Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey

Kai collapsed to the ground, violently coughing and gasping for air. His eyes, filled with hatred, shot daggers at Aether, but before he could act, Vesperine rushed to his side, pulling him into a tight embrace as if her arms alone could protect him from further harm.

Helena, still focused on Aether, signalled Celestia to guide her closer. As she approached, she gently touched his bare, trembling skin. Her fingers glowed softly as she began to heal his wounds. ”Are you hurt anywhere?” she asked, her voice filled with quiet worry.

Aether said nothing, his eyes never leaving Liaʼs head.

His heart felt like it had been shattered into a thousand pieces, and all he could do was stare.

Helena could feel his pain through their bond, even though he said nothing aloud.

She lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper. ”Everything happens for a reason, Aether...”

”Reason?” Aetherʼs voice cracked, his pain seeping through every word. ”She did nothing... absolutely nothing. So why? Why is everyone hurting her? Why does everyone want her to suffer?”

Helena swallowed hard, her throat tightening as her hands trembled. Slowly, as if guided by an invisible force, she reached for Laiʼs head.

Though they hadnʼt shared many words, Helena had known—had felt—that Lia cared deeply. The memory of Lia shouting at her.... still echoed in her mind.

They had been friends.

”L-Lia...” Helena stammered, her voice trembling as tears began to spill from her eyes. The pain of losing her friend was sharper than she could have ever imagined.

”May thy Mother bless—” Helena began, her voice thick with emotion, trying to offer some final comfort. But before she could finish, Aether stopped her with a single gesture.

”Is there any way to bring her back?” His voice was calm, but there was something eerie in the way he spoke.

Celestia frowned, ”Thatʼs impossible. The dead cannot be brought back—”

”I believe...” Ariaʼs voice cut in, ”The principal once said that if someone wins the trial, they are granted a single wish. And with that wish, itʼs possible to bring back the dead.” she wiped the tears from her eyes, and she knew what Aether was thinking.... as she stared at Liaʼs head, ʼFUCK!!ʼ she screamed inwardly, she really wanted to torture Jack!!

”But the principal never guaranteed that,” Kai said, his voice hoarse from pain and grief. ”She only said, ʼWe need to find itʼ”

While the others were embroiled in their intense discussion, Jack, who had barely managed to summon his two loyal puppets, found himself slowly being dragged out of the frozen case that encased him.

His body, blackened and scorched like charred bread, was limp as the puppets pulled him away from the group.

”Donʼt worry, Master,” J1 hissed, his bloodshot eyes glowing with a twisted light. ”Next time, we will kill him!”

”Yes! And next time, I will cut him into pieces!” J2 added with a savage grin, his own eyes burning with the same murderous intent.

Jack remained silent, his body too damaged to respond. Every breath was agony, and speaking felt impossible.

His skin, scorched and crisped, barely clung to his broken form. Yet, through the pain, there was one thought—one burning desire—that consumed him, ʼThat slave would regret ever crossing me...

He will pay... with his life.ʼ

But before he could entertain any more vengeful thoughts—

”Going somewhere?”

Aetherʼs voice cut through the air, cold and calm. The puppets barely had time to react before two crimson swords materialized and pierced through their bodies, pinning them to the ground like broken toys.

Jackʼs fragile, crippled form stumbled, his movements jerky as cracks spread across his already fragile body. His bloodshot eyes burned with hatred as he glared at Aether, who stood before him with unnerving calmness.

Jackʼs lips moved painfully, his voice barely more than a strained croak. ”A... er... e...”

Aether cocked his head, his expression mockingly curious. ”Hmm? I canʼt quite hear you.” His tone was taunting, almost playful.

Jackʼs jaw clenched. He knew death was inevitable now.

He could feel it creeping closer with every breath, but that didnʼt stop the burning rage in his heart. ”... will... kill... you...” he rasped, his voice filled with venomous hatred.