In the last 15 minutes, Azher has been watching Aiden examining every single potion bottle on the shelves containing whatever magic liquid it is. He rolls his eyes, already tired and annoyed from waiting. ‘Just what did he study in Fyn if he fail to recognize magic potions? He’s literally a middle A-rank mage, for god’s sake!’ He rants to himself since there’s no one here – telling Aiden is like mocking him straight at his face. “Is it that hard to find whatever potion you’re searching for?” He asks. No response nor reaction from Aiden. He clenches my fist, putting on an angry smile. ‘Wow, this brat has some nerve… Is he mute or something?! I saved him from being a goner multiple times, yet this is how he treats me? Giving me the mute treatment? Now I’m considering going back on my word – of not executing him.’ Azher leaves the wall he’s been leaning on, picking up the potion bottles. For once, he’s wondering why do mages don’t put labels on t

“Woah, relax, boy.” I suggest while my hands move like dancing, controlling my blue flames which are burning the flying daggers. Different than earlier, the daggers didn’t move in one direction, rather fixed on the moving target like a GOT missile, but an ancient version. After the battle come about for several minutes, I notice two things that decide me as the victor. First, Aiden seems to never run out of daggers because he’s recycling them. Second, his mana is rapidly running out like water flowing out from a perforated bottle because of the ancient GOT missiles. Therefore, I just have to make them unrecyclable and continue to increase his mana usage. For the repercussion, I’ll just request Felix to increase his immune system – as if he can refuse. Actually, my original plan is to knock him unconscious as I’ve done with the other imperials, but I haven’t been able to close the distance! – because the daggers come non-stop like heavy raindrops. Using my power thoug

I start to monitor Kira’s breathing and heartbeat – suddenly remembered first aid – and try to stop her from bleeding more. As time flies, her breath gets heavier to the point I can hear it. She’s starting to have trouble breathing. I check her airways and they’re not clogged. It can mean only one thing… “Azher… Can you… help me?” She asks in an intermittent voice from heavy breathing. “Anything for you.” “I’ve… summoned Theron, yet… she hasn’t… arrived… Can you…” “I’m not leaving you alone.” I say firmly, knowing what the next words are. “No…” She denies. Her eyes avert to Killian’s corpse. “Destroy… moon brooch.” My head shifts and spot a crescent moon brooch. “I think… that’s blocking…” I stand up, not burdening Kira to explain further. Since it’s not far I go and fetch the brooch. As it’s in my grasp, I drop and quickly step on it – to destroy it. But, it doesn’t crack. Not even a little. “…?” I bend

*Click.* Ihan pushes the up arrow button and takes a step back – standing beside me. I discreetly glance at him. He’s wearing a poker face, not the smiley one he’d often wear when visiting other companies. I softly sigh, careful not to get caught. Throughout the journey, we didn’t exchange any words other than the previous unfinished conversation. Yeah, it was also that. ‘What did you mean by that? Surely, not…’ *Ding-!* The system rings, signing the lift has arrived. The door opens, presenting zero souls. I gulp as I enter the lift after Ihan. There are 31 levels in our journey – our destination is at the 35th level. 4 levels had passed yet the awkward bridge between us hadn’t been destroyed. This is definitely the awkwardest lift ride in my entire life! I wish to find a way to break this barrier. Even though Ihan is my mentor, we’re really close friends. Similar to my relationship with… “…” …K

“You…! Are you alright?!” He yells, rushing towards me and crouching down to check my legs. “How can you be so careless? What if it burns your legs?” He scolds me with an angry frown, but I give no response, only looking at his familiar black hair. He stands up, looking at me a few seconds later. From this nearer distance, I stare at his face, examining every single feature. It’s him. It’s really him. My hand reaches his cheek. It’s chubby. It’s solid. This is real. This isn’t a dream. “Is it… really you?” I ask, somehow sounding desperate. He smiles warmly, grabbing my hand. He looks into my eyes as I look into his. That charming smile. That mesmerizing gaze. Those that I haven’t seen for 5 years. “I found you, Kira.” Thinking no more, my body moves on its own. I hastily pull his suit, hugging him so tight that I don’t care if he’s choking. “Azher! It’s really you!” I cry, squeezing my embrace