-Chapter Thirteen-

A Man’s Only Weakness

“I only need to borrow your hand,” Aelius assured Alea as he took her soft hand into his and led her to Lia. The black-haired girl sat at a seat patiently and curiously as the couple approached her, her deep red eyes looking at Alea dazzlingly. As soon as Aelius’ skin touched Alea’s, he felt an unparalleled power zing through him. His eyes widened at the sudden electricity jolting through him. Like an irresistible reverence, addictive, sweet like nectar, it was as though the Goddess was compelling him to remain under her. He shook his head to fight off the sudden assault on him, and instead turned his focus to Lia.

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-Alea-

The young teenager, keeping hold of Alea in one hand, reached down with his other and placed his left hand on Lia’s stomach. “Can you channel your Holy power?” he asked. Alea took a moment, tilting her head, wondering what he meant.

“I don’t know… I can try, I guess?” She gently closed her eyes, taking control of her breathing and turning in her focus. Aelius watched her as the electricity running through him began to grow stronger. He reached into himself and pulled it through from one side and pushed it out the other, channelling it all into Lia. As it ran through him, he felt the sinister, corrosive energy in his Mana core drown in the golden energy. It screeched like a parasite plunged in lava, squirming and struggling as it burnt away and after a moment, Aelius was free of it. He blinked in surprise at how quick it all went by, before he quickly checked to see if Lia was okay. She showed a few moments of discomfort, but the treatment also worked for her. Before the Holy power fried her, Aelius quickly syphoned it all back and returned it to Alea. The whole room shone brilliantly with yellow light until Aelius and Alea broke contact, both falling in opposite directions like magnets that suddenly lost their pull. In bewilderment, Aelius landed on his rear, looking across the carpeted floor at Alea with wide eyes.

“Amazing…” he murmured, reaching up and touching his head, and then his centre torso. “I’m freed. Haha…” He quickly pulled himself up and took hold of Lia’s wrist.

“I think… I’m cured, Aelius!” the young girl exclaimed, raising her other hand. She focused, and Aelius watched with wonder as a blue flame formed in her palm. As soon as it manifested, it felt like all the Mana around them was pulled into her grasp.

“Whoa…” Aelius resisted the suction. “Okay, okay, we’ll practice later,” he told her and Lia flicked the flame off, looking at her two hands in wonder.

“Wow…” Aelius quickly joined Alea, who was still rubbing her head while seated on the ground. “Are you feeling okay?” he asked her, putting a hand around her back to support her.

“I think so… just surprised. What was that just now?” she asked.

“Ah… something amazing, that’s what,” Aelius quickly embraced her in a hug. “Truly amazing.” They remained like that for a moment longer until Aelius pulled away again and helped Alea to her feet. “Lia was sick with an illness, let’s just say. But thanks to you, we’ve healed it.”

“Oh… wow, that’s like what the Father’s of the Church do with their Holy power,” she remarked.

“Well, our power is no doubt far stronger,” Aelius smiled brightly at her. “I’m so glad. I don’t know what I would’ve done if this hadn’t worked,” he finally gave a deep breath of relief.

“Well… I’m glad too,” Alea smiled.

The two exchanged an emotional goodbye, and the time had come for Aelius to leave. He watched Alea’s figure disappear as the door swung closed, before he looked up and down the building, wondering whether he should go kill Quarren Leos at this very moment, until he remembered Alea’s words and shook his head in disapproval. For some reason, I feel like I’m just too weak-willed, he sighed deeply. Violet died at his hands, sure. But to be honest, it was because I was too weak to protect her. And even if I kill Quarren, the same organisation will still try to get involved with her. I have to go to the root cause. What caused the Fourth Holy Knight to become the lap-dog of an evil, underground society? He wondered as he turned away. Killing my enemies before they kill my loved ones is good and all, but that’s the easy, selfish way-out. True power is to be able to keep my loved ones safe even without having to preemptively kill my enemies. If they come knocking at my door everyday, I just send them away again, without bloodshed. An authority. That’s true power. As Aelius was stepping out the front door and wracking his brains for a solution, he rounded the corner to walk straight into Aria, giving him a coy smile as though she were expecting him, and he found himself looking into her mesmerising, golden eyes.

“Good, I was looking for you too,” Aelius growled as he pushed her into a nearby alleyway. “What stunt are you trying to pull, huh? I’ll tell you right now I’ll tear your throat out if you try anything funny around Alea.” A moment of hesitation crossed Aelius’ mind. I was just thinking about a way not to kill people, but my anger got the better of me again. He noticed Aria’s smile faded for a moment but quickly returned as she began to smugly answer him.

“Don’t worry, I already said I didn’t have any ill intentions, right? Jeez, Alea’s such a lucky girl. What do I have to do to get you fawning all over me like her? I was just waiting for you with her, that’s all,” she shrugged her shoulders.

“How did you know I was coming to see her…?” Aelius asked with his face in confusion and he saw Aria’s gaze waver.

“Hmph, obviously skills in deduction. I’m smart, after all,” she crossed her arms. Aelius gazed at her in silence for a moment, flabbergasted.

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-Aria-

Even in this situation, I’m getting Points? He wondered in bewilderment as he looked into her eyes.

“You…! Did you use your blessing on me!?” he realised and her mask fell away.

“Oh.. uh… no?” she averted her eyes away from his. “Of course not. How do you even know about the blessing?”

“Oh my Goddess… You’re soooo lying. What- why would you waste it like this? You idiot! Are you planning on chasing me everywhere I go?” he asked in anger.

“Fine! Maybe I am!” she snapped back. “So what? It wasn’t a waste, I don’t see it that way at all.”

“Why? Why the hell do you do all this?” he yelled back.

At his words, Aria pursed her lips, thinking of her next sentence, until frustration got the better of her. “Let me ask you why? Why do you hate me so much? What did I ever do to you to deserve this mistrust?” her voice fell low and the playful demeanour fell away, leaving only a saddened, dejected girl. Her shoulders began to shake as she looked down at the ground with scorn. “Where did it all go bad? Was it so wrong that I just wanted to stay by your side?” Small droplets of tears welled at her eyes as she bit her lip in front of him, waiting for him to answer. “It can’t just be because of the poison. I already told you I had no control over it.” He stared at her in silence for a moment longer.

“You’re really good at faking a cry, you know that,” Aelius told her as he turned away and spoke over his shoulder. “You better stop following me.”

“Aelius…! No!” He jolted as a pair of arms wrapped around his chest, anchoring him to her. “Please don’t go…! I’m telling the truth.”

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-Aria-

Aelius clicked his tongue as he gave a deep sigh. “So, you’re saying that you’re gonna chase me everywhere I go?” he asked as he turned to face her, looking at her softly sobbing figure with disdain.

“If you leave me no choice, then I will,” she answered as she wiped away at her eyes.

“...Why? Why are you so fixated on me?” he asked her with genuine perplexity before she looked back into his eyes.

“Have you never loved someone?” she answered. At her response, Aelius scratched his head, realising they were going in circles.

“Your stubbornness amazes me. Fine, follow me around all you want. You’ll get bored of it someday,” he turned away to leave but quickly turned back into her, with a menacing growl. “But if you try to hurt anybody of mine, I’ll make you regret being born into this world.” Aria pulled back in a jolt, but after a moment, firmly nodded, and took a deep breath. She watched Aelius’ figure from behind as he turned away and fought the urge to pounce on him, clutching her arm tightly.

“Why do you hate me?” she asked with a low voice, too quiet for Aelius to hear, as he vacated the alleyway with a harsh scowl on his face.

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-Aria-

Lia was patiently waiting back at the entry to the Head Quarters, her eyes wandering the surrounding city in concern until they landed on Aelius, and her face lit up brightly.

“You’re back!” She hopped up to him, giving him a beaming smile.

“Yeah,” Aelius answered with a soft smile in return. “Ah, this is Aria,” he stepped aside to reveal the blue-haired girl from earlier, the same as their age.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Aria softly nodded, feeling Aelius’ burning gaze on her.

“Ah, yes, same here. I am Lia.”

“Let’s head back to your uncles,” the teenage boy suggested, and the small group of three began to leave the centre of the city.

As they walked, Aria found herself trailing behind the two of them, gazing at Aelius whilst they crossed the streets. “You really did it. I still can’t believe it,” Lia began to speak whilst they crossed over a small bridge passing over a green pond.

“Well… we got lucky, I’d say,” Aelius answered. “Your two uncles are gonna be thrilled.”

“They really are…” Aelius looked down to see tears forming at the corner of Lia’s eyes. “This poison took the life of my Grandmother and parents, and caused my two uncles and even my younger brother so much torment. Finally, it’s gone. I feel like I can live a new life. Thank you so much, Aelius. It’s all thanks to you. If we had never met, I probably would’ve been dead in a ditch somewhere.” At her words, an image flashed up in Aelius’ mind. In his past life, that no doubt was the case. It was an unsettling feeling, accompanied by an indeterminate anxiousness of, just how many other relationships he could have had, that didn’t come to fruition? And if he’s not careful, how many of these tragedies could repeat? In his deep thought, he was interrupted by Lia who tugged on his sleeve softly and he came to a stop to turn to her.

“That older girl from earlier. Was she your… your…” Lia’s face heated up. “Lover…?” Aelius blinked twice obtusely.

“Hmm… we’re just very close,” Aelius told her as he turned away again. “That’s about it.”

“Oh… okay…” Lia softly responded, now following behind him in silence. Aria gave a deep sigh as she continued to follow. As Aelius walked, he found his mind wandering away to other things again. A restless feeling ate away at him, like he had missed something vital, but he simply could not place it.

Upon returning to the inn and entering, they immediately found the blademaster, spearmaster and Leo seated near the inn’s wooden entrance, wearing grim expressions on their face that instantly lit up when they saw Lia enter. Leo was the first to quickly run into Lia’s embrace, silently clinging to her with his head at her waist.

“Leo, you’ve woken up,” Lia smiled warmly at her beloved younger brother. Aelius gazed at the image of the two of them longingly, his mind flashing back to his own younger sister.

“Lia…” the two uncles quickly rose to their feet and joined them. “How did it go?” At their question, she gave them a confident smile.

“It succeeded!” The two uncles inhaled sharply with beaming smiles on their faces.

“I’m so happy,” the spearmaster pulled her into a tight hug. “Let’s step out for a moment. Can you show us? The power of your birth right?”

The crew of six quickly ushered out into the city, finding a spot not too occupied, and Leo and the spearmaster gathered around Lia, while Aelius and Aria watched from a dozen metres away. As she conjured a small ball in her palm, the young teenage boy saw the blademaster approach him with a dead-serious look on his face.

“Young Master Aelius, can we speak for a moment?” he asked, looking to Aria.

“It’s okay, she can stay,” Aelius waved his hand dismissively. “You don’t have to worry about her.”

“...Okay…” the uncle turned to look back to Lia, before he set his eyes on Aelius again. “I’ll be blunt. You’ve clearly got some sort of agenda. What is it that you intend to use her power for? What is your aim?” he asked in a low voice.

“Hmm…” Aelius looked up at the blue sky. “I want her to come with me so she can grow her power. I don’t have any particular use for it. I just know that it’ll be beneficial for all of us, including herself, if she is able to become stronger.”

“You don’t intend to use her as a servant, or a scapegoat to kill someone, or anything?” the blademaster raised an eyebrow. Aelius returned the frown back to him.

“What in the world do you take me for? Firstly, she’s too important to waste on something so useless like what you described. Like you said before, she’s destined for greatness. Secondly, I don’t need her to do anything like that for me. I don’t need a woman to do my dirty work. As a man, I’m plenty able to step up and do it on my own,” Aelius waved his hand again. “I can tell what you’re worried about. And I will tell you bluntly as well, I am going to have to separate your family.” The uncle curtly pursed his lips at Aelius’ words.

“Is that so…”

“It’s just temporarily though,” he shrugged. “Until she’s strong enough to protect herself and her loved ones, I’ll be taking her somewhere far, far away.”

“And what if… we refuse?” Aelius noticed the uncle grip the hilt of the blade by his side.

“Haha, that’s when the rule of the world comes into play. The strong rule over the weak,” Aelius shrugged. “Do you really think you can beat me?”

“If the three of us work together, we could. Lia’s power is supreme, I’d like to see how can you can resist it,” the uncle narrowed his eyes.

“Well, that’s assuming she’ll actually raise her hand against me,” Aelius nonchalantly shrugged. “Besides, there’s two of us,” he smugly smirked as he put his arm around Aria. “She’s at the Fifth Ring, you know, just like you.”

The uncle stared at Aria in surprise.

“A girl so young, at the same Tier as I am?” He finally gave a deep breath. “To what end are you gathering all of these talents for?”

“Because a great calamity is coming, and we need to be ready, it’s that simple. Don’t worry, in the time that I’m gone with Lia, I’ll ensure that Leo is well looked-after as well. I’m not going to just abandon the rest of you.”

“...Fine…”

After they returned to the inn and Aelius ordered an additional room for Aria, he led her to it and entered together with her. As she approached the mirror and took off her purple cloak, Aelius shut the door behind him and leaned up against it, sternly crossing his arms, gazing at her.

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-Aria-

He could see her cheeks slightly flushed, gazing at her face from the mirror, but thought nothing of it.

“Let’s have a brief talk,” he suggested, but it was more of an order, and she turned to face him with her golden eyes.

“Sure.”

“How long did you know about the poison in my core?” he firstly asked.

“I found out when I was thirteen, by pure coincidence. Even my father doesn’t know.” Well yeah, he’s a puppet, Aelius thought with a snort.

“Do you know the origin of that poison?” he asked. Aria shook her head.

“I know close to nothing about it. Only what it does.” He saw her clutch her arm nervously, averting her eyes away from him. A clear sign of a guilty conscience.

“I know your dad’s innocent, but you realise your mother is about as evil as they get, right?” he asked, and she slowly nodded.

“I know.”

“So, naturally,” Aelius shrugged. “I’m gonna have to kill her. After all, she’s got it in for my family, not just me. If I’m not careful, I’ll lose my parents and my sister to her.” I don’t feel any remorse over killing an evil bitch like that.

“Of course,” Aria dejectedly agreed.

“So, who’s side are you gonna take?” he asked. “Mine or hers?” She looked up to him with surprised eyes, before she steeled her gaze and put her hand on her chest.

“Yours. I’ll take your side.” Aelius found it hard to hide his menacing smile urging to form at the corners of his mouth. Of course. Last time, I killed her right in front of you and you didn’t bat an eye. As long as you can preserve your own life, you’ll jump ship straight away, won’t you?

“A-and…” he frowned as he noticed her begin to fidget. “I-I…” Her face lit up red. “I want to be yours.” Her voice was incredibly quiet as she uttered the words.

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-Aria-

Aelius narrowed his eyes.

“You don’t have to do something like going that far. I don’t have any intention of killing you as long as you act on your best behaviour,” he told her.

“I-I want to,” she shakily answered.

“That so?” He drifted about in his own deep thoughts for a moment before he sharply exhaled. “Are you certain?”

“Yes,” she nodded firmly to him. Is she just trying to get under my skin? Make me let my guard down?

“What is it that you want in this life, exactly?” he asked. “Power? Wealth? To kill people?”

“I just… want to be with you. I want to be yours,” she repeated quietly. Great, we’re going in circles again, Aelius clicked his tongue before he stepped forward.

“Ohoho,” he smugly remarked. She looked up in nervousness as he closed in on her. “So you’d be fine if I… do something like this?” As soon as he was in arm’s range, grappled onto her shoulders and pushed her down onto the nearby bed before pinning himself on her. He briefly hesitated, gauging her reaction but she only looked back up at him in surprise. Hmph. Continuing, he slowly began to unbutton her dress. All the while, he kept his eyes focused on her face to see how her expression would react, but instead of twisting into a look of disgust that he had expected, her face turned to a beaming smile.

“Aelius…” their eyes met, and she quickly reached up around his neck and pulled him down onto her, forcing their lips to meet.

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-Aria-

As she stole a kiss from him, Aelius felt his mind go into overdrive and he quickly pulled away, wiping his lip with his sleeve, feeling his face heat up. Fuck! I was just trying to scare her. I need to escape somehow. What have I gotten myself into? I never expected she was willing to go this far. He quickly glanced over his shoulder at how far the door was, but upon turning his head back to Aria, saw a flash just in time as she pounced onto him and swung him onto the bed, until she was sitting on top of him, wearing a wide, seductive smile.

“Aelius…” her sensual voice softly whispered, and she began to devour him. Screaming at the top of his lungs, Aelius used almost all of his strength to push her off him, before he dashed to the door, looking back over his shoulder with a red face.

“Y-y-y-you crazy woman!” he shouted before he slipped out into the corridor and slammed the door shut behind him. Psychopath!

Aria watched Aelius leave before she slowly laid back down onto her bed, and felt her face slowly heat up. Oh Goddess…! We kissed! She buried her head into her pillow and frantically kicked her legs. Aelius made a move on me. He made a move on me… I think I’m melting, she thought as she rolled around and hugged her torso. It was almost too much for me.

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-Aria-

As the System messages came in, Aelius felt a chill run down his spine and he quickly whipped his head behind him. She’s not following me, is she? He thought nervously before he quickly reached his room and threw himself into it. I can’t make sense of anything, he thought, panting harshly at the fiasco that just went by. No matter how good her acting is, there’s no way she can fool the System, right? Intimacy Points are gathered from feelings like affection. Does this mean she’s really obsessed with me? Aelius pondered with pursed lips when he noticed Lia sitting up on her bed, gazing at him.

“Are you okay?” she asked with a raised brow. “You look… bewildered.” Ah, Aelius thought with a breath of relief. Our Lia is far better. That other woman is too dangerous. Far too dangerous. I barely got out of there alive.

“I’m okay…” he breathed as he flung himself onto his bed. I can never tell what’s going on through Aria’s head… if only I had something similar to the God-eyes. Tch. Can she be trusted?

Soon, lunch time had rolled around and the group of six were to gather in the inn. As Aelius and Lia stepped out into the corridor, Lia looked down to Aria’s room. “I’ll go call her for lunch,” she offered and Aelius bit his lip. As much as I don’t want to be alone with that woman right now, I can’t have Lia be alone with her either. What a dilemma.

“No, I’ll go get her. You can just stick with Leo,” he feigned a smile as Lia turned around.

“Oh… okay then.” Aelius watched as she stepped past and went to her uncles’ room, until he took a sharp breath in and returned to Aria’s room. This is the place of battle, he thought begrudgingly before knocking. A moment later, the wooden door swung open to reveal Aria fully clothed, and wearing her usual cold expression, though it soon changed as she saw Aelius, lighting up into a smile.

“You’re back, fufufu,” she remarked.

“I came to call you for lunch,” Aelius answered in annoyance as he turned away.

“Ah, okay.” He heard the door shut behind him before a ball of warmth quickly clung onto his arm, and he felt something soft press up against his side.

“H-hey… get off!” he ushered, trying to free his arm.

“Hmph,” Aria pouted, pulling her arms back. Aelius stared back at her with disdain, before he gave a sigh and continued walking.

“Earlier, why did you stop?” he heard Aria ask, and looked down at her with wide eyes to see her flushed face was turned away from him, hiding from his gaze.

“...Did you want me to continue?” he asked.

“Mmm… maybe,” she responded.

“W-wha-... Ugh, forget it. We’re both teenagers. How about let’s grow up a bit first and then discuss this?” he sighed, and saw a look of realisation flash across Aria’s face.

“Oh! Of course! I’ll make sure to grow up into a beautiful woman for you!” She quickly reached up and pecked him on the cheeks before she dashed away down the corridor and around the corner, out of sight, leaving Aelius behind, flabbergasted. I already know how beautiful you grow up to be though- wait! No, what am I thinking!? He slapped himself. Aria has all sorts of qualities that are desirable. She’s a genius of her generation. Her combat power might not be as high as Lia’s, but her God-eyes are a huge asset. Not to mention she is pretty, smart and cute… she’s just a bit too smart. She’s so smart she scares me. He gave a deep sigh. That’s her only red flag. Fuck… have I always been wary of her just because she’s smarter than me? I’m intimidated by her intelligence? Aelius clicked his tongue. It’s true though. If I’m not careful, I’ll end up wrapped around her finger.

As Aelius finally reached the first floor of the inn, the group of five were already gathered at a table and waiting for him. He stepped up to take his seat and then dumped a small pouch of tinkling metal onto the wooden table. “You guys should go out into town and have some fun. I’ve got some business this afternoon. If all things go to plan, we’ll be moving tomorrow.” The two uncles firmly nodded to him as they took the pouch.

“Thank you.”

“If you need a guide, Aria here,” Aelius turned to look at her. “Will be on her best behaviour and can show you around to the fun places. Right, Aria?” She sat at the table with a calm expression, like none of the events from earlier had happened at all.

“Of course. You don’t have to worry. Go tend to your work in peace,” she coolly responded, sending shivers down Aelius’ spine. How is she so good at hiding her emotions? Unless she was faking earlier as well… no! I’m getting distracted.

“If I catch wind of anything sketchy going down-”

“I know, I know,” Aria waved her hand. “You can trust me.”

“Hmph,” Aelius crossed his arms and leaned back into his chair. “Fine.” After they finished their discussion, he was looking out through the window across the city, where a familiar, ball of black, sinister, corrupted Divine power dwelled. It’s about time I pay the gang a visit.