Samael sewed his mouth shut as he closely trailed behind Aphemis. His eyes dim, and his brows furrowed. His guilt consuming him akin to a boat stranded in the middle of a raging storm.

Although he wasn't idle these past few months, it pales in comparison to what Lilith had endured, and even if it isn't entirely his fault, he can't help but blame himself for all the pain that his friend went through.

Samael and Aphemis treaded the forest with ease. The road they tackled wasn't all that foreign to Samael, as he had already traversed this path countless times, but by some miracle of God knows who, they somehow ended up in a place he holds no knowledge of.

Samael's brow furrowed as he wandered his eyes in his vicinity. That can't be right; I went through that road so many times, but there wasn't this place near it.

"Save yourself the trouble and forget what you saw" Aphemis interjected. "This place was made to be hidden, so it was expected you wouldn't find it."

Samael nodded stiffly. His face contorted as he realized he was wasting time and effort all along.

With a heavy sigh, he delved through his bag, retrieving a small object nesting in his palm. It was a white hairpin. It wasn't the most beautiful nor the most extravagant, but he poured his heart into crafting it. Doing so gave him solace in his hardest moments.

It was composed of flowers he stumbled upon during his long journey and decorated with the horns of crimson rabbits.

Why horns? Aside from the fact that their natural beauty far exceeds most, it is under the ethereal guidance of the celestial moon that they show their true splendor.

"We're near," Aphemis said, shattering the cold silence.

Samael's gaze shifted forward, his brow raising to an arch. What lay ahead of him... was nothing. It was the same myriad of trees towering over him.

"As I said, don't think too hard. The place is hidden as well." Aphemis spoke.

Samael's forehead wrinkled, a lone thought raging in his mind. Why is everything so hidden? From the moment they've set foot here, all he's seen are traps and camouflage magic. Is it because of those cloaked assassins?

Lost in his thoughts, Samael recoiled back as he collided with Aphemis. The demoness halted her steps and stood in the middle of a clearing. Her eyes peering forward.

"...Are we here?" Samael asked, his brows furrowed.

Aphemis strode forward, her figure fading into the unknown. As though she was submerged and devoured by something unseen by the eyes of mortals.

Another camouflage? Samael shook his head. Was there any point trying to understand what just occured? With the amount of traps lacing this forest, he won't even be surprised if it's another concealing magic.

He took a deep breath, sending his foot forward, and to his surprise, it felt as though he was merely passing through air.

Shifting his gaze forward, Samael's breath hitched.

The golden hue of the sun illuminated the myriad of flowers decorating the expanse. Their sweet fragrant scent weaving with the gentle stride of the wind.

Ahead stood a mansion—no, it was a castle, to be exact. Its towering walls, glistening white under the luminescent rays of the sun.

The path forward made of finely sculpted stone gave a warm sensation under his soles, a weird but accepted change.

"Focus," Aphemis said. "Time is of the essence. Right now, Lilith is probably on her usual walks, so this is the perfect opportunity."

Samael tilted his head. "Why can't I just meet her face-to-face?"

"At her current condition, she is akin to a leaf under a storm, barely hanging on. If you, who was pronounced dead, suddenly appeared before her, the consequences would be no short of dire." She reasoned.

Samael clenched his jaw, nodding stiffly.

"Let us go; we do not have much time." The demoness thrusted her foot forward, dashing at superhuman speed.

Samael released a mouthful of air, lowering his stance before dashing forward.

Aphemis's brows raised, her eyes hiding a sharp glimmer. What could've happened to this boy in the last few months?

They breezed through most of the territory, except for one place. A garden, one decorated with tantalising flowers winding along the graceful dance of the butterflies.

Samael sighed. I wish Lilith was here to see this with me.

It wasn't long before they stopped in front of a simple abode.

He touched the walls, and by the lingering sweet scent alone, he could tell that this was Lilith's place.

Aphemis silently glanced at this scene. She didn't hate Samael, or at least not anymore. After all, he was a victim here too. Not to mention, he gave his life in an attempt to save Lilith. Instead, she felt an excruciating desire to tear and mangle the corpses of those ministry whores.

Those fuckers... Once I get my hands on their pope, I will feed him his cock and hang his skinless corpse on their front gate.

"I will go now," Samael said, breaking the woman from her wrathful stupor. Aphemis nodded, and the boy pushed the ground propelling himself upwards.

He gently landed on the wooden surface of the room. The warm sunlight gushed through the window as Samael stood motionless for a while.

He took a whiff, that sweet fragrance invading his senses. The floor creaked under his steps as he made his way to Lilith's table. This was where her scent was strongest.

Samael sat down, allowing the silence to engulf him. His gaze fixated on the hairpin nesting on his palm.

Gently, he rested the hairpin on the smooth wooden desk. He halted for a brief moment, a deep sigh resounding from his lips as he retracted his hand.

Samael delved in his bag, gently taking out a folded piece of paper. One made from the bark of crimson trees.

He caressed the smooth surface of the letter, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

He didn't like farewells, but he knew the consequences if those that wish Lilith harm knows of his existence. He poses a threat not only for his friend but for him as well.

Simply put, it was his weakness to blame.

Samael grasped his shirt with his trembling hands. Mark his words; it might not be today, but the next time they meet, he will be able to protect her. But until then, he has no right to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with her.

***

Aphemis leaned back, akin to a delicate doll, as she listened to the harmonic dance of the leaves. Yet her mind remains shrouded in mountains of thoughts.

Will this really work? She has considered every possibilities of what her decisions could incur. Perhaps Lilith will finally find solace and peace, or perhaps she will crumble under the raging torrent of emotions. She does not know.

Aphemis's face contorted, her brows furrowed. She despises this more than anything. The lack of capacity to do something, anything.

In the corner of her eyes, a silhouette leaped from the window of Lilith's abode, stirring the dust as he landed beside her with a soft thud.

"Is it over?" Aphemis asked, her tone devoid of emotions.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Samael's lips remained sealed. Yet, his eyes shone bright, a small spark of flame bathing his pupils in its radiant glow.

It stood tall, steadfastly gritting its teeth under the raging storm of emotions hurling its way.

Aphemis's gaze softened as she shut her eyes with a soft sigh.

Together, they stood within the gentle veil of silence, basking under its serene embrace.

Aphemis pursed her lips. "Samael." She spoke.

"If you were given a chance, an opportunity to grow stronger but with the cost of leaving your family. Would you take it?" She asked.

"I will take both." Samael answered without a second thought.

Aphemis's eyes jolted open. Her brows arching upwards.

I see... If that's the case, then it might be a risk worth taking. Aphemis beckoned the boy to follow her. But the direction they took wasn't towards the exit. Rather, towards the castle

Samael's eyes appeared as distant as the morning mist. Thoughts wreaked havoc in his mind. Lost in his stupor, he blindly followed Aphemis.

The demoness snapped her fingers twice, breaking Samael from his thoughts. His eyes shifted forward, his gaze narrowed down.

"What is this place...?" he muttered, his gaze darting back and forth. It seems like they entered a chamber deep in the castle. Where exactly? He doesn't know; he wasn't paying attention.

Weapons of unknown origins hanged on the wall. Myriad of items sat idle in their glass cabinets, as though left in time, gathering dust.

"This is my private collection." She halted her words briefly before resuming. "You may choose three items, but they will be limited to awakened and tempered ranks."

Samael squinted his eyes and asked. "Why? Why are you doing this?"

Aphemis chuckled sensually. "Let's just say this is a form of investment; after all, you and I have common enemies."

***

Samael wandered aimlessly. The luminescent glow of the codex bouncing off his pupils.

Ranks determine the strength of a certain being or item.

[RANKS]

∆MUNDANE

∆ACOLYTE

∆AWAKENED

∆ADEPT

Further information is blocked due to a low level of authority.

It seems I'm limited to items in my league or a level above me. It all makes sense to him. Perhaps choosing an item way out of his capabilities is a dangerous gamble as it may incur severe repercussions... or maybe Aphemis just didn't want him to be robbed.

A question lingered in his mind. How does he choose? He held no prior knowledge whatsoever regarding such matters. But Aphemis did gave him a piece of advice.

You don't choose the weapon, the weapon chooses you.

Observing the weapons, he can't help but label some of them as... odd.

One of the items was an axe, labeled "Barbarians Rage." Its handle had spiky protrusions. Samael squirmed at the thought of grasping such a weapon.

Meanwhile, one was a rock that could scream at you. When he thought things couldn't get weirder, he saw a green pendant labeled "time stone." What was that even supposed to do? Tell me what part of the day it is?

Still, he felt no connection to any of these objects. There were no "pull" nor calling.

Unable to decide, Samael made his way back empty-handed.

Raising to her feet, Aphemis closed off her book.

"Hmm, so nothing caught your attention, huh?" She beckoned for the boy to follow, leading him towards a cabinet in the far corner of the room.

Pushing the wooden cabinet aside with ease, a door lay bare in front of them. Aphemis gently winded the door open.

"Come, follow me." She instructed.

Setting foot inside, a gust of dust assaulted his nostrils, leaving him in a coughing frenzy.

"Sorry about that. I haven't been here in quite a long time. How long has it been... 300, 400 years...?" She muttered under her breath.

Samael's brows furrowed. his gaze piercing the back of the demoness. Just how old is she?!

Aphemis glanced over her shoulders, a sharp glare fixated at him.

They eventually found themselves in a room. Compared to its predecessor, this room seemed far more tame and simple.

The weapons in this room were clustered together, leaving Samael with a question. "Isn't this your main collection room? Why is everything so messy?"

Aphemis's chuckles filled the room. "Well, the weapons here all have their own wills. They refuse to be put in a glass box to be displayed as some form of trophy. Instead, they want to socialize with the other weapons... Well, at least most of them do."

Samael nodded slowly, his eyes narrowed down. ...That's not ominous at all.

"Anyways, feel free to explore. You know where to find me once you're done picking." She said.

Samael wandered once more. His footsteps leaving hushed echoes across the underground chamber.

As expected, I still feel nothi— Samael felt a shiver run down his spine, a pressing weight dangling on his shoulders. His eyes darted back and forth, yet his efforts bore no fruit.

"What...?" He muttered under his breath. What is this pressure...? He wondered...

"Well, the weapons here all have their own wills."

His eyes widened, his gaze fixed on the weapons laying idle, forgotten in time.

Samael's eyes narrowed, etching a piercing glare at the weapons.

Upon closer inspection, the items held a thin veil shrouding their body. If it weren't for his extraordinary vision, discerning their existence would've been nearly implausible.

A new function [Inspect] has been discovered!

[Inspect]

The user may inspect an object and see its functions and descriptions.

Samael recoiled back, the lush glow of the codex bouncing off the retina of his eyes.

A resounding sigh escaped his lips, crimson hue tainting his cheeks.

Reading the new messages, his jaw fell wide open. His eyes widened as they weaved back and forth.

"I had this all along...? And you're just telling me now?!" Samael pinched his brows. No point dwelling over it.

Glancing around him, his eyes caught the sight of a bow. That will do.

[Icarius Bow]

Rank: [REDACTED]

Type: Weapon [Bow]

Description:

"You promised you would take the moon for me, yet where are you now...?"

Skills [+]

Now that's just sad... Samael fell silent. That heavy, damp feeling that infects everyone around you. How can a weapon bear so much pain?

With utmost delicacy, he placed the weapon back to its former place.

Samael roamed blindly, his patience wearing thin by the second. He delved deep in the demonesses collection, yet he felt devoid of this "connection"

"You failed again?" Aphemis's voice trailed behind Samael. Her brows arching upwards.

"I've searched the whole room, but this connection you mentioned is nowhere to be found." Samael replied.

Aphemis released a deep sigh. "Come here" She beckoned.

Samael inched closer Aphemis— A sharp throb struck his forehead. Aphemis withdrew her hand back.

"Why did you flick me?!" Samael snarled in exasperation.

"Of course you won't find this connection if you're seeking it! It's meant to call upon you." Aphemis explained.

"Close your eyes," Aphemis instructed. Samael, skeptical at first, decided to comply anyway. He slowly let himself drown in the darkness.

"Don't focus on your bodily senses; instead, let yourself drift. Relax and you will understand." Those were her last words as silence devoured him.

Aphemis leaned back, a smug smile plastered on her face as she watched Samael's face furrow.

Needless to say, it didn't last long.

A radiant light flew out of Samael's body, casting shadows on the stone walls.

What bullshit?! Aphemis jolted straight, her eyes widened in disbelief.

Samael strided forward, each step resounding and purposeful.

It can't be right...? Aphemis's visage contorted by the second as she watched Samael weaved and dodge every obstacles in his way.

But this is unfair! Arghhh!!!

In order for someone to feel the call of a weapon or item, they must enter a state of enlightenment.

They would submerge themselves in darkness and learn to overcome it to see the light. That way, they'll be able to temporarily connect to their souls and thus feel the pull.

She herself took months of hard work to even feel a slight connection, but this boy...

"Arghh!" She wailed in a low voice, careful to not interrupt Samael's trance. Unbeknownst to her, Samael was this fast for one reason.

The Void.

Samael's affinity is with the Void. The never-ending expanse of the abyss. How can darkness shroud him when it lurks within him? How can his power defy him? Simply put, he had no need for light.

Rather, the darkness was his light.

Samael treaded in a lone direction. Nimbly wafting through the hurdles blocking his path.

Aphemis beheld this sight with awe and jealousy. However, a stem of worry had taken root in her heart.

Aphemis's brow furrowed. This path...

Samael's brief journey led him to a weapon in the far corner of the chamber. One forgotten and buried in history.

Aphemis clenched her jaw, her fist tightening. To think this weapon called to him...

Samael opened his eyes, a smudge of confusion visible in their depths. How did he get here? What happened and what's going on?

He glanced at the demoness with arched brows. Yet, the woman simple shrugged at him.

Aphemis has witnessed many enlightenment in her long voyage in life, but never one similar to Samael.

A sigh escaped his lips. Samael casted his gaze at the spectacle bare in front of him.

A handle pitch dark as the blooming night jutted out of a boulder, gathering dust in its slumber. It held no presence nor aura. His vision failed to see the familiar veil of emotions shrouding the other items. Oddly enough, it felt as though he's gazing at a mirage. As if this weapon is nothing but an illusion.

Yet, he knew deep in his heart that this weapon hides more than what the eye perceives.

Samael's hands shifted forward, his palms reaching towards the pitch black handle of the weapon when Aphemis grasped his wrist, locking it in place.

"Measure your next moves carefully. This could change everything." Those were her warnings before she retracted her hand.

Samael's eyes lingered on her for a while before he took hold of the object. No matter what one might do, mysteries will always shroud the future. He can only brace himself and face the consequences of his actions. The path to power is not easy and laid-back.

He tightened his grip, veins jutting out of his skin. He exhaled, and with one swift motion, he pulled the weapon out—His blood went cold. A cold shiver meandered down his spine.

The putrid stench of rot and death permeated the air, along with the infernal rage of emotions stirring the wind.

This emotion... He knew it well.

Wrath...