The SSS Ranked Villain's Return-Chapter 286: Family Counsellor Neraxis

"And yet you still did it!" Zaria lashed out. "I couldn't give less of a shit about that guy, nor will I ever trust you again. You tried to ruin my life, so fuck you! I'll go start a life of my own."

"Zaria... please, just hear me out," her father pleaded, his expression contorted. "I'll never do that again, so please, come back to us."

"I said I would never trust you again," Zaria affirmed. "That means I can't trust you won't do anything stupid once I come back. For all I know, you're going to quarantine me and send that guy over to my room so we can talk. Again, fuck no."

She's really feisty about this, Neraxis thought, taking a step back and dodging an invisible attack.

Ever since earlier, she had been emitting a type of mana he couldn't really make out. However, one thing was certain: her emotions bled into the surroundings, and the main emotion being portrayed was anger. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

But he had taken note of one thing: the invisible mana flying around wasn't actually that harmful.

So instead of anger, she likely only felt disappointment.

Yet Neraxis wouldn't be the one to interrupt her. He merely let her continue with her lashing out, until eventually...

"You know what... I'm out of here," she stated, and then dashed off into the distance.

Her speed was pretty impressive, and much faster than what he saw earlier.

So she's also boosting herself. Is this some reality manipulation...? I can't even tell, Neraxis thought with a sigh.

She was one complicated girl, and since he knew she wasn't finished, Neraxis ran up to her father, picked him up by the collar, and ran after Zaria.

Naturally, he could catch up in less than a second. However, Neraxis wanted to have a little chat with him.

"So, any thoughts on backing off and trying to find some middle ground?" Neraxis asked with a chuckle.

"Middle ground? I offered her safety, she doesn't want it," her father replied.

"That's not really a middle ground though, is it?" Neraxis said. "You're giving your offer. You're not exactly asking what she wants."

Yes, she had mentioned freedom, but this guy was her father. He had more than enough authority—and obviously, conscience—to grant her that silly wish.

But from what Neraxis could notice, the man really didn't know what he was even feeling.

"Listen..." Neraxis trailed off, stopping in place and setting her father down.

"Instead of a business owner, talk to her as a father. The same father who was there for her when she was younger. I think that's a much easier alternative, don't you think?"

"..." her father stared at him in silence for a few moments, then slowly nodded. "I believe I know what you're talking about now. Very well... bring me to her."

"Also, for future reference, do note that I'm not your taxi boy," Neraxis corrected, and then grabbed her father by the collar before dashing straight after Zaria.

She had made considerable distance, even managing to exit the forest.

Now, she was in some sort of snowy biome, and for some reason, she had begun climbing the single mountain peak which stood alone in the center.

It pierced the clouds with its sheer size, and she kept climbing it.

Zaria somehow made it easier for herself. Almost with every step, she glided upward.

Therefore, if he had to guess, her grand plan in all of this was to fly away or something.

So, Neraxis didn't leave her, and only enveloped her father with a sort of Solar barrier, making sure he didn't freeze to death.

After all, this guy seemed to be a one-trick businessman. Literally, he was a D+ ranked awakened.

Can't risk it. Otherwise, I'll turn her father into a popsicle up there, Neraxis thought with a hum as he practically climbed right behind her.

The distance between them was around a meter or so, but she was very focused on running away, so she didn't even notice he was there.

Nonetheless, Neraxis let her continue, until finally, she reached the very top of the mountain.

She leaned over, preparing to jump off. At the same time, a pair of red wings formed on her back, almost in retaliation.

And yet, before she could lift off, Neraxis merely plopped her father down, and then, with a single thread of mana, held her down by the legs.

"You fucker... you followed me up here?" Zaria remarked, glaring at Neraxis. "Why does no one just leave me alone, huh?"

The moment her words fell, Neraxis felt a strange repulsion gathering in the air, and soon, it struck him, sending him hurtling off the mountain.

Damn... Neraxis thought, impressed. Even if I was holding back, her mana was able to repel me back. That's a very strong power she has, probably on the same level as Ariella.

One controlled time, the other controlled reality. Seemed pretty balanced.

And if Ariella were to fight alongside Zaria, then they'd practically be unstoppable.

Though I feel like the only person she'd really get along with is Eris. Both of them have similar personalities, just different goals, Neraxis pondered as he flew back to the mountain peak.

She was currently arguing with her father, but he could already see the difference.

Zaria's tone wasn't as harsh anymore. Instead, she paused, listening, then screaming slurs and other insults.

But it was progress, even if incredibly slow progress.

"I'm back~" Neraxis announced with a sigh, landing in between the two of them.

"Are you guys done making up? Really, it's getting cold up here."

"Well, no one asked you to be here, so you can take your leave now. I'll do the same," Zaria said, and in the very next moment, tried lifting into the sky again.

Neraxis's sun threads were still holding on firmly, but he felt like she would break out soon enough.

Do I reinforce them...? Nah. Neraxis chuckled. I don't really care that much if they make up or not. I'll just give this old man one last chance, if not, then I'll let Zaria go.

Therefore, Neraxis walked up to her father and gently elbowed him.

"Say something now or regret it forever," Neraxis whispered, causing her father to flinch.

Yet it seemed like his words had gone through, since her father slowly walked up to Zaria, standing right below her.

And soon, he spoke.