The Last Primal

Aiden's frown deepened the more he read through the System's latest notification. The quest he received was a main quest, meaning it was instrumental in the grand events of this world's future. 

Yet it was only about saving two women and a girl, most likely somewhere closer to Tolliah in age if the Guard Captain's explanations were anything to go by. How could this seemingly minor, negligible event result in how the future would be shaped to this already dying, post-apocalyptic world? 

Thinking about it, Aiden recalled the quest about the Horde, the orcs' invasion, and the main reason behind it: To visit that underground grotto. He was reminded of how it ended up being parts of a series of quests, a 'Chain' so to speak. Still, in that case, the quest title clearly indicated that they were a 'Part' of a series of quests and not unique ones.

'What is going on… Enya, do you know anything?' Unable to find a definite answer, Aiden couldn't help but ask.

'[I… can't say much, but just remember, that usually there's a reason for everything the System does.]' responded Enya, her tone of voice sounding clearly forced. She obviously fought against the restrictions placed upon her by the System to even be able to say as much. Immediately after saying that, her presence vanished as she was probably pulled away by the restrictions. 

'Master, The little glowing ball of light cannot say more.]' The girlish voice of Ryg, Aiden's sword spirit spoke up, her voice also sounding rather distant.

'I see…. Thanks.' Aiden responded, returning his attention to the outside world and finally breaking the silence after several minutes of awkward silence.

His eyes flickered with a golden light that didn't escape Tak's keen observation, making him almost reveal a shocked expression on his face. With great effort, he reined in his questions and continued to look at the hooded 'merchant' for an answer.

At this point, he was all but certain that despite their claims, this group had to know the archbishop and his group of rebels. They had to have a connection to him, if not be his direct subordinates. He knew that they were his only chance in finding his lost family, and getting them back together! 

He clenched his fists under the table, doing his best to calm his rapidly beating, chaotic heart, not wanting to spark the seeds of hope and cultivate them any further only to have them crushed. He was disappointed one too many times already.

"[Reptilian] What would you offer to HIM in return? You have stated what you desire and I believe they have come from deep within your heart and soul, but you have never once stated what you offer in return? What would you offer to gain his support, his help?" Aiden asked, his tone was calm and collected with no visible emotion that could be made out underneath. 

Still, there was a hint of a power, a wisp of his own energy that he infused into his voice, just ever-so-subtly, just enough to make the man's mind rise up another storm of chaos, and his heart to return to the heavy rhythm that it had before. He wanted the man to understand that his next words would carry a hidden weight, that it could very well decide not just his fate, but others as well.

"[Reptilian] I-I…" Just like Aiden wanted, the Guard Captain felt conflicted as he listened to the hooded merchant. His glowing, burning bright golden eyes, which resembled not that of a skink's but someone… or something else's was already enough to send both his heart and mind back into the raging storm he was desperately trying to quell. His words, whilst it carried no visible intent, nor any emotion still made him feel uncomfortable. He could feel an invisible pressure, weighing down at his very soul, the core of his being, making him feel uncomfortable in front of the enigma of who this hooded merchant truly was.

Despite all that, Tak's determination didn't falter, it did not wane at all. His desire to be reunited with his loved ones, as well as the growing hatred against the church for being played and used only to be discarded later, was as strong as ever.

Taking only a few short seconds he reinforced the steely gaze on his face, as Tak turned to look at the darkness of the hood and spoke firmly, phrasing each word carefully and clearly.

"[Reptilian] I wish to swear my loyalty to him! For his promise, his guarantee I would do anything! My only wish is to find my wife and daughter and be with them, I no longer care about what happens after that."

"[Reptilian] I believe you. I can feel the determination behind your words. Your words speak the truth." Aiden acknowledged. As he reached the top of the little hugging koala, Tolliah's hood-covered head to caress it gently, lovingly Aiden said.

"[Reptilian] Join us for breakfast, Tak, Guard Captain of the Temple-Guards. Have a meal and a drink."

"[Reptilian] B-but… my l-lor-" Hearing his master's words, Madam Dara instantly raised her hand in protest, but was silenced almost immediately. 

"[Reptilian] It's alright. He is just like us. Lost too much, for too little in return. We shouldn't push away those that so desperately desire the light. There's enough darkness in the world, even without pushing innocent souls in it."

Aiden's words although they may have sounded strange and even mysterious to some, his connected captains have understood the true meaning behind it. The others, as well as Madam Dara, turned silent upon hearing his preaching, and only acknowledged it with a gentle smile and a slight nod before turning visibly calmer by it.

From a quick look at his System's Map, Aiden saw as the Chubby Man was still busy preparing the food at the back, in the kitchen, he then shifted his attention on the little girl who remained silent all the while they conversed with the Guard Captain.

He smiled, as he silently kept on patting the top of her head, giving her his loving gentle caress. For some reason, the more he interacted with her, the closer he felt. The intent of the absorbed archbishop fused together with his love and affection to his family, elevating the little Tolliah's position higher and higher as the day's progressed.

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Planned Tags and Genre:  # CULTIVATION  # R18  # BETRAYAL  # TRANSMIGRATION  # URBAN  # ACTION  # ANTIHERO  # OVERPOWERED (romance maybe at some later point)

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