Cherreads

Chapter 20 - Hope

◇◇◇◇

" Haaa...It's about time you opened those eyes don't you think.... Barbarian?."

As those words left his lips the world seem to darken as the pressure skyrocketed. But Eden didn't so much as flinch.

[" You really had to hit him with the 'B' word...such a racist "]. Elyon said with a snort as he watched on. Amused.

To be fair calling a Nexarii a Barbarian in those days was equivalent to calling a Dragon a lizard. It absolutely pissed them off. So it was sort of racist.

Eden ignored him. Not taking his eyes off the figure in chains. Not because he didn't want to. But because he couldn't afford to.

The figure cloaked in purple and red aura finally opened his eyes. As he locked eyes with Eden. He was pissed. Very pissed.

He was a huge brown skinned man. He looked like he was carved from stone with tribal tattoos all over his body.

He possessed a mane of long red hair with purple highlights, thick eye brows and purple eyes that seemed to burn. He was fairly good looking and was every bit of a warrior that he was protrayed to be.

He was Atticus Ruinôus Wargrave. The Last Nexarii.

" You. Atticus finally spoke. His voice echoing along the plain. You dare address me as such!!? ".

" Haa....Drop the act Ruinôus....We both know you aren't really angry. You don't care about being called a barbarian. So save us some time and let's get down to business ".

Atticus froze mid rant. Then the rage vanished from his eyes like it was all an illusion. And it really was.

" Haa...you are one hell of a young man aren't you ". He said with a sigh.

" I get that a lot ". Eden retorted.

" Who are you and what do you want ". The brown skinned man asked dryly. But you could see the curious look in his eyes.

" Who am I doesn't matter...For now. I have a proposal.One that would benefit both of us ".

" Ha ha ha....And what could you possibly give me. He said. A dangerous smirk on his lips.

" Freedom.... Oh and revenge ". Eden replied. A knowing look in his eyes. " A storm is coming. An upheaval and I'm not willing to be caught unprepared. I have a lot of plans and frankly I'll need all the help I can get."

Eden concluded. He wasn't deluded. He knew he couldn't do everything alone. And to complete the tasks Elyon is preparing for him, find his brother and most importantly survive. He needed people. Followers if you would.

People who wouldn't get left behind. Men/women with a lot of potential. People who would follow his orders to the latter. Without questions. He had a few in mind. And Atticus is going to be the first.

Atticus was stunned. He couldn't believe what he just heard come out of Eden's mouth. He had been trapped here for quite a while now. Giving up on ever escaping his prison, but Eden has giving him something. Something he hadn't felt in a long while. Hope.

" Y...You're joking ". He said. Gone was the playful smirk on his face. Now he was serious.

" I don't tell jokes. Nor do I lie. Follow me. Obey my every command and I'll free you and help you get the revenge you long for ". Eden said as he walked round Atticus observing the runed chains he was bound by.

" That man... He lives....you can get all the answers you desire....when I help you get to him ". He added.

" H....How do you know so much....Did he send you ". Atticus asked with a murderous look in his eye. His reddish-purple mana surged filling the space. Causing it to warp.

He couldn't believe Eden knew so much about him. Without being told by that man.

" Oh please....Like I would work for such filth ". Eden spat disgustedly which made Atticus calm down. But he still didn't quite trust him.

Noticing this Eden spoke up " Look you don't have to trust me. We'll just sign a mana contract and write our terms. We can work on building trust later. What do you have to lose ".

" Haa...Fine draw it up ". Atticus finally said. Making up his mind.

Hearing his agreement Eden drew up the contract, explicitly stating his terms and promising to help him with his revenge.

Atticus went through it adding his own terms. Making sure he didn't miss anything. They negotistion took 2hrs till they finally reached a compromise.

" Okay.... That's that. Time to get you out of those ". Eden said gesturing at the chains.

' Parasite....still there ?'. He said in his mind.

[ Someone finally remembers me...Wait Parasite !!!? ].

' Been busy....no need to be Salty about it . Help me get him out of this chains. We've wasted enough time already '.

[ Hmmph....Whatever....]. Elyon replied seemily pouting.

But few seconds later the chains binding Atticus snapped and disintegrated. Setting him free.

" Finally ". He said stretching for what appeared to be the first time in quite a while.

" Okay let's get out of here ". Eden said preparing to leave. " Wait one more thing ". Atticus said. Making him stop in his tracks.

" And what might that be? ".

" Fight me ".

' —— '

◇◇◇◇