Chapter 86: Spirits and new Feelings
In the quiet solitude of the training grounds, Aphasia sat cross-legged, deep in ditation.
Mana surged around her in elegant waves, and spirits of every basic elent swirled around her — fire, earth, wind, water. The sight was dazzling, like a dance of colors woven into harmony.
But that was all.
Just the basics.
For most, it would have been more than enough. In fact, it should’ve been enough even for her.
But ever since she t Elijah... and especially Noah, her ambitions had shifted.
She no longer wanted to settle.
No — she craved more.
She needed more. She needed the rarer elents to heed her call.
But...
"This is too difficult," she muttered with a sigh.
She could communicate with them, yes. But the rare spirits refused to obey.
And when she asked why, their answer had always been the sa.
"I am not worthy, huh?" she echoed softly.
Her hands curled into fists, frustration bubbling to the surface.
"How am I not worthy? I have an SSS-rank talent. I’m a pure-blooded elf. I’m the heir to an entire continent! So tell — if I’m not worthy, then who is?!"
Her voice rose in fury, anger finally spilling out in a raw shout.
She panted. Her body trembled. The basic elentals fluttered closer, drawn by concern — trying to soothe her.
But she waved them off sharply.
"Move!" she snapped.
The spirits recoiled in fear, scattering instantly.
Aphasia exhaled deeply, calming herself. She wanted to try again—
"That’s not how you treat your spirits, dear princess."
She froze.
That voice.
Her head snapped toward the sound, eyes narrowing — only to widen in shock.
Noah stood there, absurdly beautiful, his purple hair tied in a loose ponytail, soft strands glistening with lingering frost. His silver eyes were like mirrors, reflecting the world with perfect clarity.
His aura didn’t press down on her. It wasn’t domineering.
It was calm.
Still.
And it was that calm that was most unnerving.
"What are you doing here? This is my private training ground," Aphasia said coldly, eyes sharp.
"Who gave you permission?"
Noah didn’t even flinch. He walked forward casually, unbothered.
As he did, small glimrs of elental fireflies appeared around him — frost-colored, shadowy-black, sword-shaped. They gathered at his side, chirping joyfully like they’d found a long-lost friend.
Aphasia’s heart skipped a beat.
Because what she was seeing...
It wasn’t supposed to be possible.
All these spirits — shadow, frost, and sword — rare spirits that had ignored her for weeks...
were flocking around Noah in joy.
BADUM—!
Her heartbeat pounded.
There was sothing unique that ca with affinities above SSS rank — an abnormal depth of connection to certain spirits. That was what she was seeing now.
Noah, gently and effortlessly, reached out and stroked the spirits with calm reverence. They responded with pure joy, nuzzling him and clinging to him playfully.
"H-How... how are you doing this?" she asked, voice unsteady.
"Do you also have a spirit affinity?"
Noah smiled, then shook his head slowly.
"No. I can see them, but I don’t have a spiritual affinity. I can’t command them like you."
He paused.
"But I can ask. And sotis, they listen."
He glanced at the floating fireflies, then back at her.
"There are many types among them. They’re not just energy — they’re living beings. Each one with emotions, personalities, preferences."
He looked into her wide, pink eyes.
"Don’t treat your spirits so harshly," he said gently. "They feel. Like you. If you treat them like tools... their effectiveness plumts."
He took a step closer.
"I’m not lacking in effectiveness," Aphasia snapped defensively.
"Because of your talent, yes," Noah replied calmly. "You can force them to obey. But..."
He looked around.
"They don’t love you, Aphasia. They fear you."
He returned his gaze to her, voice steady.
"That only works on the basics. But for the higher spirits? Fear doesn’t work. That’s why you can’t reach them."
"Because you’re doing it wrong."
Aphasia clenched her jaw. "What am I doing wrong? This is just how my talent works. What do you want to do?!"
She was tired. Frustrated. And now Noah was acting like he understood her gift better than she did. It stung.
But he didn’t waver.
"They’re not tools. They’re companions. You already have a deep connection with spirits — stronger than anyone I’ve ever seen. So why waste that on control?"
"Talk to them. Get to know them. Find out what they like, what they hate. What they’re good at."
He paused aningfully.
"Treat them like family."
"And you’ll see just how powerful that bond can beco."
Aphasia said nothing.
Her mind was spinning.
Because deep down, she knew he was right.
She’d never communicated with her spirits. She’d ruled over them. Like a Queen barking orders.
That was the problem.
Her eyes widened.
That’s why they say I’m not worthy... Because of my attitude.
Then... if I change... will I have a chance to—
She cut herself off.
She inhaled deeply, exhaled slowly.
’Forget the word command,’ she told herself.
’Don’t command. Communicate. Forge bonds.’
She opened her eyes again — and found Noah still smiling gently at her.
There was a warmth in that smile that made her feel strange.
"Why are you helping ?" she asked, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest.
But then Noah’s next words shattered her composure completely.
"Because I like you."
Aphasia’s eyes went wide.
"W-What?!"
Noah just smiled again. "I like you," he repeated calmly.
Aphasia instinctively stepped back.
No one had ever said that to her — not like this. Not so plainly.
Noah followed.
She kept backing up until—
Her back hit the wall.
He chuckled softly.
"I didn’t know you were this shy, princess."
He leaned in, just an inch away, one hand placed beside her on the wall.
"Yes, Aphasia. I like you. That’s why I’m helping you. That’s why I want you to succeed.
Because I want to see you smile — not that cold, tired frown you always wear."
He reached into his pocket and pulled sothing out.
The bracelet.
Shadowy Love.
He gently took her hand — and although she flinched — he placed it around her wrist.
"This is a gift. It’ll help you bond with shadow spirits. Not control — bond. But only if you approach them with respect and care."
The mont the bracelet touched her skin, Aphasia felt it.
A wave of connection.
The shadows... felt closer. As if now, if she just tried a little harder, they would accept her.
She stared at him, stunned.
"H-How did you get this? This is... I can’t accept sothing this precious."
As a spirit user, she knew how rare artifacts like this were. It was nearly impossible to find or create.
But Noah just smiled.
"Take it. I don’t need it."
Then his grin turned playful.
"And if you’re so grateful... why not be my girlfriend, princess?"
Aphasia flushed crimson.
"I-I an..."
Noah laughed lightly. "No pressure. Think about it."
Then he leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.
He stepped back.
"I’ll be waiting for a positive answer."
And with that, he vanished — teleported away, leaving her speechless.
Aphasia remained frozen, cheeks burning, heart racing.
She looked down at the bracelet.
She could feel the shadow spirits now.
Truly feel them.
Then she thought of Noah.
His calm.
His smile.
His power.
His shaless flirtation.
Despite herself, a small smile curved her lips.
She sighed helplessly and whispered,
"What a good player..."
[Aphasia’s feelings have reached 55%.]
—End of Chapter 86—
Reviews
All reviews (0)