Between Two Souls, Chapter 10
"So, this is the situation," John began, folding his hands atop the desk.
"The werewolves were created from modified humans. At the moment, they can only transform at night. But soon… that limitation will disappear. When that happens, they will remain werewolves permanently."
Adrien frowned. "So… we hunt them down?"
"Correct, Prince," John replied calmly. "If they are not eliminated, every noble—including you—will become their target."
Adrien leaned back in his chair, arms crossing. "And how exactly do you expect that to happen? You're not telling me to do it myself, are you?"
"Of course not," John said at once. "I strongly advise against that. Your priority is survival. Stay close to people you trust—Erika, Deimos, or anyone capable of protecting you."
"Wait," Adrien said, sitting upright. "Deimos? He's part of this Order too?"
"No," John shook his head. "But he can call upon the Knights of Saint Ares. They trained him. That is why his combat ability surpasses most."
Adrien nodded slowly. "That explains a lot… But aren't they already hunting the werewolves?"
"They are," John admitted. "But their methods are inefficient. We know the location of the werewolves' primary lair. If it is destroyed, a significant portion of them will be wiped out."
"Only a portion?" Adrien asked.
"Yes," John replied gravely. "Because the one who created them has not yet been captured."
Adrien exhaled sharply. "Science really is terrifying…"
Silence hung between them for a moment.
Then Adrien's eyes lit up. "What about the person I'm connected to? Can I see him?"
John's expression softened. "Not yet. He hasn't awakened, and we haven't confirmed his identity."
Adrien's shoulders slumped. "So he's… asleep?"
"Yes."
"Is there a way to wake him up?" Adrien asked, leaning forward again.
John smiled faintly. "There is. The next time you dream, resist the connection. Rebel against it. It will cause him pain—but it may force him to awaken."
Adrien winced. "That doesn't sound easy."
"It isn't," John agreed. "He will resist you as well."
"If I succeed," Adrien asked, "what then?"
"Report to me immediately."
John stood and walked to a cabinet behind his desk. He opened a drawer and removed two items: a folded map and a small, white object shaped like a delicate crown.
He placed them on the desk.
Adrien picked up the crown, turning it over in his hands. "And this… what is it?"
"That is a Mind Crown," John explained. "A device that allows Soul Connectors to meet at a place known as the Soul Tree."
Adrien blinked. "Meet? As in… face to face?"
"Yes. Wear it while sleeping. Sitting upright is recommended."
"Sitting?" Adrien stared at him. "Are you serious?"
"It's uncomfortable at first," John admitted. "But if you succeed in awakening your partner and convince him to use a Mind Crown as well, you will meet at the Soul Tree. After that, the connection will stabilize permanently. The device will no longer be necessary."
Adrien carefully placed the Mind Crown and the map into his satchel.
"Anything else I should know?"
"Our library contains information about Earth," John said. "You may find answers there."
"Perfect," Adrien replied, standing. "I'll check it out."
As Adrien turned to leave, John spoke again.
"Prince."
Adrien paused.
"A great war is coming," John said quietly. "But understand this—an underground war has already begun."
Adrien nodded, his expression serious. "I'll be careful."
He left the room. John remained seated, staring at the door long after it closed, his thoughts heavy with uncertainty. If they failed… the consequences would reach far beyond this world.
Adrien exited the room and returned to the main hall. His eyes immediately caught sight of Erika, Vino, and Bridgette seated at the bar, each perched atop round stools that slowly rotated on their own. An android bartender stood behind the counter, its mechanical hands moving with flawless precision as it prepared drinks.
Vino, brimming with excitement, spun gently on her stool, her long ears twitching happily.
"Adrien! Over here! This one's yours!"
She hopped down and hurried toward him, holding out a glass filled with a light-brown drink topped with a fluffy white foam.
Adrien accepted it carefully. "It's cold… What is this? And what's this cloud on top?"
"The bartender called it a chocolate milkshake," Vino said proudly. "You have to drink it using that long thing." She pointed to the straw.
"Sip through this?" Adrien leaned in and took a cautious pull. His eyes widened.
"…Wow. It's really sweet. But delicious."
Vino giggled. "I know, right? I'm lucky I got used to strong flavors." She smiled knowingly. "Most elves can't handle things like this. Even mild spices can make them sick… sometimes worse."
"Hahaha, well, at least you get to enjoy it," Adrien laughed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Vino happily leaned into him as she sipped her drink again.
They returned to the bar together. Adrien sat down between Erika on his left and Vino on his right, his gaze drifting once more to the android bartender. Even now, the sight still amazed him.
"So," Erika said casually, turning toward him, "what did you and John talk about?"
Adrien set the glass down. "He wants me to deliver this map to the Knights of Saint Ares. They'll assist in hunting the werewolves." He pulled the folded map from his satchel and showed it to her. "He also told me to keep my guard up."
"And your partner?" Erika pressed. "The one on Earth?"
Adrien hesitated, then took out the strange white object. "He gave me this. It's called a Mind Crown."
Erika studied it briefly, her expression thoughtful. "I see."
She leaned back slightly. "So, what now? Want to head out, or stay a bit longer? You could try something called a computer in the library."
Adrien smiled. "Yeah. I want to enjoy this place a little more first."
Sluuuurrrppp.
He took another slow sip of his milkshake, savoring the sweetness.
"Erika, I'm going to check out the library," he said as he hopped down from his stool. "By the way… teaching someone four years older than you? That's impressive." He grinned. "Master Erika."
"Ugh, stop it…" Erika laughed, shaking her head.
It wasn't entirely a joke. Bridgette, now twenty-six, had indeed become Erika's student despite Erika being only twenty-two. When Erika's own mentor retired early, the title of Master had fallen to her.
Adrien approached the library. The automatic door slid open smoothly, startling him just a little. He stepped inside, eyes wide with curiosity—but he reminded himself to stay focused.
Near the entrance sat the librarian, deeply absorbed in a book.
"Excuse me," Adrien said politely. "Could you show me how to use a computer?"
The librarian barely lifted his eyes. "Hmph." He closed the book with obvious annoyance.
"Yeah. Follow me."
Grumbling under his breath, the librarian led Adrien to a desk fitted with a strange glowing screen and an array of unfamiliar tools.
Adrien sat down carefully. "So… how do I start?"
Though visibly irritated, the librarian still began explaining, pointing at the device and muttering instructions as Adrien listened intently—completely unaware that this simple lesson would soon unlock memories far beyond his own world.
.................
Adrien spent a long time inside the library, absorbed in who-knew-what. Meanwhile, back in the main hall, Bridgette and Erika were deep in a serious conversation. Vino, on the other hand, was still happily enjoying her milkshake—already on her tenth glass.
"Yeah… there's still no word from him," Bridgette said quietly, her fingers wrapped tightly around her glass. "Erika, I'm scared. What if he's seeing another woman?"
Erika hesitated. "Hmm… yeah. That's… possible." She sighed. "I'm sorry. I don't think I can really help with that."
"Hmph. No need to apologize," Bridgette replied, forcing a smile. "I'll deal with it myself."
Erika glanced toward Vino, who was cheerfully sipping yet another milkshake, her ears twitching in delight.
"Hey, Vino. How long are you planning to keep drinking those? That can't be good for your health."
"Ehehe… alright, alright," Vino said sheepishly. "This will be my last one."
Suddenly—
"WAAAH!!! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!"
The three of them jolted in surprise as Adrien's shout echoed out of the library.
Moments later, Adrien emerged, his shoulders slumped, his expression dark and troubled. He clutched a single sheet of paper in his hand.
Vino immediately hopped off her stool and hurried over.
"Adrien? What happened? You screamed so loudly…"
"I… I saw something I definitely shouldn't have," Adrien muttered. "But I printed this picture of myself. Someone drew it using something called the internet."
He held up the paper—a digital illustration of himself.
"…Yeah. Of me."
"…Was it inappropriate?" she asked cautiously.
Adrien froze. "W—Why would you assume that?!"
"U-Um… no reason," Vino said quickly, her face flushing red.
Adrien sighed deeply, rubbing his temples.
"Alright. Let's get out of here. Those werewolves aren't going to hunt themselves. We've got work to do."
He turned and started toward the exit.
As he walked away, Vino leaned closer to Erika and whispered,
"Erika… next time, can you teach me how to use a computer? And how to access that place called the internet?"
Erika smiled knowingly. "You want to see the drawings of Adrien on there, don't you? You cheeky girl." She smirked. "Didn't Adrien already show you?"
"No," Vino replied innocently.
"…He didn't?" Erika blinked.
"Nope."
"…Seriously?"
"Yes."
"Oh my goodness." Erika sighed. "Have you tried teasing him at night?"
"N-Not yet… I don't know how."
"Ugh. You hopeless elf." Erika shook her head. "Fine. I'll teach you next time."
Just as Adrien reached the door, he turned back.
"Hey! Are you two coming or not?"
"Y-Yes! We're coming!" they answered quickly, rushing after him.
Adrien eyed them suspiciously as they caught up.
"…What were you whispering about?"
"Hehe. Nothing important," Erika replied smoothly.
The three of them left the branch of the Ancestor Order and headed toward the stronghold of the Knights of Saint Ares, intent on seeking their aid in destroying the werewolf den.
............
Meanwhile, deep within the Ancestor Order's base, John stepped out of his office, clearly disturbed by the earlier scream. He spotted the librarian nearby.
"Mark. Come here."
"Ugh… what now, John?" Mark replied lazily.
"What happened with Adrien earlier?"
"Oh. That." Mark shrugged. "He accidentally stumbled onto a fan website and, uh… ended up there."
John pinched the bridge of his nose. "Why wasn't it censored?"
"You didn't put it on the restricted list," Mark replied flatly. "Besides, that site's been around for years."
"…Sigh. Fine." John paused. "Any new information from Earth?"
"No. Last transmission was two years ago. The Earth-side members said they sent someone to investigate and rescue Adrien's partner."
John exhaled slowly.
"Unbelievable. Even with satellites, it still takes years just to receive a few corrupted sentences."
He clenched his fist. "I hope with Adrien active, things will finally move faster."
After a moment of silence, John straightened.
"Mark. Inform all members in Arestiana, the Alteyr Empire, and Nuswantoro."
"…About what?"
John's eyes hardened with resolve.
"Tell them this—
Prince Adrien is officially on our side now."
........... To Be Continued ...........