Chapter 231 - Otherworldly

Both Teren and Trisha were taken aback at first. The latter was put her guard up while thinking that this woman must be Teren's ex. But upon further look, this woman was too dazzling to be called a mortal.

"Nature?"

Meanwhile, Teren immediately recognized this fairy-looking woman. Although she still does not wear any evident facial expressions, Teren could feel that she was a bit angry.

"So... you know her?"

Trisha who had already stood up and took a defensive posture asked. Upon seeing Teren nod, she loosened up but not completely.

"Two women who can disappear and appear whenever they want is already a lot, Teren. How do you keep attracting these kinds of women?"

She commented, not knowing it's actually three.

"What you said earlier, what did you mean by that?"

Teren stood up and asked Nature. She glanced at Trisha and spoke.

"Can we have some privacy?"

"No, stay."

Teren didn't let Nature pressure Trisha. But even without his intervention, there's really only one person who can pressure her.

"You seem to trust her a lot."

Nature said as if a little irritated.

"To earn trust, you need to give one first."

Teren explained. In all honesty, it sounds bullshit to Trisha's ears since she wouldn't be surprised if he were to use her as a sacrifice at any moment. However, at the same time, their new relationship wasn't built on trust so she didn't care.

"Okay then. I don't know if it's a coincidence or you've become the person who considers all his options. From what I see, it's the latter and that's why you've become so strong."

Towards Nature's comment, Teren didn't give much weight to it.

"So? What are you talking about earlier?"

"... having you unaware is much better but since there's this recent incident when you almost let it out, I suppose leaving you confused would just be more dangerous."

"Right"

Teren agreed. When the weird man showed up in his house, he released a power with unknown origins. He didn't think about it since then, no, he didn't dare think about it. Both its origin and limit were unknown. If he were to use it and it consumed him instead, it would be the biggest mistake. Yet, its power is immeasurable, if he can control it, it can solve all his problems. That's why he didn't want to think about it, it was tempting him.

As careful as he is, he didn't want to play with fire much. He would only gamble when there's high reward and low risk. That's one of the skills that he had gained from surviving all his life.

"You are otherwordly, Teren. I can't say more than that. If you learn everything, you may regain your past 'mindset' and I cannot let that. I've needlessly pulled you once and that's already enough. Therefore, just stop going tangent and stay passive. I promise, you will not die and everything will be resolved. Just leave it to me."

Teren listened carefully but was still stuck.

"Hearing that just gave me more questions."

"It's fine. You've regained your emotions since you've reached a point of maturity. Be at peace and don't lose your rationale. That's the important part."

Nature advised, leaving Teren in the dark.

"But that's impossible, you know that."

"Because you fell in love? Teren, it's just one woman. Why can't you let her g-... actually, I noticed the irony and hypocrisy in my words. Alright, I will not harm Dehian too. I already know that you two are somewhat working with one another."

"How... do you know that?"

This time, Teren became a little nervous. 

"I'm the one who created Dehian, it's obvious I have her powers too. Even I was shocked when you intentionally let her listen to your thoughts. I was amazed, you and 'Iesa' are working together, knowing that there's 'Dehian'. To even use her hate to make 'Iesa' stab you, that's superb."

Nature explained which made Teren a little bitter. But as long as Nature presents herself as their ally, that was slightly putting him at ease.

"And yet, you still tried to console me back then?"

"... yes, because I'm concerned why you are furious when everything's going to plan. Now, even without Spirits, you're almost back at your original strength after learning her existence."

Nature glanced at Trisha again. Meanwhile, the girl in question was unable to follow since she lacks context. However, she was still able to get a grasp of it. At the same time, she realized that Teren was using the same method on himself as he did on her to gain strength. It's because, as she noticed halfway, Teren's strength was increasing along with her.

"Alright," Teren then nodded after a moment of pondering, "But I have a question."

"What?"

Nature seemed to be willing to answer unlike before.

"If you know almost everything, why didn't you just stop me from kidnapping Trisha?"

"He finally admitted to kidnapping me."

Trisha muttered upon Teren's question.

"As I said, I only know the potential future. You have no idea how many there are. The unlikely ones... I'm unable to see. For example, the one where you tried to kill yourself or the one where Dehian showed up. If not for her, you would be dead today!"

This was the first time Teren heard Nature raise her voice. Her expression was a little furious.

"Does that mean killing me wouldn't solve the problem?"

"... I just hope that you stay passive. Meanwhile, Trisha, you shouldn't interact with Teren from now on. I'm unable to take your powers away since you've already culminated it as yours. I still have my own rules. So don't abuse it or else I'll take it away with your life."

Nature said, emphasizing that she was the giver of Trisha's ability.

"Sorry, but I don't really listen to anyone."

"... ungrateful. But fine, I've already expected this stubbornness of yours. Then I will expect that you will not listen to Teren too."

Towards this, Trisha's eyes wandered for a second before replying.

"Well, you could say he's an exception."

"..."

"But that doesn't mean that you can just order me whatever you want."

Trisha looked at Teren with her arms crossed and immediately disclaimed.

"Haa... Teren, what did you do?"

Nature massaged her forehead but soon calmed down.

"But, I guess you haven't changed. You've influenced me more than I've expected back then as well.... what more for the others."