kscans

Chapter 684 - Imbuing the Serene Light

There were two reasons why we chose a Great Spirit hunting tour for Azure Sky's first expedition.

First, it simply offered the most outstanding return among the information and options we had. For me, who was guaranteed a significant power-up, it was a given, but defeating the formidable Great Spirits benefits all players.

They provide a vast amount of experience points, rare materials, and a large sum of currency (Luna). While the latter might not be a huge draw for everyone, the former certainly is.

In fact, the [Water Spirit's Blessing] wasn't something only I acquired; all the clan members who journeyed with me received it. And while the skill has a special effect on those with Water Magic Aptitude, it also provides a general blessing to those without.

Specifically, a permanent increase in water magic resistance and an adaptation bonus for underwater movement. Whether it's frequently useful or not, it's not the kind of thing you'd mind having.

And in parallel with that, there was another reason.

The Great Spirits are, in Arcadia, representative 'incarnations of elements'—in other words, things that are particularly 'deeply connected to magic'… which meant,

They would provide the perfect 'nourishment' for my partner's [Anima].

"Seriously, Third Tier in about six months…"

"…Huh, are you at a loss for words?"

And so, after dinner, I brought Nia, who had accepted my invitation, to the same pure white room as last time. In the training room inside the Istia wartime base, the underground castle, a total of five people had gathered.

Me, Nia, and Sora-san. And the remaining two were, of course—

"Woooah! Hey there, Nia-chan! It's beeeen sooooo long!"

"Whoa, wait a sec, sto—!"

One was a flash of red who had started dashing the moment we appeared via teleportation, snatching Nia from my side with an unhesitating, brakeless charge.

And,

"Good evening."

"Hey, good evening. We're counting on you again, senpais."

"Mm."

The other was a spot of blue who had toddled over, as good a girl as ever today.

Well, we'll have endless things to talk about later, so for now…

"Have you worked everything out?"

"Yes!"

I confirmed Sora-san's eager response as I turned my gaze and question to her, seeing her for the first time since our meeting. I also confirmed that the ring, which was already placed on the 'pedestal,' was emitting a faint light.

Alright then, 'Eastern Wings,' let the weaving begin.

Let them chant the incantation for the ritual to imbue the third attribute into the otherworldly vessel, an Anima that has accumulated numerous great 'nourishments,' including the subjugation of the 'White Throne,' and has now reached the Third Tier.

◇◆◇◆◇

"'One.'" "'Two.'" "'Three.'" "'Four.'"

"'Linked.'"

"'Layered.'"

""'Weaving the Truth.'""

I've only heard it a handful of times. Each time, my impression is always the same: an indescribable sense of wonder… and along with it, an equally indescribable sense of slight dread.

A single giant crown formed by two people. Great wings shining red and blue.

More than those visual effects,

"'A crown of thorns that swallows light.'"

"'A severe frost that bites and tears.'"

""'The mingled breath is the ripple of the starry sea.'""

""'World, hold your breath, and burn the moon and snow.'""

It was their voices, so different from their usual selves,

That brought down a heavy, profound mystery, a sound that had melted together.

"'One of life, zero of demise, a kiss without warmth ignites meaning.'"

"'The distant, sacred throne is a hollow sky, so where is the lost death?'"

""'If there is no answer, then shine thus—to the beyond that never freezes over.'""

"With these twin wings,"

"We draw forth here… so, alright, nobody move for a bit!"

"It's going to get a little chilly—ready, set, go."

And it's the gap with parts like this that makes me feel like I'm going to catch a cold.

Thus,

""[Zero Absolute, Star Sapphire - Breath of Icy Eternity]!""

What manifested was a subtle chill that filled the space. However, as Mi-na had warned, it was a binding field of forced stillness that brought 'death' to anything that moved.

And the dazzling blue star, the core of the spell, pulsed at the center of the field, directly above the [Cradle of Sword-Craft] resting on the pedestal…

"—Hmph…"

The moment Ri-na's slightly clumsy finger snap echoed, the star, after scattering an eerie presence that devoured all nearby life (energy), vanished without a sound.

Among the grand magics of the 'Eastern Wings,' it was by far the quietest. Yet, my impression from seeing it firsthand was one of overwhelming power, nothing short of 'breathtaking.'

As I, Sora, and Nia watched from the side in silence,

"…So, that's the kind of magic it is. You think it worked?"

"Was it… imbued…?"

Though they were confident in the execution of the spell itself, the two little ones turned to us, clearly unsure about the success of the ritual.

The reason was that the grand ice magic was an area-of-effect type, so it was uncertain whether it could directly perform the task of 'imbuing power'…

"Sora."

"Wh-Ah, yes…!"

I nudged my dazed partner's shoulder, and Sora, startled, pattered over. After a quick, "Is it okay?" to the two little ones to confirm she could step into the former domain, the girl who reached her Anima—

"…, ……"

As if savoring the moment, she gently picked it up, slipped it on her finger, and,

"—[Erde Kreis, Ice Sword Ring]."

The moment she chanted the words,

Dazzling 'white snow' swirled around her, as if countless flowers were dancing in the air. Then, with a slightly dramatic flair, Sora-san turned to face us,

"Ehehe… —The third one. I've received it."

With a smile that could melt the lingering chill, she declared the ritual a 'success'.