Liya smiled warmly as Demeter approached. "Demeter, today you're not late. What happened to your farm today?"
Demeter's eyes sparkled. "Today our vegetables sold out very fast, so we are still growing new crops, so I come early today."
Liya's curiosity was piqued. "That's wonderful! Your family's farm is truly thriving."
Demeter nodded, her long, curly brown hair bobbing. "Yes, thanks to my mother's exceptional gardening skills."
Liya asked, "Is Sundari coming today?"
Demeter's expression turned sympathetic. "I don't think so. I went to her home yesterday, and she said her parents are not at home today as well, so she's not coming today."
Liya's brow furrowed with concern. "I'll visit her after school then. You want to go with us, I mean with me?"
Demeter hesitated, glancing at her worn leather satchel. "No, I want to go home directly because of the farm. Liya, sorry."
Liya waved goodbye. "Okay, I'm going to my seat. Talk to you at lunch."
As Demeter left, Kai whispered, "You're such a nice friend. She doesn't think you're a witch?"
Liya's gaze met Kai's, her eyes twinkling. "She's also a goddess, Kai."
Kai's eyes widened, intrigued by the hidden world of goddesses amidst mortal students.
Kai's curiosity deepened. "Why is she living like this? You're living among mortals as punishment, but why her?"
Liya's expression turned somber, her voice barely above a whisper. "Demeter's the Goddess of Harvest, reincarnated to guide humans toward prosperity. Her presence ensures the land's fertility and abundance."
As Liya spoke, the morning sunlight streaming through the window seemed to intensify, illuminating the hidden patterns of fate.
Kai's mind reeled. "That's thoughtful of the gods. But why without memories?"
Liya's eyes, like ancient sapphires, held a deep wisdom. "Goddesses don't retain memories, but their essence remains. Their aura and personality shape their new lives, guiding humans indirectly."
In that moment, Kai glimpsed the intricate tapestry of destiny, woven by gods and mortals alike.
Kai's resolve solidified after moments of contemplation. "Liya, I'm ready to return your powers."
Liya's eyes narrowed, searching for sincerity. "Are you sure, Kai? You don't have to."
Kai's jaw set. "Yes, because it's not really my power anyway."
Liya nodded, a hint of a smile. "Okay, we'll settle this during the second-period sports"
As the first period concluded, the teacher's dismissal sent students streaming out. Liya beckoned Kai to follow.
In the school backyard, Liya guided Kai to a secluded spot. "Sit," she instructed.
Kai said, "What do I need to do?"
Liya's grasp enveloped his hand, her voice whispering ancient incantations. "Nothing, Kai."
As Kai sat, enveloped in Liya's divine energy, a radiant glow began to emanate. The air vibrated with anticipation.
Liya's words invoked the Celestial Balance, channeling the Essence of divinity and destruction. The Transference of Divine Energies commenced, bathing Liya in an ethereal aura.
As the power transferred, Liya's aura radiated an intense, glowing aura. Her entire being shimmered, bathed in divine light.
Kai's eyes widened. "Liya, you're... transformed."
Liya's gaze drifted, her voice ethereal. "I think so. Now, what do you think about living in this world, Kai?"
Kai's brow furrowed. "What? How will I live here?"
Liya's smile hinted at mischief. "Now you have no Systems powers, but..."
Kai's face contorted in shock, before understanding dawned. "I still have my innate mana, don't I?"
Liya nodded, her eyes sparkling. "As a being from my world, your body retains its affinity for mana. You may not have system, but you're far from ordinary."
Kai's mind raced, adjusting to his new reality. He still possessed the fundamental abilities of his own....