Misaki City, Mana River Bank.
It was as if nothing had happened, this place, severely devastated just yesterday, had completely returned to its usual appearance, with no traces of the recent battle.
The ground was perfectly leveled, and not a blade of grass was out of place.
The river had been completely restored, and not a single droplet was wasted.
The large iron bridge connecting Misaki City's commercial district with the residential area had also returned to its original state, no longer bearing the gruesome sight of being cut in half like it did yesterday.
Everything, in complete ignorance of the people, had fully recovered.
On a nearby pathway, people walked one by one, discreetly casting glances toward the riverbank.
There, a girl with waist-length jet-black hair stood with her back to the pathway, facing the river. In her hands, she tightly grasped a Ōdachi, focusing intently ahead.
A charming face with a hint of childishness displayed an extremely serious expression as if she truly intended to charge out at any moment.
Her entire being emitted an extraordinary presence.
The rich aura made it hard to believe that the girl standing there was only around 13-14 years old.
This scene continued for who knows how long.
Eventually, the girl lowered the Ōdachi in her hand and spoke softly.
"It's still not working?"
In her voice, echoes of regret and reluctance were crystal clear.
In response, the will residing in the pendant hanging in front of her provided an answer.
"Don't be impatient," Alastor advised. "You already have the qualification to use power. Sooner or later, you'll be able to unleash my power. But if you rush it, it might backfire."
Flame Haze, who had formed a contract with the Crimson Lord of the Crimson World, could utilize the power residing within their own bodies.
The entity dwelling within Shana was called the "Flame of Heaven," the true Magic God of the Crimson World.
This power, bluntly put, was in no way weaker than any Crimson Lord.
Unfortunately, Shana couldn't use it at all.
Just as "Hunter" mentioned, Shana could only utilize a power equivalent to mere fur right now. Even the feared flames of the "Flame of Heaven" required Nietono no Shana as a catalyst for Shana to use them.
This left Shana feeling somewhat inferior.
Despite having such powerful power within her, she couldn't use it at all. She had to rely on her simple bodily abilities for combat, using Nietono no Shana to draw out a portion of the flames for battle. It's no wonder Friagne looked down on Shana.
Recalling her defeat at the hands of "Thousand Changes," Shana gritted her teeth and once again raised Nietono no Shana.
"Ah..." Alastor couldn't help but sigh.
There was no choice.
Losing to Sydonay seemed to have dealt Shana quite a blow.
The girl, proud of her mission as a Flame Haze, couldn't allow herself to face such failure. It was also due to Shana's powerful sense of pride.
Of course, Shana wasn't unable to accept failure.
"However, I absolutely cannot tolerate the same failure a second time." Shana spoke with a determined expression on her face.
"In order not to lose to 'Thousand Changes' again."
This is Shana's determination.
However, a voice suddenly rang out, interrupting Shana.
"Too bad, the one who will defeat 'Thousand Changes' is me."
Shana immediately turned around, looking behind her.
There stood Fang Li with one hand on his hip, the other naturally hanging down and he smiled faintly as he faced Shana's gaze.
"Don't be so surprised. If it were a 'Denizen,' it would be impossible for you not to notice them getting this close, right?"
Hearing this, Shana really wanted to tell Fang Li that even if it wasn't a 'Denizen,' it's impossible for anyone not to notice someone approaching so stealthily. However, Shana held back and coldly snorted before she turned away again, and continued to raise Nietono no Shana, facing the river.
At that moment, a pair of hands stretched out from behind Shana, as if embracing her, gripping the hilt of Nietono no Shana.
Soon, a familiar voice once again entered Shana's ears.
"Since you already know you can't sense my aura, yet you dare to expose your back to me, I really don't know whether to say you trust yourself or trust me."
The warmth from behind and the words entering Shana's ears made her complexion freeze.
However, before Shana could react, Fang Li's voice rang out again.
"Focus your mind and follow my power."
As these words reached Shana's ears, she felt it.
The hand Fang Li had on Nietono no Shana was slowly gathering power.
It was the power known as Prana.
Like fragments and sparks of starlight, it slowly shimmered from the hand gripping the hilt, instantly capturing Shana's attention.
Closing his eyes, Fang Li, as if embracing Shana, extended his hands from both sides of her body, holding Nietono no Shana in her hands. Concentrating on Prana, he spoke slowly.
"Although I am not a Flame Haze, I have undergone training to draw out the power within my body."
Fang Li referred to Prana.
After transitioning to the Genestellar class, Fang Li, although possessing Prana, couldn't initially control this power as he wished. He could only let it sleep within his body.
"In this aspect, your situation is somewhat similar to how I used to be. Possessing power within yourself but unable to use it."
Fang Li whispered, "So, feel with my power, feel the power sleeping within your body."
With these words, dense Prana began to envelop Fang Li's entire body, covering Shana as well. Like sparkling fragments of stars, it hovered around the two, illuminating the surrounding area.
Shana felt that this power was very warm, exceptionally warm, but it carried an inexplicable sense of silence and depth.
This incredible sensation unconsciously drew Shana in, and like Fang Li, she closed her eyes.
The dazzling Prana flowed like a stream from Fang Li's hands, through Nietono no Shana, entering Shana's hands, and through Shana's hands, flowing into her body.
Shana's consciousness naturally focused on this power flowing within her body, as if sleepwalking, being guided to the depths of her being.
After an unknown amount of time, Shana heard Fang Li's murmur.
"Is this it?"
At the same time, Shana also felt it.
Guided by Fang Li's power, she felt the deepest part of her body.
There, a power existed.
A power reminiscent of the Red Lotus Karmic Fire.
...