20 Chapter 20   

The enticing aroma of Aya’s culinary creations filled the air as she called everyone to the dining table. The group gathered around, their expressions a mix of anticipation and gratitude for the hearty meal that awaited them.

Aruno, still absorbing the reality of his sister’s presence, guided everyone to their seats. Serenia, wearing a warm smile, sat beside Aruno, a sight that brought a sense of completeness to the family reunion.

Aya, carrying a platter filled with an array of dishes, laid it out on the table with the finesse of someone well-versed in the art of hospitality.

“Please, help yourselves. I hope you all enjoy the meal. It’s been quite some time since I had the pleasure of hosting guests.”

The group eagerly served themselves, exchanging appreciative glances as they sampled the diverse offerings on display. Ko, still adjusting to the unexpected surroundings, couldn’t resist commenting on the culinary excellence.

“Aya, you’re a lifesaver! This is like a feast from the heavens.”

Aya chuckled at Ko’s enthusiastic remark, appreciating the lightheartedness he brought to the table.

As they delved into the meal, the atmosphere shifted from curiosity to comfort. The shared experience of breaking bread together forged a sense of camaraderie among the eclectic group.

Aruno, glancing around the table, felt a surge of gratitude for the unforeseen circumstances that led them to this moment. Serenia, his long-lost sister, was not only alive but sharing this moment of togetherness. The threads of destiny had woven an unexpected tapestry that transcended time and space.

The evening unfolded with laughter, anecdotes, and the warmth of newfound connections. Aya, observing the interactions, found solace in the joy that filled her home.

As the meal reached its delightful conclusion, Aya extended an invitation to the group to stay the night, ensuring that their unexpected journey would be met with hospitality and comfort.

“Feel free to make yourselves at home. There are plenty of spare rooms if anyone needs rest. You’re all part of this household now.”

The group, grateful for the hospitality, dispersed to explore the comforts of their temporary abode. Little did they know that the night held more surprises and revelations, setting the stage for the continuing saga of intertwined destinies.

In the tranquil confines of Aya’s home, each member of the group settled into their respective rooms, their thoughts buzzing with the events that had unfolded. Serenia and Aruno found themselves immersed in the shared memories of their past, catching up on the years that had been lost.

As the night progressed, Yoru and Ko, seeking a moment of privacy, strolled through the dimly lit corridors, their footsteps echoing in the quietude. Yoru, still grappling with the whirlwind of emotions, hesitated before speaking.

“Ko, about earlier… I just… I don’t know what came over me.”

Ko, his easygoing demeanor undisturbed, gently placed a hand on Yoru’s shoulder.

“Yoru, we’ve been through a lot together. I understand emotions can run high, especially in moments like these.”

Yoru, looking into Ko’s eyes, felt a mix of relief and vulnerability. Their connection, forged through trials and shared experiences, seemed to transcend the complexities of the situation.

Ko, smiling reassuringly, pulled Yoru into a comforting embrace.

“Yoru, you’re more than just someone I know. You’re an integral part of my journey, and nothing can change that. We’ll navigate these emotions together.”

The duo, finding solace in the shared understanding, lingered in the quiet corridor, embracing the unspoken connection that bound them.

Meanwhile, in another part of the house, Aruno and Serenia continued their heart-to-heart conversation. The room, adorned with memories of their shared childhood, became a canvas for rekindling the bonds that time had momentarily severed.

“I never thought I’d see you again, Serenia. The day I thought I lost you…”

Serenia, placing a gentle hand on Aruno’s, offered a comforting smile.

“Little brother, fate has a mysterious way of bringing people back together. I’m here now, and that’s what matters.”

Their conversation, a blend of nostalgia and newfound understanding, echoed through the night. The reunion, marked by laughter and tears, seemed to echo the sentiment that destiny, despite its enigmatic ways, could still weave tales of redemption and connection.

Aruno, seizing the moment, decided to showcase his newfound abilities to his sister. With a subtle gesture, the Arcanum, a mystical UI system, manifested around him, displaying intricate symbols and ethereal patterns.

His sister, Serenia, observed with a mix of awe and curiosity. 

“What is that, Aruno? It looks like something out of a fantasy.”

“It’s called the Arcanum. It grants us unique powers, like manipulating elements and enhancing our physical abilities. We’re not exactly ordinary humans anymore, not like we were to begin with since we’re half vampire.”

Aruno, with a gentle touch, placed his hand on Serenia’s shoulder, channeling the mystical energies of the Arcanum. A soft glow enveloped them, and Serenia felt a surge of unfamiliar but invigorating power coursing through her veins.

“What did you just do, Aruno?” 

Serenia asked, her eyes reflecting a blend of surprise and wonder.

“I used a skill called Divinity. It’s basically magic but, I used it to unlock the Arcanum within you, granting you access to its powers. Now, you have your own set of abilities.”

Serenia flexed her fingers, sensing the newfound energy within. The Arcanum symbols faintly appeared around her, a testament to the connection forged between her and the mystical UI system. A smile formed on her lips as she realized the extraordinary journey that awaited her alongside her brother and his intriguing group of friends.

Alone in her room, Rin couldn’t shake the overwhelming sense of isolation that settled upon her. As the others engaged in lively conversations and laughter echoed through the house, she found herself sinking into a sea of introspection.

“What is my role in all of this?”

Rin pondered, her thoughts a tumultuous storm of uncertainty. The recent revelations, the encounters with powerful beings, and the twists of fate left her questioning her place in the grand tapestry of their journey.

The weight of her vampiric existence and the burden of untold centuries bore down on Rin’s shoulders. In the midst of companions discovering long-lost family and friends, she grappled with the ghosts of her own past. The Arcanum, pulsating with ethereal energy, seemed to mock her with the secrets it held.

Depression, like a shroud, wrapped around Rin’s thoughts. The room, despite its warmth, felt like a cold abyss. The laughter outside became a distant melody, highlighting the stark contrast between the camaraderie beyond her door and the solitude within.

“What am I here for?” 

Rin whispered to herself, the words carried away by the unseen currents of the room. She traced her fingers over the Arcanum symbols, a visual representation of powers beyond mortal comprehension. Yet, the glow they emitted failed to dispel the darkness that crept into her heart.

As she gazed out of the window into the starlit night, Rin found solace in the cosmic expanse that mirrored the vast uncertainty within her. The journey, she realized, was not only about external challenges but an internal odyssey, a quest to understand her purpose amidst the enigmatic threads of destiny that intertwined with her existence.

In a moment of profound contemplation, Rin’s fingers traced the edges of the knife she withdrew from the Arcanum. The blade, gleaming in the faint light of her room, held a weight beyond its physical form. It became a symbol, a reflection of the internal struggle that echoed through her immortal soul.

The cosmic symbols etched into the Arcanum pulsed softly, casting an ethereal glow upon the blade. In the quiet solitude of her room, Rin grappled with the heaviness of her existence. The questions that lingered in her mind, the uncertainty of her role, and the weight of centuries pressed upon her.

The knife, once a mere tool, now represented a crossroads – a choice between succumbing to the shadows that haunted her thoughts or embracing the enigmatic journey that lay ahead. Rin’s eyes fixated on the intricate patterns of the Arcanum, a visual manifestation of her powers, and the knife became a focal point in her contemplation.

As Rin held the knife, its sharp edge glinting in the dim light, she found herself standing at the edge of a profound realization. The Arcanum symbols hummed softly, and for a moment, the weight of her centuries-long existence threatened to overwhelm her.

With the blade poised near her throat, a surge of introspection coursed through her. Yet, in that critical moment, a different kind of illumination flickered within her soul. The memories of shared laughter, the bonds forged in battles, and the echoes of camaraderie became the guiding stars that dispelled the shadows.

Slowly lowering the knife, Rin traced the cosmic patterns on the Arcanum. The realization dawned upon her – she wasn’t alone. Her friends, more than mere companions, were akin to the family she never thought she’d have. In their presence, she found solace, strength, and a reason to continue the enigmatic journey that unfolded before them.

With a deep breath, Rin set the knife aside. The Arcanum’s glow dimmed, and the room embraced the quietude once more.

In the morning light, Rin burst into a room with infectious energy, greeting her companions with a beaming smile. 

“Good morning, fellow Vitanex!”

Aruno, Ko, and Yoru exchanged bemused glances, while Serenia and Aya wore expressions of utter confusion. 

“What’s a Vitanex?” 

Serenia asked, her curiosity piqued.

Rin, undeterred by their puzzled looks, continued her energetic demeanor. 

“It’s our squad name! You know, like a cool team designation. Vitanex – united by destiny, powered by Arcanum!”

“You just made that up, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, we’re Vitanex. We’ve known that for a while now.”

Aya, trying to catch up with the unexpected morning antics, shrugged with a smile. 

“Oh, so that’s what you call yourselves. Alright, Vitanex it is. But I still have no idea what it means.”

“Doesn’t matter, it’s just a fun name to shout in the morning.”

Yoru added, her tone a mix of amusement and indulgence.

As Rin continued to spread her morning enthusiasm, the known term echoed through the room, creating a lighthearted atmosphere that transcended the mysteries that awaited them in this unfamiliar dimension. The Vitanex, an eclectic group bound by destiny, embarked on another day of their extraordinary journey.

Aruno approached Rin, a thoughtful expression on his face. 

“Hey, Rin, I wanted to let you know something. I used a unique skill from the Arcanum called Divinity. It’s a form of magical ability that allowed me to unlock Serenia’s Arcanum, giving her access to her own set of abilities.”

Rin’s eyes widened with surprise and curiosity. 

“You can do that? Unlock someone else’s Arcanum with magic?”

“Yeah, Divinity is a powerful magical skill. It helps activate and enhance the Arcanum of others. Serenia seemed pretty excited about it.”

“That’s amazing, Aruno. I didn’t know you could do something like that. So, what’s her Arcanum like?”

“We haven’t explored it yet, but it’s something related to her unique abilities. We’ll figure it out together.”

Rin smiled, appreciating the bond forming among them. 

“That’s really cool, Aruno. You’re like our Arcanum maestro.”

“I guess you could call it that. Let’s see what other surprises this Arcanum has in store for us.”