Chapter 361: Answering Irjas Questions (1/2)

Back at that Irreverent Dungeon, my first impression of Irja was that she's somewhat crafty. She pulled me into their conversation just like that. Perhaps she only did that to get Klement off her shoulder and turn his focus on me. Nonetheless, that's a fairly great first impression.

When I first saw her appearance after being freed, she appeared to be more mature than how I imagined her to be. Not mentioning her alluring face which was as radiant as her Transcendent Pathway, she also has her sexy curves that despite being locked up in there for 20 years, she maintained it perfectly.

With all her curiosity and suspicions, she started approaching me. I once threw her into confusion but that ended when I stopped holding back at that space. She told me that she's only curious because if I'm really the reason why they were released, they wanted to properly express their gratitude.

After that, she eased up on her suspicion but our interaction didn't end at that.

In the end, with our experiences together, I ended up getting drawn closer to her that I'm already about to break what I said about never telling her my identity. Well, at least I saved it a bit by saying I will answer her questions. I'm not obligated to tell her everything.

”How long are you going to continue staring?” With one of her brows raised, she jumped down from where she was and closed the distance between us. We're now alone and without the teasing of Monady or minding the eyes of others, she's back at how she used to be.

”I'm just wondering how come you found me this fast. Have you hurried thinking I'll go against my word?”

Without the existing tension from before, we're standing head to head, although I know I already grew up a bit, she's still a little taller than me.

I'm still in my growth period so I'm bound to surpass her height.

”Don't ask the obvious, I'll have you answer me…”

”You're that curious, eh? Say, are you interested in me?”

”It depends on your answer.”

Now that there's no one else around, she's not denying it.

”Why? Will you say no if my background isn't as special as you think?”

”It's the other way around, actually. I'm now an outcast of my tribe and I have nowhere to go after this…”

”So you're basically saying you're interested in me. And if there's a chance, you want to come with me, is that right?”

Upon hearing that, Irja clicked her tongue. Perhaps I got her intention correct.

”Stop going on circles. Will you tell me or not?”

The way she didn't want to openly admit it was adorable. I guess she'll be like Nysia who can be so satisfying to tease.

”I said I'll answer your questions, not me telling you my life story. Ask away.” I stepped forward and closed our distance even further. Although she's acting as if my words weren't affecting her, her ears and neck were turning red. ”Ah, by the way, let's clear up the remaining statue while we're at it.”

”Ugh… alright.”

”Great. And by the way, I'm interested in you.”

”Hearing that doesn't make me happy…”

That's a confirmed tsundere, alright. In any case, there's no point rushing this just like how I did with Fleur. We'll eventually get to that if what we're feeling for each other grows to that point.

”And I expected that answer,” I smirked before turning my feet towards the distant giant statue. Casting a 4-nodes Elemental Flash Step variation, my sword that had just calmed down buzzed in excitement once again as it gradually glowed with its lightning properties and Swordforce.

This place is just like that first fortress, there are only four giant statues located at the four corners. I already destroyed one so there are three left.

At this point, I'll shamelessly steal the kill from her. My time here is running out and I'm feeling a sense of urgency.

Although I can choose to stay for a little bit longer, I know I will just keep on worrying about the Companions I left behind.

Back in that space, the memory of the Support Incarnation I sent to Nysia has long merged with mine. The situation there was about to take a bad turn. The United Alliance was gradually getting overwhelmed by the combined forces of the Dark World and the Healing Faction of the Anzeans. Even if Nysia could take on 10 Transcendents at once, there are just too many of them. Even my Incarnation couldn't do much in there except abating some of their burdens and lifting their spirits up by giving them some victories. With too few Transcendents on their side and with the heroes not being back yet, they're starting to feel tired defending against the enemies.

”It's rare for you to crease your brows. Are you thinking about something?” Catching up from behind me after I stabbed and jumped back from the statue, Irja asked.

It's showing on my face, eh? It's really different if I'm thinking about them.

”Are you sure you want to use up your limited chance to question me like this?”

”Huh? You didn't tell me there's a limit. Forget about that then. Tell me, are you connected to the Great One Illiana?”

”I am, in a way. But as to our real connection, I'm still not clear yet.”

I'm just suspecting that she's a previous companion, without confirmation, I couldn't truly bank on that.