Those words and scripts looked eerily similar to those from Earth. Even the technologies described within mirrored those he had witnessed in his previous world, almost down to the smallest detail.
This unsettling resemblance sent Aether’s mind spinning…
‘Does that mean people from Earth came here?’ Aether pondered, his brow furrowing deeper with each passing thought as he delved further into the book.
If he had come here, then it stood to reason that others could have as well, right?
However, a disconcerting issue arose when he tried to read the book to Aria. She couldn’t comprehend it, as if Aether were speaking a foreign language entirely different from their own.
“What is happening?” Aether’s confusion was evident in his furrowed brow and the perplexed tone of his voice. Despite speaking in his native tongue, she could understand his speech but not the words he read from the book.
“…I think that seal is doing something to you,” Aria said, her own frown mirroring his…. now she was worried.
Aether nodded, although he was certain it wasn’t the seal.
He knew it was his fucking ‘Log’…. that trying to fuck him somehow… again!
The more he read, the more he became engrossed in the mind behind the book. The author must have been a mad scientist, an individual whose brilliance bordered on insanity. The entire text was filled with complex theories of mechanics and technologies, some of which were so advanced that even he didn’t understand them.
Yet, a crucial piece of information was conspicuously absent, gnawing at his mind…
Why did no one know this language?
Where were the people who used this language?
Not a single trace was found, even though Aether and Aria had scoured every corner of their world in search of answers…
Nothing related to the language, except for this lone book, as if….
“Arcane Erased…” Aria murmured, her expression turning serious as she held another book, her eyes scanning its pages.
“Erased?” Aether repeated, his frown deepening.
“This book is the history of our Empire,” Aria explained, “and it mentions that thousands upon thousands of years ago, there was a civilization that was erased by Arcane… and that’s all.”
“That’s all?” Aether echoed, his frustration growing as he scrutinized the book. The civilization was only briefly mentioned, with no significant details provided.
Aria looked at him, her face etched with worry. Aether considered the situation for a few more moments before shrugging dismissively, ‘I have lots of shit I need to deal with; fuck this!’ he thought with a mental scoff.
For him, gaining his freedom was more important! than any ancient mystery. He couldn’t care less about these mysterious things.
However, as he glanced at the previous book, a sly smile curled his lips. ‘It explained how I need to understand the technologies… that means…’ A spark flickered in Aether’s eyes before he gently patted Aria’s head. “Whatever it is, I don’t care… I will face–”
“We will face it together!!” Aria interrupted, her voice resolute and her face set with determination.
Aether’s smile softens into something genuine and warm. “Yeah, we will face it together…”
!~Ding~!
[Survival Rate: 36%↑]
…
….
“Hmm? Where is my daughter?” Maelona asked, a frown creasing her forehead. It had been nearly a day since she last saw her daughter, and worry gnawed at her.
She turned to her maids, who immediately responded with deep bows, “Princess Aria is in Elanthariel’s Archive, Your Grace.”
Maelona frowned momentarily before heading towards the archive. As before, she was blocked by the soldiers, but upon showing her token, they allowed her entry.
[+200 AP]
“~Ara~” Maelona’s voice was a soft, affectionate murmur as she saw the scene before her.
Aether was lying on Aria’s lap, fast asleep, with the book resting on his chest as if he had drifted off…..
Aria, wearing a gentle smile and with her eyes closed, had her head nodding slightly as if she too had succumbed to sleep. Despite this, her hand continued to ruffle Aether’s hair with tender care, an unconscious gesture of affection and protection.
Maelona’s eyes turned teary as she saw her daughter wearing a wonderful smile she had never seen before…..
Maelona desperately wanted to capture this moment and store it in her heart forever…..
Gently, she tapped her daughter’s shoulder, causing Aria to slowly open her eyes. “I-I am so—” she began, but Maelona quickly placed a finger to her lips and pointed at the sleeping Aether.
Aria blushed and smiled, a tender whisper escaping her lips, “I love him so much, Mom.” Her voice was soft.
Maelona’s eyes grew even more teary. Her daughter had found a love so pure and deep, something Maelona herself had never experienced.
With a soft snap of her fingers, Maelona used her magic to gently float Aether off Aria’s lap. Together, they walked out of the library, with Aria carefully cradling the book.
No one was allowed to take anything from the library.
If he wanted she could always take him here.
They placed Aether in another room, as his previous quarters were undergoing remodelling.
“Make sure to take your medicines, dear,” Maelona reminded Aria, her cheeks slightly flushed with embarrassment.
Aria frowned and was about to protest, but Maelona’s voice turned stern. “He is not at an age where he can be responsible!” she admonished, leaving no room for argument as she left the room.
Aria pouted, her voice barely a whisper, “I will take care of the responsibility…” She then hugged Aether tightly to her bosom.
….
The Next Day…
“Took your time, Elona~,” Liora remarked, her tone playful as she watched Maelona approach the common ground used for duels. The area was buzzing with anticipation, filled with spectators eager to see the outcome of the day’s events.
There were many people gathering around to see as they were also curious about what might happen to the High Elf tribe since they lost their support from the Emperor.
“It will be interesting to see what unfolds!”
“Yeah, but I’m pretty sure the High Elf tribe might lose their ground now…”
“Nah, bro, as long as we have Elder Kaelith, no one can defeat us!”
“Haha… you’re funny, bro. It’s been years since we last saw the Elder. I even doubt he cares for his tribe!”
Murmurs and rumours spread through the crowd as they eagerly awaited the duel’s outcome.
“Hmm?” Liora’s curiosity was piqued when she spotted a black-haired human boy walking closely with Aria. She noted with interest that Aria carried herself with a newfound authority and arrogance.
‘She looks different…’ Liora thought, frowning as she observed the transformation in Aria since their last encounter.
Liora shrugged off her thoughts and turned her attention back to Maelona, who now stood before her. With an amused expression, Liora asked, “Where is Kaelith?”
“He will arrive in time,” Maelona responded with a stern face, then walked toward the elevated platform. Aria nodded at Liora before following her mother, and Aether nodded as well, following closely behind Aria.
Sniff
As Aether passed by, Liora’s nose twitched. She frowned momentarily before glancing at Aether’s back. Her lips curled up in a sly smile, “Interesting…” she muttered to herself.
[+1 AP]
“Mother?” Kaelen’s voice called out, snapping Liora back to the present. She turned to her son, who nodded with a stern face, making Liora’s smile widen even more.