Chapter 259: Accepting the heart

Name:My Family in the Novel? Author:
"Father, why did you ask for a million demons? Isn't one of me enough?"

Elaniel grumbled beside me, her discontent palpable. I couldn't blame her; the idea of relying on a horde of lesser beings instead of her prowess likely chafed at her pride.

But as much as I valued her strength, there were certain situations where brute force alone wouldn't suffice.

As powerful as Elaniel might be, I knew that facing a legion of angels would be her undoing.

Unlike Annabeth, who was perfectly suited to counter the celestial beings, Elaniel lacked the finesse and strategic advantage necessary for such a battle.

She was a formidable force, no doubt, but in the face of celestial beings, she was just a monster, adapting to the world around her while wielding the darkness—my darkness—and the powers bestowed upon her by Aunt.

Recalling Aunt's words from our last conversation, I remembered that Elaniel was meant to be on par with Siena, a grandmaster in terms of both strength and skill, now.

However, Elaniel's new expertise as a celestial swordsman doesn't mean it gave her a distinct advantage against angelic foes—a distinction that Elaniel lacked.

In the end, while Elaniel possessed immense power, a million soldiers offered a more versatile and tactically advantageous approach to our impending conflict with the angels, and I was planning on rescuing Elena on my won in the first place... that damn angel shall die by my hands.

Sure, in terms of sheer firepower, Elaniel might be stronger. But that doesn't mean anything in front of those angels blessed by the goddess herself.

Even with her adaptive abilities, the risk of her falling in battle is significant.

And the thought of losing such a powerhouse due to recklessness is foolish, especially given the current unpredictable situation.

As we walked side by side, contemplating how to lighten Elaniel's mood, I decided to be honest.

"Right now, you're too important to lose, Elaniel. That's why I need you to prioritize your safety above all else for the time being."

Elaniel seemed to take my words to heart, her demeanor softening slightly as she absorbed my explanation.

It wasn't easy for her to step back from the frontline, but she understood the gravity of the situation and the necessity of preserving her strength for the battles to come.

With a nod of understanding, she continued walking alongside me.

Entering the dimly lit room, I issued my command to Elaniel with a stern tone, emphasizing the importance of keeping intruders at bay until my work was complete.

"Yes, father," Elaniel responded obediently, her voice carrying a hint of reverence, and a mix of curiosity.

As the heavy doors sealed shut behind her, a sense of foreboding descended upon me.

My heart pounded with apprehension, and my skin prickled with a chill as darkness enveloped my surroundings.

With each passing moment, the weight of what lay ahead grew heavier, casting a pall over my senses.

Before me, a black portal materialized, a gateway to the depths of darkness and power. It was time to shed every vestige of my humanity, to embrace the depths of my true nature.

Pressing a hand to my chest, I focused my will, ensuring that a fragment of my human soul remained safeguarded within me.

She was engrossed in the task of cooking, the tantalizing aroma of steak wafting through the air.

Despite the tension that lingered between us, in this moment, her presence felt like a comforting embrace, easing the weight of my worries and uncertainties.

As expected, Mother had prepared my favorite meal. Did she do so after learning about what happened? And why was she dressed so perfectly? Mother was as awkward as ever.

Clad in a black dress that shimmered like dying stars, her hair cascading like the realization of space itself, and a figure that exuded allure, she was as attractive as always.

Despite the wholesome moment, her seductive attire left me questioning her intentions for a brief moment.

But I sighed, knowing it was just Mother being her usual self—playing her eccentric games and keeping me on my toes.

I didn't say a word as I approached her from behind, enveloping her in a tight embrace.

"I missed you, Mom," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion.

Without a word, she turned around and returned the embrace, her silent acknowledgment speaking volumes. "Baby... I missed you," she murmured softly, her voice filled with warmth and affection.

Tears welled up in my eyes, a mixture of joy and relief washing over me. Though I wasn't in a physical form, with a being like Mother, touching souls posed no obstacle.

In that moment, it seemed like we both desired the same thing—a moment of connection and understanding. But before we could proceed, there was something I needed to do.

"Mom, can you help me?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly with anticipation.

"Of course, baby,"

"Then crush my soul...."

"GLADLY"

As the sound of shattering glass filled the air, Mother gripped my soul tightly, extracting a small egg-like object—the nucleus of my soul. Within it lay the heart I had long delayed accepting until now.

"How long will it take?" I inquired, anxiety gnawing at my insides.

"Ten days... but don't worry, only ten minutes will pass in the mortal realm," Mother reassured me, her voice a calming presence amidst my turmoil.

While she kept patting my head.

Sighing in relief, I nodded, knowing that this was the necessary sacrifice for what lay ahead.

With a steady hand, I reached out for the black circular object, opening my mouth to consume it.

As the essence of my soul began to merge with the nucleus, a wave of dizziness washed over me.

Slowly, my strength waned, and the world around me faded into darkness.

The last thing I saw was my mother's face drawing near, a reassuring presence guiding me into the unknown.