《Esperan Origin Interlude - Homecoming》


 Homecoming – Chongyues Story

    At 8 PM Beijing time, the night had fallen, and the city lights outlined the modern metropolis.


    Yunruo sat on the living room sofa, hugging a cushion tightly, her eyes locked on the television screen. The news channel was broadcasting an emergency report, showing a mysterious new continent that had suddenly appeared in the vast Pacific Ocean.


    "Recently, a massive and mysterious landmass has emerged in the Pacific Ocean, shocking the world. Governments are now mobilizing experts to investigate this sudden phenomenon£¬The cause of this anomaly remains unknown¡­"


    The screen constantly switched between aerial satellite images and footage of international research meetings. It all felt as if a sci-fi movie had become reality.


    Yunruo frowned slightly, tightening her grip on the cushion as a sense of unease crept into her heart.


    ¡ªJust then, the doorbell rang.


    The crisp electronic chime was particularly jarring in the quiet night.


    "Who could it be at this hour¡­?" Yunruo muttered, lazily pushing herself off the sofa. She shuffled toward the entrance in her slippers and casually opened the door.


    The moment she saw who was standing outside, she froze.


    Under the dim hallway light, a familiar face gazed at her quietly.


    It was the person she had longed for, the one she had prayed for every day and night¡ªChongyue.


    He looked just as she remembered¡ªhis slightly messy black hair, his warm expression, the faint smile at the corner of his lips, exactly as he had been on the day they parted. The only difference was the golden streaks now woven into his hair, and his golden eyes, carrying a depth of wisdom and hardship she had never seen before.


    "I''m back, Yunruo."


    His voice was not loud, yet it crashed into her mind like thunder, shattering every emotional barrier she had tried to hold up.


    Her lips trembled, her wide eyes locked onto him as if she had been turned to stone, unable to utter a single word.


    Then, tears fell uncontrollably.


    Her breathing quickened, and the tears streamed down her cheeks like broken pearls, unstoppable.


    Her body shook, her mouth opened as if to speak, but no words came out.


    And then¡ª


    "Chongyue¡ª!"


    She lunged into Chongyue''s arms, sobbing uncontrollably.


    Her hands clutched his clothes desperately, as if afraid that if she let go, he would disappear again. Her cries were hoarse, filled with grievance, fear, and the overwhelming relief of finally reuniting.


    Chongyue let out a soft sigh and raised his arms, holding his sister tightly.


    He had waited too long for this embrace.


    He could feel Yunruo¡¯s frail body trembling against him, her tears soaking into his clothes. Yet he said nothing, only gently patting her back, offering the comfort she had longed for.


    No words were needed.


    At this moment, the siblings were finally reunited.


    The only sounds in the room were the steady broadcast of the news on the television¡ª


    And Yunruo''s unrestrained sobs, pouring out all her longing and grievances.


    The two sat on the living room sofa, but the atmosphere had yet to fully settle.


    Yunruo clung tightly to Chongyue¡¯s arm, as if afraid he would disappear before her eyes again. Her eyes were still red, and traces of tears remained on her cheeks, showing that her emotions had yet to completely calm.


    Chongyue didn¡¯t rush her. Instead, he gently patted the back of her hand, offering reassurance in the gentlest way possible.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯m here,¡± he said.


    Yunruo nodded, sniffled, and tried her best to compose herself before speaking softly, ¡°Chongyue¡­ what exactly happened to you?¡±


    Chongyue fell silent for a moment before slowly beginning to recount everything¡ªfrom the moment he was transported by the ruins during his camping trip, step by step, detailing all that had transpired.


    He told her how he woke up in an unfamiliar forest, fought goblins, and met Eika. How he struggled to survive on his journey, searching for a way forward even in the direst situations. How he gradually made his way to the Titan¡¯s Peak, where he ultimately received the Divine Principle¡¯s power, becoming one of the chosen to save the world.


    Yunruo listened, wide-eyed, her emotions fluctuating with every part of his story¡ªsometimes shocked, sometimes tense, sometimes relieved, and sometimes curious.


    When she heard about how Chongyue led his team against the snow beast and the giant serpent, or how he negotiated with the dwarves in their mines, she couldn¡¯t help but grip his hand tightly. ¡°Chongyue¡­ you were way too reckless!¡±


    But when she heard about how he and his companions supported each other, surviving against all odds, a hint of admiration appeared in her gaze¡ªthough it was quickly overshadowed by concern.


    ¡°This journey¡­ you must have suffered a lot,¡± she murmured.


    Chongyue paused, then smiled. ¡°How could it not be tough? But¡­ at least, I¡¯m still alive.¡±


    He reached out and ruffled Yunruo¡¯s hair, trying to lighten the mood. But the worry in her eyes remained.


    She pressed her lips together before finally beginning to recount her own experiences after Chongyue had gone missing.


    ¡ªThat day, she and Wenyuan waited at the campsite for a long time, but her brother never returned.


    At first, they thought Chongyue might have just gotten lost in the woods. But after hours passed, Yunruo started to feel that something was wrong.


    ¡°Wenyuan immediately called the police, and they arrived quickly,¡± Yunruo recalled, her voice beginning to tremble. ¡°They organized a search team, brought in police dogs and drones, and searched the entire forest for days¡­ but they found nothing.¡±


    ¡°Not even¡­ the ruins you mentioned. It never existed.¡±


    Her voice grew quieter and quieter until it was barely audible, but her fingers trembled uncontrollably.


    ¡°And then?¡± Chongyue asked softly.


    Yunruo bit her lip, trying hard to hold back her tears. ¡°Then¡­ the police could only classify the case as a missing person.¡±


    She took a deep breath, but in the end, she couldn¡¯t hold back anymore¡ªtears welled up again.


    ¡°They¡­ they told me that you might already be¡­¡±


    She couldn¡¯t finish the sentence, as if speaking those words would make them real.


    Chongyue¡¯s heart clenched tightly.


    At that moment, he finally realized just how much his disappearance had hurt his little sister.


    He had always known that, in Yunruo¡¯s world, the most important thing was this family.


    ¡ªAfter their parents passed away one after another, she had lost both her father¡¯s and mother¡¯s love. The only support she had left was her older brother.


    And then, he disappeared from her world, too.


    She must have been terrified.


    She must have woken up countless nights in fear, afraid that he would be gone forever¡ªjust like their parents.


    ¡°Silly girl,¡± Chongyue murmured, reaching out to pull her gently into his arms.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯m right here in front of you, aren¡¯t I? I¡¯m back.¡±


    Yunruo buried her face in his shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.


    Yet, she still felt uneasy. Deep down, she knew¡ªher brother had returned, but he wouldn¡¯t stay forever.


    Choking back a sob, she asked, her voice trembling, ¡°But¡­ you¡¯re going back to that continent, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    There was a fragile hope in her voice, a desperate wish to hear something different.


    She already knew the answer. But she was afraid of hearing it spoken aloud.


    Chongyue paused for a moment, caught in silence.


    He was indeed going back¡ªhis companions were waiting, the battle was approaching, and his mission remained unfinished.


    Yet, facing his tearful sister, he found himself unable to say the word ¡°yes.¡±


    Chongyue sighed softly, watching his little sister, knowing that no matter what he said right now, her worries wouldn¡¯t be so easily eased.


    So, he decided to change the subject, hoping to lighten the mood.


    ¡°Hey, let¡¯s not talk about that right now.¡± He stretched lazily, pretending to be relaxed. ¡°Have you eaten dinner yet?¡±


    Yunruo looked up, her nose still red from crying, and shook her head. ¡°Not yet.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Chongyue widened his eyes in mock surprise. ¡°You can¡¯t follow my bad habits! You¡¯re already so thin, and you¡¯re skipping meals? No way. Tonight¡¯s a special occasion¡ªtell me what you want to eat, anything you want! My treat!¡±


    He pulled out his phone, swiftly opening a food delivery app, looking as carefree as ever.


    Yunruo blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her brother¡¯s familiar mannerisms. The gloom in her eyes seemed to lift just a little. She sniffled and mumbled, ¡°Then¡­ KFC?¡±


    ¡°Done!¡± Chongyue quickly placed the order and tossed his phone onto the coffee table with a confident pat on his chest. ¡°Tonight, just the two of us, we¡¯re gonna eat to our heart¡¯s content!¡±


    When the food arrived, they sat on the couch, unwrapping the packages with practiced ease. The aroma of fried chicken filled the living room, dispelling the heavy atmosphere from earlier.


    As she nibbled on a drumstick, Yunruo kept stealing glances at her brother.


    He was still the Chongyue she knew¡ªbut something about him had changed.


    ¡ªHis once black hair now carried streaks of gold, subtly gleaming under the warm light. His eyes, once dark, had turned a soft yet striking shade of gold, making him seem deeper, more extraordinary than before.


    Not only that, but his physique had grown stronger, and his entire demeanor had shifted. He was no longer just her ordinary big brother¡ªhe was now a warrior carrying the weight of a great mission.


    A tangle of emotions stirred in Yunruo¡¯s heart.


    She knew, deep down¡ªthis version of her brother no longer belonged to just her alone.


    But she tried not to dwell on those troubling thoughts, choosing instead to savor the time she had with her brother tonight.


    They watched TV together, where the news continued to replay reports about the mysterious continent. Nations around the world were scrambling to study these sudden enigmas.


    "Brother¡­ that continent¡­ it''s where you were, right?" Yunruo asked cautiously.


    Chongyue nodded and continued telling her about the wonders of Esperan¡ªthe land teeming with undiscovered plants and creatures unlike anything on Earth.


    "There¡¯s a tree called the Starvein Vine¡ªit glows at night, making the entire forest look like a dreamlike galaxy."


    "And Firetrace Birds¡ªtheir feathers burn like flames, leaving trails of fire in the sky as they fly."


    "Not to mention the beastfolk with ears and wings, or the dwarves wielding firearms¡­ it¡¯s like something straight out of a fantasy movie, except even more unbelievable."


    Yunruo listened, wide-eyed with fascination, a mix of wonder and concern in her gaze. "But¡­ is it really safe for you over there?"


    Chongyue ruffled her hair and chuckled. "Relax, I made it back in one piece, didn¡¯t I?"


    Time slipped by as they talked, the night deepening. The soft glow of the television flickered in the living room, accompanied only by the warm conversation between the reunited siblings.


    Late at night, Chongyue returned to his room. Lying on his long-missed bed, he prepared to rest but couldn¡¯t resist picking up his phone, scrolling to Lu Wenyuan¡¯s contact.


    [Chongyue]: Are you free tomorrow? I¡¯m back. Let¡¯s meet up.


    A reply came almost instantly.


    [Wenyuan]: Yue?! You¡¯re really back?! What time? I¡¯m free whenever!


    Chongyue smiled slightly, let out a yawn, and set his phone down, ready to sleep.


    Just then, a soft knock came from the door.


    "Brother¡­"


    It was Yunruo¡¯s voice.


    Chongyue sat up and looked toward the door. "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Yunruo peeked inside, her face a little hesitant. She clutched the hem of her clothes and lowered her head, speaking in a quiet voice.


    "Um¡­ can I sleep with you tonight?"


    Chongyue raised an eyebrow. "Hey, aren¡¯t you a little too old for¡ª"


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    He stopped mid-sentence.


    Because in her eyes, he saw it¡ªfear.


    She was afraid. Afraid this was just a dream. Afraid that when she woke up, he would be gone again.


    Chongyue sighed, scratching the back of his head with a helpless smile. "You¡¯re impossible¡­ Fine. I¡¯ll sleep on the floor in your room, deal?"


    Yunruo looked up, momentarily stunned, before a warm, relieved smile spread across her face. She nodded firmly.


    "Mm."


    That night¡ªhome was truly whole again.


    The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, gently dispelling the lingering chill of the night.


    Yunruo woke up earlier than usual. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she turned her head toward the floor where her brother was sleeping.


    ¡ªThere, Chongyue was curled up, one arm resting under his head, the other casually draped across his chest, with one leg bent in an oddly twisted position. He didn¡¯t seem to be sleeping very comfortably.


    Yunruo couldn¡¯t help but giggle softly, a wave of warmth filling her heart.


    ¡ªIt was all real. Her brother had truly come back.


    Carefully, she got out of bed without waking him, packed her school bag, and quietly left for university.


    On the dining table, she had deliberately left a breakfast portion for him, with a neatly written note beside it:


    ¡ªBrother, I¡¯m off to class. Don¡¯t forget to eat breakfast!


    Not long after, Chongyue stirred from his sleep, stretching lazily. He instinctively glanced toward the bed, only to find it empty.


    His heart tensed for a brief moment¡ªuntil he noticed the breakfast and the note on the table. He let out a small sigh of relief and smiled warmly.


    ¡ªEven though he would soon leave again, this time was different. At least now, he could come back.


    At noon, in a downtown caf¨¦, Chongyue sat by the window, quietly sipping his coffee while waiting for his best friend, Lu Wenyuan.


    He hadn¡¯t gone out of his way to disguise his appearance. Now, under the sunlight, the golden streaks in his hair shimmered faintly, and his deep golden eyes held an almost mesmerizing glow. Though his facial features remained the same, his entire aura had shifted.


    ¡ªThis change made him stand out in the crowd.


    Even ordinary people unconsciously glanced his way¡ªsome in surprise, some in curiosity, while hushed whispers drifted from the nearby tables.


    ¡°Wow, that guy over there is so handsome!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, look at his presence¡­ he doesn¡¯t seem like a regular person.¡±


    ¡°His hair color is so unique! Is he mixed-race?¡±


    Chongyue curled his lips into a faint, helpless smile.


    ¡ªYep, he had definitely changed. But he hadn¡¯t expected that, after just a short time back, his altered appearance would already make him the center of attention.


    But this change was undeniable. After all, the divine authority had granted them power¡ªperhaps even enhancing their physical bodies and senses.


    "Well, whatever. Sooner or later, I¡¯ll have to get used to it."


    As he was lost in thought, the caf¨¦''s entrance bell chimed softly, and a familiar figure stepped inside.


    Lu Wenyuan still dressed the same¡ªhis usual hoodie and jeans¡ªcarrying that laid-back and natural aura. His features weren¡¯t particularly striking, but his steady gaze gave off an unmistakable sense of reliability.


    Their eyes met.


    For a moment, neither spoke. Then, as if in silent agreement, they raised their fists and lightly bumped them together.


    ¡ªA single fist bump, saying everything words could not.


    The two ordered coffee and sat by the window.


    Lu Wenyuan lifted his cup, scanning Chongyue carefully before smirking and half-joking, ¡°Should I be calling you a superhero now? Gone for months, and you come back looking like a celebrity.¡±


    Chongyue rolled his eyes, chuckling. ¡°Yeah, right. What kind of superhero¡¯s first move after returning is buying coffee for his buddy?¡±


    ¡°Well, fair point.¡± Lu Wenyuan shrugged, then added, ¡°But you really do feel different. Your face hasn¡¯t changed, but¡­ there¡¯s this presence about you. Hard to describe, but it¡¯s there.¡±


    Chongyue took a slow sip of his coffee and sighed. ¡°It¡¯s a long story¡­¡±


    Then, he began to recount everything¡ªstarting from the sudden incident during his camping trip, the mysterious relic that transported him, the countless life-or-death trials, and everything he had seen and experienced in Esperan.


    As the story unfolded, Lu Wenyuan¡¯s expression shifted¡ªfrom initial shock to deep contemplation.


    ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re telling me that for the past few months, you¡¯ve been surviving on a hidden continent, dealing with elves, dwarves, giant snakes, snow beasts, and even gods?¡±


    Chongyue nodded and shrugged. ¡°Believe it or not, that¡¯s the truth.¡±


    Lu Wenyuan lowered his gaze, lost in thought for a while. But in the end, he didn¡¯t question it. Instead, he met Chongyue¡¯s eyes, his tone turning serious.


    ¡°Are you coming back?¡±


    Chongyue paused. Then, understanding what Wenyuan truly meant, he fell silent for a few seconds before answering in a low voice¡ª


    ¡°I will.¡±


    ¡°No matter what happens, I will come back.¡±


    Lu Wenyuan didn¡¯t press further. He simply nodded.


    ¡ªBecause he believed in Chongyue¡¯s promise.


    After a while, Chongyue put on a relaxed smile. "By the way, I need to thank you this time."


    "Thank me?" Lu Wenyuan raised an eyebrow.


    "Yeah." Chongyue looked at his friend, gratitude flashing in his eyes. "Whether it was reporting me missing or taking care of Yunruo during this time, I owe you a big favor."


    Lu Wenyuan paused for a moment, then waved his hand dismissively. "What¡¯s there to thank? Yunruo is like a little sister to me. Taking care of her was only natural."


    Chongyue''s lips curled into a slight smile. He lightly punched Lu Wenyuan on the shoulder. "Alright then, I won¡¯t keep a tab on this favor. But I''ll buy you coffee for a year."


    Lu Wenyuan laughed. "Deal, I¡¯ll hold you to that."


    Sunlight streamed through the caf¨¦¡¯s glass windows, casting warm reflections on the table. The rich aroma of coffee lingered in the air, yet a trace of heaviness crept into Chongyue¡¯s expression.


    He set down his cup, interlacing his fingers on the table. His brows furrowed slightly, and his tone carried a hint of hesitation.


    "Wenyuan, I¡¯ll have to leave again soon."


    Lu Wenyuan¡¯s relaxed demeanor stiffened briefly before his eyes darkened. "You¡¯re leaving again?"


    Chongyue nodded, his tone complicated. "Yeah¡­ This visit was only temporary. There¡¯s something more important that I have to do."


    Lu Wenyuan stared at him for a long moment before lowering his gaze. He traced the rim of his cup absentmindedly and spoke in a low voice.


    "You¡¯re going to save the world, aren¡¯t you?"


    Chongyue let out a wry chuckle, not bothering to deny it. "Something like that."


    "Then how are you going to tell Yunruo?"


    That question left Chongyue completely silent.


    He knew exactly how much his disappearance had tormented his sister. Every single day since he went missing, she must have lived in constant fear¡ªafraid that, just like their parents, he would never return.


    And now, after finally coming back, he had to leave again.


    He could already picture the look on her face when she heard the news.


    "¡­I¡¯m still thinking about it." His voice was quiet, his brows knitted in frustration.


    "Right now, all she wants is for me to stay by her side¡­ but I can¡¯t."


    Lu Wenyuan sighed and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple with one hand. His tone was steady but firm.


    "No matter what, you¡¯ll have to tell her eventually. It¡¯s better she hears it from you now than wakes up one day to find you gone again."


    "I know." Chongyue''s voice was low, his eyes reflecting deep conflict.


    But¡­ How was he supposed to say it?


    "If possible, I hope you can continue looking after her while I¡¯m gone." He looked at Lu Wenyuan, sincerity in his voice. "I don¡¯t want her to feel lonely, and I don¡¯t want her to constantly worry."


    Lu Wenyuan let out a soft scoff, the corners of his lips quivering. "You really do treat me like a free babysitter, huh?"


    "Haha, didn¡¯t you say she¡¯s like a sister to you? My sworn brother from another mother!" Chongyue shot back playfully, though relief flickered in his eyes.


    Lu Wenyuan had never been the type to shy away from responsibility. If he said he would do it, then he would.


    "Fine, I don¡¯t have much going on these days anyway. I¡¯ll play babysitter for a while." Lu Wenyuan shook his head, his tone regaining its usual casualness.


    "But remember¡ªdon¡¯t disappear on her again."


    A warm feeling spread in Chongyue¡¯s chest. He nodded firmly.


    "Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t leave her alone again."


    On Friday night, Chongyue returned home, casually scrolling through his phone as he spoke offhandedly, "Let¡¯s go out this weekend. You can pick the place."


    He had only meant to find an opportunity to spend time with his sister, but to his surprise, Yunruo''s eyes lit up with excitement. She immediately jumped onto the couch beside him, her gaze filled with anticipation. "Really? You¡¯re not going to change your mind, right?"


    "Of course not. I always keep my word." Chongyue chuckled, patting her head. "Saturday, we¡¯ll watch a movie. Sunday, we¡¯ll go to an amusement park. How about that?"


    Yunruo¡¯s excitement was undeniable as she eagerly nodded. "Yes! We have to go!"


    ¡ªIt was a long-overdue sibling moment.


    On Saturday, they went to the cinema to watch a movie Yunruo had been looking forward to for a long time. The two shared a bucket of popcorn, whispering about the plot as Yunruo excitedly shared her thoughts while Chongyue played along, responding with interest.


    On Sunday, the amusement park was bustling with people. They rode every thrilling attraction¡ªroller coasters, drop towers, haunted houses, Ferris wheels¡ªeach one filled with laughter and screams. When they got tired, they sat down for snacks, and once recharged, they went back for more, as if making up for all the lost time they hadn¡¯t spent together.


    By evening, the golden hues of the setting sun bathed the park¡¯s benches in warm light, painting the sky in shades of orange and red.


    Chongyue and Yunruo sat side by side, each holding an ice cream cone, watching as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon. The amusement park was still lively, but at that moment, it felt as if the world had quieted, leaving them in their own little peaceful space.


    It had been a long time since they had shared such tranquility.


    "Yunruo..."


    Chongyue looked down at his ice cream, his gaze dimming slightly before he gathered the courage to speak. "I¡­ will have to leave again soon. But I promise¡ªI will come back."


    He expected her to react as she had before¡ªto get upset, throw a fit, or even push him away. But to his surprise, Yunruo simply gazed at him, the corners of her lips curving into a warm smile.


    "Mhm, I know."


    Her voice was soft, yet it carried a maturity that made Chongyue¡¯s heart ache.


    He froze for a moment, expecting tears or anger. Instead, she accepted it calmly.


    "That night, when I asked if you were going back to that continent, you didn¡¯t answer me..." Yunruo licked her ice cream, her eyes fixed on the fading sunset. Her voice was light, but it struck deep in Chongyue¡¯s heart. "At that moment, I already knew you had to go back."


    Chongyue remained silent, unsure of how to respond.


    "You don¡¯t have to worry about me, big brother. I¡¯m not a little kid anymore."


    Yunruo turned to him with a bright smile, holding out her pinky finger. "Pinky promise¡ªyou¡¯ll come back."


    The golden sunlight illuminated her face, and her expression was so warm and determined that it sent a tremor through Chongyue¡¯s heart.


    In that moment, he realized¡ªhis little sister had grown up.


    Chongyue chuckled softly, extending his pinky and hooking it with hers, solemnly saying, "Mhm, I promise."


    As night fell, the siblings returned home. The soft glow of the living room lights cast gentle shadows on the floor, and the lingering scent of sugary treats from the amusement park still hung in the air.


    Yunruo stretched with a yawn, still brimming with excitement. "Today was amazing! I haven¡¯t had this much fun in so long!"


    Chongyue watched his sister¡¯s smiling face, a mix of emotions stirring in his heart.


    She had grown stronger, more independent, but he still wanted to protect her¡ªto keep her from facing loneliness.


    Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a delicate silver necklace. The pendant was an amber gemstone, shimmering with a warm golden glow under the light.


    "Yunruo," he called softly.


    "Hmm?" She turned to look at him.


    Chongyue stepped forward and gently placed the necklace into her palm. "This is a gift for you."


    Yunruo blinked, opening her hand to study the necklace. The amber seemed to hold a faint, flowing light, as if carrying some unseen energy.


    "It¡¯s beautiful¡­" Her voice was filled with surprise and delight. She immediately clasped it around her neck, then struck a playful pose. "How do I look?"


    "You look great," Chongyue said warmly, watching her with contentment.


    "It may not be anything extraordinary, but I hope that when I''m not around, it can keep you company in my place."


    Yunruo lowered her gaze to the pendant, falling silent for a moment before smiling. "To me, it¡¯s very special. I¡¯ll treasure it because it¡¯s from you, big brother!"


    Chongyue paused for a second, then gently patted her head.


    Late at night, Chongyue stood at Yunruo¡®s bedroom door, watching his peacefully sleeping sister, his gaze filled with warmth.


    "It''s time¡­ But before that¡­"


    He murmured to himself, then quietly left the house, making his way to another destination¡ªtheir parents¡¯ graves.


    The cemetery at midnight was eerily silent, with only the faint rustling of the wind through the treetops. Moonlight bathed the tombstones in a pale glow, casting a cool shimmer on Chongyue¡¯s face.


    He gazed at the names engraved on the stone and softly murmured, "Dad, Mom¡­ I¡¯m home."


    The night breeze carried a faint chill.


    "But soon¡­ I¡¯ll be leaving again."


    He knelt down, tracing his fingers along the edge of the tombstone, his eyes clouded with complex emotions. Memories surfaced in his mind¡ªhis father¡¯s hearty laughter, his mother¡¯s gentle touch, the warmth of a home that once was.


    "This time, I have a mission."


    He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.


    "I don¡¯t know if I can fulfill it. I don¡¯t know what the future holds¡­ But I will protect Yunruo."


    The wind whispered through the trees, rustling the leaves, as if answering his silent vow.


    At that moment, a familiar voice echoed beside him¡ª


    "Human emotions are truly fascinating."


    Chongyue turned sharply, only to see the girl, Divine Principle, standing behind him without a sound. She still carried that indifferent, carefree demeanor, standing barefoot on the stone path of the cemetery, her golden eyes reflecting the night.


    "You do realize that spying on others is considered stalking, right?" Chongyue frowned.


    "It¡¯s not spying, it¡¯s observation," the girl tilted her head slightly, her golden hair swaying gently. "I¡¯m just¡­ curious about human emotions."


    Her voice carried a hint of intrigue and exploration. "You humans know that death is the end of life, yet you still choose to remember the departed, even bearing the pain of longing¡­ Why is that?"


    Chongyue was silent for a moment before lowering his gaze to the gravestone, his voice calm yet resolute. "Because living isn¡¯t just for ourselves."


    The girl blinked, as if contemplating his answer.


    "Humans die twice. The first is when their body ceases to function; the second is when they are forgotten by the world."


    "Family, friends, loved ones¡­ Even if they¡¯re gone, the memories they leave behind remain. We remember them not just out of sorrow, but because their existence mattered. They left a mark on our lives and became a part of us."


    Chongyue slowly stood up, gazing at the night sky. "Just like how, even though we¡¯re only home for a few days, we still want to see the people who matter to us¡ªbecause they are the reason we keep moving forward."


    The girl crossed her arms and let out a soft "hmm," as if deep in thought. After a moment, she suddenly smiled. "Interesting¡­ It seems emotions are even more complex than I imagined."


    "Since you created life, shouldn¡¯t you already understand emotions?" Chongyue asked.


    "Understand?" The girl let out a quiet chuckle. "Do you think a creator automatically understands their creation?"


    She lightly kicked a small stone on the ground, her tone indifferent. "I can comprehend your logic, analyze your emotions¡ªbut that is not the same as ¡®feeling¡¯ them."


    She paused before continuing. "For instance¡­ I know what pain is, but I don¡¯t feel pain. I know what love is, but I cannot truly ¡®love¡¯ someone."


    Chongyue was momentarily stunned as he looked at the girl before him.


    She had the appearance of a human, spoke in a casual, even mischievous tone, yet at her core, she was still the supreme God.


    What she lacked was the warmth that made humans human.


    "And that¡¯s why¡­" the girl tilted her head slightly. "You humans intrigue me."


    Chongyue let out a quiet laugh. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"


    "Mmm¡­ I suppose so." The girl shrugged before turning away. "Are you ready? Before you leave, let¡¯s take a walk together."


    Chongyue cast one last look at the gravestone, whispering, "Dad, Mom¡­ I¡¯m leaving."


    The wind passed by, rustling the leaves, while the photos on the gravestone remained still, their gentle smiles watching over him.


    Under the moonlight, a man and a god walked side by side, slowly vanishing into the night beyond the glow of the streetlights.

 Homecoming – Eika’s Chapter

    Night had just fallen over Kyoto. Neon lights flickered along the bustling streets, cars streamed past in an endless flow, yet the inpatient ward of the hospital remained calm and orderly.


    Pushing open the glass doors, Eika walked briskly toward the nurse¡¯s station. Standing at the counter, she took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady. ¡°Excuse me, which room is Tsukimi Suzune staying in?¡±


    The nurse hesitated for a moment before lowering her head to check the computer. A short while later, she looked up with an apologetic expression. ¡°Ms. Tsukimi was recently discharged by a woman named Akasaki Senmi.¡±


    ¡°...Akasaki Senmi?¡± Eika¡¯s expression instantly darkened.


    She knew that name all too well¡ªthat woman was none other than her half-sister.


    ¡°Do you know where she took her?¡± Eika suppressed the unease in her chest, but her voice still came out more urgent than she intended.


    The nurse shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but¡­ Ms. Akasaki did fill out some paperwork when she took Ms. Tsukimi.¡± She hesitated for a moment before adding, ¡°However, due to privacy regulations, we¡¯ll need to verify your identity first.¡±


    Without hesitation, Eika pulled out her ID from her wallet and placed it on the counter, her tone firm. ¡°I am Tsukimi Suzune¡¯s daughter.¡±


    The nurse carefully checked the ID, confirmed its authenticity, and then retrieved the necessary records, writing an address on a small slip of paper before handing it to her.


    Eika picked up the note and scanned the address. Her heart tightened¡ªit was in Tokyo.


    "Thank you." She muttered a quick thanks before turning on her heel and hurrying out, her pace even faster than before.


    She hadn¡¯t expected that, after finally returning home, her mother would be in the hands of the Akasaki family. With no choice, she now had to head straight for Tokyo.


    Tokyo, a grand and dignified estate, illuminated brilliantly under the night sky. The courtyard was meticulously maintained, lined with neatly pruned pines and cypresses. Stone lanterns cast faint, flickering light along the gravel pathways. The main house was a refined, traditional Japanese structure, with vermillion-painted beams, intricately carved wooden lattice windows, and bamboo blinds swaying gently beneath the eaves, exuding a strong aristocratic air.


    A sleek black Mercedes-Benz slowly rolled into the private driveway, its polished surface gleaming under the courtyard lights. As soon as the car came to a stop, the guards stationed at the entrance swiftly approached and respectfully opened the rear door.


    A pair of black high heels stepped onto the stone pavement, followed by the graceful figure of a woman emerging from the vehicle. Her jet-black hair was meticulously styled into an elegant updo, not a single strand out of place. Her crimson eyes gleamed with a cold, piercing sharpness beneath the night sky. She wore a form-fitting black dress, complemented by a shawl adorned with subtle red embroidery draped over her shoulders¡ªevery movement exuding maturity and confidence.


    Akasaki Senmi¡ªthere was no doubt about her identity. Every gesture, every step spoke of the refinement and composure of the upper class.


    Without sparing a glance at the servants bowing in silent deference, she strode through the corridors and pushed open the door to her bedroom, preparing to change.


    But before she could move further, an icy sensation pressed against the skin of her neck.


    ¡ªA dagger.


    Senmi¡¯s movements froze momentarily. Slowly shifting her gaze, she caught sight of the razor-sharp blade against her throat, its handle firmly gripped by the person standing behind her.


    Yet, instead of panic, a faint smile tugged at her lips, her composure unshaken. ¡°Is this how you greet your elder sister?¡±


    ¡°Where is my mother?¡±


    A familiar, yet cold voice rang out, laced with barely restrained fury.


    Senmi blinked slowly, her tone as composed as ever. ¡°She¡¯s fine, you don¡¯t need to worry. However¡­ I don¡¯t particularly enjoy conversations with a blade at my throat.¡±


    Eika¡¯s grip remained steady, her violet eyes sharp and wary. With calculated movement, she grabbed Senmi¡¯s shoulder and turned her around to face her directly, though the dagger remained firmly pointed at her throat.


    ¡°Enough with the nonsense. Tell me where she is.¡± Her voice was frigid, her gaze unwavering.


    Senmi met her glare head-on, her crimson eyes showing no hint of fear¡ªalmost as if she had long grown accustomed to such confrontations. Tilting her chin slightly, she spoke with unwavering calm. ¡°Follow me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d advise you not to try anything foolish,¡± Eika warned, her grip on the dagger firm.


    Senmi chuckled softly, seemingly unsurprised by Eika¡¯s hostility. Without another word, she turned and walked down the corridor, eventually pushing open a concealed wooden door. Beyond it, a stone staircase spiraled downward into the dimly lit depths below.


    Eika followed closely, her every sense on high alert as they traversed a long underground corridor. At the end of the passage, they arrived at a softly illuminated medical room.


    The faint scent of disinfectant lingered in the air. In the center of the room, a hospital bed lay quietly, occupied by a frail woman whose face was gaunt and pallid, as if she could vanish with a mere gust of wind. Numerous medical devices surrounded her, their monitors emitting soft, rhythmic beeps¡ªeach one striking deep into Eika¡¯s heart.


    ¡ªIt was her mother, Tsukimi Suzune.


    Her breathing was shallow, so faint that it seemed as though it could cease at any moment.


    Eika¡¯s chest tightened painfully, her eyes stinging with emotion, but she clenched her teeth, refusing to let her feelings show. Her grip on the dagger remained firm, the blade pointed directly at Senmi standing beside her. ¡°...Why are you helping her?¡±


    Senmi stood by the bedside, her gaze resting on Suzune¡¯s face, her tone as indifferent as ever. ¡°Tsukimi-san¡¯s brain suffered damage. I searched all over Japan for the best specialists, yet none have found a cure.¡± Her hand lightly rested on the bed¡¯s edge, her expression unchanged, though there was a rare hint of warmth in her eyes.


    ¡°When I was little, she took care of me many times,¡± Senmi murmured softly. ¡°In that cold, unfeeling house, she was the only one who ever made me feel warmth.¡±


    Eika froze slightly, saying nothing.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always been someone who acts based on interests,¡± Senmi turned her gaze toward Eika, meeting her eyes directly. ¡°But I never agreed with our father¡¯s actions, nor his attitude.¡±


    Her voice was unnervingly calm, more of a statement than an explanation.


    Eika remained silent for a long time before finally lowering the dagger in her hand.


    The tension in the medical room eased slightly, yet an unsettling atmosphere still lingered.


    Senmi watched as Eika put away the blade, the corners of her lips curling ever so slightly, as if she had expected this outcome. With a light sigh, she adjusted the cuff of her sleeve before speaking again. ¡°Did you think I took Tsukimi-san just to play hide and seek with you?¡±


    She turned toward the corner of the room and withdrew a long, slender smoking pipe from her sleeve. The metallic accents gleamed faintly under the soft lighting, clearly a handcrafted luxury item. Skillfully, she lit a thin lady¡¯s cigarette, holding it elegantly between her fingers as she took a slow inhale.


    Her crimson eyes glanced at Eika. ¡°Leaving Tsukimi-san in a Kyoto hospital was far too conspicuous. Our father¡¯s spies are spread across Japan¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t simply let go of any loose ends.¡±


    Eika fell into silence at those words.


    It was true. She hadn¡¯t considered these factors before leaving. Her mother had been in a Kyoto hospital all this time¡ªsooner or later, she would have been found. Now that she thought about it, the fact that the hospital had never chased after her for any medical expenses seemed far too unusual.


    Senmi seemed to see through her thoughts, the corners of her lips curving up slightly as she spoke in a languid tone. ¡°I¡¯ve already covered all of her medical expenses, and to avoid unnecessary trouble, I had her transferred here.¡± She flicked the ash off her cigarette and tilted her head slightly, her expression carrying an amused smirk. ¡°Of course, I¡¯m not running a charity.¡±


    Eika¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, her sharp gaze locking onto Senmi. ¡°So, you want me to pay you back?¡±


    ¡°Pay me back?¡± Senmi chuckled softly, her fingers idly holding the cigarette as she studied Eika¡¯s reaction. ¡°Don¡¯t be so tense, little sister. I don¡¯t expect you to pay me back right now¡ªafter all, in your current situation¡­ you wouldn¡¯t be able to, would you?¡±


    Her words carried a hint of mockery, making Eika¡¯s irritation rise. She couldn¡¯t deny it¡ªhaving just returned to this world, she had nothing but a few thousand yen in her pocket.


    She remained silent for a moment, just about to speak when she suddenly noticed Senmi staring at her with an unusually sharp gaze.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Before she could finish, Senmi exhaled a slow stream of smoke, her lips curving into a knowing smirk.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been to that continent, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    Eika¡¯s pupils shrank slightly, her body tensing.


    Her fingers instinctively gripped the dagger at her waist, tightening around the hilt as she locked eyes with Senmi. Her heartbeat quickened.


    How does she know?!


    The air in the medical room seemed to freeze. Eika remained poised, her grip on the dagger unyielding, her sharp gaze fixed on her sister, ready to strike at the slightest movement.


    Yet, Senmi showed no sign of fear. She merely tilted her head, her crimson eyes flicking to the dagger in Eika¡¯s hand before letting out a slow, deliberate sigh.


    She walked toward the hospital bed, placing one hand on the bed¡¯s edge as her gaze fell on Eika''s mother¡¯s fragile face. Her voice carried a hint of discontent. ¡°I¡¯ve always done things based on profit¡­ but before you make any rash decisions, why don¡¯t you take a good look at reality?¡±


    Turning slightly, Senmi¡¯s piercing red eyes met Eika¡¯s. ¡°A continent suddenly emerges in the Pacific, and now the entire world is watching. Governments, military forces, corporations¡ªeveryone is scrambling for information. Every major power is plotting their next move.¡± She paused for a moment, her gaze flickering with something unreadable. ¡°And right now, standing before me is the most valuable piece in this entire game.¡±


    Eika remained wary, her stance unwavering. ¡°So? What is it you want from me?¡±


    Senmi smiled faintly and tapped her temple with a finger, gesturing for Eika to think. ¡°It¡¯s simple. Just tell me everything you know about that continent. That¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Eika¡¯s voice was cold, her eyes unyielding.


    ¡°Threatening?¡± Senmi let out a soft laugh. ¡°You misunderstand. I¡¯m merely offering you a deal¡ªone that benefits us both.¡±


    Her tone was calm, neither aggressive nor forceful. Yet, there was a quiet confidence in her gaze, an unshakable certainty¡ªlike she already knew Eika would accept this trade.


    Eika looked at her mother lying in the hospital bed.


    And she fell silent.


    She understood that she was no longer the person she used to be. The power of her demi-god body made her incredibly strong, yet even so, she still couldn''t wake her mother, nor could she stay by her side to protect her at all times. And soon, she would have to return to Esperan¡ªher mother''s safety was indeed a problem.


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    Taking a deep breath, Eika slowly released her grip on the dagger and spoke in a low voice. ¡°¡­I accept your offer.¡±


    Hearing her response, Senmi''s lips curled into a satisfied smile as she retracted her imposing aura, speaking in an unhurried manner. ¡°For now, all I need from you is information about that continent¡ªevery detail you know, without holding anything back.¡±


    Eika remained silent for a moment before finally nodding. ¡°Fine. But you have to promise me that you''ll take good care of my mother.¡±


    ¡°That goes without saying.¡± Senmi casually flicked the ash from her cigarette, her tone light and unconcerned, as if the tense confrontation from moments ago had never happened. ¡°Also, don¡¯t be in such a rush to kill our lovely Father.¡±


    Eika''s gaze turned sharp in an instant, her voice cold. ¡°Are you trying to protect him?¡±


    Senmi shook her head, her tone eerily calm, almost indifferent. ¡°You¡¯re mistaken again. I have no intention of protecting him. I¡¯m simply telling you that now is not the right time to act.¡±


    She raised a single finger and tapped it lightly on the table, her voice steady and deliberate. ¡°If a high-ranking corporate figure suddenly dies, it won¡¯t just be a matter of ¡®justice served.¡¯ Especially our father¡ªhis death would trigger a chain reaction, causing social unrest and potentially disrupting the entire balance of politics and business. This isn¡¯t a matter you can resolve just by killing a hated enemy.¡±


    Eika¡¯s fists clenched tightly as she stared at Senmi, her expression tense. After a long silence, she finally spoke in a frigid tone. ¡°¡­Fine. But when the time comes, I will be the one to kill him.¡±


    Senmi raised an eyebrow slightly, a subtle yet knowing smile appearing on her lips. ¡°Of course.¡±


    She extended her hand, palm up, signaling the agreement. ¡°Then, let¡¯s work well together.¡±


    Eika looked at her outstretched hand before finally lifting her own to shake it.


    And just like that, the two sisters reached an agreement built on intertwined interests.


    In the luxurious mansion¡¯s office, the warm glow of the dim lights cast soft shadows over the polished mahogany desk. The walls were adorned with exquisite paintings, while beyond the windows, Tokyo¡¯s dazzling neon skyline stood in stark contrast to the room¡¯s composed elegance.


    Senmi walked to the liquor cabinet, effortlessly picking up a bottle of whiskey and pouring herself a glass of amber liquid. The ice cubes clinked gently against the glass, producing a crisp sound. She lifted the glass, her gaze drifting toward Eika as she casually asked, ¡°Care for a drink?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t drink.¡± Eika replied coolly, arms crossed as she stood in the center of the room, making no move to sit.


    Senmi shrugged, settling into her chair and swirling the whiskey leisurely. ¡°Suit yourself.¡±


    Without further pleasantries, Eika got straight to the point. She recounted her experiences in Esperan¡ªfrom the initial teleportation to her survival in the forests, the ascent of Titan¡¯s Peak, and finally, the moment she obtained divine authority.


    Senmi listened in silence, her slender fingers tapping lightly against the desk. As Eika¡¯s story unfolded, the once indifferent expression on her face grew more serious, her brows subtly knitting together. As someone skilled in strategy and calculations, she excelled at piecing together crucial information. But this time, for the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of complexity beyond her grasp.


    Non-human races, a magic system, elemental powers, the World Tree, the looming threat of the Void¡ªthese were concepts that exceeded anything she had previously encountered.


    ¡°¡­I see.¡± When Eika finished her last sentence, Senmi let out a soft sigh, taking a slow sip of whiskey before closing her eyes in thought.


    ¡°What do you plan to do?¡± Eika asked, her sharp gaze fixed on Senmi, wanting to discern her next move.


    But Senmi didn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, she gently placed her glass down, her crimson eyes locking onto Eika¡¯s before a cryptic smile formed on her lips.


    ¡°For now? I will simply watch.¡±


    ¡°Watch?¡± Eika frowned slightly, clearly dissatisfied with such an ambiguous response. She knew Senmi well¡ªthis woman was never just a bystander. Especially now, when she possessed information that no other faction had. Yet, she was choosing to remain uninvolved?


    ¡°You mean¡­ you won¡¯t interfere?¡± Eika probed.


    Senmi shook her head slightly, a faint smile lingering on her lips, through her eyes remained deep and unreadable.


    ¡°You¡¯re still too young, little sister.¡±


    She lazily spun the whiskey glass on the desk, watching the remnants of the liquid swirl against the glass wall, as if mirroring the calculations running through her mind.


    ¡°Even if I wanted to, your so-called ¡®companions¡¯ wouldn¡¯t be too keen on accepting me.¡± She remarked lightly, her gaze lingering on Eika for a brief moment before she stood up and stretched.


    ¡°For now, let¡¯s just stay in touch. You¡¯ve done well, my dear sister.¡±


    With that, she picked up her coat from the chair, turned toward the door, and walked away with steady, composed steps.


    As she reached the doorway, Senmi paused and glanced back at Eika, who still stood motionless in the center of the room. ¡°I have an important engagement tomorrow morning, so I won¡¯t be around. I¡¯ve already given instructions¡ªyou¡¯re free to come and go as you please from now on. If you need to rest, a room has been prepared for you.¡±


    With that, she turned and left, her steps light and without hesitation, leaving Eika alone in the silent room. She watched the door slowly close, her emotions a tangled mess.


    Senmi would always be the same¡ªwalking the fine line between darkness and light, always calculating, always holding an extra card in her hand.


    After Senmi left, Eika returned to the medical room.


    The room remained eerily quiet, with only the faint hum of machines filling the still air. The cold, sterile light cast a pale glow over the hospital bed, making Tsukimi Suzune¡¯s already frail face appear even more ghostly. Though her breathing remained steady, she showed no sign of waking.


    Eika sat quietly by the bedside, her slender fingers gently holding her mother¡¯s hand. The warmth she felt beneath her fingertips was faint, yet it was the only real warmth she could cling to.


    Her fingers trembled slightly, and the tears she had tried so hard to hold back finally fell, drop by drop, onto her mother¡¯s cold skin, vanishing into her fragile frame.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡± she whispered, pouring all her longing into that one word.


    How she wished her mother would wake up at this very moment, look at her with the same gentle gaze from the past, call her name softly, and tell her that nothing had changed¡ªthat everything was still okay.


    But she knew¡­ that was only wishful thinking.


    That night, she never left, keeping vigil at her mother¡¯s side.


    The Next Morning


    Eika gently brushed her fingers over her mother¡¯s hand before standing up, adjusting her clothes, and quietly leaving the room. Alone, she made her way back to Kyoto.


    She arrived at a familiar street¡ªan alleyway filled with memories of her and her mother. But as she walked toward the end of the path, the sight before her made her stop in her tracks.


    The small apartment where she once lived was gone. In its place stood a neatly paved parking lot, where a few cars sat quietly, as if no building had ever existed there.


    She stood there, stunned, a wave of indescribable emotions surging through her chest.


    This was once the place she called home, the only place that ever felt like home. But now, it had completely vanished, erased without a trace.


    Her hands slowly curled into fists as fragmented memories surfaced¡ªher mother hanging clothes on the small balcony, the scent of home-cooked meals drifting from the kitchen, herself hunched over the table, scribbling away at her homework.


    But now, time had swallowed everything, leaving behind nothing but memories that only she carried.


    "Eika? Is that you?"


    A familiar voice behind her pulled her from her thoughts.


    She turned and saw a familiar figure¡ªan old neighbor, dressed in a casual kimono, carrying a bag of fresh groceries, her face warm with a kind smile.


    "Hello, Auntie. It¡¯s been a long time." Eika returned the smile, nodding politely.


    The woman gave her a surprised once-over before exclaiming, "Oh my, it really has been a long time! I heard about what happened to your family, but I never saw you two again. Then I heard the apartment got torn down¡­ How¡¯s your mother? Are you both doing okay?"


    The sudden concern made Eika freeze for a moment. She parted her lips slightly but struggled to find an answer.


    She didn¡¯t want to drag this kind woman into any trouble, so she took a quiet breath, suppressing the emotions in her eyes before replying with a soft smile, "I¡¯m sorry to have worried you, Auntie. We¡¯re both doing well. We¡¯ve moved to Tokyo now."


    The neighbor sighed in relief, patting her chest. "That¡¯s good to hear, really good. I was so worried about you two. You¡¯ve both had such a hard time these past years. Oh? You dyed your hair? I almost didn¡¯t recognize you for a second."


    Eika touched her hair¡ªblack fading into deep violet. This was the mark of divine authority, a symbol of the path she had now chosen.


    The woman sighed, her voice gentle with warmth. "You and your mother have been through so much¡­ but life is long. If you ever have worries, you can always come talk to me. After all, you were such a mischievous little thing when you were young."


    A faint tremor ran through Eika¡¯s chest. She suddenly remembered¡ªhow, as a child, she had once fallen while climbing a tree, and this same woman had patched up her wound. Back then, she had thought herself fearless. But now, even saying ¡°I¡¯m doing fine¡± felt unbearably difficult.


    She lowered her gaze slightly, suppressing the emotions welling up inside her, before lifting the corners of her lips into a small smile. "Thank you, Auntie. Take care of yourself too."


    "Good girl. Be sure to come visit often, alright?" The woman waved before walking away with a warm smile.


    Eika stood there, watching her retreating figure fade into the distance, her heart filled with a bittersweet heaviness.


    After that, she wandered through the places that held memories of her childhood.


    She visited the park where she used to play as a child, sitting on her favorite swing, recalling the moments when her mother would push her higher and higher. She went to her old high school, standing at the entrance as she watched students in uniforms passing in and out¡ªonce, she had been one of them. She even stopped by her mother¡¯s favorite ramen shop, ordering a bowl of the familiar dish, only to realize that the broth no longer tasted as rich as she remembered.


    Finally, she climbed a small hill and stood at the peak, overlooking the Kyoto skyline at night.


    The city lights twinkled like a fallen galaxy, and the cool night wind carried a quiet, distant fragrance.


    "Mom¡­ do you still remember?"


    She murmured softly, gazing up at the sky. The moon shone brightly, as if her mother was watching over her with gentle eyes.


    Kyoto remained as dazzling as ever, but her return brought only memories.


    The night breeze whispered across the hilltop, and the city¡¯s lights flickered in the distance like countless stars scattered upon the earth.


    Eika stood still, overlooking the city that had once been her home, the place that carried her past. Her gaze lingered on the distant streets, where her old home once stood¡ªnow erased by time. A faint tightness gripped her chest as her fingers unconsciously tightened around the dagger at her side, as if holding onto it was the only way to keep herself grounded.


    "Thinking about your mother?"


    A familiar voice spoke behind her, carrying a teasing tone, though without its usual lightheartedness.


    Eika didn¡¯t turn around. She had sensed the presence of the girl known as Divine principle long before she spoke. From the moment she climbed the hill, she had felt that divine aura lingering nearby, though she had chosen to remain silent until now.


    "¡­Why are you here?" Eika asked flatly, her voice tinged with exhaustion.


    Barefoot, Divine principle strolled up beside her, her golden hair swaying gently in the night breeze. She clasped her hands behind her back and tilted her head with a playful smile. "Of course, I came to check on you. You don¡¯t look much like someone who just became a demigod."


    Eika ignored her, keeping her gaze fixed on the cityscape. After a long pause, she finally spoke in a quiet voice. "¡­Do you have parents?"


    Divine principle blinked, as if surprised by the question.


    She thought for a moment, then chuckled softly. "That¡¯s an interesting question. Technically speaking, no, I don¡¯t. My existence was predetermined from the moment this world was born. I am the law itself, an intrinsic part of this world."


    She paused before turning her golden eyes toward Eika. "And you? How do you define ¡®parents¡¯?"


    Eika¡¯s expression flickers slightly. After a moment of silence, she murmured, "Parents¡­ are the ones who give us life, the ones who bring us into this world. They should be the closest people to us, the ones who love us the most¡­"


    Her voice trailed off, and her fingers unconsciously traced the handle of her dagger. A complicated emotion surfaced in her gaze.


    "But not all parents love their children." She let out a bitter laugh, her eyes dimming slightly.


    Divine principle made a soft sound of acknowledgment before a knowing smile curved her lips. "So, what you really want to ask is¡ªIs a parent''s love an instinct? Or is it a choice?"


    Eika didn¡¯t answer.


    She knew her mother loved her, so much so that she would sacrifice everything for her. But what about her father? Why had he cast her aside? He was her biological father, yet he treated her with a cruelty colder than a stranger. Was this truly just a matter of choice?


    "Love isn¡¯t something that exists by default," Divine principle said, her voice surprisingly serious. "Not even gods can control human emotions. Your mother loves you because she chooses to. And your father¡­ perhaps he simply never tried to understand you."


    "Understand?" Eika scoffed, finally turning to face her. "Do you think there¡¯s anything to understand between us?"


    Divine principle studied her for a moment, the golden glow in her eyes flickering in the moonlight. Then, she smirked.


    "You know, I¡¯ve witnessed countless lives being born, and I¡¯ve seen many bonds between parents and children. You say ¡®parents should love their children,¡¯ but the truth is¡ªparents are just people. They fear, they make mistakes, they run away, and sometimes¡­ they choose to forget."


    She paused, then continued in a calm voice. "Not everyone is capable of being a good parent."


    Eika froze, her lips pressing into a thin line.


    "So what?" she asked softly.


    Divine principle shrugged. "Nothing. I¡¯m simply telling you that blood ties don¡¯t determine everything. Your mother loves you, so she is your mother. Your sister chose to protect your mother, so she is your family, too. And your father¡­ is just someone who happens to share your blood, nothing more."


    "¡­¡­"


    The night wind swept past them, filling the silence between them.


    After a long moment, Eika finally spoke again. "¡­Thanks for the reminder. But I still don¡¯t intend to forgive him."


    Her voice was calm, but her gaze was unwavering.


    Divine principle smiled. "That¡¯s up to you. Like I said¡ªlove and hatred are both choices."


    She stretched her arms above her head and took a few light steps forward, her bare feet barely making a sound against the earth. Looking down at the illuminated city below, she mused, "Are you just going to stand here and brood all night?"


    Eika lowered her eyes. After a long pause, she gave a small nod.


    "¡­No. Let''s move on"

 Homecoming – Ryder’s Chapter

    The scorching sun hung high in the sky, and the air was filled with the fragrance of ripened wheat fields. A gentle breeze swept through, causing the endless farmland to ripple like golden waves under the sunlight.


    Ryder stood at the entrance of the farm, gazing at the old mailbox with the name "Blaze" on it. A complex wave of emotions welled up in his heart. He reached up to tidy his slightly disheveled hair and clothing, took a deep breath, and stepped forward.


    The farm remained just as he remembered¡ªvast fields, a red barn, and cattle scattered near the fences alongside the stables. The familiar sights brought a slight smile to Ryder¡¯s lips. Sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled shadows on the white wooden house. In front of the house, a man in worker¡¯s overalls and a straw hat was chopping wood, his axe splitting thick logs with rhythmic precision.


    The sharp sound of the axe echoed across the farm. The man seemed to sense something, pausing his movements before lifting his head to see the approaching figure.


    He squinted slightly, as if unable to believe his own eyes. Almost instinctively, he wiped the sweat off his face and muttered under his breath, ¡°...Ryder?¡±


    Hearing his father¡¯s voice, Ryder¡¯s steps faltered momentarily before he broke into a familiar smile. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m home.¡±


    Before the words had fully left his mouth, Kent Blaze dropped his axe and strode forward. His rough, calloused hands pulled Ryder into a tight embrace, as if trying to fuse this long-lost son back into his very bones.


    ¡°You little brat, where the hell have you been?! Do you have any idea how worried we¡¯ve been these past months?!¡± Kent¡¯s deep voice trembled slightly, his broad shoulders shaking.


    Ryder gave a guilty smile and wrapped his arms tightly around his father. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Dad.¡±


    From inside the house came hurried footsteps, followed by a voice trembling with disbelief. ¡°Ryder...?¡±


    Turning his head, Ryder saw his sister, Elaine, standing on the porch with her hands covering her mouth. Her eyes were wide with shock, tears already welling up. Next to her, his younger brother, Roy, froze for a moment before suddenly dashing forward.


    ¡°Big bro is back!!¡± Roy shouted as he ran straight into Ryder, hugging his waist with such force that Ryder nearly stumbled backward.


    ¡°Haha, calm down, kid, don¡¯t knock me over.¡± Ryder laughed, patting Roy¡¯s back, then looked up at his teary-eyed sister. ¡°Sis, I¡¯m home.¡±


    Tears finally spilled down Elaine¡¯s cheeks. She rushed forward, reaching out to touch Ryder¡¯s face, as if to confirm that he was truly there.


    ¡°Where... where have you been? How did you just disappear like that...¡± Her voice choked with emotion, heavy with all the worry she had been holding back.


    Ryder took her hands in his, giving her a reassuring look. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for making you all worry.¡±


    At that moment, the Blaze family was finally reunited. The warm Texas breeze blew past them, and as the sun set, the farm was filled with laughter and embraces.


    The evening sunlight filtered through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow on the wooden dining table. The air was rich with the aroma of dinner being prepared. On the stove, a pot of stew simmered, filling the room with its mouth watering scent. Elaine skillfully stirred potatoes and bacon in a pan, occasionally wiping the sweat from her brow. Ryder stood beside her, helping with the chopping, though he also snuck a few slices of ham into his mouth¡ªonly to get his hand slapped by Elaine.


    ¡°You little rascal, stop sneaking bites! That¡¯s for dinner!¡± She shot him a glare, but the smile in her eyes was unmistakable.


    Ryder shrugged, biting into the piece he had already swiped. ¡°Well, what can I say? You¡¯re too good at cooking, Sis.¡±


    Elaine sighed in mock exasperation, though her lips twitched in amusement. The gentle bubbling of the stew and the quiet clinking of the wooden spoon against the pot made the atmosphere feel even cozier.


    The two of them worked in sync, effortlessly falling into the rhythm of preparing the meal together. As Ryder stirred the sauce, he spoke softly. ¡°Elaine, these past years must have been really hard on you.¡±


    Elaine¡¯s hands stilled for a moment. She looked up at him, waiting for him to continue.


    ¡°After Mom passed, everything fell on your shoulders.¡± Ryder¡¯s voice carried a hint of guilt. ¡°You gave up your studies to stay on the farm, managing the business with Dad while taking care of Roy and me. I always knew... Thank you, Sis. Truly.¡±


    Elaine set the spatula down gently and turned to him. She reached out, ruffling his blonde hair the same way she did when they were kids.


    ¡°Ryder, do you know something?¡± Her voice was soft yet firm. ¡°I never once regretted my choice. I did what any sister would do.¡±


    She looked at him with warmth in her gaze. ¡°I always knew you and Roy had bright futures ahead of you. I was willing to give everything to see you both grow. It was never a sacrifice. It was simply what I wanted to do.¡±


    Ryder looked up, his nose stinging slightly. He wanted to crack a joke to lighten the mood, but seeing the sincerity in his sister¡¯s eyes, the words died on his tongue. Instead, he took a deep breath and smiled. ¡°Sis, you¡¯re incredible. If you ever get married, your husband¡¯s one lucky guy.¡±


    Elaine laughed, playfully smacking his arm. ¡°Stop talking nonsense, you brat.¡±


    Their laughter filled the kitchen, blending with the soft hues of the sunset outside.


    As the night deepened, only the occasional clinking of utensils filled the dining room. The family sat around the wooden table, savoring the hearty meal. The rich aroma of stewed beef, roasted potatoes, and grilled corn made it impossible not to dig in.


    Between bites, Ryder recounted his story¡ªwhere he had been, what he had experienced.


    ¡°So you¡¯re telling me... you got transported to some mysterious, isolated continent?¡± Elaine set her fork down, eyes wide with disbelief. ¡°And not only were there humans, but also other intelligent races?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Ryder nodded, cutting into his steak, trying to sound casual. ¡°Elves, dwarves, beastfolk... and a whole bunch of monsters. Just like something out of a fantasy movie.¡±


    ¡°Oh my god, that sounds like a novel.¡± Elaine shook her head in amazement.


    ¡°Bro, that¡¯s so cool!¡± Roy¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°Did you fight any battles? Ride a dragon? Wield a massive sword against monsters?¡±


    ¡°Well... no dragons, but I did fight monsters.¡± Ryder chuckled, lifting his glass to take a sip of water, hiding the hesitation in his eyes.


    He didn¡¯t tell them everything. Not about his mission, not about the power he had been granted, and certainly not about the looming threat of the Abyss. He knew that if he did, his family¡¯s peaceful lives would never be the same. He couldn¡¯t bear to worry them.


    At the other end of the table, Kent Blaze remained silent, slowly cutting his steak. His brows were slightly furrowed as he listened.


    ¡°So... what are you planning to do now?¡± Kent finally asked, his voice calm but piercing.


    Ryder paused, then smiled. ¡°For now? I just want to stay home for a while, enjoy farm life, and get some rest.¡±


    Kent didn¡¯t reply immediately. He simply studied his son¡¯s expression, as if trying to uncover the truth behind his words. But in the end, he only nodded and continued eating.


    After dinner, the family moved to the living room.


    Roy was still excitedly bombarding Ryder with questions, while Elaine reflected on how much had changed over the years, reminding Ryder not to make the family worry again. Kent sat quietly to the side, occasionally casting sharp, knowing glances at his son, as if he had already sensed the hidden truths and uncertainties in Ryder¡¯s words. Yet, he didn¡¯t ask any questions.


    For the next two days, Ryder settled back into the familiar rhythm of farm life. He helped clean the barn, fed the livestock, repaired fences, and even drove the tractor across the fields. The golden wheat shimmered under the sun, and Ryder found himself cherishing every drop of sweat, every moment spent with his family. He knew that, in the end, he would have to leave again. But for now, he could embrace this fleeting peace and savor the warmth of home.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    The night was deep, the stars scattered sparsely across the sky, and the farm lay in tranquil silence.


    The only sound was the rustling of the wheat fields in the breeze.


    Ryder stood in the living room, staring at the letter he had left on the dining table, his heart heavy with emotion. He didn¡¯t want to leave like this, but he also didn¡¯t know how to face the inevitable farewell.


    Taking a deep breath, he stepped toward the door.


    But just as he reached for the handle, a familiar deep voice rang out behind him¡ª


    ¡°Are you planning to leave without saying goodbye?¡±


    Ryder¡¯s heart jolted. He turned around to see his father, Kent, standing in the shadowy hallway, arms crossed as he gazed at him. The soft glow of the night cast gentle yet profound shadows on his father¡¯s face, his eyes as deep as the starry sky.


    Ryder scratched his head awkwardly and chuckled. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re still up this late?¡±


    Kent didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he turned and started walking toward the fields, his steady steps leaving no room for argument. ¡°Come with me.¡±


    Ryder hesitated for a moment but followed.


    They walked in silence through the fields until they reached a small cemetery. Moonlight bathed the white gravestone before them, and a familiar name was engraved upon it¡ªElisa.


    Ryder¡¯s chest tightened. He slowly lifted his gaze, watching as his father stood before his mother¡¯s grave, eyes fixed on the carved letters. In those eyes was a softness that spoke of deep longing and tenderness.


    For a long time, Kent remained silent. Then, he finally spoke, his voice steady and deep:


    ¡°Ryder, my son¡­ I was once lost too.¡±


    Ryder froze, listening intently as his father continued.


    Many years ago, Kent had been a young and ambitious farmer. He had just inherited this land, filled with grand aspirations, yet crushed by harsh realities. The farm was struggling, debt loomed over him, and from dawn until midnight, he toiled in the fields, yet the future remained uncertain.


    Sometimes, he would stand amidst the vast fields, watching the sunset cast golden hues over the ripening crops. And in those moments, a wave of exhaustion and helplessness would wash over him. He had thought about giving up, had even questioned whether he had made the right choice.


    Then, he met Elisa.


    It was in a dimly lit bar in town, where the air carried a faint scent of tobacco. Kent sat at the counter, nursing a cheap glass of whiskey, trying to drown his relentless anxiety.


    ¡°What¡¯s with that long face?¡± a clear voice suddenly asked.


    He looked up to see a young waitress standing before him, arms crossed, tilting her head slightly with a mischievous smile.


    She had golden hair that fell smoothly over her shoulders, and when she smiled, her blue eyes sparkled like a sky full of stars.


    Elisa.


    That night, they talked for hours¡ªabout the weather, the struggles of running a farm, their dreams for the future. She was an understanding and warmhearted woman, and somehow, her words made all his burdens feel a little lighter. Kent never thought he would open up to a stranger like that.


    Days turned into weeks, and their bond deepened. They took evening strolls in town, watched the sunset over the wheat fields, and envisioned a future together.


    Yet, the deeper he loved her, the more afraid he became.


    He had nothing. Debts weighed on his shoulders, and uncertainty clouded his future. He wasn¡¯t sure if he could give Elisa a good life¡ªhe could barely afford his next meal. How could he even dream of love?


    He fell into deep self-doubt.


    Finally, one night, he made a decision. He would end things with Elisa. He refused to drag her into his hardship.


    That night, under the hazy glow of the moon, the town streets were eerily quiet.


    When he stepped into the bar and saw Elisa busily working, a storm of emotions raged inside him. He took a deep breath, gathered his courage, and called out to her, preparing to speak¡ª


    SLAP!


    The crisp sound echoed through the bar.


    Elisa¡¯s hand was still suspended in the air, her face filled with fury, her blue eyes burning with a fierce determination Kent had never seen before.


    Kent clutched his face in shock, staring at her in disbelief.


    ¡°The man I love isn¡¯t the one standing before me right now.¡± Her voice was cold, unwavering.


    Kent opened his mouth but found himself unable to argue.


    Elisa took a deep breath, her emotions calming slightly. Her gaze softened, but her tone remained firm. ¡°If you really love me, and you think you¡¯re not good enough¡ªthen do something about it.¡±


    Kent stood frozen, his heart pounding. The problem that had tormented him for so long, the question he had agonized over¡ªwasn¡¯t even a question to her.


    After a long silence, Elisa lowered her head slightly, her cheeks tinged with pink. In a voice barely above a whisper, she added¡ª


    ¡°Or¡­ we could face it together.¡±


    Kent¡¯s eyes widened. In that moment, all his confusion vanished.


    Slowly, he knelt before her, took her hands in his, and gazed deeply into her eyes. Then, with utmost sincerity, he asked¡ª


    ¡°Elisa, will you marry me?¡±


    Tears shimmered in her eyes, but her lips curled into a warm smile. She nodded gently, tightening her grip on his hands.


    ¡°Of course, my dear Kent.¡±


    The night breeze whispered through the wheat fields, carrying the familiar scent of earth and grass¡ªthe comforting embrace of home.


    Kent¡¯s voice remained steady as it resonated through the quiet night.


    ¡°After that, through hard work, the farm slowly got back on its feet.¡± He gazed past the gravestone, as if looking into the past. ¡°Life was still tough, but at least we saw hope¡­ until the day Roy was born.¡±


    He paused, a flicker of nostalgia in his eyes.


    ¡°Elisa was overjoyed. She had always wanted a baby boy. But her health was weak, even before the pregnancy.¡± He let out a slow breath, his gaze dimming. ¡°She gave everything to bring Roy into this world¡­ but in the end, she couldn¡¯t hold on.¡±


    ¡°Her last words to me were to take care of you all.¡± Kent¡¯s voice cracked for a moment before he steadied himself. ¡°She told me¡ª¡®The harder life tries to knock you down, the more you must stand up.¡¯¡±


    Ryder remained silent. He remembered his mother. He remembered that distant night. As a child, he hadn¡¯t fully understood what her passing meant. He only remembered his father withdrawing into silence, working himself to the bone, as if merely surviving.


    Yet, despite everything, he had carried their family through.


    ¡°I was lost too,¡± Kent continued. ¡°There was a moment when I thought nothing mattered anymore.¡±


    Then, his expression softened, pride gleaming in his eyes. ¡°But I stood up. I raised you three on my own. I watched you grow into strong, capable adults¡­ and that is the greatest achievement of my life.¡±


    He placed a firm, reassuring hand on Ryder¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Ryder, walk forward with your beliefs. Never falter.¡±


    Then, he reached into his pocket and pulled out an old pocket watch. Time had worn its surface, but its craftsmanship was still evident.


    He placed it in Ryder¡¯s hand, his voice warm yet resolute.


    ¡°This belongs to you now.¡±


    Ryder opened it. Inside, a faded family photo was carefully tucked away.


    His mother¡¯s gentle smile. His father was standing beside her. Elaine and himself, their father¡¯s hands on their shoulders. And little Roy, nestled in their mother¡¯s embrace, grinning innocently.


    Memories flooded him.


    Tears blurred his vision.


    And this time, he didn¡¯t hold them back.


    Ryder took a step forward, the soil beneath his feet carrying the familiar warmth of the farm. His shadow stretched long under the moonlight. He did not turn back, but he knew¡ªhis father was still standing there, watching him leave.


    As he reached the edge of the farm¡¯s fence, a familiar voice called out from his side.


    "Are you reluctant to leave?"


    Ryder paused slightly, turning his head. The girl, Divine Principle, stood quietly by the fence, her golden eyes reflecting the night, as if she could see straight into his heart.


    He chuckled softly, tilting his head up toward the moon. "Of course, I don¡¯t want to leave. Who would willingly part from their home?"


    The Divine Principle tilted her head slightly. "Then why are you still going?"


    Ryder was silent for a moment, his gaze falling to the pocket watch in his hand. His fingers gently traced over the faded family photo tucked inside. When he spoke, his voice was low, yet resolute.


    "Because I must."


    "Must?" The Divine Principle¡¯s curiosity deepened. "And why must you?"


    Ryder took a deep breath and looked toward the distant farm. The lights in the house still glowed warmly, and his father¡¯s figure remained standing at the doorstep.


    "Because some things can only truly change if you take action yourself." His voice was calm but sharp as a blade. "If my father hadn¡¯t had the courage back then, he would never have built this home. If he had fallen, my siblings and I would have long since been scattered and lost."


    His fingers curled into a fist¡ªwhether speaking to himself or answering the girl, it was unclear.


    "If I give up now, the future will crumble into nothing. I¡¯m not just fighting for myself, but for my family, and for the future of this world."


    Divine Principle studied him, a hint of admiration flickering in her gaze.


    "Conviction¡­" she murmured. "Interesting. I never thought belief could grant ordinary people such strength."


    Ryder scoffed lightly. "Without conviction, how could ordinary people survive?"


    He paused, then turned to face her fully, a familiar, confident smile playing on his lips. "I have inherited the divine power of fire¡ªbut my flames will not bring destruction. They will illuminate the future."


    A glimmer flashed through Divine Principal''s golden eyes.


    "Illuminate the future¡­" She chuckled softly, her voice carrying a subtle complexity. "You humans and your unyielding will¡­ Sometimes, it truly surprises me."


    "Then keep watching," Ryder said, rolling his shoulders as if preparing for battle. He stepped forward, determination burning in his eyes. "Before dawn arrives, someone must first light the darkness. And I will be one of them."


    Then, he leapt into the sky. Flames ignited beneath his feet, propelling him upward, cutting across the night like a shooting star.


    Divine Principle remained where she stood, watching as he ascended toward the heavens. Slowly, a faint smile formed at the corner of her lips.


    "Fire¡­ it is always the one that shines the brightest."

 Homecoming – Yenafréa’s Chapter

    Paris, Yvelines.


    The afternoon sunlight filtered through the treetops, and a gentle breeze carried the faint, moist scent unique to the banks of the Seine. This neighborhood was quiet and elegant, a stark contrast to the bustling center of Paris. The houses lining the streets varied in architectural style, yet all exuded a noble air. Lush green shrubs were meticulously trimmed, while white walls were adorned with climbing wisteria, giving the entire area the refined charm of an aristocratic legacy from a bygone era.


    As the black sedan glided smoothly over the cobblestone road, Nahla couldn¡¯t help but glance out the window. She noticed that the houses grew increasingly larger, their courtyards more expansive, some even resembling miniature castles standing amidst lush gardens. Fountains, sculptures, and neatly manicured hedges¡ªevery detail radiated wealth and prestige.


    Nahla frowned slightly and turned to look at Yennefer¨¦a, who was seated beside her. "Uh... are we sure we''re going the right way?"


    Yennefer¨¦a smiled faintly, her tone calm. "No, we¡¯re not lost."


    "But..." Nahla glanced around hesitantly and lowered her voice. "These houses... they all look so¡ª" She paused, searching for the right word. "Very... rich."


    Noting Nahla¡¯s reaction, Yennefer¨¦a¡¯s smile deepened with a hint of amusement. "Have I never mentioned it before? ¨¦lodie¡¯s family is one of the most prestigious in France¡ªthe Laurent family. Their businesses span the globe, covering fashion, cosmetics, hotels, restaurants, luxury goods, and more."


    "What?" Nahla''s eyes widened in shock, almost thinking she had misheard.


    Of course, she knew the name Laurent¡ªit was synonymous with world-class luxury. Whether in haute couture, fragrances, or five-star resorts, the family was at the pinnacle of the industry. What she hadn¡¯t expected was that Yennefer¨¦a¡¯s friend came from such a background.


    "You actually know someone like that?!" Nahla gaped at Yennefer¨¦a in disbelief.


    Yennefer¨¦a chuckled softly and shook her head. "She¡¯s my friend, not a ¡®big shot¡¯ to me."


    "...Come on, this is way beyond just being an ordinary friend!" Nahla was at a loss for words.


    "Her family name may carry weight," Yennefer¨¦a sighed slightly, her gaze drifting to the grand estate they were approaching. "But that doesn¡¯t change who she is. And it certainly doesn¡¯t change how she treats me."


    The sedan slowed to a stop. Through the window, they could see an ornate wrought-iron gate, beyond which the estate¡¯s grand main building was partially visible¡ªa perfect blend of classical and modern architecture, elegant and imposing. On either side, fountains rippled under the soft breeze, whispering stories of history and heritage.


    Nahla swallowed, murmuring under her breath, "Well¡­ this is quite the eye-opener."


    The driver stepped out and, with practiced elegance, opened the rear door.


    Yennefer¨¦a exited first, followed closely by Nahla. As soon as she set foot on the carefully laid stone pathway, Nahla instinctively lifted her head, taking in the grand estate before her.


    It was even more magnificent than she had imagined.


    A wide white gravel path stretched from the iron gate to the main building, flanked by meticulously maintained hedges and vibrant flower beds in full bloom. Fountains were strategically placed at the heart of the garden, their cascading water catching the sunlight with a soft shimmer. Towering plane trees stood proudly in the courtyard, casting dappled shadows across the cobblestone paths, lending the summer afternoon an air of serene tranquility.


    The mansion itself was a masterpiece¡ªit''s ivory-colored walls complemented by gilded balcony railings, exuding opulence without ostentation. Enormous floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the warm sunlight, making the entire building appear like a palace of understated grace.


    Nahla¡¯s eyes widened as she muttered in awe, "This place is... enormous."


    She had heard stories about grand French estates, but seeing one with her own eyes was an entirely different experience.


    Just then, the estate¡¯s grand doors slowly swung open, and with the sound of hurried yet lively footsteps, a familiar figure swiftly approached them.


    "Luna!"


    ¨¦lodie Laurent''s voice carried a hint of urgency as she nearly jogged across the garden, her eyes scanning her long-lost friend with unconcealed relief. Her short pink hair was neatly styled, and her crisp white blouse, adorned with black buttons, accentuated her refined yet professional appearance. Paired with form-fitting white trousers and brown leather flats, she exuded both an air of composure and an undeniable aristocratic grace.


    Following closely behind her was a composed middle-aged butler, impeccably dressed in a black tailcoat with a neatly pressed white shirt. A gold-rimmed monocle rested on his nose, and his poised demeanor made it clear that he was a key figure within the Laurent household.


    Without hesitation, ¨¦lodie rushed forward and embraced Yennefer¨¦a tightly, her words spilling out in fluent French, full of emotion. "Where have you been these past few months? I''ve been sending you messages, and you haven''t replied to a single one!"


    Yennefer¨¦a smiled gently, returning the embrace. "It''s been a long time, ¨¦lodie." She patted ¨¦lodie¡¯s back lightly before adding in a calm tone, "There¡¯s a lot to talk about."


    Only then did ¨¦lodie take a deep breath and steady herself, finally releasing Yennefer¨¦a. But her gaze quickly shifted to Nahla, standing beside them. She arched an eyebrow slightly, realizing that her enthusiastic outburst might have been a bit overbearing. Instantly regaining her composure, she turned to Nahla with an elegant smile, giving a polite nod before extending her hand in a refined French greeting.


    "Pardon my excitement just now. Allow me to properly introduce myself¡ª¨¦lodie Laurent, heir to the Laurent family. A pleasure to meet you."


    Her voice was warm yet poised, carrying the effortless grace of nobility.


    Nahla froze for a moment, momentarily caught off guard. She hastily reached out to shake ¨¦lodie''s hand, her movements slightly stiff. "Uh¡­ hello, I¡¯m Nahla al-Riyah."


    Her tone held a trace of nervousness¡ªafter all, she had never spoken with someone of such high status before. The woman before her wasn¡¯t just exuding wealth; she carried an innate confidence and charisma that made her presence all the more imposing.


    Noticing Nahla¡¯s unease, Yennefer¨¦a chuckled softly. "Nahla is my friend."


    At this, ¨¦lodie¡¯s smile softened. "Then there¡¯s no need to be so formal. If you¡¯re Luna¡¯s friend, that makes you my friend as well." She waved a hand casually, as if to dispel any lingering tension.


    At that moment, the butler standing behind ¨¦lodie cleared his throat lightly before speaking in a composed yet respectful tone. "Mademoiselle, it would be more appropriate to invite your guests inside. Leaving them standing outside hardly reflects the Laurent family''s hospitality."


    ¨¦lodie blinked, as if only now realizing how hasty she had been. With an apologetic chuckle, she nodded. "You''re absolutely right. Come inside, we can talk properly."


    With that, she gestured gracefully for them to follow, leading the group into the grand estate steeped in history.


    Sunlight bathed the terrace in a golden glow. Beneath a white parasol, a gentle breeze stirred the sheer curtains, carrying the faint fragrance of flowers through the air. In the distance, the estate¡¯s gardeners trimmed the hedges with precision, while the soft murmur of water from the fountains blended harmoniously with birdsong, creating a soothing symphony of nature.


    The butler, with practiced ease, set down a silver tray on the ornately carved wooden table. The amber-colored tea, poured from an elegant teapot, released a delicate citrus and bergamot aroma. The accompanying pastries were exquisite¡ªmacarons with smooth, glossy shells, crisp layers of French mille-feuille, and rich truffle chocolates exuding a faint cocoa fragrance.


    Nahla¡¯s eyes were immediately drawn to the desserts. She widened her gaze in awe, momentarily forgetting that she was in the grandeur of an aristocratic estate. For a moment, she felt hesitant, unsure if she should reach out. Having grown up in modest surroundings, such a refined afternoon tea setting felt almost surreal to her. She discreetly glanced at Yennefer¨¦a for reassurance.


    Noticing her hesitation, Yennefer¨¦a offered a gentle smile and gave her a small nod, signaling that she need not hold back. Only then did Nahla relax, carefully picking up a delicate macaron and taking a small bite. The crisp outer shell gave way to a smooth, luscious filling¡ªsweet but not overpowering. Instantly, her expression softened, a hint of delight appearing in her eyes.


    "This really is the life of the rich." Nahla couldn''t help but whisper in admiration.


    Yennefer¨¦a chuckled softly, while ¨¦lodie watched Nahla with amusement before turning to Yennefer¨¦a. Her gaze held a mixture of reproach and relief.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Where on earth have you been?" ¨¦lodie¡¯s voice carried a trace of exasperation, but beneath it was unmistakable concern. "You disappeared for months¡ªno messages, no replies, nothing!"


    Yennefer¨¦a sighed gently, setting down her teacup. Her tone was calm but firm. "It¡¯s a long story..."


    ¨¦lodie studied her carefully, scanning her expression for any signs of distress. Seeing that she appeared unharmed, she finally let out a small sigh of relief.


    "Do you have any idea how worried I was? The moment you vanished, I pulled every string I could in Paris, reached out to countless connections trying to find you¡ªbut there wasn¡¯t a single trace of you."


    A flicker of guilt crossed Yennefer¨¦a¡¯s face. She knew she had caused ¨¦lodie much distress. Slowly, she began recounting her experiences in Esperan¡ªfrom the earthquake in Paris that transported her to an unfamiliar continent, to meeting Chong Yue and others, surviving in a harsh and perilous environment, navigating through dangerous forests, encountering unknown creatures, and engaging with non-human races like dwarves and elves. She even spoke of her ascent to the summit of the Titan¡¯s Peak, where she finally met the so-called "Divine Principle" and was granted divine power that defied all reason.


    Throughout her story, she maintained a composed tone, yet the sheer strangeness and peril of her experiences were enough to leave anyone astounded.


    As ¨¦lodie listened, her expression shifted from mild surprise to sheer disbelief. Her grip on her teacup tightened, her full attention absorbed by Yennefer¨¦a¡¯s words.


    At this moment, Nahla finally couldn¡¯t hold back her curiosity and asked, "I¡¯m a bit curious¡ªhow did Miss ¨¦lodie meet Luna?"


    Hearing the question, ¨¦lodie immediately shifted her gaze toward Nahla, only to realize that she had just called Yennefer¨¦a ¡°Luna.¡±


    "You call her ¡®Luna¡¯?" ¨¦lodie narrowed her eyes slightly, her tone carrying a hint of scrutiny¡ªand even a touch of jealousy.


    Nahla froze, sensing a subtle shift in the atmosphere, while Yennefer¨¦a, amused by the reaction, chuckled softly and explained, "Nahla is a new friend of mine. We¡¯ve been through a lot together¡ªwe¡¯re already partners."


    ¨¦lodie¡¯s expression softened a little, but she still pursed her lips in slight discontent. "Hmph, I thought I was the only one who called you that."


    Yennefer¨¦a shook her head helplessly. ¨¦lodie, however, seemed to want to lighten the mood. A playful smile curved her lips as she suddenly remarked, "Speaking of which, the first time I met Luna was truly unforgettable."


    She paused for a moment, her eyes filled with nostalgia before she continued with exaggerated admiration, "Back then, she was unbelievably cool."


    It was during ¨¦lodie¡¯s first year at ¨¦cole Normale Sup¨¦rieure in Paris. At the time, she still had long, silky hair and was far more reserved than she was now¡ªsocial interactions were not her strong suit. Due to recent negative publicity surrounding her family, she had become a subject of gossip among the students. Rival families viewed her as a thorn in their side, and some even went out of their way to make trouble for her.


    That day, the golden light of dusk poured over the ancient stone-paved streets of Paris, mingling with the bustling crowds. ¨¦lodie had just finished her classes and was on her way home when a group of flamboyantly dressed thugs blocked her path.


    Their sneering smirks and predatory eyes made their intentions clear. Without a word, they forcibly led her into a dimly lit alleyway.


    ¨¦lodie instinctively took a step back, her expression a mix of disdain and helplessness. She knew exactly who they were¡ªhired by a rival family to humiliate her and tarnish her reputation. She tried to resist, but they outnumbered her. There was no escape.


    Then, at that very moment, a sharp voice rang out from the alley entrance, shattering the tense silence like a clap of thunder.


    "Let go of her, you bastards!"


    The thugs turned, their gazes locking onto the figure standing at the entrance.


    It was a girl with white hair and striking blue eyes, gripping an umbrella in her hand. Her presence was both cold and resolute. The setting sun framed her silhouette, casting her in a golden light¡ªlike a guardian angel descending from the heavens.


    Yet, her icy gaze was anything but gentle. Those piercing eyes, like the edge of a blade, radiated an authority that brooked no defiance.


    ¡ªYes, that girl was Yennefer¨¦a.


    Nahla listened, eyes wide with fascination, a flicker of excitement and admiration shining within them. Meanwhile, Yennefer¨¦a turned slightly to the side, subtly attempting to hide the faint blush creeping up her cheeks.


    ¨¦lodie, noticing her embarrassment, grinned even wider and continued, "When those thugs saw Luna, their first reaction was to mock her. One of them even asked if she was my friend."


    She mimicked their smug expressions, adopting an exaggerated, cocky demeanor. Then, lowering her voice to imitate Yennefer¨¦a¡¯s cool and indifferent tone, she recited,


    "¡®I don¡¯t know her. I just can¡¯t stand watching a bunch of animals gang up on a girl in broad daylight.¡¯"


    Nahla¡¯s eyes widened in awe, turning to Yennefer¨¦a. "Wow, Luna, you actually said that?"


    ¨¦lodie nodded enthusiastically, laughing as she pounded the table. "Right?! She was so cool!"


    Yennefer¨¦a¡¯s face flushed as she spoke helplessly, ¡°Enough, ¨¦lodie, stop exaggerating.¡±


    ¡°Exaggerating? Where? I¡¯m just stating the facts.¡± ¨¦lodie shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. ¡°And then¡ªLuna swung her umbrella and gave those thugs a good beating! There were more of them, sure, but they were no match for her. Her swordplay was incredible, and in her hands, that umbrella might as well have been a real sword! She had them running for their lives!"


    Nahla was completely captivated, her eyes shining with admiration as she exclaimed excitedly, ¡°Luna, you¡¯re a real hero!¡±


    Yennefer¨¦a covered her forehead, clearly embarrassed, and quickly corrected, ¡°¨¦lodie, don¡¯t make it sound so dramatic¡­ Yes, I did drive them away, but I was also beaten up pretty badly. In the end, you were the one who took me to the hospital.¡±


    ¨¦lodie raised an eyebrow, looking smug. ¡°Oh? So you actually remember?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you forgot.¡± Yennefer¨¦a shot her a glance.


    ¨¦lodie chuckled, waving a hand dismissively, but her gaze softened. ¡°How could I forget? That¡¯s one of my most cherished memories.¡±


    She continued reminiscing¡ªafter that incident, she and Yennefer¨¦a became best friends.


    They attended classes together, ate meals together, practiced swordsmanship side by side, and went shopping in the city. With Yennefer¨¦a around, ¨¦lodie felt an unprecedented sense of ease. She didn¡¯t have to maintain the perfect image of a wealthy heiress, nor did she need to be wary of the empty pleasantries and social games of the elite.


    With Yennefer¨¦a, she could laugh freely, complain without restraint, and rely on this ever-composed, sometimes endearingly awkward friend without hesitation.


    Watching them, Nahla suddenly murmured with a hint of envy, ¡°You two have such an amazing friendship.¡±


    ¨¦lodie turned toward Yennefer¨¦a with a warm smile. ¡°Yes, we do.¡±


    The golden hues of the setting sun draped the terrace in a soft glow, painting the sky with warm shades of red and gold. The air carried the delicate fragrance of tea, mingling with the sweetness of pastries. A gentle breeze stirred the tablecloth and lightly lifted strands of Yennefer¨¦a¡¯s silver-white hair.


    She looked at ¨¦lodie, a small smile forming at her lips, her gaze filled with genuine warmth. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m really grateful to have met you. Back then, I was like a prisoner trapped in the shadows of loneliness. But then you appeared, like a beam of sunlight¡ªbreaking through the darkness and warming my world.¡±


    ¨¦lodie blinked, momentarily caught off guard. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks before she let out a small cough and waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Alright, alright, no need to get so sentimental. You¡¯re making me embarrassed.¡±


    Nahla rested her chin on her hand, watching the two with a knowing smile. A thought crossed her mind¡ªtheir bond was truly special. It was so deep, so rare, that it was almost enough to make one jealous.


    Time slipped by unnoticed amid laughter and conversation. The dessert plate on the coffee table was nearly empty, and the teapot was half drained. The sun gradually set, the sky transitioning from warm hues of orange and red to deep blue as night quietly descended.


    ¨¦lodie set down her teacup, elegantly crossing her legs before suggesting with a smile, "Since you¡¯re taking the train to England tomorrow, why not stay here for the night? You can get some proper rest, and I¡¯ll send you off in the morning."


    Yennefer¨¦a nodded lightly. "Sorry to trouble you."


    "No need to be so formal, pick any room you like." ¨¦lodie grinned, stretching lazily before calling the butler to prepare the rooms and dinner.


    As night fell, the grand estate was illuminated by warm lights. After dinner, the three of them gathered around the wooden table in the living room, engaging in various board games. ¨¦lodie¡¯s lively personality kept the atmosphere light and cheerful. Though Nahla had been slightly reserved at first, she quickly joined in, often laughing uncontrollably at ¨¦lodie¡¯s antics. Yennefer¨¦a, as always, maintained her composed demeanor, though she occasionally found herself puzzled by the game rules¡ªprompting ¨¦lodie to tease her, ¡°A law doctorate, struggling with game rules?¡± which only earned a helpless sigh from Yennefer¨¦a.


    As the clock on the wall struck midnight, they finally called it a night, each retiring to their respective rooms, smiles lingering on their faces.


    The moonlight filtered through the windows, casting a serene glow over the soft bed. Yennefer¨¦a leaned against the headboard, closing her eyes as she recalled her reunion with ¨¦lodie earlier that day. A gentle warmth filled her heart. No matter how much had changed, ¨¦lodie remained the same¡ªradiant like the sun. And in the storm of the world¡¯s chaos, Yennefer¨¦a had finally found a moment of peace, a place where she truly belonged.


    Morning dawned, wrapping the elegant city of Paris in a cool, misty embrace. The station¡¯s clock tower cast a long shadow under the rising sun. The vintage iron tracks stretched into the distance as the high-speed train slowly pulled into the platform, releasing puffs of white steam. Travelers bustled about, dragging their luggage across the station floor, their hurried footsteps and the rolling of suitcase wheels blending with the station¡¯s announcements in soft French.


    ¨¦lodie walked Nahla and Yennefer¨¦a to the train station, keeping their conversation light and casual¡ªas if trying to make their departure feel less heavy. Yet, as they finally stood before the platform, watching the train bound for England, her bright smile faltered slightly.


    Just as Yennefer¨¦a picked up her suitcase, preparing to board, ¨¦lodie suddenly reached out and gently grabbed her wrist.


    "Luna." Her voice was soft, carrying a hint of reluctance.


    Yennefer¨¦a turned back, meeting ¨¦lodie¡¯s emerald gaze¡ªsincere and unwavering.


    "If you ever run into trouble, remember that you can always come to me. No matter when or where, this place will always be here for you." ¨¦lodie¡¯s smile returned, through her eyes held countless emotions beneath it. "Take care of yourself¡­ and go on to become a hero for more people."


    Yennefer¨¦a remained silent for a moment before offering a gentle smile of her own. Her gaze was both warm and resolute.


    "I will. You take care too."


    She squeezed ¨¦lodie¡¯s hand lightly before letting go, stepping onto the train with her luggage. Nahla followed, pausing briefly to glance back at ¨¦lodie, giving her a small wave.


    The train¡¯s whistle echoed through the air as it slowly began to move. The rhythmic clatter of wheels against steel tracks filled the station. Outside the window, the platform slowly receded into the distance, yet ¨¦lodie remained unmoving, her eyes fixed on the departing train, watching until it had completely vanished from sight. Only then did she let out a quiet sigh.


    "A hero, huh¡­" she murmured, a small smile playing on her lips.


    The morning sun streamed through the station¡¯s arched glass ceiling, casting a golden glow over her slender, graceful figure. Then, with one last glance at the empty tracks, she turned and disappeared into the crowd.

 Homecoming – Nahla’s Chapter

    After bidding farewell to ¨¦lodie, Nahla and Yennefer¨¦a boarded the train from France to England.


    The train slowly departed from Paris, gliding through the bustling city before heading toward the vast French countryside. Through the window, the fields and rolling hills were bathed in the golden glow of the morning sun. Vineyards stretched neatly across the slopes, and occasional windmills turned lazily in the breeze. Small, tranquil villages dotted the lush green land, resembling a picturesque painting.


    Yennefer¨¦a gazed quietly out the window, feeling the gentle sway of the train, while Nahla, on the other hand, was filled with excitement. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she admired the beautiful French landscape, occasionally whispering in awe, "This is breathtaking¡­ The European countryside is even more poetic than I imagined."


    As the train continued northward, leaving behind the bustling charm of Paris, it entered the Normandy region. Vast farmlands and open meadows spread across the land, with cows and sheep grazing leisurely in the pastures, their relaxed presence adding to the serene atmosphere. Crystal-clear streams shimmered under the sunlight, winding through the countryside, while small white cottages nestled peacefully among the fields, exuding a sense of rustic tranquility.


    Gradually, the scenery began to shift as the train approached the Calais coastline. In the distance, the shoreline stretched endlessly along the horizon. White cliffs towered over the crashing waves, and seagulls circled overhead, their cries carried away by the wind under the expansive blue sky. This was the English Channel, the natural divide between France and England.


    Before long, the train entered the Channel Tunnel, transitioning from the vast open land into a long, dimly lit underground passage. The scenery outside vanished into darkness, with only the flickering tunnel lights illuminating the train¡¯s interior.


    Nahla sighed softly, her voice tinged with wonder. "So this is the Channel Tunnel¡­ I never thought humans could build something like this. It feels like we¡¯re traveling to another world."


    "Indeed." Yennefer¨¦a nodded slightly, her gaze fixed on the passing signal lights outside as her thoughts drifted.


    After about twenty minutes, the train emerged from the tunnel, once again greeted by daylight. As it left the passage behind, the landscape had completely transformed¡ªthis was Kent, England. Rolling plains interspersed with dense forests stretched as far as the eye could see. Quaint English villages lay nestled among the trees, their red-brick houses blending seamlessly with the greenery. Sheep roamed peacefully in the fields, and in the distance, an old-fashioned steam train slowly made its way along another track, as if transporting passengers back in time.


    The train continued its journey toward London, cutting through the heart of the English countryside. Along the way, remnants of medieval castles and towering clock towers stood in the distance, adding a touch of history to the scenery. As they neared the city, the rural landscape gradually gave way to modernity¡ªskyscrapers and historic Victorian-era buildings stood side by side. The River Thames shimmered under the morning light, reflecting the sprawling skyline of London.


    After a two-and-a-half-hour journey, the train finally pulled into St Pancras International Station in London. The platform bustled with people as the station¡¯s loudspeakers broadcasted an announcement in English:


    "The train has arrived in London. Please remember to take your belongings and mind your step as you disembark."


    Stepping off the train, Yennefer¨¦a and Nahla took their first steps into the heart of the city.


    The London sky was overcast with thick clouds, and the cool breeze carried a slight dampness as it swept through the streets. The steady hum of traffic mixed with the rhythmic footsteps of pedestrians, creating a unique urban symphony. Around them, the familiar red-brick buildings and Gothic churches stood tall. A classic red double-decker bus rumbled past, its wheels clattering over the pavement. The sound of metal against stone, the murmur of distant conversations, and the faint scent of rain in the air¡ªall of it painted the unmistakable portrait of London.


    Yennefer¨¦a tilted her head slightly, watching Nahla, who seemed lost in thought. Her voice was gentle as she asked, ¡°Do you still remember the address?¡±


    Nahla lowered her head, thinking for a moment before nodding lightly. ¡°...I can barely remember it. It should be in the south, not too far from here.¡±


    There was hesitation in her voice, a trace of unease lingering in her words.


    Yennefer¨¦a noticed the subtle shift in her emotions. Her deep blue eyes studied Nahla carefully as her tone softened even more. ¡°Are you really sure you want to go back and see them?¡±


    Nahla remained silent for a while. Her fingers unconsciously clenched the fabric of her sleeve, her gaze evasive. Every part of her radiated tension and uncertainty.


    That place was once called ¡°home¡± to her, but it was also the source of her deepest pain. She didn¡¯t know if she was truly ready to face that home again¡ªto face her cold and distant father, her silent mother, and¡­ the brother who had ignored her suffering.


    Yennefer¨¦a let out a quiet sigh before reaching out, gently resting a reassuring hand on Nahla¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°No matter what you decide, I will support you.¡±


    Nahla lifted her head, meeting Yennefer¨¦a¡¯s clear and unwavering gaze. The anxiety and fear within her seemed to ease slightly. Slowly, the corners of her lips curled into a hesitant yet relieved smile.


    ¡°...Yeah, I can¡¯t keep running away.¡± Her voice was quiet, but there was resolve in it. ¡°It¡¯s time to face it.¡±


    Yennefer¨¦a smiled slightly and nodded. ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡±


    Without further hesitation, the two hailed a black taxi and gave the driver the address. After confirming the location, the car slowly pulled away, heading toward the southern district of London.


    Outside the window, the cityscape gradually shifted. The bustling commercial districts gave way to older residential neighborhoods. Nahla leaned against the window, her hands unconsciously clenching into fists as her gaze stretched toward the distance.


    That house¡ªthe place she had once desperately fled from¡ªwas drawing closer with every passing second.


    Beneath the somber sky, the old streets of South London felt particularly heavy and oppressive.


    Yennefer¨¦a and Nahla stood in a narrow alleyway, facing a row of old terraced houses. The wooden two-story buildings were connected, their white paint peeling away in large patches, revealing weathered brick beneath. The small yards in front of each house were overgrown with weeds, unkempt and abandoned, as if no one had cared for them in a long time.


    Nahla stood motionless, her gaze filled with a mixture of familiarity and estrangement as she looked at the house before her. This place had once been her home.


    Yennefer¨¦a noticed the unease on her face and gently patted her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you outside.¡±


    Nahla took a deep breath, nodding slightly before stepping forward through the overgrown yard.


    Once, this had been her mother¡¯s pride¡ªa garden meticulously tended with flowers and greenery. But now, all of it had fallen into neglect and ruin.


    She reached the door and hesitated for a moment before raising her hand and knocking lightly on the faded wooden surface. Knock, knock, knock¡­


    Inside, the sounds of movement ceased for a brief moment. Then, slow and heavy footsteps approached the door.


    Click¡ª The lock turned, and the door creaked open just a crack.


    Behind it stood a frail-looking middle-aged woman.


    Her face was lined with deep wrinkles, etched by the weight of time. A faded gray headscarf wrapped around her hair, though strands of white peeked out at her temples. She wore a patched-up, worn-out dress, and her thin, calloused hands bore the marks of long years of labor.


    She squinted slightly, as if struggling to recognize the girl before her, and spoke in a hoarse, fragile voice.


    ¡°...May I ask, who are you?¡±


    Nahla parted her lips to speak, but the moment she tried, her vision blurred with tears. A lump formed in her throat, her breath hitching as emotion overwhelmed her. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she whispered:


    ¡°Mom¡­ it¡¯s me, Nahla.¡±


    Just a few words¡ªyet they carried a lifetime of emotion, an outpouring of longing, grief, and pain that had built up over the years.


    The woman froze instantly.


    She stood there, unmoving, her expression one of utter shock, as if she couldn¡¯t believe what she was hearing. Her lips trembled slightly, as if forming words she was too afraid to say aloud.


    And then, without warning, tears began to fall.


    Her frail hands shook as she covered her mouth, as though trying to stifle the sobs that threatened to escape¡ªas though she feared that if she moved, the girl before her would vanish like a dream.


    ¡°Nahla¡­ my child¡­¡± Her voice broke, choked with overwhelming emotion. She took an unsteady step back, as if unsure whether to come closer or keep her distance¡ªas if afraid she would lose her all over again.


    Seeing her mother like this, Nahla felt something tighten painfully in her chest. She could no longer hold back. Stepping forward, she wrapped her arms tightly around her mother, pulling her into a deep embrace.


    She could feel her mother¡¯s frail frame, her once-warm embrace now reduced to nothing but skin and bone.


    She was finally home¡­ but her mother had grown so heartbreakingly fragile.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Nahla buried her face in her mother¡¯s shoulder, her voice trembling with indescribable emotions. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry for leaving you alone to suffer.¡±


    Her mother¡¯s hands shook as she hesitantly raised them¡ªuntil at last, she gently held her daughter close, her voice breaking into sobs.


    ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re alive¡­ My child, you¡¯re alive¡­¡±


    Tears soaked into their clothes as mother and daughter clung to each other, unwilling to let go.


    After a long while, Nahla slowly pulled back, wiping the tears from her face before meeting her mother¡¯s eyes with quiet determination.


    ¡°Mom, come with me. Leave this place.¡±


    This time, she would not let her mother suffer alone.


    Nahla¡¯s mother was still trembling, her hands reluctant to let go. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of emotions¡ªjoy, fear, hesitation¡ªall tangled together.


    Just then, a harsh voice bellowed from inside the house¡ª


    ¡°Hey! Where the hell have you been?! There¡¯s still a ton of work to do!¡±


    Heavy footsteps stomped toward the door. A middle-aged man emerged from within the house, his gaze landing on the woman at the entrance. His face instantly darkened.


    ¡°Always dawdling around! Do you have any idea that dinner isn¡¯t even ready yet? The rooms are still a mess! All you ever do is waste time!¡±


    He wore a yellowed, worn-out shirt, his stubble unkempt, and his skin dull from years of smoking. His eyes were sharp and unforgiving, his tone laced with command rather than concern¡ªas if the woman before him wasn¡¯t family, but merely a tool to be used at will.


    But after his rant, his gaze finally shifted to Nahla, who stood beside her mother.


    The man frowned, clearly failing to recognize the familiar yet unfamiliar girl before him. His tone remained impatient as he barked, ¡°Who the hell are you? What are you standing here for?¡±


    Nahla¡¯s fists clenched slightly. She stared directly at the man, her eyes filled with disgust and hatred.


    ¡°¡­You really haven¡¯t changed at all, ¡®Dad.¡¯¡±


    She deliberately emphasized the word "Dad"¡ªbut there was no warmth in her voice, only cold, cutting sarcasm.


    The man¡¯s expression froze. For a brief second, he was stunned. Then, suddenly, his gaze sharpened as he finally recognized the girl standing before him.


    ¡°¡­Nahla?¡±


    At last, he realized that the daughter he had long considered gone was standing right in front of him. But there was no joy in his eyes, no relief at seeing her alive after all these years. Instead¡ª


    ¡°You ungrateful brat! You actually dare to come back?!¡±


    His furious roar shook the air, as if the years of pent-up rage had erupted all at once.


    ¡°Do you have any idea how much trouble you caused us when you ran away?! And now you have the nerve to show your face here?!¡±


    Nahla met his glare with an icy stare of her own, her anger burning bright. She was done enduring.


    ¡°¡­I caused you trouble?¡± She let out a short, bitter laugh, her expression dripping with disdain. ¡°Since the day I was born, have you ever treated me as your daughter? Even once? Have you ever seen me as a human being?!¡±


    The man¡¯s face darkened further, his jaw tightening in fury. ¡°You little bitch, how dare you talk back to me?! You think I won¡¯t teach you a lesson?!¡±


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    Without another word, he ripped a leather belt from his waist, wrapping it tightly around his hand with practiced ease.


    The motion was all too familiar. The punishment was all too familiar.


    Just like countless times in the past, he raised his arm high¡ªready to bring it down without mercy.


    Nahla instinctively raised her arms to block the blow, her heart pounding violently. But this time¡ªshe would not kneel and beg for mercy, nor would she run away.


    However¡ª


    "Snap!"


    Just as the belt was about to strike, a slender yet powerful hand caught the man¡¯s wrist in an iron grip¡ªso fast that no one even saw when she moved.


    "Enough."


    A cold, commanding voice rang out.


    The man spun around furiously, his gaze locking onto a pair of icy blue eyes glowing with a faint luminescence.


    Yennefer¨¦a.


    Somehow, she had already positioned herself behind him.


    Her white hair swayed slightly, the gradient blue hues in her eyes and hair emitting a soft glow. Her face was expressionless, exuding an aura of cold dominance¡ªas if she were staring at nothing more than a worthless piece of trash.


    The man scowled, barking in rage, ¡°Who the hell are you?! How dare you interfere in my family¡¯s affairs?!¡±


    Yennefer¨¦a didn¡¯t bother to answer. With a sharp push, she sent him staggering backward, nearly knocking him off his feet.


    ¡°Who I am doesn¡¯t matter,¡± she said coolly, her voice steady yet carrying an overwhelming authority. ¡°What matters is that you¡¯re about to have a serious problem.¡±


    The man¡¯s fury had yet to fully erupt when Yennefer¨¦a lifted a hand and pointed behind him.


    He hesitated, then turned around¡ªhis eyes widening in fear.


    At some point, a black police car had silently pulled up on the dilapidated street. The doors had swung open, and two uniformed officers were already striding toward them.


    Yennefer¨¦a spoke again, this time with an unmistakable hint of mockery.


    ¡°Domestic violence, abuse, forced marriage¡­ You¡¯ve racked up quite a few charges.¡±


    The man¡¯s face instantly turned a deep shade of blue, but he still refused to back down, snarling in defiance.


    ¡°Where¡¯s your proof?! How dare you slander me?!¡±


    His eyes darted around, clearly searching for an escape route¡ªor hoping the police wouldn¡¯t act without solid evidence.


    Yet, the way Yennefer¨¦a smirked sent a shiver down his spine.


    ¡°Proof?¡± she murmured, raising her smartphone. With a flick of her finger, she effortlessly pulled up a recorded video.


    On the screen, the exact moment he had raised his belt, his furious shouts, and Nahla¡¯s defiant retort were all captured in perfect clarity. Then came the moment Yennefer¨¦a intervened¡ªundeniable proof of his violent actions.


    ¡°And if that¡¯s not enough, a forensic examination on this woman will surely reveal countless scars from years of abuse.¡± Her voice remained as frigid as ever. ¡°Is this evidence sufficient?¡±


    The man¡¯s eyes bulged in terror. For a split second, fear and rage warred within him¡ªuntil, suddenly, he bolted, sprinting toward the back of the house.


    But just as he reached the backyard¡ª


    Thick vines suddenly erupted from the ground, twisting like venomous snakes and coiling around his limbs with alarming speed!


    ¡°W-What the hell?!¡±


    He let out a strangled cry, thrashing desperately against the vines, but the more he struggled, the tighter they constricted¡ªbinding him so tightly that he couldn¡¯t move an inch!


    Standing in the back, Nahla slowly raised her palm. Green magical energy swirled around her fingertips, her eyes and hair glowing with a vibrant emerald light¡ªlike a sovereign of nature itself.


    "Y-You¡­ you monster¡­ what are you doing?!" The man¡¯s face turned deathly pale, his eyes wide in terror as if he had just seen a ghost.


    But Nahla¡¯s expression remained cold and unwavering, completely unlike the girl who had once cowered before her father.


    "You¡¯ve spent your whole life oppressing others. Have you never once considered that one day, you too would be bound?"


    Her voice was devoid of emotion. The power of the earth and flora pulsed in her grasp, and it was clear¡ªif she so desired, the vines would tighten instantly, inflicting a pain far worse than anything he had ever inflicted on his own family.


    Sweat beaded on the man¡¯s forehead as he struggled violently¡ªbut the vines didn¡¯t budge.


    "Nahla¡­" Yennefer¨¦a spoke softly, her blue eyes watching her carefully. Her tone was gentle, yet carried an unmistakable message of restraint.


    Nahla flinched slightly, then took a deep breath and slowly lowered her hand.


    The vines loosened just enough to ease their grip¡ªbut they still held him firmly in place until the police officers arrived, swiftly clamping handcuffs around his wrists.


    Inside the police station, the artificial lighting cast a faint, sterile chill over the room.


    The formalities had all been completed. One of the officers finished flipping through the case notes before glancing up at Yennefer¨¦a and Nahla.


    "Oh, by the way," the officer muttered, furrowing his brow slightly. "That guy got caught while trying to escape. Strangely enough, he somehow got tangled up in the backyard vines. Any idea how that happened?"


    Nahla¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, she glanced toward Yennefer¨¦a.


    But Yennefer¨¦a remained perfectly composed. With her usual grace, she lifted her teacup, gently blowing away the steam, before responding in a completely natural tone¡ª


    "The yard was already a mess¡ªovergrown with weeds and vines. He was probably too panicked and tripped over them himself."


    She set down her teacup, smiling faintly. "I suppose that kind of man doesn¡¯t get much outdoor exercise. Can¡¯t even walk through a backyard properly."


    The officer frowned slightly, as if something felt off, but ultimately didn¡¯t press the matter further.


    "Well, anyway, that bastard¡¯s finally behind bars." He waved a hand dismissively. "This wasn¡¯t his first offense. We¡¯ve received multiple anonymous reports about domestic violence in that household, but we never had solid evidence. This time, there¡¯s no way he¡¯s getting away."


    He shut the case file and nodded toward them. "Thanks for your cooperation. You¡¯re free to go."


    Yennefer¨¦a inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment. Then, she turned toward Nahla, who remained seated beside her.


    As the sun set, its warm glow stretched the shadows of the two figures along the street.


    After a heartfelt farewell to her mother and brother, Nahla set out once more with Yennefer¨¦a. Their next destination lay on the outskirts of London¡ªa bridge underpass. There was still one more person she wanted to see¡ªsomeone who had given her warmth and the means to survive during the darkest days of her life.


    Along the way, Nahla¡¯s mood had clearly lifted. She turned her head toward Yennefer¨¦a, a grateful smile playing on her lips.


    "Thank you, Luna," she said softly. "Thank you for shielding me back there."


    Yennefer¨¦a merely smiled, her deep blue eyes reflecting the golden hues of the evening light. "It was nothing. I only did what any friend would do."


    Nahla blinked, suddenly recalling ¨¦lodie¡¯s words from before. A mischievous smirk crept onto her face.


    "But you know," she said, feigning seriousness, "¨¦lodie was right¡ªyou really are cool."


    Yennefer¨¦a froze for a moment, then quickly turned her head away, trying to hide the faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "¡­Don¡¯t start copying her."


    Nahla chuckled, her steps feeling lighter than before.


    Nightfall. A bridge underpass in the outskirts of London.


    The area was far removed from the city''s chaos. Beneath the bridge, in the shadows, lay a small but meticulously kept camp.


    Though the tents and belongings looked old, everything was neatly arranged, carefully maintained, with no sign of neglect.


    At the heart of the camp, a small fire flickered gently. An elderly homeless man, clad in a worn brown coat, sat by the fire, carefully mending an old leather boot. The faint glow of the flames illuminated the deep wrinkles on his face and his kind, gentle eyes.


    The moment Nahla saw him, her eyes lit up. Without hesitation, she quickened her pace and called out excitedly¡ª


    "James!"


    The old man slowly lifted his head. When he finally recognized the young woman standing before him, his clouded eyes flickered with surprise and joy.


    "Oh¡­ my little girl¡­ you¡¯ve finally come back."


    He set down the boot, a warm, genuine smile spreading across his face. Though his voice was hoarse, it carried an undeniable warmth.


    "Where have you been?" He rose to his feet with some effort, looking Nahla up and down. "That day, when you went into the woods to gather herbs, you never returned¡­ I thought you¡¯d gone home."


    Nahla ran up to him, wrapping her arms tightly around the old man.


    "I¡¯m sorry for making you worry¡­" she whispered.


    Standing nearby, Yennefer¨¦a approached slowly, silently observing the reunion, her gaze filled with quiet warmth.


    James soon noticed her presence and gave a curious smile. "And who might this be?"


    Nahla released James and, with a bright smile, looped her arm around Yennefer¨¦a¡¯s.


    "This is my friend¡ªYennefer¨¦a Lunaviel."


    Yennefer¨¦a gave a polite nod, dipping her head slightly. "It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. James."


    James let out a soft chuckle, waving a hand dismissively. "So, you¡¯ve made a friend, Nahla? That¡¯s truly something to be happy about."


    Then, glancing around at his modest campsite, he let out a small sigh and chuckled wryly.


    "I wish I had something proper to offer my guests, but as you can see¡­"


    Yennefer¨¦a shook her head gently. "Please, don¡¯t worry about that. Your kindness is more than enough of a welcome."


    James smiled warmly at her response, then gestured for the two of them to sit by the fire. Nahla eagerly began sharing her story¡ª


    She told him everything.


    About her sudden disappearance. About Esperan. About the battles she had fought, the people she had met, the world she had seen.


    The fire flickered softly, casting dancing shadows on their faces. Under the quiet night sky, Nahla¡¯s voice wove her tale, echoing beneath the bridge¡­


    Nahla sat by the fire, clenching her fists slightly, a mixture of gratitude and nostalgia flickering in her gaze.


    ¡°James¡­ I¡¯m truly grateful to you,¡± she said softly, lifting her head to look at the old man before her. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t taught me about plants, I wouldn¡¯t have survived more than a few days in Esperan. Your knowledge helped me so much¡­ and it has helped so many others too.¡±


    Hearing this, James¡¯ weathered face softened with a gentle, heartfelt smile. His eyes remained warm, filled with the kind of affection one reserves for family.


    Nahla hesitated for a moment before asking, ¡°But James¡­ how do you know so much about plants? Every time you talked about their properties and uses, it never felt like random knowledge, but rather¡­¡±


    ¡°Rather professional,¡± Yennefer¨¦a added in a quiet voice.


    For a moment, James fell silent. The firelight flickered in the depths of his sunken eyes. Then, with a deep sigh, he lowered his gaze¡ªbut the faintest trace of a smile still lingered on his lips.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he said slowly, his eyes drifting toward the night sky as if recalling a past long buried in time. ¡°The truth is, I was once a botanist.¡±


    Nahla and Yennefer¨¦a stilled, momentarily stunned.


    A glimmer of sorrow flickered in James¡¯ eyes. He exhaled softly, as though peeling back the layers of an old wound.


    ¡°In my younger years, I was a botanist,¡± he murmured, his voice tinged with distant memories. ¡°I was fascinated by the wonders of nature. I won awards, I stood proudly on lecture stages, sharing my research with the world¡­ But then, fate played a cruel trick on me.¡±


    His voice grew quieter, heavier, as if each word carried an unbearable weight.


    ¡°One day, my wife and I took a road trip together. On the way, we got into a terrible accident.¡±


    He paused for a moment before continuing, his voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°I was the only one who survived.¡±


    ¡°My wife¡­ she was gone forever.¡±


    His hands, which had once delicately handled the most fragile plants, now rested motionless on his lap¡ªhis fingers worn and rough with time.


    ¡°At the time, she was already pregnant. Losing both of them at once¡­ it was the greatest blow of my life.¡±


    His expression turned distant, the pain of the past still etched deep in his heart.


    ¡°After that, I could never find the passion for my research again. No matter how hard I tried, plants no longer held the same wonder. So¡­ I walked away from it all. I left everything behind and became a wanderer.¡±


    For a brief moment, silence settled over them, save for the faint crackling of the fire.


    Then, his gaze softened, filled with something different¡ªsomething warmer.


    ¡°Until one day, I found a dying child by the side of the road.¡±


    He turned toward Nahla, his old eyes brimming with quiet emotion.


    ¡°And at that moment, I thought¡ªif that accident hadn¡¯t happened, maybe¡­ I would have had a child as old as you by now.¡±


    His voice trembled slightly with emotion, but he let out a faint chuckle.


    ¡°So, without hesitation, I saved you. And from that day on, I saw you as my own daughter. Perhaps it was a way to redeem myself¡­ or perhaps, it was my way of making amends to my wife, for the life she never got to see.¡±


    A gentle night breeze swept through the camp, carrying away the lingering embers of the fire.


    Nahla¡¯s eyes had unknowingly grown misty. She bit her lip gently, emotions swirling in her gaze.


    James wasn¡¯t just her savior¡ªhe was her family.


    ¡°James¡­¡± Her voice trembled as she reached out, wrapping her arms tightly around the old man.


    James was momentarily taken aback before letting out a soft chuckle. Slowly, he raised his hands and patted her back gently, just like a father comforting his child.


    Yennefer¨¦a watched the scene in silence, a faint smile forming on her lips as she quietly took a sip of tea, her gaze drifting toward the distant night sky.


    The night was peaceful, the stars twinkling as if they, too, were watching over this family¡ªbound not by blood, but by something even stronger.


    Before leaving the underpass, Nahla took one last, lingering look at James, her eyes filled with reluctance. She held his wrinkled hands firmly, speaking with heartfelt sincerity.


    ¡°James, I will come back. Please wait for me, okay?¡±


    James chuckled, his voice brimming with warmth. ¡°Silly girl, this old man isn¡¯t going anywhere that easily. Go on and do what you need to do. When you return, I¡¯ll tell you even more stories about plants.¡±


    Nahla nodded firmly, as if engraving this moment deep into her heart.


    Then, she and Yennefer¨¦a set off on their journey once again.


    The Coastline. Nightfall.


    Under the vast night sky, the two of them stood by the shore, gazing at the endless ocean.


    Yennefer¨¦a extended her hand slightly, and the waters stirred¡ªforming a transparent ribbon of liquid beneath their feet, lifting them gently above the waves.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Yennefer¨¦a asked, glancing at Nahla.


    Nahla took a deep breath and nodded.


    In the next moment, they glided effortlessly across the water. The ocean breeze brushed through their hair, and under the starlit sky, the waves shimmered like a sea of diamonds.


    Just then, a familiar voice called out¡ª


    ¡°Oh? Looks like you¡¯ve both wrapped up your personal matters as well.¡±


    A figure appeared mid-air, arms crossed, floating leisurely with an amused glint in her eyes.


    The Divine Principle in a young girl¡¯s form.


    Yennefer¨¦a shot her a sideways glance. ¡°Where did you even come from? And why did you say ¡®as well¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind the details.¡± The Divine Principle grinned playfully. ¡°I¡¯m just here to check if you two kids have grown at all.¡±


    She then turned her gaze toward Nahla, studying her for a moment before smirking.


    ¡°Seems like you¡¯ve managed to let go of some of your past, huh?¡±


    Nahla blinked, then smiled softly. ¡°Mmm¡­ I wouldn¡¯t say I¡¯ve completely let go, but at least¡ªI¡¯m not running away anymore.¡±


    ¡°Not bad, not bad.¡± Divine Principle nodded approvingly before shifting into a teasing tone.


    ¡°Still, you humans and your family ties¡­ So troublesome. Parents, siblings, friends¡ªso much emotion tangled up in all of it.¡±


    Yennefer¨¦a¡¯s gaze turned cold. ¡°What are you saying? Emotions are one of the very things that define human existence.¡±


    The Divine Principle shrugged. ¡°I just find it interesting. Emotions make you weak, make you suffer¡ªand yet, you still choose to protect them, even willing to sacrifice everything for them.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s exactly why humanity is strong.¡± Yennefer¨¦a¡¯s voice was calm yet resolute. ¡°Because we stand together.¡±


    Divine Principle narrowed her eyes slightly, as if contemplating something. But in the end, she simply chuckled.


    ¡°Perhaps.¡±


    Nahla then turned toward her. ¡°What about you? If one day, you had to choose between ¡®the world¡¯ and ¡®someone you cherish¡¯¡ªwhat would you do?¡±


    Divine Principle paused. For a brief moment, she hesitated. Then, her gaze hardened with determination.


    ¡°If that day ever comes¡­ I suppose I would¡­¡±


    But before she could finish, she suddenly smirked.


    ¡°Guess.¡±


    Both Yennefer¨¦a and Nahla let out a sigh, exasperation written all over their faces.


    ¡°Alright, alright.¡± Divine Principle stretched lazily, waving a hand. ¡°See you two later.¡±


    And with that, her figure dissolved into golden light, vanishing into the night.


    Yennefer¨¦a watched the spot where she had disappeared, then shook her head. ¡°That girl¡­ she¡¯s becoming more and more human.¡±


    Nahla simply smiled, saying nothing.


    The ocean breeze remained as gentle as ever.


    And their journey¡ªwas only just beginning