Chapter 110: Someone she can rely on!
The Wrath of the Thunder Empire could be defined as catastrophic in one word. Whoever comes in its clutches, was destined to perish. Nothing could survive that huge vortex of death that stops before nothing but massive destruction.
Once the seal breaks and the Thunder Emperor wakes up from his slumber, killing Arata becomes a hundred times more difficult. That was the reason why Valarie, in the original story had to face defeat in front of the protagonist. Even though her rage was at its peak because of the loss of her son, Valarie was not able to avenge Seth and could only watch herself falling.
The ancient unheard Hero who seemed to be blessed by the god of lightning themselves was the reason why Seth decided to take this round trip to an ancient rune situated two thousand kilometers away from his hometown. The artifact would help him not only confront Arata if the chance arrives but also make him immune to most of the elements up to a certain point.
It was a very rare artifact that the protagonist was supposed to attain during the latter half of the story. During the period of chaos, Arata had to face many formidable enemies who not only possessed cursed energy but some from the human side as well who were masters of elemental magic. Surely it was a plot armor in the name of an unheard artifact that Arata found on one of his adventures which further proved to be a lifesaver.
Seth had no idea why Arata who now had an entire scoop of the plot and knew what was to come in the future, was not actively gathering the weapons and artifacts now when he had the time, but not like Seth was going to complain. Maybe Arata had different plans or maybe he was just overly confident in his skills.
Seth was leaning toward the prior option.
Since Arata was using the wait-and-watch tactics Seth had decided to pull some of the things in his direction which originally belonged to the protagonist. Of course, the balance of the story would be shaken up but Seth cares none of that by now. He has already screwed the plot and for himself and those whom he cares for, Seth would do everything he could.
"I can't believe I am going to finally inspect the Rudiguer archeological sites. I have always wanted to study those runes which have been a subject of fascination for every historian and archaeologist out there."
Haruka was trying to act according to her age, but the fact she was going to finally fulfill one of her dreams to see the ancient runes which have yet to be unveiled true core, made the violet-haired woman let loose as she squealed in delight for the third time.
Seth, who was sitting opposite her inside the carriage, had a small smile on his face. Seeing the usually composed professor fidgeting in excitement and those sparkles of elation she was having made Seth ensured that it was the right decision to take her on the trip.
Well, it was true that Haruka was a knowledgeable person and could help Seth in unraveling the mystery of the artifact, but it was true as well, that Seth would have been able to find the artifact based on his past life knowledge and his skills. He primarily chose to ask Haruka since he wanted to spend some time with her and it also helped that she was devoted to her research which made the woman agree with Seth's proposal readily.
"Hey, Seth."
Seth redirected his gaze back to the woman from the outside scenery as he saw Haruka playing with her fingers with her gaze fell on the carriage floor and a shy smile adorning her charming lips.
"Hmm?"
"I...I am really thankful that you brought me on the trip. I may have acted like I was concerned for your safety but it was rather my own selfishness to have some distraction from what happened some days ago. So yeah...I am grateful to you for a lot of things."
Directing her soft and slightly moist gaze at her student, Haruka bloomed with a small smile as she thanked Seth for doing so many things for her without asking anything in return. He was there for her when she could have been preyed by her fiance. He took care of her and her parents like a respectable guest even though they held no status in society. He was there for her in her worst and she never saw any kind of malice hidden behind his motive.
He was too kind and too considerate that Haruka had a difficult time regarding the boy in front of someone younger than her. He was so calm and always composed that he seemed more mature than her and someone on whom she could rely.
Though it may be shameless of hers, all the events that transpired in such a short period have formed the trust and bond between her and this particular student of hers, that Haruka felt much more comfortable around Seth.
Seth stared at the lady for a couple of seconds before he sighed and shifted himself toward the other seat and landed just beside the teacher, startling the latter in the process, before the olive-haired man took a hold of her delicate hand warmly.
"You mean a lot to me Professor, so it's given that I would take care of you in any way I could. More than your thanks, that smile you showed, offered me much gratitude and relief. So please don't weigh yourself with useless thoughts and enjoy the trip."
Though surprised initially, Haruka was looking into his eyes in a daze. Hearing his words and the gentle touch he held her in, made her somewhat anxious heart settle down. All these things were happening so fast and so many changes have taken place in so less time that Haruka was having it hard to cope with her situation.
But sitting here like this, besides Seth, knowing that someone was here so kind toward her, put the maiden's heart at peace.
Though she would be embarrassed about how she behaved with her student afterward, for now, Haruka was happy to be here and with this boy beside her. She was at peace at this moment and subconsciously wished for this instance doesn't come to a halt anytime soon.
However...
"We are here, young master."
Seth, as frustrated as he was, didn't let his facial expression let off his inner emotion before he hummed to the coachman in response and helped Haruka out of the carriage.
The stars were already curtaining over the surface with a crescent moon shining dimly amidst dark clouds.
Since the runic site was still far away, Seth had told his coachman to stay at the nearest town they reach where they could rest for the night and continue their journey from there.
The town was not a small one and was relatively built on a wider scale, taking into account the place it was situated. But its infrastructure or settlements were not the main attention at the moment for the visitors but the huge crowd of people gathered in the middle of the town entrance.
"What's happening here....?"
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A/N: - Haruka was manipulated and brainwashed by someone who harbors feeling for her so you can not blame Seth if he unconsciously poured some of the things inside her mind that he was not supposed to.
The topic related to psychic stuff is rather complicated and I hope I can explain it through chapters.
Drop a comment~
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