[Aiden's POV]
After settling ourselves in the seats in compartment of the Beastiark, I relaxed a little. I had no remorse for my action, but now I also had to think of possible repercussions and adjustments to my current plan. Seraphine also sat beside me, with the focused and alert eyes.
Although I wanted to tell her to relax, I decided against it. If I decided her every action so that I don't feel inconvenienced, it would be hypocritical of me.
I guess I had to get used to different types of summons in my life; some may have more exotic personalities than this.
"System, she knows about you. So I can talk to her freely about your functions, right?" I mentally asked.
[Yes, Host. You can tell about me to whoever you trust, but keep in mind that it doesn't spread. Although I can't be separated from you, my existence is intrinsically tied to you now. That doesn't mean people won't hunt you. So be careful about who you trust.]
I was slightly taken aback by the unexpected answer of the system. A small smile appeared on my face.
"Thanks for being here and your support, even though not much time has passed. I wouldn't even have thought some things, which had become a norm for me."
"I truly hope we continue our journey together, and one day I get to know the true you."
[Just grow strong, Host. So strong that even gods don't dare to raise their eyes in front of you.]
"Gods, huh? I guess you can't tell me much about it." I commented, already knowing the answer.
[All in due time, Host.]
It was a strange relief knowing that someone was always with me, not as a manifestation but as a presence within me, guiding and supporting me.
After a heartfelt talk with System, I moved my eyes to Seraphine and asked her, "So how much do you know about System?"
"The system screen appeared in front of me in my last moments and gave me an opportunity to serve under a new lord, that is, you, Master Aiden. Besides that I don't know much," she answered.
"Okay, I am going to share some basics of the system with you. It's like gacha, which can give me anything under the sun, though there is a cost, and I may not always get what I want. That's also how I summoned you." I gave a crash course about the system to her.
Her eyes widened, she didn't spoke for few seconds, I understand where she was coming from.
A few seconds later, she spoke with conviction, "I will keep this secret until my last breath, and thank you for trusting me with something so profound."
[Seraphine – Trust +1%]
A panel appeared before me; I ignored it. Her trust was already +90%, so I wasn't worried about her trust.
"Can you talk to the system, Master Aiden?" She asked.
"Yes,"
"Could you please thank the great system for giving me a second opportunity and saving me from living hell?" She presented her plea.
"Sure," I responded.
[All for the good of the Host.]
"Have you summoned anyone else, Master?" She hesitatingly asked.
"Technically no, I have 9 summoning cards, which I can use, but who or what will be summoned is not within my control," I answered.
"Now about our destination, according to the information by Ryuk, the dungeon—Grave of the Thirty Steps—is located near Joshean City. So we are headed there."
"As I said, there is a price, which is Origin Points obtained by killing monsters. So, a dungeon with the high monster density is the best place for farming Origin points." I explained quickly.
"But it could be dangerous, I guess, since it's a beginner dungeon. I can't go in with you. I don't wish Master Aiden to put himself recklessly in any kind of danger." She voiced her thoughts.
"Your master is strong you know. That wall art we left behind was of same rank as me with an A-rank Bloodline." I slightly praised myself, and felt the warmth in her concern for me.
"He wasn't that strong and he let his guard down in bid to show off. Monsters are different master, they attack relentlessly and in groups. I still don't wish for you to go alone in that dungeon." Seraphine rebuked.
"I will think about it later," I stalled her point for now. Even though I trusted my strength there was no need to become reckless or complacent.
We continued our talks as our destination neared; I told her a little bit about the Revonia Continent and even about my ex-family. Time passed in a blink, and suddenly, there was a knock on our door.
"The stop for Joshean City is coming within 5 minutes, please be ready to disembark at your designation." A voice came from behind the door.
"Yes, we are ready. Thank you for informing us." I replied.
Within a few minutes, we left the Beastiark and stood at the gate of Joshean city. The city gate was well built for inspections and protection against any attacks by robbers or gangs. Although it would be suicide if someone tried that near the capital of the continent.
We easily passed the check point with our newly made ID. The roads, markets, vendors or even people, everything was tad better than Cian City, effect of having capital nearby.
I strolled through the markets with Seraphine following me a step behind. An amusing thought crossed my mind. The unique ritual of binding an all in butler with the heir of Arclight Clan after their Origin Ceremony.
Even though I was expelled from the clan, I could say that I have the strongest maid with me. She may not be exactly like the butler of the clan, but I am sure she is going to play a very useful part in the times ahead.
After walking for a bit, we treated ourselves with a decent meal. I was internally debating with myself whether to use the gacha cards to summon the rest and hope for someone capable to appear and go with me or I go in alone.
The main reason holding me back from summoning the rest was myself. I was on a move currently with no fixed residence or anything.
I had no control over the type of summon, so it will look very weird and may be problematic if a group of 10 unrelated individuals were to follow me everywhere.
"System, any advice?" I asked my only guide in the face of indecisiveness.
[You could summon them anytime. So you should clear the floors first and when you start to feel overwhelming or feel the need for extra hand, you can summon promptly.]
[Even if they are not exclusively combat fighters. They still would be S-rank, so they will come in handy.]
"Nice idea, System. How do you do that?" I exclaimed at the perfect advice.
[I am spirit of an ancient System, this is trivial for me.]
"Okay, so let's do this. I could also see my fighting style benefiting from this too." I commented as I finalized my thoughts.
Next, I immediately conveyed my dilemma and solution regarding it to Seraphine. She was also stumped at my point of summoning individuals and praised me for finding such an easy way.
After silently enjoying the praise meant for System, we reached the only dungeon gate of the city.
After I passed the checkpoint, I turned to Seraphine to caution her, "Hide yourself from public eyes for now. Although, as to my understanding, the Arclights won't be moving this early, but it's better to be careful."
"As you say, Master Aiden. Please be safe," she replied.
With all that done, I turned to face the entrance of Graves of Thirty Steps, the air itself seems to be heavier with the stench of decay. The absence of line was a clear indiactor that it wasn't a famous or easy dunegon.
With hopes of gaining thousands of Origin points, I entered. However, I had no idea that when I came back, I would be facing something much different and dangerous from the Arclight Clan.