Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess - Chapter 119

Chapter 119: Chapter 118- Rewards
Valerie instantly jumped out of the room—not wanting to appear in the same room as her fiancée this late night.

Although Austin said that he didn’t mind, Valerie replied with something that left him speechless,

‘I don’t want to appear unruly in my father-in-law’s eyes. Good night, bye.’ And to prevent Austin from feeling grumpy, she even gave a kiss on his cheek before running away.

He definitely will take revenge for that quick kiss. Just you wait, Val.

“*Ahem*”

*Click*

Opening the door, he was met by the man he was expecting.

“Were you sleeping?” The older one asked.

“Was trying. Did you need something?”

Cedric looked quite tired, and his face slightly pale, so Austin first invited him inside, and after offering him a seat, he gave him a glass of water.

“Thank you,” Cedric thanked his son, as Austin sat down across from him.

Austin waited patiently since it was apparent that the man wanted to talk about something.

After a few minutes of silence, Cedric finally began, “You remember that day…when you ran away from your birthday party because you got no gifts while your brother received numerous presents?”

Austin chuckled, “How can I forget that.” Later Valerie came chasing after him—with a present in her hand.

However, Austin was so exasperated at that time that he thought that she brought that present for Aiden, but was pitying him by giving him the present instead.

He threw away the present even without bothering to look at what she brought.

‘Truly a scumbag…’ Smiling in self-mockery, he decided to apologize to his beloved tomorrow.

“At that time…your mother actually prepared a few gifts for you. She didn’t want you to feel lonely, that’s why she named those presents from different people. However, seeing your behavior, she instead gave all the presents to Aiden.”

Austin was slightly surprised, “Are you trying to make things up or provoking me to hate her even more?”

Cedric shook his head as he muttered, “I am just relaying that your mother didn’t forget about you; rather, it was Aiden’s Shard that changed her slowly. He made her think that you have already enjoyed your portion of familial warmth.”

Austin leaned back, his brows elevated as he asked, “You do know that unless she didn’t actually have that thought, Aiden couldn’t have used his Shard to manipulate her, right?”

“I am aware, and trust me, son, I am not here to speak in support of her actions. However, as her husband, I want to apologize for whatever she has caused.”

A king he is, yet he didn’t think twice before bowing his head.

And for what? For the love of his life.

Austin can relate to that feeling…however, “Look, Father, even if I forgive her, I hardly believe she would ever see my face after what I have caused.”

With a soft sigh, he added, “What do you think, just because Aiden is gone, she will suddenly get up and embrace me? I hardly believe it.”

Although the Shard was gone, the deep-seated hatred must have left some effect on the Queen. As such, Austin believed that she was going to blame him for the rest of her life.

In his mind, Austin has already accepted the fact that he has no mother.

Not anymore.

With a soft smile, which made the man appear older than usual, Cedric muttered, “I won’t ask you anything more if you just don’t reject her if she ever approaches you with the intention of making things up.”

Austin exhaled a long breath. He didn’t think that was ever going to happen; however, seeing the tired man barely holding himself together, he couldn’t bring himself to reject it.

“Okay, I understand.”

The man soon got up and asked, “The tournament starts the day after tomorrow, right?”

Austin also got up before he nodded, “Yeah.”

“I will come to watch your matches.” The man spoke with a sense of pride in his voice. He hasn’t even congratulated his son properly for qualifying for such a grant tournament.

Austin’s brows drew closer as he said, “Don’t you have things to settle with Drenovar? Don’t waste your time on the tournament and focus on administration.”

Cedric scratched the gap between his brows as he said, “Right…Drenovar.” Looking up, he said, “I didn’t hear from you what happened back there….and you are already leaving tomorrow.” The sorrow in his voice was palpable.

Austin stepped closer to the man before resting his hand on his shoulder and said, “This is my home, father, so surely I will return. What’s the rush?”

Cedric’s eyes widened slightly as he looked at his son.

He didn’t know why, but all the stress Cedric was carrying was washed away by that single statement.

Seeing tears in his eyes, Austin smiled helplessly, before he stepped closer and hugged the man, “Now stop crying. It doesn’t suit a grown-up man.”

Cedric didn’t remember when was the last time he hugged his child.

He has already lost all his hope to ever unite this family; however…there might still be some hope.

°°°°°°°

After Cedric left, Austin sat back down on the bed.

The man seemed much like a certain someone from his past life—an old man, Luke used to meet in the evening in a park where he went for a run.

The old man was left alone by his son and daughter-in-law and used to live in an old age home.

He used to miss his family and grandchildren a lot—and since the resting bench of the park faced the city streets, he always sat there—hoping that one day maybe his son come back to meet him

However, that day never arrived and the old man died while waiting.

And today when Austin saw the King crying, he saw that old man in him.

Although he wasn’t able to do anything for the old man, at least he could try and assure his father.

‘Haah…family relations are quite complicated.’

Since it was quite late, Austin dropped the plan of meeting Valerie and changed his clothes.

Turning off the lights, he called out, ‘System, show me my rewards.’

He would be joining the tournament as an Elite and would be representing his academy.

To not embarrass himself and Valerie, Austin needs to utilize every single weapon he has in his arsenal.

[Ding!]

[Upon crossing a certain threshold in Durability, the host gets rewarded with:

[Adaptive Flesh: Heals minor injuries and enhances endurance against common poisons.]

[Note: The ability would develop with time and repetitive use.]

[Note: There is no limitation on the skill usage.]

Austin nodded in appreciation—that surely is helpful. Kinda feels like a skill belonging to a certain GOAT character.

‘Well, I hope the skill develops and heal major wounds as well…’ The enemies he would be facing surely would inflict regular damage. And overdosing on potions was not good for health.

‘Okay, next.’

[Ding!]

[Upon crossing a certain threshold in combat, the host gains:

[Berserk: Enhances host’s stats by five times.]

[Limitation: Can be used once after seven hours of complete rest.]

[Note: Skill can be upgraded to amplify the host’s stats more.]

[Note: Since the host used the skill before, the skill is locked for ten days.]

Austin’s excitement turned into surprise, as he asked, ‘What the heck with that prohibition?’

[The host used the Berserk skill at a much higher level to defeat the Great Demon; the system has to lock it so no significant damage is sustained on the Host’s body.]

Austin scratched his head—what the heck is this system?

Well, since it saved his life, Austin didn’t complain for long.

At that time, if he had lost his life, none of this would have mattered.

Heaving a sigh, he asked, ‘And the last one?’

[Ding!]

[Upon crossing a certain threshold in your overall progression, the host has gained:

[Resonant Bond: Allows host to temporarily synchronize with one’s soul and let him use their Shard.]

[Note: The difference in levels of the host and the target shouldn’t be more than one.]

[Limitation: Can only be used for three minutes]

[Limitation: Can only be used once in three days.]

[Note: The skill duration can be increased with dungeon points or the Host’s stats progression.]

“….” Austin was rendered speechless as he read the description of the skill again and again

One’s Shard is the essence of one’s soul—something that cannot be used by anyone other than to whom it belongs.

It is the basic textbook knowledge that ever awakened knows.

And here, Austin gained an ability to defy the very basic law…crazy.

‘System…so I can only sync with someone who is a level above me?’

[Indeed, host. However, there is no lower limit. The Host can sync with anyone who is on a lower level than the host.]

‘Damn….’ That was some crazy ability. Just thinking about how he could have used Drenovar’s prince’s shield against the demon, made him feel itchy all over.

‘You are the best, system!’

[Love you too, host.]

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Ayoooooo. Drop a comment.