Orion's gaze shifted slightly as he replied, "Supreme Guardian Cocolia is too kind. I merely possess some ordinary skills."
Cocolia's fingers gently caressed Orion's wrist, as if sensing something. "Being able to alleviate my headache and clear my mind, this is not a simple skill."
"This is a... talent."
"If you are willing, I will give you the best treatment in all of Belobog."
"You can stay and work here forever."
Upon hearing this, a glint flashed deep within Orion's eyes. He knew full well that what Cocolia meant by "stay here" was far more than just offering a job. She wanted to keep him firmly under her control, just as she controlled everything in Belobog. He felt the warmth of Cocolia's palm and the possessiveness in her words. This was exactly what he had hoped for. The deeper Cocolia's dependence on him, the greater the influence he could exert. He did not immediately agree, nor did he refuse. He simply politely withdrew his hand.
"Allow me to consider it..."
"Supreme Guardian Cocolia, it's getting late, I should leave."
Cocolia's hand met empty air, and a hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes. But she quickly composed herself and nodded. "Go."
Orion turned and walked out of the office, his steps unhurried. He did not look back, yet he could clearly sense Cocolia's gaze following him. Walking down the corridor, Orion's thoughts raced. He had successfully piqued Cocolia's interest. This was just the first step. Next, he needed to further infiltrate and uncover more secrets about the Stellaron and Cocolia. He needed to understand how the Stellaron was corrupting Cocolia, and whether he could use the Stellaron to achieve his own goals.
One year later. Year 7 (A) class at Belobog Academy had already become Orion's domain. He was no longer the new transfer student. Now, Orion's academic achievements were outstanding, consistently ranking first in his grade, and his reputation among his classmates was high. Both boys and girls trusted him implicitly. Bronya still refused to attend those noble gatherings, but her relationship with Orion was the best in the class.
As a result, other classmates, even those from neighboring classes and older grades, came to befriend Orion, inviting him to various gatherings and activities among the nobility. Orion accepted all invitations. He had become a well-known figure among those classmates and their families. Some classmates' parents even sought Supreme Guardian Cocolia's help and approached Orion, hoping he could facilitate things through Bronya. Orion subtly hinted to them that this would not be for free. Those people understood and implicitly offered Orion some benefits, which he accepted.
However, Orion never actually helped those people with their requests. He merely told them that Supreme Guardian Cocolia had already agreed, and they just needed to wait. Although some people were suspicious, because Orion had an excellent relationship with Bronya, and some even saw Orion and Cocolia attending operas and high-end restaurants with Bronya, they knew that Orion was not only close to Bronya but also to Supreme Guardian Cocolia herself. So no one dared to say anything, only waiting patiently.
In fact, many children of nobles, whose parents had sought Orion's help for normal career advancements, mistakenly believed that Orion had exerted influence and were grateful to him for keeping his word. The benefits Orion received allowed him to directly purchase a house in the Overworld. He even invited Bronya to stay overnight.
That day, Bronya initially thought her mother would not allow her to stay out overnight. Unexpectedly, Cocolia suggested that she would accompany them to Orion's house because she was worried about Bronya. Bronya felt that her mother had been much gentler and more lenient recently, so she didn't think much of it and went with her.
That evening, Cocolia's arrival surprised Orion slightly. He prepared a grand meal for the mother and daughter. Although he cooked it himself, the taste was quite good. Cocolia and Bronya both praised it highly.
While Bronya was taking a shower, Cocolia initiated a conversation with Orion. "Orion, it's been a month since you last came to Qlipoth Fort, hasn't it?" Her voice held a hint of resentment.
Orion thought for a moment and replied, "Recently, my studies have been busy. Does Supreme Guardian Cocolia need anything from me?"
A faint trace of worry appeared between Cocolia's brows. "Since you haven't been around lately, my old ailment has flared up again, and my head hurts terribly."
"And... I heard that whisper again."
Orion's heart stirred. "What whisper?"
Cocolia suddenly stiffened, realizing she had let something slip. She quickly waved her hand and said, "Nothing, just hallucinations from being too tired at work." She avoided Orion's gaze, appearing somewhat flustered.
Orion did not let this opportunity pass. He slowly stepped forward, his tone softened, with a hint of inducement. "Supreme Guardian Cocolia, I feel that your long-standing headaches might be caused by some external force."
"Is that whisper... related to this? Is someone trying to harm you?"
Cocolia's body trembled slightly. She seemed to be caught in some struggle, her forehead throbbing faintly, as if Orion's words had touched her deepest fears. "No... it's not." She managed to squeeze out two words, her voice trembling slightly.
Orion's expression became even more sincere: "Supreme Guardian Cocolia, you are the Supreme Guardian of Belobog, and your health concerns the safety of the entire Belobog."
"If you have any unspeakable troubles, please tell me."
"Perhaps I can help share some of the burden."
His words brushed against Cocolia's heart like a spring breeze, carrying an irresistible magic. Cocolia's defenses began to loosen. She looked up, and in her tired eyes, a long-suppressed pain and helplessness were revealed. "I... I don't know what it is..."
"It always appears when I'm most exhausted, like a... temptation."
"It says that the Geo-Marrow mines are almost depleted, and Belobog's doomsday is approaching."
"It also says... human resistance is futile, and we should embrace the blessing of the cold snap."
Cocolia's voice grew softer and softer, and fear welled up in her eyes. "It tells me to give up resistance, to have the Silvermane Guards withdraw..."
"It says only then can a new world come."
Orion merely asked in a deep voice, "Then do you... believe it?"
"I... I don't know."
"Sometimes, it sounds so real, so tempting... making one want to obey."
"But I... I am the Supreme Guardian, I cannot!"
Cocolia's voice was tearful, as if she was confiding in Orion, and also as if she was trying to justify herself. Orion's heart was cold. He knew that Cocolia's will was still being corrupted by the Stellaron, and as long as it had a chance, it would be omnipresent.
"Supreme Guardian Cocolia, please believe me." Orion reached out and gently held Cocolia's cold hand. "I will do my best to help you get rid of its troubles."
"You are the hope of Belobog, and you must not be controlled by this evil force."
Cocolia's body trembled slightly; she felt the warmth of Orion's palm and the strength his words brought. It was a long-lost feeling of being understood and supported. She gripped Orion's hand tightly, as if clutching her last straw of hope. "You... can you really help me?"
"I can." Orion gave an affirmative answer. He knew this was a critical moment to solidify Cocolia's trust in him. "You just need to trust me, listen to me, and everything will be alright."
Cocolia gazed at Orion, her eyes, usually full of majesty, now held only dependence and vulnerability.
At this moment, Bronya's voice came from the bathroom: "Orion, Mother, what are you talking about? I'm done washing!"
Cocolia abruptly released Orion's hand and quickly regained her usual dignified demeanor. "Nothing, just talking about your academic performance, and I was helping her with a massage."
Orion also chimed in: "Yes, Bronya, Supreme Guardian Cocolia has been very busy with official duties lately, and I was just helping her relieve some fatigue."
"Really? Is Orion's massage that effective? Help me with one next time too." Bronya pushed the door open, saw that both of them were acting normally, and didn't think much more of it. She just felt that her mother's complexion seemed much better than before.
After dinner, Orion, as usual, gave Cocolia a massage. As the power of destruction was absorbed, Cocolia's mental state visibly improved. She felt this was the most relaxed she had been in months, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her heart.
"Orion... you truly are my... savior." Cocolia sighed softly, her voice filled with contentment.
Orion merely smiled, saying nothing more.
Late into the night, Cocolia and Bronya stayed at Orion's house. Bronya slept soundly, but Cocolia could not fall asleep for a long time. She lay on the soft bed, Orion's words, "I will help you," constantly echoing in her mind. And his expressive eyes. She had never told anyone about the Stellaron's whispers; it was her biggest secret and burden as the Supreme Guardian. But now, this secret was known by a young man. And this young man seemed to genuinely have a way to help her.
Hope rose in Cocolia's heart. She decided to trust Orion. Even if this trust might lead her to an unknown future. But she had no choice. Because she was already too tired. Too tired.