Shroud Arcanum

Chapter 35: - Irys Valandrae(2)

Irys let out a soft chuckle, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, dear Liam, did you think I gave you that armor without any reason?"

Retrieving a pendant from around her neck, she held it up for him to see. "The armor you're wearing is linked to this pendant. Whoever wears it can sense the life force of the armor's bearer, regardless of the distance."

Her eyes grew misty, clouded with memories. "That armor once belonged to my father, and this pendant was my mother's. Passing them down has been a tradition in our family for generations."

She then gave him a smug smirk, her playfulness returning. "So, the moment you bound yourself to that armor, your fate was sealed, Airhead."

Feeling somewhat cornered, Liam's expression tightened. Internally, he grumbled, 'I know it , there is no such thing as free dinner in this world,'

Looking seriously at Irys, he remarked, "You would go that far?That armor... isn't it precious to you? It once belonged to your father, and I'm sure it holds countless memories. What if I am a scoundrel and just pawned it off?"

Irys raised an eyebrow, and her gaze is soft yet piercing. "Yes Liam, it's invaluable to me, why else do I bring it everywhere. By now, you should realize that I prefer following my instincts more than logic. And trust me, these instincts have kept me alive and thriving so far, so I see no reason to question them now. Besides," she added with a hint of mischief," you've already bound that armor, The only way to release a sol gear is if the owner die."

Liam's face contorted slightly as he mentally grumbled, 'Trick, why didn't you mention that crucial bit?''. Trick's echoing laughter filled his mind. "You don't ask, and isn't It common knowledge? The armor is tethered to your soul. It's not like you can cut and split it whenever you want!"

Irys continued, taking a deep breath, "Liam, as we grow our power, our lifespans extend. We might live for thousands, even hundreds of thousands of years, or even achieve immortality. But, there's one thing none of us can do — turn back time or resurrect the ones we've lost. So rather than worrying about what will happen next, I prefer to do everything I can in the present."

She tilted her head with a soft smile, "As Zalya always puts it: 'Why go halfway, when you can go all the way?'"

Liam burst into laughter, recalling times when Zalya didn't just go all the way but exceeded it in her enthusiasm and determination. Though irritated by the trap Irys had set with the armor, he couldn't deny the sincerity in her words and actions.

Irys shrugged playfully, her free spirit shining through, "I admit, entrapping you with the armor might have been a bit sneaky, But here's the thing, Liam — I live by a straightforward principle: Live every moment with zest and have zero regrets."

Hearing her words, a torrent of old memories began to well up within Liam, memories that had been buried deep down,

Back then, Liam was just a young boy. His father frequently embarked on business trips, leaving him with an aching void. During one such absence,

Liam, feeling particularly lonely, turned to his mother with a determined pout. "When I grow up, I'm going to be rich, so I won't ever have to leave my family for work all the time," he declared.

His mother gently pulled him into her embrace, her fingers ruffling his hair, her eyes twinkling with affection and amusement. "Life is unpredictable, my baby Liam," she said with a soft chuckle, "Your father doesn't leave by choice. If given an option, he'd always choose to stay with us."

"But he still goes away," Liam retorted.

Her mother knelt down, placing both hands on Liam's shoulders, bringing herself to his level. Her eyes radiated with warmth, "Liam," she began, her voice gentle yet firm, "remember, I'm here with you at this moment. Instead of focusing on what's missing, cherish what's right in front of you."

She took a deep breath, her gaze searching Liam's face, ensuring he truly understood her words. "Your father and I don't want you burdened with the pressure of becoming rich or famous. Our only wish is for you to find happiness in whatever path you choose. Life won't always be sunshine and roses. There'll be failures and hardships. But don't shy away from them. Embrace every moment. Our time in this world is limited, uncertain. So, make the most of it."

She gently squeezed his shoulders and said, "Live with all your heart, my baby. And when the time eventually comes, leave behind no regrets."

The corners of his lips lifted in a melancholic smile, nostalgia painting his features with a touch of sadness about how he wished to turn back time and relive those precious moments with his parents.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, he turned to Irys, determination shining in his eyes. "Irys, after this trial ends, give me one year. I promise i will look for you. I'll be stronger, capable enough to stand by your side and protect you."

Irys met his gaze. Her lips curled into a gentle smile, "Six months, Liam. If I don't hear from you within that time, I'll come looking for you." Tenderly, she reached out, her fingers brushing against his cheek, catching the unexpected tears that had escaped his eyes as memories of his mother overwhelmed him.

Liam's voice wavered, "My mother always said to live in the moment and cherish every second. She'd tell me to live without regrets." Pausing to catch his breath and collect himself, he continued, "I never take it seriously, until she was gone. She is right we cannot turn back time, and the future is uncertain too many things out of our control. All we really have is the present, and the choices we make in it."

Irys looked deep into Liam's eyes, "My father once told me that in our final moments, our entire life flashes before our eyes. What haunts us the most are the things we didn't do, the chances we didn't take, rather than the mistakes we made. In those fleeting moments, people regret their inactions far more, than any wrong actions they took."

Liam's face paled as memories from what felt like another lifetime washed over him. He could almost feel the cold grip of death, the montage of his past playing out vividly, and the tidal wave of regrets that drowned him. "It's very accurate," he whispered.

Irys tilted her head, "you say, like you have experienced it before," she teased

Caught off guard and realizing he might have revealed more than he intended, Liam stammered, "Well, I mean..."

Before he could dig himself deeper into the hole, Irys broke into a heartwarming laugh. She playfully pinched his cheek, her fingers warm against his skin. "Oh, Liam, no need to be so serious. If there are things you aren't ready to share, I respect that. What matters is here and now. I've made my choice, No matter what, Whatever your past, whatever your secrets, what you lack, what you want to do, no matter what it is, from now own, i am at your side, and will always be."