A Background Character’s Path to Power Chapter 452: Caelia’s Curse

My mind whirled as the situation underwent a drastic and swift transformation. One moment, an execution decree loomed over me; the next, the formidable 'Executioner' was prostrate on the fractured stone floor, while the majestic figures outside were entombed within immense craters. Thus, I made the deliberate choice to remain entirely silent. Speaking at that juncture felt fraught with peril. I opted for complete quietude, determined to avoid any missteps before these supreme beings. At the very least, my immediate survival seemed assured. However, I was utterly bewildered by the circumstances I had stumbled into!

Beside me, Caelia regarded the young boy, her crimson eyes swirling with a complex tapestry of emotions. "My return is impossible," she stated, her voice a low murmur. The boy, however, simply smiled, his posture radiating an unshakeable casualness. "You can and will return," he replied with gentle assurance. His gaze, cold and black as the void, swept over the trembling Matriarch figure on the ground. "Let us see exactly who dares to oppose it." A profound, heavy silence followed. The Matriarch kept her head bowed to the shattered stone, and the figures in the distant craters remained utterly motionless.

Witnessing this absolute subjugation, a stark realization dawned upon me. This small boy wielded an authority that dwarfed every other entity present, possessing an impossibly elevated status. He was, in all likelihood, the supreme ruler of this entire Nightmare Realm, or someone very close to that position. But if that were the case, why was he safeguarding Cathiel and me? Wouldn't she, as the apparent 'Nightmare Sovereign', pose a threat to his dominion?

I chanced a look at Caelia, who slowly shook her head. "You misunderstand," she explained, her voice dropping to a serious whisper. "My condition physically binds me to this place." The boy smiled once more, his dark eyes briefly flickering towards me, alight with a palpable interest. "I will take care of it," he promised smoothly. "Don't worry about it." My thoughts instantly clicked into place, connecting this to his earlier observation about my ability to stand near her unharmed. It seemed she was afflicted with some sort of curse. If that were true, why was I unaffected? Could it be due to Cathiel? Lacking sufficient information, I remained silent, unable to formulate a definitive answer.

Meanwhile, Caelia pondered the boy's words with deep consideration. After a moment's hesitation, a nod finally graced her features. "...Alright." "Great, then let's go," the boy declared, casually waving a small hand. The fabric of space in the center of the bedroom twisted and ruptured, coalescing into a stable, swirling vortex of pure void energy. He stepped through it without a backward glance. Caelia turned, beckoning me to follow. Gripping Cathiel securely against my chest, ensuring her comfort and safety, I moved towards the rift. As I stepped into the swirling portal, a peculiar, persistent feeling tugged at the edges of my awareness.

The distortion of space vanished in an instant. We materialized within a grand, breathtaking hall of gothic architecture. Immense pillars of dark, polished stone soared upwards, supporting a vaulted ceiling lost in the shadows above. A faint purple bioluminescence bathed the sprawling, majestic space in an ethereal light. The boy turned to face us, his expression relaxed. He clapped his small hands together. "Servants," he called out, his voice echoing softly through the vast hall. Several tall, imposing figures emerged from the surrounding gloom, clad in immaculate dark uniforms and moving with a stiff, unnatural precision. They resembled robotic servants, their faces utterly blank and impassive.

"Show my esteemed guests to the private guest chamber," the boy instructed them smoothly. He then offered us a polite, apologetic smile. "I must excuse myself for now. I have been away for a very long time, and I have quite a few matters to take care of. Please, rest well." Caelia inclined her head in understanding. The boy then stepped back, disappearing seamlessly into the hall's ambient darkness. The servants turned in unison, gesturing for us to proceed. We followed them in absolute silence, navigating through a series of wide, eerily quiet corridors. I kept Cathiel held securely against my chest, ensuring she felt safe in this completely unfamiliar environment. Our silent escorts eventually halted before a colossal set of intricately carved double doors. Just as the foremost servant extended a hand towards the handle, a horrifying scene began to unfold directly before my eyes.

The servant simply dissolved. Its body and clothes decayed into gray ash in the blink of an eye, spilling uselessly onto the stone floor. One by one, the remaining escorts standing in Caelia’s proximity crumbled into identical piles of dust. The entire process happened in complete, terrifying silence.

"!"

I reacted purely on instinct. I immediately raised my free hand and shielded Cathiel’s eyes, keeping her gaze away from the gruesome sight.

A heavy, suffocating tension filled the empty corridor.

Right then, I acutely sensed Caelia’s gaze fixed upon me. I slowly turned my head and met her vibrant crimson eyes. She was staring at me with immense intensity, clearly observing my reaction to the deadly curse she carried.

I took a slow breath, forcing my racing heart to calm down. I stepped forward and gently pushed the heavy wooden doors open myself.

"Let us talk about everything inside," I muttered quietly.

I pushed the heavy wooden doors open, revealing a breathtakingly vast and luxurious guest chamber. The interior featured rich crimson and dark silver tones, illuminated by the same soft purple glow from the hallways.

We stepped inside and walked directly toward the center of the room. A massive, incredibly soft-looking bed dominated the space. We both sat down side by side on the edge of the mattress.

We pushed the heavy conversation aside for the moment. Right now, our entire focus naturally shifted to the tiny existence in my arms.

Cathiel peeked out from my chest, her mesmerizing dual-colored eyes blinking curiously at the new surroundings. She let out a soft, melodic giggle and reached her small hands toward Caelia.

A genuinely warm smile completely erased the previous tension from Caelia’s flawless face. She gently took Cathiel’s tiny hands, playing with her playfully. The room filled with the sweet sounds of the little girl’s laughter, creating a pristine bubble of warmth in this terrifying world.

After a few minutes of wholesome interaction, Caelia gracefully waved her hand. A small spatial rift opened in the air beside her. She reached into the void and retrieved a few small, glowing fruits that resembled crystallized purple glass.

"These are perfectly safe and highly nutritious for her," Caelia explained softly, offering a piece to the baby.

Cathiel happily accepted the exotic delicacy. She nibbled on the glowing fruit, her eyes lighting up with obvious delight at the sweet taste. Caelia fed her a few more pieces until the little girl let out a cute, satisfied burp.

Having filled her tiny stomach, Cathiel quickly grew drowsy. Her eyelids drooped, and within moments, she fell into a deep, peaceful sleep right in my arms.

I carefully adjusted my hold and laid her down in the center of the massive bed. I pulled a velvet blanket over her small body, making sure she remained completely comfortable and warm.

I watched her sleep peacefully for a few seconds. Then, I slowly turned my head to look at the woman sitting beside me. The warm, domestic atmosphere gradually receded, making way for the heavy reality of our current situation.

"Shall we talk?" I asked quietly, keeping my voice low to keep the child undisturbed.

Caelia met my gaze. Her crimson eyes reflected a profound depth of ancient secrets and lingering sorrow.

"...Yes."