TFSAWE - Chapter 241: Recovery (Patreon)

As Aslan slowly opened his eyes within the cave, he had no need to grope for memories lingering in his consciousness like a human. Instead, he raised his hand and murmured words in a language unknown to this realm.

In response, a crimson magical energy began to swirl around his body, transforming into shapes reminiscent of characters. Soon, it started spinning rapidly. After observing it for a while, Aslan rose to his feet.

"It seems the recovery is complete."

In truth, it was more of a restoration than a recovery. His power remained intact, but he had to constantly suppress the force that sought to break through the seal in order to maintain his human appearance.

In order to return to his original world, Aslan had to conserve his power, so he sealed his true form. If he were to freely unleash his power now, it could jeopardize the integrity of the seal.

"But I must prevent that."

Since being trapped in this world, Aslan had only one goal: to return to where he belonged.

To the demons, the place of my birth holds a deeper significance than the homeland of humans. Everything about Aslan is tied to the place of his birth. It's not about having family or relatives like humans do. The place of my birth is the source of my power. I was born with great strength from the beginning. Even in places other than my own world, I remain formidable.

"Heksa must know that and be causing a commotion."

To Heksa, Aslan in this realm was like an ownerless treasure that had fallen before him. A tremendous power that he could never dream of approaching in the original world. If he could handle it well, imagine how elated he would be.

Aslan's face hardened as he thought about tearing that arrogant bastard apart.

"Why is this happening?"

He felt vibrations of power transcending space. As Aslan drew a circular shape in the air, a portal connecting to another world appeared. Soon, something floated there, revealing its form.

"Is it responding?"

What appeared from beyond the portal was a stone tablet inscribed with the contract he had made with the Saint. The things he demanded were written, but what she desired remained empty, causing it to tremble slightly. It possessed such immense power that even the fabric of space and time distorted around it with just its slight tremors. Aslan stuck out his tongue and then grabbed the stone tablet with his hand.

With a buzzing sound, a fierce wind spread around him. After a while, the trembling of the tablet ceased, and it obediently remained in his hand.

Aslan gazed at it intently. The moment he grasped it, he could discern its nature. The stone tablet responds to both contracts. Aslan had already written down what he desired and asked for nothing more. Therefore, the fact that the tablet was currently responding meant that the Saint wanted to fill the empty space.

Now that his body had also recovered, it was clear that he had to return to Lina as soon as possible. After sending the stone tablet back through the portal, he turned his head.

"Hey, human. Right now."

As Aslan turned around, his face contorted. There was no sign of Iris anywhere in the cave.

Did she ignore my words and run away? On the verge of exploding with anger, Aslan searched for any trace of Iris within the cave.

The cave was neatly arranged, creating a pleasant living space within. It had been several days since I had last been here. Judging by the rearranged stones and the tidiness of the grass, it didn't seem like it was finished in just one or two days. Aslan turned her head and noticed something placed beside the spot where I had been lying. Ripe tree fruits were resting on the leaves.

"Well, what is this?"

It reminded me of something I received when a tribe of primitive humans referred to me as a god thousands of years ago. Aslan looked around a bit more. From the remaining traces, it seemed like Iris hadn't left here long ago.

Moreover, seeing the tidiness of the surroundings suggested that she intended to return. Considering this, Aslan realized there was no need to wait any longer and ventured outside the cave.

Should I use magic to locate her? Aslan pondered, and just as she did, she sensed a human presence not far from the cave.

However, Aslan's expression soon hardened. It wasn't just one presence she sensed.

"How bothersome."

Thinking that, Aslan focused and used magic. She had to put in a bit of effort to ensure that he wouldn't easily detect her magical power. Soon, Aslan traversed space.

And now, she found herself staring at the man who lay there, helpless and dumbfounded.

Other humans were of no consequence to her, regardless of who they were. But why was that damn little black bastard, who should be guarding the saint in the cathedral, here? And in such a sorry state!

There was no need to ask; she could tell that something unpleasant had happened. Even so, if he had been by the saint's side, protecting her, Aslan would have praised him. It seemed the little bastard had probably lost his master.

Anger erupted rapidly within Aslan.

Something had happened to Lina.

As soon as she realized it, her composure was shattered even more easily than a spider's web.

Aslan immediately grabbed Latvan by the collar.

"Commander!"

"Stop!"

The temple knights standing nearby quickly drew their swords, but that was as far as they got. They suddenly felt a pressure akin to chains constricting their bodies.

"Stay silent, all of you."

At Aslan's chilly words, they broke into a cold sweat. At first, they had thought she was just another sorcerer. But they felt an even stronger intimidation than any spell they had encountered before.

This wasn't a power that sorcerers who borrowed strength from demons could possess. It was clear that it was a presence in itself, a being of magic power. Furthermore, it was overwhelmingly powerful, to the point where it could subjugate the knights of the temple with just a glance.

In the midst of this standoff between Aslan and the knights, Iris trembled uncontrollably, unable to take a breath. The forces surrounding her were too strong for her to withstand.

As Aslan seemed about to slaughter all the knights, a sense of horror paralyzed Iris, rendering her unable to move a single finger.

Amidst the frozen atmosphere, Aslan spoke.

"Where is Lina? What happened?"

Certainly, under normal circumstances, Latvan wouldn't have been lifted so easily by Aslan. But Latvan offered no resistance as he let Aslan grasp his collar. This only further upset Aslan. Latvan's appearance seemed as if he admitted his guilt.

"The saint suddenly lost all her holy power. News arrived that a new saint appeared, and Carl used her forces to try to harm the saint. That's why I accompanied her and left the cathedral. And now, the saint is with Prince Leon."

At those words, Aslan released her grip on Latvan as if she didn't need to hear any more.

"At least that damn little bastard is doing a good job of protecting my master."

Latvan pressed his lips together, unable to utter a word. Aslan's words were correct. Aslan raised her hand toward the sky. Around her hand, an even greater magical power began to gather than ever before.

"Now, I can no longer indulge in human games. I've endured enough."

It should have been like this from the beginning. Aslan didn't understand the rules of humans. He couldn't get enough of his promised mate and the love that came with it.

In response to the explosive and tremendous magical power, a distant howl from Heksa could be heard.