[Wait, she did what now?!] I asked unbelieving.
[She destroyed the clinic tent, nearly killed so of the injured and Apsala. If I had not stopped everybody from fighting the whole camp would have been turned into a bloodbath,] Saori explained exasperatedly.
Oof, so not only did she watch and help us deal with that A rank monster, she also had to stop the virigress mother from killing literally everybody in the camp and vice versa. Goodness, we might have been in a life-or-death situation but Saori had to babysit everybody in the camp.
Then again, isnt teaching a whole class and bringing them to trips sorta babysitting? She shouldve been used to it.
Removing ourselves from the entrance and the celebrating lizardn, our now reunited party was walking together to where the virigress family was, [Well, how did you solve everything, Saori?]
[I did not. There was too much hostility between the two groups,] Saori said. [You rember anybody that was poisoned and had a huge claw mark when you were in the clinic tent? He and his friends were not happy to see the mother.]
I nodded, still rembering the face of the first lizardman that I healed. I didnt catch his na, but he sure was grateful that I helped him.
[Well, thats good, right? Wasnt he our first patient, Lady Hestia? I am sure we can work sothing out,] Tasianna joined in the conversation.
Saori simply said maybe, telling us that she ntioned my na to them but that they were so consud by the mont that they wouldnt stop. Neither the virigress mother nor the lizardn were willing to drop the bad blood between each other.
To stop the conflict, Saori had to unleash her [Terror Aura] to intimidate everybody to calm down, sothing that I know can be pretty frightening. It stopped the fighting for now, but that didnt change anything about the tension between the two groups, so they have been glaring at each other from a safe distance.
The virigress mother hasnt fully recovered yet but her [Exhaustion (Moderate)] and [Sleep Deprivation (Minor)] were thankfully gone. Saori also was boasting that her relationship with the virigress family has improved since I was away, explaining that through so questioning she learned that it was cause of the way Saori slled. It seems Saori's cadejo sll was too suffocating for the cats.
After walking for a bit, we made it to where the felines were, a small spot in the rainforest a bit further away from the camp. Letting ourselves be known by calling out for them, the mother dropped down from the top of a tree branch and quickly approached Rajah, before licking and grooming him like crazy.
Reowww! she called out.
Mreow?! Rajah cried out in confusion.
Oh, this is a wholeso sight. How precious.
Enjoying the cute sight of a mother worriedly embracing her son after he left for a long ti, our party left them to catch up. The two other virigress cubs also climbed down from the tree and the four-headed family have finally reunited.
[So, what is our plan now?] I asked in the round.
Now having finished doing what we could for the lizardn, our group has fulfilled most of our goals. We didnt have any obligations anymore to stay with the lizardn, so it might be ti to continue our journey up north. There was also the case of the virigress family that we needed to discuss, considering that Rajah has been reunited with his family and technically doesnt need us anymore.
As much as it pains to say this, we cant keep Rajah with us if he wishes to stay with his mother and siblings.
[Our plan is still to go north, correct? However, I do not know if we can make it before the snow,] Tasianna said.
[If we were to hurry then I believe we can make it. I have been thinking but if Hestia and I share running duty then we can probably make it,] Saori suggested while putting a finger on her chin.
[Oh, you an either of us can carry the others while traveling through the forest in our monster form?] having given it a thought, I was able to understand what she ant. [That certainly would be efficient. We can manage our Stamina efficiently and I believe our [Terrain Maneuvering] can help us travel even faster.]
Tasianna might have suggested that we needed more than two months to reach the elven country, but we have honestly made fantastic progress, due to how hard it is to get either Saori or to be tired. It took us less than two weeks to reach the swamp and we spent about a week with the lizardn. We could definitely make it to the border in one week if we rushed it.
However,
[If we rush it then our ti in the Belzac forest would be lessened. Wasnt it, your wish to stay here a bit longer, Lady Hestia?] Tasianna asked quizzically.
That was the reason but I also planned to use this ti to train. I wanted to get a bit more confident with my singing and dancing, however, Ive nearly wasted a whole week without any sorta practice. Since we t the lizardn, I havent been able to do my daily routine at all. The atmosphere for it wasnt right.
And then there was the whole rescue mission and treating Caszcurs arm. I just didnt have any free ti to practice. Ive wasted too much ti.
[Y-Yeah, thats true. Uhh, I still kinda want to see the swamp but] however, no matter how much I wanted to do it, I cant endanger my friends. [I think we should leave the swamp as soon as possible. Thatthing. That giant snake was only one part of an even larger monster and I was not able to sufficiently hurt it.]
[Spiral Hellfire] was the only spell of mine that manage to hurt the snake and it only broke off so scales and singed a bit of its flesh. My [Spark Claws] crushed its eye but as a consequence, my entire arm was crushed from the impact, the reward of being to wound it but losing the functionality of an entire arm is not worth it.
Neither magic nor my [Spark Fire Dragon] abilities worked. I also didnt have any information on it besides the [Identify] description and my fight with it. How many snake heads does it have? I even forgot to see its status board in my panic. Its too dangerous.
[I cant beat it; no, even with all three of us fighting it, we cant beat it. Quality beats quantity in this case,] I admitted.
[Did you not ntion that its description said that it had multiple heads? If that is so, then could it be similar to the Lernean Hydra or maybe Yamato-no-Orochi?] Saori said, surprising .
Prompted by my question, How do you know that sort of fantasy RPG info?, Saori explained in an annoyed tone, [Hestia, those are mythological creatures. Myths and legends are an important part of a cultures identity, which is also history.]
Before she could retell The Twelve Labors of Heracles and Nihon Shoji in her excitent and derail our entire discussion, the virigress suddenly ca over to us, owing as if they wanted to say sothing.
[Oh, hey you four, whats up?] I asked them as they approached.
Mreow, the mother said before licking my shin once and then staring into my eye.
Without verbally communicating with each, it was always necessary for to interpret their actions. Maybe its cause Im used to it or maybe its easier this ti but I was quickly able to understand that she was thanking .
[Oh, its alright, dont you worry about it. Rajah is your cub and helping his siblings goes without question. Hes a companion of ours, after all,] my smile twitched at the word companion, knowing that we might be separated soon.
I wanted to say sothing to the purring mother, who was snuggling her head on my legs, causing her cubs to do that too, in appreciation of my help, however, it was hard to do so.
Steeling my will, I scratched her chin to draw her attention to , [I-We, our party here, wishes to ask you and your family sothing.]
I explained to her about our travels and our wish to go to the elven country, to civilization. I also talked about the fact that Ive adopted Rajah as a pet when he was separated from her and my wish to keep him and continue our travels with him.
I knew it was selfish to ask, especially after they just reunited with each other, but I had to ask. I couldnt run away from the problem for too long, anyways.
The mother thought on it for a while, looking at Rajah and her other cubs for a bit, until she began pushing Rajah towards us. Was she telling that it was ok?
Rajah kept owing, asking his mother what she was thinking when she pushed her, but she just continued staring at him. As Rajah was defiant about it, she grabbed her two other cubs by the scruff and started walking away from us.
Rajah kept owing and ran towards her, unable to part ways with them but was quickly rejected by his mother with a quick tail swipe. The crying virigress cries beca more frequent and more depressing. He truly wasnt ready to part with her
[Wait!] I called out after grabbing Rajah and dashing towards her. [Its fine. Its fine. I-I-I cantits fine. Please, dont leave him. Its fine.]
The mother looked at as if she couldnt understand what I was talking about. At one mont I wanted Rajah to join and, in the next, I was begging her to take him back? Crazy. She must have respected my wish and was willing to give her cub after all that I have done for her.
It might, once again, sound like she was cold about it, but her aloofness couldnt hide the sadness in her eyes of having to part with her son. Now staring into her eyes, I could see that they were incredibly watery as she looked at , unbelieving.
[Hedoesnt want to part with you. He doesnt want to part with you. Please, dont accept my selfish, egotistical, self-centered, inconsiderate, thoughtless, greedy request,] I chastised myself, unable to accept Rajah if its like this. [Please, dont abandon him.]
I put Rajah down on the ground, who licked my hand in gratitude. The mother placed the carried cubs on the ground and thought about it for a second, before looking at as if she wanted to confirm my decision, one last ti. I nodded, which prompted her to affectionately lick Rajah that justified her for having the title [Protective Mother].
I embraced Rajah and his family one last ti before saying my farewells to them. Once I was finished, I stood up and walked away hastily. I said all I wanted; I couldnt stand it anymore.
I heard Tasianna and Saori say their farewell too, then loud owing, and then the slow steps of the virigresses. I didnt turn around. I didnt want to see them off.
Gods, how is saying farewell this hard? Why does my chest hurt so much? Weve only known each for a week, so why am I so sentintal about it? Why is this so painful
While I suffered from this pain, a hand began rubbing my back, [You did the right thing, Hestia. You were a good girl. You did amazingly,] Saori said warmly, a smile so soft like a mothers greeted .
[They looked happy when we saw them off. Their thankful cries; you must have heard them, Lady Hestia. Please, dont berate yourself any further. Only a truly selfish person wouldnt have done that,] Tasianna comforted , caressing my head with her tiny hands.
[Co on, Hestia. Let is all out, you can cry nowOOF,] I interrupted Saori by hugging her heartfully.
[I cant do it now,] I said with a wry smile, digging my face into Saoris chest to hide my wet eyes. [I havent cried for so many years. I probably could cry a river full at this point. I cant let Rajah feel bad about his decision nor do I want to break mypromise.]
Gripping Saori even harder, it took a very long ti until my sadness disappeared. If I had cried, would I have felt better sooner? Who knows.
Goddess, please keep them safe. Please, keep them safe, Aurena.
Afterward, we returned to the camp and were welcod with open arms by the lizardn. They were wondering where we went as they havent gotten the chance to thank Tasianna and for all our help. Thanking individually and how they were once again indebted to .
Wanting to celebrate the successful rescue mission the lizardman planned to have a feast in our na. Apparently, they were so optimistic about our success chance that theyve gathered varies fish, at, and fruits beforehand to turn it into sothing to be rembered.
Wanting to help, Saori and Tasianna participated in the cooking, while Iwell, I told them that I needed so rest. Casczur, Apsala, and Aksmias were clearly bewildered and worried about but Saori stopped them, presumably, explaining to them what happened.
I went into the forest and just waited there until the food was ready. My mind wandered between my farewells to Rajah, the ti I spent with him, and the familys safety. I also wondered about the pain I felt when I said farewell.
It still hurts so muchwill I have the chance to et Rajah ever again? Shouldnt I have been more assertive about and asked the whole family to join us in our travels?
Sigh, regretting about ithow pitiful of huh?
[Young Virigress, Rajah] has beco your follower
One [Virigress *] and two [Young Virigress *] have beco your followers
Total follower count updated. Total follower of [Young Spark Inferno Dragon, Hestia Atsuko]: 6
Follower amount requirent fulfilled. [The Light] proficiency requirent fulfilled
[Young Virigress, Rajah] has beco your follower
[Faithful Function] unlocked. You may now access and see your total followers and retainers. You may also see what amount you need for the next tier of rewards. Call [The Light] to open the nu
[The Light] has gained [System Neutrality]. This title has turned immune to the effects and functions of the System and cannot be altered by anyone besides the administrators and individual [Young Spark Inferno Dragon, Hestia Atsuko]
Congratulations [The Light], you have unlocked the titles true function. Further growth will be rewarded for fulfilling the follower tiers
Your followers [Young Virigress, Rajah], one [Virigress *], and two [Young Virigress *] have received the title [Aurenas Blessed]
[Young Virigress, Rajah] has beco your follower
A divine protection granted by the Goddess of Light, Aurena. While this title is active the owner will receive improved experience gain and skill proficiency gain
Pffha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! I couldnt control myself; the laughter wouldnt stop.
After what felt like five minutes of non-stop laughing, the lack of air finally exhausted my lungs enough that I was forcibly stopped. Once I recovered my heavy breathing sothing else stord into my brain but this ti, it actually hurt . The intense pain felt like a sharp spike drilled into my head.
I bid you a friendly, albeit late, welco to the world of Peolynca, Hestia. My na is Aurena, the Goddess of Light, and one of the six primary administrators of this world.
This ssage is for sure too late of an introduction but there were many complications that made it impossible for to speak with you. One of them is that my connection with you has sohow been severed.
The title that I gave you, [The Light], used to allow to see through your eyes, but worry not, it didnt give any power to look into your mind. That ability of mine is now gone and my original plan to guide you has been delayed.
However, for so reason, I was briefly able hear your sincere prayer that enabled to both grant your wish and also send you this ssage. Its intention is to ask you to hastily make to one of my altars and pray there, a close one is up north, in one of the many churches of the high elves.
This information is not privy to mortals, but we gods are only able to see through the eyes of our followers and gather information that way. However, as you were recently born, my connection with you is rather weak; your title being the reason why I could even send you this ssage.
Once you pray to an altar or shrine of one of us gods, we will be able to speak to you and form a connection with you. And that leads back to my request.
You must have many questions about why you are here and what my intentions is. I can understand that, especially as it seems like your mories are intact despite the reincarnation. I will be forthright with you, yes, we gods are at fault. More specifically, Kargryxmor, myself, and another god that I am not allowed to tell you about.
You must be furious but that is understandable, please let your anger out if you must. If you must say those word to , then co and pray to . I must tell you much that I cannot with this ssage. Your mind would collapse if I sent everything.
If you have questions for why you are here then co to , post haste. I will answer everything that I am allowed to answer. We cannot speak until you do so, as our connection will finally be completely broken with this.
Until we et, develop your [The Light]. There is a reason why I have chosen you, and you know exactly why. Your mories might be in shambles, but your heart yearns for it, correct? Let it out, my little shining light.
Once again, I apologized for everything. I also apologized for copying your current mories and watching them. Mortals in your forr world call this a privacy breach, correct?
I will await you until our next eting. We gods can wait but the world cannot.
He he he heverdammt nochmalI really fucked it up, huh? So praying was the triggerthat sly fox.
Granting Rajah and his family her protection and sending this ssage at about the sa ti is no coincidence. I asked her for a favor, and she fulfilled it. Great, I now have a debt to her and also a reason to get into contact with whatever she is planning to do. Absolutely aweso
well, she isnt forcing to do it now. Urgh, gotta look at the bright side, I guess. This was gonna happen sooner or later.
Well, it fits with my goal to go to the elven kingdom so I might as well plan a detour to the church.
Thank you very much for helping , Goddess Aurenaand fuck you for looking through my mind! Privacy breach, indeed! Just cause youre a goddess doesnt an you can do this , you bitch! as she allowed to do it, I scread my frustration for the gods out.
How they practically abandoned until now. How they just had to put in the Belzac forest of all places. How they just had to alter my mories. How they just had to include in their plans
however, finally satisfied and freeing myself of that burden, I bent my body to 90 degrees, showing a bow to the sky. Thank you for reincarnating . I dont know if I actually deserve a second chance but thank you so very much. I dont know why you want to gather all those followers but I will do my job as an Idol and gather as many fans as possible!
[Faithful Function] has been renad into [Fans Overview] due to the owners wish
Enough running away!
Ive made up my mind. If I want to beco an Idol, if I actually want my dream to co true then I cant slither around my tail anymore! Who cares if the first ti is the perfect performance, huh? Not every K-Pop star made it big from their first single. It all depended on how much work they are willing to put into it and if they even have the confidence to continue!
I can do it!
My heart was racing as I firmly announced my renewed determination to fulfill my last and current lifes ambition. My mind ran through the many things that I needed for my first performance. What sorta song should I sing, should I use dance choreography that I already know or should I try to make one myself, and, of course, my outfit. I need to throw so ideas at Saori when I get the chance.
Once, I was back in the camp, the lizardn had already finished most of the preparations, which was mostly the food and drinks. It seems Saori used quite a lot of our own spices so we could celebrate properly, while Tasianna helped prepare massive amounts of tea and juices.
It would seem like giving them all our cooking equipnt and supplies was the correct choice as I was impressed by what they managed to make.
Ahhh, I wish there was so sake Saori mumbled though the loud cheers of lizardn.
I didnt hear that. I didnt hear my aloof friend say that she wanted alcohol. Nope, didnt hear that at all. Wow, this fragassa juice is amazing, mhmm.
The lizardn were delighted to see regain my positive attitude as they found the depressive quite worriso. How rude of them to say that directly to my face!
Not letting it annoy for long, the whole camp began rrily joking, feasting, and partying. Still driven by my determination, I let my voice out and sang through the night as loud as I could. The lizardn and Tasianna were unable to understand the lyrics but they at least complinted my voice and the music that I made on my wind violin.
It wasnt true idol work but hearing them say those things really made happy. I promised to myself that I would polish up my dance skills and my [Aerokinesis] skills so that I can give them the idol concert of their lifeti.
As the night continued and midnight ca, all of us slowly fell asleep like sloths as we had enough of all the partying.
Once morning ca, our party approached Caszcur, Apsala, and Aksmias as it was ti for us to tell them about our plans.
**************************************************
In another place, deep inside a cave there was a throne room where a giant ogre sat on his throne with two armored ogres flanking him. In front of this ogre king a single green goblin was groveling before the mighty beast.
That is what truly happened? I have your word, green midget? the ogre king said in an imposing voice.
Y-yes, great one. A-A big-big-big dragon attacked us and our leader, the ogre g-general, fought strongly but was r-roasted by their yellow zap-zap, the stuttering and shivering voice of the green demi-human made it hard for everyone to hear, especially with how feeble is sounded, but the ogre king was used to this from the goblin shamans.
How did they look? he asked.
L-Large wings, two feet, long tail, monster head. So strong, great one. It attacked us when we just arrived where we should et the ugly ones. There was a landslide and a single dead-dead ugly one there. The-The cave was even destroyed! the goblin further explained, retelling the aftermath of Hestias and Saoris fight against the trolls outside the cave. Ogre general commanded us to fight-kill, but they-they all died-died! The shamans all died-murdered. They are not looked upon by our Night Father!
Tears stream down his face as he rembered the sight, the sll, and the sound of the electrified bodies, knowing that the Goddess of Deaths cold hands left a mark on his throat, We are all the remaining-left. Dragons stopped before killing us all to fly away. So fast like they had to go soplace. However, they not stop soon enoughwagons are all gone-broken.
The ogre king contemplated the words of the goblin, eventually coming to a decision. Crushing his thrones arms with his hands, he shouted, Kargryxmor! You dare interfere in our conquest?!
How could it be a coincidence that they were there at the perfect ti, thought the ogre king. Wyverns might not be as strong as true dragons but they were still dragonkin, subjects of the god of all dragonkins on Peolynca.
Kargryxmor sent his minions and destroyed the trolls and stopped their plans, eliminating a whole battalion of his warriors and also the supplies that they were transporting. Weapons, armor, and rations were in it, but most importantly was the extra that they planned to give the troll shaman.
That demonkin will further chastise for this
The plan was already delayed due to the late arrival of the trolls but now it was further hampered by the collapse of the cave and the, presumable, deaths of the trolls. It was likely that due to this interference and the coming winter that their attack on the humans wouldnt happen this year.
Goblinstand up, the towering demi-human said.
Y-Yes, oh, great one!
Get out of here and get new weapons, he waited for the small goblin to run out of the throne room before bellowing from the top of his voice. GET YOUR WEAPONS, N! WE ARE GOING WYVERN HUNTING! FOR THE GODDESS OF VENGEANCE AND GRUDGES, KRONNAZ, WE WILL AVENGE OUR FALLEN WARRIOR!
With the cheering of the ogres resounding from every single corner of this cave and the clattering tal that ca from outside the cave, the army of demi-humans were readying themselves for battle.
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