Chapter 49
Ada and I went to the dorm first, largely because I left her no choice.
“I’ve already seen this place. You should take your dates somewhere nice before showing them your bedroom.”
“I have someone more important than you I need to check in on first. I’ll take you out for a drink afterwards.”
“As much as I would love that, I can’t be seen drinking with a minor in public. Even if I know you’re not really a minor.”
I took her around the back, and Tiara leapt off my shoulder to run ahead, her tail and ears perked up.
Soot broke right through the fence of his pen and began sniffing Tiara, who was rolling around on the ground purring.
‘Aww, they missed each other.”
Ada put her head on my shoulder and admired the touching reunion.
“It hasn’t even been a full week.”
I snapped my fingers to get their attention, somewhat annoyed that Soot ran to Tiara yet ignored me entirely.
Tiara escaped from beneath his nose and jumped onto his back, nestling into his warm fur as he trotted up to me.
He sniffed me once, looked at Ada, then went back to his pen.
“...”
“H-hey, are you seriously upset right now? missed you, isn’t that good enough?”
Ada hugged me, and we watched Soot happily play with Tiara. Together. Without me.
“Come on. I know a place with good food.”
I missed Vek.
***
We made our way to the Burning Sprite and took a table for two in the middle of the dining area. After ordering our food, Ada lazily twirled her index finger; it was an action I had seen many times from her.
“What did you just cast?”
“A little illusion. Anything we say or do will be conveniently converted in the eyes of others. It will look and sound like we're just having a normal conversation to them.”
“...It will look right?”
“...define normal.”
“Ada.”
“Ugh,
She slumped back into her chair and moved her hand again.
“You’re no fun. The rumours that would have spread…”
I could never let my guard down around this woman.
“So, where to begin? I suppose the most important thing would be the Stag Lord…”
Despite my trust in her ability, I still looked around to gauge the public reaction to her words. But as she said, nobody so much as acknowledged us. We were hidden in plain sight.
“I recently found a way to communicate with the soul fragment in me… kind of. I’ve yet to really learn anything from it, though.”
Ada’s eyes widened at the revelation.
“Seriously? That’s huge… but also a little concerning. We thought it would be years until we had enough fragments to communicate directly. We’ll have to rethink our plans.”
“Yeah, well, don’t get your hopes up. I can only talk to them in the Crucible, and only through the intellectual equivalent of a three-year-old. Any guidance I can glean from them will be hard won.”
“So what’s the method?”
“I have to split my soul. Lily thinks it only works the second soul is so mentally incomplete. If she’s right, getting better at splitting my soul won’t even help.”
Ada narrowed her eyes.
“Lily? The devil kid?”
“Yeah… hold on, how did you know she was a devil?”
“I knew the moment I saw her. That illusion is well-made, I’ll give her that much, but she reeks like the rest of her kind. She covers it well enough to fool even a therian’s nose, but there’s no fooling .”
The look she was giving me reminded me of a fact I often forgot due to our relationship.
Ada was dangerous.
“Why would you reveal the primordial to an outsider. Even worse, a ?”
I maintained my calm even under the pressuring gaze. I was confident in my decision, and in my ability to justify it.
“She invaded my dreams. The consequences were what we always expected, and her soul was pulled in. A soul reveals the truth of the body, so her illusion didn't carry over...”
I explained everything that occurred. From meeting the strange monster, being used in a ritual, and having the seal carved into our souls.
It was only when Ada carefully pulled my collar down and confirmed the presence of a spell engraved into me that she finally relaxed.
“Looks like you didn’t have much choice in the matter then. So long as she can’t defy you, I suppose it would be best to keep her close…”
Ada pouted, back to her usual self.
“What about you? Any new directives from the dragon?”
She sighed and took a sip of her wine.
“Same as usual; ‘Expand the Black Crown. Muddy the still waters of faith'. As usual, he leaves things to interpretation, and disappears to who knows where. He did, however, give one message. ‘Seek further directions from…’”
Ada furrowed her brows in thought. Seeing that she wasn’t going to finish her sentence, I decided to prompt her myself.
“Seek further directions from who?”
“It's ... I can’t pronounce it… I’m thinking about how to spell it.”
“It wouldn’t happen to translate to ‘The first of the forgotten’, would it?”
“Yeah! How did you know that?”
“The dragon is referring to the one who was guarding Blightblade. Just call her Arach.”
Hearing that Arach had been especially named as trustworthy was a relief. She was relatively easy for me to communicate with, thanks to our proximity. No more waiting for months until Ada could send another cryptic note.
“You ever realise how lucky you are, Rex?”
Ada snickered.
“The odds that were the one soul to come back from the other side by pure happenstance. The odds that would stumble into the Feral Abyss and find Poggy. And now, just so happen to walk into the lair of a creature almost as old as the primordials themselves, and earn its allegiance. Then, you accidentally get a devil bound to you and get put on a routine mission that turns out to involve an underwater zombie serpent, an ogre, and an outlaw necromancer. All of whom were implicitly involved in a never-before-seen magic that destroys souls without killing the body.”
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
“Eh, considering the first thing was the result of me trying to kill myself, you could say my luck runs the other way. Besides, everything that came after was just one event leading to the next.”
We laughed, and our meals arrived at the hands of the owner, Evelyn. She was so personable with us before, but this time she tried to come and go without so much as a word. She even had her iconic fiery hair concealed in a cap.
“Eve? Is that you?”
She froze as Ada spoke.
“Pardon me, ma’am, I’m just a waitress.”
Even her voice was deeper than usual. I had to say, her acting was rather poor, even I knew she was hiding from Ada.
I allowed a mischievous grin to spread across my face.
“What do you mean, ? You’re the owner of this fine establishment, aren’t you?”
She kept her back to us without responding, then suddenly sprinted out of the building.
“Heh, she hasn’t changed much.”
Ada laughed and began eating as if nothing had happened.
“Friend of yours?”
“Old apprentice. No talent for complex spellcasting, but her fire magic is remarkably destructive. Looks like I've found something to play with while I'm here.”
Ada’s expression resembled that of a cat who had locked onto their favourite toy. It faded as she looked back at me.
“Ah, good work on finally casting a proper spell by the way. Before I go, I'll write up a list of spells that should be easy for you to cast with Tiara’s help.”
“Thanks. Oh, right. The source of the corruption—”
“Anubis’ spine, right? I'm guessing there was more to it?”
“...I tried to keep that fact hidden.”
“It is. Don't worry, nobody who is likely to review the report would realise the spine can't create such an effect without an additional catalyst. Even if they do, I'll just bury the lead. So, what about it?”
I explained the unidentified object that was found in the container, as well as what I did with it.
“Using the goblins, nice. Poggy will be pleased. You want me to fetch it?”
“Knock yourself out, I don’t even know how to dispose of the thing. I trust you don't need directions?”
“Pfft, please. Who do you think you're talking to? Anything else you forgot to mention?”
“I could use your help making some new masks.”
“What? I left you instructions to do it yourself, you lazy boy!”
We bickered for a while before turning to more casual topics.
Potential romantic interests, gossip, and making fun of the couple having an argument just outside the entrance. This was the kind of meaningless banter we enjoyed with each other.
By the time we were done and back outside, the sun had already set.
“Well, I imagine you’ll be heading back to the dorm. I’ll be in town for two days. I've taken a VIP room in the local barracks.”
“I suspect you didn’t leave them a choice in that?”
Ada poked her tongue out and gave me a wink before coming in for a hug.
“Stay in touch, yeah?”
As I pulled back, a girl with folded arms and a judgmental look cleared her throat. She had been coincidentally walking past at that exact moment.
“ Good to see you made it back safely, ”
Rose looked between Ada and me, clearly unimpressed.
“How many does this make? Lily, the elf, the mummy, Delilah, and now a mysterious older woman? You sure found time to form connections in the years you connecting with family.”
“Oho? This must be Rose.”
Ada looked at her with excitement.
“I’m Ada , I've heard so much about you from my .”
“...huh? So you’re the one who has been keeping him away from his family.”
Rose returned Ada’s conniving smile with a calculated smirk of her own. Unlike Ada, Rose's smile did not reach her eyes.
“Oh, I wouldn't say I kept him anywhere. We just formed such a tight bond that I couldn't bear to be apart from him.”
“For a woman your age to be pining for a minor is hardly proper, is it, ?”
“About as proper as a sister competing for the affections of her brother.”
Their perfectly manufactured smiles did little to ease the tension between them. I knew I should do something to diffuse this before it got any worse…
…how would I do that exactly?
I had nothing. What I did have, however, was an exit strategy.
Without a word, I turned on my heel and began walking away from them. Nobody stopped me, and I thought I was home free.
“Why are you coming with us? This place is for students and staff only.”
“Oh my, are not permitted visitation?”
“Not outside of visiting hours.”
“It's lucky that my rank allows access to even these areas, then.”
The two continued politely bickering even as they followed behind me.
“Ada, weren't you staying elsewhere?”
“There's been a change in plans. I think it would be prudent for me to get to know your Do you disagree?”
I knew full well she was just doing this to mess with Rose, but maybe it wouldn't be so bad for them to get to know each other? I'd rather avoid pointless friction in my personal life, and if they became friends, I wouldn't need to worry about them making me choose a side or something.
***
Naive.
That's what I was. I should have taken Rose and run out of town if I had to. Now I found myself stuck in the middle of their latest point of contention.
“If he is going to take names like a noble, then he should be marrying like a noble. I can draw up a list of the most influential noble families with eligible women of appropriate age that he could marry into.”
Rose presented her argument.
“Nonsense. I have single-handedly elevated the Jaeger name to one of prestige and high demand. He should work on strengthening our family name first, then marrying into a truly high-class family. Even the royal family would not be beyond his reach with my method.”
Ada countered with her own.
“That's too risky an investment. The longer he waits, the fewer options he will have. Delilah Connor already expressed interest in him, and she is the daughter of a distinguished Solean knight.”
This must be how the victim of an arranged marriage felt.
“Connor? I am familiar with the man. What a waste of my son's potential to aim for the daughter of a knight. She could be a mistress at best.”
“I'm not taking any mistresses.”
They both ignored my attempted protest.
“It's not about the prestige, it's about the He should look for daughters of nobles who gained their name through non-combat means. It should be easy for a Jaeger; you can sell him on his ability to act as a bodyguard.”
me?
“No, no, no. He should keep as many women as possible wrapped around his finger, but he should avoid committing to anyone altogether. That way, he can get what he wants when he wants without being tied down.”
I kept staring at the entrance of the dorms. Hoping and praying that someone would come in and interrupt us.
But the other team had yet to return, Meztili was still recovering, and Lily…
Oh god, I hope Lily doesn't return first.
“Oh no, someone's here, I better see them in!”
The doorknob twitched ever so slightly, yet I was on it like a hound on its prey before the person on the other side had even revealed themselves.
I pulled the door in with enough force to visibly startle the group before me, and the faint spark of hope within me was ready to ignite.
Only for it to be snuffed out completely.
“And I told you, the greatest swordsman should be with the greatest swords
“Ohoho! Surely you jest? Clearly, I am the optimal candidate to help debut our rising star to the higher-class world.”
“G-guys… we should l-let Lloyd decide…”
A gaggle of girls barged their way past me without a second glance. I recognised none of them except for Beatrice, but even she only spared me an apologetic smile.
As their argument began to meld with the existing one, I was left with only one ally.
“...Lloyd.”
I nodded to him, his expression a perfect mirror of my own.
“...help.”
His voice was feeble. Resigned. Distant.
I placed one hand on his shoulder and smiled.
“I'm sorry for what I must do.”
His eyes slowly rose to meet mine. This naive, trusting fool could never have understood my nefarious intentions.
“What!? You want to ask my sister to the ball? DON’T LET ME GET IN YOUR WAY, FRIEND!”
I pushed him into the room and ran out. The last thing I saw was a room full of angry eyes turning on Lloyd. The only one focused on me was Ada, who bestowed a look of serene approval and pride.
Lloyd may suffer, but that was his fault for leading on so many women and refusing to respond to their advances.
I assume.
It's not like I actually knew anything about his personal life. He just struck me as the kind of guy who builds a harem wherever he goes in blissful ignorance.
My cruelty was easier to justify so long as this totally biased assumption was true. So I would push this narrative as much as I had to in order to avoid guilt.
Who were those girls anyway? I felt like their looks and personalities were both so recognisable that I should have been aware of their existence before now.
But, after a moment, I realised something as the sweet silence of the night embraced me.
I didn’t care at all who they were.
My peace would go undisturbed as I hid beneath the seating area at the sports field. Even the Crucible sounded like a nice spot to hide away in.
And so, I spent the night practising my soul splitting, happily removed from the frantic attempts Lloyd was making to appease the girls’ wrath.
***
[Lily POV]
“You were discovered?”
The quiet, oppressive voice questioned me as my knees and head pressed against the cold, hard floor.
“Yes… I tried to peer into his dreamscape, but I was trapped instead.”
There was no point lying or withholding anything at this point. Even when Rex brought me back to that terrible place, I was unable to learn anything that could undo this damned seal.
But this man before me… he may be able to do something. Or put me in touch with someone who can.
“That's hardly desirable. Did you speak of me?”
“No. He thinks I am working alone.”
“Hm. And he didn't threaten to expose your identity?”
“No. He thinks he can use me for his own needs instead.”
“And? Is he correct?”
Silence. The question wasn't hard to answer, but what had me worried was the shift in the man's tone.
Like he already knew everything.
“Yes and no… a seal was placed between us… I cannot resist direct commands, but he has not restricted my movements too much. I was even able to send a message to hell two nights ago without his knowledge.”
“Is that so?”
A request for confirmation that lacked any true interest in a response. He definitely knew about the seal already.
He remained silent, and as always, his form remained out of sight. All I could do was remain in my humiliating position.
But seeing as nothing was happening, I decided to risk making a request.
“Could you remo—”
“No.”
A firm and instant rejection. The seal wasn't going anywhere.
I could bat my eyelashes, formulate an argument for why this would benefit him, plead to his conscience, or even beg with tears in my eyes. But before that man, it was all pointless. He would have considered it all already, yet his answer was still decided.
“I understand… what would you have me do then?”
“Maintain relations with him. There's something else I would have you focus on for now.”
I wanted to ask why he would redirect me when I had at last created a connection with Rex. But I knew better than to expect a response, and so I kept quiet.
“There have been stirrings to the west. Look into Empire soldiers crossing the border via the forest path. I will pull strings with the academy to place you where you're needed.”
With that, I was dismissed. Space contorted and spat me back out into the side street I had entered the portal from.
I sighed. What a poor girl I was to be in this position.
Bound to a teenage boy who could command me to do anything. Would my chastity survive?
Forced to serve that terrifying man who is said to bring fear even to demons. Would he annihilate me once our contract ended?
And of course, the worst thing of all. Something my highly attuned senses had picked up on some time ago.
Somewhere nearby, chaos was brewing. And wasn't involved!
With grim determination, I followed my nose to the source of the disturbance, ready to make things as confusing and entertaining as possible.
