Chapter 95: Chapter 95: I Made A Decision
1st POV: Nero Walker
***
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been distrustful of people.
Perhaps it’s rooted deep within me, this instinct to hold back and observe before committing to anything.
I tend to be passive, quietly watching the actions of others before planning my next move, calculating how I should interact with them based on patterns I’ve identified.
At first, it felt exhausting.
Having to constantly analyze every social interaction like it was some kind of tactical puzzle.
Reading between lines that might not even exist.
Preparing contingencies for conversations that might never happen.
But I became used to it as years flew by.
Especially after creating that "new identity" where nobody knew who I really was or what I’d been through.
I thought I’d completely gotten over all that.
That I’d moved past those shadows clinging to my back.
That the walls I’d built were just temporary scaffolding that I’d eventually tear down.
But clearly, that wasn’t the case.
Those walls had become permanent fixtures.
Invisible barriers that kept everyone at arm’s length even when I desperately wanted to let them closer.
"..."
I don’t know what’s gotten over me recently, but somehow I feel lighter than before.
My usual indecisiveness, that constant second-guessing that plagued every decision, has become less of a problem.
The clog within my mind, that mental block that made every choice feel like wading through mud, has been cleared up.
It’s a strange feeling that I’ve been experiencing ever since I woke up from death.
Like I’m inhabiting a new body despite being in the same flesh.
I can feel it clearly now.
Those invisible chains that had been holding me back my entire life suddenly snapped apart when I died and came back.
Some fundamental restraint on my psyche just... broke.
I’ve never felt so free before.
This burning flame that took over when I confessed what I had in my heart to Aurelia.
This overwhelming desire to do what I want without any hindrances anymore.
To stop waiting for the "right moment" that might never come.
To stop calculating every possible outcome before taking a single step forward.
To stop being so goddamn passive about my own life.
"..."
I’ve made a decision.
From now on, I’ll do things my way.
No more hiding behind excuses.
No more waiting for permission from fate or circumstance.
No more letting fear of loss paralyze me into inaction.
If I want something, I’ll pursue it.
If I care about someone, I’ll tell them.
If there’s a battle to fight, I’ll face it head-on instead of calculating the safest approach.
It’s time to stop being the cautious observer and start being the active participant in my own story.
***
The settlement’s main gathering area filled with confused murmurs as people assembled in the early morning light.
"Did anyone else get that message?"
"Yeah, Nero said he had an important announcement..."
"At eight in the morning? Couldn’t this wait until after breakfast?"
Yui, Kaito, and Haru stood together near the front, their expressions mixing curiosity with concern.
Jin leaned against a stone pillar with her characteristic easy posture, though her eyes showed genuine interest.
The parents clustered together, exchanging worried glances.
Robert and Lisa Chen positioned themselves near the middle of the crowd.
Gilbert stood off to the side, his healer’s instincts already on alert for whatever news required such a formal gathering.
The six former wives, Frila, Carmen, Zara, Nell, Isabell, and Dia, had grouped together near the back, their expressions carrying a mixture of curiosity and nervousness.
"What do you think this is about?" Frila whispered.
"No idea, but it must be serious if he’s calling everyone together like this," Carmen replied.
*Step. Step. Step.*
The murmuring died down as Nero ascended the makeshift stage, a simple platform constructed from stone and salvaged materials.
Aurelia and Celis stood at the base, their presence lending additional weight to whatever announcement was coming.
"..."
Nero surveyed the assembled crowd, his expression serious but not grim.
Finally, he spoke.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I know this is sudden, but I needed to tell everyone at once rather than have information spread through rumors."
He took a breath.
"I’ve decided to leave this settlement."
*Crash!*
The metaphorical bomb hit the crowd with immediate effect.
"What?!"
"Leave? Why?!"
"But you just got back!"
The protests erupted from multiple directions simultaneously.
Nero raised his hands, gesturing for calm.
"Let me explain. There are personal matters I need to handle. Things that can’t wait and can’t be resolved from here."
His mind flashed to Aurelia’s mysterious death in the war, "missing" memories and why it happened in the first place, to which those certain parts of her memories despite recovering mostly everything back are still vaguely missing.
The strange circumstances surrounding Celis’s summoning and her unknown goals.
The prospect of unknown entities trying to restrain his abilities through that corrupted Earth Rebirth System.
The warning from Aria about outside forces that feared his potential.
Too many mysteries, too many threats that required active investigation rather than passively waiting for answers.
"What kind of personal matters?" Juno asked, his analytical mind already working through possibilities.
"The kind that might put people in danger if I stay here," Nero answered carefully. "I don’t want to bring trouble to this settlement when you’re all just starting to rebuild."
"Then we’ll come with you!"
The declaration came from multiple voices at once.
Kaito stepped forward. "You helped us find our parents. We’re not letting you face danger alone!"
"Yeah, we can fight now," Haru added with uncharacteristic confidence. "We’ve been training."
"P-Plus, you’ll need support!" Yui chimed in. "Medical assistance, supplies, people who have your back!"
Jin pushed off from her pillar. "Count me in too. This settlement is stable enough now, and honestly, I’m getting bored just doing maintenance work."
"..."
Nero could only smile wryly at their enthusiasm.
"I appreciate the sentiment, really. But think about what you’re saying."
He gestured toward the rest of the assembled crowd.
"Not everyone here can fight. Not everyone wants to leave the safety of this settlement. If all of you who can battle decide to come with me... who’s going to protect them?"
The question landed like cold water on their enthusiasm.
"..."
Silence spread through the gathering as the reality of the situation sank in.
He was right.
Elderly survivors who’d barely made it this far.
Children who needed stability and protection.
People with support abilities rather than combat skills.
All of them depended on the fighters to maintain security.
If everyone capable of combat left, the settlement would be defenseless against monster attacks.
"How about a compromise?" Jin suggested after a moment. "Some of us stay, some of us go. We can rotate if needed."
"It would still be dangerous," Nero insisted. "I’m not just talking about regular monster encounters. The threats I’m likely to face..."
He trailed off, not wanting to elaborate on cosmic conspiracies and reality-warping entities.
"Isn’t that more reason why you should bring someone?"
The question came from Juno, prompting everyone including Nero to look at him.
Nero was about to open his mouth to argue, but six figures suddenly stepped forward before he could speak.
The former wives moved as one, positioning themselves at the front of the crowd.
"We’ll go."
Dia spoke for the group with such determination, her life-binding threads already manifesting around her fingers.
"All six of us volunteer to accompany you, Nero."
"!!!"
The declaration caught everyone off guard.
Frila’s ice began crystallizing in the air around her. "We have the combat capability."
Carmen’s psychological abilities flickered. "We’ve faced mind control and survived."
Zara’s bone constructs materialized. "We’re not helpless civilians who need constant protection."
Nell’s shadows coiled at her feet. "We can handle ourselves."
Isabell’s spatial distortions warped the air. "And we owe you for freeing us."
"..."
The six women stood firm despite the attention suddenly focused on them.
Their expressions showed determination, though careful observers might notice the slight blush coloring their cheeks.
... T-They just wanted to help Nero out of pure gratitude, okay?
D-Definitely not because they all felt a crush on him after he’d saved them from Vincent’s control!
... Or because watching him risk his life for others had awakened feelings they weren’t quite ready to acknowledge.
Definitely not because of any of that.
Just... gratitude.
Pure, simple, totally platonic gratitude.
... Definitely just those.
"They make a good point," Genya observed. "Six experienced combatants with diverse abilities would be a solid team."
"And they’re right about not needing constant protection," Ren added. "We’ve seen what they can do."
Yuki nodded enthusiastically. "Plus, it leaves enough fighters here to protect the settlement~!"
"..."
Nero was still a bit adamant, his mind racing through future plans.
Not only were they going to face probably tough encounters, he couldn’t exactly protect them while also pursuing his own objectives.
His investigation into the system anomalies.
The search for answers about Aurelia’s past.
Understanding Celis’s true purpose.
All of that while dealing with whatever cosmic forces were apparently afraid of his Waifu Summoner ability.
But the sisters sensed his hesitation and immediately narrowed their eyes.
"We don’t need protection," Frila stated firmly.
"After all, if we couldn’t even protect ourselves, how would we be worthy of standing beside you?" Carmen added.
The phrasing made Nero look at them with his eyebrows raised.
’Standing beside me? That’s a weird way to put it...’
Something about their reasoning felt off, like they were arguing a completely different point than he was making though...
But before he could address it, Aurelia finally spoke up as she stood beside him on the stage.
"Lord Nero, I believe they would make valuable companions."
"!!!"
The six women looked absolutely shocked that the First Star Valkyrie was vouching for them.
Aurelia continued calmly. "... Rebecca Torres was a formidable opponent during our battle. Her earth manipulation abilities were impressive. The fact that these women worked alongside her and survived Vincent’s control speaks to their capabilities."
"I agree with Aurelia," Celis added with her gentle smile, somehow, she was already beside him as she continued, "The journey ahead shall be fraught with difficulty, my Savior. Having companions with diverse abilities shall render it easier, provided their prowess be of decent measure."
"..."
Nero found himself surrounded by arguments he couldn’t easily refute.
Finally, he raised both hands in surrender.
"... Alright, alright. I give up. If you six are absolutely certain you want to come, I won’t stop you."
"YES!"
The sisters immediately erupted in celebration, high-fiving each other with barely contained excitement.
Their joy was so genuine and unguarded that several people in the crowd started chuckling.
"Well, well," Kaito called out with a shit-eating grin. "Looks like someone’s building himself a harem."
"Definitely a harem," Haru agreed, chuckling.
"Mr. Nero’s living the dream~" Yui added with a cute giggle.
"I-It’s not like that!" Carmen protested, her face going bright red.
"We’re just... helping!" Frila added quickly.
"P-Pure gratitude!" Zara insisted.
"Nothing else!" Nell, Isabell, and Dia chorused together.
The atmosphere shifted from serious to cheerful as people started making jokes and comments about Nero’s growing entourage of beautiful women.
Even Jin was grinning. "Smooth operator, our fearless leader."
"What can I say, it’s part of my charm, I guess?"
Nero could only shrug as he chuckled in response.
Beautiful woman is.. well, beautiful woman.
Who wouldn’t like to be accompanied by more beauties on his journey?
That thought brought a wry smile to his face.
But as the laughter died down, his expression grew serious again.
"There’s one more thing I need to tell everyone. Something that explains a lot about Aurelia and Celis, and why I’m confident about leaving with only a small group."
The crowd settled, sensing the shift in tone.
Juno’s analytical gaze sharpened with interest.
"I’m a summoner," Nero stated simply. "Both Aurelia and Celis are my summons."
"!!!"
The revelation hit like a second bomb.
But this time, instead of protests, there was just stunned silence as people processed the information.
"A... summoner?" Gilbert repeated slowly.
"... That explains so much," Juno murmured, pieces clicking together in his brilliant mind. "The mysterious appearance of both women. Their absolute loyalty despite having just met you. That strange golden card and glow when Celis appeared..."
His eyes widened with realization.
"The entire sequence makes sense now if we factor in summoning mechanics rather than trying to explain it through conventional means."
"You actually guessed it?!" Kaito burst out laughing. "I told you guys!"
"Yeah, yeah, you were right," Haru grumbled, pulling out what looked like a candy bar and handing it over.
Yui giggled. "We were betting on whether Nero was a summoner or had some other unique ability ever since we saw Ms. Aurelia. Looks like Kaito wins this round."
Despite their laughter, even the trio looked genuinely shocked by the confirmation.
Betting on it was one thing.
Having it proven true was another entirely.
"If you need more proof..."
Nero reached into his inventory, pulling out three silver-bordered cards.
The SR-tier summon cards materialized in front of him, each one glowing with contained power.
He held them up for everyone to see.
"Summon."
*FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!*
Silver light exploded across the gathering area, so brilliant that everyone had to shield their eyes.
The radiance was different from Celis’s golden glow.
When the light faded and people could see again...
"..."
Three new women stood on the stage where empty air had been moments before.
The first was a beast-woman with sleek black fur and feline features.
Cat ears twitched atop her head as her tail swished with predatory grace.
Twin daggers hung at her hips, and her amber eyes scanned the crowd with the wariness of a born hunter.
Her lithe build and dark leather armor spoke of stealth and precision.
===
Summon: Nyxara Shadowpaw – "Silent Fang" (SR)
Race: Beastkin (Feline)
Class: Assassin
Type: Stealth/DPS
Affection Gauge: 12%
STR: ✦✦
DEX: ✦✦✦
INT: ✦
VIT: ✦
CHA: ✦✦
– Notable Skills –
[Shadow Step (Advanced)]
[Vital Strike (Advanced)]
[Silent Movement (Master)]
===
The second was a dryad with flowing green hair that seemed woven from living vines.
Her skin had a faint wooden texture, with small flowers blooming along her arms.
She wore an elegant maid uniform that somehow looked completely natural on her plant-like form.
Her emerald eyes held gentle intelligence, and her presence radiated nurturing energy.
===
Summon: Sylvia Bloomheart – "Nature’s Attendant" (SR)
Race: Dryad
Class: Maid/Support
Type: Support/Healer
Affection Gauge: 18%
STR: ✦
DEX: ✦
INT: ✦✦✦
VIT: ✦✦
CHA: ✦✦
– Notable Skills –
[Nature’s Blessing (Advanced)]
[Photosynthesis (Master)]
[Perfect Service (Advanced)]
===
The third was an angel, but different from Aurelia.
Where the First Star Valkyrie radiated divine authority, this angel exuded militant discipline.
Her armor was polished silver rather than white, marked with symbols of rank and command.
Short platinum blonde hair framed sharp features and steel-gray eyes that assessed everything with tactical precision.
Wings of pure white extended from her back, though they seemed more functional than decorative.
===
Summon: Neraldine – "Iron Celestial" (SR)
Race: Angel
Class: Valkyrie
Type: Vanguard/Support
Affection Gauge: 23%
STR: ✦✦
DEX: ✦✦
INT: ✦✦
VIT: ✦✦
CHA: ✦✦
– Notable Skills –
[Tactical Command (Advanced)]
[Divine Shield (Advanced)]
[Formation Mastery (Master)]
===
All three women looked confused at first, taking in their surroundings with varying degrees of alarm.
Nyxara’s hand immediately went to her daggers.
Sylvia’s eyes widened as she processed the crowd.
But Neraldine’s reaction was the most dramatic.
"!!!"
Her steel-gray eyes locked onto Nero, then immediately shifted to Aurelia standing beside him.
Recognition flashed across her features so intensely that her entire body went rigid.
"L-Lady Aurelia?!"
The angelic general dropped to one knee so fast it created a small crater in the stone platform.
Her head bowed low, wings folding in a gesture of absolute reverence and respect.
"F-Forgive this one for not recognizing you immediately! Neraldine of the Third Celestial Legion, reporting for duty!"
"..."
Everyone except Nero, Aurelia, and Celis was shocked beyond words.
The casual display of summoning people from thin air.
The three powerful individuals who’d materialized from nothing.
The angelic general’s immediate recognition and reverence toward Aurelia.
It was too much to process all at once.
Even Aurelia and Celis, who’d been told about Nero’s summoning ability, looked fascinated by witnessing the actual process.
The way reality bent to accommodate new existence.
How the summons arrived fully formed with complete memories and personalities.
The sheer impossibility of it all made manifest.
And that’s especially so for Aurelia who knew who’s a bit acquainted with Neraldine.. one of the prominent Valkyrie who was said to be killed during one of her reconnaissance missions.
"This is..."
Juno’s mind gears was turning, trying to connect and understand what he’d just witnessed.
"I-Incredible," Gilbert finished, his healer’s perception recognizing the life force signatures of the three new arrivals as genuine.
Jin just whistled low. "Okay, that’s actually the coolest thing I’ve ever seen."
The six former wives stared with expressions mixing awe and something that might have been competitive determination.
’He can just... summon powerful allies whenever he wants?’
’And they’re all women?’
’Beautiful women?’
’This confirms the harem theory, doesn’t it?’
Their thoughts ran in similar directions, though none voiced them aloud.
Meanwhile, Nero stood on the stage with a small smile as if what he did was something trivial.
Instead, his mind cataloged the new summons’ capabilities.
Nyxara would provide stealth and assassination capabilities they’d been lacking.
Sylvia offered support and minor healing to supplement Celis.
Neraldine brought tactical coordination and defensive abilities that would strengthen any formation.
’As expected of the SR-tier Waifus.’
Each of them were above exceptional at what they do, considering each of their stats were probably comparable to when Aurelia was still an SR-tier.
[Based on the past data, they are just slightly below Aurelia! ... Though, Aria is sure that it would be more accurate to say that the First Star Valkyrie is a special case since this is supposed to be what a SR-tier summon should look like...!]
’Hmmm... Aurelia is special then.’
[Yes, Master!]
"..."
As the stunned silence continued while Nero and Aria were having their own analysis, it was soon broken by the occasional murmurs of disbelief.
And Nero’s smile widened as he finally gave his orders,
"Nyxara, Sylvia and Neraldine... Attention."
The three immediately stood in attention as they all looked at him.
"You three are to stay here and provide help to them... Please."
"Alright."
"Yes..."
"Understood, my Lord."
Without a second thought, they all gave their affirmations.
’With that, it should replace the lost prowess with the six girls joining us.’
And not to mention,
’Oh before I forget... You three, in addition with the help you are to provide them, you guys report to me in case anything happens. Is that okay?’
The three who were a bit surprised at the sudden voice within their minds, nodded in realization when they noticed the gaze that was directed at them came from Nero.
By whatever magic he was using, he seemed to be able to do some sort of telepathy with all of them.
’That should do it for now.’
Nero made a slight grin, as the people around him finally snapped out of their stun lock.
And by the time they realized what just happened along with the commands that were given to the three new waifu summons...
"Ehhhh?!"
"HAHAHAHA!"
Nero couldn’t help but laugh at their hilarious reactions.
’Haaahhh... it’s so good to be able to do shit without thinking too much.’
It’s time to take the stage by storm.