Chapter 95
Her flat gaze, her posture that seemed emotionless, and her response to Theo's actions all appeared consistent with the version of Aldraya who once defeated the nine Administrators.
This raised deeper questions about the boundaries of memory and consciousness.
Were the headaches and the newly emerging signs of fatigue mere indicators of physical limitations, or was there a psychological and cosmic layer hidden behind her ability to access Sa, a power usually possessed only by the Administrators?
Such as, for instance, the shock of doing something she had never thought possible?
In silence, Theo questioned the pure honesty of Aldraya's complaints.
He tried to consider the possibility that the pain was not merely physical, but a reaction to shock or tension because she was able to use Sa at a level normally attainable only by Administrators.
This thought created internal tension, because a truth concealed—whether intentionally or not—affected how Theo assessed Aldraya and guided their interactions afterward.
He understood that to comprehend Aldraya was to comprehend something complex, not something that could be judged solely from surface-level observation.
The uncertainty lingered around Theo, faint yet pressing, making him cautious with every next step.
"I understand. I accept the reason. I won't pursue it any further."
Yoooh!
"If that is what you see and feel, then I will believe it."
Theo observed Aldraya's subtle movement, sensing a layer of strangeness difficult to describe.
In four seconds of silence, he analyzed every tension that might be hidden behind that quiet, weighing the possibility that Aldraya deliberately concealed something with precision.
But when Aldraya nodded, her demeanor remained flat and expressionless, a form of obedience that raised no questions at all, and Theo felt an unusual faintness, as if something that should have been considered was instead being overlooked.
Aldraya's trust in Theo's words felt almost impossible, because logically she should have demanded further explanation or at least reflected on the meaning behind what she had just heard.
But what happened was the exact opposite.
Aldraya seemed to accept it as it was, unwilling to examine or question Theo's intent.
Her behavior stirred curiosity and caution in Theo's mind, because trust given so naturally and plainly sparked larger questions about Aldraya's intentions and understanding of the situation.
Theo realized that a delicate line separated Aldraya's honesty and her self-control.
Although the possibility of hidden lies or veiled truths still lingered, the way Aldraya accepted his words without question created an unseen psychological pressure.
He tried to interpret that behavior as part of Aldraya's complex nature, something that could not be read solely through facial expression or body movement.
'So that is what you meant, Cru.
Not merely anticipating an ending you never predicted, but warning me from the beginning that the path I would take must not follow the original tragedy.
The ten main antagonists, including Aldraya and Erietta, must not be killed in any way—even if Ilux must still attain victory, continue to grow, and still find his way as the protagonist.
And after watching Aldraya drive out the nine Administrators without full control over herself, I finally understood the meaning behind the defeat you once admitted.'
Ssssh!
'It was not a defeat in the scenario, but a defeat in accepting the direction of the story that had begun to shift far from what was originally built.'
Fhhhh!
'In the end, my task is clear.
I must ensure that Ilux defeats all ten antagonists without a single one of them dying by his hand.
And somehow, I must accomplish this without destroying Ilux's development as the protagonist.'
Then, while Aldraya pinched her forehead with her right hand, Theo remembered Cru's words to him.
"Of all the scenarios, of all the story paths I have ever created in Flo Viva Mythology, this is the first time I—Administrator Cru—must admit defeat."
Theo pondered deeply, reorganizing the perception he had held regarding Cru's words back in the first arc, mid–episode five.
At first, Theo interpreted the statement as referring to the possibility of another Administrator attempting to disrupt the original Flo Viva Mythology scenario, something that appeared logical on the surface.
But after everything that happened to Aldraya and himself in this mid–episode eight, all his predictions collapsed.
Theo realized that his initial interpretation had been too narrow and inaccurate.
The reality he witnessed—Aldraya capable of operating Sa with support from his own Technique, the Door Opened, Suffering Unleashed, and her success in holding off the nine Administrators—provided a new understanding that Cru's words contained far more complex layers of meaning than merely anticipating an unexpected ending.
In his mind, Theo rearranged all the pieces of facts and consequences, realizing that Cru had indirectly guided him toward a responsibility of tremendous weight.
The meaning behind her words, which he once interpreted as mere curiosity or excitement, actually implied a greater duty.
To protect the lives of the ten main antagonists without allowing a single one of them to die.
Every step and decision Theo made had to be balanced, guiding Ilux Rediona, the protagonist, to grow and still be capable of facing all ten antagonists without taking their lives.
This awareness stirred tension within him, because saving lives while maintaining the flow of the story was no simple task, especially when errors could affect the entire world of Flo Viva Mythology.
The precision required made Theo trace every possibility and scenario as though arranging a cosmic chessboard.
He needed to weigh every interaction, every power that could be used, and every opportunity that appeared to ensure balance remained intact.
There was no space for negligence or misjudgment because the consequences would impact Aldraya, Erietta, and others whose fates were tied to his decisions.
Theo's role shifted into that of a strategist, a conductor guiding the rhythm of the story without killing or disrupting the cosmic balance already established.
This realization pressed on Theo, making every second filled with tension and caution.
'I've sunk too deep into my own thoughts.
If I keep this up, I'll miss the moment in front of me.'
"Ready for an adventure?"
"Agree."
Theo paused his contemplation for a moment, sensing the tension still hanging in the air even though Aldraya's expression remained unchanged, her eyes flat without a glint of emotion.
He decided to break the silence, speaking in a calmer tone than the one echoing in his heart, asking whether Aldraya was ready to venture with him.
Aldraya, staring at him without blinking, remained silent for a second that felt stretched for Theo, even his breath seeming to stop, leaving an empty space filled with tension.
When Aldraya finally nodded, the gesture became enough of a signal for Theo, marking her agreement without the need for words, a flat acknowledgment whose meaning remained clear.
The agreement freed Theo from momentary doubt, giving new direction to his steps, while also affirming the subtle bond between them.
Aldraya did not ask for a destination, did not demand any explanation.
She simply followed, letting herself be carried by the flow of Theo's plan.
Amid the silence that lingered, Theo realized that such a simple gesture held far more meaning than what appeared on the surface.
He prepared his next move carefully, aware that each of his actions was now followed by eyes that watched without emotion, yet remained alert.
The tension that once enveloped them gradually eased as Theo stepped closer, sensing Aldraya's presence as something that needed to be protected and understood.
He reassembled his intentions, ensuring that their journey was not merely physical, but tied to responsibility and awareness of the possibilities each action might create.
Aldraya's agreement, though simple, became the starting point of a new experience filled with consideration and caution.
The decision was now clear, and their first step into the adventure together had been set.
To be continued…