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Author Note:
[ ] = When Twilight is speaking.
{ } = When talking through Telepathy.
' ' = When thinking in your mind.
<< >> = When talking with your Pokémon or Tamed Beast.
--- --- = When describing a certain period OR Another place.
** ** = Point Of View, i.e., POV
/// /// = In Call
" " = System and when talking to it.
「 」 = Thoughts being heard
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Looking at the unconscious Alice in her arms, Lumine sighed in relief.
While she learned how to use Adeptal power, it didn't exactly explain what that power really is. Hence, she could only try using it differently to understand more.
So, at one point, she used it on her mind. Surprisingly, she felt that her head became calmer and more precise. She could see and analyze things more accurately and patiently with complete control of her emotions, like some saint.
The problem was that it rapidly consumed her Adeptal reserve. After further practice, she concluded she could keep doing it for thirty seconds before all her Energy was used.
So, she tried to do the same here.
Since Adeptal power can refresh one's mind and calm them, Lumine considered using it on Alice. As in Blood Skelter state, Blood Maiden would lose their reasoning and be consumed by the violence growing inside them.
And lo and behold, it worked.
Adeptal power really cleared her mind and brought her back.
'Lumine: Still, the consumption was way too much. In over a second, 90% of the Adeptal energy was depleted. In other words, if I have less, it would be futile.'
Sighing inwardly, she decided to train her Adeptal power more to increase her reserve and control.
Red Riding Hood: I don't believe it… She's back…
The Scissor's Girl's shocked voice was heard from behind, bringing the blonde back to herself.
Jack: Alice! She was really back to normal!
He then looked at the Traveler's back. Gratitude was visible in his eyes.
Jack: Thank you for saving Alice, Lumine!
Lumine: Um.
'Lumine: Adeptal Energy not only cleared her corruption but also made her mind relax. So, all her pent-up fatigue and exhaustion came rushing in, making her fall asleep.'
Red Riding Hood: She actually came out of Blood Skelter State… I need to report this to Dad… But before that...
Still murmuring under her breath, the brown-haired girl slowly approached the two and asked.
Red Riding Hood: Lumine…How did you do that?
She asked with curiosity and anticipation. If Lumine had a method to bring Blood Maidens out of their blood-skelter state, they wouldn't need to fear it again. This would even hasten their goal of leaving Jail.
Too bad, the blonde dashed hope in the next second.
Lumine: I don't know. I just thought of saving her and my body on its own.
Red Riding Hood: Eh?
Jack: Didn't this mean you also rushed forward without thinking of any plan?
Lumine: Indeed. Though unlike you, I have full confidence in retreating in one piece if things don't go as planned.
Jack: W-Well…That's true.
When the Traveler saved Alice, she made sure that Jack and Red Riding Hood won't see the golden energy.
First, because she didn't trust them. She might have if it had been before, but that note warned her not to trust someone immediately.
Second, she felt there was more to Adeptal Energy than she thought. This power can let her do something that she can't imagine. That's why she had no intention of revealing it right now.
Jack: Lumine…? Is Alice… going to be okay?
Lumine: From what I can see, she is.
Jack: Thank goodness...
The Traveler then picked Alice and put her on the back before addressing them again.
Lumine: The exit is right ahead. Let's go.
Jack: But are you ok with holding Alice?
Lumine: I am fine. She is pretty light.
Jack: I-I see. Thanks for the help…
Lumine: You're Welcome.
Red Riding Hood: You just focus on taking care of Alice, Lumine. I will get rid of any Marchen that will stop us. And you also stay close, Jack.
Jack: I will. Thanks.
Then they all started walking to the Humanity Safe Heaven in Jail, Liberated District.
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-- Pets –
CREAK!
The giant door of one of the towers of "Stairway to Heavens" opened. One by one, nine people walked out. When they did, the door behind them closed.
BANG!
These people were none other than the former Knights of Favonius, namely Jean, Kaeya, Albedo, Eula, Amber, Lisa, Diluc, Sucrose, and Noelle.
It's been almost two months since they entered the "Stairway to Heaven" to complete their Trails of Royal Knights.
While there wasn't much change in their appearance, their gaze and aura were sharper and more dangerous than ever. There was also a heavy scent of blood coming from them. It's like they bathed in a whole pool of blood.
???: Congratulations on clearing the "Trail of Might."
This voice attracted their attention as they looked in front.
The space wrapped, and Primis appeared.
Seeing him, all of them kneeled simultaneously.
All: It's an honor to see you again, Your Majesty.
Accepting their gesture, he nodded.
Primis: Rise.
At this command, they all stood up again. The sharpness in their gaze also reduced somewhat. Still, Primis could see something else deep within their eyes: weariness.
Primis: You all really went through a lot.
Jean: No, there is no such thing, Your Majesty. We are---
Primis: Jean.
Jean: ...….
When he spoke, the blonde stopped.
Next, Primis' gaze went over them one by one. When it did, they put away their bravado as their defense crumbled.
They really can't hide anything from him.
Primis: You all have been fighting non-stop for 60 years in "Trail of Might". So, rest for a few months before proceeding with the next one.
Yes, you heard it right. While only two months had passed outside the tower, inside, it took them 60 years to complete the trail.
Eula: B-But…
Primis: Don't forget. Resting is also part of training.
He then stepped forward and appeared in front of Eula before his head fell on their head.
The Woman was surprised but didn't say anything and lowered her head. While he was patting her, the thick scent of the blood emitting from her started dispersing.
When it disappeared, he removed his hand and appeared before the other.
One by one, Primis appeared in front of each of them, patted their head, and erased all the smell of blood from them.
By the time he was done, Primis stepped back and spoke.
Primis: By the way, do you all still remember the request you put in before leaving?
Diluc: Is Your Majesty talking about the Tavern? The cost of which we are willing to pay in instalments.
Primis: Correct. That time, 'We' rejected it and told you that you all won't need it.
Diluc: Yes.
Primis: Completing the "Trails" also gives you points.
Kaeya: S-Seriously…
All the Knights were surprised at this. They also wanted to check right away but decided against it as they were still in Primis's presence.
Primis: Don't mind 'Us.' Go on.
After getting his approval, they hesitated a bit before opening their windows. And in the next second, they all widened their eyes in shock.
--
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Profile Shop Inventory Stairway to Heavens
Balance: 500,100 points
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Sucrose: F-Five Hundred Thousand…
Albedo: Interesting. I can buy many things for my Alchemy with this many points.
Diluc: I can buy even more high-level Tavern now.
As they were murmuring about what they would do with their points, Primis walked away.
Primis: Relax for the next few months—no need to force yourself to train. 'We' did say that there will be more Knights in the future for whom you all had to guide and become their role model. However, it's still somewhat far. Hence, take your time and take slow, steady steps.
They looked at Primis, whose back was becoming smaller and smaller.
Primis: Oh…One more thing.
Pausing his steps, he glanced back at them.
Then, the corner of his lips rose a little, and a small smile appeared.
Primis: 'We' are proud of you.
And then he disappeared again.
Still, the Knights kept on looking at the place he once was, and his words kept on resonating in their heads.
A few seconds later, their eyes turned moist, and they bowed in that direction.
Their heart was filled with warmth, and they smiled. Hearing those words made them feel that everything they went through in the "Trail of Might" was worth it.
Though some were, some were not.
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-- Multiverse Library –
BANG!
Ei: No! It's impossible, I refuse to believe it!
The Electro Archon abruptly rose from her chair, causing it to fall behind, and slammed her hands on the table.
Two books were placed in front. One was given to her at the beginning and contained law. The other one was called "Planar War."
That Book explained what a "Planar War" was and why it was conducted between the Worlds.
Her outburst was triggered by the outcome of her world, which the "Witch of Greed" spoke of.
That dreadful and despair Future.
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*A/N: Please throw some power stones.
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