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After forcefully boosting the levels of several of his followers in one go, Edger and his group of six finally left Brannica.
The Star Spirit rubbed her dark eye bags, a trace of sorrow flickering in her eyes.
When is this miserable life going to end…?
She didn't know if her master was doing it on purpose.
He obviously knew she was in the room right next door, yet he still let Eve and the others get louder and louder.
Even after experiencing multiple rounds of magical "sound torture" in the past, she was starting to reach her limit.
These past few days—
She had basically been in a state of total insomnia.
"Star Spirit… you really don't have to keep enduring it."
Mine, slumped weakly on Akame's back, spoke in a barely audible voice.
As a long-range fighter, her physical endurance was even worse than Setsuna's.Right now, she was still in that limp, drained-of-strength phase.
Akame chimed in, "Yeah. Don't you want to break through your level too?"
Even counting the newly joined Eve, they only had five followers total.Having another teammate to fight alongside them would definitely help.
Otherwise—
Just look at the Mine she was carrying right now. A walking example.
The Star Spirit rolled her eyes. "And whose fault is that? You never give me a chance."
"???"
Akame and Mine both looked confused.
What do you mean?
Do you really need a chance for something like that?
Isn't it just: basic physical contact → leave the rest to the master?
"I… I've never done it before…"The Star Spirit hugged her arms, fidgeting. "And among elves, we… need a little ritual. It's tradition."
"Ah…"
Akame and Mine exchanged a knowing glance.
So she was shy and needed a sense of ceremony.
Got it.
Akame nodded solemnly. "Don't worry. Since you've said so, I'll help you."
"Then I'm counting on you!"The Star Spirit grabbed Akame's arm, eyes shining.
She absolutely needed to get this over with.Otherwise her nerves were going to collapse sooner or later.
—
On the other side—
"Eve, this Caladorius you mentioned… it's really that strong?" Edger asked.
Eve nodded quickly. "It's a legendary divine bird. Even the Demon King fears it."
"My level went up, but if I want to truly defeat the Demon King… I need its help."
"Oh." Edger blinked.
He had no real impression of this so-called divine bird.
In his past life, he'd only watched the anime—nothing more.
Still…
If his follower wanted it, then he'd just go get it.
"By the way, is this divine bird male or female?"
Eve froze. "Legend says it's female."
"But even if it were male… why would that matter?"
"Because then I'd have to kill it," Edger said matter-of-factly. "I don't allow any unrelated males hanging around my followers."
"…"
—
Several days later.
Edger and the others descended from the sky.
What greeted them was a mountain range soaring into the clouds, magnificent and overwhelming.
"Master, this is our destination. The sacred grounds of the Blackwing tribe." Eve pointed ahead, excitement in her voice.
"Mmm. Beautiful scenery," Edger said with a slight smile as he gazed into the distance.
Then his eyes shifted. "But it seems the locals aren't very happy to see us."
The moment his words fell, waves of magic surged in the distance.
A heartbeat later—
Several wind blades tore through the air, shooting straight toward them.
"Who goes there!?"Mine shouted, already firing her Pumpkin Cannon.
BOOM!
The explosion shattered every incoming wind blade.
Akame and the others instantly moved to shield Edger, standing firmly in front of him.
Edger was very satisfied.
He didn't need protection—his strength made that obvious.But as the master, being protected by his followers was simply how it should be.
"There's a lot of them. Is this an ambush?"The Star Spirit frowned, magic surging around her.
One figure after another leapt out from the forest.
All of them had pitch-black wings—undeniably members of the Blackwing tribe.
"Humans, this is not a place you belong."An elder stepped forward. "Leave now, or we will—"
He suddenly froze, eyes locking on Eve.
"Y-You… Lady Eve?"
"Grandpa Mir!"Eve's eyes lit up with surprise.
"Lady Eve, were these humans holding you hostage? Don't worry—we won't let them hurt you!"
"No, Grandpa Mir, don't misunderstand! They're my companions.Please—don't act rashly!"
Mir paused mid-command, carefully examining her.
She really didn't look like she was being coerced.
He immediately bowed apologetically. "Everyone, forgive me. I acted hastily."
Mine, Akame, and the others didn't relax, instead turning to look at Edger.
"…"
"What? Why're you staring at me? Do I look like the kind of guy who'd slaughter an entire family over a single attack?"
"I said it was a misunderstanding."
"…"
The girls exchanged subtle glances.
Isn't that exactly what he'd do…?
Misunderstanding resolved,Mir led Edger and the others deeper into the Blackwing sanctuary.
"Lady Eve, where have you been all this time?" Mir asked worriedly.
"I've been hiding and running from the Demon King's army," Eve explained."But I realized I can't run forever."
"So I want the power of the divine bird, Caladorius."
"What!?"Mir's expression changed instantly. "Lady Eve, you mustn't!"
"You know how many people attempted the divine bird's trial?None ever returned alive!"
Eve shook her head firmly.
"If someone once earned the bird's recognition, then I can too."
"And now… I've gained new strength."
She unconsciously touched her stomach, voice growing even more determined.
"That's right—and Setsuna will help her," Akame added."With Master here, it'll be fine."
Mine and the others nodded in agreement.
"Ugh…"Looking at their absolute confidence, Mir could only sigh."I still think it's far too dangerous."
"Lady Eve, you have the potential to become the Demon King yourself.You just need patience."
"There's no need to gamble your life on such a tiny sliver of hope."
"Grandpa Mir, you don't need to persuade me."Eve shook her head. "Maybe what you said is a valid path."
"But in the meantime, who knows how many more of our people will die?"
"Believe me—we can pass the divine bird's trial."
Mir opened his mouth but couldn't find the words.Everything melted into one long sigh.
"Since you've decided… I won't stop you."
"But you've had a tough journey. Before challenging the trial, you must rest."
Eve nodded firmly. "Yes. Absolutely."
On the other side—
The Star Spirit's eyes lit up at the word rest.
A chance.Finally… a chance has come.
"..."
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