NOVEL WEB Chapter-57 Revenge
“Do you remember May?” Nana asked.
“No,” Ewan said. “Should I?”
“She came over to play with us a few times, she was my close friend in school,” she said.
And he frowned. “Is she a Severynth? Or is someone backing her?”
“She didn’t awaken…but I couldn’t to do it before….”
“Do you want to give it a try now?” Ewan’s brows eased and he looked at her.
Nana lowered her eyes and nodded. “I’m a Severynth now, and you’re with me too,” she said.
Ewan chuckled. “Indeed. Our parents must’ve known you can't do anything without me, so they engaged us before it was too late,” he said. “I’m suffering such a loss.”
Her nostrils flared and she hurled the pillow at him. He caught it laughing and put it behind his back, cushioning his leaning weight on the wall. “Still though, let’s not act rashly. If you’re not sure of her background, let’s not act at all,” he said.
“She’s our headmaster’s daughter,” Nana said, grabbing another pillow and lying back again.
“That old squid face? Isn't he old enough to be her grandad?”
“She’s from his youngest wife,” she said.
“I see. That bastard owes me one too actually…no, forget it,” he said, thinking back to the Astylind he could’ve had. “He’s been a Severynth for a long time, don’t think about going against him. He even has ties to the ‘Dogs’ I heard, though that’s of no use now. Let’s drop the matter here for now unless you want us to die.”
“He never really trained his Astylinds….,” she said in a meek voice.
“Nana.” He stared at her. “Killing her won't bring back uncle and aunt, don’t let your emotions cloud your prudence. We’ll kill her later if that’s what you want, when we’re strong enough to go against that squid face. I’ll make it as painful as I can, I promise.”
“They died because of me…she made it happen. I-If…I came home earlier….” Her eyes misted and she choked up.
“You read the report didn’t you, they were involved in serious matters. Do you think the killer would’ve let you save them if you came back early?” Ewan said softly. “It’s not your fault they died, Nana. Listen to me, don’t chase this any further, we’ll just lose our lives in vain.”
She buried her face in the pillow and sobbed away, her shoulders trembling. Her muffled cries echoed in the silent room; it woke up Orange.
“Go back to sleep,” Ewan breathed the words and gently nudged his nose. The sad sight of Nana’s devastated and guilt-ridden back panged his heart. His empathy and emotions for her had long overpowered his reason. But was it bad… She wasn’t any stranger, she was Nana. Since that day seven years ago, only a few people dear to him remained alive. And now with Aunt Ella and Uncle Keith also gone, she was the only family he had…
Seconds gave way to minutes. Nana cried herself to sleep, and Ewan distracted himself with training. The candles persisted through the night, melting away, and only let up and died when the birds’ tweets welcomed the morning sky.
Yet, the rise of the sun missed the hubbub of the usual dawn. The streets stood empty, the dogs lost their bark, the air of desolation raced thick on the residential block.
Ewan squatted atop the roof, observing the corners and the straights of the alleys, when Nana stumbled out of the door, rubbing her puffed eyes.
“Let’s go, I’m ready,” she said, looking up at him.
“Go to the hub, sell the scorpions, and buy another Astylind.”
“Now?”
“Yeah, your bird’s not enough. And I won't be able to protect you every time,” he said. “Choose wisely, remember to buy the blood too.”
She nodded and went back inside.
……
[Astylind Name: Wood Squirrel]
[Astylind Level: Level-0]
[Astylind Grade: Grade-D]
[Anima Affinity: Wood]
[Gender: Male]
[Description: Natives of Airadia. Darlings of forests, they have average affinity (Recipient) with wood element but are highly efficient in managing Wood-Anima for their spells.]
[Grade-Exalt Requirements: Astylind Core (Wood), Aged Seed, Tree Sap, Sunburnt Leaves.]
[Remark 1: Fitting for a control type Astylind. Needs extensive nurturing to show any results though.]
[Remark 2: Can keep you entertained when you’re bored, useless otherwise.]
[Remark 3: Even if upgraded to a royalty of their species, they’ll still just be a cute pet to have by your side.]
[Remark 4: Have untapped potential, the extent depends on their master.]
Ewan gaped at the furless pink skinned newborn squirrel sleeping in Nana’s palm, wondering what she was thinking when she contracted him. Was this finger-sized creature going to protect her? He couldn’t even open his damn eyes!
“Very wise choice,” he said, his words laced with sarcasm. The best and the only options for contracts were the infants, the newborns, and the unhatched, in increasing order. So, no matter what she chose, it still wouldn’t be combat ready from the beginning. But a squirrel? Even if they were good at wood element spells, the meagre amount of Anima newborns had limited their effectiveness. Ewan hoped she would get an Astylind with a strong physique and of earth element, it could at least keep her safe in extreme situations after growing for a few days. Alas, the factor she considered wasn’t in sync with his at all.
“I-I couldn’t resist….,” she said. “I can train him, he’ll become strong.”
“When will that be? After we’re dead?” he snapped.
She lowered her head and fidgeted, twiddling the edge of her top.
He took a deep breath and shook his head. “Fuck it, I’ll make you an Anima Potion, mix a drop with his milk every time you feed him,” he said and walked back into the house. “You’ll be paying for its ingredients.” His voice echoed out. “And my services!”
