Chapter 33: Aisha’s Freedom & Haruhime’s Choice (Updated)

I return to the garden, having just led Lili to her new room.

Hestia was in the bath, so I left Lili to settle in and instructed her to join us in the dining room downstairs later.

As I step outside, I'm met by Subzero, who informs me that Aisha has been brought to the garden by Hanzo.

I approach her, waking her up.

The moment she regains consciousness, she jolts upright, combat-ready.

Gotta love the Amazoness fighting spirit.

I sit on the bench, with Subzero and Hanzo flanking her—not me—to prevent her from running before we talk.

General POV

Sora: "Miss Belka, please calm down. I mean no harm—quite the opposite. I'm here to help you and your friend."

Aisha narrows her eyes, her stance tightening.

"Who are you? And what friend are you speaking of?"

Sora smiles, his tone calm and reassuring.

"The name is Sora Origin, Miss Belka. And the friend I speak of is Haruhime. I'm offering freedom—for both of you."

Aisha's eyes narrow further.

"What freedom do you speak of? And where is Haruhime? Did you kidnap her as well? Where is she?"

Sora chuckles softly.

"Oh, don't play dumb with me, Miss Belka. I mean exactly what you're thinking."

"As for your second question—no, your friend is still in the brothel. I don't kidnap people, Miss Belka. This is a friendly conversation. The only one in a combat stance here is you."

Aisha hesitates, her stance relaxing slightly—but she remains cautious.

"Why should I believe you? And what is it that you want in exchange?"

Sora: "Smart as ever, Miss Belka. For the first question—it's simple. Do I look like someone who plays around?"

"This is an offer—take it or leave it."

"As for the second question—the answer is you and your friend will join my Familia, become part of my family, and gain my protection."

Aisha's expression hardens, anger flashing in her eyes.

"Don't bullshite me. This so-called deal is us getting the bigger stick, while you'll have to fight for our freedom."

"Even if we help you, you're still going against the entire Ishtar Familia for us."

"Why would you do that? Do you think you're stronger than the Ishtar Familia?"

"I don't know you—you're not from Loki or Freya. What backing do you think you have to save us?"

"Don't be stupid—you're my age. Even with help from your two bodyguards, you can't take on the entire Ishtar Familia."

Sora POV

Sora: 'She didn't disappoint me. Unlike idealists who think the world is a sunny place, she knows the dark side.'

'Despite my offer, she calculates her options, trying to gather information about me, my Familia, and my helpers.'

'She's sharp—and exactly what I need for my future Vice-Captain.'

'But being looked down upon is never forgivable.'

I stand, smiling.

"Miss Belka, your so-called Ishtar Familia was never a threat—nor a problem."

"For that matter, neither are Loki's or Freya's."

"If I wanted, I could erase all of them—and their Familia—from this world before the sunrise of tomorrow."

As I speak, I release the blood suppression I had toned down earlier, unleashing my full aura.

I lock eyes with her, letting the weight of my presence crush her resistance.

Aisha POV

Aisha: 'What is happening? What is this change in the aura around him?'

'The world around me is shaking—I can't breathe.'

'My instincts are screaming—I feel like I'm going to die.'

I fall to my knees, barely managing to whisper:

"I'm sorry for my disrespect."

Sora POV

Sora: 'Oops—I pushed it too far. I really need to calm myself down when it comes to my pride.'

"Rise. I'm sorry for taking it this far—but I can't stand being looked down upon, Miss Belka."

Aisha stands, her voice steady.

"I apologize—I didn't mean to disrespect. I realize that now."

"As for your offer—if it still stands, I would be honored to accept it."

"But if I may ask—why isn't Haruhime here? If she's part of the deal, how do you plan to get my Goddess's consent to change Familias? She'll never give up Haruhime."

Sora smiles.

"You see, Aisha—I'll call you by your first name since we're Familia now, and you can call me by mine."

"I didn't bring Haruhime because, as you know, she no longer deems herself worthy of rescue."

"She believes her profession taints anyone who saves her."

"Despite my offer, I don't help people who won't even have the courage to ask for it."

"That's why I wanted to meet you instead."

"Whether she joins or not is up to you now. You're someone she considers family, and I know you see her as a sister."

"You convince her. If she doesn't come here and ask to join my Familia herself, I won't help her."

Aisha nods, understanding the weight of his words.

Sora steps forward, placing his hands on her head.

"Relax—I'll remove the charm Ishtar placed on you now."

He dispels the charm, restoring her free will.

"You're free now—and welcome to your new family, the Hestia Familia. I am your Captain, Sora."

Aisha's eyes widen, clarity and happiness flooding her expression.

"Now—are you ready to speak to your friend?"

"Yes—leave it to me, Sora-sama. I'll convince her."

Sora places a hand on her shoulder.

"No need—we're going together."

He teleports them both to Haruhime's room in the brothel.

Haruhime yelps, startled by their sudden appearance.

Seeing Aisha, she calms down.

"Talk to her," Sora says, handing Aisha a bracelet artifact.

"When you're done, activate this—it'll inform me to come pick you up."

Aisha nods, taking the bracelet.

Sora teleports back to the garden bench, waiting for the call.

"With this, my plans for Familia members are complete—for now."

"The rest will continue after Bell joins in a month."

"During that month, I'll focus on my business with Hephaestus."

"I'll also place Aisha under Igris for training, Lili under Subzero, and Haruhime under Merlin."

"I'll send them to the forest to train—by the end of the month, Haruhime and Lili will reach Level 3, and Aisha will reach Level 5."

"Once I remove the Falna limits, their levels will double