18 A Connection To This World

It was already noon and we just finished the Temple of the Lion Domain. Both the Temple of the Wolf and Temple of the Lion were easy to do. They were really similar to my Domain's former layout after all.

"Wanna eat with us? It's my treat." said Kaeya.

"You should. Our Head Alchemist might want to meet you if he hears that you claimed a Domain."

"Well, sure. I don't have anything to do right now anyways."

We all warped back to the Adventurer's Guild and headed to a near restaurant. It was quite luxurious, I feel out of place here. We took a seat and waited for the Head Alchemist that Jean called in advance.

"Oh, Aether? You were the one who claimed the Domain?"

"Mr. Albedo, do you already know him before this?"

I heard a familiar voice so I looked behind me. It was Albedo and a girl I haven't met before. She had fair skin, amber eyes, and a short light-green hair with a streak of blue. She was also wearing a pair of black round spectacles. Upon close inspection, it seems she's not fully human. She had animal ears that were hidden by her hair.

"I never really thought that you could claim a Domain."

"Well, things happened."

I explained to him how the sword could absorb slimes and could even spread the purple linings it has. I also explained how scary its growth in strength was. Albedo pondered for a while before speaking up.

"You officially got recognized as its owner. That explains why you can use its abilities more freely. Not that I have any comparison."

I was actually quite glad when he said that. I was nervous that the sword was just doing some weird things out of nowhere, but it seems that wasn't the case. Jean coughed, signalling that we should stop talking to each other and start eating. We didn't even have food yet…

When I said this fact out loud, Jean's face lit up from embarrassment. Lisa reassured her that it was just a normal thing for people as stressed as Jean. I could only sympathize with her. She was both a student and the Acting Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius.

We ordered some food and began eating. That's when a thought came to mind. Since the girl beside Albedo hasn't introduced herself yet, I should tease Albedo a bit.

"By the way, you didn't introduce your girlfriend to me yet, Albedo."

"Eh?!"

"Y-you!"

Heh. They both became red as a tomato. I couldn't help but laugh at their reactions.

"Anyways, this here is Sucrose. She's my assistant."

"N-nice to meet you."

After that small exchange, we continued on eating. I then asked Albedo about the ability to create living beings or at least sentient beings using Elemental Powers. He then explained that it's actually quite difficult to pull off. He said that it'll be much easier if I have a template on what personality I want my creation to have. A being from a story for example.

"You should tell Barbara and the others that it's okay to go back now."

"Oh… right."

I felt kinda sad at that. Even though we didn't talk that much, it was still pretty fun having them with us.

---

When I got home I told Barbara and the others about it.

"Oh…"

They all had the same reaction as me. It was going to get a little lonely now…

"We'll see each other at school right? So don't be down. Besides…" said Mona. I wonder what's with the pause.

"I think you'll all come back soon enough." she said as she looked at me. I knew what she meant.

"Are you okay with it?"

"Of course. I already know their feelings. I mean, you should have heard Fischl's panic when she told us you were hurt."

"Really?"

That's when I realized something. How did Amy call them when she told me a few days ago that you couldn't use phones outside?

As if knowing what I was thinking, Amy explained it to me.

"Just a few days ago, they upgraded the range of signal to reach until the statue on Windrise."

Oh, that explains it. Well, good to know that at least.

"Since Mona's okay with it, I'll accept your feelings. However, I need to ready myself first with the burden of having… how many again?"

"Right now, it's only Barbara and Fischl. Noelle and Amber aren't sure about their feelings yet after all."

Damn, so Amy and Barbara really like me huh? I mean, they are really subtle about it. Noelle and Amber as well.

I heaved a sigh and just told them that we'll talk about this again when the time comes. I warped them to school and we walked together to the entrance of the dorm the girls were staying at. Now, I can warp here anytime I want. I waved them goodbye and went back to my dorm. When I got back, Mona was sitting on her while looking at the roof. Paimon was at my bed and Bob went with Barbara. Well, I guess Bob preferred girls more, or maybe it was just because of Barbara's innate talent to attract anything.

"Mind me sitting with you?" I asked Mona.

"Of course not." she said with a smile as she looked at me.

I took a seat beside her and held her hand. So soft and warm~

I squeezed her hand tight as if I'm planning to never let it go. She held my hand tightly as well.

"I never thought I'd get a personal connection to this world." I said in a somewhat low voice.

"I never thought I'd meet my destined one this early either."

Oh right, she's still in 1st year Senior Highschool. Which means she's just 16. I can understand what she means by that. Usually, you meet your destined person between 17-18. Based on what I've seen at the very least.

She laid her head on my shoulder and closed her eyes.

"Are you hungry?"

"Mhm, but right now, I just want your warmth."

I smiled at that and just hugged her tightly. I won't be able to hold back at this point. I don't want to suddenly push her down and ruin the mood…

However, she looked at me with a pout after noticing my frustrated expression. She pulled my face toward hers and gave me a passionate kiss. When our lips parted, she looked at me with a seductive look.

"It's okay. I'm all yours."

I ended up pushing her down and doing the deed. I feel sorry for Paimon for all the shaking and moans she'll have to endure.