Chapter 70 - A Freak, I Think!

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Since Lucian called out every position without fail despite her continually increasing the difficulty, Elizabeth found no reason to continue. One, Lucian's current body was a barrier. So if she were to push this blizzard to its limits, then Lucian would undoubtedly freeze to death.

Additionally, since Elizabeth focused all of her attention on monitoring the amount of cold seeping through, the temperature outside of the blizzard was plummeting, which caused the surrounding Guardians to shiver. Some of the weaker ones even saw as their breath turn to frost.

Hence, why Elizabeth was known as the Frost Witch. Her control over shockingly cold temperatures made her a terrifying opponent. Not to mention, her dextrous ice crafting ability made her seem like a witch conjuring spells.

Even more so because she tended to carry a small wand acquired in the higher thresholds of the Monolith.

"Mm," Elizabeth mumbled as she appeared from behind Lucian. She surveyed him while shaking her head with a single thought, "This guy is a freak, I think. Who stays this calm while being frozen?"

She lowered her eyes and noticed a bit of frostbite on the tips of Lucian's finger. However, what she didn't know was that compared to the pain of his Limit Release's third activation, this frostbite was comparable to the discomfort caused by a mosquito bite.

"So?" Oryon interjected with an excited expression. If she agreed with him, then there would be a new addition to the Special Division! Granted, that was if the contract they composed was to Lucian's liking. If not, not only would he not be joining this place, but he wouldn't be revealing the information behind his current display.

"Err, his senses surely are surprising to sense True Alphas, but how will we know his growth rate? What if it's already exhausted? After all, that E rank vessel is rather underwhelming," Elizabeth said with a troubled expression.

While she wished to agree with Oryon, she felt Lucian's vessel was truly a limiting factor. What use was a powerful mind if the body could not keep up? The incongruent nature of his abilities created the conflict in Elizabeth's evaluation of Lucian.

"Growth rate? You worry too much. Think about it; why are you worried about his growth rate when those senses are already on par with True Alphas?" Oryon countered with a valid point. In fact, it even made Elizabeth rethink her decision.

"True," Elizabeth murmured with a faint nod.

"Besides, your view of this situation is too narrow," Oryon added.

Elizabeth's worry lied in the fact that Lucian's current vessel could get him killed inside some of the Anomaly Rifts they entered. Especially the ones provided to the Special Division.

However, Oryon felt differently. Not all people on the battlefield needed to take place in the battle physically. After all, although he was a fervent advocate for a frontal assault, the fact remained that there were many factors to winning a battle―placement, attack strategies, defense strategies, rapid decisions―all of this remained indispensable when both sides were of similar strength.

Therefore, Oryon felt Lucian's ability was more than enough to earn a spot inside the Special Division. As long as he was trained properly, he could potentially usurp the current overseer of the battlefield.

"Even then… I'm sure Odin won't like the fact that you're thinking of adding a potential replacement for his son in the junior sector of the Special Division," Elizabeth said. But, there was also a mischievous smirk brewing against her lips.

"And just for that, I'll second your decision! He can enter the Special Division at the behest of us," Elizabeth added.

Oryon grinned and eventually turned towards Lucian, "Let's get a more comprehensive understanding of your potential. Follow me."

The sliding double doors leading to the back of the testing center opened up as Oryon, followed by Lucian, exited through them. Since this was a mere testing center, it didn't possess the means to draw up the contract.

Alana looked towards the departing two before looking at her aunt, "Wow. The Special Division. I wouldn't have thought that a previously failed awakening would lead to such an odd development."

Immediately, Elizabeth's eyes widened, "His awakening failed?!"

Her reaction was more unusual than most. However, there was a reason behind it; someone on par with an Extraordinary Guardian couldn't fail their awakening. The force of the Mana in their body was too strong for such a situation to take place.

Therefore, Elizabeth was now sure of it. 'An absolute freakish situation.'

…

Oryon sat before Lucian with a leisure posture. Despite his identity as a high-level Guardian, he didn't give off the air of dignity that Lucian expected. 'Is this why Cezar is so wild? Has he adopted that nature from him?'

Truth be told, out of the entire party, Lucian didn't hold any malice towards Cezar. On the contrary, he was more curious than anything, because unlike the rest, he was free-spirited and acted upon every impulse that popped into his mind.

Aside from that, Lucian also knew he was a genuine person. The apology given inside the boss room was authentic, and even without his Hypervigilance Lucian felt it. Unfortunately, he wasn't in the mood for conversation then. Hence, his cold attitude.

After all, who would be in a good mood after experiencing a near-death moment? If it wasn't for the stone, Lucian would have died. There was only a sliver of vitality left in his heart when the stone stepped in.

Though, that was the only time it could step in. It needed Apollo's heart to be bled dry. Because simply put, the stone became his new heart. The blood that coursed through his body was the same crimson aura that he sensed in his visit to the boundless space.

Suddenly, Oryon leaned forward, "Is it true that you were left to die in the Monolith?"

Lucian's expression became irregular as he looked at Oryon. "Cezar told you about that?"

"Of course, he's a good boy. Although he may be rough around the edges, he's not one to withhold how he feels," Oryon said with a proud smile. But it was only for a moment before his expression became solemn.

"I see," Lucian nodded while monitoring the change in Oryon.

"Aside from your uncertain parameters as per your explanation, I can tell that you're not one to willingly serve someone, correct?" Oryon asked.

"I suppose your assumption is correct. But, I suspect this question has another meaning?" Lucian responded. Alongside his unrestrained demeanor, Lucian recalled that the source of the earlier argument was this man leaving from a meeting.

If that was the case, then he was a kindred soul―someone who didn't like restrictions. Granted, the reason Lucian didn't like restriction was different. After melding with the Limitless Stone, he awakened an innate loathing towards restrictions.

How could something without limits be imposed on?!

Oryon then admitted that there was indeed a hidden meaning in his words. But first, he asked something else, "What was your purpose for accepting the Corps' invitation?"

"To obtain more knowledge about these Anomaly Rifts. Why isn't it something introduced to the public?" Lucian answered.

To that, Oryon revealed an astonished expression. Typically, answer this question with a material answer, generally along the lines of exorbitant amounts of money. After all, the Isle of Power was the luxurious place in the world.

As long as their ability aligned with their desires, then it was not a stretch to say that the Corps could provide anything that one could think of.

So, the fact that Lucian was only focused on the rifts intrigued Oryon. Enough to make him reveal some information about it.

"How would you react before becoming a Guardian if you were to learn that frequent tears about up in the fabric of space linking to different places in the universe? And that the other side is some place of unknown dangers?"

"That…" Lucian muttered in astonishment. Eventually, he composed himself, "Panic, I suppose."

"Exactly. Besides, there's no reason to disclose this information to the public because they can't sense it nor can they resolve it."

"Is there a purpose for these rifts?" 

"Preparation," Oryon answered. While it was simple, Lucian could sense the dread in his tone. Clearly, there was something he wasn't letting on.

"For?"

"Become a True Alpha and you'll learn of it yourself," Oryon answered. Afterward, he switched the topic back to the reason for their sit-down.

"As a candidate for the Special Division, there is an unpopular choice you can opt for―the superficial option. Your ties to Corps will be sparse and you will only receive a fraction of what the rifts offer."

"But?" Lucian asked.

"But, you'll retain your freedom to move throughout Alteria and still receive training."