Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey

Chapter 457 [Bonus (づ ◕‿◕ )づ: 500 PS] You are not Human

"Why is he taking so long again?" Thalia muttered, her expression growing increasingly irritated."Maybe he's busy with his work or something…" Raven replied, her lips curling into a smirk.

Thalia's eyes twitched. Those were the exact same words Raven had used last time.

Before Thalia could respond, "Hello, guys!" Aether strolled in casually, as if nothing had happened, and sat down—right beside her.

Thalia raised a brow, glancing sideways at Raven, who also shot a frown in Aether's direction.

Sensing the tension, Aether blinked in confusion. "Is something wrong?" he asked, looking between the two women who were now glaring at him.

"Nothing," Raven answered coolly, her voice calm but her eyes narrowing slightly. She placed a small crystal ball on the table between them, activating a barrier that sealed off their surroundings, ensuring no one could eavesdrop on their conversation.

Now that they were securely isolated, they could resume planning.

Aether, as usual, listened carefully—or at least pretended to. Their latest scheme was, in his mind, utterly absurd, 'What the...? Are they serious? How in the world do they expect to escape if they block every exit?' He held back a sigh, choosing not to voice his objections since his part of the re

Thalia, who had been too distracted by the earlier events, snapped to attention. Without a second thought, she handed him the water bottle, concern etched on her face.

'Gulp'

'Gulp'

Aether drank the water greedily, casting fleeting glances at both Thalia and Raven through the corner of his eye.... He noticed their worried expressions and smirked inwardly. He'd played his part well, and they were buying into it.

Thud!

He set the bottle down on the table, "I-I'm sorry, guys. I-I don't know what's happening, but ever since I started hanging out with you, s-something i-inside me has been… burning up. It's like—like something-Something... is trying to—"

"Calm down, man," Thalia cut him off, giving his shoulder a comforting pat. She looked awkward, but her concern was genuine, "You need to calm down first." She shot a quick glance at Raven, who hadn't said a word, her eyes still locked on Aether.

Raven's mind raced, 'Could his bloodline be awakening because he's been spending time with.... me?' She furrowed her brow, troubled by the thought. The flames were undeniably like hers, but that alone wasn't proof that he had the Phoenix bloodline.

She needed more evidence.

Her decision made, she reached out and took Aether's hand, surprising him.

Aether blinked, his surprise evident. Then, he offered a strained smile, "Don't worry, I'm fine." He winked at her, even as he maintained his fatigue.

Thalia raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a grin, 'Look at him...' She glanced at Raven with a teasing smirk.

"Getting worried over your new potential... mat—ouch!" she yelped as something hard hit her leg.

Raven shot Thalia a warning look, her face expressionless, but the message was clear.

Thalia kept her smug grin but wisely stayed quiet.

Raven turned her attention back to Aether. "Let me check you," she said suddenly.

"Huh?"

"I might know what's happening to you," Raven clarified, her tone serious as she placed both palms on his chest.

Aether's brow furrowed in slight confusion. "I see..." He nodded but then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he interlaced his fingers with hers. "Please, check now," he added with a smug grin.

Thalia's lips trembled, barely holding back laughter. 'This guy! He's really going after her, isn't he?!'

[+100 AP]

Raven, on the other hand, was less amused. She sighed internally, thinking, 'Why is he getting so clingy with me? It's starting to get annoying…' But she closed her eyes, allowing a faint pulse of energy to flow from her hands and into Aether's body, searching for any abnormalities.

Almost immediately, Aether felt his body heating up, 'Is she going to burn me alive?!' His heart raced with slight panic, 'Maybe I should leave now…' He thought, just as he started to pull away from her touch.

Then, suddenly—

!~Ding~!

[Soul Searcher Blocked]

Aether froze.

Raven inhaled sharply, opening her eyes, her expression now cold and unyielding. She exhaled deeply, her gaze piercing through Aether's.

"You're not human," she declared, her voice devoid of emotion. Her eyes narrowed as she glared at him, her tone sharp as she demanded, "What are you?"