A Girl of Frightening Capabilities

February 21, 1976

Holy Kingdom of Soreh, Riad's Estate

(One Week Before Present Day)

(Riad's POV)

*Knock Knock*

"Come in." I said.

To my words, Via stepped inside and locked the door behind her.

After deciding that we were going to leave pretty soon, she had returned back to her to change into a different set of clothing.

But judging from the slight scowl on her face, it looks like her attire was the last thing on her mind.

"Don't you think you were being a little too....oh I don't know, "direct" with Yamir!?" Via asked me.

Like Yamir who probably went back to her own bedroom by now, I too was changing in front of a mirror. An empty suitcase and some backpacks were open, waiting to be stuffed full.

"Direct? What do you mean?" I asked, while reaching for a long red button-up shirt.

"Don't play games! What if she plans to run away!?"

She would have shouted that aloud if it wasn't for the fact she was almost whispering.

"Oh, that."

"I mean, she isn't some pet we always got on a tight leash, you know. Sooner or later, she going to be bound to strike out."

"So you saw this coming a mile away then?"

"Eh, more or less, I guess? Look, at the end of the day, she's really nothing more than a loose end that we'll just have to tie up. It's just a matter of when."

"If I was in her shoes, she would try bidding her time and resources till we're in unfamiliar territory, just so she can bolster her advantage against us. And then, when the time is right, she'll try hitting us with a trap we won't see coming." I vaguely anticipated.

Though I say that, I really have no clue what Yamir is thinking right now. That's how unpredictable she is.

"Then what do we do? Don't we still need her?"

"Up to the point we find our goddess, yes. Afterwards? Chopped liver for all I care."

Though I tried saying that in my classic cold tone, Via still didn't seem satisfied.

"And what about until then? Remember, we're trying to be as efficient and discreet as possible. Wouldn't that be difficult if Yamir try to give us trouble?"

"Yamir may not be well informed, but she isn't a dumbass either. She isn't the type of person to fight against those she can't handle, unprovoked."

So as long as we don't push her buttons, she won't push ours. That's how I atleast see it anyways.

"You think so?"

"Look, if you're that worried about her, then you're free to keep a close eye on her. So please, just relax?"

Via took in a small sigh of relief.

"Fine, but only because I trust you, okay?"

"Thank you, honey~"

Although it was light, the two of us exchanged a quick kiss on the lips.

"And what about, afterwards? You know, after everything is said and done?"

As I stood here, changing in front of the mirror, I smiled at Via's reflection.

And as a soft breeze entered the room and brushed past my white hair, I turned around to patted both of her shoulders.

"Let's save that for when the time comes. I would hate to ruin the surprise after all~...."

"There you go scheming again...."

Honestly, I don't blame Via for being so cautious.

Yamir is, by far, one of the most dangerous women I have seen up till now. Especially when provoked.

Bearing no emotions since birth, she never knew of morality, meaning she isn't going to be inhibited by natural virtues like justice or honor anytime soon.

As if that wasn't bad enough, she learned many different forms of fighting techniques and skills which complimented her identity as a "ghost who doesn't exist".

Overall, she is a formidable person. And to have her as a foe would only mean facing certain death.

Course while she may not shine the most in battles that rely solely on sheer raw power alone, what's truly terrifying about her was her cunning intellect.

Of course since her mind is technically only four years old, she may not exactly be the brightest when it comes to complicated academics.

However, when it comes down to gathering information and espionage, her abilities was practically next level, if not, unparalleled.

No matter how invincible her opponent may seem, with enough time and resources, she could easily learn their every weakness.

And then....

Formulate a contingency plan to kill them all the same.

Seeing her abilities with her own two eyes for the past four years, Via was wise enough not to underestimate what she was capable of.

Knowing this, Via couldn't help but feel she was plotting something at this very moment.

And to be honest, I couldn't help but feel the same way.

In fact, just as we were talking about Yamir, a dreadful chill had just came over me.

I wonder why....

In any case, it was obvious that the idea on "dealing with it later" just didn't seem to bold right with Via, but regardless, it's not like we got no other choice.

Regardless, I know for certain that Via still trusts me her life, so in the end she dropped the matter altogether, and decided to change the topic.

"So, did she really manage to connect with her? The goddess I mean." Via asked.

"You saw it didn't you? It was only temporary, but they no doubt "resonated" with each other. She showed all the symptoms of the recoil."

"So, if what she says is true, then somewhere in Cheshire, lies some goddess in hiding?"

"Seems like it."

Once our conversation seemed to come to an end, I simply went about my business and prepared for the journey ahead.

Meanwhile, Via decided to take a seat on our bed and relax for awhile, hoping to hash out some thoughts of her own in the process.

As for me, I began rummaging through some of old belongings and get everything organized.

Suddenly though, I stumbled upon a particular dagger.

Since the knife was forged out of a soft metal, it wasn't exactly useful in combat.

Still, its blade showed signs of wear and dried traces of blood, indicating it had seen a fair bit of use back in its prime.

Not surprising since considering that, back in the day, it was the key tool I needed in order to carry out a "particular experiment".

Since I somewhat accomplished what I set out to do back then, I haven't really seen much use in it anymore.

Plus, if I was ever in need of one, I could always replace it for a better one.

But, for some odd reason, I kept it around as a petty memento.

In fact, seeing it again had dug up some old memories of the past.

How long has it been since I last used this weapon?

I haven't really bothered to keep count since "that day", but looking back on it now, it's probably been about twenty years or so, give or take some change.

Suddenly, my hand gripped the handle tightly, as if reminding me of a certain resolve.

A resolve to see through a task I have yet to finish.

"This time will be different though. The next time I see you....I swear I'll take whatever is left."