Chapter 537: Progression [2]
Arthur paused in his preparations, reaching out through the telepathic bond that connected him to all his summons. His mental voice carried the weight of his concern as he contacted Neko.
Neko, how is Charlotte’s treatment progressing?
The response came immediately, tinged with Neko’s blend of loyalty and straightforward honesty.
The procedure is still in progress. Jasmine has been working continuously without rest. Her dedication is... impressive for a human.
Arthur’s jaw tightened slightly. The vague nature of the update did little to ease the knot of anxiety that had been growing in his chest since the operation started.
Do you have any estimate on timing? How much longer will the treatment take?
There was a brief pause before Neko’s mental voice returned.
I do not know, Master. I wanted to ask for more specific information, but Jasmine specifically requested no interruptions during the healing process. She said that any distraction could compromise the delicate operation she’s performing.
Arthur’s fists clenched involuntarily. The rational part of his mind understood that complex medical procedures required absolute focus, especially when dealing with something as serious as Charlotte’s condition. But the emotional side of him—the part that had watched his sister suffer for so long—demanded more information, more certainty, more control over a situation that remained frustratingly beyond his influence.
Is Charlotte stable? Any changes in her condition?
She appears peaceful, Master. Her breathing is steady, and the magical energies Jasmine is channelling seem to be having some positive effect. But the process is... complex. There are layers to what Jasmine is doing that I cannot fully comprehend.
The admission carried weight. Neko possessed instincts and supernatural perception that often allowed her to understand things that escaped normal observation. If even she couldn’t grasp the full scope of Jasmine’s healing work, it spoke to the intricate nature of what was being attempted.
Arthur forced himself to take a deep breath, pushing down the urge to abandon his leveling plans and return immediately to Charlotte’s side. The equipment he’d distributed to his allies, the strategic preparations he’d made—all of it would be meaningless if he allowed emotion to override tactical necessity.
Continue monitoring the situation closely, he instructed Neko. If there are any significant changes—positive or negative—contact me immediately.
Understood, Master. I will not let any harm come to her.
The absolute certainty in Neko’s mental voice provided some measure of comfort.
Despite her laziness, Neko’s protective instincts were legendary, and her supernatural luck made her an ideal guardian. If anyone could ensure Charlotte’s safety during this critical period, it was Neko.
Arthur severed the mental connection, but the conversation had done little to ease his underlying tension.
Charlotte’s treatment was progressing, but without concrete timelines or detailed updates, he was left to trust in Jasmine’s expertise whilst he pursued the next evolution.
Charlotte needed him to be stronger. Otherwise, she would get hurt once again and he would be unable to protect her.
Arthur’s spatial talent flickered involuntarily, reality bending slightly around him as his emotional state influenced his powers. He forced himself back into mental discipline, pushing the anxiety into a controlled compartment where it couldn’t compromise his judgment.
The leveling had to proceed. Level 25 and domain awakening would provide capabilities that could protect Charlotte, Earth, and everyone else he cared about far more effectively than his current limitations allowed.
Arthur reached into his robes, his fingers finding the small, warm form of Aetherion nestled within the fabric folds.
As he gently lifted the void dragon out, tiny gem eyes caught the light like miniature stars.
Aether’s void-black eyes immediately sparkled with mischief as he emerged, his kitten-sized head tilting adorably to one side. A miniature grin spread across his draconic features, revealing tiny pearl-white teeth that somehow managed to look both fearsome and endearing simultaneously.
"Hehe, Master found me!" Aether chirped with delight.
Aether was like a child who’d been successfully hiding during a game.
His small wings fluttered excitedly, creating perceptible ripples in the space around them.
Arthur couldn’t help but smile at his companion’s adorable reaction as he carefully placed the tiny dragon on his shoulder. Aether immediately settled into his favorite perch, tiny claws gripping Arthur’s clothing softly while his tail curled contentedly around Arthur’s neck like a scaly scarf.
"No need to hide anymore, taxi man," Arthur said with genuine warmth in his voice, watching as Aether’s eyes lit up at the familiar nickname. "We have a new destination, and I need your driving expertise to arrive safely and quickly."
Aether puffed out his small chest with obvious pride, striking a heroic pose despite his diminutive size.
"Aether is the best taxi in all dimensions!" he declared with unwavering confidence, his voice squeaking slightly with excitement. "Where does Master want to go? Aether can take us anywhere! Even to the scary places!"
The tiny dragon’s enthusiasm was infectious, his complete faith in his own abilities both touching and amusing given his current kitten-like proportions.
Arthur’s expression grew more serious as he considered their destination, though his voice remained gentle when addressing his loyal companion. "Take us back to where we killed the winter beast. I want to explore the Grieving Hollow more thoroughly."
Aether’s eyes widened with anticipation, tiny wisps of spatial energy beginning to dance around his small form as he prepared to demonstrate his mastery over dimensional travel.
"Ooh, the cold place with the big scary monster! Aether remembers! It was all white and sparkly and the monster went ’ROAR’ but Master made it go ’ded’ instead!"
His innocent recap of their previous battle, complete with sound effects, somehow managed to make their deadly encounter sound like an adventure story told by an enthusiastic child.
"Yes, Aether. It’s this one, but the winter beast is no longer a monster. He is part of our team now, okay?"
Aether nodded his head. "Yes, master. I was just recaping his previous state. Just like some of the others, he was a monster until he was saved by master."