The cold feeling put Invictus in a deep slumber when the wound began to heal and regenerate. After being away from something so comfortable, standing for about 14 days, Invictus finally had a proper and comfortable sleep.
He easily fell asleep, his mind traveling through the series of unknown dreams wherein the settings could be described as distorted and in ruins.
The lower half he cut off, and the blood that was shed remained in the relatively large basin. If someone comes inside the room, they will surely see the terrifying set of things.
A day had passed since Invictus escaped, and Aeriel got hurt badly. Using a third-rate healing magic spell plus the herbs and treatment are done on Aeriel, she had a speedy recovery.
Aeriel woke up and was devastated to witness her lord's lower half sliced off and lying on the relatively large basin.
The silence was disrupted in the house when Aeriel let out a surprised scream upon seeing Invictus' strange
"About four whole days, my lord."Before leaving his room, Invictus asked Aeriel if the doctor knew about his identity and his current situation. And Aeriel was not sure if Thorp knew."We are a burden to Thorp and his daughter for four days. We will be leaving after this, Aeriel. Staying here any longer will only add to their burden. My presence in itself is actually endangering Thorp and Graciela."The father's and daughter's well-being was a concern for Invictus. After helping them by letting them in and treating Ariel's wound, saving her from imminent death, Invictus would not put them at further risk. If KingEstaroth ever catches wind of what Thorp did, they might get a public execution to set an example. But, Invictus is not sure if the king knows that he is still alive and kicking.Not so long after eating breakfast, when Graciela also finished packing some food for both Invictus and Aeriel, adding a pouch of Plata, which is the currency in
"No particular reason," Invictus shrugged his shoulders. "I guess I just wanted some fresh air. A nice view of this world before I plunge it into despair and chaos? Something like that, I guess.""Is your decision final?" She sounded sad, her eyes slightly lowered upon hearing Invictus' plans. "Throwing this kingdom into turmoil will absolutely involve innocent lives. You're aware of it, right?""No one's ever innocent in this kingdom, Aeriel." His tone changed, every word fierce and sharp in tone. "Not unless I deem them worthy of being saved. I remember when kids would not even want to have something to do with me or my family. People will throw rocks at every person that has the same blood as me. I was innocent, ain't I? But no, they lumped me in with my ancestors and punished me and my family for the crime that wenever did. I overlooked everything, hoping that one day I'd be able to bury our past, which I thought I did when everyone started calling me a her
Upon arriving at the mountain top and finding an inn they will stay for the night, Aeriel and Invictus separated from each other temporarily."Aeriel, I will be out for a bit," said Invictus, already at the door of theirroom, bringing nothing with him but only what he has on.The long, tiring walk from the feet of the mountain, all the way up to its peak where the main establishments of the town were built drained Aeriel of her energy.She is on her bed, relaxing. "It's almost dinner time, Lord Invictus.""I just have some business to deal with.""But you told me you're only here for sightseeing?"Confused, Aeriel got up, about to follow Invictus in the doorway when he put his hand out on her, stopping her from continuing any further."Yes, I said that I'm here only for sightseeing. But I did not say that I am here to see the beauty of the horizon. I'm just intrigued at the thought of watching a whole damn mountain from the bo
Just by looking at Invictus' clothes, the liquor owner was able to tell that the man in front of him was not from there. Also, living in the Virval Highlands must have made him memorize every face that went in his store.And since Invictus was wearing a mask, only his voice brought back a memory of someone from before."Are you perhaps Semper Invictus?"Invictus actually knew who the owner was. He had been to Virval before, several times, spending his time on occasions here with Uria."No, my name's Meliora, although I am also from the Semper family.""Hmm... Now I'm amazed to encounter another Semper becauseeveryone thought Invictus is the only last member of the family. Anyway, do you have any news about Invictus?"He shook his head and pulled out his pouch of Plata. He loosened the knot, dug his fingers in, and took 20 Plata.Invictus then put the silver coins on the counter, knowing the exact priceof rice wine he j
What she did to pass the time was knit her unfinished scarf.Under a small mana-powered lamp, Aeriel made progress in knitting the scarf, bitter about the fact that Invictus still chose not to tell her his story."And what's the rice wine for?! If you're going to buy liquor, drink it!"Sadness turned into annoyance. Aeriel wanted to lash out herfrustration but couldn't, remembering that Invictus was already sleeping."All I wanted is to know more about Lord Invictus. I've cooked different varieties of food for him, and he would always say that he likes it. But I never know what his favorite food is. Should I just choke him with a pillow since he does not want to tell me anything?"Frustratedly, Aeriel decided to continue finishing the scarf later and threw herself on the bed, letting out a deep sigh before closing her eyes.---Another morning came...It was Invictus who was the first to wake up. He left the room to cle
"So, you're telling me that you want to buy a large number of magic crystals to concoct fireworks?" Confirmed the guys, actually amazed at how Invictus was putting effort into his lies."That is correct. It's my daughter's 7th birthday today, and I want to make it special for her."Everyone understands Invictus and his desire to give his daughter a memorable birthday present. They were delighted, even the miners, about his plan for a grand fireworks display."Will we be seeing the fireworks display happen even if we are in the mountain?" asked a dirty miner, wearing only a raggedy tank top and pants.From where Invictus was standing, peering over their shoulders, he could see the opening of the cave, its pathway lit with the same source of light, Ruddy Fireflies."For you to buy a large number of raw magic crystals just to producehandmade fireworks, you're a great father.""Thank you. So, uh, how much would a cart of raw magic crysta
"It's the perfect temperature. I like it. It's not too cold, and it's not too lukewarm."Bathing in the incredibly soothing water, chest-deep, and buck naked underneath, Invictus scrubbed and scrub his whole body using his hands, getting rid of those dead skin cells."I'm mentally unstable... When I thought I was fully committed to taking revenge, seeking justice by bringing it into my hands and destroying the kingdom, people who are just so kind pop in one after another. And then at some point, I would realize that my daughter was innocent too. My wife, even if she was really the mastermind in the massacre of many lives, I don't think she deserves that. They could have at least made her die apainless death and left me and my daughter out of it! So, eventually, I'll be back to being vengeful and despising everyone in sight for being happy."A rustling of leaves and bushes suddenly resounded, making Invictus instantly turn his head in the direction where
Invictus had already pulverized ten raw magic crystals, but he still has a long way to go, considering the amount of the remaining raw magic crystals.In the middle of the forest, where most birds and insects could be found, Invictus was seated on a pile of dry leaves. He was hammering the raw magic crystals with the mortar and pestle, then transferring the powdered magic crystals to the coconut shell he gathered.It looks like a tropical forest where edible fruits were abundant and animals have plenty of food to survive the day. However, some feed on each other, keeping the food chain going. As the cycle of life and death should be.---Such an aromatic smell seeps through the gaps in the door, entering the room where Aeriel and Invictus were occupying.Aeriel woke up to someone knocking on the door. Her eyes were still puffy, and her hair was a mess, but she did not care.While still half-asleep, she climbed down from the bed, put on her f