Chapter 44: The Fallen Noble's request

Chapter 44: The Fallen Noble's request

My name is Aleph Longstradia and I am the last living scion of the fallen Noble House, Longstradia. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Aleph offered Tom an amiable smile as she extended her palm for a handshake.

Warily meeting her gaze, Tom found himself at a loss for words for a few awkward seconds.

Are you as forthcoming with every acquaintance you introduce yourself to, Ms. Longstradia? He finally asked, eyeing her open palm with a hint of fear as if he expected a crystal shard to impale his hand the moment he shook it.

Mmm, nope, Aleph playfully replied, retracting her outstretched hand before resting it upon her chin. Hm, you see, if it were anyone else I would probably have to have, erm, silenced them.

The nonchalance with Aleph spoke of killing another person while tapping at her chin ponderously sent a chill down his spine.

But you dont have to worry about that! She offered him a winsome smile that lacked even the slightest trace of hostility.

Stop acting so darn cute, you barbarian woman! Tom protested inwardly, though he wouldnt dare voice his thoughts aloud. Not even if he was given a hundred lifetimes to live out.

You see, Aleph began, her tone turning a little serious as she raised her outstretched palm towards the sky.

Ten crystals bloomed from individual translucent seeds that he hadnt been able to perceive before, the process again far too quick for him to interfere or impede in any manner.

.... the nature of my power is tied to my identity, Aleph explained, her tone sounding a little melancholic. Needle, she muttered casually and Tom watched with muted horror as the crystals lattice folded onto itself, compressing to a frightening degree. In place of ten crystals was now ten, incredibly sharp crystal needles.

Only then did the true difference in their abilities truly sink in.

If those needles were directed towards him with killing intent none of the cards in his possession, not even [The Fool] could save him from certain death.

Even [Maya].... He didnt have enough SP to cast [Maya] on Aleph and even if he could. he wasnt sure if his resolve could trump hers.

With a wave of her hand, the needles shattered.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

And what about you? Are you not interested? Tom replied, not buying the womans words.

Nothing you possess will help me surpass those who I wish to surpass. Cards are valuable, yes but they are not absolute. A sharp sword in the hand of a novice swordsman is worth far less than a tree branch in the hands of a master swordsman.

Ill ask again. You clearly want something from me, so just tell me what it is.

Aleph sighed.

I am afraid that you will not believe me, even if I tell you.

Tom let out a laugh.

As a man who had arrived upon Artezia from a different world, the mere thought of him of all people not being capable of believing in a revelation was just hilarious.

Try me, lady, Tom replied, completely self-assured in his own ability to believe in the bizarre.

A Fallen Noble it seemed that all his luck had evaporated along with his acquisition of a [Soul Card] that everyone but him seemed to want.

Shes definitely going to ask me to help in a revenge plot, right? Something like killing the king. Usurping the throne. Or maybe she wants to burn down the entire Noble District.

I want, Aleph trailed off as she bit at her lower lip, almost as if she couldnt bring herself to say those words aloud. A droplet of blood, the only wound that had been inflicted upon her since their battle, tricked down her chin, her confident gaze now replaced by a haze of uncertainty. It was almost discorting to see someone so powerful so vulnerable, that Tom worried for the magnitude of the secret that she was about to reveal.

.

.

.

.... a friend.