Cat nodded again, her expression solemn. "Yes, the knowledge you acquire in the past will empower you to overcome Jran's lingering influence, get rid of Dahra, and unlock your true potential."
"That's too perilous!" Miram chimed in, her voice laced with concern. "Isn't there an alternative approach?" she proposed, her eyes scanning Cat's face for reassurance.
Cat shook her head slowly, her expression a picture of solemnity. "I wish there was a safer option, but this is the only viable solution we have," she emphasized, her tone unwavering.
"What are the risks involved in performing the Soul Drifting?" Mike asked in curiosity, his eyes locked onto Cat's.
Cat's expression turned grave, her features clouding with a mix of concern and seriousness. "The journey will be treacherous," she warned. "Your soul may become lost, or you might become trapped in a different era." Her words hung in the air, heavy with foreboding.
"You can choose to opt out if you think it's too dangerous for you." She added, her tone measured. Her gaze locked onto Mike's, searching for his decision.
Mike's eyes widened further. "If I think? Are you kidding me? Of course it's too dangerous!" he exclaimed. "And... Opt out? What's with this sarcasm!?" His voice rose, tinged with annoyance.
Cat's eyes narrowed in confusion. "What's sarcasm?" she inquired, her tone genuine.
Mike's response was immediate. "Making use of irony to get on people's nerves," he explained.
Miram and Cat exchange confused glances. "And what's irony?" They inquired almost simultaneously.
"And what's 'nerves'?" Cat added, her curiosity piqued.
Mike's anger simmered just beneath the surface. "Nevermind! You slow-witted bunch of aliens!" he blurted, his frustration boiling over.
Cat chuckled under her breath, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "I think I understand what you meant, but that's not it," she said. "We can't force you into a precarious situation, considering our stark contrast in nature."
Mike gawked at Cat, his eyes wide with incredulity. "Do I have a choice?" he scoffed. "I'm not exactly in a position to afford allowing my body to be seized by that malevolent sucker."
Cat, noticing the shift in Miram's overprotectiveness, stepped closer to Mike. Her expression turned thoughtful, her eyes sparkling with a hint of empathy. "I'll give you some time to think about it," she said, her voice measured. "I'll talk to the council tomorrow, and you'll be sent for. Give me your reply then." She turned to Miram, a wide, warm smile spreading across her face.
"Young girl, we still have a lot to discuss," she continued, her tone filled with excitement. "I'm thrilled to discover that a witch is alive. You're truly a miracle, a beacon of hope in these dark times."
Miram's face contorted in frustration, her voice rising. "I'm not a young girl! I'll be an adult soon!"
She turned to Mike and smiled charmingly. "I'll really be an adult soon," she reassured, emphasizing each word, as if to convince him of her impending adulthood.
Mike furrowed his brow, confusion etched on his face. "What does being an adult soon have to do with me?" he quizzed but Miram merely smiled in return.
Cat's eyes darted between Mike and Miram, a wide smile spreading across her face. "I've never heard of the combination of a Jyuran and a witch before," she said, a hint of teasing in her voice. "The last witch, at that. This is indeed fascinating."
Miram's declaration hung in the air, filled with conviction. "We'll make a good combination," she said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "And I'm not the last witch. My father's also a witch, and he'll be here soon."
Cat's smile faltered, her eyes widening in astonishment. "There's another witch apart from you?!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with incredulity. Her gaze locked onto Miram's, searching for confirmation.
Miram nodded fervently, her face set in determination. "It's only a matter of time before he arrives," she replied, her tone filled with conviction.
Cat's surprise slowly gave way to excitement, her smile returning with renewed vigor. "Garo!" she called, her voice resonating through the cavern, echoing off the walls as she summoned someone.
Meanwhile, Mike used the time to double tap his Lav, reestablishing his connection with Christina. "Hey, I'm safe now. You guys can stop worrying," he said, his tone reassuring.
Christina's response was immediate, her voice laced with annoyance. "How could you disconnect from me like that? You got me seriously worried!"
Mike's tone turned apologetic. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you. I just didn't want to scare you guys," he replied, his expression contrite.
Christina thought for a moment before replying, her tone softened. "Apology accepted, but never do that again. We were really scared," she said, her words tinged with a hint of warning.
Mike nodded, even though Christina couldn't see him. "I won't," he promised, his tone sincere.
Just then, the sound of fast-approaching footsteps echoed through the cavern, growing louder with each passing moment. A young female Anthropter emerged from the same entrance Cat had used earlier, her long legs carrying her swiftly across the cavern floor.
As she arrived, she bowed her head slightly, her eyes scanning the room before flinching at the sight of Mike and Miram. Her gaze darted between the two, wonder etched on her face. "Where did these new faces come from?" she seemed to be asking herself.
Her eyes finally settled on Mike, and her mouth dropped open in admiration. "He's so cute!" she muttered, her voice barely audible, but her words carried on the cavern's still air.
Cat's voice rang out, interrupting the young Anthropter's admiration. "Garo! Find a good place for the Jyuran to rest. He must be tired. Give him something to eat as well."
Garo's eyes widened in astonishment on hearing Cat's words. "Jyuran!?" she squealed, her voice rising in surprise. She took a step back, her eyes fixed on Mike.
Her expression transformed, and she bowed slowly, her movements elegant. "It would be my pleasure, my Jyuran," she said, her tone dripping with courtesy. "Follow me."
Miram's eyes narrowed, her face set in determination. "I'm going with him!" she announced, glowering contemptuously at Garo.
Garo recoiled, returning Miram's glare. "That's impossible!" she exclaimed, her voice firm. "You two can't hang in the same space," she emphasized, hinting at their difference in gender.
Mike's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with curiosity. He wondered what Garo meant by 'hang', but he remained quiet, observing the exchange between the two girls. Miram's determination to protect him was reassuring.
"You think I'm going to trust the Jyuran with the Jyuran Slayers? I'm never leaving him alone for even a moment," Miram stipulated, her voice conveying her displeasure.
"We can't harm him, we'd be doomed if we do that," Cat emphasized, her tone calm and measured, her words hung in the air, a reminder of the delicate balance between the Jyuran and the Jyuran Slayers. "You are aware of this too, aren't you?"
Garo chimed in, trying to resolve the tension. "He's safe with me, you don't have to worry," Her eyes lingered on Mike, her expression a mixture of awe and curiosity.
However, Miram stood guard in front of Mike, her eyes flashing with a fierce light. "We go together, that's final," she declared, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Cat shrugged, a hint of a smile on her face. "Do as you wish then, little witch," she said. "I guess we won't have the chance to talk tonight." She nodded at Garo, and the two Anthropters shared a knowing glance.
"Lead the way," Miram said, her eyes still fixed disdainfully on Garo, who rolled her eyes and let out a soft hiss, her ears twitching with annoyance.
Just as they were about to depart, muffled voices echoed from outside the cavern, growing louder with each passing moment. Everyone turned toward the cavern's mouth, their faces set in alarm.