Lewd System: Every Scream and Moan is EXP Chapter 313 : Tempris Powers

With Jax’s nod of approval, Tempris was also agreeable. Athanasia gently pressed her forehead against the little dragon’s, shutting her eyes. Some form of telepathic connection seemed to be at play.

Countless minutes trickled by. The others remained stationary, observing the innocent child and the formidable prodigy, renowned for her accomplishments, engage in an action they couldn't yet define.

Delphine seethed silently. Being subjected to humiliation by a child barely half her stature was an offense her pride struggled immensely to accept.

Upon finally withdrawing and standing upright, Athanasia’s gaze fell upon Tempris, utterly devoid of emotion. She declared, "As I had anticipated. Your regression is not a curse; it is a profound blessing. One that vastly surpasses any I have ever encountered."

Tempris tilted her head, a look of bewilderment crossing her face.

Athanasia continued, explaining, "The constant regressions she experiences are entirely of her own making. Her own power awakens subconsciously the very instant she faces death."

She paused, allowing the gravity of her subsequent declaration to sink in.

"She bears the most significant weapon. A weapon so potent that I believe the world itself desires her annihilation. The power over time itself."

Every individual present stiffened at the utterance of that word.

"A power capable of altering fate, of reshaping reality to her will. And that is precisely why the universe seeks to eliminate her, as her very existence rebels against its fundamental laws."

Evangeline spoke, her brow furrowed in confusion. "But that seems illogical. If she possesses such immense power, then why were we in the present unaware of her? We had no knowledge of the Witch of Eternity's existence."

Athanasia responded with measured composure. "The world is far more intricate than you perceive. Even after piecing together all information regarding her and ourselves, numerous questions persist. However, I am convinced that the majority of the answers reside within this young girl."

Her gaze drifted down to Tempris. "As I stated, time itself will yield to her if she masters her abilities. Therefore, two possibilities emerge. Firstly, she is relentlessly pursued and successfully erased from our past, vanishing entirely from history."

She then raised a second finger. "And secondly, she endures. She evades her destined demise and chooses to self-exile using her own power to conceal herself, remaining alive somewhere within our present."

A rare hint of fascination colored her voice. "After all, it is impossible to foresee the future of a child who carries infinite potential within her grasp."

Lavinia clutched her head with both hands, exclaiming, "Please! I implore you! Cease! You are employing an excessive number of complex terms! My limited intellect is officially overloading, and I cannot comprehend a single word you are conveying right now!"

Athanasia offered a simplified explanation without altering her expression. "In essence. Whether we protect her or attempt to eliminate her, both actions constitute a gamble. This is because we lack any means of knowing whether our future entails her death or her continued existence."

Jax’s voice was sharp and uncompromising. "The option of eliminating her is non-existent. And that is the final time I shall state it. So, take your array of possibilities, roll them up neatly, and be gone with them."

Athanasia’s jaw clenched at his choice of language. While she was inwardly seething, a system notification materialized before Jax’s eyes.

[New Quest: Protect the Witch of Eternity]

[Reward: Domain of Authority]

[Description: Grants the user a one-on-one domain against an opponent. The user gains a 30% buff while the opponent is debuffed by 50%.]

Jax mused, 'This skill is a game-changer. I absolutely cannot afford to forfeit this reward. It would be perfect for countering Celestials.'

Meanwhile, Athanasia had swiftly closed the distance, now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him. She spoke in a low tone, audible only to him.

"I still fail to grasp your sudden affection for this child. However, allow me to issue a warning. This absolute possessiveness you've developed will undoubtedly lead to dire consequences for you."

Her eyes harbored an icy glint. "And long before your foolishness results in your demise, you might very well meet your end by my hand."

Jax retorted without glancing at her. "It appears you neglected your lessons from yesterday concerning proper conduct in my presence."

Without another word, his hand darted to his hilt. In a single, blinding flash of silver light, he drew his sword and cleaved her body cleanly in two.

As her upper torso began to slide towards the ground, Jax looked down with completely vacant eyes and declared, "Consider this a preliminary warning. The true retribution is reserved for a being with a vital pulse."

The attending girls stood frozen, stunned by his audacious action. Their shock intensified exponentially when Athanasia’s body dissolved into wisps of air, rather than falling to the ground.

Then, a voice emanated from the edge of the low cliff. "I shall certainly take that insult to heart."

Athanasia stood there, her gaze fixed upon the sprawling royal capital below. Without turning, she added, "However, before we address our personal animosities, we have a significantly larger chessboard upon which to play."

She turned to confront him. "So, Professor. What is your master plan from here?"

Jax found his mind utterly blank, with only a cascade of destructive thoughts flooding his consciousness. Then, a growl broke the silence – not of a beast, but of an empty stomach.

His gaze fell upon Tempris, who was clutching her small abdomen, valiantly attempting to conceal her hunger.

A smile spread across his face. He scooped her into his arms and declared with profound sincerity, "First? We're going to infiltrate the capital and hunt down its greatest delicacy."

—x—X—x—

Several hours later. Deep into the night.

Tempris was already fast asleep in the room of the inn where Jax and the others were lodged. They had successfully gained entry into the city and even managed to procure funds.

Jax's initial scheme involved overpowering the guards and seizing their money. However, his brilliant strategy was vetoed by a majority decision. Consequently, Lavinia took the helm, employing her hypnosis magic to compel the guards into willingly surrendering their valuables.

With the hard-earned spoils from eight compliant guards, they quenched their hunger at a local tavern.

Now, Jax sat on the inn’s rooftop, gazing at the celestial expanse while the others slumbered. He pondered how to execute their objective without a single lead to guide them.

Within the room where Tempris slept, a shadow stirred. Delphine had entered covertly, a dagger in her hand.

Her movements were stealthy. Her breaths were controlled. She approached the child's bed, where the little dragon slumbered peacefully, and raised the blade towards the child’s throat.

Tempris murmured in her sleep, "No... please don’t leave me, Mister."

Tears welled at the edges of her closed eyes. "I promise... I would be a good girl."

Delphine's hand trembled, the dagger hovering mere inches from the child’s neck, yet refusing to strike.

She cried out inwardly, 'Damn it, Delphine, just finish it! She is a monster! If she grows up, she will not hesitate to commit mass murder! She is the only obstacle between us and our home!'

Yet, instead of driving the blade down, her arm fell to her side in defeat.

At that moment, a voice emerged from behind her, casual, almost nonchalant.

"What happened, Delphine? Why do you falter in striking the blow and saving the world?"

She turned to see Jax leaning against the wall, arms crossed, observing her with eyes that had been watching her all along.

He clicked his tongue, a disappointed smirk playing on his lips. "Man, what a shame. I'm deducting points for that pathetic hesitation."

-x-X-x-

[A/N: Apologies for the single chapter updates recently, guys. I've been quite swamped these past two days. I'll be back to two chapters daily starting tomorrow!]