"Please you only ever talk to me when I have done something to interest you." Arthur's words carried a touch of defiance, a recognition of the peculiar pattern in which Antares seemed to engage with him. Antares, his deep laughter reverberating in the air, acknowledged the observation with a sense of amusement.

"You have an astute perception, child. I do tend to take notice when you pique my interest," Antares admitted, his voice resonating with an undercurrent of ancient wisdom. "Master has informed me that you have attained a semi-imperfect astral state," he revealed, his tone tinged with a mix of curiosity and appraisal.

In response, Arthur simply shrugged, seemingly unfazed by the revelation. As Antares approached him, moving with a graceful, yet imposing presence, he gently placed his clawed hand upon Arthur's temple. Arthur, understanding the futility of resistance in the face of Antares's immense power, acquiesced, allowing the contact to occur.

Antares's hand exuded a soft, luminous scarlet glow as he maintained his hold on Arthur's temple, a gesture that seemed to bridge their connection further. However, just as Arthur sought answers to his inquiry, a sudden shift in his heightened senses alerted him to the presence of an individual approaching within his mana radius. With a resigned sigh, Arthur turned his attention back to Antares, only to find the ancient dragon fading away, leaving no trace of his existence.

Regis, hurried to his side, ready to conceal himself. However, Arthur, with a subtle yet firm gesture, signaled for Regis to halt. Arthur's intuition guided him as he approached the door, unlocking it with purposeful determination.

As the door swung open, revealing the figure behind it, Cynthia emerged into view. Her aged features were adorned with a warm smile, a glimmer of familiarity lighting up her eyes. A majestic owl perched atop her purple robes, its piercing gaze fixed upon Arthur.

"Greetings, Arthur. It is a pleasure to see you once more," Cynthia greeted him, her voice carrying a soothing tone that resonated with wisdom. With a gracious gesture, she indicated her desire to enter the room, seeking permission. Arthur, understanding her intentions, widened the entrance, allowing Cynthia and her owl companion to pass through.

As Cynthia's gaze shifted towards Regis, her eyes met his cautious, molten star-like orbs. She recognized the presence of a bond, and her curiosity piqued. Sensing the intensity of Regis's watchful stare, she offered a gentle smile. "Is that your bond?"

"Yhea," Arthur confirmed. His attention, however, was momentarily drawn to the owl perched upon Cynthia's shoulder. "Nice Wyvern you have there," he remarked. Both Cynthia and the owl exchanged a brief moment of surprise, their eyes following Arthur's graceful movements as he took his seat, gesturing for Cynthia to join him.

Cynthia gracefully accepted the invitation, settling herself in a chair opposite Arthur. The atmosphere held a sense of anticipation, as if the very air was charged with curiosity and intrigue.

"Now, what is the reason behind the esteemed presence of the director herself?" inquired Arthur, his gaze fixated upon her with unwavering intensity.

"I will get to that let's but as of now I have a question. Even now, as evidenced by the core restrictor you wear, you deliberately conceal vital information about your true potential. Might I implore you, to enlighten this aged lady?" Cynthia's lips curved into a sly smile, her anticipation palpable. Observing Arthur's nonchalant shrug, she watched as he unfastened his pendant, allowing her essence to delve into his core, only to witness Cynthia recoil in pain, clutching her head in anguish.

"Now that I have answered your question, I implore you, dear director, to do the same. Be mindful, however, that I am already privy to the intricate details concerning both yourself and Alacrya," declared Arthur with an air of confidence, causing Cynthia's eyes to widen in astonishment.

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