Chapter 338: An Unexpected Situation

Before he even realized it, the bright rays of the morning sun cast a bright pillar of light through the four squared sections of the window, dispersing the nightly shade and enforcing its presence known to the residents of the cozy, little room.

Feeling the warm sunlight on his skin, Aiden's consciousness gradually returned to reality, he ended his nightly meditation session. 

His eyelids fluttering, they slowly peeled open, revealing the exotic, golden irises of his. He felt refreshed as if he took a long rest, Aiden stretched his limbs in his spot and stood up from the floor.

As he looked up, letting out a smaller yawn, it was only now when he spotted the change that his body underwent during the course of the night. He was no longer green-skinned, he was no longer in the form of the Goblin Lord, but instead, he returned to his 'default' human-like appearance. 

Also, he felt bursting with power, like as if he was back at his peak… Unfortunately, he couldn't confirm this fact, as with a single glance to the top right corner of his vision he saw the continued countdown, reminding him that the System was still offline.

[Total Remaining Upgrade Time: 41 hours 14 minutes 23 seconds]

Although he had a faint idea, he wanted to get confirmation, he called out mentally to his guide, hoping that just like she promised, she would still be available.

'Enya, are you there?' He called out mentally, with a bit of worry in his voice.

However, a second later, he could sigh in relief when he felt the familiar presence appear, and her mature tone of voice filled his mind.

'[Yes, Aiden. I am at your service.]' She responded to the call calmly.

'Enya, can you tell me what happened during the night? How did I change back without me being aware of it?' 

He was puzzled, truly befuddled by the fact that he somehow turned back without his knowledge. Even though that it was not a problem for now, if it would happen when he was outside and would reveal his secret to others, it could spell disaster not just for him but all of those that are important to him.

Her answer, however, caused him further puzzlement.

'[Unfortunately, without the System I am unable to do an in-depth analysis on what could have happened, but I am fairly certain that it was done by you subconsciously. Once the cool down has completed, your body instantly transformed, returning to your normal state.]'

'What? I did this? How could I? I was deep in [Meditation], I shouldn't have been able to…' He argued, trying to wreck his brain as hard as he could to find an answer to this enigma. Sadly, his efforts were futile, as he couldn't come up with anything.

He did remember being concerned about staying in this form and forced to wear the mask and hide his body from everyone for the next few days, but that shouldn't have affected him in this manner.

Or could it?

Could his wish, his hope somehow activate his subconscious and initiate a transformation like that? If so, could this be a skill, this newfound ability of his be trained? It could turn out to be an incredible advantage, an unexpected boon that could allow his mind to focus on the tasks at hand instead of focusing on the various time limitations he would otherwise have to keep in mind later on.

Thinking about the possibilities, the initial concern and worry faded from his expression, replaced by an expectant glint. He was still smirking, as he turned around and saw another surprising sight.

Galina, his cute follower, was still sitting on the top of the bed, mimicking him. Although it was faint, he could feel the energies converging around her body. He could feel a familiar power coursing through her. She was actually meditating!

"What the… How? How did she do it?" He muttered, completely flabbergasted at her sight. "How did she cultivate [Soul Power]? Did she somehow manage to convert some of the mana in her body using her Primal Core? But how is that possible?"

'[Through the connection you both share. While you were deeply entrenched in your own self, she was focusing on what you were doing and did her best to copy it and mimic it.]' Enya explained, giving only a momentary pause as she went further.

'[I noticed her actions and monitored her state throughout the night. Even without the system, it is clear that she somehow gained insight into some of the mysteries surrounding this still unexplored form of hers. She does have a Primal Core now, and although it's still relatively small, she found a way through trial and error how to utilize it.

Aiden, what she is doing, is unprecedented, and not something that normally should be possible. I suspect that her affinity towards the Mystical arts and her determination to follow your path gave her this unexpected insight.]' She said with appreciation in her voice.

'She did? H-how? What is she doing currently? Is she safe?' Understanding the dangers behind such an action, Aiden worriedly asked. If her action would cause irreparable damage to her, then no matter what benefits, new powers she would gain from her first-ever meditation, it would never be worth it. 

Her life was much more important than some increment in her strength no matter the volume.

'[She is safe, for the time being. However, she shouldn't be disturbed, any interruption in her concentration could result in a disaster. The session, this refining she is currently doing is very delicate. Mana by nature is pretty volatile, she needs peace and silence for the time being.]'

Her words failed to calm his worries, he looked at Galina with concern.

'What can I do then? How long would she remain in this state?' He continued firing questions after questions, perturbed by this unexpected situation.

If she would be capable, she would be smiling as she was listening to the boy's concerns.  This boy was so kind-hearted… just like his father…

She shook herself, focusing on the problem at hand.

'[I am not sure, to be honest. There are no data available to me, to cross-check. I can only give a rough estimate based on the power fluctuations around her body.]'

'That is fine, I couldn't even do something like that!' He exclaimed, his nervousness rapidly rising. 'How long do you suspect would she need to keep meditating?'

'[Based on what I can see and feel, I would say, that she most likely will remain in this state for the day. However, I could be wrong, and she could remain like this for multiple days, or she could wake up in a couple of hours… Sorry, Aiden.]' Enya responded in an apologetic tone. After all, this was the first time, she couldn't provide direct, factual response and had to rely on guesstimates.

'She needs to be kept safe and protected! I need to stay he-'

'[Aiden, you do not need to be here. For one, I can keep on monitoring her state through the connection you share with her. Also, you do have someone you could actually ask to protect her while you are away.]' Enya interjected, freezing the words in him.

'But… Why should I leave?! I can keep her safe the best!' Aiden argued, reluctant to the idea of just simply leaving the girl alone.

Expecting an answer from Enya, he was quite surprised and shocked when the bell-like childish voice of the red-haired maiden blade, Rygintarth resounded in his mind.

'Master, I believe your aide was referring to me. I can leave your Soul Space and keep your servant safe and sound. Please don't take this the hard way, but I can keep her safer than you. I can cast a protective aura around her, blocking all sound as well as other forms of potential disturbances in the process.'

'[Also, you need to get back to the Guild Hall, and find the brown-haired boy and the curly girl. They are waiting for you. You also have only a couple of days left before the Wargames. You can't stay cooped up here.]' Enya added, acting like how a mother would instruct her child.

'But…' Aiden tried to come with an argument other than him wanting to stay by her side, but unfortunately, he couldn't think of anything. What Ryg explained was true, she could be a much better protector than he could be. As for his need to visit the guild and to get ready and other obligations, he wasn't really bothered. He couldn't care less who would end up coming out victorious and becoming the next City Leader of this city.

Apart from a very few, select people, he wasn't feeling any attachment to humanity. Even though he was one in his past life, he now accepted the fact that he was no longer that. He also started to accept that even his last life was merely a stage, a temporary 'stop' that was orchestrated by his parents for whatever reason.

In the end, he could only sigh and acquiesce to the girls' words. He knew they were right and he would only be a 'disturbance', just like Ryg had stated.