Lux sighed for the umpteenth time as he rested his head on Aurora's lap.
His talk with his grandma was nerve wracking, but fortunately, both of them ended up in a compromise.
Vera asked him to let her see all of his memories, which he happily agreed to.
However, just as she was about to tap into Lux's memories, she was attacked by a head-splitting headache, making her cry out in pain.
This pain immediately disappeared the moment she severed her connection from Lux, canceling the mind-reading ceremony before it began in full.
Several minutes later, Vera recovered. But, she had completely forgotten about the agreement they had with each other.
It was as if her memory had been sealed, or forcefully stripped away from her by an invisible law, making her forget the things that she and Lux had talked about.
The last thing she remembered was calling out to Lux to talk, but she had no recollection of what happened afterwards. No matter how hard she tried to recall, this was the only thing that was registering inside her head.
In the end, the Half-Elf excused himself and returned to Aurora's room with Eiko, feeling very depressed by his failed attempt to make his Grandma remember him.
"It's useless to make them remember forcefully," Lux said in a defeated tone. "I have to think of a different way to make them remember."
Eiko, was currently sleeping peacefully on his chest because she didn't rest for the past few days due to the non-stop battles in her territory.
Now that her Papa had returned, she felt more relaxed, and at ease, so her exhaustion finally caught up to her, making her feel sleepy.
Lux didn't want to disturb Eiko, so he allowed her to rest inside his shirt like she used to do when she was young.
"Don't worry," Aurora said in an encouraging tone while gently patting his head. "You will find a way, I'm sure of it. Also, even if Iris and Cai don't remember you in the short term, nothing is stopping you from creating new memories with them, right? Also, I'm pretty sure they will agree to become your fiance."
"Are you sure?" Lux asked. "Will they really agree to become my fiance?"
Aurora giggled before lightly pinching Lux's nose.
"You're talking as if they weren't already your fiance back then," Aurora stated. "Things are just returning to how they were in the past. The only difference is that they no longer remember your existence. But, I don't see any problem with you creating new memories with them. Who knows? This might also be a good thing for you."
"Good thing? How?"
"Aren't you curious? Iris and Cai have forgotten about you, but their hearts and bodies still remember. Look at their reactions when you hold their hand, look into their eyes, and when you do something intimate with them. I believe that they only need a small spark before they melt in your embrace."
Lux looked at his lover, who had a mischievous look on her face.
"You talk as if you have known them for years," Lux said. "Since when did you know a lot about your sisters?"
"Believe me when I say that I know their emotional states more than you do," Aurora replied with confidence. "Do you want to make a bet with me?"
"I'm listening," Lux replied.
Aurora smiled and told her lover about the details of their bet.
Lux found the rules quite amusing, but he still agreed to them in the end.
"This feels immoral," Lux pinched the bridge of his nose. "But, I am also curious about what will happen afterwards."
"Right?" Aurora smirked. "I'm also very curious to know how it will turn out."
"Where did my innocent Aurora go?"
"It's all your fault that she changed, you know? You took her first time, and made her cry, and worry for you for an entire year. You should take responsibility and ease her pain."
The two stared at each other for half a minute before Lux raised his head to kiss her lips.
Since Eiko was with them, the two didn't do anything too sensual, but that was enough, at least for now.
Somewhere in the western part of Elysium…
Nyarlathotep sat on the throne of a destroyed throne room, allowing him to see the black smoke that was rising over the city that he had just conquered.
The shouts of despair, pain, and suffering reverberated in the surroundings, and he was enjoying every second of it.
A moment later, a winged demon landed in front of him and knelt to pay his respects.
"Lord Nyarlathotep, I bring news from Lord Eligor," the Demon said. "Do I have permission to state his message?"
"Why not?" Nyarlathotep replied in a carefree manner. "What does that Fallen Angel want this time? Does he want my help to attack the Dragons? Or perhaps, he wanted my assistance to raid the World Tree?"
"Neither, My Lord." the Demon shook his head. "He just asked me to pass a message that he would soon start his invasion of Agartha. The Kingdom that is located near the Core of Elysium."
"Oh?" Nyarlathotep's interest was mildly piqued by this turn of events. "Well, tell him that I wish him good luck. I will head West a little while longer and conquer all the lands in my way. When I start to feel bored, I will return to see their accomplishments. So, make sure to tell them to work hard in order to not disappoint me."
"As you command, My Lord." The Demon bowed respectfully before leaving the throne room to deliver the news back to the Fallen Angel, who had gained control over the leadership of the Abyssal Lords who had gathered at the center of Elysium."
Nyarlathotep watched as the Demon disappeared from his view before leaning on his throne.
"It seems that the Fallen Angel wanted to unite all the Abyssal Lords under his banner," Nyarlathotep muttered. "Well, as long as he proves himself useful then he can do whatever he wants to do."
Nyarlathotep looked up at the sky, and couldn't help but chuckle.
"Daniel, oh Daniel, I'm sure that you're feeling very frustrated right now," Nyarlathotep said in a teasing tone. "The Gods managed to thwart your plans halfway. So, what will you do now?"
"Shut up, Nyarlathotep. Just do as planned," Daniel's voice that was filled with annoyance replied. "The Abyss and its connection between Solais and Elysium was not severed completely. However, it is currently impossible for any Abyssal Creature to pass through to the two worlds. The only thing I can do right now is contact you through the connection we share. How is the invasion?"
"My conquest of the West is proceeding as planned," Nyarlathotep answered. "The battle at the center of Elysium has reached a stalemate. Eligor has rallied the other Abyssal Lords and is planning to target Agartha. I don't know if they will succeed, but the chances are very high."
Daniel snorted. "Agartha. That Kingdom may be Ancient, and they did have the power to resist the Abyssal Lords to a certain extent. But, they will still fall in the end.
"I cannot maintain this connection for long, so make sure to report to me if there are any significant changes in the status quo. For the time being, I will think of ways to re-establish the connection between the worlds."
"Very well," Nyarlathotep replied. "Don't keep me waiting for too long. If you do, I will destroy this world without you."
"I'd like to see you try," Daniel said in a mocking tone. "You might be strong, but you're not the strongest. I look forward to hearing the good news about Agartha's invasion in a few weeks."
Nyarlathotep felt that his connection with Daniel had finally been cut off.
The Outer God once again chuckled because even though his collaborator had tried hard to hide it, he was still able to sense the desperation in his voice.
"This is why I can't get enough of this chaotic world," Nyarlathotep stated before standing up from his throne. "Now, which kingdom should I destroy next?"
The Outer God disappeared from the throne room. Everyone in the city had already been killed, and the strong ones had been turned into mindless thralls, serving the Abyssal Army to destroy their fellow men, who would soon suffer the same fate as them.
