There was also the matter of developing his power.
Along the journey, Xien had become largely proficient with the new applications of Abundance. As expected, he possessed absolute control over the Abundance that belonged to him—anything he "vivified" lived and died by his will. In a single thought, he could decide its fate.
That realization brought him a quiet sense of security.
He hadn't overused the power. Aside from casting temporary spells, he had only vivified two things:
First, his weapon—Candlefire.Second, the full set of gear on his body.
Like his weapon, once his armor was vivified, it gained a faint trace of awareness. It became more form-fitting, its protection improved, and it gained automatic self-repair.
More than that, it acquired a far more convenient function: it could make fine adjustments according to Xien's intent—like when it reshaped into a sealed diving-suit style while underwater. Even donning and doffing it became simpler.
As for the power within the seed inside him—he still hadn't tested it. Facing that massive "hidden hazard," Xien chose to be cautious. He would run the test after returning to the familia base.
There was also his martial skill.
The techniques paired with Sun Breathing had, through countless battles, become second nature. He had even altered them into movements better suited to his own body. To put it plainly: his swordsmanship had reached a level comparable to an elite "pillar" at their peak before any further awakening—he could cleave steel with ease.
And now he could clearly feel it:
He had hit a bottleneck.
One step remained—paired with his breathing method, that step should bring him to the qualitative shift of a heated blade.
He lacked only a trigger.
A trigger born at the boundary of life and death.
But, frankly, that wouldn't happen on the remainder of this expedition. For now, he could only move one step at a time.
Once he reached the level where he could produce a heated blade, the next leap would be the Transparent World.
His two spells were already reliable in combat. Short incantations were usable, and it was only a matter of time until they became smooth. Parallel casting—fighting while chanting—had also settled into his reflexes.
This trial had shown him just how powerful magic could be.
It demanded heavy investment early, but once it came together, the advantages were beyond measure. The two spells he had learned had saved him repeatedly; his efficiency in controlling and killing targets had more than doubled.
And that only made him more eager to complete his space magic training.
Once he got back, he would have to dedicate himself more seriously.
Meanwhile, the second tomoe of his Sharingan had been an enormous boon. Xien considered whether he should buy the third tomoe outright. It would cost two thousand interference points—
But he judged it worth it.
Once they returned to the base, he would…
"Xien… do you want to rest a little?"
A shy voice reached him. Xien looked up to see Ryuu, her cheeks faintly pink.
"You haven't really rested properly this whole way, have you?"
"It's fine." Xien smiled. "You know my condition. For me, this is already rest. If I need sleep, I can do it once we're back."
Ryuu still looked worried.
Seeing how adorable she was, Xien suddenly had an idea. He raised his hand, gesturing for her to come closer.
Ryuu froze.
And then—perhaps against her own better judgment—she obeyed, moving with visible awkwardness to sit beside him. Within her, affection and elven pride wrestled fiercely.
If she was honest with herself, her sense of embarrassment was climbing by the second. And the tension of the unknown made her feel helpless.
She didn't look flustered at a glance, but the way her fingers intertwined and untwined betrayed everything.
Xien caught every small movement and quietly enjoyed it. He had no intention of pushing too far and making her panic. With a thin-skinned girl like Ryuu, it had to be step by step.
Still…
It was probably time he asked for something "a little too much."
"Hmm… there's actually something I want your help with." Xien's voice softened. "Would you be willing?"
"W-what?" Ryuu asked.
She was Level 4, yet under Xien's slightly assertive gaze she looked like a girl with no strength at all. Her tolerance for embarrassment was being raised inch by inch.
It was long, difficult work.
Because she was an elf.
Xien's current demeanor made her uneasy.
And yet she didn't want to flee.
Her pointed ears—already red halfway up—were absurdly cute.
Xien didn't voice the thought. Instead, he leaned in toward her ear and whispered his request.
"I want to try Ryuu's lap pillow. Would my beautiful lady be willing?"
A strong, masculine presence hovered close; his breath brushed her ear. It twitched sensitively.
"L-lap… pillow?"
Ryuu nearly turned into a spiral-eyed mess.
"…Is it not okay?" Xien asked, wearing a deliberately crestfallen expression.
It hit her like a critical strike. Words escaped before she could think.
"I-it's… not that it's impossible…"
Ryuu's brain shut down completely. Resistance vanished.
"Good girl." Xien's tone was warm. "Thank you for helping me fulfill a little dream I've had."
With her ears nearly crimson, and her body in a state of helpless compliance, Xien got what he wanted.
He lay back on her thighs, facing the faintly glowing crystal sky.
Soft.
Supportive.
The perfect pillow.
Warmth pressed behind his head. A clean, natural scent filled his nose. For a moment, Xien genuinely felt like his whole life was worth it.
He also realized something else—
Ryuu's figure wasn't small at all. Not enough to be the kind of overwhelming spectacle that blotted out the heavens, but… close enough to leave a dangerous impression.
Ryuu, after the initial ticklish discomfort passed, sensed no further movement. She glanced down.
Xien's eyes were closed, his lips slightly curved, utterly content.
A warm current flowed through her sensitive heart, calming her.
Right.
He was always like this.
What, exactly, had she been worried about?
Suppressing the urge to kiss him, she reached out and gently stroked his hair.
"This journey… you really worked so hard."
"I received your comfort," Xien said quietly. "Thank you."
Ryuu's voice softened to something almost reverent.
"You're welcome… my treasured person."
After a long silence, she gathered her courage.
"…When we're back… if we get the chance… can we go out again? Together?"
Her knight didn't disappoint her.
"Of course." Xien smiled. "Whenever you command, my lady."
Alfia sneezed.
She frowned, puzzled.
With her current physique, illness was impossible. Was it the dampness of this place?
Even that made no sense. Since receiving this body, her physical attributes—magic aside—had been climbing relentlessly. It was as if the strength that had once been suppressed by sickness was finally being released.
She was here for one reason:
Their plan.
The most reliable way to infiltrate an enemy was not to walk to their door.
It was to force them to come to you.
Necessary "claws" had to be trimmed away. Only then would they lose their composure, loosen their caution in pursuit of expansion.
Negotiations were for the gods.
Alfia and Zald only had to carry out tasks arranged for them—tasks that would leave no obvious trail.
So these dens of filth?
Not a single one could be allowed to remain.
That was why she had agreed to the boy's request without hesitation.
She had never intended to break her word.
Still…
As expected of a rat's nest—everywhere was foul.
Deep within the cave, the sound of shouting echoed:
"Work faster! This passage must be opened by today at the latest, or we all die! Use everything—everything—for our grand cause!"
What answered him wasn't compliance.
It was a scream.
"Y-yes—AAAAAH!"
"…?"
"What happened?!"
The black-clad man's heart jolted.
The screams came from the entrance.
Discovered? Impossible. Only a few cadres even knew this place existed.
Then what—
No one answered.
"You three. Go check it!"
He barked orders at the trembling figures beside him.
"L-lord, th-this…"
"MOVE!"
"…Yes."
They didn't return.
Only more horrific screams followed.
"AAAAAH—!"
And then—
Footsteps.
Unhurried. Leisurely.
They drew closer.
At last, a figure appeared in the dark.
"Y-you are—"
"Too noisy."
A single word.
And then:
"Requiem."
The man was shredded before he could even scream. What remained was only a puddle of blood.
Pain no longer plagued her. Using power came with no discomfort. With this body, the last obstacle to becoming stronger had vanished.
Now, she needed to accumulate strength for the next strike.
She was no longer a discarded anomaly of her era.
With the boy's help, she could board the ship of the new age.
So she would do what she must—both for him, and for herself.
Like dust clinging to her vision, she didn't spare the scene another glance. Her perception spread outward, confirming no survivors.
Then she turned and left.
Staying here even one extra second disgusted her.
The promise was fulfilled.
Forgive me, little one, she thought, stepping into the night. I have to leave you for a while.
Grow quickly.
Because when we meet again, if you're still weak… it will hurt us both.
The return trip was surprisingly peaceful.
When everyone finally breathed Orario's air again, their tension loosened.
Astraea Familia's expedition had, at that moment, concluded successfully.
Bonding with an Xenos: +1000 interference pointsCompleting a grand expedition; familia strength increased: +2000 interference points
They exited Babel Tower chatting and laughing—
And then noticed something strange.
It was… quiet.
Not empty, but far less crowded than usual. As Orario's center, Babel's surroundings should have been bustling at all hours.
There was no immediate danger in the air, so although uneasy, they proceeded to the Guild to exchange materials.
That was when the Guild staff delivered a message like a falling boulder:
The two great familias have disbanded.
Everyone froze.
Words failed them.
A stormfront rolled into their minds, heavy with the scent of impending disaster.
Xien, too, felt his joy swept away.
His first thought was his teacher.
Information slammed into them. They rushed through the exchange of magic stones and materials, and then—without delay—hurried back to their base.
Even their farewell to Tsubaki was no more than a quick wave. Thankfully, Tsubaki was straightforward; she had her own familia to worry about and headed off with her haul.
They ran.
Finally, Astraea Familia returned to their home—
The Garden of Stars.
"Welcome back, everyone."
In the modest but elegant white manor, their goddess stood waiting, her gentle smile warm and luminous.
The moment they saw her, everyone felt their hearts settle.
Alise was the happiest. Like a child reunited with her mother, she practically dove into Astraea's embrace.
"Astraea… we're home."
"You came back like good children," Astraea teased warmly. "In one piece."
The others followed, voices layering over one another.
"So the goddess herself came out to greet us—what a grand reception."
"Seriously, our presence is impressive."
Their anxiety eased as if they'd regained their anchor.
Astraea's smile remained steady. She spoke lightly, carefully—like someone soothing frightened children without letting them feel how frightened they'd been.
"There's nothing special about it, Kaguya. Being happy for those who return safely isn't something only children do."
"And in an era like this…" her tone softened, eyes shining, "if I see that all of you came back safely… can you really blame me for reacting like a wife waiting at the door?"
"…A wife—?"
Astraea's offhand phrasing struck with the force of a forbidden spell.
Even the air seemed to pause.
....
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