The Gamer's POV-Chapter 238: Habits of an Old Soul

From what Cedric knew, evolving to the next grade would grant one the power to call forth their first warriors, born in their inner sanctuary, into the real world.

Of course, that was something Cedric was already enjoying a little of, considering his ravens come from his inner sanctuary. But now, he couldn’t help but wonder what sort of other beings he would be able to call forth. Also, more than just the summoning ability, upon advancing to the third grade, one got to learn a bit more about their inner sanctuary and the nature of their temple.

Cedric was curious about this as well.

With these benefits in mind, he couldn’t wait to finally become a grade three.

Currently, it was: [08:21 p.m.]

Cedric was sitting in a meditative position on the roof of the keep, leaning his back against Aika, who was also sitting in the same position and still actively drawing in mana.

He stretched without disturbing her, then slowly stood upright. After standing, he put his left hand into the pocket of his coat, then raised his right hand to cover a languid yawn.

Then, he placed his hand on his neck and rotated his head slowly, while also exhaling heavily. As he did that, he muttered out of habit. "Ah... I think my old age is catching up to me."

...Back on Earth, he was used to saying that phrase after a full day of work. It was a joke he made to himself whenever his joints felt stiff or his energy was low.

Cedric chuckled quietly remembering that.

After a few seconds, he turned and began slowly walking towards the edge of the roof.

***

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..

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Inside one of the brightly lit chambers in the castle, Celeste was lying on a large bed reading a book. She was dressed in a beautiful white gown and was lying on her stomach, propping her chin up with her hands while her legs kicked back and forth in the air behind her.

Just below her face, her cute ferret was also sprawled out. The ferret seemed to be reading the same book with a look of intense concentration. She was about to turn the page over when the ferret raised its small paw, stopping her from flipping the page over.

Celeste chuckled softly and paused, letting the little creature finish the last few lines. After a few seconds, the creature looked to her and in response, Celeste flipped the page over. Then both continued reading again.

On the floor beside the bed, Celeste’s haversack was propped open. In the quiet seconds that followed, a black raven suddenly flew out of the haversack, causing Celeste and the ferret to snap their attention to it.

The raven perched on the bed beside Celeste, then tilted its head in a curious, bird-like manner.

Before Celeste could speak, a knock suddenly sounded on the door. She smiled and, instead of looking at the door, she looked back at her book and muttered quietly, "Come in, brother."

At that moment, the raven suddenly erupted into Cedric lying on his back beside them.

He turned to her and gave a tired smile. Though a second later, he arched a brow when he saw her sniffing the air.

After a few seconds, Celeste shifted her head back and said, "Bro..." she dragged out the word. "...you know your aura gives off a scent that’s not exactly pleasant."

Cedric’s smile disappeared. Then he tilted his head and said seriously, "Of course. Why do you think it’s called the scent of decay?"

Celeste frowned and whined.

"And now you have spread that decay of yours all over my bed.~" she dragged out the last word.

Cedric’s jaw slowly dropped into an "O" as he muttered a quiet, "Oops."

Celeste reached out and held his shirt, then shook him back and forth gently.

"Next time, use the damn door or I’m going to... I’m going to..." she thought for a bit then added, "I’m going to cry."

She then let go of his shirt and whipped her head around with a dramatic huff. Then she rested her chin on her hand, looking away.

Her ferret, sensing the change in mood, scurried over and patted her hand with a tiny paw as if trying to console her.

Cedric chuckled and rested his head one hand, staring at her. "Stop overreacting. You know it’ll clear in a day or two."

That comment made Celeste’s cheek redden even more.

After a few seconds though, a small smile seemed to return to the corners of her lips. Without looking at Cedric, she asked, "What brings you here?"

Cedric fell flat on his back, looking at the ceiling. Then he replied, "I’m really close to meeting the condition for my evolution. So I’ll be going to the Stone-Crag Wastes tonight to kill a few monsters."

"What?" Celeste turned to look at him. "Isn’t that like... super dangerous?"

"It is." Cedric turned to her. "That’s why I need you to come with me."

Celeste was silent for a few seconds with a blank expression on her face. Then she exhaled and said. "Of course. I’ll come with you. But... what difference would it make? It would still be extremely dangerous. Maybe just one percent less."

Cedric smiled, then said. "That one percent is enough."

Celeste arched a brow, looking at him contemplatively. After a few seconds, she shook her head and said, "You really attempt the wildest things, you know?"

Cedric only smiled.

She sighed, turned around, and sat on the edge of the bed. Her dress clung to her slender figure as she reached up with both hands to massage her scalp. By now, her vibrant red hair had grown a little longer, making her look more mature.

She looked to the side, picked up her book, and as she stood, she turned around, pointed her thumb vaguely to the door, then said, "I’m going to change into something appropriate. So give me a minute."

Cedric nodded and looked away, but before he could teleport out, she quickly raised a hand. "Wait." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Cedric halted and looked at her. Then she added, "Out through the door."

She placed heavy emphasis on the door.

Cedric chuckled and stood up. Now busted, he walked out through the door instead.