Infinite Mana Exorcist
Chapter 33: Appeal to leave

Chapter 33: Appeal to leave

The dim lighting from the windows cast long shadows across the lavishly furnished room, the cold air of the diminishing winter slipping through the cracks, making the atmosphere feel frigid yet eerily calm. The silence between the two figures in the room was thick, almost suffocating, as they sat in wait.

Asher rested against the large velvet chair, his posture tense yet composed, while his sister, Nimora, sat opposite him on their mother’s bed. Both had been summoned here by Queen Melissa, their mother, and neither had exchanged a single word since they arrived. There was an unspoken understanding between them—this meeting was not just a family gathering, but a confrontation of expectations, consequences, and perhaps, revelations.

Fey, unwilling to return home after the battle, had been given permission by Asher to stay in his room. It was a decision that seemed trivial at the time, but now, as Asher sat here, awaiting his mother’s arrival, he found himself longing for a distraction.

He sighed, allowing his thoughts to drift before deciding to focus on something far more important—his rewards and notifications.

Bringing up his system, his golden eyes scanned through the holographic text before him.

[Name: Asher Vance]

[Job Class: Soul Binder]

[Title: Deity Supported]

[Power Type: Binding]

[Stats]

Strength: 18

Agility: 15

Stamina: 9

Intelligence: 5

Mana: Infinite

Asher’s brows furrowed. His stats had significantly improved, most likely due to his training and his battle against the Night Terror boss. But his focus was elsewhere. His hands tightened into fists as he mulled over something that had been bothering him since his resurrection.

I didn’t just become a character in the game—I became someone’s character. But who?

The thought was unsettling. From the moment he had died and received the Soul Binder class, everything felt orchestrated. The gift he received... was it from a master? A higher power playing him like a pawn?

Do they control my choices?

His jaw clenched. The idea of being a puppet to some unseen force infuriated him, but there was no clear answer—no way to confirm it. He exhaled sharply, choosing to set the thoughts aside for now. He had more pressing matters to deal with.

Focusing back on his notifications, he scrolled down to his rewards.

[Rewards]

Soul Storage: You are now capable of storing certain equipment within your soul.

Resistance Increased: You now possess higher resistance to poison and bleeding than the average human.

Asher scoffed. The increased resistance was barely worth noting—it was a common trait given to many characters. But the Soul Storage... now that was something that piqued his interest.

Before he could delve deeper into understanding the skill, the door creaked open. The once-muted atmosphere instantly shifted into something heavier, as if a wave of authority had swept through the room.

Melissa entered, shutting the door behind her with an air of finality.

The Queen of the Exorcists, dressed in her battle-worn attire, exuded a presence that was both commanding and unnerving. Her long red hair, stained slightly with blood, trailed down her back, and her sharp golden eyes scanned the room with unreadable intent.

She removed the fur coat draped over her shoulders, tossing it aside before stepping further in. For a moment, there was only silence. Then, she spoke.

"Sorry to keep you both waiting."

Her voice was steady, cold—an unmistakable contrast to the warmth a mother should have for her children. But that was Melissa. Regal. Ruthless. A queen before a mother.

Neither Asher nor Nimora responded. They simply watched her, waiting for her next words, already anticipating where this was going.

Melissa’s gaze flickered toward the window as she crossed her arms. "The casualties from this attack have left the main city in ruins," she stated. "Several aspiring exorcists have fallen. However, this will serve as your test in place of the Oramon examination."

Asher narrowed his eyes.

This isn’t just about the casualties. She’s leading up to something.

Melissa turned her sharp eyes back to him, her gaze piercing. "It’s been a while since I’ve had both of you in a room like this."

Then, with that same cold intensity, she locked onto Asher.

"For years, you feigned weakness. Yet, when the time came, you were the one to slay a Three-Headed Night Terror." She let the weight of those words settle before continuing, "I won’t pry into your reasons, nor will I punish you for it."

Asher held his breath. She’s not going to punish me? That was unexpected.

"But," she went on, voice lowering, "I want to know—how were you able to foresee this attack?"

Asher’s expression remained unreadable, though his mind raced. She’s been asking questions... interrogating people.

It wasn’t difficult to figure out what had happened. She had likely questioned every young exorcist who had been in the Oramon chambers. Fey included.

How much does she know?

Asher took a controlled breath, carefully choosing his words. He couldn’t afford to make a misstep.

"I have visions," he began, his tone smooth, confident. "Sometimes they come to me in my sleep. Other times, during the day."

A lie—one backed by just enough truth to make it believable.

Melissa’s expression didn’t shift, so he continued. "It started when I was younger. That’s why I had to feign my defectiveness. It was the only way to keep myself safe while learning how to navigate them."

His voice remained steady as he delivered the final push. "These visions helped me realize Redric was the enemy... and they helped me take down the Night Terror."

Silence stretched between them.

Then, Melissa gave a slight nod, absorbing his words. "Then what do you see next?"

Asher knew this question was coming. He had prepared for it.

He met her gaze, unflinching. "I have to leave the Exorcist Kingdom."

The air in the room shifted. Nimora’s eyes widened slightly, but she said nothing.

Asher pressed forward. "I need to leave with someone I trust, to get stronger. The plague is worsening. If we remain here, we won’t survive the coming decades." His voice hardened. "Mother... please allow me to leave the kingdom. It’s the only way."

His plea was genuine. Though he was using this opportunity to secure his freedom, every word he spoke was truth. He knew what was coming.

If he didn’t act now—

It would be game over.