"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 we
never 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
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Cadaver Wanders Chapter 21
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
Cadaver Wanders Chapter 22
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
Cadaver Wanders Chapter 23
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
Cadaver Wanders Chapter 24
"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
Cadaver Wanders Chapter 25
"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
Cadaver Wanders Chapter 26
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
Cadaver Wanders Chapter 27
By the time Invictus got back to their room, it was almost lunchtime. The breakfast the innkeeper gave him was cold already, and Aeriel was nowhere to be found.Invictus did not pay that much attention to it and just dug in the cold servings. Despite its cold state after being left for a while, the food was still incredibly delicious.As a common courtesy for receiving food from the innkeepers, Invictus picked up the tray and used kitchenware and brought it down to wash. He wanted to at least do the dishes for having a free meal from the innkeeper because it was a huge help, considering their financial status at the moment."Hello," Invictus called, but no one answered. "Uh, lady innkeeper? I've come to bring the dishes."No answer was given to him. He then noticed the silence of his surroundings. It was inexplicably quiet to the point that Invictus could hear his own heart beating.Strange as it may seem, instances like this often occur from time
Cadaver Wanders Chapter 28
The scene gives joy to Rahel. She felt like being their mother, taking care of her grown-up children and cooking food for them. Rahel and her husband always dreamed of having a happy family, but unfortunately, it was never given to her. Instead, fate itself took her only source of happiness. Still, Rahel has the strength to smile and be happy even if itwas not that great like before.---Invictus went out for a walk–resting after he finished eating a whole bunch of food–and coincidentally came across the liquor store's owner in a carriage.He thought that the old man was just going away to buy more alcohol and products he would use outside of the town. But he noticed how well-groomed Zeb was, wearing all black clothes.The thumping hooves stopped, and Zeb slightly looked down on Invictus. And the latter raised his gaze, meeting Zeb's eyes."Introducing yourself as Meliora, going around in circles, and buying a bottle of rice win