Chapter 37 – Bet

Emily had a surprising glint in her eye, then asked, "You can see through my cultivation?"

Aile nodded.

Emily then asked, "Do you cultivate?"

Aile said, "Yes, I am almost at the third stage."

Emily had a shocked expression, then said: "try to hit me." Aile started off gently with punches and kicks. Emily easily dodged them. She was like an illusion. Every time Aile thought he could punch her, she would disappear from the location. Aile's eyes and body could not even keep up with her movement. Aile was totally outclassed.

After a few attempts, Aile stopped his random attempt to hit, as they were ineffective.

This time Aile started to fight her but predicted her next location based on her previous movement to land a hit. Emily was surprised at Aile's battle experience. However, Aile failed once again, which showed how superior Emily was. Aile thought that if it was some other person, he could possibly land at least one hit. But she did not even seem real when she entered battle-mode. Aile could only notice her shadow.

Emily then evaluated him, "An adoptive battle style, not bad."

Aile was surprised at how well versed Emily was in combat. He had expected her to be good but not to this level.

Emily then threw back the pouch with 100 gold coins and said "I will protect them, no need for this. You will need it to take over this place."

Aile then threw it back at her and said with a more serious tone, "Keep it, and I am not done. I also wanted you to join me in my endeavours."

Emily looked at Aile, and then said truthfully, "You plan to take roots here and take over Port Kiar, but I can not remain here."

Aile then looked at her and said, "Are you worried that you will stagnate in your cultivation if you remain here?"

Emily simply replied, "Yes."

Aile knew her well enough and had already predicted this, "If I can make you stronger, would you be willing to stay."

Emily had a complicated expression.

Aile was confused and thought he might have judged wrongly, and she was not interested in strength. "Is strength not enough, do you have another goal?"

Emily shook her head, "I think your perception of strength, based on this small place, is too shallow."

Aile understood what she is worried about, and wanted to laugh. His perception of strength would be the highest in this place.

As he knows about the other worlds and exalted powerhouses of the universe, from his inherited memories.

"You should give me some time, and I can help you become stronger than your perception," Aile said confidently.

Emily nodded "OK, 5 years!"

Aile shook his head, "Too little, I need at least 5 years to stabilize myself, I will need at least 10 years to help you."

Emily thought about it, then said: "OK If I am satisfied with my growth after 10 years, I will follow you for the rest of my life. However, if you fail, then you have to take care of Sophie and another person when I am gone."

For Emily, who can have a life span of over 600 years with her 4th stage of cultivation, 10 years is not too much to use on a gamble.

Plus, she was sure that Aile would not be able to give her a significant improvement based on everything available here.

Aile was surprised to hear that Emily would be leaving Sophie and another person when she leaves, but he did not want to delve into her secrets. He knew that eventually, she would tell him everything.

Aile nodded, "I agree, but in these 10 years, you are to follow all of my commands."

Emily nodded.

Emily then asked about his cultivation and how he hid his level from her. Aile replied truthfully about how he does not know why people cannot detect his cultivation level.

Emily then started to explain the path of the Warrior (Body) and Mage (World Energy).

Then she said that Aile should restart his cultivation and try to go to become a Mage. Aile did another demonstration to materialize his energy. He showed her that he is not in the path of the Warrior.

Seeing that his cultivation had traits of both Warriors and Mage had overwhelmed Emily. She gave him a similar warning as Fiona to hide his skills and never to show it to anyone. They talked a bit more.

Emily then asked if he needs anything from her. Aile asked her if she knows how to use a blade.

He had gotten a decent blade from Jack's guard and wanted to use it effectively. Emily said she can find a suitable technique for him by tonight.

Aile remembered that she can be very stubborn, so he gave her a quick guideline to ease her life. Aile told her to use the 100 gold coins to make her life easy. She nodded. He also asked her to buy clothing and other essentials for both herself and Sophie. If there are medicines or other supplements that could help her and Sophie advance in cultivation, she should get them too.

Aile also mentioned how Fiona will hire guards for the estate, and it might be a safer place for Sophie to stay when the guards leave with Hazel to Cape Tie. He also urged her to move their temporarily. She agreed with Aile and decided that she would move there.

After accepting the bet, Emily became more agreeable. Aile did not expect her to follow all of his safety measures. However, seeing Emily act friendly, Aile was contented. He was glad that she felt comfortable enough in front of him to show her true self.

As he was in a good mood, he promised himself that he would upgrade her cultivation method first, once his soul stabilizes after taking over the body.

Aile was enjoying the accomplishment to finally breaking that superficial barrier that remained between him and Emily.

They had always been close, but there was a small barrier that stopped them from being too open to each other, now he does not need to worry about that.

Emily had been staring at Aile the whole time. Aile, who was sitting opposite her, was her only confidant. She was contemplating something.

Emily was debating whether to fully trust him with her secrets. He had opened up to her, and their relationship had improved. She also wanted to show her trust by opening up more too. She had never trusted anyone. Therefore, she was debating it.

Although Aile was only 10 years old physically, he had the experience of at another 10 years from his inherited memories. In this world where people can use World Energy to keep their youth, looking young had never been a criterion to talk to someone, trust them or rely on them. Emily was not questioning him based on age but herself on whether she can trust anyone.

After a long time, she said, "Aile, are you curious about my secrets?"

Aile replied, "I am curious, but only if you are comfortable telling me."

Emily then said, "I am not from ..."

Before she could get into it, there was a loud sound of an argument coming outside of Aile's room.

The sound of argument had broken the trusting atmosphere and made Aile and Emily curious to see what is happening.

Aile with Emily quickly walked to the door and opened it to see Sara and Sophie shouting.

Aile asked, "What is going on?"

Sara said: "She is not letting me see you."

Sophie said: "She is trying to disturb your private conversation."

He understood the problem.

Aile then said: "Come in both of you."

They both entered quickly, and Sara gave Aile a big hug.

Aile noticed it the defeated expression on Sophie's face and made the hand gesture to come closer, and he hugged her too.

After a while, the three of them were satisfied with the hug and let go.

Sara narrated today's events and started talking about things like the usual. Soon Emily made a gesture indicating that she would leave. Aile nodded and waved his hand goodbye, and she left.

Sophie, seeing Emily leave wanted to go, but Aile stopped her by holding her hand.

Aile knew that she would be alone at home if she goes now as Emily would be searching for a blade manual. She would end up at home alone, so Aile wanted her to spend her time here.

Seeing that Aile prevented her from going, she had a bright smile. The hidden depression on her face, lifted. Seeing this, Aile slightly chuckled.

They talked for hours as Sara did not have her training, she just stayed there. Sophie too joined in the conversations; occasionally to support Aile or to say something against Sara. Aile enjoyed himself in this environment. The past few days had been going great for him.

The three enjoyed talking, and the atmosphere was calm and enjoyable, soon two hours passed. Sara was the first to leave, she said that she will need to get ready as they would be travelling tomorrow.

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