Chapter 34: Fading Emotions

A/N: Well, I woke up to reality and made a few changes to the chapter—turns out I made some mistakes.I'd recommend giving it a reread, as the updates are pretty important!

***

Ash turned, walking toward the door with slow, steady steps. The moment he pushed it open, a cool gust of wind rushed through, fluttering the edges of his dark robes.

"Three weeks," he said, his voice fading as he walked. "No less."

"Yeah, yeah," Garry replied, already disappearing into the smithy.

The door swung shut behind Ash with a low thud.

Outside, Ash stepped into the deserted streets, dim moonlight casting a pale glow over the lifeless concrete, the sharp winds rustling the leaves of the wild plants growing in the cracks.

Ash moved through the streets, his boots tapping softly against the cobblestone. His hood remained pulled low, his face still covered in darkness, his breath unnaturally steady.

His body moved with no hesitation, but his thoughts were coiling around themselves—silent, relentless, inescapable.

Blacksmith's words refused to leave him.

"I can't feel anything from you."

They looped in his mind, lingering as if burned into his skull.

"No chaos. No order. Just…emptiness."

His jaw clenched. A sudden thought had crept into his mind.

That's not possible... It couldn't be, could it?

Ash placed his right hand over his heart. He felt love for Elysia, didn't he? Curiosity for this fantasy world, satisfaction in his growing strength, frustration at his defeats.

And beyond that—he still made decisions based on what mattered to him. He still had desires.

So then why...

Why did Garry see nothing?

His jaw loosened. There is a chance the shadow cloak hindered his sight. But still...

The thought lingered like an insistent whisper he couldn't shake, gnawing at the edges of his certainty. He focused inwards.

Did something in me change?

And with his memory, it didn't take long to find the answer.

Yes, It did.

It's scary as to how he hadn't noticed before—the change had crept in quietly.

Or maybe... he had, but dismissed it.

His emotions were still there, but they felt a little thinner—stretched, distant.

It all began with the creation of the skill Omni Thought. That was when everything shifted.

The change wasn't sudden. He could still feel, but with every use of the skill, his emotions faded further.

While the change isn't drastic, it could be a psychological side effect of using a Rune...

Thus, another thought came to his mind.

The Rune of Stability and other Runes.

The novel never spoke of any side effects. 

Maybe Ray never unlocked the Runes' true potential, so it was left unmentioned. 

Perhaps... it was something meant to unfold later, in the parts I never reached. 

Or who knows... maybe it's just fate messing with me.

There was a chance that him interfering with the fate has caused this consequence.

He didn't know.

He couldn't know.

But that thought settled deep in his chest.

There was too much unknown.

The Runes weren't just granting him power.

They were rewriting him.

If I keep collecting them, if I take what wasn't meant for me—would I lose myself for it? Would I stop feeling altogether? Will I still be human at the end of it all? Will I just become a cold and logical machine? Will I even exist?

Would I stop caring about.....Elysia?

His fist clenched.

No.

That was the one thing he wouldn't allow.

The Runes can warp him, they can erase him all they want. But his love for Nancy—he would hold onto that. He wouldn't let them corrupt it.

Because if he didn't—who would?

His footsteps slowed to a halt. His vision darkened.

If Ray collects the Runes, the world is doomed. The novel had made that painfully clear. 

"The wheel of fate turns, unchained and wild, A hero walks, both blessed and beguiled.

A miracle bends, a destiny calls, And with it, the world may rise—or fall."

Ray wasn't a villain. He wasn't evil. But he was perfect, the chosen one, a typical hero. And like every hero…

He would either lead the world into destruction or into salvation.

The Demons. The Angels. The endless cycle of fate was destined to repeat itself over and over.

Soon, the Demon King's greed would get the better of him, and he would send other demons to invade the world of Akumia.

Although it was something Ray could handle, it might still lead to another cause for the world's fall—thanks to Ray's power display.

The Angels would notice him.

Ray wouldn't be able to stop them, not with so little time.

He wouldn't understand. He was too naive, too trusting and too bound by his unrealistic ideals.

But Ash…

If Ash took the Runes first—if he rewrote fate with his own hands—then the world would at least have a chance.

It would still die, eventually, theoretically.

But not now.

Not yet.

He would buy time. Enough time to find another way. Enough time to either let Ray develop or develop himself to tackle Angels and Demons alike.

Even if it meant sacrificing himself.

Even if it meant losing whatever was left of him.

His lips curled into a humorless smirk.

How ironic.

He despised attention. He had spent both of his life avoiding the spotlight, moving in the shadows, refusing to stand out.

And yet, here he was.

Ready to wage war against those already fighting an eternal battle. About to do something that would guarantee all eyes of the universe would turn to him.

If he took the Runes, if he challenged fate itself, then the entire world would know his name, one way or another.

He was walking a path that led him to destruction.

When I first transmigrated, all I cared about was gathering runes, growing strong enough to save myself, and abandoning this world if it ever came crashing down.

But now,

This wasn't about him.

This was about someone else.

If Elysia could exchange her life for me, then why couldn't I do the same?

Why couldn't I sacrifice a few emotions for her?

The answer was laughably simple.

He could.

And he would.

His footsteps resumed, steady and unshaken. But now, they carried the resolve of a man ready to fight the world.

The wind whispered through the alleyways, as if spreading the silent declaration of the path he had chosen.

If fate refused to let Elysia live a peaceful and happy life, then he would bend it to his will.

Even if it meant becoming something he no longer recognized.

Even if it meant becoming the enemy of the whole Universe.

***

After Ash Left the Academy...

In the Academy cafeteria, the lively chatter of students filled the air as Grace confidently set her tray down, flashing a smirk at Elysia.

"Alright, spill. How did you dodge that last hit so effortlessly?" she demanded, pointing her fork at Elysia like a challenge. "I swear, you made me look ridiculous out there."

Elysia hesitated, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I just… reacted."

Grace scoffed. "Reacted? That wasn't just 'reacting,' Elysia. You read my movements like an open book. I know I am not strong in close combat, but still."

Elysia shifted uncomfortably. "I noticed your footing shift slightly before you attacked... It made it easier to predict."

Grace blinked, then let out a laugh. "You noticed my footing? That's something even veterans struggle to do."

Elysia's cheeks warmed slightly. "I didn't think it was that special."

Grace shook her head, grinning. "Of course, you wouldn't. You're too humble for your own good. Anyway, have you heard the recent gossip?"

Elysia blinked. "Gossip?"

Grace smirked. "Yes, my dear, clueless friend. You are the talk of the Academy."

Elysia frowned, her fingers tightening slightly around her glass. "Me? Why?"

Grace leaned in with a knowing look, whispering slightly. "Ray Dawson." Then, she pulled back slightly, emphasising her next words with the same playful tone. "Has. Been. Way. Too. Interested. In. You." Her smile widened as she added. "And people have started to notice."

Elysia's grip on her spoon faltered. "That's... probably just a huge misunderstanding."

Grace raised a brow, wondering if her friend actually believed her own words. "Is it, though? He's been looking at you like you're the answer to all his problems." She locked eyes with Elysia before she continued, "Let's be real—he's the Ray. The only guy ever to have all affinities, the strongest first-year student... and yet, you're the center of his attention?"

Elysia lowered her gaze. "I don't know why."

Grace studied her for a moment before sighing. "You're too pure, Elysia. Any other girl would be thrilled about this."

Elysia forced a small smile. "Then they can have him."

Grace shook her head in exasperation. "So like you"

Elysia's voice was barely above a whisper as she replied. "It's just the truth."

Grace leaned back. "Alright, I won't push. But, seriously, have you ever liked someone? Like, ever?"

Elysia hesitated, and before she could answer, memories slipped in—

A bright day under cherry blossoms. His teasing smirk. Those warm hands. A voice—soft yet steady—calling her name.

Her previous life.

Her past love.

And then, another face flickered in her mind.

Not from her past.

From the present.

Blue eyes. Cold gaze.

A Neutral face.

Elysia's breath hitched, but she quickly composed herself. "I don't think it matters."

Grace squinted at her, a sly grin forming. "Oh, but it does matter. You just zoned out like you were lost in another world."

Elysia let out a short laugh, shaking her head at the accuracy of the remark. "I was just… lost in thought."

"Hmm. Lost in thought, huh? About whom?"

"Just memories."

Grace raised a brow. "Memories, or someone in particular?"

Elysia didn't answer. Her mind flickered back to that neutral expression, those piercing blue eyes that held neither warmth nor hostility, only cold, mechanical observation.

And she had tested him, hadn't she? Pushed, prodded, baited him for a reaction.

Yet, he remained unreadable.

So why? Why did he cross my mind just now?

Did my heart make a mistake?

Grace smirked. "See? That. That right there? That's a 'someone.' Spill it."

Elysia lowered her gaze to her food. "It's nothing important."

Grace sighed. "You are so bad at this whole girl talk thing." She leaned back dramatically. "Fine, fine, keep your secrets. But mark my words, Be mysterious all you want. But don't think you're off the hook. I'll find out sooner or later."

Elysia smiled softly, relieved that Grace dropped the topic—at least for now. Her thoughts were still a mess.

Should I test him again?

Grace snapped her fingers in front of Elysia's face. "Okay, seriously. You've never spaced out this much before. What's going on in that pretty little head of yours?"

Elysia blinked, startled. "Nothing, I just…" She trailed off, unsure how to explain the tangled mess of thoughts in her head.

Grace huffed, clearly unsatisfied with the answer, but decided to let it slide. Instead, she smirked. "Fine. If you won't talk about it, let's talk about something actually important—like me."

Elysia chuckled. "What about you?"

Grace leaned in, eyes glinting with amusement. "I've decided I need to get stronger."

Elysia tilted her head. "Stronger? I thought you were more focused on healing magic."

Grace nodded. "I am, but let's be real—I don't want to be some damsel waiting for a hero to protect me."

She crossed her arms, determination flickering in her eyes. "I refuse to be someone who just stands on the sidelines because I'm a support class. And besides…" Her fingers tapped against the table as she stared off for a moment.

"I know I can be more. My class—it's not made just for support. I can fight like a warrior, like I was meant for it. And sometimes... I don't even feel like I belong among normal humans. I don't know why, but it's just there—this feeling that I'm something more."

"Like I am Superior."

Elysia tilted her head, watching Grace closely. "Superior to humans?"

Grace let out a small sigh, twirling her spoon absentmindedly. "Yeah... I know how it sounds. But sometimes, when I fight, my body just knows what to do. Like its instinct, something buried deep in me. I'm a healer, sure, but it doesn't feel like that's all I am. It's like… I am meant for something more."

Elysia hesitated, sensing that Grace wasn't just bragging—she truly believed what she said. "Have you told anyone about this?"

Grace huffed. "Told them what? That I feel like I'm superior to humans? That I don't fit in the neat little box of 'support class' like everyone expects me to?"

She smirked, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "They'd just think I'm being arrogant."

"I believe you."

Grace blinked, surprised.

Elysia looked down at her hands, fingers tightening slightly. "Sometimes, people are born different. And if that's the case... then maybe you just have to prove that your instincts are right."

Grace's smirk returned, more genuine this time. "I like the way you think." She nudged Elysia's arm. "See? This is why I keep you around. You actually get me."

Elysia smiled softly. "I'm glad."

Grace leaned back in her seat, stretching. "Enough about me. What about you, huh?

Elysia blinked. "What about me?"

Grace smirked. "You never talk about what you want. Don't you have a goal? A dream? Or are you just floating through life, Miss Mysterious?"

Elysia hesitated. Did she have a goal?

She had been given a second chance—a new life. And yet, she had spent so long simply… existing.

But deep down, she knew.

"I don't want to be weak," she admitted, her voice quieter than before. "I don't want to be someone who can't protect what's important to me, again."

Grace's smirk softened. "Now, that is a proper answer."

Elysia met her gaze, and for once, there was no teasing, no playful smirk—just mutual understanding.

Because both of them knew what it felt like.

The fear of being powerless.

The need to stand on their own.

Grace grinned suddenly, breaking the serious moment. "Well, in that case, we should continue training together. Imagine the two of us, an unstoppable duo—beauty and strength combined!"

Elysia laughed softly. "That sounds… interesting."

Grace beamed. "Damn right it does. Now, finish your food—it's already gone cold. We've got our training to plan."

Elysia nodded, but as she ate, her thoughts strayed once more.

Next time I see him, I will test him again. I will have my answer, one way or another.

**