Infinite Mana In The Oasis

Amidst the dense wilderness of the Ironhaven forest, two figures swiftly traversed the untamed terrain, their mana-infused abilities propelling them forward.

Leading the way was a Ranker, his distinctive features marking him as someone extraordinary. Eren, with his ethereal white hair, piercing blue eyes, and porcelain complexion, commanded attention as he moved with purpose. Behind him trailed Roma Tigerin, a female Evoker determined to keep pace with the enigmatic Ranker.

Roma possessed an undeniable allure, her appearance a captivating blend of contrasts. Her smooth, snow-white skin provided a pristine canvas for her enchanting gray eyes and luscious cherry-red lips. Her ash-white tresses cascaded gracefully around her face, adding an air of elegance to her presence.

Donned in the attire of an adventurer, Roma sported a practical yet stylish ensemble. A simple white top accompanied her lightweight yet durable black sleeveless bodice armor, while amber-hued pants and mustard-colored shoes adorned her lower body, aiding her in the utilization of her Movement Spell.

Despite her outward beauty, Roma's countenance revealed a hint of tension and anxiety as she followed Eren's lead. It was clear that she was prepared to go to great lengths to fulfill their current mission, her determination etched upon her face.

It seemed that Eren and Roma were chasing after something or someone.

As Eren delved deeper into the Ironhaven forest, his lightning-infused Blitz Steps propelling him forward, a familiar voice resonated within his mind. Aleph, ever the sarcastic companion, couldn't help but share his thoughts on Eren's recent encounter with Roma Tigerin.

'You know, lad, I thought you were pretty cool for your pursuit of resurrecting your lost brother,' Aleph remarked, his words interweaving with Eren's thoughts. 'But then you go ahead and slap women who dare to confront you.' Eren's brow furrowed as he absorbed Aleph's commentary on his unconventional response towards his encounter with Roma.

Curiosity piqued, Eren couldn't help but inquire, his voice tinged with caution and a hint of tension, "And what do you think of me now?" However, the boisterous words that reverberated through his mind in response caught him off guard. It was Aleph's infectious laughter that followed, proclaiming Eren's actions as nothing short of remarkable.

"Now I think you're freaking awesome. Kekeke. I mean, you sure know how to shut them up," Aleph declared, his laughter echoing in Eren's mind. Startled, Eren found himself coughing in surprise, unaccustomed to receiving applause for the way he had dealt with Roma.

Amidst his coughing fit, Roma appeared at Eren's side, concern evident in her voice as she asked if he was alright. Struggling to regain his composure, Eren replied, his words slightly strained, "Yeah, it's nothing. Must've swallowed a bug or something. I… cough cough cough… I think we were moving too fast. We need to slow down."

Eren's hand instinctively reached for his chest, his gentle massage an attempt to calm his racing heart and steady himself in Roma's presence.

As he listened to Aleph's musings, Eren couldn't help but reflect on the complexity of his own actions. The previous encounter with Reece, when he first awakened in the original Eren's body, flashed through his mind. The weariness etched across his features seemed to deepen as Aleph's words carried on.

'Don't get me wrong,' Aleph's voice trailed off, leaving a momentary pause as Eren reached for a water pouch, the cool liquid soothing his parched throat. Aleph's amusement remained evident as he resumed speaking.

'I've had my fair share of deadly encounters with the fairer gender. And I dealt with them without worrying about what's between my opponents' legs. So, I suppose you could say I'm a staunch believer in equality as well. However,' he continued, a touch of intrigue lacing his words.

'I can't help but feel that a resounding slap across a maiden's face carries a more personal sting, a measure of cruelty that surpasses engaging in mortal kombat. I can't recall if I've ever executed such a display of gusto myself, at least not to the extent you've shown me thus far.' Aleph's laughter reverberated through Eren's mind once more, a playful cadence that echoed in the depths of his thoughts.

'In what twisted reality is it acceptable to take a life, yet a mere slap incites such chaos? Your logic is truly warped,' Eren retorted, a hint of anger lacing his response. He felt the need to address Aleph's comment, as a way to defend his actions. Yet, realizing the futility of engaging further, Eren made a conscious decision to refocus his attention on the task at hand. The last thing he needed was a distracting internal dialogue.

Initially, when Aleph remained slumbering within Eren's soul for most of the time, Eren had held onto a glimmer of hope that Aleph would break the silence and offer some insights, responding to his inquiries. However, the situation had reversed ever since he had exited the Hexers' Grounds.

Aleph seemed to have found all the energy he needed to voice his thoughts, and he wouldn't stop speaking. The once sought-after dialogue had transformed into an overwhelming torrent of words. Eren found himself longing for a reprieve, yearning for a moment of respite to collect his scattered thoughts. The demonic voice that echoed in his mind was enough to elicit an array of emotions from anyone within earshot.

Sofiya, closely trailing Eren and Roma, observed the sudden halt and furrowed her brow in concern. Utilizing her own Movement Spell, she swiftly closed the distance between them, joining Eren's side. Her weariness was palpable as she inquired about the reason for their pause, her voice laden with exhaustion.

Roma, casting an anxious glance at Eren, replied with a touch of apprehension, "It appears Eren wishes for us to slow our pace."

'Any updates, Aleph? I hope you've got something for me,' Eren's voice carried a sense of urgency as he glanced back at the two women who had placed their trust in him. With determination etched on their faces, they awaited news that would lead them closer to rescuing Roma's abducted younger brother.

Eren couldn't afford to appear clueless, lest he risk jeopardizing their mission and rendering their efforts futile.