Chapter 48: Time
--- Ren's POV ---
Back when I still resided on Earth, my mind often wandered, entertaining the notion of a chance encounter with Ais in the bustling city streets. However, such thoughts were swiftly dismissed, buried deep within the recesses of my consciousness.
Yet, I couldn't deny the fragility of human desires, and there were moments when my mind would waver.
Being but a mere mortal, it was only natural.
Thus, as I was saying, during those lapses in my mental fortitude, I would conjure up various scenarios, sketching them within the depths of my imagination.
None of these visions could compare to the reality I now found myself in.
In those daydreams, I would assume the role of a clandestine observer, lurking within a low-ranking Familia, biding my time until I grew strong enough to challenge her.
Alternatively, I would envision acquiring an Overpowered System, granted to me by a benevolent Goddess who would be smitten with my presence or some bullshit.
Apologies, Goddess Eve...I shall light a candle and pray to you tonight.
However, I have come to recognize that my growth has been anything but trivial. In fact, it has been an organic progression, unbeknownst even to me.
This realization dawned upon me during a moment when Riveria, Finn, Ais, Gareth, Bete, Tione, and Tiona found themselves utterly exhausted, gasping for breath, sprawled on the ground, drained of their strength.
They approached me out of the blue, expressing their desire to engage in combat against me.
It seemed Ais and Finn's prowess stirred up quite a commotion among the top executives.
While Ais had not been the strongest in the past, her current power was nothing short of mind-blowing. Only Finn could openly match her strength, and the prospect of a serious showdown between the two left the executives seething with frustration.
As for me, I remained indifferent to their concerns. The upcoming sparring session provided an opportunity to compare the prowess of them both, and even to gauge their abilities against the other executives.
To level the playing field, I adjusted my own power to peak level 3.
Our continuous exploration and accumulation of data about this world and its adventurers had yielded valuable insights.
Lucy, in particular, could now recognize and translate power levels between this world and 5T9B.
This newfound clarity was instrumental in my preparations, allowing me to comprehend the significance of "Level 3" without any limitations or ambiguity as my power could precisely mimic whatever "Level" up to 6, also assuring I wouldn't be found out if I were to be in a situation where I had to intervene.
With all these factors aligning, the prospect of facing everyone in combat became truly enticing.
Naturally, we ensured that our spar remained concealed from prying eyes. Lefiya and a few other reliable executives saw to that...
I find myself among them now because I have willingly contorted my desires.
Initially, all I yearned for was to possess her exclusively, to keep her as mine forever.
But now... my aspirations have evolved. I want her to be mine, a radiant flame that may flicker at times but will never be extinguished. I long to nurture that flame, to provide it with fuel and sustenance, offering anything within my power to keep it burning brightly.
Yes, it seems that my love, though steadfast and unwavering, has transformed from a mere fantasy into a tangible reality, where the love of my life exists here and now.
Without hesitation, I offered my lap as a resting place for Ais.
What drove my inclination to have her rest her head on my lap so often?
The truth is, I cannot fully comprehend it myself.
Maybe it's a subtle form of retaliation for the way she would do the same to Bell Cranel whenever the opportunity presented itself.
In this universe, there will always be a place for your head to find solace, instead of sacrificing your weary self for others to lean on.
You are not merely a supporting character in this narrative;
You are the protagonist, and I am the sole love interest.
"...I love you"
I whispered softly, ensuring only she could hear my words. The weariness that gripped the other members prevented them from noticing, but my smile widened with utmost satisfaction.
Even though I expressed my feelings to her countless times before, the sight of her face turning a deep shade of crimson never failed to delight me.
Instead of shying away, she boldly took my head and gently nestled it against her own.
I yearned to prolong this cherished moment, but our time together was cut short when Loki summoned everyone, including asking for my presence, indicating the importance of the matter at hand.
I wondered if Bell had already encountered...
Ah, yes, Wiene. I had to check the Archive as names were a bit hard to remember.
As I delved into the depths of my Archive, my gaze wandered inadvertently to my own status. This happened while we made our way to Loki.
[
Name: Ren Von Seraphis
.
.
.
Mana Core: Partially Sealed. (Perfected+)
Physical Body: Restricted using Mana (Perfected+)
Traits: . . . {???}
.
.
.
Additional Information: . . . The love harbored within the Host is believed to be triggering notable transformations within their body. The rate of augmentation has been consistently escalating, reaching a current level of .0005% per minute. Unable to estimate further.
{???}: Trait impossible to decipher.
Perfected+: Referencing {The Secrets of Godhood}, it seems the Host's body is currently slowly growing beyond the limits of this world.
Estimated time before ejection from this world with the current rate of strengthening: 100 years.
]
---
Author's POV:
Ren did change, it's just that he himself didn't know of it until he just realized it.
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