Chapter 188: Capture the Heart: Part-4
“What the fuck is happening?” Aether’s horrified expression deepened as he saw his survival rate suddenly decrease after increasing.
Even worse, “What the heck happened to her?” he thought, his mind racing with concern and confusion.
He was absolutely sure he hadn’t pushed her too hard, and yet… something had clearly gone very wrong. Aether shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.
Right now, he needed to focus on the immediate threat: the two werewolves that were growling at him with deadly intent.
“Who are you?” Kaelen, now back in his human form, glared at the hooded figure standing before him with an intensity that could pierce steel.
“I’m the protector of Queen Aria!” Aether declared in a hoarse, but resolute voice.
“Hmm? That’s new… I haven’t heard about this,” Kaelen mumbled quietly to himself before speaking louder, “Well, whatever! Since you seem to know what’s happening… I’ll give you a chance to run away.”
Despite his words, Kaelen had no intention of letting this mysterious figure go. If the Sovereign discovered his failure, Kaelen knew he would be executed without a moment’s hesitation.
Aether replied in the same hoarse voice, “Come on, man, no one would believe that old, lame-ass words!…. Or is it that your dog’s brain isn’t working?” There was a hint of mocking amusement in Aether’s tone that was impossible to miss.
Kaelen’s lips twitched in annoyance, “Looks like you wish to die along with your Queen,” he said, glancing at his remaining teammate, who was still in wolf form. The werewolf glared at Aether before leaping off to search for Aria, but—
“Nah, Bad Doggy!!”
“NINNGGGG!”
Aether appeared in a flash before the werewolf, delivering a powerful punch to its nose. The creature fell to the ground, screaming like a wounded animal, before Crystal’s magic broke down and teleported it away to safety.
Kaelen’s eyes widened in surprise and alarm, “I suppose you must be stronger,” he mumbled.
Kaelen’s tribe had many strong warriors, but the contest rules only allowed students to participate. Therefore, he had selected the best students available from his tribe.
Meanwhile…
‘What the…?’ Aether was slightly flabbergasted as he looked at his own fist, ‘D-Did I become OP?’ He realized he needed to control his newfound strength carefully; otherwise, he might mistakenly eliminate Kaelen before he intended to.
Kaelen suddenly let out a deep, menacing growl that reverberated through the air.
His body tensed, muscles bulging with raw power as long, silky black hair erupted from his skin. His eyes burned with a feral intensity, and his teeth elongated into razor-sharp fangs, poised to tear into Aether.
In a flash, his clothing disintegrated, leaving only a crystal badge gleaming ominously on what was now a monstrous hand… or perhaps it was his leg.
“WOW!!” Aether exclaimed in happiness. This was his first time witnessing a werewolf transformation up close, and he couldn’t help but be thrilled. He thought excitedly, ‘It’s Morphin’ Time!’
‘Fuck… It would be so cool if I could do that while saying ‘It’s Morphin’ Time!’ Aether’s eyes sparkled like a child’s as his childhood dreams momentarily resurfaced.
“WWAARRRRR!!!” With a blood-curdling war cry, Kaelen leapt at Aether, his eyes blazing with murderous intent. He knew he had no time to waste—the effect of the Artifact would soon wear off, and the signal would reconnect. Before that happened, he needed to finish off both this hooded figure and Aria.
Kaelen’s jaws snapped shut, but Aether vanished with blinding speed, reappearing several feet away in an instant. Kaelen growled in frustration, then increased his own speed, determined to catch his prey.
This time, he was almost close enough to bite Aether’s neck.
“Damn, he is faster!” Aether mumbled under his breath. Realizing he couldn’t keep dodging forever, he decided to fight back. As Kaelen lunged again, Aether pointed a finger and unleashed a burst of small red flames.
BOOM!
“WWWUUFFF!!”
Kaelen howled in pain and surprise as the flames hit him. He hadn’t expected Aether to use fire, assuming that as Aria’s Protector, Aether would rely on conventional weapons. Kaelen shook his head, clearing the smoke from his eyes, and glared at Aether with renewed fury.
‘Good…’ Aether thought, observing that his low-quality flames had only singed Kaelen’s fur. Though he wanted to stand his ground and fight, now wasn’t the right time to engage in a prolonged battle.
Kaelen resumed his relentless assault with even more ferocity, while Aether focused on dodging and landing a few well-placed, strategic blows.
“Sswwhh!!” Kaelen’s sharp claws tore through Aether’s hoodie, raking across his chest and leaving painful, bloody wounds. Aether grimaced, feeling the sting of the fresh injuries.
He allowed Kaelen to land a few more hits, carefully orchestrating his movements to appear weaker than he was. He needed to project the image of a valiant, but struggling, hero.
Kaelen sensed victory and pressed harder, his attacks growing more ferocious. He lunged forward, snapping his jaws, but Aether sidestepped at the last moment but Kaelen’s teeth scratched Aether’s shoulder.
“Is that all you’ve got, Protector?” Kaelen taunted, his voice a guttural growl.
Aether looked down at his battered and bruised body, ‘I think it’s enough…’ he thought to himself before saying aloud, “If you want to kill my Aria, then… it’s over my dead body!” His voice was filled with determination and an unmistakable love.
“W-What are you talking about?’ Kaelen frowned, not understanding where it was coming!
However,
[+4000 Affection]
“STOP!!!”
‘She finally came!’ Aether smirked as he glanced at Aria, who was now standing behind him with an indifferent expression.
Kaelen suddenly stepped back, ‘W-What was that?’ he wondered, feeling a strange chill.
“W-What are you doing here?” Aether asked, his voice filled with a heartbroken sound.
Aria looked at Aether’s battered body, biting her lip so hard that blood seeped from it, “W-Why?” she mumbled, her voice trembling with emotion. Even though she knew why he was doing this, she hated seeing him suffer for her.
Aether, with pained steps, walked towards her and gently pushed her back, “G-Go!! Run away!!”
“I won’t!!” She shouted back, catching his hands and staring into his eyes, tears welling up.
Aether panicked, “W-Why are you doing this?” he asked, his voice filled with pain and desperation.
Aria only stared at his wounds, seeing how much he must be struggling to fight Kaelen and possibly others.
Her heart ached, knowing he was more worried about her safety than his own.
She even wondered whether this man’s love was far greater than hers!
[+4000 Affection]
Kaelen, who was watching this unfold, couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His eyes widened in surprise and shock. “OH!! The Queen is having an affair—”
“!!!!” Kaelen flinched and jumped back several feet when he saw two predatory blue eyes staring at him blankly. ‘W-What is this? Who is she?’ he screamed inwardly, feeling a primal fear.
It felt as though he was standing before a Hunter, a predator far more dangerous than himself!
Aria then looked at Aether before saying, “Let’s talk after I finish hunting.”
“W-Wait!” Aether shouted, but Aria ignored him. She turned her fierce gaze to Kaelen, who was now trembling, “Come at me, Doggy,” she commanded, her voice icy and unwavering.
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