Nexus Ascension: My Comprehension Defies the Heaven Chapter 513: Alissa’s predicament

"..." Alissa remained silent, offering no reply.

After a moment's pause, a slight blush tinged her cheeks as she spoke again, "W-Will you laugh at me if I tell you?"

"Of course not," Grey responded, though he immediately broke into laughter.

Alissa shot him a glare. "You just did."

"Alright, alright. I promise I won't laugh," Grey declared, doing his utmost to appear serious.

Alissa studied him intently before letting out a heavy sigh. "I am searching for a purpose in life."

"Huh?" Grey was truly taken aback by her answer.

"My mother and I had a conversation recently. She mentioned that I don’t have much going for myself and that I haven’t genuinely found myself yet. She suggested I spend more time with you and the others. However, everyone is occupied with their own affairs."

"I attempted to speak with Miwa and Julie, but they were also engaged in their respective pursuits."

"It was then that I realized. In comparison to everyone else, I lack a purpose in life."

"My initial objective was to become stronger to locate my mother and depart from the Blue Star. I accomplished that. After finding her, my goal shifted. It transformed into aiding my mother in escaping the dragons’ grasp and avenging both of us."

"But then you came along and handled that as well," Alissa added, her voice tinged with bewilderment.

"Since that event, I’ve felt utterly hollow. Everything seems monotonous, and even with the new world you've established, I feel nothing."

"So I came here, away from everyone else, to collect my thoughts and perhaps discover something new for which to grow stronger," Alissa concluded her explanation.

By this point, Grey was also completely quiet.

Alissa was experiencing a profound existential crisis!

This was far beyond what he had anticipated.

Simultaneously, it presented him with an opportunity for introspection.

His original aim was to find a superior form of Qi, and now that he had achieved it, his new objective was to disseminate his evolutionary path throughout the world and ascend to the Nexus.

His ambition was not short-lived like Alissa’s; it could span millennia or even longer to realize his ultimate goal. Consequently, he had never felt the need for self-reflection as she was doing.

At the same time, he genuinely didn't know how best to offer her comfort.

This was a deeply personal struggle. The most he could do was provide some direction.

"I don't fully grasp your specific emotions, but you are aware of the Ascendancy Domain, aren't you?"

"Yes," Alissa affirmed with a nod.

"That realm is unimaginably vast, to the extent that our entire reality is but a fleeting dream to the beings residing there."

"If it provides any solace, consider this world entirely illusory, as the true reality lies within the Ascendancy Domain. If you seek a goal, then set your sights on achieving the state required to begin accumulating Ascendancy Valor and advancing into that higher realm."

Alissa grew thoughtful upon hearing his suggestion.

To be entirely candid, she wasn't particularly moved by his proposal.

"Ultimately, you will simply bring me to the Ascendancy Domain once you reach that level yourself. I understand that much," Alissa stated with a soft murmur.

"Therefore, I don't feel any compelling motivation towards the Ascendancy Domain or toward growing stronger for its sake."

Grey's lips twitched. Indeed, she was absolutely correct. There was no possibility he would ascend and leave Alissa behind; the same would apply to his other family members.

"Then how about this? I won't be the one to help you reach the Ascendancy Domain."

"You will," Alissa countered instantly. "You have always assisted me."

"Ever since you crossed over into this world, you have consistently lent me your aid. Thus far, I feel the only objective I've truly achieved independently was leaving the Blue Star to find my mother. Everything else... it was you who facilitated my success."

"You always protected me and served as my shield during my most dire moments," Alissa looked at Grey, her gaze steady. "Why?"

"Why what?" Grey inquired with a gentle smile.

"Why do you do that? I consistently treat you harshly. Yet, you continue to help me," Alissa asked, genuine confusion in her voice.

"To be perfectly honest, I don't perceive your behavior as harsh," Grey replied with a light chuckle. "In fact, if anything, I find it rather endearing."

A subtle blush spread across Alissa’s face upon hearing his words.

"Your flattering words won't sway me," Alissa said, her blush quickly shifting to a defensive frown.

"It’s not flattery. I simply help you because we are close. And I don't require a logical justification to assist you, because ultimately, I know you would do the same for me," Grey explained with a warm smile.

"Who would help you? You'll never need my assistance," Alissa retorted with a scoff. "Is there anything in this world that you are incapable of accomplishing?"

"There are indeed many things," Grey stated, his smile unwavering. "My strength is not limitless. A single higher being descending here could obliterate me."

"Therefore, if you can offer me assistance when I am at my absolute weakest, it would mean a great deal to me."

"Hmph. If that's what you say." Alissa snorted, averting her gaze to the side, far too abashed to meet Grey's eyes.

"Then, I... I will become stronger so that I can help protect you," Alissa declared, the tips of her ears flushing a deep red.uttering the words aloud was even more mortifying than she had imagined.

"In that case, I shall anticipate it. One day, I will rely on you to look after me."

Alissa responded with a soft hum.

"Very well, I shall leave you to your thoughts. I realize my words may not have been entirely sufficient, but we can converse daily if you wish. Perhaps that might aid you in discovering your life's purpose," Grey said with a grin as he rose from the bench.

"I shall depart now; I've suddenly received profound inspiration concerning my own path. We'll converse again later."

With those words, his form swiftly exited the garden. Alissa remained seated, silently gazing at the space he had just occupied.

Then, she brought both hands to cup her warm cheeks, a thoroughly bashful smile naturally blooming on her face.

"You scoundrel," Alissa muttered beneath her breath.