Morning Encounter with Latia

Chapter 9: Morning Encounter with Latia

The morning after the dinner, Aiden was deeply anxious about Rias and Raiser's engagement. His concern was not just about what this engagement might mean for him but also about how it would affect his relationships with his family. He decided to immerse himself in working on the ring project in Ajuka's lab, hoping it would help alleviate some of this stress.

Aiden arrived at the lab early, where Ajuka was already busy with the project. The lab was bathed in magical light, with equipment flashing in various colors as experiments were conducted. Before entering the lab, Aiden encountered Latia in the hallway.

Latia, at five years old, was a little girl with delicate features and large, bright eyes reflecting great intelligence and curiosity. Her long blonde hair had distinctive blue streaks, adding a touch of elegance and strength to her youthful appearance. She wore stylish clothes suitable for her age, reflecting her serious and vibrant personality.

Aiden noticed Latia's natural intelligence and quick learning, which made him admire her. He saw in her a blend of unexpected maturity for her age and the innocence of childhood, and he considered her "remarkably gifted and intelligent." Latia was always enthusiastic about research and projects, which made her frequently involved in various scientific activities alongside her father, Ajuka.

"Good morning, Aiden. What brings you here so early?" Latia asked curiously, twirling the edge of her dress playfully.

Aiden smiled gently and said, "Good morning, Latia. I wanted to work on the ring project with Ajuka. I thought focusing on this project might help me alleviate some of my stress."

Latia showed interest and asked, "I see. What is this project you're working on?"

Aiden explained, "We're working on developing a concept of space in the ring to store inanimate objects in a state of suspension, meaning time doesn't pass for them. This is the initial stage of the project, and we're working on ensuring that the environment inside the ring is stable and safe."

Latia looked at him seriously and replied, "It sounds like an interesting project. Maybe it will help you focus and reduce your stress."

Aiden thanked her and went into the lab where Ajuka was waiting.

In the Lab: Discussion with Ajuka

Aiden entered Ajuka's lab, where the air was filled with the scent of metal and magic. Ajuka was engrossed at one of the tables, studying a piece of enchanted metal. Ajuka appeared as a calm and powerful genius, possessing an extraordinary presence and brilliant intelligence, known for his proficiency in magic and metaphysical sciences.

"Good morning, Aiden," Ajuka greeted in his calm voice without looking up. "Shall we continue with our research?"

Aiden nodded, focusing on their project. "Yes, the ring... I was thinking about pushing the boundaries of what it can do. Working on this project helps me deal with the stress from Rias's engagement."

Ajuka raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."

"The idea is to integrate the concept of space into the ring to store inanimate objects in a state of suspension, meaning time doesn't pass for them. We are in the initial phase, ensuring that the environment inside the ring remains stable and secure."

A spark of satisfaction shone in Ajuka's eyes. "Interesting. Freezing inanimate objects will reduce the risk of material degradation. It will require some significant advancements in spatial manipulation, but it's achievable."

They continued discussing technical details for several minutes, their minds absorbed in the complexities of space and magic. However, during their work, Ajuka noticed Aiden's hesitation. He paused, set down his tools, and turned his gaze towards his pupil.

"Aiden," Ajuka began in his steady voice, "I can see that something is weighing on you."

For a moment, Aiden remained silent, his thoughts swirling. Then, after a deep breath, he finally spoke. "I know about the seal. You and my father have sealed my powers."

Ajuka's expression didn't change, but his eyes softened. "I see. So, you've discovered the truth."

Aiden looked down, feeling a strange mix of relief and frustration. "Why? Why was it necessary?"

Ajuka placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It was to protect you. Your powers, as they are now, could exceed your physical capacity. We wanted to give you time to grow into them. But know this—no matter what you become, I will support you."

Aiden was taken aback by Ajuka's sincerity. The normally calm and composed man spoke with a seriousness that made the doubts fade away.

"Thank you for your support and guidance. I will do my best on this project, and I hope it helps me get through some of the stress."

Ajuka nodded, satisfied. "Now, let's get back to work. This project won't complete itself."

They returned to their research, with their conversation about the seal lingering in the background. Despite the tension, Aiden felt a sense of comfort knowing that Ajuka and his family were behind him.

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