Chapter 191: Chapter 191: A Special Gift
Aria's transformation was incredible. With her remaining baby fat gone, she now appeared more mature, her skin glowing with an otherworldly radiance. She looked just like a goddess, someone not to be blasphemed. Her long silver hair cascaded down her back, giving off a faint luminescent glow under the moonlight.
Her body's proportions had also increased. While not as voluptuous as Bella, they were still sight to behold.
Aria spoke, recounting the past.
"During the time of destruction, it was my father and uncle who fought desperately against the odds to ensure our safety. They used a Void Escape treasure my father kept for emergencies, but only a few of us made it out. The rest of our clan perished, and both my father and uncle were severely injured in the process."
She looked sad as she continued, "Afterward, we decided to search for high-tier healing potions in Dwarvania to help them recover—possibly S-Rank or higher. On the way to the capital, we faced countless obstacles. During that time ome night, I had a strange dream, and when I woke up, I had mysteriously awakened this nature power. It allows me to command both sentient and non-sentient beings.
I can even control trees and manipulate the weather to some extent, though I feel there's much more to discover about it. It's not a skill—it's something beyond that. And because of it, I started leveling up rapidly."
Aengus looked intrigued. Commanding both sentient and non-sentient beings? That was incredibly powerful. He recalled how those massive trees had fought for her, standing toe-to-toe against a dragon.
"What was the dream about, Aria? And what's your level now?" Aengus asked curiously, wanting to ensure she wasn't facing the same kind of danger he had encountered.
"I can't remember clearly, Ethan," she replied, her brow furrowed in thought. "Just a vague silhouette of a goddess-like figure, but it was terrifyingly massive—much larger than this world, at least. That's all I managed to see..."
Aengus noted the fascination and incredulity on her face. It was clear the dream had left an impact on her.
"My level is now 62. I'm officially a B-Rank hunter," she added with a proud smile.
"A goddess?" Aengus echoed in his mind.
"Yes, It feels similar to what I have experienced, but I can't deny there could be other possibilities."
Aengus let out a deep breath, inhaling the clean air and shaking off his worry for the moment.
There was no point in dwelling on it now. As long as he could intervene, he would. They were entangled in the threads of fate and destiny—either marking them for absolute greatness or destruction. Yet, he hoped to gain enough power to control those threads, rather than merely being a participant in someone else's chessboard.
"Ethan, why do you look worried? Is it that bad?" Aria asked, noticing his silence.
"Ah, no, it's nothing to worry about! I was just thinking about what to do next. Though Bella is managing things with my doppelganger for now, who knows what might happen next?"
"Oh, what are you looking for exactly? Any plans in mind? Maybe I could help," Aria offered sincerely.
"The only plan in my mind is to grow stronger, Aria. Do you know a place where I could find powerful beasts or monsters in large quantities? Preferably A or S ranks?"
Aria thought hard for a moment, and then a place came to mind. "Yes, I know just the place, Ethan," she said with a smile.
Aengus raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Where is it? How many monsters are there? I'm talking about millions."
Aria confidently replied, "Of course. That forest is massive. Drake, Yona, and I barely made it out alive when we passed through that place. The experience was really scary."
"Oh, that sounds dangerous. I'm glad you made it out alive. What's the name of this forest?" he asked.
"It's called Darkwood Forest. It's known as the most dangerous place in our Kingdom. It might even surpass other kingdoms in the Kairos Empire in terms of size."
"I see... That's perfect." Aengus grinned, realizing that a massive grinding session was ahead of him. After this, perhaps he could even surpass S-Rank, or maybe even reach the level of Transcendentals.
"So, when are we leaving? General Leon mentioned an upcoming war. Don't you want to help?" Aria asked, noticing the faint smile on his face.
"No. I am sure they would do fine without me. I have to focus on my goal, only then I could truly contribute in establishing new order."
"But, what's with you? You still want to go to that dangerous place again? Are you not scared anymore?" Aengus asked, watching the excitement on Aria's face, which already answered his question.
"No. Who do you think I am? I'm not some wallflower. I was a hunter, an assassin, and I always will be," she said with a fierce expression, which only amplified her beauty.
Aengus smiled at her. She hadn't changed in the slightest. Her thirst for adventure and the thrill of the hunt still remained. He decided to take her along, thinking that this would be a chance to make her even stronger so she could protect herself better.
"Oh, you mentioned your parents on the way here. Perhaps after our expedition, we should pay them a visit. I'd be happy to meet your father and deliver the medicine you're seeking," Aengus said thoughtfully.
Aria was pleased by his gesture, but a troubled expression crossed her beautiful face.
"That's a good plan, Ethan, but I haven't found a potion strong enough to heal their injuries yet," she said with a hint of disappointment.
"No need to worry about this small matter, Aria. I can help with that using my special skill," Aengus reassured her, intertwining his fingers with hers.
Aria felt a tingling sensation but became curious. What kind of skill did he possess that made him so powerful and confident in performing such miracles?
"If you say so… then I have no worry. But I'm eager to see this special skill of yours. Can you demonstrate one for me?" Aria asked playfully, fluttering her eyebrows, which melted Aengus's heart.
"Sure... but we have to be secretive about it," he whispered before standing up from the bench.
Aria watched with curiosity as Aengus walked over to pick two beautiful white chrysanthemums. He turned and carefully scanned the surroundings to ensure no one was prying into their conversation. He'd already checked earlier, but this time he was being extra cautious.
Finding no one nearby, Aengus activated Synthesis, enveloping the flowers in a ethereal blue glow.
Aria's was struck speechless in awe as she witnessed the miracle.