Chapter 20: Leaving The Mountain

Morning arrived as the sun rose from the horizon. The sunlight spread around the land, passing through every gap in the forest until it eventually hit two unconscious figures. 

As he felt a warm touch brush his cheek, Zeus' eyelids fluttered and soon, he regained his sight back. Though feeling lightheaded, he lifted himself off of the ground and scanned the area he was in. 

Uprooted trees and bits of rubbles entered his line of sight. The scorched and collapsed floor could be seen everywhere as he turned his head. Staring at the unpleasant place he was in reminded him of the fierce battle that happened last night. 

'Thank goodness, I survived.' Zeus sighed in relief as he grabbed the iron staff punctured into the burned ground. 

As the memories of yesterday converged in his mind, his head shifted towards his left where Elise currently slept. He stared at her breast and after seeing that she was still breathing, he decided not to bother her for a while.

It's a D cup, by the way.

"Ahh, I'm hungry." Zeus grumbled as he strolled around the vicinity, trying to find something he could scavenge. 

However, to his dismay, all of his things were burned down and even the excess clothes were nothing but ashes now.

"Can't be helped." Zeus groaned as he continued, "Well, at least I survived. That's all that matters." 

His life is more important than these mere belongings of his. It's not like there's sentimental value to them. Aside from the photo of him and his father, all of those were pretty much just for everyday life. 

Although the photo cannot be restored, for Zeus, it's alright. Aether could do certain things and making a replica based on his memories shouldn't be impossible. 

As his thoughts wandered around, he suddenly remembered the quest's completion last night. 

Without hesitation, Zeus opened his status. 

< Strongest System.>

[ Name: Zeus Walton.] 

[ Talent: Language, ???.] 

[ Magic Affinity: Unawakened.]

[ Shop: Locked.] 

[ Quest: (New).]

[ Pet: Shelly (Raven).] 

[ System Points: 1,100.]

[Skills: Tap to open.]

[??] 

[ The rest of the status was either currently locked or unawakened.]

After a brief observation, Zeus opened the quest panel. 

< Ding! >

< A new quest is generated. >

[Quest: Awaken.]

[Description: Participate in Aether awakening, together with your magic affinity.]

[Time Limit: 10 Days.] 

[Reward: Access to Shop, A New System Function.] 

After he finished reading the system message, Zeus reflexively chuckled. 

"Ha, haha, why is the time limit only 10 days?" 

Looking at the floating message, he fell into a deep contemplation. Back then, the system also gave him a quest to learn his first skill in ten days. At first, it was impossible as he possessed no aether. 

However, after learning that aether is composed of 3 mana types, he learned body art. 

As such, the system wouldn't give him a time limit where he couldn't do it. In other words, the system wouldn't give him a quest where completion is impossible. 

'This could only mean…' Zeus' eyes narrowed. 'That I am not bound by the 15 years old restrictions anymore.'

Normally, he still has 3 years but now, the system indirectly stated that he could awaken now. Zeus was reluctant to trust it easily but there was not much he could do. 

If he explodes after awakening… 

"But the reward is rich. The risk is great but maybe… just maybe it could work."

With this in mind, Zeus decided to ask Elise if there are people who awakened their aether below 15. He still has 10 days and that's already plenty of time to find out. 

While lost in thought, his stomach suddenly growled. 

"Well, I guess I should find food first." Zeus muttered as he placed his hand on his grumbling stomach. 

… 

Elise opened her eyes as she heard the sizzling sounds coming from her right side. Sun rays hit her face as they beamed down through the tree gaps. 

'What!' 

Immediately, Elise touched her clothes and after feeling nothing seemed suspicious, she sighed in relief. Knowing that she fainted last night and nothing happened to her, she's thankful. 

But then again, it's her fault. 

'I really shouldn't use Tier 2 spells.' 

As Elise lifted herself off of the muddy floor, she felt her body slightly quiver due to limited physical strength. At the same time, she searched for someone. 

"Good Morning." 

Hearing a familiar voice, Elise turned her head towards an area where Zeus currently was. 

"When did you wake up?" She asked, brushing the dust off of her clothes. 

"Hmm, probably an hour ago." Zeus replied as he munched on the roasted rabbit meat. 

"You should've woken me up at least." Elise grumbled. 

Even then, she's thankful that Zeus didn't do anything to her. After all, it's hard to trust someone in this kind of situation. Additionally, she's a woman and she's prone to be preyed upon by lustful men. 

As if listening to her thoughts, Zeus stared at her and mused, "Do you really think of me as a pervert?" 

"No." Elise averted her gaze away. 

"Really?" 

"Really."

Zeus nodded and pointed his fingers towards the roasted meat. 

"Eat first. The battle last night was intense so you better fill your stomach."

Elise strode forward and grabbed the food. Zeus was right. She's already feeling famished. As gnawed on the food, he noticed that Zeus seemed to be ready to leave. 

"Are you leaving?" She asked. However, since her mouth was full, her voice sounded muffled. 

"Mm. I'm planning to fly my way down. Our agreement is already over anyway so there's no need to stay here any longer."

Hearing his affirmation, Elise felt discomfort in her heart. Even then, she tried not to show it outside. The goodwill of Zeus must have messed up her mind. 

"You're angry, aren't you?" Zeus mused, smirking at her. 

"W-why would I be angry?" She denied, "If you want to leave me, then leave." 

Elise bit the food aggressively as she vented her emotions on the poor rabbit. 

Zeus nodded. Although he could feel her disoriented emotions, he didn't try to force her to come. In his opinion, if she wanted to go with him, she should say it. 

"By the way, something has been bugging me since last night."

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"What is it?" Elise replied in a flat tone. 

"Is there anyone who awakened their aether much earlier than the required 15 years? Like 14 years old or lower."

Elise stopped gnawing her food and stared at Zeus with her eyes narrowing. 

"Why would you ask?" 

"Just pure curiosity."

She pondered for a moment before nodding.

"There is one. But, I can't tell you who it is as that was classified information. Only high-ranking noble families from all over the world know it."

'So it's possible huh?' Zeus was delighted. At least the probability of him exploding decreased by several times. 

Elise added, "According to the records, by accident, this man awakened his aether after turning 13 years old."

"13?" Zeus looked at the skies and guessed, "He must be pretty strong right?" 

"Mm."

"By the way, do I need an identification when I enter the kingdom?" 

"You're already inside. The Beastial Mountain Peak is the Kingdom's territory so there's no need for identification. However, if you want to enter the Kingdom's capital, you would need one."

"How do I get one though?" 

"There are so many ways but for you, only the 'orphan' excuse could work." Averting her gaze, she continued, "B-but if you want, I could help you."

"Oh, you want to come with me?" Zeus smiled. 

"If you need help, that is. If not then it's fine." 

Truthfully, Elise was frightened by the fact that once Zeus leaves, she might not be able to descend anymore. Traveling in this mountain alone would be suicide unless you can fight 1st Order Monsters. 

However, she would die before she could cast a spell. Just like last night, if that monster targeted her first, the chances of her death are 100%.

She's not like Zeus who could withdraw anytime when the monster attacked. Moreover, he could fight 1st Order Monsters alone which she naturally couldn't do. 

"Is that right?" Zeus smiled before he stood up and called Shelly. 

A heavy feeling shrouded her heart as she felt butterflies in her stomach. Anxiousness washed over her body, watching him straddle onto Shelly's back. 

Suddenly, 

"What are you waiting for? New year?" Zeus called out. 

Hearing his voice, Elise raised her head and gave him a puzzled look. However, as she realized what was happening, her face brightened in happiness. 

"What? Want me to carry you?" Zeus mused, offering his hand up. 

"N-no. I'll go."

Elise's cheeks flushed before she hastily jumped off of her seat and accepted Zeus' hands. 

… 

The moon and sun rose and fell. In a blink of an eye, 3 days have passed. 

Swish! 

Shelly glided down an open field near the foot of the mountain. After all, once she passed through the danger zone, she might be mistaken for a monster. 

Thud—

As they landed on the ground, Zeus immediately spotted the crowds of people who were lining up at the entrance. Some of them carried beast corpses or even monster bodies. 

However, what surprised him the most was their attire. Initially, he thought they would be wearing armors or heavy-duty chain mail. To his surprise, these people have fashion sense as well. 

He could even see someone wearing a black suit!

'So I'm not in medieval times or mixed?' 

As thoughts swirled inside his head, Elise jumped to the ground. 

"This is the safe zone. Don't cause trouble if you want to get in." She warned. 

"Got it but is Shelly allowed to go inside?" 

"Don't worry about that. Pets are allowed as long as they are not as big as a house."

Zeus nodded. Fortunately, Shelly wasn't that big yet. However, thinking about how big her mother was, Shelly wouldn't be able to go in freely anymore. 

'It's not like I'll stay here permanently. I guess it's alright.'

"Let's go."

As the three marched to the end of the line, suddenly, three people wearing elegant clothes bumped into him before kneeling in front of Elise. 

"Young miss, I am pleased to see you alive and well." The black-haired man in the middle spoke with a relieved tone. 

"Ciel." Elise smiled. 

"Your arrival is just on time, the Grand Duke is already awaiting your return. Please come with us."

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