Aurora's soul was pure white, unblemished except for a dark stain at the edge, like gangrene eating its way to the bone.
In Ian's opinion, it looked unsightly.
But did Ian decide to get rid of it because of that? Of course not.
The only reason he decided to get rid of the so-called obsession was that he didn't like some powerful entity residing within his girl and spying on him, even if that was just a trace.
Moreover, when the balance of power between two parties was unequal, one could be plotted against without even realizing it.
A little caution never hurts anyone.
'Hey... can't you see it has no effect on her? I'm just helping her in her practice. She even allowed it herself...'
Ulthera was truly stunned as she felt that what Ian was doing now was ridiculous.
She wasn't lying, as these threads were indeed just a conduit for her to connect with Aurora and had no significant effect on her.
It was also a way for her to connect to the outside world and gain some freedom.
So, in her opinion, if Ian had decided to keep that seed and contract already, there was no reason for him to get rid of her presence.
It wasn't like she would disappear after that.
As long as that connection remained, she could still reach Aurora, although it might cost her a bit.
So, it was just foolish, as Aurora would have a hard time practicing if not for her.
At least, in her opinion.
'What she said before doesn't matter. I just don't like someone's consciousness inside one of my girls, however harmless it may seem.'
Ian didn't ignore the voice this time, nor did he try to taunt, but genuinely answered what he thought.
And what he told was the truth.
'Heh... kid, I'm not interested in your little game. Aren't you being too cautious? After all, what she is using is my seed. There is no way you can get rid of me that easily.'
'Tch... I didn't realize you were this paranoid.'
The disappearance of the black threads around the Sigil was faster than the Sigil itself, and Ulthera already realized that asking him to stop was futile.
So, she just mocked him for being paranoid, as she truly felt that he was depriving Aurora of a chance by erasing her existence.
'Paying favor with deceit! She promised to help me in the future. You better not come in between. Otherwise... don't forget who I am.'
At last, she said something a little angrily before falling silent, as the connection was getting fainter by the second, and she couldn't talk with him like before.
Although she did warn him at last; after all, she was a Monarch-level figure, just like Ignysyl. So, her words had some weight.
'Paying favor with deceit? Haha... that's a funny thing to say.'
Ian was amused by her choice of words and laughed a little, but he didn't stop the devouring power even for a second.
He knew that keeping Ulthera for Aurora might act like Ruther to Carl, a timely golden finger for her growth.
After all, her destiny was that of a Female Lead, and she might have her own fate.
However, it was a fact that after his appearance, Aurora didn't embrace the pure demonic path like in the novel.
Her destiny was already skewed and might be even more, just like Lyra's.
So, he didn't mind shaping it the way he wanted, as long as he could.
As for having difficulty on her path to becoming stronger, it might be a problem if not for the amazing discovery that Ian just made.
'Heh... you know what? Speaking of paying a favour, you should be thankful that I stopped that Gravekeeper in time. Otherwise, do you think he would just return like that?'
Ian suddenly smirked a little and joked.
'Huh... what do you mean?'
Ulthera was going to ignore him, but his words truly piqued her interest. But Ian ignored her and continued,
'Besides, who let you out of that rat hole in the first place, huh? But you still tried to control me as soon as you are out.'
'What do you say, Ulthera, the Midnight Empress?'
'Don't you think you are the one paying favors with deceit?'
'Swish!'
As soon as Ian finished those words, the dark threads he was devouring suddenly disappeared from Aurora's soul, leaving the faint trace of the sigil and the suspended lavender bead bare.
And along with that, the last connection between Ulthera and Aurora was also severed suddenly, causing the voice to disappear, too.
But still, Ian faintly managed to hear a surprised shout in his mind, filled with incredulity,
'Huh? How do you know?'
Unfortunately, Ulthera was destined to remain unanswered, as her obsession—the only thread connecting her to Aurora—faded and disappeared into nothingness.
'How did I know? Didn't you tell me yourself?'
Of course, Ian heard what she said at last, causing him to smile a little.
Gaining a surprised yelp from a Monarch-level figure and forcibly erasing her presence indeed made him feel a little proud.
But still, he didn't forget to cancel his Ethereal form directly, as that overpowering feeling was growing dangerously stronger and stronger, especially after seeing that Abyssal Seed.
"Hah..."
As soon as Ian left his Ethereal form, he breathed in deeply to control himself and looked at Aurora, who was hugging his body tightly, placing her head on his shoulder, seemingly half-conscious.
Her lips, which had just been devoured by him in reckless abandon, were slightly swollen, and her eyes were a hazy blend of daze and emotion.
Although all he did was kiss her, it felt as if she had spent a long night fighting.
'This girl. She is indeed weak.'
Ian smiled, stopped his sudden urge to claim those lips again, and instead slapped her perky butt hard.
"Slap!"
"Ouch!"
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"Wake up, little girl! Time to go. Lyra might have prepared your special meal."