NOVEL NEXT Chapter 213: Interesting {121}
Aaron sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he leaned against the wall. He could see Miyuki's logic, but no matter how sharp her mind was, it didn't change the fact that Gifu was a illusionist.
"Look, Miyuki... Gifu's no ordinary enemy. Any plan we come up with? He'll see it. He can look into the future and predict what we're going to do. That's why... well, my 'fuck it, we ball' strategy is honestly the best shot we have. No plan, no path for him to foresee."
Miyuki's cold expression didn't shift. "Then I'm joining the fight," she stated flatly.
Aaron opened his mouth to protest, but one glance at her and he realized it wasn't a suggestion. It was an order. He groaned inwardly, knowing there was no way out of this. "I knew you'd say that," he muttered, sighing again. "Fine, fine... but we've got a lot to do."
Just as Aaron started to move toward the door, mentally preparing to check in on Iguarashi, Miyuki grabbed his arm and pulled him back. He turned, a question forming on his lips, but before he could get a word out, she leaned in and bit down on his neck.
He tensed, feeling her sharp teeth sink into his skin, leaving a mark—a hickey. She pulled back, looking pleased with herself, a rare glint of satisfaction in her eyes as she admired her work.
"If you need me, I'll be in the training room," Miyuki said, her tone returning to its usual cold and composed manner. She gave him a proud, almost possessive look before turning and leaving the room, her long white hair swaying behind her.
Aaron stood there for a moment, hand reflexively touching the spot she bit. "Yup... definitely a lot of work to do."
Time skip
As Aaron made his way down the hallway, rubbing his neck absentmindedly, he bumped into Sakura. She immediately noticed the fresh hickey on his neck, her eyes narrowing as she crossed her arms. "What's that on your neck?" she asked, her voice sharp, barely hiding the jealousy she felt.
Aaron blinked, completely oblivious to the tension in her voice. "Oh, this?" He pointed at the hickey casually. "Either the monster or Miyuki gave it to me. Frankly, I don't care. Just a bite mark."
Sakura's face twisted slightly, her jealousy flaring up in her chest. She could feel the heat rise in her cheeks, and her fists clenched at her sides. "Why would you let someone mark you like that?" she demanded in a jealous tone, her voice rising despite herself.
Aaron, still utterly unaware, shrugged. "Not like I could stop it. Plus, it's just a bite mark. It's not a big deal."
Sakura's eyes widened, her frustration bubbling over. "Not a big deal? You let her mark you like some... some... pet!" Her voice wavered between anger and hurt, though Aaron was too dense to notice the deeper emotions at play.
Aaron scratched his head, looking genuinely confused. "I mean... it's not like I'm hers or anything. It's just a mark, right?"
Sakura's jealousy only grew, her thoughts racing as she struggled to keep her emotions in check. She bit her lip, glancing away for a moment before muttering under her breath, "You're an idiot..."
Aaron noticed Sakura's flustered state, smirking as an idea popped into his head. "Wait... Do you have a problem with another woman giving me a hickey?" he asked, his tone teasing.
Sakura's eyes widened, and she immediately turned her head away, crossing her arms defensively. "W-What? Of course not!" she stammered, her voice tinged with the classic tsundere edge. "As if I'd care about something like that!"
Aaron chuckled, leaning in closer just to get under her skin. "Oh really? So, Miss Invisible has no problem with me getting marked up, huh? Didn't think you'd have a crush on me."
Sakura's face turned bright red as she whipped around to face him, flustered beyond belief. "As if I would fall in love with someone like you!" she shot back, her voice full of frustration, but the faintest hint of a quiver betrayed her true feelings.
As she turned away again, Aaron couldn't help but smirk to himself. *So it's still in effect for Sakura... The curse is holding strong for her. But then... what the hell happened with Miyuki?* He mentally groaned. The inconsistencies were driving him mad.
POV change
In the midst of an empty void, Gifu floated with an aura of boredom, his gaze fixed on the distant glow of energy surrounding Aaron. He tilted his head, a flicker of curiosity stirring within him. Last he checked, the celestials weren't this direct in their involvement, often choosing a more passive approach. Yet here they were, channeling power toward this human. What made him so special?
Every day, Gifu's ennui seemed to lessen as the anomaly piqued his interest more. What could possibly compel the celestials to interfere with this particular human? Should he report this to his Queen?
His lips twisted into a smirk. No, that wouldn't do. The Queen would likely deal with Aaron by simply sucking the soul from his body without a second thought. Where's the entertainment in that?
Gifu's eyes drifted lazily toward his most loyal servant, Akaishi, standing still as a statue nearby. A sudden idea came to him, and with a single flick of his finger, a surge of power flowed into Akaishi. The servant's body trembled as raw energy coursed through him, eyes wide with newfound strength.
Instructions poured into Akaishi's mind like a flood—investigate this celestial anomaly, unravel the mystery of why they were protecting Aaron. And more importantly, kill the two Iguarashi brothers.
Akaishi dropped to one knee, bowing deeply before his master. "Thank you for this power, my lord. Your will shall be done." His voice was steady, filled with absolute loyalty.
Gifu gave a dismissive wave, his mind already wandering back to Aaron. "Go, make it interesting," he muttered, eyes gleaming. "I'll be watching."