Oath [BL; Book 2]

73

Xiao swung low sweeping the ruin guards feet. He slammed his spear into its eye deep into its core until the mechanical being buzzed and shut down. It was defeated, but it wasn't over. "Haa.." tired, he exhaled only to quickly recover when a ruin grader came charging in. "!" He leaped up dodging and came does striking his spear into the earth. Spears burst from the ground dealing sufficient damage, but it wasn't enough.

Upon landing he darted eight for its weak shins that glowed after it stomped its heavy foot down. Hitting the glow the grader twitched and whirred falling to its knee. Xiao took the opportunity to jumped right up finishing this one off too. Striking its eye the grader was defeated. With a chance to breath he calmed himself, no time. Xiao ducked swiftly dodging the swing of a long arm and used his spear to reflect a powerful beam.

Landing on his feet easily he heard a shout that got his attention, but by the time he could focus back on the battle he turned his head seeing only the bright light of a beam.

The explosion was loud, birds flew from trees.

Aether raised his brow looking in the direction feeling it was something to check out as he poured tea for Xianyun who sat patiently waiting. "Did you hear that?" He now poured his own tea and sat down.

"It is of no concern. One can confirm the sound was merely coincidental. You have nothing to worry of here Aether, you are safe." She sipped her tea as he smiled doing so too.

"I-I know that, but what if-"

"Hm."

"What?" Aether tilted his head questioning why she stared at him now.

"The floating gluttonous pit, where is it?"

"Huh? F-floating?" He was confused, "Gluttonous... does she mean Paimon?" So he asked, "You mean Paimon?"

"Hmph!" It was clear they still had beef so he laughed and answered,

"She's somewhere around. Probably off trying to find a snack to eat."

"Suitable, one prefers the silent company of your presence. Aether, are you hungry? Is there anything you would like to eat? One will prepare you a meal."

"Ah, um?" He tilted his head, "Why is she asking? Do I look hungry?" Feeling a bit bad he shook his head, "I'll be okay, Paimon and I had some snacks before coming here."

"One cannot stress enough, your health is of utmost importance. Should you feel such hunger, be not afraid to inform one of your need." She crossed her arms insisting, "One is more than happy to help."

"Haha, thank you. I guess I am hungry." He sighed admitting so, "You don't have to though, we'll find something to eat."

"One insisted, one shall keep her word. Simply state your tastes."

"Hm.. I'm not sure."

"Is there nothing you crave?"

"Ahhh, now that you mention it I do want some almond tofu." He now wondered why, "Maybe I've been eating it too often? Guess I got used to it."

"Understood, one shall prepare your dish, wait here."

"Hehe~ thank you!" He grinned excited to taste what hers was like. "Everyone makes it differently. I've been told before mine is too sweet, but Xiao likes it so I never changed how I made it. Yanxiao is a great chef too! Ah, I should ask him to make me something next time." Within a few moments she brought out a hefty plate for him. "Th-that was quick."

"One had a feeling you would request almond tofu, one prepared the dish ahead of time to satisfy your hunger quickly."

"Oh, haha. Thank you, Xianyun!" She was motherly, often offering him food or a place to stay. She even offered a listening ear should he need it.