Chapter 31: Options and Questions

Chapter 31: Options and Questions

"graced by the moon... only to fall into the game of possibility..."

"Is... this talking about the city?"

Jaden’s eyes widened upon that realisation.

"But this doesn’t make sense... I have already seen those maids turned into Mitswraiths, so how is it possible for them not to be an illusion?"

"I have to find out more..." Jaden added as he began looking for any other hidden chamber within the room, but much to his disappointment, there was no other hidden chamber.

He rolled the map and hid it in his pants, making sure the curator or others don’t find out about it.

"Let’s go," Jaden mumbled before stepping out from the small chamber and walking towards the exit of the room.

After entering the room, he once again sat at the centre and folded his arms as he began to think.

"The fall of the brilliant sparks... It’s hinting at the death of gods, isn’t it?"

"But... what role does this city play in the fall of the gods?"

He thought about it for a few moments before heaving a sigh.

"I need more information to conclude anything."

Soon, his expression fell into a frown as he mumbled in a low voice.

"I failed to achieve level 10."

"Now I only have two options... First is to stay in the city and capture the civilians for experience, second is to go into the forest south of the city and capture star beasts or nightmares if possible."

He placed a hand on his chin and rubbed it as he thought more about it.

"If I choose the first option, I won’t be in too much danger, but the city might do something unexpected. On the other hand, if I choose the second option, I would be in a lot of danger, but the city won’t react to it..."

He rubbed his face with his hands and cursed silently.

"Blasted hell... all because of that non-PG act," he clicked his tongue and stood up as he walked towards the room with magical spells.

As he stepped inside, his gaze landed on a table which had a plate covered with a cloche, a glass jug beside it and other cutlery. Continuing his steps, he reached the table and sat in a chair placed beside it.

He hadn’t sat on this chair for the past six days just because of how low the time was for him to learn all of the spells... now, however, he was done with everything he could learn or master, so he decided to take his time to eat.

After sitting comfortably within the chair, he slowly removed the cloche and placed it aside. He picked up the cutlery and began eating... he didn’t take huge chunks like before; instead, he ate slowly, immersing himself in the flavour of the meal.

The aroma had already filled the room as the sound of cutlery touching or hitting the plate echoed within the room. A few moments passed just like that, and Jaden finally finished his meal. He positioned the cutlery on the empty plate according to the customs of a noble and drank water from the glass jug placed nearby.

After doing all of that, he collapsed into his chair with a faint smile, which soon crumbled as a serious look appeared on his face.

"I should go with the second option... I do not want others to get into trouble because of my decisions." Jaden added before he closed his eyes and entered the embrace of sleep.

***

Sunlight streamed through the stylish coloured-glass windows, brightening a room of intricately designed red walls.

Selina sat in a classic-style chair, her elbow was on the armrest, and she rested her head on her hand. She had a calm expression, looking at the other three figures who sat before her. A white wooden table was placed between them as they sat on each side of the table.

The other three were, of course, Navin, Arden and Jamie. Shelly was also there, but she was not sitting in any chair; instead, she was standing beside Selina.

"What mark and affinity do you all have?" Navin questioned with a faint smile, and everyone turned to him with questioning eyes.

Understanding their worries, Navin added.

"We need as much advantage as we can get... I’ll begin with myself. I obtained the mark of nature, and I have affinity with Earth, Wind, Water and Light."

He shifted his gaze between others waiting for them to answer.

Jamie was first to answer. He leaned back into his chair and folded his arms as he replied with a wide grin,

"Mark of war. Lightning and Earth. I am built for slaughter, haha!"

Hearing his words, others just shook their heads.

Arden was next to answer, his eyes beaming as he spoke with a sweet smile on his face.

"I got the mark of the sun... and guess what, I also got affinity with Fire and Light, isn’t that just great?"

Navin and Selina gave him a small smile before giving a short nod.

"Yeah, I know, right. I am so happy, hehe!" he added with a slight giggle.

"Can you shut up?" Jamie asked with an annoyed look.

Arden turned towards him and snorted before looking away with a pout as he mumbled.

"Stupid madman."

"What was it?" Jamie questioned as a vein popped out of his head.

At which Arden sank back into his chair like a scared rabbit.

"N-nothing..."

Jamie only snorted and looked at Selina and Shelly, waiting for their answers.

Selina was first to answer.

"Mark of the moon. I have an affinity with Water, Light, Ice and Wind," her voice held no joy or pride... it was as if it didn’t matter.

Everyone except Shelly nodded at her words.

’As expected,’ Jamie thought as he clenched his fists.

Shelly, who was standing beside Selina with her usual cold and indifferent look, answered flatly.

"Mark of storm, Water, Wind, Light, Darkness, Ice and Lightning."

Selina turned her head towards Shelly and questioned while lifting an eyebrow.

"You have six affinities?"

"Yes."

"Hmm... I see."

Both of them turned silent after their short exchange, and others just stared at them with dumbfounded looks.