Umilia's expression became serious as she said in a contemplative tone, "It is something I still can't figure out. But I remember seeing a logo of their organization here and there…it looked something like an 'S' that seemed to be shaped like a zigzag. As for why they were doing all these things or running these experiments, I have no idea. I remember lots of women dying from all sorts of complications right beside me while I was scared and frightened, wondering if I was going to be the next. Watching them die in gruesome ways was something my young mind couldn't handle at that time. But somehow, I survived till the end and was even isolated from others."
Viktor was astonished that even before Umilia merged with the Soul Crystal, she was still strong enough to not go crazy from all these traumatic experiences, especially considering how young she was at that time.
Still, he had to ask, "But considering you were in a facility with tight security, how did you manage to escape with Sayana?"
Umilia's expression became a bit sad as she said, "Remember that lady doctor I told you about? I don't know if she was kind or feeling guilty about the experiments being conducted on us, but she took a big risk by helping me escape along with my baby. All she said was that she was trying to right her wrongs and told me to leave the country and hide somewhere with my daughter. Otherwise, these people would come and kidnap me again or my daughter. But just after I escaped, the guards knew about it, and I have no idea what happened to the doctor after that. I could only pray that nothing bad happened to her."
Viktor let out a sigh of relief, inwardly thanking this lady doctor for saving his wife and her daughter. He was glad there were still people kind enough to help and save others without standing to gain anything.
Still, it didn't make him feel less disappointed in himself. He had always been late in saving the people he loved…just like his parents. They died while he was away studying in an institution, and even if it was not really his fault, he couldn't help but blame himself, especially since he was not an ordinary being.
Umilia continued as she leaned on his arm, "I ran and ran till I came upon Taya. Her smile looked like the ray of light I was looking for, and she was indeed kind enough to support and take Sayana and me in."
Umilia then shook Viktor's hand as she said with a smile, "You know you are quite lucky to have a woman like her love you. Even though she seems to be upset with you on the outside, she loves you more than you think. I bet you just have to talk to her using your 'ways' and she would surely melt back into your arms again."
Viktor softly chuckled, "That is what I plan to do anyway. I can't let her slip out of my hands that easily. But about Sayana…do you ever plan to tell her the truth?"
Umilia's eyes flickered as she said, "I don't know, but there is something even more shocking I found about her after merging with the Soul Crystal."
Viktor's brows pulled together, "What was that?"
"She has an Odic Heart…" Umilia trailed off, not knowing if she should consider this a blessing or…
Viktor's brows raised, "An Odic Heart? Does that mean…she can use magic?" This was not something he saw coming.
Umilia rubbed her forehead as she said with a hint of worry, "She should be able to as long as she is aware of it and trained to use it. But the problem is…the reason she has an Odic Heart could have something to do with the experiment, and I don't know if an artificially created Odic Heart would be stable when using Odic Force in the long run or any side effects she might face. For now, she seems alright but only when she starts manipulating her Odic Force and continues for a while would I be able to make sure if she would be alright or not. But once she starts, then there is no going back. This is the dilemma I am facing right now. Making her stronger is my wish so that she would never have to face the things I did and protect herself."
Umilia was very worried about her daughter since she had never come upon things like these and didn't know if Sayana would continue to have a normal life in the future.
Viktor caressed her shoulder and said in a determined tone, "Don't worry. I will keep an eye on her and protect her from all harm. So till then, you could research whether it will be okay to teach her or not."
Umilia felt her worries dissipating away just by hearing his confident voice and hugged him affectionately as she said, "I don't know what I would have done without you, husband."
"Haha, you picked the best man. Oh, look…a nice cozy hotel. How about we have something to refresh our moods?" Viktor suddenly pointed to a large three-storied hotel on the opposite side that looked quite classy and luxurious enough to make passersby look at with awe written all over their faces.
Umilia had a blinking expression, hearing Viktor say how it was a 'nice and cozy hotel'.
"Viktor, that is a five-star hotel at least. I don't think we should waste money on such hotels. We can go to a smaller one if you want," Umilia thought that Viktor still had no money for himself, at least not enough to afford a meal here.
Viktor gulped as he remembered that he had lost his wallet and everything and would now have to ask the bank to reissue him new ones.
Still, he wasn't bothered and pulled along Umilia towards the other side as he said, "It doesn't matter. You took your credit card with you, right?"
Seeing his shrewd smile, Umilia's eyes began to slightly twitch as she stiffly nodded but then shook her head, "No, I—"
"Yes, you did! Now come!"
"Ah! Viktor! I don't know if I have enough limit on my card. I spent most of it for S—"
"It's fine. Even if your cards bounce, I will just shake the manager's neck."
"Viktor!" Seeing his mischievous wink, Umilia could only amusedly smile, seeing that this rogue wolf never changes his shade.