Chapter 182: Capture the Flag: Part-2
“Hmm…” Aether frowned deeply as he scrutinized the map, noting the strategic locations of each base. They were scattered far apart, some even nestled in the treacherous mountains.
He then glanced at his ‘Log’,
/
Name: Aether
Sex: Male
Race: #####
Level: 6
Title: The Lost One, Slave [Eternal Contract to ########], The Only Holder of Ether and Past-less, Future-less Entity.
Attributes:
Strength: 50
Agility: 60
Intelligence: 60
Magic Affinity: 50
Charm: 50
Compatibility: 90%
Survival rate: 10.5%
Affection Points: 11890 (1000 Affection Points = 1 *any Attributes)
Seduction:1/10
/
Just yesterday, In his desperation to grow stronger, he even resorted to using Delphine’s money to boost his level. Although he knew his level was not comparable to that of others, he felt he had no alternative.
Aether then shifted his gaze to his mission tab,
/
Mission: Save and Seduce Aqualina Naiadia
Mission: Save and Seduce Aria Zephyr
/
The words on the screen began to blink in vibrant green, signalling that something imminent was about to happen to the targets of his missions.
One perplexing issue that lingered in Aether’s mind was understanding how Aqualina and Aria could be in mortal danger despite being under the vigilant surveillance of the principal and other professors.
Aether shrugged off his doubts, convincing himself, ‘Regardless, I must fulfil my mission.’ He reached into his backpack and pulled out a well-worn hoodie. As he slipped it on, he called out softly,
“Masssttrrrr~”
A delicate cute white snake, adorned with a golden crystal on its forehead, which held a single shining golden star, peeked out from the folds of his hoodie.
“Hehe…” Aether couldn’t help but chuckle at her endearing call. When she had first awakened that morning and started to speak, he had nearly had a heart attack from the shock.
Later, he had consulted Taylor, who had been equally astonished.
She explained that while some monsters are capable of speech upon evolving, it was an exceedingly rare occurrence, happening in about 0.1% of cases. She even praised Aether, noting that a monster speaking usually indicates a profound bond and a strong desire to communicate with its master.
“Are you ready? Today is our day to shine!” Aether declared proudly, gently rubbing her soft chin.
“Masssttrrrr~”
[+3000 Affection]
Snowflake purred contentedly, almost like a cat. Her response brought a warm smile to Aether’s face. Although thrilled to hear her speak, he noted that she could only manage the word ‘Master’ for now.
‘It looks like it will take some time for her to talk fluently,’ Aether mused. He nodded to Snowflake, who promptly returned to her full, impressive size.
Her appearance had not changed much, except for the golden crystal and her silky, soft skin, which now gleamed even more beautifully. Aether climbed onto her broad back, settling in comfortably.
“Let’s go…”
“Masstttrrrrr~”
With a hiss, Snowflake began to slither forward, her movements smooth and rapid.
‘Trrrrrrrrrrrr’
In the Monitoring Room,
“P-Principal, we have an intruder!” One of the professors exclaimed, eyes wide as he noticed a large white snake moving swiftly on the surveillance screens. On its back, a hooded figure rode.
Hearing the alert, Alaric frowned deeply and turned to the live footage. His hand instinctively reached for the control panel, ready to issue a command to neutralize the intruder who dared to trespass. However, before he could act, the principal’s calm voice intervened.
“No need… I am the one who allowed it,” the principal said, her tone indifferent and steady.
Everyone in the room let out a collective sigh, exchanging weary glances. Once again, their principal had taken unilateral action without consulting any of them. They were now left to wonder about the identity and capabilities of this mysterious individual.
Considering it was the principal who had permitted the intrusion, they thought that person might be powerful!
Alaric, who had been silent, finally spoke up with a furrowed brow, “Principal, I know you have the authority to do as you wish, but at least you could have informed me since I am second in command after you…”
“…. Well…” The principal merely shrugged, offering no further explanation. Her eyes were fixed on the image of the snake that Aether was riding, ‘To think that beast has grown so much in such a short amount of time… exactly what has he been feeding her?’ she wondered, a hint of curiosity flickering in her usually stoic expression.
Alaric’s eyes twitched with frustration, but he sighed, resigning himself to the principal’s unpredictable ways. That unpredictability was part of what he admired about her since the day they first met.
Meanwhile,
Snowflake arrived at their first destination and silently hid behind the dense bushes, providing a perfect vantage point. Aether and Snowflake watched intently as the scene unfolded before them.
“Nyx… what is the meaning of this?” Jack Sparrow’s voice was laden with suspicion as he confronted Nyx and her team, who had just arrived at their base.
“Hmm? Of course, we came to see what our Empire’s Arcane King is capable of…” Nyx replied with a creepy smile, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
“Tsk,” Jack clicked his tongue in annoyance. He couldn’t believe she would come directly at him instead of targeting others. He added, “Nyx, I know you’re eager to fight me, but you should know when and where. Now is not the time to play around.”
Nyx’s smile grew even more sinister as she said, “Nope, now is the perfect time to play around,” and she hurled a kunai-like weapon at Jack, who dodged it just in time.
‘Shit! Looks like I need to eliminate her before moving forward with my plan,’ Jack thought, signalling his teammates to prepare for battle.
Aether, observing from his hidden spot, nodded to Snowflake. They quietly retreated from the scene, moving toward their next destination.
Upon arrival,
“Hello, Miss Ashara Nightfire,” Helena Sunfire greeted, her voice resonating with authority as she faced a girl with an ash-coloured body.
“Hello, Miss Helena Sunfire… I am very honoured to fight you,” Ashara responded, a look of genuine happiness on her face.
She had anticipated that she would be the one searching for her enemies, considering others often underestimated her due to her race as a succubus, which was typically weaker in combat.
Helena nodded and said, “Though I prefer to fight opponents far stronger than you, I cannot tolerate when you use your powers to capture and taint Men’s hearts. It is unacceptable.
As a Saintess, it is my duty to correct your path. Even if you are born with dark energy, I believe everyone is equal. Prepare to face the consequences of your actions.” She bowed slightly, and a small golden fireball materialized in her hand.
Ashara was taken aback, surprised by Helena’s words. She had expected disdain and disgust from the Saintess, who was known for her purity.
‘Looks like not everyone is the same,’ Ashara thought, feeling a blush creep onto her cheeks.
“I-it’s not like I do this on purpose… It’s my power, and I can’t always control it. I’m sorry,” she stammered, her innocence almost captivating everyone present.
Even Aether felt himself drawn to her charm, and if not for Snowflake slapping his face, he might have walked towards her.
“I am sorry!” Aether said awkwardly to Snowflake, who just turned her head and pouted in displeasure.
Helena snapped her fingers, breaking the spell of mesmerization that had fallen over everyone. She nodded, saying, “I understand now. So let’s wait until you can control your power,” as she turned to leave.
Both Ashara and Helena’s team members were shocked by her decision.
“W-Wait! Where are you going? Fight me!” Ashara called out in desperation.
“Hmm? You said you didn’t do it on purpose, so there is no reason for me to fight you,” Helena replied, turning away again.
Ashara started to panic. It was the first time someone had taken her seriously, and now that person was leaving, “W-What about my flag? Don’t you want it? I have high points, you know… If you win against me, you might become the first,” she pleaded, her voice almost breaking.
Helena suddenly flinched, as if remembering something important, “Oh! I almost forgot that. Let’s fight then!” she exclaimed, readying herself once more.
Everyone facepalmed, including Helena’s team members, at her clumsy actions.
Even Snowflake shook her head, bemused by Helena’s naivety.
‘… She is way more naive than I thought,’ Aether mumbled in shock before quietly leaving the place.
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