Chapter 313: The Last Reward (1/2)

Although he sort of expected it, Aiden still couldn't help but frown and shake his head in denial when the spirit spoke the words that caused yet another wave of conflict to spread its chaos in his heart and mind.

Conflict, as although he refrained from calling the spirit by what he truly was, he could still feel the truth of it. The spirit was his father, his family in its truest sense. Whilst he had left him, even going so far as to somehow sending him to another world and for some reason, to live another life, it was probably not an easy decision he and his wife, Aiden's mother had made.

Then there was his Mother. What the Guardian Spirit said, confused him greatly, and he still couldn't process it completely. Was he referring to Enya? How could that actually be true? She was an entirely different entity, not originating from this world. She was someone that she was given by that all-powerful true god, the one she referred to as Ioris.

However, she didn't truly deny it either. In fact, she was silent ever since this strange trial began. So silent that he could hardly even feel her presence, at least until a moment ago. He couldn't feel her up until the point that the sword, Ryingtarth submerged into his Soul Space.

He knew it was pointless to even try to ask her for answers, as most likely she would just say the same excuse, that due to some 'limitations' placed on her, she couldn't.

So, the Guardian Spirit's response was strange, he couldn't comprehend it at all. If not Enya, then who was she referring to. The only guidance he received so far was the deathly threats of the System, a heartless, emotionless tool created by that all-powerful existence.

Returning his attention, he looked at the Guardian Spirit with a deep frown on his face, as he once again shook his head.

”No. I can't do that.”

How could he? Even if the system gave an obvious incentive to do so, how could he possibly absorb his father's remnant soul shard? Even if it was just a copy or a retained piece for the service of tending to this shrine, how could he possibly cope with such a thought?

Already expecting such a response, the spirit wasn't surprised, instead, he turned to the side, and pointed to the Golden Egg-shaped object laying atop the altar.

”Don't be afraid. My purpose was always to be joining with you. Absorb the egg, the container of my soul. Besides…”

The spirit smirked, shocking Aiden for the umpteenth time today.

”Besides, you have already absorbed one of my leftover shards, silly boy. So, why would you hesitate to take the second? You need the power within it. Trust me.”

The scene of finding the similar-looking object back at the riverbed in the forest, close to where he came to be re-emerged in his mind. That was a shard? But…

”If… If that is true… Why didn't you show up then? Why couldn't I see you? Why did you stay hidden from me?!” He exclaimed, getting more and more emotional once again as revelation dawned on him. He already did the unthinkable. Albeit he was not aware of it, but that didn't change this simple fact.

”I couldn't at that time. That was a very small, tiny fragment of the whole, my original self didn't intend to leave that there at the time. In fact, that shard shouldn't have been there at all… Unfortunately, I have no way of finding out the reason.”

”If so, then how do you even know that it was your shard?” Aiden asked with a skeptical look. It was just a small branch, but he wanted to believe that he hadn't the unthinkable.

The spirit chuckled at his question, which revealed he was still very naive, unlearned about the wisdom of the world.

”Oh, Aiden. Isn't it obvious? Through your memories of course. We were connected, or did you forget that already?”

Reigning in his laughter, the Guardian Spirit returned to his serious look and continued on.

”What you fear about makes no sense, son. You cannot kill what is already dead. I have died long, long ago. What you see are just copies of my soul that my real self has left behind to test and guide you. These 'eggs', as you refer to them in your mind…” He reassured, turning to look at the golden egg.