Passing through the south gate, we keep walking towards our destination. I haven't gone to this side ever since I came here. I entered the city through that side and forgot about it. I had no work in that direction after all.
"Papa, shouldn't we put Clea in a stroller?" (Eden)
"I have thought of that and I think we can do it."
Clea has fallen asleep. I waited for her to fall asleep because she isn't letting go of my shirt.
Kids are surprisingly strong. Her grip on my shirt was strong. That's why I didn't put her down. Let's try it.
I have created a stroller for her already. It's a hovering stroller so I don't have to worry about the road and comes with a lot of safety features and even self defense functions.
I bring the stroller out and gently put her down. She is deep in sleep.
And the stroller blocks sounds to a certain degree from the outside so you don't suddenly wake up due to a loud sound.
"Let me push it." (Eden)
Eden is having fun taking care of Clea. I guess every child wants to look after a baby. I can't say for sure though. I guess they find babies amusing.
The road hasn't changed much. Although it has been two years since I passed through here.
The lake which I recovered should be up ahead. Looking at us without context might seem like a family taking a walk. But there's no one nearby.
It's deserted as far as eyes can see.
"Isn't this place a little weird?"
"I think so as well. The atmosphere is eerie. It's afternoon and all but this place is a little too quiet." (Eden)
She shared her thoughts like an expert. My little girl is growing up. It's enough to bring me to tears.
Anyway, I search the area. Using only mana to do it is tough. Skills might make that easy but I don't think I have that skill. This will be tough.
I am not using
When I sealed my
On the contrary, my senses have dulled. I need to start getting back in shape as well.
I search the area by covering it with mana.
This lake was cursed and I dispelled it by pouring
"Eden, do you feel something from this lake?"
"There's something at the bottom. It's very similar to The Tomb that you recovered but it's different at the same time." (Eden)
So a cursed artifact, maybe?
"I will dive to the bottom of the lake. Stay here."
I enhance my body and put a barrier around Eden and Clea to protect them. Then I slowly walked into the lake.
This lake isn't as big as Yves lake but it suddenly dips. Like you are walking down a slope and you lose your footing.
I can't breathe with mana but my lungs have been strengthened so I can hold my breath for half an hour at least.
My vision has adjusted as well but light isn't coming to the bottom. I create a small orb of light and keep searching.
I see a crack on the ground. It's leaking something black. I crouch to touch the crack but it reacted to me and tried to swallow me. The black mist like thing is shrouding me.
I hit it with a blast of light. It dispersed for a moment and I swam upwards. I used wind to propel me faster until I was out. It didn't take long to do it. It's not as deep as Yves lake.
"Papa, are you okay?" (Eden)
Eden comes running to me. I landed a little away from them. And yes, I am totally drenched.
"That was unexpected and sudden. Let's see.."
I look at the lake again. The water is turning black. Mist is forming and it's taking shape.
Is that a being? Does it have sentience?
But I sensed a presence from behind. I look behind only find an even mlre unexpected face.
"Yo! How are ya, Clive?"
It's Keith. What in the…what's happening?
"Can you explain why you are here?"
I guess asking him would be the best choice. Because I can't draw a conclusion from such limited data. Eden is on edge.
"Don't worry. I know him. He is an acquaintance."
She lowers her guard.
"Your daughter sure resembles you. But she doesn't take your laidback attitude." (Keith)
"She got her cautious side from her mother. Why are you here?"
"Look at that.." (Keith)
I had forgotten about that black mist. I look behind and it's almost finished materializing.
"That's Yami." (Keith)
"Yami? As in dark?"
"Yeah but that his name as well. Anyway, it's a fragment of Yami. I guess he was lying dormant here for a while but you agitated him. I'll take him with me." (Keith)
I think it's better to leave it to him. Because I feel like I can't win against that."
"Wise choice. Though a fragment, Yami is still a creator. You who is yet to become a creator can not deal with it." (Keith)
In the end, Keith just absorbed the black mist. Like it was that simple but I know, that mist had powers from beyond this System. I would be unable to do anything against it.
"I also fixed that crack. I don't think you will have to worry about it anymore." (Keith)
"How are you doing?"
"Fine. Things were tough for me too but I managed to find my way through them. We'll be seeing each other soon. Be ready." (Keith)
With that, he disappeared from our sight.
"Who was he?" (Eden)
"I met him when I was in the ruined world. His name is Keith Harding. He said that he was a traveler."
"He was unusual. And very strong. I don't think you could have won against him." (Eden)
She gave me her thoughts on the matter and I completely agree. Even if I was at my best, he would be on another level.
"We can say that this job is done. Shall we go to the next one?"
"Yes. Clea is still asleep so we can do that one too. It'll be evening soon so we should hurry." (Eden)
Let's fly to that location. I already remember the place and even with mana, I can make a barrier strong enough to stand on and hover around. But the story is taking a turn. What will happen once I take the reign of this world?