Chuck couldn't believe his ears the moment he heard Kaiden speak. Every nerve in his body pulsated, as though he was receiving a shock therapy.
Everything that had been happening to Chuck since the day he unlocked his system has been nothing short of mind blowing, in an inexplicable way to say the least.
But what he just heard from Kaiden was like a nuclear bomb going off. Killing someone wasn't something that was taken lightly by the law enforcement. Depending on who was killed, and the mode of killing, the culprit could face a penalty powerful enough to destroy them.
Based on how Kaiden spoke, she didn't exactly want to kill someone of a lower status, and her expression said it all.
Chuck, standing on the opposite side of Kaiden, stood still, still trying to process what he had just heard.
"Uhm, Alexa? Is it okay if I call you Alexa? 'cause I know that 'Kaiden' is your last name… obviously," Chuck said, but his voice sounded like a huge rock was stuck in his throat, "can you please repeat yourself? 'cause I feel like my ears are playing with me right now."
Noticing Chuck's reaction, Kaiden couldn't help but facepalm.
"Firstly, don't ever call me by my first name again," Kaiden spoke flatly, "and secondly, your ears aren't playing with you. You heard me right. I need your help killing someone."
At this point, Chuck couldn't get any more confused.
"Alright let me stop you right there. Why would you need me to help kill someone? You're one of the most powerful mages in the academy. Killing any student shouldn't be difficult for a mage of your caliber," Chuck said, already starting to feel a lump in his throat.
"Except I'm not targeting a student," Kaiden sighed, "I want us to work together, to kill a staff."
Chuck dreaded that this was what Kaiden meant. His expression turned from being confused to being upset.
"You want me what! Do you even have any ounce of understanding about what you're saying? Simply saying these words could get you in trouble. And besides, do you really think that the both of us are powerful enough to take on a staff?" Chuck's voice grew louder and louder, almost attracting the attention of other mages situated at different sections of the library.
"Will you keep your voice down?" Kaiden said, the sound of her teeth gnashing against itself was almost audible, "I know the risk, and I know that we aren't strong enough… yet, but just let me explain."
Chuck stood, all tensed up, not knowing what to say. He had only just unlocked his system quite recently, and he only had one skill. Everything that he was hearing at the moment seemed impossible.
"Two days after I joined the academy, professor Modrick approached me, wanting to talk to me… in private," Kaiden continued, "I was a fresher back then, so I didn't know much. Presuming that it was going to be a regular student to teacher conversation, I followed him to his office. But of course he didn't want to talk about magic or cultivation… "
Kaiden's voice became less audible the more she spoke, as a rising guilt was starting to shroud her mind. Chuck knew where her story was going, so instead of interrupting her or trying to blow her off, stood in silence.
"That motherfucker… took advantage of me. And to ensure my silence, he took my bracelet," streaks of tears began to flow from her eyes. All Chuck could see was… pain.
"I was born with a defect. My mana core was always unstable, threatening to collapse or worse, implode at any given time. As a result of this predicament, my father stole an artifact from the military. The artifact was said to be a core enhancer. He reshaped the artifact into a bracelet, and he merged it to my life force. If anything happens to that bracelet, I will lose my ability to practice magic… or worse."
Chuck listened to Kaiden attentively, digesting every word that came out of her mouth. He totally understood why Kaiden wanted him dead. It wasn't only about revenge, it was about her very own survival. Not getting back her bracelet meant that her life was at stake.
"You know, my father was eventually executed for stealing the artifact and refusing to give up its location. And professor Modrick summons me occasionally for his… sessions. I can't refuse because he always threatens to destroy the bracelet, and there is nothing I can do about it." Kaiden spoke, as her voice sounded like she was about to break down any second.
Chuck had heard enough. Kaiden didn't need to convince him any further, he was going to do anything he could to help her out.
He slowly raised his hand towards Kaiden's face. Using his finger tip, he gently wiped the tears on her face. Chuck could feel every bit of emotion coming from Kaiden. For a moment, they both locked their eyes, and it was like the whole universe had stopped for them. But it was quickly interrupted by a familiar sound.
*Ding*
/ New quest received: Kill professor Modrick Dorn /
/Reward>>> instant level up,
/New skill,
/2 stat points /