Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey

As something dropped to the ground. Continue your journey with empire

Aether crouched, picking up a small, broken crimson-colored crystal.

The faint glow it emitted was quickly fading. This was the key.... the device he had placed inside the clone to simulate the fire-breathing trick.

He studied it for a moment, admiring the craftsmanship he put into creating it!

In his past or future or whatever that shit was.... Aether had discovered that dragons, and many of those who possessed similar bloodlines, could generate fire naturally.

Each flame was unique to the individual, a signature of their heritage.

What had intrigued him was how they could do this without using any Arcane energy... like it was hardwired into their very biology.

These crimson flames... were an exact match for Ravenʼs but he wasnʼt sure about whether it was similar to Phoenix or not but still, he used it.

He had suspected as much when he engineered the ruse, gambling that it would spark Ravenʼs curiosity, forcing her to take an interest in him.

And it had worked!!

Ravenʼs reaction told him everything he needed to know.

Aether let out a deep sigh of relief, ”Thank goodness I didnʼt fully commit to my original plan,” he muttered to himself.

In truth, he had considered pulling off the fire stunt himself rather than using his clone.

However, due to his current physical condition, touching those crystals would likely have caused them to either malfunction or explode, and he wasnʼt eager to experience the outcome firsthand.

Using his clone had been the safer bet—and he was immensely grateful for that decision.

Otherwise, that gaping hole he just saw in his clone could have easily been in his own body.

He splashed a few droplets of water onto his face, loosened his shirt, and made sure it looked damp, giving himself the appearance of someone drained and sickly. For added effect, he roughed up his hair and let his shoulders sag.

Slowly, he stepped out of the restroom, his steps heavy, as though each one was a laborious effort. As he approached the table, he collapsed onto the chair with exaggerated weakness.

”–Ha-ha– cough-cough– W-Waterr–cough,” he rasped, reaching out shakily.

Thalia, who had been too distracted by the earlier events, snapped to attention. Without a second thought, she handed him the water bottle, concern etched on her face.

ʼGulpʼ

ʼGulpʼ

Aether drank the water greedily, casting fleeting glances at both Thalia and Raven through the corner of his eye.... He noticed their worried expressions and smirked inwardly. Heʼd played his part well, and they were buying into it.

Thud!

He set the bottle down on the table, ”I-Iʼm sorry, guys. I-I donʼt know whatʼs happening, but ever since I started hanging out with you, s-something i-inside me has been… burning up. Itʼs like—like something-Something... is trying to—”

”Calm down, man,” Thalia cut him off, giving his shoulder a comforting pat. She looked awkward, but her concern was genuine, ”You need to calm down first.” She shot a quick glance at Raven, who hadnʼt said a word, her eyes still locked on Aether.

Ravenʼs mind raced, ʼCould his bloodline be awakening because heʼs been spending time with.... me?ʼ She furrowed her brow, troubled by the thought. The flames were undeniably like hers, but that alone wasnʼt proof that he had the Phoenix bloodline.

She needed more evidence.

Her decision made, she reached out and took Aetherʼs hand, surprising him.

Aether blinked, his surprise evident. Then, he offered a strained smile, ”Donʼt worry, Iʼm fine.” He winked at her, even as he maintained his fatigue.

Thalia raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a grin, ʼLook at him...ʼ She glanced at Raven with a teasing smirk.

”Getting worried over your new potential... mat—ouch!” she yelped as something hard hit her leg.

Raven shot Thalia a warning look, her face expressionless, but the message was clear.

Thalia kept her smug grin but wisely stayed quiet.

Raven turned her attention back to Aether. ”Let me check you,” she said suddenly.

”Huh?”

”I might know whatʼs happening to you,” Raven clarified, her tone serious as she placed both palms on his chest.

Aetherʼs brow furrowed in slight confusion. ”I see...” He nodded but then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he interlaced his fingers with hers. ”Please, check now,” he added with a smug grin.

Thaliaʼs lips trembled, barely holding back laughter. ʼThis guy! Heʼs really going after her, isnʼt he?!ʼ

[+100 AP]