Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey

Chapter 1020: Visiting Elysiumis Aurora Empire

After Victor got traumatised by the Drakhairs, he returned straight into Seleneʼs arms, craving the comfort only she could give to erase those haunting images from his mind. And, of course, Selene didnʼt waste the opportunity—she claimed him entirely, using this intimate moment to fill her room with their mixed scents, their bodies tangled together, making love endlessly until she could barely move a muscle, her limbs trembling and spent.

Afterward, Victor issued a few important directives regarding the Empire to Drakhairs. Among them, he firmly instructed him not to entertain any woman claiming to carry his child or spouting other such nonsense.

Despite giving these orders, Victor kept his physical distance from Drakhairs... And truth be told, Drakhairs felt a pang of sadness in his chest seeing his Emperor acting so distant.

Anyway, after taking care of the major commands, Victor tried reaching out to Xara. But she had completely shut herself inside her lab, isolating herself from the outside world. She wasnʼt responding to any of his calls—not even a single word.

Victor, however, didnʼt want to interrupt her if she was working on something crucial, so he chose to leave her be.

Later, he turned to Emberlyn, requesting her to take care of the newcomers for the time being. They were still unfamiliar with the Empireʼs customs, and he knew Emberlynʼs firm yet warm nature would guide them well. Without even a moment of hesitation, Emberlyn nodded in acceptance.

Victor left the responsibilities of the Empire in the hands of Emberlyn and Selene. Though Selene pouted adorably, clearly not thrilled about getting involved in the political side of things, Victor gently urged her to at least learn the basics. ”You never know,” he told her, ”having even a little knowledge might come in handy someday.”

With that, his tasks here were complete.

Victor reached out to Delphine. But unfortunately, she was still neck-deep in her own responsibilities. As much as he longed to tell her the truth, to share what was weighing on his mind, he preferred to speak with her face to face rather than through telepathic means.

So, shifting his focus, Victor turned his attention toward the Empiresʼ thrusters.

Raven had already taken care of things in Zephyra, which meant only two Empires remained on the list. However, the Void Empire was currently off-limits to him. After that strange, unwarranted threat from some unknown bitch, he decided not to risk it for now.

Instead, he set his sights on visiting the Aurora Empire.

Yes... the same Empire once ruled and, perhaps.... protected? by his previous Iteration.

Whether that last part was true or not, he wasnʼt entirely sure. But still... it was time to see it with his own eyes.

Of course, he couldnʼt go as Victor. That name carried weight and could stir unnecessary diplomatic tension.

So, instead, he assumed the identity of Aether—a harmless, innocent guy~

Elysiumis Aurora

A land untouched by chaos, filled with nothing but pure harmony. Just breathing the air here was enough to make oneʼs heart lighten, to strip away the burdens they carried and surrender them to the soft embrace of nature. The warmth in the air, the gentleness of the surroundings—it was the kind of place that made even a thousand years of sleep feel worth it.

Even the animals here lived in peace. They rarely fought amongst themselves because nature provided everything—food, shelter, care. The land itself was alive, nurturing all who lived within it.

It was the kind of place that, once you set foot in it, you might never want to leave.

A realm bathed in radiant purity.

Unlike other Empires where chaos and corruption brewed beneath the surface, Auroraʼs skies glowed white with a delicate golden hue... totally different from others.

It was breathtaking, magical in its stillness.

The people who lived here were just as pure. They didnʼt speak with malice or ego; their words carried no venom.

Life here was simple—peaceful. It almost felt like war had never touched this land.

Like conflict itself was something only heard of in stories.

Citizens werenʼt allowed to leave the Empire unless it was a dire emergency. And if someone chose to explore the outside world, they had to give up everything. They were to leave Aurora behind, never allowed to return.

Even outsiders, no matter who they were, could only enter designated areas. Straying beyond those boundaries was a serious offence—a crime, even.

That was how the Aurora Empire protected itself from the filth and ugliness of the outside worlds. And it had worked so far, maintaining its untouched purity even to this day. [Imgincmt]

Inside the Teleportation Station of the Aurora Empire, white, radiant energy swirled violently within the portal. From it, Aether slowly stepped out, his eyes adjusting to the serene brilliance around him.

He was ready to walk into this world he remembered only in flashes of memories.

However—

”WELCOME, MR. AETHER!!!!”

BOOM... BOOM

Suddenly, Aether flinched, nearly stumbling backwards into the teleportation portal. A loud voice had roared across the station, and within moments, fireworks burst in the sky above him.

It felt like he was some kind of champion returning home after winning a historic tournament or something ridiculous like that.

Aether blinked rapidly in confusion, his eyes scanning his surroundings. And then he saw it—an entire crowd of people standing before him, their arms filled with vibrant flowers and large signs that read welcome messages.

”What the...” Aether blinked again in confusion. He was absolutely certain he hadnʼt informed anyone of his arrival—not even Helena.

He hadnʼt told her either. So how the hell...?

His thoughts halted the moment his gaze landed on someone familiar—The Archpriestess.

She stood among the crowd, wearing a serene, gentle smile, yet beneath that calmness, Aether sensed something off. There was a flicker of madness in her eyes, a kind of fervour that barely kept itself contained... Like she was holding something back.

The Archpriestess slowly stepped forward, her soft voice laced with grace and eerie calm, ”I know youʼre surprised by this welcome, but believe me... this is what the Mother Goddess wished for you... A grand reception.”

”Mother Goddess? What do you mean ʼwishedʼ?” Aether asked, his tone skeptical and edged with discomfort, almost like he was about to vomit from the overwhelming bullshits but was holding it back.

His eyes drifted to the people around him—each wearing radiant smiles, their faces glowing with an innocent purity. They didnʼt know who he was, yet their joy felt real... as if he belonged here among them.

They had no idea why this man was important, but if the Archpriestess herself had come to welcome him, then surely he must be someone of great significance.

Aether gave a polite smile. ”Thank you all... for such a warm welcome.”

They nodded in return, smiling softly in response.

The Archpriestess gestured gracefully. ”My carriage is waiting for you.”

Aether paused, staring at her. All he wanted was to enter quietly, like a regular traveller. Yet here she was, treating him like royalty.

ʼWhatever...ʼ he mentally shrugged, letting out a breath as he took his next step and followed her lead.

The crowd parted for him like a tide, stepping aside to form a path—as if he were a king returning to his kingdom.

And strangely enough, Aether felt something stir inside. Something... familiar. His gaze grew focused, his shoulders squared naturally, and he looked ahead with a composed, determined expression.

It was like instinct—something in his body remembered this place.

As he stepped out of the Teleportation Station, a brilliant white light with a golden hue bathed his face. Almost blinding. Aether squinted, shielding his eyes for a moment as his pupils contracted, slowly adjusting. He blinked, rubbing his eyes, then finally looked up at the sky.

”Wow...” he muttered in awe.

The sky was unlike anything heʼd ever seen—white with a soft golden glow. It felt... divine. Like he had already entered heaven.

That was the kind of atmosphere surrounding him now.

Even his thoughts began to quiet. Aether felt an unfamiliar calmness settling over him, a strange sense of peace, like no matter what happened... everything would be okay. That gentle relief made his eyelids droop slightly, his body almost swaying with sudden drowsiness.

Aether shook his head sharply, snapping himself out of the haze.

The Archpriestess chuckled softly. ”Itʼs your first time here, so naturally, youʼre feeling this way. Donʼt worry... youʼll get used to it.”

Then, her expression shifted to one of curiosity. She murmured, almost to herself, ”But... to think you didnʼt pass out or even faint... thatʼs surprising.”

”Hm? Why?” Aether frowned, puzzled.

The Archpriestess answered with an amused tone, ”Normally, someone visiting our Empire for the first time... well, ninety-nine percent of them faint or lose consciousness. Only about one percent manage to remain aware—but even then, they canʼt walk. The air here is too pure. It overwhelms the body, erasing years of fatigue, physical exhaustion, and mental strain in mere moments. That kind of relief often causes people to collapse.”

She looked at him, genuinely intrigued. ”But you... not only are you conscious, youʼre walking briskly like itʼs nothing. Have you perhaps visited here before?”

”No... This really is my first time,” Aether replied, letting out a soft sigh as his eyes landed on the carriage. ”So thatʼs why you brought this thing...”

He had wondered earlier why she insisted on the carriage. Now it all made sense.

”Anyway,” the Archpriestess said with a gentle shrug, ”Letʼs not linger. We shouldnʼt cause too much of a scene here.”

Aether nodded silently and approached the carriage.

But this was no ordinary carriage. It wasnʼt something just meant for transportation—it was hers.

A private vehicle meant only for her travels.

Aether placed his foot on the step, preparing to climb in.

Thud!

Suddenly, his knees gave out, and he dropped down.

His eyes turned pure white for a fleeting moment, like all awareness was stripped from him.

And then—A voice.

Not loud, not angry—yet powerful and absolute.

It echoed deep within his mind.

”Protect them... Protect all of them...”