this for the time being.¡±


    He scolded as he helped her back to bed. The wooden box was also handed to Elpyie.


    ¡°Why are you even praying at your state?¡±


    ¡°Heh, heh, I thought of praying to the Deity after so long. It had been too long since I made such a sincere prayer.¡± Elpyie giggled as she stated.


    Gilbert took note of the time and noticed it was already that time of the morning. Most Demons like Elpyie pray to their Deity and God at this timeframe. It was said that they were born from their Deities¡¯ flesh.


    Demons and beastmen were inherently full of devotion, for they were the closest to their Deities.


    Colt could hear from the first floor of Gilbert¡¯s loud voice.


    From the tone he had, it was different.


    ¡®His tone, it¡¯s different.¡¯


    ¡°Fluff, did you give them a timer on how long they can use the box?¡±


    Fluff shook its head.


    ¡°Well, let them keep it for the time being. It¡¯s helping them much more than it can help me.¡±


    Fluff nodded in agreement as it looked over at the bone sticking out of Colt¡¯s leg.


    ¡°Meow nya.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I really need a Healer to stick my bones together.¡±


    Sadly, it would be three hours later until Elpyie would fall back to sleep.


    It was only when noon was about to strike that Gilbert remembered he also needed to go to the Magic Tower to be healed. After eating and watching Fluff feed Colt, it was finally time to leave.


    ¡°Will you come with me, Young Master?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I need to get healed up and get back to the manor, I have to do.¡±


    Gilbert nodded his head and then created a makeshift stretcher with some bamboos and cloth.


    ¡®Good thing I¡¯ve been into crafting.¡¯


    Gilbert had many items to spare.


    Colt was carried out of there by the hawk that had just returned from the Edgeworth Manor.


    The hawk was rather depressed after returning empty-handed, but after witnessing Gilbert rub the feet of a flabby cat with respect, it forgot about the matter.


    Gilbert didn¡¯t seem to have shown much reaction after returning with only three Evergreen; thus, it reckoned that everything was alright.


    ¡®If Gil is not worrying about it, then no one would.¡¯


    It had already known how much Gil loved Elpyie.


    ¡®His complexion had also brightened after my return. It appears that everything is going well.¡¯


    They arrived in the Magic Tower, and Gilbert took the rest. He spoke with some people.


    Colt heard his name multiple times but, that was more to inform who he was.


    People carried Colt¡¯s stretcher, and after seeing how badly injured he was, all of them were slack-jawed.


    ¡°How is he still alive?¡±


    This was the first question Colt heard when he was getting carried inside the Magic Tower. He felt secured as he felt a genuine concern in their voices.


    But then, he heard someone utter the words, ¡°I want to dissect him; he may be a unique kind of human.¡±


    "Yes!"


    "I''ll ask the Tower Master!"


    It was then that Colt remembered a certain description from the novel.


    [The Magic Tower is a congregation of the smartest and most eccentric of people. They view Magic as their life, and once something piques their interest, they would use all their power to see the answers. They will stop at nothing and even go as far as experimenting on a different life¡ªincluding humans and any of the five races.]


    The Magic Tower had a lot of people from different species. They did not discriminate, for they were all lunatics. And as Colt entered the Den of lunatics, in their eyes, he seemed to be the most interesting subject they had in a while.


    Once more, he fucked up.


    "Noooo!"

 128. Lucille Yola

    ''The horrors of the Magic Tower should never be opened to the public. Their experiments ranged from safe to questionable and even downright illegal if done outside their territory.


    ''The Magic Tower operates the same as a Pseudo-Kingdom where they have their own sets of rules. They allow the use of humans to further the development of Magic, and no one in the Five Powers of the Continent says anything against them.


    ''Why? That''s because they are the source of about 90 percent of the magical technology advancement.''


    Colt recounted the history of the Magic Tower he received from the novel. As to why he was doing this pointless and drawn out explanation, it was to distract himself from the tittering of the maniacal Mages that surrounded him.


    With his broken body lying flat on an operating table, in some gaudy room filled with the necessary tools to take him apart piece by piece, Colt tried his best to distract himself.


    ''Just keep on sleeping, Colt, do not show any form of life. They might find a reason to actually dissect you if you are awake, they will convince you with some nonsense. They are strong, and they are many. Just believe that being a Noble will save you.'' He was simply hoping for the best.


    "The reports said that he was inflicted with this injury last night at around 7:38. They use no tourniquet or anything to stop the flow of blood, from how big the wound, I can very well say that he should be dead of blood lost by now."


    "I agree. But he has an abnormal amount of blood. The question is, does he have that amount of blood because, with his size, he doesn''t."


    "His vitality is abnormally strong, it''s not as strong as a Dragon''s, but it''s not weaker than a Magical Beast, a Blazing Tiger may be an appropriate comparison specimen No. 004¡ªlet''s just inspect his body. I think that would be the quickest way to do it."


    ''Oh shit!'' Colt felt the danger from them, "Excuse me!?" he instinctively called for their attention.


    With piercing eyes, Colt saw the Mage''s piercing eyes.


    They were like Mina''s¡­but different in the creepy sort of way. Ten to twenty Mages gathered around Colt like he was some newborn turtle surrounded by birds.


    It didn''t look pretty.


    "You are finally awake! We were wondering when you''ll wake, ahem, we have about twenty questions for you, can you please answer them for us?"


    "Wait, wait, I''m sure I was taken here to be healed. My leg is in pain, and my body is in tatters, I''m going to die if¡ª"


    "You won''t die, sir Patient." A robe-wearing lady mage said with a smile, "If you are worried about dying, do not worry, the bleeding had stopped, and when we inspected your wounds, there was no hint of infection. If we take out the part where your bone is sticking out and your arms incapacitated, you are healthier than most people."


    She said those words with a smile¡ªa very, enthusiastic smile.


    With a cold expression and bullets of sweat dripping down his face, Colt swallowed his saliva, "That doesn''t change the fact that I am in pain."


    "But it doesn''t seem like you are in pain, Sir Patient. Your eyes, speech, and overall take in such extreme conditions are too natural, you can''t be in pain."


    They had a point Colt could not say anything otherwise.


    "I came here with Sir Gilbert; may I ask where he is? I need to ask him something, really, really need to talk with him for the time being."


    "He''s talking with the Tower Master; they have an important talk at the moment. Now, with those questions answered...can we examine your body?"


    Colt shook his head with every ounce of strength he could muster, "Most definitely not!"


    The Mage''s smile didn''t deteriorate, "Do not worry, we will be very gentle."


    Colt''s mind jolted as he heard the words of these Mage. He felt danger, and against all the odds, he was prepared to fight for his life, ''I''m not going down without a fight.''


    Colt was ready to slap some Mages.


    Bam!


    The doors suddenly opened, "Where is it!? Where is the undying man you spoke of!?"


    A woman who was too well-endowed appeared above Colt. Her two weapons dangling just over, as if to tempt him into being dissected.


    "Look down, you harlot."


    Gilbert''s voice came from the direction of the doors. Colt finally found some semblance and safety.


    ''I''m safe.'' Colt felt relieved. His sight was then covered by the beautiful visage of a mature woman. A bespectacled woman was presented to Colt, ''Oh, she smells good.''


    The woman pouted after inspecting Colt, "Awww, I can''t dissect him. Gil, why didn''t you tell me it was Mina''s husband!?"


    "You didn''t let me finish report."


    Colt could hear their words, but his attention was more of the ramblings of the Mages around him. The atmosphere became heavier at the mention of "husband" and "Mina" in one sentence.


    "H-he''s Colt Edgeworth? Shit! Why didn''t you say anything!?"


    "Shut up, you didn''t say anything either."


    "W-we''re screwed, we are fucking screwed."


    Everyone who surrounded Colt earlier was thrown in a panic. Both old and young, no one was safe from fearing Mina''s name.


    "Tower Master, I''m going on a quick vacation, please, excuse me."


    "Me too." "Me too." "Me too." "Me too." "Me too."


    Colt heard the multiple escapes of the Mages.


    He accidentally exchanged gazes with the Tower Master and asked, "What''s with them?"


    "Oh, don''t mind them. Mina did some questionable things to every Mage in here except for the Elders, the fear they experienced that day remain to this very day. Oh, don''t think badly of Mina, she was training her Healing Magic then."


    Colt could only imagine Mina using Healing Magic to break someone and heal them to get better at her craft. It sent a shiver down his spine¡ªthat was his wife, after all.


    "I got him covered, do not worry. You should return, for now, Gilbert."


    "I don''t think I should, I need to get him back to his Manor and¡ª"


    "I''ll take care of it, do not worry. I have some things I need to talk to him about."


    Gilbert could only nod his head in agreement, "I shall see you later, Young Master."


    Colt gave Gilbert a pleading look to not leave. But Gilbert didn''t notice it, or he was ignored, rather.


    "Stop giving such pitiful expression, Young Edgeworth." the Tower Master snapped her fingers and lifted Colt''s body with Mana, "I''m going to fix you in my room¡ªare those two with you?"


    The Tower Master pointed at one corner of the room where Fluff and Chick were happily sleeping.


    Colt was made to nod in reluctance. With another snap of the finger, the two floated up, and the three were brought to somewhere.


    The Mage Tower had multiple levels, and at the highest, the 10th level was the Tower Master''s room.


    There was something similar to an elevator in the Mage Tower, where a platform automatically brings up someone up.


    The Tower Master did not use that and walked up the stairs. All the while doing so, her playful voice reached Colt''s ears, "Do you know who I am, Young Noble? Or do you need me to introduce myself?"


    "I am already aware of your identity, Tower Master. The Strongest Mage in the Kingdom and Mina''s master, Lucille Yola. Mina told stories about you."


    "Is that so?" Lucille smiled at his words, but then, a giggle escaped her, "Young Noble, I heard you fell for my disciple the same day that you met?"


    "Yes, that is correct", Colt answered without thinking much about it. He may or may not like Mina at first sight, but he did go with it quicker than he thought.


    "You don''t find this, at all wrong?"


    Colt was intrigued by her words, but in the end, he simply threw the idea on the back of his head, "I do not."


    "You know that my disciple is a Mage, right? It is common knowledge that the Healing Element is the Goddess Light''s gift to everyone after the last Hero sealed the Monsters terrorizing the Continent to replace the Light Element she took. Do you not feel at all feel something is off with your emotions?"


    "What are you trying to say, Tower Master? Everyone knows I am not that bright, so can you stop being so cryptic?" Colt''s patience was tested.


    "What I''m saying is that the Healing Element can also interfere with the emotions like the Light Element. Do you think Mina manipulated your mind in some way? After all, do you not think it is impossible to find love at such a small time?"


    Finally, Lucille''s prying question reached Colt.


    She had always been worried about her student''s mentality. Mina was the perfect student, she was dedicated to improving, but that dedication''s source was also her weakness.


    Colt didn''t answer so quickly. Lucille stopped her steps as she turned to look at Colt, "It appears I was too insensitive with my words s¡ª"


    A peal of weak laughter reached Lucille''s ears. Colt was smiling while looking at the Tower Master.


    "You seem to be amused, Young Noble."


    Colt did his best to reel his laughter, "It is me who should apologize, I''m sorry. You see, I don''t know why you, Tower Master is asking, but I''ll be honest, I don''t really know if Mina did anything to my mind, but I can tell you that I don''t really mind. She came to my side when I was at my lowest. I was afraid of her at first, and it is indeed ridiculous to hear I fell for her after a day, but it simply happened. Being manipulated is not that big a deal for this trade-off, really."


    Colt remembered how just a week prior to then, he was tossed away after being fooled, ''I find her love heavier than a brick most times, she''s jealous about everyone, and I even fear her sometimes, but she''s also genuine and caring. She also accepted my situation, so, if being manipulated a little is the price for someone like her, I don''t really mind.''


    Every word had no hint of a lie.


    "You are weird, Young Colt. But I supposed I can see how someone like yourself can fall for my disciple. I didn''t even think you''d say those things about your future wife."


    "¡­ I''m sorry?"


    "Don''t mind, I already noticed that about my disciple''s odd behavior. Oh yeah, you also have to add a very heavy disdain to that list, hahahaha!" Lucille laughed, "I deem you worthy of her¡ªthough that''s already too late as I heard she''s already expecting. Oh yeah, Healing Mages can''t control or even affect emotions, though we can read them to a point."


    Lucille''s laughter echoed in the Mage Tower.


    Lucille Yola had been with Mina since she was young.


    She did not admit it, but she feels that Mina sometimes feels like more of a daughter than a disciple.


    When she heard Mina was getting engaged to someone, a wastrel no less, she felt her heart beating wildly.


    She wanted to meet him as soon as possible, but she couldn''t because of various reasons. And when she finally got to mee him, Colt was in a comatose, so she didn''t get the chance to talk.


    But still, after hearing his answer, she was sure that he was at least not faking it.


    ''Well, at least I don''t have to torture him and make his existence dependent on Mina.''

 129. The Great Trade

    ¡°Young Colt, the process of healing this kind of injury is going to hurt, just a tiny bit. But do not worry, I will heal you like your wounds were never there in the first place. Are you okay with that?¡± Just as they reached the ninth floor, Lucille felt the need to warn and ask Colt such words.


    Colt saw Lucille as a caring Master. Thus, he didn¡¯t think much about it and agreed, ¡°I trust you, Tower Master.¡±


    ¡°I will not fail you, Young Colt,¡± Lucille uttered with her back turned to Colt.


    As they reached the tenth floor, they were barred by a steel door filled with runes. No one could enter that room unless it were Lucille or Mina.


    After Lucille did some fancy hand movements and painted lines on the air using mana, the runes glowed and the door opened with a creak.


    All of the windows in that room were closed, only the lights of the glowing runes provided light. And as the doors closed with a creak, Colt heard a very subtle continuous laugh from Lucille.


    He swallowed his saliva, and before the doors closed, a scream reverberated in the Magic Tower.


    Inside the Magic Tower, screams were nullified by the runes they placed around the area. They did it so they will not get noise complaints so much.


    However, one particular scream threatened that as Colt screamed on top of his lungs while his bone was reconnected. He found one of the most traumatizing moments of his life.


    Colt¡¯s eyes were widened. He was too shocked to even comment on what the hell just happened. It somehow took an hour for his leg to get reconnected, and in that hour, Colt experienced pure horror.


    With cold sweat dripping down his body, Colt trembled, ¡°Y-you¡¯re scarier than Teacher Neun¡­¡±


    His experience could never be told.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be such a pussy. I did my best to reconnect your bone and heal you up, no problem. Cut me some slack. You didn¡¯t even die. Complain when you die, not when you survive.¡±


    Lucille proudly uttered. Colt, in the end, stayed silent. Talking to Lucille was not going to go anywhere, no matter what he says.


    As Colt stretched his body, he remembered something and asked, ¡°Tower Master.¡±


    ¡°Just call me Lucille or Miss Cille.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Miss Cille, do you have any more Purple God Shards I can take?¡±


    ¡°NO!¡± Lucille immediately answered as she moved to one corner of the room where she protected her stash. She seems pretty eccentric, to say the least, ¡°This is my precious stash, and I¡¯m using this to learn about the secrets of lightning and become the first Lightning Mage.¡±


    Colt looked at this petty maniac and sighed at her pathetic sight, ¡°If you¡¯re experimenting to become the first Lightning Mage, then there¡¯s already someone who beat you to it. Someone already mastered Lightning Magic by now.¡±


    ¡°What!? Who is it? Who dare steal my glorious experiment?¡± Lucille crawled towards Colt and grabbed his shoulders.


    ¡®She¡¯s strong for a Mage.¡¯


    ¡°Miss Cille, please calm down, I¡¯m going to tell you what¡¯s his name anyway, so please do not act in this manner.¡±


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    Like how touchy scientists were back on earth in terms of their experiment topic, Mages were the same because their identity correlates with Magical Technology.


    They would kill to get the upper hand on someone who researches the same topic as they were. In the City of Magic Orthuna, it was a cutthroat business when they present their Thesis.


    Colt could see how severe Lucille¡¯s expression was in this.


    ¡°It¡¯s Yrva, the heir to the Genesis Family!¡±


    ¡°Genesis Family?¡± Lucille moved away from Colt. Releasing a deep sigh, her disappointment was unmeasurable, ¡°Well, that makes sense.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not surprised?¡±


    ¡°Grand Sorcerer Astrape proposed the Theory Lightning Magic, someone from the Genesis Family of the past. It¡¯s not that surprising. His treasure may even be with them to help with the process.¡±


    Colt remembered something vital, and something inside him clicked, ¡°Astrape? Treasure? Are you talking about the Lightning Orb of Astrape?¡±


    ¡°You know of it, Young Colt?¡±


    ¡°Well, I have read about it multiple times.¡± Colt nodded his head as he remembered trading the location of the Lightning Orb for Yrva¡¯s and Jin¡¯s safety. It was a Magic-related treasure. He couldn¡¯t use it, so he handed it to the most trustworthy Mage he knew, Yrva of the Genesis Family.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know much about it, but I heard it¡¯s one of Mystical Treasure of the World, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that Lightning Orb of Astrape was one of the seven Mystical Treasure gifted by the Goddesses. Grand Sorcerer Astrape was the strongest Sorcerer of his time, and he fought with the Master of the Elves then to fight the Beast of Lightning and Fire.¡±


    While Lucille was telling Colt the story, tossed him a rolled scroll.


    He opened the scroll and an image of three people atop a mountain fighting against a beast possessing three pairs of wings.


    The image was vivid. The two were marked purple and the other green. The person honored with the purple controlled the lightning from beyond the dark clouds, and the one with the green mark braved the cyclone of fires drawing its attacks.


    ¡°The one marked purple should be Astrape, and the green should be the King of Elves, then, correct? But who¡¯s the one leading the charge?¡±


    In the middle of the battle, there was someone else drawn in full black. It caught Colt¡¯s attention very much.


    Lucille walked over and looked at the scroll, ¡°Oh, that¡¯s the one who had the World Devourer you now have.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that¡ª¡± Colt quickly turned his head to Lucille, his mouth gaping wide. A smirking Sorceress locked eyes with him. Before he can even reason, Lucille already grabbed his left hand.


    ¡°I knew it was the World Devourer.¡±


    ¡°Let go! I¡¯ll tell Mina on you.¡± Colt felt an indescribable pressure from Lucille.


    ¡°Tell her then. I can overpower that twerp any second. She¡¯ll hate me, but if I don¡¯t make any moves on you, then I¡¯m on the green. She¡¯ll forgive me.¡±


    Colt also came to that realization. If Mina was a full-blown yandere then there was no chance she would forgive Lucille. But she wasn¡¯t so Lucille had a point.


    ¡°How did you even learn that I have the World Devourer?¡±


    Lucille giggled, ¡°Quite simple Young Colt. When your left arm was cut off, I was the one who attached your arm. When I was reattaching your arm, that black mark you have sucked up my mana. And earlier, though it was minuscule, I can feel a hint of Mana in your system through that mark, you may fool Mina, but you can¡¯t fool a True Sorceress like myself.¡±


    ¡®So the reason she took so long was because of this thing?¡¯ he knew something was up. And being in the situation that he was in, Colt grew helpless.


    ¡°It seems like I can¡¯t hide it anymore. Please, let me go. I¡¯ll do whatever you want except giving you my left arm.¡± Colt knows he wouldn¡¯t die, so his voice instantly became calmer. Lucille already knew. There was nothing he could do.


    Lucille raised her brows; it was a shocking statement from Colt. But it was an acceptable one, ¡°Heh, heh, I beginning to like you more and more.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, I supposed. So, Miss Cille, what do you need from me? I need to go back to the Manor; I have people to care for. I forgot, I want you to help me with something if I help you with this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you with anything if you answer my questions. So, I¡¯ll get to the point, if you know the location of the World Devourer, then you must know of the location of the Lightning Orb!¡±


    ¡°Oh, I traded that off for someone¡¯s life. I¡¯m sorry, but Yrva of the Genesis Family already got that. You must already know I¡¯m telling you the truth. He did become a Lightning Mage.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Lucille was silent for some time, ¡°Ahem, so that¡¯s how he managed to become a Lightning Mage. No matter; what about the World Tree? That is the ultimate form of Healing Magic. If I can get my hands on that, I¡¯ll be¡ª¡±


    ¡°I gifted that to Mina as her Bride Token.¡± Colt was brutally honest. Lucille didn¡¯t peg him as the maniacal slaughterer, so he was honest with her. Besides, she couldn¡¯t possibly hope to raid the Genesis Family for the Lightning Orb or kill Mina for the World Tree.


    And just to prove Colt¡¯s point, Lucille began sulking on a corner while fiddling with her thumb and pouting.


    ¡®So that¡¯s where Mina got that trait.¡¯


    It was a fascinating sight.

 130. Schemer Colt

    ¡°Have you calmed down, Miss Cille?¡±


    Lucille weakly nodded her head. Her chances of getting a Mystical Artifact had been dashed, and becoming the first Lightning Mage was now over.


    ¡°I give up.¡± The only rational thing for Lucille to do now was to sulk. After all, she had no backup plans. Lucille turned to boiled shrimp on one side of the room, ¡°This is boring, I think I¡¯ll go hibernate. Nothing is going on anyway.¡±


    Colt somewhat responsible for destroying her motivation and goals. He walked up to her with a ¡°stick¡± and poked her with it checking if she actually did start hibernating, ¡°Miss Cille, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°My physical body has no problem whatsoever. You can say that I am fine¡ªLife suddenly seems bleaker than before.¡± Lucille made a deep, deep sigh. She no longer had anything in mind, ¡°I¡¯ve been researching Lightning Magic for seven years, but it seems like I need to come up with another theory to pursue¡ªeven that seem troublesome at the moment.¡±


    The breaks in her life were abruptly pressed. It was too shocking even for her. She became listless without a goal in mind, ¡°Young Colt, I heard Mina¡¯s expecting, do you think you can hire me for a babysitter? I still have three hundred years of lifespan to burn.¡±


    ¡°Three hundred!?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you know? I¡¯m half Ancient Elf, a quarter Demon, and a quarter human, though I don¡¯t have the standard features of the other two races, I¡¯m mixed blood.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡®Then again, she¡¯d make one hell of a babysitter. She can even double as a guard.¡¯ He was actually considering that fact. However, seeing Lucille act in this manner, an epiphany struck him. A once in a lifetime opportunity arrived.


    ¡°Miss Cille, if you have nothing better to do, I can propose something that will let you send waves all over the continent, no, all over the world. If you hear me out, I¡¯ll assure you that you won¡¯t find it boring.¡±


    Lucille peeked over her shoulders. She didn¡¯t believe he could propose something more interesting than becoming a Lightning Mage or the peak of Healing Magic, but she still asked out of desperation, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Colt opened his mouth, and from the instant the idea escaped his mouth and entered Lucille¡¯s ears, Lucille¡¯s expression changed multiple times throughout Colt¡¯s explanation. From a worried to a smile, to a sneer, and to a maniacal grin.


    ¡°So, what do you think?¡± Colt was hopeful.


    ¡°Colt, you¡¯re bold for thinking of this. I¡¯ll do it, so don¡¯t let anyone know of this.¡± Lucille was reborn. The idea of hibernation drifted away, and a somewhat devilish smile emerged from her angel-like face.


    ¡°That¡¯s good, I¡¯ll trust you¡¯ll be able to do it.¡±


    ¡°Leave it to me!¡± Lucille¡¯s laughter echoed throughout. Colt laughed with her, and after a few more minutes, he was led out of the room with the Chick and Fluff, and before Lucille shut herself inside, she left a few words to Colt, ¡°Contact me only when you¡¯re getting married or when Mina¡¯s going to give birth. If there¡¯s nothing big going on, don¡¯t dare to enter this tower and look for me.¡±


    Bam!


    The Tower Master of the Regalus Kingdom Magic Tower had officially shut herself out from the world.


    Colt looked at himself and at his Soul Partners. He had a fully functioning body, with that, Colt finally decided to leave. But then, he saw the Chick biting on the scroll he was reading earlier.


    ¡°When did you snuck that out?¡±


    ¡°While no one was looking. Don¡¯t worry, this is no treasure or anything, just a simple scroll, she won¡¯t miss it. Now, get us home. The Old Human Butler may have heard your words of ¡°Strong people not getting infected¡± but he might be too much of a coward to help.¡±


    Colt didn¡¯t argue with the Chick and carried the two back home without so much as arguing, and he didn¡¯t know why but when he walked out the Magic Tower, the patrolling guards couldn¡¯t meet his eyes.


    They were scared of him for reasons he could not understand.


    ¡®Is there someone causing a problem back at my place?¡¯


    He had read this situation before. Thus, he ran without missing a beat.


    ***


    Inside a carriage where every inch of the interior was beautifully sculpted, was a man with evergreen hair. He was handsome, and had good posture.


    In his hands were three recording crystals. The recorded feed of each had already been analyzed by him, but the third and newest of them was still left open.


    It was a feed taken from a roof away by a spy. It was a scene where Mary Courtgain was bowing to him.


    ¡°So, she pledged his loyalty to him instead of me? I see so that¡¯s why she disappeared so suddenly. Duke Courtgain is trickier than I thought. For him to let his daughter leave and have her pledge with this man just to escape picking a side?¡±


    The man smiled and then crushed the recordings. He was not amused with the situation.


    ¡°You seemed displease, Prince Trist.¡±


    A peal of laughter then entered his ears from across him. It was a man with scarlet hair. He was reasonably well built, and a scholarly aura radiates from his body.


    Trist looked at him as he blew away the dust of the recording crystal, ¡°I don¡¯t like him. This Colt Edgeworth seems too elaborate with his movements. He is slowly gathering strength. Mary Courtgain, Mina Vera, the soon-to-be Alchemist Jin, and even Vyra Genesis, his Faction is not that big at first sight, but the power he possesses is not to be messed with.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the reason why we¡¯re coming to meet with him? To convince him to give you his support. If we can get him to side with you for tomorrow¡¯s banquet, then you¡¯ll be able to contend with the Crown Prince.¡±


    ¡°I know. You do not have to remind me every single time.¡± Trist lowered his head, he carried a solemn expression, it was his wish to become King, and for it to come true, he must first battle with his older brother, the current Crown Prince.


    Prince Trist does not like Colt for apparent reasons.


    ¡®He seems two-faced, than most nobles. He acts like the noblest of them all. He even showed obvious disgust for violence, but he was always embroiled in a fight in the short time he was in the academy. He doesn¡¯t show his fangs, but I know people like that do not exist. He must be someone who hides his fangs and acts in the shadows.¡¯


    Trist very much see Colt as someone close to a scheming bastard. Trusting such a person is not worth the trouble, but Trist needed help to contend with the Crown Prince.


    And as the carriage stopped just before the Tiger Manor doors, Trist prepared himself to meet with a controlling man. He strengthened his mind and got ready. And as the carriage doors opened, a figure dropped from the sky.


    ¡°What Happened!?¡±


    ¡°Get into formation! Protect the Prince!¡±


    Trist opened his eyes wide as a wave of guard blocked the path of the audacious assailant.


    As the dust settled Trist¡¯s world was shattered as he saw Colt Edgeworth, a white long-sleeved shirt dyed red with blood.


    ¡°What the?¡±

 131. Shattered

    ¡®Is this Colt Edgeworth?¡¯


    Trist was left flabbergasted at the sight of Colt. Blood splattered all over his clothes.


    It was a sight to behold indeed. Colt stood there, exchanging gaze with Trist. Trist was a tall man; he was the same height as Colt.


    But despite being separated for 20 steps, he felt tiny compared to him. Colt Edgeworth radiated an aura that¡¯s as dangerous as a ravaging beast.


    ¡®Is this the son of Shickly Edgeworth? It appears I have been wrong of him.¡¯


    Speechlessness struck to him. This was the man who he treated as a schemer, someone who dwelled in the shadows trying to kill those who oppose him.


    ¡°State your name! What impudence to show such a sight in front of the Second Prince Trist Valar!¡±


    A Knight around who stood before Trist questioned Colt with his voice as deep as the deepest of trenches.


    When Colt heard the term Prince, he immediately took note of the situation, and reeled in the fine intent seeping out of his body.


    He dropped on one knee and lowered his head, ¡°I apologize for my impudence, your highness the prince, I am Colt Edgeworth, the son of Count Shickly Edgeworth.¡±


    Colt sounded respectful; his tone perfectly suited a man whose respect could pierce the moon. It was perfect.


    When the Knight heard of Colt, he wanted to make him know his worth, but the Prince¡¯s earlier words entered his mind.


    ¡®We are to meet Colt Edgeworth; he might be the most important component in fulfilling my ambitions.¡¯


    The Knight stood his ground. He wanted to choose his words as to not hinder his Prince¡¯s ambitions.


    He snuck a glance at Trist and found the Second Prince ordering him to step aside. Prince Trist walked past the Knight and stopped three steps before Colt.


    ¡°Rise, Young Master Colt.¡±


    Colt stood up and met face to face with Trist. He met with the Second Prince¡¯s eyes. Most nobles would turn away, a sign of fear, but Colt didn¡¯t.


    It was not disrespectful to do, so he didn¡¯t fear it. In fact, he read that if a Noble can see eye to eye with Royalty, then that would mean his trust for that Royalty was on a level none could match.


    As Royalty, Trist knew of this fact. But only the Duke and mightiest of Generals had the gall to do so in their first meeting. Most fear that it may rub the Royals the wrong way and have their head suddenly grow wings.


    Colt slightly bowed to the Second Prince as he asked, ¡°What may I do for you, your highness?¡±


    He was respectful¡ªthe same as before. He wanted to address his intention for coming here to meet him.


    ¡°Might I know what happened to Young Master Colt? For you to be drenched in so much blood. Were you in any fight?¡± Trist, however, chose to address the whole situation before moving on.


    Colt¡¯s expression changed. He was bewildered and lowered his sight. And only then did he realize his current attire. It was not pretty¡ªso not pretty.


    ¡°Oh dear, I apologize for showing your Highness such a sight. I-I had been wearing this since last night that I had forgotten.¡±


    With a white shirt dyed red and possessing some holes on the sleeves. Even his pants were ripped apart.


    Trist stared at Colt in horror, ¡®Since last night? What kind of life is he living? Does he think he¡¯s above the law? For him to strut around the city in such attire, such audacity.¡¯


    A low sound escaped Trist, which Colt took notice without fail. Colt saw Trist¡¯s face and quickly connected the dots to ensure no misunderstanding was to arise.


    ¡°Ah, please do not misunderstand. This blood does not belong to anyone other than myself. I was in a hurry to assist Sir Gilbert with a fight that this turned out like this.¡±


    ¡°Sir Gilbert was attacked!?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing much. We managed to fend them off. But I had to sacrifice both arms and a leg, thankfully I didn¡¯t turn into a cripple as I got healed in the Magic Tower. Also, Sir Gilbert is fine. He¡¯s tending to his wife¡¯s needs at the moment after he left me at the Magic Tower.¡±


    A smile formed on Colt¡¯s face. He was smiling as he recounted the story about sacrificing his limbs as if it was an excellent afternoon talk.


    ¡®For him to tell such a traumatic story with a straight expression, does he not fear even death itself? H-how bold of him. Also, for him to save Sir Gilbert knowing his enemies would be stronger than himself, such bravery is something I can only dream of.¡¯ Even Trist could not resist as he inwardly praised.


    Their conversation was not only heard by them, but it was also loud and clear for everyone present. The Knights who came with Trist could only look in wonder at Colt. They could tell his strength was below theirs, but they could tell none could match his bravery.


    ¡®Truly, he¡¯s the Hero of the South.¡¯ No one would make such a blatant lie about rescuing Gilbert, the Dragon Slayer.


    If it was an ordinary day, Colt would be laughed at. But seeing his attire and hearing how he delivered the story with such flawlessness, all of them believed him.


    These Knights had their own pride. All of them were Rank-9 Warriors, but they doubted they could give much assistance against anyone fighting the Dragon Slayer.


    ¡°Please forgive me for not meeting with your Highness. Though we had no guard to inform me of the situation, I should have gone out to meet you the moment I heard someone¡¯s arrival.¡±


    While Colt was busily explaining his situation, Butler Go appeared from beyond the opening gates of the Tiger Manor. His voice echoed as he bowed to show respect to the Second Prince and gave Colt a dirty glare to show his displeasure.


    Trist awoke from his thoughts as he heard Butler Go¡¯s words. He cleared his throat as he waved his hand, ¡°It is not a problem. I had already known about your situation before I came here.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for understanding, your highness.¡±


    Trist could only nod his head. This one before him was Butler Go, who had been taking care of the eyes he sends to observe the Tiger Manor.


    ¡®He doesn¡¯t deal with anyone who¡¯s not entering the Manor, but because of his interference, we can only take footage from outside.¡¯


    Trist found Butler Go¡¯s presence pressuring. However, he could do nothing for this old Butler had done so much for the Kingdom and could be faulted for nothing. After all, he¡¯s the one doing the illegal entry.


    ¡°Might I inquire why your Highness has graced us your presence?¡± Butler Go asked.


    Trist finally woke up from his thoughts and remembered his objective, ¡°I would like to speak with you, in private, would that be of inconvenience, Young Master Colt?¡±


    ¡°By all means, come inside¡­ah.¡± Colt wasn¡¯t that eager to accept his presence, but he eventually found a hole he could escape to.


    ¡°Is something the matter, Young Master Colt?¡± Trist raised a brow.


    Colt kept his unwavering expression as he answered with a nod, ¡°I, I may need to have you wait for a bit, your Highness. I need to tend to the ones I have taken in under my wing, I have been away for too long.¡±


    But Butler Go had to step in and intervene with his desires, ¡°Young Master, please do not worry about them. I took it upon myself to serve them food. The theory had also been proven true; I indeed did not get infected after covering myself with Aura.¡±


    ¡°¡­is that so? Then, that is for the best.¡± Colt had mixed feelings about this development, ¡°Your highness, if you still want to talk, please, by all means, follow me, and I shall lead you inside.¡±


    Colt took the initiative to invite Trist.


    Trist accepted as this was his intention, and when everything was going well, a man with scarlet hair appeared from behind the Knights, ¡°May I join as well, your highness, Young Master Colt?¡±


    ¡°And this is your companion, your Highness?¡± Colt didn¡¯t know who he was.


    ¡°Oh, how rude of me. I am Grant Slitherhead of the Slitherhead Family. I am his Highness¡¯ escort for today.¡± Grant, introduced himself with a bow.


    ¡°Ah, you must be Gargosa¡¯s older brother then.¡±


    ¡°¡­..Yes, my younger brother has caused you so much trouble in the academy, I apologize for that.¡± Grant laughed as he answered, ¡°Will it be fine for me to join you both?¡±


    ¡°It is all right; I have no problems with it.¡±


    Thus, all of them entered with the Knights trailing behind and Butler Go showing them the way.


    And as they entered, it was inevitable for them to pass through the front garden where the infected people gathered. All of them turned their attention to Colt as soon as they saw him.


    And when they saw how he was dressed, many, if not all, became alarmed.


    ¡°Young Master Colt¡¯s hurt!¡±


    ¡°Young Master, what happened!?¡±


    Despite the pain, everyone was under, they tried to move and get near to Colt. They should have feared him, but they didn¡¯t.


    The Knights who were together with the Second Prince were prepared to make a move to protect Trist from the infected when Colt¡¯s voice reached their ears, ¡°Don¡¯t¡­¡±


    A single word froze them.


    ¡°¡­they are sick, and they are in pain, they are weak and so, do not frighten them. They are suffering enough.¡± His words were whispered to ensure no commoner would be able to hear.


    Colt saw the struggling people get to Colt. Every movement they made was painful, but they wanted to show how much they care for their benefactor.


    They were worried about his wellbeing. Colt risked being infected to help them, these pain would be more painful if not for Colt¡¯s assistance.


    ¡°Your highness, Young Master Grant, please excuse me for a moment.¡± Colt knew the commoners would not calm down unless he says something or shows them he was fine, so Colt walked over to an infected little lass, ¡°Thank you for worrying for this big brother¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll get infected, someone, stop him.¡±


    ¡°Your Highness, it is fine. The Young Master will be fine.¡±


    But Butler Go motioned to the Prince as to inform him that it was all right. A smile emerged from his aged visage as he continued his words.


    ¡°It may be impudent of me, but please let the Young Master do what he needs. If you wish to get his support, it would be best if you let him do this to show that you care for the common people''s wellbeing. After all, the Young Master¡¯s kindness is his best and most prominent feature.¡±


    Butler Go stated from the side.


    Trist watched Colt, his earlier thoughts of him were finally crumbling. As he watched this young noble drenched in blood, he found no War God or a Schemer. He found a kind person.


    Trist had heard many things about the Nobles, and he had seen how they interacted with the common people.


    He was a Royal trying to get the throne. It was only a matter of fact that he would know what his soon-to-be-subjects were shouting, and many of them hated the Nobles.


    But before him, a Noble adored by the people.


    And so, his view of Colt shattered once more.

 132. I need wine

    ¡°Butler Go, what do you think of the Second Prince¡¯s intention for coming here?¡± Colt asked from inside the bathroom while taking a shower.


    ¡°It could only be for the struggle for the throne. The Second Prince is said to be ambitious and wants the throne for himself.¡± Butler Go answered while picking Colt¡¯s clothes.


    The two had excused themselves so that Colt could make himself presentable for the conversation. They were now using that time they gained to talk about the situation.


    Colt ran through his hair as he cleaned himself of blood. A question entered his mind, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°What was that, Young Master?¡± Butler Go failed to understand his question.


    ¡°Why is the Second Prince trying to become King? What are his intentions? Why does he want to sit on an uncomfortable chair? Sitting on a sofa is much more comfortable than the throne.¡±


    Colt could not comprehend it. When Colt was young, he once dreamt of becoming a King that ruled over a kingdom. When he grew up and understood it, he questioned why he thought that such a dream would be a good idea.


    ¡°Becoming King is nothing but a hassle. They have the power, but they are restricted. They need to lead, the number of responsibilities they carry is nothing to laugh at, so why become a King?¡±


    The Princes of every novel he read were all power-hungry idiots. Colt failed to create a connection to them, and in this novel, he knew not of their intentions. Why-why become a King?


    Listening to his Young Master, Butler Go had nothing to say. That¡¯s right, being King was nothing but a gathering of problems.


    However, as he collected himself, Butler Go gave him an answer, ¡°The Royals vie for power to get the power of the Kingdom. They will get to rule and control its wealth, it is a lavish life with power¡­¡±


    Colt wanted to say something otherwise but kept silent about it.


    Butler Go didn¡¯t know why Colt grew silent, but an immediate and troublesome thought emerged in his mind, ¡°Young Master, please do not say these words when you go and meet with the Prince or any Royal. It may rub them off the wrong way.¡±


    ¡°¡­Okay.¡± Colt finished cleaning up with a mind full of questions.


    ***


    Inside the Tiger Manor study, there sat Trist and Grant while Sera served them tea.


    ¡°Do you want some more tea, your highness?¡± Sera asked as she gracefully lifted the teapot.


    ¡°¡­Yes, I would like some more.¡± Trist took a pause, for he failed to digest Sera¡¯s presence, ¡°Did you say you are the Young Master Colt¡¯s personal butler?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I have had the pleasure of serving the Young Master as his personal butler.¡± Sera bowed her head as she answered.


    Sera did not eke away in the presence of Royalty. She stood proudly and presented herself with dignity. But unlike Butler Go, she seemed brighter than the elusive shadow that was the aged Butler.


    ¡®Sera, she¡¯s Alchemist Jin¡¯s younger sister and his only remaining family. She used to work as the receptionist for the Apothecary Guild and quit at the same time as Jin. I didn¡¯t think she became Colt Edgeworth¡¯s personal Butler.¡¯


    Sera¡¯s presence had always been ignored by Trist. He simply thought Sera was some simple servant or Butler, but he didn¡¯t know she was Jin¡¯s sister.


    Sera was beautiful, but Jin was cute. Trist failed to comprehend how Sera became the way she was.


    ¡®It is baffling to see her like this. And a woman for a butler? Young Master Colt, just what kind of ideas run in your mind?¡¯


    He glanced at Grant, who sat on the sofa by his side. He sought answers but received nothing more than a passive smile. Even he could not understand what¡¯s going inside Colt¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Sera.¡±


    ¡°Yes, your highness?¡±


    ¡°For you, what kind of man is the Young Master of the Edgeworth Family?¡±


    At the moment, Colt was nowhere to be found.


    In most times, Trist would not ask such a thing to a butler or anyone else. He would trust his judgment and would show little to no clue as to what kind of background check he did in the shadow.


    However, he pegged Colt to like this kind of approach more welcoming than most. But that was a simple hunch; he no longer knew what to believe.


    Sera didn¡¯t need to think that long as she gave an answer, ¡°The Young Master is a kind person. He would stand before a person no one wants to save and pull that person up into the light. He is gentle to everyone, especially to his family, he would sacrifice everything to save them and would do anything to hunt down those who become a threat and devour them whole like a Tiger in a Frenzy.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Trist couldn¡¯t help but be left speechless at the stark contrast of Sera¡¯s description of Colt.


    He remained silent until Colt returned with Butler Go wearing fresh new clothes. He seemed to have also taken a quick shower to take out any foul odor coming from his body.


    All in all, Colt returned to his dashing figure. Together with him was Butler Go. Trist was warry of Butler Go. He knew not what kind of information he could have fed Colt while the two were away.


    ¡°I apologize for my insolence, your highness. I tried to make myself presentable as to not stain your sight.¡± Colt humbly joked.


    ¡°You jest, Young Master Colt. I was the one who came here unannounced, I have no right to think badly of you.¡± Trist answered back.


    ¡®That¡¯s right, you did.¡¯ Colt thought himself as he sat on the sofa across the two.


    He held a pleasant smile as Sera poured him tea.


    ¡°So, what can this lowly I do for you, your highness?¡±


    Colt didn¡¯t want to open the bag of troubles.


    Trist put down the cup of tea with a clink. He looked around and gave hinting eyes to Butler Go and Sera. He wanted to speak with Colt alone.


    Colt waved his hand and had them leave the three of them.


    The doors closed silently as they left. However, Butler Go remained just outside, eavesdropping on them.


    This caused Trist to smile at the slyness of Butler Go. He looked at Grant and asked, ¡°Please, Young Master Grant, I wish to speak with him alone, can you wait out as well?¡±


    ¡°¡­As you wish, your highness. Young Master Colt, I will be taking my leave.¡±


    When Grant left, he asked Butler Go and Sera to take him to the back garden to look at the scenery. Now that Butler Go had drawn Grant out, only Trist and Colt remained in the room.


    Trist cleansed his palate with tea as he stated, ¡°Young Master Colt, join my camp, and I will give you riches and anything you could ever dream of.¡±


    Colt smiled towards the Prince, ¡°I am flattered. However, this lowly one is but a wastrel from the backwaters of the South. I cannot help you, your highness.¡±


    Colt sidestepped the question. Trist did not appreciate his words. However, Trist could not lash out. Nothing will be accomplished if he did so.


    ¡°Young Master, if you help with taking the throne, I will reward you with anything, power, higher position, wealth, anything that you could ask, if it is by my power, then I will do it for you.¡±


    Colt could see the desperation in the eyes of this Prince. One could already see how much he was backed into a corner. He truly wanted to say no and get this over with. However, an unpleasant thought entered his mind.


    ¡®The zealous Priests might come knocking on his doors.¡¯ Colt would rather not have that scenario. He could already see an all-out war with the Crown Prince and Trist.


    An exasperated sigh escaped Colt, ¡°Your highness, let¡¯s just say I do have the power to assist you, but isn¡¯t the King still alive and well? Why are you already fighting for the position of King? Is it not disrespectful to do so?¡±


    ¡°When the King rose to power ten years back, he was sixty years old, and now, he¡¯s already seventy. The King may be a strong Master-level Warrior, but because of his injuries, he¡¯s already weakened. The King had already informed of us about his impending death.¡±


    Because of him not knowing much if it wasn¡¯t about a villain, Colt failed to recall much about the King other than his good deeds.


    However, as he actively tried remembering, the King was already preparing to announce his heir by the time the plot kicked in.


    ¡°¡­are you really supposed to be telling me these?¡± however, hearing this himself made him fail to make a proper reaction.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, the King, my Father, had already announced it, and instead of trying to run from death, he is trying to prepare us, his children, for when he leaves this world. After all, we will be the cornerstone of the Kingdom once he¡¯s gone.¡±


    Trist sounded melancholic as he said those words.


    ¡°If that is the case, then, why are you trying to fight with the Crown Prince?¡± a sudden question from Colt.


    ¡°I want the best for the people, I want to create a brighter future for them. I can¡¯t see the Crown Prince giving the people a brighter future.¡±


    ¡°Why so?¡± Colt was now serious, ¡°Your highness the Prince, let me ask of you, is the Crown Prince incompetent?¡±


    Trist found Colt¡¯s words confusing, but he shook his head in the end, ¡°He¡¯s not.¡±


    ¡°Is the Crown Prince someone greedy who will take the money of his people?¡±


    ¡°¡­He is not. He is very much someone who likes to keep things at a bare minimum.¡±


    ¡°Is he someone who will mistreat the people? In your eyes, is he a Tyrant in the making?¡±


    ¡°No, of course not, he may be my rival to the throne, but I can say that he is someone honorable despite his flaws.¡±


    Colt stood up and went to grab the wine his father told him that he hid under the study table of his as he asked, ¡°Then, why are you trying to take the Crown from him, your highness? If even you can see that he¡¯s doing well, why are you trying to take away his chance to do what he needs to do?¡±


    Trist failed to answer.


    Colt found the jar and bottles hidden under the study table and walked back to the Prince. He handed the Prince a wineglass.


    Colt had seen the Second Prince¡¯s mannerisms, and he could very well tell that the Prince had a good head on his shoulders. He was well-mannered and very much someone cool-headed.


    Thus, colt probed him with questions regarding the Crown Prince to see how he would react. If the Prince reacts badly, he¡¯ll stop, but Colt would continue what he had in mind if he does not.


    And seeing the Second Prince react so well that it prompted Colt to continue. As he poured both of them wine, he sat back down and asked his final question, ¡°Second Prince, what is it that you truly want?¡±


    Colt¡¯s piercing eyes shot made the Second Prince like he was being threatened by a sword. And yet a particular pull gave him the courage to speak of the truth even he couldn¡¯t voice out, ¡°I want to validate my existence.¡±


    Colt looked at the Second Prince and downed the wine he poured himself, ¡®Welp, I feel a backstory about to come up. Good thing I prepared the wine.¡¯

 133. Destroying dreams

    Since young, the Second Prince had always received many people¡¯s blazing attention but never its center.


    At the center of it all would always be the First Prince¡ª the Crown Prince, who would eventually inherit the throne.


    Every Noble flocked around the Crown Prince, trying to get on his good side and curry favor for him.


    Everyone flocked around the First Prince to get to know him and become closer to him. However, that was not the case with the Second Prince.


    The Second Prince was treated not as himself but as the extension of the First Prince.


    ¡°The First Prince is the only one in their eyes, as for me, I am the second choice. Those who approach me see an opportunity to get close to the Crown Prince, and I want to prove that I am more than an extension, I am Trist Valar, and I will let them know of my worth! And to do that, I want you, Young Master Colt, to lend me your strength.¡±


    Trist¡¯s eyes were burning with passion. But as Colt saw him act like this, the only reaction he could muster was a sigh, ¡°Prince Trist, I want to say something, but I fear that you would take offense of my words. Thus, I would like to ask if you would like to hear my sugarcoated words or the absolute truth?¡±


    Trist sat up straight like a spear, ¡°Tell me the truth.¡±


    Trist wanted to hear the truth. If he wanted to know Colt¡¯s intentions and decision, then it would be best to know what¡¯s inside his heart. There was a higher chance of recruiting Colt if he let him say what he wanted to say. That¡¯s what he got from his observation, at least.


    ¡°Then I would be honest, ahem. Your ambitions to become King is ridiculous, your highness.¡± Colt had a severe expression. He was taking this seriously because everything that would be spoken in this room would affect his future.


    ¡°Are you mocking me, Young Master Colt? I am very much serious about what I want. For years, to be denied of who you are, do you even know how that feels? Do you even know how you are nothing but a replacement to someone else? It is as if I do not exist in their eyes. It is as if I am nothing but air.¡± Trist asked in a more solemn tone.


    Colt placed the wineglass as he stared intently at Trist. He was in deep thought as he watched this Prince, whose current mentality enter a perilous spot.


    ¡®This is for the best. But I need to be careful.¡¯


    If he fucks it up, he would be forced to take a side and engage in a war between brothers. He did not want that to happen.


    ¡°You said everything about having your existence being a replacement. You know pain, yet you do not see the shackles placed upon the First Prince you envy. If you simply wanted your existence to be validated, there are numerous ways to do so. Become a hero, brave the frontlines and charge to the enemy lines. Did you not think such a feat would bring you not only honor but also a chance to even exceed the First Prince?¡±


    Trist abruptly stood up from his seat. He glared at the calm Colt as he gritted his teeth, ¡°Don¡¯t act like you know how it feels! Do you think you can even fathom how it felt being ignored and treated as if your entire being does not exist because I cannot take the Crown?¡±


    Once again, Colt could only sigh.


    ¡°My youngest daughter was someone who cried, for she felt her existence was nothing but an unwanted mess. She would cry, but after that, she would look ahead and smile to live her life. She¡¯s four years old, and I thought she was just more mature than her peers, but I could say that she¡¯s more mature than you are.


    ¡°And please listen, your highness, the First Prince, carry a heavier strain than you. If your life is an extension, then his life is not even his to live. His life is bound to the Kingdom. His everything is poured to become a King, becoming as close to a perfect ruler and giving the people a better life. His destiny had already been written for him; he cannot lead a life other than what is best noted. Can you even tell me what you will do once you steal the Crown? Can you?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Trist was left speechless.


    ¡°Did you really think if you become the King if you surround yourself with people who will validate your existence? Do you really think all of that is genuine? Let me ask you one last question? Do you even think those who approached you, those who support you, truly support you and do not want to use you to climb the ranks by having you point your sword at your brother¡¯s neck? Do you really-¡±


    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± Trist shouted aloud and threw the wineglass away, destroying it in the process. His eyes were glaring, his rage was uncontrollable, and his confusion could not be explained.


    Colt dissected him, little by little, he spoke of the truth he didn¡¯t want to hear. Trist was a smart man, and he could see that Colt¡¯s words were all true. However, he was also a Prince, and his pride could not accept that someone like Colt knew more about him than himself.


    Trist was fuming, and Colt was calm.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡± As Trist gritted his teeth, he turned his back to Colt and walked towards the door.


    But as Trist grab hold of the doorknob, he heard Colt speak once more, ¡°I know it pains you to accept my words, your highness. But, if you still want to have everyone validate your existence, find me again, and I will turn you into a Light that everyone would acknowledge.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The Prince violently opened the door, and outside, he saw Grant and the Knights rushing to his side. They had heard the commotion and tried to reach Trist and provide him support.


    ¡°Your highness, is everything all right?¡± The Knight named Barns asked with an anxious tone of voice.


    The Prince waved his hand and gave Colt one last look. His words stuck to him, still. But he shook his head and announced, ¡°We¡¯re leaving!¡±


    Colt watched the Prince storm out of the Tiger Manor. It was quite the sightseeing someone his status cause such a commotion. But nonetheless, it happened.


    It frightened some servants, but as Sera stood by Colt¡¯s side as they watched the carriage of the Prince leave on the front gates, she asked, ¡°That went well. So, what did you say to the Second Prince to make him burst into a fiery temper?¡±


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s just say I crushed his dreams is all. Sera, go and ask the Chef to prepare lunch, I am hungry after doing all that.¡±


    ¡°What destroying someone¡¯s dream?¡±


    ¡°No, I was out last night, remember? Well, destroying someone¡¯s dreams was also exhausting.¡±


    With Colt¡¯s identity, this would not pose much of a problem. The Second Prince would not do anything against him or his family. Why? Because he was an Edgeworth, that¡¯s why. And he also had the Courtgain family, the Genesis family, and Gilbert¡¯s backing.


    If the Prince actually challenges Colt, it would not end with Colt losing but most likely Trist being banished.


    And after that long conversation, Colt tended to the sick, and night came and went.


    ***


    Night came, and Colt had already given everyone food. And as he sat underneath a tree and observed everyone.


    ¡®Their symptoms had lessened, and the pain they endure is now nothing. Because of Jin¡¯s hard work, we even managed to create enough Evergreen Soup to provide for the adults.¡¯


    Colt was satisfied with this night.


    Before long, an old man, no older than sixty, raised his head at Colt and asked, ¡°Young Master Colt, may I sit beside you?¡±


    A bold move from a commoner, to ask a place to sit beside a Noble was by no means something anyone could ask.


    But Colt failed to think about that and simply shrugged his shoulders, ¡°No one is sitting there anyways.¡±


    ¡°Hoho, it seems like the Young Master of the Edgeworth Family is just like what I heard. Unrestrained and free, not bound by social orders.¡± The old man laughed as he sat down beside Colt, a noble. He coughed as he sat on the grass.


    ¡°Are you okay, gramps? You don¡¯t seem to be looking good.¡± Colt asked as he saw the signs of the Red Vein disease on the old man.


    ¡°Bah, I¡¯m fine, it hurts, but it doesn¡¯t beat the backpain I already have. Gahahaha!¡± The old man was oddly brash and unrefined. His white hair and long white beard gave the impression of him being weak, but if novels taught anything Colt, that would be that anyone could be an essential plot point.


    He could be a hidden master for all he knew. Colt wanted to ask, but he hesitated, ¡®He might not like me being too nosy.¡¯ In the end, he let it go.


    Both grew silent, but then, the old man spoke.


    ¡°Young Master Colt, can you answer this old man¡¯s question?¡±


    Colt wanted to think, but the mysterious old man interrupted. But despite everything else, with his back against a wall, Colt would rather have free of mind now than trap himself.


    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡±


    ¡°Why are you really trying to help us? Or is this some kind of ploy the Nobles played to gain the support of us commoners?¡± The mysterious old man watched the suffering people as he spoke. His words didn¡¯t have a hint of a joking tone.


    Colt looked at the old man and sighed. He rested his chin on his palms as he answered, ¡°Do you really think my family will allow me to do that?¡±


    ¡°Who knows? You are different from your family, right?¡± The old man rebuked his words.


    Colt laughed as he became pretty sure that this old man was someone wise, a sage or a wizard perhaps. As to why he was infected, he could only think of reasons, but in the end, Colt chose to focus on their conversation.


    ¡°Well, what do you think, sir? You can think of anything you want. After all, it seems like you have the answer in your mind, then it would be rather difficult for me to convince you otherwise.¡± Colt honestly did not know what to say.


    The old man chortled at his answer but then became serious as he said, ¡°I want to believe that what you¡¯re doing is genuine. There are little to no Noble who would like to help us, commoners. ¡°


    The mysterious old man played with the ring on his finger as he continued, ¡°You see, Young Master Colt, many people died in the capital, and yet, the Nobles hadn¡¯t done anything other than rely on You.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, using your name to spread stories about your achievements, how you helped in creating the medicine that suppresses the pain of the disease, they are trying to use your name to give us hope, they called you a Hero. Many believed this, and many commoners took their chances in begging on your doorsteps despite the risk. In a time when the Nobles are as useless as they always have, I thought you were nothing but a sham. Then, I saw your carriage, and I joined the people who would plead on your gates yesterday, I wanted to see what you would do. I thought you would promise something and leave it at that, but then, you opened your gates and offered the hungry food and the ones in pain what little medicine that you have.¡±


    ¡°I was honestly¡­surprise that you opened your gates¡­but I wanted to believe that, Young Master Colt...someone who could help us in our dire needs, become a true Hero for us commoners¡­someone who can provide change.¡±


    The old man then fell asleep without notice. Colt then blanketed him.

 134. Medals

    On some clearing, there sat Horus and a woman.


    ¡°So, you failed, huh.¡± The woman said with a sigh.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sister Krisa¡­I-I failed the cause, if not for that Colt Edgeworth interfering, I would be able to convince him.¡± Horus bit his lower lip.


    ¡°Do not worry about it. The one assigned to convince the people and sow discord was supposed to be Senior Olivier. We are only supposed to locate the treasure and watch over the Hellbane Family.¡±


    Horus gritted his teeth. He was angry and frustrated at the failure. He was at a loss and was ashamed of the results.


    Krisa saw this and gently patted his head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let it get to you. Everyone makes a mistake.¡±


    Horus meekly nodded his head.


    Horus shed his tears and quickly wiped it away. He was frustrated, but after crying, his hot-bloodedness dissipated.


    Krisa looked at Horus and shook her head. She held onto a piece of paper; it was the second step of Olivier¡¯s plans.


    She had already read the paper¡¯s contents, and she couldn¡¯t help but become frustrated.


    ¡®Senior Olivier¡­your plans¡­it¡¯s, messed up. Just how did your plans turn out like this? We said as little as casualties as possible. So, why, why are there so many? This plan, why are there so many?¡¯


    Krisa had always known of Olivier¡¯s quirks. She loathes Colt for killing Olivier, but two days ago, she heard the news of what Olivier had done.


    The story was recounted by Mina Vera, the woman Olivier kidnapped and tortured. He morphed her mind and forced her to almost kill herself.


    ¡®I¡¯ve seen how he had changed since we left the Continent¡­don¡¯t tell me, his mind was devoured by the Light?¡¯


    Krisa looked at Horus and remembered how he described the outburst he had when he met Colt and how he roared to kill him without a second thought. When Krisa also cursed Colt for dead when she learned of Olivier¡¯s death reached her resurfaced.


    Krisa closed her eyes, she raised her head. She was silent.


    ¡®Focus.¡¯ Is what she said in her head.


    ¡°Horus, let us move. It¡¯s a little early by we need to gather negative energy. I still can¡¯t track it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sister.¡±


    Up the realm of the Gods, Light watched over them with melancholy in her eyes.


    ===


    The Continent was currently in a state of tarnation. Those with dense populations were in a state of lockdown. No one wanted to get infected. The pain of the infection was nothing they could imagine.


    Without anything to act as a light to give them hope, every other force was in a state of gloom.


    However, the Kingdom of Regalus was not the same. Amidst everything else, one person stood out, He became the light at the end of the dark tunnel, and without his knowledge, he was hailed as a Hero.


    The Drums could be heard echoing in the distance, reverberating in the chest of the populace. It was a celebration for the Hero. They could not see it, but with the war drums, the Kingdom managed to proclaim what it is they wanted to announce¡ªThere is Hope.


    The commoners cheered inside their homes, they cheered in their hearts, they cheered for a light they could grab onto.


    Wearing the most formal and simplistic black coat he had in his wardrobe, Colt walked down the red carpet laid for him.


    In the Throne Room of the Castle, there was a laid out red carpet. He walked with dignity while tens of Nobles watched Colt with a smile on their faces.


    Colt subtly observed them as he alone walked down the red carpet.


    ¡®Their eyes, it¡¯s disgusting. Men, women, adult or not, all of them reeks of a disgusting stench.¡¯


    Colt did not like the looks in their eyes. They were smiles but, at the same time, not. Envy, hate, rage, and loathing all these emotions ran inside their hearts, and through their eyes, Colt could see these emotions.


    The Counts who could no longer climb the social ladder, the Marquises who could never question Liron¡¯s achievements, all of them were present, and all were directed at Colt.


    However, it was different for the Ducal Houses. There were three Ducal Houses, the Courtgains, the Slitherheads, and the Brushas.


    The Courtgains, who was led by Duke Terial and Mary approvingly nodded his head at the sigh of Colt.


    Mary pointed at Colt a few times and stuck her chest out of pride.


    ¡®She must be saying she¡¯s my Knight.¡¯


    The Slitherhead glared at Colt. Duke Goldart was in contempt of Colt¡¯s presence. He snorted at the sight of him.


    ¡®He does not like me at all.¡¯


    For the Brusha Family, a lady wearing a fitting purple gown gave Colt a coquettish gaze. Colt quickly averted her gaze; it did not bode well if an issue arose, and Mina discovered it.


    ¡®Nobles are keener on rumors than an auntie going around doing nothing all day. I am not going to get roped in something useless.¡¯


    Colt stopped a meter away from reaching the steps leading to the throne.


    There, he saw three people standing before him.


    The on the right was Trist staring at him with a pair of caring eyes¡ªit was creepy.


    On their left was a woman with dark blue hair observing Colt. Her name was Alice, the Princess of the Kingdom. Alice smiled at Colt¡ªshe too was creepy.


    Then, the one in the middle made an announcement.


    ¡°He helped in the creation of the vital antidote and drug reliever, the Evergreen. He had braved the Trials of Fire and Sword to save his beloved. He slew the Supreme Commander of the enemy forces, taking his head and proving his prowess, Colt Edgeworth, for these achievements I, Feriar Valar of the Valar Royal Family, will grant you two medals!¡±


    The one leading all this was the Crown Prince Feriar. He descended from the steps. A servant walked from the side bearing two encased Medals. Feriar took one of the medals.


    ¡°This first medal is the Starlight Medal.¡±


    Everyone gasped as they heard his words. Feriar raised the Medal, a white star piece of metal, with a black ring behind was raised.


    ¡°The Starlight Medal is given only to those who became a star for our Kingdom in our times of darkness. Colt Edgeworth of the Edgeworth Family, you are the first person in ten past ten years since your father Shickly Edgeworth, Marquise Liron Vera, and Gilbert, the Dragon Slaver, received this Medal after slaying the Dragon of the West that threatened our Kingdom. Now, I award you this Medal as a sign of our Light.¡±


    The Crown Prince pinned it to Colt¡¯s coat.


    The Crown Prince then picked up the remaining Medal.


    ¡°This is the Medal of Valor, the Highest Military award our Kingdom can give to those who accomplished exemplar achievements on the battlefield. This Medal shall be given to Colt Edgeworth and his Family for stopping an attack to our Kingdom!¡±


    The Crown Prince pinned the Medal of Valor next to the Starlight Medal. The Medal of Valor was a golden winged-sword.


    Applauses could be heard behind him, and as he stared at the Crown prince, the Crown Prince locked gaze.


    Both had smiles, and Colt thought, ¡®Even he is creepy.¡¯

 135. I don’t want to die

    The banquet was celebrated with grandeur.


    Laughter echoed inside the Banquet Hall and the man of the hour, Colt Edgeworth was surrounded by several Nobles, both from the Military and not.


    Around ten of them gathered around Colt. All of them had an agenda in mind, and everyone wanted to make connections.


    ¡°Young Master Colt, I heard that you fancy History. I must say you would love the exhibition of the Valhalla Exhibition of the Holy Lands. I¡¯ve been there three times it still amazes me to this day. If you so wish, I can take you there tomorrow for some light sightseeing.¡± A potbellied Count laughed as he invited.


    ¡°Thank you for the suggestion. I shall go there once the epidemic is dealt with. I worry about the people¡¯s safety and wellbeing.¡± A rejection that was backed with so much underlying meaning pierced everyone¡¯s ears.


    ¡°¡­Of course, of course, that¡¯s what I meant¡­um, please, excuse me for a while.¡± The potbellied Count escaped in haste.


    ¡°Oh, Young Master Colt, about the Evergreen Antidote, how do you transport them to the other powers with our current situation? If you want, my company can assist you.¡±


    ¡°Please, I do not want to trouble anyone, the Edgeworth Family already have our means from exporting wine. It is a trivial matter, undeserving of your attention.¡± translation ¡®Mind your goddamn business.¡¯


    With Colt¡¯s words, none was able to speak. This cleared Colt¡¯s mind and answered the question of ¡°What¡¯s their intentions?¡±, they were too easy to read.


    ¡®And they say it would be hard to read them.¡¯


    Colt did not know if it was because he had been learning, but somehow, he could see the most superficial nuances of those who approached him.


    He could destroy them with his words but chose not to. He could mess with the younger generations, but it would not be wise to have an entire house against him.


    But then again, no one wanted to challenge Colt¡¯s rage. He currently in possession of the strongest weapon¡ªAlchemist Jin.


    With a sigh, Colt entertained those who approached him, that was until one particular group appeared before him.


    ¡°Young Master Colt, I¡¯ve been searching for you.¡±


    Duke Terial Courtgain stepped up before Colt parting the crowd.


    ¡°Duke Courtgain, I¡¯m sorry for not going to meet you earlier despite everything that had happened.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine worry not about it; besides, it should have been me who went to meet you considering your current situation.¡±


    Colt laughed at his words.


    Mary was with Terial, but she simply bowed before Colt and didn¡¯t say anything else. She was silent and respectful before him; it was a sight none had seen before.


    Whispers seemed was like a full-blown conversation from Colt¡¯s view.


    The Courtgain was bowing the Edgeworths, that¡¯s how it looked to everyone else. Colt had plans to correct that, but Terial stopped him, whispering, ¡°Please, for the time being, don¡¯t. Let their imaginations take over. You don¡¯t have to clear our name, let them think what they want.¡±


    ¡°Duke Courtgain, you must know of my current position in the eyes of many Nobles. It will be rather troublesome for both our families.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you mean about you becoming a King? Just let it be, for the time being, all of it is a bunch of shams anyway. The Second Prince had been targeting me to join his camp, and this the most effective way to keep away his approaches.¡±


    Duke Courtgain was honest and straightforward with his demands. It was a good front, but for Colt, it just sealed his escaped route. If he rejects Terial¡¯s request, then it might implicate Mary so he would rather not.


    ¡®I heard Duke Terial is a great strategist on the battlefield. I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d even be able to entrap me in this social gathering. I don¡¯t like him.¡¯


    Colt grew hesitant to meet Terial. Mary may be his Knight, but that doesn¡¯t mean he had to like her family.


    Duke Terial had a similar body like Shickly and Liron, he was buffed. He was tall and exuded the air befitting of a General but different from Shickly and Liron.


    Shickly and Liron were one of the mightiest men of the Kingdom. But in terms of Military tactic, it was said that Duke Terial had both of them beat. But none of that had been proven true for the time being.


    ¡®Though I heard his dislike for Father is stronger than Father-in-Law. This must be his reason for doing this. But if that is the case, then I do not plan on being so soft either.¡¯


    With a meek laugh, Colt gave the crafty General a smile, ¡°I¡¯ll agree this time around.¡±


    ¡°Haha, good, you¡¯re easier to talk to than your stubborn old man. I¡¯ll owe you a favour for this, Young Edgeworth.¡±


    Colt¡¯s smile grew ever prevalent as his hands touched each other, ¡°Is that so? Then, I¡¯ll ask for your help in a later date, Duke Terial. I have been thinking of doing something, so it is a pleasure. Truly, be meritorious to receive good fortune.¡±


    Duke Terial¡¯s smile quivered as he felt a chill at the sight of Colt¡¯s smile. Quickly he tried to interject, ¡°¡­I.¡±


    ¡°Truly, the honorable Duke is too good. For your goodwill truly, I am thankful.¡±


    Colt¡¯s voice was not kept to just them; it reached the ears of those who were farther away. This stunned even Terial.


    ¡®The shamelessness of this kid¡ªit is amazing. Truly the son of Sister Faerith¡­dammit, I don¡¯t want to remember that woman.¡¯ Terial shivered out of fear.


    He looked at Colt and a ¡°What if¡± questioned surfaced. With a broken smile, he laughed, ¡°You can count on me when you need it, Young Edgeworth. Well, that¡¯s enough for now, I have a meeting with other people, so if you would excuse me.¡±


    The Duke escaped; he didn¡¯t want to deal with Colt. He was too shameless like his Mother.


    Colt watched Terial escape with a smile on his face. He was satisfied. He was already prepared to bite the Duke, but he just had to throw a bone and help him with it.


    ¡®That solves one of my problems.¡¯ He also wasn¡¯t lying when he said he needed help. This might not be enough, but he did have plans from B to D to cover the holes that remain.


    He was beginning to change the more he stayed in this realm. To him, it felt like it was just yesterday when he got stabbed in the back by Julius.


    None can truly attest to his changes, because for all everyone knows, these skills of his may have just been hidden all these years ago. That fa?ade excuse covered too much zone.


    ¡°That¡¯s the first time I saw Father back away in fear of extortion. Thank you for showing me that, My Lord.¡±


    Colt and Mary decided that her calling him Master felt weird. Thus, this was the outcome. Mary was at first, reluctant, but all was good now.


    ¡°You seem too happy about that.¡±


    ¡°Well, I never did have the brightest relationship with my Father.¡±


    Colt found Mary¡¯s non-dangerous feeling smile more uncomfortable than usual.


    ¡®Weird¡­¡¯ not only was his na?ve mind being changed but also his sense of normal.


    The banquet continued, and with Mary by his side, no one really came to talk him. The two Princes were conversing with various Nobles, everyone was having a great time, except that is Colt.


    He had been feeling many unsettling gazes directed at him. But the weirdest thing was that these gazes didn¡¯t confer any ill intent. They were full of desires¡ªthat scared him even more.


    The banquet ended at around midnight. Colt was still left speechless just how much the Nobles were able to stretch such a flimsy concept like this measly banquet to something so long and tedious.


    The dance was incredibly uncomfortable for Colt. He had to reject a lot of women to avoid any inappropriate rumours or emotions from sprouting.


    If Mina was to ever find a rival, that said Rival would not have a pretty end.


    ¡®I need to find a way to escape these events.¡¯


    However, Colt didn¡¯t leave so quickly. He first waited for everyone to leave and only did he boarded a carriage after everyone had already left.


    The carriage stopped, and he stepped in, but someone was already inside, one of them was a young woman, and the other was a man.


    It was Sera and Trist.


    ¡°Did you enjoy the party, Young Master?¡± At the sight of Colt, Sera asked.


    ¡°Well, it was a party that¡¯s for sure.¡± Colt gave Sera a vague answer as he boarded the carriage.


    He and Trist now faced each other.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s your decision? Your highness? Do you want to become a hero?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re lying to me, I¡¯m not going to forgive you.¡± Trist bluntly stated. After he met with Colt, his thoughts became disoriented.


    He began to think into his ideals, and he saw just how shallow his views previously were.


    Then, a timely appearance of a Black Raven appeared on his windows. It carried a letter from the Tiger Manor.


    After reading things through, he was now before Colt waiting for his plans on how to turn him to this so-called Hero.


    Colt only smiled at his words, ¡°Leave it to me your highness, but before I can tell you everything, I suggest we return to the Tiger Manor. There, I have prepared something crucial to my plans.¡±


    Trist acceptedly reluctantly.


    Minutes after their carriage, the three of them arrived in the Tiger Manor. They entered through the back door to avoid inconspicuous gaze.


    Butler Go had already cleaned the perimeter, but the commoners were still on the front garden. It¡¯s best to stay hidden.


    As they entered, Sera guided both of them to study.


    Trist took a deep breath before entering. This was the same place where Colt destroyed his dreams of becoming a King.


    He needed to keep his heart in check. Colt noticed him and secretly laughed; the Prince was more fragile than he had thought. But what made that laugh disappear was Sera also snickering as she glanced over at Trist.


    ¡®Pathetic.¡¯ Is what she thought, ¡°Are you prepared to enter, your highness?¡±


    A now rare pleasant smile was on Sera¡¯s face when she asked. She was gloating.


    Not putting much thought about Sera¡¯s smile, Trist nodded his head.


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Sera opened the door, and Trist was prepared to enter, but someone was already inside.


    That person turned to them and smiled at the sight of Trist, ¡°Hello, brother.¡±


    BAM!


    Trist hurriedly closed the door and looked over at Colt.


    Colt, had an angelic smile as he said.


    ¡®I know what¡¯s he going to say next, ¡°What¡¯s he doing here?¡± or something like that.¡¯


    ¡°What¡¯s he doing here?¡± Trist was fuming.


    ¡®See? I was right.¡¯ Colt had about enough of this Prince thing.


    "I told you I made preparation," Colt stated.


    Trist was reluctant, still.


    Sera snorted as she thought, "Coward."


    "What!?"


    "What?"


    Sera''s thought had inadvertedly escaped.


    Trist glared at Sera, however, Sera acted confused and innocent.


    "I-is there a problem, your highness?"


    Trist''s face was red from both embarrassment and anger, with a roar he grabbed the knob, "Who''s afraid of him. I''ll show you."


    Trist waltzed inside, leaving Colt to give Sera a thumbs up and Sera smugly nodding her head.


    "Good job."


    "I didn''t plan that. Please don''t let my head fly. I still want to live, Young Master."


    "I''ll...try."

 136. The sudden turnabout

    ¡°Good to see you¡¯re doing well, Trist. As your older brother, I¡¯m proud to see you find a friend outside of Grant.¡±


    ¡°Peh, who¡¯s friends with this guy? He¡¯s someone who disrespects us, Royal. If not for his backings I would have already had him whipped a hundred times.¡±


    Trist did not hide his distaste for Colt¡¯s sneaky ways.


    Colt only snickered at his words.


    ¡°You don¡¯t sound convincing if you¡¯re standing by my side.¡± Trist seemed to be using him as a shield against the Crown Prince.


    ¡®What are you, a kid? Even Filla had gotten over using the Sparkly Shield¡­I kinda miss that to be honest.¡¯ Colt laughed.


    From the time Trist saw Feriar, this Prince whose age was not that behind Colt¡¯s started acting like a disturbed chicken. Not that Colt was too surprised about this.


    ¡®I don¡¯t know much about Royalty, but considering his shallow view of the world, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he¡¯s a kid. Trist seemed more ignorant than most. He¡¯s smart, but his mind is too flimsy.¡¯


    In short, Trist to Colt seemed nothing more than a kid. His emotional intelligence was impressive, but it was only at that.


    Feriar, on the other hand, seemed craftier and more complicated. Colt couldn¡¯t get a read on him, ¡®He¡¯s created to become a perfect King all right.¡¯


    He was more dangerous than Terial. It was unsettling.


    But Colt had no time to worry about his view. Things needed to move forward. He stood up to take a seat behind the study table. Trist was forced to sit across a smiling Feriar.


    Trist was creeped out.


    ¡°Ahem, I do not want to waste our time, Baron Uresa, Viscount Mesas, Countess Vishu, Marquis Farley,¡­¡±


    Colt listed about three more Nobles, and this roused a smile on Feriar. He quietly took a sip of the tea, and as for Trist, he was in a complete and utter state of confusion as to what Colt¡¯s words signified.


    ¡°¡­lastly, Baron Gerad, your highnesses, might I ask what significance these names hold to you? Especially to you, Prince Trist.¡±


    Colt and Feriar directed his sight to Trist. Both awaited an answer from him, causing Trist to feel an invisible pressure.


    It felt like if he answered incorrectly, then these two would swallow him whole.


    ¡°Only three of them have a connection with me, Baron Uresa, Viscount Abel, and Marquis Kinson are all my current supporters.¡±


    ¡°Oh ho, your supporters, eh. What are they supporting you with? Are they cheering for you in the upcoming Spring Hunt?¡± Feriar was enjoying every bit of this. He was gloating and snickering.


    ¡®Oh, he is relentless.¡¯ Colt took a sip of tea as he waited for Trist¡¯s answer. He was not going to stop them; this is too good of an entertainment.


    Trist directed a subtle glance over at Feriar to which he met eyes with¡ªTrist could only laugh, ¡°Yes, they are.¡±


    Feriar was gloating. He was enjoying every second of Trist¡¯s expression.


    ¡°Is that the only thing you can say about them?¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes, what do you want me to say? How much they bribed me into accepting them?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re slipping, your highness. Do you really want the Crown Prince to hear your words?¡± Colt warned as he found his words to be bordering unnecessarily informative.


    Colt glanced at Feriar, who was signaling him that it was fine.


    ¡°Humph, who cares anymore? If older brother hears them, so be it. He¡¯ll take care of it sooner or later once he becomes King. I don¡¯t know about the others, but you must be asking me this to extract information about them, correct?¡±


    Trist did not know Colt enough to get a good read of him, but considering how Feriar¡¯s question, this was the only possible end he could come up with.


    ¡°If older brother is here and you¡¯re telling me this, then Young Master Colt must have already made his decision to back him and end the conflict. Helping me must also have been a pretense. As for you, older brother, I told you so many times, don¡¯t look down on me.¡±


    Trist glared at Colt. He was being looked down upon by Feriar. Of course, he was angered.


    It ceased to be entertaining for Colt. Trist read too much into it and was imagining too much useless information.


    However, he had no plan of stopping them.


    He had yet to get a full grasp of their relationship. This was a good chance to see and understand.


    ¡®Their relationship is vital to me.¡¯


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare laugh at me, my struggles to you may not look like anything, but I still did it because of my beliefs. Others may see me as inferior compared to you, but don¡¯t you dare laugh at me, older brother.¡± Trist had a sword with him, but Colt felt a trace of mana flowing about.


    ¡®Trist is a Mage, huh; I didn¡¯t know that. I thought he was a Warrior stronger than me. I now know why I couldn¡¯t gauge his strength.¡¯ That¡¯s one mystery cleared.


    ¡°Trist, that¡¯s enough, forgive me if I had wronged you. My actions were not befitting of me; I was in the wrong. Now, that¡¯s enough.¡± Feriar apologized, but Trist gritted his teeth in response. But seeing Feriar apologize in such a manner shut him up.


    Despite being humiliated, Trist could only stomp his foot. He then directed his anger at Colt, who had yet to apologize, ¡°I too am sorry, your highness, but worry not for what I have in mind is not meant to look down upon you for I genuinely want to make you into a Hero who will be looked up to by the people.¡±


    Colt apologized to Trist, but the one who reacted was Feriar, who placed the tea cup down with a clink.


    ¡°Young Master Colt, that¡¯s enough. I think I know where this is going. I came here because I thought you would help me with this problem, I thought you, being the Hero of the South, would act on it, but if you want to pull Trist in your plans, then forget it.¡±


    Taken aback by this sudden reaction, Colt creased his brows, ¡°What do you mean, your highness? You must have already known my intentions since I brought him here.¡±


    ¡°With all due respect, Young Master Colt, but I had thought that you were simply trying to question Trist regarding the Marquis and his connection. It would also be best if we inform him before we do anything. The thought of having him do it had not even crossed my mind. I know you asked for me because you wanted my permission to do it, but do you think I¡¯d have you give it a go with this?¡±


    Trist watched Feriar lash out at Colt. Anyone would have backed away, but Colt didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Your highness, you know, this is the best solution. If he accepts and you give the go signal, then the current status of the Kingdom would be settled even with the current situation.


    ¡°You must be aware of the rumors circulating about my supposed intent. If I do it, then many others may think some may even rally behind me without my knowledge. The Second Prince also wants to step out of your shadow. Do you really want him to stay behind you forever!? If we let him do this and you show your fervent support for him, then we¡¯ll be able to pacify any unwanted thoughts to the three of us.¡±


    ¡°But he will be the one to carry everything else, so in the end, only the two of us would gain anything. I don¡¯t want to have him suffer. He is not cut out for this.¡±


    Feriar grew silent as he and Colt locked eyes. They were in a state of disagreement. Logically, Feriar knew what Colt was proposing was the right choice, but he didn¡¯t want Trist to go through what he would experience.


    ¡°Older brother, what are you and the Young Master talking about?¡±


    As for Trist, the one in the middle of it all was left without an idea what the hell these two were talking about. Colt said he had a way for him to finally become someone away from being an ordinary brother, but Feriar¡¯s disapproval was so heavy that it shook his heart.


    He asked a question, but no one gave an answer.


    ¡°Your highness, you see¡ª¡±


    ¡°Young Master Colt, don¡¯t say anything, this meeting is now over. Trist, let us go. Young Master Colt, we¡¯ll have this talk one you decide to tackle this yourself. We already have the evidence, and with your very own investigation, we can cover every hole, I would approve of it without a problem.¡±


    Feriar finished the tea and stood up. He walked to the door, ready to leave, ¡°Let¡¯s go, Trist, I apologize for what I said earlier, but would you please leave with me now?¡±


    However, Trist didn¡¯t move. He was staring directly at Colt¡¯s eyes. He was still waiting for an answer to his question.


    ¡®TELL ME!¡¯


    His desire to become someone aside from a brother to Feriar and his replacement was screaming as he urged Colt through his eyes.


    ¡°Trist! We¡¯re going!¡± Feriar did not like how this was turning out. His usual calm demeanor was broken.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it, I don¡¯t know what it is, but I¡¯ll do it!¡±


    ¡°Trist, you don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. You don¡¯t even know what you¡¯re¡ª¡±


    ¡°Brother please!¡± Trist turned his head to Feriar, ¡°Stop, I don¡¯t know what you and the Young Master is talking about, but I know that I can do it! Stop looking down upon me, I want to do this, let me be free from you, let me find a new path that I can tread because if you don¡¯t, the only path I would be able to take would be to go against you or in a downward spiral that I would not be able to escape. Please, let me do it, whatever it is that you want me to do.¡±


    Feriar could see the fire under his eyes. He knew if he rejected him of this moment and snuffed out these flames, then Trist would truly come to hate him.


    As Feriar gave Colt a nasty glare, he let out a deep sigh, ¡°Before you decide, at least hear what it is about. You had always been shortsighted of the bigger picture.¡±


    ¡°Older brother, trust me and tell me what it is. No matter what it is, I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    ¡°¡­of the names the Young Master listed earlier, we want them all, slaughtered for Slavery, force Prostitution, and Kidnappings.¡±


    Trist had a stunned expression, as he uttered, ¡°What¡¯s so bad with that?¡±


    He was more than happy to slaughter such people.

 137. Let me rest

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it, no, let me do it! This is my chance, older brother, please, let me do it, this is my chance to prove myself!¡±


    Trist held a smile; he would gladly do it for the people and for himself, ¡°Those people had committed such atrocities that are beyond saving. We need to weed them out as soon as possible. This is our duty as Royals!¡±


    Different forms of emotion were birthed in Trist¡¯s heart; hope, happiness, and enthusiasm were said emotions.


    Feriar was stunned at the sight of Trist.


    Trist was too happy, too delighted, and also too willing to act in this horrible operation.


    ¡°Trist, do you even know what you¡¯re talking about? Do you really think you would only be punishing them? You would be taking their lives, snuffing out their chances to change. Do you even know how heavy that kind of responsibility is? You have not even killed a single fowl, and you think you¡¯re already capable of this?¡±


    ¡°Why not? I¡¯m already of proper age¡ª¡±


    Colt yawned as he listened to their words. He pulled out the wine he had hidden and poured him some, ¡®This is going to take a while.¡¯


    He had so many questions that needed answering, but he had no chance of ever getting answered with how the situation stands. He only really wanted to clear every problem in one fell swoop, but not everything was going his way.


    ¡®The Crown Prince is against my idea and is giving me nasty glares, and the Second Prince is ecstatic to do it and giving me shiny eyes¡­oh how the tables have turned.¡¯


    It was just moments earlier when the two had the opposite expressions toward him. It was funny thinking about it.


    The arguing Royals lasted for more than half an hour, and it would have continued if not for Trist turning to Colt, ¡°Young Master Colt, what are you doing? Help me convince this brother of mine into accepting this mission. Don¡¯t just drink wine.¡±


    Colt looked at the pleading Trist and at the fuming Feriar. He sighed as he put down the wineglass, ¡®In the end, I was the one who started this.¡¯


    He had to end it.


    ¡°Princes, if you would, please take a seat once more, and let¡¯s talk about this in a more civilized manner. If we scream at each other, we would not be able to get an answer no matter how long it takes.¡±


    The looked at each other and finally decided to take a seat.


    They were both angry, and both were in a situation where they could not decide what they wanted.


    ¡°Crown Prince Feriar, I can properly see that you are very much against letting the Second Prince go and take care of it when it is the most optimal way of doing things. If you let him do as he desires and backs him, then everything would be sorted, people may think the Second Prince is gathering achievements, but if you actively pour out your support and the Second Prince public cooperation, then everything would be cleared.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right; that¡¯s right; if you let me do this, older brother, then no one would question you, and if we support each other, then we would be able to pull the Nobles to a tighter leash. Even if there are to be holes in the chain of command after killing the Nobles, nothing will get out of hand.¡±


    Both sides have their reasons, and the problem was that Colt could not understand Feriar.


    Earlier, no one was on Colt¡¯s side. Trist was skeptical of him thus the distrust and the Crown Prince was neutral.


    However, Trist was now on his side. But that does not mean much if Feriar was to reject his offer. In the end, Colt needed to convince Feriar to accept his proposition.


    ¡°Crown Prince, this is for the good of all. I will be willing to do anything and help complete this mission of saving the ones collected by these Nobles.¡±


    Feriar could see that Colt and Trist truly wanted this to happen. But he also had his reasons. He did not wish to accept this. However, the thought of fulfilling his duty entered his mind.


    He would become the future King of the Kingdom; it was his duty to fulfill his duties. Feriar¡¯s mind was torn with his responsibilities as the Crown Prince and as a brother.


    But he knew he had to make a decision that would benefit the majority.


    ¡°I would let you proceed with this; however, I have a condition.¡±


    ¡°¡­what is it?¡± Colt was apprehensive.


    ¡°I want you to accompany him in doing it. Be by Trist¡¯s side, make sure no harm will come down upon him, I know that if we do this quickly, there would be no danger; however, I still want you to promise me this.¡±


    ¡°I agree.¡±


    ¡°Good, with that out of the way, this meeting shall remain to ourselves. Trist, you are not allowed to inform anyone, even Grant or your Knights. Young Master Colt can only speak of this to Butler Go, who will act as our intermediary. Please notify me when the cure would be finished. We must use the lockdown so no one would be able to escape. In the meantime, I¡¯ll make the necessary preparations. That would be all, dismiss!


    Colt did not want to enter the fray, but he would accept it without fail if it was the only way. Feriar and Trist stood up and decided to leave for the night.


    After this, Trist and Feriar would indeed have a long talk with one another. The two left the room, and Colt had Butler Go, who was at his beck and call to prepare the carriage they would take back to the palace.


    However, Colt was left with a strange sense of loss.


    Something was missing, something he failed to understand. Trist boarded the carriage with glee, but Feriar didn¡¯t move in haste and stood by Colt for some odd reason.


    ¡°Are you not going to board the carriage, your highness?¡± Colt curiously asked.


    ¡°Young Master Colt, I owe my life to Trist¡¯s mother, the Royal Concubine, and I owe Trist her presence.¡± Feriar, however, gave a completely unrelated answer.


    A sudden statement Colt did not expect, but he listened to him nonetheless.


    ¡°The Royal Concubine saved my life when I was once attacked by a Magical Beast. At the time, she was pregnant with Trist, but she protected me from the claws of the Beast. The wound weakened her, and three weeks later, she died from giving birth to Trist.


    ¡°It could be said that I was the one who killed her. On her deathbed, she asked me to take care of Trist. Do you know why I don¡¯t want for Trist to do this? Not because I want to keep his hand from being tainted by blood, but because there would be many eyes directed at Trist after this. There would be those who would praise him, but there would also be who would hate him. Bandits, Underground Organizations, and even other Nobles. This would endanger Trist¡¯s life¡ªI just hope the Hero of the South would be able to keep him safe after drawing him out to this situation.


    "Promise or not, Trist is family, and I''ll protect him without fail. So, you must also protect him as you would do for a King.¡±


    Feriar finally boarded the carriage without waiting for Colt to finish his words. Trist was annoyed. He was but a young man even younger than Colt, 17 years of age, to be exact.


    He wanted power and might, and Colt exploited that fault of his. Colt thought that this transaction would be a win-win for every faction.


    He even thought he would be reaping the most benefit, but he was wrong. He was on the losing side of things.


    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing that I¡¯d be able to complete Goddess Root¡¯s request after this.¡±


    That was at least a win for him.


    Colt turned his back, and Butler Go appeared behind him.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Colt asked.


    ¡°A letter arrived from the Lopre. He would be moving your troops as per your order.¡±


    ¡°That is good.¡± Colt smiled.


    Colt entered the manor when Butler Go suddenly asked, ¡°Young Master, might I know who Avern is?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a Necromancer, why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, I just read something interesting that was meant for Sera.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Colt prayed for Avern, ¡°Butler Go, do you know where Fluff and the Chick?¡±


    ¡°They are in your room¡¯s balcony, Young Master, I think the cat is preparing the Chick for roasting¡­is that normal, Young Master?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s normal for them, don¡¯t worry.¡± Colt entered his room, prepared to rest for the day.


    But as he opened his doors, ready to collapse on his soft bed, he saw a peculiar sight.


    There he saw on the balcony, Yrva, the Ancient Elves¡¯ current leader, was bowing before the Chick.


    ¡°Please, tell me your secrets!¡± Yrva enthusiastically cried out.

 138. I want a happy Ending

    Colt had just encountered a potential yandere who would do everything to protect his brother...it was disturbing, and Colt wanted to sleep his mind out of this misery.


    However, his ears felt like it was being grated as he heard the haughty laughter of the Chick!


    "Chi-hi-hi-hi, tell me, tell me who I am, tell me of my greatness!"


    "Hail the Great Chick, the one who wields unfathomable power of lighting!" The Elven Leader Yrva made Colt''s jaw go slack.


    He was tempted to smack Yrva but feared being electrocuted to death. But he didn''t have the patience to deal with all this. But in the end, Colt could only sigh at his fate.


    "Yrva?"


    "HUH!? YOUNG MASTER!? When did you come in!? Did you see anything just now!?"


    Colt knew Yrva as someone calm, collected, and stoic. Also, if he was here, then that would mean he was alive and well. However, Yrva now felt like living was more of hell after being seen in such a situation.


    Colt, however, couldn''t care for much, "Don''t worry about it, I''ve seen something weirder than what you''re doing."


    "R-really?"


    "I''ve been backstabbed by a cat person that prostrates before that flabby cat, so I don''t really think seeing you praise this Chick is that weird. So, if you''re here before me, does this mean you managed to solidify your position as the Genesis Family Head?"


    "Ahem, yes, that''s right." Yrva nodded his head and threw a golden sphere at Colt.


    Colt looked at the sphere. The golden sphere was radiating with power, and as Colt looked at Yrva, he smiled as he laughed, "I didn''t think you''d actually gift it to me¡­ let''s see."


    Colt was unsure of what he was about to do, so he shot Fluff an inquiring gaze. Fluff sighed, and through its eyes, it asked its human partner, "This will hurt a lot. Are you sure you want to do this?"


    "Will I die?" Colt didn''t give it much thought, and Fluff shook its head, "Do it then."


    Fluff meowed, and the Dragon Pearl radiated a magnificent light. As he held onto the Dragon Pearl on his right hand, the pearl slowly entered his palms.


    His veins protruded, and Colt felt a tremendous amount of pain. He gritted his pain. He groaned but didn''t scream. Having his body destroyed in the fight with Horus was far more painful than this.


    The Pearl embedded itself in Colt''s body then turned into a golden tattoo. The tattoo was not a simple Golden Circle; it was more of a Dragonic Eye that radiated with power.


    Fluff hopped o Colt''s lap and began its explanation through its feline language, "Nyan, Mya, Mew, MeW, Mya¡­"


    [Translations: This Dragon Pearl was used against me, normally I wouldn''t want to get associated with it, and keep away from it like that Chick there, but I don''t really care about the past. I hold a few grudges against my sister, but nothing else. This Dragon Pearl would be useful for increasing your strength. It would be a massive boost.]


    Fluff''s words¡­were not shocking in the slightest. He was no idiot. He knew this cat was not ordinary.


    Colt makes stupid decisions that endangered his life in more ways than one. However, he was not that stupid to the point he would fail to see such a secret.


    If the question as to why he kept treating the Chick and Fluff in the manner he had been to now, it was mostly because he didn''t really care what they truly were.


    It would be weirder for him to not see through them. But the question should be, why had no one said anything? The answer was also simple¡­no one really bothered to explain, and Colt didn''t want to ask.


    Fluff just liked to eat and keep its mouth shut as to not incur any bad luck and get wrap into messy things. The only mess it wanted to get into was lasagna and stew. The children had told Colt of how Fluff dove into the stew before.


    ''I need to see that.''


    As for the Chick, it didn''t like talking about the past and was always getting kidnapped by Fluff to be roasted so Colt''s interaction with it was rather thin.


    In short, the three of them had a tacit agreement to not broach this subject.


    The human was already putting himself in so much danger, they might just die if they speak of it to him¡­they know how much of a sucker Colt was into helping others, after all.


    The Dragon Pearl had now been imbedded on Colt''s right palm. He put both palms side by side and raised his brows before whistling in pure amusement, "That''s rather cool....hey Fluff, check this out."


    Colt just had to show it off to Fluff, and as for the cat''s verdict? "Meow-Meow" it was so-so. The Chick also looked at the marks and judged it as 50-50. The two were not impressed.


    However, unlike the cat and the Chick, Yrva was slacked jawed, "A-as expected of the one who controlled the Great Chick. For you to assimilate the Dragon pearl in such a small amount of time, I am amazed."


    Colt waved his hand as he asked, "Why are you calling the Chick Great anyway?"


    "Huh, Young Master Colt, please don''t call the Great Chick in such a tone, you may be its master, but it may get angered and leave you. And to answer your question, it helped me assimilate the Mystical Treasure of Astrape. It helped control the Lightning, and I managed to tame it with so little effort."


    Yrva pulled his clothes to the side and showed a purple lightning mark on tattooed on his chest.


    "This is the first time I''ve met someone who has a Mystical Treasure tattooed in them like myself."


    "This is also a first for me, mostly because no one could control the Dragon Pearl in my clan, and the Lightning Orb of Astrape is hidden away to the far North East. I cannot thank you enough for helping me with it. I also managed to avenge my parents'' death, thanks to your help."


    "I did nothing other than providing information. Have you managed to settle the Genesis Family''s inner workings? Have you assigned the Elders and the Grand Elder?"


    "I have, but I kept the Grand Elder position empty. I plan to give that position to my older sister¡­but, I don''t think I''ll be able to do that anymore."


    Colt raised his brows as he saw Yrva show a melancholic expression.


    "You, have already given her a home to stay in, and she wants to create a family with Jin. I don''t want to steal that away from her, I¡­can''t steal away the freedom she gained she so wished desired for so long."


    Yrva was the younger brother of Vyra. In the novel, he was the hero who had everything robbed away from him.


    He had no parents, and his life was being threatened by the voracious Elders who wanted to kill him and usurp his position.


    He had a family remaining alive, but she had already gone insane after her child, and beloved was murdered. She swore revenge and killed the Elders, and her people, killing everyone and was only stopped by Yrva.


    In the combat, Yrva help in killing his remaining family. He managed to solidify his position as the head, but the guilt of killing his sister remained.


    In the original timeline, he murdered his Vyra, who had been protecting him and the guilt ate at his mind. Now, Vyra and Yrva were both alive, but they were separated by a massive fissure.


    One led the life of normalcy, while the other lived the life of blood and vengeance.


    Colt was in the forefront of their story, watching them live differently than before.


    "Have you met with Vyra yet?"


    "I¡­I have not. I am afraid she would be too disgusted to see a brother who is drenched in the blood of his kin."


    "Sir Yrva, what you have done is not something you should be ashamed of, for what you have done uprooted the evil within your clan, thereby saving Vyra from a horrible fate."


    "¡­"


    "Why don''t you stay for the night and meet with her tomorrow. She must be wanting to see you all this time; after all, you are still Vyra''s younger brother."


    Now that he was on the verge of witnessing the sibling''s ending.


    And he did not want to see a sad ending. He could stir them to a better future, so why not try to intervene once more?


    Yrva decided to stay, and Colt had Butler Go prepare him a room.


    ''I want to see a happy ending.''


    Oh, how Colt loved happy endings. Thus, he slept while this was in his mind.

 139. No Context

    ''With this, I have managed to stop the possibility of war¡­well, there''s the Princess; hopefully, she doesn''t do anything stupid¡ªmy Bitdar did not go off when I met her eyes, so I just hope she''s not some maniac.''


    Colt hoped for the best. He closed his eyes, and under the symphony that was the Chick''s cries for help, Colt fell asleep.


    It was already passed midnight, and Colt had not trained a single swing that night, but thanks to the Golden Mark, his body began to tremble.


    His muscles reacted to a creeping roar of a beast lurking within the pearl he earned. Colt''s mind buzzed he was being attacked, and soon enough, he found himself in a world of darkness.


    "Where am I?" He asked, curious about the situation.


    He looked around but found nothing, and when a flickering golden light appeared, he was kicked out of the room and returned to sleep.


    However, inside his mind, where even his subconscious could not enter, there appeared a Dragon that radiated a brilliant golden light.


    The Gold Dragon had its head lowered in subservience before two beings of purple and white¡ªit was Fluff and the Chick.


    "It had been long since I met the Progenitors." It was a greeting that had not been uttered for so long.


    "Peh, you can still call us that after what you did?" the Chick cursed and walked away, fuming. It didn''t leave. However, it just sat a couple of meters away without so much as saying a word; the Gold Dragon smiled in delight.


    The Gold Dragon then looked at Fluff, it bowed, "I am sorry for what I have done. The Goddesses may have asked me to do this, I was the one who pushed the idea¡­please do not hate your parents, my Lord, and my Sovereign, they tried their best to save all of you."


    Fluff looked at the Golden Dragon and yawned in boredom, "Don''t worry, I do not resent or hate them¡­they are my parents, after all. What happened in the past stays in the past¡­ our Mothers did not wrong¡­I hate the blue shit more than I hate anyone really¡­ I''ll take a bite with that little shit when I meet her."


    "Oh? Is the Lord still angered after having been beaten by the Monarch¡­?"


    "HUH!??? Who said I was beaten!? I was not fucking beaten by that shit, I¡­ was simply groggy and¡­we were in the water, okay? I was at an awfully disadvantageous position¡ªdon''t you dare look at me like that, you Gold shit."


    The Gold Dragon stared at this flabby cat with a strange expression, it then smilingly said, "I did not expect the Lord to have changed so much."


    "Being sealed makes you think a lot. Well, there was also finding a good friend¡­hehe, I don''t want to think about what I would have become if I accepted someone else."


    "Is my new bearer your Partner perhaps, my Lord? Is he some kind of Hero of this Era, perhaps?"


    "Oh, hell, no, this guy is stupid and kind as he is smart¡­"


    The Gold Dragon drew blank at Fluff''s words, "¡­I don''t quite get you, my Lord. Do you mean to say he''s no good?"


    "Yes, he''s weak, he''s temperamental and has a plethora of problems that branches to collect even more problems¡­meaning, he''s a delightful lad. I accepted him because I felt a sliver of Divine aura lingering in his body, but I am still glad that I did."


    "But you do like his company, do you not, my Lord?"


    "I would not ask for a better bastard." Fluff answered with a wide smile.


    "Then I am delighted that you managed to have such good luck." The Gold Dragon''s body then began turning to smoke, "My time is up."


    Fluff showed a soft smile as he asked, "Is this the last time I get to meet you?"


    "Yes, my Lord. This is the last sliver of my will, our battle millennia ago already sapped away what remained of my strength¡­might I ask for one last request¡ª"


    "You can say it¡­ I''ll at least let you say it as a form of goodbye." Fluff warmly said.


    The Golden Dragon''s figure slowly dissipated to a cloud of smoke, it was assimilating into Colt''s body, and as it was just about to fully dissipate, it uttered its final words, "Thank you for creating me, Fathers, please¡­let Mother know I was satisfied with my life."


    Fluff stared at the smoke that used to be the Gold Dragon for some time. It then turned around and walked over to the Chick.


    Fluff sat by its side as it said, "Did you walk away because you didn''t want him to see you crying?"


    "I¡­ I''m not crying¡­I''m angry!"


    The Chick said as tears uncontrollably fell.


    Seyer_Jad

 140. Where’s the Sword

    In the middle of sleeping, Colt felt his body to be burning. It was a different sensation when the Chick treated his body. It was scorching him, yet it was not.


    Every muscle, every sinew, every fiber of his being felt like it was being morphed. His body hurt, twisting and turning on the bed, the pain lasted until Colt finally awoke at seven in the morning.


    As his shot open, a repugnant smell entered his nose. His clothes were sticky, and as he looked on the bed, he saw stinky dark red blood sticking on the sheets.


    ''Did I die and got reborn last night?'' with the amount of blood on the bed, Colt was surprised he was still alive.


    He was panicking until someone confirmed his mashed thoughts, "Nya, nyam, nyan !"


    "Assimilation with the Pearl, you say?" Colt said without turning to the voice.


    Colt went to the bathroom and took a bath as Fluff continued its explanation. Colt found his hearing was far more acute than before he slept. He felt refreshed and lighter than before.


    The Dragon Pearl was a mythical artifact gifted by the Goddesses to the Hellspawn Family''s barbarian Genesha, which was now Hellbane Family.


    The Dragon Pearl draws out every bit of talent and potential from its possessor and then grants him or her some more. It was said that Genesha bored golden scales when the Dragon Pearl activated. It was also said that because of this Dragon Pearl, the Mythical Beasts failed to use the other Magical Beasts against them.


    These were mere Myths of the past that were passed down by the people. No one actually witnessed the fight between Genesha and his companions against the Mythical Beast of the Land.


    No one knew of the truth, that was except a cat.


    "Nyan, mya, meow¡­"


    Fluff explained the situation to Colt, it was the most basic of explanations, but thanks to it, Colt understood what the Dragon Pearl really was.


    ''It is the Heart and Soul of the First Creation, the Golden Dragon. According to Fluff, this should grant me the strength and domination of the original Dragon.'' Colt was gleeful upon knowing of this news.


    Colt got a fresh set of clothes, and as he finished changing, he finally searched for the two.


    Turning his head towards the balcony, Colt¡­was befuddled. Questions arose in his mind. The sight he saw was too weird for him.


    "Hey, Fluff, did anything happen?"


    "Nya?"


    "Nothing, really, just that¡­are you sure you''re okay? I''m worried."


    Colt thought that he had seen it all, but nothing trumps the thing that was happening before him. Fluff and the Chick did not change form or anything like that; it was just¡ªFluff was acting friendly towards the Chick.


    ''I''ve only seen them fight¡­this is weird...''


    Colt was honestly worried about Fluff''s current mental status.


    As Fluff quietly looked at Colt, it merely continued petting the sleeping Chick, "Nya, meow, nya."


    "You''re in a good mood? Well, that mood is really nice then¡­" Colt trembled in fear, for he finally noticed that Fluff was speaking respectfully.


    "Well, I''ll leave you be for now. I''ll have the Chefs prepared a feast for you as a reward for treating your sibling nicely, come see me later."


    "Nya." Fluff merely shrugged him off. It even waved its paws impatiently as it looked at the window with a melancholic gaze. This cat looked like someone going through a midlife crisis.


    Colt left the room, and he released a deep, deep.


    ''I think I hit it too hard the last time we fought¡­damn, I feel bad now.'' Colt decided to treat Fluff better.


    Colt was already bewildered by Fluff''s sudden shift in tone. However, the surprise shifts weren''t over as Sera approached him with a bright smile.


    She was about to speak when she paused at the sight of Colt. Her Young Master was now somehow different from yesterday.


    He underwent another transformation, which was what Sera thought. However, she just threw it away, for such thoughts were not that important; she then regained her bright disposition.


    "Young Master, is something the matter? Can I do something for you and assist you?" Sera¡­sounded truly energetic to do her job.


    Colt was taken aback, "Did something happ¡ªOh I get it now, you don''t have to act like that, I''m pretty sure the Second Prince already forgot about your words. Don''t worry, you''re in the clear."


    "Sigh, that''s a relief, good thing you have learned to manipulate even the Royals, Young Master. I''m amazed, I shall follow you for life." A monotonous line came out of Sera''s mouth.


    ''There''s my Butler.'' Colt was happy seeing Sera had returned to blasphemous self, "Shut it, I didn''t manipulate anyone. The conversation just went well. Enough of that, do you know what I have to do today?"


    "Nothing, just the same as every other day. The people under our support had been fed by Butler Go. Oh, I think it is important to say this, the Master-Class Knights of the Second Prince had arrived to help with the feeding."


    "I did not expect that, are they not fearful that they''ll get infected?"


    "Older Brother had posted his findings of the situation. He stated that Master-Class Masters are not affected for they have the Zara life energy in their body, and because Magical Beasts are not affected by the disease, all of them believed it, the Palace quickly sent out people to help our lack of people. Every infected had now been routed and are being taken care of by the Royal Family and us.


    "Because of this, everyone is finding a light, and the support to the Crown Prince is soaring. The Second Prince is also being praised, but even if we combine the two, they cannot match your popularity, Young Master." Sera said with a smug look.


    "Yeah, let''s not be happy with that. Popularity is good, but having too much of it is not appreciated." If the Royals became fearful of his popularity, then it would be his end.


    ''I don''t want to end up being set up.'' This was also one reason why he wanted to have Trist rise up and become a new Hero. It should be so that he could match Colt, and then the Royals would overshadow Colt.


    "Young Master, this is out of nowhere, but do you know why Master is searching for Avern? He''s oozing with killing intent since I met him earlier today."


    "Let it be, he''s acting like an overprotective Grandpa or Father, you don''t have to mind it."


    "Then¡­do you know if Avern¡­had stopped sending me letters? His letters had stopped arriving."


    ''Ehhhhh¡­this is entertaining as well.'' Colt found another pair of entertainment.


    With a smug Colt, the two finally reached the dining area where he ate like a King. He didn''t spare any space that could be occupied with food. As Colt was voraciously devouring the food, Yrva waltzed in the dining area.


    When he saw Colt, he too was surprised, ''He changed.''


    "Why don''t you eat with me, Sir Yrva?"


    "I shall take you up on your offer, Young Master," Yrva didn''t reject. Elves were naturally straightforward despite everything else. If someone offers them food, they would always accept unless the food was lacking to sustain the provider.


    Colt watched as Yrva ate the prepared meat he was given. It was a big cut of meat, and Colt watched with an "oh" escaping him.


    "Is something wrong, Young Master?"


    "Forgive me, it seems like I have misconceptions with Elves. I thought everyone was like Vyra, eating only herbs and vegetables." Colt stated.


    Yrva swallowed before answering, "That is merely a misconception. Elves respect lives, and rejecting to be fed is a sign of discourtesy to the being that died to become food. We eat everything other than poisonous beings because we believe that they are the children of the One Evil. If we don''t eat animals, then it would be hard to sustain our way of living. Older sister is pregnant, only at this time does Elves avoids the consumption of meat."


    "Oh¡­" Colt did not know that.


    And against popular belief, Elves were not vegetarians as they too eat all kinds of meat. They finished eating, and finally, Colt asked, "So, have you met with Vyra?"


    "¡­I have not. I plan to do it later."


    "How about Jin? Did you meet him yet?"


    "He had locked himself up, and only come out at night to check on Older Sister. He''s very hardworking."


    Colt finished devouring his food and cleaned his mouth, "Well, I want to watch it all transpire, but I don''t want to take the chances of infecting her. Good luck, Sir Yrva."


    Yrva nodded his head.


    Colt had left with Sera, leaving Yrva alone to think. At around 9:00 am in the morning, Yrva finally came to terms with himself and went to meet with his older sister after so long.


    They had a talk one on one without anyone''s presence. But from what the passing maids stated, it was a joyous reunion.


    Colt spent time interacting with the people he took under his wings before leaving to somewhere when noon arrived.


    "Where are we going, Young Master?"


    Sera asked while reading through a letter she retrieved from Butler Go.


    "It''s something good."


    The carriage he boarded stopped at a smithy called Astora Forgery.


    The sound of hammer striking metal resounded in his ears, and as he entered, a flying edge flew towards him, which he caught with relative ease.


    "Ferald, do you have my sword?"


    Colt finally came to take the sword he asked to be forged.

 141. Not Tessaiga

    "Oh, why if it isn''t the Young Master of the Edgeworth, Heh, heh, you''re here to pick up your sword, I see." Ferald stopped hammering the bright red blade on his anvil as he smiled at Colt and Sera.


    "Why would I be in your Smithy otherwise, sir Ferald?" Colt came here months prior and asked for Ferald to craft him a sword. The recipe to the sword, the smelting process, the hammering technique, and the quenching method were all provided by Neun, but only he could create the sword slash Artifact.


    The materials were prepared by Butler Go, and the payment was all settled in secret by Shickly. The sword was meant to be tailored to Colt.


    Ferald smiled at Colt''s disposition and seeing his body and aura, Ferald could feel the massive difference.


    "I was afraid that the Young Master would not be able to use the sword properly, but it seems like my fears were unfounded. Follow me, Young Master, I''ll show you the masterpiece you wanted me to create."


    Colt felt really bothered by his words¡­Ferald sounded like a weeb straight out of a convention he visited once or twice.


    ''Is it the level of tessaiga, or something?''


    Some artifacts lit up upon contact with Master-class Warriors and above, but those were few in between.


    Colt had read about a sword that spews out fire upon the ignition of fire aura and a sword so fine that it creates hundreds of wind blade upon contact.


    Colt had not seen such a weapon despite having met a handful of Master-class Warriors. The reason was that Neun refuses to use an artifact. He claimed that using a sword would be bad for the environment.


    ''If I use an Artifact, I might accidentally cut down a mountain peak or create a clearing without so much as a thought. That''s how dangerous our sword art is.''


    ''That must be a lie, Teacher.''


    ''Wanna check for yourself?''


    ''Of course, I believe you.''


    These were Neun''s words. He was afraid of upsetting the environment; that''s why he didn''t want to use an artifact; such arrogant words were not doubted by Colt.


    He had seen Neun''s barbaric and savage way of fighting without a weapon. If Neun actually had an artifact while using Mutation, then a calamity might befall this Continent.


    This train of thought made Colt shiver, but it made him think about a particular event, ''What would happen if the war begins? How many would die, and to what extent would the destruction spread?''


    The Hellbanes, a Warrior-centric Family, fought up North, and it was said that the Mountains were carved.


    The aftermath of a fight with Sorcerers in the Genesis Family territory was large enough to ravage the nearby regions, touching even the cities in the Kingdom''s vicinity.


    The incomplete spell that Gilbert destroyed was just a taste of what second step Pathfinders could do.


    ''I''ll know what kind of powers they have soon enough.'' He had already made the necessary preparations to become an actual cheat.


    He had little plot armor, so he had to plan it out and steal as much Mythical Treasure on the Continent to become someone capable of standing up to the enemies.


    There was also the fact that dangerous situations just loved to cling to him.


    ''I¡­I better not let Sera know about this. She''ll talk smack about this for hours if I do.'' He was aware of his own stupidity, but not regretting anything was a prevalent and unchanging trait in his life.


    He chose to love Mina and moved on without regrets; he decided to become a father and faced the world without looking back, and even struck a deal with the Goddesses and entirely threw himself in a chaotic way of living but never did he cry about it¡ªthe last one was a lie, he cried a lot, and it was understandable.


    The three of them reached the back garden. There, a single storage shed was built. Without even approaching the storage shed, Colt could feel the layers of formations set up around it.


    "Around this storage shed is seven formations that would activate if any form of forced entry was to be taken." Feral brought out a key hanging on his neck and unlocked the lock and kept away the chains, "You''re keen on sensing Mana, Young Master Colt, I''m surprised."


    "Well, I''m trying to sharpen them; it''s good that I''m getting better."


    "¡­that so¡ªare you preparing for some kind of war?"


    Colt was taken aback but didn''t say anything. Ferald took Colt''s silence as a yes and continued talking to himself.


    "You know, I was a war veteran when the beastmen fifty years ago and the dwarves were at war with each other, though I was mostly one of the Master Smiths who only hammered steel and repaired our weapons. I once heard that it is of utmost importance to have the keenest of senses that you could slash blindly and still kill an enemy, and duck without knowing why and end up dodging a fatal attack."


    "That so? My teacher also said the same thing."


    "Did he also say you need the best of weapons?"


    "No¡­he mentioned nothing as such," Colt answered as he witnessed the formations deactivate one by one.


    Ferald''s laughter entered his ears, "Hah, hah, hah, if that''s the case, then you met a good teacher because if you possess the best weapon, then it would be easier for you to kill your ally than kill an enemy. Young Master, do you think you can conquer my masterpiece?"


    As the doors of the shed open, a single sword presented itself to Colt. An ominously cold wind went past him as a deep ocean blue sword with a black line going down its middle showed itself to Colt.


    For a moment, Colt felt like drowning while he was being dragged to the depths of a trench.


    "It seems like it reacted to you; that''s a done deal, I supposed. I''m rather disappointed. I thought there would be a fight of dominance."


    When an artifact reacts at first sight, that only meant one thing, the artifact already accepted that person as to its owner. It only happened to the most compatible person.


    Colt held the sword''s handle and carried it. The weapon''s weight was over fifty kilograms, but he carried it with ease.


    Back on earth, such a sword would be absurd, but here, it was not. Even training swords were heavy, and that''s because Warriors with aura prepare themselves for the usage of such artifacts.


    Though a majority of them would not even be able to see an Artifact in their lives.


    ''The weight is new, but it won''t be a problem. After a night of swings, I''m going to have a good grasp of it. A month of training should make me fully accustomed to it.?''


    With a hum, Colt swung the sword, a shallow cut appeared on the floor, "This is sharp."


    "Of course, it is, that sword was forged using a mix of Ocean Essence Stones, Tundra Essence Crystals, Death Lich Heart, Specter Heart and was smelted using Lightning Flame Crystal that weapon cost millions to create and my full unbreaking one-month effort of hammering and another month of sharpening that thing.


    "If I was a human, I would have already died ten times over. I even almost lost my fingers creating that thing, but I regret nothing. All that hardship formed this masterpiece, the sharpest sword fit for the greatest warriors who want to conquer the seas and become the deadliest shadow.


    "This is my greatest creation, and its name is [Ocean''s Black Heart]." Ferald''s pride to the sword was unbridled, and with a name so striking and almost cringe-inducing caused Colt''s heart to beat wildly.


    Then, a thought emerged. Him double wielding the Ocean'' Black Heart and the Ocean Sword, Colt imagined an eventual nickname for him, ''Ocean Master...''


    Colt''s eyes were shining brightly. He kept the sword in a black sheathe that had a blue gem embedded on its surface. He vowed to treasure this sword.


    After thanking Ferald, Colt and Sera boarded the waiting carriage.


    Ferald saw them off with a smile, saying. "I''ll see you soon, Young Master Colt."


    Colt nodded his head, knowing that was far from happening. He had already finished the sword, and Ferald had already been paid with, so it would be impossible for them to meet later in the future.


    After returning, Colt was greeted by the people. They were intrigued by his excitement, and Colt told the children of his beautiful sword as a means of relieving their boredom and taking their minds off their situation.


    To Colt, the children''s mental health was a must for them not to stray down a perilous path. So, he happily told them about the sword, just like how he would speak with his daughters.


    "Can we see it?" a young infected boy asked, in awe of Colt''s story.


    Colt would show it to them if he could, but shook his head, "Its mere presence can cut you, young man. An Artifact is not something one should play with."


    He said dignifiedly as he casually bragged about the sword in a story.


    That night, Colt slept with the sword on his bedside after getting dragged to his newly cleaned room by the two siblings.


    "Hehehe, how smooth you are¡­how gorgeous," Colt mumbled to himself in his sleep.


    Fluff froze at his words, and for the sake of staying alive, it went down the bed frame and spoke, "Meow, nya, (He''s talking about a new sword.)"


    Back on the Edgeworth Manor, Mina heaved a sigh of relief and let go of the knife she held tightly.


    Fluff knew that it had just saved the oblivious Colt.


    It now understood that it should have told Colt about the tampering Mina did to the room.


    But it then shook its head and just hoped that Colt could get to a level where his senses could find such listening devices. It was all for training purposes.


    But then again, Fluff didn''t want to die, so it went to cover Colt''s mouth with the Chick¡ªit''s kindness had already run out.

 142. Purifying Moon (Part 1)

    It was in the middle of the day, and Colt was together with Fluff and Yrva.


    It was a rare day where everything had was finished, and there was not much going on with his life.


    While drinking tea in the open pagoda, Sera waltzed in. with her lunch for the three.


    After laying down the food, Sera stood by Colt''s side and joined Colt and Fluff in watching the Chick stand before five different birds.


    The Chick was standing on the table while five birds were perched on the railings before it.


    "You five are the best birds of each kind, Sparrow, Hawk, Eagle, Raven, and Crane you five shall become my Generals that shall rule the skies!"


    The birds raised a feather in response to the Chick''s glorious words. This was the same sight when Fluff was searching for Generals, the only difference was that they were now birds.


    "You five shall be trained to become Magical Beasts, not a Savage Beast, but a Magical Beast."


    The Savage Beast was the form before the intelligent Magical Beast. In the world of beasts, the stronger one became, the higher the intelligence would be.


    "You five have ingested my blood and in three days after I finish teaching you how to call upon my blood, then you shall be let go in the wild, do you understand!?"


    Fwoop!


    The five saluted with a dignified expression. The Chick turned to everyone and saw Yrva with glowing eyes, Fluff and Colt telling it to go on, and Sera trying to stifle her laughter after seeing a hawk salute a ball of feathers.


    Overall, the Chick was satisfied, for this was the most respect it had gotten from everyone. The nameless Sovereign was satisfied.


    However, Colt remembered a peculiar memory, "Fluff, does anyone who drinks that Chick''s blood get to call upon any of the elements? If so, can''t you use it as well?"


    "Nya, meow, meow, nyan."


    "I see."


    Colt nodded his head, and Yrva was looking at him with curiosity¡ªthe elf failed to understand. Sera sighed and proceeded to do a free translation for the elf.


    "Lord Fat Fluff..."


    "Nyaaaa." Fluff corrected.


    Sera, however, stared it down, "I know what I said." Fluff immediately backed off at the sight of those eyes.


    "...as I was saying, it said that it is possible to use any element despite it not being able to call upon each and every element for it has its own set limitations. It also said that explaining it would be a pain and if the Young Master wants more information an offer of ten kilograms of Tuna is needed."


    "Oh¡­" a suitable reaction, encapsulating thousands of emotions, "You seem to know the feline language, miss butler?"


    "The Majority from the Edgeworth Family knows except the children. The cat purposely teaches the children the wrong things to get more offerings for a lesson. We tried to tell them it was lying and teach them ourselves, but they still believed the cat¡­it''s vexing, really."


    Fluff turned around, but upon meeting eyes with Sera, Fluff decided to keep its mouth shut. She was, after all, telling the truth. No need to get into a bloody argument with her¡­the women of the Edgeworth Family, including this butler, was not someone to mess with¡­Fluff learned that the hard way after refusing to help Sera in her training.


    She had it miss a meal¡ªA MEAL! At least Colt only threaten it, but her? She was the Devil in Fluff''s eyes, and this Lord had fought the actual Devil before. Fluff chose to stay silent.


    "Is it okay to say this thing to an outsider like myself?"


    "You''re my brother-in-law and someone the Young Master trusts, it is fine." Sera answered without so much as a thought.


    Colt simply shrugged his shoulders as a way to say yes.


    While everyone was silent, Colt finished his meal before asking, "Now that you ou have now claimed the throne of the Genesis Family. What''re your plans, Sir Yrva?"


    Yrva was silent, but, in the end, he decided to speak and craft closer ties with him, "There''s trouble brewing in the Genesis Family, it seems like the Phantasmagoria Family have been trying to incite a war with us. They claim we have the Staff of Darkness. Despite our long distances from one another, our fight continues. If it goes on, I fear that there might be a big battle in a few years. They also have our descendants, the Forest and Dark Elves, near their territories, it would be bad if they entice them to join their number."


    ''The war between the Genesis and the Phantasmagoria¡­it appears the Phantasmagoria were the ones inciting the war and the Genesis Family reacted.''


    Colt remembered an important piece of information.


    The war would be won by the Genesis Family as they would get help from the hero who would spearhead the battlefield. This would result in the Phantasmagoria falling for the Eastern Continent''s hands, letting them take land in both South and West.


    "With you guy''s current situation, I don''t think you''d be able to sustain yourselves."


    "That''s what I fear. If they hire mercenaries, then we''d be ending in their hands. We will fall before long." Yrva had won the fight against his family, but now that he had official control, the pieces of information blocked by the elders reached him, a stream of headache was pressuring him to his knees.


    If the Genesis Family fall, then the East would be pried open by the enemy. Even Shickly would not be able to hold on, and before long, the Kingdom of Regalus would fall.


    That could not happen; thus, Colt''s eyes turned serious, "I have a plan." He once again would act as a puppeteer and orchestrate a better future.


    ***


    Four days passed. Yrva had returned home after the day Colt, and he had a talk the entire afternoon. They struck a deal that if Yrva supplies them with enough materials for the cure, then Colt would solve his problems until the Genesis Family could gain a foothold.


    Of course, Yrva accepted.


    However, in these past four days, Colt had not been simply idling by trying to wait for the cure to be developed. He was practicing his sword, and quickly enough, he reached Rank-7 with so little time.


    He estimated he would reach Rank-9 before the end of the year, and he would claim the world record for the quickest growth in the entire Western Continent.


    The Kingdom was in a lull. The Nobles were waiting for the cure, and only the ones moving were the joint project of the Edgeworth Family and the Royal Family.


    Many Nobles tried getting into the mix, presenting gold and money to the Royal, but none provided manpower. Feriar scoffed at them, but money was money, so he accepted these donations with a smile, and everything was used to feed the sick and the hungry at the end of the day.


    Everything was moving along quite well.


    Under the guise of the night, while everyone slept, a certain beat of the drum echoed throughout the ears of the people!


    BAM! BAM!


    A thunderous roar echoed throughout, waking many, both nobles and the commoners. The war drum symbolizes one thing, the start of a fight.


    There were two occasions it could be rung, if the Kingdom war and the Palace were trying to send their soldiers away or if the Kingdom was under siege.


    None of these two occasions were happening, yet the drum''s beating continued rousing people''s hearts.


    "What the hell is going on!? Do they not know what time it is already!?" A Noble asked as he peered through his windows.


    He failed to see anything. However, he heard it.


    Something accompanied the beating of the drum; it was the rhythmic marching of soldiers. On the Main Street of the City, there was Trist, who wearing golden armor. He was the Supreme Commander of this fight.


    By his side was Colt, who wore a Silver Armor signifying he was the second of command and behind them was the Hundred Royal Cavalry Knights.


    Behind the Royal Cavalry Knights were five hundred Royal Knights.


    All of them wore full-plate armor, the Dragon Horse included.


    And as they remember the briefing they received from the Second Prince earlier, their blood boiled in the mere thought of it all.


    Trist could feel their fervor, and as the height of the drums was reached, he spoke calmly, a manner befitting of a General''s, "March."


    And so was the start of the night that would be referred to as Purifying Blood Moon of the Kingdom.

 143. Purifying Moon (Part 2)

    ¡°What¡¯s happening!? Why are the bloody Royals making a fuss tonight of all times?¡± Marquis Kinson did not like the sounds of loud drums as he descended to a chamber.


    He was irritated for the loud drums stopped him from enacting his pass times. He had been doing it for the past few days, relieving him of the stress given to him by the Second Prince.


    ¡°That incompetent shit, can¡¯t even do anything right. He just had to lower Feriar¡¯s control, he only had to do that! But he still failed, goddamn useless cur!¡± Kinson cursed.


    As he finished his walking down the steps, Kinson opened the doors to the secret chamber of his Manor¡¯s underground level.


    Upon his return, the silent sobs and whimpers of young children entered his ears. It was a serenade that calmed his heart.


    ¡°I have returned, my precious sons!¡± He announced with a loud voice.


    He walked down a damp and decrepit Prison Hall. Left and right, rows of cells caging young boys had marks of being whipped and tortured.


    ¡°Who wants to play with Daddy today?¡± Kinson said with a jolly tone, and the children whose age was no higher than seven or eight trembled in fear for they knew what it meant.


    When Kinson was in his joyous times was when it got violent.


    Kinson¡¯s every step would elicit a rapid beat of the heart. The fears of children could not be measured. They shook in their tiny cells as they held their heads down, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.


    ¡®Please¡­Goddesses, not this time, not again, please¡­spare me. Spare me of this fate¡­spare me!!!!¡¯ A child prayed to the Goddesses as he always had. He prayed louder and louder so that their prayers would be answered.


    Each and every one of them wanted to drown the pleas of the others. They wanted their prayers to be heard this time around.


    ¡®Please, not tonight¡­not to¡ª¡¯


    Bam!


    However, one child¡¯s prayer could not be answered. A child with an evergreen hair raised his hand as the steel bars of his cell were picked.


    ¡°Kian, my lovely child, why don¡¯t you help this Daddy of yours blow off some steam?¡±


    Kian wanted to shake his head, but he was already conditioned not to do so. If he were to shake his head or defy Kinson¡¯s orders, then the pain would only increase.


    His cell opened with a creak, and he walked towards Kinson¡¯s embrace.


    Kinson held onto the child¡¯s hands, whose wrist had a festering wound.


    Kinson looked at this wound and saw the magots he left it with and smiled, ¡°Would you look at that, your wounds had stopped decaying, I told you, the maggots would eat the dead tissues.¡±


    A proud smile emerged from Kinson¡¯s visage. He was satisfied with the kindness that he showed.


    He held onto the Kina¡¯s bony rough hands and slowly guided him to the end of the hall where the playroom was.


    Soon, Kian was bound by chain links that prevented him so many times from escaping. He was Kinson¡¯s favorite, for he had evergreen hair.


    According to Kinson, he was the perfect outlet to pour his infuriation he had with the Royals.


    Kian¡¯s eyes turned lifeless; he had given up. With the pliers on Kinson¡¯s hands, the pain would shortly follow, hoping for a miracle would only further the agony. Thus, the young boy prepared himself to scream to satiate Kinson¡¯s needs and sleep for another night.


    But then, through his now muddled hearing, Kian heard the doors slam once more. Kinson panicked as he quickly turned around.


    The sounds of quick steps moving hastened, and before long, the playroom¡¯s heavy steel door was cut by a blue sword.


    Behind the doors was a man garbed in silver armor and someone with an evergreen hair. Both were handsome and radiated illustrious light to Kian; salvation arrived.


    ¡°Second Prince, what are you doing here?¡± Kinson asked with a trembling voice.


    Trist looked at the Marquis and the chained boy with rage in his eyes. He had his Knights free the child from the chains.


    Trist saw Kinson as his supporter just months before, and with extreme disgust both to himself and this man, Trist whispered, ¡°Young Master¡­make him sing a nice tune, serenade the children with his voice.¡±


    ¡°It shall be my magnum opus, your highness.¡±


    Colt stepped forth with his sword seemingly humming as it thirsts for blood.


    ¡°Y-you Edgeworth brat, I am a Marquis, d-do you know the weight of touching me? You have no right to¡ª¡±


    Slash! One of his legs was cut, and the howling melody echoed. The children recognized this voice, and for it to be used in this manner, the children began to smile.


    They were weak, trembling smiles. Slowly, they stood up and gathered what strength they had to get nearer to this masterpiece.


    The children were released from their cells, and with the help of the Knights, the children joyfully walked over to the playroom.


    Upon the sight of Kinson, their smiles could not be any wider. For the first time in his life, Kinson was on the receiving end of a deranged smile.


    He whimpered and cried¡­such was his mistakes for the Second Prince did not appreciate such a thing, ¡°Young Master, the volume had been lowered, turn it up now before we leave.¡±


    ¡°Understood¡­¡±


    ¡°W-wait¡ªaaaaAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! P-prince Trist¡­.p-please, kill me, if you want to¡­¡±


    The Marquis began to beg, Trist, however, did not appreciate that. The Second Prince crouched down and met the Marquis onto his eye level, ¡°You do not have the right to have such privilege, your voice shall become a serenade, as I implant onto you the blood of an infected enhanced Red Vein Disease. And as I watch you die, slowly, writhing in pain, I shall enjoy your every second with the children you tortured for your sick perversion.¡±


    Trist finished his words, and the Knights retreated ten steps back with the Children. Trist did the same as Colt brought out a vial of blood Jin received from Alpyie for research.


    A single drop of blood reached his tongue, and almost immediately, Kinson¡¯s body reacted. His blood flew all over, but it never reached anyone that could be infected.


    He suffered pain, only Demons could endure.


    His red veins protruded as searing pain enveloped his being.


    Colt and Trist watched for a few seconds before turning their backs from him. In the capital, four others remained, and throughout the night, Colt and the Second Prince visited them, one by one.


    Some tried to escape as they understood what was happening, only to be captured and get tortured even harder.


    Each and every one of them was given the disease to suffer, and those they caged, both the young women and boys, the pregnant and maimed, all watched with a smile on their faces.


    They reveled in their pain, and after the scream of pain ended, the ones that were enslaves were dissatisfied, for they demanded more.


    They demanded such punishment was not enough for the crimes they have committed. They have witnessed these people torture hundreds to death, and the enslaves cried in dissatisfaction.


    ¡°Torture them! Make them suffer!¡±


    The pitiful cries of the tortured people throughout the capital.

 144. When?

    After killing every single one of the bastard Nobles, Colt and Trist marched out of the Capital.


    The Knights were gallant and dignified with their march. However, a question appeared in their heads, ¡®Who are these jokes and what¡¯s with the cat?¡¯


    The gates opened, and as they stepped outside, a group of ragtag people was lined up. In front of them were, Lopre whose uniform looked more pitiful than a homeless person, Avern whose white hair reached his tail bone and radiated out of this world beauty, and a fully-armored Mary who had a serious for a change.


    The fifty soldiers kneeled before Colt and the Trist, ¡°We greet His Highness and the Prince, and Our Lord, our Master, Colt Edgeworth.¡±


    ¡®Dammit, Mary and Lopre must have taught them that.¡¯ Colt cursed inside.


    Trist looked at Colt and asked him, ¡°These are your best soldiers, really?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t judge a book by its cover, Your Highness.¡± Colt playfully stated.


    Colt ignored the Knights as he dismounted the Dragon Horse.


    He stood before the Soldiers whose weapons were as old as and ragged as they were.


    Colt looked at Lopre and asked, ¡°Where are your trainers?¡±


    ¡°The Generals of the Lord Fluff chose to wander the land. They still search for those worthy enough to witness the of the Lord Fluff¡¯s glory.¡±


    ¡®Fluff did a good job brainwashing those poor things.¡¯ He praised the cat.


    He shook his head at the thought as Fluff somehow managed to jump on Colt¡¯s shoulder with its flabby body.


    It was now a comical scene where no one was allowed to laugh appeared.


    Only now did everyone remember Colt Edgeworth¡¯s other title, [Fluff Reaper]¡ªthe view of his was magnificent.


    The Knights and Trist could now see how that came to be.


    ¡°Meow.¡± Fluff informed Colt.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, your Generals are not needed for this. Lopre, we¡¯re heading south, then east, prepare to soar!¡±


    ¡°Understood! SECOND CALL!¡±


    ¡°YES!¡± A response echoed, and more than half of the Squadron had a green light glow from the pendant given to them when they enlisted.


    Around twenty-five different aviary Savage Beasts appeared. These beings, just like their names suggested, were savages and were hard to tame, and if this was any other place, the different species of beasts would have already ripped each other apart¡ªthese Savages lined up next to their Partners.


    SCREEEEEEEEE! A cacophony of screech pierced the night skies.


    The Knights¡¯ jeering view of Colt¡¯s Squadron disappeared.


    ¡°A Hellfire Bird, the Dragon-Scaled Hawk, Ravenous Shadow, even a Sky Terror Beast¡­w-what the hell are with these Beasts.¡± Trist was astounded at the assortment of Aviary-Beings.


    Lopre did not react anything to the Prince¡¯s amazement, and the recruits also did not say anything. They had experienced Hell under the cats of the Lord Fluff, strict discipline was instilled in their mind.


    Trist was nothing; the Knights were mere ants¡ªthe only one that mattered was the approval of the one controlling the Generals and its partner.


    Lopre stood straight as he gave the report, ¡°The Savage Beasts we managed to tame are nothing but Rank-5 and below, our men are no stronger than Rank-4, and I have failed to secure a Dragon the Young Master asked of me! Please, punish me for my transgression.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, have everyone prepare for our departure, carry those who have no Aerial Mounts, we travel as a group, sharpen your auras, sharpen your will, do not embarrass me!¡±


    ¡°YES! YOUNG MASTER!¡±


    Everyone in Colt¡¯s independent Squadron did what they were asked. They carried those who had no mount; this included Lopre, who was not allowed to have an Aerial Mount if it was not a Dragon.


    ¡°Your highness, are the Aerial Cavalry prepared?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­yes, they are waiting for my signal.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good¡­¡± Colt raised his hand, and a bird as dark as night descended from. It was the Shadow King Raven of Butler Go.


    That would be shocking enough but on top of the Shadow King Raven¡¯s head was a ball of feathers called the Chick. It was controlling the beast dozens of times bigger than it.


    Colt mounted the Shadow King Raven and extended his hand, ¡°Your Highness, join me.¡±


    Trist accepted Colt¡¯s extended hand. The Second Prince then watched the Chick controlling the Shadow King Raven.


    ¡°Your highness, the signal, please?¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± Trist raised the sword that was actually his medium for the spells and mana to cast a fire spell, ¡°FLARE!¡±


    A red ball of fire illuminated the dark skies. The Aerial Cavalry, who were mounted on Sun Flare Hawks, flew up.


    The Cavalry wanted to fly side by side Colt and the Second Prince, but a weird and mysterious pressure prevented them from properly ordering their mounts. In the end, they even failed to ride side by side with Colt¡¯s Squadron.


    ¡®No one rides in front of the ones associated with this King or me.¡¯ The Chick¡¯s pride did not let them do anything it considered disrespectful.


    ***


    The Capital the Next Day.


    With the lockdown in place, no one managed to escape a trial in the early mornings. The lies, deceit, and crimes of the slain Nobles were announced to the public, and if not for the gory and detailed explanation the Knights provided the people, a massive complaint would have been filed, and a backlash may ensue.


    There would be people who would feel like the Royalty acts were too barbaric and vicious, but no one would voice out such words for the punishment these Nobles committed fitted the crime.


    The Nobles condemned the people involved, for if they went against what the Royals did, that would mean they support slavery. Facing scrutiny was the last of their problems.


    The Throne Room¡­


    The Nobles were gathered before the Crown Prince, Feriar.


    ¡°In Violation of the law enacted by the current King, the Nobles violated his law against possessing and encouragement. Their death shall become a warning to those who violate these laws. The Family of those caught would be stripped of their titles, and their entire fortune seized. Said wealth would be used to provide a better living for the previous caged people.¡­¡±


    The one who spoke was Feriar, and as he handed over the scrolls to one of the servants, a broad smile appeared on his face, ¡°¡­And all of these were achieved with the Second Prince leading the charge and the Young Master of the Colt Family assisting him. Once more, the Young Hero of the South managed to produce such a result. Another great General is rising from the ranks of the Count.


    ¡°The Young Count has been hunting the scourge of the Kingdom even before he emerged from being a carp. With the help of Trist and the Young Master¡¯s strength, those who disobey the law shall be slain without mercy.¡±


    Feriar praised both Colt and Trist but put all the bloody mess to the assistant.


    Trist was gaining all the light while Colt gained the notoriety.


    ¡°What is happening? I thought the Young Master of the Edgeworth was competing against the other two?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t foresee that they¡¯ll have such a good relationship with one another.¡±


    ¡°Their Fathers are friends and war veterans; it seems like we overlook it and only saw the Edgeworth bastard¡¯s meteoric rise to prominence.¡±


    Such words brought a smile to Feriar¡¯s face. His usual calm and collected became even brighter as slowly, he presented the Nobles little scrolls.


    These scrolls were about the size of a pinky, and each of them had a message.


    Everyone was confused at first, but slowly, they came to the realization of the fact.


    ¡°These messages had been retrieved from the Messenger Hawks sent out last night. I have them seized for not a single thing must come out of the Capital, not even information.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying we can¡¯t speak of this night to anyone, Your Highness? With all due respect, this case cannot be kept contained. It is simply an impossibility.¡± An anxious Noble stated the truth.


    Feriar, however, only smiled before answering, ¡°Fear not, for I am not stupid enough to even think of doing such a thing. I seized the messengers so that none can warn the other treacherous bastards from the culling; the Second Prince and the Young Master of the Edgeworth are on their way to pay them a visit. And as I finish reviewing these messages, I shall be able to grasp the situation of the Kingdom.¡±


    Everyone trembled before a gentle smile. Feriar¡¯s words were simple.


    What he meant was that ¡°If anyone is to warn anyone, then a connection can be traced, and the weeding out shall extend.¡±


    Such is the terrifying meaning behind their words.


    ***


    Traveling using aerial mounts was faster than on the ground; however, it still took a week to travel between states.


    They only had two more known targets, and after a quick surprise visit and confirmation of what happened, Trist left three Knights to take care of the situation.


    But before leaving, Trist left them a message, ¡°I have exactly 97 eyes scattered all around the state, and 73 of them are in this city. Do something I do not approve of, and I shall have your head and your Family¡¯s head.¡±


    He did not need to say it to them, and he could have gotten rid of the black sheep in the Knight Order if they were to prove some heinous crimes and activities.


    However, Trist wanted to prevent such activities from happening. Why endanger life if it could be saved?


    Trist and Colt left for the final city; there, the Count in charge resisted.


    A bloody combat ensued, but the fight ended almost instantly with the descent of the Second Prince¡¯s troops.


    There were many unnecessary deaths from the soldiers and guards of the Count was made, and Trist felt bad.


    Some were injured, but no life was taken on the allies¡¯ side.


    He was ready to kill those who deserved them, but he not the innocent. Nevertheless, he steeled his heart as he decided to meet the caged children.


    The Count actually had his chamber of children separated from his home and was in a villa on some mountain.


    Trist followed Colt¡¯s collected information and reached a cave. Upon entry, the cave did not provide any outstanding features.


    They eventually reached a dead end, but just as everyone was about to doubt Colt, the Young Master touched the walls and pushed in a certain part of the wall.


    A secret entrance opened as the wall shifted to the side.


    Almost immediately, the smell of foul odor escaped the chamber, and every Knight rushed in to save the children.


    Colt was the same; however, he had a hidden agenda.


    He searched for one particular profile, and after searching, Colt stopped in a specific cell.


    A young man with black hair around 12 years of age was hunched on the ground with limbs that resembled a twig.


    Colt cut down the steel bars.


    He and the slave child met eyes. Colt smiled as he whispered, ¡°When did you reincarnate?¡±


    The boy''s eyes turned sharp.


    Colt Edgeworth, the Mob of the original story, had now met the Hero of this world.

 145. Loophole

    Trist saw the cage which Colt occupied and was just about to enter when a calm voice entered his ears, ¡°Don¡¯t approach them, your highness.¡± Mary lightly warned.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡±


    ¡°Your highness, that cell radiates danger. Let my Lord deal with that cell; he did say he was trying to find someone. It might be a long lost friend or companion.¡±


    Trist stayed silent, ¡®That explains everything.¡¯ He thought as he finally understood why the Young Master had so much fervor fighting against slavery, ¡®His honor is unmatched. For a friend, he would even risk his life.¡¯


    Trist now admired Colt.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± the boy asked with a sliver of dangerous intent seeping out of his eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too alarmed; I¡¯m not anyone dangerous.¡±


    ¡°You swing that sword like it¡¯s a goddamn toy, your swing is unstable, and I can see that you¡¯re not accustomed to your own body. For all I care, you might be someone who took over someone else¡¯s body.¡±


    Colt face-palmed himself¡ªthe boy was correct.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re not wrong about me being clumsy with my movements, but that¡¯s not because I took over someone else¡¯s body. It¡¯s more like because I suddenly got stronger all of a sudden. But don¡¯t worry, I have a good enough grasp of my mind and body that I can control it to an extent. I¡¯m not a master by no means, but I won¡¯t accidentally kill someone.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Look, I¡¯m not a bad guy, okay? I was just cleaning up bastards around my Kingdom when I got tipped off by some mystical beings who wanted to help the Mortals of my world.¡±


    ¡°Mystical being, huh. What are you talking about, Gods or something? If you are, then forget it; I have long forsaken the Gods.¡±


    ¡°Okay, first of all, as much as I want to reject the existence of the Goddesses, I can¡¯t. Look, they even told me some things about you¡­¡±


    Colt looked directly into those eyes and reached out to his inner pockets. The boy grew warry and flinched; he glared at Colt and growled as if he was a beast.


    Colt smirked as he pulled out dried meat. It was premium dried meat. Salted to perfection and was the perfect travel food.


    He held it in front of the boy, and a reaction was given. The boy¡¯s eyes widened as his mouth watered. He loved jerky more than anything else in this world. This trait was one of the few things he could remember about the Hero from the novel.


    Colt did not know why, but he prepared the best just in case. With a jerky in front of the boy, Colt asked, ¡°Do you want it?


    He was hesitant, but the boy nodded his head. Colt smirked as he felt as though he had won, ¡°First, answer my question. When did you reincarnate?¡±


    ¡°Two weeks ago.¡±


    The boy¡¯s eyes widened as he voraciously devoured the dried meat he was given.


    ¡°It¡¯s good, isn¡¯t it? That¡¯s top-grade meat right there.¡± Colt handed over the jerky, which was promptly snatched away. The boy began nibbling it.


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°I told you, Mystical Beings.¡± Colt looked around and saw the Knights already leaving the cave, ¡°We¡¯ll talk later; let¡¯s first leave this place.¡±


    ¡°I still don¡¯t trust you.¡± The boy stated, which had Colt casually providing him more food. The Hero was led out of the cave by Colt¡¯s using food. He lured it out.


    Trist wanted to ride with Colt, but he couldn¡¯t bear the smell of the Hero. Colt powered through it, and Fluff smelled something worst before. It didn¡¯t really care.


    Colt returned to the City, where many merchants were fleeing. The Count had many connections; those under suspicions of colluding with him were being rounded up.


    They would be tortured for information.


    ¡°Young Master, where are you going?¡± asked Trist, who saw Colt flying off course. With him was Mary, who refused to leave his side.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to an Inn; I do not wish to dabble in politics, and I can¡¯t look at the Count¡¯s family now. Please, go without me, your highness.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll send a Knight for you later.¡± Trist readily agreed. This would be his first mission without an escort.


    Colt left the group, and Mary followed, stopped in the middle of the road where the most prominent Inn stood.


    Colt and Mary dismounted their respective mounts. Mary called back a Solar Roc to rest. Colt had the Chick fly to Trist¡¯s side.


    Trist can¡¯t be in danger, or else Colt would be as well. The psychotic brother was a problem he didn¡¯t want to bother with.


    ¡°Make sure nothing happens to him. If you fail, I¡¯ll have Fluff eat you.¡±


    ¡°I will not fail you.¡± The Chick had no other choice but to succeed. With the help of the Shadow King Raven, nothing would be able to stand in its way.


    ¡®That settles that.¡¯


    People were eyeing Colt, and he saw the Hero cowering before these stares. In the novel, the Hero was a mere 14-year-old boy, both inside and out.


    He was tortured when he was four, which continued for three years until he was seven. Colt did not know why and where he escaped from, as that was the extent of his knowledge.


    However, the fact still remained that this boy was scared of others. He was a great fighter, hunter, and warrior, but he was afraid against the observing eyes of those around him.


    It made him feel like he was a caged animal, someone without freedom and right to live.


    ¡®Don¡¯t cry¡­cry, and I¡¯ll take another finger off her, cry, and I¡¯ll make her suffer.¡¯ Hallucinations surfaced. The boy¡¯s breathing became ragged, and Colt took the towel he carried with him and covered the boy¡¯s head.


    ¡°I forgot about this trait of yours¡­I should have gone somewhere more secluded, sorry about that.¡±


    The boy looked at Colt with different eyes. Colt didn¡¯t notice, for he was too preoccupied with something else.


    ¡°Mary, go and rent out the entire Inn. Kick everyone out.¡±


    ¡°This will not look good for your image, my Lord,¡± Mary warned.


    Colt shrugged his shoulders, ¡°I¡¯m a wastrel; who cares about my image?¡±


    Their group entered the Inn and caused a commotion.


    While Colt¡¯s location was in chaos because of a culling, back in Wing City, there was also another commotion going on.


    As Mina stood inside the church with her eyes closed, Fer, the blindfolded Nun, was on her knees, praying like she had seen the Goddess herself.


    ¡°THE GODDESS HAS DESCENDED!¡± Fer celebrated as she cried.


    As for Mina, she was in the Celestial World, where the Goddesses everyone prayed to was on their knees, begging her for food.


    ¡°THE GODDESS OF THE KITCHEN HAS ASCENDED!¡± The Goddesses celebrated as they opened the Gates of their World as Colt finished one of the two requests from Root.


    Above the white world, Mina cooked them food and was made to momentarily stay with the Goddesses.


    They gathered around the kotatsu as they waited for the pie to finish baking.


    Root offered to play Mahjong, Uno, and even some good old fashion dominoes, but Mina refused.


    With a pleasant smile, she made a request, ¡°I have cooked for you guys, and I was called here for no reason while a Nun of the Dracian Fate is observing me for the past weeks, thinking that I might be one of your people¡¯s Apostle.


    ¡°You guys had to call me up here with her still by my side? The least you Goddesses could do would be to show me my Darling¡¯s current situation, right?¡±


    Root, Darkness, and Light, the three Goddesses lowered their heads as they called upon water to form a screen on the kotatsu¡¯s surface.


    Mina finally saw Colt with Mary and some boy she did not know. Her thoughts immediately went wild, which frightened the Goddesses.


    Darkness stepped up to make a quick explanation.


    ¡°Rescuing that boy was my request. He¡¯s a special person. As for Mary, she was accepted as Colt¡¯s Knight. Don¡¯t look at us like that; you gave the okay sign when she asked for your permission.¡±


    ¡°Humph!¡± Mina pouted for a good few minutes before coming to terms with the situation. Being separated from Colt for far too long was still a hard thing for Mina.


    While Mina enjoyed finally reuniting with her beloved¡¯s image in this manner, she made a simple question, ¡°So, why did the Goddesses brought me here while Sister Fer''s watching over me. She was just about to leave too.¡±


    Mina had been worried about Fer¡¯s existence. Sister Mary warned her about the blindfolded Nun.


    ¡®Fer is searching for the one clad in Divine Energy. I don¡¯t know why but you¡¯re also radiating with the same Energy as Colt, so she¡¯ll be observing you for a few months.¡¯ Such was Sister Mary¡¯s words.


    Root sighed at her words for being accurate, ¡°Well, Mary is indeed right; Fer is observing you. She would have left if we did nothing, but that would result in something far worse.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I want to tell you, but that would be against our code, so I can¡¯t, but this is for the sake of Colt¡¯s and the Continent¡¯s safety.¡±


    ¡°...I thought you guys weren¡¯t allowed to mess with the Mortal World?¡± Mina outright asked.


    ¡°¡­We aren¡¯t helping the continent. We just asked you to come here so we can have food again.¡±


    ¡°So¡­loophole?¡±


    ¡°¡­Loophole...please don¡¯t tell Colt, he¡¯s going to scream again.¡± The three Goddesses were ashamed.


    However, this was a needed step for survival.


    Light, after all, had recalled her chosen Apostle in this time of need. A light must emerge, and because Colt was somewhere else, Mina was needed.


    If they didn¡¯t reinforce the church¡¯s beliefs, then bad news might visit them.


    Thus¡­they abused the loophole and helped without so much as doing anything other than begging for food. In short, they won.

 146. F*ck my life

    Colt entered the Inn and took care of everything.


    "The Young Master of the Edgeworth Family is in your presence; who is the owner of this establishment!?"


    Colt''s face lightly flushed as he thought, ''Dammit, Mary!!!!!'' having been announced in such a manner was too much for him, and Colt thought he had no more shame¡ªhe was proven wrong.


    "Miss Knight, I am the owner of the Flower Blossom Inn; how may I help you?" An old man who wore a grander outfit than even the original Colt Edgeworth every wore stepped before the two of them.


    "Empty the whole Inn for the day. We have urgent matters to discuss."


    "I cannot do such a thing like favoring someone just because they are of Nobility, my Inn had been¡ª"


    Mary showed the crest of the Courtgain and the Edgeworth Family. If the pull of a Count was not enough, use a Duke''s with it.


    "I shall obey your words, Miss."


    The result spoke for its effectiveness. Colt chose to take a seat on one side of the Inn and waited for everyone to leave. Some wanted to complain, but a little bit of pressure from Colt was enough to keep their mouths shut.


    All the while that happened, Colt had the staff take the Hero and clean him up.


    "I can do it on my own!! I don''t need any help!" he shouted in displeasure, but because women took him away, he could not do anything to do them.


    It was fun watching the Hero flail about trying his best not to touch boobs or any unmentionables.


    ''Hehe, so much for a great warrior.''


    Colt snickered while Fluff demanded food, and with Fluff with him, he and his group somehow found themselves in the dining area.


    Where two humans watched a flabby cat eat with delight.


    "Nya?"


    "Nah, I am in no mood to eat."


    "Meow." Fluff shrugged its tiny little shoulders.


    "My Lord, I may be overstepping my bounds, but¡­who''s the boy you saved? Is it a friend of yours?"


    "Hmmm? No, he isn''t. But he''s someone rather important."


    Mary gasped at the sudden realization, "I-is he another one of your illegitimate..."


    "NO!" Colt shouted, startling Mary, "No, he is not¡­he is not¡ªplease don''t make such assumptions, especially in front of Mina."


    "¡­I understand, my Lord."


    "Are you sure you don''t want to eat?" Colt asked Mary, who stood like a statue by his side.


    "It is unbecoming of a Knight if I eat before my Lord."


    "Suit yourself."


    One of the employees approached him with another serving of food meant for the consumption of Fluff.


    "Thank you," Colt said with a smile.


    The employee was trembling before Colt for no reason. With a sigh, Colt just said, "Don''t worry, we aren''t going to hurt any civilian. The Count and some merchants in enslaving our Kingdom''s people are simply bringing them to justice. Do not worry, no commoner will be hurt."


    "...Thank you, sir General." The employees lowered his head before leaving with a much lighter heart.


    An hour or so later, a frail-looking child walked into the dining area. He was being assisted by three girls who bathed and cleaned him, the boy was, of course, the Hero, and with his arrival, the three maids were given tips by Mary.


    "Keep everyone away from this room; no one enters unless it is someone of Royal Blood."


    The maids did not quite understand what she meant by "Unless it is someone of Royal Blood," but they accepted their job nonetheless.


    The Hero took a seat and ate the still warm, easily digestible food Colt had the Inn prepare earlier. He first smelled the food, checking if any drug was added. He confirmed no tampering was done and began eating with a big appetite.


    His eating manner was unrefined, much more savage than Colt''s, proving his life had no need for such things.


    While the Hero was eating, Colt asked, "So, what''s your name?"


    "Didn''t your Goddess told you?"


    "They want to keep me in the dark for most parts. They say it''s for the best (I call bullshit)." Colt did his best to avoid speaking of the last part.


    Colt wanted to continue the conversation but noticed Mary trembling from the corner of his eyes.


    "Oh, I failed to inform you about the Goddess part, didn''t I?" Colt planned on telling Mary because she was now his Knight, and soon enough, everything would be said, but with everything going on, he forgot about it.


    So, with a simple shrug of a shoulder, Colt nodded his head, "I can speak to Goddesses, and it''s a secret. Yes, they are beautiful, powerful, and kind; no, you can''t meet them and don''t kneel before me; it is uncomfortable. I''ll explain later, but for now, don''t tell anyone. Okay, let''s get back to what''s important."


    Colt already answered 50% of Mary''s question and with her mind still in a state of confusion. She sat on a chair, thinking deeply about matters of life.


    "Apostles¡­Real¡­Goddesses¡­My Lord¡­." She was happy, albeit a teeny tiny bit confused.


    "Is she going to be okay?" The Hero asked, his concern for Mary surfaced.


    "She''ll be fine, this will shake her, but it will be good for the mind. It will strengthen her¡­hmmm, this might be good training for the kids."


    With this, only a handful of things would ever catch Mary by surprise. He did her a favor, really.


    "Okay, let''s go back to the topic. What''s your name?"


    The Hero was observing every little bit of change in Colt''s expression. He may be a boy in this mysterious man''s eyes, but he was someone who had to cling to read someone''s expression to survive.


    He deemed Colt to be trustworthy, "¡­Arte¡­Geras....my name''s Arte Geras."


    "Okay, that''s a good name, now you can me ask me anything. But remember, if you ask me, I get to ask you something in return; it''s a win-win situation."


    "¡­Who are you and the Goddesses you spoke of; how did they know?"


    "That''s two questions¡­who cares. My name''s Colt Edgeworth; I am the Son of a General in the South of a Kingdom named Regalus. The Goddesses know about your situation because¡­they are the Goddesses who created everything. Don''t ask how and why you got here; you''re only wasting your time because I don''t really know. What you don''t believe me?" Asked Colt as Arte gave him a probing eye.


    Arte could see Colt''s honesty¡­he was too honest, in fact.


    "I believe you. Now, ask me, Young Master¡­should I call you that?"


    "Good enough, okay, where did you come from?"


    "It''s a place called Dragon God Continent."


    The name alone was a dead giveaway, "Did your world practiced martial arts or martial techniques or something?"


    "Yes¡­how did you know that?"


    "Nothing."


    ''That explains a lot¡­'' Colt now understood where Arte came from.


    Colt sat there explaining Arte about the Western Continent. The Magical Beasts, the world''s different energy, everything Colt had to learn himself less the plot and the world''s artifacts.


    He made sure to make his name a lot flowery to ensure he wouldn''t have any idea of wanting to kill Colt for certain reasons.


    The conversation lasted for more than two hours, and in the end, Arte failed to stay awake. After learning what was happening to him and felt more secure than the past few days, he fell asleep.


    Mary offered to carry Arte but chose to do it himself. He went and got Arte in a room.


    As Arte lay on the bed, Colt asked himself, "What now?"


    Now that he had the Hero out of his cell and spared him from further suffering, Colt was supposed to be relieved of his temporary position of acting Hero.


    But, looking at Arte now, he couldn''t help but feel sorry for the kid.


    Despite not knowing what he underwent, knowing he was tortured for so long was enough to make Colt question himself, ''Will I really make this kid fight and have him kill someone else? No, don''t question; it''s his destiny. It''s the right thing to do¡­right?''


    He wanted to hear confirmation, but he only remembered the Goddesses'' words, "There is no such thing as Destiny."


    Colt looked at the window and whispered to himself, "Those useless people only ever sound convincing when I don''t need them...well, I have been feeling a little lucky these past few days¡­is that Plot Armor?"


    He was thinking of becoming the one thing he didn''t want to become!


    ''Fuck you, conscience...''

 147. Lea

    The end of October arrived, and with its arrival, three things surfaced that both shocked the Kingdom and the Continent.


    First, the seven territories from the exiled Nobles were all claimed by the Crown Prince. It was a shock as everyone thought Trist would claim them and use this leverage to go toe to toe with the Crown Prince and contend for the Crown.


    However, the Second Prince instead offered everything to his older brother. In return, the Crown Prince conferred Trist the title of Duke.


    However, this title would only be for show. Trist had no territory; neither did he have any wealth under his belt to flaunt.


    But did that matter? No, for the title was enough to give those who wish to become Duke enough pressure to make them shut up. Trist lost all interest in politics, for if he steps back in, doing what he had done would be all for naught. Besides, he was doing something more interesting.


    Suppressing the Nobles.


    Like Count Shickly and Marquis Liron, the Dukes now have been tied with the Trist. If they wish for them to stand out, then only by going above Trist would they be able to stick their heads up¡ªit was now near impossible.


    With this, Trist¡¯s stance had been somewhat cleared. The contest for the Crown shall disappear. Only the stupid ones will wish for something to happen.


    As for Colt, he asked the Crown Prince to help with procuring the ingredients of the cure. In short, Colt received nothing.


    With a little bit of cleaning and some coercion, the Kingdom was put together faster than anyone would have thought.


    The Royals finally managed to clean up the troublesome Nobles. However, that doesn¡¯t mean crimes would disappear, but using the incident of Slavery as a pretense, many reformations were made to suit the times.


    The Kingdom was heading to a better future. Everyone on the Continent was beginning to see them as a True Major power three hundred years after its establishment.


    The Second shock would come in the form of the emergence of another army under the Edgeworth¡¯s name. The Army consisted of a measly 52 members and had no name; thus, they were called the [Hidden Dragon Army].


    Information about this Army remains unknown, but considering one of the strongest Army on the Continent was led by another Edgeworth, their existence was spreading like wildfire.


    After all, the prideful Knights who saw them sang praises of them.


    The third appeared two days before the last of October. The topic of the cure being completed appeared surfaced.


    And indeed, the Tiger Manor once again provided a new kind of light to the people. The first batch of people to be cured would be the ones Colt took in his home. The children and the elderly were the first ones to be helped, then everyone else.


    The medicine came in large batches. Jin cured everyone without asking anything of them¡­he would later be known as the Beautiful Fairy for his kindness.


    A title he would both rue and feel proud of.


    Two days later, Jin managed to provide 1,000 bottles with the help of the Kingdom Apothecaries and Alchemists.


    The preparation to combat the disease was ongoing, but another wave of new information surfaced from the North.


    ***


    [Forest of Illusion].


    Over at the West Area of the Continent, there was the Forest of Illusion, a vast land that could measure up to the Magical Beast Forest in terms of scale.


    The inhabitants of the Forest of Illusion were Magical Beasts as well, but that¡¯s not what makes it a Forbidden Land.


    It was like so because of the many Illusory Formation set up by the Phantasmagoria Family.


    The entire Forest was a place where only the Phantasmagoria could traverse. The beasts within it were those that evolved to roam around the land of confusion and illusion.


    Those who enter the Forest would be lost in an eternal cycle that would lead to certain death.


    In the middle of this Forest was a small town. This small town was called the City of Darkness, stemming from the name that gave birth to the first Illusionist, the Goddess Darkness.


    In this small town was a Mansion called the Mansion of Darkness, where the strongest Pantasia Illusionists resides.


    The doors slowly opened with a creak, and from inside, Julius walked out. He had a sour expression.


    ¡°Are you okay, Julius?¡± a man with a robust body appeared behind him.


    ¡°I am all right, thanks for worrying, Eldest Brother Vast.¡± Julius showed Vast a smile.


    Vast did not say anything, but he already knew that Julius was not well. After all, Julius was already nearing his limitations.


    His mind and body had been overwhelmed with 100 years of experience and knowledge. No one, not even a Demon, should have been able to live through such an experience.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too serious, Eldest Brother. Come on, we should go home now; Mother should be waiting for our arrival.¡±


    Vast smiled from behind the black mask that he wore. Julius turned himself into a golden cat and left on Vast¡¯s embrace.


    They left the town for they were not allowed to stay there. The house constructed for them was detached from everyone else.


    After a while, they landed in front of an old mansion.


    The mansion itself was old, but the surrounding was well kept.


    Vast was just about to enter the mansion when he heard a certain voice, ¡°You¡¯re back from meeting the Elders, Julius?¡±


    Julius, in his cat form, quietly turned to his right and saw a golden-haired lady, ¡°Why have you come here, Family Head? Do you not have anything better to do?¡±


    ¡°Do you really hate your sister that much, Julius?¡±


    The Family Head of the Phantasmagoria Family, Ellaine Phantasmagoria, Julius¡¯ older sister. She was also one of the six Grand-Pantasias on the Continent. She was nearing the perfection of Illusory Art and closed to replacing the previous Supreme-Pantasia.


    ¡°You know damn well that I hate your guts. After what you did, do you¡­just tell me what you want; I don¡¯t want to argue, Ellaine.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I was just leading your usual guest here. She wants the usual, huhuhu, it seems like young love is blossoming. But I didn¡¯t peg you to like those older than you, my dear Julius.¡±


    ¡°Screw off.¡±


    Julius waved his paws around as Vast entered inside.


    Ellaine left but not before leaving the words, ¡°Well, thanks for helping me dispose of Serzious¡­¡± she spoke of the one Neun killed that night when Colt and his group was ambushed.


    Julius snorted and said nothing else. He was not proud of leading someone else to death, and just remembering Colt¡¯s and the others¡¯ eyes was enough to make him feel uncomfortable.


    ¡°I hate you¡­¡± Julius entered the mansion with Vast.


    As for Ellaine, she simply smiled.


    Julius, upon entry, went to the top floor of the mansion. There, he found his siblings taking care of a woman with ears like his. The woman was on the canopy bed, resting.


    The woman had golden hair and golden eyes; her beauty incomparable to any of her race. She was a cat person that radiated with innocence and beauty; she was Lea Phantasmagoria, Julius¡¯ Mother,


    Julius transformed back to his humanoid form, and once Lea saw him, she smiled, saying, ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again, Sir Messenger. Do you have news about my son today?¡±


    Julius¡¯ mouth twitched but managed to force himself to smile and nod his head, ¡°Yes, Miss, I have a lot to talk about, Sir Julius.¡±


    ¡°That child does not want to see his mother at all. Such a brat he is¡­I wish to hug him at least once after so long.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I assure you he feels the same way. He¡¯s just too busy with his training...¡±


    Julius¡¯s report consisted of him apparently being taught with care by the family.


    ¡°How wonderful¡­¡± Lea was delighted.


    And Julius could only show her a smile.


    Lea Phantasmagoria was a kind and beautiful woman. She loved her children very much. However, she could not recognize them even if they were to stand in front of her, for she was eternally cursed to see someone else¡¯s face if Julius was to appear before him.


    Julius cannot hold her, for she would not allow it. After all, a woman would not let some messenger like him touch her for no reason.


    ¡°How lovely, so¡­Julius is all right. I just wish he and Ellaine are fine like this. Sir Messenger, is Ellaine¡­is she all right as well? I have not heard for her as well.¡±


    ¡°She is, do not worry. She is also helping Sir Julius with his training.¡±


    Lea¡¯s face beamed with delight, ¡°Good, good, that¡¯s how siblings should be, cough¡­¡¯


    Mother! Everyone but Julius cried after seeing Lea cough a mouthful of blood. She wiped the blood from her mouth as she felt lethargic.


    ¡°It appears I need to rest.¡± Soon enough, Lea felt tired and slowly closed her eyes, ¡°Vast, Reis, Sero, Mia, I love you, my children¡­ I¡¯m going to sleep now¡­please, take care of Julius. Sir Messenger, can you please tell my son and my daughter I will always love them?¡±


    Julius nodded his head. Lea closed her eyes and soon fell asleep; this slumber would last for two weeks. This was another side-effect of what the Elders did to her. Her frailty stemmed from her corroding mind and psyche. She would need two weeks of sleep for her to wake up again.


    Julius tightly closed his eyes as he repeatedly played his Mother¡¯s loving and caring words.


    This was the only way he could hear his mother say she loved him.


    Seyer_Jad


    <Author> I don''t know if you guys like Julius or not, but, I just hope you guys don''t despise his existence. After all, not everyone is an outright villain...even the Apostles from the East


    And,  yes, what he did was still a dick move


    We have another 20  new Patrons


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    There are 4 chapters ahead in the Patreon and an exclusive story (for the time being.)

 148. Friendship

    Julius quickly put his mother to bed. He then brought out a flower from his inner pockets and handed it over to his second brother Reis, ¡°I managed to get this month¡¯s Purple Tear Flower from Elders; please, use this to make this month¡¯s medicine.¡±


    ¡°Yes, brother.¡±


    In terms of age, Julius was the youngest, but he was the most respected. He was the one who took the seventy-five percent of the mission quotas for them to get a monthly Purple Tear Flower.


    The affliction given to Lea was like a parasitic disease implanted in her very mind. It was known as the Black Fraction.


    It creates a void that erases someone¡¯s existence in a person¡¯s mind. This void would slowly eat away the infected senses and activate the start of bodily corrosion; if not for the Purple Tear Flower given once a month, Lea would have already died the next day.


    Julius undertakes mission after mission to appease the Elders and give him a Purple Tear Flower. However, he had blundered once when he found a way to finally heal his mother.


    He abandoned his mission of observing Colt Edgeworth to get the stalk of the World Tree. Because of this, he stabbed a man in the back and even tried killing him for his own ends. Julius already knows he had stepped to the point of no return. He¡­was disgusted with himself.


    As Julius left the room to his siblings, he exited the mansion and went to the back garden where a maiden in white awaited his arrival.


    Krisa saw his figure, and a smile blossomed on her beautiful visage, ¡°You¡¯ve arrived, Young Master Julius.¡±


    ¡°Apostle Krisa, please do not refer to me as such¡­I am no longer a part of the Phantasmagoria Household.¡±


    Krisa didn¡¯t say anything and simply turned to a red, crystal like flower blooming around the garden. The wonderful aroma of the Crystalline Flowers wafted over to her, giving her a slight peace of mind.


    ¡°It is always such a pleasure to wander in this place.¡±


    Julius walked towards Krisa¡¯s side and sat by her side. He looked at the flower as he held a melancholic expression; these flowers were planted by the previous Head as a gift to Lea. Julius could still remember those beautiful times.


    ¡°Your expression tells me that you¡¯re sad once again¡­is it about Miss Lea?¡± Krisa received no answer, but from Julius¡¯ expression, she could tell she hit the mark, ¡°I could ask the Phantasmagoria for some more Purple Tear Flower for the Miss¡¯s treatment¡­¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡­if you do that, the Main Family will only make it appear that we are trying to use your standing. They will try and get rid of us if we do that.¡±


    ¡°I-I will not allow such¡­¡± Krisa wanted to argue, but Julius¡¯ melancholic gaze stopped her from speaking of anything else.


    ¡°Apostle Krisa, you are so kind. You want to help a scum like myself, even possibly free me of this fate. It appears failing my mission had given me quite the nice gift.¡±


    Julius met Krisa by chance. He met her when he was on his back from failing his mission. Later, Julius would learn that Krisa had received the Goddess Light¡¯s gift and was visiting the Phantasmagoria to ask them for cooperation.


    Julius knows the spread of the Red Vein Disease was done by Krisa and her friend. He knows because the Phantasmagoria territory was spared of the Red Vein Disease. After all, they made a deal with the people from the East.


    Julius did not know the deal¡¯s contents, but from what he knows, it had something to do with the missing Mythical Weapon of the family.


    From there, the two of them met more than once and exchanged pleasantries. A friendship between the two was born.


    Julius and Krisa locked eyes for a good while. It was Julius who broke free their connection as he asked, ¡°I reckoned you are here to alleviate your mind?¡±


    ¡°¡­yes please.¡±


    Krisa laid her head down on Julius¡¯ lap. Julius then began using his Prana and delved into the mind of Krisa.


    ¡°Do you have anything you want to see, Apostle Krisa?¡± Julius as while he prepared a world for the lady on his lap.


    ¡°I¡­I wish to see it again¡­that time when my family was still complete. A time when we did not have to sacrifice so much to defeat evil.¡±


    ¡°¡­I hear your words¡­¡±


    Illusionists are people who draw out images from the mind. They use Prana to fool those around them so they could kill them without much thought¡­that¡¯s the current view on Illusionists.


    However, Julius was taught differently by his father and mother.


    ¡®Illusions was the gift given to the world by the Goddess Darkness. She gave us this power and make us the helpers of the grieving ones. We are the ones who provide solace people to people from their own sufferings. We are people of goodwill. Our Goddess may dwell in Darkness, but just like how light is brighter in the dark. We, the ones who traverse it, are the guide that will lead them out.


    ¡®Goddess Darkness is our guide out of her Darkness¡­she wants nothing but for us to join the sister she so loves¡­Goddess Light.¡¯


    Julius kept this thought alive but only was he able to help use this Gift of the Goddess Darkness. Even if every illusionist loses its path, thanks to Krisa, Julius would be able to find his way to his origin.


    Julius was very well aware of the crimes Krisa had done, but he also knows of the pain she had to endure to do what she had done. Julius helped her enter the depths of her psyche.


    Krisa found herself in a different place. She was having dinner with seven other people.


    Ther, Olivier fighting with Horus, the Prince, and the rest of her family eating.


    The Prince had an unfazed expression on his face as he warned Olivier and Horus.


    Krisa was an Orphan, just like the other six people. Everyone in that place was her family, including the Prince, their patron and oldest brother.


    As the Prince noticed Krisa staring, he asked, ¡°Is something the matter, Krisa?¡±


    ¡°N-nothing, Prince Fjord¡­I was simply in a daze.¡±


    ¡°¡­eat, we have more lessons to attend later today.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    She ate while staring at the joyous expression of her family¡­


    Krisa continued eating, and for some reason, she cried as she ate, for she understood that she was beginning to change.


    She was beginning to become violent, and her conscience was slowly drifting.


    Krisa¡¯s physical body trembled at the thought of losing herself without her even noticing, ¡°I¡­I¡¯m scared¡­help me¡­¡±


    Apostles or not¡­they were still people who had a heart and a mind. She...was scared of herself.

 149. Oh, No

    "Apostle Krisa, it''s time to go." Ellaine urged Krisa as she stood outside the mansion gates.


    Krisa had spent two days with Julius, all to ease her mind and draw her out of the darkness. After having been brought back to the light, it was finally time for Krisa to leave.


    Julius escorted Krisa out of the mansion to Ellaine.


    "I''ll see you later, Apostle Krisa," Julius said with a smile as Krisa nodded her head with expectance in her eyes.


    "Apostle Krisa, please hurry. Apostle Horus sent a Messenger Hawk; it appears that it is an urgent matter." Ellaine informed Krisa.


    Julius glared at Ellaine, but it did nothing other than getting a laugh from his older sister he so much detested.


    Ellaine took Krisa away from the rest. While traveling through the illusion filled Forest, and Krisa couldn''t help but asked, "Mistress Ellaine, do you and Julius have a bad relationship? Do you not like him, perhaps?"


    "Oh? I love him, our adopted siblings, and our Mother as well." Ellaine didn''t even think about it.


    "Then¡­do you think you can help them get more Purple Tear Flower? I cannot help but be saddened by Mistress Lea''s plight and the rest''s current position in the family."


    Ellaine casually turned his head towards Krisa, and with her smile being retained, she spoke once more, "I want to, but I was the one who gave our mother that void in her head so Julius wouldn''t accept my help for they think I''ll only try to further hasten Mother''s death."


    "¡­you placed the void in her mind?" Krisa...felt anger and confusion.


    Ellaine saw Krisa''s bewildered expression, and it only further fueled the playful cat''s giggling, "Don''t worry, I wouldn''t implant one in your mind."


    Ellaine''s laughter sent shivers down Krisa''s spine.


    Ellaine failed to care as she remembered something she wanted to something Krisa to confirm something, "Apostle Krisa, is it true that everyone other than humans is a slave in the East Continent? I heard Dwarves and Beastmen get treated harsher than everyone else."


    Krisa took time to answer, for she was still trying to recollect herself, but in the end, she furiously shook her head, "That is not true, the East is the Paradise the Goddesses'' Children pulled from the bottom of the Ocean for us to step on. Our continent may not be perfect, but it is close to perfection as it could get."


    "¡­is that so?" Ellaine laughed. She was intrigued. A day of moving later, the two women reached the edge of the Forest.


    Ellaine would head out as well; this time around, she would be assisting Krisa with her duties. They have two destinations, first would a quick trip down south to the Magical Beast Forest, and the other would be to the Empire of Kalionse.


    They stopped, and Ellaine threw a bag at Krisa.


    "What is this?"


    "Please change your costume. The Regalus Kingdom ordered the other Four Powers to report anyone that resembled the description they handed all over the continent. Though you may pass as a Dracian Nun in a single glance, two or three glances over, hundreds of guards would be hunting us."


    "Why didn''t you say earlier? I could have changed in the mansion, no problem." Krisa asked.


    "No reason, I just thought you could change on the way¡­like right now."


    "Huh! I shall not let anyone see my bare body. I am the Apostle of the Goddess Light; I must remain pure!"


    "Hmm? Well, I saw you giving Julius the funny looks earlier, so¡­perhaps yyou''d be fine if he''s the one looking." Ellaine recalled how Krisa locked eyes with her brother. A sly smirk emerged.


    Krisa''s face reddened from both anger and embarrassment, "What nonsense, Sir Julius is a but a gentlemanly child! He is nothing but a boy in my eyes!"


    "So, if he was older, it''s all good?"


    "¡­of course not. Such a relationship is no good. It corrodes the mind and corrupts the psyche. Please refrain from ever speaking of this." Krisa quickly attempted to salvage her pride.


    But, the tiny pause she made was enough for Ellaine''s grin to reach ear to ear, "Julius''s body may be that of a child, but mentally, he''s already over a hundred years old."


    "¡­" Krisa remained silent. Her face flushed as the thought of elicit hand holding emerged, ''Krisa, such thoughts is not wanted. Erase them! You are sinful, sinful, I tell you.'' she ordered herself.


    ''Hehe, such a pure maiden. Seeing her like this will make you dismiss the fact she claimed thousands of lives. Sigh, such youth.''


    Ellaine sighed at the youthful Ellaine. Krisa was physically older than Ellaine, but mentally¡­other than the Dragons and oldest Magical Beast dwelling in their caves, Ellaine could be considered the most senior.


    ''Such youth indeed¡­I at least would have loved to fall in love like them.'' Ellaine playfully commented. They soon reached a place where two feathered beasts were waiting for them.


    Their destination? Magical Beast Forest.


    ***


    "Young master Colt, who''s the young man? Huh!? Don''t tell me he''s another¡­"


    "Please, enough of that joke, Miss Vyra. I have already heard that from everyone who saw Arte."


    Colt was in the back garden with Vyra, who finally had the chance to step out of her room. It was now the fourth of November, and Colt was already raring to go back home.


    However, some matters kept him from doing so. One of these matters was earlier today when Jin left with Trist to spread the cure he named [Blue Droplet].


    He called it that because the cure formed was blue in color; thus, it was called the Blue Droplet. Colt didn''t say anything, for he was glad there was another who had shit naming sense.


    "So, who is he, Young Master Colt? Everyone was surprised to see you bringing home someone like him, and now, he''s already wielding a sword as if he is training to become a Knight...now that I see it closely, I think his moves are not half bad." Vyra said as she finished her tea.


    Colt also finished his as he gave a short answer, "Well when I first met him, he was radiating with a strange aura. It appears I picked up a talent, huh. I have eyes for talent, I supposed."


    "The Young Master did recruit my husband and sister-in-law, and I must say that the two of them are top of the line talents."


    ''Other than Sera, who I got lucky with, Jin and Arte were destined to be talented.'' Colt thought otherwise.


    While they were talking, Colt clapped his hands as he called out to the har working Arte.


    "Arte, you should clean up now. We are leaving in two hours."


    Arte turned to him and nodded his head without so much as saying a word.


    "It appears he''s the mysterious, silent kind of gentleman, Young Master. Add to that the mana around him and his pursuit of martial arts, he is indeed shrouded in mystery."


    Vyra praised the boy.


    Ate was popular in the Tiger Manor. When Arte returned to Colt in the manor, everyone was shocked to see someone so handsome and young being brought to them.


    They thought that he was either Colt''s secret brother or Colt''s secret son¡­both of which the Young Master did not like.


    Colt explained the situation to them with a soft expression, and after learning of his painful past, everyone became sympathetic to Arte, which caused the boy to blush like a ripe tomato.


    Under the wind''s cool breeze, Vyra and Colt enjoyed their time under the shade of the open pagoda. As they watched the Chick and its Generals'' tearful farewells, Colt sighed whilst rubbing the belly of a flabby lazy cat.


    "Is something the matter, Young Master?"


    "Well, I just hoped we encounter nothing on the way. I want to go back home as soon as possible."


    "Is there an occasion?"


    "My eldest daughter''s birthday is coming soon. I promised to get her a good gift; I even planned on catching her something good." Colt was disappointed.


    He had nothing for Filla''s birthday other than a few smiles and hugs. After the celebration¡­Colt and Count had a rather bothersome talk.


    The Count had actually promised Filla a Mansion on the Magical Beast Forest, and now, Colt could only imagine what that spoiler of a Grandfather would give Hylda.


    "What were you planning on giving her, Young Master?"


    "She said she wanted a Soul Partner, so I was planning on using these two to help me get the King of the Magical Beast Forest. I wanted to get her a Dragon."


    "¡­Young Master, I am pretty sure you are speaking of it lightly because you do not know, but Dragons are mighty creatures I don''t think it will submit to a human or any other humanoid being. As far as I know, there are only seven people who managed to control a Dragon. All of them almost died as they tried to form a contract."


    Colt raised his brows, "I think that number should be eight now, Risa, my Young Sister, already bonded with the King of the Magical Beast Forest; that''s why I can''t give Hylda the Dragon I wanted to give her."


    Vyra''s mouth was left hanging as she failed to comprehend what''s happening, "Do you mean to say you now have a Dragon Wielder in your household?"


    "That''s correct¡­but the Dragon just eats and sleeps just like her; it''s not a big deal."


    Vyra heard Colt, and she quickly settled her heart to not affect her child.


    "It appears I am quite fortunate to be going to the south this time around. I was a child when I last saw a Dragon."


    "Is that so¡­ don''t expect too much, okay?"


    Jin left to cure others, and the Capital was rid of the virus. However, Vyra didn''t like its air as trouble was brewing.


    Feriar was having a struggle against the Nobles as he tried to take control domination of everyone else.


    Vyra didn''t want to be in such an environment. Ancient Elves believes that it would affect the child in the womb; thus, Vyra decided to go to the Edgeworth Fief with Colt.


    Two hours passed, and the carriages were finally prepared. Arte came out just on time.


    Mary arrived just before they were about to leave. She too wanted to go to the Edgeworth Fief to esca¡­serve Colt.


    Colt already knew half the truth.


    With the carriages already loaded, Colt boarded together with Arte and his partners.


    But as he was just about to enter, Colt heard Sera''s voice, "Teacher, please do not bother Avern while he is in the Magic Tower. His little sister lives there with him, and it is rare for them to meet as Avern had joined the Young Master''s Squadron."


    First off, Colt was not made aware that Avern was now a part of the Squadron. He thought he just hitched a ride to return to the Capital and fought with Colt as repayment. But it appears he was wrong.


    Secondly, Colt didn''t hear Butler Go''s answer. Only the unsatisfied grunt of a bitter old man, ''He''s acting like a Father who doesn''t want her daughter to get hit on.''


    Butler Go had no children of his own, and unlike Neun, he remained in the Capital without any interaction with the younger generation.


    Even when the previous head asked him to get a partner, he refused.


    At his age, Butler Go could only see Sera as if she was his own. After all, she was the one who inherited his technique and turned it into something else¡­she led it to evolve.


    With that grumpy grunt of his, Butler Go disappeared and escaped. Colt entered the carriage with the other three, and the group of women was on another carriage.


    If Mina was here, it would be fine if there was another woman with them, but she wasn''t, so it was best to stay out of trouble. The cat would snitch on him to save its life¡­Colt knows it would snitch to save its fat ass.


    Soon enough, their group left.


    Without going for any detour and any kind of unnecessary stops, they quickly reached Wing City without so much as a problem. It was as if the Goddesses were telling him, "Thank You" for his work.


    As it was November, it was already cold, and Colt should be wearing thick clothes. But he wasn''t. Instead, he donned what he always wore, his white long sleeves and black trousers.


    When his carriage entered the city, the people stuck out their heads from their windows to catch a glimpse of Colt.


    "The Hero has arrived!" Everyone praised.


    A subtle smirked appeared on Colt''s mouth; they didn''t know how fitting their words were.


    Arte didn''t know of Colt''s thoughts; thus, he thought that he was showing off his fame. Arte''s view on Colt lowered for no reason.


    In a manner of minutes, they reached the mansion where everyone excitedly awaited his return.


    Colt peeked from his windows and already saw the people who waited for him. To his surprise, there was no male in sight.


    Mina''s presence was of course, there, no fail.


    Risa had a complete and prideful smile; she was expecting something from Colt. Faerith was the same, as she held her usually pleasant smile, and as for Lyra, she was by Faerith''s side, as she tried her best to act like a lady.


    In fact, it was not just her as Filla and Hylda stood by Faerith''s side with their backs straight as could be. Elegance radiated from their very presence. If the three children''s aura combined, one could reckon it would surpass Risa''s¡ªwhich was not that hard these days.


    Colt stepped out of the carriage and rushed to Mina''s side.


    "Dear!" He gave her the gentlest but warmest hug he could give.


    Mina would have tried to get to him, but Colt chose to be on the attack this time around as she was pregnant. Mina''s face flushed red as she was caught by surprise.


    "Darling, so¡­you have missed me this much?" All her doubts disappeared, and Colt''s infidelity with a sword vanished into thin air.


    As usual, Colt received the Edgeworth greeting, where everyone welcomed him one by one while Faerith smiled from behind the group.


    Colt could see the smug Risa on the back, and sensing her aura, Colt reckoned she managed to succeed. There was now more extra work for him.


    "Papa!" "Older Brother."


    The little ladies who were acting all elegant earlier returned to being the little kids that they were.


    The two girls hugged each of his legs as they smiled at him with glee.


    "So energetic." Colt was delighted to see them like this.


    "Ahem, Lyra, Filla, I thought you were elegant ladies today?" Hylda''s familiar, yet now foreign voice echoed, "I welcome your return, Father."


    Slowly, Colt lifted his head and now very much saw Hylda standing in full view for him. Hylda''s crimson hair was braided to the side, and she, even wore light make-up, further accentuating her amateurish beauty.


    "How beautiful you are, my daughter." He praised.


    ''She''s all grown up.'' Colt thought that he would actually cry.


    Colt and Hylda locked eyes, and after a minute, both of them burst into a peal of laughter. Hylda''s elegance disappeared with her poised bearing.


    "It appears I have it in me, huh," Hylda asked as she failed to keep up the act.


    Colt raised his brows before praising, "Yes, you have; I almost didn''t recognize you and your voice. A couple more years, and I think suitors will¡­"


    Colt paused, and as if his neck would break, he looked behind him and saw something that struck his body with lightning. On the steps of the carriage was a frozen Arte whose jaw was left unhinged.


    Arte, a young man who had little to no experience with interaction with girls stared directly at Hylda. He¡­was smitten by her beauty.


    Colt knew it was love at first sight.


    Colt''s mind moved, and as if by instinct, he understood Butler Go''s reactions.


    ''Oh, no.''

 150. We have a problem

    Like the pattern Colt had with his every return, lunch was served, and after some conversation, everyone left.


    The mansion had already been fixed, and Colt went to the fireplace with Mina.


    Colt gave Mina a lap pillow as his future wife slept. She was tired after cooking Colt¡¯s favorite dishes. She got too excited after learning about Colt¡¯s return.


    Her stomach had already grown significantly bigger, and Colt was now taking care of her¡ªthough she didn¡¯t really need it. Colt was simply worrying a lot.


    As Mina enjoyed her time with her beloved, Colt¡¯s eyes reflected the flickering fire. His mind was somewhere else; it was on Arte who clearly showed affection towards Hylda. It had shaken him to his core. Now, he¡¯s beginning to formulate methods on how he would intercept Arte¡¯s potential advances.


    ¡°Is there something in your mind, Darling?¡± a soft question came from Mina, who had just woken up, ¡°Are you perhaps worried about the way the boy you brought home looked at Hylda?¡±


    ¡°You noticed?¡± Colt was surprised that Mina took note.


    ¡°I am their Mother, and I make a background check of everyone Hylda, Filla, and Lyra encounters, so I always see if anyone is looking at them. I need to be alert, especially toward boys; after all, we only have daughters.


    ¡°I saw Arte¡¯s eyes, and I don¡¯t think he has any bad intentions. Besides, I already taught Hylda how to pick the man who will stand by his side.¡± Mina calmly said something rather disturbing.


    Colt gently ran his fingers on Mina¡¯s soft hair before speaking, ¡°Well, as a father, I can¡¯t imagine having a boy or otherwise buzzing around Hylda¡­I feel uncomfortable, and I somehow feel a little itchy on the palms.¡±


    Though Colt had not been Hylda¡¯s father for so long, he still had the memories and emotions of the original who had been with Hylda for years. The original cared for the lass as if she was also his daughter. Adding the fact that Hylda is now Colt¡¯s actual daughter, overprotectiveness was surfacing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too uptight. Try not to keep a leash on our daughters¡¯ neck. After all, they have their own lives. We should only speak when they are facing something heavy or making a terrible decision in life.¡± Mina peacefully said.


    ¡°I supposed Arte is not a bad boy anyway, and I don¡¯t think Hylda would have any interest in romance. She¡¯s too busy with her training with the spear anyway.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, and even if Arte did do anything. We can always punish him for what he had done.¡±


    Colt gave Mina a quick kiss on the lips as he laughs at her words. Mina blushed at Colt¡¯s sudden attack. She used her hair to hide her bashfulness.


    ¡°Darling¡­¡± she said weakly as she got closer to his stomach and wrapped her hands around him, ¡°pervert.¡±


    That moment, no maid or anyone else dared to approach the two. Even their daughters decided to practice their individual craft as they knew how much Mina had longed for Colt.


    The two girls had also managed to grasp Mina¡¯s temperament¡ªthey were getting along well. As a matter of fact, Mina now knows more about Filla and Hylda than he ever did.


    The day continued without so much as a  problem. Colt and Mina spent time together every moment of the afternoon. With the temperature already going down, it was best to stay inside.


    Colt, however, did not have that leisure. He stepped out of the mansion as Mina stayed inside to talk with Faerith and the other women. The two had a lot to talk about, first would be Hylda¡¯s birthday, second would be the forthcoming marriage, and third would be Filla¡¯s Fate Baptism.


    ¡°Filla¡¯s Fate Baptism was held off because of the commotion with the announcement of their identity. We¡¯ll hold the Fate Baptism just before your marriage, is that okay with you?¡± Faerith asked Mina.


    ¡°How about the end of this month, Mother? I am sure that the blacksmith Father-in-Law invited should arrive in two days together with butler Neun. I heard he¡¯s also quite the artisan; I trust he can do it.¡± Mina said.


    Vyra, who had been listening, decided to speak, ¡°If I may, I have the experience to create a [Phylactery] for the Fate Baptism. If you can give me the needed materials, I can finish it in three days.¡±


    While Vyra was simply doing nothing in the Genesis Family, she created a handful of Phylactery to give to the young elves. Because the Elves only worshipped Goddess Root, Vyra had experience in handling both Light Stones and Darkness Ores. That was also how she managed to raise her fire and earth elements.


    Their conversation lasted for hours to no end. All of it concerned about many things, and from time to time, their talks would slip, but there remained a constant topic.


    Outside, Colt was practicing his sword, alone with no one but Fluff and the Chick watching him.


    Swoosh!


    Colt swung his sword like he always had. But as the blade reached the end, his brows creased as he found it unsatisfying. Never had he done such a sloppy swing before.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll need to spend more time mastering my body.¡±


    He had experienced a meteoric rise in power since his arrival. It was a good thing he was improving fast, but he lost the ability to properly grasp his body because of his absurd improvement.


    He now worries that if he enters combat with a companion, he might really kill someone. Right now, he was using a training sword. The Ocean¡¯s Black Heart was kept away by Sera.


    If he had used Ocean¡¯s Black Heart just now, the result would have been worst. He might have chopped a tree.


    However, somehow, Colt found something strange about his current body. Colt was actually getting worse in his movement; it was infuriating for him.


    ¡°Colt, do you want to know why you¡¯re not getting any better in adapting your body?¡±


    The Chick spoke from atop a tree with Fluff. Colt just nodded his head instead of questioning why the two of them were there.


    ¡°You¡¯re having a problem because the Dragon Pearl is drawing out your potential quicker than you can imagine. Currently, you have no cap for it, and I do not know when it will stop.¡± In other words, he was getting stronger faster than he could adapt to it.


    ¡°I never thought I¡¯d complain about a fast power-up, but damn this is a massive headache.¡± he was the first to complain about improving fast in the history of the western continent.


    The more one improves, the harder it was to improve. But with the Dragon Pearl, Colt was cheating his way through life.


    ¡°Is there a way to stop this?¡±


    ¡°According to brother, the one who used it was already a Master-Level, so he doesn¡¯t really know how much it would change you.¡±


    ¡°Meow!¡± Fluff nodded its head.


    Improving too fast, this had now become Colt¡¯s greatest predicament. However, without any means to control it, Colt could only live with it.


    Besides, it poses no threat to him as the advancement of his aura also strengthens his veins. The Dragon Pearl would gradually make Colt stronger; its drawbacks could also be fixed with his nightmarish training.


    But Colt did not know when it would end.


    That night, Colt first waited for Mina to sleep before sneaking out to train with a sleeping cat in hand.


    Everyone was now asleep, or so he had thought. There he saw Shickly with a sword of his own in the back garden; he was even wearing his full-set of armor.


    Shickly¡¯s sword was pure black and complemented the dark night. As Shickly quietly whispered to the skies, he looked at Colt, who he had already noticed when he first appeared.


    ¡°I knew you¡¯d be training tonight.¡± Shickly said with an unfeeling expression, ¡°We have to talk, my son.¡±


    Colt swallowed his saliva, ¡°Is something the matter? Is there a war I do not know of? An intruder threatening to attack us again?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Shickly was silent as he once more raised his head to gaze at the darkness, ¡°I heard someone fell in love with my Granddaughter.¡±


    Shickly¡¯s dark aura quietly rose. Colt looked at Shickly once more and could tell that he was ready for war.


    ¡®¡­I forgot about him overindulging the children.¡¯


    Colt thought to himself and actually feared that blood might be spilled if he doesn¡¯t calm him down now.


    He was just about to open his mouth when light footsteps echoed from behind.


    Arte walked out of the same door Colt exited and faced with Count Shickly. With a blushing face, he held onto a sword Colt gave him and announced, ¡°I-it was me¡­¡±


    Colt¡¯s was surprised as Arte¡¯s first act of showing his bravery was stand up against Shickly and announce his intentions.


    ¡®Oh¡­ he¡¯s purer than I thought.¡¯ He thought as he saw the blushing boy. Arte was only twelve in both lives; it was easy to understand how embarrassing it was to announce such a thing¡ªhe was a brave boy.


    Shickly held tightly onto his sword as he grinned, ¡°You¡¯re brave I¡¯ll give you that. But you are still not worthy of my granddaughter. I feel mana around you, raise your wand and show me your might.¡±


    Arte walked past Colt and stood before the fully armored Shickly, ¡°I wield no wand, sir; I am a swordsman.¡± Arte announced with pride.


    Silence prevailed as Colt realized what¡¯s going on¡ªArte¡¯s about to lose his head.


    Colt wanted to stop them, but he believed¡­that Shickly wouldn¡¯t kill a child and simply give him a beating.


    ¡°Come at me!¡± Shickly cried, and Arte darted forth.


    ¡®He has plot armor; winning this might actually¡ª¡¯


    Bam!


    Colt watched as Shickly balled up his fist and punched the boy in the face. Arte lay on the ground, unconscious.


    ¡®He¡¯ll live¡ªI think I fucked up.¡¯ Colt hoped that plot armor really worked this time around.


    Seyer_Jad

 151. Beasts

    Arte¡¯s mind slipped the moment Shickly¡¯s fist brushed his cheeks. A simple graze of a Master-level¡¯s strike was enough to rattle his mind.


    ¡°I can, still¡­do this¡­ don¡¯t look down on me¡­¡±


    If it was anyone else, their body and spirit would be crushed by that single blow. However, he was no ordinary person; he was Arte Geras.


    He could stand up no matter how hard he had been hit. Slowly, he tried getting up, but a hand tapped his shoulders, which had little to no force but was enough to make him tremble from fear. Like a cornered antelope, Arte¡¯s body reflexively shook.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough; I don¡¯t want a dead body littering the place while I train. Father, please let this be for the time being. He¡¯s a Mage, not a Warrior¡­not yet at least.¡± Colt said as he thanked the Goddesses for keeping Arte alive and well.


    Arte turned around and saw Colt trying to protect him from the hulking mass of anger and intimidation that was Shickly.


    Shickly snorted, he was not satisfied but still decided to turn stop for the time being, ¡°He at least has the guts to stand up. Hmph, I¡¯ll let you like my little Granddaughter. Little one, tell me, what¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°¡­Ah! It is Arte Geras, my Lord.¡±


    ¡°Geras? Hmmm, I don¡¯t think I know such a family around our kingdom or even in the other Monarchies.¡± Shickly tried remembering if there was any Geras Family he could recall.


    Such family, old, current, or new; there was nothing.


    Arte could see the confusion on Shickly¡¯s countenance and remembered Colt¡¯s words regarding common people not having a surname, ¡°It¡¯s¡­a fallen family, my Lord. The only thing I have is our surname.¡±


    ¡°¡­I am sorry to hear that. Do not worry; with a strong heart and will, you can rebuild what is lost.¡± Shickly tried his best to say something inspirational to the boy he just pummeled to the ground.


    Shickly looked at the situation and soon enough decided to return to his chamber, but not before leaving the words, ¡°I shall appear here in a week¡­I shall see if your will had not been crushed.¡±


    ¡®He¡¯ll make a good teacher¡­ beating someone half to death never fails to make them stronger and go through a flashback¡ªthat came out wrong.¡¯


    While Colt was thinking something unnecessarily stupid, Arte was staring at him with a hint of anxiousness.


    ¡®This man is not normal.¡¯ Arte already knew Colt was weird, but it appears that it was an understatement. In Arte¡¯s eyes, Colt was a Dragon in a human¡¯s clothing. That presence of his sent a shiver down Arte¡¯s spine.


    Colt did not care about anything else if Arte was alive. He handed him his ancient wooden box to help with his recuperation, ¡°Don¡¯t open it, or else there would be dire consequences.¡±


    Colt did not want to use such words. But considering how some people become curious and disobey in a simple warning, Colt decided to say it. Not saying Arte was stupid, but there were just so many who could not help themselves but doom the world.


    Ignoring the now different gaze of Arte, Colt decided to swing his blade. One time, two times, three, four¡­Colt began his sword training without so much as a care about his surroundings.


    The temperature continued to lower that soon enough, even the flabby being that was Fluff had its teeth chittering like no tomorrow, ¡°Nyaaaa, meowwww!¡±


    It was cursing Colt as it could not actually use zara outside of combat. The only time it could do anything with the use of zara would be when Colt¡¯s mind begins to meld. However, that¡¯s the problem when it comes to training; Colt was too focus that he shut out everything else other than Fluff¡¯s Gift.


    ¡°Nya!?¡± Fluff saw Arte and decided to go towards its direction. It entered Arte¡¯s clothes to gain some much-needed body heat.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Arte felt uncomfortable and unknowingly released a dangerous intent towards Fluff.


    Fluff turned to the boy and¡­


    Pup!


    A soft slap came from the cat as a warning to not do such a thing. Fluff snorted as Arte became dazed. Arte does not understand cat language, but he does understand viciousness.


    ¡®These two are indeed a pair. Such silent viciousness. It is a beast in disguise.¡¯ Arte thought.


    Fluff just wanted to go back inside.


    Colt¡¯s training lasted the evening. He returned to his room after Fluff dragged him back. Arte offered to do it, but Fluff stopped him, ¡°nya¡± it said.


    Arte once again failed to understand but still somehow got the gist of its words.


    4:30 came, and Colt woke up. He had been sleeping for two hours, that was enough for him to take a wonderful and full rest.


    He got up to exit the mansion, and just outside waiting for him was Hylda, ¡°You¡¯re late today.¡± Hylda said as she stretched her body awake.


    ¡°Sure, sure¡­¡± Colt laughed as he ruffled Hylda¡¯s hair. The two of them began their walk. They exited the mansion as Colt and Hylda went to the Plaza.


    Hylda had been continuing her training in the Plaza even after the mansion was rebuilt. She wanted to stay in contact with the people like Colt did.


    ¡°Good morning, Young Miss Hylda, Young Master Colt.¡± Butcher Lorei greeted as he opened up shop.


    ¡°Good morning, Mister Lorei. I¡¯ll be counting on your delivery later.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Young Miss, hahaha. Good luck with your training, Young Miss!¡±


    Along the way, Hylda greeted more people like the Vegetable Seller Sesa, the Construction Worker Shin, and the old man Geralt.


    She had much more confidence now.


    Colt raised his brows seeing Hylda begin to change, ¡°It appears you¡¯re used to it now. It appears you really are growing up.¡±


    ¡°Heh, heh, of course!¡±


    Hylda stuck up her chest. She was proud of her accomplishments, and Colt was proud of her, seeing that she¡¯s making an effort to become someone better.


    ¡®She was already energetic and playful. It was only a matter of time before she becomes a natural at socializing¡­¡¯ Colt also didn¡¯t have to worry about her safety as countless people were lurking in the shadows, with the mission to protect Hylda from all danger.


    If anyone thought that Mina would let one of her own unguarded leave, then they would be met with three dozen swords.


    These people in the shadows were the assassins of the family who had nothing better to do.


    Colt and Hylda trained in the Plaza, and like before, they began their warming up their body. They then started soon after. Hylda proceeded on doing the foundations of the spear.


    She was recounting the steps Liron taught her when he was in the Fief. Her movements were swift like the wind and robust as the earth. Colt could see her improvement.


    With the daughter improving, it was only natural for the father to be the same.


    Hylda¡¯s daily training attracts a lot of attention¡ªmostly from men. Though Hylda wore a military uniform, which was simple trousers and clothing. She was unladylike, but that didn¡¯t stop others from watching Hylda swing her spear with elegance.


    Colt¡¯s eldest daughter need not fancy clothing to show her elegance, for the spear was enough to speak volume for her.


    Colt ended their training early. Before leaving, he wanted to scare the boys with a glare. However, as he was a Noble, that glare might work too good and somehow end up ruining the child¡¯s life.


    It was a farfetched thought but was plausible.


    ¡°Hylda, you have yet to have a Soul Partner, correct?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡­why?¡± a hopeful thought appeared on Hylda¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Your aunty Risa and I will be leaving for a quick trip to the Magical Beast Forest. Do you have a beast you want for me to bring you back?¡±


    ¡°Do you mean I can get a Soul Partner directly from the Magical Beast Forest?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! It¡¯s your birthday; there is no need to hold back. If it¡¯s in the Magical Beast Forest, we can catch it for you¡­after all, we have the Risa¡¯s Dragon.¡± Colt said proudly.


    If anyone other than Colt had asked her, Hylda would have been reserved and simply say ¡°anything would be nice.¡±


    However, this was Colt. Colt was more than a Father to her; he was a friend and someone who had been by her side since Sister Mary brought her to this city.


    Hylda threw her fist to the air as she made a quick decision, ¡°Nether Flame Pegasus!¡±


    Colt raised both brows; he knew of the Nether Flame Pegasus and knew that she had excellent taste. The Nether Flame Pegasus was a Magical Beast, comparable to a Master Level.


    There were three classifications to measuring the strength of a Magical Beast; it was like how there were three ranks in Pathfinding: Hazard, Disaster, and Demon.


    A Dragon was considered a Demon Class; it was, after all, one of the strongest beasts in the world of Monsters.


    These three were the ranks of Magical Beasts. Unless there was a mutation, a specific species would remain in a particular class.


    The Nether Flame Pegasus was a Hazard Class, but it may reach Disaster Class to undergo a mutation.


    ¡°Ooohhh, good choice. All right, I¡¯ll get it for you.¡± Colt promised.


    For most people, the first kind of Soul Partner they would try to bond with would be something weak unless they want to risk being devoured by their own monster.


    However, Colt had no fear, for he had a secret weapon that came in the form of a flabby cat and a still nameless chick.


    In the Magical Beast Forest, another party arrived at Wing City just in time to witness a white Dragon taking flight

 152. Hunting

    A pleasant hum echoed in a cold, damp cell. Arte was bound by chains as he stared at the body of a bleeding woman.


    Arte¡¯s mouth was opened as he failed to control his emotions. The fire burned around Arte¡¯s body, and the chains sent out lightning, shocking his body numb.


    However, Arte¡¯s rage continued and with a roar similar to that of a beast¡¯s... Arte was devoured by his flames¡­


    Fwu!


    Arte¡¯s eyes shot open, and the first one he saw was Hylda¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Why are you breathing so heavily?¡±


    Arte realized what was happening and immediately crawled away to escape from Hylda.


    Bam!


    As he backed away, he hit his head on the tree that was directly behind him. He was in pain.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡± Arte was fine.


    Hylda raised her brows as she snickered at Arte¡¯s little show. She then picked up her spear once more and got back to training.


    It was currently 1:00 in the afternoon. Filla and Lyra were inside training in magic. Lyra just awakened her Mana, and both of them were being taught by Mina and Vyra. Though Filla had been acting rather proud as she too was teaching Lyra the basics from time to time.


    Arte watched as Hylda train. Her movements were elegant, too elegant to be dangerous, but enough to make Arte realize its strength. He had gathered information about Hylda and learned she had not even begun learning the spear for half a month.


    He can only assume she was someone talented like every other person in this mansion.


    But it did get Arte thinking. Someone like her wielding the spear so often could destroy her hands. There was a reason why both in this world and his previous one, female warriors were a minority.


    Most fear combat would ruin their value as women. Many societies value a woman¡¯s beauty more often than anything else.


    A woman warrior was sometimes even seen as barbaric by some narrow-minded fools. This would be the reason why there¡¯re so few women in the army.


    Even attending the academy was a mere formality. But then again, Mina was feared but was desired by everyone.


    Arte was at first struck by cupid when he saw her acting like an elegant lady. But seeing this side of her did not turn him off; instead, it made him fall harder for Hylda.


    ¡®Not only is she a perfect beauty, but she is also a true warrior.¡¯ He even decided to gather information regarding her and confirmed her kindness.


    All of a sudden, a sigh came out of Hylda, and she stopped her movement. She turned to Arte and asked with furrowed brows, ¡°Aren¡¯t you staring too intensely, Sir Arte?¡±


    She felt no shame, for she was not the one doing something wrong.


    ¡®Being stared at is something to be proud of as it was proof of being your beauty. However, if one stares too much and makes you uncomfortable, it is acceptable to tell them off¡­if they don¡¯t stop, you can crush their balls. What was that, Filla? Oh, do not worry, dear, that¡¯s why we have healers.¡¯ Mina was not the one who taught Hylda these words¡­it was Shickly.


    Hylda planned on keeping those lessons close to heart. She even poised her spear to strike all by instinctive movements.


    Arte awoke in his trance and quickly stood up and lowered his head to apologize, ¡°I-I am sorry, I was enamored by the beauty¡­ah, what am I saying? What am I saying? Forgive my rudeness, Young Miss.¡±


    Arte apologized as his face flushed. He thought a lady such as Hylda would be offended by such words, but as he raised his head, he saw Hylda, touching her reddened cheeks.


    ¡°D-do you really think so?¡± Hylda shyly asked.


    Arte unknowingly nodded his head, further reddening Hylda¡¯s flushed image. Arte found this even more adorable as he felt his heart beating wildly as if he had gotten a heart attack.


    ¡®My son, you will know it when you finally experience it¡­your heart will feel like it is bursting. It is the greatest feeling and the one you must never let go of. If you feel that it is mutual¡­be a man and speak!¡¯ This was a memory for when he was three years of age. The earliest thing he could still remember about his father was this single word of wisdom.


    ¡°This is¡­this is the first time other than my family said such a thing¡­Sir Arte, why don¡¯t you face me?¡±


    Once more, the boy nodded his head without so much as a thought.


    ¡°Yes? How lovely, this is a first for me...¡± Hylda celebrated with a wide smile.


    Arte lifted his head and looked at Hylda¡¯s eyes. His mind was too muddled to notice that something weird was going on with Hylda.


    ¡®I-it¡¯s mutual?? Did I just do it? No, what kind of a man I am that I let her be the one to speak of those words. I must say it aloud.¡¯ Arte failed to think correctly, as this was a first for him as well.


    He gathered his courage as he decided to go all-in, all of a sudden, ¡°Young Miss¡­I¡ª¡±


    However, as he spoke, Hylda¡¯s crimson pair of eyes glowed, and the tip of her spear stopped just before Arte¡¯s neck.


    Arte¡¯s mind blanked¡­


    ¡°¡­for you to acknowledge the beauty of my spear¡­I knew you wanted to face me, now, prove me of your worth.¡±


    Hylda¡­was not stupid. She was quite bright, actually. She learned etiquette and history fast and could be comparable to an average mage when it comes to intelligence.


    However, she had no such thing as a romantic interest in her mind. She was aware of it but had no interest in them and ignore them if possible. If one tells her they like her, Hylda would most likely answer that person she likes him too before moving along.


    Add to that fact that she had just gotten herself a family and cared more about them than anyone else. Hylda would rather spend time with Shickly training or hearing his war stories than be with anyone else. She sees romance as unnecessary.


    But it was not that it would be impossible for Hylda to fall in love; she very much could. It was just that she didn¡¯t find Arte all that attractive or interesting. In short, he was not her type.


    Besides, Arte cut off his sentence somewhat awkwardly, thus giving Hylda to fill the blanks for him.


    Thus, without so much warning, Hylda and Arte entered into a spar and for some reason¡­Arte felt satisfied as this was enough to bridge a connection to Hylda.


    He had taken a step forward from just looking at her from afar.


    ***


    ¡°Brother, is something funny?¡±


    ¡°No, I just felt satisfied for some reason.¡±


    At around 2:00 pm, Colt sensed something rather tragic. It was as if someone had been given hope and was shot down by chance. He smiled despite the bad feeling.


    ¡®Hmm, well, enough of that, let us go back to enjoying this moment.¡¯


    Colt was currently living through one of his childhood dreams of riding a Dragon.


    He was currently on Draco¡¯s back, the Purifying Fire Dragon.


    The beast was 25 meters in size. Its white scales were lustrous and beautiful; it was an almost perfect beast.


    Colt was happy about this beast because, for one, he was actually controlling the darn thing. For some reason, the Dragon bowed down before Colt when it saw him.


    The Dragon Pearl on his palms must have made it like him.


    On the back of the beast were Mary, Risa, the two pets, and Colt.


    In a matter of seven hours, they managed to reach the treeline of the Magical Beast Forest.


    Waiting for them down below was Lopre and the Squadron awaiting their arrival.


    Lopre and the Squadron were sent here for the final part of their training.


    ¡°We greet the Young Master.¡± All of them bowed before Colt.


    ¡®It¡¯s time to hunt.¡¯


    However, as they arrived, a beast suddenly opened its eyes, for it had sensed the Dragon''s return.


    From the very depths of the Forest.

 153. Arrival

    The Magical Beast Forest spanned for six kilometers. The plant and animal life were plentiful, yet the aura of death remained constant.


    The depths of this land was known for being dangerous. Colt wouldn¡¯t dare go there; thus, they were on the edge of the Forest they call The First Ring.


    The Magical Beast Forest was segmented into five different areas or rings, with the First Ring being the safest and the Fifth Ring the most dangerous.


    The Fifth Ring was also known as the Heart of the Forest; it was where the King of the Forest resided. The Magical Beast Forest¡¯s current Master was one of the few Demons one could find on the Continent, a Gargantusk.


    Colt had no idea what kind of monster it was, but he heard it was huge and scary. It was a colossus monstrosity. Its strength surpasses even that of a True Dragon.


    While the sun was still up, Colt was atop a tree, observing his squadron take down a Tier-6 Ogre.


    Only five were sent out, and they were not taking care of the beast with ease. Subjugating a beast takes tactics and time.


    There was one Shield wielder at the front, two sword user, a spear user, and someone using the bow. Colt rested his head on his palms as he observed the Shield wielder take the attack with a roar.


    The Ogre¡¯s stamina seemed to have lost its limits and staggered. It was distracted, and the archer fired an arrow which pierced its eyes.


    Roarrrr!


    The Ogre was in pain and held onto its eyes; this became the cue for the two swordsmen to dart ahead and strike the back of its knee, making it fall to the ground, and then the spear wielder charged and pierced its head.


    The group of five was burned out as they felt tired. They were trying to catch their breath when all of a sudden, the Ogre moved. It moved and tried to get its hands on one of the soldiers.


    But just as it was about to grab someone, a figure blurred and reappeared. Mary cut the Ogre¡¯s hand with her white sword.


    The Ogre screeched in pain as she said, ¡°Make sure to kill it before doing anything else.¡±


    Slash! She then proceeded to behead the monster. She then casually cleaned her sword.


    ¡°Thank you¡­Knight Mary, you saved my life.¡± Jev, the Shield wielder, said his thanks with a lowered head. He was ashamed of this blunder.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let do something so foolish again, especially with the Lord being here. Expect extra training later tonight¡ªgo and rest for the time being.¡± Mary said before moving away and returning to Risa¡¯s side, who was quite the distance away.


    Colt was on top of the tree, watching them fight against monsters. With him was Lopre, who was anxiously waiting for the silent Colt to speak a word.


    ¡®Is what I¡¯m doing good? Is everything up to the Young Master¡¯s standard?¡¯


    It had been an hour since they began fighting. Currently, it was now the seventh squad of soldiers. Everyone had managed to kill a slew of monsters. However, Colt had not flashed a smile throughout.


    ¡®The letter said he¡¯s here to find a gift and observe us¡­I didn¡¯t think this would be more nerve-wracking than when I faced against ten Rank-9 Undead to save my men.¡¯


    ¡°How did you get them to be so obedient? I didn¡¯t peg them to listen to you so easily.¡±


    ¡°It was by the help of Lord Fluff¡¯s Generals. They were the ones who instilled discipline to these men.¡± Lopre answered quite concisely.


    Colt turned to Lopre and smiled, ¡°No matter, you did a good job. Just make sure they can follow up in the killing blow; if it¡¯s an enemy you want to kill, take its head without fail. Sometimes even stabbing someone twenty times is not enough.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Master.¡±


    ¡°...Continue your training; I¡¯m going to the Second Layer to search for Hylda¡¯s present. If I don¡¯t return before it gets dark, don¡¯t look for me.¡±


    Colt jumped off the tree with Fluff in hand. The soldiers who were fighting continued, and Colt approached Risa, who just finished slaying an Ogre with the help of Drako.


    She was out of breath but quickly regained herself. A smile was on her face as she cleaned her sword, ¡°This is more enjoyable than I thought. Thanks for your help, Drako.¡±


    ¡°You are getting better at handling my gift, human. It appears your talent is indeed genuine; it appears accepting your offer was the correct choice, after all.¡± Drako nodded its head while it spoke in a deep voice.


    ¡°Congratulations on your first kill, Risa.¡± All the while, Risa celebrated; Colt walked over with Fluff, ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d actually reach Rank-5 Warrior while I was away, and it appears you learned a lot while I was away.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, you¡¯d be surprised how much I¡¯ve improved¡­¡± she stuck out her chest, as she showed her pride only to get a forehead flick from Colt, ¡°Ouch, that hurt, brother! What was that for?¡± Risa complained.


    ¡°That¡¯s for being cocky, don¡¯t let it get to your head; I might change my mind in helping you get the Regal Void Butterfly.¡±


    ¡°But you promised!¡±


    ¡°I promised to help you in search of a Second Soul Partner if you reach Rank-5; the Regal Void Butterfly was only if you reached Rank-7.¡±


    Risa remembered his words and failed to argue anything back. Risa decided to be on her best behavior. Drako failed to understand why its partner only realized this fact. Nothing comes good from antagonizing Colt, or so it thought.


    ¡®Despite her laziness, she¡¯s rather energetic when it comes to Magical Beast.¡¯ Colt didn¡¯t know whether to be happy or otherwise.


    ¡°My Lord, we need to move. It would be best if we get our objective before it gets dark.¡± Mary stated as she held onto her sword and shield and carried the Chick on her head.


    Colt also thought the same and agreed with her sentiment. According to their earlier agreement, Colt and the rest would come out of these Forest just before getting dark.


    ¡°Meow!¡±


    While on the move, Fluff informed Colt of the presence of two Generals heading towards their direction.


    ¡°I knew I can count on you.¡± Colt said, and the Chick pouted for some reason.


    Soon, red and orange cats joined them. It was a Fire Cat General and an Earth Cat General.


    ¡°Nya, nya, meo!¡± The Fire and Earth Generals welcomed Fluff and Colt in their training grounds and promptly assured them about what¡¯s to come.


    The cats were set out to every corner of the Continent to train and enlist beast to Fluff¡¯s army. So far, however, there was still no member of the army. However, Colt could tell that these cats were already Tier-9, stronger than him and Mary.


    These cats were legit strong.


    ¡°Take me to the Nether Flame Pegasus¡­¡± Colt could care less, however.


    Colt said, and the cats took the lead. While this happened, Mary was the only one who remained confused, for she was the only one without knowledge of the cat language¡­


    Colt turned to look at her dumbfounded expression and decided onto something, ¡°Learn the cat language with my daughter when we return. You would be talking to these guys in the near future. Communication is vital.


    ¡°¡­Yes, My Lord.¡±


    Colt and his crew would later arrive in a burnt land and boiling lake. Colt and the rest have found the Nether Flame Pegasus.


    All the while this happened, two figures had set foot before a hill¡­it was Krisa and Ellaine.

 154. Sovereignty (Part 1)

    It was fall, but the temperature was hotter than summer. The trees should be dead around a boiling lake, but its leaves were flourishing.


    On the center of the lake, there was a small, charred island populated by Nether Flame Pegasi in the middle of the boiling lake.


    With a body as black as coal and blue flame covered black feathered wings, the Nether Flame Pegasus was a beautiful creature.


    Even its mane, feathering, and tail were also made of blue flames. The bigger the fire, the stronger a Nether Flame Pegasus.


    Colt looked at the Nether Flame Pegasus bathing on the boiling river. Colt observed each of them, and he then noticed one particular Nether Flame Pegasus.


    Its mane made of flames was twice as big as the others; those very flames were white in its color. Its body and feather were also not an ordinary black, but something far more striking. It was as if this beast was speeding through the night, nothing but its flames would be seen.


    It was emanating a dangerous aura, ¡°Infernal Umbra Pegasus¡­that¡¯s not what we¡¯re getting.¡±


    Colt already decided what to do if he encounters something dangerous...avoid it.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯re going to get her the best gift?¡±


    Risa asked with a smirk.


    ¡°She¡¯ll appreciate an alive father rather than a dead one. Everyone get to the position, Drako, you¡¯re going to start as we planned¡­¡±


    ¡°Brother¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to argue, Risa. I brought you here because you won¡¯t let Drako come with us otherwise, but my mind will not change; you¡¯re going to hide.¡±


    ¡°BuT!


    ¡°If you were Rank-7, I would think about it, but you¡¯re not, so try not to argue, Risa. Just watch from afar and learn.¡±


    Risa was but 16 years of age and wanted to get into the action. However, with Colt forbidding her, she pouted before going up a tree to watch.


    Colt looked at her disappearing figure and could only sigh, ¡®How did someone like her become so energetic? I liked her more when she only wanted a pillow.¡¯


    Risa had definitely changed. Colt didn¡¯t mind it as she was getting stronger faster than he imagined, but it was still becoming a hassle. The others move while Colt began thinking,


    ¡®I need someone to crush her spirit¡­Arte.¡¯


    While connecting a somewhat devious plan, Colt noticed that a Nether Flame Pegasus trotted to the boiling lake. This particular Nether Flame Horse came to bath and enjoy.


    Colt, however, had no plan of letting such a thing be actualized. As soon as its wings got submerged in water, Colt quickly asked for assistance.


    ¡°Now.¡±


    A shadow flew up as Drako roared, shocking every being at a hundred-meter radius. The Nether Flame Pegasi and even the Infernal Umbra Pegasus was stunned.


    The previous King showed itself after months of hiding. Their faces turned pale, and immediately decided to make the most rational of decision, escape. With the Pegasus¡¯ strength, they dominated the Second Ring; however, Drako used to dominate everything.


    Challenging it was nothing but a pipe dream.


    Controlling its Draconic Heart, Drako gathered its flames and¡­


    Fwoosh!


    White flames with incinerating effects came out of its gaping maw. Every Nether Flame Pegasus, including their King, the Infernal Umbra Pegasus, escaped with haste.


    The white fire spread and the Pegasi did their best to avoid touching it. It would be hell if they got inflicted by the Incineration.


    However, one Pegasus was left. The one chose to keep its beauty was left out. It closed its eyes, expecting to be devoured by the white flames.


    Just as the white flames were indeed about to do so, it disappeared, and what replaced it was a shield-wielding woman. Mary came down like a meteor.


    Her white shield glowed a golden light; her Earth Element increased her defense exponentially.


    The Nether Flame Horse failed to react and then¡­


    BAM!


    Mary bashed its head, having it completely submerged in the boiling water. Mary reached the bottom of the lake. The lake was hot as expected, but the glowing red pendant Colt prepared protected her.


    The Nether Flame Pegasus thought that was the end when two cats appeared. Earth General called upon the stones of the lake and constructed four pillars that pinned down the beast.


    As for Fire General, it got to the Pegasus¡¯ eyes and exploded into a blaze, blinding it momentarily. Pain overtook the senses of the Pegasus; it found breathing difficult underwater.


    As Mary held her breath, she mounted the pinned Pegasus and increased her shield¡¯s weight ten times its original. The Pegasus neighed in pain from all the beating it was taking.


    It was drowning, and its strength was disappearing. However, it would not let this end like this. The Nether Flame Pegasus was, after all prideful, thus, being treated by weaker beings like such infuriated it.


    Activating its blue flames, a mighty blaze erupted that overwhelmed even the Fire General.


    It moved around as it tried bashing around the stone pillars. It did not like being contained; its pride didn¡¯t let it be held!


    Neighhhh!


    The Pegasus neighed, and the flames began burning brighter and hotter. The pillars were getting destroyed.


    However, Mary held on, increased the weight of her shield some more to pin it down, ¡°You¡¯re not going to go anywhere!¡± she roared in a muffled underwater voice.


    All the while this was happening, Colt was just about preparing himself.


    Fluff and the Chick rode Colt¡¯s shoulder, and the three of them slowly walked out of the remaining bushes. Colt¡¯s aura melded with the other two, and a suppressing aura came out of the trio.


    Colt heard the Pegasi struggle and decided that it was time to move. The white line appeared on his head; every hesitation disappeared.


    ¡®Now.¡¯


    He disappeared from the ground and made use of what he was taught, and strode across the water. Though it was not as elegant as it should be, Colt was walking on water.


    With two cute beings on his shoulders, he jumped high up and drew out one of the two swords strapped to his waist. He decided to use a training sword as he didn¡¯t want to kill the Pegasus.


    Drako flew down and acted as Colt¡¯s foothold. And as Drako prepared caught Colt and threw him down. Colt was now like a bolting spear.


    He prepared his sword and planned on knocking out the beast. He was a Rank-7 Warrior; he had no means of knocking it out without making a decisive slash, then fatally injuring it by accident.


    This was the only method he had, generating enough force and bonking it in the head really hard before suppressing. It would survive¡­it was a Hazard class Magical Beast.


    Colt was just about to touch the water when, all of a sudden, Colt caught sight of a blazing being to his left¡ªit was the Infernal Umbra Pegasus coming to save its subject.


    ¡°What¡¯s it doing here!? Dammit! Drako, intercept!¡±


    Drako moved, but it was too late and already passed by it. The Infernal Umbra Pegasus suddenly burst into much brighter flames. It would have been less worrying if it just dove straight down; however, it planned on ramming Colt.


    ¡°You dare try and capture, one of my subjects, human!?¡±


    ¡°Not good! Suppress it!¡± Colt shouted and the two on his shoulders moved in to try and muddle them the mind of the Infernal Umbra Pegasus.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening!?¡± The Umbra Pegasus suddenly slowed down a bit as it felt the suppression it received from the two animals on Colt¡¯s shoulders.


    However, it didn¡¯t stop and still managed to hit Colt on his cross-armed guard¡­Colt¡¯s left arm broke while his right with the Dragon Pearl held on.


    ¡°Dammit!¡± Colt cursed, but he didn¡¯t stop talking as he roared, ¡°DRAKO, FIRE!¡±


    The Umbra Pegasus looked above and saw Drako¡¯s mouth, gathering flames. It thought it would not try such a thing as the human was there, but how wrong it was.


    Splash! Colt hit the water then¡­


    Boom! White flames engulfed the water¡¯s surfaced. The Umbra Pegasus was hurt, and it dove directly to the waters avoiding much of the fire.


    It was quite resistant to flames, but it feared Dragon Flames. It was too strong. It was in pain; however, it didn¡¯t stop and simply dove deeper down!


    It saw its subject being pinned and became so angry that its fire also turned from white to black, ¡°Bastards!¡±


    Colt saw this and immediately felt his body moving. He threw the training sword towards Mary and the others to signal them to get away.


    Mary saw the raging Umbra Pegasus and quickly got out of the way. Earth General and Fire General also moved away.


    Bam!


    The Umbra Pegasus destroyed the pillars, and the Nether Flame Pegasus managed to escape.


    ¡°RUN! ESCAPE FROM THIS PLACE!¡± The Umbra Pegasus cried out!


    Without anyone stopping it, the Nether Flame Pegasus flew up, passing Mary and the cats. It felt relieved after inhaling the air. It was not so happy, as it caught sight of the Dragon.


    It thought that it would be stopped. However, the Dragon was in a weird daze. It was looking towards the heart of the forest as if it had seen something wrong!


    The Nether Flame Pegasus paid it no heed and simply went and escaped.


    Colt and the rest, including the Umbra Pegasus, already emerged from the boiling lake. The Umbra Pegasus aimed to kill Mary and the cats before leaving, Colt appeared from behind, wielding the Ocean¡¯s Black Heart.


    He swung his sword, starling the beast.


    ¡°Everyone, run! I¡¯ll handle this!¡± Colt said as he knew he fucked up. He didn¡¯t think the Umbra Pegasus would actually return; however, that didn¡¯t matter; after all, it had always been in the plan to find something that would test his ability to the limit.


    ¡®You better be right about this, Fluff.¡¯


    Colt drew out power from his right hand. He remembered the Chick¡¯s words last night¡­


    ¡®Danger can draw out your potential more quickly. Why not try and go to the Magical Beast Forest? If you fail to control your strength, it might endanger the children. We¡¯ll protect you, don¡¯t worry, it¡¯ll be fun, and it¡¯ll even help you gain experience¡­¡¯ When the Chick said this, it just thought it would be fun to find the current state of the Monsters in the Magical Beast Forest.


    Colt agreed as he too thought that it might endanger the children. He chose his opponent to be Hylda¡¯s gift to know what he would hunt; however, it appears that Colt had bitten more than he could chew.


    ¡®I am so going to roast that chick.¡¯ Colt was prepared to fight the Umbra Pegasus until he could slay it when, all of a sudden, Drako roared loudly.


    Colt and the Umbra Pegasus¡¯ attention was taken, not by the roar alone but because of the rumbling grounds¡­


    He and the Umbra Pegasus exchanged gazes and decided to stop. The Umbra Pegasus¡¯ anger meant nothing before its survival instinct. It soared up to escape.


    ¡°Drako! We¡¯re leaving! Everyone move it! There¡¯s something huge coming!¡± Colt was cursing everything now.


    Mary and the cats were already on the other side of the shore, and Colt was halfway through the lake when he noticed Drako, not moving an inch¡­as if it was waiting.


    ¡°Drako! What are you doing!?¡± Colt didn¡¯t care if Drako was a Dragon. It was far dangerous in letting it fight. After all, they all might get caught up in it.


    However, Drako shook its head, ¡°I apologize, honorable Dragon King, but I cannot leave¡­I agreed to come here to face this very opponent.¡±


    ¡°Huh!?¡± Colt didn¡¯t know what it was talking about. However, Colt¡¯s pupils dilated while something came crashing on the trees near Mary.


    It was the escaping Umbra Horse.


    However, that was not what caught Colt¡¯s attention. With his mouth open, he was forced to raise his head and witness a colossus of a being.


    A beast around 30 meters in size appeared with a Lion¡¯s head, a Goat¡¯s horn, and a Gorilla¡¯s body armored with black carapaces.


    Two, three-meter tusks protruded from its giant maw, and inside its mouth was the carcass of the Nether Flame Pegasus.


    The Gargantusk...the King of the Magical Beast Forest was before him.


    Seyer_Jad


    This is only two parts...and the next chapter is what I''ve been waiting to right....


    Also the volume ended at Chapter 1598


    Patreon Advance Chapters: 5

 155. Sovereign (Part 2)

    Demon Class Magical Monsters are beings of Mass Destruction. They could raze an entire city on their own without so much as breaking a sweat.


    The Purifying White Dragon, Drako, roared as it saw its rival. It gathered its strength and let out a full-powered fire breath.


    When the fire finally came out, the Gargantusk raised its hands, which glowed a dark yellow. It hammered the ground and created a wall of earth and wood.


    The fire was blocked, and a ball of raging flame headed towards Mary and Risa!


    ¡°Dammit!¡± Colt saw the escaping fire, and immediately, his eyes dilated, ¡°Mary, Risa, both of you, run! I¡¯ll cover you!¡±


    ¡°But my Lord!¡± Mary, who was prepared to take on the fire, wanted to argue, but Colt¡¯s voice defeated her!


    ¡°Do not question me! Go and take my sister out of here! This is an order from your Lord!¡± Colt¡¯s voice carried weight like never before.


    He knew that no one would survive this wave of flames if they took the full brunt of it. Mary was reluctant, but she knew she would be nothing but dead weight. She bit her lips, unable to contain her emotions and disappointment about her uselessness.


    ¡°Young Miss Risa, we¡¯re going to leave now.¡±


    Risa, who was standing by Mary¡¯s side, was dazed. She looked at the white flames of her Soul Partner and froze. She couldn¡¯t believe that it didn¡¯t care if she would be caught in the fight.


    But what¡¯s more, was that Colt decided to stay behind to cover for them. She looked at Colt and then at Mary to ask, ¡°W-we must leave with brother! H-he¡¯s in danger! Get him out of there!¡±


    Mary, however, did not listen to Risa. Instead, she ducked down and lifted her legs, ¡°Please, leave this to my Lord.¡±


    ¡°W-what are you doing!? Why are you leaving my brother behind!?¡± Risa questioned but received no answer. She only saw blood flying away as Mary bit her lips with too great of a force. The one who didn¡¯t want to leave the most was the Knight who swore to protect his Lord.


    She was upset and disgraced, ¡®Dammit!¡¯ she was useless when needed¡­that was Mary Courtgain.


    Colt watched the fire moving towards them and quickly wielded the Ocean¡¯s Black Heart and used one of the Heavenly Water Sword¡¯s Ultimate Techniques.


    Colt jumped up, and as his toes touched the boiling lake, his sword moved and rose from beneath. Afterimages trailed its path as Colt drew out everything he could from his aura and the Dragon Pearl.


    It didn¡¯t matter if it had accuracy or not, but what mattered as drawing out the water from the lake, ¡°Cutting Wave!¡±


    A giant wave of boiling water appeared as Colt controlled the flow of the lake. Most of Drako¡¯s flames were extinguished, but some remained!


    Colt saw this and quickly chained his movement. The rising tide of water began to flow heavier. Colt¡¯s sword grow ever so sharp and ever so uncontrollable the more he lost power; he cut into a straight line and caused the boiling lake to make a water pilar!


    ¡°Geyser!¡± he roared.


    ¡®¡­now I know why they scream out their techniques¡­¡¯ he silently whispered to himself. Screaming the names of one¡¯s technique could apparently make one forget the severity of the situation and face it head-on. Colt managed to draw out courage he never knew he had.


    The fire was finally extinguished, and Colt grew tired and almost devoid of strength. But as he was just about to crash down on the land, his moves became flowing, he managed to stick the landing without mistake.


    ¡°This is better.¡± He was now weaker, but Colt found it easier to move now that most of his strength left him.


    As he confirmed his movement, Colt was just about to escape when¡­


    BOOM!


    The land ten meters ahead of him, the Gargantusk pinned down Drako and clutched onto its neck. When Colt saw this, he froze.


    Not from fear, but from two different desires rousing from his depths. His right hand screamed at the sight of a Dragon being pinned down. The Dragon within him, which he didn¡¯t know existed, was calling to help its brethren.


    Then, there was Colt¡¯s survival instinct, telling him to escape this place and survive. His instincts won, and quickly, his figure disappeared while the area turned into a massive shit show.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what you want¡­ I¡¯m going to leave this place alive.¡±


    BooM!


    Drako gathered fire and breathed directly into the Gargantusk¡¯s face. The Gargantusk was in pain, and as it flinched, Drako took the opportunity to claw through its body.


    The body of the Gargantusk was covered with carapace; however, some places didn¡¯t; namely, the neck, the joints, some parts of the abdomen, and the other.


    Drako held onto its neck tightly and managed to pierce through its tough hide. While doing so, it breathed out fire directly to its face trying to destroy its head.


    GRAAAAAAA!!!


    The Gargantusk was in massive pain.


    Drako wanted to finish this sooner; however, this was what the Gargantusk was waiting for. Its green colored fur and body changed.


    Colt didn¡¯t know of this fact, but the reason why Drako wanted to quickly finish off the Gargantusk was that it was a beast of destruction and chaos. The more it got damaged, the more dangerous it became.


    The Gargantusk changed into a deep color of red. Like a berserker, its power would increase the more it got damaged, and this power was called [Beast of Annihilation].


    Beast of Annihilation lasted for ten minutes. However, that¡¯s enough to end this fight.


    The Gargantusk grabbed Drako¡¯s claws and broke its wrist and arm before using its head to headbutt its rival.


    Drako was in pain, and its fire stopped. While Drako was slowly losing strength. The Gargantusk grabbed Drako¡¯s neck, then lifted it and smashed it on the ground.


    Drako roared in pain; however, it could not fight back against the beast. It tried biting, only to be met with hardened muscle.


    ¡°You savage!¡±


    Drako used its hind legs and kicked the Gargantusk away. The Gargantusk staggered, and Drako then used its most potent skill. It drew out every ounce of its power and called upon the Zara of the world, and even its original bloodline was used.


    Its neck expanded as power flowed through it, and then as it reached its peak, it roared, ¡°Burn and perish! Do not cause any more destruction, you bastard! [Purifying Breath]!¡±


    A beam of white fire flew across the sky. The force of this beam was so strong that Colt, who was hundreds of meters away, felt the pressure it carried and was blown away.


    The Gargantusk saw this and didn¡¯t move away. Its roar echoed throughout the area and met it head-on. It covered its head and body with its armored arms then tanked the beam; the more it tanked the damage, the more its skin grew darker. Before long, it turned completely black.


    Then, a blinding light caused Colt to lose his sight, and when it returned, he saw the Gargantusk missing its right arm. It was bleeding profusely. It should be dead by now; however, it still stood and was more powerful than ever before.


    ROARRRRRR!


    Drako now had little to no strength. It fell to the ground and watched the Gargantusk sped towards Drako.


    The Dragon wanted to fight back. It tried biting its enemy but was swatted away. The Gargantusk indiscriminately grabbed onto Drako¡¯s wings and then¡ª


    Shriskkk!


    One of its wings was ripped apart. Untold pain assailed Drako; its body, now devoid of strength, failed to gather power to fight.


    The Dragon no longer posed any kind of threat. It was ignored.


    The Gargantusk then looked around and saw a group of running humans.


    It saw new prey and left Drako alone, a move that didn¡¯t make any sense. It was as if it had no mind and was only abiding by its instincts.


    The Gargantusk may be the beast who causes untold destruction, but it was a Magical Beast; nonetheless, it still had a thinking mind, or so it should have.


    However, this Gargantusk actually only acted on instinct. The moment it saw a live human, it had the urge to destroy them.


    The Gargantusk jumped high up in the air and quickly attempted to crush these humans.


    Colt saw the Gargantusk¡¯s aim and screamed, ¡°RISA!¡± it was the older brother screaming!


    He wanted to stop the Gargantusk but had nothing he could do. Colt watched as the Gargantusk was about to crush his sister.


    Risa, however, looked at this and cried aloud, ¡°DRAKO!¡± and with her cries, a weak roar echoed!


    ¡°You dare!? You beast!? You dare touch my benefactor!?¡±


    Drako used its life energy to kick the ground to send its battered body towards the Gargantusk. It bit down on its neck and dragged it away from Risa.


    It was already using its last remaining life energy to move. Drako¡¯s voice then echoed once more, ¡°Risa, with this, I owe you nothing!¡±


    Drako was bleeding out and was on edge when Risa found him. He was in his miniature form and was extremely vulnerable. At that time, Drako lunged at Risa and bit her right shoulder. He planned on devouring her to regain some strength when he suddenly lost power.


    However, Drako, who was too injured with its previous fight with the Gargantusk, suddenly lost all strength. Risa could have killed him in retaliation; instead, Risa asked him, ¡°You look strong, want to come with me?¡±


    She had a smile when she asked him that. That was the first time Drako saw its Soul Partner.


    He already knew that at that time, he already accepted that Risa would be its Soul Partner but claimed that it was merely using her to recuperate his strength.


    It used Risa and brought her to this place to reclaim its throne from the raging Gargantusk. It endangered its Soul Partner; it thought Risa did not matter. However, the moment it saw Risa was about to die, its body felt like electricity coursed through its body.


    It flew out and gained enough strength to save its Soul Partner¡­it was happy that it was able to at least act like a reliable partner.


    The Dragon gave one last roar. It was pitiful and devoid of any semblance of the strength it used to have. It was a fa?ade, a guise to scare the Gargantusk and let Risa escape.


    And from what Drako observed, it was working because the Gargantusk was frozen in place¡­however, it was wrong.


    The Gargantusk didn¡¯t freeze because of its presence. It froze because of something more terrifying, something so alarming that the instinctual fear it had broke the bindings in its mind.


    Drako saw its trembling body, and he too began to see why it was so afraid. The Gargantusk turned around, and Drako followed its gaze.


    There, it saw three beings. Three beings that made the raging Gargantusk shake in fear.


    From where Colt was standing, a tiny little Chick devoured an evergreen leaf. The power of the World Tree¡¯s leaf flowed in the Chick¡¯s body.


    The World Tree was made to match the vitality of the Immortal Myth¡­however, before it was an artifact and was referred to as such, it had a different name, Yggdrasil, the nest of Sovereign of the Skies.


    As the Chick hopped off Colt¡¯s shoulder, it then grew more prominent by the second. It was trembling as it matured with every passing second¡­its eyes turned a mix of purple and crimson, and the temperature around the area burned.


    Colt¡¯s blood was burning, and an inexplicable red tattoo appeared on his back. Zara Manifestation was beginning despite not having the capabilities.


    This should not happen; however, the Chick and Colt already shared blood with him. Colt¡¯s blood was already that of something different from a human¡¯s the moment he and the Chick became one.


    Their connection was stronger than any Magical Beast.


    Colt was undergoing mutation without any training.


    It was painful, but¡­Colt didn¡¯t say anything, so Fluff spoke in his stead¡­


    ¡°Keep your strength at a bare minimum. You have ten seconds to finish this¡­Sovereign of the Skies. Colt will die if you take any longer.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± An elegant yet powerful voice reached the ears of the soldiers, Mary, and Risa.


    The Chick soared through the skies, and as its body reached 30 meters in size, the skies had already darkened.


    The Chick grew another pair of wings, and its tiny claws became talons bigger than Colt.


    The Chick then screeched, and a fire tornado appeared from below the Gargantusk.


    The Fire Tornado enveloped the Gargantusk, and its pained roar echoed throughout. It wanted to retaliate, but just as it was about to move, a serpent made of lightning descended from the skies.


    The serpent devoured the Gargantusk and, the Chick then whispered, ¡°You who suffered the control of the curse of Light shall now be free!¡±


    BOOM!


    A meter-thick lightning bolt descended from the skies.


    Exactly 10 seconds later, the Gargantusk¡­was pulverized. In exchange¡­a lead of the World Tree was sacrificed, and Colt coughing litters of blood.


    Every Aviary Beast at a one-kilometer radius bowed before the Sovereign.


    SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!


    The screech that pierces the heavens and reaches the Celestial World echoed once more.

 156. All life weighs the same

    Fluff watched as the Chick regained some of its prowess. Its two pair of wings was proof of its strength, and the raging fire and lacerating lightning was proof of its arrival.


    It rejoiced as it screeched, and every Aviary beast responded as they lowered their heads. Whether it be a Pegasus, a Griffin, everything that could fly bowed before the Sovereign.


    Every Beast that could fly were not beings of the past who knew the Sovereign, however, in their very genes, in their very soul, all of them were aware that none of them would be able to soar through the skies if not for him.


    Without the Sovereign, the skies would be nothing but a chaotic swirl of fire and lightning. It was because of the Sovereign that the skies were blue and free.


    They lowered their head, not daring to look directly into the Chicks majesty. The Sovereign may not have its proper form, but none of them managed to say anything otherwise.


    However, there was something that did not like this screeching oversized chicken. It was not Fluff, it was not Colt, neither was it the Goddesses.


    It was the single existence that caused even the beings of Myth to tremble. It was the thing that existed after the Goddesses came to be¡ªLaw!


    There was a reason why Fluff and the Chick had different domains. Their level of Order was the same; every being respected them; however, there was one rule they followed that had been lost in time.


    None of them could slay any of the other¡¯s children.


    Like Fluff could not slay any aviary beast, the Chick could not touch a land-dwelling creature.


    Though this law did not extend to their children, as that would restrict them too much, the Mythical Beasts followed it. Though with the existence of Dragons and Pegasus that blurred the line of this law, the consensus was that none of them could kill another¡¯s child.


    This was an uncontested law. However, the Sovereign of the Skies just broke this law and killed someone from the Lord of Earth¡¯s domain.


    Fluff may have let it happen as it could not summon any strength, and only the Chick could draw out its former blood with the help of the leaf¡­ however, this law was approved by the Goddesses. As such, punishment must be given.


    Only one thing existed to punish the beings of Myth.


    Colt¡¯s left hand suddenly ached; it was a pain he expected but was still too much for him.


    Fluff was by his side, trying to ease his pain with its White Light. However, even that was not enough.


    The World Devouring Mark swirled and spread all over Colt¡¯s left side. As it finally reached his left shoulder, neck, and temple, it was then that it eventually extended out of Colt¡¯s body.


    The black swirl of a shadow became dozens of shadowy tendrils that sped up towards the screeching Sovereign.


    Seeing these tendrils, the Chick gathered the clouds and was about to attack when it saw Colt and Fluff.


    The Sovereign halted the black clouds and let the tendrils wrap itself around it. Starting from its talons, it then reached its body. The Chick felt choked.


    The power it held was sapped away, slowly. Even its blood, its lightning, and flames were stripped away. Soon, the Chick¡¯s body was enveloped by darkness.


    The writhing darkness that encased the Chick descended, and as the World Devouring Mark retreated to Colt¡¯s body, what used to be Sovereign had reverted to an Egg.


    The Egg was the same Colt found with the World Tree. Colt approached this as the World Devouring Mark receded to nothing but a tattoo.


    He did not know where the power of the Sovereign went. It might have disappeared as it couldn¡¯t be used by Mortals or something like that, but he didn¡¯t really care.


    ¡°Meow¡­¡± Fluff worryingly called for Colt. It didn¡¯t want him to move any longer as his body took the full brunt of a Sovereign¡¯s energy with the veins of a Rank-7 Warrior¡­that was not normal.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­fine¡­ I¡¯m¡­not, going¡­to die¡­ don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Colt, Fluff, and the Chick talked about this before it became Sovereign.


    Colt had one last thing it must do before he could collapse. He stood before the egg and then coughed up blood, which splattered all over the Egg.


    The Egg¡¯s shell reacted to his blood and disappeared. The Chick then appeared.


    Colt looked at the little bastard, and he smiled, ¡°You took, your¡­sweet time¡­ didn¡¯t you¡­? Now¡­heal me¡­please.¡±


    Colt collapsed on his face with a thud.


    On his back, the forming crimson wing tattoo disappeared. The Chick got out of its shell and weakly wobbled towards Colt.


    It sat atop Colt¡¯s head and whispered before losing consciousness, ¡°You¡¯re really tenacious, my Partner.¡±


    Fluff watched as the two glowed with a red light. He could see that their bond and connection had grown tremendously. He reckoned that Colt was now close to becoming something inhuman.


    ¡°Nyaaa!¡± Fluff looked at the skies as it remembered a distant memory of destroying the world. It was an experience it did not appreciate.


    While Fluff protected Colt and the Chick, Fluff turned to the direction where the Gargantusk came from and spoke in human tongue, [Don¡¯t try anything stupid¡­]


    Krisa heard Fluff¡¯s voice. She wanted to come out, but Ellaine stopped her. Krisa understood why Ellaine didn¡¯t want her to face Fluff. She decided to abide by her warnings. She spoke while hiding.


    ¡°I apologize for this incident, Lord of Earth I¨C¡°


    [It¡¯s Lord Phat Fluff]


    ¡°What?¡±


    [That¡¯s my name now. I gave it to myself. If it¡¯s too much of a mouthful, you can refer to me as Fluff.]


    ¡°¡­Sir Fluff, why are you with a Heretic like Colt Edgeworth? Not only you but even the Sovereign is with you¡­why? I thought you were our Deity who provided us the land. Why have you forsaken us?¡±


    Krisa¡¯s question was innocent. She simply wanted to know what was true and what was not. They were taught one thing in the Eastern Continent: the land they trod upon was pulled out by the Lord of Earth.


    The Lord of Earth was their protector. It was the companions of their Savior. So, why?!?!


    The answer she got, however, was not what she expected. Instead, what she received was a sense of danger, a dense, almost tangible bloodlust spread out. It enveloped everyone in the vicinity, suffocating those who felt it.


    Fluff could not draw out the power of its blood, its natural energy, or even its divinity. However, its cultivated presence, bloodlust, and innate majesty were something that was etched on its bones.


    Fluff was angered, so angered that it almost wanted to go on a rampage.


    [Don¡¯t speak such words to me! I have not abandoned anyone, I was the one who was abandoned, your people betrayed our trust, we were¡ª]


    Its temper was being tested, but then, a hand was gently placed over its head. Its anger disappeared, and the bloodlust it had receded, ¡°Can you please¡­stop screaming? My head hurts.¡±


    Colt was still lying on the ground, trying to grasp his breath. He managed to regain his consciousness but could not move. The only thing he could do was gently pat the head of the flabby cat whose anger was immeasurable.


    This¡­was the first time Krisa heard Colt¡¯s voice. Emotions, most of hatred and anger surfaced. Her mind was enveloped with light, and if not for Ellaine pinning her down, she would have already rushed to try and kill Colt.


    The only thing she could do was scream in anger, ¡°You murderer! You killed my brother! You killed my family! We only want to save this Continent! We only want to help. If you don¡¯t want to be saved¡­do not drag others!!¡±


    Emotions¡­are not easy to understand. It makes one act as if they have nothing to call a brain and become so narrow-minded, they miss what¡¯s right from wrong. Krisa knew of Olivier¡¯s mistakes.


    He tormented someone and almost caused them to die. She knows this, but¡­failed to accept the death of someone dear to her. It was completely irrational.


    However, Colt could still understand her rage. Listening to this lady, Olivier must have


    Colt sighed as he spoke, ¡°Hey, I don¡¯t know who you are, but I see that you are angry with me. Do you want me to apologize? If so, then I am sorry for killing Olivier.¡±


    His words caught Krisa off-guard that irrationality was destroyed¡­she failed to respond.


    ¡°I can feel your anger, and despite how much I hate Olivier¡­he was once alive and had a life of his own, and yet I took his life. I don¡¯t have the right to say fuck you to his family because I how much you are hurting. I don¡¯t know many things, why you are doing this, what¡¯s your goal, what I will name my child, what I¡¯ll have for dinner ¡­but I do know one thing, I don¡¯t regret killing him to save Mina and Filla.


    ¡°Also, can I ask you to please stop this? If you¡¯re from the East, then you must know who spread the disease. Thousands have died, and all of those deaths are like Olivier. Their lives are as important as Olivier¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°NO! Brother had a mission; he only¡ª¡± Krisa, who listened to Colt, finally had something to say; however, she was cut off.


    ¡°YOU¡¯RE WRONG!¡± Colt shouted and then coughed out blood. It took a while, but he managed to get himself back together, ¡°¡­ I¡¯m sorry about that¡­but, you¡¯re wrong. Olivier¡¯s life does not hold a greater weight than anyone. Like my life weighs the same as a slave, no one is above anyone. In the end,¡­all of us are alive. The only difference is¡­that you¡¯re¡­in the¡­ wrong.¡±


    Colt slipped away, leaving the messy situation to Fluff. No one would be able to touch him because Ellaine was fearful of Fluff, and Krisa was being stopped by Ellaine.


    Ellaine did not want to cross Fluff; something within her was telling her that it was blasphemous. She also had memories that span for millennia, and she could recall some vague images of the past.


    Fluff turned to their direction and said one last thing, [He didn¡¯t quite finish his words, so I¡¯ll tell you what he meant¡­every life holds the same weight, and to those who upsets the balance to serve their purpose, he will stop them without fail.]


    Fluff was half correct, but no one knew that...not even Fluff.


    ¡°¡­Sir Fluff, we shall take our leave for now. But please know that what we are doing is for the best of everyone, and our goal had never strayed since past.¡±


    Krisa escaped, and with her was a trembling Ellaine. They gained nothing here, other than learn the Lord of Earth, and Sovereign of the Skies was alive.


    However, Fluff knew another thing¡­the Magical Beast Forest might just be more dangerous than it had ever been.


    Minutes later, Risa and Mary arrived to get Colt.


    They were worried about Colt and brought him back to the Wing City to be healed. That day was simply chaotic, and they would have gained nothing except for one surprising achievement.


    Earth and Fire General managed to capture the Infernal Umbra Pegasus.

 157. Every Follower is Creepy

    ¡°What have you been doing, Lord Apostle? You should protect yourself as you are the most important person for us Dracian Fate believers.¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± was the only words Colt managed to ask the woman serving him without fail.


    Colt¡­was without words. He was lying on a soft and luxurious bed only that Risa was drooling over in some secret of the Church. That was enough to have Colt trying to figure out what the hell happened while he was unconscious; however, something else caused him to be befuddled about the situation.


    Before him, was a Nun; however, it was not Sister Mary. It was a blindfolded believer who was radiating the aura similar to that of a dog awaiting orders¡­she a far worse case than his Knight, Mary.


    This blindfolded Nun was revealing his secret as if it was nothing¡­thankfully, no one who didn¡¯t know was present.


    Colt quietly turned to Sister Mary, who was standing by the door to inquire whatever was happening here. Sister Mary, in response, sighed¡­


    ¡°Fer, get out for now. I have something to talk about with the Apostle.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡±


    A seemingly another uncharacteristic outburst from Sister Mary who was always calm and collected appeared. Fer was scared shitless with her roar. Thus, she left with drooping shoulders.


    The only one who was left was Colt, Sister Mary, a snacking Fluff, and a slumbering Chick.


    Colt felt his body had regained most of its vitality, he didn¡¯t know who had Healing Magic but was strong enough to move.


    He looked at this and confirmed everything was well, ¡°So, how come someone else got to know of it? I thought you were going to keep it a secret, Sister? I believe in you.¡± Colt felt betrayed¡­then after saying that, he got an orange to snack on.


    Sister Mary did the same and peeled one for herself as well. She slowly became calmer by the second, and after a minute, she was the Sister Mary Colt recognised.


    ¡°It is not my fault Fer got to know of your secret. Mina underwent divine intervention, and the Goddesses talked to her while Fer was observing her, you see¡­¡±


    Sister Mary began narrating how everything happened to now.


    The day Colt left for the Capital¡ªin Sister Mary¡¯s Office.


    Fer was humming away as she wrapped her blindfold once more.


    However, Sister Mary was sitting on her chair, waiting for Sister Fer to explain what she was doing there. Yet, Sister Fer did not speak as she waited for Sister Mary to do what she needed to.


    ¡°Are you really going to do this, to me?¡±


    ¡°Eph, eph, eph, you are not to talk to me like that, Older Sister may have been the previous Queen of the Valkyries, but you already relinquished that title so you must serve me as a proper Nun of the Dracian Fate. If you are to fail to do this, I can make a proper report and have them call you back to undergo training again¡­I heard a little rumour that you joined the Order of the Valkyrie to avoid Nun Training. Does Older Sister really want to go back because you failed to give some refreshments?¡±


    Fer was swaying as she waited on the sofa for refreshment from Sister Mary. She was enjoying every second she could get from it as she knew that Sister Mary could blow at any moment and try to take her head.


    Sister Mary was, after all, known for her hotheadedness and rash behaviour. When Fer arrived here earlier, she almost had her head cut in two, when she referred to Sister Mary as the Priestess¡­and when she called her the Queen of the Valkyrie, the same thing happened.


    All-in-all, Sister Mary doesn¡¯t want to hear anything from her past.


    Sister Mary begrudgingly stood up from her seat and then brought out freshly extracted apple juice. Sister Mary gave it to Fer with a smile that was close to biting off Fer¡¯s face-off¡­she was pissed to be treated like this.


    Fer¡­could not see, but she could feel the anger from this apple juice, and she savoured every last drop of it, ¡°That was refreshing in so many levels.¡± Sister Fer was honest with what she wanted.


    As for Sister Mary, she acted as if she was a hooligan on the verge of wanting to kill Sister Fer.


    Sister Mary was aware that Sister Fer was the current Queen of the Valkyries. As the Nun of the Dracian Fate, she should be respectful, fearful, even to her. However, Sister Mary simply did not give a shit.


    As Sister Fer finally managed to mess with Mary, ¡°Okay, with that out of the way, I am here because of two things¡­your sudden sprung into action¡­the Cardinals speak of your usage of Luna¡­¡±


    ¡°With how things are on the continent, they wouldn¡¯t have sent you simply because of me using Luna, right? We¡¯re already lacking in Valkyrie, and they would send you? What nonsense¡­¡± Sister Mary called her bluff.


    Sister Fer, however, only sighed, ¡°That¡¯s why I said two things¡­ah, just listen to me for once Older Sister. The second thing on my agenda is the fact that a significant amount of Divine Energy was sensed in your area of guidance. It would have been impossible for you to not sense such a thing, and on your last report, you mention of no such thing so, I was sent here to investigate. Simply put, the Church is doubting that you may be hiding from us, an artifact, a new genius¡­or the Apostle, perhaps?¡±


    Sister Mary snorted, ¡°What nonsense are you talking about now? If I found the Apostle, I would be grovelling before him or her and licking his or her shoes clean instead of staying here. It must have some sort of divine message, after all, lunatics claiming to be Apostles appeared here trying to kill people¡­do you not think the Goddesses are telling you guys to finally do something?¡±


    ¡°You know that the Order cannot do anything like that. We only follow the Apostles of the Goddesses, we are sheep that cannot move without a shepherd.¡±


    ¡°And yet we are sent to kill those who stray from the path¡­what sheep, we are butchers who kill upon receiving orders...¡±


    ¡°Older Sister¡­¡± A warning came from Fer.


    Mary was forced to stop her words. This conversation lasted for hours without accomplishing anything. However, while they were talking, Fer¡¯s nose picked up something. She quickly sped away, and when Sister Mary went to follow her, she found the Nun sticking close to Mina¡­sniffing her while going around her.


    ¡°You smell Divine¡­¡± said Fer to Mina who just came to the Orphanage for some afternoon tea.


    Everyone thought was just some weird at new recruit and paid her no much heed. However, it was then that Fer began observing Mina¡­


    Mary warned Mina about what was happening, and just as Fer¡¯s findings were running dry and was about to go back home, Mina inexplicably spoke to the Goddess which began for Fer to run around the Orphanage celebrating.


    That would have been enough to overload her brain, but then, some weeks after, someone with a far stronger aroma arrived on her doorsteps. It was Colt, and he reeks of the smell of the Divine.


    Listening to the explanation, Colt had one last question, not counting the stupidity of the Goddesses, ¡°Is she a dog or something? How can she sniff it out of us?¡±


    ¡°She had been blessed since young, it¡¯s best not to question it any further.¡±


    Colt had a new dog, and now...he could confirm that every follower of the three were weirder than a fat cat slapping a Dragon.

 158. Betrayed

    ¡°Do you have any plan with Fer? Personally, I want her out of here as fast as possible. I¡¯ve never liked having other members of the Fate entering my area¡­¡± Sister Mary said as she finished the fruit she had in her hands.


    Colt, stretched his body and then yawned, ¡°I¡¯ll do nothing. It¡¯s not like I can just tell her to scram out of here. If I was to have her return to the Church, then we¡¯d be swamp with problems.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s also right.¡±


    Sister Mary nodded her head. That was the exact reason why she had been stopping the messengers Fer had been secretly sending these past few days. She knew it would spring to misunderstandings, but she chose to do it still.


    ¡°Well, I just want to have my wedding without much fuss. Talking about that, Sister Mary, can I ask you to Officiate my marriage, there is no proper priest here.¡±


    Sister Mary waved her hand, ¡°Mina already talked me; I¡¯ll do it even if you didn¡¯t talk to me about anything.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d accept. I was prepared to try and convince you for a while.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m quite the charitable person, I can¡¯t deny someone¡¯s request if it doesn¡¯t end in anyone¡¯s death¡­well, you¡¯re good enough to move now, it is almost dinner, I am going to prepare the children¡¯s dinner.¡± Sister Mary said before standing up after and leaving without saying anything. As she stepped out of the room, a deep sigh escaped her.


    ¡®No death, principle, huh¡­I already broke that principle though.¡¯


    Sister Mary walked away, leaving Colt and Fluff inside the room. Fluff was still eating, but soon, it turned to him and meowed.


    Colt raised brows and shook his head, ¡°Don¡¯t force yourself to explain it to me. I saw your expression when you watched the Gargantusk¡¯s death¡­you may have not suffered an injury, but you¡¯re in a far worst situation than I.¡±


    When Colt, the Chick, and Fluff decided to exterminate the Gargantusk, Fluff was hesitant. For the flabby cat, killing a beast is hard to see, but it was not foreign to the idea. However, there was one thing Fluff did not like, and that was the white eyes of the Gargantusk.


    With difficulty, Colt finally got off the bed. He looked around the room and finally got to see the place he was in. Inside the room, there was not a lot of things. There was a hanging pair of black and white wings on one side of the wall, a study table that had different papers.


    ¡°This must be Sister Mary¡¯s room¡­¡±


    With how simplistic the lifestyle of Sister Mary, the room he was in could only be hers.


    After picking up the still sleeping Chick, Colt exited. The pain was now almost insignificant.


    ¡°But still, I managed to heal this quickly without a healer? Hmm, my healing factor really is no joke. Hehe, maybe it¡¯ll reach a point where I¡¯ll be able to regrow an arm in the future if it ever gets cut off.¡±


    ¡°Meow.¡±


    ¡°¡­Oh, so it was one of the eight bottles of Healing Water we left here¡­good to know.¡±


    Someone had to take him back to reality, and Fluff took it upon himself to do it. The actual reason why he could move now was because of the healing waters he made back when Mina was kidnapped.


    After the accident, there were a total of 78 vials that remained.


    It managed to heal most of Colt¡¯s external cuts, and even alleviate pain. However, that does not mean he couldn¡¯t feel the pain. No, they were there, without a doubt and it was making feel uncomfortable.


    However, that was simply how things were at the moment, he had to live with it for a couple, ¡°I just wish this thing disappears just before Hylda¡¯s birthday¡­I think I¡¯ll have to break the news to her that I failed her¡­this is going to be awkward. My plan¡¯s a bust now.¡±


    Colt walked out of the room with a sad expression. As he walked down a hallway leading out of the chamber he was in, he asked something, ¡°Hey, Fluff, do you have any idea what to tell Mina? I don¡¯t want to worry her, and I don¡¯t have a single excuse¡­¡±


    ¡°Meow¡­¡±


    ¡°Tell her the truth? I just told you, I don¡¯t want to worry her. She¡¯s really about my wellbeing¡­hmm? What¡¯s that? She can take both our heads? Well, that¡¯s where you are wrong. Mina had changed, she¡¯s not that gung-ho about killing us anymore¡­well, she might tie us outside for punishment, but that¡¯s the end of it¡­she might starve you though.¡±


    ¡°Nyaaaa¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine, you say? What gives you that confidence? Remember, you may not have been the one to suggest the idea¡­but you still came with us without a problem. Mina can use that against you.¡±


    Colt heading off to the Magical Beast Forest was not something he asked for anyone¡¯s permission. If he did, then he wouldn¡¯t have been allowed to go. But, thanks to the masterful persuasion of the Chick, it was decided without much thought.


    Fluff was fearful of Mina, it should be trembling and trying to come up with excuses by now¡­however, it wasn¡¯t in the slightest bit.


    ¡®This is weird. How can this cat be so calm?¡¯ Colt couldn¡¯t put his finger on the fact why this cat was acting so confident that it would not experience any kind of punishment.


    Well, Colt should be able to escape their wrath somehow. He did tell Risa to bring him here if something was to happen. He didn¡¯t want to worry about them.


    ¡®I should be able to concoct a good excuse on the way back¡­but, should I just tell the truth> Yeah, let¡¯s just do that¡­but I should omit some of the dangerous parts.¡¯


    While in deep thought, Colt reached the entrance where he heard a joyous voice and was tackled for a hug.


    ¡°Papa Sparkly!¡±


    It was Hylda, who had just hugged Colt.


    Hylda was acting like the unrestrained her when she still lived in the Light Orphanage. She was very much uncontained, and her body was filled with energy that she even slipped Colt¡¯s previous nickname with how she refers to him now.


    ¡°Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank youuuuu! I didn¡¯t you¡¯d actually do it, and what¡¯s more, it¡¯s even better than what I asked for! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank youuuuu!¡±


    Colt had no idea what was happening, but he quickly moved his eyes to gather information. He was then smacked by Fluff and had his head turned to the side where his expression became as white as paper¡­


    ¡®Oh my.¡¯


    It was¡­ currently night time and a horse with a blazing white mane were standing under a tree being adored by the children, including Filla and Lyra. It was the Infernal Umbra Pegasus and for some reason¡­it was acting docile as if it had been tamed for years.


    That would have made him surprised enough¡­however, his heart almost stopped as he saw Mina quietly looked at him with a smile. She was seated together with Risa, who was also trembling. But Mina was not the reason for Risa¡¯s fear as Faerith was also present.


    Mina was seated on a chair as she pleasantly watched the children and then turned to Colt.


    ¡°Hello Darling, did your talk with Sister Mary ended? That was a long nap you took? Why have you gone here directly to keep the Pegasus here? Did you really want to surprise Hylda that much? You should have told me about it, we were going to have tea here today, after all, and we managed to chance upon this Pegasus, Risa, and Mary. Too bad you were napping for training too much. I went to check on you earlier, but I chose not to wake you up as I wanted you to have the best rest you could have.¡±


    Colt, at first had no idea what Mina was talking about when he picked up the vibe and then chortled, ¡°Hahaha, of course, of course¡­¡±


    Mina did not want to worry about the present children. She didn¡¯t wish for Hylda to feel guilty of having Colt be so injured just to fulfil her wishes.


    ¡®Sister Mary and Sister Fer must have said nothing because they were asked to keep silent of this.¡¯ Colt reckoned Mina asked them to keep their mouth shut.


    With that note, Colt heard Fluff whisper something, ¡°Nyaaaa, [You should¡¯ve noticed something was wrong when your clothes were inexplicably cleaned.]¡°


    Upon listening to Fluff¡­Colt came to a sudden realization.


    ¡®Fluff should have been awake throughout¡­then it should have known what was going on and that Mina and the rest were present. It couldn¡¯t have¡­¡¯


    Colt turned to Fluff only to see it hop down his shoulders and then go to Mina¡¯s side where it evaded Colt¡¯s eyes.


    This was the reason why Fluff had no fear of receiving Mina¡¯s wrath, and at that very moment, Colt understood everything.


    He was once again betrayed by another cat.


    ¡°You bastard.¡±

 159. Colt’s Hypocrisy

    Colt was betrayed by a cat, and the Chick was left to snooze. According to Fluff, it would be sleeping until the end of the year. But that didn¡¯t matter.


    Inside his and Mina¡¯s room, Colt was on the floor kneeling. His head was touching the floor, and Mina was looking down upon him as she sat on the bed.


    Fluff was by her side, with its head down, ready to serve like the bastard that it was.


    ¡°Fluff, tell me what my Darling said again?¡±


    [He spoke of wanting to deliver you lies, your Majesty. He wanted me to help him think of a lie.]


    Colt was cursing Fluff down to its very soul, ¡®You traitor, how dare you say such things just to save your fat ass? Just wait, I¡¯ll make sure to get you back for this!]


    [¡­but this Partner of mine was only doing so to avoid worrying you. He worries about your current self and the child you bear; his expression was twisting as he asked for my opinion, a sign he didn¡¯t want to lie.


    [His reasoning for going to the Magical Beast Forest stands; he went there to find a suitable gift for Hylda. He wishes only the best for his family, and as it was Hylda¡¯s first birthday as his daughter. My Partner also felt terrible for not giving  Filla a proper gift, so he was hoping to turn that around with Hylda¡­]


    ¡®I love you, you fucking bastard.¡¯ Colt¡¯s mind made a complete 180; his love for Fluff had increased. It would appear he had not been abandoned altogether. He almost cried.


    Mina listened to Fluff and snorted at its words. However, moments later, she failed to continue her anger. With a flick of her wrist, she cast a healing spell and completely healed him.


    Mina sighed, ¡°I can¡¯t stay mad at you, Darling. What you did was to make our children happy, but what I¡¯m mad about is you sneaking out without my knowledge. You know how much I hate lying, and considering your track record of having assassins on your neck, it would have been possible for so many to attack you.¡±


    Mina was right, and indeed, Colt managed to pull through this time around by having the Chick sacrifice a lot. He ended getting beaten up and bled everywhere.


    Colt failed to say anything or even raise his head. He had nothing to argue about, Mina was only worried about him, and she was in the right for being mad. The reason why he was kneeling didn¡¯t even have to do with her being obsessive but because her fiance had done something utterly stupid.


    Colt¡­felt like an asshole. In the end, he left without saying anything, masking it as him trying to control his body and getting stronger for everyone¡¯s sake. However, that was just him rushing things to reach the end result quickly.


    Yes, he did improve by leaps and bounds, but at what return? Almost having everyone killed by some rampaging Monster? He reckoned that his priorities weren¡¯t even to make Hylda happy but for the sake of his mission to help others.


    He had once mocked Hero¡¯s for acting stupid and rash, and yet he had done what he said he wouldn¡¯t. Colt¡­could only sigh at this realization of his stupidity and idiocy.


    ¡°You¡¯re right; it was all my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have gone out alone. If I had told Father about this, he would have gone with us and looked after us¡­I am sorry for worrying you, my Dear.¡± Colt said with his head still held down.


    Mina slowly got on Colt¡¯s level and helped him raised his head. Mina leaned over to give him a hug, ¡°Darling, as I said, I do not know what kind of burden you carry. I heard from Light that you were asked to help the people; I know that you are in a rush¡­but please, don¡¯t take it upon yourself to do everything alone. Helping others is good, but do not sacrifice yourself, for if you die, everyone who cares and loves you will miss your presence. We don¡¯t need a martyr; we need you¡­alive.¡±


    Mina¡¯s words struck Colt¡¯s heart. Her tone was not sorrowful, angry, or even annoyed. It was simply filled with warmth.


    ¡®In my pursuit of trying to better the lives of others, he put them in even graver danger. I failed to see what¡¯s right from what¡¯s wrong¡­what¡¯s efficient to what¡¯s stupid, dammit. I need to stop doing such idiocy.¡¯


    The Goddess asked Colt to become everyone¡¯s Light. He thought it would not affect his thoughts, but it appears that it had. Since he was asked of this, he began to change his ways. He reacted differently to troubles and became headstrong.


    He sometimes even acts before he thinks, something he disagreed on. Colt failed to see his mistake, for he believed everything he was doing was correct.


    If he helps others, then everyone would be happy.


    Colt was wrong, and his view was flawed, and Mina once again was the one who illuminated the way to the correct path. And as he hugged her back, he whispered to her, ¡°Thank you, my Dear.¡±


    ¡°Mm¡­¡±


    Colt had finally matured.


    Vol. 3 End.


    Seyer_Jad


    This volume was to show Colt''s vulnerability and the frailty of his mind that he is susceptible to mistakes and how soft he is to others who are in pain.


    It was also to show that there is no such thing as a Hero or a Villain only a battle of beliefs and views...those who see themselves are right will always be a hero and those who oppose will be the villain.


    Thanks for reading this volume.

 160. Hylda’s Birthday [Volume 4. Hero]

    ¡°Nobles are wasteful. They throw away food and spend too much money on unnecessary things. Their celebration is nothing but a gathering of boisterous nonsense where they try to throw their weight as much as possible then leaving the food untouched. The celebration of Nobles is nothing but useless yammering and wasteful expenditure.¡±


    Every time such an occasion appears, it was inevitable many would be displeased. Only the merchants would be happy, and the others would curse them for their ways.


    However, there was one place where a new kind of celebration happened. On the 24th day of November, the Wing-City was in a joyous mood.


    Everyone was drinking, and delicious food was laid out on the streets, both prepared by the Edgeworth Family and the ordinary people. A birthday was actually being treated like a proper holiday.


    But unlike before, the guards were free from their jobs today as the ones assigned to keep peace of the city were Colt¡¯s Squadron and an unlucky portion of the Count¡¯s Soldiers.


    It was once again the birthday of one of Colt Edgeworth¡¯s daughter.


    ¡°Praised the Young Miss!¡±


    Such drunken chant echoed all over the city, and Hylda¡¯s ears reverberated with their voices.


    ¡°Big Sis Hylda, what are you doing there? We are about to head to the Orphanage; everyone is waiting for us!¡± Filla said while doing something strenuous.


    ¡°Yes, Big Sis Hylda, let¡¯s go. Sister Fer said she¡¯ll show us her Soul Partners today as your birthday gift. Don¡¯t disobey¡ªyour¡ªaunty!¡± Lyra was pulling with all her might as she spoke.


    ¡°Not possible, not possible, not possible¡­I-I, can¡¯t go out there with those drunkards there. It¡¯s embarrassing!¡± Hylda shouted while tightly hugging a tree.


    Her red was all red from the embarrassment of hearing her name echo for who knows how far? And as to why she was hugging a tree, it was because the two Mage lasses were giving it their all to pull her out of the manor.


    Hylda had grown from her sheepish self, but this occasion was at a different magnitude. She failed to understand how Filla lasted, hearing her name being chanted by so many people.


    However, even her grip failed to last long as the two young lasses managed to drag her away. Hylda was tearing up as she pouted. She wanted to call for help, but everyone she had thought who could help her was too preoccupied doing something else.


    Apollo (Infernal Umbra Pegasus), her Soul Partner, couldn¡¯t move an inch for some reason with Fluff sitting atop its head. It was also in its Mini form, which was no bigger than a pony¡¯s, so it couldn¡¯t intimidate the two¡­which wouldn¡¯t even work even if it was any typical day.


    Arte was nearby, but he was bruised from a fight. Not with Shickly, but Hylda. He was not worthy to help her. Besides, if he did try something against the other two lasses, it would only mean his death under Hylda¡¯s spear.


    Shickly was also nearby, but he was too busy watching them to do anything. It was currently his break, and he was spending it all in watching his young daughter and two granddaughters act like children¡­it was the best way to spend his time.


    As Hylda was forced to get out of the mansion, Shickly followed closely behind them with a doting smile. Arte was also following suit, but Shickly made sure he was never anywhere 6 feet near Hylda.


    ¡®You lost to her; you should be ashamed. You can only get close to her if you win against her.¡¯ Was Shickly¡¯s words to the boy.


    At first, Arte¡¯s expression beamed when he heard Shickly¡¯s words. He thought he had a chance to actually get closer to Hylda while having the approval of this doting old man, but, Shickly noticed his smile.


    ¡®But if you win, then you must have hit her, so as punishment, you¡¯re to stay 6 feet away from her.¡¯ Shickly was slowly becoming pettier by the day. But Arte was still lucky as Liron was not present as that person had already reared a daughter as a single father¡­that General had more protective measures than he has backup plans when in wars.


    Long story short, Shickly was enjoying himself.


    Faerith didn¡¯t say anything as she too was enjoying by his side. Other than Colt and Mina, it was a family gathering of chaotic proportions.


    Hylda was on the verge of tears while being carried away. As they walked out of the


    As for where Mina and Colt were, the two were in the Orphanage having tea with the Sera, Sister Fer and Sister Mary. They were outside, waiting for Hylda and the rest to arrive, and all the while Sister Mary, Mina, Colt, and even Sera enjoyed their tea and snacks, Fer was kneeling nearby.


    Her head was lowered and had a severe expression. She was alert and ready for what might happen. The mission was to protect Colt, and Mina, the ones favored by the Goddesses. No one, not even a single fly, would be able to bypass her watch.


    Colt¡­did not feel good about this at all, ¡°Hmm, do you not think that¡¯s a little unnecessary? Why don¡¯t you join us for tea, Sister Fer?¡±


    ¡°No, I am too unworthy to even eat at the same table as you are, my Lord. Please, continue as this lowly servant of yours protect you from any and every harm.¡±


    Colt did not know when Fer had become his servant, but he failed to say anything back to her. It was quite exhausting, but nonetheless, he was unable to say anything to her. Her devotion towards the no-good Goddesses was too intense for him to say anything back.


    Sister Mary, however, had something to say, ¡°Just stop that already. He said it¡¯s fine, so what¡¯s the matter with abiding with his request?¡±


    Which Sister Fer answered with a snort, ¡°This is where a proper servant of the Goddesses should be before the Apostle, they have sent to save us. I am not as disrespectful as someone who knows nothing but an unnecessary attitude to the Apostle.¡±


    Sister Fer¡¯s words in the past never went past the stage of teasing Sister Mary for a reaction. However, it was laced with unwanted intent.


    Sister Mary didn¡¯t care. She just sighed before drinking some more tea, ¡°What a fine day this is.¡±


    Being ignored, Sister Fer felt like her cheeks were burning. She wanted to say something more taunting but thought that Sister Mary wouldn¡¯t even bother to even listen to her, so she kept her mouth shut.


    However, Mina¡¯s voice echoed this time around, ¡°Sister Fer, why don¡¯t you sit with us on the table and have some tea with us.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t pos¡ª¡±


    ¡°Have tea with us.¡±


    ¡°I understand¡­¡±


    Mina merely needed to repeat her words for Fer to know who she was refusing. Mina nodded slightly at Colt, for she knew he did not like having anyone acting too formal with him.


    Colt nodded his head in appreciation to Mina. As Colt drew in a sharp breath, he looked at Fer. He gathered himself to acted with nonchalance, ¡°I do not like to be bothered unless there is something of importance to do. Please do not draw any more attention to me if possible.¡±


    Sister Fer¡¯s mind began to race, and just as she was about to lower her head, she did her best to stop before nodding her head, ¡°I shall try my best, my Lord.¡±


    ¡°Just refer to me as your Young Master Colt, and if possible keep the word of my existence to yourself and Sister Mary. I can¡¯t have anyone bothering me for the time being.¡±


    Sister Fer¡¯s brows shot up. She realized her mistake and felt her heart beating really fast. She wanted to speak of what she had done, but Sister Mary beat her to it¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, your letters didn¡¯t reach them. I made sure to intercept them before they can leave the fief.¡±


    ¡°What!?¡± Sister Fer was angered by her blasphemous act.


    ¡°Don¡¯t question me like that, I knew the Young Master Apostle didn¡¯t want attention to himself, so I actually did you a favor. You should be bowing your head to me if anything else.¡± Sister Mary said with grace. Her irritation had been blown away after hearing Mina reprimand Fer.


    The atmosphere was rather chaotic with Sister Fer hating on Sister Mary, but all in all, it was the same old day. The people¡¯s cheers echoed, and after an hour or so, Hylda and the rest reached the Orphanage.


    When Hylda arrived, her face was entirely red from embarrassment, she went to Mina to speak of her grievances¡­


    ¡°E-everyone¡¯s too nice¡­¡± That was the summary of the grievance. And Mina could only sigh at her.


    ¡®It appears she¡¯s not that strong just yet.¡¯ Colt nodded his head.


    The whole afternoon was spent playing. Colt and Shickly watched the children while the women spent a pleasant afternoon.


    Risa arrived at around 4:00 pm, and the deep bags under her eyes were very much apparent.


    ¡°Happy birthday, Hylda.¡± She said with her most energetic voice.


    She had been having trouble sleeping after the incident in the Magical Beast Forest.


    She was not traumatized; no, she actually enjoyed having her life on the line. The cause of her worries was because Drako left as soon as its wings got reattached.


    Risa did not know where Drako went, but it had been two days, and she feared that it actually left her for good. She was depressed as if her dog had run away from her.


    Even Colt felt terrible for her losing her dragon.


    The sun soon went down, but the festivities were only still beginning. Everyone was enjoying themselves, that was, except for Risa, who was clearly depressed.


    However, that day was a joyous day for everyone, and that also meant for Risa.


    It was nearing Midnight. Risa sat under a tree on the back of the Orphanage with her head resting on her chin.


    She looked upon the horizon and behind her was an approaching Colt whose intent was to make her feel better.


    However, when Colt was just about to touch Risa¡¯s shoulder, a dark shadow was cast on them.


    ¡°DRAKO!¡± Risa called out.


    The two siblings raised their heads and saw Drako flapping its wings as it descended from above.


    It then landed before Risa and lowered its head, ¡°I apologize for taking so long, Risa. But, I had to get something back on the Magical Beast Forest now that the Gargantusk was no more.¡±


    Slowly, Drako became smaller and smaller until it was as big as a tiger, and from its back, two furry creatures appeared.


    ¡°This is¡­¡± Risa and Colt couldn¡¯t believe their eyes.


    It was two baby Gargantusks. The creatures were no bigger than an adult dog, a massive contrast to their mother.


    From there, it was natural what happened next. Risa adopted one of the Gargantusk, a being that could contend and even best a Dragon. She now has one previous King of the Magical Beast Forest and another that was the spawn of the now-deceased King Magical Beast Forest.


    She now had one of the strongest Soul Partners on the Continent.


    As for the other Gargantusk, it was decided that Hylda would care for it and make it her future second Soul Partner.


    It was a rather fruitful night where Risa and Hylda tossed their hands in the air while Colt was on the side, being bitter as he remembered the horrifically awesome adult Gargantusk.

 161. Fate Baptism

    It was the end of November; the temperature was dropping, and the people¡¯s hungover was finally receding.


    The entire Edgeworth Family was in the church of Wing City. They were quietly seated as they watched Filla, who was kneeling before Sister Mary.


    Sister Mary wore gray clothing. It was the sign of her fate and beliefs. She believed in the teachers of the Goddess Root; thus, she wore the gray tunic.


    ¡°Filla Edgeworth, you have reached of age, and now you are given a chance to choose what fate you would want to follow.¡± Sister Mary picked up the three items on her clothes¡¯ sash. It was three pendants with three different designs.


    The pendants were in the form of wings. There was a white wing, a black wing, and a black and white wing pendant.


    Filla knelt before her, who had both hands clasped together as if she was praying. Behind her were Colt and Mina as her guardian and overseer. The two were smiling in the wake of this event.


    Colt looked at the three statues of the Goddesses and thought of something, ¡®You guys better help her.¡¯ He asked courteously.


    As for Mina, she was radiating with a motherly aura as she looked at the statues with a pleasant smile, ¡®No matter what Fate she picks, please guide Filla to a fruitful life else I will never appear in your realm again.¡¯ Mina also asked with respect and hopefulness.


    Sister Mary held up one of the three pendants, the biggest and most prominent of them all, the black and white wing, ¡°This is the Phylactery of the Goddess Root, the creator of the Major Elements of the world, and giver of life of the world.


    ¡°She left one teaching that the Fate of Root, willingly follows in this life, [Follow the path of the free Wind, observe the flow of a free Water, indulge the mind in the flickering Flames, and embrace the stillness of the Earth, indulged the World and Live Free.] we live life to follow a life that is free and unrestrained, do what you will, and let the course of life take its course.¡±


    The Fate of Root was known for their freedom; they go about their way, living without restraint and avoid conflict for they could not be bothered¡­it had the biggest following in the continent.


    Sister Mary then raised another; it was the Black Wing, ¡°This is the Phylactery of the Goddess Darkness, the Creator of Darkness and the giver of trials, and freer of the dammed.


    ¡°She left one teaching that the Fate of Darkness willingly follows in this life, [The world is filled with darkness, to meet them and accept them is the path to life. To accept your mistake, to see through your pain without concerning yourself with destiny, be Strong and Brave.] trials and tribulations exist in order to test our hearts and mind. We stumble in life, but as we accept them, our new self will emerge stronger than ever before.¡±


    The Fate of Darkness was known for leading the life of an Evangelist who leads others to accept their mistakes and live through life. The ones who follow this fate are mostly soldiers who go to war and take other¡¯s life.


    With that out of the way, Sister Mary raised the final and most eye-catching pendant of them all. It was the white wing that was free from any taint.


    ¡°This is the Phylactery of the Goddess Light, the provider of Light the watcher of lives, and the one who embraces everything.


    ¡°She left one teaching that the Fate of Light willingly follows in this life, [Light exists to accept the world, guide and protect life. The light exists to be trodden upon in order to be a guiding path to a life of happiness, salvation, and hope; the greatest path to walk on is a path where you can see the track you wish to walk.] there are thousands of paths a life can take. However, one must not trample the others in order to reach one¡¯s goal. The light is present for us to see the others and walk on a road without trampling on someone else.¡±


    The Fate of Light was known for its righteousness. It was the path of life where life is seen as sacred and the need to save others. Those who follow the path of a Knight, those who serve to protect someone else often go through this Fate.


    With three pendants hanging before her, Filla was left with a difficult choice. Choosing a phylactery does not only mean choosing some ordinary pendant; it was her, choosing a possible future she would follow.


    It is not a set-in-stone decision, but it had an effect on a person¡¯s growth; that was why it was called the Fate Baptism. It was a ceremony where a child would choose a kind of teaching which they would follow.


    Depending on their choice, they will grow up to become something that embodies their choice¡­or so it was believed.


    Filla stared at the black and white wings of the Fate of Roo and shook her head. She felt no connection to it and the path she wanted to take was not according to its will. She then turned to the Black Wing Phylactery of the Fate of Darkness, but she shook her head once more.


    She did not like the idea of living for pain¡­the Fate of Darkness appears to be of a masochistic oriented group when in truth, it was an Order where people try to lead others to a life of goodwill and acceptance.


    Lastly, she turned to the white wing of the Fate of Light. Her light twinkled as she the wing glistening under the rays of the sun. Without much thought, Filla reached out for the white wing, and Sister Mary gladly handed it over.


    ¡°I choose the Fate of Light.¡± Filla said with a bright smile.


    Sister Mary nodded her head and said, ¡°I see, then hold out your finger for we shall complete the Fate Baptism¡­


    Filla did what she was told, and Sister Mary brought out a tiny needle that she used to prick Filla¡¯s index finger with. Blood flowed, and Filla let it drip onto the Phylactery of Light. As the Phylactery accepted the drop of blood, her eyes glistened from joy.


    Filla held onto the white wing pendant and felt something within her open. She felt a surge of joy, and her mana jumped in turn. It was as if she was about to glow with incredible light. Sadly, no such thing happened. Only her eyes changed for a moment.


    As Filla got her Phylactery, Mina and Colt approached her from behind. Colt knelt down on one knee and asked for the Phylactery from Filla before standing up and handing it to Mina.


    Mina then slightly leaned over and placed the pendant over her daughter¡¯s neck.


    ¡°How lovely¡­¡± Mina said with a smile.


    Colt looked at the statues of the three Goddesses and remembered the words of Sister Mary and couldn¡¯t help but think, ¡®What a bunch of bull.¡¯ The only thing he knows about the Goddesses was that they liked to cheat¡­ mostly Darkness and Root. He was actually glad that Filla chose the best of the lot.


    This concluded the Fate Baptism; however, the Goddesses up above were sweating bullets as Goddess Light held onto a ball of white radiance.


    Darkness looked at Light with a scowl on her face, ¡°I thought you took back the Light? Why the hell did it almost awaken? Goddammit Light, do you know what Colt and Mina would do if their daughter gets caught in all this? Mina would¡­.¡± Darkness shivered at the thousands of thoughts she had.


    Goddess Light was trying to catch her breath as she nodded her head, she too knew that she had fucked up, ¡°I know that I took it from her before, but I think I gave her too much that tiny remnants remained. If Colt didn¡¯t come here, she was supposed to be the one to change the world, so give me a break, okay? It was just some lingering blessing anyway.¡±


    Root sighed after hearing Light, ¡°That is enough; there is nothing we can do. Well, at least she didn¡¯t awaken as the Apostle. Also, Light, you need to be punished for not cleaning up properly; no pie for you today.¡±


    ¡°What!?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t question it. If Filla awakened as the Apostle, then Colt¡¯s brilliance would have been affected. This is the best chance we have in correcting mistakes; we can¡¯t have someone outshining him.¡± Root stated, and Light failed to say anything.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll make it up to everyone by blessing Colt¡¯s wedding.¡± Light said as she wished for redemption.


    Seyer_Jad

 162. Peaceful days

    ¡°Papa, what kind of Fate do you follow?¡±


    Colt was in the newly built Family Library, reading through something when Filla, who had brought him tea to drink, asked him this question.


    It had been only five hours ago since she chose the Fate of Light, and she was wearing her Phylactery around her neck.


    However, as time went on, she got curious as she didn¡¯t really know what kind of Phylactery other people have. She realized she didn¡¯t know Colt¡¯s, Mina¡¯s, and not even Hylda¡¯s Fates.


    Thus, she asked Colt, the one person who had nothing to do today. Colt looked at Filla, expecting an answer, and despite it being hard for him to express it without hurting her feelings, he still tried with a smile, ¡°I follow the Fate of Darkness.¡±


    Filla¡¯s eyes glistened. She had so many questions she wanted to ask Colt. She was only four years old, and despite being a prodigy, she had so many things she had yet to know.


    ¡°Really? Why did you choose it? Why did you choose to follow the Fate of Darkness? And where¡¯s your Phylactery, Papa?¡±


    Such was the question she really wanted to ask. Colt didn¡¯t want to talk about this because it might have an effect on Filla. After all, the original followed the Fate of Darkness and then underwent many trials and tribulations and then made several mistakes in his life.


    Colt didn¡¯t want to sound like Filla was a mistake, but if one looks at it, one can say that the original having Filla was one of his tribulations. So, he had to be very careful when explaining to Filla.


    As Colt took in a deep breath, he recalled everything that happened before he arrived to control this body and life and then answered, ¡°Well, you see, your Papa was a really bad kid when he was young. I had the talent with the sword but never used it. I was hailed as a genius and never cared, and did a lot of bad things.


    ¡°So, when I was taught that the Fate of Darkness accepts the sinners and those who had done something bad, I grabbed hold of that chance and thought that I¡¯d be forgiven of my mistakes. As for my Phylactery, I am sure I kept it in my room, by, as the old mansion was destroyed, it is now gone.¡±


    ¡°Huh!? We need to fix it then; we have to order some new ones.¡± Filla was alarmed and was about to run to Mina and report what happened, only for Colt to pick her up and stop her from running away. Filla¡¯s short legs kept moving as she was held up.


    And as she stopped, she looked up and asked Colt, ¡°Why did you stop me?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the Phylactery. Following a Fate does not need a Phylactery. The only thing you need is faith and the belief that you have in your heart. A Phylactery is only a reminder, but if you have it in your heart and mind, you don¡¯t need a reminder, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°No....¡± Filla shook her head as she answered. She was enlightened by Colt¡¯s rare wise words.


    Colt sighed at Filla, acting so wise, dumb, and a brat most of the time. When these three combines, it was like being with an energetic kid who can talk with accuracy. It was both an amazing experience and a weird one.


    But, she¡¯s his daughter, so what can he do about it?


    After her curiosity had been quenched by Colt answering her question, another kind of interest would, of course, replace the previous one. While being held up, Filla noticed the book Colt was reading and asked, ¡°What is that?¡±


    Colt had Filla sit on his lap before giving her head pats, which Filla adored.


    ¡°This is a book about history. It¡¯s about something called the First Great Devil King.¡±


    ¡°¡­ What¡¯s that? Is that some kind of Magical Beast like Drako?¡± Filla genuinely had no idea what Colt was talking about.


    But it was not that surprising as the Devil King was a bad memory that everyone wanted to suppress. The Devil King that run amok to destroy the Continent appeared 1000 years ago.


    Only a handful of scholars and the oldest of elves know of that time, and as for the First Great Devil King that Colt was reading, no one wanted to touch that tale, for it gave rise to unwanted memory.


    ¡°The Great Devil King was called as such because it was the being that once conquered half the Continent. It was the enemy of every being, the humanoids, the Magical Beasts, and the Goddesses. It was a being who controlled the mind of people and uses them as pawns and food.


    ¡°It was the enemy of the world, and only the greatest of heroes could slay the scourge that is the Great Devil King.¡±


    Colt explained with gusto. He thought that what he just said it sounded like the summary of a good game from the early 90s to the 2000s of earth. He would have been more than happy if that was the truth, but it wasn¡¯t, and all of that really that happened, so he was rather upset.


    Filla was smiling as she looked at the picture of the Great Devil King. The Evil that it was had been illustrated to have leathery red skin, a gaping mouth, protruding fangs and purple horns.


    Filla observed the Great Devil King¡¯s and concluded that ¡°He looks like someone from the Demon Race?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because the predecessors of the Demon Race were said to have been enslaved by the Great Devil King¡­ though they were all saved after their guardian Deity, the Behemoth appeared and rid them off their vile past. But because of their past, they were feared and hated by the people of the Continent.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Filla was saddened for the Demon Race.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, that¡¯s all in the past. The Goddesses already gave the Demons a chance to redeem themselves by picking a champion from their ranks and slaying the Second Great Devil King¡­ the Demon Race, and everyone else are now friends; there¡¯s even the Darkis Empire, right?¡±


    ¡°I know that one. Do you mean the Demon Empire that leads the Dragon Blood Coalition together with the Hellbane Family?¡±


    Colt nodded his head. He then remembered something and asked Filla this time around, ¡°Do you know where Hylda is?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Big Sister is with Big Bro Arte. They are currently sparring at the Training Grounds.¡±


    Enough said, and Colt then stood up.


    ¡°Is something the matter, Papa?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m worried about Hylda and Arte being together.¡± Colt said, apparent concern.


    Filla failed to understand why, however, ¡°It¡¯s okay Papa, when I left, Arte was already begging on the ground for mercy. Big Sister already won.¡± She said as she trying alleviating Colt¡¯s worries.


    ¡°¡­ that¡¯s not the problem, my child¡­you know what I¡¯ll explain it to you when you¡¯re older.¡± And so, the two of them left the library. And with their presence out of the picture, Fluff walked in to take an afternoon nap and found the book Colt was reading.


    It got curious and then skimmed through it only to throw the book to the side, whispering, ¡°Meow.¡± It was inadequate.


    Soon, the day ended, and it was already the final month of the year.


    On the first day of the final month, Colt was given a pleasant surprise as Butler Neun, who was supposed to return a week prior, came home with someone unexpected.


    ¡°I told you, Young Master, we¡¯ll see each other again.¡± Ferald had been hired by the Count to be the Fief¡¯s, Master Blacksmith.


    Colt didn¡¯t really care, and then time passed.


    On the 12th of the last month, Colt came to know of something rather amazing.


    He and Mina shared the same time of birth. They celebrated as a family, and Colt was met with a pleasant day. It was a warm day despite the cold temperature.


    The comings days came quickly as it went, Colt was taught by Neun during the night before bed, and that was all. Colt trained in moderation while letting the Dragon Pearl do its work.


    He also began using Fluff¡¯s general to assist Butler Go in getting information from across the Continent. It appears Butler Go was happy that he now has something to do other than looking after the Tiger Manor.


    Sera continued being who she was and then subsequently reached Rank-4 of being a Warrior. She also managed to complete her new style, she was glad.


    Hylda continued whooping Arte¡¯s ass during the day, and Shickly continued beating up Arte during the night. Colt was considering becoming kinder to Arte¡­but it appears he was enjoying this life despite everything else.


    ¡®He may have awakened.¡¯ Colt thought at one time.


    And then, while spending time as a family, the final day of the final month arrived, and the most awaited moment finally happened.


    Colt and Mina¡¯s marriage arrived.

 163. Marriage

    In Wing City, there was only one Church. It was called the Light Orphanage, but it housed the three goddesses inside like any other church.


    It was not a big place but not small either. It was an adequately sized place that could house at least a hundred people within.


    It was usually empty, and only the rowdy kids and the Edgeworth Manor people went there to have tea. It was more a hangout than anything else.


    The inside of the Church was warmer than out, but one of the people inside was shaking.


    Colt was currently inside the Church not to demand anything from the Goddesses or even chat with them. He was simply there, seated on a chair with his head down and hands clasped together. He was trembling, not from the temperature but from anxiousness.


    With his run back hair, complexly black theme attire that his Father prepared.


    By his side was Fluff, who was also dressed for the event¡­it wore a black bowtie and was by Colt¡¯s side slapping the Chick awake!


    ¡°NYAAAA!¡± Its feline voice echoed inside the Church as it tried its best to wake up its waste of a sibling. Fluff calculated that the little shit should have already woken up by this time, but it appears that the calculation was going to be wrong¡ªit didn¡¯t want such a thing to happen, thus the current situation.


    PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAH! PAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!


    Every slap resounded inside the Church, and finally, as the 420th slap echoed, the Chick woke up with swollen cheeks. It was still wobbly but managed to look around. It saw Fluff and gave the flabby cat a hug.


    It then looked around. It saw people it recognized and some that it didn¡¯t.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± It asked with a shaky voice, then, ¡°Mothers¡­¡± it shouted as it turned to the front and saw the three statues of the three Goddesses. It processed the situation and what was happening and then backed away quickly, ¡°Mothers!?!?!?!?¡±


    It lost control and then fell from the chair. Its purple body rolled around as it heard Fluff speak, ¡°Meow!¡±


    ¡°The Church? I thought brother didn¡¯t want to go here? You said you were still feeling guil¡ªack!¡± Its words stopped as Fluff landed on its body to make it shut its mouth.


    ¡°Nyaaaa!¡± Fluff didn¡¯t really mind entering as long as it didn¡¯t get called by the three¡­it would be an awkward reunion, to say the least.


    Thankfully the Goddesses didn¡¯t act like an idiot and pulled the rebellious cat in their domain.


    As Fluff got off the Chick and then threw it beside Colt, it stretched its body and then licked its "face slapping paws" went down the chair to get the food it had snuck in the Church.


    It didn¡¯t know, but the Goddesses were drooling over its cat food.


    Fluff threw the Chick some food to replenish its strength, and then while eating, the newly awaked pet looked over at Colt to ask, ¡°What¡¯s happening? Did he finally cheat on Mina and is about to die?¡±


    ¡°Nya!¡±


    ¡°Marriage!? Oh, so that¡¯s why you woke me up, that¡¯s for that, brother.¡±


    ¡°Meow¡­¡± it was no problem for the great cat.


    There once was a Myth that spoke about the Sovereign of the Skies as a bestower of love. It was once said that if its presence was there when a couple kisses or gets married, then that couple would be bound for as long as the skies remained.


    The Legend was, of course, but a mere Legend, but the Sovereign of the Skies had always loved snooping around Mortal Relations as it was interested in the concept of a life long vow. Because for the Sovereign, a life long vow is nothing but the very present.


    As it regained its strength after eating, the Chick finally turned to Fluff to ask, ¡°Why is your Gift so weak? It¡¯s weaker than it should be.¡±


    ¡°Meow, nyaaa, nay, meow!¡±


    ¡°He asked for it? Oh, so that¡¯s why he¡¯s acting like a chicken now.¡±


    Colt¡¯s mind, at the moment, was in a state of panic. He was so tense that he failed to even register the shadow cast upon him. So, he took the full might of the Father Chop of Count Shickly directly to his head.


    ¡°OW!¡±


    Colt felt every fiber of his being woke up as Count Shickly snuck up on his and shook his brain. Colt raised his head and saw Count Shickly with a smile, ¡°Why are you shaking so much? It¡¯s your big day, be excited, smile, because if you don¡¯t, then Liron really will destroy you.¡±


    A smile finally blossomed from Colt¡¯s tense visage. He looked up to see Shickly and nodded at him, ¡°Thank you, Father.¡± He said as his heart finally settled.


    As Colt finally regained himself, the people that came to his wedding, those who received the invitation at least, approached Colt one by one.


    ¡°Young Master!¡± all their calls started with such words.


    There were not that many people present. However, it was at least everyone Colt had met since coming to this world.


    There was Gilbert, Butler Go, Neun, Yrva, who arrived three days earlier, Jin, who appeared yesterday, Arte, Avern who got the invitation and appeared today, and even Ferald. But the biggest name of them all was the Crown Prince Feriar, who was quietly chatting along with Ferald, one of the Greatest Blacksmith of the Dwarves and was now the Edgeworth Family¡¯s official family Smith.


    Feriar had already congratulated Colt earlier when he was in his anxious state. That was enough for the two of them. But to be fair, the Colt was actually the closes friend of the Crown Prince¡­ the oldest of the Royals had led quite a sad life.


    Duke Courtgain planned to go but was asked to fill Liron¡¯s shoes on doing what the Marquis was doing. Liron didn¡¯t take no for an answer when asked to stand down on the day of his daughter¡¯s marriage, so this happened.


    No other Duke was invited as the Edgeworths, and the Veras wanted to make this a happy occasion, not something deceitful with fake smiles. They would offend them, but who cares? They offended everyone a long time ago.


    As for the King, he was currently ruling Kingdom still recovering. He was well enough to have a walk around, but not enough to travel. It was a shame, but he could only send a letter stating his congratulations.


    There were no women present, and only the males were waiting in the Church. Even Sister Mary was nowhere to be found.


    This was the tradition most of the people, other than the Elves and Dwarves, follow. Only when the bride is ready would the men be able to see the women. It had something to do with abstaining and controlling emotions.


    But it was treated as a way for the women to have the man waiting for their hands: the only one allowed to see the female would be the Father, and no one else. Siblings were a no go as well.


    Though the Kingdom was patriarchal, the Kingdom still bowed before the three Goddesses. There was no set time as to when the women would show themselves. However, Colt got goosebumps once more as he heard the loud and vibrating cheers of the populace.


    Shickly turned to the direction where their mansion was and smiled, ¡°It appears that they have set out.¡±


    Colt nodded his head in anticipation.


    The City had heard of the news, and as everyone was not allowed to enter the Church, they instead took to the roads and waited for the bride to have her [Bridal Procession].


    Mina was inside a carriage, with two lasses There were several carriages in front of theirs that carried the women that resided in the Edgeworth Manor.


    The men in the Church all stood up as the cheers of the people got stronger. Shickly tapped Colt¡¯s shoulder and whispered, ¡°Smile, my son.¡± Before leaving Colt¡¯s side.


    While everyone was heading for the door, Colt walked over the Altar and faced the goddess¡¯ three statues. He then took a deep breath and then faced the direction of everyone else.


    The doors opened, and the men walked out of the Church as they watched the carriages pull up one after the other.


    The first carriage opened, and it only had a woman inside. It was Sister Mary.


    She walked past the men and then kowtowed to the Goddess statues, then walked towards Colt, and then walked up the Altar.


    The second carriage arrived and stopped before the Church. The first carriage had Avern¡¯s younger sister Lulu, Sera, and Alpyie.


    The three girls then formed a line across the men. The next carriage had, Vyra, Mary, and Princess Alice¡­carriage after carriage, the women Colt befriended walked out.


    His mother, Faerith, who was dressed in a beautiful gown, Risa, who had a broad smile for her brother, Lyra, who was just acting like herself.


    The women arrived and then bowed before the Goddess statues, then soon, everyone walked with elegance then stood on the side of the Nave just before the Pew.


    Colt then watched as a mid-sized white Dragon dragging a carriage appeared from the slope. Drako was walking and with dignity, as it showed its allure. It didn¡¯t dare mess the Dragon King¡¯s marriage.


    On the coachman¡¯s seat was Liron, who also had a proud smile on his face.


    Normally, it would be a normal coachman doing such a thing, but Liron wanted to do it himself.


    Colt stole a glance over a Risa and saw her smiling proudly. Drako pulled over the golden carriage to the main entrance of the Church.


    As it did, the children of the Orphanage ran from the sides of the Church and then in carrying flower baskets. They threw flower petals that covered the carpet that had been laid out. These children volunteered to do this to make Colt¡¯s wedding special.


    And as they ran past the anxious Colt, they looked at him and smiled as if to tell him, ¡°Congratulations, big bro Sparkly.¡±


    They may not have been adopted into the Edgeworth Family, but they were always cared for by Colt and everyone else.


    Liron got off the carriage and then cleaned himself up before opening the door. From inside, the little ladies, which were Filla and Hylda, first walked out. They held bright smiles as they walked out.


    Then, after they reached their destination, which was the women¡¯s line.


    A hand then reached out from within the carriage.


    Liron accepted this hand, and then he assisted his daughter out of the carriage. Mina stepped out, with her face covered by a veil.


    She was wearing a pink wedding dress. Mina took graceful steps. She seemed to be floating as she walked.


    Liron was all smiles, and when he met Shickly¡¯s eyes, the two of them nodded at each other.


    Liron then stopped, just before the step that Colt was on, he assisted Mina to reach out to her future husband, and as Colt took Mina¡¯s hands and helped her up the steps, Liron spoke, ¡°Take care of her, son.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡± Colt¡¯s strong voice assured the Marquis.


    The Marquis nodded his head as a single tear escaped his eyes. He stopped himself from crying; however¡ªit was not the time to cry.


    The Marquis joined the line like everyone else. And Mina and Colt turned around to meet Sister Mary.


    Sister Mary held no item but a simple dagger. The dagger was black and white, with a gray line going down the middle. She raised it as she spoke, ¡°We are gathered here today to witness the joining of Mina Vera and Colt Edgeworth in the sacred bond of marriage.


    ¡°Since time immemorial, the joining of a man and woman had been said to mean one thing, the joining of blood and heart. The act of marriage shall be met as the everlasting vow be carried out by the couple wishing to be tied together¡­¡±


    Colt reached out with both palms open. Sister Mary handed over the dagger to Colt.


    Mina and Colt turned to each other, and Colt looked at Mina¡¯s veiled visage as he spoke the vow, ¡°I, Colt Edgeworth, shall give my heart, my soul, and my everything into the woman that I love. I vow to protect and love the family that we are to create, and I offer you...my everlasting love.¡±


    Asked Colt as he pricked his index finger with the point of the dagger. His blood flowed down the very edge of the dagger. And as the blood reached the hilt, Colt had the tip of the blade faced down as he asked, ¡°Will you accept my vow?¡±


    Mina took the blade off Colt¡¯s hands and answered, ¡°I, Mina Vera, accept your vow. I offer you my heart, my soul, and my everything in exchange for your all. My love shall not waver, neither will my faith to you.¡±


    Mina took the blade close to her face and, from under her veil, cut her lips. She then held the dagger with her right hand.


    Colt reached out with his left and held the dagger with Mina. With his right, he lifted her veil and saw Mina, with bleeding lips.


    Mina exchanged gaze with Colt as she gave her answer, ¡°In exchange for you everlasting love¡­I offer you my inextinguishable devotion.¡±


    With that, Colt leaned in and kissed Mina¡¯s lips. Her blood entered seeped into him as the two of them were bound by the Eternal Vow. And with that, a slight sensed of Divine Light surrounded him.


    For others, it made them seem as though they were glowing.


    Their lips separated, and as Mina smiled, her tears began to flow.


    She remembered her mother¡¯s words about finding the man she should not let go. Mina was glad that she did not let go.


    As she leaned to Colt, her tears began to flow. She whispered to him, ¡°I love you.¡±


    Colt felt her emotions, and his heart began to warm. When he got here, he was broken and without direction. He feared her and tried to escape her only to found her in his heart, filling the hole that had been made.


    Before, he could understand how she quickly became a pillar that he couldn¡¯t have away from his side. Colt smiled, and with the taste of iron in his mouth, he answered, ¡°I love you too.¡±


    His tears fell as he smiled. He had never been so happy in both lives.


    Thus, Mina and Colt got married.

 164. Liron Vera

    The Wing City was in a joyous mood. The people were celebrating despite not having the need to.


    Colt and Mina¡¯s marriage was nothing but pleasantries as everyone already knew that the two had long been smitten with one another. Bards who were singing the love story of the of them. They spoke of when Colt felt fell for Mina at first sight to when Colt saved her from the enemy¡¯s clutches.


    Many parts had been written out to romanticize the story, but it was a good story nonetheless.


    The news of Mina Vera marrying Colt Edgeworth would also reach the ears of the Nobles¡­their thoughts of trying to overcome the two Hegemons became an actual dream.


    With the actual marriage completed, everyone heads back to the Edgeworth Mansion to properly celebrate.


    Shickly¡¯s hidden wine concoction was taken out of their hiding places, and as the chefs of the Family got too excited, a lot of food was made. Thus, to not waste any, they did what they always did and decided to open their gates to the public.


    It had not been decided yet, but this kind of familial action would become the Edgeworth Family¡¯s tradition.


    Mina and Colt were both seated on their respective seat of honor. They were the people of the hour, and Colt was having a good time in the Mansion¡¯s banquet hall where he could see the smiles of the friends he made along the way.


    Music was being played by the maids and other servants of the Mansion. It was a very lively celebration, and Colt looked over at Mina and excused himself to get her a plate of fruits to eat after seeing the group of women approaching their direction.


    Colt escaped and heard the women laughing with glee. He didn¡¯t have anything against them, but he found it really hard dealing with a tide of them.


    But he didn¡¯t necessarily lie as he truly went to take a plate full of fruits and some snacks for Mina to enjoy. As he got off his seat, people mobbed him as they congratulated him with smiles on their faces.


    Colt accepted them all with a smile, for he too was happy about the occasion. Then¡­the day ended as quickly as it came. Colt was carefully carrying Mina to their room; she had already fallen asleep.


    Aside from being pregnant, she also helped prepare for this day with everyone. Despite her desires being so minimalistic, Mina still did her best to prepare.


    ¡®She must have been tired.¡¯ Colt whispered as he stared at the sleeping Mina. He leaned in to kiss her forehead before joiner her in the bed. He closed his eyes but failed to sleep.


    He failed to make his heart settle down. So, he took a walk alone without bringing anyone with him. No sword, no chick, not even a cat was with him. He was alone with nothing to do. His mind began to wander.


    The Mansion was nevertheless lively despite it being.


    The maids were still cleaning the banquet hall, and the guards were cleaning up the roads of the City.


    Their guests were already in their room, snuggly sleeping. During his night walk, Colt stopped his steps as he reached the back garden.


    There was no fighting Arte or Shickly this time around. There was only one person in there, Liron Vera, his father-in-law.


    ¡°Hmm? I knew I¡¯d find you here. It appears my instincts were correct.¡±


    Liron said with an empty smile.


    Colt¡¯s legs carried him towards Liron slowly. His steps were natural, and soon enough, he was next to his Father-in-Law, the single strongest General of the Regulus Kingdom.


    The two of them did not say anything at first. Instead, they looked at the skies and observed the moon.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± it was weird for Colt, but he was the one to break the silence.


    ¡°???¡± The Marquis turned to him, flabbergasted at his words...but he didn¡¯t speak and let Colt say what he wanted to say.


    Colt¡­no, rather Leo, had always wanted a family of his own. He had no one in his past, no father, mother, and his lover left him. He felt disconnected from the world and failed to make proper connections to the people he was supposed to call friends.


    He was rather social, yet he knew a barrier was there that he could not open for others to see. When he came to this world, he was in a downward spiral. It was Mina who rose up to save him. She showed him love, and the fear he once felt turned to affection.


    She cared for him and even accepted the original¡¯s past. Colt slowly saw the goodness in her and how she changed as time went on. She became a good mother to the children who had no blood connection to her and risked her life for them without hesitation.


    Colt felt blessed.


    ¡°¡­for letting me marry her. She¡¯s too much of a blessing for someone like myself. I may not be worthy of her, but I will do everything in my power to make her happy.¡±


    His word had not a hint of doubt in it.


    Marquis quietly looked over at Colt. He smiled at this Son-in-Law of his, ¡°Colt¡­ I should be the one thanking you. Before she came here, she had nothing in mind other than mastering Magic and getting stronger.


    ¡°When Maya, Mina¡¯s mother, died, she lost something. Mina lost her shine and her genuine self. Every smile she would make to others were faked, and no one could approach her. Because she thinks everyone could only see the Vera Family name.


    ¡°She was doubtful of everyone and failed to make any friend. This lasted for a long time, and soon, everyone feared her and even gave her the moniker of Queen. I, who was always away, failed to fill the hole that Mina had lost¡­I was a failure as a father¡­¡±


    Liron stopped his words as he turned to Colt. With his big hands, he patted Colt¡¯s shoulder and showed him a smile, ¡°But, you, Colt, you managed to slowly fill that gap. I once asked her why she for you, and she would always say,


    ¡°[ ¡±Because he tries harder than anyone else. He is also kind and does everything to help someone who is in need. Though he¡¯s sometimes hesitant, as if he is trying not to associate with others too much, the genuine desire to help is there. He may not know of it, but I acknowledge his work. There are also times when I get jealous, and the emotion of wanting to keep him all to myself surfaces. I fear losing him, and that makes me act irrational around others¡­but he¡­Colt sees me beyond that. I can see that he too is fearful of me, but he still prioritizes me more than himself¡­ he¡¯s the kindest person that I have ever met.¡±] that was her words.


    ¡°I could never forget that time because it was then that I saw an emotion she had not shown for years. It was a smile of pure bliss and happiness; she smiles brighter than the sun when she speaks of you, and seeing that already told me that you were the only one who could make her happy. I am¡­ a failure of a father, but I at least know what can make her happy, and I do not want to rob you away from her. So¡­¡±


    At this time, the Marquis showed Colt a stiff expression. However, Liron still tried to make a smile.


    Colt raised his head and didn¡¯t know if Liron knew.


    But slowly, tears streamed down as the battle-hardened General spoke, ¡°...thank you¡­ thank you for making my daughter happy¡­ I shall leave her to your care.¡±


    And so, the Marquis cried.


    Seyer_Jad

 165. Old Friends

    ¡°Well, that should be enough for the night!¡± Liron quickly tried to recover as he stretched his back. He looked around and then looked down at Colt to say, ¡°Father-in-Law sounds stiff; from now on, call me Pops. I¡¯ve wanted to be called that since way back then.¡±


    ¡°Got it¡­Pops.¡± Colt found it weird but also kind of endearing at the same time. He was left with a mix of complicated emotions.


    The Marquis rubbed his well-defined chin after wiping the manly sweat of the soul off his eyes. He looked at Colt and tried kicking him away as he attempted kicking Colt away.


    ¡°Go now, I have said what I needed to say. Go back to Mina¡¯s side; she might frown if she finds you nowhere in sight.¡±


    Colt yawned and complied with the request of the Marquis for him to leave. He left as he gave the Marquis a respectful bow. The Marquis watched Colt return inside. The young man had a broad and defined back¡­he felt like he could leave Mina in his hands.


    ¡°It appears the Marquis is acting all sentimental. Is the ¡°Serpent¡¯s¡± steel heart beginning to waver?¡±


    Liron turned around and saw Neun with a dashing smile. It was a strange and familiar sight. The cheeky view of this bastard smiling had been burnt down to his mind since long ago. The Marquis recovered himself as he saw Neun.


    ¡°Shut up, would you? I need to accept him. She¡¯s my daughter¡¯s husband!¡± Liron argued as he looked up at the nearby tree, ¡°Come down from the tree, would you? I can hear you giggling like little girls.¡±


    A couple of meters away from Liron and Neun, a tree shook, and Gilbert and Shickly descended. The two bore smiles as they were fascinated by the sight they were shown.


    ¡°You did well, Liron.¡± Shickly said with a smile.


    ¡°I agree; I feared you¡¯d boot the young man; thankfully, you didn¡¯t. He is a good person with a strong heart. He even saved my life this one time.¡± Gilbert added.


    Liron wanted to argue, but they were correct. It was hard for him to do what he did, but all of it was genuine. He sighed as he just turned to Shickly and ask, ¡°So, why are you wearing armor again? I thought we¡¯d be drinking tonight?¡±


    ¡°Arte, that one genius of a brat Colt brought rescued from the Slavers had been showing signs of interest on Hylda. He¡¯d been challenging me to a duel every night, and I respond in kind.¡± Shickly explained.


    Taking an interest in the matter, Gilbert raised his brows, ¡°Hoooh, to continue fighting even after all those fights, he¡¯s a respectable young man, I see. If you pick him up, he¡¯ll grow to become a good warrior.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a Mana user, so I don¡¯t think that¡¯s possible,¡± Shickly answered.


    Everyone was befuddled as Gilbert tried confirming, ¡°Is he a Healing Element user? If so, then he¡¯d truly be quite the dangerous adversary if he grows to learn in manipulating it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the weirdest thing, you see. He¡¯s someone with Mana but has yet to manifest any elemental affinity. He¡¯s not showing signs of Healing Element or aura, but he¡¯s still quite phenomenal¡­ it¡¯s quite interesting, really. I might just pull him to my army; he can become a good General.¡± Shickly didn¡¯t really care about anything about the army.


    The only reason he had yet to resign was that there was still unrest, and he¡¯s still relatively young at the age of 48.


    ¡°Master, Sir Liron, and bastard, let us leave. I had talked to Beta and said he¡¯ll carry us to the Raging Mountains.¡±


    The four of them then promptly disappear from the back garden. Their speed was jaw-dropping, but they didn¡¯t cause any sounds as they moved.


    As the four of them moved, Gilbert¡¯s mind was preoccupied as he needed to clear something with Neun.


    ¡°Neun, you piece of shit, why do they get honorifics and I don¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°Shut it, you bastard, you haven¡¯t paid me for when I assisted you in killing that dragon, and you buying that hill and house with my own reward money.¡±


    ¡°You said I could keep it! Liron and Shickly gave me theirs!¡±


    ¡°I was humoring you; I didn¡¯t want to look like the bad guy when Master and Sir Liron was offering theirs! I wasn¡¯t actually going to give it away! Do you really think I like to lose money!? If you were short on money, you could¡¯ve asked Tristan for the bloody money, he¡¯s a King! He would be willing to give them to you!¡±


    Neun roared, and as soon as they left the City without so much as alerting anyone. Not the assassins of the Family nor the guards were alerted.


    They stood in the middle of a vast expanse of land outside the City. Liron looked at Gilbert and Shickly to confirm something, ¡°Did your wives approved of this? I don¡¯t want Alpyie and Faerith to kill me later. If those two ever combined their strength even I would not be able to last against them... especially Faerith, that woman is a monster.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re talking about my wife¡­ though I can¡¯t say that I don¡¯t agree, but still ¡ª only I can remark about that.¡±


    Neun listened and decided to add to his report to Faerith later, ¡®Sorry Master.¡¯ He already knew what kind of hardships Shickly would have¡­ he didn¡¯t want to do it, but Neun also didn¡¯t want to deal with the Faerith.


    ¡®I¡¯ll take an arrow or a sword for you, my Master, but¡­ I cannot fight against the Madam.¡¯ These four people grown men were afraid of Faerith, and they had reasons for it, and as for Alpyie¡­ she¡¯s just as worst; thus, Gilbert had kept his mouth shut.


    The other three were catching up while Neun went ahead and brought out a green pendant.


    The pendant glowed, and a bird with Rainbowed Feathers shot up to the skies. It wanted to let out a screech but controlled itself as it was asked to be silent until its cries could not be heard in the City.


    The Phoenix was big; its wings alone spanned for about sixty meters in total. It was also beautiful, too beautiful to be real, in fact.


    Beta was a Phoenix and was one of the three Soul Partners that Neun had. It was a purebred Phoenix that ruled over the South; in terms of overall power, it was the weakest.


    Beta descended from above and looked over at the four old men, ¡°It appears the four of you had gathered up again. I haven¡¯t seen in a long time.¡±


    Neun, Shickly, Gilbert, and Liron nodded their heads as they said hello to an old friend. Beta lowered its head as she let the four fogies board its back.


    However, just before Gilbert was about to get on, Beta raised its head.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s the deal?¡± Gilbert was understandably annoyed.


    ¡°I demand an apology, you bastard!¡± Neun looked down from above the back of the Phoenix.


    ¡°I did nothing wrong!¡± Gilbert stubbornly responded.


    ¡°¡­Beta, fly.¡±


    ¡°Okayyy.¡± It didn¡¯t even question the orders as this already happened on multiple occasions.


    Gilbert stood there firmly for a few seconds, but as he saw Beta flying away, he began running like hell to catch up. As he ran, he screamed, ¡°Hey, why aren''t you two saying anything? Dammit allll, I apologizeeeee!¡±


    As such, the moon continued to watch over them with a pleasant light.


    Seyer_Jad

 166. Friends

    Midnight.


    The Edgeworth Manor had just been built from the ground up; it was made like before by the same people who annually do maintenance.


    It was a recreation of the original building. It was built pretty well. On the Mansion¡¯s third floor there was a balcony that was not often used. It was used for tea time, but the Countess had not been there for twenty years.


    However, that changed today, on the night of Colt¡¯s wedding. In the balcony, there were three chairs and a single table. But despite there, having three chairs, only two people were there to enjoy the full moon.


    Faerith finished brewing tea and poured Alpyie a cup. Alpyie accepted the tea and brought it close to her. She looked at the almost non-existent color of the tea.


    The tea was almost transparent, but as it reflected the light of the moon, it showed a beautiful silver aura forming around it.


    Alpyie took a sip as Faerith finished pouring her one, ¡°You¡¯ve gotten better brewing the Moonlight Tea, Fae.¡±


    Faerith placed the teacup down as she formed a smile, ¡°Well, I trained a long time ago to show off to a weirdo¡­¡±


    A bitter smile blossomed in their expression.


    In that balcony, there were only two people, but Faerith poured another one for the empty seat. Faerith and Alpyie smiled as she looked at this cup of tea.


    Seeing this empty teacup made Faerith and Alpyie have complicated emotions that ranged from comforting to saddening.


    There was only one person who sat there¡­ it was the late Marchioness, Maya Vera.


    Faerith, Alpyie, and Maya; these three were names known throughout the Kingdom. Not only were they known for being beauties, but they were also known for being ferocious.


    The three of them met one another thanks to Gilbert, Shickly, and Liron being close friends in the Army in their early days. The three of them would usually have tea and spend a pleasant day talking about the bumbling idiots that were their lover or how Gilbert was a wuss who had no balls to confess to Alpyie.


    The three were good friends and as constant wars happened in the South as the contention for the Magical Beast Forest¡¯s ownership continued between the Kingdom of Regulus and the neighboring Kalionse Empire.


    Those were the times when Gilbert, Shickly, Liron, and even Neun¡¯s name shook the continent for fighting against the Army of Kalionse while subjugating the Fire Dragon that was the King of the Magical Beast Forest at the time.


    When these happened, Alpyie, Faerith, and Maya would go and have tea to take their mind off the problems and also to wait for their respective significant someone.


    These meetings deepened their friendships, and when two of the three got married, they still gathered from time to time.


    Maya would usually brew the tea, and it stayed like this for years, and her favorite tea had been the Moonlight Tea that reacted to the brilliance of the Moonlight.


    It was good times.


    However, when Maya and Faerith got pregnant with their child, their gathering dwindled. It was also at this time that Alpyie started going out with Gilbert and had a rather busy schedule.


    They never got the chance to meet again, but after some years, Maya and Faerith decided to have tea for old times sake. Alpyie rejected, but Maya, the one who initiated it, decided that she would go no matter what.


    ¡®The Capital had been in a state of unrest since Tristan flipped out when I asked him to do something about what the Duke. Anyway, I shall head out tomorrow, I do not want to deal with more headaches, I¡¯ll have Liron do it for me. I cannot wait for Mina to meet Colt, I am sure the two of them will become good friends, who know, we might even become one who family in the future, hohoho.¡¯ That was the letter Maya¡¯s last letter to Faerith.


    She left for the Wing City with her daughter. They rode a carriage out as they said goodbye to Liron. They left with excited expressions, then they passed through a forest and there, her life ended as she did her best to protect her daughter from harm.


    Maya died with a smile on her face, she was killed by one of the people she tried to protect. When Faerith and Alpyie received the letter, they felt like their worlds began to shift. They cried, and with Faerith, for a long time blamed herself for her friend¡¯s death.


    ¡°¡­sadly, I never got to surprise her.¡±


    ¡°Maya would have loved to have a taste of this tea.¡± Alpyie said with a smile.


    Faerith poured herself another cup as she chuckled, ¡°But I got to hand it to her, I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d be right about this marriage¡­ hahaha.¡±


    As she finished pouring herself a cup of tea, her tears fell. She smiled, as she took a sipped, ¡°Hoho¡­¡± as she finished a cup, her tears were already streaming down her face, yet she raised the empty cup with a triumphant smile,¡± Look over our children, Sister Maya!¡±


    Alpyie also failed to control her tears, and despite their tears, they were not saddened, but joyful.


    They showed their biggest smile for this was not the time to be sad. They have to be happy for their friend who was no longer here.


    Seyer_Jad


    I hoped you liked this chapter...


    Important Note: The Chapters update would now be Mon - Fri [College is hard now, and even if I want to, I can''t continue my current update schedule... also, I am writing the [Payne: A Simple Monster] in my Patreon so I''m actually doing two stories at a time, have a good day now.

 167. The Goddess’ Gift

    Mina was intoxicated, from both fatigue and the high from the happiness she felt from this fateful day, ¡°I wuv you.¡± Her words were sluggish.


    ¡°Yes, yes, I love you too.¡± Colt was patient with her.


    When Mina closed her eyes, she was in Colt¡¯s arms. She enjoyed every second of it, but as she felt the soft bed on her back, she fell asleep.


    She had a lovely night, and she drifted to sleep after the kiss from her husband. She was smiling with satisfaction.


    However, as she slept, she found herself inside the world of the Goddesses. She could confirm that she was in the world of the Goddesses before when she looked down, her bump was nowhere to be found.


    ¡®Why did they call me here? And on such a good day too.¡¯ She really didn¡¯t want to cook for the Goddesses if she didn¡¯t have to¡­ I was just that they all looked so pitiful when they kowtowed before her.


    She looked around and noticed that something was different from the usual ¡ª the Goddesses were nowhere to be found, there was only one thing in that world of white; a single black door.


    With steps ever so slow, Mina approached the black door.


    The door was in the middle of the world, and Mina failed to know what kind of thing was behind that door. It could be anything, something good and even evil¡­ Mina felt afraid to open the door.


    She was hesitant; it was as if she was not prepared to see what was on the other side.


    However, it was then that she heard a young lady¡¯s voice, ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mina.¡±


    Mina turned around and saw a Goddess Light dressed in a golden robe and around her head was a halo, and only her right hand was a golden staff. She seemed to be the Goddess that was depicted by the many paintings and sculptures Mina had seen.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening, Light?¡± Mina casually asked the Goddess. She acted without the needed respect the Fate of Light follows.


    Light, however, cared not how she was referred, ¡°This is our gift, to you after your wedding, there is nothing inside that will hurt you. Light is the direction of all, it is the color of Hope, but to get your gift, you must first reach my Sisters¡­ do not be afraid and open the door.¡±


    Mina felt compelled to listen to Light. For the first time, she didn¡¯t resemble the kid that this Goddess showed every time Mina went there to cook or play¡­ Light now indeed matched what she actually was ¡ª a Goddess.


    Mina turned to the black door and held onto the doorknob. She gave it a twist and pushed it with ease. The black door opened, and upon entry, she found herself in a world of darkness,


    A world of darkness as far as one could see¡­ Mina smiled as one person stood out from this world of darkness.


    It was Goddess Darkness herself, and just like Goddess Light, she also wore a golden robe, a golden staff, and a halo.


    Mina smiled, ¡°Is this the second part of your gift?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yes, it is, since the beginning, to go to the Darkness, one must first come from a world of light, and once inside the darkness, I can Create a World of Salvation that is only meant for you.¡±


    Darkness tapped the Dark World, and then, with her as the center, a garden filled with beautiful flowers was created. In this Garden, there was a path that leads to who knows where¡­


    The pathway was made of the most beautiful stones Mina had ever seen, and on both sides were an assortment of flowers that she so loved ever since she was a child. It was a paradise.


    Mina turned to Darkness and asked, ¡°Is this my gift?¡±


    Darkness shook her head, ¡°It is not¡­ follow this path, and it shall lead you to the place we sisters prepared.¡±


    Mina did what she was told and walked along the pathway. She did not know what kind of gift the Goddesses prepared, but she knew it was limited to this world and would not affect the physical one.


    ¡®Is my Darling waiting for me at the end of this path?¡¯ she was hopeful that such a wonderful thing would happen. She was giggling about as she had happy thoughts. She began skipping without noticing it.


    She was full of smiles, and then, she reached the end of the pathway and led to a viewpoint that overlooked a land of flowers.


    Mina¡¯s smile froze, and her entire body stiffened.


    Goddess Root finally appeared behind her with the attire of a Goddess, ¡°In the World of Salvation, I can call upon the Souls of the Dead that entered the Paradise we have provided to those who refuse to Reincarnate¡­ you can go and take your time here, this place is not bound by any laws... this is the gift we can gift to the ¡°savior¡± of the one we have chosen.¡±


    The person standing on the viewpoint looked at Mina and opened her arms; she had a smile on her face as she opened her arms, ¡°Come here¡­ my daughter¡­¡±


    Mina¡¯s smile disappeared entirely as she saw the person before her¡­ tears fell as her lips began to tremble.


    Mina cried as she ran to her mother¡¯s embrace, and as she was hugged by the Mother she so dearly missed¡­ Mina cried like a child.


    She tightly hugged Maya as if she never wanted to let go; she cried and cried as if there was no sign of it ever stopping. With tears streaming down her face, she Mina repeatedly said, ¡°Mama¡­ I¡­ I¡­ miss you¡­ Mama¡­ I miss you...¡±


    Maya cried as she and her daughter managed to reunite, her tears proved hard to be contained, and as it escaped, she lovingly patted Mina¡¯s head, ¡°I¡­ missed you too¡­ my daughter.¡±


    Their tears fell without restraint.

 168. Reconciling with the Past

    When Maya died, Mina changed, she became despondent, and her view of others turned black and white. Only a few were colored, and those she deemed to be gray were nothing but an enemy or bastards trying to make use of her.


    Mina had been without a mother for a long time. There was her master, and she did manage to fill most of the void in her heart, but Maya¡¯s presence still managed to carve out a chunk of Mina¡¯s emotions.


    Now that she saw Maya, her tears were like a flowing waterfall; it was never-ending. She couldn¡¯t stop it, for the emotions within her was running wild.


    ¡°S¡ªsince¡­ Mama died¡­ I-I¡¯ve found it hard to¡­¡± Mina tried to tell Maya about her life; she wanted Maya to understand what she had been going through what happened to her life.


    She wanted her mother to know of her life.


    Hearing Mina¡¯s broken words had Maya shushing her affectionate daughter, ¡°You don¡¯t need to force yourself to speak, Mina. You don¡¯t need to tell them to me. I have been watching you all this time, how you grew up, you learned Magic, learned to fight, and even how you fell in love¡­ you don¡¯t need to speak. I know what you have been through¡­ you may not know of it, but I¡¯ve always been there for you.¡±


    Meeting her mother once more was something she couldn¡¯t express in mere words, but her tears alone spoke volumes of her experiences.


    Maya need not hear her words, as she already understood what kind of emotional baggage Mina had been dragging all this time.


    It took a long time for Mina to let it all out¡­ but only tiny sniffles remained after a while.


    ¡°Have you calmed down now, Mina?¡± Maya¡¯s calm voice echoed in Mina¡¯s ears, who was buried in her mother¡¯s bosom.


    She nodded her head as she made sounds to confirm that she was now fine. Maya laughed at the sight of this, ¡°You are all grown up, married, have two daughters, and another on the way¡­ yet you are still a child.¡±


    ¡°This is only for Mama to see¡­¡± She replied but remembered something and added, ¡°And for my Darling as well.¡±


    Maya hugged Mina tighter, ¡°Hoooh, it appears my daughter is getting stolen from me¡ª¡± she complained with pouted cheeks.


    Mina raised her head to explain herself, ¡°Well¡­ he¡¯s the one I decided to be forever, and like Mother said, I didn¡¯t have to hide anything to someone like that. And he was the one I married, so is it not fine?¡±


    ¡°Well, I did say that, and I was like that with Liron too, so I supposed that¡¯s understandable ¡ª why don¡¯t you tell me what kind of rascal stole my daughter away.¡±


    Maya¡¯s words became the key to the dam that held Mina¡¯s stories about her life with Colt.


    There were many parts, how they met, how she found him interesting, and how she saw what others couldn¡¯t¡­ she told her the embarrassing moments, which she confirmed Maya made sure not to watch.


    There were times when her jealousy took over.


    When she was with him when he was troubled.


    When she accepted his past when she gained daughters.


    When her life was endangered and was saved.


    And when they were simply living their lives.


    All of these happened in the span of half a year, yet all of these were enough to confirm her emotion.


    Hearing her words managed to make Maya smile, ¡°He sounds like an absolutely wonderful person. Though he has too many connections with women ¡ª and even risks his life far too many times¡­¡± Maya went from praising Colt to critiquing whatever she could find wrong with him.


    She was acting like a true Mother-in-Law, but she sighed at the end of it all, ¡°¡­but, despite everything else that I say about him, he¡¯s still the one making my daughter smile. I have seen him and watched him grow. And at the end of it all, the only thing I see wrong with him is that he¡¯s too kind¡­ are you going to be okay with such a husband, my daughter?¡±


    Mina failed to contain her giggling, ¡°Well, he is indeed too kind of his own good¡­ but that¡¯s one of his many good points I love about him. He is humble and always does his best for others, he¡¯s not perfect, but he¡¯s my imperfect husband. My role is to support him when he is down and hold him up and show him the way when he is down and lost. Mother the children that we have, and take good care of them. That¡¯s my job as the wife of a husband who is doing his best.¡±


    Maya and Mina had no more words to say to each other. This was it; they were fulfilled, and there were no longer stories to be told.


    ¡°I thought that I would have so many to say to you, Mama, when I see you, but¡­ it appears that there is little to nothing. All the stories I can say began with my meeting with Darling¡­ I¡¯m sorry for not living the best I could for you, Mama¡­ I wallowed in my own sadness, and only now did I realized that I only got to truly live not long ago.¡±


    ¡°Well, what is wrong with that?¡± Maya said with a chuckle, ¡°If you had lived a long life of sadness, that could also mean that you might have lived the saddest parts of your lifetime. If you are living now, then embrace it and just keep moving forward. There is no need for you to go back in the past and wallow in your sadness, you can remember them, but in the end, you are not living in the past, but in the present.¡±


    Mina nodded her head, ¡°I understand, mother.¡±


    By this time, Maya and Mina stood up from the viewpoint, and soon, three Goddesses appeared nearby.


    They were wearing their golden robes and held onto their golden staves, and as the mother-daughter pair looked at them, Goddess Root asked, ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to talk anymore?¡±


    The Goddesses had sensed that their conversation was over and came here to inquire.


    ¡°You know that you can take your time here, don¡¯t you?¡± Goddess Root added.


    Mina held her mother¡¯s hands still, but even as she did, she shook her head, ¡°I have nothing more to say and the time we have spent here is something that will remain in my heart no matter what.¡±


    The Goddesses smiled as Goddess Root tapped the ground and a Gray Door appeared.


    ¡°That leads to the Mortal World. Once you cross this door, you will wake up back in your and Colt¡¯s bedroom.¡±


    Mina and Maya hugged each other one last time before Mina went to the Gray Door. Maya watched as Mina twist the doorknob and open the door. Mina didn¡¯t immediately exit as she first took in a deep breath and turned around with a broad smile.


    ¡°Mama¡­ I forgot to tell you something I¡¯ve been keeping in my heart for the longest time¡­¡±


    When Maya died and left her lift, there was something she failed to say to her. Now that she saw her here, she wanted to say it before leaving her, ¡°Thank you¡­ and I love you.¡±


    Maya¡¯s mouth opened, and as she smiled at her daughter, she answered, ¡°I love you too.¡±


    Mina¡¯s tears fell once again, but her smile never disappeared. She turned around and walked with pride towards the door, and as she did, she woke up with tears streaming down her face.


    When she opened her eyes, she looked at her side and found Colt sleeping beside her.


    Colt woke up and saw Mina crying. He felt something amiss and quickly asked, ¡°Is something the matter?¡± he was panicking, but Mina simply shook her head.


    ¡°It is nothing; I¡¯ve just realized how lucky I am to have met you¡­ Darling, I know that I have said this a lot of times, but I love you.¡±


    Colt sat on the bed and wiped Mina¡¯s tears away, ¡°I love you too.¡± He leaned in to give his wife a kiss.


    Thus, the night came to an end as Mina and Colt returned to sleep, hugging each other.


    And Mina''s heart had never been filled with such joy, and the world around her was as colorful as could be.


    Seyer_Jad

 169. Oh

    ¡°Colt, run, that guy is going to kill us! Dammit, why do I have to be here!?¡± the Chick pecked Colt¡¯s face as it urged him to continue moving.


    ¡°Don¡¯t put the blame on me! I was against this in the first place; you just had to question him, didn¡¯t you? You just had to have an attitude. Dammit, after this, I¡¯m going to roast you! You little¡ª¡±


    ¡°You sound very energetic, Young Master.¡± Neun whispered directly to Colt¡¯s ears. Colt was running for his dear life as he argued with the Chick, and as he turned his head and saw Neun, his eyes opened wide.


    Colt wanted to swing his sword. The blue aura rose from his sword before momentarily changing a bloody red, ¡°Goddammit, [Blood Kni~]!¡± but Neun held him by the wrist before the swing could be realized.


    ¡°My disciple, did you think your enemy will let you go once they get this close? You are indeed stupid, now, clench your teeth; I¡¯m going to hammer into you your mistake!¡±


    ¡°Ah, SHI~.¡±


    BooM!


    A billowing cover of smoke appeared as Colt got hammered on the ground. Neun used no sword but an ordinary fist. Colt was pummeled without mercy.


    With his Young Master twitching on the ground, bordering life and death, Neun laughed, ¡°That¡¯s what you get for not teaching this Chick to respect me.¡±


    Colt¡¯s consciousness slipped. The last thing he saw was Neun with that maniacal smile of his as he roared, ¡°I¡¯m going to have some fine dining tonight.¡± While holding onto the Chick.


    ¡°Colt! Help this Partner of yours! No, no, nooooooo!¡±


    ¡®Heh, you get what you deserve.¡¯ Colt lost his consciousness.


    With a smile reminiscent of the Devil, Neun stomped at Colt¡¯s head, burying him on the ground.


    The only reason why Colt was here fighting against a hopeless fight was that the Chick questioned Neun¡¯s strength. It asked something it shouldn¡¯t have, and Colt was punished because he couldn¡¯t control his Partner well enough.


    The result was clear; his ass got handed to him despite being at the Peak of Rank-8. Though to be fair, Neun was already a monster in his own right.


    ¡®Such bad luck.¡¯ Colt thought as he remembered himself just having a pleasant afternoon with his daughters earlier this day.


    He sighed and didn¡¯t fight against the urge to sleep this lousy day away.


    Several hours later, Colt awakened. He opened his eyes and saw the hovering moon; it was already night. Colt looked at the side and saw Fluff gnawing on the Chick¡¯s leg¡­ he didn¡¯t bother doing anything to save the little shit.


    He sat up as he felt his body already rejuvenated. There was no healer anywhere else, but he had mostly healed.


    ¡°Is that the effect of that Chick¡¯s Gift, perhaps?¡± Neun, who was sitting by a campfire, asked curiously. Colt responded with a nod.


    They were currently in the vast grassland a few kilometers outside Wing City, there was no food and no beast to hunt here, but Neun was cooking what seemed to be a Giant Boar he hunted.


    ¡°Do you want some, my disciple?¡± Neun asked as he handed Colt a piece of meat.


    Colt accepted and ate, ¡°So¡­ when are we going back, Teacher?¡± he asked while eating.


    ¡°I¡¯ll return around 10:00. But if you want, you can go ahead; it¡¯s just a few hours of run from here, it¡¯s not that far. You¡¯re strong enough as it is.¡± Neun didn¡¯t mind Colt leaving.


    Neun had already taught Colt a lesson he needed to teach. The old butler peeked at Colt¡¯s reaction and noticed him choosing to stay rather than leave.


    ¡°Have you mastered the Ultimate Techniques of the Heavenly Water Sword?¡± Neun asked.


    Colt reacted by shaking his head¡­ he was currently enjoying the boar meat to respond with words.


    Neun continued his words, ¡°My disciple, you should quickly master those, you know? Although your aura is improving faster than anyone else in this Continent, strength without skills is no than an Orc waving around a club.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got no time to master them¡­ I¡¯ve been trying to find the time, but I¡¯m still only at the 75 percent completion at this point. I have no time to master them at all. I¡¯ve been trying to bond with my family, soldiers and have been talking a lot with the Crown Prince¡­ there are also many letters from the hundreds of Nobles and powers from the different Kingdoms and Empires. I have been swamped with invites for months now.¡±


    The past months have been rough for Colt, it was now nearing the third week of the first month, and the epidemic had already been resolved for the most parts at least.


    There were still cases, but everyone was being trampled down by the joint forces of the Royal Family, the various powers of the Continent, and especially the Genesis Family.


    The Genesis Family had been one of the leaders that had been helping the Continent. Because of this, the Phantasmagoria should be finding it hard to touch any of the Elves near their territory. This would be Colt¡¯s temporary fix to a problem that would soon open in the coming years. War is currently avoidable, so Yrva was satisfied for now.


    ¡®I have to create a permanent fix, now¡­ it seems like my happiness really does only last for a bit. Well, at least Jin is a bonafide Hero now.¡¯


    Colt complained before throwing a piece of meat to Fluff and have the Chick be spared. The Chick was freed, and the two siblings began eating the boar. Colt had no idea why Fluff would rather eat the Chick when there¡¯s boar right in front of it.


    Neun sighed, ¡°Well, you don¡¯t have to worry about trying to master the technique. You are still young, and there is no sign of war right now¡­ the epidemic had crippled most of the neighboring powers¡¯ funds, and because of the depth of gratitude that they have for us, I doubt anyone would try to act against us. You managed to secure us a sense of lasting peace, my disciple, so don¡¯t be so pressured¡­ first, you should focus on reaching Rank-9; after reaching that height, you should have known what it is that you are missing to master the Ultimate Techniques.¡±


    Colt was almost the perfect disciple, he never complains, and Neun could use any torment against him. He was also improving fast, and the truth was that Colt had already mastered the Ultimate Technique of the Heavenly Water Sword.


    The only thing Neun wanted Colt to have is the missing component of Bloodlust and Suffocating Killing Intent that was needed to perfectly Manifest the Bloodbath Sword Art.


    ''Well, he''ll experience a lot more before he can reach that level, anyway.''


    Neun said with a satisfied expression. However, as he spoke, Colt¡¯s body jolted¡­


    ¡°Is something the matter?¡± Neun asked.


    ¡°¡­I just reached Rank-9¡­¡± Colt said with an awkward laugh.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± that was the only thing Neun found himself able to say.

 170. Reunion with a Delegate?

    Rank-9 of Warrior Path is something only the top 5% of aura pathfinders could reach. It was a point that only a few would be able to touch before ending as fertilizer.


    One would need a long time and hard work to reach this level. But even then, nothing was guaranteed.


    However, one Young Master who was lazing about in a clearing eating meat found himself at this level of aura pathfinding.


    He was now ever closer to the second stage of pathfinding. Neun and his young prodigy of a student locked eyes as they found themselves unable to speak correctly.


    Neun, especially could not say anything about Colt¡¯s meteoric rise to prominence.


    ¡°So¡­ what do I do now, Teacher? Do I master Zara Manifestation or something?¡±


    Colt asked while Fluff sat beside him. The cat was also not interested in their conversation. With Colt¡¯s improvement, the Dragon Pearl¡¯s first job was over. Now the second step would begin.


    ¡°Meow!¡± Fluff demanded to be placed atop Colt¡¯s head.


    The human partner did not question the cat¡¯s demands as he placed its flabby belly on his head. Fluff would now begin helping Colt regulate the Dragon Pearl¡¯s power; this would usually be hard to do as Fluff would be messing with Colt¡¯s internal energy.


    ¡°Nyaaa, meiw!¡± it demanded Colt to give up control of his internal energy.


    ¡°You¡¯ll disperse the energy outside and then momentarily seal it? Wouldn¡¯t that be a waste?¡±


    ¡°Nyaa, meow mew!¡± it paws chopped Colt¡¯s head with a light head tap before explaining the situation.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying I¡¯ll explode if we don¡¯t do that?¡± Colt was silent as his body went limp, and he sat on the ground, ¡°I don¡¯t want to die, so I¡¯ll leave it to you¡­ but before we begin, I¡¯d like to ask Teacher to protect me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it, don¡¯t worry.¡± Neun said without even having been needed to have him ask, though there was something he wanted to know, ¡°But tell me later what Fluff meant by Dragon Pearl, is it the Mythical Artifact used against the Terrestrial Beast God?¡±


    Colt also had a question of his own concerning the name Terrestrial Beast God but chose to let it go for now, ¡°It¡¯s indeed the Mythical Artifact, it¡¯s the thing that had been assisting me in my improvement¡­¡±


    Colt had no qualms in explaining things to Neun.


    Neun also had no interest in the Dragon Pearl despite being a Warrior of his own. He wanted a competent and strong disciple; he got that already in the form of Colt, so who gives a fuck?


    ¡®I¡¯ll have my name engraved in history as the greatest teacher¡­¡¯ that was his words to Colt when asked why he was trying to teach Colt, ¡®¡­ you¡¯re a good student is all.¡¯ Was his follow up answer.


    With a sigh, Colt reached out to the Chick and looked it in the eyes, ¡°Hey, can you go back home and tell Mina about my current situation?¡±


    The Chick looked at Colt with slight mockery, ¡°Are you still scared of your wife? Is she still not trusting you?¡± The Chick laughed as it swallowed the food it had in its mouth.


    Colt heard it and flicked its head, ¡°I¡¯m not scared I just don¡¯t want Mina and the others to worry. As for Mina, she said she trust me that I won¡¯t cheat, so joke¡¯s on you!¡± Colt sounded proud at this rather strange achievement of his.


    This should have been a given fact for a couple but for Mina to provide him with so much trust was eye-opening to anyone aware of her temperament.


    The Chick sighed at Colt¡¯s words and then wobbled over at Neun, ¡°Do you have any bird type beast? Oh yeah, that Phoenix should be yours, right? Can you let me borrow it for a minute? I¡¯m going back home for the time being.¡±


    Neun found it weird that the Chick was speaking casually of a Phoenix. The Phoenix could be said the Sovereign of the skies and could be argued to be stronger than the beast known as the Roc.


    Neun found this entertaining and called out Beta. The Phoenix flew out of the space it was held and then screeched. However, it abruptly stopped as it felt the presence of its Ruler.


    Chick saw its shock and thought that this Phoenix may have been a beast from a time when Fluff was still in its original form, ¡°Get down here.¡± The Chick demanded with a flat voice.


    The information sunk to its head. It finally put things together and realized what was happening. The Phoenix landed and buried its head on the ground from shame, ¡°My KING! Forgive my impertinence for flying over your grace!¡± Beta said with tears streaming down its face.


    Chick creased its brows as it asked, ¡°Do I know you? The Children in my Nest and that Era should have died by now¡­ do I know you, Young One?¡±


    Beta, a Phoenix at the Demon-Class, a being that was considered strong enough to annihilate a City, nodded its head like a child before its favorite parent, ¡°I-I am one of the Prism Phoenix that my King had looked after¡­ I, I hatched under one of your wings and was supposed to be the replacement of the last Delegate of the Skies.¡±


    Beta explained, and the Chick finally remembered as the Chick came to a realization, ¡°Oh, so you are the young one? That must mean you were one of the last Hatchlings? I didn¡¯t expect one to see one like this¡­ it is good to see that you have managed to survive that unfortunate event.¡±


    Beta nodded its head repeatedly, ¡°Thank you for your kind words, My King.¡±


    The Chick was happy to see something from its past remain alive in this life, ¡°Although the Delegate System had been abolished by now, are you still willing to help this fallen King of yours?¡±


    ¡°It would be my honor, My King.¡± Beta said with pride. It didn¡¯t think it would actually meet the King it was supposed to serve in this place.


    As Beta lowered her head, the Chick hopped on and had commanded it to return to Wing City. All this happened with Neun¡¯s mouth opened wide.


    The Teacher looked at his student with a flabby cat on his head to ask, ¡°What was that?¡±


    Colt shrugged his shoulders, ¡°I don¡¯t really know either. I am still in the dark about these two. They don¡¯t want to speak unless I find their last sibling.¡±


    ¡°Nyaaaa!¡± Fluff raised one of its paws to confirm Colt¡¯s words.


    Colt then closed his eyes and realized something, ¡°Fluff? Why didn¡¯t we just return home and do this there?¡±


    ¡°¡­Mew.¡± The Lord Phat Fluff admitted that it forgot.


    The night was long as Fluff began the process and dispersing the Dragon Pearl¡¯s power. This wouldn¡¯t have been necessary if Fluff had ordinary Zara. Sadly it and its sibling did not. This would help in their future endeavors like Zara Manifestation, so this was actually a good thing rather than not.


    The night continued, Colt and Fluff did their best to dissipate the energy and after the night. Though Fluff did it best to communicate with one of its first children, it only found failure as the soul had already melded with Colt¡¯s.


    The process ended at 10:00 in the morning. Colt opened his eyes and saw a tiny bird with rainbow feathers glaring at him.


    ¡°Are you the King¡¯s Partner?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Colt was weirded out but still answered.


    Beta got closer to Colt to take a few sniffs, ¡°You smell like a Dragon¡­ I don¡¯t like Dragons.¡±


    It wanted to bite Colt¡¯s nose, but then, a sleeping Fluff fell from Colt¡¯s head and landed atop Beta. Beta flapped its wings helplessly as she found herself unable to do anything that could possibly hurt the Lord of Earth¡­ it shot Colt a glance, and with a completely different tone, it asked, ¡°Please, help me?¡±


    Colt sighed and quickly picked up Fluff. Beta stood with dignity as she turned to Colt with a softer expression, ¡°I like you better now¡­¡±


    It turned around and went to the Chick¡¯s side to serve its King.


    Colt turned to Neun, who watched the entire thing to ask, ¡°What was that all about?¡±


    To which he responded with, ¡°Don¡¯t ask me, I do not know where to begin.¡±


    ===


    In the Magic Tower of the Regulus Kingdom, the Mages trembled from fear as Lucille held onto several letters.


    Her eyes already red from rage.


    ¡°W-we¡¯re sorry, Tower Master, we thought you would not appreciate it if we disturbed with something as insignificant as this¡ª¡±


    ¡°INSIGNIFICANT!? YOU IDIOTS THOUGHT MY DISCIPLE¡¯S MARRIAGE WAS INSIGNIFICANT!? ARE YOU IDIOTS TIRED OF LIVING!?¡±


    Lucille¡¯s voice echoed throughout the Capital City as the Mages of the Magic Tower scrambled for their lives.


    Lucille was pissed after knowing that Mina¡¯s marriage had passed.

 171. Cyra Reis

    Colt rode on the back of an actual Phoenix as he and Neun returned to the City. The Phoenix was acting proudly as a fat Chick rode atop its head. It was happy and satisfied that after Millenia of separation it managed to reunite with the King.


    Beta stopped its movement and then reverted to its Mini Form when they were only 500 meters away from the City.


    When it transformed into a tiny being, Beta showed signs of being depressed¡­ it didn¡¯t want to stop flying with its King.


    Neun brought out the space Beta lived in and was about to ask it to go inside when it suddenly slapped it away, ¡°Neun, you bastard, do you really think I¡¯m going to enter that place when the King is in my presence. That would be disrespectful, a Delegate cannot show sign of tiredness before the King, and I shall not dishonor my Race!¡±


    Neun crouched down as his brows met in the middle, ¡°Look here, Beta. I don¡¯t know what this Delegate thing is all about, so can you not shout about it? At least explain so I can understand.¡±


    Neun was exhausted mentally. This had not happened before, and with him in the dark of things, it got even more complicated and tiring.


    Beta stood tall and was just about to explain things when all of a sudden, the Chick hit it on the back of its head, ¡°Don¡¯t say anything unnecessary; you already blabbered about being a Delegate. You¡¯re too loose-lipped. Go back in your space and reflect on your actions for three days.¡±


    ¡°¡­Okay, my King.¡± With drooping wings, Beta returned to her space without so much as a commotion. Neun saw rolling tears as it went back¡­ this confused the aged Butler even more.


    He and Beta had been together for so long, yet this Phoenix had never acted in this manner before. Colt was looking at his teacher with pity, for he too knew how much of a headache all this was.


    Colt and Neun entered the City as quietly as they could. They soon reached the Mansion, and just as they entered, snow began falling. Colt looked out and sighed in relief.


    ¡°Teacher, where are you going?¡± Colt asked Neun, who left the main entrance.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to meet with Ferald. I have something to talk with him. You¡¯re going to need something if you want to improve your strength.¡± Neun disappeared and left for Ferald¡¯s Forge that was located in the East of the City.


    Opening the door, Fluff suddenly woke up, and with the Chick, they escaped from Colt.


    ¡°YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!¡±


    Muffled voices reached the ears of tired Colt. And before this, Rank-9 Warrior could react, ¡°BUuuuuu!¡± Filla and Lyra already crashed on his stomach headfirst!


    The wind on their feet was swirling about¡­ the pressure from the wind began was growing stronger by the second, and soon, Colt was dragged outside by the two girls¡­ they flew up with uncontrollable speed.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Colt asked as he looked down at saw his youngest sister and youngest daughter hugging him with vice grips.


    ¡°Pa-papa, help Filla, please, help Filla! Kyaaaaaaaaaa!¡± Filla was in tears.


    As for Lyra, she simply screamed her heart out, and unlike Filla, who was on the verge of crying, she was laughing from excitement, ¡°FUN! This is FUN!¡± for energetic Lyra, this was fun, and for Filla, this was scary.


    It was weird as Colt thought if anything, Filla would be enjoying this kind of thing, ¡®Wait, this is not the time for this.¡¯ Colt thought to himself.


    It was then that he heard Hylda¡¯s voice echoing from below, ¡°Papa, they can¡¯t control their mana and are having trouble maneuvering in the air!¡±


    Colt looked down and saw Hylda with Faerith looking up. He shouted back, ¡°What should I do!?¡±


    ¡°¡­just pray for now! Their wind should end soon.¡± Hylda responded.


    When Colt heard his eldest say such words, he thought that she was no help at all. As for Faerith, she seemed angered about something. The Grandmother said nothing that could help with the situation.


    Colt looked at the two children, and when he saw Filla crying so much that she failed to even utter another word, a sigh escaped him, ¡°Welp, let¡¯s end this¡­ sleep, for now, you two.¡±


    The black smoke in his left hand began to swirl, and in a manner of moments, the two¡¯s mana was sucked by Colt. It happened too fast for anyone to say anything.


    Lyra¡¯s laughed ended as she suddenly fell asleep. The wind around the three dispersed, and Colt held onto the two and then landed on the ground.


    Zzzzzzzzzz¡­.


    The two young mages fell asleep, and the maids who just arrived after Hylda and Faerith took them from Colt¡¯s arms.


    Bring them to their Shared Room. They have no mana right now and are too tired from playing¡± Colt reminded the maids who lowered their heads and took the two inside.


    With this, the mysterious event ended, and Colt turned to his mother for information, ¡°So, what happened here? I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d see those two flying about like some arrow.¡±


    ¡°Those two tried to use a spell without my permission. They¡¯re both at the Second-Circle, and they somehow managed to deconstruct a Third-Circle Spell and create an unstable spell [Air Burst] spell as a makeshift [Fly] Spell.¡± Faerith complained.


    Faerith was one of the three Mage Teachers the two girls had. She was the one in charge of explaining the theory of Spells and Magic to them.


    Everything was going swimmingly when the two children began thinking that they could actually use Spells outside their levels.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s a problem that they¡¯re too much of a prodigy?¡± Colt asked, and Faerith nodded her head.


    ¡°With Vyra nearing her 12th month, and Mina on her 9th, the two teachers can¡¯t really teach now¡­ this is hard.¡± Faerith complained, but an expecting smile appeared on her face¡­ she couldn¡¯t wait to get another grandchild.


    Colt looked at Hylda, who already got a hold of Fluff and the Chick, ¡°Mama¡¯s looking for you, by the way. She¡¯s worried about you staying out all night in the woods with the Head Butler.¡±


    Hylda said as the two of them entered the room.


    Colt sighed, ¡°Well, I couldn¡¯t help it, the thing was a matter of life and death¡­ and Fluff forgot that we could come home, if anything, the cat¡¯s the one in the wrong.¡±


    ¡°NYA!¡± Fluff complained.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, you saved my life, thanks for that¡­ hey, I can¡¯t help it, okay? It¡¯s so easy to blame you for everything that I¡¯m going to do so even if it has nothing to do with you." Colt said proudly, and the cat slapped him for his words.


    PAH! The slap echoed all over the house.


    ¡°HISSSSSSSSSSSS! NYA, MEOW NYA!¡± It was angered as it claimed that only it could use Colt for baseless claims and not the other way around.


    Fluff stood on top of Hylda¡¯s head to headbutt Colt.


    BANG!


    Colt also headbutt the nuisance.


    The two met eye-to-eye.


    ¡°MEOW!¡±


    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s take this outside, you¡¯re not the only one tired of this. I¡¯ll show you who¡¯s the Boss in this Partnership.¡± Colt roared, ¡°Hylda, sweety, go tell Mina I¡¯ll come right away once I finish killing a cat!¡±


    Fluff snorted and jumped off Hylda¡¯s head, ¡°Nya, nya, mew, mewo!!!!! (Hylda, my Niece, prepare me Prime Steak and Premium Milk for my victory celebration. I¡¯m going to burry this man in a litterbox!¡±


    Another battle for Leadership was about to begin!


    Hylda watched her Father prepare himself to fight a cat.


    The Chick observed Fluff, one of the most revered beings, went and settle petty disputes.


    The Chick looked at Hylda, ¡°Do you want some food?¡±


    ¡°Yes please¡­ I¡¯ve been wanting to try cooking some sweets for Filla, Lyra, and the other children in the City. Why don¡¯t you help me make some?¡±


    ¡°Ooohh, I¡¯ll take you up on your offer. Please put some raising in mine.¡±


    ¡°Sure, sure, oh yeah, I thought of a good name for you.¡±


    ¡°What is it, young lass?¡±


    ¡°Cyra Reis: Cyra means Sun and that you are brighter than anything and anyone ¡ªReis in the Ancient Words of the Dwarves means King¡­ Sun King, do you like it?¡± Hylda offered a name.


    The Chick¡¯s face brightened, ¡°YES! That¡¯s perfect! From now on, I shall be called Cyra Reis. You may call me Reis.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Hylda said with a smile as she left to first inform Mina about Colt before cooking with Reis.


    As for the other two who exited the Mansion and left for the training grounds, Colt drew out Ocean¡¯s Black Heart, and Fluff summoned some of its Primal Powers that Colt had yet to gain.


    ¡­The Duel between Colt and Fluff ended in a draw.


    And in the Regulus Kingdom Capital City, half of the Magic Tower crumbled as Lucille left most of the Mages half dead before heading South.


    In the East of the Continent, there was also something else going on as twenty Warships landed on the shores near the territory of the Phantasmagoria Family.

 172. Arrival

    Four stood people stood side by side, Horus, Krisa, Julius, and Ellaine before them was the newly arrived Warships that had just arrived in the Continent.


    A handsome young man wearing white trousers and an overall outer garment with the same color was walking towards the group of four with two other people behind him.


    Horus and Krisa both lowered their head with respect, ¡°We greet the Leading Apostle, Prince Fjord.¡±


    Fjord stood tall without so much as an expression. He was stoic and had a majestic air around him, but as he approached Horus and Krisa, he went ahead and hugged the two.


    ¡°It had been so hard for you¡­ I¡¯m sorry for not being there with you, my brother and sister.¡± Fjord said with a low voice. Though he could not show much emotion on his stoic face, he still managed to get through the hearts of his siblings.


    Horus and Krisa who knew the Prince well felt their hearts hurting as they apologized while in his embrace, ¡°We are sorry, my Prince¡­ Older Brother Olivier, he, he was killed without us even managing to do anything. We cannot even avenge him. I apologize for being so useless¡­¡±


    ¡°Shhh, that is enough, Horus. You are not at fault, Horus, and neither are you, Krisa¡­ to save the world and bring back the light, we are risking our lives. Olivier decided to give his everything to bring back the light if we want to honor his death, the best thing to do is to end the suffering as quickly as possible.¡±


    Fjord closed his eyes as he tried his best to suppress his emotions, but still, a single tear escaped him¡­ sadness did not spare him. Horus cried for a while but eventually stopped, he and Krisa reunited with the other Apostles, who were both males, Rusa and Harga.


    ¡°It had been a while, runt, did you finally grow some hair down there while being here?¡± Rusa, who had jagged teeth smiled as he ruffled the hair of his brother.


    Harga smacked the back of Rusa¡¯s head, ¡°Stop that you idiot, you know what kind of sacrifice they had to make when they came here, if nothing else, Horus should already be more mature than you. He¡­ he had already committed to the cause and took it upon himself to do IT, you do not know the burden he carries.¡±


    Harga who wore glasses and carried a book placed his hands-on Horus¡¯ shoulders, ¡°Good job, holding out this long, Horus. It is a shame about Olivier, but¡­ this we will not forget about his heroism.¡±


    Horus nodded his head, ¡°Thank you, Older Brother Harga, your words are so much more refreshing to hear compared to the farts that ass is spewing.¡±


    Rusa ground his teeth, ¡°I was trying to lighten up the heavy mood, okay!?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, shut up, for now, Rusa.¡± Harga said as he waved his hands around.


    Krisa was observing Horus¡¯ reaction to all this, and she smiled as she found him acting normally.


    Fjord saw Krisa¡¯s way of looking at Horus from the corner of his eyes and took a mental note, ¡®Is there something wrong with Horus?¡¯ his thoughts spun, but as he shook his head, he turned to Ellaine who was smiling all throughout.


    Julius stayed on his spot while Ellaine approached the Prince with her usual confidence, ¡°We finally meet, Prince Fjord. You¡¯re more handsome and sophisticated than I thought, I knew handwriting reflected someone¡¯s personality.¡± She half-joked.


    ¡°Please, do not call me as such. I may be a prince in the Empire, but here, I am but a mere man with a mission. Referring to me as Fjord will be fine.¡± Fjord said with an unfeeling tone, he then remembered something and began explaining, ¡°Please, do not take my tone of speech the wrong way, I am not looking down upon you or anything¡­ it is just that, this is me talking normally.¡±


    Ellaine reacted with an ¡°oh¡± and then giggled about, ¡°You must have led a rather harsh life, but I thought you¡¯d actually be colder¡­ after all, it takes someone really dubious to give the okay of releasing the Red Vein Epidemic into the Continent.


    ¡°But it appears that I am wrong. You are more humane than I initially thought.¡± Ellaine¡¯s words came out of her mouth and then saw a weird expression appearing from Fjord¡¯s face as if something was wrong, ¡°Did I say anything wrong, Fjord?¡± Ellaine tried confirming.


    With trembling lips, Fjord asked to confirm, ¡°Do you mean to say the Red Vein Epidemic, our last resort was used¡­ now?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Yes, why?¡± Ellaine was confused, then she saw Fjord wanting to go and talk to Krisa and Horus, but then, his body stopped all movement¡­


    Fjord¡¯s eyes changed multiple times, and his expression reverted to being unfeeling. The Prince then spoke with his usual cold tone, ¡°¡­it appears that I lost control of my emotions just now. It is nothing, and regarding the thing with the Red Vein Epidemic, please refrain from mentioning it to either Harga or Rusa.¡±


    ¡°¡­okay?¡± Ellaine decided to agree after some internal deliberation. She then decided to lead Fjord away as she spoke, ¡°Now, regarding the thing we talked about, are you still willing to do it?¡±


    Fjord nodded his head as he followed, ¡°If you¡¯re talking about helping you eradicate the Elders of your Family, then do not worry, I am more than willing to accept. All evil shall be eradicated without fail.¡±


    Fjord and Ellaine passed Julius. He was still confused about the talk he had with Ellaine earlier today, ¡®She¡¯ll eradicate the Elders for Mother¡¯s sake¡­? She was the one who planted that void in mother¡¯s brain by following the Elder¡¯s orders, and now she¡¯s saying she¡¯ll eradicate them?¡¯


    The young feline beastman met gaze with Fjord for a moment and saw the supposed awkward Prince glaring at him. Julius froze, his instincts told him that Fjord was someone dangerous beyond reason.


    Fjord passed by him, and then Julius was left staring at his back.


    ¡®W-what happened to him? He¡¯s like a different person altogether.¡¯ Julius thought.


    Up on the Divine Realm, the three Goddesses were watching this unfold with creased brows, ¡°This is bad¡­¡± Light said with as she felt sorry for these Apostles.


    Light watched a screaming Fjord.

 173. Better Present

    It was February, the season was currently winter and carpet of snow outside was making sure everyone remembers this as a fact.


    The temperature was cold, and the need to regularly shovel the roads were done by the Colt¡¯s Platoon. There was no war, so doing odd jobs secured by the Young Master, let them extra cash for their families ¡ª there were some complaints about waking up too early but no one left.


    Colt was together with Hylda surveying the soldiers if they were doing their work, this was one of the reasons why no one said anything against this fight. But the real reason was because of the fat cat that was walking beside Colt.


    This cat was the bane of one of the strongest Platoon. Behind the Father, daughter, and cat trio would be Lopre and Sera.


    ¡°The completion of the shovelling should end. I have checked each and every one of them, and I can say that they did a pretty good job, and they only did it in under an hour.¡± Sera said in a flat tone.


    ¡°That is good, then,¡± Colt answered.


    ¡°Young Master, are you sure you want the troops to have pain vacation? We don¡¯t really need one.¡± Lopre asked after Sera finished her report,


    Colt shot him a glance and then shouted aloud, ¡°The Platoon Leader does not want to have Vacation, does anyone agree!?¡±


    ¡°NO!¡± indignant voices echoed all over the city, the desires of the soldiers were clear. After more than half a year of constant training, they wanted a break. Lopre didn¡¯t, but Colt pitied them and decided to give them one anyway.


    Colt turned to Lopre, ¡°Well, it appears the others say otherwise. Well, do not mind their decision, If you want to, then you can continue training army formations, though you¡¯ll have to do that yourself.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°See, you know that it is impossible, so why bother trying to say otherwise? If the soldiers are too overworked, they would not be able to do their duties well, a good soldier knows not only to serve but also rest.¡± Colt argued, and the nearby Platoon members nodded their heads, ¡°Try not to be so strict, soldiers they may be, they still have a life of their own. Some of them have lovers, and others want to marry and build a family, don¡¯t take those away from them.¡±


    The Soldiers of Colt¡¯s Platoon who heard his words nodded their words, and invisible tears fell, ¡®FREEDOM AT LAST!!!¡¯ were the thoughts they had. Though they did not spend too much time with the Young Master, they gravitating towards him ever so closer. Even without him supervising them, they still find themselves honoured at serving him.


    The Hero of the South, that was their General, and as they have seen his routine, they doubt they can say anything about him being anything but hard-working.


    ¡°Well, the only thing I am trying to say is that give soldiers time with their families, they still need to rest their minds. Captain Lopre, how about you? Do you not have anyone you want to spend time with? Your wife and children, perhaps.¡±


    ¡°I am not married and I¡­ do not have anyone to call a lover, Young Master. My parents have already gone to the other side, and I the doctor said I need to abstain from drinking, so I have nothing much to do.¡± Lopre said, and silence pervaded the air.


    ¡®That explains a lot.¡¯ Colt stopped his steps and turned to Lopre and patted his shoulders, ¡°You need this vacation more than anyone, Captain.¡±


    Colt turned towards the location of the rising sun and found it pleasing to the eye that everything was going well. There had not been a problem since¡­ well, no problem other than Lopre¡¯s sad personal life, ¡®This guy needs some serious help.¡¯


    Colt wished him the best. The vacation of the Platoon would last for two weeks, but the soldiers would still continue shovelling the snow during the morning, or else Colt will retract the decision, ¡®They are Rank-5 Warriors, now, this would be a breeze for them.¡¯ That was Colt¡¯s reasoning for this, and he was right.


    The soldiers celebrated, and Colt went back home to his family. He already finished his morning routine with Hylda.


    The days continued; Colt spent his time with his family. Hylda learned how to bake sweets together with Reis or otherwise known as the Chick, and temporarily replaced Mina as the provider of snacks¡­ Hylda was becoming more effeminate by the day, which caused Colt to be delighted and worried at the same time.


    ¡®The more Hylda becomes a lady, doesn¡¯t that mean the farther down Arte be attracted to my growing daughter?¡¯ And Colt stand corrected as Arte became ever-energetic, Colt became worried about this original hero, but as he watched Hylda, who was also improving at an unprecedented rate, Colt felt terrible for the fellow.


    But when he saw Arte¡¯s glowing eyes, he thought that getting beaten up was his kink or something close to that, ¡®Is he a masochist, perhaps?¡¯ that was his thoughts. But disregarded it as Arte showed no such behaviour in the original novel, unless~¡­ ¡®Nah, can¡¯t be¡­ or could it be?¡¯ Colt was confused about this original hero¡¯s preferences.


    In the end, Colt chose to stop intervening because he thought that would be the most grown-up thing to do. Arte was growing away from being the gloomy hero of the story and was smiling more often.


    He who had been tortured already seemed to have forgotten most of his past, as he began to socialize with the maids and the guards, even helping around the mansion from time to time. Arte was slowly becoming more outgoing, and all of it could be contributed to him falling for Hylda.


    ¡®I wonder, in the original timeline, Hylda wasn¡¯t really mentioned¡­ but if she was meet him there, would he change and open up like this?¡¯ he thought of the possibility and shook his head as it was too farfetched and had little to no evidence to back this up.


    ¡®Well, even if I don¡¯t do anything, two spoilers of a grandfather would step in to remind Arte of his position. The two grandfathers were above him. I wonder, when will the two realize that they¡¯re only helping Arte train. Father and Pops are too much¡­ I¡¯m still not used to calling Father-in-law that.¡¯


    Long story short, Colt enjoyed seeing others change for the best and have a brighter smile than they had and should have.


    As he stood in a balcony alone, with his hands on his back, Colt took in a deep breath as he seemed satisfied with his work.


    Then as he was revelling with his odd, but good work, he felt it, a heavy presence appearing from out of nowhere.


    ¡®Mana?¡¯ the Mana was dense and extremely fast-moving, and because of this, Colt knew he would not be able to warn anyone so, he called upon the World Devouring Mark and hoped that he would be able to hold out if he was to absorb this amount.


    As he drew the Ocean¡¯s Black Heart from its sheathe, Colt looked ahead and saw a glimmering green light, and before he could even react, the green light already reached him.


    Colt could not quite see who it was, but he knew that it was Healing Mana. To the best of his ability, Colt used his left hand to parry the assailant and BAM!


    CRASHED!


    He had the person crashing to the wall nearby. The wall was destroyed as the fellow was thrown into another room.


    ¡®Is it, Horus? Either way, I need to dispose of this fellow before having anyone get caught up in the fight.¡¯ Colt recalled the only enemy he had encountered with Healing Mana, and before he could confirm, he had already made his move through the spreading smoke and attempted to swing his sword.


    A white light appeared on his forehead, and every bit of hesitation disappeared. He saw the neck of the person who came to assassinate him and then swung his sword to end the conflict.


    Colt¡¯s sword was quick, and as it sliced through the air. But as it was moving through the air, its path was discovered and was knocked upwards, by a measly fist.


    ¡®What the?¡¯ Colt saw this and tried to recover his momentum by delivering a kick to the chest, but his foot was easily caught.


    Seeing this, Colt was prepared to try something he had been practising, he connected to a channel of strength and began pulling power from this source.


    Overwhelming power appeared in his body and as embarrassing as it may have been, Colt whispered, ¡°God Manifesta¡­¡±


    Colt was prepared to risk everything to get rid of the assailant. However, his words stopped as the smoke disappeared and he saw the face of this assailant.


    ¡°Miss Cille?¡±


    Colt saw a Lucille holding onto his foot while trying to wipe her tears away, ¡°D-does Mina hate me for missing her wedding so much that she wants me dead?¡±

 174. A Love Story

    Colt sheathed his sword and watched the crying Lucille. He was about to open his mouth but instead chose to move his sheathed sword and block a curved blade rushing towards Lucille¡¯s neck.


    Looking around, Colt spoke, ¡°Please, do not be alarmed, everything is fine¡­¡±


    Neun, Liron, Shickly, Lopre, Risa, Mary, Sera, and even Arte gathered around Colt and Lucille. All of them had their weapons drawn, they also didn¡¯t quite see Lucille, but the three older men in the room quickly recognized her, ¡°Sorceress Lucille? What are you doing here?¡±


    Neun raised his head as he asked. He was somewhat surprised to see her here.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us you¡¯re coming here? I could¡¯ve told Faerith you¡¯d have come here; she would have been delighted to have you here with us.¡± Shickly followed, but Lucille didn¡¯t even pay him any heed.


    Lucille was clutching on Colt¡¯s clothes, asking with a pained voice, ¡°Tell me, Colt, does Mary really hate me!? Did she order you to do this!? Is she angered about my inability to go to the wedding? If so, then I had my reasons, the Tower Mages didn¡¯t tell me anything, and I came out of my room only about a week ago!¡±


    She was not the least bit worried about the men here; they owe her many things, especially Shickly and Liron, so why should she even worry?


    Also, she was strong enough to fight back and keep her life; after all, Lucille was a Tower Master, someone at the highest level of Magic, a Grand Sorcerer.


    Colt could attest to this fact¡­


    Colt was already basically at the very edge of Phase Two Pathfinding in the way of a warrior. With his aura at the Ninth Rank and sword being so swift and sharp, it was almost impossible for most warriors to block.


    Given that he was not in his greatest form as he was yet to grow tired, his sword was duller than ever before but still, he was pretty confident with his strength.


    However, he was stopped by a crying Lucille.


    He would have felt bad about himself, but looking down on the one who stopped him without even breaking a sweat, ¡®She¡¯s also Mina¡¯s teacher and the one who taught Mina how to use Healing Mana in a way similar to a berserker.¡¯ Colt could still remember Mina¡¯s moves; she was unhesitating and was ruthless¡­ at least half of that stemmed from the fact she was mentored by Lucille ¡ª looks can be deceiving.


    Colt felt bad for Lucille. The Grand Sorcerer showed no signs of calming down, her tears streamed down her face, and she was even showing signs of choking, then more people appeared in that room, and one of these people was Mina.


    ¡°MINAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Don¡¯t hate Teacher, okay? The idiots from the Magic Tower did all those stupid things. If I had known, I would have rushed here even I had to set up a Supreme Flight Spell.¡± Lucille saw her disciple and quickly threw Colt to the side and crawled towards her.


    Mina felt her clothes being tugged by Lucille, ¡°Teacher? When did you get here? The other Seniors of the Magic Tower said you rejected my invite as you were too focused on your research. I even received a gift.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the schemes of the idiots; they didn¡¯t want to knock on my doors just because I broke their arms last time; they bothered me. Don¡¯t worry, those who tricked you were all punished. The Magic Tower may have crumbled a little in the process, but nothing of value was lost.¡±


    Mina looked at her Teacher¡¯s sight and sighed. The student carefully ran her hand through the hair of the aged Sorceress and then spoke with a sigh, ¡°All right, I forgive Teacher. Do not worry about missing my wedding day. It could not be helped. Besides, we have it recorded in a crystal so Teacher can watch for later.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Lucille¡¯s face brightened, and then, little by little, she began smiling energetically. She looked around and then saw the people around her and asked, ¡°Hmm? Oh, Shickly, Liron, what are you two doing here?¡±


    That day, the Edgeworths were forced to call in the constructors to repair the destroyed room; Sera was placed in taking care of the damages, while in the back garden, Lucille put a temperature regulation spell that encompassed about fifty meters, giving them the chance to have tea outside in the middle of winter.


    Other than Vyra, who excused herself for the day, and Jin, who went to assist his wife, everyone was present, trying to enjoy the warm temperature outside without being near a fire.


    Lucille was seated next to Mina as she was quietly giving her student a health examination. She was checking the baby inside Mina¡¯s belly, and after a while, she made a conclusion, ¡°You¡¯re about to give birth in three to two days.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure about that information, Miss Cille?¡± Colt asked for confirmation.


    Lucille turned to him and waved her hand, ¡°Of course I am. Who do you think you¡¯re talking to, kid. I am an expert in using Combat Healing Magic and medical practices. I know my way around a human body. In my youthful days, when I was living in my demon village, I was actually referred to as the Village Healer, so I was forced to learn a lot of things.


    ¡°I helped others give birth and made plenty of examinations, so I¡¯m pretty sure I know what I¡¯m doing.¡± Colt was looking at her doubtfully, and as she became indignant.


    But Lucille didn¡¯t need to explain herself as Faerith, who arrived while carrying sweets, spoke, ¡°Sorceress Lucille is telling the truth, Colt. She was the one who checked my condition when I was pregnant with you so, you don¡¯t have to question it. She had also been in this field for more than two hundred years; she was the one who helped my mother give birth to me.


    ¡°She was also the one who helped your father and Liron in reattaching their limbs. Also, she was the one who saved my life when I was about to die from having my World Circle destroyed. Though I can¡¯t get back to being a Grand Sorcerer, and I am now quickly drained of Mana, at least I am still alive. So, in a way, she¡¯s some kind of Godmother to you because if not for her, you wouldn¡¯t have been born.¡±


    Colt¡¯s mouth opened as he heard Faerith¡¯s casual revelation, ¡°World Circle? Wait, you were a Grand Sorcerer, Mother?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I was. But I can¡¯t reach it now because ¡ª hmm, I think many of you know this story, but this is a nice addition to it. You see, your father was young, and when he left for the army, he decided to leave the words ¡°when I come back, please marry me.¡± He said that and left with the army as a Captain like Liron.


    ¡°Then, a few days later, I learned that he, Liron, and Gilbert were ambushed by Third Army of the Kaionse Empire, so, me, Alpyie, and even Maya went to rescue them. Well, what happened was that while I fight against an Army, Alpyie and Maya attracted the Magical Beast from the Magical Beast Forest by using themselves as bait.


    ¡°Then, while we were escaping, the General, hmmm, what was his name again? Dear, what was the name of the General who threw his spear and almost pierced my heart again?¡± Faerith forgot and then asked Shickly.


    ¡°General Garson Reva, I slew him to secure the Magical Beast Forest, remember?¡± Shickly said as he downed a glass¡­ he was pretty ashamed of himself about this story.


    Faerith said, ¡°Oh¡±, before continuing her story, ¡°Well, anyway, I was pierced in the heart by General Garson who threw his spear at me and then, instead of skewering me, the World Circles stored in my heart softened the impact. The World Circle was destroyed, and my heart was injured and retained some traumas that resulted in my inability to form the second World Circle, and now my mana usage is rather messed up.


    ¡°Oh yeah, the most important part of that is the fact that when I was just about to die, Shickly asked his Soul Partners to speed into the capital. He poured his aura and even life energy into me so I can live long enough for us to reach the capital¡­ oh yeah, while he carried me in his arms, I fell for him all over again, and then, a month later, we got married. I think this story is famous in the capital, right?¡±


    Mary, who had been listening to Faerith¡¯s story, nodded her head as she shouted, ¡°Yes! This was the story mother told me when I was young; that¡¯s where you and the other two got their tittles of ¡°War Goddess¡± right?¡±


    The atmosphere lightened, but Colt¡­ he was left confused. He was not aware of any of this, he didn¡¯t think his mother was such a badass, and from how Risa and Lyra looked, he can tell that they knew about this.


    ¡®Damn!¡¯ that was his only reaction to all this.

 175. Ayl

    The sun was up, and Colt was watching Liron teach Hylda the way of the Spear.


    Though there was an odd sight mixed in from the corner of his eyes as Shickly instructed Arte with correcting his stance, it was still a good day, nonetheless.


    There was even Reis, cheering for the hardworking Hylda, ¡®They¡¯ve become great friends, those two.¡¯ Colt said as he watched the ball of feathers jump up and down.


    When Colt saw this, he felt somewhat disappointed as he lowered his head and saw Fluff with its tongue out on the side of its mouth while he, the Human Partner, rubbed its belly.


    When Fluff noticed Colt, it merely gave him a thumbs up as if to say, ¡°You¡¯re doing a good job, now¡­ more.¡±


    Colt didn¡¯t even need to speculate as he already knew that this cat was actually thinking that.


    Incensed, Colt pinched its fat, but that only got the cat purring with happiness. It was enjoying the new form of massage, ¡®Tsk, if you¡¯re not pleasant to touch, I would have tossed you already.¡¯ He complained while showing no sign of stopping.


    The outside area was actually chilling as winter had yet to pass.


    But, being an Aura Masters, they were able to cope with the chilly breeze.


    Colt felt his pocket watch vibrating as the time hit 7:30 am. Colt decided to stop his hand and had Fluff roll off his laps, ¡°Nya!¡± it protested while demanding for more.


    ¡°Later, I¡¯m going to check on Mina now. According to Miss Cille, she might give birth any¡­¡± while he was talking, Colt heard hurried steps coming his way. He turned to the side and saw Filla running with frantic expressions.


    ¡°PAPAAA! MA-MAMA, sh-she¡¯s about to give birth.¡± Filla¡¯s voice echoed in the area, everyone stopped what they were doing and quickly rushed inside the manor.


    However, Colt ran in the opposite direction.


    Shickly saw his strange actions and called out, ¡°Where are you going!?¡±


    ¡°Miss Cille needs an assistant, I¡¯m going to get her one!¡±


    Colt soon left the Edgeworth Manor¡¯s premises, and as Colt used the movement technique, Neun taught him, he beelined towards the Light Orphanage.


    Sister Mary was busy with hanging the clothes and sheets, she and Sister Fer washed before the sun had risen. While doing so, she felt a Rank-9 Warrior quickly coming her way.


    She turned to its direction and saw Colt flying moving with incredible speed.


    ¡°Oh, Young Master Colt, what brings you¡ª¡±


    BOOM!


    Colt made a rough and haphazard landing as a cloud of dust appeared, dirtying the newly washed clothes and sheets¡­ when Sister Mary saw this, her anger rose without a limit!


    ¡°What the!? Young Master Colt, what are you doing! We just washed that. It took three hours in this cold temperature, dammit!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ll wash it for you later, but for now, please come with me and help Miss Cille ¡ª Mina¡¯s about to give birth!¡±


    Sister Mary¡¯s words stopped as Colt¡¯s frantic voice pierced her ears. Before Sister Mary could give a response, she was already rushing towards the direction of the Edgeworth Manor. She left Colt in the dust.


    Only her distant voice could be heard.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be going first, Young Master Colt!¡±


    ===


    In the Edgeworth Manor, three men were walking in a circle as their faces reflected anxiousness.


    Two of them were Generals, and the other was a relatively well-built, handsome Young Master and hailed as one of the New Heroes of the Era.


    It was Liron, Shickly, and Colt.


    There was no child allowed around them as Mina¡¯s pained screaming might scare them. As for Miss M, Sera, Risa, and Vyra, they were with the children as they tried to distract them.


    The current situation was that Mina was in the middle of labor, and they were pushed outside, and only the women with experience were inside.


    No man was inside the room¡­ any man who enters would likely be strangled to death by Colt. Then while they were pacing around like an animal that had heard fireworks, all three of them listened to Mina¡¯s pained voice.


    Colt quickly turned to the heavy doors with a worried expression, inside his head, he repeatedly screamed, ¡®No, no, everything is all right¡­ Lucille and Sister Mary is inside; nothing will happen. They are Healers! Miss Cille is the greatest Healer on the Continent!!¡±


    Fluff was watching the three men with passive eyes. Like these three, it was also worried about Mina as it considered her as a friend. But it was far calmer as it could control its emotions with the light.


    It could help Colt¡­ but it chose not to because it was sure that having Colt live through this would be much better than not. This was one of the peaks of human life, so for it to inhibit Colt¡¯s emotion would be Fluff robbing its friend of this joy.


    It wished Mina good luck.


    ¡°Young Master, Count Shickly, and Marquis Liron, please have some of the calming tea that I made. It should calm your nerves a little. You¡¯re too much on edge.¡±


    All the while the three were panicking, Jin appeared with a tray of tea.


    The three looked at him and then at each other, they knew what they were doing and just accepted the tea without saying much. They took a seat as they did so.


    Colt took a sip of the tea, and although it was somewhat bitter, it had a pleasantly sweet aftertaste, ¡°This is rather nice.¡± he praised.


    The other two General nodded their heads as they praised and thanked Jin, ¡°Thank you, Jin, this helped a lot.¡±


    ¡°I agree. What kind of tea is this, boy? I would like to take it to me when I return to the frontlines.¡± Liron added as he felt the tea already taking effect. His nerves had calmed down, and he even managed to clear his mind a little bit.


    ¡°That tea is not available anywhere, I fear. It¡¯s one of my creations that I based on Vyra¡¯s very traditional concoction¡­ if I give it a name, I suppose it is [Calm Forest Tea] as I used various herbs from the forest to create that.¡± Jin said with a smile.


    ¡°Is that so? When did you have the time to create this?¡± Colt asked as he took another sip.


    ¡°Well¡­ I made it so I can prepare for when Vyra also goes to labor¡­ I think I¡¯m going to pass out if I don¡¯t have that.¡± Jin¡¯s weak laughter echoed, but no one laughed at him as they could sympathize with him.


    Nine hours since the active labor started, Colt and the others heard a weak cry¡­ the child had been birthed! All of them stood up with haste.


    Hurried steps echoed inside the room. Faerith opened the doors, and Colt was already waiting right outside.


    Faerith was smiling as she had lost her ability to even speak. She looked at Colt with a nod, and that was enough to convey the message.


    Colt rushed inside the room and saw Mina, who was glowing green from the light of Healing Magic.


    He saw Mina holding their child¡­ Colt trembled from the plethora of emotions within him.


    Mina noticed his presence and smiled at him. She was tired from giving birth, but Mina was smiling despite being so¡­ she was happy, ¡°Darling, come here and look at our daughter.¡±


    Colt approached her and extended his hands. He received his child from Mina. He carefully took their daughter with great care, and as he did so, he felt the fragility of life. Without Colt noticing, he was already smiling.


    As he held onto his newborn daughter, Colt smiled and was asked by Lucille, who had just finished healing Mina, ¡°So, what are you going to name her?¡±


    Colt looked at Lucille and then at Mina. When he looked at his wife¡¯s eyes, the two of them nodded their heads, ¡°We already decided on a name after we got married¡­ Ay ¨C from Maya, the mother who protected her, and L ¨C coming from Lucille who guided her ¡ª her name would be Ayl.¡±


    Seyer_Jad

 176. WAR

    It was the 18th day of the second month. Colt was together with a trembling Jin.


    ¡°Y-young master Colt, V-Vyra will be okay, right!? RIGHT!?¡± He was currently the one undergoing the pressure of waiting for Vyra to give birth.


    By his side was Colt, who was in charge of giving Jin comforting words. He, too, had experienced this kind of feeling four days ago when Mina gave birth to their third daughter; he could understand Jin¡¯s pain.


    But as Colt looked at Jin¡¯s teary eyes, he still couldn¡¯t get over the fact that he was once tricked by a trap in the past¡­ though he had already come to accept that the past was the past.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, everything is going to be all right, Jin. Don¡¯t worry about Vyra; Miss Cille and Sister Mary are both experienced.¡± Colt tried his best to comfort this friend of his.


    Jin raised his head and looked at Colt with teary eyes, ¡°Thank you for being here¡­ Young Master.¡±


    ¡®Ah, that¡¯s cute.¡¯ Colt instinctively thought of this and then bit his tongue to remind himself of the damn truth, ¡®Damn you, author, why the hell did you make a guy look so cute? In fact, why do so many authors do that!? What can you gain from making them look more beautiful than most!?¡¯


    Colt screamed inside his head but still retained a peaceful smile. He had already gotten over the fact that Jin looked like the way he does and how he got catfished in the past.


    The doors opened when the time reached 21:00. The doors opened, and Jin smiled as Faerith peeked out of the room and gave the okay sign.


    Jin began crying tears of joy as he entered to see Vyra, who had just given birth, ¡°Vyra, are those are children??¡± Jin asked while looking at the two newborns on his wife¡¯s embrace.


    They were blessed with Twins. Jin approached to hold them in his arms; he felt their body heat, saw his children¡¯s pointed ears, and felt them breathing ¡ª Jin couldn¡¯t help but have his tears fall.


    ¡°I¡¯m a¡­ father¡­¡± Jin was cautious when handling their children.


    Colt watched from just outside the door. It was a good scene that almost made him cry. He was happy for his friend.


    Right now, Jin could be considered as one of his closest male friends and companion.


    Jin was someone loyal and had a good heart.


    ¡®He¡¯s a great guy.¡¯


    Never in any lifetime that Colt thought he would become friends with the Trap that catfished him hard¡­ but nevertheless, he also didn¡¯t expect to end up in this world, so, what the hell?


    ¡®Life really is unpredictable.¡¯


    And it was indeed unpredictable as he now enjoyed seeing some of the people who didn¡¯t know Jin¡¯s gender fall for him at first sight. Colt could confirm that it was funny seeing others falling for such cheap trickeries, ¡®Oh! I now understand why authors do it¡­ that¡¯s rather fucked up.¡¯


    Colt said while he himself enjoyed such sufferings¡­ it was somewhat hypocritical of him to do so, but he enjoyed it nonetheless.


    Colt noticed the time and chose to leave; seeing Jin like this made him miss his daughters and wife, ¡°I¡¯ve seen enough, I¡¯m satisfied.¡±


    Leaving a smile, Colt could still hear Jin¡¯s crying voice.


    Their room was already different from before as he moved out to a bigger one.


    He reached his room soon after; he opened the doors as quietly as he could in fear of doing anything that might incite the rage of the caretakers of the baby.


    When Colt entered, he saw the two sides of the room; on the right was his bed and on the left was the one designated for the child.


    Filla, Hylda, and Lyra were taking of the baby sleeping infant on the cradle while Mina watched over them from a couch nearby. The children were doing their best to act like mothers and cared for baby Aylwho was already asleep. It was quite a sight.


    It was funny when one looked at it from a different angle.


    Mina saw Colt enter, and she asked with a whisper, ¡°Did it go¡­¡± she stopped her words as a shushing sound came from the children.


    ¡°Sorry¡­.¡± Mina said as she laughed. She watched Colt approach her, and with a voice, only the two of them could hear, she asked, ¡°Did it go well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, she gave birth to twins¡­ though I left before they could decide with a name. Jin had yet to make a decision despite it ten days later.¡± Colt said as he approached the Filla and the rest as he ruffled their hair, ¡°Good job, bis sisters¡­¡± Colt whispered, and both Hylda and Filla puffed out their chests.


    Lyra tugged onto Colt¡¯s sleeves as she pointed at herself, ¡°What about Lyra?¡±


    ¡°The best auntie¡­ well, better than the other one, at least,¡± Colt remembered Risa, who now had one of the strongest lineups of Soul Partners already sleeping at 8 in the evening. She was living her best life.


    That night, the Edgeworths once again celebrated the new life sprouting once more. They did it in a more subdued manner as they did not want to stress out the babies, and if they make any loud sounds, Filla and Lyra will shush them ¡ª none disobeyed the nannies.


    At about Midnight, Colt was in charge of watching over the children together with Fluff and Reis. The three of them were considered night owls by the whole family, so no one really complained.


    Besides, Colt could now stay awake for three days without suffering. This was a skill he would have appreciated if this was earth.


    The job was split between the three of them, Colt was to respond to any pee and poop accident, and Fluff and Reis were in charge of being the most comfortable cushions, meaning the two slept on the job.


    Colt was currently reading a letter under the dim light of a magic lamp. The letter came from Butler Go, who was coordinating with the Bird Generals to gather information.


    Reading through the whole thing¡­ Colt rubbed his tired eyes, ¡®The Phantasmagoria Family was destroyed?¡¯


    With this, Colt was confused, for this was an actual plot point of the original story, but the reason it was destroyed was supposed to be because a war between the Genesis and Phantasmagoria erupted.


    ¡®The plot and its storyline should have already changed¡­ but it appears that I am missing something.¡¯


    Colt thought to himself, and indeed something was going on that he was not aware of. However, he disregarded it for a moment as the voice of baby Ayl filled the room.


    Colt stood up, and because of his enhanced senses, he already knew that something had happened.


    Looking at baby Ayl in the cradle, Colt thought, ¡®This battle is also dangerous...¡¯


    Colt went to war against poop...


    His battle continues.


    Seyer_Jad

 177. Family Meeting (Part 1)

    Third Month of the year ¡ª Edgeworth Manor, in some empty room.


    Colt¡¯s hands moved swiftly. He wielded his weapon without mistake, and as his movements began to generate wind, Colt was finished, ¡°And, that is how you do it, Jin.¡±


    Colt was looked over at Jin, who was next to him, as he finished changing a doll¡¯s diaper. Jin, who became a father to a boy and a girl just two weeks ago, was now seeking the knowledge of a professional caretaker, who took care of his daughter for years. This was the refined skill Colt received from the original.


    Jin nodded his head, and Colt moved out of the way to let Jin do what he needed to do, ¡°Try it for yourself, Jin.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I shall try.¡±


    ¡°No, you do not try, you do it. This is for your children¡¯s sake, make sure to be perfect, so they do not feel unconformable, do you understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Young Master.¡± Jin sounded dedicated.


    With the Father finished, Colt turned to the other trainees who wished to be bestowed with knowledge ¡ª he faced Lyra and Filla.


    He moved to the next doll, where he faced them with a severe expression, ¡°Okay, watch and learn, you two.¡± Colt moved and, like before, seamlessly going about the routine one more time, in a manner of seconds, he spoke, ¡°This is how you do it.¡± He said as he made the last fold and clip.


    Filla and Lyra, who saw this, looked at Colt and clapped their hands:


    ¡°That was amazing, Papa!¡± Filla saw Colt in a brighter light.


    ¡°Yes, yes, brother! That was amazing!¡± Lyra was in awe of her brother.


    Hylda was unimpressed, ¡®I taught him that, you know.¡¯ She thought to herself as she saw Colt¡¯s mighty way of changing the diapers.


    Risa, who held onto a plate of cake as a snack, was also giving Colt an uninterested expression. She was surprised by that skillful change, but that was it. She couldn¡¯t care less going further.


    Risa decided to just turn to her niece, ¡°Hylda, this cake you baked is quite good.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, if you have any request for later, just tell me, okay, Big Sis?¡± she responded to the aunty who didn¡¯t want to be addressed by her proper title.


    Colt ignored Risa, and Hylda was giving him as he enjoyed the love of his daughter and sister. This was the best applause he got from them even when he showed the greatness of his sword techniques, ¡®Different generations, I suppose.¡¯


    But he was enjoying these times nonetheless. Currently, Mina and Vyra were together in a room where Baby Ayl, Baby Elanor, the girl, and Baby Haleth, the boy.


    Jin¡¯s and Colt¡¯s infants were still sleeping, which gave Colt enough time to teach these three the diaper¡¯s ways. However, Filla and Lyra were just there as Faerith and Lucille asked him to take them and distract them for a while.


    Even the two¡¯s combined effort was not enough to effectively contain the deconstructive mind of these two, ¡®I hope the new lesson plans of Mother and Miss Cille works this time around.¡¯


    The Two Sorceresses were thinking of teaching them in different ways. Colt could only wonder how different they¡¯re talking about. Either way, it was not Colt¡¯s problems, and he was happy about the genius of his daughter and youngest sister.


    The teachings continued, but then, someone knocked on their little classroom. The door opened, and Sera entered, ¡°Young Master, my Teacher has arrived.¡±


    Colt nodded his head and then turned to Hylda, ¡°Hylda, can you please take over here and teach them the ways of the original master? I have to go somewhere for the time being.¡±


    ¡°¡­Okay.¡± Hylda got off the chair she was seated upon and replaced Colt. She faced her sisters and even beckoned Jin to look at her, ¡°What, Papa just showed you were impressive, but not everything is about speed, he had always been a show-off, so he had many unnecessary movements¡­¡±


    Colt¡¯s steps stopped for a moment as he heard Hylda¡¯s words, ¡®I didn¡¯t expect her to teach them seriously ¡ª I feel rather stupid for showing off now.¡¯ He laughed but disregarded everything else after some time.


    He closed in on Risa and then motioned to her that she too should follow.


    ¡°Why?¡± Risa asked.


    ¡°Just come with me without asking too many questions, okay?¡±  Colt¡¯s words were severe, and Risa regained her seriousness as she nodded.


    When Colt stepped out, Sera left with him, and they went to Shickly¡¯s study.


    Sera closed did not step out as she closed the door behind her. She was also asked to listen to this talk. Inside the study was Shickly, Liron, Neun, Butler Go, Reis, and Fluff.


    All of these had a solemn expression.


    Colt and Risa sat on the couches that were across the sofa where Liron sat.


    Neun stood next to Shickly, and Butler Go near Colt.


    ¡°Son, now that we have gathered as you have asked us to do so, what is it that you want to tell us, exactly? This better be important. I planned on playing with my grandchildren today.¡±


    ¡°So do I.¡±


    Liron and Shickly said to lighten up the mood but failed to do so as everyone present knew that a part of them was actually serious.


    ¡°You can¡¯t play with them right now; they¡¯re training to be expert caretakers with Jin. But enough of that, Sera, come here and give everyone a copy of the letter I had you duplicate earlier.¡±


    Sera obliged to Colt¡¯s orders and gave everyone the report Butler Go had made. Neun, Shickly, Liron, and Risa all began reading. Fluff and Reis, who already knew the situation jumped onto Colt¡¯s laps to get a better seat of the oncoming discussion.


    Soon, everyone finished, and as they did so, their expressions became heavy.


    ¡°Brother, is this true?¡± Risa asked; no one else spoke as that was the same question they have.


    They want him to tell Colt was messing with them, but with a sigh, Colt spoke:


    ¡°This information was gathered by Butler Go and Reis¡¯ Generals¡­¡±


    ¡°Generals? Is it the General of the Kalionse Empire? Or the ones of the Coalition?¡± Liron could not understand and just had to ask. The only Generals he knew were the ones leading armies. He didn¡¯t think the fat chick on Colt¡¯s lap could have one under its control.


    ¡°I do not speak of those honorable people, but the ones under the commands of Reis. They are Magical Beasts who scour the continent for information to help with our investigation.¡± Colt did not speak of some critical parts.


    But it was enough for everyone to understand.


    ¡°Going back on track; the Phantasmagoria Family had fallen; this news has not reached anyone¡¯s ears other than mine and the Genesis Family¡¯s Yrva and his anointed Elders. The ones who are here are the only ones who I chose to inform.


    ¡°Currently, the East is having a massive upheaval, and the Elves who had lived in the forest that they have protected for years received letters telling them of the dangers of staying at the East.


    ¡°The Ancient Elves asked them if they could move back over at the West and stay there with them, so they could carry out from the dangers of being there. Yrva¡¯s letters reached each leader of the respective Race; however, they all disregarded it as they still hold a grudge against the Ancient Elves.


    ¡°This would not have been a problem if this was all; after all, most nobles and big families always have conflicts like this, just like what happened to the Genesis Family next to us. However, this time, an outsider joined them in this mess ¡ª Light Element Users who claim themselves to be the Apostle of Goddess Light have joined the conflict.¡±

 178. Family Meeting (Part 2)

    Silence prevailed as Colt¡¯s words shut everyone up. The air was tense, as everyone other than Risa knew what Light element was.


    She raised her hand and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the Light Element?¡± such was the question that stemmed from his ignorance.


    Colt turned to her, and despite what others may think, not knowing what¡¯s Light Element was understandable as it didn¡¯t exist in the first place.


    However, what surprised Colt, was the fact that everyone else present already knew what the element was, ¡°Considering everyone¡¯s reaction, does this mean everyone already knows what the Light Element is?¡±


    Liron nodded his head with a heavy expression, ¡°Sadly, we do. Tristan, the King, once told us about this, told us about the legend of the past¡­ do you know the legend of the Fire Dragon?¡±


    ¡°Do you mean the one where you, Father, and Sir Gilbert went to slay the Dragon over at the North?¡± Colt confirmed, and Liron nodded.


    ¡°Dragons, for the most parts only ever like to sleep, rule, and eat¡­ they do not go out and try to prove themselves worthy from anyone else as they knew that they are beings that already stands at the top. Only when a challenger appears that it fights. However, the Fire Dragon we slew was different. It was violent and destroyed everything and anything on its path.


    ¡°We thought that it was weird, and after some careful observation, we noticed peculiar elements from this beast. The Magic Tower then appeared before us and told us about a Dragon that had been sealed temporarily by the Apostle of Darkness about a millennia ago in the age of the Great Calamity.


    ¡°The Great Calamity, as everyone knows, is the time when the Great Evil managed to control the Beast Gods and other powerful beings through unknown means. At the time, we did not know what kind of weapon the Great Evil used, but Tristan told us the legend about his family. It was a story about how the Great, Great, Great Grandfather of the founder was saved by the Apostle of Darkness and Apostle of Elemental Root against a rampaging Dragon.


    ¡°The Dragon was put to sleep using the Darkness Illusion of the Darkness Apostle. Then, the Apostle of Elemental Root trapped the sleeping Dragon in a Dome using a Supreme Earth Spell had it swallowed by the ground.


    ¡°The Apostles left but, not before explaining the briefest of things to Ancestor of the Founder to clear his mind ¡ª he was told that the Dragon was being controlled by the corrupted Light Element and was ordered to rampage about. What we slew was the same beast thousands of years ago. Knowledge of the Light Element is quite rare, as only the Dracian Fate, which looks over the three Fate Paths, record them, and records of these have mostly disappeared. Only historians, Tower Masters, and the Ancient Families should know of it¡­¡±


    Colt listened to the little story and took note of three things, first, the fact that those controlled by the Light Element would still continue even after such a long time, and second, was the fact that there were other Apostles, and lastly, there was something called the Great Calamity.


    ¡°Just to confirm, this knowledge is not something everyone knows.¡± Colt at least wanted to know something in order to clear his mind.


    Liron shook his head, ¡°No, not even the Nobles like the Dukes should know of this. For some reason, everyone who knows about this is not speaking of it like normal. The Public Libraries also do not have any book regarding this element. Even the books that talk of the Great Calamity do not mention this. And from what I can tell, the rest of the ruling powers keep it this way¡­ I do not know why, though.¡±


    Everyone was now on the same page¡­ well, not everyone as someone else still couldn¡¯t figure out what the hell everyone was talking about, ¡°Brother, you still haven¡¯t explained to me what this Light Element is!¡±


    Risa also listened to Liron¡¯s tory, but as she had no clue what Light Element was compared to the others, she was left with a cryptic image. With all the backstory being given to her, she grew curious as to what it actually was.


    Colt sighed as he answered, ¡°The Light Element was once the Healing Element before the Goddesses took it back. I do not know why it was taken away, but the Goddess Light replaced her gift to the world with Healing Element to fill what had been lost. The Light Element can control the mind and thoughts of others to a certain degree and affect their bodies.¡±


    Risa finally understood, ¡°So, Light Element is like Healing Element but with mind manipulation?¡±


    ¡°¡­not exactly, but you get the point.¡± Colt was still at a loss for why the Light Element was forgotten, but if it has anything to do with the Great Calamity, then he had an idea as to why it was forgotten, ¡®They wanted to forget about the painful past¡­ or it could have something to do with the Apostles and the Goddesses.¡¯


    Colt decided to keep the thoughts on the back of his head before turning to his father, ¡°Father, I have not told you about this, but, I think, the ones who appeared in the Magical Beast Forest and the ones who killed the Elders of the Phantasmagoria are the same people.¡±


    ¡°¡­how can you tell?¡±


    ¡°The one I met claimed to be the Apostle of Light or a Child of Light. When I arrived to save Mina, I saw him trying to control her mind¡­ he forced Mina to slit her own throat so she can spare Filla.¡±


    BAM!


    ¡°What!?¡± Liron broke the table in front of him; his face showed rage, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me about this!?¡±


    ¡°I apologize, but Mina asked of me to keep silent about this¡­ she didn¡¯t want you to worry. But do not worry, I made sure to make the bastard suffer, by cutting him to many pieces ¡ª alive.¡±


    Liron was still angry, but when he saw Colt¡¯s eyes¡­ it slightly lessened. Those eyes managed to make an impression on the General.


    Fluff also took note of this and immediately help suppress these emotions. Colt felt refreshed, ¡°Thanks, Fluff.¡± He whispered before rubbing its belly.


    ¡°But they are no longer targeting us; they are over at the Easternmost area of the Continent; what is it that you are trying to tell us, Son?¡± Shickly asked. He had an idea what, but he wanted to hear it from Colt¡­


    ¡°Right, getting back to that. The thing is that, with their appearance in the Phantasmagoria, that could only mean that there are many more of them. Soon, fleets of warships would arrive all over the Continent, and the embers of war would spread throughout the land. We have slain one their Supreme Commanders, but they should have many more, someone stronger, and someone more capable, in short soon, there would be ¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªWar.¡° Shickly and Liron said at the same time.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, so we must act fast so we can protect our families. Right now, there is a lull, and this is just the calm, before the storm.¡±

 Was Sick but will return to updating

The Title says it all, I''ll return to updating soon

 179. Vacation (Part 1)

    ¡°So, what do you want us to do about this?¡± Shickly asked.


    ¡°Prepare the Kingdom, the Soul would be embroiled in a deadly fight, the East which Father-in-Law watches over will also be quite dangerous¡­ in the end, we only need to get ready.¡±


    The meeting ended in a solemn tone. The fact that war would be coming was not something others would take in well. Colt walked out of the room with Sera and Risa; the old fogeys would need to speak of the current situation without him. There were matters that Colt still could not access.


    Standing in the middle of the hallway, Colt met Risa face to face; she was scowling at him as her brother walked away from her, ¡°Why did you take me here?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re a part of the family, and when I leave, it will be your job to help protect the land and our people.¡±


    ¡°What!? You¡¯re leaving!?¡±


    ¡°No, but I might go somewhere real soon.¡± Colt said as Fluff hopped on his shoulders and Reis went to demand to be taken to Hylda¡­ it was hungry for cake.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it so much, Risa; your brother here will try his best to ensure that nothing more happens. I only called that meeting to let you know what¡¯s about to happen.¡±


    ¡°What, are you¡­¡± Risa found Colt¡¯s words to be confusing.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you not to be lazy and start training! I heard you got the Gift from Drako and that Gorilla was powerful; use it to its fullest! If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll convince father that you inherit the Family!¡± Colt shouted aloud.


    ¡°Wait, anything but that! I already got my life all planned out, so don¡¯t ruin it! I¡¯ll try harder, don¡¯t worry!¡± Risa didn¡¯t want to be involved in politics; after that day, it was said that she tried twice as usual.


    The day ended with Colt spending time with his family and training with Neun. At around 3 in the morning, Mina awoke and was placed in charge of taking care of baby Ayl, and then he left the city.


    He brought Fluff and Reis with him¡­ Neun and the others were in the dark about this, and only Mina knew of it. He would spend training outside the city for two hours before heading back home.


    There was nothing wrong with his training, but every time he goes out and comes back when Mina sees him, she would always be filled with angst, for every time Colt would return, he would be bathing in blood.


    ¡°Just what are you doing, Darling?¡± Mina asked with apparent concern.


    Colt saw this and patted her head, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I am fine; this is nothing but Fluff scratching me all over in our spars¡­ Reis is healing me, no problem.¡±


    It was clear Colt couldn¡¯t find a good lie as to why he was always bloodied. But either way, he couldn¡¯t stop now and continued the secret training every single day.


    Though he had tried to bring extra clothing, Mina somehow always knew that he was changing before going back, so he stopped doing it. Mina would always worry about him, and Colt would assure her to the best of his ability.


    However, at around the final day of March, when Spring was about to surface, something odd happened.


    Colt held onto the deep blue blade of his with a tight grip; he took in a deep breath and smiled, ¡®It¡¯s beginning to show.¡¯


    He smiled as he finally collapsed. Fluff walked towards him and looked ahead with its brows raised.


    Reis approached them and said, ¡°Well, he¡¯s at least making progress, isn¡¯t that right, Brother?¡±


    Around 10 kilometers east, where no one goes to, multiple craters could be seen, and in the middle of it was a deep crevice.


    Fluff shrugged its shoulders and smiled, but then, its eyes opened wide, and it looked towards the North; the fat cat then looked at Colt and slapped him awake!


    PAH!


    Colt was awakened, and with his body still on the ground, he asked, ¡°What is it? You know I can¡¯t move after all that trouble¡­ I¡¯ll fight you later!¡±


    However, Fluff simply stepped on Colt¡¯s head and then spoke, [My Sister just woke up, we¡¯re heading North! To the Valley of the Serpent God.]


    At the same time, all this was happening, Sister Mary was currently stretching her body. It was 4:00 in the morning, and on her hand was the short sword that bore her Phylactery. She was now training, and her short sword was cutting through the wind with unimaginable speed.


    Watching her was the mini-sized Lunar Roc, a Gale Roc, and a Raging Storm Roc ¡ª all these were her Soul Partners, and all of them gifted her the gift of moving fast and control of the wind.


    Her fine movements were unique; it came from unconventional directions and were impossibly quick as if she was the manifestation of a Raging Gale.


    Clapping could be heard as Fer now stood next to the Rocs, ¡°Bravo, bravo, you are still as quick and deadly as ever! I knew Queen Freyja would never fail to deliver.¡± She had a smile on her face, and despite being blind, she speaks as if she had seen what Sister Mary just did.


    Sister Mary turned to her and swung her short sword at Fer. A wind blade flew out, attempting to cut Fer in half.


    Fer¡¯s expression remained the same as she waved her hand, and red bracers appeared to counteract the wind blade. A flame appeared as she manifested the elemental aura into a real thing.


    ¡°Why are you so violent?¡± Fer moved her hands again and kept the bracers inside her sleeves, ¡°I could have died just then, you know?¡±


    ¡°You know I don¡¯t want to be called Queen or that accursed surname. I am no longer Freyja! I am¡­ Mary¡­ the Nun of that, saves others. I left the Order, so that means that I am no longer that person.¡± Mary¡¯s eyes showed a dangerous glint, she titled as her hands trembled.


    Fer¡¯s smile disappeared, ¡°Don¡¯t kid yourself. Rejecting your past and sins is the only reason why this problem exists, to begin with, older sister. The Order only let you leave because you were ¡ª enough of that, goddammit, that¡¯s not what I¡¯m for at the moment.¡±


    Fer had enough and threw Sister Mary a letter, ¡°Don¡¯t say anything, just read it first, you¡¯ll know why I showed you this instead of doing anything¡­ it¡¯s from that person.¡±


    Sister Mary received the letter and then began reading its contents¡­ after reading its contents. Sister Mary found herself looking up to the moon, stars, and the night skies, ¡°Why is this happening again?¡±


    Sister Mary had been summoned to the Center of all Religion ¡ª Holy Land!


    [Author] With this, the Continent would be seen other than the Western part

 180. Family Vacation (Part 2)

    Before Fluff were craters and crevices created by Colt''s sword. It would be impossible to tidy this mess without an Earth Mage, but with a sigh, the Lord of the Earth, or the Terrestrial Beast God tapped the land with its paws.


    Its body glowed a golden light, and then, it opened its mouth with grace to let out a "meow" the surroundings began to shake, the craters and the crevices started to change shape, the earth was soon restored.


    ''This never ceases to amaze me no matter how many times I watch it.'' Colt had seen Fluff do many nonsensical bullshits. It could tackle a rhino and even slapped a panther that disrespected its flabbiness.


    However, seeing it control the Earth was even more of a shock than anything else yet, "Why don''t you change in your other form? You could do it already, right?"


    Fluff turned to Colt with a sigh, it unknowingly answered in human tongue, [It is a waste of my energy, I do not have enough vitality to do it, I am not like that chicken over there that had its bloodline replenished by one of its treasure¡­ I need time to recuperate like an ordinary being.]


    "Brother, I told you, it is not chicken, but Reis! Also, Colt, you should know that brother was the one that sustained the most, injuries on ¡ª ack!" Reis got kicked on the head as it was talking with pride.


    [You''re the one who told that Delegate of yours to shut up, and here you are blabbing your mouth, at least wait until the bastard return ¡ª also, stop talking about injuries, it was my decision anyway.]


    Colt was very much confused about this talk, but he didn''t ask them what''s going on and simply kept things to mind, ''It must have something to do with the Great Calamity.'' He basically already drew an outline of what''s happening.


    The untold lore of this Continent was slowly being unfolded before him, and Colt didn''t know whether he liked it or not. He could change the future, but not the past, and whatever it was that Fluff and its siblings went to, Colt could only be there for them.


    Clearing his throat, Colt slowly tried getting up, "Well, that''s enough of that. Reis, can you fly us back home again? I''ll be having a long talk with my family about this little trip we are about to take."


    Colt was smiling as he said these words, but he was somewhat saddened that he needed to leave again. He at least wanted to spend a few more months with his family, if anything else¡­ he didn''t want to leave.


    All the while Colt was thinking, Reis had already activated its form. Its body began to enlarge, its round body began to slim down, and muscles appeared from the burned down fats.


    Purple wings and a set of crimson down. Three black lines were going down its back to the tip of its tail from its forehead. Its size was not overly large, it was around five meters big, and its strength was comparable to Colt''s, at the Ninth-Level of Savage Rankings. Reis only had a single pair of wings; it was still weakened.


    Scriiiiiiiiiiii!


    Reis was a screech, and the birds at a Five-hundred-meter radius all cowered in fear. She sounded powerful, too powerful for any kind of aviary Magical Beast. It was regaining its strength little by little.


    Fluff hopped onto Reis'' back, and the three of them returned to the Wing City. Reis enjoyed itself soaring through the skies; it had only gained this ability a month ago after arduous training.


    It was slowly regaining its strength even without the help of outside materials and treasures. It no longer needed the use of a World Tree Leaf to return to something close to its base form.


    On the other hand, Fluff was still growing, it was getting stronger sure, but not at the rate of Reis, and for the Lord Cat to show its strength, it must first meet prerequisites to turn back.


    However, it was also getting stronger in Elemental Manipulation, so it didn''t give much shit about things.


    The three of them stopped flying a few hundred meters away from the city. When they reached the city, Colt had already recuperated. The sun was about to rise from the east, and he had yet to reach their home¡­ Colthurried back as he feared he''d be seen by Hylda.


    Summoning the power of an Aura Master, he dashed forth with excessive speed, and while running, he caught sight of three Rocs with Sister Mary.


    Sister Mary actually raised her head as she felt Colt''s quick approach; she nodded her head at him but refrained from telling him anything.


    Sneaking inside their room, he saw Mina reading a book by baby Ayl''s cradle. She had a worried face as she saw her husband drenched in blood.


    She stood up in haste to cast a healing spell, "Are you okay, Darling?" She was worried about him.


    Mina assisted Colt in changing his clothes and even already drew him a bath for him to take in time for his return, "You always come so beaten up, just what kind of training are you doing? You also separated with Butler Neun after inheriting his techniques, so what could you possibly be doing?"


    While Colt was taking off his clothes, he interrupted Mina with his words, "Dear, I have something to tell you¡­" Colt took in a deep breath and said, "I am going away for some time, in the Valley of the Serpent God¡­ I mean the Hero''s Plateau."


    The two names he mentions was the same place, but their name was of a different time. Colt looked at Mina, who had stopped her hands and looked at him with a smile, "Are we finally going to go on that honeymoon? I knew my Darling would never forget."


    Mina''s hands were clasped together as her smile made her complexion grow.


    When Colt saw this, he felt his heart tremble, "No, I am not simply going there for no reason. Do not worry, I won''t even look at a woman, it is just that it will be dange¡ª"


    BAM!


    The room echoed with a powerful blast as Mina''s fist stopped three centimeters away from Colt''s face. She was radiating with power, and her fist cast a green light.


    With a smiling expression, Mina retracted her fist, "Darling, please do not look down on your wife so much. I may easily get jealous, but remember, I have the three mouths to feed watching over you, so I don''t really worry about women. Oh yeah, I forgot to tell Darling that the Goddesses would strike you with lightning if you even think of cheating. Also, I am anything but weak, so your worries are unfounded. I know you''re going somewhere dangerous, and that''s precisely the reason why I want to come with you.


    "My healing would come in handy, and in hindsight, I am far more experienced than you are. You may be strong, Fluff and Reis may Gift you an extraordinary experience, but, with the way you are now, you still have no right to tell me if something is dangerous."


    Colt looked at Mina in disbelief. Her fist was strong and quick, ''She had already reached the Minor-Sorcerer Path.''


    Mina''s smiling face was only interrupted by baby Ayl''s cries, who was startled by her attack.


    "Ah, did Mama startle you just now? Sorry, sorry, now, now, everything''s all right."


    She frantically went over to make Ayl go back to sleep, only to fail miserably. From there, Colt went to take a bath, and news of him leaving spread like wildfire.


    Filla and Hylda were the first to learn of it, and they asked if they could come, to which Mina said yes.


    Lucille, who learned of the two going out, presented herself as a babysitter to take care of the children when Colt and Mina go on their date¡­ she was granted permission.


    Jin and Vyra also thought it would be a good time to hitch a ride to the Holy Land. The Holy Land was in the Center of the Continent, and the path to the Hero''s Plateau could only be taken through here.


    Thus, Jin, Vyra, and their children also got on board with the idea. It was also decided that the baptism of the children would be held there.


    Sera and Mary didn''t have much say as, where Colt goes, they follow. Butler Go also decided to go with them as it wanted to visit an old friend in the Holy Land.


    And so, as Colt walked out of the bath, a group had already been formed. He sought Liron and Shickly''s help to sort out this problem, but they only responded with a shrug of a shoulder.


    "Hmm? Why not go? Neun can easily take care of the ships on the south, and Liron and I will be busy strengthening our army. Liron would talk to Tristan about the possibility of war, so there is actually nothing to do here." Shickly argued.


    Liron then followed with, "Also, the Holy Land has one of the strongest Knight Order in the whole Continent. It was said that they could match our armies, and it is far away from the Phantasmagoria Family. The second would be the Hero''s Plateau; it is closed to the Hellbane Family and the Dragon Blood Warrior Coalition, so that place would also be safe."


    Then, Neun, who was taking out the plans for the ships on the shelves, heard all of it; he added, "Young Master, you said it yourself, the south could be on the verge of breaking out in a massive war, so, if anything they are safer if you take them out of this place. Secondly, you have Go and Miss Lucille, so no ordinary force can go against you. Miss Vyra and Lady Mina are also deadly in combat, so you don''t have to worry about it much. We''ll be fine here. Go have fun."


    Colt was already sighing, but he Shickly just had to add, "Take Risa and Lyra with you; they have yet to go to the Holy Land or the North; this would be a good chance for them to see the world. Good luck, my son!"


    This conversation sealed the fate of him having a Family Vacation!

 181. The Inevitable

    Three days of preparations later.


    Nine carriages were lined, five of which were boarded by humans, and the other four were meant for food and other necessities.


    There was a total of fifty-two Dragon Horses ridden by Butler Go and the soldiers. Though Colt already had both Butler Go and Lucille, he couldn¡¯t possibly have the two of them go running about, massacring everyone like maniacs¡­ well, he could, but that if something happens and their strength was not up to par, then it would not be good.


    There were also four more Nether Flame Pegasus, freshly caught by Neun, Butler Go, and Shickly the yesterday. These Nether Flame Pegasus were not trained, but none showed any haughtiness as in front of them were an Infernal Umbra Pegasus and a fat cat on its head.


    These Pegasi would show their worth later, but for now, they were more of an attraction than anything else. They would be showing their worth sometime after they reached the first destination.


    Colt watched as the excited batch of people enter their carriages with smiles and expectations while he, the one who planned all of these were watching them with fogeys.


    ¡°Well, it appears you can¡¯t tell them they can¡¯t go.¡± Shickly said with a gloating expression while drinking wine.


    Colt turned to his Father, who was enjoying every bit of his suffering. Shickly leaned into Colt and whispered, ¡°This is the married life, my son. Get used to it.¡±


    The only thing Colt could do was shake his head in the face of a father like him.


    ¡°Papa! Let us get-going!¡± Filla said with a smile; the excited kid was calling out!


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right there, my daughter.¡± Colt said, and then as he approached the carriage, he waited for Faerith, who was standing next to it finish whatever it was she was saying about Magics, and something Colt couldn¡¯t understand.


    He stood there and waited for her words to end, and as it did, she turned to him and reminded him, ¡°Take care of everyone, Miss Lucille and Butler Go may be stronger than you are, but they elected you to lead this travel. You have young ones with you; just make sure they do not get into trouble.¡±


    ¡°I will, mother, do not worry. They are my family; I will not let anything happen to them.¡± Colt assured her before entering the carriage. The carriage he took was larger than the usual and for a good reason.


    Inside, there were Mina, their three daughters, Ayl¡¯s cradle, and Lyra. Lucille was actually supposed to be in the same carriage but was rejected. Lucille was upset and even threw a fit.


    The hundred-year-old or so Tower Master sniffled and then went to a corner while mumbling with a pout. She thought Mina didn¡¯t want to be with her, and in short, it was the usual.


    Mina saved the day by talking to Lucille and making two compromises with her, and having the Tower Master take care of Ayl during the night¡­ Lucille was taking the nanny job seriously.


    ¡®Say, should I retire from being the Tower Master?¡¯ these were her words three days ago when she calmed down Ayl, who was awakened from slumber.


    The second compromise was about the inevitable when traveling with children.


    Faerith watched Colt enter the carriage, and then, Lopre, the Captain of the Platoon, confirmed that everyone else had boarded and everything was ready; he shouted aloud, ¡°March!¡±


    The Count and Countess watched everyone¡¯s departure with a pleasant smile. Shickly turned to Faerith and made a playful smile as he whispered, ¡°I supposed it is time for Lyra to become a big sister??¡±


    Faerith¡¯s face flushed red as she responded with elbowing Shickly, ¡°Don¡¯t try your luck tonight; you said you have a lot of things to do.¡±


    ¡°What about other nights then?¡±


    ¡°Talk to me when you finish everything ¡ª I¡¯ll be going to the Orphanage with some maids; Sister Mary and Sister Fer should have already left by now.¡±


    The Countess then entered the Mansion, and Shickly, who had his mind above the clouds, realized her words and then called out, ¡°Wait, Sister Mary and Sister Fer left? Why you tell me anything.¡±


    ¡°They asked me to keep it quiet from Colt and the others; I do not know why, however. I couldn¡¯t risk having you tell them about it. They went directly to the Holy Land using their mounts, so it was impossible to begin with. They were in a rush!¡±


    Shickly stood outside, watching Faerith enter the room; he had an odd expression on his face as he asked Liron, his friend, ¡°Am I that untrustworthy?¡±


    ¡°Speaking from experience, sometimes, yeah.¡±


    ===


    The March out of the City took about thirty minutes and was treated as a parade. Filla and Lyra were enjoying themselves as they waved their hands around with glee.


    Filla and Lyra, who had not been outside of the City were excited with the trees and the plains as far as the eye could see.


    For the first hour, they looked around and saw birds and how vast the view was compared to the limited view of the City.


    The second hour was when they turned to books and began reading about stories of myths, legends, and even magical formulas.


    The third hour was when they tried playing games with Colt and Hylda.


    The fourth hour was when they began questioning Colt about his experiences. Colt¡¯s stories were exhausted in a manner of two hours, and then¡­ the inevitable happened.


    ¡°I¡¯m bored.¡± Lyra said while watching over Ayl. Although Filla did not say anything, she agreed with this tiny aunt of hers.


    The two chibis turned to their most trustworthy provider of information, Mina, to ask, ¡°When will we get to the Holy Land?¡±


    Mina looked at the children as she prepared the sweets for bribes and answered, ¡°We are not headed for the Holy Land, but for the Capital City.¡±


    ¡°Oooohhhh? Does that mean we can see the Castle?¡± Filla and Lyra excitedly.


    Mina nodded her head.


    Another question came out, ¡°How long will it take to reach it?¡±


    ¡°¡­Three weeks?¡±


    Those words managed to draw out the despair in the two children¡¯s faces, and Colt, the Father, was on the side, could already see how they would act.


    This was the inevitable they spoke of, that moment when children learned that it would take longer than a couple of hours to reach the destination.


    ¡®This is why I didn¡¯t want to bring the children along.¡¯


    For Colt, who had experienced commercial airlines¡­ he could already see the future.


    ''I wish to get to the Capital and get that new Carriage Faster!''


    Sadly for Colt, magic existed, but Miracle does not.

 182. Celebrity

    Three weeks later.


    ¡°WOAAAAAAAHH! Teacher! Teacher! Teacher! Where is the Magic Tower!?¡±


    Colt was watching Filla and Lyra lose their minds as they finally reached the Capital City. They who had been deprived of proper sights finally arrived in the Capital they so dearly wished to go to. The pair were excited.


    Lucille was having a good time being showered by so much love and affection that her face grew lax with smiles.


    ¡°Okay, okay, we will get there, no worries.¡± The Tower Master said as her hands were pulled by the girls. ¡®I think I should really retire after this vacation¡­ I like these kids.¡¯ Lucille was slowly beginning to consider her options.


    She then turned to Mina and asked her, ¡°Are you going to come with me, Mina? The Elders should be excited to see you.¡±


    ¡°¡­Darling¡­¡± Mina turned to Colt, and he responded with a pleasant smile and a nod, ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± Mina left with baby Ayl in her hand.


    ¡°Young Master, I shall go, as well. I will be setting up our ride for the Holy Land; please, do whatever it is that you need to do now.¡± Butler Go said and left with the rest. With him were the Pegasus and a chubby cat who was too lazy to move.


    Vyra and Jin went to the Tiger Manor to get some items they have forgotten.


    Mary excused herself and went back home to inform her parents that she would be going to the Holy Lands. Though the only one who would most likely know would be her Mother, as the Duke was over at the Eastern Garrison.


    Only Hylda, Sera, Reis, Risa, and Colt remained together ¡ª there was also Arte, but Colt tried his best not to count him¡­ he was acting as Hylda¡¯s Knight despite being weaker.


    Colt turned to Hylda and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to join them?¡±


    Hylda shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m want to see the Prince¡¯s Palace. Filla and Lyra only want to go to the Magic Tower because Miss Lucille told them she¡¯ll give them wands, anyway. We¡¯re only here for a little bit, so I¡¯m going to get my fill.¡±


    Colt turned to Arte, ¡°And you?¡±


    ¡°¡­I also want to sightsee,¡± Arte answered before quietly turning to Hylda.


    ¡°You have no motives, really?¡±


    ¡°¡­nope, I only want to look around.¡±


    ¡®Are you a tsundere or something? How can you tell Father and me about your desires and not be direct with Hylda? Well, can¡¯t blame him. He¡¯s basically without any experience in terms of interacting with women.¡¯


    Colt didn¡¯t really like tsundere, male or female, as they were violent, and as he advocated the law of equivalent exchange and hits anyone who hits him, Colt had wished not to encounter such people.


    Colt just flashed a look at Reis and informed it of something of utmost importance; the bird got it without fail and ensured it would protect Hylda from advances, ¡®She¡¯s too young for that.¡¯ Is what Colt and Reis thought.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s go.¡± Prince Trist and Feriar should be waiting for us. I told them that I¡¯d be coming to them, after all.¡±


    They left without a carriage and just walked. Their group passed the market place that had now regained its life. Unlike the Wing City, where Colt was known everywhere, his face was not that known in the Capital.


    There were those he housed when the epidemic was going on, but they build up the minority of the people. Colt watched as people of different races walked on the streets without fear of the disease.


    ¡®This is nice.¡¯ He said while acting like a tourist. Right now, Mina was nowhere near him, but Colt was already planning on how his date with Mina would turn out. Though he needed to think more about the third sibling and the whole war thing, the idea of a honeymoon had already occupied his mind.


    He was making so many plans in his mind right now.


    While walking, their group passed the Dracian Fate¡¯s Church that housed the three Goddesses and the Dragonheart Academy that Colt attended for a week.


    ¡®Yeah, I¡¯m not returning to this place again.¡¯ The Dragonheart Academy was supposed to teach the students how to walk their chosen path, but Colt speedruns the thing and basically never returned after taking a leave.


    He could now only think if he¡¯s now considered a graduate as he was already passed a Ranked Warrior. He was now planning how he could get away from them without any questions being asked to him.


    ¡°Hehehehe.¡±


    All the while, Colt was thinking about his escape plan, he heard giggling beside him. He turned around and saw Hylda smiling while looking at its gates.


    Hylda was looking at its closed gates, with an expecting smile, ¡°I¡¯ll go here someday and take the crown of the strongest.¡± An itch appeared in Hylda¡¯s hands as she wanted to go and have a bout against someone.


    Their tour around the Capital continued until they reached the Western Area, where a mansion called the Second Prince Palace was built.


    In the past, this place would be barren without many people, but it had been swarmed by tourists for the past months as they wanted to catch a glimpse of the Hero from the West.


    Trist, the person who went Empire to Empire and Village to Village with the Ancient Elves, was now being treated as a Hero like he was promised. It had been at least a month or two since the epidemic was conquered, but their gratitude was still going strong.


    The Knights who watched the area all had stern expressions; they would not let a single one of these tourists infiltrate the premises.


    ¡°Is it even possible to catch a glimpse of the Second Prince?¡± One woman asked her companion.


    ¡°I do not know, but he usually goes out to look around the City about this time. But I heard from a servant, who is the cousin of a friend, of a friend that he¡¯s meeting with some bigshot, so I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll come out today.¡±


    ¡°What? And I came here from Revery City, too, what a shame!¡± The woman said with a downcast expression; she then gathered her anger and then shouted aloud, ¡°Whoever this old fogey of a guest is, I curse you for inhibiting the Second Prince¡¯s presence from being seen!¡±


    She shouted aloud, and her companion decided to move the side quite a bit¡­ she didn¡¯t want to be associated with her for this. She¡¯s a friend, but there was a limit.


    The one who shouted, however, could only sigh at this turnabout, ¡°Well, we can¡¯t do anything now. Let¡¯s just go to the Magic Tower. I heard something is going on there today. I think some kind of new transportation was just invented.¡±


    The lady turned around only to have a handsome man¡¯s face pass her peripheral vision.


    It was quick, but she saw and then, she turned to the man without even realizing that everyone was already looking at this person.


    Her jaw was slightly ajar as she tapped her friend¡¯s shoulder and asked, ¡°Wh-who is that hunk?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ also do not know.¡±


    As the majority of people there were tourists hoping to see royalty, none of them managed to identify the man leading a group of five.


    But then, the Knights who were proudly guarding the gates of the Palace saw this man, all of them stood on attention and lowered their heads, ¡°It is nice to see you again, Young Master.¡±


    The man nodded his head and then spoke with calmness, ¡°This is my first time being here. Is this place always this crowded with so many people?¡±


    ¡°There are people who wish to catch a glimpse of the Second Prince, so they all come here and wait for when he comes out.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Would that mean I am doing something unwanted because I am stopping him from coming out? That¡¯s no good; I do believe connection with the populace is important too.¡±


    ¡°Of course not, Young Master, the Second Prince had been waiting for your arrival since your letter weeks ago. He had even set up a nice area in his garden to welcome you.¡± the Knight who heard this frantically tried to clear the misunderstanding.


    The man and his butler showed signs of smiling, ¡°Well, that is quite nice to know. Will you let us in now? I am quite pressed for time; the Tower Master would be finished in showing off to my daughter and youngest sister by now.¡±


    ¡°I understand, Young Master.¡± The Knights lowered his head with respect as he ordered the others to open the gates and announced for everyone to hear, ¡°Young Master Colt of the Edgeworth Family and his daughter and sister had arrived.¡±


    A commotion instantly broke out.


    Seyer_Jad


    Thanks for reading still, seriously, thanks


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 183. Laughable

    Colt was having tea with the Second and Crown Prince in a courtyard with a pleasant expression on his face. The sounds of people echoed in Prince Trist¡¯s and Feriar¡¯s ears.


    ¡°It seems like he¡¯s here.¡± Feriar laughed as he said those words.


    ¡°Well, only the Young Master can elicit such a reaction from the people. No one can really outshine the Hero of the Kingdom. I may be well-known all over the Continent, but the collective praises I receive cannot even threaten the Young Master¡¯s position. Just look at the time when his wedding was announced ¡ª f not for Father¡¯s efforts of containing the people, the Wing City would have been swamped by people.¡± Trist followed up with a compliment and a sigh.


    Trist then realized something as his mind received a jolt, ¡°Oh yeah, the issue of the Young Master trying to usurp the Crown once appeared amongst the Nobles, right? Do you think you¡¯ll be able to win against him if he actually wanted the crown?¡± he asked with a laugh.


    Feriar looked up and sighed, ¡°The Young Master is untouchable, you know. The Genesis Family, the Courtgains, the populace, the military, all of that are within his reach. I reckoned if he wanted to, he could announce his desire to become King, and everyone would rush to the Palace to give him the crown¡­ even if we try anything against him. Colt rarely leaves himself vulnerable, as he always has someone with skills with him. He could usurp the crown in a matter of a single moon, and he¡¯ll still win. It would be best if I give up rather than fight.¡±


    While talking, they noticed the people coming their way; Feriar and Trist both stood up. Upon seeing Colt, the Second Prince smiled and opened his arms, ¡°It is good to see you, Young Master! It had been so long!¡±


    The Second Prince ran up to Colt in an attempt to hug him, but as soon as the Young Master saw this, he was left confused and instinctively moved to the side!


    The Second Prince missed entirely and fell on the ground, hard.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry about that ¡ª with all due respect, what are you doing, Your Highness?¡± Colt responded with a question and confusion.


    Hylda turned to Sera and tugged on her sleeves, ¡°¡­is this weirdo the Second Prince? He¡¯s rather¡­ unique, isn¡¯t he?¡± Hylda whispered. But despite trying her best to lower her voice, it still reached everyone present.


    Arte, Colt, and Feriar grinned at her comment. Arte knew he shouldn¡¯t, but he did anyway.


    Sera looked down on Trist and giggled at her words. She was the most ruthless one among them and even decided to answer the Young Miss, ¡°That is indeed the Second Prince, Young Miss. He used to be rather negative and spoiled. He was always screaming.


    ¡°He had always been a weirdo¡­ but that had been elevated since returning from traveling the Continent with older brother¡­ I think fame has gotten to his head. Don¡¯t look at him like he¡¯s a weirdo; pity him, at least.¡±


    A sharp, almost ruthless, and cold-blooded words came out of Sera¡¯s mouth. The one before her was the Second Prince, but she treated him worst than she treated Colt.


    Trist got up and with his back turned to Colt, he patted himself off the dirt he got on him while trying ease the emotions of embarrassment in his heart, ¡°Ahem, well, I got overly excited seeing a friend that I inadvertently did that without thinking of my image¡­ and it is nice to see you too, Butler Sera you¡¯ve become even more ruthless with your words, it seems.¡±


    Sera and Trist met eyes, to which the sharp-tongued lady butler responded with a belittling smile, ¡°And you¡¯re more annoying than before, Second Prince.¡±


    The Second Prince¡¯s smile cracked as he met face to face with Sera.


    Hylda looked at them with curiosity, but as she did not know what was happening, she was at a loss, ¡°How can Big Sis Sera be so disrespectful to the Prince like this?¡±


    Arte, heard her whispers and then decided to speak of the reason, ¡°I only got to know of this when I was rescued by the Young Master, but apparently, the big sis Sera would always laugh at the Second Prince when he makes a blunder or acts childish. At first, she was afraid of being punished, but slowly, she grew lax, and after the Second Prince and Jin became partners in distributing the medicine, Sister Sera failed to hold it back and had always been ridiculing the Prince.¡±


    Hylda¡¯s eyes widened as she grew interested, then, Colt decided to say something, ¡°The Prince was also rejected by Sera before he could even try anything.¡±


    ¡°Really!?¡± Hylda was intrigued!


    Trist was not, ¡°I was not interested in her, Young Master!¡±


    Colt saw Trist and felt satisfied with himself.


    Sera was smirking from a distance as she found this Second Prince rather funny to look at. She no longer feared getting trialed for disrespecting him.


    Colt shook his head at this sight and just chose to take a seat. Trist also grew tired of it, and when he saw Hylda, he asked, ¡°Is she the daughter you told me about, Young Master?¡±


    ¡°Good day, your highness. My name is Hylda Edgeworth.¡± Hylda introduced herself with grace.


    Feriar already taught Trist what not to say in front of Colt regarding Hylda, but even without that, he would still be courteous to someone with such grace, ¡°My name Trist Valar, it is good to meet you, Young Lady.¡±


    Trist would have wanted to kiss the hands of this Young Lady to show his said grace, only to feel like he¡¯s being filled with daggers all over.


    Without even looking, he knew Colt would kill him if he was to try anything. But what surprised him was Arte oozing with a finer killing intent¡­ it was weird and terrifying at the same time.


    Trist learned his place and was made to sit without causing a commotion. Hylda didn¡¯t join them and decided to go around the courtyard to look around.


    ¡°So, what is it that you need to talk to us about, Young Master Colt?¡± Feriar asked as he stifled his laughter.


    With Colt and Sera meeting the Princes, he stopped acting like a fool and decided to speak out what is that he needed to talk about:


    ¡°Something is coming, and I need the Princes to do something for me; this would be hard to do, but if you agree to do this, we will be able to cement our names in the history of the Continent.¡±


    ¡°¡­What is it?¡± Feriar asked as he felt his heart beating wildly.


    Colt paused for some time before giving his answer, ¡°Not counting the Three Great Families, there are five Major Powers in our Continent ¡ª¡±


    Colt¡¯s words flowed out, and slowly, the two Princes were enlightened, and soon enough, skepticism could be found in their eyes.


    Feriar looked at him and asked, ¡°Are you sure this will work?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and I can deal with the Holy Land. I only want the Princes to go to the other four. After that, then we¡¯ll be able to start with what I want.¡±


    Colt could see visible pain in the expressions of the two, ¡°Is it too hard to do?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not, but despite what we have done to the other powers, I doubt they would actually consider it,¡± Trist said with a solemn expression.


    Colt sighed, ¡°I do not want to stand out, but if nothing works, I always have a backup plan. Informing them would be enough, so you do not need to push yourselves.¡± Everyone went silent as Colt¡¯s words left his mouth.


    Then, the Young Master felt something and then raised his head. His brows were lifted, and then he spoke, ¡°It appears, my ride is here.¡±


    Colt¡¯s words echoed in the ears of the Princes and then followed his gaze.


    ¡°W-what the!?¡±


    Looking up, the two Princes¡¯ mouth opened wide as the sight of five flying carriages drawn by Pegasi landed on the ground. The carriages were glowing with runes that had been carefully etched on its surface.


    There were five carriages of the nine they arrived her with.


    ¡°Apollo!¡± Hylda shouted as she came running from somewhere to hug her majestic Pegasus.


    Apollo was controlled by Butler and the other four by no one. However, none of the other four seemed to be causing any trouble as one fat cat was sitting atop one of the carriages.


    Colt approached the carriages, and just as he was about to enter the one pulled by Apollo, he turned to the Princes and said his farewells, ¡°I am counting on your help.¡±


    He then looked around and saw everyone had already entered. Even Hylda had already entered.


    Giving the two one last nod of goodbye, he spoke to Butler Go, ¡°Let us go¡­¡±


    ¡°Understood, Young Master.¡±


    Colt entered the carriage and left Butler Go outside to control the direction of the Pegasi and Fluff so that it could watch over the other four.


    ¡°It is good seeing you, Princes.¡± Butler Go said with a nod, ¡°HIYA!¡±


    The Butler¡¯s loud shout echoed in everyone¡¯s ears, and shortly after, Feriar and Trist were looking at the direction where these flying carriages headed.


    Soon, an uproar from the people outside their gates reached the two Princes¡¯ ears.


    Trist chuckled as he said, ¡°Not wanting to draw attention, he said.¡±


    It was laughable.

 184. Inherited Surname (Part 1)

    Sister Mary was inside a 20 square meter room where a single magic lamp acted as a light source, ¡®I didn¡¯t think we¡¯d have these already.¡¯


    Sister Mary raised her brows as she thought to herself. She bobbed her head up and down before releasing a profound sigh.


    That room only had four things, the lamp, a wooden desk, and two chairs. The walls were all painted white, and no blemish could be seen on the surfaces, feeling bored, Sister Mary played with the short sword on her waist for some time.


    ¡°I want to go back to Wing City.¡± She said to herself.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t peg the Queen to be so sentimental, did you like your stay there, Mary? Hmph, you have a weak heart, this is the reason why you¡¯re in that position right now.¡± Arrogant words echoed as the door to Sister Mary¡¯s right opened.


    A woman walked in. This woman had blond hair and carried with her a shield on her back. The shield was two meters in height. It was a pretty big item, and it would have made the woman look intimidating if not for the fact she was only about 140 centimeters tall.


    ¡°Still acting big despite your height, Pel?¡± Sister Mary said and the woman wearing the same gray tunic as Sister Mary turned to her with a glare.


    ¡°I¡¯m not small! I¡¯m petite!¡± Pel said with a roar.


    Sister Mary saw this, and she smiled as she answered back, ¡°Petite, eyy? With that petite temper of yours, I see that you are small in every way possible.¡±


    ¡°What did you say!? Do you really think I won¡¯t hit you!? You¡¯re not the Queen anymore, and just because Big Sis Fer still has yet to let go of the ¡± Pel had he urge to smack Sister Mary in the face with her shield but chose not to as she took in a deep breath, ¡°You¡¯re so childish, Mary, do you think such words can get to me? I have matured now.¡±


    Sister Mary kept her smile and then pointed the dagger at Pel¡¯s neck. Mary was not angry neither was she irritated, rather, she was happy to see this reaction, and she wanted more, ¡°Hehe, mature¡­ I see, at least something else is growing from you, after all, that chest, height, and temper of yours would never experience such a thing in this lifetime or even the next.¡±


    ¡°What did you just say!? That¡¯s it, I¡¯m going to bash your head!¡± picking up the shield, Pel swung it with tremendous force with the attempt the


    ¡°That¡¯s what the Pel I remember, come here you brat!¡± Sister Mary celebrated this development as she attempted to fight.


    She swung her dagger against Pel whose golden shield radiated golden light.


    But just as the two was about to fight it out, someone got between them and stopped their weapons using nothing but her gloved hands.


    Sister Mary looked at this lady and frowned. ¡°Why do you always have to stop my fun, Fer.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, okay, Sister Mary? You already spent three nights here per the First Cardinal¡¯s orders, do you really want to stay here for another week?¡± Fer said with a smile.


    ¡°You do know that the only reason why I¡¯m still here is because I refrained from breaking out, right? If I wanted to, I could have cut this room in half and leave.¡± Mary retorted.


    ¡°And yet, you didn¡¯t.¡± these words stopped Sister Mary¡¯s current rampant temper, Fer then turned to Pel, ¡°Sister Pel, please, that is enough, fighting in the Room of Reflection is forbidden. You wouldn¡¯t want me getting angry, now, would you?¡±


    ¡°Tsk, but she¡¯s the who started it.¡± Pel clicked her tongue.


    ¡°Real, mature right there.¡± Sister Mary failed to control herself.


    ¡°What was that!?¡±


    Another fight was about to break out, but Fer who had been acting the most mature of the three turned to Sister Mary and told her, ¡°Sister¡­ you¡¯re slipping more and more as the day follows. I thought you no longer want to act as Freyja?¡±


    ¡°¡­so it seems¡­ I shall repent for my words.¡± Soon after Sister Mary¡¯s words escaped her mouth, she moved the dagger and then stabbed left arm, the pain brought her back to her calm self.


    ¡°Freyja!? What are you doing!?¡± Pel saw Mary¡¯s action and quickly called out. She was going to rush to her side when Fer suddenly stopped her from going.


    Fer looked at Pel and then whispered to her, ¡°Sister Pel, do not disgrace the Former Queen¡¯s repentance¡­ this is her trying to remember the fa?ade she created, she¡¯s currently suppressing Freyja if you approach her ¡ª you will end up like me.¡±


    Pel was on a mission that time when the news of the one who inherited the surname of Freyja was leaving, she didn¡¯t know what actually saw what happened. When Pel returned, Fer had already lost her eyes.


    Pel looked at Fer¡¯s blindfold and remembered the stories about the incident when the one they called the Queen of the Valkyries, the one who controlled the sharpest dagger said that she was leaving the Order¡­ it was a bloody night, to say the least.


    Although others said that it was Freyja who took it, Pel didn¡¯t believe them. Though she and Freyja were always bickering, Pel still knew that someone as kind as the Queen would do no such thing.


    However, seeing this weird sight and Fer¡¯s serious tone made her freeze on her steps.


    Sister Mary looked at the tainted dagger in her hands and then at the angered Pel. She took in a deep breath, and then, her eyes inexplicably changed. It was now, far calmer than before, ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that, Sister Pel Hrist, that was immature of me attacking you with the words you didn¡¯t want to hear.¡±


    ¡°¡­it¡¯s fine, really. I was also rather hot-tempered.¡± The jarring shift made Pel unable to answer quickly.


    Sister Mary finally nodded her head and then turned to the other person in the room. ¡°Sister Fer, I reckoned, the reason why you are here is that she¡¯s calling for me again?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct, the Mother Cardinal wants to see you again.¡±


    ¡°I see, then, lead the way, I have something to ask her as well.¡± Sister Mary was acting gracefully, she looked at Sister Pel and then bowed one last time.


    Sister Mary exited the room with blood on her arm, and despite her calm demeanor, she was repeatedly shouted in her mind, ¡®I am not just Freyja¡­ I am Sister Mary of Wing City.¡¯

 185. Inherited Surname (Part 2)

    Sister Mary was looking around the area, and from afar, she could hear the loud cries of men and women alike, "Is something going on?" she asked.


    "Gunr and Helvor were called to the Central Plaza. Someone reported that a commotion had happened." Sister Pel answered with reluctance.


    "Two Valkyries were sent there? Is the emergency that big? Are you two not needed there?" despite her cold tone, Sister Mary was concerned.


    Sister Pel shook her head, "Kara has confirmed that it is not a matter of incurring imbalance. It is just that the Saintess is there¡­ complicating another tourist, it seems."


    "¡­oh, so Gunr and Helvor are the ones who lost the draw lots this time around?" Sister Mary watched Sister Pel nod her head. With a sigh of relief, Sister Mary could already see the benefits of leaving this place.


    The three walked down a hallway while actively ignoring the whatever headache-inducing bullshit the Saintess had done.


    Sister Mary held a stiff expression. She was not sad; rather, she was calm and slightly glad.


    Looking to her left, there was a courtyard where one of the seven Serpentine Trees that survived the Great Calamity.


    "So, it still stands to this day, that''s good to know. That is good to know." Sister Mary said with a smile, but seeing it empty without a life around it saddened her to some degree, "Has there been no one allowed in the Garden?"


    Fer listened to her words and shook her head, "The Mother Cardinal has yet to approve of the next generation; she wants to consult you about it, at least."


    Sister Mary scoffed at her words, "Consult? That''s something I didn''t expect her to try and wait for someone like myself. She usually does her things without a care about the repercussions, are you perhaps partaking in unholy substances? You must be dillusional."


    She smiled, remembering a time when she was but an ordinary child. Well, with a shrug of her shoulder, she disregarded everything Fer was trying to say otherwise. Sister Mary simply reminisced of the past.


    It was a time where she was still pure and innocent, ''Such were the good days.''


    Sister Mary held onto these memories with fondness.


    However, she decided to throw these sentiments as she stood before a pair of heavy doors. Sister Mary took a deep breath as he pushed it open.


    Behind that door, he saw an old woman with a pleasant smile. She wore a pair of round glasses and a gray robe loosely draped over her body. On her forehead was a pair of glorious black horns speaking of her royal Demon lineage.


    She was seated on a couch, and on her hand was an old book; she placed it down after seeing Sister Mary. Standing up, she picked up the cane adjacent to her to support her movements.


    Fer and Pel quickly went to her side, but the old woman waved her hand to say it was all right. The woman walked towards Sister Mary, smiling. The old woman suddenly tapped the ground with her cane, and seven bright red magic circles appeared.


    "Fiery Chains." The old woman shouted for no apparent reason.


    Chains sprouted out of the red magic circles. These chains shot up to bind Sister Mary, but Sister Mary moved her hands and produced wind around her with an uninterested expression.


    The wind picked up speed and became a gale before finally turning to a scythe that cut every chain surrounding her, "Cardinal, are you still doing this at your age!?"


    "You fell for it, you fool, Fire Split Serpent Spell!"


    The frail old woman, however, was not done. She took a step back and waved her cane. A giant red magic circle encompassing the entire room appeared, the room''s temperature raised, and shortly after


    Pel brought out her shield, and Fer stood behind her. Two serpents burned the room, and its contents, the valuables within turned to ashes as both rushed to attack Sister Mary.


    "A Minor Supreme Spell? Do you really think I have weakened, Cardinal?" Sister Mary said and drew out her short sword. She gathered the wind on her feet and the edge of the blade, the Gifted speed she got from the Rocs activated, and then, she swung the short sword without restraint.


    Slash!


    The short sword cut through the serpents'' bodies and destroyed the Supreme Magic Circles; it was unrestrained and only stopped a few inches away from the old woman''s neck.


    Sister Mary raised a brow, "Do you want to die now, or are you going to wait for your time to come?"


    "¡­ I''ll wait¡­" the old woman considered death for some time before deciding to live her life out. The old woman threw her cane away before having her laughter fill the room, "HAHAHA, you''re as ruthless as ever Freyja, wait, it''s supposed to be Mary now, right? Have you forsaken that name, yet?"


    Sister Mary showed her a weak smile, "No, I have not. The Cardinal Mother should know best what I am like."


    "Yes, I know what kind of child you are, and that''s the reason why I fail to understand why you asked to have a first name in the first place. After all, you once said that the name Freyja would be the only title you would need¡­ the Goddesses'' will work in mysterious ways, I suppose."


    The one before Sister Mary was referred to by many as the Cardinal Mother. She was the one who nurtures and picks the strongest Offensive and Defensive Force ¡ª the Valkyries.


    Sister Mary treated her as her mother. Her was Yvse''raszqueta Z''ll Porsampierla ¡ª it was a hard name to pronounce as it stemmed from the Demon Race''s ancient language; thus, she is simply referred to as Cardinal Mother.


    Like a Demon should be, she was free-willed and liked to do things her own way. That bout of magic against Aura was her way of testing and welcoming the daughters she had reared for years.


    Despite Sister Mary already abandoning her role as the Queen of the Valkyrie, the Mother Cardinal laughed, "Well, enough of that. Though it might be wrecked, why don''t we have a talk first? The First Cardinal demanded to hold information from being said while you are away to reflect and cleanse your bias, so a lot of time had already passed."


    Sister Mary nodded her, the doors closed, and the Mother Cardinal was just about to offer Mary to take a seat on the burnt sofa when a woman wearing a Golden Dress, a white stiff crown band, and a black veil. On the side of her dress were gray linings¡­


    This woman was breathing hard, trying to catch her breath. She was a young woman, and her jade-like skin and almond shape eyes made gave her an alluring kind of beauty. She was eye-catching but not for the right reasons because on her right hand was a fainted man.


    The young woman smiled at the Mother Cardinal and then shouted with great energy, "I-I found him, Mother¡­ I have found my perfect husband!"


    The young woman announced as she lifted the man to show his countenance to everyone else, "Look, he''s the perfect candidate!"


    Seeing this woman, the Mother Cardinal face-palmed herself before turning to Sister Mary so she could ask her if the offer of death still stands.


    However, the Mother Cardinal only saw Sister Mary with a slacked jaw while staring at the man in the young woman''s hands¡­


    Just as Fer and Mary came to recognize who it was, pure and undiluted intent to kill enveloped the entire Dracian Fate Church!


    "What''s happening!?" Pel asked, with an alarmed voice, "Is there an enemy? Mother, I thought the ones we rejected would only initiate their attack in three weeks!?"


    Pel expected an answer, but to her surprise, it was not the Mother Cardinal who answered, but Sister Mary, "I do not know who''s this enemy you speak of, but¡­ I can tell you that this intent does not come from those people."


    "What? Then, do you know what''s happening?"


    Sister Mary''s eyes turned to Colt and then at the young woman, "The Saintess had angered his wife."


    The fainted young man was Colt.


    Sister Mary and Sister Fer knew not why he had fainted, nor did they understand why the Saintess claimed him as her husband, but one thing was for sure.


    "His wife will not stay her hand unless she gets her man back."


    "Young Master Colt?" it was not Sister Mary who spoke, but Fer¡­ her voice trembled from fear.


    Sister Mary and Fer looked at each other and managed to put the necessary information¡­


    "You both know him?" The Mother Cardinal know not who this man was, but seeing their reaction, knowing his identity should be an understatement.


    The Mother Cardinal would have loved to ask the two who this man was, but, before she could, an intense amount of pressure appeared¡­ it was .

 186. F*cked (Part 1)

    A few hours ago.


    The Holy City¡¯s Plaza was a wide area where tourist gather to see the where the [Silver Fountain of Saints].


    This Silver Fountain was one of the many landmarks in this City that existed long before any of the other forces came to being.


    It was currently early morning and at this time-of-day tourist should already spend a good time of their morning watching the splendor of this fountain.


    But not on this particular day as guards circled the area acting as a barricade.


    Even the [Sun Knights] were present on this particular day.


    The Sun Knights were the force under the direct command of the Saintess and the Three Cardinals. Their numbers were few, only at the fifty excluding the Captain and Vice-Captain, all of them, however, were at Master Class.


    They were respected by the people both inside and outside of this Ancient City. To be considered as a candidate as a Sun Knight was respectable enough, and one could only imagine how it¡¯s like to be an actual Knight.


    They were usually situated around the Basilica and the eight extreme directions of the City but not today.


    All fifty Sun Knights could be found in the Central Plaza where they were lined up to five rows with ten members each.


    In front of them were two people wearing distinct armors said to date back to when the Holy City was but a mere village.


    One of them was wearing the Infernal Chaos Armor. This had long black hair and a playful smile, he looked like a playboy yet he was actually the second-in-command of the Sun Knights, Vice-Captain Sigurd.


    The one in front of him who wore a Golden Dragon Armor made from the first Creation¡¯s Scales and bones was actually the captain of the Sun Knights.


    His face was filled with scars, his eyes seemed to have been stuck in a perpetual state of glare while and his red hair only accentuated his fierce and brave mug. This man was a living legend, who could be said to be the only human who could surpass a demon in terms of natural physique.


    The Silver Halberd and from the foremost Guardian of the Holy City ¡ª Darius Zaquire.


    He stood with a stoic expression with the Sun Knights behind him and the people surrounding the area.


    His ears perked as he listened to the words of the people¡ª


    ¡°Why is the Plaza close again? Is the Emperor of the Darkis Empire coming to ask for the Sun Knight a duel or something?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t know, but I heard some bigshot¡¯s coming so I came here like everybody else. But I am hoping that what you¡¯re telling me is true, I would love to see Captain Darius fight again.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it had been so long since he fought. Well, the Captain is there so I think it really will be interesting as to whoever it is that will arrive.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. At first, this thing had my curiosity, but now it has my attention.¡±


    Locals and tourists gathered around as someone rare had occurred. It had been about twenty years since the last time the plaza was closed to the public.


    It had been announced around a week ago that the renowned Plaza would be closed but it had not been said as to who it would be closed for.


    The Basilica did not specify anything about who it would be as to not create much commotion. But this only made people explode with curiosity thus, about a hundred people circled the people just outside the defensive runes circling circular plaza.


    The people could barely contain themselves as whoever it is that arrives, he or she should be someone famous.


    In the end, their attraction shifted from the usual to what¡¯s present.


    Curiosity was killing them; they could only envy the Knights who knew what¡¯s happening and who it was that¡¯s coming.


    However, that would be where they were wrong as the guards also fail to know who it was that¡¯s about to arrive.


    Only Captain Darius knew and if the others including the Vice-Captain Sigurd were to ask him, he would answer with a simple, ¡°Someone deserving of our utmost respect, so ensure not to tarnish our reputations before them!¡±


    With this answer, they could only speculate as to who. They managed to come up with compelling answers like the King of Hell, the Emperor of Hammer, or the Demon Emperor himself.


    They could speculate who, but at the end of the day, one last question remained.


    Why was the central plaza the only and not the road heading to it the only place to be barricaded? The Knights and the populace were all confused which only made them even more excited.


    Adding to this fact that Captain Darius had never been so serious before which only made so many of them nervous.


    They wish to scream and ask him as to who it was.


    Thankfully, no one need to further ask anything as the prolonged cry of a horse pierced the skies.


    Darius raised his head and quickly assessed the situation, ¡°What¡¯s that? A Horse?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a Nether Flame Pegasus, sir¡­ five of them.¡± Sigurd¡¯s sharp eyes confirmed.


    Darius nodded his head.


    With this confirmation, Darius motioned to Sigurd, ¡°Shoot them down before it starts a problem.¡±


    ¡°With pleasure, sir¡­but.¡±


    Sigurd stepped forward, but hesitation appeared on his face. Darius noticed and asked, ¡°What is it? Are you not feeling well?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. I¡¯m just wondering if I should give the people a good show¡ª¡±


    ¡°Just make sure to not let that thing crash in the city. We don¡¯t want any casualties.¡±


    ¡°Aye, sir!¡±


    Sigurd was all smiles hearing Darius¡¯ words. He pulled out a Crimson Bow named the Phoenix Star Longbow.


    It was a bow created from the Star Stones of the Demon Mountain Range and the Tendons of the Phoenix.


    This bow had a tensile strength that needs ten Rank-9 Warriors to pull.


    Its weight, however, was about the same as a wooden stick. Its flexibility was unquestionable and its strength was peerless.


    Sigurd¡¯s light steps carried him in front of Darius with a snap of the fingers, an Evergreen Winged Eagle appeared by his side.


    This Eagle was about ten meters big; it was a monster of a bird. The people saw this and they cheered for its appearance.


    Two other eagles appeared beside him.


    Sigurd smiled, he liked this sort of sensation, he looked at his partner and nodded his head, ¡°That¡¯s our dinner, Berus, Baskes, Beak. Make sure not to let it fall into City.¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure, I call dibs on the brains, though.¡± The Eagle named Berus flew up with screech and the other two followed as well.


    Lightning knocking an arrow on the bow, Sigurd then used the Earth Element to strengthen his arms and fingers. He then commanded the wind to gather around the arrow¡¯s fletching and nock.


    Without much pleasantries, Sigurd whispered, ¡°Phoenix Snipe.¡±


    BOOM!


    The air around him exploded with the flight of the first arrow, Sigurd already followed up with another two.


    Sigurd was ready to let another two arrows fly when he noticed something weird.


    His pupils suddenly shrunk as he waved his hand to get Darius¡¯ attention.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Darius asked.


    With a funny expression, Sigurd turned to Darius and answered, ¡°I think we should retreat.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°A Dragon has appeared!¡±


    ¡°What!?¡±


    Darius was surprised and was ready to smack this Vice-Captain of his for trying to play with him, when, all of a sudden, a weird phenomenon occurred.


    ROARRRR!


    A Dragon¡¯s roar echoed from above, they then watched glowing arrows was swatted away by this Dragon.


    Darius¡¯ face turned pale as he shouted at the top of his lungs, ¡°KNIGHTS, GET READY TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE!¡±


    ¡°YES!¡±


    Everyone drew their swords and then got ready for combat. They called for their Soul Partners and became battle-ready.


    Darius even called his own Black Death Dragon.


    This Dragon then dove down from above and caused a cloud of dust to appear.


    Darius was ready to fight this rogue Dragon when a deep voice reached his ears.


    ¡°Human, seize your disrespectful ways!¡± an angered voice echoed and then, the dust disappeared with the flap of the Dragon¡¯s wings.


    A set of beautiful white scale appeared, but that¡¯s not what caught everyone¡¯s attention, it was the young girl standing on the Dragon¡¯s back!


    The girl looked at them with a creased brow, ¡°What¡¯s the big idea? I thought we were the guest here!?¡±


    Everyone looked at the girl who had her hands on her sides with confused expressions and then from above flying carriages landed on the ground.


    A young man was sitting on top of a carriage¡¯s roof with a fat cat and a chick. The young man held onto a blue sword with a black line doing down its middle.


    The White Dragon spoke once more, ¡°How dare you fire your weapon on the Dragon King?¡±


    ROARRRRRRR!


    The White Dragon was angered.


    The young man raised his hands, ¡°Drako, that is enough.¡±


    The White Dragon stopped its roar and then, the young man stood up, ¡°My name is Colt Edgeworth. My companion, Tower Master Lucille said that we are to land in the Central Plaza, but we have been assaulted by arrows. Do I take this as you not wanting us here?¡±


    Colt asked Darius, the one who seemed to be the strongest of the bunch.


    His words held no hostility, but Reis and Fluff oppressed every Soul Partner in the area excluding the Pegasi and Drako.


    Darius took a deep breath as he looked at Colt and at the cowering Black Death Dragon beside him.


    At that moment, he knew he fucked up.

 187. The Good Wife

    Riding on top of a carriage, Colt was enjoying his time while acting as a lookout with Reis. This had been his job for the past few weeks and together with Butler Go, they ensured that the Pegasi would stay on course.


    They had just arrived above the Holy City and was just about to land on the Central Plaza like Lucille instructed him three days ago.


    ¡®I talked to the people in charge.¡¯ She said, so Colt didn¡¯t try to argue. Considering how she¡¯s a Tower Master, it¡¯s only natural for her to have connections.


    However, when they got near the central plaza, Risa who wished to experience flying outside the carriage noticed there were actually arrows flying towards them.


    Risa did not tell anything to Colt and just laughed before jumping out of the carriage which frightened her older brother half to death!


    ¡°HAHAHAHA! Something interesting finally happened!¡± Risa liked sleeping but she had slept all she could these past weeks so she had waited for magical beasts to appear.


    Even lazy people want some excitement in their life from time to time.


    But with Reis being with them, no aviary beast would dare get close to them so her dreams of aerial combat was crushed.


    Thus, when boredom and disappointment met each other, Risa jumped at the first opportunity to do something interesting. She called out Drako then have it swat the arrows away and then dove down to the central plaza ready to confront the enemies.


    Colt saw this and quickly ordered the Pegasi to follow Risa who decided to be active for once in her life at the most awful of times. She may be improving but that¡¯s not enough to fight against someone confident enough to shoot an arrow thousands of meters away!


    ¡°Dammit, Risa!¡± The carriages were pushed to their limits trying to catch up to a Dragon.


    Colt wanted to intervene as much as he could but Risa who had adrenaline coursing through her veins made it seem like their group was angry.


    ¡°What¡¯s the big idea? I thought we were the guest here!?¡±


    Then there¡¯s Drako saying some bullshit again claiming him to be the Dragon King.


    When Colt turned to the armored group before them, he reckoned he had no choice but to take a stand. Though he knew he could command Drako to start wreaking havoc and demolish every single one of these Knights with Fluff¡¯s and Lucille¡¯s help, he didn¡¯t and simply tried to be as calm as possible.


    ¡®They are the aggressors so I think it would be best if I don¡¯t let them think we are easily picked on. Also, my daughters are peeking from the carriage, I don¡¯t want them seeing me being pathetic.¡¯ Colt thought while glancing over to the side.


    He sighed.


    Thus, Colt raised his hand, stopped Drako, made the most powerful magical beast tremble on the enemy''s side to submission and stood before Darius with his head held high.


    ¡°¡­¡± silence prevailed as Darius failed to make a quick enough response.


    Darius had read reports about this man named Colt Edgeworth from what he knew, he¡¯s nothing more than a decorated Young Master who rose to prominence thanks to luck.


    Other than his kindness that is far beyond what¡¯s normal, nothing about his combat skills stood out. His greatest accomplishment in terms of combat was killing a supreme commander of an invading force whose strength is not even at Rank-9.


    There¡¯s also news of his abnormal rise in aura mastery, but like before, that¡¯s not enough to impress him. Aura without skills was nothing before a Master.


    ¡®Nothing but a shiny empty shell.¡¯ Such was his honest thought without him looking down upon Colt. He actually admired his kindness and contribution to the continent, but he¡¯s not a warrior in Darius¡¯ eyes.


    However,the Colt before him was different.


    He¡¯s no Young Master, not even a Soldier, he¡¯s a man who Darius could see through.


    A being who is referred to by the White Dragon as the King of its race, someone who could make the Black Death Dragon tremble in fear with his mere presence.


    Darius knew who he was and how much he had messed up. But... he remained confused about himself.


    ¡®Why can¡¯t I wipe this smile off my face? Why do I want to fight against him?¡¯ a wide grin was plastered on his face as he met Colt¡¯s eyes. He wished nothing more than cross blades with him.


    Colt took notice of the change in the air and Darius¡¯ weird expression. His eyes grew sharper as a part of him got ready to fight. Unlike how he was in the past, Colt could now stand up against people who wish to challenge him.


    ¡®I won¡¯t just keel over.¡¯ He does not care about honor or anything like that, but he did like being looked up to by his daughters so he¡¯s not going to simply cower before someone like Darius, ¡®Teacher is scarier than you.¡¯


    Darius¡¯ smirk was nothing compared to Butler Neun¡¯s who seemed to resemble a Demon from a good angle. Colt was ready to draw his sword.


    However, Darius knew it was not the right time for one like him to have such thoughts. So, he corrected himself.


    PAH!


    Colt raised his brows as he watched Darius slap himself to the face. The man with the hulking body then lowered his head.


    ¡°I apologize for being disrespectful, I thought there was an invading Magical Beast so I ordered him to shoot it down. It was because of my orders, please, forgive him if he had offended you.¡±


    ¡°Captain, what are you doing!?¡±


    ¡°Captain Darius!¡±


    A commotion echoed as the Knights raised a ruckus seeing Darius lower his head to apologize. The people who saw this all clamored with fever appearing in their eyes.


    They were already noisy when the White Dragon and flying carriages appeared but seeing the young man make Darius slap himself and lower his head was more of a surprise.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that young man? For the Captain to do such a thing, who is he?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but I think I heard something about Edgy or something.¡±


    Everyone was making a fuss about Colt wanting to know how he did such a thing when even Colt didn¡¯t know if Darius was alright in the head.


    He wanted to ask if Darius was all right when, all of a sudden, he felt a flood of bloodlust coming from the side.


    He quickly recognized who it was.


    Sigurd had drawn his bow and had pointed it at Colt. Sigurd was glaring at Colt as he asked, ¡°How did you do that?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Colt was confused.


    ¡°How did you make the Captain slap himself!? This man knows nothing other than to hurt others and he had hit me for the last fifteen years of me being his second in command. I want to get revenge on him so answer me, how did you do it!? I want to do it too!!¡± he was serious. No strings attached.


    ¡°¡­Seriously, what?¡±


    ¡°Answe ¡ª ack, it was a joke captain, unhand me!¡±


    It was getting weirder by the minute. Thankfully, Captain Darius stepped in to deal with the weirdo with the bow. Colt watched Sigurd getting choked by Darius.


    ¡°I apologize for that, Young Master Colt. This man is my second-in-command, Vice-Captain Sigurd. He was the one who shot the arrow earlier and as you can see, he has a sort of eccentric personality... I think he was dropped as a baby.¡±


    ¡°Ple¡ªPlease, I can¡¯t breathe! Captain!¡± Sigurd kept on tapping Darius¡¯ hands as he begged for air.


    ¡®He¡¯s turning blue.¡¯ That was Colt¡¯s only reaction.


    Sigurd later lost consiousness.


    ===


    It took a while but Darius eventually freed Sigurd and then after organizing his troops and keeping the beasts away, the Sun Knights properly stood in line.


    All of them lowered their heads before Colt and the people stepping out of the carriages.


    The Sun Knights wished to show as much respect as they could after what happened earlier.


    ¡°We greet the Tower Master Grand Sorceress Lucille, the Alchemist of the People Jin, the Hero of the four corners Colt Edgeworth and companions, we greet you upon your arrival.¡±


    The Sun Knights received them with dignity.


    With lowered heads, they met with these people who are now considered as living legends of the Regulus Kingdom.


    One of these Knights, someone who looked like at the age of 20 and beyond stepped forward to make a proper announcement for the people surrounding the Fountain.


    ¡°Lucille, one of the oldest and strongest Mages of the Continent. Jin, the Alchemist who created the cure for the ravaging epidemic. Colt Edgeworth, the young master who fought against invaders, helped the search for the medicine, freed enslaved people from corrupt nobles, and the Great Dragon King! Mina Vera ¡ª"


    Colt wanted to intervene and make them redo his part, but as he was already on Mina¡¯s part, he controlled himself and just accepted it as fact.


    ¡®I think that the Dragon King part was added just now.¡¯ No one really knows about the matter of being called the Dragon King until today ¡ª well, after today, the continent shall know that he¡¯s known as the Dragon King.


    He was helpless.


    ¡°Young Master, again, please accept my apology as we did now know that you would be coming from above with flying carriages.¡±


    While Colt¡¯s shoulders were lowered Darius approached him to make another apology.


    He straightened his back before giving an answer, ¡°Please, do not worry about it. Now that I think about it, most of the faults lie with Miss Lucille not properly informing the people. Because of this misunderstanding, the Captain of the Sun Knight had to lower his head, if anything, please accept my apologies.¡±


    Colt lowered his head to salvage Darius¡¯ reputation.


    ¡°Do you want to slap me in return?¡±


    Darius looked at Colt and simply laughed at his actions, ¡°Hahaha, no this is enough, Young Master Colt. So, are you ready to head to your residence?¡±


    ¡°¡­can we please wait for a minute?¡± he asked before looking at the people who had been making a ruckus since they stepped out of their confines, "I think this would take a while, in the meantime, I wish for another pair to apologize. Risa, Drako, get over here!"


    All the while a Dragon and its partner was apologizing for their rush behaviours, the rest of the family were enjoying themselves. Especially the kids.


    ¡°Mama, mama, is this the Holy Land?¡± Filla asked while looking at the simplistic, yet vibrant structures of around her.


    Filla was amused.


    Mina wanted to answer, but Lyra also pointed at a monolith in the middle of a fountain then asked, ¡°What is that? What is that!?¡±


    After a week of sitting still and only learning magic, they now saw the light of salvation and it was beautiful. She like magic and spells, but only learning its foundation as boring for someone like her.


    Lyra and Filla, who had somehow become the best of friends find magic to be wonderful because it was without boundaries.


    Add to the fact that they were learned Magic at a young age, these two were chaos incarnate with a dash of prodigious learning capabilities.


    This created the perfect mix of a curious child that could make any parent cry. But, Mina¡¯s smile remained, quietly explaining what was what to the children while the other people who arrived with them take care of things¡­


    ¡°That Silver Fountain of the Saints, the monolith in the middle is where the name of the Saints of the past is written. The water flowing off the fountain and goes into the waterways is purified thanks to the three Goddess¡¯ worldly Gift¡­¡± Mina lifted her hand and pointed at the black circle around the fountain¡¯s base.


    ¡°You see that black part over there? That¡¯s the¡ª"


    Colt was left admiring the smiles of her family and Mina¡¯s dedication to teaching. There was also Lucille who had melded with her role as a nanny.


    It was a good sight, it looked as though it was a genuine family trip.


    ¡°Young Master Colt¡¯s family are so energetic and unique. It appears you are also blessed with a kind woman as your wife.¡± Darius praised. He also had a smile on his face seeing children laughing.


    It was his job as a Knight to protect smiles like these, and despite being someone so big and terrifying, he¡¯s not some emotionless cunt who only fights. Well, he also likes to fight but that¡¯s not the point.


    Colt nodded his head, ¡°Indeed I am, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Once again, I wish we could disregard what happened earlier as a mishap. What do you say I later treat you and your family to a dinner made by my dear wife? She makes a mean Moriam Stew that is local to the City.¡±


    ¡°That would be wonderful, thankful thank you, despite everything else I think we''ll [email protected][email protected]#$! [email protected][email protected]# [email protected]#~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!¡±


    Colt was in the middle of his speech when, all of a sudden, someone came rushing to him like a cannonball who hit him squarely in the stomach.


    And because Colt was relaxed when he was hit, he got carried off, rolled on the ground and had his head have an intimate time the pavement with so much force that he actually lost consciousness.


    When everyone finally noticed what¡¯s happening, the only thing they saw was a woman wearing an eye-catching golden mounted atop the unconscious Colt.


    The woman had a big smile, ¡°I found him! I found him! I found him! I found him! I found him! I found him! I found him! I found someone worthy, I didn''t think someone who''s so intimate with the Goddesses exist!¡±


    Lucille who was watching from the side moved quietly as she quietly retrived Filla and Lyra from Mina''s hands.


    "Hylda, dear, get Elanor and Haleth here, what''s about to unfold is not safe for children."


    While Hylda assisted Vyra and Jin to do what Lucille had just said, Filla and Lyra tugged onto Lucille''s clothes and asked what''s happening to which she responded with a smile.


    "Just watch, you''ll see why your mother is feared by the Seniors of the Magic Tower and the Academy..."


    She said while shielding the children from a flood of bloodlust and jealousy.


    And with this flood came the cracked voice asking for her beloved, ¡°Darling?¡±


    "Oh boy, blood is about to flow."

 188. F*cked (Part 2)

    ¡°Would you kindly release my husband? I, his WIFE, do not wish to see him in such a sight.¡± Mina asked her kindly, her smile as pleasant as the morning day, yet her eyes deadlier than a Dragon¡¯s rage.


    "Brother, should we intervene?" Reis asked Fluff who, in turn, looked back only to shake its head.


    "No, I still want to have lunch. If we try to get in between her and Colt, we¡¯ll die, and I don¡¯t plan on dying with an empty stomach."


    Fluff did not wish to become an unwanted casualty. Looking around, Reis also shook its head.


    Reis was tempted to help, but feeling Mina¡¯s bloodlust¡­ he chose life. He¡¯s eternal, but the pain was not his friend. Reis was no Miss M.


    The Saintess looked at Mina with questioning eyes. She did not know how to react to her words for she was left confused. She looked at Colt once and then back at Mina, going back and forth, she looked at her and made the connection.


    ¡°Oh, you are his wife, you also have the smell of Divinity wrapped around your body, that explains it. But, sadly, this man is the only person in this continent to have taken the interest of the Goddesses, thus, according to the orders of the seventh clause the Holy Tapestry the Church of Dracian have been given, this man is my destined one. He is going to be the pope of the¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am not going to repeat myself, woman.¡± Mina cut her off as her anger reached fever pitch.


    Though she was still smiling, green light already a giant Supreme Magic Circle was already hovering overhead.


    A giant evergreen Magic Circle hovered Mina and with a smile still, she asked the Saintess nicely, ¡°Final warning, let my husband go now... please.¡±


    The little girls, Risa, Hylda, Arte the Hero, and everyone else who knew not the extent of Mina¡¯s abilities were impressed. The simple display showed how she¡¯s prepared to draw blood.


    The Knights even tried getting in the way of the mess. Darius called out the Black Death Dragon, but before it could roar, Mina already spoke, ¡°Fluff.¡±


    ¡°ME¡ªOW~¡± An angered Fluff told the Dragon to stand down. It dared not disobey the one standing above him.


    Sensing that one such being like Fluff being angered, the Black Death Dragon actually glared at Darius, as if to say, ¡°What the hell man? Why you gotta do me like this?¡± the Black Death Dragon retreated in its world by itself.


    Darius was left with an open mouth like the rest of the Knights, however, that didn¡¯t stop them from trying to stop Mina themselves. The Sun Knights were considered elites for a reason and just because the Dragon back down didn¡¯t mean they would stop.


    Darius held onto his halberd and prepared to fight with the rest of the Sun Knight and protect the ruler of their Fate, ¡°The Saintess is in danger, get ready to detain the aggressor!¡±


    He said this while the rest of Colt¡¯s crew were eyeing them from a close distance. Darius, however, did not mind nor care for what he cared more about was his duty as a Knight, he even turned to Lucille and the rest to ask them for their help.


    ¡°We do not wish to harm the Young Madam of the Edgeworth Family, please, Tower Master Lucille, help us in restraining her¡­ I fear the Knights would hurt her.¡±


    The moment hurt entered everyone¡¯s ears, sparks flew as bloody combat loomed over them. Even Vyra, who, just like Mina just reached Minor Sorceress picked did not hesitate to prepare Supreme Spells.


    The Sun Knights who took notice of this all turned to them with worried expressions. They fear combat would be inevitable.


    Two fights were in a standoff, the onlookers who noticed the fight were beginning to worry about the situations. Some made a run for it so they could avoid the possible danger, some stayed and waited for the fight, while others started berating both sides they did not support.


    If this was any normal day and a guest tried to wreak havoc against the Sun Knights, the guest would certainly, be under siege of curses.


    But on the other side was Colt Edgeworth and Jin the Alchemist. These two were known heroes, and many held them with the highest regards even seeing Colt being tackled from out of nowhere added weight to the irritation of many.


    Some locals were even ashamed¡­ though they did not quite catch the identity of the woman who tackled Colt to unconsciousness.


    The air was growing tense and the guards and soldiers surrounding the area were having a hard time controlling some idiots.


    But what was more troubling was that a fight was about to break out with Colt¡¯s Crew and the Sun Knights.


    But that was when Lucille¡¯s voice entered their ears, ¡°Do you really think you should fight? Darius, was it? You are the Captain of the Sun Knight sent here by that Tower Master of yours Darius to meet and accept us, lift your hands and you would give us enough reason to retaliate and cause many sufferings.¡±


    ¡°But Madam Mina is¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mina had done nothing wrong as of this moment. It was your Saintess that started it, she appeared out of nowhere and attacked Colt. She claimed him as hers and despite the Supreme Magic Circle, Mina is still trying to talk it out after such blasphemous words were uttered.


    "You can call it a threat, but it is merely retaliation, she''s merely protecting her family. You should be applauding her for her self-control. You are lucky I am keeping my hands at off all this after all your ruler had done.¡±


    ¡°¡­but it is our duty to pro¡ª¡±


    ¡°It is your duty to protect the Saintess? Is that what you will say? No, hell no, it is not your duty to protect the Saintess but the people. Lift a hand against Mina, not only will you face me, but also the wrath of the Regulus Kingdom or more specifically, its monsters. Remember, the Kingdom is not the same as before, I watched it grow, and I assure you that they have monsters you do not want to anger.


    ¡°You should know why a small Kingdom like that is treated as one of the Five Major Powers. Two families that frighten Empire stands there and both of them treat Mina with more care than any mythical treasure. Touch her and you will see why the two Empires fear them¡­ The Holy Land is not a part of the treaty and every force, including yours, is indebted to the Edgeworths¡ª remember that, Captain Darius.¡±


    Mess with one of them, then the Tigers and Snake would show their fangs. The Venom of the Vera and the ferocity of the Edgeworths, no one in this Continent would want to face them.


    No one calls them the strongest Army of the Continent for no reason.


    The Regulus was not what it was because of its Black Tiger Army and Black Snake Army.


    In the past, these two Armies were nothing but upstart young nobles who had too much time. But after losing their respective older generation leaders in the war against the Kalionse Empire, these two young Armies grew fangs no one thought possible.


    The two Armies became a terror in the battlefield and began tearing through the ranks of every neighboring Armies. Even the Darkis Empire''s [Black Horn Army] feared these two behemoths of the Military.


    The Empires around the small Kingdom felt threatened and tried annihilating them before they could grow by forming an alliance.


    They wanted to destroy them before they could start any war.


    The Empire of Kalionse and Darkis formed an alliance against the Regulus Kingdom.


    The Regulus Kingdom¡¯s two Generals did not back down, the Tiger and Snake got ready to kill their enemies and only because of the Holy Land¡¯s interference did the bloody war stopped.


    The Holy Land did not like what was happening and in fear of a massive loss of lives, they put a stop to the mess, before any fight occurred for, they knew a draw of blood would be the catalyst for the war.


    Though there were a lot of discontent voices of common citizens and nobles alike, the protests soon died down. Then the Treaty was drawn on the night when the moon seemed to have been crying.


    The Contents of the treaty, to be put in simpler words, would be the Regulus Kingdom being forbidden initiating any major wars of sorts against its neighboring countries else the alliance between Darkis and Kalionse Empires would be annulled and the Holy Land would then not intervene to save anyone.


    But it was not just the Regulus Kingdom being barred with such rules because it was said that if any of the Darkis or Kalionse Empire was to initiate any major war against the Regulus Kingdom, the Holy Land would help the Regulus Kingdom destroy said Empire.


    Skirmishes were allowed, but nothing more than that.


    After such terms were deemed to be acceptable, the [Treaty of the Crying Moon] was formed.


    The Holy Land was not tied to the treaty¡¯s conditions, but because of this, both the Edgeworths and Veras had no fear on waging war against them.


    Also, it should also be known that the two families have grown in both their following and powers thanks to Colt so their strength had been multiplied several times over.


    ¡°I have visited their home and seen them, young Captain, if you doubt my words if the two Generals would not bare their fangs on you because you are the Holy Land, then think again. To those two, family amounts more than their own life, honor, and pride¡­ think carefully, are you protecting the Saintess or the people?¡±


    Lucille¡¯s words brought everyone into silence. Only the children who didn¡¯t pay much attention to her were laughing as even Hylda knew about this legendary treaty.


    It was one of the many legends her Count had created.


    Consequently, it was one of the events that led the King of wanting to grant the two Generals the title of Dukes. Though they obviously rejected it because they didn¡¯t want the trouble.


    ¡°We are the Sun Knights; we can take on any puny Army in this Continent!¡±


    ¡°SHUT UP!¡±


    While Darius was silent, one of the Sun Knights raised his voice and shouted, only to have Darius reject such insane claims. Taking a deep breath, Darius looked at the Knights and then sighed ¡­


    ¡°Everyone, stand down.¡±


    ¡°But captain!¡±


    ¡°I said stand down!¡± His words of anger shut them all up as they had not seen Darius so shaken up to this extent.


    But that¡¯s only because they did not know what he knew. Darius was there as a young Knight when the Alliance of the two Empires and General Liron Vera and Vice General Shickly stood against one another.


    The two young Generals only had so much people and were weaker than the Alliance, but, Darius saw the absolute confidence they had in themselves. Stories of Shickly regressing being a wine maker and seller, but Darius would not be able to forget his words after the treaty signing¡­


    ¡®Sadly, we won¡¯t be able to kill them all as planned, though I¡¯m glad there won¡¯t be lives lost ¡ª Liron, want a drink? I created something nice.¡¯


    ¡®Yeah, why not¡­ I need a drink to forget this wasted effort of mine. Dammit, that Tristan lied to me saying this will be a deciding battle¡­ I¡¯ll bury that King of ours later.¡¯


    The two didn¡¯t even respect their King, much less anything else. It had been said that fighting against the two Generals was like standing atop a land full of traps.


    ¡®They even set up traps on their enemy¡¯s camps and set them off before heading out thereby winning without fighting. With these flying carriages, and with the Magical Beasts trembling before them, we would be in even more danger.¡¯


    Other than their tricks, those two were also known to be prodigies who mastered their art at a very young age.


    Also, it had been said that those monsters do not age, rather, they grow to become stronger like fine wine.


    Shickly may be laughed at by other new and arrogant Nobles who sees his winemaking business was the sign of his deteriorating strength, but those who knew him would say that similar to his wine, Shickly grows in strength as time flows.


    Darius had little to no fear, but he could very well see a future where their Army and populace under those monsters¡¯ feet.


    He chose to avoid such an obvious future.


    Darius knew he was right, but then, the Saintess¡¯ answer entered his words.


    ¡°I cannot give him back, he¡¯s going to be the Pope, yo¡ª¡±


    Mina activated the still not fully functional Supreme Spell and energized her body then, without hesitation she appeared before the Saintess.


    With a big wind up, she let out a punch with a cold gaze, ¡°Then, disappear.¡± she said with a smile.


    BOOM!


    Clouds of dust billowed as her punch created dust storms all over the place.


    Mina thought she had already taken care of the Saintess but then notices the hand stopping hers.


    A surprised voice then came from a glass wearing woman, ¡°A Sorcerer of the Green?¡±


    Mina then noticed a flow of mana coming from the side. She saw a wave of water trying to devour her and she quickly moved aside.


    Another Sorceress in control of Water walked out from the side.


    Darius saw this and raised his brows; he slipped a glance at Lucille who answered her unspoken question¡­


    ¡°Technically, they¡¯re not a part of the Holy Land ¡ª Valkyries don¡¯t exist, after all.¡±


    Darius heaved a sigh of relief but felt pressure at the same time

 189. F*cked (Part 3)

    ¡°Darkness do you want some pie? Just as I thought, Light was hiding two from us!¡±


    ¡°Wait! Eldest Sister NOOOO! My treasures! Don¡¯t take them away! Hmmm? Darkness? You do know Mina and Colt ain¡¯t here so you don¡¯t have to act like one so uptight, right?¡±


    Amidst the cries of the Goddess Light and Goddess Root¡¯s chaotic shenanigans, one of the three Goddess was currently having a hard time as she watched an event unfold before her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not acting uptight, I¡¯m just ¡ª sigh!¡± an exasperated sigh, ¡°Something major happened, look at this.¡±


    With a snap of her finger, a flat mirror-like panel appeared in front of Root and Light. Upon witnessing what was happening, Light looked at Root, asking, ¡°What do we do?¡±


    ¡°¡­we can¡¯t do anything; you know that already. With the Sky Ruler¡¯s Awakening the world is currently being filled with Divinity, if we intervene now it will only make things chaotic for the world. We already spent so much just hastening the Water Ruler¡¯s Awakening, and with the Hero already making move after all this year means he knows that we can no longer interfere with the world to stop him ourselves.¡± Root became despondent.


    Darkness nodded, ¡°I tried waking up Colt but it seems like he hit his head rather hard, I can¡¯t even communicate with him. He¡¯ll wake up sooner or later, let¡¯s just hope Mina doesn¡¯t kill the Valkyries or Vice-Versa¡­ sigh, and here I thought with Colt¡¯s presence, it would be smooth sailing, this Era¡¯s Saintess really is a troublemaker.¡±


    Without the ability to interfere, the three Goddesses just prayed for the best while stress eating their way to hope¡­


    ===


    ¡°Hoooh, the two Valkyries have appeared.¡± Lucille raised her brows with a smirk.


    ¡°Valkyries? What¡¯s that?¡± Filla and Lyra asked.


    Lucille saw Darius hesitating to tell her not to tell the two children, the existences of Valkyries were, after all, a closely guarded secret. But considering they were the ones who showed themselves in the public, Lucille couldn¡¯t give them two fucks.


    ¡®This is my job as an educator.¡¯ She thought to herself. Showing a cheeky smile, information proceeded to escape her, ¡°Valkyries are basically people who protect the Dracian Fate¡¯s existence and cause. The Valkyries are blessed by the Seven Divine Weapons that are passed down to each generation with the name it carries. Gunnr wields the element of Healing and Helvor the element of Water, both are Sorcerers so you two best watch them.¡±


    Filla tugged on Lucille¡¯s clothes, ¡°Isn¡¯t Mama in danger? Aren¡¯t you going to help her?¡±


    Ruffling the worried child¡¯s hair, Lucille smile laughed, ¡°In danger? Mina? She¡¯s someone who can hold off the Elders of the Magic Tower despite not being a Sorceress  ¡ª just watch, she¡¯ll show you something good.¡±


    All the while speaking in such a confident manner, Lucille motioned to Darius, ¡°Get ready to interfere, Mina just became Sorcerer, moderation is not in her vocabulary. Oh yeah, try any lethal force and I¡¯ll go on a rampage.¡±


    A threat was given so softly.


    ===


    ¡°Female pest, I will give you another chance to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Gunnr ¡ª Gunnr, look, I found him, the one who can lead the Fate with me, I found him, I found the Pope!¡± The Saintess said with joy apparent in her voice. She ignored Mina.


    Gunnr looked at the Saintess then back to Mina, she sighed and motioned to Helvor, the wielder of Water, ¡®So, what do you think we should do about this?¡¯


    ¡®I don¡¯t know, but I really want to come back, The Queen had just returned, I really miss the Queen. But what¡¯s important 5right now is the Saintess, I want to end this by giving back the man and apologizing but I think the Saintess is right, we might have found a Pope with him.¡¯


    Gunnr looked over at the Saintess and at the unconscious Colt, ¡®Do you really think so?¡¯


    ¡®His presence radiates divinity ¡ª it¡¯s even stronger than the Saintess¡¯.¡¯


    ¡®Oh, is that so?¡¯


    BAM!


    All of a sudden, a fist landed squarely on Gunnr¡¯s face sending her flying.


    Standing at the place where Gunnr used to stand, Mina radiated with Green Mana, ¡°That¡¯s good ignore me some more.¡±


    Green light appeared surrounding the area like beautiful fireflies.


    Helvor raised a brow, she was surprised at Mina¡¯s capabilities as a Sorceress, ¡°You¡¯re quite good at controlling Mana, but you must be new to this thing, brute force won¡¯t let you win against a Sorcerer.¡±


    Soon after Helvor uttered those words she moved her hand and water chains sprouted from the ground binding Mina¡¯s wrists. From the amount of mana and how there was a flash of nine Magic Circles, Mina determined these


    Mina tugged at the chains but all it did was splash water all over her. It would deform and quickly reform to bind her arm and from what she could tell, the chains would reform stronger than before.


    Helvor smiled, ¡°I understand your frustration, we have let you attack one of our own so could you please calm down and let us talk this through?¡±


    Mina did not listen, with her eyes locked at the existence of the one they called Saintess, her anger could hardly be contained. She laughingly stared at Gunnr, ¡°Take these off.¡±


    ¡°From your Mana circulation, I can tell that you have yet to properly control mana. This may just be a 9th Tier Spell but it can bind even a Minor-Master Warrior. It will reform itself every time it is destroyed, and I can adjust its strength too, you can say this is the strongest binding magic of the Water Element. I know we are in the wrong but I have to do this¡­ it is my job after all.¡±


    Mina did not say anything, instead of blabbing her mouth she just stared behind Helvor. She kept her silence and with her standing still, Helvor thought Mina had kept her silence only to feel see a blur coming her way!


    ¡°You talk too much!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible¡­¡± Helvor looked beyond Mina¡¯s figure and saw the liquid chains that were supposed to hold Mina floated in the air on the place where she original stood, only a split second later.


    ¡®She moved so fast the water couldn¡¯t reform quickly enough!?¡¯ even she didn¡¯t think was possible.


    BAM!


    Mina delivered a punch with all that she had straight on Helvor¡¯s face, though all of a sudden a hand appeared to get between her and Helvor.


    ¡°You really like sneak attacks, huh, little princess.¡±


    Gunnr that had been knocked down tried intercepting what¡¯s about to come, but¡­ Mina did not care.


    Gunnr already activated her Healing Mana, but even that was not enough to stop the fist of an angered Wife!


    ¡°What the fuck are you! A MONSTER!?¡± With Gunnr¡¯s hands acting as a cushion, Mina¡¯s strike reached Helvor sending her flying meters away!


    The water spell going to hold onto Mina¡¯s wrists and ankles stopped midflight and turned to ordinary water.


    Noticing this, Gunnr knew something went wrong with Helvor, ¡®Was the impact that strong? For Helvor to lose consciousness!¡¯


    Gunnr, a Healing Mage for more than two decades quickly sent out Seven Magic Circles over to Helvor to administer Healing Magic.


    Helvor regained her consciousness and stood back up.


    Her face that should have been disfigured returned to normal¡­ almost.


    PTOO!


    Helvor spat out a tooth, ¡°That little piece of shit!¡±


    Helvor, the Valkyrie of Water had always been known to be calm and collected. But being struck by this Young Sorceress without regard to her words was enough to set her off.


    Though this Valkyrie¡¯s hair was black at this very moment it began to change in terms of hue, its color shifted to a deep color of blue as her mana began to spike!


    Lucille watched with raised brows, ¡®Elemental Manifestation? Oh right, I never taught that to Mina¡­ should I teach her now?¡¯


    While Lucille was contemplating whether to teach Mina about the secrets of Sorcery, another voice echoed, ¡°Helvor! STOP!¡± it was Gunnr¡¯s.


    ¡°Gunnr?¡± Helvor¡¯s transformation stopped.


    With her eyes locked on Mina, Gunnr was also getting serious, ¡°Take the Saintess and go to the Cathedral.¡±


    ¡°What!?¡±


    ¡°Our job is to protect the Saintess, though this is all her fault I don¡¯t this little princess will let us go so easily if we don¡¯t make the Saintess get her clutches off the husband! And the Saintess¡ª¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s the future of the Dracian Fate!¡± The Saintess seem adamant about keeping Colt to herself.


    ¡°You heard her, now, take the Saintess and the boy away, I¡¯ll take care of ¡°persuading¡± the wife to calm down.¡±


    She was hesitant, but Helvor knew what Gunnr was doing was for the best and so, she escaped.


    Seeing this, Lucille looked over at Sera and Mary, ¡°Follow her, and don¡¯t let Colt out of your sight. If anyone stops you just use my name, no that may not be enough, here, use this as proof.¡± Lucille passed Sera a black medallion.


    When Helvor disappeared, so did the other two.


    Lucille then turned to Butler Go and Captain Darius, ¡°Change of plans, Sir Captain, go and secure the citizens so no one gets hurt. Butler Go you are now in charge of intervening with the two, Zara Manifestation is allowed¡­ Vyra, Lyra, Risa, and Filla will stay here with me to watch something good.¡±


    ¡°What about you? What would you do?¡± Asked Darius to Lucille.


    ¡°Hmm? Me? I¡¯m going to stay here and ensure no one dies and watch this thing until the end.¡±


    ===


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you going after them? I thought you would do anything to get back your husband.¡± Gunnr asked Mina as she brought out a pair of Golden Knuckles. She then took off her flat shoes.


    ¡°I know you¡¯ll use that opening, I¡¯ll take care of you before I go after them.¡± Mina began tying her hair to a neat ponytail and then ripped apart her dress, showing her fair skin, ¡®I¡¯m sorry my husband for showing my skin in public, but I have to do this in order to save you from the clutches of that witch.¡¯ Mina steeled her heart.


    Gunnr laughed, as she cracked her neck, she could still the pain of Mina¡¯s sneak attack, ¡°I thought you¡¯d be blinded by rage, seems like you still have your head screwed on right. So why don¡¯t we talk this through?¡±


    ¡°All I had been doing since before you arrived here is talk, and that woman ignored my every word. I don¡¯t know what you did to make such a spoiled and greedy brat, but I won¡¯t be satisfied until I can teach her a lesson. I would warn you to stand aside and let me do what I want, but I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll do it so¡­ let¡¯s just finish this.¡±


    BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!


    Mina executed a spell and made herself move at the speed of lightning.


    A fist came from above, also executing the spell on her right arm, Mina delivered her unstoppable fist, ¡°Sleep for now.¡±


    The fist was fast, that it shouldn¡¯t have been stopped by anyone, not even a master would be able to stop this, but Gunnr simply raised her left hand and caught it with an arm that had turned glowed with an evergreen light!


    BAM!


    ¡°Ahhhhh, my bones are shaking, this kind of power, is really insane. Thankfully, I¡¯m stronger than you.¡± Pulling Mina to her, Gunnr¡¯s other fist that had just finished transforming like that other delivered a punch to Mina¡¯s face!


    BAM!


    It was a direct hit! Mina was sent flying a total of twenty meters away before regaining her posture. Blood flowed from her nose and the corner of her mouth, but she didn¡¯t really care, it will heal sooner or later.


    Before Mina was Gunnr whose form had completely changed.


    With a body glowing an iridescent evergreen light, Gunnr radiated healing mana. Her body was energized and her very existence seemed to be the focal point of life energy, and behind her was a massive Magic Circle acting as if it was a halo.


    ¡°Elemental Manifestation? I expected as much... this is going to be tough.¡±


    If Warriors had Zara Manifestation, Mages have Elemental Manifestation. Gaining complete domain over the element would grant you this evolution of your being, it takes a lot of stamina and a fine-tuning of mana control but once it is achieved one could be said to have mastered one¡¯s craft and the gates to the next level would be opened.


    Gunnr was of the Healing Element which increases one''s strength the more mana efficient they use mana and how potent it is. With Elemental Manifestation, their strength increases multiple times over and with their existence becoming mana incarnate, they would then be referred to as monsters.


    From the tips of toes to the last strand of her hair, Gunnr radiated Healing Mana!


    ¡°Seeing how you¡¯re not responding with a Manifestation of your own means you don¡¯t know how to do it, right? That¡¯s a shame¡ª¡±


    BOOM!


    Gunnr made her move, crossing the distance between her and Mina, ¡°I¡¯ll fight seriously now, don¡¯t die on me.¡±


    A flurry of blows landed on Mina¡¯s body; she threw a punch but none of hem landed on her enemy. Her face, abdomen, arms, legs, every hit struck her body with the intent to make her go down.


    Though Mina¡¯s body was still healing, she couldn¡¯t keep up with the amount of injury that¡¯s happening.


    BOOM! Mina retaliated with a fist, but it completely missed Gunnr.


    Gunnr just laughed after witnessing her defiant act, ¡°So, you¡¯re actually stacking up Six Magic Circles with each punch to deliver such a thing. That should be impossible if any other Sorcerer did that no matter how strong they may be, will result in their limbs to break, wait, oh so that¡¯s it ¡ª are you continuously using a Supreme Spell to heal your body right now?


    ¡°Impressive yes, but you can¡¯t beat me with such a thing, without Elemental Manifestation, you won¡¯t be able to beat me! Now fall already!¡±


    A show of blood followed her announcement of victory!


    It was painful, yes. Tiring? Absolutely.  But Mina held on, she didn¡¯t really need to fight here, but she¡¯s just really angered by the fact that Colt was taken away from her.


    But why was she angered in the first place?


    It was because of fear ¡ª fear that this family of hers would be broken, it was always that, her desire had always been that, to create a family, and now, what she had created was being threatened.


    Her blood was flying all over the place and those who she knew was crying out her name, Mina could see it, her daughters were crying, she could see it, her sister-in-law and friends were worried, but worst of all, her daughters were crying.


    ¡®My husband is too great for me¡­ he¡¯s hailed as the hero and is revered by many, while me¡­ I am nothing but a beauty with the Vera name behind me. But never I worry about my position, I know he¡¯s loyal, he won¡¯t leave me, I don¡¯t have anything to do other than raise our children and stay the same but at this moment someone is threatening my peace, someone is trying to destroy my desires, someone wants to destroy my family. Someone is trying to take away my family.¡¯


    She was angered ¡ª she was pissed ¡ª she was enraged!


    ¡®¡­ if my darling¡¯s job is to protect the people, then it is my job as his wife to protect our family, and you¡¯re getting in the way of me protect this family.¡¯


    Her thoughts aligned she watched her enemy from her half-opened eyes.


    She questioned herself why she was losing and after a few seconds she understood why, ¡®So, how do you do it?¡¯ a simple question then appeared in her mind.


    Watching, observing, and learning, Mina just looked at Gunnr. A few moments later, Mina¡¯s flow of mana changed and now she managed to avoid most of Gunnr¡¯s fist.


    Noticing this, Gunnr¡¯s brows twitched, ¡®Something¡¯s wrong.¡¯


    Lucille watched this with absolute silence the children and others who stayed by her side were all worried, they knew of this form, they knew of the legends that it held, and knew of the danger Mina was in.


    Her words before were arrogant, but now all of it seemed flimsy boasts. Even Darius and the rest were getting worried. They knew what would happen if Mina dies! They need to stop this, but when he looked over at Lucille all he saw was a wide smile!


    ¡®Why?¡¯ that was his question to Lucille that he failed to utter.


    And at that same instant, silence suddenly appeared. The sound of punches stopped and when Darius looked over at Mina and Gunnr, what he saw made him question his eyes.


    BOOM!


    A fist landed squarely on Gunnr¡¯s face sending her staggering.


    Gunnr then felt Mina¡¯s intent and eyes ¡ª Gunnr¡¯s trembled from fear.


    ¡®She¡¯s dangerous¡­ I need to finish this!¡¯ she had been trying just that, but Mina refuses to fall. Gunnr now sees Mina as an actual threat to the Saintess, ¡®I don¡¯t know what will happen if she gets to the Saintess. I need to make her fall here, or else.¡¯


    Gunnr grew worried, ¡®The time for Elemental Manifestation is also showing¡­ tch, I could have stayed in this form longer if not for healing Helvor and taking that sneak attack.¡¯


    She gathered her strength and went in to finish all of it. Grasping the Knuckle¡¯s grip, Gunnr was prepared to end this.


    Fwu!


    She dashed forth with the fastest she had been today and threw a punch towards Mina¡¯s temple. Gunnr was now faster than Mina ever had been, she was sure it would land, nothing else would interfere.


    Even Butler Go in the shadows were prepared to intervene, when, all of a sudden, Mina simply leaned backward and let Gunnr¡¯s fist pass by her.


    She and Gunnr exchanged gazes, ¡°I understand everything now¡­ thank you.¡±


    Mina then quickly grabbed Gunnr by the neck. Gunnr tried to escape but Mina¡¯s fingers were like vices, and her arm like steel.


    Gunnr couldn¡¯t go against Mina, ¡®What the hell is this power?¡¯


    Mina looked at the struggling Gunnr and made a weak smile, ¡°So this is how you do it¡­ use the Supreme Magic Circle as the funnel and accept the mana to your veins, let them mutate and evolve, and then¡­ let it all out of your body¡­ accept its desires to eat at you, and then¡­ devour it like a hungry beast¡­ I get it now¡­ so this is how you do it ¡ª Elemental Manifestation is fairly easy.¡±


    Mina¡¯s body began to change, from her arms, it then spread to her body.


    Mina looked directly in Gunnr¡¯s eyes, ¡°It¡¯s not that special after all¡­ like I said earlier, thank you for actually showing me this technique and for your mercy as well. I wouldn¡¯t be standing now if you didn¡¯t pull your punches¡­ I won¡¯t kill you too.¡±


    Mina raised Gunnr up and with a roar, she threw him on the ground!


    Lucille saw this and shouted, ¡°Butler Go!¡±


    BOOM!


    Butler Go went and caught Gunnr before she could touch the ground! Butler Go felt his bones breaking from the sheer pressure, he didn¡¯t even have the chance to initiate Zara Manifestation when it happened.


    ¡®Damn¡­ I¡¯m getting too old for things like this¡­ let me keep my job in espionage!¡¯


    While he was busy complaining Butler Go felt his body become lighter than before, her bones also regained their form and as he looked at Mina what he saw was her entering complete Elemental Manifestation.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Butler Go, I didn¡¯t think it would be that strong, it appears that I still can¡¯t control my strength¡­ I¡¯ll leave the rest to you guys; I¡¯ll take my husband back.¡±


    BOOM! She then left leaving the ground beneath her soles to cave.


    In this world, no one was as brilliant in the path of Magic as Mina Vera. She was a prodigy amongst prodigy and was even hailed as the Queen of the Academy at some point for being so strong despite her age.


    The Magic Tower Elder fears her not only because of her ruthlessness and strength but also because of her genius.


    In the original plot of the Sword of Heaven, Mina was only a Ninth-Circle Mage, but that¡¯s only because she couldn¡¯t be bothered to train. She already knew she was the strongest of her peer, now, in this timeline where she had a reason to become stronger, Mina Vera¡¯s future, if nothing else, was endless.


    With her learning Elemental Manifestation in the span of minutes because she wanted to gain more strength was proof of this.


    The Queen¡¯s unquestionable strength has now shown itself to the world.


    However, at this very moment, this powered Mina Vera has become unhinged in her desire to retrieve Colt.


    With steady steps, the entire Cathedral could feel her pure and unfiltered Killing Intent.


    The Entire Cavalry of the Cathedral stands before Mina.

 190. The Husband

    Once, there was a perfect warrior molded by the Mother Cardinal. She was a Warrior and unlike her other sisters, she was ruthless and uncaring about the lives she took.


    She slew tens to thousands of lives just to keep the order of the Dracian Fate. Her name only known to a few was the strongest Valkyrie, Freyja.


    At some point she was hailed to be the strongest.


    This Freyja may have softened overtime after her decision to leave Fate, but after being tested by the Mother Cardinal, one could see that her dagger could still content with the swords of Masters.


    Her courage to thrust into danger to gain the upper hand still existed, and her cold demeanor seem to show no signs of disappearing. However, at this very moment as the pure rage-filled hate and anger devoured the entire Cathedral, the greatest Freyja trembled.


    ¡°Saintess, do you know what you¡¯ve done? You angered the one wife you can¡¯t possibly hope to anger, please tell me no one touched her!¡±


    ¡°FREYJA!¡± a loud booming voice echoed in everyone¡¯s ears came from the Mother Cardinal, ¡°That is the Saintess, you are touching, how dare you do such a blasphemous thing! You may not be of the Valkyries but you are still a NUN!¡±


    A spell filled the air, everyone was put on edge. Pel even readied her shield to fight against Sister Mary (Freyja) did not heed the Mother Cardinal¡¯s words.


    ¡°Shut up old hag, you don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening here. Saintess, tell me! Tell me what happened!? Maybe we can salvage this thing!¡±


    ¡°I-I think she got into a fight with Gunnr and Helvor, I don¡¯t know I wasn¡¯t really paying attention. I was too entranced by the scent of this man. Di-did I do something bad? I¡ªI just thought this man would become my husband and the Pope¡­I¡ªI just thought he¡¯ll become¡­ the savior.¡± Tears threatened to form.


    Sister Mary cared not about these tears; her anger was at its peak. She even had the urge to do something even more blasphemous and was about to raise her hand when Sister Fer stepped up from behind and touched her by the shoulders.


    ¡°Sister Mary, don¡¯t do it, or else you¡¯ll be facing the Guardian and Mother Cardinal.¡±


    On both sides of Sister Mary were two monsters, on his right was the Mother Cardinal preparing to start her Four Elemental Manifestations and the other was a suit of Black Gold Armor that appeared out of nowhere.


    ¡°Tch¡­ this is why Saintesses get spoiled.¡± Sister Mary let the Saintess go.


    Mother Cardinal also regained her cool and had Pel help the Saintess up, ¡°So, do you want to tell me what¡¯s going on, Fer¡­ Freyja?¡±


    The two were silent.


    ¡°You two have no intentions of telling me what¡¯s going on, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that we don¡¯t want to, it¡¯s just that we can¡¯t.¡± Sister Mary sighed, ¡°The situation is complicated, you say we can¡¯t touch the Saintess because of the Goddesses? Well, we better pray now because he was taken. And we better beg if even a single drop of blood comes from his wife¡­ but considering the situation, I think praying might worsen it¡­ ugh, this is hard.¡±


    Freyja turned her back on the Mother Cardinal.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°Cleaning up the mess the Saintess created, I¡¯m not even a Valkyrie and I¡¯m doing this, Fer, come with me we¡¯re going to apologize to the Young Miss and try calming her down. It may not work but it might save us all.¡±


    Sister did not even hesitate and nod in agreement to her plan.


    The Mother Cardinal still had questions but seeing how serious these two were, she let it go.


    But the surprises the moment the doors opened, a pair of women burst in, one was holding a curved dagger and a sword and shield.


    ¡°What are the both you doing here?¡±


    It was Sera and Mary and the two ignored that question.


    ¡°Sister Mary? Sister Fer? What are you doing he ¡ª¡± the one with the dagger gasped as she raised her blade, ¡°Are you with the enemy?¡± She got ready to fight.


    Sera and Mary snuck into this part of the Cathedral rather easily after Mina went ballistic from having her husband attacked and claimed. They wanted to get Colt back to her as soon as possible else something bad happens to both parties.


    They were prepared to negotiate with everything and anything the other side wanted, they were prepared for everything ¡ª but not for Sister Mary and Sister Fer¡¯s presence.


    Sera and Mary immediately became apprehensive of Sister Mary. She was known to be a friend of the Young Master, but seeing how she was with the enemy, the two were ready to take her on ¡ª albeit a little hesitantly.


    They knew of their limits and attacking a friend felt wrong.


    ¡°Me? With them!? Hell no, I¡¯m actually a traitor. I''m actually going out to help the Young Miss.¡± Sister Mary proudly stated and carefully went over to the two girls¡¯ side, she then pointed at Fer, ¡°She on the other is a member of the Secret Elite Force of the Holy Land called the Valkyries, do you want me to provide more information for you to believe this ¡°ORDINARY¡± Sister of yours?¡±


    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s not fair! You were also a part of the Valkyries, ¡°QUEEN¡± and¡ª"


    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± Pel, slammed her shield on the ground, the entire room trembled after Pel bashed her shield on the ground.


    Everyone stared at the petite sister holding the oversized shield, ¡°You are in the presence of the Cardinal Mother, Eldest Freyja you may claim to be a traitor but know how to respect the one who raised you. Sister Fer, you are the current Queen, stop acting like a child! You two, please do not start anything, I know not what is happening but we can assure you that does not want to fight with anyone.¡±


    ¡°¡­S-sorry.¡± Everyone apologized to Pel.


    She may look like a child but in reality, she¡¯s the most mature.


    ¡°Ugh¡­ why is it so noisy? Mina? Is Ayl okay? Did the Goddess ask you to cook for them again ¡ª hmmm? Something¡¯s wrong, who are you people?¡±


    ¡°Young Master you are awake!¡±


    Colt¡¯s mind was still half asleep when he finally realized he was not back at home.


    ¡°My future, you are awake!¡± the young Saintess threw her arms up seeing Colt waking up from his ¡°sleep¡±.


    Before him were people dressed in tunics and with that, he traced back to his blurry memories and remembered something attacked him and caused him to blackout! He thought about it but came out with nothing.


    At some point, Colt thought he had reincarnated once again because of all the new faces, but seeing Sera and the others like Sister Mary brought him back ¡ª Sister Mary?


    ¡°Okay I haven''t had a single hint of what¡¯s happening, Sera fill me in and why is this young girl hugging me ¡ª can you please get off me? My wife will kill you if you do not!¡±


    However, before anyone can explain anything to him, a whistling sound echoed from afar, and then, the Mother Cardinal quickly moved to cast multiple spells.


    ¡°Water Rope ¡ª Pull!¡±


    Four water ropes shot out from four Magic Circles and latched on Sera and the others closest to the door. No one was able to respond because it was too fast and the Mother Cardinal already activated three spells simultaneously.


    ¡°Earth Strength Shield! Water Ball! Wind Tornado!¡±


    A translucent yellow circular wall of mana, a ball of water, and a gust of wind appeared around them. Colt saw this and could not believe just how quickly and how much mana this old woman just spent in a manner of a second.


    It didn¡¯t even take her a complete two seconds to do all that and she doesn¡¯t seem to be tired, ¡®She¡¯s strong¡­ stronger than Miss Cille.¡±


    Colt kept the thought to himself and then without any warning, the ceiling fell on them. The wind blasted the debris away and then caught a human using the water.


    It was a woman whose entire body had turned deep blue and turned into water.


    ¡°Helvor!?¡± It was Sister Mary acted the most shocked of them all.


    ¡°How could this be? Who beat her? Was it the Tower Master Lucille?¡± Fer added.


    Lastly, the Cardinal Mother expanded his Earth Shield to engulfed Helvor whose form was already returning to normal. The spells were meant to catch Helvor and despite it meeting its job the Cardinal Mother did not have the shield disappear.


    Instead, the Cardinal Mother strengthened the shield by several folds.


    ¡°It¡¯s coming.¡± The Cardinal Mother spoke clearly and then ¡ª


    BOOM!


    An explosion occurred as a figure clad in an evergreen glow descended to an explosive entrance, a pressuring aura of killing intent and mana appeared.


    Pure and unfiltered killing intent, it screamed danger, it screamed something any man should fear and the Cardinal Mother prepared herself to defeat the beast before her.


    ¡°What kind of monster¡­¡±


    BAM! BAM! BAM!


    The monster that was the angered Mina repeatedly hit the shield; it didn¡¯t crack but the Cardinal Mother could feel the weight of her fists.


    Her eyes then widened, she found her beloved, her husband, yet the sight before her caused her to be saddened, a woman clung close to Colt, as the two watched her wretched sight.


    CRACK!


    The barrier showed cracks as she clutched onto the shield. A single tear of blood fell escaped her.


    CRASH!


    It was destroyed!


    Mina stood before them all watching Colt in silence without any motion. Another barrier was erected before her and this time it was made of fire, the Cardinal Mother got ready to fight.


    ¡°Dammit! Everyone, get back! I¡¯m going to contain this evil!¡±


    ¡°No, STOP!¡± Sister Mary stepped up from behind and tried protecting Mina.


    ¡°She is attacking the Holy Land, she is an enemy and she¡¯s clearly after the Saintess! Freyja you fool, do not try to stop me!¡±


    Freyja drew her gray short sword, she looked at the Cardinal Mother and just said, ¡°¡­sorry but, I can¡¯t have you attacking her.¡±


    They argued and were just about to fight, ¡°Can you please make way? I need to go to my wife.¡±


    Everyone became silent and without any notion, everyone parted. A path was created.


    Colt continued his steps, and those who thought he was with the Saintess turned to see a trembling young woman ¡ª terror could be seen on her face.


    No one knew what happened, but the Saintess could not stop herself from remembering the eyes he showed her.


    Unlike Mina, the presence was much more subdued and without any rage, it was calm like a lake yet it felt ominous.


    Colt then stopped, the barrier¡¯ heat indicated his stop, and when the Cardinal Mother was about to disable her spell, a peculiar sight appeared.


    ¡°H-how is this possible? Wait, on his neck, is that the World Devouring Mark?¡± Pel¡¯s shocked voice woke up the others.


    A black tattoo slithered on Colt¡¯s face and with its appearance, the fire barrier disappeared into his left hand. Colt¡¯s body was now filled with Mana, his left hand burning with power but he didn¡¯t care.


    Colt approached Mina; his steps stopped a couple of inches from her.


    ¡°Be careful!¡± Pel shouted.


    Colt did not listen. Standing before Mina, he wiped the blood tear on her face, ¡°Did I worry you, my dear?¡± his words were soft and caring.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine now¡­ I have returned¡­ were you scared?¡± Colt¡¯s hands were steady his words slow.


    A glowing hand reached out to his own, it held him affectionately and tightly as if she didn¡¯t want to let go.


    The green light surrounding her shattered, showing Mina¡¯s tattered clothes and battered body. She looked at Colt¡¯s eyes, tears streaming down her face, ¡°Darling¡­ you¡¯re here, again¡­ was I successful? Did I¡­ protect it?¡±


    Colt had Mina rest her head on his chest, ¡°Yes, yes, you did.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad¡­ hehe¡­ I may not be able to save the lives of others¡­ but with this, maybe¡­ I can be a hero for our family¡­ haha¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    Mina fell asleep, Colt carefully laid her on the ground.


    Colt sat by Mina¡¯s side. Using his nails, he cut his wrist to let out his blood then fed it to Mina. This was no ordinary blood, because with it was the essence of his mana, the Dragon Bead¡¯s, and Reis¡¯ connection.


    It was full of vitality.


    Everything was silent, no one moved ¡ª no one could.


    They watched Colt brush Mina¡¯s hair with affection and care.


    Sister Mary knew something was wrong, she knew that the Young Master was unstable.


    ¡®It¡¯s happening again.¡¯


    Sister Mary was afraid of Colt for a reason. It was not just because of his connection with the Goddess, rather, it was because of his overprotectiveness.


    When Mina was captured, he went to shout at the Goddesses seeking for information and at that time, she saw his eyes to be truly frightening.


    Right now, Mina, his wife was bleeding before him. He¡¯s using his own blood to nourish her and not even asking for help¡­


    He could erupt at any given time¡­ Sister Mary became apprehensive and called out to him offering help, ¡°Young Master Colt the Cathedral have dozens of Healers I will call them for¡ª¡± she was interrupted.


    ¡°Did you know? I was really forward to this trip despite what I say. I like this kind of family trip, we were attacked when we came here but that¡¯s excusable as an honest mistake, but this¡­ seeing my wife bleeding¡­ bruised and crying¡­ is something I cannot simply pass¡­


    ¡°They regard me as a Hero¡­ many see me as a kind person yet even I have a limit.... and that limit just broke. Right now¡­ even I do not know what¡¯s happening to me, I am overflowing with rage that I can¡¯t express properly¡­ my heart is beating calmly but I grow restless the more I think how Mina suffered¡­  unwanted memories are coming up... a time I wish to forget... I want it to stop... so.... can any one of you answer me?¡±


    Colt¡¯s words stopped and when he looked back at the group from the Dracian Fate, everyone¡¯s heart momentarily stopped seeing a pair of void-like eyes.


    ¡°What should I do to stop this quell my rage?¡±


    Colt has been angered.

 Announcement of Return

    Hello, did you miss me? Or do you hate me? Or a little bit of both?


    Anyways, I am back after a long break because of several reasons.


    My health became worst, my mental health followed, and my trusted companion laptop is now on his last leg about to keel over.


    I didn''t really know if I should come back, but, after I opened this old account, I was shocked to see so many still support me and brought tears to my eyes, quite literally - this is the first time you guys are making me cry and not the other way around, hahahaha!


    Anyway, I am back and I hope to bring you guys the complete version of this story soon.


    Note: I had almost forgotten how much people supported me writing this story, but after I logged in to my account, I actually saw someone join my Patreon and was reminded how many I will be "cucking" if I don''t finish the story.


    Extra Note: The Patron who decided to show his support and reminded me of this story and account is a lad named [Alex], write a "Thank you Alex" in the comment below and I''ll message him about it later to show him my (our) appreciation :)

 191. The Cat’s Entrance.

    "Young Master, thi¡ªthis is but a misunderstanding we never meant to¡ª" Sister Fer pleaded on her knees.


    "Misunderstanding? That''s funny, so Mina bleeding before is also a misunderstanding. Am I under an illusion? If so, then release me from it, and I''ll calm down, because if not¡ª"


    Crack!


    The ground cracked.


    Standing up, everyone saw Colt''s body changing. On his left arm was a black mist crawling up, and on his right was a golden light illuminating his surrounding.


    "¡ª if not, then... I will break it myself." Without any fighting experience using every card he had, Colt could not control the power at his command.


    The World Devouring Mark and the Dragon Pearl would appear in response to his emotions. The swelling sensation of power, raging like a storm, was something Colt could not contain.


    The weapons of the past were strong... too strong for one man to control.


    If Colt fought without restraint, he knew he wouldn''t be able to hold back.


    But, what of it?


    They were the ones attacking them.


    They were the ones who started the fight.


    Colt was just there to protect his own.


    He didn''t care about the collateral... he was no Hero.


    He may act like one, but that''s just out of his sense of responsibility. Colt believed that because he knew what would happen to this world, he would at least save those within his reach.


    Not doing anything and letting the setting play out would lead to the death of thousands or possibly millions.


    He believes that all lives weigh the same, but, despite his beliefs, Colt learned that sometimes, blood has to be shed.


    He would then carry the burden of taking a life, but ¡ª he would walk forth, not hiding his mistakes.


    The ones before her who hurt Mina now looked nothing more than another flickering flame meant to be blown away. Colt acted for others the best he could, but when it came to his family, almost nothing was below him.


    He once barged into the domain of the Goddesses just to find Mina¡­ now¡­ Mina was drenched in her own blood¡­ wounded and bruised.


    The ground around him began to heat up, and the flame mana of the Cardinal Mother was showing its effect.


    Colt took a step forward and slowly unsheathed the black sword.


    Taking a deep breath, Colt finally ignited the mana within the World, Devouring Mark.


    His entire left side was burning, his clothes quickly turning to ashes, "If none of you can tell me what''s going on, then I''m going to hold every. single.one.of.you.accountable."


    BOOM!


    Colt moved, his sword drawn. He didn''t know who did it, but he was at least sure of Helvor having done something.


    Helvor lay unconscious on the floor, but Colt didn''t care.


    What of honor?


    Colt wasn''t originally from their world.


    She hurt Mina.


    He would claim payment for their actions tenfold.


    "AEGIS!"


    A shield got between Colt and Helvor.


    BOOM!


    An explosion echoed throughout the area,


    Pel gritted her teeth; the weight of his sword was not something she expected from someone his size, "I know not who you are, but I won''t let you hurt anyone here."


    Colt was blown back several steps.


    Colt''s sword was knicked.


    He was strong, but his weapon could not hold the full brunt of his sword.


    Pel failed to celebrate, however, for her Aegis was scratched, ''Aegis has been around for hundreds of years¡­ not many can even put a mark on it¡­ he''s dangerous.''


    His eyes shrouded in a deep dark mist made Pel shudder, but she steeled her heart.


    Pel had faced many worst enemies, and she had protected thousands from swords; Pel, the Shield of the Dracian Fate, will defend her friends here.


    "Earth Smash!"


    Pel raised her shield and slammed the ground.


    Colt lost his balance, and Pel did not fail to seize the opportunity and smashed him with her shield, sending him flying back, creating distance between them and, more importantly, to those she wanted to protect.


    Colt was flying backward, his nose bleeding. He was in pain, but he still managed to summon the World Tree''s power; he channeled it and released it through his mouth.


    A might blaze emerged, and what''s more, it had the same intensity as the Cardinal Mother''s, "Agro. I need your assistance!"


    A green light glowed from her neck, and a Turtle the size of a house appeared. Like a walking forest, on the Turtle''s shell were rocks and trees.


    The beast was a Rock Dragon Turtle, and it was just about to stomp the ground and summon an earth wall when it saw Colt''s eyes and stopped.


    ''Stop.'' Colt''s eyes ordered.


    The golden glow on his arm brought immense fear to the Rock Dragon Turtle''s heart, "The Dragon King?" its eyes widened.


    "AGRO, what are you doing!?"


    It, however, realized its folly, and against what its blood screamed, Agro went against the Dragon King.


    The Rock Dragon Turtle blocked the fire with its body. Though its body was made of stone, it still felt immense pain.


    The flames dissipated, and when they did, Pel saw Colt''s sword was already on the path of going down to slay Agro.


    "Agro! Get out of there!" Pel shouted at her friend, but the Earth Dragon Turtle did not listen.


    Agro could see the anger and rage behind the Dragon King''s eyes, causing it to freeze in its place.


    [Incomingggggggggg!]


    BAM!


    Just as Colt was about to claim Argo''s head, a white figure hit him on the back of his head, burying his face on the ground.


    [You idiot! You''re acting too dark and grim, or as you called it, edgy. Tone it down a little; you''re going to cut yourself.]


    Only one could ever disrespect Colt without repercussion ¡ª it was the Lord.


    Everyone watched in befuddlement as a cat stood on Colt''s


    "Get off me... you bastard! I still haven''t paid them back for what they did to Mina." Colt fought Fluff, but he could not escape.


    The cat''s weight was increasing faster than what strength he could muster.


    He glared at Pel and the others, the World Devouring Mark swirling faster, more aggressively behind his eyes. The Dragon within roaring.


    Colt clawed to get out, the ground cracking and breaking. Rocks violently tossed about as a massive force of strength destroyed its surrounding.


    Pel and the others could see the anger in Colt''s eyes; he was seething.


    Rocks and debris were violently thrown about. Five meters around Colt were breaking, and the damage spread faster the longer he was pinned.


    Everything was flung about; only the cat on his head remained unmoved. The cat raised its front paw and tapped Colt''s head.


    BOOM!


    Once again, a powerful force buried Colt''s face to the ground, [You''re letting emotions cloud your judgment. The mark is affecting you, calm down first and listen to me; Mina''s okay; the bird is already treating her. You''re making a bad example for the kids, you fool.]


    Fluff''s words brought Colt back from the brink. The mark receded from his eyes and into his palm.


    Colt remained there, his head on the ground, still shaking as he asked, "Thank you...."


    Fluff gently tapped Colt''s head, [Don''t mention it.]


    The Lord then felt everyone''s eyes on him. He looked around and saw their weird expressions, [What? You haven''t seen a cat and a human bonding before? I just saved your lives. Show some respect.]


    Seyer_Jad


    It took too long, I am very sorry about that so I decided I''ll just start at the start of July.


    Well, I hope you can enjoy the story again.


    P.S, I''ll be editing the earlier Volumes - I''ll post the update on my profile page and Patreon so I don''t act like I''m ghosting you guys.

 192. The Cat’s In charge

    On Colt''s head, there was a fat cat... a really proud and arrogant fat cat.


    [You want to fight or something? I''ll rip your face off.] Fluff threatened with a deep voice.


    ¡°I-I... am sorry... this is my first time seeing a talking cat.¡± Pel stuttered to answer the almighty Lord Fluff.


    [Then good for you. I would clap for you if I wasn''t so tiring.] Fluff wasn''t being sarcastic. Fluff was lazy.


    Behind Pel, there was a woman. Her face was masked by a thin black cloth. Her right hand was a dagger, holding with a reverse grip.


    She looked at Colt, her mind wandering.


    ''Should I do it? Though a war might erupt with the Edgeworths or the Regulus Kingdom, keeping him alive is riskier.'' this woman was Ravager, the Assassin of the Valkyries.


    It was clear that Colt held too many secrets. His skills weren''t all that refined, but the sheer power behind every strike was enough to push back Pel, ''If he grows strong enough, he might come back to the Holy Land with a vindictive heart.''


    She wanted to kill Colt.


    Ravager contemplated, but her thoughts stopped. She could feel great animosity brewing.


    She did not need to search for long to find who it was the intent belonged. It was from the two women who followed Colt in the shadows.


    It was a Knight and a female butler. They were ready to move, to kill.


    From their eyes, it was clear they would not hesitate to draw their weapons.


    Fluff ignored their schemes and lowered his voice, ¡°Your children are coming. Do you want to show them this ugly display?¡±


    Colt''s futile struggles lessened until there was none.


    Colt was silent for some time.


    Taking a deep breath, Colt eased up, the World Devouring Mark and the golden glow disappeared into his body. Fluff jumped down, and Colt sat down with crossed legs.


    It was an abrupt change, but Colt whispered under his breath, ¡°Thank you for stopping me.¡±


    ¡°Nya (Again, no problem).¡±


    After finally calming down, Colt looked around him. The people who were hurt were numerous.


    Innocent and guilty alike.


    "Young Master Colt, are you okay now?" Sister Mary anxiously asked.


    Colt tightly closed his eyes and sighed.


    ¡°I''m okay, Sister Mary. You don''t have to worry, I''m not going to attack them... just... get Mina in a room. Is that possible?¡±


    "That can be arranged." The Cardinal Mother stepped forward to answer.


    "...thank you." Colt showed a weak and pained smile, "Fluff, you''re in charge. Take care of everything... I... need to clear my head."


    He did want to move.


    He needed to calm his mind and heart.


    It had a long day ¡ª too long of a day.


    [Leave it to.] Lord Fluff confidently thumped its chest with its paw, [Okay, you heard the human, I am in charge. Sera, the Knight Mary, bring Mina to a room, hmmm? Why are you not moving? You must be surprised to see me talk in a human tongue.]


    Fluff cleared its throat, ¡°Meow.¡± And that little word was enough to convey so many orders to Mary and Sera.


    Both Sera and Knight Mary finally broke eye contact with Ravager and followed Fluff''s orders.


    ''What a bunch of hot-blooded girls.'' Fluff turned to Sister Fer, [Bearer of the Fire, help prepare the room where Mina shall rest. Make it warm for extra comfort. The temperature here is much colder. Oh yeah, bring the water Valkyrie. She also needs to be treated. Mina roughed her up quite a bit earlier.]


    ¡°Yes, Great Lord.¡± Sister Fer did not hesitate to heed the cat¡¯s commands. She had already thought Colt was full of mysteries, but now even his pets could actually talk, ¡°Miss Sera, Miss Mary, please follow me.¡±


    Mina got carried out of the area with Reis on her belly. The little chick was carefully letting Mina drink blood.


    Reis gave him a wing up and left with the rest, leaving Fluff, Colt, Sister Mary, the Cardinal Mother, the Saintess, and Pel.


    Ravager disappeared when the fighting stopped.


    Fluff stared at them, and they stared at him, ¡°Meo ¡ª oh right, you can¡¯t understand me when I talk like that. I should¡¯ve had Sera stay.]


    Fluff did not appreciate the human tongue, too many words for a single sentence that could be said in a meow.


    ¡°Talk normal,¡± Colt stated while meditating.


    [Shut up, reflect on what you¡¯ve done, or I¡¯ll whoop your ass.]


    Colt managed to laugh despite his situation. Fluff¡¯s voice was deep and oppressive; if the others heard him without knowing how he looked, they would think of him as a mighty beast whose form tower over mountains.


    Alas, the truth was that he¡¯s but an overfed cat.


    Sighing, Lord Fluff finally gave in.


    "Fine." Fluff stopped, ¡°Hey, you people, we owe you an apology, and you owe us what you call something called a groveling worth of apology for starting everything. From that arrow to what your Saintess did, things are not looking good for your side. We got the upper hand in this case, so we get to make the demands. Refuse, and I¡¯ll spread the word about what happened to the Holy Land.¡±


    Fluff did not hesitate to go for the lowest blow. The cat smirked as he reveled at Pel the Shrimp''s livid expression, ¡°Being attacked by the Saintess will result in many backlashes, so it would be best to reel in that killing intent. My beloved nieces are coming; don¡¯t you dare subject them to such an ugly aura¡­ I¡¯ll eat you whole.¡±


    Pel felt a great danger from the cat. Fluff''s final warning behind his voice was not an empty babble, ''What''s with these people?''


    ¡°Good to know that you understand." Fluff smiled, "Oh yeah, no one tells the children I can talk like this. Their lessons in the cat tongue aren''t over."


    The children were a great source of snacks.


    "Okay, that¡¯s enough acting like a pretentious prick, that¡¯s Colt¡¯s job, haha ¡ª meow~ hmm? Hey you, tiny, call my "child" back. He¡¯s obviously tired and needs rest, tsk, tsk, tsk, can''t even respect an Earth-Dragon. Hey, are you okay with her being your partner?¡±


    "Thank you for worrying, but she is a good person. I could not ask for a better partner." Agro spoke softly despite its body.


    "If you say so. Did you hear that shrimpy? He''s such a good guy, take care of him well, okay?"


    ¡°What did you call me~¡± she wished to argue, only to be stopped.


    One was the Sister Mary, and other was the Cardinal Mother.


    ¡°Just do as it says; he just saved your life from the Young Master¡¯s sword.¡± Sister Mary reminded.


    The Rock Dragon Turtle bowed its head to say farewell and returned to its abode, ''What was that?'' Asked Pel but did not delve any deeper.


    Soon after the giant turtle¡¯s disappearance, Colt opened his eyes and finally got back up. Sister Mary wished to approach him and apologize, but Colt stopped her, ¡°My daughters are coming. Let us talk about this later.¡±


    Colt noticed the Saintess hiding behind the Cardinal Mother,


    The Saintess was afraid and ashamed to even look Colt in the eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. I am no longer angry; just make sure to sort things out with Mina later, okay?¡±


    Colt had just been in a fit of rage earlier. There was no way he could reel it in so quickly.


    ¡®He¡¯s forcing himself¡­.¡¯ Sister Mary said to herself, unknowingly holding the short sword on her waist.


    When she realized what she was doing, Sister Mary snapped out of it and looked at her trembling hands, ''It''s not so easy to shake off,'' she thought.


    Turning around, Colt missed the bright smile the Saintess showed soon after those words left Colt¡¯s mouth.


    The Saintess could feel her chest being gripped with tightness. She could hardly breathe as she stared at Colt¡¯s back.


    ¡°Are you okay, Saintess?¡± the Cardinal Mother asked.


    ¡°I-I am fine.¡±


    The Saintess kept her silence for the time being.


    She watched as Colt cleaned himself and waited for his children to arrive. He made sure to smile, and when they arrived, he greeted them with the brightest smile, even joking about how he bumped his head on the ground.


    He made sure to free them from fear and anxiety.


    To become the pillar they could rely on.


    The Saintess watching Colt meet his children, showing them a caring smile, trying to calm them¡­ the Saintess found this endearing, ¡®He¡¯s their father¡­¡¯ she¡­ felt... envious of his children to have someone like him.


    Seyer_Jad


    Thanks again for reading.


    I have edited the first vol. 1 Chapters 1 - 20


    Current Goal is to have a regular upload schedule, not once a day like the old days but something along the lines of at least a chapter every other day or every two days. But please keep in mind I will be posting first on Patreon as that will be something like my vault of new chapters or something like that.


    Well, that''s it for me, have a nice week :)

 193. Guardian

    The Holy City was split into four religious beliefs. East, West, and South correspond to the three Goddesses, acting as the solace of each religion''s Sectors.


    These religious sectors reflected the beliefs they carry.


    The West belonged to the believers of Goddess Light.


    The South belonged to the believers of Goddess Darkness.


    The East to the believer of the Goddess Root.


    The Central and Northern parts of the Holy City belonged to the entirety of the Dracian Faith.


    The entirety of the Northern Holy City was the entity of the Cathedral.


    In the Cathedral, there were several giant constructs other than the Main Hall, where they conduct masses. Other Towers housed Nuns, Priests, and Pilgrims who often arrived to visit.


    The Cathedral and its many facilities were accessible to all. But there were still places open to only the Bishops or even the Cardinals.


    A good example would be the Saint''s Courtyard at the heart of the Cathedral. But another would be the Courtyard at the Northeast corner of the Cathedral.


    This mansion was isolated from most common facilities, even surrounded by trees. Many of the locals live and die, not knowing it exists. Even those who knew it believed it to be nothing more than hearsay.


    This Courtyard was known as the Beast''s Den. No one knew precisely why it was called this, but to those in the know, they would say it was because it was where the Monsters of the Cathedral were born.


    It was where the Valkyries were created. One of the most Elite Troops of the Dracian Fate. Consisted only of those above the Ninth Rank, they were Masters of their crafts, and here they were made.


    The Courtyard had many empty houses, and its center was a tree. Around the tree was perfectly maintained grass.


    It was said that the one who nurtures the Valkyries lives at the central mansion. Rumors or not, she became an icon of fear.


    However, this rumor was not without reason to exist. There were indeed Valkyries, they were indeed strong, and in the Beast''s Den, there was indeed someone who nurtured them.


    But, this person, no, this woman was on her knees before a young man.


    Inside one of the biggest rooms of the Beast''s Den, the Cardinal Mother apologized for what happened earlier.


    Across the Cardinal Mother was Colt sitting comfortably on a throne with Fluff on his lap. Behind Colt were Lucille and Butler Go observing the situation.


    "We apologize for what has happened. The Valkyries acted with arrogant disregard for the Young Master''s Family resulting in a conflict leading to the injury of Miss Mina. We will take responsibility for the matter in the name of the Valkyries, the Saintess, and my own." spoke with sincerity. She was on her knees with Pel and Ravager, apologizing on behalf of Helvor and Gunnr, who injured Mina.


    On their knees, Pel and Ravager were there apologizing on behalf of the Helovr and Gunnr who injured Mina.


    They were on their knees but biting their lips in frustration.


    ''Gunnr and Helvor were also injured. They are in more critical conditions... and we''re apologizing to them?'' Pel was frustrated, to say the very least. She snuck a glance at Colt and bit the inside of her cheeks, ''I heard he''s the Hero who saved the Continent with that Alchemist. There were rumors he was growing in strength but to think he''s that strong... this man they call the Hero, just who is he to attract the attention of the Satiness and the Cardinal Mother? And that cat as well.''


    Pel was so confused that she almost had a nosebleed.


    ''Sister Rava, you''re a part of the intelligence agency. Just who are these people?'' Pel whispered to Ravager.


    ''I also want to know what''s going on. I work with the Intelligence Agency but don''t collect or review the information. This past year I was North watching over the Hellbanes, so I know little about the South.'' Ravager creased her brows, ''Almost all the bigshots of the Regulus are here, but that shouldn''t have made Mother flinch or reconsider. The Cardinal Mother is ruthless and would kill anyone who dared antagonize the Faith. But the moment that cat appeared, she changed. It''s a mystery. However, those two ought to know.''


    "We failed to inform them of your significance to the Fate, Young Master; please, do not channel your rage to them!" added Fer.


    "In consideration of our friendship, I ask the Young Master to forgive the Cardinal Mother and Valkyries who have wronged you and your family." Freyja, or rather Sister Mary, also asked for Colt''s forgiveness.


    Freyja and Fer, one was the previous Queen and the other the current stand-in for the Queen of Valkyries. They were strong, terrifyingly so, but they acted like neutered dogs before a single man.


    ''I don''t know what happened when Sister Fer searched for Older Sisters Frey-that traitor, but it''s clear that they are both worried about incurring the anger of that young man.'' Ravager was an expert at reading people. She was an assassin and an interrogator, and she could tell that Fer and Freyja were not worried about themselves but about someone else.


    Pel only felt a heavy sensation of dread fall on her chest hearing Ravager''s words.


    Colt looked at them, his sharp observing the situation. Before, he was unclear about what happened, but Lucille told him what happened, and now he understood what had transpired.


    "Mina was hurt in a fight. One could say it was her stubbornness and desire to get me back that started it, but the Saintess acted out of turn. Even if you take into consideration the misunderstanding with your Knights -which I would not get into for the sake of this conversation - there was no relation to her actions. Oh yeah, what happened to the Saintess?"


    "She is in her quarters, Young Master." The Cardinal Mother answered, "She cannot leave it until further notice."


    "I see, so the punishment for almost starting a war is a timeout."


    "Tha-that is...."The Cardinal Mother almost choked hearing what Colt had said.


    ¡°We cannot do anything much about the Saintess. She is the icon of the Dracian Faith, the only one who can communicate with the Goddesses. She is the one with the highest compatibility with Divinity in this world. She is the first person to be given the title of Saintess after 247 years. To make her stay in a room against her will is already an act of blasphemy. To punish her further is akin to punishing a King." Pel interrupted and gave an explanation.


    "So you''re telling me a King who moves an entire Country - or a place akin to a Country, whatever it is called - is punished by timeout. I see, if she starts a war that results in the death of thousands of soldiers, smearing shit all over the Goddesses'' will, put her in a room and tell her, "no, bad Saintess, but you''re special." that would be good." Colt sneered, "Don


    "Then what do you want us to do, Young Master Colt?" Pel nodded.


    "Dunno, stop treating the kid like she''s made of glass and for who she really is... a kid. Tell her what to do and what not to do without strangling her?"


    "Aren''t your words conflicting, Young Master?" Pel argued.


    "That''s the point of being a parent; it''s not exactly easy."


    "Heh, big words from who made his daughter believe she was abandoned for almost four years?" Ravager sneered.


    Fwu!


    "What did you just say?" In such an enclosed room, the wind violently raged. It was not Colt who responded with anger. No, it was Sister Mary surrounded by an evergreen gale of sharp wind. She looked behind at Ravager with a nasty glare, "Colt''s sacrifices, the trials, and tribulations he faced, the torture he put himself into. Yes, he''s a pain in the ass. An asshole? Yes. But don''t you dare disregard his efforts when you don''t know what happened."


    "Heh, of course, the traitor who abandoned those who followed her will defend her kind."


    "Traitor? I never abandoned anyone. I just left and decided to lead a different life."


    Ravager and Sister Mary both fought with their words. Their aura violently rose together with their anger.


    Ravager''s hand moved towards her weapon, and Sister Mary was the same. A fight would erupt at any given moment.


    "You two, stop it."


    An aura filled with the energy of rampageous violence crept up on both Ravager and Sister Mary. For a moment, they felt hands of ice squeezing their necks.


    Certain death was upon them.


    The Cardinal Mother looked at them from her kneeling position. Though they had seen her get angry so many times before, to see her so angry, oozing with killing intent that drowned them.


    "Stop showing such disrespect to the


    "I agree with the Cardinal Mother; that''s enough. Sister Mary, that''s enough; thank you for defending me but what she said was true. I abandoned Filla; what right do I have to say about parenting?" Colt smiled as he shrugged his shoulders, "Let''s just end the discussion here. The crux of this little meeting is to determine what to do. Punishment or not, this all began because the Saintess tackled me out of nowhere, and I fell horribly. There was a fight that resulted in Mina''s injuries...."


    Colt paused and took a deep breath before continuing, "But, all of this could''ve been avoided if one person stepped in."


    Colt looked at Lucille. She waved at him like she did nothing wrong.


    Lucille knew of her mistakes, but she didn''t care. In her eyes, she just used the Dracian Fate to train Mina, the genius who had been wasting her time stagnating without reason. Earlier, Colt asked her why she did what she did, and Lucille actually laughed:


    ''Mina''s genius could have realized this level when she was 16, but no, she got tired of being alone, and stagnation resulted from that. A few months ago, she asked me how to become a Sorceress and more about magic. Mina wanted to learn more, not just for teaching, but to protect you - though I believe that is a useless thought - and the others. I''m just doing what she wants, and I only want the best for her as a teacher. If I had to use the Dracian Fate for that, I would not hesitate. I''ll even raze this place to the ground if it''s for Mina.''


    Lucille had lived for a long time¡­ not once did she emphasize with someone, and she had never found anything other than magic interesting. Time flowed, and before she knew it, she was already at the top of her Tower, watching the clouds pass by, waiting for her eventual death.


    Colt no longer holds anything from the book; he knew not who Lucille was and what kind of person she was. He only knows that she''s the one who acted as Mina''s mother all these times.


    With his scant knowledge of the future left, Colt could only speculate. But from what he could see, Lucille had the making of a villain.


    If Mina had died like the original story, Colt was sure she would seek revenge, ''She''s obsessed with Mina... no, it''s more like Mina''s her world.''


    Lucille had not once empathized with anyone, but Mina touched her heart to the point of obsession, ''I suppose Mina picked up from her a little bit.''


    To Lucille, Mina was her daughter. She would destroy the world for Mina. Rising a war just to help her improve? Lucille found their lives inconsequential.


    Colt looked to the side and saw Lucille chatting with Butler Go, smiling.


    Lucille leaned over to Butler Go, "Hey, do you think Shickly will believe me if I tell him the entire Dracian Fate bowed before his son?"


    "Believable¡­ but please make sure that it doesn''t reach the ears of the Nobles. They are already worried about the Young Master''s position; though the thing about him wanting to be King had been resolved, they now might think he''s aiming for the Grand Duke position by enlisting the Dracian Fate in his ranks."


    "Surely, they can''t be that stupid, right?"


    "Do you really think so?"


    "Fair enough." Lucille chuckled.


    Colt knew not what they were talking about, but he was still somewhat irritated that the cause of all this was being so carefree.


    A heavy sigh escaped Colt, "Both sides have made mistakes. If the Dracian Faith can promise to accommodate us until Mina recovers and the diffusion of the situation on the Holy City, I will not pursue any reparation. As for the children, I will tell them what happened, and Butler Go will relay my excuses so we can have our stories straight. These are my demands. Will it be any trouble?"


    "Thank you for your kindness, Young Master Colt." The Cardinal Mother responded.


    "Oh, please add that you will allow my family to look around Holy City. They have long awaited a time to stretch their limbs, and I have heard the Holy City is a place where one can unwind."


    "It will be done." The Cardinal Mother quickly answered.


    "Thank you." Colt clapped loudly, surprising everyone in the room, "The citizens should be worried about what''s happening. The night''s about to arrive, else they might think a rift has come between our forces. The other Empires should react tomorrow. With that settled, let''s just move on. Can anyone direct me to the place where my wife is resting?"


    "Please let me, Young Master Colt." Sister Mary presented herself to lead Colt.


    Colt did not argue; he had many questions about Sister Mary, but they should be left alone for a different time.


    Standing up, Colt held onto Fluff, who escaped his grasp to stay on the comfortable throne.


    "NYA!" It spoke loudly as it yawned. It waved its paws as if to send Colt away.


    "Is this allowed? If not, I can take care of this disrespectful cat."


    The Cardinal Mother laughed as she stood up, "Your cat saved us from a perilous situation earlier; please let it stay. With that said, I will be taking care of the public. Please go on with what you are going to do."


    "If you say so." Colt was reluctant, but he didn''t want to argue. He had enough headaches for the night.


    "Nya nya meow (just get out of her, and take a bath already, you stink)"


    Fluff sent a jab at Colt as he watched everyone empty the room.


    Colt left, and Lucille followed closely behind. She, too, wanted to check on Mina.


    The two Valkyries were dismissed soon after.


    After giving the Cardinal Mother a deep bow, they too stepped outside of the room together with Fer. They both glanced over Colt''s direction.


    "Sister Fer, you''ve been to the Edgeworth''s territory for a while, correct? So, what''s the deal with him? That strength when we fought, the way Argo reacted... just who is he?" Pel could still remember the vibration she felt penetration in her body.


    "Yeah, I''ve read up on him since he''s the one who invested in Alchemist Jin. I thought he just got lucky and found him by chance. After all, he''s famous for being a wastrel. But more and more bards are singing the tune that was just a front to protect his daughter. Frejya also reacted like so... is the story about him being a Hero true?" having heard of the many ludicrous stories about Colt, Ravager wanted to confirm her suspicions.


    Fer showed them a weak smile, "I will tell you and the others what I know about the Young Master when we are with the others. If he''s going to stay here in the Cathedral for just tonight or even a day, you all need to be properly informed. There is much to be said about the Young Master, but the one thing you must know about him is that there''s a reason why Sister Freyja respects and fears that man."


    Pel and Ravager''s confused faces were the last things seen as two heavy doors closed.


    Inside the room, there were still who remained.


    A cat and a demon.


    The Cardinal Mother. Finally, she had the chance to get up again but fell to her knees again.


    Now, only the cat and the old woman remained in the room. Fluff sighed, seeing her actions, [I was hoping you wouldn''t notice, but that was wishful thinking, huh.]


    As those words left Fluff''s mouth, the Cardinal Mother''s heart and body trembled.


    She had never met him and only heard stories from her Elders.


    At some point, she began doubting their words.


    But as the words left the cat''s mouth, it felt like thick clouds parted in her aged heart. Her body started shaking as tears finally escaped her eyes that had long dried.


    She had been holding it back but it was no longer possible after hearing his words of confirmation. The Cardinal Mother cried tears of joy as she bore witness to the fat cat''s glory, "For me to be in the [Great Guardian God: Behemoth''s] presence, my life is complete."


    [Don''t go kicking the bucket now.]


    Fluff jest as he rested his head on his paw.


    Seyer_Jad


    Sorry for my abysmal update schedule, but here''s the new chapter, and this week, if I don''t face any more IRL challenges, new chapters will be every other day

 194. The Dracian Fate

    "Yvse''raszqueta Z''ll Porsampierla greets the Great Guardian God." The Cardinal Mother bowed so deeply that her forehead kissed the ground.


    The old woman, whose position could not be shaken in the Dracian Fate, acted humbly to a cat.


    [You demons really like doing this, don''t you? This is why I rarely show up in front of you guys. I already told the last Worshipper to stop this shit.]


    Fluff rarely interacted with the Demons. Fluff was not one for formalities, yet the Demons would not stop bowing at a glance of his magnificence.


    "The Demon Race would not be here if not for the Great Guardian God''s existence. You spilled your blood for us and protected us from the world that wanted nothing to do with us. We lived because of your sacrifice, all so that we can rise. To show any less respect to the Great Guardian God was nothing less than desecrating to your brilliance."


    ''Well, they''re not offering your blood anymore like before, at least. But this is still tiring. I wish they''d stop it.'' Fluff sighed but then remembered a Colt. The cat smiled widely, [You speak of desecrating my brilliance and showing respect, yet you fail to follow my words. Is that not disrespectful as well?]


    Like she short-circuited, the Cardinal Mother was stuck on what she should do. Does she bow or get up?


    She did not know what to do.


    Sighing, Fluff interrupted her chaotic thoughts:


    [Raise your head.] Fluff watched the Cardinal Mother''s pale expression and the bullets of cold sweat going down her face, [You do not have to do that anymore. Besides, it would be problematic if someone sees you bowing to a cat.]


    "I-I see; his Lordship''s insight is as deep as the legends say."


    The Cardinal Mother was about to lower her head, but Fluff stopped her, saying, [What did I say?]


    "I apologize."


    Fluff watched as the Cardinal Mother lowered her head in apology. The cat just kept his silence.


    Demons were the beings who came to be from the blood of the Devil King. They were beings created to be mindless puppets. They were beings who had no will of their own. Even though their thoughts were sealed, one could say their fate was worse than a slave''s.


    The Demons were enslaved, their souls locked away in their hearts.


    With the help of the Goddesses, a Heavenly Creature that commands Heaven''s Light spilled golden ichor to give what the Demons lacked - freewill.


    Behemoth fought the enraged Devil King. His body was cut, but with rage carrying him through the pain, the world''s earth was overturned with a roar. This fight would let the world catch a glimpse of Behemoth''s anger which would later be known to other races as the Beast of Righteous Wrath.


    Being freed from the tyranny of the Devil King, the Demons did not find paradise. The Demons were persecuted by the other races. The sins the Devil King forced them to do could not be forgotten, and they were simply too strong.


    Bred to be a race for war, they were too strong for their own.


    The Demons were feared long before. The Beast ranking had the [Demon Rank] in it because the first generations of these beings were so strong that they could fight against the strongest beasts.


    Many died under the might of the Demons. No matter what the Guardian Beasts said, the people hated the Demons. Being freed from the Devil King resulted in them being hunted by the other Races.


    But Behemoth once again stepped up. After his fight with the Devil King, he gathered all the Demons and carried them on his back to safe land. Behemoth erected a great mountain range to protect the Demons from the anger of the Races.


    There, they live in peace, even in the present day. Starting an Empire, they flourished, and after the war, they became more accepted, especially up north.


    Like how the Elves worshipped their guardian [Atal], the Demons began worshipping Behemoth.


    The Demons worshipped Behemoth as their Guardian God.


    Behemoth threatened those who walked the earth for the sake of the demon''s peace. He bled for them; to them, Behemoth was a benevolent presence.


    [Rise now, this voice really makes me tired ¡ª okay, this is good enough. Where were we? Oh yeah, stand up now. I don''t plan on telling you again."


    The Cardinal Mother did not dare go against the wishes of the Behemoth that was currently in the form of a cat.


    Fluff stood up and stretched its body, "Oh yeah, what generation are you? Considering how I can still feel the aura of the Origin from you means that you were born quite early."


    "I am of the seventh Generation Priestess. I am the last of my generation and the last holder of the Will you have gifted us. If you wish, I can return it to the Great Guardian."


    "That is not something that can be returned. It is no problem, so just keep it." Fluff assured, but at the back of his head, he found it fascinating that the gift remained, ''So the Gift had dissipated to the Demons, but to think a fractal of it remains.''


    The gift of being attuned to the earth that''s what Fluff gave to the Demons. The plan was to let it gradually dissipate into the Demon lineage and give them all an innate attunement to the earth. Though the Gift Fluff gave was not as strong as the Dwarves, it allowed the Demons a connection to someone else.


    Though not to the same degree as Demons, Dwarves also worshipped Behemoth as a Guardian Deity.


    "Also, you''re a Seventh Generation? That was unexpected. That would make you 700 years old, right? Even a 500-year-old elf is rare. I can see that you have gained enlightenment of the earth. Even then, it was rare. For someone so young, your faith impresses me."


    "His Lordship''s words bring me absolute joy." The old demon''s face lit up, and she thanked Fluff with misty eyes. Many people, demons and outside her race, celebrated her skills and accomplishments.


    But only now did she feel proud of her achievements.


    Fluff looked at the Cardinal Mother seriously, "So, what does the rest of the world know about the Great Calamity?"


    "All I was told was that there was a fight. Only lost records exists after the great purge of texts."


    Fluff smiled, "Your predecessor has taught you well."


    "She would be honored to know his Lordship praised her highly."


    "What of the others?"


    "Even the long-lived Elves have died and had their truths altered. How they did it remains ambiguous, and this Era''s Elder holds the answer to what they did. It was 200 years ago when they passed the mantel. I know not about the other short-lived races, but the truth has already been muddled after the death of the Second Protector. However, the tapestries of the Seven Heroes wielding the Artifacts were far too outreaching to erase. Books about Legends exist to this day."


    "That''s good then¡­ that''s good. The more people who have forgotten is better." Fluff spoke as he yawned. "Oh yeah, I should gather information now; I still can''t say anything to Colt at the moment after all. How have Demons fared in this era? Are they doing well? Seeing how the Valkyries acted in front of you meant that Demons are still the protector of the Three Fates."


    "We have, but... things have changed. Other than the next Priestess, we would send


    The current Demon Emperor is someone from the 14th generation of the [Bellux Lineage] who is ruling over them. It has been hundreds of years since I left for the Empire, but I heard things have changed, especially in the Royal Family."


    "Oh, so the Belluxes are still in power? Didn''t think they''ll remain this long. It had been a thousand years since I slept, and their little Kingdom had grown into an Empire, good for them. Oh yeah, I heard the Empire of Demons wanted to wage war against the Kingdom of Regulus?"


    The Cardinal Mother froze hearing Behemoth''s question, "Tha-that is something I do not know."


    "Is the land I provided so stifling?"


    "No, of course not. It is thriving and full of life. Many of the Continent''s most unusual and rare beasts are found in the Mountain Range you have gifted us. However, if I had to guess, I can think of a problem that demanded them to move out of their home."


    "A problem?"


    "Yes, I heard that the land his Lordship left behind was too thriving and has been producing more powerful monsters. More Demon-Class monsters appear in the God Beast Mountain Range than in the Magical Beast Forest. Currently, the Empire is showing signs of weakening from the increasing number of Magical Beasts."


    "An increase in Magical Beast activities? Could it be?" Fluff''s ears perked in shock.


    "Does his Lordship know what''s happening?"


    "I am not entirely sure, but I will look into the matter with Colt. We will pay a visit and see if I can do anything."


    "Thank you for your deep understanding, your Lordship."


    "Just do not tell anyone about me for now. That includes the brat of the Demons. I have learned that a surprise visit is more effective in gauging a place of living. Oh yeah, what about the Sea Dwellers? Are they still in conflict with the Demons?"


    "Sadly, it remains how it had been since it began. Skirmishes still happen¡­ I heard that was because of you, Great Guardian?"


    "If this was the era of Deva, I would be proud of you, but sadly, it is not. Seems like my lesson of "friendly competition" has yet to disappear. Seems like Reis was right about instigating them after all."


    The Cardinal Mother was taken aback. She had heard that the fight between the Sea Dwellers and the Demons was because of the Great Guardian''s education. She didn''t believe it, but it seemed like it was right.


    "Is the fight threatening the existence of the two Races?"


    "No, but fights often happen between the two races."


    "Are we winning in the fights? Do we have the advantage in terms of combat strength?"


    "From what I heard, we have the upper hand these days. More prospective Demons have appeared than the Sea Dwellers."


    The Cardinal Mother saw a proud grin on her Lord''s face. He even made a little pump with her front leg. He even whispered something, but the Cardinal Mother was unsure what he was talking about.


    But, she was just glad that Fluff was acting joyously at the victory of the Demons.


    "Other than the matter with the Mountain Range, there''s nothing to worry about." Fluff felt the throne shake a little and sighed before cursing Colt under his breath, "I like this chair, but it seems like I have to go back to Colt now."


    Fluff jumped down from the throne and started walking away. The Cardinal Mother obediently followed the cat.


    "Your Lordship."


    "Mm?"


    "May I ask you about the Champion you have chosen?"


    "About Colt? Yeah, why not." Fluff did not hesitate. Of all people, the Cardinal Mother was not one to prattle about confidential information.


    "Colt Edgeworth, is he truly worthy to his Lordship''s half?"


    "Hooh~, are you doubting my eyes?"


    "No, that''s not what I-"


    The Cardinal Mother panicked, seeing Fluff''s eyes narrow.


    To her plight, Fluff immediately laughed, "Hahaha, don''t worry, I''ve been with that guy for some time now, and to ask why I would choose him of all people. I find it weirder how that guy has so many followers. But, the reason, huh? I''ve never really given it much thought. I woke up because his soul was strong enough."


    "His soul?"


    "Yeah, weird, right? It wasn''t his affinity or his talent. But his soul. His soul was strong enough to wrench my eyes open from slumber. Atal is the same, but because the one guides the soul, we still do not have an answer. But, he proved his worth. He even helped save the Continent, drove away some nasty people, and seized control of the artifacts from that time. The kid just wants a simple life despite his strengths. He sees life as precious. He is shrewd, but he''s not a bad person. He''s annoying and does not show a sliver of respect. But, he is also not restrictive. If I have to put it simply, he''s not irksome to be with."


    The Cardinal Mother still did not understand.


    Fluff lazily walked away after saying the most, but just as the chubby cat was about to leave, it left the Cardinal Mother one last warning:


    "Oh yeah, I forgot to warn you. Don''t try to test or aggravate Colt. He may not look like it and he would not admit it, but he¡¯s someone who holds a dagger of grudges close to his heart. He''s calmed down now, but that''s only because of my interference. Even then, he''s still pissed about what you guys did to his wife. You¡¯re lucky he has his children with him in this place." After Fluff said those words, the throne he sat on cracked and collapsed, "He wants to help people as much as any normal person, but he has a bottom line. If you touch his family, his children, and intend on causing them harm, you will regret it ¡ª because I will stand by his side. He''s annoying, but that one is the one I chose. "


    The Cardinal Mother caught sight of the Great Guardian''s eye, and her heart shuddered.


    "Sorry about the throne. Colt will compensate you for that. If you want to get on the good side of the Edgeworths, try sending pillows made from the same material as that cushion delivered to Risa Edgeworth, the Elf named Vyra, and her babies. Oh, how could I forget to baby Ayl as well."


    The heavy doors opened, and Fluff left the room, leaving the Cardinal Mother inside. She walked to the broken chair and saw that the frame was shattered to splinters from the inside.


    ''This is not the doing of the Guardian God....''


    Fluff walked out of that room and followed his connection with Colt. It found the room and entered with little discretion. Fluff found Colt by Mina¡¯s side. He was holding her hands, his eyes softer than when he was in the room with the others. He was alone with her. The usual faces around Mina were nowhere to be found.


    Colt kissed her hands until was silent until he finally noticed Fluff¡¯s arrival, "Did you get tired of the throne?"


    "Nya, nya meow."


    "Yeah, sorry about that."


    "Nyaaaa."


    "The others? Risa and Mary are looking after the children with Hylda. Vyra is looking after the twins in another room. As for Jin, some people were looking for him. I should be with him, but I am in no shape to meet with anyone." Colt clenched his fist, "I said I''m going to forgive the actions of a little girl, but¡­ my hands are still shaking seeing Mina like that."


    On the bed next to them, there was Mina. She was sleeping, and though her condition was stable, Colt felt useless.


    "Nya."


    Amidst his shaking heart, the cat meowed and shot him a knowing glance.


    Colt sighed profoundly and smiled softly, "I will be counting on you when that happens."


    The cat nodded and closed his eyes.


    Fluff was the Patron of Demons. But, as the images of the children flashed in his mind, the cat would not hesitate to unleash his anger to protect them.


    He assured Colt because, as far as anyone was concerned, they were his family. He would do anything for them.


    "You did a lot today. Want to extort them some food?"


    "Nyay!" And also for food.


    Seyer_Jad


    Thanks for reading, and again sorry for my absence


    Chapter 200 is now up on my Patreon if you want to support and read ahead please consider going there.