CHAPTER 45: 45: BLESSING OF SIGHT

Liam listened to Aaron, his expression unreadable—like a calm sea concealing the storm beneath.

"What do you think will happen if a boy without power is thrown into the world of true powerhouses?" Liam asked, his tone direct, the words striking with clarity and weight.

Aaron remained silent. His lips pressed together, eyes sharp yet unreadable. Liam caught the tension and smiled faintly, almost solemnly.

"He will be used and exploited," Liam began, his voice low and steady. "He will feel overwhelmed, crushed beneath expectations, and his self-esteem will erode under the weight of those stronger than him. What do you think will happen if I came to you and told you everything about how the world really works? About the role your parents played, and the magnitude of their might? You’d be burdened, drowning in information too heavy to carry. And more than that... if you become too active, if you show yourself too much, you’ll draw the attention of your parents’ enemies—those who still covet their wealth, power, and legacy."

Aaron’s gaze darkened slightly.

"So staying away was your best way of protecting me?" he asked, voice calm but sharp with emotion.

Liam gave a slow nod. "You might see it as a flaw, and maybe it is. But at the time... it was the best option we had. What none of us foresaw, though, was that even when you’re removed from every dealing your parents were involved in—when you’re kept in the shadows, far away from the spotlight—they would still come for you."

Aaron inhaled deeply.

"That was my doing. I broke the status quo. I decided to control what’s rightfully mine," he said, eyes gleaming with resolve. "And I’ll do it again. And again. I don’t care who they are—I won’t remain humble and hidden while they take and destroy as they like."

Liam folded his arms, the corners of his lips lifting ever so slightly. "That so? Then I take it you’ve already made your decision. And you’re asking me... not to inform me, but to know which side I’m on."

Aaron nodded firmly. "Indeed. Will you continue sitting on the fence... or choose to stand against me as an enemy?"

There was a beat of silence before Liam answered, his voice laced with conviction.

"Your parents were more than just teachers to me. They were heroes, saviors, role models. I owe them more than words can express. I will stand by your side—as long as you continue to walk the righteous path."

Aaron turned his head slightly.

"What about you?" he asked, directing his question into the shadows where Joseph lingered.

A rough chuckle slipped out from the hidden figure.

"Heh... as long as you act without fear and don’t tarnish my master’s image, I might just acknowledge you. But don’t get it twisted—I’m not on your side. Not even close," Joseph said, stepping forward from the darkness. "My loyalty is fickle. If you fail and sully their name, I will be the first one to gladly come for your neck."

Aaron stared at him, not flinching. "Very well then. I’ll head to school—to bide my time and grow stronger. And once I’m done... the first thing I’ll do is reclaim everything that belonged to my parents—including the Abyss Guild."

The bold declaration hit like thunder. Joseph and Liam froze in place, caught off guard by the sheer audacity of his words.

"Oi... you best forget about that guild," Liam said, stepping forward, his voice heavy with concern. "The Lightning God has already taken over as guild master. There’s no way you’re getting that back."

Aaron’s tone remained calm, almost dismissive. "He was only meant to manage it—until I was old enough and strong enough to take over. That time is coming soon. So there’s nothing wrong with what I intend."

Liam tried again, this time more insistent. "That guild brings in enormous wealth, fame, and connections. He won’t just hand it over. You’ll be facing a battle you can’t win. I expected you to want back what your parents built—but this madness of trying to take everything, even the impossible, that’s beyond what I imagined."

Aaron’s eyes narrowed.

"If he doesn’t give it up willingly, then I’ll take it by force. Simple as that."

Liam’s expression grew tense. "You don’t understand just how powerful he is. He’s a demigod. The strongest candidate to become the first god of the Blue Star. His growth rate is—"

"Who said his growth rate is unparalleled?" Aaron interrupted sharply, rising to his feet. "Just because you haven’t seen anyone faster doesn’t mean he’s unmatched. I’ll show you all what true, unparalleled growth looks like. Soon."

Joseph let out a loud laugh.

"You’re crazy. Completely insane... but somehow, I love that madness," he grinned. "I’m looking forward to seeing just how far you’ll go."

Aaron turned to both of them, waving a hand.

"Consider your options carefully. Soon, I’ll be making a big move. If you’re unsure where you stand... it’s best you stay on the fence."

Without waiting for a reply, Aaron walked away, heading back to his hotel for one final rest before his departure from the Sanctuary.

---

"Good to see you again. I trust you’re both prepared?" Ryder greeted them as they arrived at the departure site.

"I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t," Aaron replied, arms crossed tightly over his chest. There was no room left for patience—he was more than ready to leave.

"Haha. Then let’s get going. I received our approval letter—we’re cleared to leave," Ryder said cheerfully. "We’ll be taking my humble car. It’ll be a cramped, tiring ride considering how far we have to go... I hope you both don’t mind."

With the final words exchanged and preparations complete, the three of them boarded the vehicle and began their journey—leaving the Sanctuary behind just as they had come.

As they passed through the Sanctuary’s outer border, Aaron felt a strange sensation brush against his consciousness.

A mental force—quiet, sneaky, and invasive—attempted to breach his mind and rewrite his memories of the Sanctuary. A protective barrier to ensure outsiders remembered nothing.

But it failed.

Aaron’s hybrid senses flared up instantly, and his sharp mind caught the intrusion. With sheer willpower, he resisted the mental assault, holding firm and keeping all his memories intact—the route, the location, the truths of the Sanctuary.

Not that it mattered.

He had already anchored the coordinates within his sanctuary space. He could return anytime he wanted. Rose would always be within reach.

It was one of the reasons he didn’t mind leaving her behind.

"Hmm? You resisted it too?" Aaron asked, glancing at Nathan and Alice.

Alice, sure. She was a walking cheat code—an OP human blessed by the universe itself. It made sense.

But Nathan?

There was nothing visibly special about him. Nothing that explained why he could resist a memory-wipe attack from a demigod.

Nathan chuckled. "Haha... I was warned not to mention this, but just like Alice, I have the universe’s blessing too. The Blessing of Sight."

Aaron rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, right. Blessing of Sight—for someone who can’t even use his eyes," he scoffed. He wasn’t an idiot. He had investigated Nathan and discovered the truth: Nathan was blind.

Nathan simply smiled.

"There’s only so much our two eyes can see. In truth, our eyes limit what we’re able to perceive."