Chapter 24: Country side boy and Desperate City girl

Natasha let out a soft chuckle.

"Under the right circumstances, they can be even more powerful."

Aaron stopped walking.

"You’re joking."

Natasha stopped as well and turned toward him with a jovial smile.

"A countryside boy like you may not understand, but I’ve encountered one before."

Aaron resumed walking, and she followed. Together, they kept pace with Mr. Goldilock and Captain Stones.

"Really? What was your encounter like?"

Natasha adjusted her glasses thoughtfully.

"She mostly ignored me... but I saw her throw a stone into the air."

Aaron raised an eyebrow.

"And...?"

She gave him a sidelong glance.

"It tore through the clouds."

Aaron stopped and blinked in surprise. Natasha laughed as continued walking without slowing down.

"You’re so easily impressed. Just wait until you see them for yourself."

Aaron took another quick glance around, reevaluating the town.

He didn’t know whether Natasha was lying or joking about the power of Awakened beings, but one thing was certain: no character in the game possessed that kind of power.

His expression grew grim.

Maybe... maybe I don’t know much about this world after all.

Noticing that Aaron was no longer beside her, Natasha stopped and turned around with a playful smile.

"Come on, country boy. We’re almost at the Royal House."

Aaron smiled back, concealing his growing unease, and continued walking.

"I was... just admiring the town."

Natasha slowly shook her head, wearing an exaggerated look of pity.

"You see? Easily impressed."

Aaron chuckled at her words.

Child. In terms of technological advancement, even a third-world country on Earth is more impressive than this place.

With that thought, they continued walking side by side.

Moments later, they stopped in front of a massive set of transparent golden gates. They were so enormous that Aaron suspected they had been built not just for humans but for giants as well.

Both gates stood wide open, suggesting that some sort of activity was taking place inside. He had never seen gates of such a size on Earth.

His eyes widened, and his mouth fell open.

What the hell is that?

He glanced at Natasha and noticed that she, too, was staring at the gates in awe. He cleared his throat, prompting her to give him a sidelong glance.

Then he asked,

"You haven’t seen these before?"

Natasha took off her glasses.

"No. I’ve been here once before. It’s just... it’s been so long."

She ran her fingers through her hair, letting a few strands fall over her chest and back.

Aaron raised an eyebrow.

"What are you doing?"

She glanced at him with a knowing look.

"Trying to look good. I haven’t given up on approaching your brother. No offense..."

Aaron turned his gaze back to the gigantic gates.

"None taken. In fact, you have my full support."

There was a brief moment of silence between them.

Then she suddenly asked,

"Honestly, how old are you?"

Aaron frowned.

"What?"

"They said you’re fifteen, but I’m almost a head taller than you."

Aaron turned his head towards her.

She was indeed taller than him. However, the difference wasn’t that staggering. He stood at five feet eight inches, while she was probably around six feet tall.

As he studied her, his gaze met hers, and he immediately realized why she had taken off her glasses.

Her eyes...

They were dark, beautiful, and somehow magnetic. The glasses she wore had been doing her beauty no justice.

He took a deep breath.

"I’m fifteen, and I’m not short. You’re just taller than someone your age should be."

Natasha smiled and leaned closer to him.

"I’m taller than my age and stronger than my age. If you’re as strong as your dad says, you should at least have the build to back up that strength."

Aaron’s face twitched as he clenched his fists.

Foul-mouthed brat.

Aaron glanced at their fathers, who were engaged in some kind of inaudible discussion. Then he shifted his gaze back to Natasha.

He was trying to think of the most inappropriate, vile, and repulsive thing he could say to her.

Then he remembered something. A dark smile crept across his face.

"My size isn’t particularly impressive. I know that. But at least I’m not trying to seduce the strongest teenage combatant in Ravstas just so I can survive the dungeon."

Natasha’s face turned red with embarrassment.

"I... I’m not trying to seduce him! And it’s... it’s not about surviving. I’m strong enough on my own. I just don’t want to be left alone while everyone else forms teams."

Aaron glanced at their fathers again before leaning closer to her and whispering,

"Who knows? I might just help you fulfill your wish by telling my brother that you told me you wanted to form a couple bond with him. That would make things easier for you, wouldn’t it? Unless you’ve already lost your virginity."

Natasha went pale.

"Gods! You’re... you’re a vile pervert! You... you..."

"Hey, kids. I think it’s time we went our separate ways," Captain Stones interrupted.

He tilted his head slightly before looking at his daughter.

"Natasha, why are you looking so flustered?"

She quickly averted her eyes.

"I-it’s nothing, Dad," she stammered.

He studied the two of them for a moment before nodding.

"Alright. It’s good to see that you’ve both warmed up to each other."

He shifted his gaze to Aaron.

"And don’t forget to look out for each other if you’re both chosen."

Aaron nodded.

He hesitated for a moment before turning toward his father with a smile.

Mr. Goldilock’s eyes widened slightly. His expression softened, and a weak smile spread across his lips.

Captain Stones chuckled softly as he watched them, a gentle smile on his own face. However, a moment later, he suddenly drew in a sharp breath and gave his instructions.

"Now, enter the Royal Estate and turn left. You’ll see hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of students gathered there. That’s where the ceremony is taking place."

Without hesitation, Aaron and Natasha marched into the Royal Estate.