After returning, I immediately went to find Rian to transfer the benediction to the kid. I called Rian out without saying anything—Meradis would explain everything later.
Standing in front of me, Rian tried to look calm, but I could still tell he was scared. Obviously, I didn't do anything to him.
Oh well, let's just get this over with.
I silently recited the phrase Vao's Doros had spoken earlier in my mind, but nothing happened afterward.
Huh?
Why didn't it work?!
I said it right.
Maybe I have to say it out loud?
If that's the case, it's a bit annoying.
Without saying anything, I teleported to another location. I chose a secluded spot and repeated the phrase aloud, but still nothing happened.
Huh??
Where did it go?
I tried repeating it several more times. The feather didn't appear, but I felt a disturbance inside my body.
Now I understand.
It's resisting the summons because it doesn't want to leave me.
I still don't get why it's so stubbornly attached to my body. I kept repeating the incantation… dozens of times… hundreds of times.
The disturbance intensified, but still wasn't enough. Then suddenly, a surge of energy erupted within me, setting my whole body aflame, though I didn't feel any pain.
I was a little dazed, not knowing what was going on, until I looked around and saw that the scenery had changed. In front of me now was a breathtaking landscape with mountains all around. I tried touching a nearby tree branch, but couldn't—so I realized it was all an illusion.
While I was trying to figure out what was happening, a massive creature soared up from the mountains below. It had golden flaming fur.
It was beautiful.
Possibly the most beautiful creature I've ever seen.
It circled the mountains a few times, then suddenly dove toward me. I braced myself for a battle, but as it got closer, the creature changed form.
From a large, winged, majestic beast, it became a woman in a long dress the same color as the fur. She had a beautiful face, fair skin, adorned with jewelry, and a crown on her head.
"Greetings." The woman bowed to me.
Uh… what's this situation?
Oh, I get it!
She must be another creature that managed to take human form. Is every creature that turns human this gorgeous? I guess so, considering I'm not so bad-looking either now.
"Young lady, may I have a word with you?" She asked.
Hmm…
I figured I could, so I nodded.
She waved her hand, and a table with two chairs and a tea set appeared in front of us.
"Please, have a seat."
I walked over and sat down across from her. She poured me a cup of tea, but I didn't drink it right away.
"Please, try it."
I picked up the cup, inspected it, then took a sip. Tastes pretty good. I'd give it a six out of ten.
"Forgive me for meeting you this way. I am Shuhu, the Phoenix Queen. I had to resort to this method because my child begged me to."
Child…
She means that feather?
"Don't think it's just a feather…" Shuhu said, right as the feather inside my body flew out and transformed into a little girl.
"Mother!" The child ran to hug Shuhu.
So they really are mother and daughter—and that feather was actually a little girl?
I couldn't quite accept it.
I looked at the child hugging Shuhu and felt a bit uncomfortable. Not out of jealousy or anything… just… this feather—no, this child—had clung to me ever since I received the benediction, and now she's hugging her mother like nothing happened.
Whatever.
I set the teacup down and remained silent. Shuhu gently stroked the child's hair and looked at me.
"Thank you for taking care of her all this time." She said, voice soft but with the regal air of a monarch.
I tilted my head slightly, signaling "Is that so?"
"She's been with me since birth, but for certain reasons, I had to send her away… I didn't expect her to choose you as her host."
I stayed silent.
Shuhu didn't rush. She took a sip of tea and continued. "She said you were the first one who didn't scare her."
Huh?
I'm not scary?
I think it's just because she hasn't seen my eyes.
Shuhu noticed my reaction and smiled. "You probably don't know, but this child can sense others' intentions. Those with malicious hearts or overwhelming ambition—she can't stay near them."
I rested my chin in my hand, thinking.
So she's saying I don't have ambition? Fair enough, I just want to live in peace… But wait, if that's true, why didn't she leave when I tried to force her out?
I looked at the girl. She was still hugging Shuhu, but her golden eyes were sneaking glances at me.
Hmm.
I pointed at her, then used telepathy to ask Shuhu:
"What now?"
Shuhu gently stroked the girl's hair, her eyes full of love. "If you wish, I can take her back."
I was silent.
I've never liked being bound to anything, so breaking free of this benediction sounds good. But… I also want her to stay with Rian.
Before, I just thought she was a feather, but now that she's clearly a child with feelings, I can't force her.
I looked at the girl again.
She bit her lip, clearly anxious.
I could feel it. She didn't want to leave, but she also couldn't stay with me because I'd soon return to my own era.
I beckoned her over with a finger. She came and stood before me. I gestured for her to hold out her hand, then slowly reached out a finger to touch her.
A burst of sensation surged through me, making me jolt upright.
It's clear now.
My body reacts when I touch her, meaning she really can't stay with me. The girl looked at me worriedly, but there was nothing I could do.
"I don't belong to this era." I transmitted to Shuhu.
A look of surprise crossed her face.
"I see… then there's nothing more I can do."
"Mother…" The girl clung to Shuhu's robe, her voice trembling like she was about to cry.
Haah… Why does she want to stay with me so much?
If she's looking for someone without a wicked heart, I'm sure there are plenty—and Rian is a great candidate.
"I'm sorry, but she must leave." Shuhu said firmly but gently.
The girl clutched Shuhu's robe tighter, her golden eyes brimming with tears. I watched the scene, feeling… awkward. It's not that I'm softhearted. I just… don't know how to deal with emotional things like this. Such a pain.
Shuhu stroked her daughter's hair, still calm but resolute. "Sweetheart, this person cannot stay with you."
"But I don't want to…!" the girl shook her head furiously, her voice breaking.
I crossed my arms and turned away. None of this concerns me. I just wanted to hand off the benediction to Rian and move on.
"You…" The girl stared at me, eyes pleading.
Sigh.
I sighed and rubbed my face.
I don't like direct interaction, but staying completely unresponsive in this situation feels a bit cruel. I knelt down to her eye level, raised a finger, and gently touched her forehead, enduring the discomfort.
I said nothing, just conveyed a simple thought.
"I won't be here long."
The girl flinched, probably not expecting me to use telepathy. I continued transmitting my thoughts. "I can't take care of you. But someone else can."
She lowered her head, small hands clutching her dress. "I want you," she said, voice trembling.
I tilted my head.
Seriously? I've done nothing for her, barely paid her any attention, and she still clings to me?
Why?
Shuhu also looked at her daughter, her expression complicated.
I didn't know what to say. Or rather, I didn't want to say anything. If it can't be helped, I'll find another way to protect Rian. Even so, I raised my hand and gently patted her head. Her eyes widened in surprise. I just gave a faint smile, stood up, and turned away.
That's all I can do.
Shuhu sighed and pulled the girl into her arms. "It's alright. Everything will be fine."
The girl didn't respond, just buried her face in Shuhu's chest.
I didn't look back. Time to return.
"Sorry for the trouble." Shuhu waved her hand and the illusion vanished. I was back in my original location.
I teleported home and found Rian still waiting. I didn't know what to say, since nothing could be done now, so I simply gestured for him to go home.
I returned to my room and saw Meradis.
"What's wrong? You don't look happy."
I wasn't exactly upset, just not in the mood. I crawled into my cocoon and locked the door. I think I needed some sleep. For some reason, I kept thinking about the moment I touched that girl. She wasn't an exception like Meradis or Erin, yet it didn't feel too bad.
Maybe… I just pitied her. Being the daughter of the Phoenix Queen, she'll surely manage on her own.
Ugh, I don't want to think anymore. I just want to sleep!
…
I tossed around with those thoughts until I eventually drifted off. The next morning, I woke to find Meradis lying next to me.
She snuck in?
Oh well, whatever.
In the following days, Meradis and I took Erin and Rian to the Great Dungeon to train further. Both of them were improving at an astonishing pace. Erin had even maxed out some skills and acquired new ones.
"Well done." I patted her head as a reward after the battle.
"Are you… going to leave?" Erin's sudden question froze me, but it was something that had to happen eventually, so I just gave a gentle nod.
"Will we see each other again?"
I stayed quiet.
According to Meradis, our time was over two thousand years apart, so if she could live that long, we might meet again—but should I really say that?
"If you can live over two thousand years." I finally said.
"I understand. I'll try to live that long!" Erin didn't seem shocked at all—on the contrary, she looked excited.
Alright, I have no idea how to explain this kid's mindset anymore.
The day before the Sun Festival, Meradis and I returned to the royal pyramid to meet with Memez and gather more information about the divine serpent. If we wanted to sabotage the ceremony, it would be the main enemy.
"This is everything I know." Memez handed over a stack of documents.
Meradis took them and quickly absorbed the contents.
I didn't bother looking. Not because I wasn't interested, but because I knew Meradis would summarize it for me later.
She was still reviewing the documents, occasionally frowning in thought. Eventually, she looked up, voice cold. "This divine serpent… are you sure it'll appear?"
"Absolutely!" Memez nodded, eyes unwavering. "Without it, the ritual can't be completed."
I rested my chin, thinking.
The question is what stage of evolution it's at now. Either way, I figure it's at least Elite. Half-King would be ideal, or at worst… a King.
If it's a King, even if wounded, defeating it won't be easy. I'll need an ace up my sleeve.
"Thanks." Meradis nodded, and we left.
Back home, I spent more time researching the serpent. If it's the same species as the one I killed before, I might have a general idea of its skills, but at this level, it surely has many more.
I glanced through my own skill list and found a few options I could use.
Hmm, let's hope things go smoothly.
That night, someone snuck into our home and kidnapped Rian. Of course, they didn't escape Meradis and me, but since we needed to draw the serpent out, we had to let the boy suffer a little. Still, I kept a constant watch over Rian, so nothing would go wrong.
That evening, I once again slept in the cocoon with Meradis. As usual, she hugged me—and now I hugged her back too. I thought everything would be normal, but then Meradis suddenly spoke: "Shiraori, actually… I'm not doing too well."
"What?"
I immediately sat up.
"The wounds from before are still there, and maintaining this adult form puts a lot of pressure on me. So I might not be able to fight tomorrow."
I see…
She did mention it before, but I forgot.
"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention."
"It's alright. Do you think it's easier for you to fight in human or spider form?"
I've always fought as a spider, so I'd say spider form is easier. Still, I want to try fighting as a human—but if it causes her harm, that's bad.
"Is it harmful to you?"
"I'll manage. What matters is, do you believe you'll win?"
I was silent.
Honestly, I had no confidence.
"I'm not confident, but I will win."
"That's enough. Let's sleep." Meradis pulled me back down and hugged me again.
It felt so comforting—like it gave me the strength to say I would win. Or maybe not…
…
The next day, since Meradis couldn't fight, she took responsibility for protecting Erin. They went to a spot near the plaza where the final sacrifice ritual would happen, ready to assist if needed.
I stayed closer to the center.
Memez had just sent word that Solari discovered the disappearance of Vao's Doros and Tetary—but that wasn't my problem.
Crowds gathered, and when the time came, King Solari appeared with members of the royal family. He stood at the highest point and began a speech about various things.
Whatever.
Just hurry up.
"And now, let us welcome the hero who's ready to sacrifice himself for the future of Arkanis!" Solari shouted, his voice booming across the city—and with that, Rian stepped out in grand attire.
But I noticed the boy was under mind control, only able to follow Solari's commands. Rian even gave a brief speech about patriotism and personal responsibility.
What nonsense…
"Begin the ritual!" he declared.
Alright then!
I'm fired up too!