Sacrifice: Time of Mine

Avion was speechless by Alisera's opening up. He didn't realize how much Alisera needed him.

As a princess that was the key to future world domination, she was protected and cared for day and night.

Alisera was only brought to the Trading-Hills Capital to not arouse suspicions as it was tradition for the alliance.

But even then, she had Edora by her side.

Avion was once like her. Spoiled by his power. No one to teach him what is right and what is wrong. He just knows facts from the historical records.

However, there is a difference between them. Avion was forced to learn life lessons the hard way. Meanwhile, Alisera was stuck, abusing her power, and living in comfort.

It was her fault? Yes, certainly. However, if that continued, she would die from accomplishing something.

Humans find happiness in the success they poured effort into. That is undeniable.

Good food may taste great. A warm bath may feel nice. A soft bed may feel comfy. But soon, the senses will numb.

Good food, a warm bath, a soft bed, and people's love will become the norm.

Alisera once took them for granted. When the good things become the standard, are they good things anymore?

The princess got tired. However, anything other than what she already has is worse.

Many will argue that she is living the best life, but does she?

Currently, she was begging Avion for answers. No one will listen to her. How can they understand her? Everyone believes she is living the best life, getting everything she wants.

'There is a reason why mankind had insatiable greed.' Avion internally said to himself.

While the Rank Es Elementalists try to impede Arcansas's ascension, he came into enlightenment.

With a barrier separating the two from others, Avion pondered what he would answer Alisera's question.

'What is natural, things that seemed that are always there for us... we took them for granted. That is natural and that removes the gap between hierarchy. This makes everyone the same. The rich aren't always happy nor the poor are always sad.'

'But being rich is still better. Having privilege is still better. There is one solution for people to appreciate what they have. Take what they took for granted...'

Avion finally concluded, the answer to Alisera's question.

"No"

"Huh?" Alisera stared baffled at Avion.

'You thought that everyone is there to help you. I'm removing that thought for you.' Avion felt it was very ironic.

"W-what do you mean?"

Alisera asked, as if desperate.

"Alisera, you do realize that you're relying on me."

After Avion finished his words, it took Alisera a good moment before realization hit her.

Alisera stared at the empty space.

'He's right. I'm relying on him. From the very start... I'm seeking something from him. I want him to help me. But that's what I'm trying to avoid.'

With her mind opening, Alisera didn't resist the idea that she was wrong and that she needs to change.

It may be pretty obvious, but that's what it exactly means when one takes something for granted.

Avion waited for Alisera to think for herself.

'Whatever her decision is, will be my fate. But if that fate is the infinite time loop of death, it depends on my soul if I can survive.'

Truthfully, the rope around Avion had already loosened. Sheran tied him not too tight and for him to escape immediately.

That was their original plan. When Alisera gave them Haliviana's core, they will release Avion. However, no one expected Alisera, the spoiled princess, to be a threat.

Thinking about this, Avion muttered.

"You say that you can't do anything. But look behind you, that's your doing."

Alisera popped out of her thoughts and looked around the woman that is made out of fire. As bright as a star, this woman overwhelms everyone that the world considered legends.

"No, that's Haliviana's doing. I was only a tool in the end like how I was treated in the beginning... Maybe, that's why my parents cared for me that much."

"Are you an idiot?" Avion rebuked which took her by surprise, "Do you think they treated you like a tool?"

"..."

The scene where everything began for Alisera flashed in her head.

[No, Alisera, do you know why you're not killed even though you're the weakest?]

[It's because the assassin's true target is you. So for us, would you please use your new power to protect yourself?]

[Also, dear, you are still new to being a Rank Bih, you may even be weaker than Edora... You may not feel it now but you will later. You will only be a burden in a fight, understand?]

Now that her mind was opened Alisera found something that is turning her life upside down.

"Avion..."

With a darkened face, Alisera asked.

"Why did try to assassinate my parents in the first place?"

Avion gulped. There was no more reason for him to hide it.

"We're trying to stop Haliviana's ascension."

"What does it got to do with my parents?"

Avion paused for a while if he should say it or not. However, he knew that keeping it a secret keeps Alisera in the "dark"

"They are... the only obstacle to get you... the key to that ascension."

Alisera flinched. Before, she thought that protecting her was the norm. The death of her parents was a separate matter.

But now, she learned, that was not the case.

She began to tremble. Tears unrestrained.

"It's because of me." she exclaimed.

Avion wanted to say something to comfort her but chose not to. But soon, he was surprised when he heard her ask once more.

"By we... what do you mean?"

Alisera became calm... too calm that Avion feared that the truth must've broken her mind.

"Them... the flaming woman and her family."

Avion chose not to include Darea's name.

"They forced you?"

Avion frowned.

Although he knew the answer, he didn't know how. However, there was something that was restraining him from stopping time to think.

It didn't even cross his mind.

It would feel like he's not honest if he did think about it with the help of his time abilites. It is as if he's cheating.