Chapter 337: Growing Stronger (1/2)

Eventually, Aiden regained his composure just enough to ask another question from his system guide.

'One more question… You mentioned that the system will be unavailable for this upcoming update for a bit more than 2 full days… Does that include you as well?'

Although he tried to mask it, hide it from her, it was completely pointless. Enya was an intangible existence, living inside his Soul Space, they shared a connection that ran much deeper than anything else in his life. She was very clear about her feelings and what she was worried about.

Still, like many times before, she decided not to speak up against it and acted as if she was unaware.

'[No, I will be available. While my existence is connected to the System, I have my own will. The only downside will be that I will not be able to provide you information other than my own thoughts and I will not have access to any of the system's… ehrm… skills for the time being.]' She answered.

'Huah… That's good. I was-'

Taking a sigh of relief, Aiden just noticed the faint giggling that came from behind him. He opened his eyes only to be a witness to an incredibly heartwarming sight. His little servant, the shy girl Galina was finally enjoying herself, acting like a girl she deep inside was.

She was rolling around the bed, giggling to herself, enjoying the comfort that she found herself in for the first time in her life.

Aiden simply smiled at this scene, before turning around and returning his focus to the matters at hand. Exhaling slowly, he cleared his head from all the disturbing thoughts, he closed his eyes, diving deeper and deeper into his own subconscious.

Before bringing up the system's screen, he decided to once again try to enter his Soul Space, from which he was somehow forcefully expelled the last time.

However, to his surprise, he felt a new barrier, an invisible wall blocking him. He himself could not enter, but luckily his thoughts could still reach its residents. He could feel the connection he shared with Enya, and the newest resident, the red-haired little girl, Rygintarth.

'Master, are you looking for me?' Feeling his master's presence, Ryg reached out, her bell-like child-like voice resounding in Aiden's mind.

'No, I was just checking something… Seems like I can't visit you personally for the time being…' Aiden sighed. He wasn't sure what would happen if he would try to force his way in, and he felt it wouldn't be the best time to experiment anyway. He was about to launch an important change and update the system.

Who knows, maybe with the update, this barrier, this blockade would vanish as well.

'Rygintarth understands. If Master finds himself in trouble, please do not hesitate to call out for me. Remember the promise we made! I have vowed to serve and guide you, protect you from the dangers of this world! Please allow me to fulfill my purpose!' Ryg's plea-like response came once more before Aiden felt the connection closing.

He decided to let it go and just left his inner space, returning to the real world. Shaking his head lightly, he focused his mind and called out for her trusted guide.

'Enya!'

A moment later he felt her presence appear, her already expected question arrived.

'[Are you ready Aiden? Would you like me to start the Upgrade?]'

A brief moment passed again in silence, as Aiden reaffirmed his decision. With his eyes still closed, he gave a slight nod, responding mentally to the 'voiced' question.

'Yes. Start it. Let's get it over with. However, before you do, could I ask you to let me know when I can freely change my appearance once again?'

'[Certainly, Aiden. Starting the Upgrade Process in 3… 2…]' Enya's mature voice came in the next moment, along with the system's screen showing the message for the upgrade.

'Wait! One more question! Will I be able to use my skills, or will they be locked?'