Chapter 210: New Way 2

"This is very good!" Zero munched as he stuffed more food on his already overfilling big plate.

"I really thought this kid's a girl in disguise!"

"Dad…" Yano sat next to Lia at the dinner table and wished his dad would just leave them alone.

"But it's really the coincidence right my dear?" Yano's father looked at Lia as his eyes mischievously narrowed.

Lia sighed. Wasn't he too old for that? When Lia realised who Yano's father was, she couldn't believe it at first but now, more and more Lia could see the resemblance.

"Why do I feel like you're not very surprised, Oldie," Lia played along.

Yano's eyes twitched, "Why do you have to know each other? Why do you have to tell her to call you Oldie?" Yano muttered under his breath but out of all people, he was the one who couldn't believe this development the most.

Since Yano graduated from the academy he stayed in the Mortal World. He came back once or twice but it still didn't justify that his father got to meet Lia earlier!

"Son, I was helping your future wife, right?"

"I don't think you can call that help," Lia elegantly brought the fork to her lips.

"Really? I brought you to that stone face's place. If you ain't calling that help, then I don't know," Oldie laughed and filled his beer.

Zero suddenly butted in, "Why don't you have any servants?"

"We don't need them. Apart from me, no one lives here. This old man's sad, Yano barely comes back to see his poor father. How unfilial. Well, I'm most of the time not at home as well so..." Oldie chucked the beer down, "You can meet the glutton and fiery couple next doors later."

Lia knew Oldie was talking about Mil and Skyla's parents. Lia was curious about Yano's mother but didn't ask.

"The soldiers live in another building behind us," Oldie continued.

"Wow, why are you so rich?" Zero chocked out while munching.

"Are we?" Oldie's way of speaking was quite similar to Yano. He'd have answered or questioned it the same way.

Suddenly Lia realised, "Wait… you are the last three hidden families. The ones who take care of the Mortal World."

It was so obvious yet Lia didn't get it at first. Yano, Mil and Skyla belonged to the last three hidden families that have already parted from the first Immortal King. No wonder, there were such obvious signs.

Them staying in the Mortal World, residing in Neverland and the fact they also wanted to stop Min. Lia looked at Yano who gave her a crooked smile, "Only noticed it now?"

"If that's so, I need to train my power," Lia was restless. If the three hidden families helped her then it might be possible. Min's forces were weakened too, if they attacked as fast as possible, Min wouldn't see it coming and then-

"Lia, it's best to wait a bit. You should rest. It's safe here, the Ghost King can wait. We can start once the others come, ok?" Yano coaxed Lia to take it easy.

"The others? Skyla and Mil?"

"Not only."

Ah, that was right. It wasn't just the three of them, Yano had many loyal followers in the Mortal World.

"What a sight haha!" Oldie laughed and Yano grew instantly annoyed and irritated knowing his father wanted to embarrass him again.

"I never thought my crooked, good-for-nothing son could actually act like a dog in-"

"Dad stop!" Yano was exasperated. He wished his father would just leave!

"Well, well, someone can't stand his old man's words but I knew it from the beginning," suddenly Oldie's curved eyes turned sharp as he stared at Lia.

"I knew from our meeting who you were and that you're the Immortal King, Lia dear," Oldie sighed.

"You were annoying, that's all I know," Lia smiled brightly, "Especially Mika found-"

Lia's smile dropped. It was impossible for her to talk about the recently passed ones. Lia would never get over it.

"Ah right, I've got something!" Yano clapped his hands and stood up, "Let me show you."

Yano held his hand out to Lia. Lia noticed what he wanted to do and complied.

Once her hand was wrapped in his, Yano led her upstairs while Zero was stuck with Oldie.

But Zero didn't mind because the food was very good.

"Looks like the adults want to have their fun leaving us alone. You boy, you've got quite the unique appearance."

Zero gulped his food down, "Old man-"

Oldie's eyes twitched. Although he called himself 'Oldie' or an 'old man' it was still a sour feeling to be called old by a youngster.

"Did you cook the food?"

"Of course! My fingers work like magic," Oldie winked.

"I see. Good. Good. I allow you to cook for me from now on," Zero arrogantly said. This place got to his head.

This brat. However, Oldie laughed, "I like you! It's always good to be honest. Though from now on, you'll have to help me. Isn't that great to learn how to cook delicious food?"

Zero thought for a while and then nodded, "Alright. I let you teach me. I can't freeload here anyways."

Oldie liked this bright kid, "Since your caretaker left with my servant, you gotta help me with the cleaning."

"Ok, I'll help because the food was good," Zero hoped Lia was ok. He could at least do this for her.

However, no matter how one looked, the conversation between Oldie and Zero was weird. They surprisingly fit each other.

***

"Sit here," Yano patted the space on his bed. Lia complied. Yano's room here was totally different from his in the Mortal World. The Mortal World's was modern and sleek, while this here was glamorous and elegant. What a spoilt kid.

A large chandelier hung from the ceiling and a large king-size bed was placed against the pastel blue walls. Like always flowers graced everywhere.

"I didn't know you had such a taste," Lia looked around and was amused seeing Yano cough embarrassed.

"My dad insisted on decorating it like this."

"I see, what did you want to show me?" Lia actually knew that Yano wanted to distract her and get away from the conversation at the table. She was thankful for it but also wanted to tease Yano.

Looking at his home, she saw a completely different side of Yano. He wasn't all that confident, playful and carefree. Yano could also get embarrassed and be ashamed or flustered like right now.

"Erm," Yano didn't think so far and looked around the room.

Lia suppressed a laugh and freed him, "It's ok. I was just kidding."

Yano's expression showed relief, "Anything you want, I'll give it to you!"

Alright, Yano was Yano after all.

"Then can you give me the end of the world?"

"I'll paint the future any way you like," Yano's answer stunned Lia. Once again Lia wondered just why Yano was so nice to her. Actually, she already knew the answer but she didn't want to face it.

There was just so much to lose and so many walls keeping Lia from acknowledging Yano's feelings. He has been there for her, helped her, calmed and comforted her, most of all he was genuine. Maybe in the far future, Yano would paint for her what she desired. However, now wasn't the time.

Yano saw the faint pain in Lia's eyes and endured the desire to hold her. He didn't want to come over as too overbearing. Lia needed time. Especially now.

Yano thought of something to say when Lia's words, this time, shocked him.

"I know I can get stronger," Lia absent-mindedly stared at the wall before her while she felt Yano next to her tense up, "Maybe it won't help me but there's a place I want to visit."

Lia has thought about it. Since she's heard the story of the Immortal and Ghost King from Min, she has wondered. Wondered a lot about that one place. A birthplace for Lia but a tomb for those that previously embarked on her journey.

The abyss. The abyss was a strange place Lia didn't understand. It was the place where the kings were buried in, the place where she received her powers and the place Min threw her in to gain power.

So, the abyss was inherently related to power. There must be something to it. Lia needed to find out. She would go back. To the hell place itself that confined her for 10 000 years but this time she was stronger and more experienced.

"Yano, do you know of an abyss?" Lia turned to Yano and briefly saw his eyes shake but Yano quickly smiled, "What are you talking about?"

"Can you use your portal to bring me there?" Lia was determined.

Yano has heard of the abyss and coincidentally knew of it but it was a dangerous place that shouldn't exist. It needed a sacrifice to enter.

"Don't," slight fear and anxiety swung in Yano's voice.

"I have to, in a way, I'm connected to it," Lia remained firm seeing Yano's pleading face.

"You don't know the terror of that place."

"I know," Lia briefly laughed, "No one but me knows better."

No person that was alive could understand better than Lia what a horrible place the abyss was and Lia knew judging from Yano's reaction that a high price had to be paid to get there. But Lia was willing to pay it. No, she has already paid more than enough for it.