Naviga, her vision still blurry, opened her eyes slowly and took in her surroundings. The walls were made of polished metal, and the subtle hum of machinery told her she was aboard an airboat. Her head throbbed faintly, and when she tried to sit up, a sharp pain radiated from her chest. She winced, clutching her core area, and muttered,
"Chip, what happened?"
The A.I. responded in its usual neutral tone:
"Host, your Universal Essence in the core was fully depleted. The pain you feel is a result of this exhaustion."
Naviga's pale face grew even paler. "Don't tell me... my core is cracked," she asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.
The A.I. reassured her. "No, Host. Your core remains intact due to external help. Your current condition is stable and healthy, though some pain will persist as your core recovers."
Naviga exhaled in relief but still felt the weight of her situation. "Show me my status," she commanded.
The A.I. displayed her current status:
---
Status
Name: Naviga Akerman
Core: 3rd Phase
Age: 15 [22]
Physical Strength: 11 [Normal adult: 2]
Universal Essence: 3 [Fully Recovered: 15]
Agility: 11 [Adult: 2]
Defense: 13 [Adult: 2]
Charm: 18 [Adult: 3]
Luck: 8 [Adult: 1]
Elements: Yin Element, Moon Element
Arts:
1. Lunar Serenity Breathing [Foundation]
2. Lunar Edge Sword Arts [Mastery]
3. Eclipse Slash Sword Art [Foundation]
4. Phantom Moon Step Footwork Art [Mastery]
5. Moonlit Shield Defensive Art [Mastery]
(Note: These five arts are high-level for 3rd Phase users.)
---
Naviga frowned as she noticed her Universal Essence was only at 3. She clenched her fists and asked,
"Chip, why is my Universal Essence so low? Even after using that high-grade potion, it hasn't recovered fully."
The A.I. answered calmly,
"Host, even with external supplementation, a completely drained core requires time to naturally regenerate. Depleting the core delays full recovery."
Naviga sighed, closing the status window. She knew the chip was right but still felt a pang of frustration at her own recklessness.
---
At that moment, the door to her room slid open, and Minasa stepped in. Her long black hair framed her sharp features, her eyes narrowing slightly when she saw Naviga awake. Without hesitation, she strode toward the bed, her boots clicking softly against the floor.
"How are you feeling, Navi?" Minasa asked, her voice laced with a mix of concern and sternness.
Naviga gave a small smile, though her pale face betrayed her exhaustion. "Just some pain in my chest, sis," she replied, her tone lighthearted.
Minasa's face darkened as she crossed her arms. Her silver eyes fixed on Naviga, and she said seriously, "Of course there's pain. Your core was drained. If I hadn't stepped in, it might have cracked. Do you know how long it takes for a cracked core to heal?"
Naviga winced not only from the pain but also from her sister's tone. She recalled Minasa's warnings during training:
"Always keep some energy in your core. Never fully drain it, no matter what."
Naviga tried to shake off the guilt with a shy smile. "I know, I know. It's my fault," she said, looking away from Minasa.
Minasa's stern look softened a bit as she sighed. "You're lucky this time, Navi. But luck won't always help you. Be more careful."
Naviga nodded quietly. She understood her sister was right, and the pain reminded her of her carelessness.
Minasa sat on the bed's edge and placed her hand gently on Naviga's shoulder. "Rest now. Your core and body need to heal. We'll talk later."
Naviga leaned back onto the pillows, her tiredness catching up. As Minasa stood to leave, she called softly, "Thank you, sis."
Minasa paused by the door, facing away. "Don't thank me yet. You still need to explain why you were reckless." There was a hint of amusement in her voice as she left the room.
Naviga smiled faintly despite the pain. She knew a long road lay ahead, but for now, she was alive—and that was enough.
Sometime later,Minerva entered Naviga's room. Seeing her, Naviga tried to sit up, but Minerva gently stopped her. "It's okay, Navi. There's no need to get up. How are you feeling now?"
Naviga leaned back against the bed. "There's still some pain in my chest, Miss. I think it'll take time for the pain to ease. Sorry for delaying the retrieval of the Violet Inferno Flower."
Minerva smiled softly. "It's okay, Naviga. There's no urgency for it right now."
Naviga hesitated before asking, "Miss, what about the Infernal Raven's body?"
Minerva replied, "Aunt Minasa took the body. Oh, and the horn on its head—Aunt Minasa said it might provide some unique opportunities. That's why it had such strange abilities."
Naviga nodded in understanding. The two spoke for a while before Minerva bid her farewell and left the room. Naviga lay back down on the bed, her body still weak, and slowly closed her eyes, falling into a deep, restful sleep for the entire night.
By morning, the pain in her chest had lessened significantly. Feeling more stable, she got up and walked out of her room. When she reached the airboat deck, she saw that they were now stationed at the foot of the volcanic mountain.
Minasa and Minerva stood at the bow of the airboat, gazing at the volcanic terrain ahead. Minerva noticed Naviga approaching and asked, "How are you feeling today, Navi? Better?"
Naviga gave a small smile. "Better, Miss. There's no pain now, and my Universal Essence has fully returned."
Minerva nodded in approval. "Good. By noon, we'll set out again to search for the Violet Inferno Flower."
Minasa, though clearly disapproving of returning to the dangerous terrain, kept her thoughts to herself. It was her miss decision, and she respected it. Naviga, sensing Minasa's silent concerns, only nodded in agreement.
Noon ,Minerva approached Naviga. "It's time. Are you ready?"
Naviga stood tall and confident. "Yes, Miss. I'm ready."
Minerva glanced at Minasa and said, "Aunt Minasa, we're heading out now." Minasa nodded silently. Just before vanishing to give them privacy, she sent a telepathic message to Naviga:
"Navi, don't do anything reckless. Be careful."
Naviga nodded solemnly, acknowledging Minasa's concern.
At the base of the mountain, Naviga pulled out the airboat. Though the earlier battle had left it battered, it was still functional. They boarded the airboat, and with a steady hum of energy, it rose into the air. Naviga steered them above the volcanic landscape.
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