Chapter 103: Aiwass's Biological Parents |
Mathers reveals Aiwas’s origins: his father, Julio Alexander, was a poet’s son from a small town, not nobility, and a graduate of Aiwas’s seminary. His mother, Annie Alexander, was a noble from Iris who renounced her surname to elope to Avalon. Stunned, Aiwas is interrupted by a familiar yet unfamiliar voice—Mina, the game’s shopkeeper, known for gacha and promotions. With long black hair, pale skin, and starry jade eyes, she resembles an elf or Anshigu native, adorned in black gauze and jade bangles. She and Mathers, 46 and 35 respectively, look youthful, their resemblance confirming their sibling-like bond. Mina fondly recalls Aiwas’s parents, her classmates, noting his likeness to them, which prompted Mathers to lend him the chapel key.
Julio, a charismatic senior, was popular for his poetic charm, steady yet romantic demeanor, and mastery of Illumination for healing. Annie, an optimistic foreign student, shone in the drama club, where they met, starring as Tamino and Pamina in Lulu’s Magic Flute. Their chemistry led to a secret romance, and Annie, pregnant with Aiwas, took a long leave, delaying graduation to attend classes with baby Aiwas. She had cut ties with her family to marry Julio.
The mood grows heavy as Mathers explains their deaths, tied to the Jack the Ripper case a decade ago. A demon scholar, likely Jack’s mentor, contracted to an Iron Hook Demon, cursed the entire Alexander family, killing many, including Aiwas’s grandfather. Mathers, absent from the Candlekeeper Cathedral due to a cursed holy sword leak, couldn’t save Julio and Annie, who died protecting Aiwas. Guilt-ridden, he considered adopting Aiwas but, amid family disputes and fear for his loved ones, sent him to Moriarty’s reputable orphanage, avoiding exploitation. Moriarty later adopted Aiwas alongside Yulia.
The curse’s motive is unclear. The Bureau speculated Aiwas’s grandfather’s unpublished poem held occult secrets, as his manuscripts were stolen, but killing his descendants seems excessive. Mathers warns Aiwas against investigating his grandfather’s hometown, Eagle Cape Village, due to his weakness despite his talent, which makes him a target for demon scholars. Mathers, haunted by failing Aiwas’s parents, stopped advancing at fourth-tier “Holy Tomb Guardian” after reaching its peak before 30. Dedication’s self-sacrificial ethos forced him to prioritize the public over loved ones, a cold reality that deterred him from fifth-tier, fearing it wouldn’t solve such tragedies. He became a Spiritual Councillor, one of Avalon’s six, diverting focus from superhuman growth.
As Aiwas sips warm milk tea, reflecting, a sleepy Sherlock descends, noting Eagle Cape Village is Haina’s hometown, linking her to Aiwas’s past.
(Chapter End)