Chapter 1386 - Rebellious Phase (Part 2) (1/2)

'On top of that, she would never question his authority like that, with respect. It takes an incredibly convoluted order to fix a single conversation and there's always a loophole that Epphy might exploit.' Baba Yaga thought.

”That's why I don't want you to examine me. I had only good memories of aunt Loka and look how our reunion turned out. If you're half as reckless as I remember, then this can only end badly.” Solus said.

”No need to be embarrassed. It's fine doing stupid things when you're young and angry with your mother. I was there to protect you from the wrong crowds and yourself, not to enable you.” The Maiden shook her head.

”Embarrassed?” Lith echoed, making Solus's eyes turn purple again.

”Fine.” Baba Yaga sighed. ”I won't examine you, but at least let me tell you what I think happened. Someone killed you or at least went very close. Your mother and I were still ironing a few things back when she disappeared so I assume that she completed the project in a rush to save you.

”Then, the person who killed you came back and Ripha was too weak to stop them. She probably sent you to a secret location where she planned to reunite with you after escaping, but she failed.”

”Do you know who might have done it?” Solus asked.

”Sorry, there were too many people that wanted the both of you dead. The fact that Ripha opened her house to anyone in need doesn't help either. One of her apprentices might have actually been a mole who lured you into a trap.” Malyshka said.

”What about you, young man. Will you allow me to examine your condition or do you want to refuse my help as well?”

”What good would it make?” Lith asked.

”I'm the greatest expert about hybrids alive and your condition is unique. There's nothing to fix with you, but I might be able to offer you some insight. Back in my days, reaching the violet core wasn't a big deal, but I am the oldest person alive to have achieved the white core.

”On top of that, I experienced world tribulations as well so the two of us have a lot in common.” Baba Yaga said.

Lith and Solus exchanged a quick glance that cleared up any doubt that Baba Yaga still had.

'Their bond is based on trust, not authority. After breaking a slave's mind, the master can't ask their opinion simply because all the orders he has to impose to ensure absolute loyalty turn the victim into a waddling dog.

'Without free will, there is no imagination, creativity, nor cunning since they could all be used against the slave's master.' She thought.

”Okay fine. Don't blame me if I take the liberty to study your breathing technique while you use it on me.” Lith said.

”I'd like to see you try.” The Maiden giggled as she took Lith's hands in her own and activated Sun and Moon.

He let it flow, trying to grasp how it worked and how it was different from Invigoration. Baba Yaga didn't rush things, taking her time to study the three parts of his life force and the cracks in it.

”Hold my hands any longer and I'll ask you to buy me a drink.” Lith said after a few minutes.

”How cheeky.” She chuckled. ”Don't you have any respect for beings older than the Griffon Kingdom?”

”Not since I got to call Salaark Grandma and Leegaain Grandpa.” Lith said with a grin.