Chapter 579 - Sugar Mommy
"I will kill him, that's it."
Maya stared at him for a long moment, her mind racing, but she knew that trying to dissuade him would be pointless. His resolve was ironclad, and she could feel it in every word, in the intensity of his gaze. There was no stopping him, no turning him away from the path he had chosen long ago.
She let out a slow breath, her grip on his hair loosening just slightly as her body relaxed. "If that's your wish… then so be it," she said softly, her voice carrying a weight of acceptance. It was all she could offer in the face of his determination. "But… how are you planning to do it, Junior?"
Her question hung in the air between them, a stark contrast to the tension that had filled the room moments before. Maya wasn't just asking out of curiosity—she needed to know. She needed to understand how he intended to face such a dangerous foe.
Astron's gaze didn't waver as he answered. "The banquet will be full of influential figures—politicians, nobles, and others. The demon is hiding among them using an identity."
Astron's expression remained calm as he continued, his tone measured. "The demon rarely shows his face in public, which is why this banquet is such an important opportunity. Among the influential figures attending, he'll be hidden in plain sight, using an identity that makes him almost impossible to spot. But that's when I'll mark him. After the banquet ends, I'll trace him and hunt him down."
Maya furrowed her brow, her mind already spinning with questions. "But… how do you plan to mark him? If he's as elusive as you say, he'll have ways to fend off any trace or mark you try to leave on him."
Astron nodded, acknowledging her concern. "You're right. He's not just any opponent. He'll have protections, methods to avoid being tracked or traced by conventional means. But not everything in this world is invincible." His eyes grew cold, his voice lowering as a quiet intensity seeped into his words. "There's always something that can be exploited.
No matter how careful he is, there's a flaw."
There was a confidence in his voice that was almost unnerving, but Maya didn't doubt him. The way he spoke, the certainty in his words—it was as if he had already anticipated every countermeasure the demon might have. It made her uneasy, but at the same time, she trusted him. She knew he had spent years preparing for this moment, for this mission.
"If you say so," she murmured, though her concern still lingered. "But is there anything I can do to help?"
Astron looked at her, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "When I planned on attending the banquet, I didn't anticipate your involvement. I wasn't fully aware of just how well-known your family is in the political world." He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the implications. "Are they aware of your lineage? Does everyone at the banquet know who you are?"
Hearing Astron's question, Maya took a moment to gather her thoughts. "Not everyone in the capital or other parts of the Federation knows about my family, but here in the southern region… they'll know. My family's influence runs deep in these parts, and since I've already used my family's name to attend, I'll definitely be identified."
Astron's eyes flickered with something almost like calculation. "If that's the case, this could work to our advantage. There's a chance that Silas might approach you directly, or at the very least, take notice of your presence."
Maya's brow furrowed in confusion. "Silas? Who's Silas?"
"It's the human identity the demon is using," Astron explained, his voice cool and calm, as though he had anticipated her question. "He's managed to blend into human society using that name, hiding his true nature. Silas is well-connected, especially in political circles, which makes him all the more dangerous. If he knows who you are, there's a chance he might approach you."
"I see."
Being a heir of the noble family, Maya was also someone who had been educated about the political world and she herself was familiar with everything.
"If he approaches is, that will make things easier for you, is that what you are saying?"
"That is right." Astron nodded, his expression steady and focused. "There's even a chance that Silas—no, the demon—will be able to identify your strange condition."
Maya tilted her head, confusion flickering across her face. "You mean… my vampiric condition?"
"Yes," Astron confirmed. "Even though your situation is different from a full vampire's, you still bear the imprint of an incomplete evolution. Demons are incredibly sensitive to the presence of their own kind, even in those who are only partially transformed or influenced by dark energy. Their hierarchy is strict, with higher-ranked demons inherently suppressing lower ones."
Maya's eyes widened slightly as the implications set in. "So… you think he might notice something off about me?"
"Exactly," Astron said, his voice cold with determination. "If Silas senses your condition, he'll likely be intrigued. He may even try to approach or manipulate you because of it."
Maya's heart quickened as she processed it. "And that's when you'll mark him?"
Astron gave a firm nod. "That's right. The moment he shows interest or reveals any part of his true nature, I'll be ready. Once he's marked, I'll be able to trace him—hunt him down after the banquet ends."
Maya exhaled slowly, trying to steady herself. The idea of being used as bait to lure out a demon was unsettling, but if it meant helping Astron achieve his goal, she was willing to do it. "So, I'll be the distraction. And once he makes his move… you'll act."
"Partially." Astron said.
"Hmm…." Maya's eyes suddenly lit up, an idea forming in her mind. She straightened up slightly and met Astron's gaze with a determined look. "If that's the case, Junior… then I'm coming with you to hunt him down."
Astron immediately shook his head, his expression firm. "No. You can't do that. It's too dangerous."
Maya didn't even pause to consider his objection. "That can't do," she said, her voice steady but insistent. "If there's a chance the demon discovers my unique condition, that means there's also a chance he might figure out my Elven lineage."
Astron's brow furrowed, clearly not convinced. "That's a really low possibility. Demons typically aren't interested in such things. They're more focused on the darker energies."
"That may be true," Maya replied, refusing to back down, "but the possibility still exists, and I can't afford to leave that unchecked. If this demon learns who I really am—who my family is—then things could spiral out of control. He could use that against me. Against us."
Astron's gaze remained steady, but he said nothing, his mind clearly turning over her words.
Maya leaned closer, her voice softening but still resolute. "Junior, I know you want to protect me, but this is about more than just that. My family is already in a complicated position. If this demon finds out about my Elven heritage, it could lead to bigger problems. You need me there, not just as bait at the banquet, but afterward too."
Astron closed his eyes for a brief moment, as if weighing the risk against her argument. When he finally opened them again, they were filled with both understanding and frustration. "Senior, do you not trust me?"
Maya blinked, surprised by Astron's question. "Of course, I trust you," she responded immediately, her voice filled with conviction. But Astron's intense gaze didn't waver, and she could sense that there was more to his question.
He leaned forward slightly, his voice calm but pointed. "Then, Senior… do you think I'm smart?"
Maya paused, caught off guard by the sudden shift. Her mind quickly replayed all the times she'd seen Astron's sharp, calculating nature at work. He was always careful, always thinking three steps ahead. His mind worked faster than anyone she'd ever known, and he had a natural ability to assess situations with precision. She couldn't deny that.
"You're probably the smartest person I've ever met," she admitted, her eyes narrowing slightly as she began to understand where he was leading the conversation.
Astron nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "If that's the case… why do you think I didn't ask for your help in dealing with the demon?"
Maya's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't considered that. Her initial reaction had been to offer her help, to protect him, but now… now it was clear that Astron had deliberately kept her out of his plans for a reason.
She frowned, her mind racing as she tried to figure out his logic. "You didn't ask because you thought… it would be too dangerous for me?" she ventured, though she wasn't entirely sure.
Astron shook his head slowly, his gaze unwavering. "That is not wrong but at the same time that is not the main reason. It's because I knew involving you would complicate things. Demons are incredibly perceptive, Senior. If I can avoid drawing attention to you, then I have a better chance of cornering him without him realizing he's being hunted."
Maya raised an eyebrow, still trying to process his words. "Really?" she asked, her tone filled with a mix of skepticism and concern.
Astron nodded, his expression remaining calm and resolute. "Yes. Senior, you're stronger than me. You don't need my protection. But strength isn't everything."
She felt a small pang of frustration at his words, but deep down, she knew he was right. Strength alone wasn't enough to navigate a situation as dangerous and intricate as this. Demons weren't like anything she had faced before, and their cunning was far more dangerous than raw power.
With a defeated sigh, she lowered her gaze, her fingers loosening their grip on his shirt. "I can't argue with that," she admitted, her voice quieter now. "But I still hate it, Junior. I hate feeling like I can't do anything to help you."
"Well, you have already putting yourself at risk, and that is enough."
Maya let out another sigh, but this time there was a faint hint of acceptance in her voice. "I understand," she said, though the frustration still lingered. "Just promise me… if anything goes wrong, if you need me, you'll call. I don't care what happens. You won't face this alone."
Astron gave a slight nod, the corner of his lips curling into a faint smile. "I promise, Senior. But remember—this is my fight. I won't drag you into it unless I have no other choice."
Maya couldn't help but roll her eyes slightly, but the tension between them had finally begun to ease. "Fine," she muttered, crossing her arms. "But you better not get yourself killed."
"...I won't…."
Chapter 580 - Sugar Mommy (2)
"But you better not get yourself killed."
"...I won't…."
As the weight of their conversation began to settle, the room fell into a brief silence. Astron glanced at Maya with an unreadable expression before his lips somehow seemed to curl slightly. "Senior... for how long were you planning to stay like this?"
Maya blinked, momentarily confused. And then, all at once, it hit her—she was still straddling his lap, their bodies pressed close together. The heat of his body against hers, the tension that had built between them earlier, all of it came rushing back.
Her face flushed crimson as she suddenly became acutely aware of her position, the warmth pooling in her body, and the subtle wetness she could feel in certain places.
"Ah—!" Maya gasped, instinctively trying to pull back, her face burning with embarrassment. But the moment she shifted, the friction between them only intensified the sensations she was feeling, and it became even harder to ignore.
Her heart raced, and she bit her lip, trying to control the sudden rush of desire that surged through her again. 'How did I not realize… this whole time?'
She wanted to move, to do something to salvage her dignity, but the way their bodies were intertwined made it nearly impossible to disengage without making things even more awkward.
"I… uh… forgot," she mumbled, her voice barely audible as she glanced anywhere but at him.
Astron's expression remained calm, but the slight amusement in his eyes was unmistakable. "It's fine, Senior," he said, his voice as composed as ever, though there was a faint warmth in his tone that made Maya's embarrassment even worse.
Her face flushed a deeper shade of red, and she quickly shifted, trying to disentangle herself without drawing attention to her discomfort. But each movement only seemed to remind her of the situation, and the subtle friction between them sent an electric shiver through her body.
'Why now?' she thought, internally cursing herself for being so easily flustered.
She faked a cough, awkwardly trying to cover her embarrassment as she finally managed to slide off his lap. Standing up quickly, she smoothed down her clothes, desperately avoiding eye contact with Astron. Her mind raced for a distraction, anything to break the tension that had built up once again.
Clearing her throat, Maya turned toward the gazebo, taking a few steps away from him. "A-anyway," she began, her voice still a little shaky as she tried to regain some semblance of control, "we should get back to planning. There's a lot to prepare for the banquet… and we don't have much time."
She busied herself with straightening her clothes, avoiding his gaze, hoping the cool breeze from the gazebo would calm her racing heart and the heat still lingering in her body.
Astron leaned back slightly, his gaze settling on her with his usual calmness. "For the time being, we should wait, Senior. We've discussed a lot, and adding more details right now will only complicate things further." His voice was steady, as though the previous tension between them had never existed.
Maya nodded, slowly feeling the heat in her body dissipate as she regained her composure. His words were logical, and she knew he was right. But as the haze of the earlier moment cleared, a sudden realization hit her—she had completely forgotten her manners.
'Oh no…' she thought, her eyes widening slightly as she remembered that Astron had just arrived. He was still a guest in her home, and here she was, getting carried away by her emotions, completely neglecting her duties as a host. What kind of courtesy was that?
She straightened up quickly, her face still a little flushed, but her mind now focused on something else entirely. "Junior! I—I can't believe I forgot," she said, shaking her head at her own carelessness. "You just arrived, and I haven't even properly welcomed you. You must be tired from the journey, and here I am, making things difficult for you without even offering you a place to settle."
Maya hurried over to the small table nearby, setting her hands on her hips as she mentally scolded herself. "What kind of host am I?" she muttered. "Where are my manners?"
"Cough…..It is a little bit late for that, don't you think? And it is not like I am just a normal person. We are both Awakened, so I am not tired. Senior, don't worry."
Maya took a deep breath, forcing her mind to shift focus and clinging to Astron's words as an opportunity to escape the overwhelming embarrassment. "That won't do, Junior," she said with a playful but determined tone. "Awakened or not, I'm still your host, and I need to show some courtesy.
Besides, I've decided—since you've never had the chance to see it, how about I give you a tour around the mansion? You don't often get the opportunity to see places like this."
She stood tall, brushing off the awkwardness as best she could, and a small smile tugged at her lips. The idea seemed perfect—not only would it give her a chance to shift the mood, but it could also give her some time to get closer to Astron. After all, Amelia had told her all about dates, and wasn't this the perfect opportunity to treat it like one?
'Yes,' she thought to herself, excitement bubbling up inside her. 'A tour around the mansion… that sounds like a date, doesn't it?'
Astron raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing her sudden shift in energy but not fully understanding what was going through her mind. "A tour?" he asked, his tone skeptical but not disinterested.
Maya's smile widened as she gave him a slight nod. "Yes, a tour! Come on, Junior. You don't get to see places like this often. I'll show you around."
Astron hesitated for a moment, not because he did not want to but because he thought that if he were to get more and more into the family, he would never be able to leave this place.
'It is a little bit late for that, isn't it?'
But well, the ship was sailed at this point, and Astron was sure that things would no longer be the same. Once Maya decided to reveal her lineage to him, it meant that he could no longer avoid entangling himself with this matter.
Though seeing Maya's enthusiasm, he couldn't help but let out a small sigh of defeat. "Alright, Senior. Lead the way," he said, taking her hand and letting her pull him along.
Maya quickly removed the formation she had set up around the gazebo, the faint shimmering barrier dissolving into the air. It had been there to keep prying eyes away, ensuring that their conversation remained private. But now, with the more serious matters set aside, she felt it was no longer needed.
"Alright, let's go," she said, her voice light and eager. She tugged Astron's hand gently, leading him toward the grand entrance of the mansion.
As they were just about to step inside, the sound of footsteps interrupted them. Alfred, her family's trusted butler, approached with his usual calm demeanor. His eyes shifted between Maya and Astron, silently assessing the situation.
"Lady Maya," Alfred said with a slight bow. "I see you and your guest have concluded your discussion. Is everything in order?"
Maya smiled at Alfred, giving him a reassuring nod. "Yes, Alfred. Everything is fine. I'm just going to give Astron a tour of the mansion."
Alfred's expression softened, and he returned the nod. "Very well. Should you need anything, Lady Maya, do not hesitate to ask." His gaze shifted briefly to Astron, who remained composed and polite, though there was an air of careful distance in his posture.
"No, we're fine," Maya replied, her tone casual but polite. She waved Alfred off, turning back to Astron with renewed enthusiasm. "Come on, Junior. Let's start the tour."
Alfred took his leave, retreating into the mansion, while Maya led Astron through the grand entrance hall. The massive doors opened with a soft creak, revealing the splendor within—ornate decorations, tapestries, and elegant furniture that spoke of the Evergreen family's long-standing legacy. The atmosphere was regal, yet there was a sense of warmth to the place.
Maya practically bubbled with excitement as she led Astron through the grand hallways of the mansion, her voice animated as she began telling him stories from her childhood. "You know, I used to run through these halls pretending I was on some grand adventure," she said with a fond smile, her eyes gleaming as she recalled the memories.
"Alfred would always catch me sneaking into places I wasn't supposed to be. I was a bit of a troublemaker back then."
Astron followed her closely, quietly observing the details of the mansion. The Evergreen family's legacy was etched into every corner—portraits of past generations, intricate carvings on the walls, and an unmistakable aura of wealth and power. Yet, there was also something homey and warm about the place, likely due to Maya's lively presence.
They passed through the grand library next, and Maya couldn't help but grin as she pushed open the heavy doors. The smell of parchment and old books filled the air, shelves stacked from floor to ceiling with ancient tomes, scrolls, and records. "This is where I spent most of my time growing up," she admitted. "I loved reading about the old cultivation arts, histories, and legends.
My father used to joke that I'd get lost in here for days if he didn't drag me out."
Astron's eyes briefly scanned the titles, noting a few rare and ancient texts, though he stayed silent. The sheer magnitude of the library was impressive, but he remained composed, his expression unreadable as ever.
After the library, she led him through a series of rooms—guest chambers, dining halls, and even an armory. Each one had its own story, and Maya was more than happy to recount her escapades in each place. "This is the armory where I first learned how to wield a blade," she said proudly, gesturing to the impressive collection of weapons. "Though, well…..Let's say I was never good at it."
Considering the talent that she had shown as a mage and her control of all elements, Astron knew that achieving such control was not just a matter of being a genius.
She would need to put quite a lot of effort into that, and that would mean she would not be able to pay attention to other weapons.
Such talents often meant a lack of talents in other fields, which was normal.
They finally made their way to the airship hangar, a massive structure that stood outside the main building.
"You have already seen this place before, so there is not much to show."
They went past the hanger, and she led him to a large stretch of land where rows of plants grew in neat, cultivated patches.
Maya beamed, pointing at the lush fields. "And this is where we grow our daily fruits and herbs. We have everything here—fresh Starbloom Essence, Silverpetal Lotus, and even rare Everglow Root."
Astron's eyebrow twitched slightly at the casual mention of such high-quality herbs.
Starbloom Essence was incredibly valuable, and he knew from the fact that Maya spoke about them as if they were common household fruits that she was not normal.
But witnessing it once again, it was really hard to just causally brush it off.
"This is what I gave you back then."
"Yeah…..You said it was like a daily use for you…I guess you really were telling the truth."
"Humph, Junior. When have you ever seen me lying?"
Astron was speechless.
Chapter 581 - Sugar Mommy (3)
Astron couldn't help but shake his head with a small sigh. "I guess you're right, Senior," he replied, his voice calm and composed. "But can you blame me for doubting it? Starbloom Essence as a 'daily use' herb isn't exactly something most people would believe."
Maya crossed her arms and gave him a triumphant smirk. "Humph, Junior. When have I ever lied to you? You should know by now that I'm always serious about these things." She tilted her chin up slightly, clearly pleased with herself.
Astron couldn't argue with that. Maya was many things—enthusiastic, powerful, and at times, a bit airheaded—but she wasn't one to lie, especially about something like this. Still, the absurdity of it all made it hard to process. He'd grown accustomed to the rarities of the cultivation world, but the casualness with which she regarded such powerful ingredients was almost unreal.
He glanced back at the rows of plants, noting the gentle sway of the high-quality herbs under the soft breeze. It was clear to him now that Maya's family wasn't just powerful in name; they had deep resources, the kind of wealth and access that even the upper echelons of society couldn't match easily.
"Alright, alright," Astron finally said. "I'll take your word for it. But I have to admit, it's still hard to wrap my head around."
Maya's mischievous grin widened. "You'd better get used to it. Now that you're here, you'll be seeing a lot more of this."
She paused for a moment, her eyes gleaming with a playful glint. "Speaking of which, since the tour's almost over, I think it's about time, I order the maids to prepare something for you."
Astron raised an eyebrow, sensing something behind her words. "Something?" he repeated, clearly curious. "What kind of something?"
Maya smirked, a sly grin playing on her lips as she tilted her head slightly. "Oh, you'll see," she said cryptically. "It's a surprise, Junior. Just trust me."
Astron gave her a sidelong glance, feeling the weight of her teasing tone. Should he be concerned or intrigued?
The answer was a clear no. He was sure that she was not someone who would mean any harm to him as well, that is why he did not think much of it as they walked.
One thing was certain—Maya was enjoying keeping him in the dark.
As they walked further into the forest, the atmosphere shifted. The trees surrounding them were unlike any Astron had seen elsewhere. The air felt denser, charged with mana that seemed to hum beneath the surface, subtly altering the environment around them.
Maya's voice broke the silence. "Can you sense it, Junior?" she asked, her tone curious, but with that same playful edge. Her pink eyes gleamed with anticipation, waiting to see if he could pick up on the change.
Astron paused for a moment, scanning the area with his eyes and his heightened senses. At first, he'd only noticed the peculiar density of the mana, but now that Maya had mentioned it, he began to see more. The trees were ancient, their roots intertwined with the earth in a way that allowed them to absorb and channel mana, forming a natural array.
It was subtle, but now that he focused, he could see the flow of mana converging around them, guided by the forest itself.
"These trees," Astron began, his purple eyes narrowing in focus, "they're not just any ordinary trees. The mana is flowing through them, almost like they're part of a larger network. It's like they're channeling it, converging the energy toward a specific point."
Maya's smirk grew wider, clearly impressed with his deduction. "You're absolutely right. This forest is special, Junior. Every tree here has been cultivated to enhance the flow of mana. It is part of my family's heritage."
"Hmm…..This place is where you train yourself, isn't it?"
Maya's expression softened as she nodded. "Yes, this is where I meditate and train my mana control. As you probably know, Junior, mastering mana control isn't easy. It's something that requires countless hours of practice, whether you're a mage or a close-combat fighter. For us Awakened, mana is everything."
Astron listened intently, his gaze still sweeping the forest. He understood her words well; mana control was a fundamental aspect of an Awakened's strength, and training it required more than just talent. However, something didn't add up in his mind. "But if this place is so important for your training, why are you attending Arcadia Hunter Academy?
Wouldn't it be more beneficial for you to stay here and continue honing your skills in this environment?"
Maya glanced around the forest, her fingers brushing a nearby tree as if to draw comfort from its familiar presence. "From a pure training perspective, you're right. It would be efficient to stay here, but there's something more to it." She sighed softly, her eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and a deeper emotion. "The thing is, no matter how perfect this place is, the body and mind adapt over time.
The more you use something, the more comfortable you become with it. At some point, it loses its effectiveness."
Astron nodded, understanding the logic. "I see. So, your body has already adapted to the mana flow in this forest, and it doesn't challenge you the same way anymore."
"Exactly," Maya agreed, her voice carrying a slight undertone of weariness. "It was an incredible place to train when I was younger, but now… I've reached a point where it's no longer enough to push me further. That's one of the reasons why I left and joined the academy."
Astron tilted his head slightly, sensing there was more to her decision. "But that's not the only reason, is it?"
Maya's expression shifted, and she let out a small, wistful laugh as she looked back at him. "No, it's not." And then she looked around. "The truth is… it gets lonely, Junior. Training here, alone, day after day… it wears on you. I wanted something more, something beyond just improving my skills. Being at the academy, around other people, even if it's for training—it makes a difference."
Looking at it from that perspective, Astron thought about his own experience. For him, training was just training. He had always spent nearly at least three hours a day training on his own and he rarely trained with someone else.
Most of the time that he was spending, he always did it alone.
For Astron, solitude had become second nature—a necessary companion to his thoughts, his focus, and his relentless pursuit of strength. He had grown so accustomed to the silence that filled the spaces between his training sessions, the quiet that allowed him to reflect on each step forward, every breath taken, and every obstacle overcome.
Before he also disliked being around people as he ostracized himself from the society, but there was also a certain clarity that came from being alone, away from distractions.
His mind could sharpen, honing in on the precision required to control mana with the level of mastery he sought.
It was in those moments of isolation that he felt most connected to the raw essence of his abilities, a time when the world narrowed to just him and the flow of energy within and around him.
'I've always been this way,' Astron thought, his gaze turning inward as he walked alongside Maya through the forest. 'Ever since I lost her… I've kept people at a distance. It's easier that way. Fewer distractions, fewer vulnerabilities.'
He had learned early on that relying on others could lead to disappointment, to loss, and the painful emptiness that followed. The only thing he could trust was his own strength, his own mind.
Every hour he spent training was a form of control, a way to keep the past from overwhelming him. Alone with his thoughts, he could process everything—his pain, his goals, his need for vengeance.
'But maybe,' he glanced over at Maya, 'maybe that's not enough.'
Slowly, she also came to another realization. After dealing with countless different people and getting newer experiences.
Maya had a point about isolation, the need to be around others, and finding something more than just the relentless pursuit of power.
Astron could feel the weight of her words settling in his mind. Maya had her own reasons for stepping out of her family's protective cocoon and facing the world, and for the first time, he wondered if he had been too rigid in his approach.
Was he missing something by always being alone? Was there more to growth than just sharpening the blade in solitude?
Astron glanced at Maya, his expression softening as he spoke. "That's understandable," he said, his tone thoughtful.
Maya raised an eyebrow at his response, surprised by his sudden shift in perspective. "Understandable?" she echoed, her voice filled with curiosity.
He nodded, his eyes still focused on the path ahead. "While I've always had a goal that pushed me forward—something to strive for, to keep me moving even in isolation—did you have the same thing when you were younger and training here?" His voice was gentle, yet there was a certain sharpness to the question, as though he was trying to uncover something deeper within her.
Maya fell silent, her steps slowing as his words settled over her. She hadn't considered it before, but Astron's question hit a chord. When she had been younger, training in the solitude of her family's land, there hadn't been any grand goal driving her. She hadn't been fighting for survival or seeking revenge like Astron had been.
She had trained because it was expected of her, because it was part of her lineage and the role she was supposed to fulfill. But there hadn't been that same fire, that same singular purpose pushing her forward.
Astron continued, sensing her silence as an unspoken answer. "You most likely didn't have that kind of goal, yet you were still able to endure such intense training. That shows your willpower, your resilience. It's not wrong for you to seek something beyond that, to want a life that includes more than just endless training. It's natural to seek connections with others."
Maya's gaze softened as she looked at him, her earlier surprise shifting into quiet understanding. But then she thought of something.
Maya's steps slowed even more as she replayed Astron's words in her mind. His compliments and insight into her situation had made her feel understood, but something about the way he spoke, as if those ideas applied only to her, gnawed at her.
She looked at him, her gaze narrowing thoughtfully. "Junior," she began, her voice soft but insistent. "You said it's not wrong for me to seek something beyond training… to want connections with others. But doesn't that apply to you, too?"
Astron's stride faltered for a moment. He glanced at her, a brief flicker of surprise crossing his expression. He hadn't expected her to turn the conversation back on him. His eyes shifted, and for a moment, he seemed to be searching for the right words, the right explanation.
Maya pressed on, her tone gentle but firm. "You're always so focused on your goals, always pushing forward like nothing else matters. But doesn't what you said also apply to you? Isn't it okay for you to seek companionship too?"
Astron stopped in his tracks, his gaze dropping to the ground as he mulled over her words. His hand instinctively flexed at his side, as if trying to grasp something intangible. "Seeking companionship..." he mumbled, almost to himself, the words foreign on his tongue.
But then just as Astron mulled over Maya's words, the weight of the conversation settling into the air between them, a strange, high-pitched sound suddenly broke through the silence.
"Kyu!"
Chapter 582 - Weird Place
"Kyu!"
A small, high-pitched sound cut through the air, breaking the heavy silence between Astron and Maya.
"Kyu!"
Astron's eyes snapped up, his senses immediately sharpening, while Maya's gaze followed the source of the noise. There, just a few paces ahead of them, a small creature appeared, stepping cautiously out from the shadows of the ancient trees. It was delicate and ethereal in appearance, with a coat of soft, luminescent white fur that seemed to shimmer faintly in the dappled light of the forest.
Its frame was small and lithe, resembling a squirrel but with features that marked it as something far more mystical. Its large, expressive eyes blinked curiously at them, and a long, sleek tail swayed gently behind it.
Astron studied the creature for a moment, intrigued by its almost otherworldly presence. "What is that?" he asked, his voice low, though not in alarm.
Maya's eyes widened, a flash of recognition crossing her face. "You are that cutie."
She immediately remembered the creature that she had seen at that time. Her memory, while not as strong as a genius, was still particular. That is why she immediately realized that this was the creature that she had seen at that time.
"Senior?"
"Ah…..Maya mumbled as she realized that she had been rather keeping silent. "A Lunaphen," she whispered, her tone filled with awe. "I can't believe it."
"Lunaphen?" Astron repeated, his gaze still fixed on the creature.
Maya nodded, her voice hushed as if not to startle the creature. "They're incredibly rare and shy. A type of monster that's usually hidden deep within nature's most untouched places. They're highly sensitive to the presence of others, especially humans, and it's almost unheard of for them to willingly approach anyone."
The Lunaphen took a tentative step forward, its round, bright eyes never leaving the pair. Despite its apparent wariness, there was a sense of curiosity in the way it regarded them.
Maya couldn't help but smile at the sight. "Even I've only seen them a handful of times, and I grew up in this forest. They're creatures of the moon, linked to lunar mana flows, and they usually hide during the day. For one to come out and approach us like this… it's incredible."
"Lunar mana?"
Astron mumbled, remembering.
But just as the words left his lips, the small Lunaphen, with a sudden burst of energy, darted forward. Astron's eyes narrowed, instinctively sharpening, but he felt no hostility from the creature. It was fast, but its movement wasn't aggressive. Before he could react further, the Lunaphen leaped gracefully and landed lightly on his shoulder.
Astron remained still, his body tense but not alarmed. The creature, now perched on his shoulder, gazed up at him with wide, innocent eyes. It was as if the Lunaphen was studying him, its soft, luminescent fur glowing gently under the forest's filtered light.
There was a strange sense of calm that radiated from it, an aura of purity and serenity, as though it were a living embodiment of nature itself.
The Lunaphen's long tail curled around Astron's neck as it looked directly into his eyes, its expression curious yet peaceful. For a moment, Astron felt an odd connection with the creature, like the Lunaphen was drawn to something within him, something beyond the surface.
Maya, standing nearby, watched the interaction with wide eyes. She had seen Lunaphens before, but never like this. It was rare enough to even spot one, let alone have one willingly approach and interact with a human. She couldn't help but smile wryly at the scene.
"They don't willingly approach humans, right?" Astron asked, still keeping his gaze on the Lunaphen as it settled comfortably on his shoulder. The creature seemed content, its large eyes reflecting the same soft glow of the moonlight.
"That's how it's supposed to be," Maya replied with a bemused smile. "But even I didn't expect this to happen. Lunaphens are known to be shy and avoid human contact, no matter how peaceful a person might be." She tilted her head slightly, her expression growing more thoughtful. "Unless you are like me."
"Like you."
"This little one had approached me before."
"Hmm?"
"At that time, I was just training to balance my vampiric side, meditating in this forest. This little one was the first Lunaphen that willingly approached me at that time."
Maya looked at Astron with a thoughtful expression, her eyes reflecting a sense of nostalgia. "This little one must have sensed something in you," she said softly, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and certainty. "Otherwise, it wouldn't have approached you like this. They don't just interact with anyone."
Astron remained silent, staring at the Lunaphen, his mind swirling with thoughts. It seemed innocent and pure, but the creature clearly had a deeper connection with the world around it—something instinctual and beyond simple understanding. Maya's words hung in the air, and Astron couldn't help but wonder what exactly the Lunaphen saw in him.
The Lunaphen, sensing the attention on it, tilted its head at Astron and let out another soft "Kyu!" before it suddenly jumped from his shoulder, landing gracefully on the forest floor. Its long, elegant tail swayed back and forth as it turned its head to look back at them, its eyes gleaming with intent.
Astron watched as the creature swung its tail again, more deliberately this time, almost as if it were signaling something. "It's trying to tell us something," he muttered.
Maya, already picking up on the Lunaphen's movements, smiled knowingly. "Looks like it wants us to follow it."
The Lunaphen darted ahead, its movements quick and fluid, but it frequently stopped, turning its head back to ensure they were still following. Without hesitation, Maya and Astron began to walk after it, curious about where the little creature might lead them.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the atmosphere grew even more otherworldly. The mana in the air became denser, almost palpable, as though it were pooling around them. Astron's sharp eyes caught the subtle shifts in the energy flow, but something else was nagging at his mind.
He turned to Maya, his voice calm but curious. "Is it possible that there are things in this forest you don't know about?"
Maya glanced at him, her expression thoughtful. "It is indeed possible," she admitted, her tone serious. "Even though this forest has been cultivated by my family for generations, I haven't explored every inch of it. There are secrets here, places even I haven't fully uncovered. The forest is alive in its own way, and it holds things beyond our understanding."
Astron nodded, taking in her words. It wasn't surprising that such a mystical place would have hidden depths, but hearing it from Maya only reinforced the sense of mystery that surrounded them. The Lunaphen, with its ethereal glow, seemed to be leading them toward one of those secrets.
They continued to walk in silence for a while longer, the forest around them growing thicker, the trees towering above like ancient sentinels guarding something sacred. The air was cooler here, the light filtering through the canopy in thin, pale shafts.
Then, up ahead, Astron noticed something—a faint shimmer in the air, like the reflection of light on water. As they approached, the shimmering grew brighter, and the trees seemed to part, revealing a small clearing bathed in soft, radiant light.
The Lunaphen darted ahead, leaping gracefully onto a low-hanging branch of a tree that stood at the center of the clearing. As it landed, the light intensified, and Astron realized that the glow wasn't just coming from the clearing itself—it was coming from a cluster of other Lunaphens, their soft white fur glowing like tiny moons scattered across the branches.
Astron's eyes narrowed slightly, focusing on the scene before him. "So, there are more of them," he murmured.
Maya, standing beside him, was in awe. "I've never seen so many gathered in one place," she whispered. "This is incredible. Lunaphens are usually solitary creatures… for them to gather like this, something must be special about this spot."
The Lunaphen that had led Astron and Maya to the clearing suddenly leaped back toward Astron, landing on his shoulder with a soft "Kyu!" It then began to make a series of intricate, almost playful movements with its tiny paws and tail, as if trying to communicate something.
Maya furrowed her brow, tilting her head slightly. "What is it doing?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and confusion.
Astron's sharp eyes followed the creature's movements, analyzing them carefully. He had seen animals exhibit strange behaviors before, but this felt more deliberate, almost like the Lunaphen was trying to convey instructions. After a brief pause, his mind pieced together an idea.
"I think it's trying to show us something," Astron muttered under his breath, more to himself than to Maya. He extended his hand, the tip of his finger glowing faintly as he allowed a thin thread of mana to flow outward. The Lunaphen immediately reacted, letting out an excited "Kyu!" before bouncing around, its eyes gleaming with approval.
The creature pointed out various spots in the clearing with quick flicks of its tail and tiny jumps. Astron followed the Lunaphen's guidance, extending his mana threads to each spot it indicated. Slowly but surely, a strange pattern began to form in the air, as if the threads of mana were connecting invisible points, creating a symbol that shimmered in the air.
Maya watched with wide eyes as the threads aligned, reflecting the soft lunar light back down onto the ground in the center of the clearing. The light focused, converging into a single spot, revealing something hidden beneath the earth.
At first, it was small—barely noticeable—but as the light intensified, the object began to emerge. The ground parted slightly, as though something was being drawn up by the focused energy.
As the focused lunar light gathered, the ground in the center of the clearing shifted further, and from beneath the earth, something began to rise. At first, it looked like just a small bud pushing through the soil, but then, as if responding to the Lunaphen's guidance and the mana threads Astron had woven, the bud slowly unfurled, revealing a delicate, ethereal flower.
It was an orchid—but unlike any Astron or Maya had ever seen before. Its petals glowed faintly, shimmering with a natural beauty that seemed otherworldly. What truly stood out were the leaves, each one radiating its own distinct color. One leaf was a deep, vibrant red, while another shone a rich emerald green. The third was a brilliant blue, as if reflecting the clearest sky.
The fourth leaf was a royal purple, and the fifth, at the bottom, was a muted grey, exuding an air of mystery.
"This…..Just what is this?"
It was the first time Maya had seen something like this, so she could not help but narrow her eyes.
On the other hand….As for Astron….
He looked at the Orchid as if he was in a trance.
Chapter 583 - Weird Place (2)
Astron stood frozen; his eyes locked onto the ethereal orchid, the vibrant colors of its leaves reflecting in his purple eyes. He wasn't just staring—he was entranced, completely absorbed by the sight of the strange flower. His expression, usually so calm and composed, had softened into something far more vulnerable as if the orchid held a meaning that only he could see.
"Junior?" Maya called out softly, her voice tinged with concern. She took a step toward him, but he didn't respond, his gaze still fixed on the flower. It was as if the world around him had faded, leaving only him and the orchid in a shared, silent connection.
Maya's heart skipped a beat. She had never seen Astron like this. No matter what situation they had faced before—whether in battle or during moments of deep strategy—Astron had always been in control, never showing any sign of being overwhelmed. But now, standing before this delicate orchid, it was as if something had broken through his usual defenses.
"Junior!" she tried again, more urgently this time.
Still no response.
Seeing that there was no response, Maya's worry deepened. She took another step forward, reaching out her hand to shake him out of his trance, but just as her fingers were about to touch Astron, the Lunaphen that had been guiding them suddenly leaped from its perch and landed right in front of her, its small body positioned protectively between her and Astron.
"Kyu!" the Lunaphen growled, a surprisingly fierce sound for such a tiny creature. Its large eyes narrowed, and its usually gentle demeanor had shifted into something more serious. The creature was warning her—don't disturb him.
Maya recoiled in surprise, her hand freezing midair as she looked at the Lunaphen. "What...?" she whispered, her brow furrowing in confusion. The Lunaphen was normally shy, and for it to act so defensively, something important was happening.
She hesitated, glancing between the small creature and Astron, who still stood as though he were frozen in time, his eyes locked on the radiant orchid. "But he's… trapped or something. I need to—"
"Kyu!" the Lunaphen repeated, more forcefully this time, its tail flicking sharply as it stood its ground.
Maya bit her lip, unsure of what to do. She had never seen Astron like this, and the idea of leaving him in such a vulnerable state did not sound well.
But she had nothing to do.
Just as Maya was about to step forward again, she froze, her breath catching in her throat as Astron began to move. His steps were slow and deliberate as if guided by something far beyond his conscious control. He walked toward the orchid, his movements unnaturally gentle, almost reverent.
Maya's eyes widened as she watched, her heart racing. "Junior…?"
But no words seemed able to reach him. His gaze was still fixed solely on the glowing orchid, and with one last step, he finally reached out, his fingers brushing against the delicate petals.
The moment his fingertips made contact with the flower, the clearing was bathed in a brilliant light. The orchid shone with an intensity that seemed to radiate from the very core of its being, its colors blending together in a vibrant display. Maya shielded her eyes against the sudden brightness, but her gaze remained locked on Astron.
She watched in awe as the orchid's light began to envelop Astron, wrapping around him like a cocoon of pure mana. The vibrant colors of the flower—red, green, blue, purple, grey—swirled around him, creating a dazzling spectacle that filled the air with an almost tangible energy. The mana pulsed and danced, each color representing a different essence, a different flow of life.
Maya's sharp senses kicked in, and she immediately began to analyze what was happening. The mana wasn't random—it was deliberate, focused. Each of the six distinct colors rose from the orchid in soft streams and entered Astron's body, one by one.
Red, Green, Blue, Grey, Purple and White.
"What… is this?" Maya whispered to herself, her mind racing to process the phenomenon unfolding before her. She had never seen anything like this, not in all her years studying mana or her family's ancient knowledge of the natural world.
Astron stood at the center of it all, still motionless, but Maya could sense the shift in his body as the mana flowed into him. It wasn't violent, nor did it seem to be harming him. Instead, it felt like the mana was harmonizing with him, merging with his essence as if the orchid had chosen him.
No, the orchid had chosen him was a wrong representation.
'It is as if the Orchid was waiting for someone like him.'
She could not help but feel that this Junior of hers was also not a normal kid. While he was filled with his revenge and his path was something that differed from his, there were also many mysterious things happening around him that she could not simply explain.
But at the same time, from how it looked, even her Junior himself did not seem to know about this at all.
'Just who are you?'
She asked while watching as the mana continued to enter Astron's body.
Suddenly, without warning, Astron's body collapsed. He fell to the ground, the radiant light fading away as his consciousness seemed to leave him in an instant.
"Astron!" Maya shouted, her voice filled with panic. Without thinking, she rushed to his side, her instincts kicking in before her mind could even process what was happening. She knelt down, her arms instinctively wrapping around his fallen form, pulling him close.
She must have known that as an Awakened, Astron shouldn't be vulnerable to something like this, but the sight of him lying there, unconscious and unmoving, sent a surge of fear through her.
Gently, she lowered him onto her lap, cradling his head as she knelt in the soft grass of the clearing. Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted his position, making sure he was comfortable. She could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest—he was breathing, but the energy that had once radiated from him was now eerily still.
"Junior," she whispered softly, her fingers brushing against his cheek as she tried to wake him.
But well there was still no response.
'It is not finished, it seems.'
She thought as she felt that mana around the place was still hovering around the Junior. It seemed that this process would take a little bit longer, though seeing him like this, it seemed it was not something that would be painful or anything.
Maya looked down at Astron, lying peacefully in her lap, his face free of the usual tension and focus he carried when awake. In this moment, he seemed so different—defenseless, vulnerable, and strangely at ease. The energy that usually radiated from him, sharp and intense, had faded, leaving only a soft, quiet presence. She couldn't help but find it a little surreal to see him like this.
She raised a hand slowly, hesitating for a brief moment, before lightly poking his cheek. His skin was smooth, softer than she expected, and for a moment, the seriousness of the situation seemed to melt away. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she continued to poke at his cheek.
'So different from how he usually is,' she thought, her fingers lingering for a moment as if she were trying to understand this side of him. Just earlier, they had shared a moment of connection, but she hadn't paid attention to how soft and boyish his features still were. For all his strength and control, there was a gentleness about him now that was hard to ignore.
Maya's heart softened as she looked down at him. "You really don't let your guard down much, do you, Junior?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Her fingers brushed his cheek once more before she sighed softly, letting her hand rest on his shoulder. She felt protective of him, though she knew he didn't need her protection.
'Even like this, you manage to surprise me,' she thought, her gaze lingering on his peaceful expression.
The Lunaphen that had been watching them from a nearby branch gave a soft "Kyu" as if reassuring her that everything was still proceeding as it should. Maya nodded quietly, content to wait for Astron to finish whatever process he was going through.
As Maya sat there, lost in her thoughts, a soft glow began to emerge around Astron's neck. At first, it was barely noticeable—a faint shimmer, like moonlight reflecting on water—but it gradually grew brighter, forming the delicate shape of a necklace. The pendant was a small crescent moon, ethereal in its glow, as though it had been crafted from the light of the stars themselves.
Maya's breath caught in her throat as she stared at the necklace, her heart racing. "What...?" she whispered, her eyes wide with shock. She had never seen anything like this before, not even with her extensive knowledge of mystical phenomena.
Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, a soft voice echoed in the clearing—a voice that sounded distant, otherworldly, and filled with emotion.
"Brother."
The single word was filled with warmth and sadness, spoken so softly that Maya wondered if she had imagined it. But then, from the glow of the crescent moon, a figure began to materialize. Slowly, the silhouette of a young girl appeared, her form delicate and translucent, as if she were woven from the very fabric of the moonlight surrounding them.
The girl was ethereal, her presence both calming and haunting. She seemed to hover just above the ground, her soft, pale features framed by long, flowing hair that shimmered with the same glow as the crescent necklace. Her eyes were wide and kind, filled with an ancient sadness that seemed far too deep for someone of her apparent age.
Maya instinctively tightened her grip on Astron, unsure of what to do. "Who... who are you?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
The girl's head slowly turned, her translucent form now facing Maya. Her once soft and kind eyes narrowed, and the sudden shift in her expression sent an icy shiver down Maya's spine. The weight of the girl's gaze was suffocating, as if the very air around them had thickened, pressing down on her with an unseen force.
Maya's breath caught in her throat, her mouth opening slightly, but no words came out. The pressure from the girl's presence felt overwhelming, and for the first time, Maya found herself completely frozen, unable to muster her usual confidence.
"Parasite," the girl hissed, her voice no longer gentle but cold and sharp, like the edge of a blade. "Taking advantage of him."
Maya's eyes widened in shock, the accusation cutting deep. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the girl's words, but she couldn't find her voice to respond. The weight of the girl's presence felt too oppressive, crushing any response before it could form.
"You don't deserve to be near him...Yet this is his wish, so I will respect it for now," the girl continued, her tone growing more venomous. "It is too early for you to know about me... too early for you to understand. So go to sleep."
Maya's body felt heavy, her eyelids growing impossibly heavy as if the girl's words were pulling her into unconsciousness. She fought against it, her instincts screaming at her to resist, but it was like an unstoppable tide pulling her under.
"And don't ever forget..." the girl's voice softened into a chilling whisper, though the malice remained. "I will be watching you. Always."
With that final warning, the ethereal figure raised her hand, and a soft pulse of light emanated from her, washing over Maya like a wave. The last thing Maya saw before her vision faded was the girl's piercing, cold eyes.
And then, darkness.
Chapter 584 - Weird Place (3)
My dreams, they have been changing recently. If before, I would always see the scene where the demons' claws pierced her chest.
Though there were occasional different dreams as well, most of the time the context was like this.
Yet now, I had another dream.
In that dream, she was there again, smiling, her eyes filled with warmth and sadness. The kind of sadness that clings to your soul but never quite lets you feel at peace.
I could feel her presence, as if she was right there beside me, the air around her heavy with unspoken words. She didn't say much, though—she never did. Just smiled, that same bittersweet expression that always left me feeling empty when I woke up.
And just like that, the dream faded, slipping away like water through my fingers.
I slowly became aware of a weight on my body, something soft and warm pressing against me. My senses stirred, the last remnants of sleep clinging to my mind, but I opened my eyes, blinking as my vision cleared.
Senior Maya.
She was lying against me, her head resting gently on my chest, her eyes closed, and her face calm, almost peaceful. Her breathing was slow and steady, and for a moment, I just lay there, unsure of what to make of the situation. Her purple hair cascaded over me like a delicate curtain, and there was a faint blush on her cheeks, though I couldn't tell if it was from sleep or something else.
I glanced around, my mind still hazy from whatever had just happened. The clearing, the orchid… the overwhelming light. It all came rushing back in flashes, but here I was now, with Maya asleep on top of me.
'What happened…?'
I tried to recall the last thing I remembered clearly—reaching for the orchid, feeling the mana surge through me, but after that… nothing. My body felt heavier like I had been drained of energy, but there was no pain. Just a strange sense of… peace.
'Or is it peace?'
I raised my head slightly, just enough to get a better look at how we were positioned. Maya was lying on her side, her head nestled against my chest, her arm draped loosely across my waist. Her body pressed softly against mine, and I could feel the gentle rise and fall of her breathing, rhythmic and calm.
From the way her legs were curled slightly to the side, and her hand resting so lightly on me, it seemed like she had been sitting beside me at first, then at some point, she must have laid down. Her posture wasn't forced, no signs of tension—just a natural stillness as if she'd settled there to watch over me and had fallen asleep in the process.
'Did she... stay here with me the whole time?'
I let my gaze drift to her face. The blush on her cheeks was still there, giving her an innocent, almost serene look. The contrast between her usual composed demeanor and this sleeping form made me pause.
'She must've been guarding me after I lost consciousness...' I thought, piecing it together. The way she was lying suggested she had tried to keep me close, maybe worried I wouldn't wake up. Her body seemed protective, even in sleep.
'But, still….How was she also forcefully put to sleep?'
The thought struck me with a sudden clarity. Maya wasn't just any normal human; she was Awakened, just like me. Her stamina and resilience far exceeded that of an ordinary person. She could go for days without rest if necessary. If she had been watching over me, there's no way she would have just drifted off to sleep like this unless something forced her into it.
'It might have been the orchid,' I thought. 'If the orchid had the power to affect me, it's possible that it did the same to her. But then… why did it take longer? Was she resistant? Did her vampiric blood give her more strength to fight it off?'
There were too many variables. The orchid, the mana, Maya's bloodline, my own involvement. It was like trying to connect pieces of a puzzle when I didn't have all the edges. I could speculate, but that wouldn't get me far. At the end of the day, there was only one way to know for sure, and that was to ask her directly when she woke up.
For now, I needed to focus on something I could control—myself.
Taking a slow breath, I spread my senses throughout my body, trying to get a better feel for what had changed. Something felt different, almost subtly so, but it was there. The moment I focused inward, I noticed it—an underlying energy that hadn't been there before. A steady hum, like a rhythm coursing through me, as if the mana from the orchid had integrated itself into me.
'Indeed. The flower was absorbed. I feel… stronger. Healthier'
Whatever it is, something had changed, and whenever something like this happened the easiest way to check it was.
'Status.'
------------------------------------------
▶Name: Astron Natusalune
▶Occupation: Weapon Master (level 4)
▶Talent Limit: 10.5 --> 12
▶Passives:
Vengeful Bane
Bloodline Resonance
Psychic Cognizance
▶Attributes:
Variable Attributes:
Strength: 5.34 --> 5.50 (+0.16)
Dexterity: 5.64 --> 5.81 (+0.17)
Agility: 5.72 --> 5.89 (+0.17)
Constitution: 5.37 --> 5.53 (+0.16)
Intuition: 5.79 --> 5.96 (+0.17)
Magical Power: 6.17 --> 6.36 (+0.19)
Mana Capacity: 6.25 --> 6.44 (+0.19)
-----------------------------------------
I blinked as the numbers and details unfolded before me. My talent limit had increased, not by a small margin either—another boost pushing me further beyond the original boundaries.
'From 10.5 to 12...' It was rare for something to affect my talent limit so significantly, especially considering how difficult it was to improve it under normal circumstances.
'This orchid…' I had never seen it before, not even in the game, and yet it had clearly played an important role in my development. The subtle yet noticeable increase in my attributes confirmed that this wasn't just any ordinary plant.
The increments weren't large, but they were consistent across all my variable attributes—strength, dexterity, agility, constitution, intuition, magical power, and mana capacity. The orchid had given me a comprehensive boost.
'Not just physical attributes either,' I mused as I glanced over the changes. My magical power and mana capacity had also grown, almost as if the orchid had refined me on a fundamental level, enhancing both my body and my magical capabilities. It wasn't just an energy boost; it was a deep-rooted improvement.
'Interesting.'
Whatever it is, it was a welcome improvement.
"Hmm….."
And just at that moment, I felt Senior Maya wriggling. It seemed she was about to wake up already.
Maya stirred against me, her body shifting slightly as she began to wake. Her movements were slow, almost hesitant, as if her mind was still caught in the haze of sleep. I stayed still, watching her carefully. After a moment, her eyes blinked open, their pink hue slightly dazed as they tried to focus on her surroundings.
"Hm… What happened?" she murmured, her voice soft and drowsy as she glanced around, clearly disoriented. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand, blinking a few more times as if trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.
I remained silent, waiting patiently for her to compose herself. There was no need to rush her—she had been through something as well, and I wanted to give her a moment to fully wake up.
It didn't take long. Maya's eyes cleared quickly, the fog of sleep disappearing as her sharp senses returned. Her gaze flickered around the clearing before landing on me. She blinked once more, her expression shifting as the realization of her position hit her.
"Junior…" she began, her voice steadying, though there was a faint blush creeping into her cheeks as she sat up, adjusting herself. "How did this happen?"
Maya furrowed her brow as she sat up straighter, her eyes narrowing slightly as she seemed to search her memory. Her hand brushed absently against the grass as if grounding herself in the moment.
"I remember… placing your head on my lap," she said slowly, her voice laced with uncertainty. "But… everything after that is a blur."
She glanced at me, her expression a mixture of confusion and frustration. "It's strange. I don't fall asleep that easily, especially not while guarding someone. It feels like… something just made me sleep."
I nodded slightly, considering her words. I had been thinking the same thing. Given her strength and willpower, it was unlikely that she would simply fall asleep like that on her own. Something else must've been at play.
"Seems like the orchid had more of an effect than we realized," I said calmly, observing her as she tried to piece everything together.
Maya's hand came to her forehead, as if trying to massage the missing memories back. "It doesn't make sense… I felt fine until that point, then suddenly, nothing."
I stood up slowly, stretching out my limbs as the lingering effects of the orchid's energy seemed to settle in my body. "Let's not dwell on it any longer," I said, offering Maya a hand. "We've already spent enough time here, and the evening's approaching."
Maya looked up at me, still somewhat perplexed, but after a moment, she nodded and accepted my hand.
As I pulled her up, the last traces of frustration faded from her expression, replaced by a sense of calm acceptance.
As we walked back toward the mansion, the silence between us was comfortable but carried a subtle tension. Maya's usual calmness had returned, but I could still sense that faint nervousness lingering in her expression, almost like she was anticipating something.
The mansion loomed ahead, its elegant design standing in contrast to the fading light of the evening. The walk back felt shorter this time, though maybe it was because both of us were lost in our own thoughts.
When we arrived at the entrance, Maya paused for a moment, her hand resting on the door handle as if she were about to say something. But instead, she turned toward me with a gentle smile.
"I'll leave you to settle into your room," she said, her voice calm but holding a softness to it. "Take your time to rest. I'll check in later."
I nodded, appreciating the space she was giving me. "Thank you, Senior."
With that, Maya gave me a small nod and disappeared down one of the mansion's hallways, leaving me alone in the entranceway.
The silence settled in, and for the first time since arriving at the mansion, I felt a sense of stillness. Now, with Maya gone and no immediate tasks ahead of me, I could finally take a moment to think.
Chapter 585 - Sylvana's Essence
Maya walked down the hallway, her steps steady, though her mind was anything but calm. Her head felt strangely heavy as if a dull ache had settled behind her eyes, clouding her thoughts. She pressed her fingers to her temple, trying to ease the discomfort, but the sensation lingered, almost unnatural.
'What happened back there?' she wondered, replaying the events in her mind, yet she could not remember anything at all.
Maya let out a soft sigh as she neared her studio, hoping that the quiet solitude of her space would help her clear her mind. But just as her hand reached for the door, a familiar voice interrupted her.
"Lady Maya," Alfred's calm, composed tone cut through the fog in her mind.
Maya turned to see the butler standing just behind her, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Alfred," she greeted, though her voice was slightly strained from the headache. "What is it?"
"The dinner, my lady," Alfred reminded her, his eyes flickering with a hint of concern. "You may recall that your brother, the Lord, will be arriving soon. He is expecting you to join him."
Maya blinked, the realization slowly sinking in. 'Ah….Brother… is coming.' She had completely forgotten about this fact.
Maya sighed inwardly, pressing her fingers once more to her temple. How could she have forgotten something so important? Her brother, the Lord of the family, was coming, and he had specifically mentioned wanting to meet Astron. After everything that had happened that day, it completely slipped her mind.
'How could I make such a mistake?' she chastised herself. But then again, the events earlier had been overwhelming—Astron's strange connection to the orchid, the appearance of that girl, and the subsequent exhaustion that had washed over both of them. She could hardly blame herself for being distracted.
Still, her brother wasn't someone she could afford to keep waiting, especially since he had expressed an interest in Astron. She had to handle this delicately.
With another sigh, she turned back to Alfred, her voice more composed now. "Thank you for the reminder, Alfred. I'll prepare myself for the dinner."
Alfred gave her a small, respectful nod, but his eyes flickered briefly toward her as if he could sense the turmoil behind her calm facade. "If there's anything I can assist you with, Lady Maya, please don't hesitate to ask."
Maya smiled slightly, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I appreciate that, Alfred. I'll let you know if I need anything."
As the butler turned and left, Maya leaned against the door of her studio, gathering her thoughts. She would need to inform Astron about her brother's visit, but she couldn't do it just yet. He had been through enough already. The moment they had arrived at the mansion, she hadn't even given him a chance to rest or settle in.
'He deserves at least some time to relax,' she thought, her mind briefly drifting back to their earlier moments in the forest. Everything had happened so fast, and now they were heading into something even more serious. A meeting with her brother could bring complications, but at the same time, this was what she had wanted in the first place.
The moment she brought him here, he became entangled with her family, and that was all there was to it.
'Hmm…..'
Thinking about it, she remembered that she had promised him a special drink to be prepared.
'Yeah, that would be better.'
She could visit him while giving him the drink, and that seemed to be the normal excuse. And then she would inform him about her brother's visit.
'Indeed, that is how it should be.'
Thinking that she had pushed her mana into the small button right on the corner of her table, and then, following that, the button lit.
Maya sat down at her desk, waiting patiently as the soft hum of mana surged through the button, signaling the arrival of the maid. Moments later, a light knock echoed from the door, and a young maid entered, her head bowed respectfully.
"You summoned me, Lady Maya?" the maid asked, her voice polite and steady.
Maya gave a small nod, her mind already focused on the task at hand. "Yes, I need you to prepare a special drink. The Sylvara's Essence."
The maid's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the elixir, but she quickly composed herself, giving a respectful nod. "Sylvara's Essence, my lady? Understood." She bowed slightly, her face showing a subtle understanding of the significance of the drink.
This elixir wasn't just an ordinary drink. It was a rare, carefully crafted mixture of herbs passed down through the royal family of elves, said to have been created by Aelion himself—the first ruler of the Elven kingdom. The recipe was guarded closely, and only those with the highest connections to the Elven bloodline could access the ingredients needed for such a drink.
The Starbloom Essence, Silverpetal Lotus, and Everglow Root were all part of its blend, each herb adding to the power and vitality of those who consumed it.
The maid remained calm and collected, though the gravity of the request was not lost on her. Preparing Sylvara's Essence was a task only entrusted to a select few in the Evergreen mansion. Each maid trained in the art of crafting this elixir had undergone a strict, sacred ritual—one that included a soul-binding oath.
This binding was etched deep into their very being, ensuring they could never reveal the recipe or the process by any means, even under the most dire circumstances.
The elixir itself was a legacy of the Elven royalty, passed down through the generations. The knowledge of how to create it had been woven into the minds and souls of those deemed worthy, protecting it from falling into the wrong hands.
"Only the finest ingredients, of course," Maya continued, her voice steady, though her mind lingered on the significance of what she was requesting. "This is for someone special."
The maid nodded, her demeanor reflecting the utmost respect. "As you wish, Lady Maya. I will begin preparations immediately. It will take some time, but I will bring it to you as soon as it is ready."
********
A little while later, Maya stood near the entrance of Astron's room, holding a delicate tray with a single, intricately crafted glass containing Sylvara's Essence. The light from the hall reflected softly off the glass, illuminating the shimmering liquid inside—pale green, with faint swirls of gold and silver, a drink that seemed to pulse with life itself.
After gathering herself for a moment, Maya gently knocked on the door.
"Come in," came Astron's calm voice from the other side.
Maya opened the door and stepped inside, her eyes immediately finding him seated at a small table near the window. His posture was thoughtful, his eyes distant as if he were lost in deep contemplation. He didn't look up at first, seemingly absorbed in whatever thoughts occupied his mind. The evening light cast a soft glow through the window, creating a peaceful atmosphere in the room.
She stood there for a moment, taking in the sight of him before speaking.
"Junior," she said softly, stepping closer and placing the tray on the table in front of him. Her voice brought him out of his reverie, and he blinked, his gaze slowly shifting to her.
He raised an eyebrow, his expression curious as he glanced at the glass in front of him. "Senior, what's this?"
Maya smiled slightly, her tone playful yet gentle. "I promised you something special, didn't I?" She gestured to the glass. "This is Sylvara's Essence, a very rare elixir. Only a select few have ever tasted it."
Astron looked down at the drink, studying the swirling colors within. His face looked calm as if he had not understood what this thing was, but in fact he knew.
'This…..It really is Sylvara's Essence.'
Astron stared at the swirling, ethereal liquid in the glass, the colors of gold and silver mingling in a way that was almost mesmerizing. He kept his expression neutral, but inside, his mind was racing.
'Sylvara's Essence…' he thought, recognizing it immediately from his knowledge of the game. This elixir wasn't just rare—it was an end-game item, one that held immense power and value. It was the kind of thing you could only obtain after spending countless hours building relationships with key figures in the world, especially the Elven Princess.
The only way to get the formula for this elixir was to earn her trust, which was no small feat.
That Maya had access to something so rare wasn't necessarily surprising, given her background, but it did confirm one thing for Astron: her family's ties to the Elven royalty ran deeper than he had initially realized. Aeilon, the Elven Royalty that Maya had mentioned before, must have passed this knowledge down through their lineage.
Still, Astron wasn't going to let any of this show on his face. He had spent years perfecting the art of keeping his thoughts hidden, and now was no different.
'If she knew I recognized this, it might raise too many questions,' he thought, his gaze still fixed on the elixir.
"Seems fancy," Astron said, his voice casual, as though he were simply humoring her. He picked up the glass, swirling the liquid gently as if he were merely curious. "So, what makes this drink so special, Senior?"
Maya smiled, her pink eyes twinkling with the same playfulness that had been there earlier. "Hehe….You will see….. It's not something that many people get the chance to taste, and those who do…" She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a softer, almost conspiratorial tone, "…are considered very lucky."
Astron chuckled lightly, playing along with her tone. "Well, I must say, I do feel honored."
Maya's expression softened, and she took a seat across from him, watching him closely. She wasn't just sharing a rare drink; there was more weight to this gesture than simply offering him something special. Astron could sense it. This was her way of bringing him closer into her world, of showing him trust, and perhaps even testing his loyalty.
"You should try it," she said, her voice quieter now, the teasing edge replaced with something more genuine. "I want to know what you think."
Astron nodded slowly, lifting the glass to his lips.
After all, there was no reason for him to refuse.