《Astlan's Ira》


 Astlan’s Ira Chapter 1

    Bright light filled the place. A boy stood in the middle of nowhere. There¡¯s nothing in that place and it seems endless as there are no indication of what we call distance.


    A boy holds mediocre features with slightly wavy hair and dozy eyes. He also sprouts a calm and lazy smile even though the place is unlikely normal.


    He just stood there wondering why he is here, or what¡¯s for dinner.


    ¡°Hello?? Anyone around here??¡± timidly said by the boy as he tries to look for someone.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for being late!¡± shouted by a girl running towards him out of nowhere. Her breasts bounce up and down and a weird but cute strand of hair atop of her head sways left and right.


    The boy¡¯s gaze locks at the breasts of the girl who came running up to him. After that, his eyes swim towards her face.


    Pale glossy beautiful skin with radiant astonishing white hair that grows at knee length, her eyes are rounded but pretty with her long eyelashes complimenting it and lips so pink you wanted to eat it. Her body is curvaceous and in a sense, erotic.


    As she stands close to the boy, he notices that they are about the same height, but his gaze keeps coming back to her breast.


    ¡°Um¡­Hello.¡± timidly said by the ephemeral girl.


    ¡°Ah¡­! Ahaha¡­ Sorry, I was staring too much.¡± quickly apologized by the boy as he averts his eyes from the girl¡¯s breast.


    ¡°What a cute fellow!~ Anyway, good day to you, my name is Nivalis, I am referred to as Goddess of Blessing.¡± she said with a sparkling smile.


    ¡°Goddess, huh. That¡¯s why you¡¯re so pretty!~¡± said by the boy in admiration.


    ¡°Then, why am I here?¡± added by him with a questioning gaze.


    ¡°There¡¯s a hero summoning in our world and you are chosen as one! I¡¯m sorry but I cannot return you to your own world, though.¡± said apologetically by Nivalis.


    ¡°Eh? Really?! But¡­ I don¡¯t fit as one¡­ but I really don¡¯t have anything left in my world so maybe this is a good thing?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re quite a passive boy¡­¡±


    ¡°Ahaha¡­Thank you¡­um¡­so¡­ what¡¯s going to happen now?¡± questions by the boy.


    ¡°Eh? I¡¯m sending you off now and I¡¯m sorry for pulling you from your world but I assure you that you will have fun in our world. Maybe you can get yourself quite a harem too!¡± said hastily by Nivalis as she waves her hand towards the boy.


    ¡°Really?! I¡¯m totally fine with that! But¡­¡± the boy hung his shoulders before he continues¡­


    ¡°Hmmm¡­?¡± Nivalis tilted her head in confusion.


    ¡°I want to see you again¡­¡± the boy¡¯s honest answer came and shook Nivalis.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ we can¡¯t¡­ but¡­ I¡¯ll be always watching over you! Bye!~¡± she said as she waves her hand to the boy.


    ¡°Wai--!¡±


    The boy loses his consciousness and his mind swims into nothingness.


    ¡°Is this the¡­ gallant hero?¡± quizzically said by an old man sitting on a throne as she brushes his beard with his fingers.


    ¡°Apparently¡­yes¡­¡± said by a man wearing a shady looking black robe beside him.


    ¡°He looks¡­normal¡­¡± commented with fleeting voice by the man in the throne.


    The boy stood at the center of a big hall surrounded by men wearing armor from afar. On front of him is an old man with a crown on his head and wears majestic clothes and cape adorned with beautiful engravings.


    On his left is a shady man which face is hidden by the hood of his robe.


    On his right is an exceedingly beautiful girl who is wearing a beautiful and luxurious dress who stood proudly. She is no match for the goddess, though.


    ¡°Hmph¡­He looks dumb.¡± snorted by the girl under her breath as she turns her head away from the boy who has a dumb, confused looks on his face.


    ¡°Umm¡­I¡¯m truly sorry for being normal¡­ but¡­may I ask where I am?¡± timidly said by the boy.


    ¡°Young man, you are now in the throne room of Geydvor Kingdom. I am King Crast Geydvor, the ruler of the entirety of human continent. In my right is Hesty Geydvor, my daughter and in my left is Brielly, my advisor. Name yourself, gallant hero.¡±


    The boy¡¯s mind process the situation rather slow but was able to understand that the people in front of him are royalties so he just did what he was told to.


    ¡°Umm¡­ I¡¯m Astlan Lionheart, fourteen years old.¡± he said while bowing slightly towards King Crast.


    Astlan Lionheart, as he said, was only fourteen years old. Has an average height and his body is lean with a little ounce of muscle. His face is neither good nor bad, it¡¯s exceptionally normal except for his dozy eyes.


    ¡°I see. Astlan Lionheart is it? That¡¯s a good name¡­in contrast¡­your appearance is a bit¡­failing¡­ Heh.¡± lightly laughs by the king as if looking down on Astlan.


    ¡°Sorry for that. My advisor here will explain everything for you.¡± the king added.


    The advisor besides him steps up and began talking.


    This is the Kingdom of Geydvor ruled by King Crast Geydvor. This continent is called Prosperity and its neighboring continents are the Valley of Ancients on the west and Emerald Wood Forest of the elves on the east. Completely opposite from this continent far away is the Demon Continent called Depravity Land. To its west is the land of the Fairies and to its east is the mountain range of the dwarves.


    Both are unnamed.


    There are also the thousand islands of the beasts in the ridge of the land of elves and dwarves. There¡¯s also a weird continent filled with unknown buildings and odd people who call themselves ethers at the ridge of fairy continent. But there¡¯s one more unnamed continent that exists between the human continent and demon continent.


    Another unnamed continent filled with nothing. Not even a tree or any kind of life forms. It¡¯s just an empty land with nothing.


    The advisor explained that a year ago, there was a weird activity going on at the demon continent. They painstakingly investigated. Upon reaching a conclusion, they discovered that the demons are probably preparing for a war.


    It wasn¡¯t anything special until the war itself declared towards the human by the Demon Lord three months ago.


    It¡¯s said that the demons have higher magical power than human as they lived in a magic induced land but their population is few whilst, the humans has so much. But, that alone is not enough to defeat the demons.


    The reason Astlan, the hero is summoned into this world is to defeat the demon lord that said to be the most powerful foe for the human.


    And for Astlan to defeat him, they will train him to brim.


    ¡°With that, we plead for your help. You will help us, right?¡±


    ¡°As long as I can help but¡­ I don¡¯t know how¡­¡± said by Astlan as he doubts himself and hung his head was lost in thought.


    ¡°Dear Hero, the fact that we successfully summoned you is the proof you have traversed from another world, your body will most likely bedestroyed now if you aren¡¯t given a blessing ahead of time by the goddess.¡± explained by the advisor.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see it once you began your training.¡± he added, assuring Astlan with unproven fact.


    ¡°Umm¡­ then¡­what am I supposed to do¡­?¡± timidly asked by Astlan.


    ¡°I shall assign a personal servant for you.¡± said by the advisor as he claps his hands twice, gesturing a servant behind the large door behind Astlan.


    Per the gesture of the advisor, I woman garbed with maid attire enters the room. Her wavy brown hair is neatly tied in a ponytail. Her chest swells in moderate size and she stands a bit taller than Astlan. Her skin is healthily colored by the sun but still retaining a fairness into it, unblemished.


    As she got close to Astlan, her blue eyes look at him as observing from head to toe with a quick glance and bows towards him with graciousness.


    Her womanly scent tinged with a smell of sunflower penetrates Astlan¡¯s nostril making his heart pound. He didn¡¯t felt that way towards the princess who is much fairer.


    ¡°I am Helianthus. I shall be your personal servant from now on, Oh Gallant Hero. I pledge my loyalty to you and my life for you to use however you see fit.¡± the girl introduced herself to Astlan.


    ¡°Yes! Please take care of me!¡± said by Astlan in a hurry as his face gets a bit flushed looking at the servant presented to him.


    After that, Astlan was subjected to an intense training the next day, pushing him to his limits without abandon.


    The knights and soldiers sneer at him and laugh at his pathetic attempt to properly wield the sword even though it¡¯s natural because he was not familiar with it. Mages and magic scholar discovered that Astlan is capable of countless of magic but due to his capabilities to learn spells together with physical training, they cannot embed a wide array of spells on him.


    A week passed and Astlan endures the training and will sprout a smile whatever circumstances befall him. Either he got scorned or looked at with disdain which he doesn¡¯t have any reason why or get insulted by the princess when he passes by her.


    Even the king and the advisor started looking at him with less interest and eventually, they just gave him a cold shoulder. They even started whispering beneath their breaths at how to waste the summoning is.


    Astlan never minds it and kept the training. He knows himself that he is the one who is lacking. Not them, not anyone, it¡¯s him. For the period of one week, Astlan wheezes and falters on the physical training. In magical training and studies, he tends to doze off or get a headache due to all the information they are trying to plant into his head.


    One thing everyone doesn¡¯t know is that Astlan is extremely blessed. They just don¡¯t see it yet or they have any knowledge on how to bring it out.


    A magic capability that can compound and kind of magic as he pleases as long as he has an accurate image, a physical prowess that would exponentially grow if he is trained not narrowly but diversely that would explore all of his strength and lastly, Astlan¡¯s soul weapons and god artifact hereceived.


    A soul weapon is a manifestation of the wielders disposition. It gives the use additional skills or extensive power. It can also boost physical and mental strength and fortitude which gives a huge advantage.


    Also, the god artifact that was given by another goddess other than Nivalis, the God Sword Artifact called Excelsior that can vanquish any forms of evil is in his possession.


    But all of those were obscured by Astlan¡¯s meek and timid nature, not to mention, the only expression his face can make is limited to smile, shock, scared and anything else other than with those in relation with anger or wrath.


    ¡°Master, I want to ask something of you,¡± Helianthus speaks as she courteously bows towards Astlan as she enters the room where he is currently staying.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The room is simple yet spacious per Astlan¡¯s preference.


    The bed is wide enough to accommodate three people, the furniture is simple tanned wood and bookshelf is loaded with books. Beside his bedis a simple table top and some flower decors here and there. There are two windows where the sun can peek and can set is decorated with simple colored but lavish red curtains.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± asked by Astlan as he looks at the direction where Helianthus stands while he polishes the plain steel sword in his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry to be intrusive but I want to know the reason you are letting all insults slide. What¡¯s your reason for being so passive?¡± she questioned Astlan as she keeps eye contact.


    ¡°Ehehehe. Is Helianthus interested on me now?¡± he said embarrassedly.


    ¡°No such thing. It¡¯s part of my job to be concerned over my master¡¯s health. That¡¯s all. Also, I have already pledged my utmost loyalty towards you. You can order me whatever you desire. I may be inexperienced but I can also grant you sexual relief if you just asked.¡± she said while keeping a straight face.


    ¡°S-Sex?! M-My heart is not ready for it!¡± Astlan shots up as he said that while reddening from ear to ear.


    ¡°It¡¯s optional on your side, my master.¡±


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­ Well¡­ I don¡¯t think I have adapted to the common sense of this world. In my world, having¡­umm¡­.s-sex¡­ at age of fourteen is kind of outrageous¡­ how about here?¡±


    ¡°As long as a girl is capable of reproducing and with consent, although, some twisted fucks here even fancy girls who haven¡¯t even reached that stage. Ooops, I¡¯m utterly sorry for the language.¡± she hurriedly bows in apology as she lets out her honest thought.


    ¡°Are you perchance fancying girls who have not entered the coming of age too, my master?¡± she added while her eyes stare at him emotionlessly but the air around her becomes threatening.


    ¡°Eh?! I¡­I¡¯m sorry¡­I kind of actually like loli¡¯s¡­¡± he timidly replies.


    ¡°Lolis? What are those?¡± Helianthus tilted her head from Astlan¡¯s answer.


    ¡°Ah¡­umm¡­ they¡­are those¡­what you called¡­ underdeveloped girls¡­¡± he weakly said.


    ¡°¡­I see.¡± is her reply from Astlan¡¯s answer, seemingly angry and disgusted.


    ¡°B-but those kinds of girls can also be underdeveloped but older than what they actual look! Also, i¡­ I don¡¯t have any s-s-sexual thoughts¡­ about them! Staring is much more satisfying for me! I just want to stare at cute things! T-t-hat¡¯s all¡­¡± he said while faltering.


    ¡°Whatever you say, My Master.¡± She said as she looks away from Astlan.


    ¡°I was an unwanted child¡­¡± Astlan muttered seemingly sad.


    ¡°¡­¡± Helianthus gaze returns to her master.


    ¡°I have three more siblings. Two boys and one girl who are all older than me and they are gifted with talent and brain while I am just a loser who cannot do even a fourth of their feats. Our parents showered them with praises and such and spend a lot of money for them while I receive left over.¡± Astlan speaks as he gazes outside the window where the greenery of the forest enters his sight.


    With longing eyes, Astlan continues.


    ¡°Before I knew it, I became an air. Overshadowed by my sibling''s achievements but, I didn¡¯t think once badly of them. I am someone who cannot make my parents proud. I just blended into the background for them and give up on vying for our mother and father¡¯s attention. I simply accepted everything as predetermined and so, I became passive to everything, to every insults and criticism. I learned how to not be angry anymore. It¡¯s just a stupid story. My parents won¡¯t even be worried if I went missing.¡±


    Helianthus did not utter a single word after that.


    She only stares at Astlan with a straight face, free from any emotions or facial expression. She could not muster the courage to say something.


    Helianthus understood that because of Astlan¡¯s life back in his previous world was basically what¡¯s happening in this world too, she is lost at words. Astlan desires no change at all and she understood it judging by how old Astlan is.


    A mere fourteen years old asked to be a hero.


    But Helianthus is aware of the scheme the royalties has for the hero of this kingdom and she wouldn¡¯t mutter a single word about it as long as she is not asked.


    Another week passed and Helianthus observes Astlan carefully.


    A man with not so much will and courage to speak of, no or whatsoever pride to flaunt and is always being pushed around. Insult has become a common thing to throw at Astlan. The king, the advisor, and the princess has already started seeing him as an incompetent hero and will completely sneer and belittle him not under their breath anymore but more openly.


    She knows well the reason for their disappointment and attitude towards Astlan but it¡¯s not for her to voice out her opinion about it or anything. Instead, she let all those things unfolds before her very own eyes.


    Helianthus is, by upbringing and lineage is a servant to the very core. She is well trained that such things won¡¯t shake her but, something about Astlan disturbs her or rather, irritate her.


    And for about two weeks, Astlan was given permission to explore the city with Helianthus on tow. The king gave him permission with irritation on his face.


    ¡°Ah!~ Outside!~¡± Astlan said as he stretches out his arms toward the sky.


    ¡°I will be guiding you My Master.¡± exclaimed by Helianthus as she follows Astlan from behind.


    ¡°Still, I am surprised that even with all those heavy training, your body fully recovers the next day. Is there any secret about it, My Master?¡± added by Helianthus.


    ¡°Eh? None whatsoever, though, I find it hard to learn anything¡­¡± he said he hung his shoulders.


    ¡°That aside My Master, how¡­ do you see your stay here?¡± asked by Helianthus as she keeps walking behind Astlan.


    ¡°How you say? I do have a maid back in my world so it¡¯s kind of nostalgic to have you around. No, I can say I am comfortable when you are around! Thank you Helianthus.¡± he said as he smiles towards the maid.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad to be of service to you, My Master.¡± She said with a blank face. ¡°About how you are treated is what I meant, though.¡± she coldly added.


    ¡°Eh? Is that so? There¡¯s really nothing to it. I¡¯ll just do whatever tasked to me. After all, they are providing me a place to sleep and a food to eat.¡± he said while smiling a little.


    Helianthus clearly saw from his face that he has no other choice and cannot bring himself to be angry at all. It was clear that Astlan just passively accepts everything due to his own upbringing and lack of confidence and pride for his self.


    Again, she won¡¯t be doing anything for him as long as it is not ordered. Besides, Astlan rarely asks Helianthus of anything other than superficial questions like what¡¯s for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Other questions are trivialities such as things he does not comprehend about this world¡¯s ethic and common sense.


    And right now, she will just act as Astlan¡¯s guide throughout the day in exploring the city.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­Helianthus, is there any good place to eat?¡± asked by Astlan as he scratches the back of his head.


    ¡°A place to eat, huh? May I lead the way for you? I grow up in this place so I am knowledgeable of every nook and cranny of this city.¡± Helianthus said as she asks permission.


    ¡°Please do!¡± Astlansaid with a smile.


    Astlan follows Helianthus through the crowded city of Geydvor. Stalls and stores are everywhere and people walks here and there. Everyone is doing their best to attract a potential customer. The houses are made of stone brick and woods which are a pretty common sight but for Astlan, it was an incredible sight as each house are evenly built.


    There are carriages that pass through the sea of people and some cart that is being pulled by an individual. Each brings their respective items and materials.


    People are lively and cheerful but some can be seen with depressed or anxious faces.


    Among all these clamors, there¡¯s one place that attracts Astlan¡¯s eye.


    It¡¯s a rough building with several cages outside. It¡¯s brazenly showing its sales¡­slaves.


    Astlan face didn¡¯t sink or glow, it was only pure curiosity that pulls him there. He is, by values, is kind but Astlan immediately acknowledges that such is just a norm in this world. A world filled with unfortunate upbringing or fate like him.


    ¡°My Master, do you want to take a peek inside?¡± asked by Helianthus as she stares Astlan who is looking at the slave shop.


    ¡°Can we?¡± he asks back.


    ¡°I see no reason not to. It¡¯s all your decision anyway,¡± she said with a blank face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡± he said as his feet take him there.


    Inside the building, a man in his mid-forties shows up and gives them a tour inside showing varieties of caged slaves which show different races such as beast kin, elves, dragonkin, fairy kin, dwarves and even demon. A human is not even spared from the fate of slavery.


    Most of them are doing their best to appeal, ranging from age of thirteen and above, no gender spared and a showcase of their bests and worse.


    But Astlan¡¯s eyes were locked in a single cage and the slave dealer noticed it and beckons him to approach.


    For the first time since coming here, Astlan felt depressed.


    Inside the cage are two little girls at age of around eight.


    One is a beast kin with rabbit ears flopping downwards with dirty blond hair and lifeless emerald eyes to only await death while the other is an elf with a short length silver hair and deep sea blue eyes that are also lifeless. Both of them are thin and pale and they lifelessly lean at each other while they hold hands. Their body is only covered with a thin sheet of rag, not even considered clothes.


    ¡°Dear customer, these two are on verge of death. Surely you don¡¯t plan on purchasing them. Well, it¡¯s my profit anyway if you do and I will be able to get rid of them. Their best use will just be a bait and meat shield so I assume that¡¯s your goal, no?¡± the slave dealer told Astlan about them.


    ¡°I¡¯ll buy them.¡± he said simply.


    Because of their state, their purchasing price was so cheap that it is only comparable to ten soup worth. The slave dealer offered of leashing and contract to the slaves but Astlan refuses as he sees no value in doing so.


    The two little girls were released from their cageand been groomed a little before being presented to Astlan. The transaction was abruptly finished and Astlan and Helianthus together with the two slaves left the building.


    ¡°My Master, what¡¯s the point of purchasing these disgusting beast and elf?!¡± said by Helianthus with a disgusted face.


    ¡°Do you hate other races, Helianthus?¡± he asks while tilting his head.


    ¡°I do hate them to a certain degree but the thing is they are sick and dying. They don¡¯t have any use at all!¡± she complained to Astlan.


    ¡°Well, well, please watch!~¡± said by Astlan with confidence.


    He took the sickly slaves and Helianthus in an empty alley where no eyes can peer at them. He made the two slaves stands side by side.


    ¡°My Master, I did tell you that I despite people who fancy children and yet, even though they are not human they are of still young age. Do you plan to relieve your carnal desire upon them?¡± Helianthus said with great disdain.


    ¡°Eh?! No! I don¡¯t want to do that! I just want no one to see this! Look.¡± he denied Helianthus implication and held out his right hand in the air.


    ¡°Excelsior!¡± Astlan shouted.


    A light began to spill from his palm and bright radiance like of a sun filled the place. The light coming out from Astlan¡¯s hand forms a sword, a sword with just one look, you¡¯ll see that this is a godly artifact. As it materializes in Astlan¡¯s hand, rainbow colored light like a prism envelopes it.


    Adorned with ancient text that no one can comprehend and artistically and critically made engravings in its hilt will make anyone stare at it for its splendor and beauty. The blade of the sword is thin as glass but in reality, it is unbreakable and it looks ephemeral, the truest beauty of swords crammed in a single blade.


    Astlan holds the sword in his hand and Helianthus and the slaves can only look in amazement. Helianthus herself is greatly shaken in existence of such power before her.


    ¡°My Master, that sword! Why haven¡¯t you told anyone about your power?! Such power could splendidly heighten people¡¯s evaluation towards you! Even I who lacks the power to fully comprehend the power it holds can just tell by looking that it is something out of this world!¡± Helianthus hurriedly told her Master about it with a flustered face.


    Astlan didn¡¯t answer her or anything. He just smiled towards Helianthus and faces the two children staring at him with wonder.


    With calm and gentle face, he smiled again at the two and raises his sword¡­ and then¡­


    SWOOSH!


    He swung it sideways cutting through the two slaves, leaving a trail of rainbow light in the place, filling the small alley with beautiful aurora.


    The two slaves and Helianthus were surprised at what Astlan did. The two slave faces froze on the spot thinking that their lives were taken and Helianthus mouth was gaping wide from the action of her master.


    She simply thought that her master cannot do such thing. But it is proven right the next moment.


    The wounds and even the countenance and complexion of the slaves are becoming better at a rapid pace. Their injuries and wounds close by itself right before their eyes. Their pale and unhealthy complexion regain a better color and their faces become flushed as their eyes regain life.


    Even their diseases and illness was dispelled by the very moment the sword passes through them. Their body which is weak and feeble starts regaining vigor. The beast kin¡¯s rabbit ears perk and the elven girl¡¯s pointy ear twitch.


    A miracle occurred.


    It¡¯s the only explanation Helianthus mind can tell. Even her who is in the vicinity felt the surge of divine power sticks to her and made her fatigue vanish.


    ¡°All better!¡± Astlan gladly announces towards the two slaves.


    ¡°My Master¡­are you a god?¡± Helianthus asked hesitantly.


    ¡°Eh..? No.. I am not.¡± he simply denies it as Excelsior dissipates from his hand and turns into a particle of light until completely disappearing.


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­ Helianthus hasn¡¯t seen it until now but, I learned how to use that one day when I was alone in my room,¡± he added an explanation.


    ¡°And you¡¯re keeping it from the king and his subjects?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ Helianthus, could you please keep quiet about it? I¡¯ll tell you later more about it.¡± He pleads as he clasped his hands and bowed down towards her.


    ¡°I am your servant, I will do as you told.¡± she simply said.


    Feeling relieved, Astlan smiles at Helianthus and turns to the slaves again but¡­


    ¡°They¡¯re¡­gone?!¡± Astlan shouted as the two slaves from earlier was not there already.


    ¡°Eh?¡± Helianthus who rarely shows emotion also made a surprised expression.


    ¡°D-did they¡­run?¡± he timidly turns to Helianthus.


    ¡°Those ungrateful beastand elf, they even didn¡¯t say any words of appreciation towards you, My Master! We should cull them!¡± she said with anger filled eyes.


    ¡°Stop that! Umm¡­ I don¡¯t really mind. If they really wanted to be free, I guess it couldn¡¯t be helped.¡± Astlan said while stopping Helianthus.


    ¡°My Master, you cannot stay meek and timid forever. You should know when to express and act your anger or even your irritation. You cannot simply stay like that forever as it would come biting to you someday.¡± Helianthus scolded Astlan.


    ¡°But¡­ I do think it¡¯s really fine, right?¡± Astlan tried to reason once more to Helianthus.


    ¡°Well, at that age, they could not really do anything but to steal for a living or escape from the city. Either way, they are doomed to death. Those filthy species of brats would simply find their rightful place in the afterlife. They should just accept their fate as your slaves.¡± she expresses her opinion regarding it.


    ¡°D-death?!¡± Astlan exclaimed upon Helianthus explanation. ¡°T-then we should immediately find them!¡± he added.


    ¡°I am sorry My Master but, that won¡¯t do. You have already wasted money on those filths and you should learn your lesson from it. You won¡¯t find them anymore with the crowd booming all over the place. If you want sexual relief, just confront me already. I have no qualms about it.¡± she simply said with a stern face.


    ¡°Eh¡­? Ah¡­?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. You must be tired, My Master.¡± she blankly said as she turns her heel.


    ¡°O-okay¡­¡± Astlan weakly muttered towards Helianthus.


    That was the last time Astlan could explore the city.


    The next day, just to get rid of him, the king already fixed a plan for his expedition towards the demon continent with a unanimous decision.


    Unannounced and unexpected, his and Helianthus belongings were already packed. They are to engage the forces of the demon lord without a single soldier or anyone with them, only knowledge to rely on and Helianthus familiarity with this world.


    The reason for their immediate evacuation is because the princess doesn¡¯t like Astlan at all due to his normal appearance and normal or even failing results in his training.


    They just only showed a piece of what they called generosity and then kicked out Astlan together with Helianthus.


    Astlan himself was fine by it but for Helianthus to be forced to leave too¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Helianthus because I was so incompetent¡­even though I kind of know that this would happen but¡­not immediately like this¡­¡± he said as he leans on the carriage given to them under the sun in grassy plains.


    It was just him and Helianthus traveling.


    ¡°They could have at least let you stay there¡­¡± he added with sad countenance towards Helianthus who is preparing a meal.


    ¡°My Master, to speak the truth¡­well¡­ since we are no longer in earshot distance to them, this is the only way they play¡­ or kill time.¡± she said while her hands and fingers move with dexterity as she cut the bread and filled it with fillings.


    ¡°What? What does that mean?¡± Astlan urges for an answer.


    ¡°You see My Master, they do it every month you know. The story about the demon lord invading was a lie. It¡¯s all for their supremacy to send heroes there and harass the demon lord knowing that the hero will only die. You are the fourteenth hero summoned. Also, replacing me is nothing because thereare hundreds of us trained servant.¡± she said as she hands Astlan a finished sandwich.


    ¡°Jokes on them, they don¡¯t know your true power. I believe we can get through this. My Master, please take care of me as I don¡¯t have any fighting potential.¡± she added as she looks at Astlan with gentle eyes.


    ¡°Ah¡­O-Of course!¡± he answered as his face reddens.


    It was the first time Helianthus showed such face as she never did it inside the castle. Astlan thought that Helianthus was simply doing her job and annoyed by Astlan but because she believes in him, his heart sprang up and he got flustered.


    ¡°Noo!¡± a squeal coming from afar was heard.


    ¡°Quickly, run!¡± followed by the scream.


    It was a voice of girls who seems to be running.


    Astlan and Helianthus quickly reacted to it and left the sandwich unfinished. They rush where the voice was heard and gasp at the sight they look upon at.


    The two slaves that Astlan brought yesterday were running away hand in hand from a pack of wolf that came out from the forest.


    Both of them was again, full of bruises and their heads are bleeding.


    ¡°Helianthus, I¡¯ll go save them!¡± he promptly shouted at the girl beside him.


    ¡°No, My Master, just let those ingrate filths dies a dog¡¯s death.¡± she said with disdain on her eyes.


    Astlan realized that Helianthus must have a deep-rooted grudge against other races despite lightly denying it yesterday it is clearly showing now.

 Astlan’s Ira Chapter 2

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Helianthus but, I just can¡¯t¡­please stay here.¡± Astlan said as he dashes off towards the two slaves.


    Helianthus can only shrug her shoulders over Astlan¡¯s decision as she doesn¡¯t have any control over her own Master¡¯s action. The only thing she is confident about Astlan is his genuine power that made a miracle.


    ¡°Tei!¡± Astlan shouted as he drew out an iron sword from his scabbard and slashes the wolf as he intercepts it from devouring the two little girls.


    The attack lands on the wolf in front and it slices its head off and blood gushes out, dyeing the green grasses red. Astlan¡¯s preemptive strike killed the leader of the pack so the other wolves behind it hesitate to attack as their leaders got killed.


    But for Astlan, the sight of the blood shook him to the core.


    His hand that grips the sword began to tremble as he keeps his stance while defending the two girls behind him. Without any more battle occurring, the wolves left them as their leader lost its life and returns to the forest.


    As the wolves retreat to the forest, Astlan faces the two girls behind him, huddling with each other.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay now!~¡± He said even though his face is a bit pale.


    ¡°¡­¡± they wordlessly stared at Astlan.


    ¡°Umm¡­ err¡­ you two...¡± Astlan timidly said. He figured that he should just heal them like how he did yesterday and he drew out Excelsior.


    Like what happened yesterday, rainbow light brims the place and a sword made of strong power pops out from Astlan¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to heal you two, okay?¡± he said as he put the sword overhead but¡­


    ¡°Stop, My Master.¡± Helianthus interfered before Astlan could swing the sword.


    ¡°W-why?¡± He asked as he set the sword down while looking at Helianthus with a confused face.


    ¡°My Master, you don¡¯t have any responsibilities for their injuries. It¡¯s their stupidity that caused it. You have already saved their lives. Your act is kind but what of it afterward? They¡¯re going to flee again. Showing such behavior is intolerable, let us go on our way and leave them be.¡± she lectures Astlan as she glares dagger at the two girls.


    The two girl trembles and hugs each other as Helianthus glare as it is with hostility. The beast kin girl¡¯s ear flops down and trembles and the elf girl become teary. They cling to Astlan¡¯s trousers for help.


    Astlan¡¯s heart trembles upon the teary stare of the two little girls clinging to him.


    ¡°Come on now, Helianthus. Don¡¯t you feel sorry for them? Look, they¡¯re injured. And besides, healing them is nothing to me!¡± Astlan said as he tries to reason against Helianthus.


    Helianthus remembered that Astlan was that kind of person¡­


    She cannot look any other way to make Astlan leave the brats be and go on. It¡¯s true that healing their wounds is nothing for Astlan but, she cannot overlook on how his kindness is being abused, especially the two little girls that fled from Astlan.


    Helianthus was really furious but, she thought up of a great way to compensate and to punish the two girls.


    ¡°I get it, My Master. I am in no position to argue with you about these matters but, I cannot overlook their rude actions towards you so I decided that I will give a condition for you to heal them,¡± she said with a scary countenance.


    ¡°Condition? What is it?¡± Astlan asks immediately.


    ¡°I shall break their limbs to limp and bash their craniums bloody. You can still heal them up to that degree, right, My Master?¡± Helianthus said as she takes out a mace.


    The two little girls tremble in fear.


    They never thought such thing will be said by Helianthus. Their small fragile body has a low threshold to pain. The injuries that they are enduring are a proof of that and because of the said injuries and wounds, they cannot run and fighting back is out of the question.


    ¡°Wait! Helianthus! You do know that they are just children! And you want to do something brutal like that?!¡± Astlan worriedly said as Helianthus eyes are serious.


    ¡°My Master, the decision is not in your hands but to theirs. They don¡¯t want to be freed of the pain, then so be it. We are going to leave them as it is. If they want to be relieved of it, they need to be punished first accordingly because of the traitorous act they did as a slave. The choice is on them and I shall not let you hinder my verdict.¡± she said with a stern face.


    Astlan just realized that Helianthus being stern and serious meant that these two little girls have done a severe crime so punishment is needed. Such thing exists in this world and for the very first time since he came to this world, he felt that he needed to bend such rule and if he cannot, then he need to find a hole in it.


    ¡°You two girls, accept it.¡± he said as he looks at the two girls.


    Both of the girls lost the little hope they have in their eyes as Astlan¡¯s decision swayed into the direction they do not want.


    ¡°We¡­we¡­a-accept¡­it¡­¡± said weakly by the elf girl.


    ¡°Yes¡­p-please¡­punish¡­us¡­lightly¡­¡± said by the beast kin girl.


    Helianthus eyes sharpen as she heard the answer of the two girls. She is indeed very furious about their actions and she¡¯s been waiting for this situation but¡­


    ¡°Helianthus,¡± Astlan calls out to her.


    ¡°My Master?¡± she tilts her head towards him.


    ¡°Break it, my limbs too. Bash my head bloody too. I shall accept the punishment together with these two. They are officially my slaves so letting them run free was my fault and I shall take responsibility for that.¡± Astlan said as kneel down beside that two girls.


    Helianthus becomes speechless and the two girls become dumbfounded.


    ¡°My Master! That¡¯s¡­but¡­I¡¯m partially responsible if you put it like that!¡± Helianthus shouted.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t. You only suggested that and I just followed it thoughtlessly. I don¡¯t know why you hate them so much or what the other races did to you but, in this matter, I responsible for them so I will also undergo your punishment.¡± Astlan said as he looks at Helianthus eyes.


    Helianthus could only bite her lip. Her master clearly stated a fact that she cannot defy and her actions are very contradictory if she gives out the punishment.


    It was Astlan¡¯s win she thought.


    ¡°Haa¡­My Master¡­do as you please. I won¡¯t hinder you anymore.¡± is what Helianthus said as she sighs. She turns her heels around and began walking towards the carriage with a tired face.


    When Helianthus left, Astlan brings out Excelsior and promptly healed the two girls. In an instant, both of them got surprised by Astlan¡¯s action. Their wounds and injuries slowly vanished as if they weren¡¯t there in the first place.


    They look at Astlan in the eyes.


    ¡°Everything¡¯s fine now. I¡¯m sorry about Helianthus but she is kind regardless of what she say.¡± Astlan told them.


    ¡°Be sure to stay out of danger you two.¡± he said as he smiles towards them and turns his feet too towards the carriage.


    But as Astlan turn his back towards the two, his clothes were suddenly grabbed. When he turned to look, the two was holding to the hem of his clothes.


    Both of them are sprouting sad and apologetic faces as they look at Astlan.


    ¡°M-Master¡­sorry¡­¡± the elf spoke.


    ¡°Master is¡­so kind¡­unlike¡­other humans¡­¡± the beast kin followed.


    ¡°Ah¡­I see¡­of course¡­¡± Astlan said with sudden realization.


    He realized that these two are in a place foreign to them so they basically distrusted every single one. As children they are, they cannot make a right decision for themselves and they see escaping from Astlan was one of those decisions as they do not trust him.


    ¡°Then, what do you girls wanted me to do?¡± he asks calmly.


    ¡°P-please¡­take care of us¡­¡± said by the elf girl.


    ¡°Me too¡­we¡­we are not strong like master¡­¡± shyly spoken by the beast kin girl as her rabbit ears lower.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go! A whole new adventure awaits us, you know!¡± Astlan exclaimed as he holds out his hand towards the little girls.


    ¡°Yes!¡± both answered by the girls as they showed a smile befitting of their age.


    ¡°Oh, yeah¡­ Names¡­what are your names?¡± Astlan added as he contemplates on what to call them.


    ¡°Um¡­I¡¯m Olive¡­please call me Olive, master!¡± is what the elf told Astlan.


    ¡°Mint¡­please, master, call me Mint.¡± said by the beast kin girl with rabbit ears.


    ¡°Got it! Olive, Mint, I will take good care of you two!¡±


    True to his words, Astlan protected not only Helianthus but also Olive and Mint.


    The two girls are not entirely useless to the group. They both have their own perks and skills.


    Mint has the ability to detect hostile enemies as her race as a beast kin boosts her senses to presences. She is also capable of skinning, tanning and even processing of meat and detecting poison in plants and herbs. It seems she learned all of those when she was younger and exposed to a very hard life before she became a slave.


    Olive is capable of using basic elemental magic that¡¯s very helpful for their camping to easily produce fire. She can also trace magical energy from the surrounding even though Astlan can also do it but she is more familiar and better than him. She is also intelligent and adaptive to circumstances like sleeping almost everywhere.


    Helianthus is the one who appraises every spoil of battle that Astlan brings and she can even determine a quality of a magical crystal procured from the magical beasts that they encounter. She is also the cook of the group and she keeps an eye on everyone, especially the two girls and of course, her duty as Astlan¡¯s servant doing maid duties.


    Together they travel anywhere they want to go. They eventually stumble cities and towns helping people in their situation in the process. Each and one of them have already registered as adventurers with starting rank of F and progressively rising.


    At some point, Astlan used his Excelsior to heal and help people with diseases. One time, they even dispelled a famine in a town and brought people and travelers inside of it again.


    They have also fought a horde of monsters saving several towns and cities in the process. The killed monsters were utilized and used to enrich the involve towns and cities granting them a boom in the economy.


    Occasionally, Astlan would be belittled and look down due to his normal appearance but those people who did so are extremely jealous of him for the reason they thought Astlan was being attended by Helianthus at night. The little girls were not spared from those thoughts.


    In reality, their relationship stands normal right off the bat.


    Astlan respects and gives utmost importance to the girls around him. Sure he had lewd thoughts not only towards Helianthus but guiltily towards Mint and Olive too but he never did anything because he thinks of their feelings rather than his own. This is proven through fighting magical beasts that become a threat to their group. Even though he staggers and trembles at the thought of taking the life of such enemy, he pushes through for the sake of everyone.


    Helianthus never showed any romantic love towards Astlan but her respect gradually grows towards him through his actions and kindness towards anyone regardless of race, status or even gender. Also, she started developing a soft spot for Mint and Olive because of their efforts to prove themselves useful. Her hostility becomes affection towards the young girls to the point she let them sleep together with her as they sometimes disturbed by nightmares. The reason for her hate is not specifically of their races but rather, their own insolent act towards Astlan in their first encounter but that hate has vanished.


    Also, Helianthus think of the two as cute.


    Mint and Olive look up to Astlan as proper master and respects him. Their timid and cautious nature changes to a much lively and loving one towards Astlan and to Helianthus who they started treating as their big sister.


    The two girls constantly learn from Helianthus for skills and knowledge but they admire Astlan for his unending tolerance and kindness towards everyone. But like Helianthus, they are also worried for Astlan who never even once showed any indication of anger or alike.


    Their appearance considerable changed too as they put on more weight and had more childish features that made them more adorable and catchy to anyone¡¯s eye. They were even evaluated as high-class slaves and their price was thousand times higher than their price when Astlan bought them.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Of course, Astlan and Helianthus have no intention or even thought of selling them.


    And with that, their party was steady and clean.


    Their financial problem was immediately solved by effort and their overall fighting force solely relies on Astlan as he is the only one capable of battling magical beasts.


    For the past eight months of going around the whole continent, Astlan was able to improve his overall abilities. He was able to use magic impossible for normal people such as those that disrupt space, teleportation and much more that encompasses abilities that far surpasses common sense.


    His swordsmanship improves through brute hard work of constantly battling magical beasts of any size and power. He has also got over his trembling and nausea during and after battle proving that he was already used to it.


    They do not have any clear objectives or motives at the moment though so they aimlessly wander. There¡¯s no point in confronting the demon lord who lives far away from this continent. In the first place, Astlan himself has forgotten that he was summoned for that purpose which Helianthus proved that it was just to harass the demon lord to show human supremacy.


    But right now, their aimless travel ends as someone who significantly will change the course of their direction.


    In the starry night under the moonlight, cold, chilly wind brushes the grass. The moon is illuminated in the river where Astlan and co. camps. The smell of the burning woods wafts in the air together with soup Helianthus is cooking with the help of Mint and Olive.


    Astlan sits on a log near them and just stare at the three girls happily chatting.


    ¡°I¡¯m lucky. To travel with them is so much fun. I¡¯m glad that I didn¡¯t leave Olive and Mint behind too. Well, I mean, they are so cute. I wish they would be a bit clingy to me though but I guess Helianthus is doing her job properly.¡± he thought to himself as he smiles.


    He did wish for a romance and harem but none of these girls showed any romantic affection towards him. Mint and Olive is to be expected because they are just children but Helianthus never showed anything.


    But nevertheless, Astlan was happier this way. He is happy that everyone is getting along. He found people who are precious to him and wanted to protect them at all costs. That feeling alone gave him life and a tomorrow to look forward to.


    ¡°Tremble upon my presence, puny humans, and other races alike!¡± a voice resounded out of nowhere.


    ¡°Wha-?!¡± Astlan muttered and immediately rushes towards Helianthus and the two little girls to protect them. He felt the strong abnormal presence pops out of nowhere and put his guard up, immediately materializing Excelsior in his hand.


    ¡°Oh, my? What do we have here? Fufufu, it seems I¡¯m going to have fun tonight!~¡± said by the voice. The owner of the voice emerges from the darkness of the forest.


    Astlan prepares his self and Helianthus are already directing orders to Mint and Olive.


    But, Astlan¡¯s alertness drops significantly as he saw the owner of the voice.


    It was a girl with red blazing hair and scarlet eyes complimented by pinkish lips and beautiful eyelashes. On her head, to horns sprouts and curves inwards and a scaled bat wings flaps on her back. Her skin is evenly tanned to the point it looks erotic but there¡¯s only one problem that made Astlan loosen his guard.


    The girl is a head or even two smaller than Astlan. Her body is childish but a bit mature compared to Mint and Olive. She wears a skimpy tight dress that shows her belly button and bare legs. Her top barely covers anything besides her flat chest that she flaunts as she put her hands on her hips while looking down on them¡­hardly.


    ¡°Uwaah. How small and cute! I want to hug her!¡± Astlan thought to himself.


    ¡°My name is Camellia, I am a demon! You don¡¯t have to remember it as you lot will meet your demise here!¡± she grandly announces as she puffs her non-existent breast further.


    Astlan could only look at her with a smile and gentle eyes. The reason is her speech.


    She is perfectly understandable but Camellia is trying too hard to make her voice sounds mature and erotic which only ends up as a child imitating an adult.


    ¡°Ah! You¡¯re mocking me! You are mocking me, aren¡¯t you! I¡¯ll tell you this just in case but I have lived over a hundred years! Compared to your measly double or even single digit age, I have a considerable amount of experience!¡± she said as she defends herself.


    ¡°It seems that this commonly happens to her so she took the initiative to explain herself.¡± Astlan happily thought.


    ¡°So, what does a cute demon need from us?~¡± Astlan playfully asks.


    ¡°B-Bastard! I am going to kill you! I--!¡±


    GRUMBLE


    A sound of astomach was heard and everyone looks at her as she holds down her tummy in embarrassment.


    ¡°T-this! It¡¯s not! I¡­¡± she hurriedly tried to explain herself but it was for naught as her stomach lets out another grumble.


    Her eyes were swimming around as she explains herself. Her eyes specifically lock on the soup Helianthus is cooking. Camellia tried to avert her eyes from it but it was useless.


    ¡°My Master, it seems that this little demon here¡­ wants that¡­¡± Helianthus cuts in to inform Astlan about it and points at the soup she was cooking.


    ¡°I¡¯m not!! I¡­guh¡­!¡± she stumbles and fell on her knees.


    ¡°I am¡­ a powerful demon feared even by my own kinds¡­guh¡­ I can easily kill you¡­if I am not this weak¡­!¡± she added as she stares daggers at Astlan and co. and as her hunger keeps on, her whole body lays down splattering her body on the ground.


    ¡°H-hey¡­are you okay? Ahaha¡­¡± Astlan asks and laughed weakly as he saw the demon sprawling on the ground.


    ¡°Hey, hey, are you stupid?¡± Mint said as she kneeled down beside Camellia and starts poking her cheeks.


    ¡°Hey, Master here is very kind but please don¡¯t cause trouble.¡± said by Olive as she pokes the other side of her cheeks.


    ¡°Guh¡­uhuhuhu¡­food¡­ uhhh¡­¡± she cried as her cheeks were toyed by the two smaller girls.


    ¡°Fmmpnpph! This is good! Second please!¡± Camellia requested as she holds out her bowl towards Helianthus.


    ¡°¡­¡± Helianthus could only stare at her with amazement. Even with all the things she said earlier, she acts comfortable.


    Astlan, Mint, and Olive also held out their bowls towards Helianthus making her sigh as she could not do anything anymore and took everyone¡¯s bowl for another serving. She wanted to voice out her complaints and criticism towards Camellia but she already knows that Astlan would let her eat in the end.


    And since developing a sisterly affection towards Olive and Mint, it somehow extended to Camellia so she was unsure of what to say at that point.


    ¡°Hey, Little Camellia, what are you doing here in the human continent?¡± Astlan abruptly asks while chewing.


    ¡°L-Little?! How rude! I already told you that--!¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, Big Sis Camellia,¡± Astlan said as he cuts off the little demon from her speech.


    ¡°B-Big Sis? T-that won¡¯t make me happy! Hmph!¡± she said as she turns her head away from Astlan while her face slowly crumbles into a smile.


    ¡°So, what are you doing here? Shouldn¡¯t you be at the demon continent?¡± Astlan asks again.


    ¡°Well, it won¡¯t hurt to tell you, people, I take it? I was on my way to the Valley of the Ancient when I encountered an interesting detour and--!¡±


    ¡°You got lost?¡± Astlan quickly filled in with a smile.


    ¡°L-Lost?! There¡¯s no such thing!!¡± she denied while her face blazes with fluster.


    Astlan already determined that she is the kind of girl with troublesome attitude but he already had an idea on how to deal with her. It¡¯s was kind of fun for him to tease her because she gives such strong reaction.


    However, since Camellia was flailing her arms as she denied Astlan accusation, the food on her bowl flew out from it and flops on the ground.


    ¡°Hey, you stupid brat.¡± Helianthus cold voice entered everyone¡¯s ears.


    ¡°B-brat..?! I am a --!¡±


    ¡°Shut up. You dare waste food we granted upon yours. I hate your attitude. Cut it out.¡± she said with indignation in her eyes.


    Mint and Olive shivers from the changes in Helianthus attitude as they are extremely familiar with it. They knew how stern and strict Helianthus when it comes to attitude and mannerism.


    ¡°What the?! You¡¯ll regret inducing my anger! I¡¯ll have your life because of your impudence towards me, Camellia, the daughter of the Demon Lord!¡± she grandly said as she stares back at Helianthus.


    Helianthus and Astlan eyes widened from her revelation saying that she is the daughter of the Demon Lord.


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you filthy humans! You keep sending your supposed hero to us and then what?! Had all of them killed by us! What¡¯s the deal with you guys?! I came here to destroy your capital!¡± she said as she lets out killing intent towards them with a furious and fed up face.


    ¡°My Master! She¡¯s dangerous! Mint and Olive, come here!¡± she promptly to pulls the two girls behind her and stand behind Astlan.


    While Camellia starts unleashing her vast magical power and fury, producing red sparks around here and the trees sways from here strong presence, Astlan stood there in front of her doing nothing.


    ¡°M-My Master, what are you doing?! Why won¡¯t you draw out Excelsior?!¡± she shouted as she urges Astlan to use Excelsior.


    However, her voice seems like it didn¡¯t reach Astlan. He was still standing there motionless and unmoving.


    ¡°My Master, are you not going to fight?! If you don¡¯t, won¡¯t you just escaped with these two?!¡± she desperately pleads.


    ¡°Here I go!¡± Camellia shouted as she kicks off the ground.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry.¡± Astlan simply said towards Camellia.


    ¡°¡­Eh?¡± Camellia stops at her track as she heard Astlan¡¯s apology. ¡°Sorry?¡± she followed.


    ¡°Yes. We are very sorry for harassing your father. It must have been hard, right?¡± Astlan said.


    ¡°My Master! Why are you apologizing for that?! You are also a victim here!¡± Helianthus countered Astlan¡¯s apology.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t quite get it myself too but, I don¡¯t want to fight Camellia at all cost.¡± he simply said with a smile.


    ¡°What the--? Are you scared?¡± Camellia smug at Astlan while mocking him.


    Helianthus was also confused by Astlan who refused to fight saying that he won¡¯t fight her at all costs. She kind of understood the reason as Astlan has never fought people before, but she felt it wasn¡¯t that. There was more to it and it¡¯s not because, like Helianthus, Astlan find Camellia cute. It was something entirely something else.


    ¡°No. I kind of estimated how strong you and I know you can actually destroy the Geydvor Capital but¡­¡± he made a paused.


    ¡°But¡­?!¡±


    ¡°You¡­are no match for me¡­I¡¯m sorry¡­that¡¯s how I already see it,¡± Astlan said with a smile.


    ¡°¡­¡± Camellia gapes her mouth wide from Astlan¡¯s words.


    Helianthus was the same but Mint and Olive are calm as they wholeheartedly believe Astlan. The two little girls, since Astlan showed pure and clean kindness towards them, they felt that they want to follow such human. It was no romantic attraction but pure instinct telling them that this man won¡¯t betray and throw them away.


    ¡°You¡­a mere human¡­ saying that I am no match for you¡­ UNACCEPTABLE!¡± she flew into a rage and magical power swirls the whole forest but Astlan was still unfazed.


    Astlan¡¯s smile never fades from his face or rather, it grew wider.


    ¡°Hey, can we come with you to the Dragon Continent?¡± he asked towards Camellia.


    ¡°Eh¡­?¡± all of the power vanishes from her confusion. ¡°What did you say?!¡± she hurriedly inquired.


    ¡°I said I want to go to the Dragon Continent. Can we come with you? I want to see dragons, you see.¡± Astlan repeated.


    ¡°Do you really think you can just change the subject by asking that?!¡± Camellia furiously asked.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ so you really want to know how strong I am, right?¡±


    ¡°N-not quite but I¡¯ll acknowledge you as my follower if you can at least reach the fragment of my power!¡± she said with a mocking tone.


    ¡°Yes!~¡± answered by Astlan as he prepares his self.


    ¡°My Master, do you have any power besides the Excelsior?¡± Helianthus timidly asked.


    ¡°Yes¡­but¡­ I kind of¡­ hate it¡­¡± Astlan honestly told her.


    Astlan breathes in and out as he circulates power inside him. The air around him immediately changes and his calm and gentle appearance were overshadowed.


    ¡°Ira¡­¡± he muttered¡­


    In an instant, Camellia shook to the very core upon sensing the power that¡¯s about to come. She who is more sensitive to power than Helianthus and the two girls already felt something is amiss. Not even five seconds passes when Astlan started¡­


    ¡°Stop!¡± she shouted fearfully.


    ¡°Oh¡­Okay.¡± Astlan simply returned a flat answer.


    Camellia was already drowned by Astlan¡¯s power in such short time and she immediately knew and acknowledges Astlan not as her follower anymore but someone who is far superior and stronger.


    ¡°I¡­I admit defeat¡­¡± she said as sweat invades her face.


    ¡°So, how was it, Camellia?¡± Astlan asked as asmile returned to his face.


    ¡°Then¡­ you won¡¯t get angry if¡­ if I told you I want to have your¡­baby¡­¡± she muttered while fidgeting.


    Two months has already passed since Camellia joins Astlan and Co.


    Being the Demon Lord¡¯s daughter, her magic capabilities and power are over the top. From elemental magic to spatial magic of expert tier and on top of that, she helps Astlan about magic compounding, although, it requires extensive research and materials for compounding.


    She becomes Astlan¡¯s magic mentor and compounding and research buddy.


    But Camellia has a big miss¡­


    She is the complete opposite of Helianthus. While she is able to fight unlike Helianthus, everything about her is bad.


    She doesn¡¯t know how to cook, how to wash her own clothes or even fix her own hair. She doesn¡¯t know any household chores. The reason is she has too many servants in the Demon Lord Castle and she doesn¡¯t do much work.


    Helianthus can only heave another heavy sigh at Camellia frolicking around. She even plays with Mint and Olive in her free time like a child. Helianthus just thought that she is just taking care of another little sister.


    It made her and Astlan realize that even the demon race has feelings, wear clothes and can laugh and be sad at times. They are not much different from humans even though Camellia shows arrogance sometimes as she started calling Mint and Olive her underlings in one of their games.


    Her only passion is magic and battles.


    As such, she was helpless alone. It was a miracle that she was able to travel on her own.


    Also, about making a child with Astlan, the conversation had a wild turn


    ¡°Hey, Astlan, I did say I want to have your child but how old are you anyway?¡± asked by Camellia as she tilts her head.


    ¡°Well, I think it bothers me more ummm¡­doing that¡­with you¡­because of your¡­appearance¡­¡± Astlan shyly said as perverse thoughts invaded his mind.


    ¡°Wh-! You¡¯re not answering my question!¡± Camellia protested.


    ¡°My Master is only fourteen years old.¡± Helianthus cuts in.


    ¡°Helianthus! I¡­I already turned fifteen you know!¡± Astlan said hastily to correct Helianthus.


    ¡°My utmost apology, My Master. As of now, I am eight years older than you, huh.¡± Helianthus apologizes.


    ¡°Geh! Only fifteen?! Too young¡­¡± Camellia grimaced as she stated it.


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll wait until you turn eighteen, My love!~ By that time, you are already legal!¡± said by Camellia as she smirks towards Astlan.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m that one who is to be waited¡­¡± Astlan dejectedly said as the little girl who is a hundred years old in reality told him that he is too young.


    ¡°And then My love, we will have our second, and then third and then fourth and so on and so forth!¡± Camellia said as she started counting.


    ¡°W-wait! This is too odd for me! Camellia¡­ why me?¡± Astlan asked with confusion.


    ¡°Why? I mean, aren¡¯t you a good partner for a powerful offspring? Don¡¯t worry, I am, day by day, learning how to love you!~¡± she declared boldly with a smile.


    ¡°Congratulations, Master!¡± said by Olive.


    ¡°I hope you have a good life, Master!¡± followed by Mint.


    ¡°H-hey! My fate was already decided?!¡± Astlan protests to the two children.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Camellia heartily laughs.


    For Astlan, he really doesn¡¯t have any complaints and he already feels blessed being surrounded by cute and lovely girls.


    He knew it was something he could not have if he had stayed in the castle or if he even wasn¡¯t summoned here. The happiness he is already receiving already filled the hole in his heart and he can smile without hesitation.


    And so, they headed to the Valley of the Ancient, the Dragon Continent.


    A land where dragons obviously live, canyons and plateaus everywhere and rocks and sand are a common sight. Trees are sparse but herbs and cactuses grow from slits of rocks and stones. Clouds sometimes darken the place and light drizzles will occasionally occur but nevertheless, the heat of the sun will penetrate anyone¡¯s skin.


    There aren¡¯t any big towns or cities, just villages with little commodities but nevertheless, the people are cheery.


    They¡¯ve already met dragon kinand they are quite friendly. It may be an effect of having adorable girls with and not to mention, they encompass different races. Astlan is glared with jealousy but, then again, his relationships with them are just on friendly terms except for Camellia who sticks to him like glue.


    Right now, they are resting in an oasis under an abundant of trees.


    ¡°By the way, Camellia, we are we headed?¡± Astlan asked idiotically.


    ¡°Eh?!¡± Camellia face froze dumbfounded.


    ¡°My Master¡­ performing such stupidity¡­ even I am troubled by your carefree attitude.¡± Helianthus sighs.


    ¡°See¡­even the old hag is troubled¡­¡± Camellia muttered under her breath.


    ¡°Old hag, you say? How about going three nights without dinner?¡± she said with a fake smile.


    ¡°B-but¡­! You are already twenty-three, right, and you are still virgin?!¡± she said in her defense.


    ¡°Five nights without dinner it is,¡± Helianthus said closing the case.


    ¡°NOOO!¡± screamed by Camellia in desperation upon hearing that.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry big sis Camellia! I¡¯ll give you a bite of mine!¡± said by Olive.


    ¡°Big sis Camellia never learns. Big sis Helianthus is really scary.¡± Mint said as she pats the head of Camellia who sulks.


    ¡°Uhh¡­ my little sister underlings are so kind¡­¡± Camellia muttered.


    ¡°Well, you certainly made Helianthus angry¡­saying she is twent--!¡±


    ¡°My Master, do you really sympathize with her that much?¡± Helianthus cuts in before Astlan could finish saying her age.


    ¡°Sorry Camellia.¡± Astlan apologizes


    ¡°Gah! You¡¯re leaving me out! No fair! The husband should join the wife in happy and hard times! Astlan you player!¡± Camellia protested towards Astlan who just smiled back at her.


    ¡°We¡¯re not married! And Helianthus foods are delicious so I don¡¯t want to miss out from eating it.¡± Astlan defended himself completely abandoning Camellia.


    ¡°But¡­ shouldn¡¯t the wife cook for the husband?¡± innocently asked by Mint.


    ¡°Eh? Isn¡¯t that wrong? Big sis Camellia always say that she will eat up Master.?¡± Another innocent remark told by Olive.


    ¡°Hou? Camellia, you really said that? Aren¡¯t you the thirsty virgin here?¡± she said with threatening face towards Camellia.


    ¡°NYAA! Little sister underlings! Don¡¯t reveal those!!¡± Camellia panics.


    ¡°Oh? Then, wouldn¡¯t Helianthus be my wife because she always cooks for me?¡± Astlan muttered.


    ¡°¡­¡± Helianthus didn¡¯t mutter a word.


    ¡°Nah..?! T-then¡­! I¡­ will have to start learning how to cook too!¡± Camilla exclaimed.


    ¡°¡±Us too!¡±¡± said by the small girls in unison.


    ¡°W-wait¡­how did we end up in this kind of conversation¡­?¡± Astlan timidly asked.


    ¡°Huh? Because you asked earlier where we are headed¡­even though I told you when we first met.¡± Camellia pouts towards Astlan.


    ¡°My Master, we are headed towards the Dragon Capital, Mujinn.¡± said by Helianthus.


    ¡°Right! And we are going to meet my friend there¡­ The White Dragon Sage Mrothgir.¡± Supplemented by Camellia.

 Astlan’s Ira Chapter 3

    ¡°Ueeeeh! I give up!¡± cried by a girl as she sprawled on the ground. Her spear rattles besides her as it falls over.


    ¡°What a shame. My Master didn¡¯t even have to use two-thirds of his power to defeat you. Well, by standards, you are quite strong. My Master just happens to have broken the boundary of normalcy.¡± said by Helianthus, lecturing the girl.


    ¡°Well!~ This future husband of mine is just too strong. You need a hundred more years to compete!¡± added by Camellia.


    ¡°Huhuhuh¡­ All I have done was to attack pointlessly. I wasn¡¯t able to land even a single hit!¡± complained by the girl.


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­ I see no reason to be hit¡­¡± Astlan laughs timidly from the girl¡¯s complain.


    ¡°That said, I will keep my promise! I shall see to it that I will guide all of you towards Lord Mrothgir¡¯s place!¡± she said as she proudly puffs her chest with a boing.


    The girl in question is a dragonkin name Yulan. She has a braided black long hair and gray eyes with a strong will. In her jaw, there¡¯s a black scale on it which is common for a dragonkin. Her figure is small but a bit taller than Camellia.


    And her chest is¡­


    ¡°Guh¡­! I¡­I lose in that department¡­!¡± Camellia said as she sulks under a tree.


    ¡°Eh? I won against Miss Camellia?! How?!¡± asked by Yulan with sparkling eyes.


    ¡°Her hopelessly flat chest is what defeated her. Honestly, aren¡¯t you a hundred years old? Pfft, what a shame.¡± flauntingly said by Helianthus as she sways her breasts towards Camellia.


    ¡°Argh! You old hag!¡± cried by Camellia as she got teased by Helianthus.


    ¡°Eh¡­but they¡¯re so heavy and unfit for battle¡­ I don¡¯t like it.¡± depressingly said by Yulan.


    ¡°Ugh¡­ another bullying¡­Husband!~ Help me!¡± called by Camellia towards Astlan who is petting Mint and Olive in the head.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­well¡­you¡¯re cute so I see no problem. But aren¡¯t you like Mint and Olive?¡± said by Astlan cluelessly.


    ¡°You¡¯re comparing me to my little sister underlings?!¡± exclaimed by Camellia.


    ¡°My Master, you are getting the wrong idea. I am personally seeing to those two children growths. I¡¯d say, those two has more bumps now than Camellia and they are just ten years old.¡± haughtily said by Helianthus.


    ¡°*sob*¡­Helianthus you bully¡­¡± muttered by Camellia as she starts sobbing.


    ¡°There, there. Camellia would grow someday so look forward to it.¡± Helianthus approached Camellia and pats her head.


    Her face has a face of satisfaction and bliss as she made Camellia cried. Helianthus seems to have taken a liking in teasing Camellia to tears by always making fun of her childish appearance.


    Astlan knows that and didn¡¯t dare to speak a word. After all, it is just Helianthus¡¯ sadistic side wanting to see Camellia breaking down into tears because she finds it cuter.


    ¡°More importantly, Sir Astlan, as I guide you to Lord Mrothgir¡¯s place, will you train me?!¡± said by Yulan with sparkling eyes.


    ¡°Eh? B-but¡­I am not that good in arts of weaponry as you speak of¡­¡± Astlan said as he holds out both of his hand because Yulan is getting too close to him.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter! Please, just teach me your secrets and spar with me!¡± Yulan said as she persuades Astlan.


    ¡°Ahaha¡­ It can¡¯t be helped¡­ Alright, I see no problem to it!¡± Astlan accepted Yulan¡¯s wish as she joins the party.


    Because Mrothgir moves from one place to another as Camellia remembered, she thought that she needs someone who knows of Mrothgir¡¯s new place.


    They don¡¯t necessarily need Yulan but it¡¯s just a guarantee.


    Yulan is one of a young generation of the Black Dragon descendants. Being a black dragon descendants means she is more prone to fighting physically, unlike the descendants of the white dragon descendants.


    She is not weak by any means.


    At a young age, Yulan could morph any parts of her body into her elder dragon form because she was blessed with a huge magic capacity. Her prowess in wielding the spear is sole hard work and perseverance.


    She is a bit na?ve but nevertheless, has a strong sense of justice and righteousness, believing that every race is equal and has their own pros and cons.


    The downsides are she is a musclehead and like Camellia, she doesn¡¯t know common chores. Her mind is fixated in training and battling.


    Since she is one of Mrothgir¡¯s disciples in certain martial arts, she strives hard to be stronger. She knows well how her Master thinks and how he will act in a certain situation.


    Her encounter with Astlan is purely by coincidence. Yulan just challenges anyone who seems strong. At first, she has her eyes on Camellia but her duel invitation redirected to Astlan and she lost.


    Astlan made conditions together with Camellia but they never really thought that Yulan is that faithful to promises.


    Helianthus just simply shrug her shoulders as the number of little children she has to babysit has increased.


    Astlan and co. arrives at the Dragon Capital Mujinn but it was something they didn¡¯t expect it to be.


    The city is lifeless and there are only a few people on the streets. Soldiers and knights with dragon wings and tails are the only common sight and most of the houses are abandoned.


    ¡°What¡­happened here?¡± Astlan muttered.


    ¡°Who knows? It¡¯s better to leave such matter to these two, Camellia who has business with the White Dragon Sage Mrothgir and Yulan who is the said sage¡¯s apprentice.¡± Helianthus simply stated as she glances over to Astlan.


    They continued walking behind Yulan.


    Occasionally, people who seem to be knights would approach them and would ask why they are here. It was smoothly taken care of by Camellia or Yulan.


    Not long after walking around the city, they arrived at a tall tower. Inside was a spiral staircase that looks like it would take long to climb up.


    ¡°We¡¯re¡­going to climb this?!¡± asked by Astlan.


    ¡°Yes! It¡¯s a good training too!¡± said by Yulan as she made a guts pose.


    ¡°Ueeh¡­can¡¯t we just fly?¡± lifelessly muttered by Camellia.


    ¡°AH?! I never thought of that!¡± stupidly stated by Yulan.


    ¡°I see that you two are quite lively. My Master won¡¯t have a problem with this but¡­ these two children and I are not sort of any monsters like you lot.¡± Helianthus said with an exasperated expression.


    ¡°Then how about this? Mint and Olive will be carried by Yulan and Camellia then I will carry you,¡± he suggested.


    ¡°Carry me? My Master will?¡± she asks while tilting her head.


    ¡°Ahh! Husband! You¡¯re cheating!¡± Camellia exclaimed as she butts in the conversation.


    ¡°But¡­that was the most logical solution I could come up with!¡± Astlan defended his self from Camellia¡¯s accusation. ¡°And we¡¯re not married yet!¡± he added.


    ¡°Fufufu! Yet¡­huh? I¡¯m getting excited. Well, anyway, I don¡¯t mind you making that maid your side woman!¡± she haughtily declared.


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­ Let¡¯s just climb¡­okay?¡± He said to avoid any more talks.


    And so, Yulan carried Mint and Camellia carried Olive and started climbing.


    As Astlan was about to carry Helianthus¡­


    ¡°My Master¡­ before I knew it¡­you¡¯ve become taller than me¡­¡± she said.


    ¡°And manlier¡­you¡¯ve put on some intense muscle.¡± Helianthus added as Astlan¡¯s arm embraces her.


    ¡°Eh? Where is this coming from, Helianthus?¡± Astlan asked with confused countenance.


    Since Astlan was having fun with the girls around him every single day, he didn¡¯t realize his physical appearance has gradually changed. He didn¡¯t even realize that it¡¯s almost two years since him and Helianthus met.


    Right now, Helianthus is just below Astlan¡¯s eye level. His face ridden with baby fats becomes mature showing a well-sculptured face. His initial skinny and frail body have become more muscular and manly and his pale skin was colored by the sunshine.


    In short, Astlan was able to mature from a young boy to a young man from all of the battles he has gone through. Even his young irky voice becomes deeper and manlier.


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­ I didn¡¯t realize it. I am much taller than Helianthus and seeing you smaller than me, you look lovelier¡­¡± he said as she complimented her.


    ¡°My Master, I am always watching everyone. Every single movement you do is something I monitor so I was able to see how you gradually mature. Also, your hair¡­it¡¯s more attractive when it¡¯s this long. Just don¡¯t grow it any further.¡± Helianthus said as she strokes Astlan¡¯s wavy hair.


    ¡°Helianthus¡­¡±


    ¡°My Master, we are getting left behind,¡± Helianthus calls.


    ¡°Ah, right!¡± Astlan, snapping out from a daze immediately pulls Helianthus¡¯ body towards him and carried her in his arms.


    ¡°Oh, my¡­a princess carry¡­¡± Helianthus muttered.


    ¡°You don¡¯t like it?¡± Astlan asked.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s just that¡­ a servant being carried like this is just¡­¡± Helianthus said as she turns her face away from Astlan.


    ¡°Eh¡­?¡±


    ¡°No..nothing.¡± Helianthus quietly muttered.


    And so, they climbed shrouded in weird silence caused by Helianthus¡¯ weird gesture.


    ¡°Yulan, what¡¯s the meaning of this?!¡± a man with black hair and gray eyes with a white scale under his jaw. He is garbed with an elegant tunic and trouser under a fashionable cape.


    The man stands atop of the tower with lots of books scattered and other mixtures of potions. On the edge of the tower, there¡¯s a big telescope like tube pointing upward.


    ¡°Master Mrothgir, these people are here to help!¡± Yulan said as she called out to her master, Mrothgir, as she points at Astlan and co.


    ¡°I expected Camellia as I sent her father a letter but¡­ who are these humans?¡± Mrothgir said as he sharply glares at Astlan and Helianthus.


    ¡°Mrothgir, long time no see! What are you doing?!¡± Camellia butts in the conversation.


    ¡°You¡¯re lively as ever. I am doing some astronomy research about reading constellations but, I am having some difficulty as I need someone who is capable of using Qi energy. More importantly, who are those two? I can accept the elf and beast kin but humans¡­¡± Mrothgir explained as he stares intently at Helianthus and Astlan.


    ¡°Mrothgir, Astlan here is a capable man, probably stronger than both of us altogether,¡± Camellia stated.


    ¡°Hmph. I trust you, Baal¡¯s daughter. The logical move now is to include him in this plan.¡± Mrothgir said with a sigh as he walks towards them.


    ¡°Good day, Lord Mrothgir. I heard so many things about you from Yulan. Umm¡­ so¡­ what do we have to do?¡± Astlan directly asked Mrothgir for the situation.


    ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re an enthusiastic brat. I really don¡¯t care who as long as they can carry out orders, I am glad to have them. But, I¡¯ll be keeping an eye on you, human. Also, seeing you have so many companions, how many of them is capable of fighting?¡± Mrothgir said as he evaluated them from head to toe.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Ah, within the loli squad, Mint and Olive can¡¯t fight at all. I guess you already know of Camellia and Yulan. Also, Helianthus¡¯ is only good at chores.¡± Astlan said as he points at them one by one.


    ¡°Loli squad? That¡¯s a weird term¡­ Anyway, I want to have a talk with you now.¡± Mrothgir said as he beckons Astlan and co. closer to him.


    The situation inside the Valley of the Ancient was far worse than Astlan thought.


    In summary, White Dragon Sage Mrothgir¡¯s brother, the Black Dragon Warlord Krothgir wants to destroy the fairy continent, The Rainforest of Healing.


    Krothgir has already sent hundreds of thousands of dragon knights who are capable of Elder Dragon morph. They are only waiting for Krothgir¡¯s order. Their goal is to destroy the Yggdrasil Tree of the fairies.


    His motives are unclear but Mrothgir won¡¯t let it happen. The reason is Mrothgir is a research maniac and wanted to do a research about the Yggdrasil Tree. Saving the fairy continent was secondary as he doesn¡¯t really have any interests on the fairies.


    The problem is Mrothgir cannot mobilize any army or anything as he doesn¡¯t want to be involved directly in this continent¡¯s political structure. Although, factions between the two are equally formed, or rather because they are the two dragons to be said that started the most powerful lineage, religion, fanatics and even smaller kingdoms within the continent are divided between lineages.


    Fortunately, the reason Krothgir hasn¡¯t invaded the fairy continent yet is because he is waiting for Mrothgir¡¯s approach. His intention is clear as day to use Mrothgir¡¯s actions as a trigger to pin the blame on him for causing a war as he kills him.


    Mrothgir has seen through everything except for Krothgir¡¯s motive of destroying the Yggdrasil tree. And now, he will confront Krothgir and kill him with the help from Camellia and Astlan. They head towards the Castle¡¯s throne room where Krothgir is.


    ¡°Lord Mrothgir¡­I¡­don¡¯t understand¡­ Why do you have to kill your own brother?¡± Astlan asked with a sad face.


    ¡°Why you ask? We¡¯ve been trying to kill each other millenniums ago. You can say that we are just too old.¡± he frankly said.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a bit cruel¡­? Lord Mrothgir¡­ can¡¯t you talk it over?¡±


    ¡°Boy, from this conversation alone, I already knew what kind of person you are. It will be best for you to stay ignorant of our affair. That said, though, I am asking assistance for the reason Krothgir is much stronger than I.¡± he said as he grimaced.


    ¡°Stronger? I kind of want to see that. But, what does Camellia has to do with this?¡± Astlan asked that because he was mulling over their connections.


    ¡°Camellia is one of my students in the magic back when I was in the demon continent for a research. She is extremely talented and like strong people. I take it you don¡¯t mean any harm to her, right?¡± Mrothgir said with a stern face.


    ¡°Well, I already feel so happy knowing about her feelings. I want to respect her decisions too. I want her to be happy and I will try hard to keep that happiness.¡± Astlan stated with a smile.


    ¡°I see. Then, about Yulan¡­ she must be the same as Camellia. She must have been infatuated with you.¡± he expressionlessly said.


    ¡°Is she?!¡± he exclaimed with confusion.


    ¡°She is my student. I know. Do not treat her cordially or she will be sticking to you harder than you think.¡± Mrothgir¡¯s gave advice toward Astlan.


    ¡°I see. Thank you, Lord Mrothgir¡­ and now¡­¡± Astlan thanked him and¡­


    In front of them is a large door.


    Mrothgir nonchalantly opens the door strongly, banging it.


    Inside the throne room is a man with white hair and gray eyes. Beneath his jaw is a black scale as same as Mrothgir, although with another kind of color. He wears a heavy armor but no weapon is visible with him.


    He stands up and walks towards Mrothgir.


    ¡°Mrothgir, my brother, I¡¯ve been waiting for this.¡± he calmly said.


    ¡°Krothgir, did you purposely did all of those to end everything in one swoop?¡± calmly asked by Mrothgir.


    ¡°¡­¡± Krothgir didn¡¯t answer back.


    ¡°I see. No words, just action.¡± Mrothgir said as he stances.


    And in an instant.


    BAM!


    The whole castle was pried open and the blue sky and the dazzling sun greeted them¡­not.


    Everything around them is only covered with darkness of the shade as if it¡¯s night time.


    ¡°What happened?!¡± Astlan asked towards Mrothgir.


    Helianthus, Olive, Mint and even Camellia and Yulan was panicking. They didn¡¯t know caused such event. They only stare towards the darken sky to only realize something.


    ¡°Scale¡­¡± muttered by Mint and Olive and unison.


    ¡°That¡¯s right¡­ That is¡­ Krothgir¡¯s Ancient Dragon Form¡­¡± nervously said by Mrothgir.


    Then they realized, the thing that covered the whole sky was not night time but¡­ a dragon whose size is comparable to a large island or even bigger.


    It was so huge that it covered the whole city of Mujinn and it still extended farther.


    Perhaps, the decision of bringing along the noncombatants was the wisest decision as they are just close enough to be protected.


    ¡°Lord Mrothgir¡­what should¡­we do¡­?!¡± Astlan asked as sweat poured from his forehead.


    ¡°Mrothgir! I never heard of this!¡± Camellia protested.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everything is still within expectation. I shall fight him in the same form too. Although smaller, I can cast a large array of magic towards him. That¡¯s when I expect an assault from everyone. Target all of his vulnerable spots to greatly weaken him!¡± he said in hurry.


    ¡°M-Master Mrothgir¡­ such impromptu plan is really like you!!¡± gleamed by Yulan as she readies herself.


    Helianthus and the two children hid behind Astlan who already brought out Excelsior. Mrothgir who saw the sword was in awe.


    ¡°That sword! Is it a godly artifact?!¡± his eyes dazzles as he stares at it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know! Please, concentrate!¡± Astlan pleaded.


    ¡°Interesting¡­¡± Mrothgir quietly muttered.


    Mrothgir¡¯s chances of winning heighten as he saw the existence of a human holding something unbelievable.


    But, at that very moment, the around them thins out and Krothgir flew higher, gaining altitude. Power starts to gather at one point.


    At his mouth¡­


    ¡°Everyone, cover your ears!¡± Mrothgir shouted.


    Astlan, Helianthus, Camellia and Yulan who was able to clearly heard it immediately clasped their hand to their ears, muffling any sounds that are about to come.


    GROWWWWWWL!


    A devastating thunderous sound exploded and the pressure of the strong roar blows everything away, houses, buildings and even the stones and rocks deeply rooted to the earth was gouged raising a cloud of dust.


    Mrothgir was able to deploy a strong barrier around them to repel the roar and with that, they prevented from being blown away.


    But at that very moment¡­


    THUD


    Mint and Olive falls to the ground. Their ears are bleeding and their eyes clearly lost its life.


    ¡°Mint! Olive!¡± Astlan shouted as he runs towards them as the roar ended.


    ¡°No!¡± cried by Helianthus as she saw the children lay down there, unmoving, even though her own ears bleeds.


    Camellia and Yulan were shaken too and runs towards the two children.


    Mrothgir without hesitation, rip open their clothes and places his ears to their chest.


    ¡°Their¡­hearts¡­stopped¡­¡± he weakly muttered.


    ¡°Move,¡± Astlan said as he ordered Mrothgir.


    ¡°Wh--¡­it was their fault, to begin with¡­¡± Mrothgir tried to reason.


    ¡°Move.¡± Astlan emotionlessly said again.


    Mrothgir immediately moves away and stare at the sword Astlan holding.


    Astlan swiftly slashes not only through Mint and Olive but to everyone in the vicinity. Their ruptured eardrum was fixed and the shock from the roar was gradually lifted.


    Fortunately, Mint and Olive started to breathe slowly too.


    ¡°¡­A miracle¡­?!¡± muttered by Mrothgir as he watches Astlan.


    ¡°Lord Mrothgir¡­¡± Astlan said as he turns towards him.


    ¡°W-what?¡± he said in hurry.


    ¡°Lord Krothgir¡­how do you plan to defeat him?¡± he asked Mrothgir.


    ¡°I¡­ I have to sacrifice a large amount of my soul¡­to completely kill him for the reason he is nigh immortal. I need him to be severely injured to do so.¡± he explained.


    ¡°I see. Helianthus, Yulan, and Camellia, please rest assured. I am going to do this really quick.¡± Astlan said as he smiles towards the girls he dearly treasures. ¡°Also, please take care of Mint and Olive,¡± he added.


    ¡°Ira¡­¡±


    Mrothgir¡¯s eyes cannot believe what he is witnessing right now.


    The massive dragon, Krothgir was blown away further, towards the sky. His scales that thought to be unbreakable shatters and the power he was trying to gather slowly disperse as the assault of the lone man towards him continues.


    Krothgir¡¯s claw flies towards Astlan but it was for naught as Astlan¡¯s brought out two swords unknown to Helianthus and the others.


    It was a pitch black and red sword.


    The gigantic claws that could crush the Geydvor¡¯s Capital, was easily blown away or rather, blood spurted from it bathing Astlan with blood.


    Each time Astlan falls down, he will immediately jump back towards Krothgir with another earth-shattering attack that shook both heaven and earth.


    Helianthus had no idea that Astlan was already holding such power. She always thought that Astlan¡¯s Excelsior was there because he is kind making one of its powers is healing. It was a calm and warm light that will envelop anyone with its gentleness like its owner.


    But she never heard of such power.


    Camellia and Yulan are likewise.


    They already envisioned Astlan as someone superiorly stronger than them but, they never knew it was to this extent.


    Camellia, even though she already loves Astlan, was hopeful that her father and Astlan would never cross path. But, the power Astlan demonstrating sends chills towards her spine making her head over heels for him.


    Yulan admired him even further. It was such a power out of this world making her heart jumpy. She thought that such power exists and wonder if she can compete or catch up with it if she trains under him.


    Krothgir, upon realizing that he will utterly lose to Astlan, flew higher away from him. But, before he could even fly away, a white dragon appeared in front of him. The white dragon is just less than half of his own size but its magic power is enormous.


    The white dragon was Mrothgir.


    ¡°Krothgir, we shall end it now,¡± Mrothgir said as he glows with blinding brilliance.


    In an instant, space and time were gouged over Krothgir¡¯s head. The phenomenon was made by Mrothgir as he tries to destroy Krothgir¡¯s very own being, his soul.


    Astlan assault beneath didn¡¯t cease and from above, Mrothgir already set up a trap for Krothgir. Also, the weather was greatly altered that typhoons started assaulting and trapping the enormous dragon in the place.


    ¡°My brother, finally, we can reach a conclusion to our battle that started millenniums ago. Fare thee well.¡± Mrothgir¡¯s final words towards Krothgir as power escapes from his body and his life force was used to detains Krothgir¡¯s soul and crush it.


    ¡°Brother, with this, carry on with our dream. You have won and your ideals will prevail for the next hundred years. I hope you find satisfaction with your own actions.¡± The black dragon spoke as his last breath was taken from him.


    With those parting words, the large body of Krothgir lost its vigor and dies. Astlan immediately grabs everyone beneath him and flees.


    Everyone was safe including Mint and Olive. It¡¯s just that Camellia and Yulan were really frustrated because they weren¡¯t able to do anything.


    The entirety of the Capital Mujinn was buried under the mass of Krothgir¡¯s body and sunk underground completely erasing it. Every tall rock, stones, and even plateaus followed below as the impact came burying the dragon body further.


    Currently, Astlan and co. are resting in another oasis as they weren¡¯t able to find a town or city to stay in.


    ¡°Mint, Olive, how are you two doing?¡± Astlan asked towards the two little girls as he pats their head.


    ¡°Master! Thank you for saving us again! I really love master!!¡± exclaimed by Olive.


    ¡°M-me too! I also love master! Thank you so much!¡± followed by Mint.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad¡­ I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m going to do if I lost anyone of you.¡± he weakly said as he pulls the two girls towards him to embrace.


    ¡°Buh! Hug me too! I¡¯m going to hug my underling little sisters!¡± Camellia said as she jumps towards them with a hug while tears slowly spill from her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll join! I really like Mint and Olive!¡± said by Yulan as she copies Camellia.


    ¡°Bufah! You¡¯re heavy and your disgusting breasts is pressing on me!¡± Camellia shouted.


    ¡°My Master, it seems that you¡¯ve become really popular,¡± Helianthus said with a gentle smile.


    ¡°Ah¡­yeah¡­ I¡¯m really glad that everyone is fine. That said, Lord Mrothgir, I believe you have something explain¡­¡± Astlan stated as he turns his head towards the man standing a bit far from there.


    ¡°Yes¡­ I do owe you¡­you Astlan alone¡­an explanation.¡± Mrothgir emphasized that he would only tell about it to Astlan.


    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of that, Mrothgir?! Only darling?! Are you mocking us?!¡± Camellia angrily blurted towards Mrothgir as she starts intimidating him.


    ¡°Lord Mrothgir, I am also curious on why you are only willing to speak with My Master. I may not be a combatant but you do realize that I am responsible for everyone here. I cannot accept this.¡± Helianthus spoke with a poker face to Mrothgir.


    ¡°You guys don¡¯t understand. This man, Astlan, wants to confront me alone and I, likewise, do.¡± Mrothgir said he turn to Astlan.


    ¡°Yes. I feel relieved that you are quick on the uptake, Lord Mrothgir.¡± Astlan blankly said.


    Astlan and Mrothgir are right now, standing atop of a tall rock. Below it, the large crater where Krothgir¡¯s body was buried. The cold wind of the dragon continent brushes them as the moon peaks atop the sky.


    ¡°Lord Mrothgir, what¡¯s the real reason?¡± Astlan asked without beating the bush.


    ¡°Haaa¡­ you see, both of us¡­ was just playing a big game.¡± Mrothgir bluntly said as he sighed.


    ¡°Ahh¡­ I see¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­Did you have fun?¡± Astlan mutters.


    ¡°Wh--?! Astlan¡­ you do realize what I said, right? Because of it, you almost lost those two kids!¡± Mrothgir exclaimed as he shouted at Astlan.


    ¡°Yes¡­ I almost lost myself back there¡­but¡­. I felt extremely relieved seeing them breathe again.¡± he said with a smile plastered all over his face.


    ¡°You¡¯re an odd one¡­¡±


    ¡°I get that a lot.¡±


    ¡°But¡­yeah¡­ I want to take responsibility for that matter. Krothgir and I planned everything millenniums ago. Eventually, it became a game to us, trying to kill each other, that is.¡± Mrothgir explained.


    ¡°That sounds really tiring¡­ why, though?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you about our lineage, right? A large scale conflict happens between my descendants and his. People who didn¡¯t reign from our bloodline become collateral and they are crushed between the two factions. It¡¯s a problem created by us, as the roots. And so, we did everything with a perfect reason that was set up to start a conflict between us, killing each other. The only way we found was to¡­ eliminate either one of us. Killing ourselves is out of the question as we both have our own path to walk so the compromise was this.¡± Mrothgir said as his face was painted with a grimace, remembering everything that happened between him and Krothgir in the past.


    ¡°But¡­ it all happened now¡­ I wonder why of all the years passed¡­ why does he have to die¡­?¡± Astlan asked with a sorrowful face. ¡°I don¡¯t like¡­death¡­of anyone¡­¡± he added.


    ¡°Krothgir¡¯s plan was really grand this time. I bet he expected that I¡¯ll gather powerful allies. He just performed a good versus evil act. It¡¯s simple as that. He never really thought anything far ahead if I was the one who died.¡±


    ¡°All for that¡­?¡±


    ¡°All of it for everyone living on this continent, Krothgir is a big patriot after all. He cares for everyone who lives in this place, as for me, I am focused on researches.¡±


    ¡°I am glad¡­ for you and your brother, Lord Mrothgir.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡°Because¡­ you and your brother have different methods¡­but I bet you both have the same goal. Lord Mrothgir, you are¡­ a really nice person.¡± Astlan said as he sprouted a smile.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Pfft! Hahahaha! Oh, my god! Hahaha!¡± Mrothgir laughs heartily from Astlan¡¯s words.


    ¡°Wh¡ªis there something funny?¡± Astlan curiously asked.


    ¡°Are you trying to hit on me? Fair enough, if I was a girl, I might really fall for you,¡± he said as he wipes some tears from his eyes because he laughed too much.


    ¡°Geez, I was being serious, though.¡± Astlan protested.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you the one who is kind? I was thankful¡­ for helping me end my conflict with Krothgir¡­no, you also ended the millennial conflict between our lineage. With that, there¡¯s one or two from my lineage to take over and set rules over. You¡¯re some like¡­sent by a goddess¡­¡± Mrothgir said as he looks at the two moons looming over them.


    ¡°Lord Mrothgir¡­ I am glad to be of help to you.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ will repay this debt of mine someday, If not to you, to your descendants. I will extend my gratitude I have to them, even if it will cost me my life.¡± Mrothgir said as he faces Astlan.


    ¡°Descendants, huh¡­ that sounds sad¡­ knowing that¡­ I will eventually die¡­¡± is what he said as he looks down.


    ¡°Then, won¡¯t you take my blood?¡± Mrothgir exclaimed.


    ¡°Blood? For what?¡±


    ¡°Drink it, together with your companions. A blood of an ancient dragon can prolong anyone¡¯s life. This much is what I can offer to you, right?¡± Mrothgir said as he took out a vial of blood from his dimensional storage.


    ¡°Really? Well¡­ I want¡­ to live with everyone¡­ I love them all after all¡­¡± Astlan said as he took the vial from Mrothgir.


    ¡°I¡¯m expecting a lot of your children from everyone in your harem. Hahaha!¡±


    ¡°No--! That¡¯s¡­ too much¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that kind of expression. They¡¯ll be head over heels for you, no, even now, they want you. Be sure to take care of everyone you love.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I will!¡± Astlan said as determination flows from his eyes.


    ¡°By the way, where are you guys headed after this? I¡¯m sure Yulan will tag along so I will give her permission in advance.¡± Mrothgir asked.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ nothing comes to mind yet.¡± Astlan shrugged as he thinks.


    ¡°Then, won¡¯t you try coming to the Rainforest of Healing, the fairy continent? After all, that¡¯s the best place to settle for a peaceful life.¡± Mrothgir suggested.


    ¡°Really? Well, we are just randomly going to places so I will tell it to everyone. Thank you for that, Lord Mrothgir! No, I¡¯ll tell it to them right now! I¡¯m off!¡± Astlan said as he runs off back to everyone, leaving Mrothgir alone at the spot under the starry sky.


    Mrothgir gazes at the moons as he smiles.


    He never thought that a human, not even a whole day pass, will tell him that he is nice even though, he was always somewhat apathetic.


    ¡°Humans¡­aren¡¯t so bad after all¡­ maybe I¡¯ll take one as an apprentice someday.¡± He mutters.

 Astlan’s Ira Chapter 4

    In the end, Astlan and co. heads to the fairy continent with Yulan in tow. She was extremely happy that Mrothgir allowed her to travel with them.


    Now she persistently asks Astlan and Camellia for a practice battle each day that even Helianthus is troubled by the young girl as she was too hyper to control. Olive and Mint naturally has another playmate and it made them happy as she was so energetic.


    Because the Dragon Continent is vast, it took them a whole year on foot to travel towards the border of the fairy continent.


    But they were able to meet so many people in such time. They grew as a person in each adventure and problems they solved together. Their bonds become unbreakable and they look at each other with utmost respect.


    They don¡¯t know it if because Astlan was the only man in the group but Yulan started showing affection towards him little by little as same as an awkward girl. Her approaches are painfully obvious but she herself isn¡¯t familiar with love and Astlan is troubled on how to reciprocate both Camellia and Yulan¡¯s feelings.


    Not only that, since turning eleven, Mint and Olive started becoming persistent in sticking with Astlan all the time. They are the happiest when the top of their heads was patted and they start getting flustered if Astlan¡¯s body touches them.


    For Helianthus, she was neutral about what¡¯s happening. She just watches everyone with gentle eyes.


    She just witnesses Astlan¡¯s growth.


    She noticed how Astlan¡¯s face becomes more handsome and how he gets even taller that she is just below Astlan¡¯s chin. She also noticed that Astlan¡¯s body is becoming firmer but muscularly lean. She also knows when Astlan will secretly get off.


    It¡¯s a miracle that he was able to hold himself back towards the group of girls he is with. It must be because he respects everyone¡¯s will.


    Consent from anyone in the group might make him a beast, though.


    But nevertheless, she never saw, even once, Astlan getting angry. He is always kind and gentle to everyone. It might be one of his weaknesses but it¡¯s overshadowed by his unending tolerance.


    When they arrived at the fairy continent, they felt like they arrived at the land of dreams and fantasy.


    The whole place is filled with various kinds of flowers and trees. There aren¡¯t any stray monsters or such, only strong monsters with high intelligence which they do not attack passerby if they do not become hostile.


    Flowers make it that the whole continent is covered with natural perfume so any bad odor doesn¡¯t exist. There aren¡¯t any paved roads or brick built houses or rather, it feels like civilization hasn¡¯t reached this place yet.


    It was really an awe-inspiring place. Even Camellia or Yulan has never been in such place. They feel like every stress and weariness in their body was steadily being washed away by the sight and ambiance alone inside the forest.


    It was the smallest continent but it has the most abundant wild animals and edible plants for people to be self-sufficient.


    The only problem is that¡­


    ¡°Hmm¡­we¡¯ve been here for almost a week but¡­there are no signs of fairies showing. Are they shy?¡± Astlan asked towards Camellia.


    ¡°That might be it. I really never saw a fairy kinbefore so I don¡¯t know. I read in some books that they are kind hearted and gentle creatures, they also specialize in healing magic. Maybe because of their attitude, disposition and usability are the reason they hide from basically from every race.¡± Camellia explained.


    ¡°By the way, My Master, do you have any plans in mind?¡± asked by Helianthus as she cuts in the conversation.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m thinking of settling here.¡± Astlan honestly answered Helianthus¡¯ query.


    ¡°Ah! Sir Astlan, we are going to live here?!¡± Yulan exclaimed.


    ¡°Master, we are not going on adventures anymore?¡± asked by Mint.


    ¡°We are going to live together with Master, cuddling every day?¡± followed by Olive.


    ¡°Ahaha¡­ I don¡¯t know what to say¡­but¡­ I want to settle here. This is a good place, as long as we get permission from anyone who is in charge but¡­ finding them¡­might be really hard¡­¡± Astlan said as he looks around.


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep looking around, then. We might find something.¡± Camellia said as she walks forward.


    Everyone agrees to it and keep walking.


    They wandered around the vast forest for another week but none of the fairies came to greet them but they were able to peacefully explore the place. They will hunt food and pick edible plants and fruits in moderation as to not actually anger anyone.


    They weren¡¯t aware that they are going deeper into the forest.


    In the middle of the forest, they saw something unbelievable.


    A large Mansion stands.


    The land around it was built with stone walls and behind it, there¡¯s a lake where you can catch an abundant of fish. The mansion was built with brick and stones but it was uncared for as plants and such started growing and crawling everywhere.


    They entered the house and it has furniture to accommodate everyone but there are no one living inside or to be more precise, no is living in there anymore.


    Dust flew over everywhere and webs covered the whole house.


    This alone ticked Helianthus.


    And so, their battle against dust and filths unfold as they take over the empty house and claims it as their own.


    Clean here, clean there!


    It took them a whole week to clean the house. They just have to burn any trash they see and Astlan was tasked to hunt for food while the girls engage in the cleaning.


    It was a god sent that the mansion has a bathroom installed and it made all of the girls happy.


    By the way, Astlan takes a bath in the river.


    And so, the mansion was cleaned and everyone cried in joy. Everyone already has a room they want in their mind so they already decorated each and every room they liked.


    And their very own first night in the mansion, they had a feast.


    It was a miracle that they found a mansion in the middle of the forest but it was just asking to be used. So Astlan and co. now inhabited the empty mansion and turns it into a habitable place where they laze around all day.


    After the feast, everyone went straight to their bed and sleep.


    Except for Astlan.


    He was staring at the starry night sky with a glimmer in his eyes.


    ¡°I never thought that¡­ I have come this far after being summoned. I was indeed happier and¡­ I am really blessed with everyone as they show how they feel for me¡­ Honestly, how can I reciprocate everyone¡¯s love¡­¡± he muttered to his self.


    But Astlan has one problem and he thinks he can properly solve that problem now¡­


    ¡°This¡­raging erection of mine¡­ Now that I have my own private room¡­I think I can properly... do it¡­¡± he said as he frantically looks left and right.


    ¡°I am really happy but¡­ with all of them touching my body with theirs, it damages my sanity little by little. I knew it¡­ I can¡¯t do it with them¡­¡± he said as he slumps his shoulders.


    Seeing that it was his opportunity, he was about to pull down his pants when...


    KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK


    ¡°Uwah!?¡± he shouted.


    ¡°My Master, I want to have an important talk with you¡­or¡­is my timing bad?¡± Helianthus voice came over behind the door and startled Astlan.


    ¡°P-please, come in. I¡¯m not really busy or anything!¡± Astlan shouted as he immediately fixes his pants


    Astlan immediately covers his swelling manhood with a pillow. But it was for naught as Helianthus enters the room.


    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Astlan murmured to his self upon seeing Helianthus.


    Wearing a purple with white lace negligee, the only thing that covered her body is a thin silk of robe. Her hair which is usually tied in ponytail hangs down up to her waist and most of all, the face that she usually wear in front of everyone isn¡¯t there, in fact, she is showing a face of a maiden.


    ¡°My Master, I want to¡­discuss something with you.¡± she said as she approaches Astlan in the bed.


    ¡°Y-yes!¡± Astlan nervously said as his blood rushes to his brain membrane below becoming more enraged.


    As Helianthus got closer to Astlan, she nonchalantly sat beside him at the edge of the bed. But she didn¡¯t speak any words after that. She just stares at her thumbs that she fiddles repeatedly.


    The room was enveloped with awkwardness. Astlan¡¯s heart is pounding like a drum and sweat started invading his face. Since he couldn¡¯t take it anymore, he tried to initiate the talk.


    ¡°Um¡­Helianthus¡­¡± Astlan timidly spoke but, he stops midway as she stares at him in the eye.


    ¡°My Master, won¡¯t you tell me what do you desire?¡± she said bluntly.


    ¡°D-desire?! What do you mean?! Ahaha¡­ i¡­ I d-d-d-don¡¯t quite get it¡­ahaha¡­.¡± Astlan nervously spoke with broken words with a flustered face.


    ¡°My Master, do you plan to marry all of them? Do you want to copulate with each and everyone?¡± she asked desperately.


    ¡°Nah--! That¡¯s¡­?!¡±


    ¡°My Master, I want to know how do you feel, towards them¡­ and¡­ to me¡­¡± she muttered as she hung her head.


    ¡°I¡­ love everyone¡­but¡­I still think that¡­we need more time¡­I don¡¯t know¡­it must have been just me¡­¡± Astlan spoke honestly towards Helianthus with a pained expression.


    ¡°Does¡­that include me¡­? She asked timidly towards Astlan¡¯s response.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Astlan asked back in confusion.


    ¡°Ah¡­ I mean¡­ my kind of body¡­is not in your preference after all. I mean¡­ you do like younger girls, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not it!¡± he exclaimed as he grabs Helianthus by the shoulder.


    ¡°My Master?!¡± Helianthus blurted in confusion.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it, Helianthus¡­¡±


    ¡°So, you are saying that¡­you¡­also, like my kind of woman? I am¡­eight years older than you¡­and¡­ I am often called hag¡­and¡­¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t say anything further than that, Helianthus!¡± Astlan shouted to cut off Helianthus from her track.


    ¡°My Master¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡­ love everyone, but¡­I think Helianthus is the one I want to embrace the most! Look! You made me like this!¡± Astlan blurted as he promptly removes the pillow that hid his bulged pants.


    ¡°Well¡­I¡¯m sorry¡­I was trying to seduce you¡­but¡­ I didn¡¯t think it was this effective¡­¡± she apologizes as she stares at the bulge with blushing face.


    Before she even realizes it, Helianthus was touching Astlan¡¯s bulge and strokes it up and down. Astlan reacted to it and tried to muffle his voice from Helianthus¡¯ actions.


    Helianthus drops the think silk that covering her body and lay bare her modest breasts and her slim but curvaceous figure. Her smell mixed with a smell of sunflower entered Astlan¡¯s nostril. Likewise, Astlan¡¯s membrane let out a smell that made Helianthus excited.


    They both stare at each other with pounding hearts and ragged breathing.


    ¡°Helianthus¡­may¡­I¡­embrace you tonight?¡± Astlan said, asking permission towards the woman in front of him.


    ¡°I permit it, My Mast--!¡± Her lips were stopped as Astlan put a finger in it making her quiet.


    ¡°Helianthus¡­I want you to call me by my name¡­ because as of this moment, you are the one I chose. Will you?¡± Astlan asked with a gentle flustered smile on his face.


    ¡°Yes¡­! Astlan¡­!¡± Helianthus said with a sweet voice as she embraces Astlan.


    And so, they engage in a romance-filled night, kissing and hugging and slamming at each other as their hearts blazes with love committed with each other. A night filled with sweet moans, fluids mixing with each other and hot and passionate gaze with each other while the moonlight shines upon the two as they have sex like beasts in heat.


    ¡°Buh¡­! I knew this would happen eventually but I¡¯m still envious! Argh! I want to copulate with Astlan too!¡± Camellia complained towards Astlan and Helianthus who seated side by side during their lunch.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°Fufufu. You said when he turned eighteen didn¡¯t you?¡± Helianthus said with a mocking laugh.


    ¡°Hmph! Astlan would literally do it with everyone here. It¡¯s just a matter of time so don¡¯t be cocky you old hag!¡± Camellia angrily shouted with frustration painted all over her face.


    ¡°Fufufu!~ Whatever you say!~¡± Helianthus brushes her comment off with a smug smile.


    ¡°Kiiiiiiii!¡± You really piss me off! Yulan, say something!¡± she asked Yulan for assistance.


    ¡°Congratulations!¡± Yulan said with a smile in her face while chewing.


    ¡°That¡¯s not--! Haa¡­forget it¡­¡± Camellia muttered in defeat. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be waiting for my turn when that day comes!¡± she strongly added emphasizing that she will also do it with Astlan at all cost.


    ¡°My Ma--! Astlan¡­ is willing to embrace everyone. There are no needs for any worries. He will surely¡­ bring happiness and warmth to all of us.¡± Helianthus said as she presses on her stomach, specifically where her womb is.


    ¡°I see¡­wait! Even my underling little sisters?!¡± she asked in haste.


    ¡°If they are willing to but, how I see it, they are quite attracted to him as well. Is there any problem with it?¡± Helianthus said as she stares at the two little girls who are quietly eating their lunch in peace.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be¡­?!¡±


    ¡°At the right age, of course, Astlan will be punished if he ever gets the idea of doing it.¡± Helianthus sternly stare as Astlan who is quietly nibbling on his bread.


    ¡°Eh¡­?! Ah..?! Of course! How could I do it with such innocent little girls?!¡± Astlan said in hurry to defend his self.


    Upon finding a place for them, they live their everyday lives in tranquility and peace. No one complained, in fact, it was what everyone wanted. Although they never stop training and performing magical experiment as such, there are abundant of resources around them.


    At some point, Helianthus and Astlan had done it a couple more times and it pisses Camellia to no end. True to his words, Astlan never made any approach towards Mint and Olive as his own guilt would kill him.


    But alas, they yearned to get out of the forest after a month and a half or specifically, go to a place where Camellia mentioned to have an abnormality, the Center Continent.


    She said that that continent has an ominous seal at the very heart of the continent. A kind of seal that is trying to ward off something and she wants to investigate it for the reason to repel whatever might come from it.


    ¡°Are you sure about this Camellia?¡± Astlan asked.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m going to be fine by myself! ¡° Camellia asserted.


    ¡°Eh? That¡¯s unfair of Camellia wanting to solo an adventure by yourself!¡± Yulan complained.


    ¡°This is not a game, Yulan. It¡¯s something me and my father was keeping an eye on. I just know it. Something about that seal is dangerous. We better make any preparations in advance just to be safe.¡± she said as she emphasizes that danger it has.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s the more reason we should all go, right, Astlan?¡± Helianthus said as she looks towards Astlan.


    ¡°Yes! And I¡¯ve been itching for some traveling!¡± he said with a smile.


    ¡°My little sister underlings?¡± Camellia looks at the two children who prepares themselves.


    ¡°Good to go!¡± exclaimed by Mint.


    ¡°Always ready!¡± followed by Olive.


    ¡°Hahaha! Then, we¡¯ll leave by sunrise!¡±


    And so, Astlan and co. made their way from the Rainforest of Healing towards the Center Continent.


    They want to help Camellia, after all, she is someone important to everyone and what she is about to do is something that greatly relates to the safety of this world.


    It didn¡¯t take them long to travel.


    They just have to buy a boat in one of the harbor city of the Dragon Continent which is located at the border.


    Yulan could just fly there but she cannot carry everyone on her back so she suited herself with a leisure travel with everyone.


    Their travel didn¡¯t take much time.


    For the duration of a month traveling by foot from the edge of the center continent and a travel by a week in the sea with a boat, they arrived at the place where Camellia marked.


    There¡¯s only one problem, though.


    When they arrived, a man in a gallant armor was there with an army of unknown numbers.


    He seems to be a human. With a black hair and brown eyes, he has really handsome features and reliable air in him.


    As the man saw them, he quickly approaches Astlan and bows.


    ¡°Eh¡­?!¡± Astlan just muttered.


    ¡°Astlan, is he someone you know?¡± Camellia asked.


    ¡°No¡­I''ve never seen him before¡­¡± he answered back.


    ¡°Ah. My apologies, I am Eliot, a summoned hero like you, Sir Astlan.¡± the man, Eliot, introduces his self.


    ¡°Eh?! Really?! A summoned hero like me?!¡¯ Astlan said as his eyes sparkle with joy.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve heard about your exploits from places to places in my journey too in my training. I never thought we¡¯d meet in such place.¡±


    ¡°Ahahaha¡­That¡¯s embarrassing¡­¡± he said as he scratches the back of his head.


    ¡°So, is these girls are your companions, Sir Astlan?¡± he asked as he peeks behind Astlan.


    ¡°Yes. We are here to investigate about the seal located here in the center continent!¡±


    ¡°Oh! What coincidence! We are also dispatched here to do the same, but¡­¡± Eliot paused.


    ¡°But¡­?¡±


    ¡°The seal has a portal in it and we cannot seem to enter. If we do, we will be sent flying. We tried casting magic or even hitting it but it didn¡¯t even show any indications of breaking.¡± Eliot explained with a pained expression.


    ¡°Sir Astlan, would you help us out?¡± he added.


    ¡°That¡¯s why we are here! Camellia, it¡¯s fine right?¡± he said as he turns to look at Camellia.


    ¡°¡­Yes¡­ there¡¯s nothing wrong with it¡­I guess¡­¡± she timidly replied.


    And so, they were brought to their encampment where more soldier and knights are gathered.


    They were left to their own devices to discuss the plan further among themselves.


    ¡°It sounds fishy! I don¡¯t like that guy one bit!¡± Yulan exclaimed.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ we really don¡¯t have a choice regarding it¡­ he is also a hero like Astlan so he might be a bit helpful too¡­¡± Camellia stated as such.


    They discuss such thing when suddenly, Helianthus threw up, for no reason.


    ¡°Helianthus!¡± Astlan shouted seeing Helianthus was in pain.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s wrong with you, old hag?!¡± Camellia said with a worried expression.


    ¡°Ah, ¡­it seems¡­that¡­¡± Helianthus spoke but paused¡­


    ¡°That?¡± Astlan urges her.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­already pregnant¡­¡± she embarrassedly said¡­


    ¡°Eh¡­?! E¡­?!¡± Astlan could only matter with widened eyes and uncontrollable grin.


    ¡°You are pregnant?!¡± Camellia could only hang her mouth.


    The children and Yulan could only just smile at the news.


    ¡°Ahaha¡­I¡¯m a¡­father¡­? Really¡­?! With Helianthus¡­?! That¡¯s¡­ a good news!¡± Astlan said as he shakily embraces Helianthus.


    ¡°Yes! It¡¯s pretty late now¡­but¡­it seems I shouldn¡¯t have come¡­¡± Helianthus said with a sad face.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ it can¡¯t be helped¡­we should have known it sooner but¡­ after this¡­Helianthus¡­ we will really settle for real¡­¡± Astlan spoke as he looks at her in the eyes.


    ¡°Hey! We better start copulating too, husband! I want to have your babies too!¡± Camellia protested.


    ¡°Ahaha¡­ you¡¯re too hasty¡­¡± he could only laugh.


    With a happy mood, Astlan meet up with Eliot to venture closer to the seal, leaving Helianthus, Olive, and Mint behind.


    ¡°Sir Astlan, this is¡­the seal¡­¡± Eliot said as they stare at a large magic circle formation with overlapping circles with an inscription on it.


    The seal gave a really ominous feeling and it¡¯s packed with so much power. Astlan could feel two powers from it. One is the resisting energy from a malicious power and one i a divine-like power that akin to a god.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try going inside.¡± muttered Astlan.


    ¡°Hey, Astlan!¡± Camellia exclaimed.


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s nothing to lose if I try right?¡± he replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°Eliot, is there anything you can say what¡¯s inside this seal?¡± he asked the man in the armor.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I don¡¯t have the slightest idea¡­¡± he apologizes.


    ¡°I see¡­then¡­I¡¯m going to try¡­¡± Astlan said as he walks towards the seal.


    As Astlan gets closer and closer, the seal itself¡­was opening letting him inside.


    ¡°Eh.?!¡± he muttered quietly under his breath as he was sucked in.


    ¡°Ah!¡± he shouted.


    Astlan, who was sucked in by the seal, blacked out.


    When he came to, he cannot believe what he saw¡­


    A huge gate sealed with so many glowing blue chains and sealed inside a barrier made of thorns but that¡¯s not all.


    Around Astlan is like nothingness but, what he saw as his eyes adjusted to the dim place, he was¡­ in outer space. Stars started illuminating the place and he can see unknown planets from afar.


    What he was standing is a large bridge from the seal behind him and the large gate.


    ¡°What is this¡­?!¡± he said as he walks towards the gate.


    After a few minutes of walk, he arrives at the front of the gate and tries to peer at the other side of the gate¡­


    ¡°UWAHH!¡± he stumbled back as he was surprised by what he saw.


    Creatures he never saw before beings that have evil as its core and appearance. It was something out of this world that shivers were sent to his spine. All of them are trying to break the gate.


    Astlan slowly walks back with fear enveloping his heart.


    ¡°If this is what the seal is for, then it¡¯s best to leave it alone¡­¡± he thought to himself as he walks back towards the seal to get out of that place.


    Before entering the seal again, he glances again at the gate and left.


    Astlan is a kind and gentle man who would never hate anyone. In fact, he will try to understand them before judging them.


    His anger is nonexistent and his tolerance is limitless. He never fails to smile even in the face of the problem.


    But that attitude, value and everything about him will instantly change right now.


    ¡°What¡­¡± he muttered under his breath¡­


    ¡°Welcome back, Sir Astlan! We are very sorry to inform you but we got too excited and started the party!¡± Eliot said with an evil grin on his face.


    ¡°H-Hey¡­ what---¡­¡± Astlan words won¡¯t come out.


    ¡°You see¡­you¡¯re girls¡­were really fun to play with!¡± Elio stated while mocking Astlan.


    What is Astlan seeing right now?


    Camellia sprawled on the ground with spears and sword piercing her lifeless body. Her clothes were torn and her horns were even cut off. Her eyes are still wide open in desperation even though she is no longer breathing. Blood and tears mixes in her face


    Yulan¡¯s body, even though lifeless, was still being violated by the soldiers that were together with Eliot. Her throat was cut and her limbs were mangled. Like Camellia, her body is bathing in her own blood.


    As for Olive and Mint¡­


    Their heads were decapitated and hung atop of a pole. Their body is being burned underneath it.


    And Helianthus¡­


    ¡°A-Astlan¡­!¡± she weakly cried towards him.


    ¡°HELIANTHUS!¡± Astlan screams as he runs towards her in desperation.


    BAM


    Eliot kicked the defenseless Astlan and sent him flying.


    Helianthus was crawling on the ground as swords and spears pierce her body.


    ¡°ARGH! E-Eliot! Why?!¡± he asked Eliot with tears running on his cheeks.


    ¡°Astlan¡­! Run¡­! Please¡­¡± Helianthus said as she extends her arms to him gesturing him to leave.


    ¡°Eliot! I can still save her!¡± Astlan shouted.


    BAM


    ¡°Are you an idiot?¡± Eliot said with a mocking tone.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you see? There¡¯s nothing you can do about it.¡± he added as he walks towards Astlan and¡­


    SHICK!


    Pierces his shoulders, deeply planted on the ground.


    ¡°ARGH!!¡± Astlan screamed.


    ¡°Astlan!¡± Helianthus called out to his name.


    Eliot just laughs at the scene. He walks towards Helianthus who was still screaming Astlan¡¯s name. As he did, he stabs another sword right into her face, completely killing her.


    ¡°Ah¡­! No¡­! No..! No¡­!!!!¡± Astlan flails his body, trying to free his self from the swords.


    ¡°NO!!! WHY??!!¡± Astlan asked Eliot.


    Astlan tears spill endlessly and his chest tightens. His mind becomes weary and his vision blurs. His memory with everyone flashes back in his mind.


    Why did such thing happen to them?


    What did he do for this to end up abruptly like this?


    ¡°Why? Sir Astlan, you are indeed famous. That godly relic of yours, that is.¡± Eliot said as he drew his face closer to Astlan.


    ¡°What¡­do you mean?!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a sword that should be mine! I do wonder how it became yours, someone incompetent and idiotic. This is actually a trap set up by the king. We actually headed to the demon continent¡­ with this million of army, that is.¡± Eliot said as he grabs Astlan by the hair.


    ¡°For that¡­ you¡­you¡­!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s was the best you know!~ Killing the daughter of the demon lord before she reigns over, killing potential enemies before they get stronger. It was really convenient, I have to thank you, Sir Astlan.¡±


    ¡°NO! NO! NO! NO! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO KILL CAMELLIA! YULAN! MINT! OLIVE! AND EVEN HELIANTHUS!? WHY?! WHY?!¡± he screams at the top of his lungs.


    ¡°Why I wonder? Because¡­to break you, I guess?¡± Eliot said as he grins widely.


    ¡°What¡­.¡±


    ¡°We want to have a sole possession of that godly artifact of yours that you hid from King Geydvor. We will use it to suppress the other races and reign supreme! We just might have to forcibly extract it from you. If we can¡¯t¡­well, we can also brainwash you.Ahahaha!¡± Eliot said with sadistic laughter.


    ¡°Just¡­for that¡­for that¡­everyone¡­ everyone¡­¡± Astlan said repeatedly.


    ¡°Oh, it seems you already broke¡­how anticlimactic.¡± He said as he drags Astlan by pulling his hair.


    ¡°Everyone¡­everyone¡­everyone¡­¡±


    He loves Mint and Olive.


    They were obedient and they also love Astlan. Their smile warms him up and he also broke into a grin whenever these two is together with him. Their cuteness that uplifts him never fails to make him feel fluffy.


    He loves Camellia.


    The demon in the guise of a little girl is haughty and impish. She can easily be embarrassed broke into tears when being teased. She always clings to Astlan saying that she wants to copulate with him. She was adorable to the point that it makes Astlan¡¯s heart skip a beat.


    He loves Yulan.


    The dragon girl who follows him as a mentor at first but quickly fell in love with him. She was an air head and a battle maniac. She loves training with Astlan and likewise, Astlan enjoyed being with her. She is overly energetic but fun to be with. Someone Astlan doesn¡¯t mind embracing.


    And lastly, He loves Helianthus.


    The woman who was with him right from the start, whether in his happy or sad moments she will always be there for him. A woman with stern and strict policies but capable of every chore and among everyone, she cared for Astlan the most. Her love blooms intensely towards Astlan but she still prioritizes her duty and gave way for Camellia and Yulan but in the end, she was the first woman Astlan embraces. She is also pregnant with Astlan¡¯s child.


    Astlan¡¯s mind tried to escape reality and daydreamed that everything was okay until¡­


    ¡°Soldiers, clean up these trashes,¡± Eliot said towards the soldiers enjoying themselves.


    Garbage¡­


    As Astlan heard those words, it echoed inside his mind.


    Something snapped inside of him.


    His humanity¡­


    ¡°Unforgivable¡­unforgivable¡­I WON¡¯T FORGIVE YOU!!!¡± Astlan shouted as a power in a form of black mist envelopes him.


    His heart lost its gentleness and kindness.


    His timid personality took a turn and he becomes enraged.


    The anger that he thought he doesn¡¯t have, erupted.


    Anger!


    Malice!


    Hatred!


    Sorrow!


    And¡­Wrath¡­


    Every emotion mix inside him and turn into a fury of power that it shook the heaven and earth. It parted the clouds and seas and covered the sky with his power as dark as his emotion.


    Astlan tears up with blood and shouted towards the sky.


    ¡°THE HELL WITH WATCHING OVER ME! THE HELL WITH GIVING ME YOUR BLESSING! FUCK YOU ALL! CURSE YOU! EVERY SINGLE GOD OUT THERE! I RESENT YOU TO THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!¡± he shouted towards the sky.


    The gods and goddesses felt his wrath and feared him as his power accumulates to a level where he can kill them. They became cautious of the unexpected existence that was brought in this world. It was that kind of power that shook them as his rage rampages the world.


    The godly artifact Excelsior parted from him as it cannot bear Astlan¡¯s power any longer.


    Instead, two swords manifested in his hand and slowly¡­the black mist shrouds Astlan¡¯s body turning into a dark armor with blood red outlines. The greaves, the gauntlets, the thigh armors and everything is greatly detailed with metallic spikes curving out and steel dyed in scarlet color the glows brightly.


    His face, however, is covered with a helm the covers everything except his mouth, which now depicts anguish.


    And lastly, what appeared behind Astlan was¡­a blood red insignia.


    Astlan lost himself in sadness and hatred.


    ¡°Helianthus¡­guh¡­Mint¡­Olive¡­Camellia¡­Yulan¡­¡± he cried over and over.


    ¡°What the hell¡­you¡­ you monster¡­!¡± Eliot shouted. ¡°All men prepare to intercept!¡± he shouted towards the soldiers.


    Not minding the soldier preparing to attack him, Astlan just walks towards the body of the lifeless girls.


    One by one, he picks them up and fixes them tattered, full of holes body and lined them up with each other. Even the decapitated little girl¡¯s bodies were fixed.


    But, they no longer have life in them.


    Astlan turns around towards the army.


    And begin his genocide.


    Overnight, the Geydvor City was burned down to nothingness. Not only that, city and towns nearby it were also destroyed


    Even the normal citizen like men, women, elderly or children was mercilessly killed.


    The king was nowhere to be found.


    Astlan granted the king an undying death as he covered him with flames that will endlessly melt him but will also endlessly heal his body and threw him out of the sea.


    The king¡¯s daughter was tortured by Astlan.


    Pulling out her tongue and putting it back.


    It was the same as her innards. Whenever she loses consciousness, Astlan will bring it back with his power and torture her again. He will repeat the process of cutting her limbs and fix it again. Astlan will gouge her eyes out and put it back.


    He will place it inside her mouth and make her chew it and restore it again.


    He pulled all of her teeth and nails and restores it.


    The torture lasted for a month until Astlan threw her out of the sea like what he did to her father.


    The reason?


    She was the one manipulating Eliot. She discovered that Astlan was leading a happy life with so many girls from the reports, she got furious and jealous.


    So naturally, she got the longest torture time, longer than Eliot.


    What happened to Eliot¡¯s army?


    Sea of human carcasses scattered at the center continent and left to rot.


    But to Astlan, unknowingly, his rampage caused a crack in the seal.


    And then, Astlan painfully buried everyone in a part of Fairy continent.


    Five people who he loves dearly¡­dead¡­


    Even with all what he have done, his wrath didn¡¯t settle one bit.


    His heart just becomes colder and colder as he weeps in front of their graves. He weeps tears and eventually, it becomes blood.


    He just sat there, weeping and regretting that he should have done something better. He weeps at his own stupidity of not knowing when to be angry like what Helianthus would always lecture him.


    He refreshes in his mind of how Camellia, Yulan, Olive, and Mint would cling to him.


    But it didn¡¯t bring any relief. Je just brought pain to himself.


    He weeps unendingly for god who knows how many years. Maybe ten¡­or even hundred¡­ he continuously weeps himself, wishing to die but he became so strong that he didn¡¯t even age and he didn¡¯t even notice the passing of time.


    And that¡¯s how Astlan¡¯s Ira rampages the world and dyed it in black and red.


    A carriage travels down the road and burly men guard it.


    The content of the carriage with bars are slaves.


    Among the slaves, there¡¯s a one little girl holding her knees as she sits.


    She was an elf.


    One of the older women talks to her.


    ¡°Hey, what happened to you?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I was¡­captured¡­¡± the little elf girl answered back.


    ¡°Duh¡­that¡¯s obvious¡­we are going to be slaves, you know?¡± the older girl said.


    ¡°Fueh?!¡± exclaimed by the little girl.


    ¡°Haaa¡­well for someone young like you, I bet you¡¯ll live in a better place as you¡¯ll get higher bids.¡±


    ¡°Eh¡­?!¡±


    ¡°Well, nice meeting you¡­even for a short time. What¡¯s your name, little girl?¡± the older woman asked.


    ¡°Um¡­Hinoki¡­Hinoki Prasiolite.¡± The girl said.

 Astlan’s Ira Chapter 5

    The little elf girl, Hinoki Prasiolite, hug her knees as the slavers caravan traverse another rocky path. The whole cage that she as in together with other captured slaves is covered with a large dirty white sheet. No sight of the outside and it constantly blocks the sunlight.


    She tries hard not to think of her dreadful fate at the hands of the slavers. One of the older women told her that she will catch an attention of a rich nobleman and might turn out to be a good thing for her, less the early experience of being a sex toy.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any choice. I don¡¯t have anywhere to go back to and being a sex toy for someone else for a good life doesn¡¯t sound bad.¡± She thought to herself to lessen the anxiety she is experiencing right now.


    Her ashen white hair and gleaming emerald eyes look ragged but with a little grooming, she can make any men turn their heads towards her. At such young age, she can make anyone ogles her with such charm and beauty so attracting a hefty rich noble is a piece of cake.


    ¡°I¡¯ve lost the desire to do anything. Going for an easy life of a slave would make me it better for me to do something¡­¡± she said inwardly. But her ears are visibly drooping down, indicating that she is down and sad that contradicts her own thoughts.


    ¡°Who are you bastard?!¡± One of the burly men outside shouted.


    ¡°You¡¯re picking the wrong guys! We are A-rank adventurers!¡± One of them shouted again as he boasted.


    ¡°If you come closer, I¡¯ll order everyone here to kill you. I am showing mercy so get out of my sight!¡± the clear and haughty voice of the slaver resounded.


    ¡°Oh!? You¡¯re asking for it! Come and--! Guah!!¡± the voice of one of the man trailed off with a devastating sound of groan. Afterward, more of those wails come one after another as if they are dying.


    After a few more seconds, the slaver¡¯s last cry was heard as he also followed the same fate as the hired adventurers.


    ¡°W-What¡¯s going on outside?¡± one of the slaves cried out.


    ¡°Are we getting snatched away now by a group of bandits?¡± one more followed.


    So on and so forth.


    Everyone inside the cage started a clamor. Even Hinoki who was silently hugging her knees felt the unrest and become scared for her life. She reluctantly accepted her fate as a slave and the fact that she might become a sex toy for a rich man but she didn¡¯t know how to react when she heard the word bandits.


    And then, upon the curtain trails, a hand appear from the opening and removed the sheet covering the cage.


    Bright light of the sun comes down blinding their eyes at they haven¡¯t witnessed it for a long time. Everyone felt the warmth spreading across their bodies as the heat penetrates their skin. It took everyone a few seconds to adjust o the brightness brought upon the sunshine.


    When everyone¡¯s eyes adjusted, what beholds them is a lone man with bloodied fists stands there.


    A man with hair as black as the night sky complimented with eyes as hollow as the pits of hell. An eye that made everyone trembled as they saw how it was visibly filled with unimaginable hatred and sorrow. The man is leanly built with prominent muscle lines and stands above average of a normal man in this world. He wears a normal shirt accompanied by a tunic and. He wears a black linen pants with black leather shoes.


    In instant, he placed his hand on the right side of the cage and ripped the segments of the bars. The bars made of steel didn¡¯t even offer a resistance against his immeasurable strength.


    Hinoki thought ¡°Scary¡­but¡­his eyes tell something deeper.¡±


    After ripping the steel bars, the man left wordlessly as he walks away. Everyone inside the cage is in awe and fear because of the man. The only one who managed to move is Hinoki as she followed the man.


    But as soon as she steps down from the cage, a sight of carnage met her eyes.


    Headless bodies with ripped guts spilled in the whole place. Skinned skulls with litters of brains are everywhere and some limbs that visibly forcibly ripped from their torsos are everywhere. The stench of death wafts in the air that made Hinoki¡¯s head filled with disgust.


    Even so, Hinoki held up her puke and frantically turn her head from left to right until she saw the man earlier walking away. Even if she is drastically horrified, she managed to step on the blood and guts that spilled all over the place to follow the man.


    ¡°Um¡­! Hey¡­Mister! Please wait!¡± she called out to the man. Because the man showed no indication of turning around to face her as she sent a pleading voice, Hinoki continued to run after him.


    ¡°I said wait! Are you listening?!¡± Hinoki blurted as she catches up to the man and grabbed his right arm.


    The man finally stops from ignoring Hinoki and slowly turns his head towards her. His hollowed dark eyes directly stare at her eyes that it sent shivers down to her spine.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± His cold and chilly voice entered Hinoki¡¯s ear and it immediately gave her goosebumps all over her body.


    Instead of backing down, Hinoki steeled herself and asks ¡°Why did you do that? Why did you help everyone back there? Also, do really have to resort to such brutish killing?!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s for self-satisfaction¡­¡± He answered bluntly and shakes off Hinoki. Without expecting anymore answer, Hinoki obediently had her body removed and left speechless.


    The man is dangerous and anyone will notice that even at first glance. But for Hinoki, there is something peculiar about him and had her thinking if she wants to go with this man since she doesn''t have anywhere to return to.


    ¡°Hey! Wait a minute!¡± she called out again as she runs after him.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡± the man wordlessly stared at her as he stopped from his track.


    ¡°Hey, since I don¡¯t have anywhere to return to and I probably can¡¯t survive all on my own, can I come with you?¡± she pleaded at the man.


    ¡°Do what you want.¡± He plainly answered as he continued walking.


    ¡°I¡¯m Hinoki, Hinoki Prasiolite, an elf and I am thirteen years old! What about you? What¡¯s your name? Should I call you master from now on?¡± Hinoki persistently asked.


    ¡°Astlan, that¡¯s my name¡­as for what you want to call me, suit yourself.¡± The man, Astlan, plainly answered without looking at her.


    ¡°Okay! Master it is!¡± Hinoki cheerfully replied.


    With that, Astlan found an unwanted companion for his thoughtless adventure and Hinoki, by chance or dictated by fate, found Astlan whom she found peculiar.


    Hinoki keeps following Astlan through the forest.


    A whole day passed since she started walking behind him and there was no sign of Astlan getting tired, sweating or even needing to eat or drink. As for Hinoki, since she was a slave not long ago, her only clothes is a ragged and dirty one piece. Her feet are full of blisters as she traversed bare footed.


    The night is upon them and there is no sign of Astlan stopping for a moment of rest. He only walks towards places he felt like going to. Any monsters on the way didn¡¯t show up or even has their hostility directed at him as his presence alone ward them away.


    Astlan notices that the girl, Hinoki, even after a whole day of walking, didn¡¯t complain, didn¡¯t asked for a break or even asked for food. She tripped and fell several times and got her body dirtier and her wounds increased.


    Stopping at his track, Astlan sat down at a base of a tree and with a flick of his finger, the twigs and pile of woods from nearby gathered at one place. After it gathered, with another flick, a fire came bursting.


    ¡°Master, did something happen?¡± Hinoki asked as she stands at front of Astlan with a sweaty and fatigued face. Her legs are trembling and she has several cuts at her thighs and shoulders.


    ¡°[Ira ¨C Perfect Heal]¡±


    At Astlan¡¯s words, Hinoki tilted her head in confusion until black flames started covering her from beneath. Oddly enough, she was taken aback but not scared as the black flames didn¡¯t hurt or cause pain to her.


    Astlan thought to himself as he watches the little girl in front of him ¡°So, her mind works faster than her emotion and body does¡­¡±


    Before Hinoki realizes it, the black flame vanished and it left her body unscathed. Moreover, the body that she remembered having covered with wounds and cuts are now completely treated and it left no scar. The dirty, sticky and sweaty body that she was enduring becomes squeaky smooth and clean leaving no traces of dirt.


    Hinoki becomes speechless at the kindness Astlan showed.


    Astlan, not caring if Hinoki utter anything or not, summoned his dimensional storage and dipped his hand inside it and took out something. He threw that thing to Hinoki and the little girl frantically caught it in her hands.


    The thing she caught is bread.


    Once again, Hinoki was flabbergasted at such kindness. She looks alternately between Astlan and the bread. Her stomach started to rumble at the sight of the tasty bread but she was hesitating to eat it.


    ¡°Eat it¡­I don¡¯t need any food consumption.¡± Astlan plainly said as he closes his eyes as he leans on the tree.


    ¡°T-Thank you¡­¡± is what Hinoki could awkwardly say as she started nibbling at the bread with cute small and slow bites. She sat close to the fire to warm herself up as she still nibbled at the bread.


    ¡°Is he a master of magic? What kind of a person is he? He didn¡¯t seem to be tired at all and monsters never approached us because of him. Did he deliberately stop specifically right now for me?¡± Hinoki brooded over the things that happened today. She questions herself of Astlan¡¯s motives and identity but found no answer.


    ¡°Why did I follow him in the first place? Love? No¡­it was not that. There¡¯s something about him that I wanted to find out¡­I hope I can find that thing that I want to see in my time with him.¡± She asserted with uncertainty as her motive is not even clear for herself.


    After brooding over things countless times, Hinoki fell asleep near the lit fire in which she just curls up in the cold hard ground.


    Astlan noticing this, he stand up and approach the sleeping little girl whose breathing is faintly heard, he brought out a clean sheet of a blanket and a portable bed and properly lay Hinoki down in it with the said blanket covering her.


    ¡°Hundreds of years pass¡­I am still escaping from reality¡­such long time that I even ended up learning and making my own magics¡­¡± Astlan softly spoke as he sat down beside the sleeping Hinoki.


    ¡°After all those years, I never thought that I would acquire an unwanted companion¡­¡± he raises his head towards the starry night sky as the past once again haunts him.


    ¡°I extracted revenge but I just felt much emptier than before. I could only direct my vengeance and hatred to the gods and goddesses that let such thing happen¡­¡± he mutters as his face distorted in silent rage.


    ¡°Helianthus, Camellia, Olive, Mint, and Yulan¡­what must I do?¡± he cried the names of the girls he couldn¡¯t protect from the vile hands of the very same humans that summoned him in this world.


    Morning came and Astlan and Hinoki continued their aimless walk.


    The walk through the dense forest continued again with Hinoki stopping by some trees and herbs to pick up berries and fruits for her to eat. Whenever this happens, Astlan willingly stops and waits for her.


    Hinoki never cried a word of complaining or favor from Astlan, she just diligently does things at her own pace. Waiting for her to finish the task is the only breather Astlan could give her.


    As the noon approaches, Astlan¡¯s routine changed as he got a new company who is a little girl with a limited stamina. Even though she does not openly state it, her sweat overflows together with ragged breathing that she constantly tried to hold back.


    Hinoki does not want Astlan to notice her own unbecoming. She immediately realized that she became Astlan¡¯s baggage and Astlan himself has taken the initiative to care for that baggage. Hinoki become also conscious of such notion upon finding herself covered in a warm sheet of a blanket and slept in comfortable bedding.


    Astlan sat under a tree¡¯s shade and Hinoki sat opposite from him in a distance. Both of them are well aware of the distance they need to put. Astlan appreciate that sentiment from Hinoki and likewise, Hinoki is much comfortable for the reason Astlan, although he is the master, does not force himself or rather, there is no desire or interest to Hinoki.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    From the perspective of others, this may seem and look awkward but for the two of them, it was comfortable enough that it doesn¡¯t weigh any pressure on each other. It doesn¡¯t obstruct their privacy but has the privilege to observe each other.


    This atmosphere started to bloom even though they have just met yesterday. Astlan¡¯s actions are honest and Hinoki¡¯s words are the same. They have a contradicting view of each other but it greatly compliments the chemistry of each other¡¯s action.


    At dusk, the same scenario will play out as Astlan will lit a bonfire and feed Hinoki with a bread as he uses the same skill that cleans and clear Hinoki of her accumulated cuts and wounds that she carelessly incurred to herself.


    Such quiet time continued for ten days of walking aimlessly until they stumbled upon a city.


    Astlan didn¡¯t hesitate to enter the said city and Hinoki had not expressed any opposing idea to it. She does not show any indication of excitement in seeing a city or rather, it seems it was something she is tired of seeing.


    Astlan enters the gate together with the little elven girl.


    After noticing the elven girl with gradient white hair, the guard called out to Astlan.


    ¡°Excuse me, sir, this is your slave, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    ¡°You do know that a collar is mandatory for slaves. We humans do not want to be associated with this inferior race. If refuse to leash her, we can tow her away, just saying.¡±


    Astlan exactly knew what the guard was trying to subtly tell. He looks at the confused and worried little elven girl, Hinoki with a lustful glance.


    In this world, a race such as elves and beast kin are treated by the human as inferior and they are mostly marketed as slaves. Most of them are used for manual labors and for those high-quality slave, they are used as sex toys.


    Astlan didn¡¯t answer the guard and continued walking away in which Hinoki followed suit. The guard had a grin plastered across his countenance as he gives a fleeting look at Hinoki.


    Hinoki walks ever closer to Astlan as stare from people started to focus towards them. Hinoki never did such thing for the past days and this is the first time she wanted to be so close to Astlan. The sense of needed to be protected has taken over her mind unknowingly.


    Astlan didn¡¯t mind. He keeps walking at the center of the city until he found a particular shop.


    As Astlan stops at its front, Hinoki becomes confused again and tried to look at the sign. It was an expensive dress shop marketed towards rich people.


    They both entered the said shop. Astlan started analyzing the dresses that were hung inside the shop and started picking them up and throwing it to Hinoki. Hinoki faithfully caught the dresses even though the shopkeeper is looking at her with a disgusted face.


    The shopkeeper gives Astlan a smile as he was about to pay. The price of all the dress that Astlan got far exceeded of what a normal person could spend for his whole year but, Astlan paid it like nothing. Hinoki then realized that Astlan is an extremely wealthy man with high caliber skills.


    Astlan forcibly made Hinoki wears a fashionable dress. Reluctantly, Hinoki wears the white one piece decorated with flowers and silk ribbons fluttering in each side. The hem of the dress is frilled and has also flower as its motifs. The one piece dress is also complimented with a sleeved open shirt which is green in color that it resonates with her emerald eyes. She also wears a high tight boot that extends up to under her knees. She was also given a new pair of panties and underclothes for her budding chest.


    Feeling a little satisfied, Astlan nods a little and stored all the clothes he bought into his dimensional storage. With the newly clothed Hinoki on tow, they left the shop and head to a restaurant.


    On the way, the stare that they received increases greatly. Specifically, the stare is directed at Hinoki whose dress flutters with the wind together with her silky and fragrant white hair. Her young and cold visage set ablaze the hearts of the men that behold her sight.


    Just a moment ago, Hinoki was just wearing ragged dirty clothes and people stare at her with disdain for being an elf and an unkempt slave. Now, they stare at her like a mad dog with lust plastered in their countenance with her current appearance.


    Despite their growing libido, none dared to approach as the elven girl walks really close to Astlan which in nature by default exudes a heavy atmosphere that one would immediately realize that he isn¡¯t to be dealt with.


    Hinoki¡¯s unrest ended when they arrived at a restaurant that Astlan randomly picked. It¡¯s a big and extravagant restaurant which target customers are nobles and rich merchants. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with elegant furniture and golden statues.


    Astlan didn¡¯t mind the stares of other customers and nonchalantly walks to an empty table. Hinoki followed with great hesitation. The customers are high ranking nobles and rich merchants after all and their gazes followed her. It was the same as the men outside, it has interests from lust to admiration.


    ¡°Eww¡­there are old, fat and ugly people here¡­¡± Hinoki honestly said inwardly as she caught a glimpse of those who stare at her lecherously.


    ¡°Master¡­are you sure¡­?¡± she asked Astlan as she timidly sits at a chair opposite to him. He didn¡¯t respond and instead wave his finger to call a waitress.


    ¡°Good day sir, before I take your order, I want to tell you that we only cater to humans. This¡­elf¡­.here¡­he needs to be gone¡­or she can eat on the floor.¡± She asked as she took a glance at Hinoki.


    ¡°Well, well, don¡¯t mind them for now! Let them do as they please! They don¡¯t seem to be ordering here as they don¡¯t look wealthy.¡± One of the old, fat and ugly nobles approached Hinoki from behind as he spews subtle insults.


    The waitress smiles at the noble and after she bowed, she left.


    ¡°Umm...you there, the lad with black hair, you seem lost. Waltzing here with this slave in tow, you must have some guts. To tell you the truth, we only accept people here with the same status in life and you look nothing sort of. Do you even have money to buy a single desert here? Hahaha!!¡± the noble blabbered things as he places his hands on Hinoki¡¯s shoulders. The other noblemen around also laughed at his remarks. Astlan didn¡¯t respond and just calmly look at the nobleman.


    ¡°All of us here have high authority and lots of connection and we are also related to the royal family. We hold power over all of the knights and soldiers in this dukedom. Maybe, just maybe, you are interested in a little trade. I am not that rotten to not give you any options.¡± He smirks with evil intentions overflowing from his face.


    ¡°You see, this little elf here¡­caught my attention and I would like to make¡­a little deal. Several gold coins together with a full course meal here, what do you say? Pretty hefty, right?¡± the noblemen bargained as his hands slowly crept to the trembling Hinoki¡¯s thighs. His face says that he already owns her.


    Hinoki was stupefied at what¡¯s happening to her. Astlan is not making any attempt to stop him and just put a cool and calm face as the nobleman touches her.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Astlan briefly calls.


    ¡°What is it?¡± the nobleman answered gleefully.


    ¡°The destruction of this town will weigh upon you. Is that fine with you?¡± This time, Astlan asked with a bone chilling voice.


    ¡°W-What are you..?!¡±


    ¡°[Ira ¨C Apocalypse.]¡±


    With simple words, a spell made for disaster occurs.


    In a flash, everything changed from the luxurious atmosphere of the restaurant to a field of chaos as black flames and rubble of houses scatter. Corpses of human lay bare upon the barren land of demolished structures and the sky is dyed with darkness as the cloud blackens. The stench of burnt body wafts in the air that made Hinoki nauseous.


    The only thing left intact is Astlan, Hinoki, and the table and chairs that they are using. The nobleman behind Hinoki didn¡¯t survive was burning to crisps as he stands.


    ¡°Master¡­¡± with an unbelievable look, Hinoki uttered fleeting words as she surveys the surrounding. What she saw was destruction as far as the eye can see.


    She witnesses the chaos brought upon Astlan¡¯s power. Men, women, child, elderly¡­all of them left the realm of the living and left for the next life with their bodies utterly burnt. No one was spared with the exception of her.


    She can¡¯t believe with such a single spell that her master cast, it left devastation that erased a whole city. It clearly didn¡¯t choose its victims. It was plain and simple genocide.


    ¡°You, you must understand this. I hate humans even though I am one myself. I have my loath directed at them and towards the gods. I am a mass murderer that won¡¯t choose my victims, I just destroy.¡± Astlan explained as he calmly sits at the chair while leaning his back with his arms crossed.


    ¡°Is there¡­any reason you particularly did it right now, Master?¡± Hinoki plainly asked with pure curiosity pushing her.


    ¡°Sorry, none at all. I was just satisfying myself by pretending that I am protecting you,¡± he said as he closed his eyes.


    ¡°Master¡­¡± Hinoki could only mutter again weakly. She herself is relief that her master, even for self-satisfaction, took an action for her. What has her thinking is that the destruction occurred necessary?


    ¡°I won¡¯t criticize or judge you, master. It was an action that you likely felt doing but, is this really necessary? This destruction and killing of innocent and bystander¡­¡± Hinoki again asked as she engages in a casual atmosphere as she chats with Astlan even amidst the surrounding.


    ¡°I feel no resentment or guilt in doing it. I feel like destroying what the gods created. If this made you uneasy, I have no choice but to have you leave.¡± He answered with the same casualty as Hinoki.


    ¡°I share the same sentiment as you master. I don¡¯t particularly loathe humans but I don¡¯t really want to associate with them. After all, humans killed my parents and destroyed my home. It was their so-called expanding their territories.¡± Hinoki nonchalantly mentioned about her past.


    ¡°After that, I became a slave because I was caught. Revenge never hit me because I have my hands full of surviving and living for myself. Then I met you, master. To tell you the truth, I think you are convenient to be with and I appreciate that. I never understood wordy people so your silence for the whole time has me comfortable.¡± She added.


    ¡°You¡¯re being wordy yourself. I don¡¯t give a care for your past at this point. I¡¯ll just ask you this, Hinoki, do you wish to continue to travel beside a monster like me?¡± Astlan asking as he stared straight into Hinoki¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I just have one favor and that¡¯s before you do the same thing in the future, at least spare the books. I want to cultivate knowledge.¡± Hinoki replied to Astlan¡¯s query. She felt horrible and bad for the people that just died in that place. She felt that she is indirectly involved in their deaths but she never truly sympathized with any of them. She just thought that the books filled with knowledge that was caught in the destruction are more wasteful.


    Hinoki¡¯s answer has Astlan eyes widened for a brief duration. The little elven girl in front of him pursues knowledge and survival over emotional sentiments and compassion. For the first time they met, Astlan had a peek of Hinoki¡¯s true nature and it has him piqued.


    ¡°You are a ruthless brat. Very well, I shall remember that favor. Let¡¯s go.¡± Astlan plainly said as he stands up from the chair and briefly left.


    Hinoki followed after him as they exit through the entrance of the restaurant as if it is still intact.


    The two continued their journey aimlessly.


    Hinoki stick to Astlan like glue and Astlan neither showed joy nor disappointment in his time with the elven girl. Occasionally, Astlan would do the same incident but it has never been a good sight for Hinoki. She felt that it was normal for Astlan since the human settlement is everywhere but she never felt right in indiscriminate killing as she witnessed it two or three more times.


    Occasionally, whenever the stumble upon a slaver¡¯s caravan or even post, they would immediately destroy it and kill all the people involved in such business.


    In the end, Hinoki¡¯s pursuit for knowledge prospers and upon acquiring sufficient and matured thoughts, she regretted not stopping Astlan from his sinful actions.


    It was too late for her when she realized that rather than putting a stop on Astlan¡¯s actions, one way or another, she sympathized with him.


    It was too late for Hinoki to correct those actions. She just keeps accumulating knowledge and started learning magic from Astlan himself.


    It was years and years past that when she recalled what she felt the first time they met. Because she became smarter, because she became more aware of everything, because she became conscious of the importance of life, she realized what was peculiar with Astlan.


    Astlan was devoid of life or the will to live. His heart is frozen and Hinoki wasn¡¯t able to thaw it.


    She wasn¡¯t scared of him, rather, Hinoki can¡¯t help but fall in love with him while she keeps the feeling of guilt for their ruthless actions. Her love and anxiety created an abnormal chemistry that she rendered herself unable to hate Astlan.


    She immediately knew that her significance to Astlan is that of a companion only. Even as Hinoki became a full pledge woman who has grown into an angelic beauty with overzealous breasts and hourglass figure, Astlan never showed any indication of looking at her.


    Her longing bear no fruit and she exhausts herself from worrying about Astlan¡¯s mentality and actions. Before she knew, a hundred year has already past¡­


    An elf lifespan is ten times longer than humans but, Hinoki couldn¡¯t see Astlan aging one bit. He was the same man the first time she laid her eyes upon him. He rarely sleeps, he rarely eats and he never gets sick while Hinoki will catch cold or fever once or twice a year.


    Hinoki feared that Astlan, a killing machine, would continue his routine endlessly. That one day, he will wipe out humanity using the reason of protecting her like what he said the first time he did genocide in front of her.


    Her endurance reached its limit and decided to talk to Astlan to subtly stop him one night while they are camping.


    ¡°Master¡­we have been journeying for so long¡­¡± She started the conversation as she sat with poise on a tree stump.


    ¡°Hinoki¡­yeah¡­I¡¯ve seen you grow¡­¡± He plainly replied as he locked his eyes to the bonfire.


    ¡°Master¡­I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± she weakly said as her shoulder grows colder from being tense.


    ¡°I¡¯ve known you for so long, what¡¯s on your mind?¡± Astlan urged her to speak.


    ¡°I want to¡­settle in. I want to stop¡­¡± Hinoki uttered as she timidly looks at Astlan¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Settle in? Hinoki¡­¡± he only expresses a poker face.


    ¡°I will tell it upfront. Master, please, live with me in peace. Let¡¯s stop, okay?¡± Hinoki pleaded as she stood up.


    Hinoki walked over to Astlan and kneels in front of him with passionate eyes. She takes his hand and hovers it to her breast.


    ¡°Master, I love you. Please hear another selfish request of mine. I was hesitating earlier but now that I manage to confess, I want to completely stop you from your killing spree.¡± Hinoki bravely said as she clasps Astlan¡¯s hand tightly in her breast.


    ¡°I am already aware that you know how I feel, right? For so long, I long for you, I always try to satisfy my lust for you behind your back but right now, please Master, I want you to embrace me,¡± she added.


    ¡°Hinoki¡­¡± Astlan uttered as he averts his sight from Hinoki¡¯s passionate gaze. ¡°I can¡¯t reciprocate your feelings. I can embrace you like a lover but I won¡¯t love you back. You¡¯ve certainly grown but, it is not about how you look. Rather¡­you are just a reminder of my past¡­my kindness and will to protect you are just a projection of what I wish I could have done in the past.¡± Astlan added as he moved his arms and wraps it around Hinoki¡¯s trembling body.


    ¡°Still, do you want someone like me to do it with you?¡± he quickly followed a question.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care¡­please¡­do it, Master¡­¡± Hinoki simply answered.


    Without further hesitation, Astlan caresses Hinoki all over while interjecting short but hot kisses. He began touching Hinoki¡¯s crotch and found out that she is already drenched with her love juices. He pulled out his membrane and look at Hinoki¡¯s eyes for confirmation.


    Hinoki nodded in assertion as she tightly clings to Astlan. As Astlan¡¯s membrane penetrated Hinoki¡¯s crotch, Hinoki¡¯s body spasm and she came a little. The thrill of doing it in the middle of the forest and leaving the clothes on turns her on so Astlan¡¯s membrane easily slid in inside her.


    Astlan started to move slowly to let Hinoki get accustomed to the wave of pleasure. Steadily, as Hinoki was able to adjust, Astlan¡¯s pace gets faster and faster. Because of Astlan¡¯s pounding, Hinoki wrapped her legs around Astlan¡¯s torso as he hung her up.


    Her moans and labored breathing resounded inside the forest and Astlan¡¯s pacing became more violent. After ten minutes of continues pounding, Astlan and Hinoki looks each other and kisses passionately again which was the longest as their body dictates that they are about to climax.


    As Astlan¡¯s last pound came, his membrane fully slams to Hinoki¡¯s womb that made her climax together with Astlan. The wave of pleasure was so intense that Hinoki¡¯s back arches.


    After jerking several times more, Hinoki loses her energy and let her weight leans to Astlan¡¯s body. She places her head on Astlan¡¯s shoulder as she breathes heavily. Astlan in return, tightly hold Hinoki¡¯s back and her head as his breathing became a little labored too.


    Hinoki felt a sense of joy as Astlan accepted her but instantly fell to sadness after hearing Astlan¡¯s words as if he lost his mind and recalled a certain day of his life.


    ¡°Haa¡­haa¡­Helianthus¡­¡±


    It was not her name¡­ It was someone else¡¯s


    It brought back the reality that she is just a replacement for that exact moment. She could not protest and she can¡¯t even show her dismay as she selfishly requested such favor.


    ¡°Master¡­I love you¡­even if you don¡¯t look at me¡­¡± she inwardly said as she accepted that she can never ever be Astlan¡¯s true love. She cannot return to the days where she can still melt Astlan¡¯s heart and take another route.


    The only thing she can do is accept the fact that she is just a replacement and an object of Astlan¡¯s past wish to protect people he couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°Are you crying?¡± Astlan¡¯s query entered her ears.


    ¡°I already know it¡­but I can¡¯t help but feel the pain¡­¡± Hinoki replied. ¡°But, I am going to be okay. As long as you don¡¯t cast me away, Master¡­¡± she followed.


    ¡°I can¡¯t promise you that I won¡¯t kill anymore but, I can at least try to settle down in one place. This might bring more pain to you but, the only place I can return is the place¡­where I lived with my previous companions and lovers¡­¡± Astlan said. He didn¡¯t try to apologize. He is also aware that Hinoki knows her place and she accepted such heartache.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care¡­I love you master¡­that¡¯s all that matters to me¡­¡± she bitterly replied to mask her emotion.


    After a few days, Astlan and Hinoki head to The Rainforest of Healing, the Fairy Continent, to return to the place where Astlan made a vow with his previous lover.


    To the most painful place, both of them could go.

 Astlan’s Ira Chapter 6

    A mansion in the middle of the Fairy Forest booms with life as countless of girls ranging from human, to beast kin, to elves, to dwarves, to demon and finally, to dragon kin are roaming around the place and being a busy body.


    The age spans from a minimum an infant to a woman in their early adulthood. Bustling from every race and age, none showed any hostility and criticism of each. They stand side by side and will hold hand and help each other.


    The mansion and its vicinity are a self-sustaining territory where one could gather firewood and edible plants, the river that calmly flows behind the mansion are being cultivated and fishery and breeding of the fishes were implemented a long time ago.


    The mansion also provides livestock as their source of food as they keep fowls and cows in which they procure meat, egg and even milk. Other animals that could give necessities such as wool leather are also being raised and materials such as those are used to weave clothes and other materials.


    A few distances away from the said mansion is a field where girls from the same group train with weaponry and sorcery. Eagerly swinging or concentrating their chants, the girls move their body accordingly to what they are specialized of. They are provided with lunch and snack by the girls back from the mansion and give their cheers. Such mutual conversations are a common sight.


    Inside the mansion provides study halls and a grand library where those who seeks knowledge runs to. Even in such serene and soundless place, there are girls here and there. It also has an underground facility which provides alchemic studies and more for those who pursue such passion. All experiments are done in moderation and all readings are done intensely.


    There is also a place where one can pursue that art of forging and crafting. Materials are provided by a nearby cavern where the girls themselves dig for their desired material. Fine cuisine and cooking are also put in practice for those who desire to walk the path of gourmet.


    In short, everything one could possible hope for an ideal place to live is crammed in one single mansion that was modified several times to accommodate the population of the girls that lives here. Hundreds of rooms, huge facilities for anyone¡¯s passion and pursue their dreams and more unsaid.


    A place, a single mansion where peace is implemented and free of degradation and discrimination is provided for all of them. Of course, because there is a lack of male residence, homosexual love between girls are also allowed.


    Once they became an expert on their passion, they took on the world with professional advocacy, some leaves that place as a scholar of education or magic, go on an adventure as a strong and honed swordsman or sorcerer but despite following those, they never fail to return in that place


    Also, it is a place with advanced sorcery where they provide a fixed teleportation to towns and cities throughout the world and they utilize such things for a wide variety of trading and businesses, whilst, the original purpose was far darker.


    It is a place where one should work to be fed. Slacking and laziness can be tolerated to an extent but one way or another, those who slacks will be compelled to do something. They do not shoot each other down, they pull the hands of those below because it was something taught to them, the sole woman who is responsible for their upbringing, their vast stock of knowledge, and for their values that was once corrupted or deranged.


    All of the girls that live bright and lively here are all once a slave¡­


    Victims of scams, who¡¯s homeland are razed and destroyed by greed, who¡¯s once was took everything and stripped of what little of what they have, those who fell in deep debt, and even those who were violated that their morals and dignity was thoroughly broken, all of them are sheltered in this place.


    ¡°Lady Hinoki, this is the report for this month¡¯s budget for our division!¡± a girl donning a hat of a chef lay down a paper on a table top in front of Hinoki.


    ¡°Good work! How is your division doing?¡± she asked.


    ¡°We are doing fine! Our food was well praised by the townsfolk in all of the human settlement! It won¡¯t be long until we opened our own business and repay your kindness!¡± the girl brightly smiled at Hinoki¡¯s query.


    ¡°Also, Lady Hinoki is the one who works the hardest. You are everyone¡¯s big sister and the only one we can rely on and cry on. You even do the budgeting and such economical tasks that we are not even familiar with.¡± She added shyly.


    ¡°Well, the budget will freeze if we can¡¯t keep the flow of trade going!~ I¡¯m not going to deny it. My work is hard but, I get to learn more every day. It was fun watching girls who I once took care of grows.¡± Hinoki said with gentle eyes as she calmly spoke.


    ¡°Thank you for everything! Anyone, every girl in this place thinks highly of you, Miss Hinoki. We are really thankful that you helped us stand up again¡­¡± the girl spoke with dreamy eyes. ¡°I may be disturbing you Miss Hinoki so I think I¡¯ll leave now! Bye!~¡± she added as she ran off.


    Hinoki just sprouted as a smile as the young girl closed the door. It was her new life now that made her heart grew warm and loved by girls she herself raised. But alas, there is a hole where coldness seeps.


    The day she and Astlan returned to the mansion where his previous companions live, he became colder but listless. He weeps as memories of his comrade''s flashes before his eyes. Hinoki did her best to their replacement. She did her best effort to revitalize the whole mansion but it did nothing for Astlan¡¯s declining emotion.


    Even so, Hinoki didn¡¯t give up and tried to appeal to Astlan but, in her dismay, what happened between them never occurred again. Her affection never reached Astlan or melted his frozen heart.


    However, Hinoki tried occupying herself from thinking about Astlan and left the forest. Astlan never thinks much about it but he goes wherever Hinoki goes.


    Odd circumstances lead to one another and they rescued another group of slaves. At that time, Hinoki insisted that she would take care of them herself. However, she can only bring girls with her. Such a condition is given by Astlan but she didn¡¯t let out a complaint.


    This incident happens time after time until they realized their growing population reached a count of hundred. Remodeling of the mansion and adding facilities became a yearly task for everyone. And before long, it became like this where the slaves that they rescued, after training and learning properly from Hinoki, would also rescue slaves themselves and raise them.


    As such, the hierarchy was made inside the mansion but mutual respect and kindness are what made everyone connected with each other.


    Because of the growth in population, considering that everyone is a girl, Astlan moved out of the mansion and built himself a wooden lodge far away from the said mansion beside a river where, incidentally, made all of the powerful beasts such as a huge white tiger, a behemoth and a pack of thunder wolves his pets.


    The said pets didn¡¯t attack the residence of the mansion and are intelligent enough not to cause any attacks to those who entered their territory without permission. The strong magical beasts became the guardian of the girls and their friends at some point, they share food with them.


    The mansion is still large enough to accommodate Astlan but he never bothered with it for the reasons as he wants to be alone and doesn¡¯t want to attract attention. Also, considering that everyone was previously a slave, some came from a sexually abusive master and a mere sight of men could bring back trauma or even nightmares to them so he immediately took initiative to move out.


    Some girls who came here after Astlan moved out don¡¯t know his existence and for those who know, they know how scary and strong he is. It was a fact for them that Astlan is Hinoki¡¯s true master and he is above everyone else.


    However, because of Astlan and Hinoki shares knowledge and vast ideas, they were able to lead the community into a prospering one. Astlan didn¡¯t mind cooperating with Hinoki in regard of that and willingly shared knowledge from his world. Astlan is also the one responsible for the creation of the warp panels that enable teleportation on a fixed place.


    However, such charity never reduced the rage inside his heart. It is more accurate to say that it was bottled up for a long period of time.


    And so, that¡¯s how he spends his time¡­


    ¡°Hou?~ Master of Master, are you staring at the moon again?¡± called out by a woman as she teasingly said that.


    Astlan stares at the curtain of the night on the riverside. A gentle and slow running river that made an only low sound that made the night more serene. His back leans against his pet white tiger that curled up around him.


    Came out from the shadow is a woman with a voluptuous and erotic body. Her blond succulent hair glistens under the moonlight and her orange eyes with sharpness stare directly at him. Her flawless white skin seems to glow as it was being illuminated by the moonlight.


    The only odd thing about her is that she sprouts a curvy horn that grows upward together with wings and a tail. At first glance, one could immediately tell that she is of the demon race, and what¡¯s more, she is a succubus.


    However, this succubus has long ago failed to seduce Astlan and now, she was frustrated but at the same time, relief that Astlan is not attracted to her.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Tilea?¡± Astlan coldly said without making any eye contact with the said succubus.


    ¡°Cold as ever¡­but that¡¯s just how everyone wanted you to be. Also, I believe I said that I love you and I will pursue it. It is weird right, a succubus falling in love even though we really never had sex.¡± The succubus said as she sits right beside Astlan and leans to the giant white tiger.


    Tilea was one of the older slaves that Hinoki and Astlan freed from an abusive noble. She was subjected to a repeated torture of everyday sex, being used as a cum dump, filling her with a vast amount of magical energy just to be drained of it constantly. For a succubus, it felt like just a food passing right through the stomach with a gaping hole.


    Her spirit is almost broken and she was extremely hungry. Locked up in a room smelling of muck and stinks and damp of rotten cum, with chains bounding her, didn¡¯t help her situation. Her eyes are devoid of life as she waits for her impending doom of death.


    Not until Astlan and Hinoki saved her.


    When they saw her, she was practically naked with only chain binding her wrists, ankles, and neck. She pleaded her own death as she cannot bear the humiliation and her dignity was shattered. Instead, she was rescued from that place and given a place. A place where Hinoki painstakingly did her very best to restore her almost drained sanity and helped her get up. She took care of her for years until she regains the light in her eyes. Slowly but surely, she regained her vigor and struggles to break free from the past.


    However, a scar is a scar. It is permanently engraved in her and as a succubus, her desire for a man was depleted and she was unable to recover as a succubus but she grows as a prided woman.


    ¡°Master¡­I came here¡­because I am going to say my farewell¡­I am leaving tomorrow¡­¡± she softly said as she fiddles her thumbs. ¡°Won¡¯t you, just this once, grant my wish to copulate with you¡­¡± she added.


    ¡°Tilea¡­¡± Astlan could only mutter as he is bothered on how he will reciprocate or even return her feelings, less, give her what she wishes, copulation.


    ¡°Master, you found me¡­ lifeless, battered and unable to look at myself in the mirror. Now, it is all thanks to Lady Hinoki and you that I was able to love myself again. However, Master, I want to¡­ to feel like a woman again. You are my desire and you are the only one who can bring back my life a succubus.¡± Tilea said as she leans closer to Astlan. Her eyes are sincere and it moistens as a droplet of tears rolls down from her cheeks.


    Astlan felt disgusted. Not because of Tilea or anything. He felt disgusted at his self because accepting a woman in his life is hard for him like a thorn creeping down on his throat. Tilea¡¯s sincerity and affection pains him greatly.


    However, he doesn¡¯t see any valid reason to refuse and he is going to do it for Tilea¡¯s sake.


    Wordlessly, he stood up and scooped Tilea off the ground and carried her in his arms. Tilea is bewildered as her mouth gapes from Astlan¡¯s action. She expected to be turned down but right now, Astlan slowly walks toward his wooden lodge.


    Tilea¡¯s lips form a curving smile as she reaches for Astlan¡¯s neck and pulls herself towards him for a hot and passionate kiss.


    For that night, Tilea made love with Astlan until she¡¯s satisfied. It was that night that she was able to move on in her life and learned how to let go of her love towards Astlan. She was happy even though she knew well that she forced herself to him. Every kiss, every embrace, and even every stroke of Astlan were deeply engraved in her mind.


    His warmth, his breath, and even his taste were forever remembered by Tilea¡¯s body.


    The next morning, Tilea venture towards the outside world which is cruel and absurd. She traveled south, towards the demon continent to start her life anew.


    Hinoki and everyone from the mansion tearfully saw her off. Astlan watches in the shadow as the dramatic scene unfolds. With knowledge, skills, and abilities that she repeatedly honed in this place, Hinoki is confident that Tilea is going to be fine and someday, she will return to that place.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The night after yesterday, Asltan dips his body in a magically heated spring, submerging his whole body in a steamy bath together with one of his pet, a behemoth that shrinks it size in par with a normal dog.


    He looks up at the starry night sky again as he contemplates about Tilea¡¯s sincerity that deeply pained him. His wrath secretly grew with a hate towards himself.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while now master¡­¡± from the curtains of shadow comes Hinoki, wearing a thin light blue transparent sash around her shoulders and walks towards Astlan in a camisole. ¡°May I join you in your dip?¡± she quickly added.


    ¡°Good work. I don¡¯t mind, help yourself.¡± He plainly said.


    Upon Astlan¡¯s words, Hinoki started stripping her clothes without abandon as she removed every fiber that she wears. Astlan didn¡¯t bat an eye towards her lascivious and erotic body that would make any men in a gasp for breath. Even the same gender would surely turn their heads towards her and think twice of their own sexuality.


    Hinoki entered the spring and reheated it herself. Her mastery of magic far surpasses any mages and scholars alike all around the world. She is able to summon powerful spirit beasts too in regard to her half-blood race of a spirit elf.


    ¡°Master, I am glad that you agreed with Tilea¡¯s selfish request. She¡¯s like a little sister to me and I am happy that you made her feel completed.¡± Hinoki abruptly said.


    ¡°I am sorry for copulating with your little sister.¡± Astlan sarcastically said upon Hinoki¡¯s statement.


    ¡°You jest. However, master, I cannot shake off the feeling of jealousy¡­¡± she honestly said as she scoops up some water on her palms and stares at her own reflection.


    ¡°Jealousy¡­¡± Astlan mutter. ¡°In what way I made Hinoki jealous?¡± he added with a quizzical look on his face trying to figure out a possible answer.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t like justifying something but, I am a bit upset that you easily embraced her in a romantic way while we did it outdoors. I feel defeated.¡± Hinoki complained with a pout on her face. ¡°But well, Master, I am still glad¡­thank you for not pushing her away and accepting her sincerity,¡± she added.


    ¡°I felt nothing,¡± Astlan interjected. ¡°I feel hate towards myself for that. I feel like I haven¡¯t returned her feelings properly. In the end, it was just an act of self-gratification by Tilea. I cannot comprehend the thing you called sincerity. I just acted of how she wishes.¡± He continued with a damp expression that shows emotion tinged with rage towards his own self.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you have too much or lacking in ego but, Tilea¡¯s wish isn¡¯t purely self-gratification. It was an act that she felt that it was the only way to repay you. Whether you really felt something or not is not something I can say.¡± Hinoki rebutted.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t just about Tilea¡¯s sincerity. It is about you, master. You are still holding the single, transient thread of memory of your previous lover, of your previous companions, of your previous friends! Don¡¯t you understand that you, yourself is accumulating people who care for you of who you are right now, I included! Master, won¡¯t you please, look at us and not the people from the past! I don¡¯t care if you don¡¯t look at me but, there is still the future that you can still grasp!¡± Hinoki cried with anguish creeping on her face.


    Astlan could only shut his eyes from Hinoki¡¯s words as it hits him hard in the chest. Even now, Astlan is still holding to their belongings as if to cut the wound deeper by constantly reminding him of how everyone dies in front of him.


    He doesn¡¯t want to still his heart of his rage because he doesn¡¯t want to forget them.


    Hinoki herself is in constant worry and guilt that she may have turned Astlan into this monster as she tolerated his previous actions. The only remorse that she did was become Astlan¡¯s lover and have intercourse with him. But it didn¡¯t do any good. It just reminded him of Helianthus, Astlan¡¯s lover. It only reminded him of his deep-rooted grudge against the gods and goddesses.


    The night ended as no more words were uttered and the stillness of the night becomes deafening for Hinoki who ended up returning to the mansion.


    A certain kingdom in the human continent that controls the seafaring community emerges victorious against yet another war against the beast kin. They invaded their island with hundreds of ships and razed their villages.


    The beast kin continent is an archipelago made up of thousands of island so sending a troop or relaying information needs a transport vessel such as a ship. The beast kins was greatly flawed as a traitor among them sabotaged most of their ships, leading to a destruction of one tribe.


    The Fox clan.


    Among the fox clan, they have those who are normal foxes and there are several powerful ones that are adept in magic and incantations. But, within them is a fox blessed by a blood of a goddess who once came to this world from another dimension.


    The Goddess name is Asteria.


    Within their clan, only a single female remains with the blood of a goddess. It is said that foxes have an innate holy power within them but, those with the blood of Goddess Asteria is far more powerful that even at young age, they can accelerate their power growth.


    And that said remaining female of their clan, the one they treated as the princess, is captured and locked up in the castle basement of the opposing kingdom.


    Through one of the residents of the Mansion in the fairy forest who came back through a warp panel, Hinoki heard about the story of the war between the said kingdom and the beast kin Fox Clan. Personally, Hinoki would not interfere in such affair but today, she felt that she wants to go to see this for herself.


    It was an opportunity for her to drag Astlan out.


    Since no one really knows about Astlan, she figured she¡¯ll tell him herself. Without any remarks or complain, Astlan followed Hinoki.


    She regretted it.


    Hinoki¡¯s plan had an adverse effect because as of this moment, Astlan¡¯s power keeps rising as he stares inside the cell. Hell, even Hinoki herself felt anger surging within her diaphragm as she painfully stares at the fox girl inside there.


    She did felt the same rage when she saw Tilea¡¯s state. Not only for Tilea but for the other slave as well who became a victim of such brutish actions. But what¡¯s in front of her has clearly crossed the line.


    Inside the cell lays a fox girl with caramel brown hair and lifeless brown eyes. Her magic is tightly sealed with layers of barrier and her face screams despair. Her cell smells like dead rodent and dried semen are scattered everywhere.


    She wears nothing but the shackles that binds her. Her hair and tails are messy that it has black patches. Her eyes release tears endlessly while her lips quiver in fear. Her body is full of bruises and scratches.


    But that it didn¡¯t end with that. I was far more fucking worse, twisted, and hellish that it made Astlan automatically released such fury.


    The fox girl inside the cell is barely even fourteen years old but her belly bulges as if she is pregnant. No, they are certain that she is pregnant.


    Astlan, it may be called hypocrisy, but felt anger at the sight. A good and quick death would have prevented this but breaking a young girl like this is too much. Hinoki, for the first time, understood what rage is and she¡¯s doing her best to hold back.


    ¡°Oh? Who are you, people? Did you come to have fun too?¡± A man came out from the stair of the dungeon and called out to them. He wears noble clothes and garnered with ceremonial armor. He fiendishly let loose a grin when his eye landed on Hinoki.


    ¡°Well, well, why such beauty descended our home?! Did you, perchance, want to experience the same pleasure that stinking fox over there experienced?¡± he uttered with licking eyes.


    ¡°You know, I coul--! Gah!¡± the man¡¯s words trailed off as Hinoki herself gouged out his eyeballs with her bare hand.


    The man squatted and flail in horror and pain. Hinoki¡¯s indiscernible rage showered the man in hostility.


    Hinoki, in rage, was about to put an end to man¡¯s life, however¡­


    ¡°[Ira - Perfect Heal]¡±


    The man¡¯s eyes were restored in an instant by Astlan. At the same time, Astlan broke the layers of barriers together with the cell bar effortlessly.


    ¡°Hinoki, clean her up and take her away. I will follow shortly.¡± He coldly uttered without breaking eye contact with the man.


    ¡°She is my top priority. I am going to control this anger of mine. Please, Master, do justice for this.¡± Hinoki said as she immediately unbinds the shackles that holding the fox girl. She covered the fox girl with her silken cape. Hinoki then carried the girl in her arms with overflowing gentleness. In an instant, bright light covered her and they vanished.


    ¡°You people won¡¯t get--! Ack!¡± the man tried to yank out a threat but to no avail, Astlan didn¡¯t even let him finish.


    ¡°AaaAaAAArrrggghhh! W-What the hell is happening to my feet?!¡± he yelled as he noticed what was about to come.


    The man¡¯s feet started creeping with pain. He immediately unfastened his shoe laces and removed his shoes just to see a horrible scene that made his guts twisting in disgust.


    His feet are rotting.


    Releasing a foul stench and slowly decaying with no whatever reason, it was rotting painfully. Even the blood reeked odor that one could feel nauseous.


    ¡°[Ira ¨C Death and Decay]¡±


    As the name implies, a suffering and dying from decay. It was Astlan¡¯s way of destroying humans that killed his previous companions, by slowly destroying them painfully. His angered flared anew as those feelings came back to him like a waterfall.


    The man writhed in horror and pain as the rotting crawls towards his knees.


    He looks at Astlan again to beg for forgiveness but upon laying his eyes to his countenance, he knew, even an animal will immediately get the hint¡­he will not be forgiven. In desperation, he thought up of cutting the part where the rotting has not begun yet.


    But when he was about to reach for his sword, he cried in despair.


    His hands also began to rot.


    Upon seeing this, he was about to burst in a shout when Astlan stuffed his mouth with his fist breaking his teeth in the process. He then pulled his tongue out and broke the remaining teeth. The man could not do anything but to frantically flail like a disgusting fish as blood spews here and there, dying the ground red.


    Eventually, the man dies as his heart was eaten by the decay.


    Feeling unsatisfactory with the man¡¯s sufferings, he proceeded to rot the whole kingdom with his power, bathing them with a twisted rage and unrivaled duration of pain.


    In the end, he does what he usually do¡­destruction.


    Five days has passed since they rescued the fox girl.


    Hinoki personally tended to the girl and was assisted by other more girls. The fox girl will throw horrified tantrums pleading for death and be hunted by nightmares that kept her awake for the whole night.


    Hinoki stayed beside her all the time with the exception of necessities. At night, she will pull the fox girl in her bosom to soothe her nightmares. At day, she will talk with her with a smile plastered all over her face when she wants to go out and just punch a wall or something.


    Together with Hinoki, Astlan stands outside the room for five days straight without sleeping, drinking or even eating.


    The fox girl will randomly cry in outburst yelling plead to stop. The fox girl was meticulously nurtured to healthiness and her initial distraught appearance was groomed well bringing back a little shine in her hair and tail.


    Hinoki did her very best to counsel the fox girl but realized that, unlike Tilea, the girl is far too young and have yet to matured and yet, this happened to her.


    There are times where Hinoki would momentarily exits the room and weep silently or even broke down in tears to Astlan as she thought of how horrible the ordeal the girl have gone through. Astlan, knowing this and partially care for the fox girl¡¯s well-being, patiently waited there.


    But what pained Hinoki the most is that, in fact, the fox girl is carrying a child inside her.


    Ten days has gone by since the fox girl started getting confusingly comfortable with the place. She even recognized Hinoki as her stand up mother. Her nightmares gradually lessen and her outbursts are minimal now.


    She started opening up to Hinoki and with their simple conversations, Hinoki discovered the followings:


    The fox girl¡¯s name is Yahsa. She came from the beast continent¡¯s outer archipelago where the fox clan is. She is thirteen years old and she is the princess of the said clan. Her heritage is of that a bloodline where a goddess power runs down in their veins.


    But what shook Hinoki is the prominent thing that she kept saying.


    She hates men.


    She loathed and to the very core, harbor so much hatred towards them. Because she was constantly violated from seven months, she came to hate men in general that the mere sight of them makes her vomit.


    She said that there is an exception.


    ¡°The man outside of this room¡­I don¡¯t hate him¡­ He was the one¡­who rescued me and killed all of those people, right?¡± she said with a crestfallen face.


    Hinoki felt a little relief upon hearing such words. Astlan is an exception.


    But now, what bothers Hinoki is about the baby inside Yasha. She hesitated to ask about it whether or not she actually wants it.


    All the girls attending Yasha are the same. They could not utter a single word about Yasha¡¯s bulging belly. They are sensitive enough to keep quiet about it.


    Until Astlan himself entered the room¡­


    The girls who kept glancing over him when they enter and exit the room in suspicion had their eyes widened upon his intrusion. After all, most of them saw Astlan for the first time they were brought and raised here. But they didn¡¯t utter any word as they heard Hinoki calling him master.


    Yasha stares at him with quizzical and afraid eyes, but nevertheless, didn¡¯t show any further reaction.


    ¡°That child inside you¡­¡± Astlan coldly speaks as he pointed at Yasha¡¯s stomach.


    Yasha, in return, could only clutch the sheet of the bed in the anxiety of what Astlan will say. She is well aware that the man standing in front of her is in power.


    ¡°I will give you two choices. One, keep the child, give birth to it and raise it. Two abort it. I can do that for you painlessly.¡± he said as his tone gradually becomes colder.


    ¡°You can start a new life here without any hassle and a thing that would constantly remind you of the past.¡± He added.


    Everyone is baffled of what Astlan said.


    It was the most twisted suggestion he could throw. He just casually said that he is willing to take a life. For those who don¡¯t know what kind of monster Astlan is, they were horrified and started shaking in fear.


    But for Hinoki, she silently gritted her teeth and look down from the irony. She wants to shout at Astlan for that kind of ironic suggestion that he just blurted but refrain from doing so as Yasha is the one who will decide.


    Yasha, upon hearing this could only tighten her grip on the sheet and bit her lips. As far as she is concerned, she knew well that she is relatively young and giving birth at such age is shameful. The child that will be born from her will be the constant reminder that she was violated and stripped off of her pride and dignity.


    She contemplated hard as tears run down from her eyes. It was a sudden question and she felt that it needs an immediate answer. She does not fear what could Astlan do, she fears that if she agrees, there is something inside her that would surely break.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Yasha said with tearful eyes as she directly looks Astlan on the eyes.


    She thought that what Astlan said about aborting the baby is ideal and would greatly benefit her as a burden will be removed but¡­


    ¡°I¡­will keep this baby! This¡­baby is of my blood and flesh, this baby is innocent and free from any sins! I No matter how I am constantly reminded of my past, for the sake of this child of mine, I crawl past it! Go away! Go away now, please!¡± Yasha yelled towards Astlan.


    Astlan just blankly stares at Yasha¡¯s face. He could not comprehend as for why she wants to keep such thing. But then it struck him, he was the same.


    He kept himself reminded of his past but never tried to get over it.


    Hinoki glares at Astlan with indignation. She was utterly angry at Astlan. She wishes for Astlan¡¯s to leave the room.


    Without anything else to say, Astlan left as it is and return to his wooden lodge.


    He sat in a wooden chair and wallows deeply of what happened. He never thought that such words could come out from his mouth. He knows that he is a miserable man but never thought that he can be such a scum.


    ¡°What has this world¡­done to me¡­¡± he muttered into nothingness.


    Months have passed and Yasha safely gave birth to her child. It was a girl with the same hair and eye color as her. Thanks to everyone¡¯s effort in the mansion, the delivery was a success and there are no complications on the baby or to Yasha.


    Hinoki sit beside the bed where Yasha rests while cradling the baby in her arms.


    ¡°Such a cute baby¡­Aren¡¯t you glad that you gave birth to her?¡± Hinoki softly asked with a gentle and caring face.


    ¡°I never thought that¡­I am going¡­to be this happy¡­I am...so happy¡­thank you¡­¡± Yasha said towards Hinoki. ¡°And now, thank you, for coming to my life¡­I am sorry¡­that I even thought, even just for a moment, to abandon you!¡± she added as she directed those words to the baby in her cradle.


    As tears form up in Hinoki¡¯s eyes, she asked Yasha, ¡°Do you have any name for the baby yet?¡±


    ¡°Yes, there has been one in my mind for quite a while now,¡± Yasha said as she tenderly stares at the baby.


    ¡°Izuna¡­her name is¡­Izuna¡­¡± she said as tears roll down from her cheeks.


    In a certain Kingdom in the human continent, a new hero was chosen.


    A girl with platinum strawberry hair and a face of a fair maiden with a glossy lip and fiery eyes complimented with her ceramic skin.


    She set out on an adventure to gain power and train more to defeat the Demon Lord Baal.


    It is said that Demon Lord Baal started a war against the human hundreds of years ago. The reason is that he blames the human for the death of his daughter, Camellia, and swore he will destroy and slaughter every single human for whatever cost.


    Naturally, a hero is needed to stand up against the army of demons that invades the continent.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go out too far! There are still magical beasts by the forest!¡± a man shouted towards a girl.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I am not the hero for nothing, you know!¡± shouted by the girl with platinum strawberry hair.


    As larger magical beasts appear, her steel sword was hacked into two leaving her defenseless. Or so everyone thought.


    She raised her hand up and power immediately surges towards the center of her palm. Seven colored lights swirl around and before long, it formed into a sword with angelic appearance and beautiful engravings that even a master forger could not match up with.


    ¡°[Excelsior!]¡±


    The girl shouted.


    After a while, the hordes of magical beasts were defeated and the people who fought them rummage their carcasses for usable items.


    ¡°Hahaha! That was hardly anything at all to me! Next time, they ought to be stronger, okay?¡± the girl who summoned the rainbow colored sword boasted.


    ¡°That¡¯s really like you, Senya¡­¡± one girl muttered.


    It was her, the new owner of the God Artifact Excelsior, Senya.