CHAPTER 20: 20:BOLD REQUEST

The entire setting of the sanctuary was impressive. Although it was merely an imitation of the real sanctuary, it was far from a good copy. Aaron could already tell—someone determined enough could bypass its many restrictions and enter without authorization, possibly without even alerting the demigod in charge.

But his sanctuary? That was literally impossible.

Aaron’s sanctuary didn’t even exist within any known space in the multiverse.

He wondered what kind of reaction the demigods and the Levi would have if they ever discovered that he held control over the true sanctuary. Would they dissect him entirely? Experiment on him? Steal his sanctuary by force? He wasn’t naïve enough to think otherwise. Good demigods who wouldn’t covet it? Dream on. They could try that sweet talk on someone else.

He wouldn’t be fooled.

That was more than enough reason to push himself—to grow stronger. He needed the power to protect what was his from greedy hands.

---

The helicopter finally reached its destination, descending onto a helipad nestled between the towering structures of Sanctuary City.

As the rotors slowed, Levi and his party disembarked, taking a moment to admire the breathtaking view before being approached by personnel already informed of the governor’s arrival.

"Governor Levi. It’s an honor to have you here. Please come with me—a residence has been prepared for you," a beautiful woman in a sharply tailored business suit greeted with professional grace.

"Rose. Good to see you again," Levi said with a warm smile, extending a hand as he began walking alongside her.

"And who might this young gentleman be?" Rose asked, her gaze falling on Aaron. She hadn’t seen him before—and with a face like that, she definitely would have remembered.

"I’m Aaron Highborn," he introduced himself politely.

A look of recognition dawned on her face. "Oh! Nice to meet you, sir. I’m Rose. My condolences over your parents’ passing," she added with a respectful bow of her head.

"Thanks," Aaron replied with a small nod of appreciation.

"Rose, my friend here needs to be registered for the entrance examination," Levi explained, shooting Aaron a teasing glance. "Apparently, thanks to being a bad boy, his principal left him behind."

He noticed Rose’s attention waver—her eyes hadn’t left Aaron once since their introduction.

"Rose?" Levi called softly.

"Hah—sorry, sir," she said, snapping out of her daze with a touch of embarrassment. "I’ll see to it at once."

"You can handle it now," Levi added with a smirk. "I don’t want this lad whining in my ear about delays."

Aaron shook his head, knowing exactly what Levi was doing. Still, he chose not to comment. Let the man play his games.

He turned to Rose. To be fair, she was attractive—elegant even—with a cool, businesslike aura wrapped around a pretty face and a subtly enticing figure.

Well, if Levi thought he could set him up, he was going to lose this round. No way Aaron was letting himself be toyed with.

"I’ll be in your care," he said with a soft smile.

"Oh, but I still have to attend to the Governor—"

"It’s fine, Rose," Levi waved her off mid-sentence, already walking away with his entourage. "Someone else can take care of me. I want you to accompany him—it’s my decision."

Rose blinked, then nodded. "Yes, Governor."

"Shall we?" Aaron asked.

"Right away," she replied, leading him toward the registration center.

---

Aaron’s registration, which should have been stressful and complicated given that he wasn’t with his school, was handled smoothly thanks to Rose’s influence.

"With that done, allow me to take you to your temporary residence for the duration of your stay in Sanctuary City," she offered.

Aaron nodded his thanks.

Rose escorted him to a luxurious hotel reserved for distinguished guests. Since he was tagging along with Governor Levi, Aaron was naturally afforded special treatment.

"This is your room. I’ll be seeing you later," Rose said, stopping before the suite door, keycard in hand.

She handed it over and turned to leave.

"Don’t tell me you’re just going to leave like that," Aaron teased, leaning lightly against the doorway. "I thought you’d show me around the room. Maybe help me unwind a little from all this stress."

Rose froze mid-step, taken completely off guard by his directness. Her posture stiffened, and she clutched the hem of her skirt.

"What’s the matter?" Aaron asked casually, already pushing open the door and stepping inside. "Or do you have more duties to run? It’s 6 PM. Don’t tell me they work you to the bone around here."

She didn’t answer immediately. Her face was a mix of surprise and hesitation. He could practically see the gears turning.

Aaron couldn’t help but enjoy her conflicted expression. She wasn’t used to someone putting her on the spot like this.

She’s not the bold type, he thought. But if she’s interested, this is the time to show it.

Rose cursed herself internally. Why did I let my interest show? Why did I stare so obviously?

"It seems I’m burdening you," Aaron said as he stepped further inside, hand still on the door. "Guess this is goodbye, then."

She looked up at him, stunned.

"No one’s talking about Earth experience here," he thought. "This is now. This is me."

"Wait...!" Rose said suddenly. "Alright."

Aaron nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips, and stepped aside to let her in.

As Rose entered, he closed the door behind them with a soft click, making it clear—no more interruptions for the rest of the night.