“Tell me what just happened now, Shin.”

Aria glanced at Peutoa and Shin while asking curiously with her brows furrowed.

Shin scratched his nose while looking towards Aria and spoke awkwardly.

“Uhm, Peutoa became one of my Guardians.”

Aria stared at Shin closely, her eyes narrowed as she spoke calmly.

“Can I become one of your Guardians too?”

“No.”

Shin shook his head and looked downwards.

“I don’t know why people can become my Guardian, but there’s a feeling I had when I first saw Peutoa, I can’t explain it as I don’t understand it myself.”

“Alright, don’t worry, I will always be by your side, Shin.”

Aria said while a small smile appearing on her face.

“Thank you, mother.”

Shin nodded once before being lost in his thoughts again.

“I have a question, if you don’t mind, Shin.”

Kali suddenly asked as she stared at Shin with a faint smile.

“Do ask.”

Shin subconsciously spoke as he looked downwards.

“Do the colours represent each Guardian? And can you use them yourself?”

Kali asked softly, but her eyes shined while looking at Shin.

Shin nodded when he heard Kali’s question.

“The colours do represent for each of my Guardians. And, if you’re asking me if I can use them, it’s both yes and no.”

Shin pouted as he thought for a couple of seconds before continuing.

“When there’s a time I need it, I will be able to use the powers. Besides that, I will need more practice before I can use them by myself.”

Kali nodded as she could understand the basics of what Shin answered.

“Hihi, Shin, I will be looking forward seeing more of your powers, it’s interesting!”

Kali spoke excitedly as she couldn’t remove her eyes from Shin.

Shin’s face turned red as he tried looking away.

“Uhm”

Shin’s voice wasn’t calm as he didn’t know what to say.

“Uh, yes, mother, can I have food now?”

Shin tried asking as he remembered he was hungry.

“Hehe, Kali, don’t bother my son that much.”

Aria peeked at Kali with narrowed eyes and a smile on her face.

Kali didn’t even glance at Aria, she turned around and walked towards the table where Laura put the breakfast. She picked up the dishes and walked back to Shin.

Kali sent a mocking glance towards Aria, trying to keep her laughter back.

Who do you think I am? Hihi.

Humph!

Aria stared coldly at Kali, wanting to see what her next move would be.

“Shin, you’re currently recovering, let me feed you, alright?”

Kali snickered while trying her best to hold her laughter in.

“Okay.”

Shin only nodded while his cheeks turning red once again.

The temperature around Aria suddenly fell, her eyes becoming ice-like and penetrating Kali, clearly indicating her to step away.

Laura stepped back when she could feel Aria’s mood turning sour, she glanced at Kali; hoping that she would stop irritating Aria on purpose. But, Laura’s hope was sadly shattered as Kali didn’t even bother sparing a glance at Aria.

Peutoa sent a curious look towards Shin, Peutoa could feel her breathing becoming rougher just staying in the room, but she couldn’t see any changes in Shin.

Kali first took a spoon full of soup and blew on it to cool it down before lifting it near Shin’s mouth.

“Open your mouth, Shin.”

Shin did as Kali said, as the soup entered his mouth, he felt refreshed because of the delightful taste. A smile appeared on Shin’s face as he calmed down quickly, but he felt something being wrong as the room was quiet.

“Why is no one speaking?”

Shin tried to move his head from one side to another, trying to listen to any sounds, but hearing nothing.

“Mother?…”

Shin testingly voiced out as no one spoke with an anxious tone.

“Cough, sorry, Shin. There’s nothing wrong, let me come and feed you.”

Aria coughed and spoke hastily after she heard Shin’s nervous voice.

Peutoa and Laura sighed in relief as they were having a hard time breathing under Aria’s pressure.

Both glanced at Shin, feeling grieved that he didn’t feel anything.

Kali quietly handed one platter to Aria, when she saw Aria’s eyes narrowing, Kali frowned and opened her lips and spoke softly which only Aria could hear.

“Don’t be like that, Shin wouldn’t want us to fight.”

Aria nodded softly after thinking for a second, she couldn’t deny Shin’s happiness for her own selfish reasons.

Inside of the royal castle in the Kingdom of Leran.

A male in his early 20s sat on a throne, looking down on his subject which was kneeling in front of him.

“Tell me what you found.”

He spoke with a calm voice, but his eyes were showing glints coldness and ferocity.

“Your Majesty.”

The middle-aged man which was kneeling raised his head and tried to speak calmly.

“It has been confirmed that the ‘Freezing Highness’ isn’t planning to do anything yet, her son has not been in public besides that once in the banquet.”

“There have been sights of the ‘Purple Witch’ Kali in the castle, but we have no way to check if she is staying there now or not, as she can come and go as she wishes without us noticing.”

The Majesty calmly nodded.

There’s no way to check if the witch is there or not…

His eyes narrowed as he spoke coldly.

“Find more about it, and tell me about the sudden commotion which happened in the Kingdom of Alizad, the one about a dreadful power.”

“Heh, tell me about that too!”

A sudden voice sounded out throughout the whole castle.

“Who dares to enter his Majesty’s castle?!”

The middle-aged man roared out as he looked around.

Three people flashed swiftly out and stood around the Majesty. They all looked old, having white hair, but they looked elegant, showing no signs of being weak.

“Your Majesty, what should we do?”

The person in front of the Majesty asked while trying to find out the source of the voice.

The Majesty raised his left hand, still looking calm.

“Step down, you are most likely not his opponent.”

“Besides, hehe, tell me why you are here unless you don’t want to leave alive!”

His eyes turned red as he looked upwards at the ceiling. The Majesty stood up from his throne as a warm and powerful aura spread out from within his body.

“I heard some rumours about a sudden outburst of a dreadful aura, where and when was it?”

The voice sounded out once again, this time it was more forceful as it made everyone in the castle dreadful.

“Your Majesty?”

The middle-aged man stared at the Majesty, not sure if he should say it or not.

The Majesty also felt that he wasn’t the person’s opponent, but he didn’t care as he narrowed his eyes.

“Humph!”

His voice turned cold when he spoke.

“Kingdom of Alizad, the capital city.”

“But before you leave, tell me who you are, or don’t think of escaping.”

“Sigh…”

A sigh was heard as it felt like being tired of these ants.

“You think you can block me?”

The voice mocked them.

“For who I am, my name is; Hath Kagatsu.”

After the person spoke, the aura which was enveloping the whole castle vanished.

The three people around the Majesty and the middle-aged man kneeling was currently afraid and their eyes were shivering in fear.

“H-Hath Ka-Kagatsu?! How can that be? Wasn’t he dead?!”

The leading old man in a grey robe trembled as he spoke.

“That old geezer is still alive?”

The Majesty asked himself calmly, but he couldn’t hide his fear in his eyes.

He couldn’t help himself to smile after a while.

“Seems like he’s planning a trip to the Kingdom of Alizad, do enjoy your stay with those two!”

In the skies above the Kingdom of Leran, an elderly man walked on the air. Each of his steps were slow, but they took him several kilometres towards west.

His aim was the Kingdom of Alizad, the middle of the continent.

“Dreadful aura, should be that child…”

The elderly person was – Hath Kagatsu, Hath was speaking softly to himself as he rushed towards the Kingdom of Alizad.

“Who’s the ruler there now? Last time I was out, the whole kingdom was in ruins and burning up.”

Hath frowned as he his eyes became unfocused, his voice turned deeper and colder.

“I will murder anyone who stops me from taking that child!”

Hath Kagatsu hastened his steps as he couldn’t wait, anger and rage could be seen from his facial expressions.

He passed cities after each other in minutes, the closer he got to the Capital city of Alizad, his facial expression turned grim and darker.

After four hours, Hath stood in the skies in front of a large city. Deeper in the city, he could see a humongous castle.

“Heh, the ruler should know where that child is!”

Hath’s voice was ice-like which could pierce anyone’s ears and his eyes which showcased fury.

“Shin, is there anything else you want to eat?”

Aria sat to the right of Shin, as she asked softly.

They were currently in the courtyard, enjoying cold drinks and sliced fruits.

“No, everything here is fine.”

Shin shook his head while leaning backwards.

He could sense his left hand being gripped by a soft hand, which was Kalis hand and while his right was held by Arias.

Peutoa stood behind Shin, showing no expression even after standing there for hours.

Laura stood near Aria as she walked back to the castle several times to bring refreshments like juice, tea, fruit and biscuits.

“Hihi, this is enjoyable.”

Kali smiled as she closed her eyes, appreciating the calm and warm atmosphere.

Suddenly the whole castle was engulfed in a forceful aura which oppressed everyone, to the point of Peutoa feeling her bones being shattered.

“Hmm…”

Kali didn’t speak, but only hummed silently. She glanced towards the sky as she overwhelmed the oppressive aura and calmed down the five of them. Her eyes turned golden as she wanted to know who was the one which was seeking death!

Aria stood up as she looked upwards, she grabbed the scabbard as her face turned dark and frost-like. A white aura spread out from within Aria, the temperature inside her aura dropped as she was enraged!

Humph! Let’s see who dares!

Shin which barely managed to breathe, felt relieved after Kali and Aria helping him suppress the oppressive aura. Shin clearly knew that someone was attacking them and that person should be strong. Shin stood up slowly as he looked downwards then looking up towards the sky.

Old man, if something happens, take over my body and help us!

“Heh, who’s the ruler of this kingdom?”

Hath Kagatsu appeared in front of them suddenly and asked in an irritated tone.

Shin frowned and opened his eyes, even if he couldn’t see, it felt like an instinct. All that Shin could see was darkness and nothing else.

Hath stared at the kid among the women, he felt it was strange and closely watched him. As the kid seemed to be around the age the child he was looking for was. He furrowed his brows and frowned slightly when he saw that the kid was blind.

“Humph!”

Aria glared coldly at Hath Kagatsu.

“I am. Do you have a death wish or something?”

Hath Kagatsu shook his head as he glanced at Aria, he didn’t care about any of them, he only came here for a child.

“A sudden outburst of dreadful aura was showcased outside of this city not long ago. I’m looking for the child who caused it.”

Peutoa narrowed her eyes and hastily stood in front of Shin.

Laura glanced at the old man then at Shin. After that, Laura glared at the old man in anger and wrath.

A voice powerful enough to shatter bones and hopes voiced out throughout the whole courtyard.

“You? Humph! The last thing you are getting is him!”

Kali spoke in a deep voice filled with annoyance as she glared at Hath Kagatsu in hate. She walked slowly step by step in front of Shin and blocked Hath from Shin.

Aria took her silver sword out from its scabbard as she blocked Hath from Shin too.

Hath quickly understood and glared at Shin’s empty eyes.

“You’re the child?”

Shin didn’t answer and just stood there quietly.

But, no one could read his mind.

-Old man, how strong is this person?

-Master, I do not recommend fighting that person.

-YOU WILL LISTEN TO ME! I told you what to do and you will do exactly what I said, understood!?

“Heh, child, come with me and I won’t kill those women.”

Hath’s voice was filled with hatred as he glanced at the women in front of him.

Shin just stood there silently, he didn’t respond nor even move.

Hath frowned slightly when he saw that Shin didn’t even respond in the slightest.

“Shin?”

Kali glanced back at Shin, finding it weird that Shin didn’t even speak.

Is he afraid?

Hump! I will rip that old geezer up in pieces!

The first one to move was Aria.

She tapped the ground with her left foot and arrived right in front of the Hath and empowering her sword with Divine Energy. Aria glared at Hath in hate as she slashed from right to left without any technique.

Hath didn’t even send a glance towards Aria as he just raised his left hand and blocked Aria’s sword. He felt something when he blocked and saw that there was blood dripping from his hand.

“It has been a long time since I bled, you seem to be stronger than most. Blame your own fate for taking that child, because you will die today.”

Hath spoke calmly as he could see the wound on his palm fading quickly. Hath just sloppily send a fist towards Aria without imbuing his fist with anything.

Aria could feel a strong pressure of Hath as she tried blocking the fist, she could only step backwards because of Hath’s strength.

Kali saw that Hath was only sloppily fighting, she swiftly stepped forward and send a kick towards Hath. She frowned as it felt like kicking a mountain of metal as Hath didn’t even move backwards and she could feel her leg being in pain.

Hath only glared at Shin while fighting, he could see that Shin was in a daze and couldn’t even respond to anything and not even move.

“What did you women do to the child?”

He asked with a slightly cold tone.

Hath frowned and kicked Kali away in annoyance.

Kali flew backwards as she crashed into a pillar near Shin, she went down to her knee and coughed up blood as she glared at Hath.

While everyone was at a standstill, Shin moved. He walked slowly step for step towards Hath.

“Hey, Shin, what are you doing?!”

Kali roared out while Peutoa and Laura being absent-minded.

Shin looked back towards Kali and smiled brightly while speaking in a cracking voice.

“I-I-It is f-f-fine, d-do not w-w-worry.”

Kali couldn’t keep up when she saw Shin turning around, she saw that blood was flowing out from his eyes as Shin’s white skin turning darker.

“SHIN!”

Aria roared out as she stepped in front of Shin and blocked him to move any further.

Shin raised his head towards Aria, almost like he could see everything around him. The innocent and bright smile didn’t vanish from his face as he stared at Aria.

The next moment, Shin’s face started to distort as Shin kept frowning and more blood ran down his face from his eyes.

“S-S-Sorry, I-I will d-do t-this!”

Shin’s voice didn’t sound humane, Shin’s deep and empty eyes started to shine brightly as colours emitted from it.

Shin disappeared and reappeared right in front of Hath. His skin which was turning black and his hollow eyes shining brightly with colours.

“What. Is. Your. Goal?”

Shin’s voice asked without a hint of emotion on his face.

“We. Do. Not. Know. You…”

Hath frowned as he stared at Shin. He couldn’t even see Shin’s movements at all and his voice and personality changed without any signs.

“Come back here, Shin!”

Aria hollered as her eyes were turning bloodshot, she glared at Hath as she gripped her sword.

Shin turned his body slowly towards the Aria and the rest, a smile showed on his face.

“We. Guard. Those. Shin. Want. Us. To. Protect…”

He turned around once again, watching Hath with a mocking glare and smile.

“We. Do. Not. Need. To. Protect. You… You. Wanted. To. Harm. Him. You. Must. Pay. The. Price. For. Your. Insolence!…”

“Heh, what?”

Hath was confused as he could clearly hear the mocking tone of Shin and his amusing smile.

“What are you talking about?”

Hath was staring at Shin, unable to understand what was going on with Shin.

“Shin, don’t let it control you!”

Kali roared in a low and dark voice, she knew that Shin most likely has been controlled by his Guardians.

Shin’s eyes were flashing from the colours representing his guardians - Golden, red, purple, green, white, grey, silver, brown, blue, teal, pink and lime and light-yellow.

“Control?… He. Begged. Us. And. We. Will. Grant. His. Wishes…”

Shin sent a glance towards Aria, Kali, Peutoa and Laura with an innocent smile. Unlike when facing Hath Kagatsu, he only sent sweet glances towards to women who needed his protection.

“Controlled?”

Hath repeated the word Shin spoke of, Hath started to frown as his voice became deeper and shows hints of anger.

“Who’s controlling my, my, my grandson!?”

Grandson?!

Everyone on the site was dumb-stuck after hearing what Hath said. Even the Guardians which had taken control of Shin didn’t know what to do anymore.

“What do you mean by ‘grandson’!? Shin is my son and you are not my father!”

Aria spoke in a cold tone, narrowing her eyes while staring at Hath.

“Wait.”

Hath was dumb-founded as he stared back at Aria.

“You’re saying that you are Michael’s wife?”

Hath asked testingly as he looked at Aria, wanting to see her reactions.

No one knew what to do as everything had been dumped into shambles. Peutoa and Laura were just watching the whole show as they didn’t have enough strength to participate and everything was happening too quickly.

Kali was slightly hurt and on her knee, she curiously looked at Aria, wanting to know what she would answer Hath.

Aria herself was just dumbly staring at Hath.

Shin pouted as he mumbled something that no one could hear as his skin-colour became paler and the dark colour turned white. His eyes lost the colours, one after another as his empty eyes were only left.

“Are you Michael’s father?”

Aria asked in wonder as she didn’t know what to do.

“Yes, I’m Michael’s father. Now, you said that you are my grandson’s mother, which makes you Michael’s wife, am I correct?”

Hath concluded what he thought and asked once again.

“Yes, I was his wife.”

Aria answered briefly before tapping the ground once again and arriving at Shin’s side, she could sense that Shin was barely keeping his conscious. She lifted Shin into her embrace and stepped back once again.

“Don’t do anything strange, even if you are strong, I will not let you harm him. I would rather die than to let you touch him without confirming who you are, understood!?”

Aria spoke coldly while glancing at Hath before leaning towards a pillar, as Shin was closing his eyes peacefully and his breath turned calm.

“I understand.”

Hath nodded as he didn’t keep his eyes off Shin either. He, of course, couldn’t let just anyone take his grandson. Hath had already thought of waiting till when Shin would wake up and ask him personally.