Erick's POV:
- .... The witch... of... reality?
The dancing flowers stopped abruptly while the one in the center seemed to strut, its leaves moving strangely. Despite the bizarre situation unfolding before me, that wasn't what had surprised me.
- Hoho, I see you've been mesmerized by my revelation.
- ...For some reason, it seemed to be enjoying my reaction.
I finally caught my breath as small "hohohos" echoed throughout the chamber as if all the flowers were laughing in unison. The way the flowers moved was so disgusting that I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine.
The silence lingered for a few moments.
And it continues...
And it continues...
And-
- Could you say something already! I just revealed a secret that's been hidden for 500 years!! It's boring if you don't say anything.
- ....
Despite my initial surprise, disbelief immediately struck my mind as I stared at the disgusting flower.
- …
- …
And the silence returned. I thought things through a bit more before breaking it.
- …So… You really are the Reality Witch?
- Of course!
- …
I couldn't help but stare at the flower in front of me. It was too hard to believe. I spent several months gathering information on every witch in existence and the stories surrounding them, and I don't recall finding any that even mentioned "Ena" or "Reality Witch."
- You definitely don't believe me, do you?
- I studied everything about witches before starting my journey, and no legend or book even mentions the name "Reality Witch."
- I'm very good at hiding, after all.
The flower in front of me puffed out its nonexistent chest with pride as it let out a small sound… It was difficult to even know how to react to this situation.
"…er…"
At that moment, a distant, blurry voice echoes in my head. Surprise washes over me again as I look around.
"mas…"
The distant voice becomes slightly more audible as I focus on it, but I can barely make out a single word. Despite not understanding what it says, I can immediately tell who it is.
- Ifrit?
Even though I call out to her, she's nowhere to be seen. I quickly summon the golden axe in my hand, but instantly notice that something is wrong. Unlike Ifrit, I feel no connection to the axe. As if it were just any old weapon.
- This axe… Isn't it Ifrit?
- You took too long to realize! You really are a blockhead… though it's part of your charm.
My blood runs cold as I stare in terror at the flower in front of me. Since Ifrit is usually quite quiet, I hadn't noticed that she had disappeared. I stare in disbelief at the flower in front of me.
- Just... what the hell are you?
Although the flower in front of me has neither a face, nor a mouth, nor lips. I could swear that a disgusting, aggressive smile formed before me.
- Haven't I already introduced myself? I am the Witch of Reality.
Unlike her strange spectacle earlier, the voice and aura surrounding her exude a disquieting pressure. My mouth goes dry in seconds that feel like days as I try to get into a fighting stance against her.
- ...Well, that reaction is more fun.
The pressure vanishes in an instant as a satisfied voice emanates from the flower. A small giggle escapes its petals as it brings its leaves to the flower. The sudden change makes my body relax instantly, causing my knees to buckle and me to fall to the ground on my butt.
- Well, little hero, I'd better go. Although I'd love to talk with you longer, you don't seem in any condition for conversation.
A sudden earthquake struck the area. Unlike the previous tremors, this one came from below, as if something were hitting the ground beneath our feet. The flower pointed downwards, letting out a small whimper.
- Besides, that nuisance is about to erupt anyway. So I'd better make my exit here.
With a small bow, a strange sound began to echo throughout the area. When I looked around, I saw all the flowers that had grown there beginning to be absorbed. The strange thing was that the flowers were absorbing themselves, as if they were compressing themselves until they were nothing. In a panic, I turned my head to the sides to observe the same bizarre situation.
- Ah, one last thing. Let me help you out of your little predicament. Consider it a gift for your amusing reaction.
The only remaining flower moved its leaf towards the stone wall there. A few moments later, just like the flowers, it began to compress at a terrifying speed. The massive wall blocking my path crumbled to nothing in a mere 10 seconds. I stared in astonishment at the corridor I'd entered through before stepping into the dome.
- See you later, little hero. I'll be watching your adventures.
I turned to where the small flower had been, only to find it vanished.
- Just... What the heck?
When I looked at my hand, I couldn't find the axe that wasn't Ifrit. Apparently, it had also disappeared at some point.
"Master! Are you alright?"
I looked at Ifrit as I was still lying on my bottom. The sudden peace had left me exhausted. A powerful wave of drowsiness hit my mind as I fell to the ground on my back.
"Master!"