Endless Path : Infinite Cosmos

Though there was a spacious dining hall that could have easily sat more than a thousand people without any issues, Vahn had taken the liberty to repurpose one of the smaller rooms nearest the kitchen into a 'family-sized' dining room. He felt it was depressing to sit in such a massive hall with so few people, so, after discussing the matter with Ana and Vesperina, this was the solution he had come up with.Once everyone had taken their seats, with his own chair flanked by Medusa and Asuna, Vahn made a show of things by slowly clapping his hands. Every time he did, a new item would appear on the table, be it tableware, plates, or food. Magic was nothing new to them, but, as they were unable to understand the mechanics behind his Inventory, their eyes showed intrigue no matter how many times he 'awed' them.Ever the inquisitive type, Asuna picked up her tiny spoon, asking in her usual monotone, "How...?"Hearing the oft-asked question, Vahn smiled in a way that caused Asuna to immediately pout as he plainly, and honestly, answered, "It's because I'm the Sage Dragon Emperor."Since his Inventory was actually like its own self-contained Realm, one where Laws didn't exist, it was not something that he could really explain. There were a number of different types of spatial artifacts and armament systems within the Akamatsuverse, but these were all relatively simple in both design and concept. Comparing his system functions to anything that actually existed was very difficult, and, as discussing The Path could have disastrous consequences, Vahn had little choice but to chalk it up to his existence itself.Ignoring the accusatory glare she was sending his way, Vahn scooped up a spoonful of curry before aiming toward the pouting princess' face and saying, "Open up. Say aaaah~."Though her stare became even harder at first, Asuna ultimately relented after a few seconds, biting down on the spoon without making a sound.Seeing how well her daughter was getting along with Vahn, Vesperina adopted a slight smile with a motherly look in her eyes as she said, "Asuna is blessed to have someone to dote on her like this. It did not bother me much when I was her age, but, as I grew into a young woman, I began to feel as though something was missing in my life. It is a selfish request, but please continue to treat her well from now on..."Without minding the fact that her daughter was present, Ana nodded her head, adding, "I, too, ask that you treat Asuna well. Growing up without a father is a difficult thing. Truthfully, I would like you to treat my daughter in the same way. She might put on a strong front, but I am well-aware of the flames that burn within her heart. After all, I was young once. We all harbor the desire to experience the world beyond these walls, but, for the sake of our people, we must remain steadfast..."Hearing her mother's words, Arika lowered her head slightly, a slightly frustrated look in her eyes as she poked at the food on her plate.Since he was seated across from her, Vahn could see all of Arika's reactions, and, after thirteen days of interacting with the residents of the palace, he could largely understand their emotions. Because of this, he offered an understanding smile before openly stating, "I can understand why you groom your successors like this. The world outside is full of corruptive forces, things that lead good people astray or turn them into victims. There is no end to the number of people that would exploit those weaker than themselves, many without even distinguishing between adults and children...it is one of the things that I hate most about the world..."Though he kept it under control, everyone at the table could sense the wrath bubbling beneath the otherwise placid and serene aura that surrounded Vahn. Even the Elemental Spirits, which had now turned the palace into their playground, showed genuine concern for him.Poking one of the adorable little creatures in their 'belly', Vahn's expression returned to normal, smiling as he added, "However, with a proper foundation established on truth and trust, children can grow up into stable adults. With adequate support and understanding from their parents and guardians, children are able to blossom in any kind of environment. Even if they must oppose the literal forces of darkness, they can overcome any adversity so long as they have the memories of the people they love and the willpower to push through anything..."Since Asuna was attentively staring up at him, Vahn smiled even wider as he affectionately rubbed her head, finishing up his rather convoluted speech by saying, "Though your system is one of the best in both the New and Old Worlds, it is too stagnant. Your descendants and inheritors might be able to become great leaders, but, when true adversity comes their way, the regrets they have built up by now being able to pursue their interests are what will lead them to break. At that point, only things like love and the companionship of others can put them back together...the things they had lacked as a child..."Though he was a little foolish at times, Ana was often impressed by the great wisdom Vahn showed during 'serious' moments. She knew he was much older than he appeared, and, after two weeks of idle conversation during tea and mealtimes, she had learned quite a bit about him. His journey was one filled with both hardship and triumph, a tale depicting the rise of a young boy into something far greater than a man.Affirming her resolve, Ana looked toward Vesperina, and, after seeing the latter nod, she adopted the closest thing to a full smile she had ever shown, stating, "Perhaps it is time for a change. As I lay dying, my thoughts often wandered to the direction this world was headed. It seems that, with each passing year, Science gradually suppresses Magic. It seems people have become more interested in simple conveniences than enriching themselves and preserving the world we live in. I fear that, with the growing rise of Science and Capitalism, the very people you warn about will begin targetting us. When that time comes, I do not want my daughter and my niece to suffer as the result of a dated system..."Understanding the direction the conversation was headed, Vahn shook his head, saying, "It would not be safe for them to accompany me. Depending on the circumstances, I will even become the enemy of entire nations without hesitation. Though I will do what I can to aid competent leaders, I am more an ally of the planet than the people who live upon it. Soon enough, my name will spread throughout the world to a similar extent as the Dark Evangel. Is that the kind of person you want your daughters to follow?"As if they were able to silently communicate Ana and Vesperina looked toward each other for a few seconds, making the princess caught between them turn statuesque, her own eyes showing a bit of conflict. Then, seemingly undeterred, Vesperina was the one to say, "I cannot think of anyone more qualified to protect my daughter than a man who can confront entire nations without fear. I would like for her to experience the outside world and live freely, even if it is only for a few years. We have both sensed something more to this coming war, so it would put both our hearts at ease knowing the girls were safe at your side."Though he was tempted to put more thought into it, Vahn looked toward Medusa, and, seeing the small frown on her face, he shook his head and answered, "There may be some merit to your words, but you are ignoring the ramifications of allowing your daughters to follow a man who will become a wanted criminal in the international community. I intend to help a lot of people, but I will make an enemy out of virtually every Aristocraft and Noble who prioritizes themselves over their people. You do not want-"Even before he had finished his words, Vahn could see both women more than prepared to rebut him. Before either had the chance, however, Asuna pulled on his sleeve, her heterochromatic eyes showing a considerable amount of worry as she asked, "You are leaving...?"As the youngest among the four, Asuna was the least affected by the 'programming' that seemed to influence the other three. Despite only two weeks passing, she had already started to open her heart after witnessing so many new things. The only thing she did prior to Vahn's arrival was spend all her time reading and studying, rarely even speaking unless she was confused about something.Vahn, admittedly, had a soft spot in his heart for the doll-like girl, and, knowing her future, he had actually been tempted to take her with him. So long as she was at his side, Cosmo Entelecheia was bound to come chasing after him, making it a lot easier to bait them out. This would make a lot of things easier, but, from the moment he became her protector, he basically became responsible for the fate of the entire Magical World. There was even a chance that her powerful fate was the reason behind the mothers' decision to entrust their daughters with him, a man who they knew very little about other than his affinity with the Elements...Seeing Vahn hesitate to answer, Asuna's expression became downcast, her hand dropping from his sleeve as she lightly muttered, "I am not hungry...excuse me..."Without waiting for permission to leave, Asuna attempted to hop up from her seat, seemingly very upset by the sudden revelation. The last two weeks had been very fun, and, though she had never expected Vahn and Medusa to stay forever, knowing they would soon leave filled her with emotions she didn't know how to express...Before Asuna could get more than a few steps, Vahn lightly shook his head, a wry smile on his face as his figure vanished from where he had been sitting. In the next moment, he appeared in front of Asuna, who, based on the expression on her face, wanted to rage more than she wanted to cry.Seeing someone bar her passage, Asuna's brows furrowed deeply, but, before she could lash out, a confused, "Meow...?" echoed in the room as a handsome cat obscured her vision. This was the same Embercat Vahn had created in the Hellas Empire, now looking nearly twice as large as before. It, like the other Lesser Elementals, now resided in a gemstone Vahn had created to serve as both a house and a catalyst for their power. All Spirits had the inherent ability to possess items, and, as one of the best catalysts for magic, enchanted gemstones were their preferred choice.Though she was still upset, Asuna eventually grabbed the Embercat that was nearly as long as she was tall. This would have been very uncomfortable for a normal cat, but, seemingly understanding the reason it had been called out, the Embercat just gave a light mewl before releasing a steady and surprisingly loud purr...Observing the Embercat behaving so obediently, Medusa's expression became conflicted as the image of a certain blue-haired Vanargandr popped up in her mind. This caused a sigh to escape her lips, drawing almost every set of eyes in the room toward her as she said, "Master, just say yes. You will be more worried if you leave her behind...I'm sorry for being selfish..."Understanding what Medusa must be thinking, Vahn repressed a sigh as he ruffled Asuna's hair and said, "Let's return to the dinner table. You don't have to eat, but we're going to be discussing some very important things. You can keep Ember with you, okay?"Though she understood Vahn was trying to coax her, Asuna also knew that things were headed in a positive direction. He hadn't expressly stated he would take her with him, but, based on the flow of the conversation, there was a fair chance this would be the penultimate outcome. This gave her an empty feeling in her heart, as she didn't really want to leave her mother behind, but, remembering life before Vahn's arrival, she didn't want to return to how things were. The most ideal outcome was for Vahn to just stay with them forever, but, knowing he had a much greater purpose, she couldn't insist he abandon the world just to appease her own selfish desires...---After coaxing Asuna back into her seat, Vahn discussed, in no uncertain terms, what he had planned during his travels. He was going to travel through all the Sacred Lands to nourish a new generation of Great Elemental Spirits, and, depending on the circumstances, he may very well enter violent and bloody conflicts with various countries. These were things unsuitable for children to bear witness to, but, seemingly unperturbed, Ana simply stated that the protection of the Magical World had always been the main duty of the Ostian Royal Family.Ana argued that, with a war on the horizon, it was impossible for Arika and Asuna to avoid conflict and bloodshed. Arika, in particular, would have held the responsibility of acting as an intermediary in an attempt to bring the war to an end. She would have been a fifteen-year-old girl trying to keep two Superpowers from colliding, an impossible feat even for Ana herself. Unless she found powerful allies to support her, she was predestined to face many hardships while trying to argue her case in the Megalomesembrian Senate and the Imperial Court. There was little chance either side would do anything to harm her, but, as the war waged on, it was bound to cause her great mental duress.As someone who knew the history of Mundus Magicus, Vahn understood things were even worse than Ana assumed. There was a considerable amount of truth behind her words, but, what she had no means to account for was the existence of Cosmo Entelecheia. They had yet to reveal themselves to the world, so, until he or Ala Alba managed to expose them, they would continue to threaten the very existence of the Magical World. Evan Vahn had no way of determining exactly who their agents were, as there were plenty of powerful people doing shady things, so he could only bait them out in the hopes of exposing their true colors.Though his ultimate goal was to find and rescue Eva, Vahn knew she would not be able to rest until the Mage of the Beginning and Cosmo Entelecheia were completely wiped out. She was one of the few people that knew the truth about them, so, by provoking the evil organization, there was a fair chance Eva would seek him out. If not, he would wipe out all of Cosmos Entelecheia by himself, and, if necessary, the Mage of the Beginning as well. Eventually, Eva was bound to reveal herself as there was simply no way she would be absent for the final confrontation against her most hated enemy.With this in mind, Vahn guided the conversation towards a conclusion, looking direct at Arika as he asked, "What do you want to do?"As she had largely been excluded from the discussion, much to her chagrin, Arika was momentarily at a loss when she heard Vahn's sudden question. She had actually already made up her mind after realizing the direction of the conversation, but, not wanting to sound too eager, she remained silent for nearly a full minute before answering, "I want to see the world beyond the palace walls. Even if it is filled with dangers, it is my duty to protect the world and provide aid to those in need. Ostia has been a bastion to those in need for thousands of years. However, we are limited in our capacity to accept those who require our protection. I believe it is time for us to take more proactive measures so I will meet with the Great Spirits and negotiate with those willing to listen. Together, I believe we can make this world the place our Ancestor's envisioned, a world where everyone can live in peace and harmony with the world we created together..."Not expecting a sudden speech, it was Vahn's turn to fall silent as he allowed Arika's words to sink in. It seemed like he had already had quite an impact on her heart and mind, but, remembering she even had the conviction to crash Ostia to the ground just to prevent the destruction of the Magical World, it wasn't too surprising. Rather, Vahn's opinion of her had improved quite a bit over the last two weeks, and, though he couldn't agree with the actions her future self had made in the original timeline, it was pretty obvious history didn't account for all the variables leading to her decisions...With his mind made up, Vahn eased Arika's growing tensions by offering an approving nod as he said, "I have said it before, but you are truly qualified to be a Queen. The path you have decided on will be wrought with difficulties, but, so long as you stay the course, you will have my support. I look forward to seeing how both you and Asuna grow during our travels. To that end, make sure you get a proper night's rest. We'll be setting out tomorrow morning, and, considering I will be training you from now on, you'll need all the energy you can spare..."Though she didn't anticipate Vahn's final warning, Arika radiated conviction from every fiber of her being as she replied, "I will be in your care from now on...please treat us well."(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Vahn always be picking up surrogate daughters in each Record...','Medusa is going to start molting at this rate xD...','RIP Akamatsuverse. A properly trained Arika and Asuna can conquer the entire Record with ease o_o...')https://bit.ly/2XBzAYu &lt;-(p.atreon link)paypal.me/EinlionDiscord Invite: https://discord.gg/Jwa8PKh

Following the rather eventful dinner, Vahn returned to his room with Medusa following close behind. She was in a rather dour mood so he would need to cheer her up a bit before retiring for the evening. Tonight was one of the last nights they would be 'alone' together, so, despite having a lot of things on his mind, he decided to pamper her quite a bit while Asuna and Arika spent the rest of the evening talking with their mothers.Truth be told, Vahn wasn't even remotely surprised things had developed in this manner, as, from the moment he decided to 'save' Ostia, his fate had already been tied to the doomed Kingdom. This was even before he knew what kind of people the Ostian Royal Family were, so, after meeting and living alongside them, it was impossible for him to ignore their future plight. Asuna's powerful fate was just one factor, and, even if he decided not to accept her as a 'disciple', Vahn knew their fates would constantly align so long as he remained active in the world.In the end, regardless of the decisions he made, Vahn knew his influence on the world would not be small. Even if he didn't play an active role in politics, the mere act of supporting certain people or factions all but guaranteed their meteoric rise. As his reputation grew, so too did their status and prestige for simply 'knowing' him. They could basically use his name as a weapon, and, depending on the circumstances, he may very well enact a 'purge' if they had made adequate preparations.Though it was somewhat 'irresponsible' of him, one of Vahn's goals in the Akamatsuverse was to see how much he could shape the world through reputation and influencing others. He would still fight against the Mage of the Beginning and Cosmo Entelecheia, but, when it came to the world at large, his primary involvement would be through carefully chosen figures. He wanted to see if it was possible to basically become something akin to the Guardian God of the world, ensuring peace and prosperity merely by existing.Vahn had already accepted that he couldn't 'fix' everything and, though it was possible, expanding his Empire through the myriad Records would only cause problems for himself and those he cared about most. Therefore, to remain true to his ideals, he had come up with the idea of living the life of a Vagrant Hero, who, through his actions, became a deterrent force that inspired both hope and fear. This would slowly shape the world in accordance with his vision, and, after a generation or two, society would begin to implement changes that took his will into consideration, even without him having to take further action...---After an exhaustive session of 'mating', lasting a little over twelve hours, Vahn was reclining with Medusa laying languidly against his chest. She had a glazed look in her eyes, but, in spite of this, she had no trouble conversing as she absentmindedly listened to the beating of his heart. This had allowed them to talk about everything that had happened and everything that would happen in the near future.At this point, Vahn had an adequate amount of energy to summon Fenrir, but, out of consideration for Medusa, he had delayed it. He had discussed this with Fenrir herself back in his Realm, but, now that he had taken on two new 'disciples', delaying her summoning would only cause problems. She could provide things for Arika and Asuna that he, as someone who might as well be their surrogate father, never could. These were things that Medusa simply couldn't be bothered with, so, in order to avoid future troubles, Vahn would need his loveable Vanargandr's assistance.Medusa was well aware of the fact that she had become an 'inconvenience' to her Master, so, after seeing him 'instinctually' move to prevent Asuna from storming off, she ultimately chose to discard her selfishness. She would have liked to keep him to herself for a while longer, but, in the end, she was happiest when he was living without restraints and dominating others. Her most sincere desire was to see him rise to the absolute pinnacle, even if she wasn't entirely sure why. It was almost like an instinct that refused to allow anyone stronger than him, one that made even the thought of him being suppressed by another uncomfortable...Feeling the perturbation in Medusa's heart, Vahn lightly pinched her nose, smiling as he said, "You don't have to worry so much. No matter what happens to me, I will always bounce back with even greater power. If anything, I wish you would worry more about yourself, especially now. You aren't weak, but your nature prevents you from becoming as powerful as you could be. Now that you are expecting, I have a strong urge to just create a safe place for you within my Realm so you will never have to experience danger..."Hearing her Master's concerns, Medusa just snuggled a little closer to him as she said, "It makes me happy when you worry about me. Even if I enjoy peace and quiet, I wouldn't want to be isolated just to remain safe. I feel that Master will grow much faster if my power is weaker, so, until you stand at the pinnacle, I want to remain one of your motivations. I can be happy letting Fenrir chase after you because I know, no matter how much time passes, you will never abandon me. You are the Master I have chosen to follow, the most important half of my existence. Just being at your side is enough to make me happier than most."Not expecting such 'profound' words from Medusa, Vahn felt a moderate amount of surprise as a feeling of warmth spread through his heart. He hadn't actually considered that Medusa remained weak just to encourage him to grow stronger. Though it sounded a little ridiculous to hear, similar to a well-thought up excuse of someone profoundly lazy, he could sense the sincerity in her tone. Her final few words were just the icing on the cake, making her seem even more adorable than she had been moments prior...Sensing her Master's thoughts, Medusa giggled mischievously before using her long tongue to lick at his exposed nipple. She liked being spoiled by her Master quite a bit, so, sensing he was in the mood to pamper her, Medusa wasn't going to miss out on the opportunity. There were only a few hours until it was time to set out, and, before that, her archrival would be summoned. Though it was a little petty of her, she decided to make sure Fenrir didn't have the opportunity to 'enjoy' her reunion with their Master, choosing, instead, to make the most of it herself...---With less than half an hour remaining until he was supposed to set out, Vahn sat with Fenrir's core in his hand, channeling a phenomenal amount of Source Energy into it. She had been able to reach Tier 3 after absorbing the Heart of Olympus and training for several decades, so, while she might lose out to the strongest combatants within the Empire, she was directly comparable to an S-Rank Heroic Spirit. Under the right conditions, she could even kill and devour Tier 5 beings, so, compared to Medusa, who might even struggle against Arika, Fenrir was already an existence who could move freely within the Magical World...-----------------------------------------------------------------[Status]Name: [Fenrir Mason]Age: 103Race: Vanargandr, True Dragon(sealed)Offense: 1337Defense: 592Mobility: 1740Base Power: 3669Soul Tier: 3 (Lord Soul)Karma: (-)Skills: [Insatiable Hunger(Innate):(-)], [Heaven Devouring Wolf(Innate): SS], [Queen of the Pack(Innate):B], [Lunar Cry: SS], [Freezing Roar: SS], [Chainbreaker: A], [Huntress: SSS], [Severing Claws: SSS], [Archmage:B], [Apex Predator:SS], [Activation Key:SSS]Magic: [Cantus Bellax:SSS], [Mellodia Bellax:SSS], [Vis Maxima:A], [Shundo:SSS], [Koku Shundo:S], Facies Pallium:SS], [Sagitta Magica:SSS], [Crystallitatio Tellustris:SS], [Reflexio:SSS], [Hroovitnir:SS], [Nivis Casus:B], [Kosmike Katastrophe:D], [Aeterna Glacies:SS], [Nihil:(-)][Queen of the Pack]Rank: Innate(B)*Innate Skills cannot be identified. Attempts to do so will result in a backlash*Active: Greatly bolsters the capabilities of all pack members based on morale.Passive: Provides a moderate status increase depending on the recognition of pack members.[Apex Predator]Rank: SSUse: Denotes an existence near the absolute pinnacle of a food chain. Wielders of this skill are able to inspire fear in others, regardless of perceived and literal differences in power. Against magical creatures, causes a suppressive debuff that reduces offensive and defensive capabilities depending on their nature. If the difference between the user and the target is extreme, there is a small chance to completely paralyze or even kill the target.[Aeterna Glacies]Rank: SSUse: Chantless magic that rapidly reduces the temperature of foes within five-hundred meters of the user. Can greatly reduce the mobility of affected individuals and cause frostbite after prolonged exposure.Chant: (-)[Nihil]Rank: (-)Use: An 'Ultimate Grade' spell that infuses both Darkness and Ice Elemental Energy to create a field of Eternal Ice that has the ability to absorb Magical Energy. Rapidly drains the magical energy of the target, reducing their body temperature to a state nearing absolute zero.Chant: "Abyssal Darkness, consume all! Reduce my enemies to nothingness within a realm of Eternal Ice! Only death awaits those who would oppose the Queen of the Frozen Abyss! *Nihil*~!"-----------------------------------------------------------------Seeing Fenrir's Status, Vahn couldn't help shake his head, a wry smile on his face as he wondered why his Base Power was so low. He was improving steadily, giving him 1592 BP after just five weeks of acclimatization, but it was still lower than he would like. In fact, even Asuna and Arika had higher BP than him, despite the fact they would have no real advantages in a fight.When it came down to it, Vahn's BP wasn't an accurate representation of his strength due to the fact it didn't account for a person's reserves, aptitude, and control. If it did, his BP likely wouldn't even be quantifiable as his Source Energy provided an absolute advantage against all foes. He had even been able to fight Jack, whose BP had hovered between 6000~8000, despite the fact his own was less than a quarter before awakening Laev-tan...Sensing the core in his hands becoming active, Vahn set aside his concerns about his actual power, smiling excitedly as a familiar figure formed into existence. Fenrir had really come a long way since the time he had named her, evolving to become a wild beauty who stood at 162cm tall. Her figure was no longer that of an emaciated teen who appeared perpetually on the verge of starvation. She now had a lean and taut physique, her body maturing a considerable amount, and, instead of skin and bones, she had an almost flawless balance of fat and muscle. The only thing that hadn't grown much were her breasts, but, compared to her past self, B-Cups were a massive improvement...As she had manifested without clothes, Vahn was able to appreciate the natural beauty of Fenrir's athletic figure. She had become a breathtaking beauty, but, while some things changed, others had remained the same. She still had large ears atop her head, wild yet silky smooth hair, and, though it had become less prominent, she still has fur covering her forearms, calves, hands, and feet. He had grown rather fond of her paws, claws, and squishy pink paw-pads, so, despite having evolved quite a bit, Fenrir had retained them...Immediately after manifesting, Fenrir peeled open her scarlet-red eyes, her irises contracting from the light before quickly dilating due to excitement. Then, showing off one of her more prominent traits, her long and impeccably smooth tail flickered behind her as she leaped forward, tackling him to the ground and nuzzling against him as she said, "Master~!"Feeling the smooth yet prickly sensation of Fenrir's fur, Vahn allowed a natural laugh to escape his lips as he affectionately nuzzled the Vanargandr who hadn't lost an ounce of her adorableness. She had matured quite a bit, but, when they were alone together, she was still his cute, affectionate, and most reliable companion. The ferocity and cunning she displayed during combat and competitive hunts were nowhere to be seen. Instead, she was like a spoiled young lady whose healing aura still brought him an unparalleled amount of relief...---Nearly causing him to be 'late', Vahn spent the remainder of his time prior to the departure getting Fenrir up to speed while they cuddled together. She was already well aware of everything that had been going on since his arrival in the Akamatsuverse, but, as this was her first time manifesting in a new Record, it just felt right to enjoy each others' warmth, even for a short while.Unfortunately, as he didn't want to set a bad example for his new students, Vahn couldn't dally for too long, so, after a rather long kiss, he helped Fenrir pick out an outfit before heading to where he was scheduled to meet his two disciples and their mothers. They had already been waiting for over half an hour, but, as he had already told them when he would be arriving, Vahn didn't feel too guilty about showing up with less than three minutes remaining.Seeing someone new accompanying Vahn, the four members of the Ostian Royal Family showed a visible amount of intrigue in their eyes. They were all very curious by nature, so, understanding the question within all of their minds, Vahn smiled as he explained, "Though Medusa does not lose out in importance, this is my most faithful companion, the Queen of the Frozen Abyss, Fenrir. She will be accompanying us throughout our journey, and, when I am unable to attend you, she will be both your guardian and mentor."Following her Master's introduction, Fenrir gave a courteous bow before adopting a slight smile and adding, "Though there is little my Master cannot do, there are some things that are best left to members of the same sex. When I am not assisting in your training, I will be teaching you some of the most important things you'll need to know in order to stand near the top. In a way, I will be like your big sister, so, if there is ever anything you are concerned about, I will always be there to listen and lend a hand~!"Though Fenrir radiated a very different kind of atmosphere than Vahn, her aura was actually nearly identical to his. This was something every member of the Ostian Royal Family could sense, so, rather than question her origin, they automatically assumed she was a type of summoned Spirit, a unique kind that had been produced from Vahn's body. After all, neither Medusa or Fenrir matched any of the races that existed in Mundus Magicus, and, despite their very apparent differences, the odds of two entities having the same aura were virtually impossible, even amongst twins...Understanding that Fenrir had been summoned to address some of their daughters' more 'delicate' needs, Ana and Vesperina adopted understanding looks as they returned a polite bow. Then, with a slight smile on her face, Ana said, "It is a pleasure to make the acquaintance of Vahn's most faithful companion. It is a shame we lack the time to become better acquainted. When time allows, I hope you will accept my invitation to tea. Until then, please take care of my daughter and niece. They are very important to me."Hearing Ana's words, Fenrir's ears perked up slightly, smiling radiantly as she happily chimed, "I will be looking forward to that day. As for your children's safety, you need not worry. We will not coddle them, but, so long as Master and I draw breath, I can personally guarantee their safety. Trust in your own judgment. You would not have allowed your daughters to follow him if you didn't believe in his strength. Even if the Heavens themselves fall, I can assure you that Master would be able to support them~!"Not expecting Fenrir to suddenly begin praising him, Vahn's smile became wry under the amused gazes of the near-identical women. If not for his advanced age, he might have even blushed a little when Ana followed up by saying, "My, how reliable. It seems your Master's greatness is unmatched in all the realms~."As if she was the one being praised Fenrir puffed out her chest in pride as she unabashedly replied, "Of course! Master is the greatest~!" in an excited tone.(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'All according to cake...','Da Queen has arrived...!','Fenrir whenever someone praises her Master: "Are...are you some kind of genius (O,...,O)~!?"')https://bit.ly/2XBzAYu &lt;-(p.atreon link)paypal.me/EinlionDiscord Invite: https://discord.gg/Jwa8PKh

In order to complete Ana's treatment, Vahn ultimately accepted her offer to reside within one of the many empty rooms of the palace. There were a number of things he was curious about, but, more than anything else, he wanted to bait out Cosmos Entelecheia. He would not allow them to bring Ostia to ruin, as, despite its flaws, it was easily the most progressive Kingdom in the Magical World. It served as an example of what the other countries could be, so, in lieu of expanding his Empire, he could lend them a bit of support in the hopes of making the world a better place.Fortunately, due to how empty the palace complex was, Medusa didn't seem to mind staying for a few days. She even seemed to get along relatively well with most members of the Royal Family, largely due to the fact they were very taciturn by nature. They could speak eloquently when the situation called for it, but, unlike 'normal' people, they would spend hours at a time just sitting in silence, even when others were present. It was almost like they had no emotions or personalities, only coming to life when they were required to fulfill their duties as members of the Royal Family...In total, despite a history that dated back to the establishment of Mundus Magicus, there were only five members of the Royal Family. These were the former Queen, Anarachia, her younger sister, who was actually her niece, Vesperina, the incumbent Queen, Arika, and the daughter of Vesperina, a two-year-old girl with red pigtails and a perpetually blank expression, Asuna. As for the final member of the Royal Family, Vahn only knew that she existed, something Ana had attested to but could speak no further of.The Ostian Royal Family seemed to hold a number of secrets, but, the ones which stood out the most were the methods in which they ruled and their manner of reproduction. There were no Ministers anywhere within the palace complex, and, though there were quite a number of influential people within Ostia itself, the Royal Family seemed to have absolute authority in all state, civil, and military affairs.From Vahn's perspective, the Ostian Royal Family were closer to Gods than a traditional family of Aristocrats. They seemed to solely produce female Descendents, and, after getting to know both of them, Vahn learned that neither Arikia or Asuna had a father. When he tried to inquire further, he was surprised to learn from Anarchia that, depending on the needs of the people and the state of the world, they would naturally produce offspring...---The more he interacted with the Ostian Royal Family, the more incongruities Vahn noticed in regards to their existence. They were great rulers who cared about their people and the state of the Magical World as a whole, but, much like Greater Spirits or Gods, they seemed to exist only to fulfill their purpose. He could tell they weren't completely emotionless, as even Asuna had her fair share of quirks, but they willingly suppressed their own wants and needs in order to better serve the duties and responsibilities assigned to them.Even without exposing the truth, it wasn't difficult to extrapolate that the Ostian Royal Family had basically been 'programmed' to think and behave a certain way. Their lineage could be traced back to the Mage of the Beginning herself, so the most likely truth was that they had, quite literally, been created to govern the Magical World. They were simply too perfect as rulers, and, based on the orderly structure of their nation, despite the lack of Ministers, it was obvious there were other factors at play to ensure peace and stability were maintained.With his knowledge of both the past and future, Vahn felt the existence of the Ostian Royal Family was a little strange. The fact they existed at all showed that, at some point in time, the Mage of the Beginning wasn't evil. Rather, according to legend, Mundus Magicus had been created specifically to escape hatred and persecution back on Earth. It was intended to be a Utopia where Mages could live in peace and harmony, coexisting with nature and enjoying a life free from suffering.Vahn couldn't be certain when it had happened, but, at some point in relatively recent history, the Mage of the Beginning had simply given up on trying to create a paradise. She seemed to have grown jaded, and, based on his own experiences, Vahn could understand why. Creating a perfect world was simply impossible as the Universe itself always sought to create a balance between positive and negative karma. This was inarguably one of the most frustrating truths about the world, and, if you have a compassionate or empathetic nature, you were bound to face countless difficulties on your quest to ensure the happiness of others.As someone walking a similar path, Vahn could empathize with the difficulties that had been faced by the Mage of the Beginning. He still couldn't condone what she had done, however, so, regardless of the truth, they would likely remain enemies. She likely had a number of ways to justify her actions, but, with the fate of every resident of Mundus Magicus on the line, there was little chance they could reach a compromise. At this point, it was better for her to die and reincarnate, freeing her from the broken existence she had become after straying too far from the path she had initially decided upon...---Thirteen days after his arrival in Ostia, Vahn could be found in what some would consider a rather scandalous position. He had Ana, now looking more beautiful than ever, laying naked atop one of his massage tables. His hands moved slowly but with purpose as he meticulously massaged each of her major muscle groups. She had just recently finished an arduous session of rehabilitation so he was helping to loosen up her muscles while also removing any negative sequelae that may have appeared after pushing her recovering body to its limits...As was often the case during times like this, Vahn had an attentive audience of expressionless people watching from the side. These were obviously Arika, the near-identical, albeit far more mature, Vesperina, and, the only one with truly distinct features, Asuna. Unlike everyone else, the doll-like two-year-old had reddish-orange hair that was neatly tied, using golden ribbons, into pigtails. Even her eye color was inverted, making her left a sapphire blue and her right an emerald green, the exact opposite of the golden-haired beauties surrounding her.With his knowledge of the future, Vahn knew Asuna played a major role in the plans of Cosmo Entelecheia. Though the details were not recorded in history, things such as her rescue during the Great Magic War and her future as one of the great heroes of the Magical World had been written down and passed into legend. This was no real surprise, as, after meeting her for the first time, Vahn had been gobsmacked at just how powerful the flow of fate around Asuna was compared to virtually everyone else...Though Arika's own fate was noteworthy, it was inconsequential compared to the tiny girl that, over the last few days, had followed Vahn virtually everywhere. It was like comparing a puddle that formed after the rain to a literal ocean, and, after having her follow him around for a few days, Vahn felt as if his own fate was beginning to mix into the powerful flow that followed the admittedly adorable girl everywhere she went. He could, of course, simply ignore this, but, as it seemed like she would experience great tragedy if he left her alone, Vahn had been doting on Asuna quite a bit over the past two weeks...After firmly pressing into the final few pressure points of Ana's body, causing a drawn-out sigh to escape her lips, Vahn pulled two towels out of thin air, one for himself and one for her as he said, "At this point, you could probably live for another hundred years without any problems. I have enjoyed these little sessions of ours, but, unfortunately, all good things must come to an end."Hearing Vahn's words, Ana rose to a seated position, dabbing away her sweat without actually trying to cover her naked body as she said, "That is truly unfortunate. I have grown rather fond of these treatments. Your skills are truly befitting the title of 'Godhand'."Having grown accustomed to Ana's praise, Vahn shamelessly nodded his head, adding, "But of course. I am no braggart, so, if I say my skills are unrivaled, it is an objective truth. Though I might pale in comparison to some specialists, my overall skill is something even gods would envy."Amused by Vahn's words, Ana adopted a hint of a smile as she muttered, "Ah, yes, how could I forget such a simple truth? This Queen is grateful for the Sage Dragon Emperor's lesson..."In response to Ana's words, Vahn theatrically puffed his chest out while raising his chin high enough that he could stare directly at the ceiling. Then, after several seconds of silence, it was Asuna who stated, "Bad acting..." in a small voice. This shattered the tensions, causing Vahn to chuckle lightly as Ana, Vesperina, and Arika all adopted slight smiles...---While waiting for Ana to return from her bath, Vahn, alongside Medusa, was preparing a meal for everyone as Arika and Asuna closely observed from the side. He had grown used to being observed by the taciturn duo over the last two weeks, so, while it was a little strange, Vahn let them do as they pleased. He knew they were simply curious, and, with little to do but research and train, they had made a habit of simply observing how he lived and behaved.When Vahn had first arrived in the palace, all food had been prepared automatically using a very advanced kind of Magic that automated the entire process from ingredient preparation to dishwashing. The tools had literally operated themselves, moving as though a full staff of ghosts had been preparing the meals. It was quite a sight to behold, but, after just two days of eating bland yet nutritious food, Vahn had decided to take matters into his own hands. Since then, he and Medusa had prepared food for everyone in the palace, adding variety and flavor to the colorless lives of the machine-like women...Smelling the fragrant aroma wafting through the kitchen, Asuna's tiny nose twitched a few times before she monotonously asked, "Vahn, what are you making...?"Hearing the expected question, Vahn issued a light chuckle before pulling out a ladle filled with a creamy red liquid and saying, "Come and have a taste. Be careful, though, as it is still a little hot."Without further questioning, Asuna hopped off the counter in a rather nimble fashion before making her way over to the proffered ladle. Then, like a rabbit or a tiny kitten, she spent a few seconds just sniffing at the unknown substance before very tentatively licking a small amount. This caused her eyes to immediately widen, not because it was hot, but because it was much sweeter than expected.Enjoying the reaction of the usually expressionless girl, Vahn adopted a teasing smile as he explained, "This is my special curry blend, combining both sweet and savory flavors in a way that is appealing to both children and adults. Is it suitable for the Princess' palate~?"Adopting a tiny frown, Asuna, who was only around 86cm tall, looked directly at him as she stated, "I don't like it when you call me Princess."After placing the ladle back into the pot, causing a defeated atmosphere to permeate around Arika, Vahn gently ruffled Asuna's hair, saying, "Sorry, sorry, I was just teasing you a bit. Don't be too upset, okay, Asuna...?"Further completing the illusion of a cat, Asuna closed her eyes whenever she received head pats, her mouth forming a shape similar to an inverted v as she enjoyed his habitual display of affection. She only responded when he pulled his hand away, opening her eyes with a slightly aggrieved look as she muttered, "Okay..." before scampering over to where Arika was being moody.Seeing the look in the expressionless young woman's eyes, Vahn maintained his smile as he picked up another ladle and asked, "Mind giving me your impression as well, Arika? When it comes to the food everyone enjoys together, the more input I have, the better it will be."Though it didn't show on her face, Arika seemed more than happy to give her input, walking over with graceful yet hasted steps before answering, "I understand. Since you go out of your way to prepare delicious meals for everyone, this is the least I can do."Since Arika had come over a little too quickly, the curry was still a little too hot to sample for a normal person. Vahn could have let her burn her tongue, but, knowing every member of the Royal Family had what some referred to as a 'cat's tongue', he moved the ladle away from her face and said, "Woah now, no need to rush. Let it cool down a bit before you taste it. It would be difficult to give your opinion if you end up burning your tongue..."Though she was near twice the height of Asuna, 163cm tall, Arika still had to turn her head up if she wanted to make eye contact with Vahn. This gave her expressionless face the quality of a girl pouting as she plainly asked, "Do you enjoy teasing me so?"Ignoring Arika's accusation, Vahn made a small swirl with his finger, creating a miniature air current to rapidly cool down the curry before presenting it to her and saying, "Let me know what you think."Though she still felt as though Vahn was teasing her, Arika only hesitated for a few seconds before sampling the curry. The first thing she noticed, other than the rich yet sweet flavor, was that the ladle was still a little hot. This made her feel a little guilty, but, knowing there was a fair chance he was still teasing her, she ultimately withheld her apology, saying, "It is a very sweet yet mellow flavor...did you mix in coconut...and some kind of fruit?"Shaking his head, Vahn explained, "You might taste something similar to mango, but that is a combination of the cumin powder, ginger, and honey. These would normally be even more mellow, but, by producing the curry powder using ingredients rich with magical energy, it is possible to create a balance between the flavors. So, what do you think...?"As if it was a serious matter, Arika lowered her head in contemplation for nearly a full minute before ultimately nodding her head and saying, "It is good. Thank you for letting me sample it."Choosing not to comment about how long it took for Arika to say something so simple, Vahn just smiled before lightly ruffling the young woman's hair as he said, "You're welcome, Arika."(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Two empaths on a collision course','Vahn is like a strange creature to these girls xD...','Arika wants to be spoiled (UwU)...')https://bit.ly/2XBzAYu &lt;-(p.atreon link)paypal.me/EinlionDiscord Invite: https://discord.gg/Jwa8PKh

Chapter 1549: Conflict : Acquiescence