Chapter 272: Unexpected Encounter

Aurora walked through one of the most prestigious streets of Zerzura City.

In this place there were all kinds of luxury stores, in buildings that only with a glance let her see how impressive it was.

Such buildings sold different objects.

From magical, psionic and technological artifacts, to weapon and armor stores.

Zerzura City was in the middle of Africa and in this place there were many ways to earn money, but the main sources were temporary and natural dungeons.

Because the territory was vast, many dungeons appeared in these parts, and that meant a lot of work.

So it was normal for important stores to open their branches here to sell their products.

Aurora, for her part, walked in the direction of a branch of the Cosmos Company, which was an armor store.

When she entered the place, she looked at the hall where different attendants were waiting for guests.

To enter this place, a reservation was needed and that was normal, since this branch belonged to one of the biggest companies in the world.

After reporting her arrival, an attendant gave her a smile.

“Welcome, please follow me.” The attendant asked cordially.

Aurora followed him immediately.

She had come to purchase new equipment to replace the previous one that had ended up destroyed inside the abyssal portal.

She did not wish to wear her silver battle armor everywhere, as it would undoubtedly attract stares.

It was for that reason that she preferred to book an appointment for the custom purchase of a battle suit that would suit her needs.

Following the attendant down the hallway, the two entered a small break room.

“Please wait. Your attendant will be along shortly.” Informed the attendant after preparing some snacks.

Then, with a smile, he left the place.

The room, though small, was quite luxurious, and the appetizers were also of quality.

Those things alone showed the dedicated attention of this place and while what she was looking for was to customize her combat suit, it was nice to be welcomed.

She needed a combat suit that would suit her fighting and swordsmanship, allowing her to get the advantage of both sides.

Protection was the basics, but some gloves that would work for attacking and, above all, comfort were also necessary.

Reviewing some images through her holographic watch of classic armor, Aurora was distracted when she read her latest messages and set about checking it.

Most of the messages were reports from Liam, who was already dealing with the situation in West Africa.

The problem of missing persons and magical beast hunters needed to be dealt with, as they were creating tension in the area.

There were friendly magical beasts, but there were also very aggressive magical beasts to be found, and while they were ‘allied’ to Zerzura, they were not allied to all humans.

That meant they wouldn’t mind razing cities to the ground if necessary and annihilating all who resisted.

Besides, they had the necessary strength. After all, there were some SS rank beasts under the Queen of the Forest.

The worst thing was that on the west side were the most aggressive magical beasts due to the fact that it was in that area where there was the most conflict against the humans.

Although Zerzura was responsible for what was happening on the north side and not the west side, it was not wrong to intervene in this situation and even more so when she did not have too many things to do now.

That was why she had come to look for a combat suit that suited her tastes.

She needed to get ready to move and the first thing was to organize her personal gear before making preparations for the trip.

Reviewing her plans, Aurora heard footsteps from outside and stopped being distracted.

The entrance opened, and when Aurora saw the figure, she couldn’t help but smile.

“I apologize for the delay,” A young man with a smile and bowing subtly, he revealed. “I will be your attendant. I will be sure to meet your demands.”

Courteous and respectful, his slightly amused smile only accentuated how handsome he was.

However, as always, Aurora enjoyed the sparkling sapphire-like eyes.

“You have given me the best manager you have available. I will certainly give the company the five stars it deserves,” Aurora commented as she looked at Kairos.

Kairos chuckled softly at those words.

She had been sending him a few messages so they wouldn’t lose touch, however; she hadn’t expected him to show up here.

“I didn’t know if you’d mind if I showed up,” Kairos said with a half smile.

“Well, I’m surprised. I didn’t expect you to use your privileges to take over my appointment,” Aurora pointed out and getting up, she added. “But I allowed you to be my stalker, so now I’ll allow you to be the one to help me with my shopping.”

She certainly wasn’t expecting that and while it was a surprise, it turned out to be a very pleasant surprise.

Aurora stopped thinking about her work and watching the young man who was smiling happily at the answer she gave, her lips twitched for a moment.

Seeing him, a part of her always wanted to come out of her ‘darker’ side and this time she didn’t resist.

“Sure, if your help pleases me, then you might get a reward...” Aurora murmured as she approached, mimicking a wink so characteristic of Cithrel.

She had taken the tactics of that princess hiding a gallant knight and used it to her advantage.

That her tone sounded ambiguous was the extra punch, and it was all too effective.

“...”

Kairos started to turn red, lowering his gaze, trying to run away, and Aurora enjoyed it completely.

She was embarrassed inside, but she understood the reason why Cithrel liked to tease her... It was too addictive and worth all the embarrassment she went through.

Such a reward made being cheeky completely worth it.

“Come on...” Kairos said, averting his eyes and leading the way.

Aurora smiled.

She hadn’t joked about the reward, and he had noticed, which made her start to put in the effort to accomplish her task.

Walking down the hallway, they came to the entrance of a small custom portal, and Kairos used his holographic watch.

The portal shook for a moment, most likely changing direction to the other side and then they both entered.

The surroundings distorted, but the next moment, everything stabilized as they arrived at an armory.

The armory was like a wide hallway stretching off into the distance.

Aurora gave a glance to Kairos, who simply gave a sly smile.

They were no longer in Zerzura City and it was possible that they were currently in Atlantis City, perhaps at the headquarters of the Cosmos Enterprise.

Kairos, with his amused smile, clapped his hands, causing the scenery to begin to change at will.

The walls receded as if it were all mechanical and revealed dozens of mannequins outfitted in all manner of combat attire and battle armor.

Aurora’s expression quivered as she realized that each outfit was designed for fighter-swordsmen.

She had reported at the store appointment the style she was looking for, but at this point that it was so specific gave food for thought.

“You knew it. You’re an excellent stalker,” Aurora said with a wicked grin.

Kairos’ smile quivered for a moment, but he swallowed his embarrassment.

“We have prepared for what our client desires. It is normal to do this,” Kairos replied with a professional expression and feeling her gaze, he excused himself. “Besides, since you are our recurring client, your data is stored.”

The first words were a blatant lie.

As someone who shopped at this place, she knew that the armors were prepared subsequent to her coming to the appointment.

As for her data, it was true that it was stored, but an average manager wouldn’t access it and that meant that he, having the authority, checked it out.

It was why her smile grew, looking at him as if she had caught him.

“We have different battle suits. Some are designed to be worn on a regular basis as clothing, while others are designed for combat only. Of course, it’s all on a visual level, quality wise everything is the best,” Kairos pointed out, casually changing the subject.

The mannequins began to move by turning and stretching their bodies.

Their design was human, seeming able to mimic physical movements with the same limits that a real person would have, which made Aurora could see their movements clearly.

As Kairos had mentioned, there were different designs.

From feminine outfits to attend a gala party, dresses with gala and normal designs, then there were also more usual clothes.

Design of long pants, shirts and classic jackets, in another part there was something more ancient similar to leather armor.

There were also lighter designs that were tight-fitting full-body combat suits.

They were not metal armor, but were made of fabric that looked soft.

“This fabric is quite special. It stiffens when it is about to take a hit, which increases the resistance,” Kairos explained with a smile and pulling out a dagger he tried to cut it.

It was a simple move, but the dagger could not cut the cloth, as it hardened to prevent it.

Was such a thing possible?

Aurora had that doubt, but she kept walking, looking at everything in her path.

The armory was as large as an aisle, and on both sides were mannequins.

In the middle were also some swords on shelves and other mannequins with different combat costumes of different style.

A mannequin with a medieval-futuristic design made Aurora pay closer attention.

It was not because of the medieval design and technological materials that made it look futuristic, but it was her combat gloves.

Such gloves were made of a light metal, which looked simple and comfortable, but when the mannequin closed his fist, metallic spikes came out of the glove.

Those little barbs were no joke, the metal was hard and tough and could serve as a weapon.

Such gloves were designed for a savage fighter and would undoubtedly be deadly.

What caught her attention was that such a design was not something easy to achieve and the metal it used was unknown to Aurora, but she could tell it was something that was not for sale.

She continued walking with Kairos, who was introducing her to some special costumes.

Some suits focused on stealth, capable of camouflaging itself completely when the material it was made of adapted to the surroundings, making it appear invisible.

Another was equipped with a gem that distorted the space, generating a barrier.

The gloves had the most diverse designs.

From those that were enchanted with some basic element, to those that had a gem that allowed to launch psionic mental attacks.

Such gems allowed a fighter with a punch to not only deliver a strong blow, but allowed him to launch a mental attack.

Then another gauntlet that was capable of spreading fire with a punch, and if a sword was used, the fire would spread throughout the sword.

It was magic fire, but it wasn’t something A-rank level... It was noticeable that each design was prepared and equipped for an S-rank.

A lightning attack was like an S rank mage spell and it was the same with psionic.

There were even technological armors that managed to completely camouflage themselves and others that were capable of psychological invisibility... Basically, it generated a psionic wave that was able to make weak people not notice it.

They were complete sets, and that meant that each part individually warranted some improvement.

Like boots that sometimes had the ability to decrease the wearer’s weight or raise it to increase the explosiveness of the fighters’ falls or those that had spikes or performed different attacks.

“We also have a section of accessories that will grant you all sorts of benefits,” Kairos said encouragingly, but when he noticed her stare, he asked. “Is there anything you didn’t like, customer?”

His way of saying ‘customer’ so formally made Aurora’s expression relax a little, but it was only a little.

“They’re great. There are some I’ve never seen before that have never been for sale,” Aurora said, looking at Kairos.

She wasn’t kidding about never having seen some of the materials or costumes in this style.

From functions she had never seen to materials she was completely unaware of... In this place was possibly all kinds of equipment that used classified technology.

“Of course, you’re not just a simple customer,” Kairos replied without denial and, seeing that Aurora’s expression didn’t improve, he gave a half smile and muttered. “If I told you that this is a way to protect you, would you believe me?”

Aurora remained silent.

It wasn’t that she resented the concession he was being given, but the problem was that it had already passed the simple category of ‘not for sale’.

The magical craftsmanship of Terra nova was extremely advanced and was, to such an extent, that in that world there were weapons that seemed to be straight out of legends.

However, here many of them were combined with technology and even all things psionic... Something that very few could do.

Designs, functions and materials that were most likely highly guarded in the Cosmos Enterprise and were very technologically advanced.

Hearing that murmur, however, Aurora looked at Kairos.

“I understand that if I offer you my help, you would refuse. That’s why I decided to do this,” Kairos said and meeting her gaze, he added. “I wouldn’t want anything to happen to the person I like.”

Those last words managed to make Aurora’s serious expression break instantly.

The look on Kairos’ face as he spoke was solemn, and while he was embarrassed, the seriousness showed that it wasn’t a joke or some kind of flirtation.

He had probably informed himself about her work and, most likely, with his ability, he did it in a profound way.

Messing with warlords was dangerous and if things went on as her master had said, then she would get into more dangerous matters than before.

Just as he had said, she would not accept his help... Asking for help was not her forte and accepting it, even less so.

Kairos realized that, and that was why he had brought her to this place.

Aurora took a deep breath, trying to calm her shyness and lessen her seriousness.

“At least I have to pay, right?” Aurora hesitated and noticing that Kairos’ gaze was trembling, she pointed out. “I wouldn’t want to start a relationship owing my future partner.”

A gift of low value was nice to accept, as it didn’t generate a sense of giving back, but if he tried to gift her a battlesuit that was here, he was going to bridge that gap.

Technology that wasn’t available, functions that were unknown, and to all that was added surely advanced, new and expensive material.

Definitely, in her eyes, this was all going past her limits and that was why she had put on a serious look.

“How about if I give you a discount?” Kairos asked and seeing that she was getting serious again, he smiled and commented. “Okay, I’ll charge you. Let me first see what the value of all this was.”

With such words, he made her sit on a sofa and, leaving her some snacks, he withdrew.

Aurora was stunned by his quick escape, but when a drone projected a report, her expression quivered.

Before her eyes appeared information about the abyssal portals of the two giants, who were to be their selected and possible selected members, what their objective was and the way it would be accomplished.

To all that, it was added what were the orders if they were to meet with magical races and even the hypothesis of some brilliant minds about such portals.

Then the drone let out a spark as if it had failed, and then its holographic clock vibrated as the information reached it.

Her expression just trembled, not knowing what to say.

“Oh, I didn’t forget to bring it,” Kairos said as he returned and putting on a ‘surprised’ expression, he put his drone away as if nothing had happened.

Aurora looked at him, but the young man continued to act as if it had all been an ‘accident’ and such a response made her look at him without speaking for a while.

Her gaze slowly made the young man start to become embarrassed until he became shy.

That kind of information would not be left on a simple drone and also would not be easily passed off as a ‘glitch’.

Such information was something that Zerzura had not managed to get and was beyond the capability of her acquaintances.

After all, this was classified information on European and Russian forces detailing their movements.

Aurora sighed as she watched him give her a puppy dog look.

The influence of the Cosmos Enterprise was too frightening and that meant that its owner, would have overwhelming capabilities in many ways.

However, Aurora never thought to ask him for information on the subject and that was why when she messaged him, it was always talking about something nice or trying to joke.

The information was very useful to her and, more so because it was confidential information, but she preferred not to ask him for anything and for their relationship to remain without obligations.

“I’m sorry if I bother you. Among everything I can do, I tried to choose what would cause you the least rejection,” Kairos said, giving a serious look.

His apology was sincere and seeing her sigh, his expression became serious and slightly nervous as if he didn’t want to anger her

“No, it’s me... I’m used to doing things alone, or at least with my sister,” Aurora replied and giving a smile, she added. “I guess I’m not used to being courted.”

It was difficult to receive help and to have such help given to her without any interest.

That was why when she invited Akira, the least she tried to do was to pay her for her services.

Handing her that information, giving her a concession with costumes that were not for sale and quite possibly wanting to give it away, was his way of courting her.

It wasn’t her style to receive without giving and the problem was that the other party didn’t seem to need anything.

Being the owner of the Cosmos Company, everything related to money, reputation and authority was at his disposal.

When it came to strength, Atlantis City had its S and even SS ranks and among them were soldiers who were loyal.

It was clear that with one of her orders she could most certainly move them at will and not to mention those affiliated with the Cosmos Enterprise.

“I’m also not good with this relationship thing... Couples and all that,” Aurora muttered with some unavoidable embarrassment.

She felt shy to be honest, but that was the way they both talked.

While they were in the courting stage right now, it was possible that things would evolve. However, every time Aurora thought about it, she panicked.

What were these people doing?

It was easier to defeat some S-rank monsters than to think about it.

“I’m new to this too... I’m not as young as I look, but this is my first time trying to court someone.” Kairos replied and when they both looked at each other, they averted their gaze in unison.

It was too embarrassing to be honest!

Aurora averted her gaze, but glanced sideways at him and, seeing him blush, she slowly began to fill with vitality.

Her side was the hunter, not the prey!

That was why, after thinking about it, she laughed to herself as she prepared her plan.

Kairos recovered quickly, and after seeing all the battle suits, Aurora customized hers.

She did so by means of a 3D projection of a young woman of her stature.

Since the outfit was set up to fit the wearer’s body, it didn’t matter too much that her measurements were used.

She, with Kairos at her side, selected the design of her combat suit, the material and the functions, trying to prepare a style to her liking.

Then, when they finished, they both withdrew and Aurora tried to hide her hunter’s smile.

It was true that she had no way to return their help with information, but she would not stand still.

As they were about to reach the room, Aurora stopped, which caused Kairos to stop as well.

“That was excellent service. Better than I had expected,” Aurora said and giving a smile, she commented. “It’s hard to tip, but...”

Pulling out a small piece of paper from her inventory, she wrote down her number and passed it to the young man, who was stunned.

It was clear he didn’t understand why she was passing him her number when he already had it, still, Aurora smiled.

“Call me back. Texting is tragic, as I miss out on a great view,” Aurora stated with a cheeky grin and with a wink she leaned in a little closer and whispered. “As for the reward, it will depend if you behave yourself.”

She was purposely ambiguous and managed to make Kairos turn extremely red.

That there were other people only made him even more embarrassed and their closeness was what delivered the critical blow in its entirety.

Aurora, for her part, was embarrassed, but mostly she was fascinated and realizing that, she left with a smile after waving goodbye waving her hand.

She didn’t like receiving help, it was true and while she knew it was personal, she understood the other party’s sincerity in wanting to help her.

From their concern for her personal safety in giving her greater protection than before, to their simple act of passing classified information to her as if it were an accident.

In the end she sighed... Maybe it was far from the idea of being a couple and thinking about it, it embarrassed her too much, but at least getting to that level of relationship meant she would have to accept the help and give it back.