A Pawn

Arin stared at Tessa, who was struggling to keep her cool, though it was looking impossible at the moment.

Mana suddenly erupted from her body, making the wind pick up pace, and her black bluish-pink hair fluttered more.

Meanwhile, a devilish grin appeared on Arin's face as he stared at Tessa, who was already losing control.

"Yes... yes... that's exactly the reaction I want. My plan is... successful..."

If there was one thing he could use to make Tessa his pawn, it was the death of her parents.

Ever since her parents went out that certain day two years ago, and people returned with their dead bodies, she swore to find the culprit and kill him or her with her own hands.

She never expected it to be Alex Whiteheart—the same Alex who, after their sparring session in the forest, had professed his love for her just hours ago.

She also liked him a lot, so she agreed, moreover, Chaos had formerly told her to accept his proposal, if not, she would remain in the dark forever, without ever knowing the truth.

Arin didn't say anything. He just watched her as she started taking deep breaths, trying to calm herself.

Though, it was kinda hard, after all, what Arin just showed her was directly inputted in her brain... It was like a movie.

"Ahh... Ahh... Ahh..."

Like that, Tessa kept breathing in and out, and after some seconds, she finally calmed down.

The Mana that originally erupted from her body was no longer present, and the wind had gone back to its usual pace.

Instantly, she raised her head as she looked at Arin who was also staring at her.

"What you just showed me... Is it true?" she suddenly asked.

There was silence for some seconds, and the only sound that could be heard was the moving wind.

"And you think I'd come here to show you some useless stuff? You saw it for yourself... didn't you? How he killed your parents without the slightest hint of hesitation or remorse, and you're still questioning me? How pathetic," Arin muttered.

Tessa's eyes darted from left to right as she processed Arin's words. "Yes... I saw it. Moreover, I've never heard of, or seen any Magic that could do something like that..." she muttered to herself.

At this point, she didn't have any single doubt... Alex killed her parents.

'Hmm, she doesn't have any doubt. Now, moving on to the next stage...' Arin thought, with a grin on his face.

"Well, you've always wanted to know who killed your parents, right? You've gotten your answer," Arin said.

"Alex..." Tessa muttered, anger evident in her eyes as she gritted her teeth.

"I don't think it's a good idea to let him go scot-free, what do you think?" he asked.

Meanwhile, the system screen was in front of him with words displayed on it.

[An Unwritten Event is happening.]

He had already expected this, so he dismissed the screen.

"I remember the day I made that promise... That I'll hunt down the person who killed my parents, and they'll die by my hands..." Tessa muttered as her eyes suddenly turned cold.

"And I'm not breaking that promise..."

'Good... Manipulating her was easier than I thought,' Arin said in his mind.

"So, I take it that we have a common enemy," he said as he folded his arms.

Tessa instantly looked at Arin as she raised her brows. "He also did something to you?"

A slight chuckle escaped Arin's lips immediately he heard her question. "Something far worse than you can ever imagine..."

He raised his head, staring at the moon as he continued. "He's not who he seems to be, and I'm sure you've already realized that by now. Imagine this, after killing your parents, he still had the guts to face you, and tell you that he likes you, haha, outrageous, right?"

Tessa was silent for some seconds as she shut her eyes, trying to contain the anger that was building up again.

Arin knew her in and out, so he was using that knowledge to twist her mind... To make her his... pawn. After all, she was someone who would play an important role in his great scheme, especially with the fact that she was now in a relationship with Alex.

"I'll kill him..." Tessa muttered, anger evident in her tone.

"Oh, really?" Arin muttered, his voice laced with amusement. "And you think you have what it takes to do that?"

Tessa raised her head, staring at the moon for a moment, before she replied. "I hate to admit it, but... Alex is too strong. I don't know if I can..." Tessa paused as she lowered her head, staring at the distance.

Yes, Tessa was strong, but Alex was just on a whole different level... He was a genius.

Tessa didn't know why, but she had a feeling that the person who was currently standing in front of her could help. She needed to fulfill her promise, and she would do whatever it takes to do that.

"C-can you h-help me?" Tessa stuttered as she looked at Arin.

'I see... now you're talking,' Arin thought.

He was silent for some seconds, but suddenly, he started walking towards her. Surprisingly, she didn't move back.

At this point, Arin was now standing directly in front of her as he looked at her straight in the eyes.

"I can," Arin said, his voice firm. "Only if you're willing to accept my help."

"What do you want in return?" Tessa asked. She felt like he wouldn't help her without him getting something in return. After all, in this world, there was always a price for something... Nothing came for free.

Arin leaned forward, his face almost touching hers, as he stared deep into her blue eyes.

"Like I mentioned earlier, we have a common enemy. With the both of us, it'll be easier to defeat him, don't you think so?" he asked.

Tessa nodded her head, nervousness present in her eyes, but she couldn't back down now, she had already gotten to this point.

"I understand," Tessa said.

"Good. So from now on, just follow my instructions, and everything will go smoothly, do you agree with that?"

Tessa's answer to this question would be the final confirmation he would need.

She closed her eyes, took in a deep breath, and opened her eyes.

'I have to do this... For Mum and Dad...' she thought.

"Yes, I agree. Let's work together... Chaos." Tessa's eyes glowed as she steeled her resolve.

A smirk appeared on Arin's face as he noticed the look on her face. "Good, that's more like it."

Instantly, the system screen appeared in front of Arin.

[You have a gained an ally: Tessa Silverhart.]

[Note: As an ally, the probability of her betraying you is low.]

'Even the system has confirmed it....'

Now, he had successfully made Tessa, the female lead, his pawn.

"The Chaos has just... Begun."