*******
......
......
" " Conversion or speech,
' ' thoughts,
......
......
Aashi displayed the card on the large screen, allowing the attendees to see its appearance. She emphasized the need for the card and the inclusion of the individual's unique life structure, identified through Archrunes, within its code.
As the session drew to a close, Aashi graciously thanked everyone in attendance before bidding them farewell.
"Aisa, could you please make preparations for tomorrow's intimate gathering? And Kristine, Hana, I insist that both of you join us. It will be a delightful celebration to commemorate the success of the auction," Aashi requested, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She instructed Aisa to book a room on the VIP floor and arrange for the finest cuisine to be served at their small gathering.
Before heading home, Aashi's mind was filled with the idea of throwing a charming party for her newfound friends and reveling in their accomplishments. After confirming with Erick that he was on board with the idea, she turned to Aisa and extended a warm invitation to her friends, her expression brimming with happiness.
Erick looked on, a gentle smile gracing his face as he observed Aashi's infectious joy and her animated conversations with her friends. He desired for her to experience the freedom of enjoyment, not confined by societal constraints. He longed for a companion who had faced the trials of life and knew how to navigate them.
Ensuring that she had reiterated the invitation enough times, Aashi and Erick bid their farewells and made their way back home.
......
Eto Estate,
"I'm home!" Hana announced, arriving at her residence located in a separate community from Erick's place, in the opposite direction.
Hana's home resembled a small estate, as they owned the entire plot of land. Although their living quarters were not excessively grand, their house was a sprawling, centuries-old Japanese-style structure made entirely of wood.
As Hana entered the house, which spanned several hundred meters in width, she was warmly greeted by the servants and maids. The familial atmosphere was evident, as the household members maintained a harmonious relationship.
"Welcome back, Young Miss!"
"Welcome back, Young Miss!"
Hana's father, the master of the estate, was meticulous when it came to choosing servants.
He thoroughly investigated their backgrounds and character, personally interviewing the candidates before granting them the privilege of working within the Eto estate.
The estate boasted a workforce of over 50 servants, including chefs, maids, and gardeners. Additionally, approximately 20 retired soldiers served as security guards, ensuring the state's safety.
Hana had an elder brother serving in the army and a younger brother still attending university.
Due to her mother's teachings, Hana had developed a kind-hearted personality since childhood. When dressed in traditional Japanese attire, she exuded grace and embodied the essence of a Yamato Nadeshiko.
Hana's father was fiercely protective of his children. Though he appeared kind within the confines of the Eto estate and in the presence of close friends, he never revealed his emotions to outsiders or even acquaintances, maintaining an unwavering poker face.
In social business circles, he was referred to as the "Man with a Heart of Stone," as whispers circulated about his ability to tackle any problem with an expressionless countenance.
Hana's father, Osamu Eto, held the position of head of the estate, while her mother, Annaisha Eto, gracefully fulfilled her role as the lady of the house.
Hana's grandfather had retired and now lived in seclusion within Erick's family community.
Osamu Eto's eldest son, Kane Eto, grew up with a deep passion for martial arts. Following his graduation from college, he enlisted in the military.
As for the youngest child, Mahiro Eto, he was still enjoying his second year of university life. Although he possessed a playful nature, he was undeniably intelligent and sensible.
Osamu Eto had been raised under the guidance of his father, Hiraku Eto, who placed great emphasis on integrity and family bonds.
As a result, Osamu made it a priority to shield his children from the darker aspects of society and kept them away from the political sphere.
Osamu Eto himself firmly believed that relying on others would never provide a comprehensive understanding of the world.
He advocated for self-dependence and the pursuit of personal goals, as it was through facing and overcoming challenges that one gained true insight into their own position and the world at large.
After the auction banquet concluded in the late evening, Hana arrived at her home to find her parents and younger brother already gathered for dinner.
"Hey, Mom, I'm home!" Hana greeted them with a radiant smile and approached her mother, gently embracing her.
Both Hana's mother and father were in their forties, but their commitment to a healthy diet and regular exercise had allowed them to maintain figures that defied their age, appearing as if they were still in their thirties.
"Welcome home, dear!" Annaisha, Hana's mother, warmly returned her daughter's hug, her motherly smile enveloping Hana in a sense of comfort.
Despite having three children, Annaisha had maintained her allure and possessed a mature MILF charm. It was evident that Hana had inherited her mother's captivating appearance.
"Welcome back, Hana! How was the party? Did you enjoy yourself? Have you had dinner yet?" Osamu, Hana's father, welcomed his beloved daughter and inquired about her evening and meal.
"Oh, hi, Dad! *Mwah!*", Hana left her mother's comforting embrace and approached her father, planting a playful kiss on his cheek as a loving greeting.
"Hmmm! I already had dinner at the party. And let me tell you, Dad, the items auctioned were absolutely extraordinary! It was as if they possessed a touch of magic!" Hana responded, taking a seat beside her brother Mahiro and tousling his hair.
She proceeded to vividly describe the enchanted items and their mesmerizing effects.
As Hana recounted her experiences, both Osamu Eto and Annaisha Eto wore expressions of disbelief and astonishment.
They had been part of the business circle for nearly two decades, yet they had never encountered or even heard of such remarkable artifacts.
The news of these extraordinary items came as a surprise, but since their daughter was sharing these accounts, they had no choice but to believe her.
"Wow, Big Sis. Did those items have magical properties?" Mahiro asked, his eyes wide with excitement and wonder.
"Hmmn! They are a hundred per cent real, just like the first product. The Energy Drink has been witnessed by everyone and confirmed by the city hospital doctor, so I believe they are genuine," Hana replied, addressing her brother's curiosity.
"If what you just said is true, then the market will be in huge turmoil when the product launches. I'm pretty sure that with such astronomical value, the Star Dust Group will become the target of many people who want to get their hands on it," Omasu commented, his face serious, a peculiar glint in his eyes. However, he soon composed himself, considering the pros and cons.
"Ahh! Aashi asked me something that I wanted to discuss with Dad," Hana said, her mind suddenly reminded of her new friend's request.
"Hmmn! Who is this Aashi? Is she your friend?" Omasu asked, placing his fork on the empty plate and wiping his mouth with a napkin.
"Hehe? Aashi is my new friend whom I met at the party, and she is the CEO of the Star Dust Group!" Hana replied happily, grateful for having made another good friend who wouldn't judge her.
"What?" Omasu looked at his daughter, finding it hard to believe what he had just heard. He sought confirmation from Hana, who nodded her head and burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! I am proud of my daughter, who not only acquainted herself with the leader of the newly rising group but also became friends with her. Hahahaha! This is a happy occasion for our family," Omasu expressed his joy, grateful to have such a wonderful daughter who always brought good luck.
"Moe! Dad, you don't have to make it sound like I'm friends with Aashi just because of her position. Humph!" Hana pouted cutely, feeling a bit insulted by her father's words.
"Okay... okay! I'm sorry about that. But it's a good thing for our family, so make sure not to make her angry, as we will also need to buy those items," Omasu said with a softened smile, his voice now sounding like a request rather than an order.
"Mmmm! I know, and it can be solved with what I wanted to discuss with you, Dad!" Hana nodded at her father, then began thinking about Aashi's request.
"What do you want to discuss?" Omasu asked, intrigued by Hana's statement.
"Well, it's more like a collaboration. Aashi wants to rent a place in our city center mall to sell her products. It's a prime location with a large crowd," Hana explained, conveying Aashi's request and reasoning.
"Hahaha! So that's it. This will benefit us more than them. You should inform your friend and sign the contract tomorrow to rent the space for their store," Omasu chuckled with delight, hearing the good news. He had been pondering how to approach the other party without straining his daughter's friendship, but now they had offered him a chance to make a strong impression and connection.
"Okay, then I will be going to my room now. Goodnight, Mom, Dad, and little brother," Hana said, pleased that her father agreed to help her friend. She stood up, bid them all goodnight, and made her way to her room, eager to share the news with Aashi.
"Haaa! *Exhaling deeply!*... My daughter brings good fortune to our family. You should also go to your room if you're done with dinner," Omasu said, looking at his wife and feeling grateful for their three wonderful children.
Feeling a little uplifted and energetic that night, Omasu thought it was the perfect opportunity to shower his wife with love. He motioned for his son, who had just finished his dinner, to go to his room and sleep.
"Mahiro dear, don't forget to brush your teeth and sleep early. Don't stay up chatting with your friend late into the night," Annaisha reminded her youngest son, concerned for his well-being, given his playful nature.
"Yes, Mom, I'm not a child anymore, so you don't have to remind me!" Mahiro felt a twinge of embarrassment as his mother treated him like a child. He quickly fled the scene, shouting back at her from a distance.
"*Chuckles!* Mothers always worry about their children, even when they become adults," Annaisha murmured softly, watching her son disappear from view.
"Dear, let's go to our bedroom. Tonight, I feel like showering you with my love and care," Omasu whispered into his wife's ear, his breath hot against her skin.
"Eeeup... Dear, you startled me by sneaking up behind me like that... Hmmm~" Annaisha let out a cute cry and moaned as Omasu surprised her with a kiss on her sensitive left ear.
They both made their way to the bedroom, and soon a faint, pinkish glow and a peculiar fragrance emanated from the room. The muffled sounds of their passionate voices could be faintly heard due to the soundproofing, but only if someone pressed their ear against the wooden walls.
Luckily for the amorous couple, the servant was situated in their separate quarters on the other side of the house.
......
......
*******
****** ….. ….. " " Conversion or speech, ' ' thoughts, ..... ..... Somewhere in the heart of the bustling city, within the confines of a high-rise building, a luxurious office occupied a prominent position. The room exuded an air of authority and power, befitting its occupant. The middle-aged man, with a rugged appearance resembling that of a Southland barbarian chief, leaned forward in his chair, fixing his subordinate with a menacing glare. His voice carried an authoritative tone, devoid of any tolerance for failure. "Nickel, do you comprehend the gravity of the task I have assigned to you? Are you fully aware of the dire consequences that await you should you falter?" he growled, his eyes piercing with a mix of expectation and intimidation. Nickel, standing before his boss, displayed a resolute determination in his voice, though a flicker of fear danced within his eyes. "Yes, Boss, I understand the weight of this mission. I am prepared to face the consequences, whatever th
****** ….. ….. " " Speech, ' ' Thoughts, ….. ….. "BROOOM!!......." "BROOOM!!!......" The cacophony of roaring engines reverberated through the vibrant night city, filling the air with an electrifying buzz. The metropolis had awoken, its denizens propelled into a whirlwind of activity. Every night at this hour, these vehicles, be they sleek cars or powerful bikes, roamed the streets, their mighty growls dominating the soundscape. However, the city's fervent transformation had not been met without trepidation. Fear had taken hold of the inhabitants, causing most to withdraw from this area as night descended. The once-bustling locale now lay dormant, its usual hustle and bustle replaced by an eerie silence. Amidst the mounting chaos, a mob of individuals converged upon an architecturally distinct building. Its façade bore a prominent sign, proudly displaying the bold letters of its identity: "Star Dust Group." "Leader Ochin, we have reached our destination. How should we pr
******* …... …... " " Speech, ' ' Thoughts, …... …... "Breaking News! The illustrious Star Dust Group, an emerging force in the industry, has unveiled a triumvirate of revolutionary health products that have captured the hearts and minds of the populace. The Group's meteoric rise in value over the past month has been nothing short of awe-inspiring, soaring to an astounding net worth exceeding 100 million in a mere two weeks!" The renowned news studio of our fair city has ceaselessly disseminated this groundbreaking information, igniting a fervor that has enveloped the entire metropolis. Social media platforms have become abuzz with discussions surrounding this miraculous revelation, with numerous individuals fervently sharing their unboxing experiences after procuring these coveted goods. The cyberspace landscape is now awash with viral videos showcasing astonishing transformations in individuals who have embraced the consumption of these remarkable products. In the blink
******* ….. ….. " " Speech, ' ' Thoughts, …... ..... "Burp...!" "Hmmn! Aashi, is it finally ready?" Erick inquired, patting his satisfied belly after devouring lunch. "Ummn! Yes, it's all set. Feast your eyes on the progress we've made, day by day," Aashi replied, affixing the comprehensive chart onto the wall across from them. "Hmmn! Initially, we struggled to attract customers for an unknown product. But after just two days, things started to pick up, and now we're enjoying a staggering 200 percent increase in profits!" Aashi enthusiastically narrated the tale of their burgeoning sales. "Okay, I anticipated as much. A 200-million figure is quite respectable for now," Erick commented, his expectations hovering around the 100-million mark. "Now, what about the accidental creation you mentioned, Master?" Aashi directed his attention to the pills he had inadvertently concocted. "Oh, you mean the collaboration with Christine-nee, resulting in some kind of anti-drug? It's sche
****** ….. ….. " " Speech, ' ' Thoughts, ...... ...... (Camilo Pharmaceutical, Christine's Office) "How is the situation in the sales department?" Christine asked her secretary, Rin Hajiri, her mature charm oozing out as she stood before her, holding a stack of files. "Well, you should see for yourself," Rin replied, handing over the files containing the day's sales report. "Hmm, oh wow!" Christine's face lit up with surprise and excitement as she glanced at the graph displaying today's sales details. "Boss, didn't I tell you that we would achieve great results and earn enough profit to recover all our losses within 10 years or so?" Rin, the beautiful secretary with a peculiar gleam in her glasses-covered eyes, reminded her boss. "Oh, Rin-chan, it's incredible! I can finally sense the weight lifted off my shoulders. We can finally breathe a sigh of relief," Christine exclaimed, feeling grateful to "her" for providing the much-needed assistance that made this achievement pos
******* ...... ...... "Yes, Dr. Hirono, after careful consideration, I have made up my mind to proceed with the trial. I have no other recourse. I cannot bear to see the children I care for suffer on account of my own ailment. As long as there is a glimmer of hope, I must seize this opportunity for their sake," Ms. Tennoin declared, her countenance resolute, a clear resolve etched upon her face. Dr. Hirono's heart swelled with relief as he acknowledged Ms. Tennoin's unwavering trust in their cause. "Thank you, Ms. Tennoin, for placing your faith in us. You must understand the significance of this medical trial to our research," he expressed his gratitude, recognizing the weight of this opportunity. "No, no, it is I who should express my gratitude to you for granting me a ray of hope," Ms. Tennoin responded, shaking her head in humble denial, expressing her profound appreciation for the aid they extended. She was acutely aware that, in her current second stage, the terminal illnes
******* ...... ...... Huffing in defiance, Christine Camilo stared at Erick Dahl, refusing to back down from his challenge. "Humph! Erick-kun, I'm not afraid of your little game," she retorted, her pouting face only intensifying as she noticed the teasing look on his face. Erick responded with a charming smile and a playful wink directed at Aashi. "Okay, just remember not to go back on your words once you lose," he quipped, thoroughly enjoying the banter. Seeing her sister in distress, Christine turned to Aisa Hironaka, her eyes pleading for support. "Aisa-chan, help your sis out here! They're bullying me!" she appealed, her expression pitiful. Aisa shook her head dismissively, a mischievous smirk peeking out from behind her hand as she replied, "No way! You accepted the challenge, so you have to pay up. It's not my problem, sorry!" A playful tone laced her words. Aashi chimed in, seemingly indifferent to Christine's predicament. "Oh, come on, Christine-san. You don't have to go
*******............(Erick Home, Second floor)"Master, how shall we deal with these bothersome ants and bugs that persistently plague us? May I take matters into my own hands?" Aashi asked earnestly, her gaze fixed upon the report detailing the various minor nuisances troubling the employees of their esteemed company."Ah, Aashi! You need not trouble yourself with every trifling issue that arises. We ought to seek an alternative approach," Erick replied, his eyes narrowed as he perused the report. He understood Aashi's frustration, yet saw the need for a more strategic solution."Very well, I shall refrain from personally intervening. Nonetheless, these pests have become a hindrance to my business, Master!" Aashi lamented, her hand tightly clenched, her annoyance evident upon her face."Well then! How about establishing a security agency adjacent to our company? We can assign the task of training and management to Kazue Kazahito and Risa Yamana," Erick proposed, his mind brimming w
............Aashi gently pried Yuyun from her embrace, whispering soothing words to the frightened child. "Alright Yuyun, let's go. We need to save those big sisters and brothers over there, okay?" She placed Yuyun on her back and quickly moved towards the cries.Erick and Aashi turned and sprinted towards the explosions. Aashi headed to where the injured were, while Erick ran towards the Malice Creatures attacking the elven guards.As Erick reached the first defense wall, he saw the extent of the destruction. The once strong barrier was now a smoldering ruin, and dark, twisted Malice Creatures were pouring through the breach."Boom... Boom... Ahhhh...!" The elves were fighting valiantly, but they were clearly outmatched. Their traditional weapons and combat techniques were ineffective against the Malice Creatures, which seemed impervious to normal attacks.Erick moved forward, energy leaking from his hands, blades of wind and fire shimmering with a strange, ethereal light. "Let's
............"Splash...!!""Whoa... how much energy did you put into that attack, Master?" Aashi asked in wonder, looking at the explosion and the water splashing over their shield."Not much, but enough to crush that annoying portal to bits," Erick replied, glancing down to ensure no traces of dark, foul energy remained. While the area was cleared, some fish-shaped Malice Creatures had been flung into the distance and were being erased slowly."Master, can you leave the rest to me?" Aashi asked, sensing her master's thoughts."Oh, okay. I'll take care of little Yuyun for you," Erick smiled and nodded before crouching down to pat the little girl on the head."He he... Big Brother!" Little Yuyun giggled, enjoying the affection."Okay then, watch how Big Sis handles those bad monsters!" Aashi said with a smile. She stepped onto the water's surface, running across it just like Erick, without causing any ripples."Boom... Bam...!!"Loud noises echoed as Aashi handled the Malice Creatures
............Aashi paused, listening intently. The sound came again, a weak cry. They immediately searched for the source and found what appeared to be the remains of a house, left in ruins after being devoured by the Malice Creatures. Beneath a pile of rubble, they lifted the debris and found a young girl, her body battered and bruised, but barely alive. Her eyes were shut, and her body quivered nonstop from all the pain.Erick immediately used his Origin arts to heal her and fed her a life-saving potion he carried in his storage. Before long, the little girl was cured, and her body returned to a healthy state, making Erick and Aashi sigh in relief.“It’s okay, you’re safe now,” Aashi said softly, lifting the girl gently.The girl coughed, opened her eyes, and whispered, “Thank you…”Erick knelt beside them, his expression softening. “You’re a brave one, aren’t you? Can you tell us if there are any others?” he asked, seeing the girl calming down.The girl shook her head weakly. “E
............“Oh, let me introduce my Master to you. He is the person who eliminated all the malice creatures in this area and the one who made me follow you guys.” Aashi smiled as she proudly introduced Erick to the kids and the Elder.The Elder and the children looked at Erick with awe and curiosity, their gratitude toward Aashi extending naturally to him.“Thank you, Master,” the Elder said, bowing deeply. “Your actions have saved our tribe's future.”Erick nodded, a small smile on his face. “I’m glad we could help. Your strength and resilience are admirable. Even though you lost so many of your tribesmen, you still didn't lose your will and continue to protect the children. It's commendable courage.”Aashi glanced at the children, noticing their worn clothes and tired expressions. “Do you have enough supplies and food? It looks like you’ve been struggling.”The Elder sighed. “We’ve been running low on food and we don’t even have a warm place to stay now. The malice creatures have
…………"This is not good; they are suffering from the bitter ice-cold!" The adult man observed them and realised they were suffering from an illness common among the tribe's people living in these cold plains.“I don’t have any medicine to cure them, damn it,” the man muttered, frustration evident in his voice as he watched their condition worsen.In normal times, he could easily help them with their cold, but now he couldn’t leave to search for medicine. Going out would be like signing his own death warrant if those creatures caught their scent.“What should I do? At this rate, these children won't be able to endure the cold and will succumb to it. No... no... I can't let that happen. These few children are all that's left of our ice tribe!” The elder felt a deep bitterness inside, trapped in a situation where every option seemed doomed.“Boom... Boom...!!”He heard loud noises and movement in the distance, and the tremors suggested that the Malice Creatures had picked up his trail.“
*******…………"Isn't this the east side, right?" Erick asked, feeling a little confused by the scene he was seeing.Erick and Aashi arrived after flying for hours, but they didn't see any forest there."Yes, it should be the east," Aashi nodded, having already calculated the direction when they flew here."So where is the forest that is supposed to be here, and what about the tribe residing here!" Erick muttered, looking at the distance with no forest or vegetation around, only the black, charcoal-like grounds were left."Master, I am sensing a foul stench from there!" Aashi's nose suddenly perked up, and she pointed in a certain direction, detecting an unusual foul scent."Hmm, this isn't supposed to be here!" Erick and Aashi flew in that direction and arrived there.It was a place that looked like a wrecked village or something, with a well made out of sand and mud mixed with blackish substances.Erick felt familiarity with the substances filling the well. After sending his energy d
********…..….." " Speech,' ' Thoughts,…..….."Thank you, Elder Ilona, for enlightening us. We are sincerely grateful for your invaluable assistance," Erick and Aashi expressed their gratitude with utmost respect, acknowledging the wisdom and guidance of the revered priestess.Elder Ilona, with a gentle shake of her head, dismissed any notion of inconvenience. A warm smile adorned her face as she conveyed her genuine pleasure in their company. "No, no trouble at all. In fact, I relish your presence. Do pay me another visit in the future," she suggested, her eyes gleaming with joy at the prospect of their return.Erick and Aashi nodded appreciatively, bidding Elder Ilona a proper farewell as they took their leave. Their gestures conveyed their gratitude and respect for the priestess, who had graciously shared her knowledge with them.As they emerged from Elder Ilona's abode, Elder Ryfang awaited their return, a patient figure in the fading light. His curiosity piqued, he inquired
********…..….." " Speech,' ' Thoughts,…..….."Welcome, young ones," she spoke in a voice that was both soft and melodic. "I have been expecting you."Erick and Aashi exchanged greetings before settling onto the cushions that had been laid out for them. The woman before them exuded a sense of accomplishment, as though she had achieved great things in her life and had the love and respect of nature itself."Thank you, Elder, for having us," Erick said, his voice full of gratitude and admiration.The Elder smiled warmly at the two guests before her. "So, what would you like to hear first? I will do my best to answer all of your queries, but first, let me introduce myself."Ilona, the guardian of the small wolf tribe and priestess who oversaw the ceremonies held in the clearing, introduced herself with grace and poise. Her name carried weight and respect, and Erick and Aashi felt a pleasant warmth to be in her presence."I am Erick Dahl, and this is my companion, Aashi," Erick intro
********…..….." " Speech,' ' Thoughts,…..….."It's….it's alright!" Chieftain hurriedly replied while hiding his fear and reverence coming from his heart."Ahem, let me introduce you, Chief Ulric, this young man is Master Erick Dahl and she is his companion, Madame Aashi. And you both already know our chief Ulric name and she is the mate of Chief Ulric, Madame Ayla." Elder Ryfang tried hard to ignore the earlier what he felt and maintained his usual smile while he introduced each other, Erick and Aashi to His chief and Madame Ayla.Erick and Aashi observed the now standing Chief Ulric and Madame Ayla in front of them.Chief Ulric is a tall, muscular man with a commanding presence. He has broad shoulders and a chiseled jawline, and his piercing blue eyes seem to see straight through to a person's soul. His hair is a deep shade of brown and falls in unruly waves to his shoulders, and his beard is thick and well-groomed. Ulric also has wolf-like features, including pointed ears and