Endless Path : Infinite Cosmos

Though there was a spacious dining hall that could have easily sat more than a thousand people without any issues, Vahn had taken the liberty to repurpose one of the smaller rooms nearest the kitchen into a 'family-sized' dining room. He felt it was depressing to sit in such a massive hall with so few people, so, after discussing the matter with Ana and Vesperina, this was the solution he had come up with.

Once everyone had taken their seats, with his own chair flanked by Medusa and Asuna, Vahn made a show of things by slowly clapping his hands. Every time he did, a new item would appear on the table, be it tableware, plates, or food. Magic was nothing new to them, but, as they were unable to understand the mechanics behind his Inventory, their eyes showed intrigue no matter how many times he 'awed' them.

Ever the inquisitive type, Asuna picked up her tiny spoon, asking in her usual monotone, "How...?"

Hearing the oft-asked question, Vahn smiled in a way that caused Asuna to immediately pout as he plainly, and honestly, answered, "It's because I'm the Sage Dragon Emperor."

Since his Inventory was actually like its own self-contained Realm, one where Laws didn't exist, it was not something that he could really explain. There were a number of different types of spatial artifacts and armament systems within the Akamatsuverse, but these were all relatively simple in both design and concept. Comparing his system functions to anything that actually existed was very difficult, and, as discussing The Path could have disastrous consequences, Vahn had little choice but to chalk it up to his existence itself.

Ignoring the accusatory glare she was sending his way, Vahn scooped up a spoonful of curry before aiming toward the pouting princess' face and saying, "Open up. Say aaaah~."

Though her stare became even harder at first, Asuna ultimately relented after a few seconds, biting down on the spoon without making a sound.

Seeing how well her daughter was getting along with Vahn, Vesperina adopted a slight smile with a motherly look in her eyes as she said, "Asuna is blessed to have someone to dote on her like this. It did not bother me much when I was her age, but, as I grew into a young woman, I began to feel as though something was missing in my life. It is a selfish request, but please continue to treat her well from now on..."

Without minding the fact that her daughter was present, Ana nodded her head, adding, "I, too, ask that you treat Asuna well. Growing up without a father is a difficult thing. Truthfully, I would like you to treat my daughter in the same way. She might put on a strong front, but I am well-aware of the flames that burn within her heart. After all, I was young once. We all harbor the desire to experience the world beyond these walls, but, for the sake of our people, we must remain steadfast..."

Hearing her mother's words, Arika lowered her head slightly, a slightly frustrated look in her eyes as she poked at the food on her plate.

Since he was seated across from her, Vahn could see all of Arika's reactions, and, after thirteen days of interacting with the residents of the palace, he could largely understand their emotions. Because of this, he offered an understanding smile before openly stating, "I can understand why you groom your successors like this. The world outside is full of corruptive forces, things that lead good people astray or turn them into victims. There is no end to the number of people that would exploit those weaker than themselves, many without even distinguishing between adults and children...it is one of the things that I hate most about the world..."

Though he kept it under control, everyone at the table could sense the wrath bubbling beneath the otherwise placid and serene aura that surrounded Vahn. Even the Elemental Spirits, which had now turned the palace into their playground, showed genuine concern for him.

Poking one of the adorable little creatures in their 'belly', Vahn's expression returned to normal, smiling as he added, "However, with a proper foundation established on truth and trust, children can grow up into stable adults. With adequate support and understanding from their parents and guardians, children are able to blossom in any kind of environment. Even if they must oppose the literal forces of darkness, they can overcome any adversity so long as they have the memories of the people they love and the willpower to push through anything..."

Since Asuna was attentively staring up at him, Vahn smiled even wider as he affectionately rubbed her head, finishing up his rather convoluted speech by saying, "Though your system is one of the best in both the New and Old Worlds, it is too stagnant. Your descendants and inheritors might be able to become great leaders, but, when true adversity comes their way, the regrets they have built up by now being able to pursue their interests are what will lead them to break. At that point, only things like love and the companionship of others can put them back together...the things they had lacked as a child..."

Though he was a little foolish at times, Ana was often impressed by the great wisdom Vahn showed during 'serious' moments. She knew he was much older than he appeared, and, after two weeks of idle conversation during tea and mealtimes, she had learned quite a bit about him. His journey was one filled with both hardship and triumph, a tale depicting the rise of a young boy into something far greater than a man.

Affirming her resolve, Ana looked toward Vesperina, and, after seeing the latter nod, she adopted the closest thing to a full smile she had ever shown, stating, "Perhaps it is time for a change. As I lay dying, my thoughts often wandered to the direction this world was headed. It seems that, with each passing year, Science gradually suppresses Magic. It seems people have become more interested in simple conveniences than enriching themselves and preserving the world we live in. I fear that, with the growing rise of Science and Capitalism, the very people you warn about will begin targetting us. When that time comes, I do not want my daughter and my niece to suffer as the result of a dated system..."

Understanding the direction the conversation was headed, Vahn shook his head, saying, "It would not be safe for them to accompany me. Depending on the circumstances, I will even become the enemy of entire nations without hesitation. Though I will do what I can to aid competent leaders, I am more an ally of the planet than the people who live upon it. Soon enough, my name will spread throughout the world to a similar extent as the Dark Evangel. Is that the kind of person you want your daughters to follow?"

As if they were able to silently communicate Ana and Vesperina looked toward each other for a few seconds, making the princess caught between them turn statuesque, her own eyes showing a bit of conflict. Then, seemingly undeterred, Vesperina was the one to say, "I cannot think of anyone more qualified to protect my daughter than a man who can confront entire nations without fear. I would like for her to experience the outside world and live freely, even if it is only for a few years. We have both sensed something more to this coming war, so it would put both our hearts at ease knowing the girls were safe at your side."

Though he was tempted to put more thought into it, Vahn looked toward Medusa, and, seeing the small frown on her face, he shook his head and answered, "There may be some merit to your words, but you are ignoring the ramifications of allowing your daughters to follow a man who will become a wanted criminal in the international community. I intend to help a lot of people, but I will make an enemy out of virtually every Aristocraft and Noble who prioritizes themselves over their people. You do not want-"

Even before he had finished his words, Vahn could see both women more than prepared to rebut him. Before either had the chance, however, Asuna pulled on his sleeve, her heterochromatic eyes showing a considerable amount of worry as she asked, "You are leaving...?"

As the youngest among the four, Asuna was the least affected by the 'programming' that seemed to influence the other three. Despite only two weeks passing, she had already started to open her heart after witnessing so many new things. The only thing she did prior to Vahn's arrival was spend all her time reading and studying, rarely even speaking unless she was confused about something.

Vahn, admittedly, had a soft spot in his heart for the doll-like girl, and, knowing her future, he had actually been tempted to take her with him. So long as she was at his side, Cosmo Entelecheia was bound to come chasing after him, making it a lot easier to bait them out. This would make a lot of things easier, but, from the moment he became her protector, he basically became responsible for the fate of the entire Magical World. There was even a chance that her powerful fate was the reason behind the mothers' decision to entrust their daughters with him, a man who they knew very little about other than his affinity with the Elements...

Seeing Vahn hesitate to answer, Asuna's expression became downcast, her hand dropping from his sleeve as she lightly muttered, "I am not hungry...excuse me..."

Without waiting for permission to leave, Asuna attempted to hop up from her seat, seemingly very upset by the sudden revelation. The last two weeks had been very fun, and, though she had never expected Vahn and Medusa to stay forever, knowing they would soon leave filled her with emotions she didn't know how to express...

Before Asuna could get more than a few steps, Vahn lightly shook his head, a wry smile on his face as his figure vanished from where he had been sitting. In the next moment, he appeared in front of Asuna, who, based on the expression on her face, wanted to rage more than she wanted to cry.

Seeing someone bar her passage, Asuna's brows furrowed deeply, but, before she could lash out, a confused, "Meow...?" echoed in the room as a handsome cat obscured her vision. This was the same Embercat Vahn had created in the Hellas Empire, now looking nearly twice as large as before. It, like the other Lesser Elementals, now resided in a gemstone Vahn had created to serve as both a house and a catalyst for their power. All Spirits had the inherent ability to possess items, and, as one of the best catalysts for magic, enchanted gemstones were their preferred choice.

Though she was still upset, Asuna eventually grabbed the Embercat that was nearly as long as she was tall. This would have been very uncomfortable for a normal cat, but, seemingly understanding the reason it had been called out, the Embercat just gave a light mewl before releasing a steady and surprisingly loud purr...

Observing the Embercat behaving so obediently, Medusa's expression became conflicted as the image of a certain blue-haired Vanargandr popped up in her mind. This caused a sigh to escape her lips, drawing almost every set of eyes in the room toward her as she said, "Master, just say yes. You will be more worried if you leave her behind...I'm sorry for being selfish..."

Understanding what Medusa must be thinking, Vahn repressed a sigh as he ruffled Asuna's hair and said, "Let's return to the dinner table. You don't have to eat, but we're going to be discussing some very important things. You can keep Ember with you, okay?"

Though she understood Vahn was trying to coax her, Asuna also knew that things were headed in a positive direction. He hadn't expressly stated he would take her with him, but, based on the flow of the conversation, there was a fair chance this would be the penultimate outcome. This gave her an empty feeling in her heart, as she didn't really want to leave her mother behind, but, remembering life before Vahn's arrival, she didn't want to return to how things were. The most ideal outcome was for Vahn to just stay with them forever, but, knowing he had a much greater purpose, she couldn't insist he abandon the world just to appease her own selfish desires...

---

After coaxing Asuna back into her seat, Vahn discussed, in no uncertain terms, what he had planned during his travels. He was going to travel through all the Sacred Lands to nourish a new generation of Great Elemental Spirits, and, depending on the circumstances, he may very well enter violent and bloody conflicts with various countries. These were things unsuitable for children to bear witness to, but, seemingly unperturbed, Ana simply stated that the protection of the Magical World had always been the main duty of the Ostian Royal Family.

Ana argued that, with a war on the horizon, it was impossible for Arika and Asuna to avoid conflict and bloodshed. Arika, in particular, would have held the responsibility of acting as an intermediary in an attempt to bring the war to an end. She would have been a fifteen-year-old girl trying to keep two Superpowers from colliding, an impossible feat even for Ana herself. Unless she found powerful allies to support her, she was predestined to face many hardships while trying to argue her case in the Megalomesembrian Senate and the Imperial Court. There was little chance either side would do anything to harm her, but, as the war waged on, it was bound to cause her great mental duress.

As someone who knew the history of Mundus Magicus, Vahn understood things were even worse than Ana assumed. There was a considerable amount of truth behind her words, but, what she had no means to account for was the existence of Cosmo Entelecheia. They had yet to reveal themselves to the world, so, until he or Ala Alba managed to expose them, they would continue to threaten the very existence of the Magical World. Evan Vahn had no way of determining exactly who their agents were, as there were plenty of powerful people doing shady things, so he could only bait them out in the hopes of exposing their true colors.

Though his ultimate goal was to find and rescue Eva, Vahn knew she would not be able to rest until the Mage of the Beginning and Cosmo Entelecheia were completely wiped out. She was one of the few people that knew the truth about them, so, by provoking the evil organization, there was a fair chance Eva would seek him out. If not, he would wipe out all of Cosmos Entelecheia by himself, and, if necessary, the Mage of the Beginning as well. Eventually, Eva was bound to reveal herself as there was simply no way she would be absent for the final confrontation against her most hated enemy.

With this in mind, Vahn guided the conversation towards a conclusion, looking direct at Arika as he asked, "What do you want to do?"

As she had largely been excluded from the discussion, much to her chagrin, Arika was momentarily at a loss when she heard Vahn's sudden question. She had actually already made up her mind after realizing the direction of the conversation, but, not wanting to sound too eager, she remained silent for nearly a full minute before answering, "I want to see the world beyond the palace walls. Even if it is filled with dangers, it is my duty to protect the world and provide aid to those in need. Ostia has been a bastion to those in need for thousands of years. However, we are limited in our capacity to accept those who require our protection. I believe it is time for us to take more proactive measures so I will meet with the Great Spirits and negotiate with those willing to listen. Together, I believe we can make this world the place our Ancestor's envisioned, a world where everyone can live in peace and harmony with the world we created together..."

Not expecting a sudden speech, it was Vahn's turn to fall silent as he allowed Arika's words to sink in. It seemed like he had already had quite an impact on her heart and mind, but, remembering she even had the conviction to crash Ostia to the ground just to prevent the destruction of the Magical World, it wasn't too surprising. Rather, Vahn's opinion of her had improved quite a bit over the last two weeks, and, though he couldn't agree with the actions her future self had made in the original timeline, it was pretty obvious history didn't account for all the variables leading to her decisions...

With his mind made up, Vahn eased Arika's growing tensions by offering an approving nod as he said, "I have said it before, but you are truly qualified to be a Queen. The path you have decided on will be wrought with difficulties, but, so long as you stay the course, you will have my support. I look forward to seeing how both you and Asuna grow during our travels. To that end, make sure you get a proper night's rest. We'll be setting out tomorrow morning, and, considering I will be training you from now on, you'll need all the energy you can spare..."

Though she didn't anticipate Vahn's final warning, Arika radiated conviction from every fiber of her being as she replied, "I will be in your care from now on...please treat us well."

(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Vahn always be picking up surrogate daughters in each Record...','Medusa is going to start molting at this rate xD...','RIP Akamatsuverse. A properly trained Arika and Asuna can conquer the entire Record with ease o_o...')

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