Abyssal Awakening
Chapter 758: Era Of Peace

Chapter 758: Era Of Peace

"Oh my gods. . ." Kaia muttered, sprawling out on the sofa.

"Did you enjoy it that much?" Gwen laughed, clearing up the table and washing the dishes.

"Enjoy it? I loved it. I didn’t know a Cardinal would have such a talent for cooking. Well. . . calling it a talent doesn’t quite justify it. You must’ve practised a bunch. Is it a hobby?" Kaia asked, glancing over at Gwen who was surprised for a moment before composing herself.

"Hmm. . . I wouldn’t go as far as calling it a hobby." Gwen glanced towards the city.

"It’s more so a wish. I had hoped that if I cooked, my dad would be able to enjoy it. Unfortunately, work obligations get in the way of this pretty often haha~" She let out a hollow laugh.

Kaia could clearly see the sadness in her eyes but she understood that she shouldn’t push further.

This kind of situation. . . was one that the speaker needed to open up about rather than someone prying into things.

Especially when they don’t know the full situation.

Instead, she had a different idea.

"You don’t happen to have a bit of alcohol on you now do you? Aside from the cooking kind." Kaia asked curiously.

Blinking her eyes in confusion, Gwen nodded her head.

"I have a few bottles here and there, nothing too fancy since they were essentially smuggled goods." She took Kaia over to the shelf storing the alcohol.

Folding her arms, Kaia scanned each and every bottle, picking up two that she was somewhat familiar with as she had seen it in a certain bartender’s display.

"A friend of mine I met a while back taught me something. He is a great bartender, one of the best that I’ve seen and his drinks are to die for. I won’t be able to make something on his level but it should give you somewhat of a rough idea." Kaia smiled, grabbing some other ingredients from around the room as well as her own pouch.

"Oh? Are you going to be mixing a drink for me? Need I remind you that we have some work later. I’d rather not be on the job drunk, even if I’m a bit lazy in that department." Gwen chuckled, taking a seat this time.

"Oh don’t worry, it shouldn’t be anything too strong. Just think of it as some juice with a bit of alcohol in it." Kaia grinned.

Getting four glasses, two of which were different in sizes, she began to mix the ingredients while also creating a few ice cubes using her powers.

"Unlike you and him, I don’t really have any talents like this. Or at least something that I’ve worked towards for a long time. A day to day skill for the average person. Instead, I’m simply someone that’s good at fighting and killing." Kaia admitted while shaking the glass back and forth.

"Nothing more, nothing less. So when I see the two of you, people who have amazing skills outside of just fighting which anyone can do, it’s impressive. Truly. Because god knows I can’t do the same." Kaia chuckled, placing the cup down and pouring out the drink.

"Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t cook for your dad in hope of him eating it and giving you praise. I’m thinking, it wouldn’t be a stretch for you to perhaps let your talents flourish. Open up a restaurant of something like that, letting others try your cooking." She suggested, placing a slice of fruit on the glass as decoration before handing Gwen the drink she mixed up.

"Seeing someone else’s expressions as they enjoy something you made is a different kind of enjoyment and pride." Kaia grinned.

Raising her eyebrow, Gwen took a sip of the drink and paused in pleasant surprise.

Even though there was alcohol in there, it didn’t feel like the harsh drinks that the soldiers like to drink. It felt. . . soothing and sweet. A gentle warmth that rose up from her stomach, spreading to the rest of her body.

"Oh wow. . ." Gwen muttered.

Seeing her reaction, Kaia chuckled.

"I’m an amateur at mixing drinks. All I did was replicate his actions without any of the knowledge and feeling. If it was him, he’ll have one conversation with you and whip out the perfect drink." She grinned, praising Tristan.

"Even so, this tastes great already." Gwen finished her drink rather quickly and handed the glass back to Kaia.

"Well, if I get a chance in the futur,e I’ll introduce you to him."

Cleaning up the bottles and glasses, both of them went to get changed into their uniforms and made their way down.

The schedule today was rather standard as it involves guarding the gates. There were also supposed to be a batch of criminals being transported over by another group of Sentinels.

Leftovers of the ’new’ cult that tried to make use of the Outer Gods remains. They were going to be taken on a boat and shipped out as criminals so they were tasked to make sure everything would go smoothly.

Leaning against the wall while watching Gwen relax on her chair, Kaia couldn’t help but shake her head.

"I know what you’re thinking. I should take my job a bit seriously right?" Gwen laughed as Kaia shrugged.

"Your words not mine. I figured that as a Cardinal, there’s a reason you’ve been put into that spot you know?"

"Nope. Not at all." Gwen shut that down immediately.

"Huh?"

"I’m not a Cardinal because I want to be in a sense. Of course, that’s not to say I didn’t desire this role. But rather, think of it as nepotism. Unlike others who have to work their whole lives to gain this role, I was kind of. . . given it." Gwen leaned back.

"Most of it was due to my family but that’s not to say I’m weak. More so that had it not been for dad, I wouldn’t have gotten the training I got, the favouritism and benefits. And without those, I’ll probably just be a talentless bum on the streets." She laughed.

Kaia was silent.

It was rather surprising that. . . she was rather aware of her own situation.

"Again, just because I’m here because of nepotism doesn’t mean I don’t respect those who earned this role. Believe me when I say if someone more capable comes along, I’m more than willing to give up my role. Helping people and purifying the sinful doesn’t require a Cardinal role after all."

It’s what she respected about her dad. No matter what, no matter his role, his priority has always been to protect the people. He’s often sent to places he doesn’t want to be but he makes the most out of it.

Staying silent for a moment, Kaia decided to ask a question.

"Have you ever thought about what you wanted to do if you stop fighting? Like everything was to end. I wouldn’t say no more wars but let’s say the major threats are over. What then?"

What did Gwen want to do in an era of peace?

"If that includes my dad then I’ll want to spend some more time with him. Despite the difficulties, he still tried his best when raising me. I want to repay his love." Gwen smiled softly.

"Anything outside of that?"

"Well that’s for future me to decide isn’t it? If it’s truly an era of peace then I’ll have all the time in the world to figure out what I want to do. There’s no rush after all." Gwen laughed.

Just as Kaia was about to respond, Gwen sat up straight with a serious expression.

There was a deep frown on her face as she immediately got out of her chair.

"Seems like we have a bit of trouble."

"Hm?" Tilting her head, Kaia wasn’t sure what she meant as she couldn’t sense anything.

But after a short moment, she finally tracked it.

This. . . malevolent energy approaching the checkpoint. A twisted source of Abyssal Energy that felt like an unholy hybrid of both Abyssal and Eldritch.

And on top of everything, there was a layer of sickening energy that felt. . . dead. Necrotic and downright disgusting.

"Abyssal, Eldritch and even Fallen Divinity. Since you use the bow, can you give me some support fire?" Gwen asked, glancing back at Kaia who scratched her hair and nodded her head.

"Alright. But. . . be careful. That energy doesn’t feel right."

"Oh? Ohya? Is Kaia worried about me? My~ I’m going to get emotional." Gwen smiled smugly as Kaia rolled her eyes.

"No harm in reminding you to be careful."

"I know I know~ I’ll be leaving my back to you." Gwen chuckled.

Taking her ’Vision’ off Kaia, Gwen summoned her spear and dashed towards the source of this energy.

Meanwhile, Kaia summoned a bow and climbed up to the top of the checkpoint.

She found herself a good foothold and narrowed her gaze.

With Gwen now taking her eyes off her, it’s given her a moment of freedom. A window of opportunity. . .

###

By the port, a rather large group stood silently, waiting as time ticked by.

Seconds into minutes. Minutes into hours. And hours into days.

Yet still, no sign of a certain split haired girl.

Rosalyn looked as though she was about to blow at any moment. Veins bulged on the back of her hand and neck while a grinding sound could be heard from her mouth.

None of them wanted to say anything in fear of triggering her.

After waiting days, she couldn’t hold back anymore.

"WHERE THE F*CK IS THIS SPLIT HAIRED B*TCH?!?!?"