Chapter 35 [Alicia and her Origin Ability] (Part 1)

Chapter 35 [Alicia and her Origin Ability] (Part 1)

Esper bowed with exaggerated flair, a mischievous glint in his eye. "How may this humble subordinate be of service to the illustrious Miss Alicia?" he asked, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm.

Alicia raised an eyebrow, her expression a mask of mock seriousness. "Oh, I'm not sure... when did you promote yourself from slave to subordinate? I must have missed the memo." Her voice was laced with teasing sarcasm, her words a playful jab at Esper's joking demeanor.

Esper: ..???....

Gaara's laughter erupted, his stomach aching from the effort as he watched the exchange. "Hahahahah! This is too rich!" he exclaimed, doubling over in mirth.

Esper's face turned a deep shade of crimson as he realized he was the target of Alicia's joke. His attempt at humor had backfired, leaving him feeling embarrassed and silly.

Alicia's voice cut through the laughter, her tone crisp and authoritative. "Sorry, Senior Brother Esper, I'm here for someone." With a graceful leap, she jumped from the rooftop and landed on the balcony beside them.

Esper, still flustered, gestured towards Emma. "Sister, do you want the demon girl Emma Frost?" he asked, attempting to regain his composure.

Alicia's nod was curt, her eyes fixed intently on Emma. The Apostles, sensing a shift in the atmosphere, tensed, their bodies' language screaming high alert. Their hands rested on the hilts of their swords, ready for action.

Aether stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Emma. "What do you mean, you want to take away Emma? I won't allow you to take any member of my group. They're my responsibility."

Gaara's curiosity got the better of him. "Sister Alicia, why do you want to take the demon girl? Does she possess a unique bloodline or physique?"

But before Alicia could respond, her eyes widened in shock as she spotted Gaara's flying board. She darted beside him, her fingers reaching out to touch the sleek surface. "Is this... the latest 'Driving Shuttle Board,' the 'Void Chariot R10'? The one imbued with Soul Receptor technology and boasting a speed ability called 'Vacuum Crossing'?"

Alicia's voice was laced with excitement, her interest in the board momentarily eclipsing her desire to take Emma. She forgot about Esper and the Apostles, her focus solely on the advanced technology in front of her.

Gaara proudly puffed out his chest, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Yes, it's a Customized Void Chariot R10, personally crafted by Ralph, one of the most renowned Rune Masters, World Spiritists, and Enchanters among the Elven race." He paused, savoring the moment. "Its main speed ability is Vacuum Crossing, creating a circular vacuum structure that allows me to travel by bending space."

Gaara's eyes sparkled with pride as he added, "And the best part? It cost me a mere 2 billion Merit Points, equivalent to 2 God Points." He chuckled, clearly pleased with himself.

Esper's eyes widened in shock, his voice laced with a hint of jealousy. "Where did you get that much merit points? I've barely earned a million, and you're flaunting two billion!" He shook his head, a mix of amazement and envy on his face.

Gaara scratched his head, a sheepish grin spreading across his face as he blushed. "I, uh, borrowed the merit points from my old man," he admitted, looking away.

Esper's eyes widened in surprise, but then his expression turned sulky. "That's not fair," he muttered under his breath, his mind no longer racing with envy.

The Apostles, meanwhile, stood in confusion, unable to follow the conversation. Gaara, Esper, and Alicia had switched to speaking in pure Elven, a language the Apostles couldn't understand. They exchanged puzzled glances, feeling left out of the conversation.

----

Emma's eyes locked onto Alicia, her mind racing with memories of their past encounter. She recalled the defeat she suffered at Alicia's hands and the enigmatic secret Alicia had hinted at, a secret Emma still couldn't grasp. The contract they made flashed in her mind - if Emma could land a single scratch on Alicia, the secret would be revealed, but if she failed, she would become an experiment subject for ten days.

Emma's gaze drifted to Alicia's nod, and her heart skipped a beat. Lub dub! Lub dub! Lub dub! Her pulse quickened, but it wasn't fear that drove it - it was the sight of Aether standing protectively in front of her. A foreign sensation stirred within her, one she couldn't quite explain.

Aether's bravery and willingness to shield her sparked a mix of emotions, and Emma's heart raced with a newfound intensity. She felt a sense of wonder and curiosity, her mind struggling to comprehend the strange feeling that had taken hold.

For a fleeting moment, Emma was captivated by Aether's bravery and selflessness as he stood protectively before her. Her heart skipped a beat, racing with a mix of emotions. Alicia's gaze narrowed, sensing the surge in Emma's heart rate.

"Tsk..." Alicia clicked her tongue, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "So, this is the charm of the Son of Luck or the Son of Heaven." Her eyes rolled, dismissive of the sentiment.

"Girl, if you want to come with me, then come. I don't need drama," Alicia said, her tone harsh and detached. "And for your information, you've won the bet. If you don't want to know your secret, then I don't care."

Emma's response was resolute. "Wait, I'll come with you, Miss Alicia."

The other Apostles grew agitated, attempting to persuade Emma to reconsider. But she stood firm, unwavering in her decision. "I've made a contract with Miss Alicia," Emma explained, her voice calm. "If I could land a scratch on her, she would reveal a secret about me. But if I failed, I would become an experiment subject for ten days."

Alicia's expression turned speechless, her eyes widening in surprise at Emma's boldness. The air was thick with tension as the Apostles continued to protest, but Emma's mind was made up.

"You don't have to worry, I trust my instincts implicitly," Emma reassured the Apostles, her voice radiating confidence. "If they intended to harm us, they could have done so effortlessly. We must have faith in our gods; they will protect us."

With that, Alicia materialized beside Emma, her movements eerily swift. She placed a hand on Emma's shoulder, and in an instant, they vanished into thin air, leaving the Apostles bewildered and concerned.

Ten minutes later, Emma and Alicia reappeared in front of a magnificent, 10-floor crystalline structure that shimmered like a beacon of wonder. As they entered the building, they were greeted by a bustling hub of elf males and females, all diligently engaged in their work. Their beauty, handsomeness, and enchanting presence made Emma blush furiously. The elves' stunning features, captivating eyes, and graceful movements all combined to create an atmosphere of breathtaking wonder, leaving Emma's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson.

As they entered, a majestic, red-haired elf named Ray emerged from the crowd, his eyes locked onto Alicia with unwavering adoration. He bowed deeply, his movements a symphony of grace and fluidity, like a celestial being descending upon the mortal realm. "Princess Alicia, it's an honor to serve you. How may I assist you today, my liege?"

The air was electric with an otherworldly essence, the atmosphere vibrating with ancient, mystical power that seemed to reverberate through every molecule. Emma's eyes widened in wonder, her heart pounding with excitement and trepidation as she beheld the sights and sounds of this mystical realm.

"Ray, I desire to return home, but I shall return soon," Alicia declared, her voice like a gentle breeze on a summer's day.

Ray's gaze shifted to Emma, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her demonic appearance. Yet, he asked no questions, his expression a mask of serene devotion. With a subtle smile, he clapped his hands thrice, and a blinding radiance erupted from the floor, a shimmering portal 150 in diameter. The light enveloped them, and they vanished, reappearing instantaneously on the fifth floor of the crystalline edifice.

The transition was seamless, like a whispered secret between the universe and the travelers. Emma stumbled, her senses reeling from the instantaneous transport, while Alicia stood tall, her eyes aglow with an inner light, as if she had always belonged in this mystical realm

Upon entering the fifth floor, they found themselves in a seemingly empty, black-and-white space. However, to the discerning eyes of Runic Masters or World Spiritists, the room was far from ordinary. The walls, floor, and ceiling were intricately carved with the highest-ranking Runes, Runic formations, Enchantment Inscriptions, and mystical patterns, all expertly woven together to create a complex web of ancient power.

Ray's voice resonated through the space as he chanted arcane words, his hands weaving intricate gestures. At the center of the room, a shimmering purple vortex began to take shape, its edges swirling with an otherworldly energy. The air seemed to vibrate with anticipation as the portal solidified, its depths beckoning like a gateway to the unknown.

Without hesitation, Alicia grasped Emma's hand, her eyes locked onto the purple portal. Together, they stepped into the swirling vortex, leaving the black-and-white space behind. The portal's energy enveloped them, and they vanished into its depths.

---

[Royal Palace of Azurethra Kingdom]

[At the Royal Teleportation Gate]

Two soldiers stood vigilant, guarding the teleportation gate with eyes closed, their minds focused on meditation. However, their tranquility was short-lived, as they sensed an incoming presence from the gate. Their eyelids snapped open, and they straightened their posture, ready to face the newcomers.

The teleportation gate flared to life, its lights intensifying for a brief moment before dimming to reveal two figures. The soldiers' gazes fell upon the girls, and their expressions transformed from alertness to reverence. They bowed deeply, their salutes crisp and precise. "Welcome back, Princess Alicia," they chimed in unison.

Alicia acknowledged their greeting with a gracious nod, her demeanor poised and regal. "I shall be retiring to my private laboratory," she announced, her voice clear and authoritative. "If anyone inquires about my whereabouts, direct them to my laboratory. I shall receive them there."

The soldiers nodded in unison, their faces set with determination. They stood at attention, watching as Alicia and her companion, Emma, proceeded towards the laboratory, their footsteps echoing through the corridor.

---

[Inside Alicia's small laboratory]

Alicia's laboratory in no sense appears small, It was very big, and laboratory was a vast, sprawling space, spanning approximately 250 square meters. The room was a marvel of technological wonders, filled with an array of devices, equipment, machinery, gadgets, and tools that seemed to span centuries, from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge innovations.

Seated across from each other, Alicia and Emma engaged in conversation, their eyes locked in mutual curiosity. "I didn't properly introduce myself earlier," Alicia said, her voice warm and gracious. "I am Alicia, Princess of the Azurethra Kingdom."

Emma's gaze sparkled with intrigue, her demonic heritage evident in the mischievous glint in her eye. "So, you're the princess of one of the Four Kingdoms, Miss Alicia," Emma replied, her voice husky and confident. "As for me, my name is Emma Frost, and I hail from the ancient demon clan known as the Frozen Frost Clan."

"So, Miss Alicia, where are we?" Emma asked, her gaze sweeping the room in awe. The vast array of technology equipment, machinery, and tools seemed to stretch on forever, giving her a slightly dangerous vibe. "This place is incredible!"

Alicia smiled, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Ah, this is my laboratory, a place where I study and experiment. All the equipment and machines here belonged to my grandmother and mother. They may be old, but they're perfectly maintained and still highly effective."

Emma's curiosity got the better of her as she approached a peculiar device, her fingers trailing over its intricate mechanisms. "This is amazing! I've never seen anything like it."

Alicia chuckled, her expression turning serious. "Now that the introductions are over, let's get to the main point. During our battle, your last attack injured me, so in a literal sense, you have won the bet. As I promised, if I lost, I would reveal the secret within your body."

"I will tell you the secret in your body, But before that, I need the full scan of your body to confirm something."

Emma's eyes narrowed, confusion etched on her face. "Miss Alicia, what do you mean you need a full scan of my body? What secret are you talking about?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of wariness.

Alicia gestured toward a machine in the corner of the room, its Cryogenic capsule and intricate network of pipelines gleaming in the soft light. A large holographic screen dominated the adjacent wall, with a array of buttons ranging from small to large.

"This machine will scan every aspect of your being," Alicia explained, her tone patient and soothing. "From your sub-atomic cells to your very existence, it will analyze every component of your body from your heart rate, bloodline, chromosomes, DNA, It also shows you quantified stats of your affinity, strength, power, mana, aura... nearly everything."

Emma's eyes widened in shock and horror as she grasped the machine's astonishing capabilities. She had never encountered or even heard of such an advanced device, only familiar with spiritual orbs that detected elemental affinities and powerful individuals with mana sense who could scan others whose strength was weaker than their own. The existence of other similar devices was certainly possible, but Emma's limited knowledge and experience had not prepared her for this revelation.

But this machine is on a completely different level. "Miss Alicia, you promised no experiments!" Emma exclaimed, her voice rising in anger. "You said you'd only tell me about my secret!"

-----

[Comments me, Who's Origin ability you like the most.]

(Donated some power stone; creation is hard)