Chapter 4- Intentions

Selena Swift was an unfortunate child. Born into an orphanage on the poorer side of Capitus she had lived quite an unfulfilling life. As she grew older she used to hide some of her meals to share with her younger siblings, some nights going hungry.

Eventually, the orphanage stopped receiving funding and Selena took it upon herself to try and support the only family she had. She knew she was different from other children her age, her senses were sharper and her intuition was astounding allowing her to find a path anywhere.

One day, she decided to head out of the city into the Springram Woods after hearing an adventurer mention a hidden treasure that may be there. Thanks to her intuition and intelligence she managed to find a magic artifact whilst nimbly avoiding the monsters residing in the cave.

She managed to sell it for a decent price and was skipping happily back to the orphanage to hand the money to her family. When she got back a rough-looking man with a red cloud tattooed on his chest was standing there as if waiting for her.

Selena failed to notice that someone was watching her that day, and after noticing her talent, thought he could use her well. Luckily, Selena was able to leave the money at the orphanage but was forced to work for the red mist gang who treated her like dirt.

Using her keen senses she made them a lot of money, but the boss still wouldn't let her go. He would lock her in her room before calling on her when she was needed. For the last few months, she lived a life like that until now.

A hooded man stood at the entrance of her room, with golden hair and a beautiful face that would turn heads wherever he went, his robe was stained with blood, and splotches of blood could be seen on his flawless face.

But, when she looked into his eyes she felt her whole body tremble, his languid eyes felt like a bottomless abyss that one could never climb out off.

"Selena Swift found you at last."

The man's dull voice rang out as he held his hand out.

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Selena stared at my outstretched hand in bewilderment and fear. I arch an eyebrow at her reaction, what did I do wrong? Shouldn't she be happy cause those assholes are dead? I look closer at the brat and then look back at myself.

Ah, I guess I look a little insane right now. Who in their right mind would accept the hand of a blood-smeared stranger with no expression on his face? I sigh lightly before trying to speak in a gentle tone, well somewhat a gentle tone.

"What are you waiting for kid? I'm here to help you out, isn't that what you want?"

She seems to be contemplating a response as I stare at her.

"Um, uh are they all d... dead?"

She spoke in a meek voice as she pointed behind me. There was no use lying or trying to comfort her at this point. My mind is too worn to even show a little kindness right now.

"Yeah, they're dead."

I said in a plain tone. She widens her eyes momentarily before staring at my face for a moment. Hmm, she's got balls I'll admit that, not many people can look at me directly and not piss themself, especially a little girl like her.

"T... then who are you mister and why did you save me, are you also here for my talent?"

Selena questions me cautiously whilst slowly getting up without my help.

"Yeah I'm here for your talent, but don't worry that'll only be a one-time thing, then I'll send you home."

"..."

What? What's wrong with her? Is she surprised that I was so blunt? I'm sorry kid but I don't have time to coddle someone and hold their hand for them.

"M.. Mister.... will you pay me for helping you?"

Selena asked in a timid and barely audible voice. I look at this kid in bewilderment and rub my face with my palms. Fuck I need a smoke.

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As we leave through the back door, I glance at Selena treading next to me with soft steps. She seems to still be afraid but why the hell did she even trust me anyway? Money? No, she's not that stupid, if she was she wouldn't have lived so long before my regression. I decided to quench my curiosity.

"Hey, kid."

Her innocent eyes turn to me in perplexity as she waits for me to speak.

"Why did you come with me? A stranger covered in blood?"

She tapped her chin trying to look serious but to me, she just looked like a kitten trying to act cool. How cute.

"I saw it, mister."

Hmm, what? I arch an eyebrow and ask.

"Saw what?"

"Your intentions. They were a white color, which means you don't have any bad intentions against me."

"White color? Your eyes can see into the heart of a person?"

"Mhm, those thugs had a darker color, and the darker it is, the worse the intentions."

What a peculiar ability but useful. In the past, I had heard about these types of abilities that came from the soul, a special trait as they called it back then. Some could use their smell to feel the emotions of others, another could hear someone's emotions, it was a strange ability but very powerful when used by someone competent.

Of course, it didn't work on everyone, to a certain degree those who are much stronger than the opponent or are concealing themselves can easily hide their surface thoughts. I could do it myself but I did not need to hide my intentions towards Selena since I wasn't going to harm her anyway.

Eventually, we reached the entrance of Springam Woods which wasn't too far from the slums. Now it's time to use my memories and hope Selena knows something or this was a complete waste of time.

"Alright kid we need to-"

"Wait, mister."

I stop talking and glare at the brat in annoyance. What now? I urge her to answer with my eyes. She avoids my gaze and speaks in a quiet voice.

"M-my name. It's Selena, don't call me kid."

Perhaps finding some newfound courage, she looks straight up at me despite her trembling fingertips. I don't see an issue with that, but she stopped me just to say that? Why the hell would she care so much if I was gonna take her home after this and we probably wouldn't see each other after this. She may be useful in the future, but in my eyes, she was more of a glorified treasure hunter, she was better suited to staying with an adventurer than being my companion, the things I have to do are far too dangerous and I don't have time to protect another person whilst I fight.

"Alright Selena, listen up, your senses pick up treasures better than others so all you have to do is guide me when I'm close, got it?"

For the first time, a small smile appears on her little face as I call her by name and she nods repeatedly.

It was still daylight so the woods were not too dark but it still gave off an eerie atmosphere. Several forest trees were cluttered together creating canopies that allowed some light to seep in. The sound of crickets and the wind rustling the grass may have seemed peaceful but, deep within monsters lurked here.

I walked ahead with Selena grabbing the hem of my robe as I carefully peered around my surroundings with aura sense. An oak tree with blood-red leaves is what I was looking for to help with my plans and this weak ass body.

Before my regression, a random mercenary stumbled across a cave near a blood-red oak tree that held the tomb of Empress Arla Bloodclaw The Brutal. That man ended up becoming the mercenary king a few years after finding the power left behind by the brutal Empress.

What that power or item was is not known exactly but, I had met the mercenary king in the past before he was killed by an elder Lich and I knew the power had something to do with the body and possibly more. Luckily, I read the autobiography his comrade wrote and he mentioned the whereabouts of the old cave before the Imperial army occupied the tomb.

Snap!

I hear the sound of a twig snapping and clutch my axe tight, as I expand my aura sense and feel at least 6 presences within the vicinity. I turn to Selena who is bewildered and trembling so I point her to a tree to hide behind. I step into the clearing and speak in a low and composed voice.

"Come out."