Chapter 157: Group Chat
Ritual Requirements
Probably above the threshold of the current Pieces known and available in the world, there are certain Pieces that possess ritual requirements, allowing their hidden abilities to be unlocked through specific rituals.
Does that mean the ritual is a very easy thing to perform? After all, one could simply create a scenario that fits the criteria of the ritual and satisfy its requirements.
No, absolutely not.
In one of the research papers Cillian was currently holding in his hands, one of the unique things about Pieces with ritual requirements was the fact that it was the Piece’s decision whether the user had satisfied them, not the user’s. It was as if the ritual were a trial to determine whether they were worthy of obtaining the other abilities their Pieces contained.
’For my Faceless, I’ve already done a lot of deceiving, but it wanted me to do it in front of a crowd. Heck, how is that even possible? Then there’s this Hidden One’s ritual... it wanted me to do something that’s almost the same as having a god complex.’
While he was pondering the situation regarding his two Pieces, two heads peeked over the paper he was holding, each of them commenting on what they saw in his hands.
"Ritual Requirements, huh... You’re pretty lucky as a Ruiner, man. You’ve got a Piece that can unlock even more abilities than the ones you currently have."
Kash, who was very curious about what Cillian was thinking about, said rather proudly. He had already known that Cillian was a Ruiner back at the Academy after he demonstrated Aster’s sword.
However, he had kept his mouth shut because it was a request from Aster, which he knew had definitely come from Cillian.
"Ehh... I thought you were going to hide important information like this, but you’re actually not hiding that you’re a Ruiner anymore."
Melissa, who was also aware of Cillian being a Ruiner, interjected in a slightly curious tone. She adjusted her new glasses on the bridge of her nose before adding.
"Besides, I’m surprised that you accepted this invite from Willow."
It had been exactly four days since Cillian had acquired Honored One. During that time, he had practiced using his abilities, and they had turned out better than he had expected.
Obviously, he had to do it in secret. The Viola Family’s Training Mall was currently unavailable because it had also been affected by the recent attack.
Then, just yesterday, Cillian received a letter from his father, Leo, which was a more formal way of inviting someone than sending an invitation through a wired telephone call.
The content of the letter was simple. He, among the heroes who had been awarded the Medal of Honor, was being invited to a party. However, unlike the Ball of Honors, this party had a true purpose: to help the entirety of Viola. Leading it was Willow’s father.
Of course, it was unnecessary to invite them, but Willow’s father had insisted in the letter because he wanted to personally thank them for rescuing his daughter.
There was another part of the letter, however. It specifically stated that Willow wanted to have a chat with him. What Cillian wasn’t aware of was that the other three from Arthur’s counseling session would also be coming.
They were currently inside a shop that had been established just a few days ago. It was one of the few places that remained intact since it was far from the main point of the attack.
Cillian, after pondering for a while, answered.
"She said she wanted to give me something that’ll help me in the future. I’m expecting it to be money. Gold coins to be exact. Though I wouldn’t mind if it were banknotes."
"It’s good that you haven’t changed that much."
The one who interrupted their conversation was Ivy, who had been quietly watching them earlier.
For some reason, Cillian could feel that Ivy was treating him differently. It might have been because she was very grateful for what he had done, but it wasn’t a bad feeling.
After all, if they were grateful for him, Cillian might be able to ask a few favors here and there.
"Of course. Why would I need to change myself? I’m happy about the way I am."
The way Cillian replied was weird because he didn’t understand where Ivy was coming from with that kind of question, but all she did was smile and shrug.
’Did I miss something? Why are you smiling? Crazy woman. Maybe you’re the one who changed? You’ve become crazy?’
Soon, the bell above the store’s entrance rang, and the woman they had been waiting for appeared. She wore a proper dress and a pair of non-graded glasses, her silver hair falling to her waist. As usual, the piercings on her ears peeked through her hair, matching her attire.
It was Willow Montolov.
She was also carrying a box in her arms like a basket. After looking around the place and finding the group, she eventually sat down at the table with the others.
"Good morning, everyone."
After the events had died down, Cillian only visited them while they were still in comas. Once all of them woke up, he stopped visiting them after receiving reports about their conditions and learning that they would be fine without his help, having suffered nothing more than broken bones that had already healed.
They were a strong bunch of clichés, after all.
It was Aster who had reported to him how they had all become victims of Arthur’s schemes, which they described as being completely unable to control themselves. They could still retain their consciousness while being manipulated, but it wasn’t enough for them to become fully aware of what was happening.
-"They were praying."
That was the summary of Aster’s report.
This was why Cillian attended the meeting that Willow had arranged to check on their conditions. He wanted to see how they were holding up after everything they had been through, because there was no way they were going to be totally okay right away after experiencing one disastrous attack after another.
They had just come from the Academy’s downfall, only to experience hell several weeks later after being controlled by a Heretic.
Only this time, they were completely useless and used.
’Looks like they’re still adjusting. They’re trying to hide it, but they’re definitely not doing fine mentally. Do kids like me in this world experience depression at their age?’
Cillian wouldn’t be able to suggest another counseling session, as they might be traumatized by the experience. So, he remained quiet and let Willow take the lead, as she always did.
She started by slightly bowing her head towards Cillian and gave words of gratitude.
"I’m indebted to you again. I don’t know how many times this has happened already, but all I can say is that I’m truly grateful from the bottom of my heart."
As if it were the cue he was looking for, Kash followed her lead. Ivy and Melissa were already doing the same, much faster than Kash, who was one second too late.
’Eh, you’re going to start with this?’
Watching the four of them act like this made Cillian remember a familiar scene from the past, as it was also Willow who had once expressed her gratitude to him.
At that time, Cillian had exhorted them for money simply because he felt like it.
’Hmm...’
Nothing changed, though.
He also felt like doing it again if the situation weren’t so serious and... if Willow weren’t showing him her both tightly clenched fists on the table, as if warning him that she’d beat him up if he ever asked for the same thing again.
Cillian couldn’t help but smile.
This time, Cillian forgot about his funny thoughts and said calmly.
"Gratitude accepted."