Chapter 114: Siena Scaith

In the vast expanse of my existence, spanning centuries.

I have borne witness to the never-ending flow of time.

I have encountered the full spectrum of experiences, charted new realms of magic and unravelled ancient mysteries that whispered through the winds of the continent.

My legacy, etched in the annals of history, earned me respect, fear, admiration, and animosity.

The enigmatic gaze of those who beheld me unveiled the layers of their innermost sentiments.

Each glance, a window into the recesses of their thoughts, spoke volumes about their perceptions and judgments.

It was a skill honed through years of observation and interaction, a symbiotic dance with the currents of time.

Whether veiled in reverence or shrouded in disdain, the eyes of those around me reflected the intricate tapestry of human emotion.

Fear, anger, hatred, joy, love I've seen all kinds of emotions in every people's eyes.

Even when I became the principal of the most prestigious academy in the continent, every person's eyes were the same.

They would always contradict and change based on the situation they were having.

But even with the wealth of experiences and the depth of understanding garnered over the centuries, the unfolding events in the present moment demanded a response that transcended the confines of my historical perspective.

In the grand tapestry of my extensive life, one might assume that surprises were a rarity, that the eons I've traversed would render me impervious to the unexpected twists of fate.

'Oh, how mistaken such assumptions could be!'

In the present moment, I found myself in a situation that defied even my seasoned expectations—I was encircled by a retinue of maids.

However, these were no ordinary attendants; they were demons, each adorned with a distinctive set of horns that bespoke their unique demonic lineage.

The kaleidoscope of colors, widths, and sizes of their horns stood as a testament to the rich diversity within the demon kin.

From the moment my consciousness stirred, these demon maids displayed an unprecedented level of care and attention.

With a gentle touch, they attended to my needs, guiding me through the labyrinth of mana that surged within my body like a tempest.

Their expertise in soothing the rampaging energies spoke volumes about their skill and efficiency.

'Since when were demons this caring?'

Grumble~~!

The unmistakable sound of my stomach growling disrupted the air, and a sudden awareness of hunger dawned upon me.

Blushing at the audible announcement of my bodily needs.

'How long was I asleep?'

Responding to my body's cry for sustenance, the maid nearest to me cast a gentle smile before gracefully departing the room.

"I shall prepare an appropriate breakfast"

She said with a demeanor that blended sweetness with an underlying, subtle eeriness.

Her petite frame and elven figure, added an unexpected touch of cuteness to her demonic guise.

Yet, lurking beneath the facade of charm was the knowledge ingrained in every denizen of the continent

– a demon's smile often heralded not warmth, but the promise of another's torment.

"Ah! You're awake"

Exclaimed a young-looking boy after suddenly entering the room I was currently resting on right now.

He approached me with skippy steps but I could tell that he was actually stepping on air.

'Is that magic?'

'Wait wasn't he the kid I saw last time?'

Suddenly he grabbed my hands.

"Looks like I was right hehe.... After you're done eating come with me, ok?"

He said while suddenly disappearing in a dust of golden light.

"Blessing"

"Huh?"

"I passed the world tree's blessing on to you"

Elaniel replied, her face contorted with a spiteful hatred directed at me.

Despite her actions, it was evident that her animosity towards me had not diminished, and her eyes hinted at the possibility of tears if I were to make any sudden moves.

.....

'So, he's the hero huh?'

....

In a run-down inn, two individuals found themselves grappling with their own struggles.

One lay bedridden, still nursing wounds on her neck, her body weakened and fatigued.

The other, seated at a worn-out desk, gazed into nothingness, lost in profound contemplation.

'He's really the hero?'

'Why?'

'Did that guy break the deal?'

'Even though I told him I'd kill him if he breaks his promise, I better give him a visit soon'

'But in any case, he grew up to be so handsome'

'Fufu I guess that's only to be expected'

Siena smiled and giggled while daydreaming.

Mila let out a sigh as she observed Siena, her comrade, seemingly drowning in profound thoughts.

The aftermath of their encounter with the fallen elven kingdom had left a lasting impact.

Even though Mila had fainted during the critical moments and missed the unfolding events, her concern for Siena had only deepened.

Over a week had passed, yet Siena appeared haunted, her actions and demeanor resembling that of someone lost or burdened by something much weightier than physical injuries.

The room, with its worn furniture and dim lighting, mirrored the somber atmosphere surrounding the two companions.

Despite Mila's persistent inquiries, Siena remained tight-lipped about the details of their recent encounter.

All she divulged was that a confrontation was averted, not due to any battle prowess on her part or that of the enigmatic demonic lady and the vampire progenitor, but because a hero had intervened.

The mention of a hero brought forth a complex mix of emotions in Mila. Excitement surged through her, for the arrival of a hero often signaled pivotal moments in history.

Yet, it was accompanied by an undercurrent of dread, as heroes, throughout the centuries of Mila's existence, had been harbingers of chaos and upheaval on the continent.

The room, already burdened by an air of gloom, seemed to absorb the weight of the impending uncertainty that heroes brought with them.

Mila couldn't shake the feeling that their lives were about to be intricately woven into the fabric of a history replete with challenges and unforeseen consequences.

The atmosphere in the small town grew increasingly stifling as a week had passed since Mila and Siena took refuge there.

Their original plan to journey to the academy, where Siena's disciple awaited, had been delayed due to various unforeseen circumstances.

'And now this?'

Mila's frustration mounted as she observed Siena lost in her thoughts. Just the other day, Siena had nonchalantly dealt with a drunkard who made inappropriate advances, and Mila couldn't shake the feeling that, were she not present, the situation in the bar could have escalated into something more dangerous.

Breaking the silence, Mila decided to voice her discomfort.

"Siena."

"Hmm?" Siena responded; her attention only partially diverted.

"My neck hurts" Mila confessed.

"Okay" was Siena's indifferent reply as she abruptly left the room. Mila couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at Siena's lack of concern.

It seemed that something deeper was occupying Siena's thoughts, leaving Mila puzzled and increasingly wary of the path ahead.

'Oh, Goddess please fix my boss please!!!!'