Chapter 198 [Island Of Drath] [13] [One Death].
Chapter 198 [Island Of Drath] [13] [One Death].
"Sit down," Delwyn said, motioning to the empty chair beside him. "...We need to talk."
My heart quickened, and I found myself trembling with rage, but I wordlessly followed.
Moving closer, I grabbed the chair before positioning it in front of him, siting down.
He stared at me, his gaze accompanied only by the downpour of rain and the illuminating fire behind him.
A flurry of emotions passed through me as I stared back at the person who is the one responsible for the explosion.
Even though he says he didn't do it, I know for sure he was the one behind this.
"Your eyes are still the same," Delwyn commented, staring at me. "...Tell me, don't you feel fear?"
"...What do you want?" I growled, gripping my katana tightly.
My mind continuously thought of ways I could kill him.
...Maybe, just maybe, if I use one year of my life, I could kill him right here.
[...Don't do anything stupid, you don't have much time left.]
I bit my lip tightly, the blood once again dripping from my wound.
"Are you listening?"
"Delwyn," I said, clenching my jaw tightly. "...If you think—."
"Do you remember what we talked about last time?" He cut in, his tone serious. "How I would make sure to bring your talent before the leaders?"
I nodded curtly, staring into his hazel eyes.
"...The leaders want to see you," he said, staring back. "...They want to see if you're suitable for being an Avatar or not."
I drew in a deep breath, my mind making sense of his words.
"Sabaoth's avatar?" I asked, looking at him.
He nodded. "Our God needs you—."
"I refuse," I cut in without a second thought.
Even though I felt tempted to accept his offer.
Even though this might give me the freedom I desperately needed.
...I don't want to be anywhere close to their leader.
...Never.
Delwyn stared at me before slowly nodding his head again. "I expected that much."
"Are you going to kill me now?" I asked, looking at the fire behind him.
"No, no," he replied, shaking his head. "Until I see fear in your eyes... I can't kill you."
"...What do you want, then?" I demanded, my patience waning, the urge to just move gripping me. "Why are you even here?"
Using a stick, he poked the fire to let it burn further, illuminating the gloom.
"Delwyn," I snarled. "Answer me."
"Have you heard about the [Promised Prince]?" he asked, looking back at me.
"Why?" I asked, weary and disoriented by his words. "...Why do you ask?"
"He is a peculiar being," he replied, staring at me. "...A being who has been foretold to rule over all realms."
"..."
I silently listened to his words without replying.
My mind wasn't oriented enough for me to make sense of his words. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
"...You know there is a saying about them," he continued, not giving me much attention.
"...The [Exiled Prince] can be an Avatar and a vessel, but no one can control the [Promised Prince]... He is like a variable that everyone is wary of."
"...Why are you telling me this?" I asked, struggling to follow his words.
"...Do you know how they describe him?" he asked, interest flashing past his dull hazel eyes.
"...From the blood of the vilest being, he will be born, holding the power to unite the realm alone."
His eyes turned to me. "...I thought maybe it could be you... The [Promised Prince]—."
BOOM!!
His words died out as another explosion occurred from the center of the island.
I abruptly stood up, staring at the burning flame reflecting, illuminating the place.
"Looks like we don't have much time," Delwyn mumbled, gazing back as well.
I immediately tensed up, my heartbeat increasing as I readied myself to face him.
"...I have some news for you," he said, turning, looking at his watch. "...Right now, three of the girls were close to are going to die."
"Huh?" My startled voice echoed as my mind filled with rage.
"I'm not the one who will do it," as I drew my katana, he said, "so don't think stopping me here will save them."
"....No."
"You're quick," he praised, before his face turned serious. "...Now, Esmeray's son, you have three choices."
His gaze moved towards the center of the island. "...Your fiancée."
Then he turned, looking towards the eastern part. "...The commoner."
He turned around again, gazing towards the north. "...Or the maiden."
I bit my lip as hundreds of thoughts swirled in my mind.
How does he know that?
How the hell does he know all that?
"You better hurry," he said, and for the first time, I saw a smile creeping onto his face. "...Because even if you do everything in your power... You can only save two of them."
I stumbled as I started to move again, my shoulder blades twisting to make way for my wings.
I flew.
....Towards the center.
****
****
"Hey, are you guys alright!?" Aimar shouted, looking at the group of students who stood behind him.
The building hall was filled with students from different classes, staying together.
They all had terrified looks on their faces, their gazes fixed on the center of the island, the burning flames reflecting in their eyes.
"What is happening, Aimar?" Miley asked, standing beside him, her concerned gaze fixed on him. "...Where are the teachers?"
"I don't know," he replied, frustration filling his voice. "For now, we should find a safe place to hide."
"Why?" one of the students asked. "...Shouldn't we check on what's happening there?"
"Don't ask stupid questions," he growled, glaring at him. "What are you going to do? Whoever caused that explosion is definitely powerful enough to fuck us up."
"Then what should we do?" Miley asked, looking at him.
His voice softened as he rubbed his temples to alleviate his frustration. "...We should hide first... Whoever is attacking might come after us... The nobles of the empire."
Miley nodded, and so did the others who were listening.
"...Where should we hide, then?" one of the girls asked, looking at him. "...It's raining outside as well."
"Let's just stay here for now," he said, walking closer to the window.
His eyes scanned the area, and his lips parted as he whispered, "...Where are you guys?"
But his gaze halted as he noticed something.
"Aimar!" Miley yelled as he rushed towards the door, walking outside into the heavy rain.
"Hey, Althea!" he shouted, grabbing the attention of the redhead girl.
Althea rushed towards him, a sigh of relief washing over her. "...Thank god you're safe."
"...What is happening?" he asked, looking at the raging flames.
"I don't know," she bit her lip, shaking her head. "...We can't get in touch with the teachers either."
Prince Johnathan walked forward, gazing back at the building filled with students. "...How many are inside?"
"Thirty or so," Aimar replied as Miley arrived beside him. "...We gathered as many as we could."
"Thirty or so," Aimar replied as Miley arrived beside him. "...We gathered as many as we could."
Johnathan nodded, while Keegan walked towards him. "...Is Princess Arianell inside?" he asked.
"No," Aimar replied, turning towards Althea. "Have you seen Oliver or Azariah?"
"We met with Oliver before the explosion," she replied. "...He separated from us to find you."
"Urgh, that idiot," he groaned in frustration. "...Where did you last see him?"
"No, you are not going after him," Althea shook her head. "...He will come find us."
"Where did you see him?" Aimar demanded, not listening to her.
"Aimar—."
"He's my brother," he cut in. "I have to find him."
She groaned under her breath. "...He was at the eastern edge last we saw him."
"Thank you," he replied, before looking back at Miley. "Stay with them."
She nodded her head in reply.
Aimar waited for her to say more, but she just turned and moved back inside the building.
He sighed, turning around, walking into the jungle.
"Huh?" he said, looking to his side. "...What are you doing here?"
Keegan looked at him and replied, "I'm coming with you."
"Why?"
"Princess Arianell," he replied, his voice firm. "...I need to find her."
"Now that you mention it..." Aimar mumbled, gazing back. "...Why is Johnathan not worried about her?"
Keegan nodded as he fell into deep thought, before replying softly, "...We'll think about it later. For now, I will help you find Oliver, and you will help me find the princess."
"We have a deal just don't die on me."
"Sure."