Gradually, the image of the "Dark Goddess" emerged within the magic circle. Witnessing this, Niya continued to chant the incantation, finally exclaiming, "Awaken, O deceased Caesar!" As her voice resonated, the magic circle emitted a powerful pressure. The Dark Goddess spread her arms, gathering a spherical spirit from the air, which she then cast toward Caesar. In an instant, the space was illuminated by a blinding radiance, leaving the onlookers unable to open their eyes.
Minutes later, the brilliance began to wane, and the crowd slowly opened their eyes.
Nana stared intently at the empty air, suddenly realizing that the ritual may have concluded. She hurriedly moved to Caesar's side, attempting to rouse him: "Caesar! Caesar!"
Despite her repeated calls, Caesar remained unresponsive. Arnold furrowed his brow, contemplating, "Could the ritual have failed? This is dire... are we truly to lose Niya?" He quickly glanced at Niya.
Noticing Arnold's concerned gaze, Niya subtly reassured him, "I'm fine...!"
Confused, Takis inquired, "Did the ritual fail? Otherwise, why hasn't Caesar awakened?"
Niya shook her head resolutely, stating, "No, the ritual succeeded. My survival is proof enough. However, I have no idea why Caesar remains in slumber!"
The group gazed helplessly at the weeping Nana.
With deep remorse, Niya said, "Nana, I'm so sorry; I truly don't know what went wrong… The ritual was undeniably successful, yet Caesar hasn't awakened. I sincerely apologize."
Nana remained silent, gently wiping away her tears. She then embraced Caesar tightly, her voice choked with emotion as she whispered, "Let's go home, taking Caesar back to our homeland…"
********
"It's so dark! Why is it so dark here? Where am I? Ah, right… it seems I am dead. Alas, I was so careless, never anticipating that there would still be lingering monsters…"
Slowly, he opened his eyes.
"Is this hell? After all, I am the valiant warrior Caesar; I should be ascending to heaven."
"Wait, is this the Misty Forest? The very place where we battled Barn!"
"Could it be… that I'm not dead???"
"Nana and Arnold are truly inconsiderate! I explicitly instructed them to return the team to the city before I closed my eyes, yet they abandoned me here… When I see them, I shall surely give them a piece of my mind!"
Thud, thud, thud…
"How peculiar, why do my footsteps sound so loud?" He suddenly spotted a high-tier slime moving ahead and instantly drew his sword.
"Hmm…?" He was astonished to discover that he couldn't even grasp his waist… No, that's not right…
Spotting a pool nearby, Caesar swiftly approached its edge and looked down…
"Suddenly, he shouted, 'Barn, you're still alive…'"
Then, he froze, lifting a foot to inspect his reflection in the water before glancing up again…
"My heavens~~~~~~~~~~~~ I've become Barn!" Caesar exclaimed in shock!
Dumbfounded, Caesar was flooded with questions: What on earth has happened? How did I turn into Barn?
The high-tier slime moved closer to Caesar, speaking up, "Barn, my lord, it seems you're all right! That's wonderful! We've been so worried about you!"
Caesar cried out in astonishment, "Goodness, the slime can talk, and I can actually understand it!"
The high-tier slime, puzzled, replied, "Barn, my lord, isn't it entirely normal for you to understand me? This language is what you taught us…"
Caesar widened his eyes, asking, "What… what did you just call me?"
"Barn, my lord!" the slime said, bouncing with excitement.
Caesar turned once more to the water's reflection… his eyes rolled back, and he fainted!
*********
After an indeterminate amount of time, Caesar regained consciousness to find a woman clad in black and gray armor before him.
"Barn, my lord, you have awakened… While you were in slumber, I summoned the clerics to heal your wounds, and they are nearly healed now."
Caesar looked up at her with resignation, replying, "Thank you; you've been most thoughtful! By the way, what is your name?"
The woman in black armor blushed slightly and stammered, "Barn, my lord, do you… do you not remember my name? I am the Dragon Warrior—Zoe."
Caesar nodded, "Ah, Zoe. Thank you sincerely for your assistance. Now, where are we?"
Zoe respectfully replied, "We are currently within your territory, in the 'Misty City.'"
Caesar inquired again, "I'm quite hungry. Is there anything to eat? I feel as if I haven't eaten in ages…"
Zoe responded with utmost respect, "Barn, my lord, I have already instructed the kitchen staff to prepare a meal for you, awaiting your enjoyment… Would you like to proceed to the dining hall?"
Caesar sighed, glancing at the door, "Zoe, are you jesting? With my massive form, how could I possibly fit through that small door?"
Zoe hurriedly bowed in apology, "Respectful Barn, my lord, I meant no offense; however… Barn, you simply need to transform into a humanoid form to move easily to the dining hall. Meals are not permitted in your quarters, as per your own decree…"
Caesar suddenly felt intrigued, pondering, "I can actually transform into a humanoid? Wait, when I fought Barn, he too was in humanoid form at first!"
Clearing his throat, he said, "Ahem! Um… Zoe, how do I transform into a humanoid? I've been asleep for so long that I've somewhat forgotten!"
Zoe did not hesitate, "Barn, my lord, you merely need to envision your humanoid form, and you shall transform—it's quite simple!"
Caesar immediately followed Zoe's guidance, closing his eyes in concentration. Before long, his massive dragon form shifted into that of a human!
With delight, Caesar exclaimed, "Wow… this is truly convenient! Let's go; we're off to dine!"
Zoe turned away from Caesar, bowing her head, "Barn, my lord, I will wait for you at the door; please don your attire first…"
Suddenly realizing he was completely unclothed, Caesar quickly grabbed the bed sheet, stammering, "Uh… um… please wait outside for me!"
After finishing his meal, Caesar strolled alone outside the vast Misty City, his mind preoccupied with everything that had transpired, while also worrying about whether Nana and the others had safely returned to the castle.
As he became lost in thought, Caesar's body unexpectedly began to levitate. "Wow, this body is remarkably convenient! I was just pondering how to get to Nana, and here I am, floating effortlessly. It seems there are quite a few advantages to being a monster," he mused, chuckling to himself.
He traversed the Misty Forest, soaring toward the castle where Nana and the others resided, eagerly longing to see their familiar faces.
Not far from the Misty Forest stood a castle known as the "White Citadel," managed jointly by the five most powerful human sages, with Niya being one of them.
Within the White Citadel lived thousands of inhabitants, thriving economically, with merchants bustling about, making it one of the most prosperous strongholds on the continent. In the bustling marketplace, two familiar figures caught his eye—Nana and Takis—who were engaged in purchasing everyday necessities.
Takis spoke up, "It has been over a month since the battle in the Misty Forest, and it's about time we all return home. I've gathered most of the supplies; I plan to set off tomorrow. What about you, Nana? Do you intend to stay here with Niya, or will you return to your village?"
Nana gazed listlessly at the sky and murmured, "I suppose I will return to the village as well. At least… there are memories of me and Caesar there."
Seeing her state, Takis had nothing more to say and gently patted Nana's shoulder. "Alright, don't dwell on it too much. We must look forward. The dead cannot be revived. I believe Caesar wouldn't want to see you so heartbroken over him; we all understand that, don't we?"
Takis continued, "Arnold left yesterday without so much as a farewell. What an insufferable individual! He has always been so unbearably arrogant. Even with Caesar's death, he seems completely unfazed, which is utterly perplexing! Does he truly lack any semblance of emotion?"
Nana responded, "Don't be so quick to blame him. Elves and humans are inherently different; perhaps he has his own reasons! Who knows, maybe we will reunite in some distant place in the future..."
At that moment, Caesar materialized before them!!!
Nana and Takis stared in astonishment at the man before them. The townsfolk in the square remained oblivious to the terror embodied in this figure, but Nana and Takis understood all too well—he was the most formidable of all monsters.
In the conference hall of the White Fortress, Niya, deeply engrossed in her reading, sensed an overwhelming surge of magical energy as Caesar appeared.
In a panic, Niya muttered to herself, "No... hasn't Barn already been vanquished? How can his magical essence still linger? What on earth is happening? Moreover… this feeling… seems even more potent! In just a month, what could have transpired?"
Without hesitation, Niya dashed out of the conference hall, leaving her staff behind, as she hurried toward the bustling marketplace...
"Ah, Nana, it brings me such joy to see you! What's the matter… that expression—it's me, I am Caesar…" he greeted her warmly.
Nana was taken aback by his sudden words, frozen in place, staring blankly at Barn. Observing this, Takis swiftly grabbed a nearby stick and charged at Caesar, exclaiming, "What nonsense is this? Do not insult our companion!"
Caesar perceived Takis's attack as sluggish; he merely stepped back and gently pushed, causing Takis to tumble away as if propelled, crashing against the wall opposite.
It was then that Nana snapped back to reality, conjuring a massive fireball in her hands to launch at Caesar. "You arrogant fool… don't underestimate me!"
Caesar had no time to explain, swiftly adopting a defensive stance; with a raised hand, he effortlessly dispelled Nana's fireball.