Since Zaria had come into contact with him, even if briefly, he was now able to pretty much track her at all times.
Obviously, he had no weird intentions. However, the fact of the matter was, he didn't want her accidentally getting herself killed.
After all, new timeline, new possibilities. For all he knew, she would run into some invader trying to kill him.
And of course, they would just so happen to swat her away.
Zaria, much like in the past, seemed pretty strong. Definitely stronger than Kael, but much, much weaker than Neraxis.
If he had to estimate, she was around S- or A+ ranked, which, for her age, was actually incredibly good.
Then again... I wonder if I could somehow jog either of our memories... Neraxis thought.
Alice and the others were able to do it, so why couldn't he?
While he was affected by the mind override, he had clearly seen himself nearly break free of it several times.
And now, since there was no one to reinforce that weird connection, all Neraxis had to do was break it once and for all.
Not sure how I'll do that yet, but first, I need to check up on her family, Neraxis thought with a hum as he flew through the sky.
Since they were incredibly rich, he flew to the topmost platform, and from there, he began searching.
There were dozens of all sorts of company buildings, and the entire platform was incredibly well-guarded.
In fact, Neraxis's mana was being tracked from just simply walking by.
He didn't retaliate, obviously. But he had to keep in mind the fact that these people would not hesitate to pull something.
Thankfully, he put his cover back on—just this time, instead of golden hair and eyes, both were fully black.
From what I remember of Alice's memories, Zaria's family had a tech company or something, Neraxis pondered, narrowing down his options.
Yet as he glanced around, he could only see a single tech company.
He was unsure if this was the only company available; however, he went toward the building all the same.
It had fancy revolving doors, and at the front desk sat a red-haired receptionist.
One thing did catch his eye, and that was the fact the red-haired receptionist's eyes were silver, just like Zaria's.
A sister? Mother maybe? Neraxis thought, approaching the receptionist and nodding at her.
"Excuse me, I know where Zaria is, and I was wondering—"
"Hold that thought." The woman raised her hand urgently. "You said you know where Zaria is? Tell me now and I shall reward you handsomely."
"I'm not interested in any rewards. I just want to talk with her father or something," Neraxis replied plainly, narrowing his eyes. "You see... I'm acquainted with Zaria, and she's mentioned running away from you lot. I'm just curious about the reason behind that."
"You shouldn't pry into the matters of others." The receptionist scoffed and tapped something on her desk.
Immediately, several dozen guards appeared from both the elevators and the outside, effectively surrounding Neraxis.
But he wasn't worried. He knew that these people wouldn't be stupid enough to let him inside the building and have a talk with the people in charge.
The only reason why he was probably still not killed was simply because he had mentioned Zaria.
They might be rich; however, when an S- ranked individual wants to escape, they escape.
"Cuff him and take him upstairs," the receptionist instructed as she stepped back and into the elevator.
In the meantime, Neraxis let it happen as the guards cuffed his hands and led him into a random elevator.
He could break out at any moment, but as a courtesy to Zaria's parents, he decided not to.
They began traveling up the elevator and arrived on what appeared to be the topmost floor.
Neraxis could sense several decently strong people.
Five S- ranked awakened, and even one S+ ranked awakened.
They were a force to be reckoned with, and most normal people would be overwhelmed.
However, Neraxis wasn't fazed. He simply separated from the guards and sat down on a cushion.
There was a threatening black-haired man sitting behind a table, his silver eyes looking over Neraxis carefully.
It seemed like that was their leader, and of course, likely Zaria's father.
"I've heard you know where Zaria is?" the man asked, tapping his finger on the armrest. "Do note, you're not the first, and likely not the last person who has come here claiming to know where my daughter is."
"And yet, you still bring them inside with the hope of one of them knowing where she is," Neraxis remarked, causing the man's brows to furrow.
"I don't appreciate such statements in my establishment. Tell me what you know, or you'll wish you had," the man stated, and nodded at the single S+ ranked awakened.
It was a fearsome-looking woman, and she soon approached, grabbing Neraxis's finger.
Immediately, she twisted it—or rather, tried to twist it.
However, she wasn't even able to make Neraxis's finger budge.
"Nice try." Neraxis chuckled, causing everyone in the room to flinch. "But I've come here not because I wanted to make a deal with you. Instead, I want to know the reason why Zaria is running away from here in the first place."
"Who are you?" Zaria's father asked, wary. "I'm sure our sensors would've detected someone like you entering the city. And yet, you're here."
Neraxis shrugged as he turned to the S+ ranked awakened and, with a single flick, sent her flying through the window and off the building.
a fall of at least a couple of kilometers. However, since she was 'strong,' she'd survive.
"Anyways, I think we should have a separate chat if you don't mind," Neraxis said, and in the very next moment, he formed a giant frost barrier, isolating himself and Zaria's father inside.
"Now then..." Neraxis trailed off, a sly smile tugging at his lips.
"Why don't I be your family counsel?"