FW Ch 31 - Anticipating Things Going South...
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Han slowly opened his eyes, his heart full of grief from the words spoken. The sounds still rang in his mind, listening to Eric beating Ha-Yoon. The wet thudding sound as Eric's fists landed on her body. During such an event, she didn't attempt to call out for help nor beg for mercy.
Han had wondered if it was due to her not believing help wouldn't come or due to her resilience. Numerous times, Han wanted to spring up out of his chair and call out to her. He would have beaten and tortured Eric, letting everyone know of his pain and anger.
When Ha-Yoon had pricked him with the poison, Han had feared his demise while also saddened to face another betrayal. Though he understood Ha-Yoon was connected to Eric, the chains from his past still impeded his thoughts and clouded his judgment.
Feeling the poison flow through his body, Han had wanted to embrace death. No longer would he have to worry about struggling. Even with all his powers, his wondering whether the feelings of others being genuine weighed heavily on him.
Life was something that couldn't be appreciated in isolation. This was why he was grateful for the artificial love and care from his creations. They gave him something to cling onto when life was drowning him.
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[Do you wish the Sleeping Poison to be eliminated? Yes or No]
Looking at the screen in his mind, Han understood two things: The system would protect him from instant attacks he didn't anticipate, and Ha-Yoon hadn't betrayed him.
What he thought to be poison was only meant to incapacitate him. While bringing him joy, it also saddened him because it meant she was afraid he would be unable to stand against Eric.
Selecting "Yes," Han felt the poison leave his system. Wanting to see how things went if all parties thought he was out of play, Han imagined a solution.
[Simulate the effects of the Sleeping Poison? Yes or No]
If the system could protect him and able to act on reality, then Han thought it would be able to make his body look like it was poisoned.
It was an enjoyable experience, feeling the effects while being detached from the negative sensation. Han felt his body lose control as the simulated poison took hold of him. The way his knees hit the ground and stayed before falling forward made him think an acting award should be granted to him. No actor could do such a realistic performance.
Ending the simulation, he immediately felt himself regain control over his body. The paralytic effect being lifted let him know everything was good. Grabbing the leather restraints, he snapped them with ease.
Standing up, he looked around the room. Stains scattered across elegant furniture, evidence of the prior events. Seeing Ha-Yoon's body laying there, Han asked, "What is your opinion?"
Like a mirage, the air shimmered, revealing Anacolis and Aracia. They didn't appear startled about Han being aware of their presence.
Anacolis looked at Ha-Yoon. "Master, I am sure that you already know what we thought of this woman." Seeing Han nod his head she continued, "We had initially believed her loyalties and feelings were not genuine, which made us hostile towards her." Her expression softened. "But I believe the events we saw today demonstrated her resolve to Master. Though she was being beaten, we saw how she kept her gaze on Master. Even as she was dying, Ha-Yoon was driven to move closer to you."
"Her words affected me, Master," Aracia said quietly, as she stared at Ha-Yoon.
"Master...," Anacolis began to say before Han interrupted her.
"Not wanting to step into the realm belong to the dead is something I firmly believe in. There are too many struggles in life. I always felt it selfish for heroes to resurrect loved ones." Han's words were quiet.
He tried to gather his thoughts, fighting the story brewing inside. "Though I hope she is happy where she is, this does not help quell this feeling in my chest. My thoughts are likely similar to hers, where we hoped a small painful experience would allow the other to be free."
He stood in front of Ha-Yoon, his expression grim. "I am a hypocrite and hope you are not resentful of my selfishness."
Leaning forward, Han reached with one of his hands. He whispered as he touched the side of Ha-Yoon's face. "Wake up, my love. You have been asleep for too long, and it is time for you to return."
Everything around them felt as if it stopped, the world becoming silent. Nature calmed around them, neither happy or sad as Han poured mana into the deceased body. Ha-Yoon's body began to pulsate with a relaxing light. It wasn't long before the sound of her gentle breathing could be heard. Like someone being awakened after a sound night of sleep, her eyes slowly opened.
She looked up to see Han.
Her eyes smiled, seeing his face. "I now know there is nothing to fear from death if I am able to see someone I love. Though you may not believe me, I did not want to poison you. I knew you would be in danger, so I only did what was necessary to protect you. If only I expressed my thoughts while I was still alive." Her expression became sorrowful, full of regret for not being able to convey her feelings to him.
"There is nothing to apologize for. I know you only meant to protect me, though such acts were unnecessary. Protecting you and myself is well within my powers." He soothingly said to her.
Tears trailed down her face, as she listened to Han's words. Her smile wide as she happily nodded her head. "Even though I will never see you alive again, I am happy to hear you say that."
"What do you mean you will never see me alive? Are you planning on going somewhere?" Han teased her.
Ha-Yoon looked confused, not understanding his words.
He leaned forward and gave her a deep kiss, infusing it with all the love and happiness he felt.
Though she was shocked at first, her body relaxed as she embraced him. Returning his feelings.
When he pulled away, Ha-Yoon's eyes were wide open as she finally understood what happened. "How?" Was all she could ask, the idea being impossible in her mind.
He watched as one of her hands reached down to where the knife had penetrated her body. She tried to find the object which ended her life. Fumbling around the area, she looked down and saw she was whole.
She looked back at him, eyes full of wonder and questions.
Placing a finger on her lips, interrupting her string of questions, he said, "There is something I wish to show you before I answer any questions." Standing, Han reached out a hand towards Ha-Yoon. "Will you join me and come home?"
Seeing the outstretched hand, Ha-Yoon lovingly smiled. Being helped to her feet, the room shimmered and changed to the entrance of his throne room.
Ha-Yoon twirled around, looking at how majestic everything looked. "Where is this place?"
"This is the Stronghold, located at the center of Felicitas, my city," Han answered, smiling at Ha-Yoon's reaction to his work. Turning towards Anacolis, Han commanded, "Bring everyone here."
With a simple nodded, she made her way out of the throne room.
Ha-Yoon stopped gazing at the room and looked at him. "Yi, how were you able to bring me back to life?" She then looked down at her hands trying to understand everything.
"Though I told you a few of my powers, I did not paint a complete picture. The reason..." He looked away. "I did not want the information to taint my life here. I thought holding back would benefit everyone, including myself. I now realize it has only created more problems. I am sorry, Ha-Yoon." He raised his eyes and looked into hers.
Ha-Yoon walked to Han and embraced him. "We both did things we thought were right. Having the chance to be with you, instead of living in that nightmare, is the best thing that could have happened."
She then lightly punched him in the stomach, causing Han to grunt. "This is for making me go through everything when you could have prevented it." She then kissed him on his lips. "This is for not abandoning me."
Han could feel himself smiling, happy she hadn't been angry about how he let her go through such an ordeal. He took her by the hand and led the way to the statues and fountains. The two of them enjoyed the moment, both happy they were together.
They moved to where Han's throne was placed. He sat down on it just as the doors opened to reveal a single file line of his creations, in addition to Selestra. They lined up in front and knelt.
"Welcome back, Master." All of them said in unison.
Han looked at one of his creations, who he hadn't seen in a while. "Minatoria, it has been a while."
Minatoria snorted, "Master, unlike everyone else, I have been making sure your home is safe." She glared at the other creations.
"Pah! You spend your days sleeping and making your subordinates do all the work. They are the ones checking the people entering the stronghold and making sure the city is safe. Do not try and make it sound as if you are some dutiful worker." Queen snapped, sneering a Minatoria attempt to make herself look responsible.
"I have also heard you have gained a new toy?" Anacolis commented looking amused.
Trying to get Anacolis to stop talking, Minatoria urgently waved her hands as she glanced at where Han was sitting.
"Oh? What is this toy you are keeping?" Han asked sounding curious.
"J-just some stray who entered The Stronghold." Minatoria tried to downplay her actions. She looked like a kid, caught by their parents for doing something they weren't supposed to. Pouting, she crossed her arms and huffed, "Master doesn't even come to visit me, so I caught a pet." Looking at Ha-Yoon, Minatoria grinned, "I see Master has also found something interesting?"
Queen smacked the back of Minatoria's head. "Do not try to deflect!"
Han raised his hand. "I am sure Minatoria is doing a good job at caring for it, so there is no need to fight." He chuckled at the way Minatoria's face lit up, seeing how Han didn't have an issue with her new pet.
"Master is so generous!" Brittany cooed, throwing daggers at Minatoria.
Han enjoyed seeing how all of them got along with one another. Looking at Selestra, who seemed to integrate herself very well into the group. "Selestra, come here." He smiled at her.
With practiced grace, Selestra got up and walked over to where Han was sitting. She was a perfect image of regal beauty, likely from her noble background and being around his creations for so long. Looking at Ha-Yoon, he motioned with his head for her to stand next to Selestra.
Having both of them standing in front of him, Han said, "Though you may already know this, Selestra, I will repeat if for Ha-Yoon's sake. Ha-Yoon, you asked how I was able to bring you back, and I have yet to give you an explanation." Pointing at his creations, Han said, "Those wonderful women are creations I made. They have only existed since the time I created them. With my ability, I can do things only thought to be restricted to the realm of gods."
"Though I have this ability, I try to limit myself in order not to ruin my enjoyment. There are many things I could fix in this world I choose not to fix." His gaze fixed onto Ha-Yoon's. "I do not know if this is an issue for you, but let me know, and I will help you relocate to a safe place where you will never want for anything."
The sound of a slap rang throughout the room.
Everyone looked shocked at the sight of Ha-Yoon slapping Han, including Han himself. He touched his stinging cheek, looking at Ha-Yoon in confusion. Her face was filled with anger and eyes filled with tears.
"I was finally able to be with you. You brought me back from the dead. And you are thinking about having me sent to another location?!" She screamed the last part, her face contorted with emotions.
"I did not know whether you would be angry about how I could make the world a better place." He sounded bewildered by how she had reacted to his words.
"I do not care about the world! I care about you! You, idiot!" She yelled back.
Hearing her words hit his chest hard. He could feel a part of himself feeling happy, hearing her words. "You care about me?" He asked sheepishly.
"Of course, you fool!" She smiled, though her eyes were still looking angered and emotional.
"Yi, we do not care about what you can do with your powers. All we care about is you and only you." Selestra added in.
Han looked at the two of them with wonder on his face. It took him a while to understand the words they were saying to him. He smiled. "I guess I was worried about nothing?" He chuckled.
"Looks like we need to help fix that head of his," Ha-Yoon told Selestra, who nodded in agreement.
Ignoring Ha-Yoon's comment, Han said, "Having gotten past that, I guess we should move onto the next part." His expression became serious. "With what has happened to Ha-Yoon, I wanted to ask both of you a very serious question."
He paused, looking at both of them. "The two of you are human, so you are fragile and vulnerable to a variety of attacks." He paused to let his words sink in. "I want to offer you something no other human has been offered. I want to turn the two of you into something similar to my creations. You will be with me for eternity."
There wasn't even a moment of hesitation before the two of them embraced him, both of them crying. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" They kept repeating.
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Once Selestra and Ha-Yoon regained their composure, they were once again standing in front of him. This time they looked excited, like a bride on her wedding day. They were eager for Han to change them.
"Remember, the process will rely on your thoughts. This is going to be different than how I created the others, so your emotions and beliefs will help to influence what abilities you gain." He handed each of them a pill he created while the two were getting ready.
"There will be discomfort, the pain should tolerable. It will take a while for you to change, so do not be worried if it feels longer than expected. Just keep focusing your emotions on a single image." Han explained to each of them.
Nodding their heads, they understood how serious this process was.
Out of the floor rose two cylinders. "The two of you will be inside these chambers during the process. It will allow no external forces to influence you while you focus." Two doors hissed opened, revealing a dimly lighted interior.
Selestra and Ha-Yoon had no fear on their faces, entering the chambers. They looked back at Han, each smiling at him. The doors to the chambers closed. Inside, both Selestra and Ha-Yoon floated.
Taking the pill and swallowing it, they closed their eyes and appeared to concentrate. From their expression, Han knew they were experiencing the initial process. The pain would start mild slowly increasing in intensity, as it transformed their bodies.
Soon the two of them will show outward signs of changing.
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Han sat on his throne, watching the two chambers holding Selestra and Ha-Yoon. It had been a month since they had started the process. This was the first time Han had tried such a technique, making him nervous about how long it was taking.
There was no way to know when they would emerge. It felt like installing software and the completion time changing. Han hated whenever he had to use his old Gateway and how slow it would install any software.
In each of the chambers, the two women floated inside. The two looking difference compared to when they first entered the holding device. With Selestra, she was beginning to develop scales, along with a halo of fire radiating out from her. It gave her a draconic appearance. In the chamber with Ha-Yoon inside, her body was covered in some kind of thick cocoon. Han was engrossed, wondering what she would look like.
Staring at the two women, who were eager to perform such a metamorphosis, the door into the throne room opened. Turning his head, he saw Helania gracefully walking towards him.
He was surprised and happy at the same time. It had been a long time since he was able to see her. Her presence missing affected him.
Stopping several feet away from him, she kneeled and stated, "My Master, I have returned from the mission you assigned to me."
"Rise, Helania," Han commanded. In a softer tone, he said, "I have missed you."
Getting to her feet, she gave a look full of love. "I have also missed Master. Though I am happy to fulfill your wishes, I felt a part of me missing." She walked closer to him and got on her knees while resting her head on his lap, "Please limit such requests, where I am apart from you, Master. My purpose is to be by your side, though I understand how much you depend on me."
Laying a hand on her head, he stroked her smooth hair. A sensation bringing back waves of memories of them being together. "I will try and keep you close to me, though I may have future missions requiring you to prepare things for me. Know that I do not ask these things of you lightly."
Helania nodded her head as she understood how much it pained him to ask her to part from him.
Without lifting her head off from his lap, she asked him, "Master, I see we have new people in our midst?"
"Yes. They have chosen to transform themselves into something other than human, to serve me and my ideas. Though I was hesitant to do this, I have learned such hesitation can be problematic." Han explained.
"I am sure they will do a good job at being your creations, just like we are," Helania answered, mentioning everyone else and their loyalties towards him.
"What did you discover in your mission?" Han changed the subject, continuing to stroke Helania's hair.
Helania's eyes closed, enjoying the attention Han was giving her. "The Holy Powers of the Creators are behind many of the sabotage attempts. They believe the Overflow is a gift, to maintain proper population size. It does not hurt the efforts help the nobility stay in power. Many of the believers are fanatically devoted to the HPC, making it difficult to learn their movements and where they keep their more nefarious locations hidden."
"It sounds like what we already determined, though it is better we got a look at the system instead of assuming what was happening." Han stroked his chin thoughtfully, digesting what Helania reported.
"Master, the HPC is also working for demons. They take orders at various locations called temples. Each temple is the central area for a particular demon and their worshippers." Helania added in.
"Interesting. I figured they had a connection with the gods, but knowing they are working with the demons paints an interesting picture. I have had the opportunity to meet them; They gave us an entertaining time. They are nothing to worry about, considering their powers are lower than ours." Han mulled over learning the demons were also in play.
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Val was stressing about her current circumstances. She looked around at the mess left behind from the previous attack on her office. She remembered a time when such a mess would have been quickly dealt with, but with how the Student Council was acting it was clear they no longer considered her to be one of their own.
Throughout the week, many of her knights had left claiming she lacked the strength to lead them. Some were afraid they were going to be killed, by being associated with her. She was now left with only a handful of knights.
Sighing from the overwhelming stress caused by a multitude of issues, she called out, "Henry! Do you mind getting me some tea?"
Henry was one of the few remaining knights faithful in his duties to her and the academy. It was a comfort to know not everyone abandoned her. She smiled seeing Henry bring a tray with her favorite tea kettle and cups. Her collection always made the tea taste better, though it may only be in her mind.
As she watched Henry set the tray down and began pouring the tea into the cup, she said, "Henry, I appreciate how you are willing to stick by my side during these difficult times. I do not think I have thanked you for what you have done."
"My Lady, I am merely doing what is right as a knight." Henry calmly stated. He set the cup in front of her and backed away to let her enjoy her tea.
Val lifted the cup and enjoyed the spiced tea. It had a shot of alcohol in it to help settle her nerves.
As she placed the cup back on top of the table, she went back to look at the paperwork in front of her. "I do not know how we are going to protect the remaining nonhumans inside of the academy," She grumbled as she took another sip of the tea.
Leafing through the paperwork, Val felt a tightness in her throat. Trying to clear the lump in her throat, she took another sip of the tea though it didn't alleviate the discomfort.
Val quickly noticed it was beginning to become difficult to breathe. Quickly looking to Henry to ask him to call for help, she saw him standing there with a smile on his face.
"As a knight of the Academy, I am loyal to the Student Council. They have deemed your services are no longer required." Seeing her face turning different shades of blue, he nodded his head and gave her a final salute. "We thank you for your hard work and effort, and hope you enjoy your vacation in the next life." Henry then proceeded to leave the office.
Val watched Henry leave. After listening to his words, she understood how much of a fool she had been. "If only I had listened to Yi's advice," She thought, regretting how stubborn she was.
Val tried to quickly look through her supplies in hopes she had something to buy her some time, but everything useful had already been removed. It looked like Henry was not just meticulous in his office work.
"Master was correct in informing us to look out for you. You should think of yourself as being blessed to have Him think of your well-being." A cute voice called out to her.
Val saw an adorable woman in a maids outfit standing close to the office couch.
Val wanted to demand she was talking about, but her throat being completely shut made such an act impossible. She could only point at the woman, demanding she identifies herself.
"How about we deal with your small issue before we move onto pleasantries." The woman placed a finger on her chin as she tilted her head. Raising her other hand, she snapped her fingers.
Val felt air rush back into her body, her throat no longer constricted. Hungering her air, her body gasped and filled itself with what it desperately needed.
Collapsing onto the floor as she coughed, holding her throat to make sure she didn't imagine the situation. Looking up, Val saw the woman curtsy and say, "I am Giselle, and my Master would like to invite you to Felicitas." She giggled cutely at the end.
Val could only stare blankly at the woman, trying to comprehend everything.