"I can read the fate of anyone I choose, you know right?" Anastasia remarked.
Alex smiled softly. "I’m aware."
"... After realizing I couldn’t read yours... I read mine and questioned what would happen if I met you." Anastasia paused before asking. "Guess the response?"
Anastasia smiled wryly. "There was no response... it was the first time that I couldn’t read my fate and it was because it was related to you."
"And so you got excited?"
"At the prospect of experiencing things I would have never imagined possible."
"Even if that means going against your vows?" Alex raised a brow.
Anastasia smiled. "There is a reason I chose to become your subordinate."
"... I see." Alex sighed as he understood what she meant.
If Anastasia had directly grabbed him and made him her subordinate, it would interfere with the unknown that Alex is capable of and she would still be bound by her vows.
But becoming Alex’s subordinate gave her a chance to experience the unknown that Alex was destined for and also allow her to escape her vows by simply deceiving her benefactors into thinking that she was forced against her will.
Anastasia revealed a cunning smile. "Also, I believe you would be able to deal with the enchantment my vows brought upon me."
"Enchantment?" Alex was left confused.
"Mn, my words are my bound. Any promise I make binds my soul until I fulfill the promise. I believe an Ancient like yourself would be able to help me break the restraints, no?"
"... You are asking for too much," Alex remarked still unsure of what to make of Anastasia’s statement.
If it were just a casual promise that because she is a noble creature, she can’t break, that would be great.
Unfortunately, there was a mystical aspect to the situation.
Of course, he expected it but still, learning about it was quite annoying.
How would he even start by helping free her from the restraints?
Alex rubbed his temples. "This is bothersome."
"It’s worth it, in my opinion." Anastasia sweetly said.
"Alright then, you may become my subordinate..." Alex trailed off as Anastasia clapped her hands in excitement.
"That is if you can help me with my mission."
Anastasia expected this as she inquired. "What is your mission?"
Taking a moment to adjust his pneuma for possible impact, Alex replied. "Sephiroth."
Anastasia’s eyes flickered for a moment before she furrowed her brows. "Sephiroth?"
"It would seem you have no idea what it is." Alex chuckled while sighing inwardly.
’A thousand year old dragon doesn’t have an idea what it is?’
He began to wonder what he’d have to meet to get the information he required.
Just then, Anastasia spoke up. "It’s nothing like that."
"When you say sephiroth, two come to mind."
Alex raised a brow. "... Is that so?"
"Yes. The first sephiroth are the one that exists within all Mystics from the Immortal Wheels. It represents their path to godhood. You must have seen it after breaking the boundary."
Alex pursed his lips as he pondered on her words.
Thinking back... the only thing that fit the description was the arched gate with a tree-like symbol on it.
Taking a moment to catch her breath, Anastasia continued. "The second is The Sephiroth also known as the Branches of the Absolute."
Considering the larger-than-life title used for the second sephiroth, Alex guessed that the one Nyx sent him to find was it.
"Tell me about it." Alex leisurely said as he walked ahead with Anastasia slowly following after.
"Based on research done by ancient scholars, the Branches of the Absolute is said to be the Sephiroth of the Absolute One that created all things. Each one possesses power over an aspect of his omnipotence."
"The sephiroth of the absolute one," Alex muttered.
"Mn, the sephiroth of the Immortal Wheels are said to be cheap copies of the original Sephiroth."
"What are the Branches?"
"I can tell you all about it but I didn’t take much interest in it since I don’t much like the existence of an absolute existence."
"It negates the point of excitement if there’s a person up there that knows everything we do. It must be quite boring."
Alex chuckled. "I see."
Glancing about the ridiculously large library, Alex inquired. "So where can I learn about the Branches?"
Anastasia didn’t reply as she casually levitated into the air before heading for a shelf and pulling out a big book.
Alex raised a brow. ’This might take a while’
With a loud thud, Anastasia dropped the book on a reading located at the center of the library.
"All you need to know is in here... as much as is known anyway."
Alex placed his hand on the book but Anastasia didn’t immediately let the book go as she met his gaze.
"... I may be desperate but... I would never be able to forgive myself if I ended up doing something wrong and putting the human race in jeopardy."
Alex’s lips curled as he muttered. "You are worried that I’d harm humanity?"
"It’s dumb I know. After everything I said, I decided to talk about the important stuff now but... I can’t be completely selfish."
Alex reached out and though Anastasia curled away, he merely moved closer and placed his palm on her cheek.
"As you said, I am an Ancient. A person that managed to survive the cycle of destruction. Do you want to know what my goal is for seeking the Branches of the Absolute?"
Anastasia pursed her lips. "Why?"
"Because I want to spare this cycle from the destruction that awaits it and the only way to do so... is to become a god."
Anastasia looked into his eyes and just like last time, she felt like she was being sucked in.
Placing her palms over Alex’s own and leaning in closer, she muttered under her breath.
For some reason, Anastasia felt grateful that at that moment, Alex did not seem like a villain.