Alicization Twisted

Chapter 40

<Kirito's PoV>

We entered a huge library like cathedral and all went into the centre where the small girl waited for us. In fact I analysed her and found her age to be over 200 years. I was surprised that she still looked like a minor. "Stop analysing my age. It's rude" She says looking at me and I was stunned. She can detect my magic that easily? No one can... apart from my father who gave me these powers.

"Why did you save us?" Eugeo spoke up and the girl just smiled and opened a portal. We drew our swords expecting soldiers to race through but it was not to be the case. Instead it was Yui...

"Mommy! Daddy!" She said and ran to the pair of us and gave us a tight hug. I was shocked and Asuna was relieved and in tears. "How?" I ask. "I was supposed to be the pontifex right hand woman but of course things went south. But I still know secret passages across the place. After all I made them" She says and walks towards a seating area to the far left.

We all follow her and sit in seats facing her. Yui sat on my lap while Asuna sat holding my arm. She did seem a bit tired.

"Well my name is Cardinal. And don't bother with your names. I already know them" She says. I had to admit she seemed rather full of herself but at least she had the heart to save us.

"So again... why did you save us?" Alice asked.

"Well I'm sure you guys know that the pontifex is no longer an alliance for humans?" She says.

"What do you mean by that?" Eugeo asks.

"She's working with Kazuto's father and working on a mass exodus of the human population to begin anew. She plans to make people/goblins. An army to conquer other neighbouring countries" Cardinal says and that sends us into silence. Now I understood all the brainwashing of the knights. They only have one goal and that is to round up threats and extermination. But why did my father give up my sister so easily? Was it to bait and catch me?

"So I saved you because I know about Goddess Stacia and her plans for you Asuna" Cardinal says. Everyone turns their heads to Asuna who looked down in guilt. I held her hand and gave her a reassuring look and she smiled. She let out a huge sigh and cleared her throat.

"Yes... she wants me to take up her powers and train with her for a year and be ready for this war. I have some relation to her and apparently I'm the only one who can withstand her power" Asuna says and all of us were amazed.

"Who knew you're a descendant of a Goddess!" Eugeo says impressed. "But of course you will have to wed one of the royals in order produce further heirs" Cardinal says and that catches me off guard and so does Asuna.

"What! But can't I chose my husband?" Asuna says looking at me in worry. I sigh. I knew eventually the things I love always have to leave me. This is just great. But for the sake of the world it had to be done. If my plan fails then Asuna's powers will be the one to save the Earth.

"Nope. Stacia didn't have a choice either. Her father was a very stubborn man. And your husband is one of royal blood. Once you decide to join Stacia the wedding shall take place" Cardinal says.

"No! Then I choose not to go to Stacia! I'm not marrying some stranger just for the sake of power" Asuna says.

"My dear girl! Your power is what the whole world is waiting for. It's the saviour of mankind! You must take this chance. Otherwise we are all doomed" Cardinal says and that's when a huge gush of wind spread around the library and a bright white figure approached us.

"Speak of the devil" Alice says.

"Why hello. Cardinal. Asuna" It was a Goddess like figure that stood before us. All of us stood up in awe at the sight of Stacia.

"Goddess!" Asuna says and bows and receives a pat on her head.

"It is time Asuna. I need your decision now. The groom awaits as well" Stacia says.

"Wait! I don't want to marry him! I choose Kirito" Asuna says pointing towards me.

"Asuna... I really do love you. And I never want to let go of you but... I won't be coming with you, Eugeo and Alice for training in the holy lands" I say and everyone looks up at me.

"Kirito why?" Asuna says.

"First. I'm a person with dark powers and born in the dark territory. So my presence alone won't be welcome. And secondly. My goal was to save my sister and now that I'm this close to her I can't walk away. I'm sorry..." I say looking down. She then runs and hugs me and I could feel her tears wet my clothes.

"Kazuto Kirigaya... if it wasn't for my fathers rules. I would welcome you with open arms into the holy lands but Asuna... this fate. Fate of the world lies on this one year where you will bear my power and hopefully produce an heir after the end of the war" Stacia says.

"Can't you abolish your fathers rules!" Asuna shouts at Stacia.

"I'm sorry... but if you try and escape the wedding you will be killed by the grooms family for humiliation. It's almost happened before" Stacia says.

"To who?" Alice asks.

"Me" Stacia says.

"Then... I will wed. I will take on your power. But make sure by the end I'm with Kirito. Otherwise I will escape and I willing to risk my life to get Kirito back to me!" Asuna says.

"I will go with Asuna and stick by her and make sure she spends little amount of time with her fake husband" Eugeo says.

"I'll propose a better thing. I'll postpone this wedding until after a year when you have mastered my power. And by then I will force Kazuto into the holy lands and he can take you away" Stacia says and I was quite surprised a goddess like her thought the way she did.

"Ok how am I to do that? And depends if I make it alive till then!" I say.

"Kirito kun! You will be Alive! I will come straight back to you after that year! I promise" Asuna says.

"I will stick with Kirito and also provide updates to Asuna about how things are going" Alice says.

"Ok... well in that case. I will make it happen that Asuna to return to Kirito after a year. I will cancel this wedding" Stacia says.

"But you can't your majesty! The spouses family will be sure to come after her!" Cardinal says.

"I will find another girl suited to the husband don't worry. But Asuna he will try and flirt with you" Stacia says.

"Don't worry. I'll drive him away. I'll act like Asuna's protective brother" Eugeo says.

"Very well... I will let you two freshen up before we head to the holy lands" Stacia says and watches Eugeo, Yui, Asuna and Alice head upstairs to the bath.

"Stacia your highness... I hope this mission goes well but I would personally avoid this hassle" Cardinal says. "It's a shame you never felt true love Cardinal! But you must understand. That Asuna is deeply in love with this boy. And I don't want her fate to be like mine and to be forced" Stacia says.

"Well apart from love. Kazuto might not even be alive by that point so your efforts will have gone to waste" Cardinal says.

"What does she mean boy?" Stacia looks at me.

"I plan on being the vessel for the Devil"

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Sorry for this wait... again