Chapter 288: ???...What?
Chapter 288: ???...What?
'Deep Inhale'
'Deep Exhale'
'Deep Inhale'
'Deep Exhale'
.....
...
Asher Eli sat on the floor, practising his Mana Breathwork. With every breath, the intake of mana grew. The rhythmic pattern of breaths filled the room, each inhalation brought with it a surge of mana, growing in potency with every repetition, while the exhalations released nothing but the air that filled his lungs.
The veins coursing through his body bulged as if on the brink of bursting.
Each repetition pushed him closer to his limits, prompting a guttural groan from Eli.
"errh"
When he felt the veins on his forehead teetering on the edge of bursting, he abruptly halted the technique, allowing his body to cool down.
Sweat pooled around him, drenching the floor. Eli sighed, acknowledging the undeniable truth, "Looks like my body has reached its limit...."
This marked Eli's second limit, the first encountered during his attempt to master the second form. Aadya's treatment had strengthened his body, enabling it to handle more mana.
However, the third form demanded more mana than his current capabilities could endure. Despite seeking alternatives, Aadya insisted that adaptation over time was the only solution.
Gazing outside, Eli observed the persistent moonlight, reminding him of the duel. He knew he had to showcase his worth; otherwise, like this bug, many bugs might bug him in the future, and he needs to end their shit tomorrow.
Although Eli had excelled in the training program, his efforts were perceived merely as part of a team's success, overshadowed by the belief that the 'Hero' Sololy, had already inflicted significant damage on the formidable monster, the Dungeon Walker. Rumours circulated, suggesting that others had merely joined forces to finish off the weakened creature.
Rumours even spread saying the Mythical Beast belongs to the Vampire Queen, further complicating his reputation.
Eli wants to know who was spreading this nonsense but it looked like someone put it on online so yeah... fucked up
Eli rose from the floor and decided to take a shower before retiring for the night.
"Prisania..." Eli muttered, his eyes fixed on the girl shrouded in a red cocoon. He realized he had been too harsh on her during their last encounter.
Just because he was curious about his blood composition he shouldn't have to hurt her... regret seeping into his voice, he kissed the cocoon and whispered, "I am waiting for you, and next time, I will give you whatever you want...."
Recalling her ecstatic expression when she realized he didn't harbour hatred.
He wondered what he did that made her like, it was truly scary sometimes.
Eli chuckled as he showered. He truly liked her crazy expression and he wanted to see it again... His thoughts shifted to his next target.....the Chola Kingdom.
After the duel, he needed to strike a deal with the Chola siblings.
"Thud"
He entered his room and raised his eyebrows when he spotted a figure seated on his bed. Eli smiled and casually inquired, "When did you get back?"
Instead of heading towards the figure, Eli made his way to the wardrobe, about to retrieve his nightdress.
"Hmm, it looks like my little brother didn't bother to greet his older sister who did a lot of work for him..." A charming voice resonated in the room.
Eli froze, his hands suspended in midair above the wardrobe. He pivoted slowly to find a woman, her neck-length crimson-red hair falling gracefully around her.
Her eyes, a vivid shade of red ruby, held a captivating intensity. She was adorned in a pink nightrobe, which not only accentuated but seemed to mould itself to her top-hourglass figure with a certain elegance.
Staring into those intense ruby red eyes, Eli sensed the undertones of displeasure. Glancing down at himself, he realized he was clad only in a small white towel around his hips.
With a nonchalant shrug, Eli continued towards her, unfazed by his lack of proper attire, as if he could predict what was going to happen.
Standing in front of her, they exchanged silent glances as if they were talking through their eyes.
Eli inwardly sighed, 'She still thinks I'm a child...' he mused, deciding to play along. He seated himself on her lap.
Calming his beating heart, Eli rose from her lap and settled beside her. Gently pulling her into his arms, Scarlett leaned into his warmth and slowly cried as her tears and snot stained his chest.
Eli's eyes trembled as he witnessed her crying. It felt as if she had lost something dear to her. His breath hardened, and his eyes frequently changed from normal to reddish-black.
Eli wanted to console her, but no words emerged. He knew she was truly devastated by his actions.... going after her mother.
If Eli had wanted to, he could have said some coaxing words to temporarily calm her down..... Yet, he understood it would only be a temporary fix.
Eli never anticipated that Scarlett would be this devastated. The realization weighed heavily on him.... It was truly painful for him. Gently patting her back and ruffling her hair, Eli looked at the ceiling, silently thanking himself for controlling himself before Zera if not, he didn't want to think about it...
after seeing his sister's pain, Eli would not guess how much Adriana would be devasted by his action. Such actions could have caused more hurt, not just to Adriana but also to Zera.
After a few minutes of crying, Scarlett lifted her head and met Eli's blank gaze. Desperation shone in her eyes, a silent plea for hope.
Eli understood what she sought, yet uttering the words of regret would make him the worst kind of scum. His actions not only wounded Scarlett but would have consequences for Mariel as well. Having made his choices, he was prepared to face the fallout without regret.
As Eli remained silent, Scarlett's frustration grew. Even though she was well known about her brother, she longed for a glimmer of false hope.
With a defeated expression, she asked, her voice trembling, "W-Why?"
"....It happened naturally" Eli responded, his eyes lowered in shame.
"....." Scarlett blankly stared at Eli's face.
"Big sis--"
"Call me Scarlett" Her interruption was firm.
"....Scarlett, I liked her character. She is trying her best in everything, and she liked me too, so--"
"So, you fucked her?"
"Well, Kin--Huh?" Eli was suddenly taken aback as she pushed him onto the bed and sat on his stomach. With a darkened expression, Scarlett demanded,
"Why? Why Asher? Why is everyone taking you away from me?"
"Wai--"
"STOP IT!"
"..."
"Arrhh" Seeing Eli acting docile irked Scarlett even more.
She leaned in and bit Eli's neck, blood leaking from the wound. The metallic taste and something else on her lips fueled her frenzy. Instead of stopping, she bit the other side. Just like before, blood oozed from each bitten area, forming a grotesque tableau on Eli's skin. Scarlett didn't stop; she went over every inch of Eli's body, marking him with a frenetic energy.
Eli, despite the physical pain, understood that it couldn't be compared to Scarlett's mental anguish. His stoic silence was broken only by the rhythmic sound of her biting. He patiently waited for her to release the turmoil.
After hundreds of bites, Scarlett, with a bloody mouth, surveyed her artwork. Eli's entire upper body was now a canvas of teeth marks and blood, a chaotic blend of pain and symbolism. Despite a twisted sense of accomplishment, she also felt an overwhelming pain, seeing the brother she had hurt.
'Sob, Sob'
'Sshhh'
Tears dripped from her eyes, landing on Eli's bloodied body. Before they could reach his skin, they turned into hot steam.
"I-I am sorry" Scarlett said, covering her eyes. She couldn't handle the pain from her heart; she needed someone to vent to.
"I love you, Big Sis" Eli said, rubbing her cheeks with trembling hands. He hadn't anticipated Scarlett's intense reaction.
"W-Why, brother? Why, brother?" She asked while sobbing.
"....." Eli gently wiped away her tears, only staring into her teary eyes.
"W-Why did you make her p-pregnant, but not me? 'Sob', 'Sob'"
"..." Eli, who was gently rubbing, suddenly halted his actions.
"???...What?"
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