OLD-WORLD EXTRA-Chapter 190: Hollow

"So the guy couldn't handle the amount of Aether running through his core? You'd say he turned hollow?" Emir asked.

"Hollow? Is that what you humans call them?"

"Yeah, it's what we call those who went too far and unlocked many abilities that ranged from their specialization. At first, they would simply grow weaker, but if taken too far, this happens..."

"I see... Humans and their limitations are quite pitiful..."

"Now regarding our intruder here, I'd say you're right. Whatever runes he had written down earlier caused this, I don't have much else to add..."

"You can check his body if you wish, but I doubt you'd find anything noteworthy."

Nodding to its words, Emir turned to face Lyra.

[What do you think?]

[I agree with the guardian; there isn't much we could get out of this body...]

[I already scanned his face across the database, but I've found no matches, which could either mean that he is not of Earth or that he is simply unrecognizable.]

[DNA?]

[Useless: when someone turns hollow, their entire body mutates randomly; this includes their DNA as well.]

'So the guardian played me, huh....'

[...Speaking of, Aria has my DNA all over her; can we do something about that?]

[Yes... I could alter them in the hospital records so the ones on Aria wouldn't match with yours, and I'll pin on it someone else with your body shape. But it's weird that you didn't plan for that; did you forget about it?]

[Not really; I just didn't care.... At the time when we'd face them in court or behind it, we'd have something over them, so I never cared about them finding out.]

[Good thinking.] She replied with a chuckle.

With their conversation over in under a second, Emir turned his attention to the guardian once again.

"You asked me previously about what happened to the Virearth-"

"Mirendra."

"My apologies, so you asked about what happened to your kin, Mirendra, but why? Do you not keep watch over your ruin?"

The guardian stayed still for a moment and turned around to face Nysandra, its face struggling to calm down.

"You wish me to watch my kin's death?! I say this once young Emir, do not mention their passing ever again!"

Emir and Lyra immediately lowered their heads.

"I apologize if I've unintentionally disrespected you; I meant no harm by it."

"........Apology accepted. Besides, if not you, then someone else would come along, and I'd have asked the same thing."

"Thank you... We've no need for anything more; we request that we take our leave."

Nodding, the guardian gestured to its left, and a shy Nysandra appeared.

She slowly raised her hand and waved them goodbye.

Lyra reciprocated while Emir raised a brow in surprise, only to follow Lyra's lead a moment later.

"Goodbye, Lady Nysandra." They said in unison.

"We're honored to meet you both."

The guardian nodded and grasped Nysandra's holographic hand as they both disappeared, returning the room to a darkened state.

'Are they some sort of couple? ...I ain't judging though.'

Emir silently wondered, only to shrug and focus back on Lyra.

[Picture?]

[Yep, I just need to look at something, and I'll have it permanently etched into my memories. Oh and I already sent it to Marcus, but he has no idea what type of arcane language that is.]

[Alright then, let's just hope that we find someone who knows about this; we can't be facing an enemy we know nothing about.]

[I couldn't agree more.]

...

-

After passing by multiple security checkpoints, Emir and Lyra reached a temporary camp, which was located right outside the ruin.

Most would've been fooled if they had heard the term 'camp' as this was nothing but.

It looked like a grand fortress, with what appeared to be 3D printed concrete of massive walls, making up a two-story building surrounded by many security details, that belonged to the Gold Leaf family.

Stopping outside the gate, they were approached by two guards, who appeared to be

celestials, at least of the Paladin rank.

"Welcome, Sir Emir, Ma'am Amanda; the young madam and Lord Auric are waiting inside

with your companions."

They both nodded and walked through the now-open gate as they were met by a house more glamorous than their own.

'The gold in their name stands for something alright~.'

They arrived at what seemed to be a living room, with multiple couches placed in a

rectangular space opposite a holoscreen.

Four people sat on said couches, the pair being Jake and Emma sitting together, while Aria and her father sat in the middle.

Noticing their arrival, their companions stood up to welcome them, but they waited for Auric

to go first, showing respect.

Emir waved at them and locked his gaze with the approaching Goldleaf.

A tough-looking man wearing a tailored suit with well-groomed blonde hair and red eyes.

Auric showed a gesture of a handshake.

Emir nodded and met his hand.

"Lord Auric."

"Emir."

"It's an honor."

"I can say the same... You've saved my lifeline, my daughter; you deserve much more than

praise."

"But before that come, sit; let's talk."

Showing a nod to Lyra, he gestured towards the couch to their right.

They complied and sat there.

And while doing so, Emir subtly glanced at Aria, who appeared to be ignoring him.

'She's shy?'

'...Don't act that way in front of your dad, at least; he'll kill me before I realize it.'

Inwardly chuckling, Emir waved towards her.

"It's nice to see you again, young madam."

Aria looked at him for a moment and then twisted her head away, her twin tails flailing all

over the place.

"Humph!"

All those around her let out suppressed chuckles; even her father didn't spare her from

embarrassment.

Her face turned red as she stomped out of the room, heading up the stairs, not before giving

Emir a single glance-something he didn't fail to notice.

'So she's really crushing on me...'

'She'll be useful.'

"Now let's get serious, Emir... Lyra." Auric stated with a serious tone.

"You both aren't on the best of terms with the 'higher-ups.' But you've done us a solid; it

doesn't matter why, but it matters that you did..."

"Furthermore, you seem to have talked to the guardian as well; did it tell you about what

happened?"

Emir nodded.

"Yes, it did, Lord. But if you wish to know more, then I'd have to ask for something in return."

Auric's warm smile gradually faded, replaced by an icy demeanor as he fixed a penetrating

gaze on Emir, his unblinking red eyes seeming to bore into him.

The room's atmosphere grew increasingly tense as Aether congregated around them.

The mounting pressure became nearly unbearable, causing Emma and Jake to shudder, their bodies visibly strained under the oppressive force.