Abyssal Awakening

Chapter 370: Zenia Contract

Extalia, the continent that the Zenia family reside in. In the past, it was ruled by a single royal family, the Extalia royal family but after a civil war, the continent was split into three main kingdoms.

Extalia, the most central Kingdom, is known as the Land of the Abyss. The land that the Kingdom reside over houses the most amount of gateways into the Abyss hence the name.

Sikha, Land of the blistering heat. A Kingdom to the east that has turned mostly into a desert area after interference by the Eclipse Cult and constant wars with the Extalia Kingdom near the borders.

And finally, the Verona Queendom, the land of the blistering cold in the far North.

That was the world that Alice knew of before her subsequent imprisonment.

However, due to a sudden pandemic that broke out in the west of the Extalia Kingdom, a truce has been declared and the Zenia family has been given authority to enter the Inverted World to find a cure.

An order for Rosalyn, principal of the Academy that can't be ignored.

Not only that, but it has the royal stamps of all three families, making it so that if Rosalyn were to disagree, she'd be declaring herself an enemy of the continent!

Hearing this news, Alice's smile faltered but she tried her best to maintain her calm.

Sneaking a glance at Selen, she noticed that not even Selen was prepared for this scenario as a frown could be seen on her usually stoic expression.

"There will be representatives coming soon to verify this news and deliver it personally to Rosalyn. We'll be using that chance to enter Inverted World early which is why I must ask for your answer a day earlier than expected." Erick smiled, sitting down on the sofa while Alice swallowed her saliva.

"So what's your answer? Will you join the Zenia family with me?"

Poking her fingers together, Alice bit her lips before letting out a sigh.

"Erm… What does it entail exactly? I know that you want my help and in exchange, you fix my eye. But… what exactly am I helping with?" Alice asked curiously.

She had an idea based on the state of Selen. Despite her dislike towards the Zenias, she was still forced to work as a guard.

Meaning, she is under a contract!

"Unfortunately, I can't share the details until you agree to join the family. But I can guarantee that the family will treat you well if you join us. Fixing your eye will just be a small matter." Erick smiled as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a rolled-up piece of parchment.

"Sign this law of Agreement, become a member of the Zenia family and you will get the things you desire."

Swallowing her saliva, Alice unfurled the parchment and read the conditions.

The contract could be summed up to three key points.

Upon signing the Law of Agreement, Alice becomes a member of the Zenia family and the following restrictions will take place.

1)She must adhere to the hierarchy of the Zenia family.

2)What happens in the Zenia family cannot be disclosed to outsiders without permission from the family.

3)She will not harm the family.

'If you don't agree, we can't stay close to them and follow them into the Inverted World. If you sign it, it's restricting your movement and you can't harm them. It's a trap, we can't sign this.' Alyss frowned but Alice shook her head.

'You're missing the key point here my dear twin.' Alice revealed a menacing grin as she licked her lips and rubbed her hands.

'Huh?' Blinking her eyes, Alyss wasn't sure what Alice meant while Cayla was also confused.

"Yiya~ This contract seems pretty harsh ahaha. It's basically asking for my eternal loyalty, is it not?" Alice smiled, sitting across from Erick.

"I must follow the family's rules, I can't talk without permission and I can't harm. Isn't this just a slave contract?" Alice asked with a smile that wasn't quite a smile.

Even though she may have shown interest as 'Kale Grani', her persona wasn't the kind to just fold over for a slave contract like this.

"It seems harsh to begin with I agree but I assure you that the Zenia won't treat a treasured Guard harshly." Erick chuckled.

"Words are cheap~ Shouldn't you show a sign of sincerity?" Alice rubbed her fingers while making the gesture for coin.

"A sign of sincerity huh? Indeed, with your eye you were quite the formidable Hunter, even strong enough to fight against Jyn. However… Without your eye it's a little harder to say." Erick narrowed his gaze before shrugging.

"But very well, I'll simply think of it as an investment. However, why don't we add an additional clause to the contract? You'll serve as my Guard." Erick offered, modifying the contract before gesturing for Michael to stand next to him.

"I believe you know of Artifacts yes? So if you know of Artifacts, what if I was to give you a personal Artifact as the condition?" He asked.

Artifacts. Powerful relics are either crafted by a skilled craftsman or obtained from miraculous scenarios.

Each of these Artifacts grant various abilities that are akin to downgraded Sigil powers. But when used properly, it would be like a free Sigil.

Personal Artifacts on the other hand are weapons that have undergone a transformation to become bound to the user and enhance their abilities to the next level.

For Kaden, it was his grimoire that enhanced his authority as an Apostle. For Allura, it was her sword.

[Personal Artifacts while powerful, are hard to come by since they require compatibility with the user's power not to mention the drawbacks in activating these abilities. The cost of activation for Kaden and Allura are steep enough that even as Abyss Lords and Apostles, they suffered the physical drain.] Cayla frowned after explaining Artifacts and Personal Artifacts to Alice.

[I don't know how the Zenia's can just bestow a Personal Artifact but its definitely fishy.]

"If I recall, Artifacts can be attained in the Inverted World but the requirements for a Personal Artifact is far more stringent. How can you simply bestow one to someone you just met?" Alice asked with a raised eyebrow as Erick let out a small laugh.

"It's a little early since it's still in the testing phase. However, the Zenia family have achieved a method in mass producing Personal Artifacts. If you sign this agreement, I'll be more than happy to provide you with a Personal Artifact.

Additionally, a high grade Artifact will be given to you as well." Erick offered, sweetening the deal as Alice narrowed her eyes, contemplating if this is worth it or not.

Noticing this, Selen furrowed her brows but she couldn't say anything. Not when Erick was in the room.

For Alice, this was nothing but a trap. If she signs this, she'll forever be the slave of the Zenia family and moreover, Erick's slave as well.

"Hmm… You won't do anything naughty with me now would you?" Alice asked as she relaxed her tone.

Seeing that Alice was swayed by the promise of a Personal Artifact, Erick chuckled before raising his hands.

"I won't do that and if you're so worried, I can write that into the contract too."

While he enjoys doing things forcefully like he does to Selen, going the natural way was enjoyable every now and then. Plus, if it does get frustrating, he could always utilize the authority of the Zenia family held within this contract. It had the highest priority.

Watching them modify the contract with the new agreements, Selen could only sigh and shake her head internally.

She made a mistake. Despite the hatred that Alice showed, she was still swayed by the promise of a Personal Artifact.

Upon signing the contract, Alice could see the phenomenon of the contract taking place as Erick stored the parchment away.

"Fufufu~ Now! Show me how you can give me the Personal Artifact." Alice grinned, causing Erick to laugh.

"You're quite the gold goblin but sure, Michael, you can begin."

Nodding his head, Michael took a step forward.

"Which one would you like first? A choice of your Artifact as per written by the contract or the Personal Artifact first?" He asked as Alice thought about it for a moment.

Since she was getting two artifacts, she might as well save the best till last.

"Show me the Artifact first." Alice smiled as Michael nodded his head.

Pulling out a key from his pouch, Michael stepped to an empty spot in the room and inserted the key into the air in front of him.

Noticing the fluctuation of energy belonging to the Void, Alice raised an eyebrow as a door manifested in front of them.

"Each member of the Zenia family branches are given a 'vault' in the Void. This one is mine, feel free to pick any Artifact you find inside. While I may not be part of the main branch, I can assure you that you will not be disappointed by the selection." Erick smiled as Alice nodded her head.

Standing up, she walked to the door and gave it a push.

*Creak…

Pushing open the door, a world of gold and items greeted Alice's eye.

A vault hidden within the vast Void filled with Artifacts, items, weapons, armours, precious Abyss Blood and so on.

How many more vaults were like this hidden in the Void? If Alice could navigate the Void like the Void Seraphim, couldn't she rob the Zenias blind?

Thoughts filled her mind but right now, she had to choose a Artifact within this vault that was to her liking.

Licking her lips, Alice revealed a grin as an idea appeared in her head.

'What if I use my fourth Sigil?'