After the unexpected encounter at my front door, my heart swelled at the gesture only she could muster. Soon, we found ourselves inside her car—a marvel of mana tech engineering.
Given who she was, such a creation was mere child's play for her.
"Sooo, how are we feeling about our awakening ceremony today?" she asked, her teasing tone evident.
I smirked. "What's the worst that could happen, Aunt V? At most, I'll awaken an F-Tier class with pathetic skills, and then I'll just end up depending on you like the nepotistic baby I am."
Her laughter, a soft yet infectious sound, sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
"Well, that doesn't sound so bad," she replied "I'd be sure to spoil you silly", her eyes crinkling into crescents as she smiled. Even with the veil obscuring part of her beauty, she radiated magnificence.
"Beautiful," I couldn't help but mutter, lost in admiration.
"Fufufufu! Such a sweet talker! If I didn't know better, I'd say you were hitting on me. Kyaaa~~~ little Dante wants to devour his big aunt!" She seized my slip of the tongue before I could backtrack.
It wasn't a rare occurrence; she always found ways to tease me out of my comfort zone whenever I let my guard down. While it was slightly disheartening, as my gaze fell reluctantly on her figure, on the way her assets jiggled softly with her motions,reluctantly relocating or her peerless face, my worries melted away at the joy and happiness illuminating her face.
"Heheh, I'm just glad my little Dante still finds an old woman like me attractive."
If only you knew Aunt V, If only you Knew…
I thought to myself, suppressing a melancholic smile..
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Arriving at the Bright Sun Institution, a prestigious establishment renowned even among first-rate cities, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The sprawling, gilded gates crowned with the emblem of a golden burning sun were breathtaking.
Though I had been here for over a month—already grappling with the memories of this body and its unsavory pain—I still marveled at this architectural wonder. Beyond the gates, immense structures sparkled with white-gold materials I still couldn't identify, adorned with runic texts that floated effortlessly over their surfaces. These buildings were masterpieces of ingenuity; even though they were just faculty buildings.
I chuckled to myself. Damn, Harvard might as well pack up shop.
"Will you need me to stay and watch?" Aunt V's warm, melodic voice broke through my musings.
"I thought you hated crowded places." My smile emerged, fully aware that despite her status as an SSS-rank powerhouse, she still had a bit of a reluctance toward crowds.
"Well for you, sweetie, I'd endure anything," she replied softly, wearing her brightest expression.
Her words landed in my ears like a heavy weight, shaking the very core of my being. Aunt V, don't push me any deeper into this chasm of feelings…
I thought bitterly…
I couldn't assume she was completely unaware of how those simple words affected me.
"It doesn't matter, not now..," I steeled myself, "no need; I'm sure the girls need your presence more than I do."
"Alright then, sweetie." She stepped forward, tiptoed (because of course I was taller than her, I mean look at me..), and planted a soft kiss on my cheek. "Best of luck; I'll be waiting for the good news."
Her lips on my cheek left me dazed, her lavender and jasmine fragrance swirling around my senses and before I could help it, I found myself muttering absentmindedly, "A kiss on the lips would've worked better…"
Damn, not again!
Before I could recover, warm lips brushed against mine in a fleeting peck. It was innocent, not passionate, yet I froze, my mind struggling to catch up with reality. Even after she pulled away, I stood motionless.
"Fufufu, since you've been such a sweetheart today, I guess I'll reward you," she said, her voice softened, or was it just my imagination?
Coming out of my daze, I noticed a hint of blush on her cheeks, so faint I might have conjured it.
"Well, I'll be going now, little Dante. Have fun~~" She waved, hopping back into the car, as if fleeing from something.
Sighh~~~
I sighed, shaking my thoughts free. Regardless of what happened today, I had stolen a kiss from the goddess that was my beautiful aunt—definitely a good start.
Stepping through the school gates, I made my way toward the venue for the awakening ceremony. As I neared the entrance, I recalled that my final year here was devoid of classes, with the awakening serving as a graduation rite where students had the chance to shine before representatives of warrior academies worldwide.
That was the goal; the next challenge awaited.
As I continued my thoughts, a snide voice suddenly broke the air, "Well, well, well. If it isn't our oh-so-Rising Sun, Dante Hyperion himself."
I turned slowly, my earlier warmth dissipating like mist as I faced the source of the interruption.
"Micheal Solaris."..
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A/N: updates will normally be two chapters daily, but if the power stones keep pouring in, then expect thirds…
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Thanks for reading…