When Artemis woke up, the first thing she saw was a young man who appeared to be much younger than her by her side. His eyes were deep, like an endless abyss, and she immediately felt that she was next to a terrifying being.
As she sat up in bed, she saw a completely deformed and withered body lying nearby. It took her a moment to realize that it was her father. Memories of everything that had happened flowed through her mind; her father had never treated her or anyone around her well. After witnessing all the evil acts he had committed, any trace of paternal affection was destroyed.
When she was found by him in the forest with Anri, she tried to talk to her father, but his authoritarianism and cruelty prevailed, and he ordered Anri to kill himself. At that moment, only hatred existed toward her father.
The young man introduced himself as Lian Albedo, and he explained that he gave her father a choice to die quickly or live a few more hours of extreme anguish and torture, dying in an agonizing manner. In exchange, his life energy would be transferred to his daughter, and she would wake up healed. A look of surprise appeared on Artemis's face; she did not expect her father to still have any love for his daughter.
Lian's words were brief but impactful as he recounted the fate that awaited Clan Enchant and offered a path to follow. Artemis silently pondered, with her thoughts spinning in her mind. At that moment, her gaze swept the room and met the eyes of six young people nearby who watched her with expressions full of concern. Their presence brought her a spark of hope and support in the face of imminent challenges.
When she turned her attention back to Lian, Artemis noticed something beyond his cold and unruffled appearance. Beneath that façade, there was a connection to people who carried kindness in their hearts. It was a realization that he also had ties to others, a reminder that even those who seemed insensitive could harbor compassion and affection. Her father must have done everything to keep her alive and, in the end, accepted to die in the worst possible way to heal her.
This young man called Lian harbored no malicious intentions toward her or her clan... Or at least, she wanted to believe so. She had just met Lian, after all. Still, she decided to take that risk. With renewed determination, Artemis embraced her role as a leader, aware that she could find strength not only in her own determination but in the bonds she had forged with those around her. She promptly made a different decision from the one proposed by Lian but initially agreed to follow this offered path.
---
After the speech, Lian returned to that underground room alone and began to meditate. First, he reflected on the clan techniques he had used in battle. Then, he placed his consciousness in the small world within his meridians and saw that the Gnome would awaken in the next few hours as he had predicted. The shining liquid had been completely consumed, so he assumed that by absorbing the black Qi from various demons, more would likely emerge. While he was immersed in his thoughts, someone entered the room.
Saya was deeply distraught by everything, and Riria and the other girls confronted her and encouraged her to talk to Lian. They said that he only seemed rough and insensitive, but he always took care of them. Summoning all the courage she had, Saya approached Lian to apologize for her actions and misjudgment. Her heart is filled with regret and the hope that Lian can forgive her and perhaps even help her save her race.
However, as Saya approaches, she realizes that Lian doesn't even seem to notice her presence. His eyes are distant, as if focused on something beyond the physical world. He shows no sign of recognition or interest in her words. Saya, with a heavy heart, tries to get his attention, but Lian remains unperturbed. His silence is almost deafening to her. She feels invisible, as if her words and intentions have no impact on him.
She had hoped to find some kind of compassion or at least a response from Lian, but instead, she is met with his indifference. Lian's silent rejection leaves her with a sense of emptiness and sadness. Amid tears of frustration and confusion, Saya slowly withdraws, ready to leave, when she feels a warm hand stroking her head. Lian is there, his hands in her hair, conveying a gesture of comfort and affection.
"I agreed to protect you in front of your grandfather, so I assure you that you will live a long and peaceful life. Originally, my plan was to go to Griffin's nest, so I will do what I can to help a little," Lian calmly and indifferently said. "Don't think too highly of yourself. Words from a child don't affect me at all," he added, his words sounding like those of an older person similar to her grandfather, not someone of the same age as her.
Lian's words echoed devoid of any emotion or care, but to Saya, they conveyed a connection and protection she had never known before. It was as if Lian's words were a divine decree, dispelling all the fear and insecurity that had accumulated in her soul. While Lian's hand gently rested on her head, she closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself to absorb the comforting sensation. Her heart beat with a serenity she had never experienced before.
Suddenly, her body and soul began to react in a very strange way. Her face became extremely flushed. In a magical and overwhelming moment, a wild whirlwind of emotions completely transformed her expression and being. Saya ran out of the room, following her instincts, without fully understanding her emotions.
Lian observed her exaggerated reaction, and a headache began to manifest. He snapped out of his trance upon seeing Saya crying and immediately remembered a young girl from the Divine Plane. A wave of nostalgia washed over his chest, prompting him to comfort Saya without hesitation. Now he realized that he had inadvertently created a problem that his future self would have to solve. 'I wasn't even talking to her... but it certainly did seem like it. Sigh... seems like I still have to get a grip on myself in this new life.'
---
Two days passed, and the formation surrounding the Enchant clan opened. A group of hundreds of cultivators, led by a woman of imposing presence, advanced determinedly toward the heart of the forest. Their resolute steps echoed through the dense vegetation as they prepared for the imminent confrontation. The atmosphere was charged with tension but also determination, ready to face any challenge, even knowing that most present would not return alive.
Artemis, with her innate leadership ability, skillfully conversed and organized all the cultivators. Her inspiring presence and convincing words earned the respect and trust of everyone. Quickly, they recognized Artemis as their legitimate leader and understood the importance of fighting if they wanted to ensure the future survival of the clan. Moved by her example, they united in a common purpose.
As the days passed, the demonic Qi grew increasingly intense, filling the air with an evil aura. Demons emerged in large numbers, fiercely launching themselves against the Enchant clan cultivators who fought tirelessly, bravely advancing in the face of imminent danger. The scene was chaotic, with battles happening in every corner as the clan's resistance was put to the test.
Finally, they reached a high hill where they witnessed a sacred defensive formation in a precarious state. Cracks formed in its structure as if it could shatter at any moment under the pressure of the thousands of demons attacking it. The furious eyes of the demons reflected their determination to break through the barrier, but the formation resisted, absorbing all the damage with unbeatable strength.
Fear spread like wildfire in the eyes of the cultivators as they faced the endless sea of demons before them. Uncertainty took hold of their minds, causing them to question if they were merely being sent to certain death. It seemed like an impossible battle, a fight against an overwhelming force that could obliterate them.
Amidst the tension and despair, some cultivators hesitated, their hands trembling in the face of the impending battle. Doubt echoed in their minds, undermining their confidence and fueling the sense that they were facing an inevitable fate.
With the sharp sound of unsheathed weapons, a terrible and bloodthirsty aura of battle spread through the air, enveloping everyone present. As if moved by an invisible force, everyone turned in the direction from where they felt this manifestation, witnessing a group of five young cultivators, whose power seemed inferior to theirs, tightly gripping their weapons and focusing on the imminent combat.
Their expressions were firm; these young ones radiated fierce determination and unwavering courage. Their features showed that they were fully aware of the dangers they faced, but they did not retreat in the face of the threat. On the contrary, they were ready to fight alongside the others, despite their lower cultivation.
In a fleeting instant, a powerful, pure, and chilling Earth Qi burst toward the sky, announcing Lian's presence. With a mischievous smile adorning his face, he advanced toward the battle as if he was about to engage in a fun and leisurely party. Right behind Lian, the group of five young cultivators followed his example. In the center of this group, a majestic Royal Griffin, small in size but imposing in its presence, flew around, bringing with it an aura of nobility and power.
With the advance of these fearless warriors, the battle commenced on an epic and uneven scale.