Return of the Fallen Volume 13 Chapter 58
Kazuki saw the small green creature’s magic ring and instantly coveted it.
(That ring may be my ticket out of here. It can manipulate every element. The limit is basically unconsciously set by the one who controls it. These Gerian creatures have very little control over magic and souls and rely heavily on their brute strength. Even the crimson lightning I felt from Bodock, the power was incredible but was mainly ushered forth with raw magical energy. If I had that ring, I’d be able to look into the inscriptions on this collar with just the element of space. After witnessing all of the inscriptions, it would only be a matter of time before I figured out how to remove the collar from my neck.)
Kazuki showed no sign of greed nor emotion on his face at all. This, though, would not do him well. By hiding his emotions, it would be more suspicious under these circumstances. So instead of hiding them, he played them up and showed subtle hints of fear. He looked as if he were trying to hold back a tremble in his spine. A brave face on the surface but to the eyes of these godly beings, he would appear to be pretending to be stronger than he really was.
Verick noticed Kazuki’s change but said nothing. Runa as well had been upset by the whole situation but when it was over, she noticed Kauzki’s expression and laughed at him.
“Haha, you are lucky Verick took pity on your foolish soul. Otherwise, you would have been destroyed by my father and uncle’s auras. Look at you now, no longer the defiant boldness you held before. Have you already become broken?”
Runa laughed again while making fun of Kazuki when Mefius gave her a look. With a single glance, the words no longer escaped her lips and she too began to tremble.
“Fa… father, did I do something wrong?”
Mefius grabbed a black crystal off of his desk that had just finished being repaired by the small green creature. Inside the crystal held a message he had been reading earlier. Tossing it to Runa, he looked at her in disappointment.
“Have you already forgotten what we were discussing? Has your uncle’s tantrum already make you forget? We were talking about your failures.”
Runa inspected the crystal and read the report inside. her eyes immediately went wide.
“Father I can explain!”
Mefius shook his head.
“No…No more excuses. Even though Bodock is my brother, he does not get off so easily because he is blood but rather because he has true capabilities. You though, my precious little gem are still so weak and naive. Not only did you lose to this human which already is a disgrace to my name but you also took out your frustration on a few samples. Those creatures were things I needed and you ruined them. You ruined my property.”
The aura around Mefius began to rise once more. This time though he did not allow it to fly widely but focused it precisely on Runa. This almost caused a change in Kazuki’s expression.
(His control is more than I thought.)
Mefius and Bodock did not finish their fight, actually, they did not even really start. Because of this Kazuki couldn’t tell who exactly was stronger. With the amount of control, Kauzki felt just now, it lead him to believe Mefius was simply better with aura manipulation.
(When it comes to two creatures who are equal in all other things. If one holds a slight advantage when it comes to the ways of aura, naturally that is the person who will win. I initially thought his control was at the same level as Bodocks but it seems he was simply showing his strength. Not only is he better at control but I also did not see Mefius pull out a weapon. With just his aura and a few words, he sent Bodock fleeing. I must slide under his radar, otherwise, a cold ending is what awaits me.)
Runa fell to her knees and began to beg.
“Please please please give me another chance Father! I admit I lost myself to rage after my loss with the human. I shouldn’t have killed those other creatures but I thought they were just common beasts. I did not think they were of importance.”
Mefius took a step forward and now Runa was pathetically on all fours. Her breathing was labored and she looked haggard under this overwhelming pressure. The small green creature continued to repair the office and completely ignored the scene around him. He knew full well what awaited him if he were to turn a curious eye or two.
Mefius shook his head.
“Important, not important, none of that matters. What matters is that they were mine and you broke my things. How will you compensate me for the things you destroyed? Tell me…Should I carve a few pieces of meat off your front or your back to pay for the losses?”
Runa’s eyes, ears, and nose began to bleed dark blood. Kazuki was surprised the heat of this world did not vaporize this liquid and he was even more surprised by the cruelty this so-called father was inflicting upon his daughter.
(If he’s willing to go that far against his own flesh and blood, I stand no chance if I get in his way.)
Runa could no longer speak as the pressure of her father’s aura was beyond anything she could endure. The air in her lungs exploded, causing her lungs to rupture. All of her nerves tore and her bones were reduced to dust. The flesh on her body started to melt and her dark black hair was turned into dust. Mefius stood directly in front of Runa with his palm facing her.
“Well, how will you repay your father?”
It was at this moment that Verick took a step forward and got in between Mefius and Runa. He did not raise his aura though, nor did he take a defensive stance. He simply took on Mefius’s power with gritted teeth.
“Master…Is this not enough already?”
Mefius’s face contorted and a golden flame mixed with waves of rotating black flames covered his hand. He was about to press this flame onto Verick for interfering when Verick instantly bowed.
“Master, she is still but a child. Her misgivings, her failures, all of them are my responsibility. If anyone should be punished it should be me, not her.”
Seeing Verick drop to his knees and take the blame, Mefius’s hand stopped.
“Verick, again you make excuses for my daughter. Why am I not surprised.”
“True I do make excuses but are they not valid? How many moons has the young miss witnessed? She has only just gone on her first hunt outside the city and in that very hunt she ran into an unexpected creature who was a match for her and bettered her. Her frustration and adolescent temperament can easily be explained away. Master have you forgotten your first hunt.”
Mefius’s eyes widened.
“Watch your mouth Verick or I will rip it from your jaw.”
“Forgive me, my lord. I merely…Nevermind. Runa is still a child and she has come up against a situation none of us could have predicted. Not only that, she has her father’s blood. She has much potential just like you my lord and because of my restrictions, she must feel stifled. I do it out of care but it can be that my care has held her back in certain regards. Stunting her growth both physically and mentally. She simply needs an adjustment period and I can assure you such mistakes will not happen anymore in the future. Master, please give her another chance!”
Mefius paused for a moment before looking between Kazuki and his daughter Runa. He was then reminded of his own youthful days and something within him settled. He pulled his aura back and after closing his fist, the golden-black flame vanished.
*Hmph*
“Verick, Maybe you’re right or maybe you’re wrong about her so-called potential. She is a child though that is for sure and this human does have unnatural strength and skill. When Bodock acted tough just now, this human did something strange with his aura. For a moment he was able to resist my own aura. Even with the slave collar on, he still has some capabilities. It was your good fortune bringing me something so rare. Yes, with his abilities, it’s no wonder my Runa lost against him and lost her temper. Fine…I shall let you off. Take her away and have her treated. The moment she’s recovered, you two will go and retrieve the ingredients I desire. You will deliver them to me unspoiled or that will be your final mistake.”
Verick nodded and then saluted before carefully scooping Runa up. Just as he was about to cross the threshold, Mefius spoke a few words to Runa, sending a chill down her spine.
“Recover well my precious little gem. Don’t fail me again.”
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