Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 241

Chapter 241: Poor Ivan

Aiden sighed deeply, rubbing his temples as he felt a headache forming. “Why do they always choose the hard way?” he muttered to himself.

Nexus’s expression darkened, her golden eyes flaring with a dangerous light. [I gave you a chance, but it seems you’re too stupid to take it.] She raised her hand, and with a mere thought, an immense pressure descended upon the young master and his servants, pinning them to the ground.

The young master’s face contorted in fear as he realized he was utterly powerless. His arrogance vanished in an instant, replaced by terror. “W-What is this? Release me at once!” he demanded, though his voice wavered.

Aiden glanced at Nexus, a small smirk playing on his lips. “Seems like someone needs a lesson in humility.”

Nexus didn’t respond immediately, instead, she stepped closer to the young master, who was struggling futilely against the invisible force holding him down. [You seem to think you’re important, but in reality, you’re nothing more than an ant beneath my feet.]

With a flick of her wrist, Nexus sent a shockwave through the air, blasting the young master and his servants several meters away, where they crashed into the ground with a loud thud. The impact left them groaning in pain, barely able to move.

Aiden walked over to the fallen young master, crouching down to meet his panicked gaze. “Next time, when someone gives you a chance to walk away, take it. Otherwise, you’ll end up worse than this.”

The young master, now trembling with fear, could only nod weakly, his previous bravado completely shattered.

Nexus watched the scene with a satisfied smile before turning to Aiden. [Shall we continue?]

“Yeah, let’s get out of here before more idiots show up,” Aiden agreed, standing up and brushing off his clothes. He didn’t bother looking back as they left the defeated group behind, continuing on their way through Skyfire City.

As they walked away, Nexus glanced at Aiden with a playful smirk. [You know, you didn’t have to be so gentle with them.]

Aiden chuckled. “I figured you had enough fun already. Besides, no need to make a bigger scene than we already did.”

[True, but it was still entertaining,] Nexus replied, her earlier annoyance replaced by her usual lightheartedness.

Aiden and Nexus continued through the bustling streets of Skyfire City, the earlier confrontation already fading from their minds. The attention they had garnered was still palpable, with people whispering and casting glances their way, but Aiden paid no mind. His focus was on reaching the hotel and getting a moment of peace.

Finally, they arrived at a grand, luxurious building that towered over the surrounding structures. The hotel was one of the finest in the city, known for catering to cultivators of high status. Aiden had chosen it not only for its comfort but also for the privacy it offered—a crucial factor considering the attention Nexus drew.

As they entered the hotel lobby, the staff immediately recognized them, especially Nexus, whose ethereal presence caused a stir. The manager quickly approached them, bowing deeply.

“Welcome back, honored guests. Your suite has been prepared as per your request,” the manager said with a polite smile.

Aiden nodded in acknowledgment. “Thank you. We’ll head up now.”

The manager gestured to a nearby attendant, who promptly led them to the elevator. Within moments, they were on their way to the top floor, where their suite awaited.

Once inside, Aiden let out a sigh of relief, finally able to relax. The suite was spacious, with elegant furnishings and a panoramic view of the city. Nexus walked over to the large windows, gazing out at the lights of Skyfire City below.

[This city is quite lively, isn’t it?] she mused, her tone soft as she admired the view.

“Yeah, it has its charm,” Aiden replied, loosening his collar as he took a seat on one of the plush sofas. “But we won’t be here for long.”

Nexus turned to face him, a curious expression on her face. [So, what’s the plan?]

Aiden leaned back, resting his arms on the back of the sofa as he contemplated their next steps. “We will be on our way after gathering information similar to the phenomenon like this , but after that encounter today, I think it’s best if we lay low for a bit. Too many eyes are on us now.”

[Agreed,] Nexus said, sitting down beside him. [We need to be careful. The Skyfire isn’t something that pops out like mushroom after an rain, there can lots of false information, Rumours just to increase their city popularity like this one.]

Aiden nodded. “I was thinking we could use this time to gather more information about the area. There might be other treasures or useful resources nearby that we can take advantage of.”

[And after that?] Nexus asked, her eyes gleaming with interest.

“Once we’re done here, we’ll head to the Dreamer Path Sect,” Aiden said decisively. “I need to increase my cultivation, and that sect is known for its easy going methods. After I’ve grown stronger, we can start searching for Serina and Shelly.”

Nexus smiled, pleased with the plan. [Sounds like a solid strategy. But you know, we’ll need to be prepared for anything. The more powerful we become, the more enemies we’ll attract.]

Aiden smirked, his eyes filled with determination. “Let them come. We’ve faced worse before, and we’ll face worse again. As long as we stick to the plan, we’ll be fine.”

Nexus leaned back, content with his confidence. [Then it’s settled. We’ll start by gathering information and resources. Once we’ve secured the Skyfire and possibly more shards, we’ll move on to the next phase.]

Aiden stood up, stretching his arms as he prepared to retire for the night. “For now, let’s get some rest. We have a lot to do tomorrow.”

Nexus nodded, watching as Aiden made his way to the bedroom. [Good night, Aiden.]

The next morning, Aiden emerged from his room, rubbing his eyes and feeling the remnants of sleep clinging to him. He noticed Nexus sitting by the window, her gaze fixed on the bustling city below. The early light bathed her in a soft glow, making her appear even more ethereal.

“You didn’t sleep?” Aiden asked, his voice still groggy as he approached her.

[No, I can’t sleep, actually. It’s one thing I might regret in this life of mine,] she replied, her tone carrying a hint of wistfulness.

Aiden frowned, puzzled by her words. “Why can’t you sleep?”

[So that I can monitor you all the time while you slowly assimilate with the cube and harness all its powers,] Nexus explained.

“Assimilate? So that’s what happened last time,” Aiden said, recalling the time back in Celestaria when he had suddenly felt lethargic, his body washed by cosmic energies, allowing him to acquire more power over time. He realized now that this process was meant to continue, gradually enhancing his abilities.

“Does it hurt?” Aiden asked, concern evident in his voice as he approached Nexus, sitting down beside her.

[No, pfft~ Have you forgotten? I wasn’t a human like you. I’m… well, I’m just a spirit, a genie, or an Artifact Spirit that was created by the cube. I’m not even a living being, not truly. I don’t even know if I have a soul,] she replied with a chuckle, but Aiden could see the pain hidden behind her golden eyes.

“It’s okay, Nexus. You don’t have to act all brave. Just say what’s on your mind, what’s in your heart,” he said gently, rubbing her back in an attempt to comfort her.

[Believe me, I have many times. I’ve contemplated all of this, but as I’ve watched your journey, I felt this excitement. I’d rather watch every second of your journey than sleep and miss any part of it,] she replied with a soft smile, a genuine expression that showed she truly enjoyed being by his side.

Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, Aiden let go of his worry. “I’ll just go and freshen up,” he said, standing up to leave.

Nexus watched him walk away, her gaze lingering on his back as she mumbled softly to herself, [Just seeing you alive and well, and watching you grow, is enough for me, Aiden.] She sighed contentedly and returned her focus to the city below, taking in the sights and sounds with a serene expression.

After some time, Aiden returned to the room, feeling refreshed and ready for the day. Nexus, who had been lost in thought by the window, turned to him with a spark of excitement in her eyes.

[I thought of a way to find the Shards,] she said, as Aiden settled into the sofa opposite her, about to order some food.

“What way?” Aiden asked, his fingers already tapping on the menu screen. “What do you want to eat?”

[Anything good,] Nexus replied casually before adding, [How about you use the Chronicle of Providence on everyone you meet and see if they encounter any Shard in the future?]

Aiden paused for a moment, considering her suggestion, then nodded slowly. “But you know, Ivan said it hurts like hell?” he reminded her, his voice carrying a note of concern.

“I can’t let the people I know go through that same pain,” Aiden continued, his tone resolute.

[That’s why I thought you should use it on all the villains you encounter here,] Nexus suggested. [There are many Shards, and at some point, at least one of them might find a Shard, you know.]

Aiden mulled over her words, realizing the logic in her plan. Using the Chronicle of Providence on those who would do harm could provide him with the information he needed without endangering those he cared about.