Chapter 155: Walking the Line Between Death and Power
Zephyr nodded slowly in understanding. "In that case, why don’t you go with us? We’re leaving the academy after this semester ends."
"Thanks for the offer, but I’ll have to decline." I shook my head.
I knew their reasons for leaving mirrored mine—safety, growth, survival. But traveling together now would defeat the entire purpose of my "death."
"It’s too risky," I explained. "If we’re seen together, even under a new identity, it could expose everything. The whole point was to disappear completely, you know."
Zephyr’s expression darkened, but after a moment, he gave a reluctant nod. "That’s true..."
The unspoken words between us were heavy.
After recalling something, I offered him a small smile.
"But don’t worry, we can always meet here." Turning to the winged serpent observing our conversation with amusement, I added, "Master said he can teach me how to enter this place on my own, right?"
Virion’s grin widened, his tail flicking excitedly. "Of course! As soon as you recover, I’m gonna drill it—urgh, I mean teach you myself." He coughed awkwardly, though the mischievous glint in his emerald eyes remained.
Zephyr nodded again, murmuring, "That’s one way too..." But his brows suddenly furrowed. "Wait—" His head snapped up, realization dawning. "But you would need aura for that..." His eyes widened as he stared at me intently. After a tense pause, he asked slowly, "Did... did you awaken perhaps?"
The corner of my lips lifted in a faint smile as I met his gaze. "Yeah," I admitted quietly. "It feels like I did awaken."