Victor clicked his tongue in mild frustration as he watched the girl walk away, a hint of disappointment in his expression. He was hoping for a different outcome, but it seemed the situation was more delicate than he had anticipated.
Ashara, who had been piecing together the details, finally understood the full picture. “So, she’s a victim of some kind of assault?” she inquired, her voice tinged with concern and empathy.
She paused, waiting for Victor to confirm her suspicions. When he didn’t respond, she pouted slightly and added, “You know, if I were a victim… I don’t think I would trust someone who hides behind a mask.”
Victor blinked a few times, turning to face her with a curious expression. “Do you think so?” he asked. If his mask was the problem… then he might not be able to help her.
Ashara’s pout deepened her expression a mix of annoyance and playfulness. “Now you’re talking to me!” she exclaimed, slightly exasperated.
She felt a bit miffed that Victor only talked with her when it suited him… especially since she considered herself his friend.
She felt he should talk to her more openly and regularly, not just when he needed something.
Victor sighed, pondering what approach he should take next. He was genuinely concerned about the girl, but he was also frustrated by the limitations of his own methods. ‘Damn, I don’t think she’ll come back…’ he thought.
Sensing Victor’s unease, Ashara sighed softly, her expression softening into one of understanding, “I’ll ask you one last time. Tell me the details… I might be able to help,” she offered.
Victor hesitated for a moment, weighing his options before sighing again and explaining the situation to her…
As she listened, Ashara nodded in understanding. “I see…” she said thoughtfully as she blankly stared at Victor.
[+10 AP]
Ashara smiled gently, “Well then, I’ll help you,” she declared confidently. Without waiting for Victor’s response, she turned and headed in the direction the girl had gone.
“Wait–”
“Don’t worry,” Ashara interrupted, glancing back at him with a reassuring smile. “I won’t pressure her… I know how to handle this.” Her tone was confident. With that, she continued walking away with a determined look on her face.
Victor sighed deeply, feeling a mix of hope and apprehension. He trusted Ashara, knowing that as a fellow woman, she might have a better chance of reaching the girl.
He sat down on the bench… Waiting for her.
Meanwhile,
Ashara approached the girl, her voice soft yet assertive as she called out, “Excuse me!” The girl flinched, turning around with wide, fearful eyes. She seemed ready to bolt at any moment. “I-I’m sorry, please!!” the girl cried out, her voice laced with panic, just as she was about to run again.
Ashara quickly intervened, her tone filled with empathy and shared pain, “I’ve experienced something similar…” she said, her voice tinged with sadness and a deep understanding. “Just because I’m a succubus, people often harass me…”
Hearing this, the girl froze, her eyes widening in shock….
….
..
Stay connected through
After a minute or so, Ashara returned… along with that girl.
Victor blinked, genuinely surprised to see them both.
The girl looked at him with a shy but sincere smile. “Thank you, Victor…. You’ve earned my trust,” she said softly, her voice trembling slightly but filled with gratitude.
[+10 AP]
“O-Oh! Thank you…” Victor replied, still caught off guard by the sudden sincere. He glanced at Ashara, who gave him a knowing wink and a thumbs-up, her expression triumphant.
Victor then carefully asked, “Are you comfortable speaking to the Principal?” His voice was gentle, trying not to pressure her but also wanting to ensure she received the help she needed.
The girl hesitated, glancing at Ashara for reassurance. Ashara nodded encouragingly, “He will be with you until the end,” she promised.
The girl nodded slowly, gathering her courage, “I-If you are there Victor then…Y-yes… I will…” she agreed, her voice shaky but resolute.
Victor nodded in acknowledgement, leading the way to the Principal’s office…
Soon, they arrived at the Principal’s office. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cm
The Principal listened intently to the girl’s story.
Her eyes welled up with tears as she hugged the trembling girl, offering her comfort and support. “You are a strong girl, my dear…” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. She then looked at Victor, nodding with a proud expression.
[+900 AP]
Victor smiled softly, feeling a sense of accomplishment and relief. He quietly stepped out of the office, closing the door behind him.
Thud
Outside, he found Ashara leaning against the wall, waiting for him with a serene expression.
“You could have come in, you know,”
“Nah, I’m fine out here,” Ashara replied nonchalantly, shrugging as if it was no big deal.
Victor shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. He reached out and patted her head.
[+10 AP]
As they walked away, Victor couldn’t help but ask, “What exactly did you tell her?” He was genuinely curious about what had transpired.
Ashara glanced at him, “To be honest, I didn’t do anything, she was already moved by your story… it’s just she needed an… someone like her so…” she began, her voice steady and serious, “I shared some truths about how people sometimes harass and molest me…”
“And that’s it?”
“Yes, most victims need just one person to step up and show understanding,” Ashara explained, her expression earnest. Victor was impressed, thinking to himself, ‘Not bad, I suppose…’ But then,
Ashara added with a mischievous grin, “And… I might have added a few lies, saying that you helped me like a hero, saving a damsel in distress and killing those filthy pigs for me, even wearing a mask so I wouldn’t get scared. I made you sound like a really trustworthy guy…”
Victor blinked in surprise, “That’s not a few… that’s a lot of lies…”
Ashara just giggled.
Victor smiled as they continued walking silently…. He then asked quietly, “Are others still harassing you?” His tone was serious.
“Hmm? Well… Yes,” Ashara answered truthfully. Even within the academy, there were a few students who tried to take advantage of her because she was a succubus.
Victor’s expression turned serious. “… Next time, if they come after you… tell me,” he said, his voice firm with care.
Ashara paused for a moment, blinked a few times and then nodded with a soft smile, “Of course! That’s what friends are for!”
[+100 AP]
“But you know…”
“Hmm?”
“To be honest, I can take care of myself…”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, I always kick their balls!!” She said with a grin, mimicking a kicking motion that made Victor chuckle in surprise.
“You are quite an amusing one…” Victor said, ruffling her hair gently.
He was surprised by how soft her hair felt and, without thinking, leaned down to take a…
‘Sniff’
Smell it.
“Hmm…” Victor’s eyes went blank for a moment, a distant look overtaking his features. Ashara immediately pushed him away, alarmed by his sudden change in demeanour. “Are you alright?” she asked.
As a succubus, Ashara’s body naturally emitted pheromones…. acting like an aphrodisiac.
Her pheromones affected both men and women, often leading to uncontrollable desires making their minds filled with procreation.
She worried that Victor might have been influenced by her pheromones and might act out of character, not just towards her but potentially towards others nearby.
She readied a spell, her heart pounding as she watched Victor closely. He seemed to be in a daze, staring blankly at the walls.
“V-Victor, please snap out of it,” Ashara pleaded, her voice filled with urgency and worry. She didn’t want her only friend to succumb to such a state. She had always been vigilant about her pheromones, but she had let her guard down around Victor.
However, in reality, something else was happening…
Victor, or rather…. Aether, found himself standing between two domains again!
Drip, Drip…
Aether stared at the white drop of liquid staining his Transparent Arcane card and then,
!~Ding~!