Endless Path : Infinite Cosmos

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

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

After docking her Airfish in a personalized hangar, Arika led Vahn to a location deep within the confines of the 'Sun Palace', the central hub of the Royal Palace Complex. She didn't waste time trying to explain the significance of any of the structures, and, much to his surprise, Vahn noticed there were very few people living inside the massive structure. In fact, it was similar to a ghost town, complete with a rather dreary and depressive atmosphere. There weren't even any guards, and, rather than rely on living servants or slaves, the Palaces' maintenance was left to doll-like automatons and a comprehensive network of enchantments that kept everything in a pristine state.Though it was just a guess, Vahn imagined the cold and distant countenance of Arika was the direct result of the Royal Family's apparent isolation. Other than a few historical artifacts and the occasional painting, there were no gaudy ornamentations in the palace. There were also no Noble families outside of the Ostian Royal Family itself, so, unlike other nations, there was no infighting. Rather, there was a startling lack of corruptive elements within the place, almost as if the people within were far removed from the affairs and sensibilities of the outside world.After mapping most of the Royal Palace, including several hidden areas that his domain failed to probe, Vahn found himself outside a chamber that was seemed to shine like the sun. It was drastically different than the rest of the palace, complete with a bed that was infused with tens of thousands of gems known as Sunstones. The frame of the bed, formed from a silvery-gold alloy of Mithril and Sacred Gold, would be enough to fund the military spending of an entire nation for ten years.Though it might seem excessively gaudy, Vahn knew the true purpose of the bed was simply to preserve the life of its inhabitant, a frail-looking woman with features similar to Arika, albeit far more mature. Had her cheeks not sunken in, giving her a vaguely skeletal appearance, she would have easily been a world-class beauty. Instead, she looked like someone with two feet in the grave, her body emaciated to the point that her joints were thicker than the limbs they supported...Despite appearing at though she was awaiting the arrival of the Reaper, the woman's eyes still shone with a considerable amount of vitality. Her heterochromatic eyes showed absolutely no signs of fear or resignation, the emotions commonly seen in the nearly-deceased. Instead, her eyes reflected incredible wisdom, compassion, and a small amount of curiosity. If she still had the ability to speak, Vahn had no doubt she would have greeted him cordially despite having no idea who he was...Approaching her mother's side, Arika showed the closest thing to an emotion Vahn had seen, her brows furrowing slightly in consternation as she explained, "Mother, this man is called the Sage Dragon Emperor. Though I know little about him, his connection with the Elementals is unlike anything I have ever seen. He claims to be able to treat your condition. It might be due to my inexperience, but I have chosen to believe his words..."Hearing her daughter's explanation, the sickly woman, Anarchia Entheofushia, offered a weak smile as she tried and failed to squeeze her daughter's hand. She wanted to say that her time had come, but, seeing the hope contained within her usually expressionless daughter's gaze, she didn't mind humoring her. She could also sense something peculiar about the man who was closely observing her with pale-golden eyes. It was almost as if he could see through all the truths of the world, but, rather than make her feel uncomfortable, a sense of relief spread through her tired body.Interpreting her mother's smile as consent, Arika hardened her heart before looking back at Vahn and saying, "I have placed my trust in you. If you try-"As he had long since grown tired of hearing such arbitrary threats, Vahn raised his hand to silence Arika, stating, "Do not insult me. You will come to learn that the promise of the Sage Dragon Emperor carries more weight than you can possibly imagine. I have stated I can cure your mother, and I will do just that. By bringing me here, you have already proven your worth as a Queen. Do not insult both of us by questioning your own judgment. Now, step aside."Though she was not fond of being interrupted and chided, Arika gave an understanding nod before following obediently moving aside. She wasn't entirely sure why, but his authoritative and firm tone made her feel at ease. She had never had anything like a father figure, so, for a very brief moment, Arika's wondered whether or not this was how it felt to be chided by your father...Unaware of Arika's thoughts, Vahn approached the sickly Anarchia, a comforting smile on his face as he explained, "I will try to avoid anything too invasive, but you may have to suffer a bit of indignity. Don't worry, once I've cured you, you'll have plenty of time to find it in your heart to forgive me..."Ignoring the icy gaze burrowing into the back of his skull, Vahn gingerly picked up Anarchia's wrist, testing her pulse and scanning her body directly. It didn't take him long to find out what the problem was, explaining, "You overtaxed the energy hidden within your blood, causing an imbalance that your magical energy could not supplement. Now, in order to sustain itself, the energy in your blood is consuming your vitality directly, drastically reducing your lifespan..."Hearing Vahn's prognosis, Arika took it upon herself to explain, "Two years ago, Mother used her power to preserve the life of her younger sister during childbirth. A few months after that, she fell very ill and no doctors had been able to explain the reason why. Is what you say really the truth?"Without turning to meet Arika's gaze, Vahn plainly stated, "Though I understand the reason, I have grown weary of people questioning my skills. You have my gratitude for the information, but, if you are going to continue asking me questions, please leave the room..."Though he could understand why people would be concerned when the matter concerned a person they loved, he would never understand how they justified pestering him when he was already in the middle of treatment. Nothing he said ever allayed their concerns, and, if not for his supreme level of focus when it came to performing medical treatments, there was always a chance their meddling could lead to tragedy.Sensing the severity in Vahn's tone, Arika loosely balled her hands into fists before choosing to remain silent. He seemed to know what he was talking about, so, at least for the time being, she decided to simply observe. If he ended up failing, however, she decided she would break most of the bones in his body before turning him over to the Academy Medical Center, giving apprentice physicians a chance to work with a critical patient...---With Arika no longer providing any distractions, Vahn began to infuse his Source Energy into Anarchia's body. It would be infinitely better if he removed her clothes and treated each part of her body directly, but, knowing this wouldn't end well, he decided to focus on stabilizing her condition. Additional treatments could come later, and, while it was possible to heal her in a single sitting, Vahn felt it would be less jarring if he took his time. Anarchia would require a long period of rehabilitation just to restore the condition of her body, so there was no need to rush things.Feeling strength gradually return to her body, despite the fact Vahn was just holding onto her wrist, various thoughts began to race through Anarchia's mind. She actually felt like he wasn't using his full capabilities, seemingly out of consideration for her state. Despite this, she could feel warmth and feeling returning to her limbs. She could even feel a burning sensation in her legs and toes, appendages that had started to turn gangrenous over the past few days. She had even been able to wiggle her toes slightly, something that should have been impossible due to their previous state of decay.Feeling Anarchia guide her intent through her own body, Vahn, with his eyes closed, gently squeezed her wrist, whispering, "I understand your surprise, but you shouldn't interfere with my treatment. Relax your mind and leave your body to me. By the time I'm finished with this preliminary treatment, you will even be able to walk around. Remain patient and let me do my job..."Hearing Vahn's words, Anarchia had a lot she wanted to say, and, based on the sore feeling in her throat, she knew it was possible for her to speak. Instead, she followed the example of her daughter, remaining silent and simply letting the mysterious man treat her aching body. Prior to his treatment, the only thing she felt was a tremendous amount of fatigue and an agonizing cold. Now, warmth had returned to her body, and, though it brought a considerable amount of pain, a relaxed smile could be seen blossoming across her face...---Nearly twelve hours after his treatment had begun, a small amount of sweat had accumulated on Vahn's brow. He had kept his Magia Erebea constitution sealed whenever he wasn't night-lighting as Eva, so, contrary to his usual self, he could experience fatigue. More than physical, however, he was experiencing mental and spiritual exhaustion.Though it might look like he was just holding onto Anarchia's wrist, it took an extreme amount of focus to guide his energy through the complex pathways of a human's body while only holding their wrist. It was similar to trying to 'imagine' the structure of the human body in its entirety, accounting for more than seven-trillion nerves and an even more ridiculous number of cells...Fortunately, Vahn had the experience of literally creating bodies from scratch, including his own, so he was one of the best suited to such a difficult task. If he wanted to, he could create an entirely new body for Anarchia to inhabit, one that was indistinguishable from her current form. This, however, was something he would only do under very specific circumstances, not something he would do just to treat an imbalance of energy...To his surprise, Vahn could sense Arika pull out a handkerchief in order to wipe his brow, but, as it had already been twelve hours, he took the initiative to remove his hand, using his sleeve to be rid of the perspiration. This caused her to quickly conceal the handkerchief, and, as if he hadn't noticed it, Vahn focused on Anarchia, explaining, "You are undoubtedly aware of it, but I cannot treat your body by just holding your wrist. Even without further treatment, however, it is possible for you to make a full recovery. So long as you focus on your rehabilitation and eat healthy foods, you should be able to move around freely in around four months."Surprising her daughter, Anarchia rose to a seated position, a subtle smile on her face as she asked in a very dry voice, "Tell me...how long...if you help...?"Before answering the Queen's question, Vahn pulled out a cup of mellow tea, helping her to drink it as he explained, "If I am able to make use of all my techniques, you would be able to make a full recovery in as little as two weeks. Treating your body would only take a day, but, in order to recuperate completely, you will need to slowly increase your food intake until you are able to fully process the nutrients within. Your body is still unstable, and, if you are not careful, there is a chance you will relapse."Having wetted her parched throat, Anarchia gave an understanding nod before eloquently stating, "My daughter was wise to have placed her trust in the Sage Dragon Emperor. Though I know not if there is anything you desire, the Ostian Royal Family owes you a great debt. Lest it endangers our people, know we will do everything in our power to repay your kindness."Surprising both women, Vahn waved his hand in a dismissive manner, remarking, "My skills as a physician would be wasted if I didn't use them to help good people. Things like money and favor have no value to existences such as myself. If your family wishes to repay me, you need only to continue being kind and caring to all peoples. Now, more than ever before, the world needs the caring and compassionate to guide the people through these trying times."Awed by Vahn's benevolence, Anarchia securely stowed his words in her heart before saying, "The words of the Sage Dragon Emperor are a great honor. I will carry them with me until the end of my days, passing their significance onto the generations that follow."Hearing her mother's words, Arika also nodded her head, affirming that she had also taken them to heart. She even felt ashamed of the fact she had ever questioned Vahn's credibilities, as, seemingly without any effort at all, he had been able to heal her mother. This elevated his status to a level she couldn't even fully comprehend, igniting her curiosity like an inferno...Seemingly just as curious, Anarchia went on to say, "I am curious, however...where does the Sage Dragon Emperor come from? I mean no offense, but I have never had the pleasure of hearing about your eminence prior to today..."Waving his hand once again, Vahn shamelessly stated, "Let me backtrack a bit. If possible, I'd like to dismiss with formalities. I am very proud of my title as Sage Dragon Emperor, but I have never been fond of excessive politeness. My actual name is Vahn Aldrnari Mason. As people I have come to recognize, you can simply call me Vahn. As for my origin, that is a complicated matter I can't really talk about. Just know that I am not from this world, my Empire does exist, and, yes, I am an Ancient Dragon. In fact, I am something a little bit higher than that, though, based on a variety of circumstances, I can't clarify how."Though she was a little surprised by the sudden change in tone, Anarchia still managed an, "I see..." before adding, "Very well, Vahn. Please, feel free to call me Ana from now on. Though it goes against my principles to address someone outside the Royal Family without formalities, I believe this is a suitable situation to allow an exception. You are the benefactor that had saved my life, and, were it mine to give, I would have willingly dedicated my remaining days to your service. It is a shame, but, so long as I draw breath, I must attend my people."Hearing Ana's words, Vahn issued a light chuckle before winking playfully as he said, "That is a real shame. Fortunately, like your people are lucky to have you, I am fortunate to have quite a number of people at my side. It might be a little shameless of me to admit, but my Imperial Harem has nearly reached a hundred people. I might not have any trouble ensuring their happiness, but I do feel a little guilty whenever I get involved with another woman."Though harems weren't particularly rare, both Anarchia and Arika were a little shocked by the 'boldness' of Vahn's statement. They both got the impression he was messing with them, but, at the same time, his words carried a sincere undertone. As a result, Arika felt as if her hands had become slightly clammy while Anarchia, more experienced with such things, internally remarked, ("A Dragon, indeed...")(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Vahn about to give this woman eternal youth out of spite xD','Listen to this guy complaining. It's only seven-trillion nerves and thirty-trillion cells. Ezpz','It seems like Vahn had grown more honest and direct...')https://bit.ly/2XBzAYu &lt;-(p.atreon link)paypal.me/EinlionDiscord Invite: https://discord.gg/Jwa8PKh

Chapter 1548: Secrets : Simple