Shameless One

Unlike Shun, the others found Vito's decision utterly ridiculous and unacceptable. Kael, Vergil, and Elysia, however, silently respected his resolve. They, too, yearned for the truth he sought and had no reason to dissuade him from his path.

The thought of Vito venturing toward such an overwhelming and perilous destination—one fraught with danger even for an immortal—weighed heavily on their hearts. They had already lost Rayden Asher and Fiana Samuel; Vito would be the second to depart, and they all feared who might be the next.

Shun understood that it was inevitable for them to part ways eventually; each of them harboured individual ambitions and futures to chase. Not everyone disagreed with him.

"When thoughtful people make reckless decisions, it is invariably supported by a profound sense of determination," Jaylen Shielram asserted, his voice a blend of encouragement and understanding. "But remember, no matter what you do or where you go, there will always be a home waiting for you upon your return."

"Vito, you've lived longer than any of us," Leon added, his gaze cast downward, "When we inevitably pass on, you may still inhabit this world. Jaylen's right—your choice is undeniably foolish, yet the last thing we should do is judge. None of us have endured what you have, so I genuinely wish you the best."

Jaylen and Leon, the most mature among them, understood as well as Shun that Vito's decision was irrevocable; their only recourse was to offer him comfort and acknowledgment.

Vito held his head low, the small, unassuming sack he carried seeming burdensome on his back. For someone like him, all he truly required was money; he needed nothing to sustain his life.

Some among them opened their mouths, prepared to persuade him, but upon seeing the sorrow and determination in his eyes, their words failed them.

"Don't worry about me," Vito's voice broke the stillness. "I will return."

"Perhaps in a few weeks, a few months, or maybe even a few years, but I promise, I will come back."

"The time spent with you all was short and, truthfully, rather unexciting. However, you've shown me that happiness and hope still exist in this world—precisely what I sought when I chose to enroll in the academy."

"Farewell, for now."

He inhaled deeply, at a loss for further words. A part of him urged him to relish the present and remain with his newfound family, but he felt ensnared by the past. This journey served the purpose of shattering one of the chains that bound him. For Vito, existing in the present was a formidable challenge. Acknowledging this, he stepped steadily through the mansion gate. Though sorrow still lingered, his confidence and determination would not waver.

He knew that in a few hundred years, this journey might be long forgotten. Yet, if he didn't take this chance, he would never forgive himself.

From his vantage point on the second floor, Shun watched Vito leave, his heart a tempest of conflicting emotions. His concern was not solely for Vito but also for himself.

Vito was aware of the path he must tread, yet the awakening of his true powers had left him feeling lost once more. Every avenue appeared fraught with flaws and uncertainties. However, in a more optimistic light, he realized he need not confine himself to a single option; the possibilities before him were boundless.

All paths converged toward one conclusion: the desire to become the strongest in the world. Not for the sake of wielding authority or power, but rather to escape the constraints of such things. He would determine the course of his own life, impervious to the judgments of others. He would embrace his desires and reject anything he deemed unworthy, a stark contrast to his past self, who had known only obedience and subservience.

It is a profound dilemma: to know the future or to remain blissfully unaware. The former brings confidence and stability, yet often descends into despair; the latter fosters fear and doubt, but always carries an ember of hope.

As these thoughts swirled in his mind, a youthful, exuberant voice broke the silence behind him.

"Yo, Shun Xshasi, is that right?"

Startled from his reverie, Shun turned abruptly. He did not hear the door at all. Upon seeing the figure lounging casually on his bed, his questions were quickly answered.

It was Noah Heeden, the fourth complete ethereal warrior, possessing the remarkable ability to teleport himself—or anything he wished—anywhere he desired.

"Hey, don't look at me like that; it's horrifying," Noah drawled, his voice dripping with bored sarcasm as he reclined against the bed.

"Why are you here?" Shun inquired flatly, hostility lacing his tone towards the uninvited guest.

"I may look young, but do afford a modicum of respect for a top-ten complete ethereal warrior," Noah replied, shaking his head dismissively. "I mean you no harm. If I did, you'd already be dead."

Even though he had recently vanquished the third complete ethereal warrior, Shun knew better than to lower his guard. While Noah may have appeared slightly weaker in combat compared to Dominic, his abilities were far more enigmatic and troublesome.

"The King summons you," Noah continued, his tone shifting to one of seriousness. "As much as I despise my role as a messenger, I must deliver the message without delay."

Shun raised an eyebrow, understanding that this summons was unlikely to be a friendly invitation to a party. He felt ill-prepared to confront the king at this moment. Uncertain of how his ethereal arm functioned, he could not afford to make a misstep. If his memories had been altered, all would have been lost.

He knew there must be prerequisites for altering others' memories, but Alfred had not employed his ethereal arm for some time, leaving Shun with no means to acquire this knowledge. Cursing himself for not having prepared adequately, he realized he could not defy the king's command.

"Is there anything to guarantee my safety…?" Shun murmured, his voice low and contemplative.

Noah teleported beside him, a glimmer of surprise evident in his expression as Shun did not flinch. "I mean, no, not at all," he replied, a playful smile dancing on his lips.

"Alfred Eldran is not only the king but also the strongest being in the kingdom. If he desired your demise, there would be little anyone could do to intervene." Noah leaned against the balcony railing, gazing in the direction Shun had been focused on before. He sighed, continuing, "But again, if he wished for your life, you would already be dead. He didn't need to wait. True, you've embroiled yourself in royal conflicts, yet you've also dealt with some scum plaguing the kingdom. In a sense, you are something of a hero."

Shun responded wryly, "Our opinions matter little; it is the king's that holds weight."

Noah laughed heartily. "So you acknowledge the king's absolute authority—what are you waiting for?"

With a wave of his hand, Noah conjured a shimmering portal to the royal palace, its hues both peculiar and elegant. He gestured for Shun to step through, his sly smile oddly reassuring.

Shun's shoulders sagged under the weight of the moment. Taking a deep breath, he voiced a simple request. "I would like to bring the ninth complete ethereal warrior, Silver Iricson, with me."

Noah's eyes brightened with intrigue as he shrugged nonchalantly. "Sure, that's entirely your decision. The king only instructed me to bring you to him; no further details or restrictions."