Ways To Escape Death

Chapter 16: White Family

Sophia's POV

Each of the family awakened their power. Duke White and Felixander gained the ability called Observation Qi. It grants the user a sixth sense that allows them to sense the presence, strength, and emotions of others, as well as gain limited precognitive abilities. They can easily observe people and hear their conversations around the area. Wala pa nga lang akong idea kung hanggang saan ang kaya nilang masakop.

Francisco gained the ability called Hardening Qi, it allows the user to use their spiritual energy to create, in essence, providing incredible offensive and defensive capabilities.

And luckily, from the artifact I swallowed, as expected I got the skill of Invisible Armor. The additional skill is called Future Sight, it gives the ability to look ahead into the future. Malaking tulong sa 'kin ang future sight lalo na kapag haharap ako sa delikadong sitwasyon. Maaari akong magkaroon ng pagkakataon na magdesisyon ng tama.

We all have a common ability, that is superhuman strength. The Dukedom of White was already considered a monsters family. Kaya kahit na malaman pa ng mga noble ang pag-level up namin, sure akong hindi na sila masyadong magugulat pa. Magiging matinding banta nga lang kami sa paningin nila.

Sa dating mundo na pinagmulan ko, kung kuryente at technologies ang ginagamit, ang mga mana crystal at magic stone naman ang source of living dito. Hindi na bago sa paningin ng tao rito ang mages, hindi nga lang maganda ang perceptions ng karamihan. May mga normal na tao ang arrogante na hindi tanggap ang existence ng magicians. Kahit sila-sila rin naman ang nakikinabang sa kanilang taglay na kapangyarihan.

Kailan ko lang din nalaman na nag-i-exist pala ang demon beasts sa mundo na 'to. Bawat demon beast ay may level of difficulty. Naging safe ang buong emperyo mula sa kanila dahil sa defense barrier na likha ng high-mages ng magic tower.

Sigurado ako na marami pa akong matutuklasan na wala sa novel. Napagtanto kong kahit na ano pang gawin kong iwas sa plot, hindi ko pa rin maiiwasan ang panganib sa paligid.

Pero...bakit ang pagiging Dark Priestess ay katumbas ng kamatayan? Hindi ba't mas makakatulong pa nga ang existence ko sa safety ng mga tao?

"Kanina ka pa diyan?"

Nabaling ang atensyon ko sa pawisang si Francisco. Mukhang tapos na siya mag-training sa panibagong sword skill niya. Nakabibilib dahil madali niyang nagamay ang paggamit ng Hardening Qi.

"Yeah, I am here because of my curiosity about your obtained ability," I said.

He took his sword to use the Hardening Qi, naging kulay itim ang blade nito. Binalot ito ng sarili niyang spiritual energy.

"This is great support. No matter what sword I use, it becomes unbelievably strong."

"You are already qualified to become a sword master."

"Not yet, I still have a lot to learn."

Here comes again the nerd of swordsmanship.

"Lady Elizabeth, a letter for you," sabi ni Trisha saka inabot ito sa 'kin. Tinanggap ko ito at saka sinuri kung kanino galing.

"From the Duke Adir? Since when have you two become close?" Francisco asked after taking a peek at the thing I'm holding.

As I expected, this is a visit request. "I gotta go."

"Take your time," he replied.

Nilingon ko si Melrose sa aking likuran. "Melrose, could you please prepare my writing tools? Then see me at the greenhouse."

"Yes, milady."

Killian's request arrived at the right time. Plano ko siyang kausapin ng harapan para tukuyin ang binabalak nito. Aware akong alam niya ang ability ko, he's a quick-witted person. Kahit pa sinabi niya sa Duke na wala siyang ideya noong araw na sinuri niya ako, hindi ako naniniwala. I bet he's finished planning for another entertainment. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang pamba-blackmail na gagawin niya sa 'kin this time.

"Did you receive a visit request from the Duke Adir?" salubong sa 'kin ng Duke White. Natigilan ako sa paglalakad para yumuko bilang paggalang. Ang bilis umabot ng balita sa kaniya.

Matuwid akong tumayo bago sinagot ang tanong niya. "Yes, I intend to accept it and provide him a formal invitation."

Duke White nodded his head in response. "I will prepare the main house for his arrival. Pick the date, five days from now."

"Okay, Father."

For the second time, I pay him my respect before excusing myself. Later on, naabutan ko si Melrose na naghihintay sa loob ng greenhouse. Nakahanda na rin ang mga gagamitin ko sa ibabaw ng lamesa. Naupo ako sa upuan saka sinimulan ang pagsusulat.

—
My pleasure to receive a direct request from the great Duke Adir. Kindly consider this response as my formal invitation to you. The White Dukedom will prepare our warm welcome for your arrival. We hope to see you, five days from now.

Sincerely yours,
Elizabeth White.
—

"Deliver this request to Adir Dukedom," utos ko kay Melrose.

She bowed before accepting my order. Pinanood ko siya hanggang sa lisanin niya ang lugar na kinaroroonan ko.

"Trisha, could you bring some refreshments here?"

"Yes, milady."

The moment she left the greenhouse, I called out Zero Two using telepathy. Lumabas naman ito kaagad mula sa aking anino.

"As I recall, you told me that half of my shadow armies were sealed," panimula kong sabi.

"Yes, including the Shadow Generals," sagot pabalik ni Zero Two.

"How could I set them free?"

"You must find the remaining artifacts. First, alamin mo muna kung saan ang kasalukuyang lokasyon ng mga ito."

Napahawak ako sa baba ko. Nangangamoy trouble. Kung kikilos ako, saan naman ako magsisimula?

"If I just let things remain as they are, what will happen?"

"You won't level up. Even though you awaken your powers, you cannot fully wield it because of restrictions."

I sighed. "This is going to be tough. I only have Eliz's Diary with me. Hindi nakasulat do'n 'yong lokasyon ng iba pang artifacts."

"Magsimula ka sa kung ano ang nandiyan."

Napaisip ako sa sinabi niya. Dalawa lang ang pumapasok sa utak ko ngayon, ang templo at ang palasyo. Holy Temple ang numero unong kalaban ng pamilyang White, habang ang palasyo naman ang nagpatupad ng pagbabawal sa pagkalap ng impormasyon tungkol sa Dark Priestess.

I thought I could live safely after being awakened, but there might still be powerful enemies lurking around me. I need to become stronger, to protect myself and the friends I cared for.

"I will let fate decide if it is meant to be or not. For now, I must enhance my skills."

I decided to investigate the Imperial Palace first. Sisimulan ng shadows ang trabaho sa darating na birthday celebration ng Crown Prince. If I could get helpful information related to the Dark Priestess there, that's my cue to start and take action.

I already have the resolve to live my life as an ordinary noble but I cannot change the fact that the main villain, Killian, already recognizes my existence. His fun has not yet started. I guarantee that he won't let me breathe an easy life.

Sa hindi kalayuan, natanaw ko si Trisha. Tulak-tulak nito ang tray table na may mga nakapatong na sweets and tea sa ibabaw.

"Zero Two, look for the most reliable intelligence agency."

"Yes, master." Madali itong nawala sa 'king paningin upang sundin ang utos ko.