Rhode wondered if Mira had prepared some kind of gift or some other little surprise.
He didn't expect the surprise to be this big.
According to his original plan, besides bringing Lisana back to life, helping Mira overcome her psychological shadows required solving two major challenges.
The first was Elfman's state, and the second was Mira's own willingness.
If Elfman couldn't forgive himself, then Mira wouldn't be able to recover either.
Conversely, as long as Elfman could recover, more than half the problem would be solved.
Rhode had been constantly looking for 'sibling' and 'brother-sister' related quests and teaming up with Elfman for this reason.
He hoped that the familial love and understanding between family members could make Elfman realize that Lisana wouldn't blame him for wanting to protect them.
The many missions they had undertaken before had worked to some extent.
Moreover, it seemed Mira realized what he wanted to do and had been silently supporting him.
This greatly encouraged Rhode because it meant that once Elfman recovered, Mira's willingness wouldn't be an issue.
Although the way they ultimately achieved their goal was somewhat unexpected, Elfman finally came through.
Rhode speculated that the siblings' recent visit to the grave might also be related to this matter.
But he absolutely didn't expect Mira to suddenly give him such a big surprise.
Ugly? What's ugly? More than the Magic Swamp Frog form?
When Mira used the Receiving Magic at that moment, Rhode was so happy he didn't know where to place his hands.
It was precisely this reaction that finally allowed Mira to dare to look into his eyes.
So bright, so joyful, without a trace of disgust or fear.
The scoldings and anger she endured as a child, all the terror and unease she felt, were almost drowned out in those bright eyes.
"You... don't find it annoying? That I'm like a different person."
Mira was a bit incoherent, but Rhode roughly understood what she wanted to express.
When he started learning Receiving Magic, Mira had a similar reaction; the trauma from her childhood wasn't something time could easily erase.
Rhode stretched out his left hand, his arm transforming into a Golem, Tree Monster, Frog Hand, Crab Claw...
"No matter how the outside changes, you are still you, and I am still me. You know... you've always been the one I liked, and I've always been the one who likes you."
"If you're worried that I'll dislike you, let me think..." Rhode's heart was pounding; he reached out with his arm in a Wolf Claw state, "how about you try squeezing the paw pad, and see if I run away?"
Mira's eyes welled up with tears, the lights making them appear crystal clear. She really stretched out her hand, carefully pressing her fingertips onto the paw pad.
Without any hesitation, Rhode used his Wolf Claw to hold onto the Devil Hand.
It was firm, with bark-like textures, not pleasant to the touch, but holding it felt like holding the world's greatest treasure.
Mira gave a gentle pull, only making Rhode's grip tighten further.
She looked into Rhode's eyes, filled with expectation and encouragement, and cautiously curled her fingers to hold his hand in return.
Rhode was sure he was smiling happier than ever before.
He stepped forward, wrapping Mira in his arms with his free right hand, his left hand still tightly gripping her right hand.
Mira rested her cheek against his chest, her left hand on his shoulder. Their posture might seem a bit odd, but no matter what, Rhode couldn't let go at this moment.
He rubbed his cheek against Mira's hair and whispered in her ear, "If you're worried that I only liked the old you, then from now on, I'll start liking the current you."
Rhode's Wolf Claw reverted to its normal state, and he pinched Mira's Devil Hand, saying, "Anyway, I've got you now; no escaping."
"Hmm." Mira let out a gentle response. Her right hand also returned to normal, and their hands truly and directly held each other.
As if by mutual understanding, their hands explored each other, interlocking fingers tightly without letting go.
Today's body technique training would certainly be delayed for a while, but it was worth it.
Because both had become more determined to protect each other's feelings, which would eventually become a powerful strength.
They embraced for who knows how long until Mira gently pushed against Rhode's chest, prompting him to reluctantly release her.
Mira stepped back two steps with her hands behind her back, "You better remember what you just said."
"Of course." Rhode watched her actions and guessed, "Are you going to show me the full form of Satan's Soul?"
"This time, it might really scare you," Mira thought for a moment and added, "It's not just about the looks."
"If I get scared, I'll..." Rhode couldn't think of an appropriate end, "you decide."
"That's what you said." Mira retreated a bit further, playfully winking before turning serious.
The next moment, magic power surged around her, as if gusts of wind were swirling, causing her skirt and hair to flutter, even making Rhode step back.
"This is..." Although Rhode was somewhat prepared, he was still shocked by Mira's terrifying burst of magic power.
The sheer force of it made his heart race!
A flash of light occurred, and Mira's transformation completed; her white hair rose high like flames, swaying with the wind.
A black pattern traced from her temple across her right eye, down her cheek, to her jaw, and her lips seemed painted a deep red.
Her usual red dress had become rather bold attire, with a pair of black Devil Wings on her back and a black tail trailing behind.
Not only did her appearance change, but her entire demeanor was altered too.
The gentle beauty who was just smiling sweetly had turned into an aloof queen-like figure.
No, "queen" doesn't even suffice; it's more like a Queen.
Rhode only saw Mira take a step, or perhaps her wings flapped, and in an instant, she was in front of Rhode.
Mira was hovering in the air, slightly above him, looking down at him.
The terrifying magic power combined with the cold gaze made Rhode's breath catch, almost disbelieving this was Mira.
As he realized this, he suddenly felt his chin being pinched, and Mira's face, so different from before, approached.
Rhode felt his heart race again, somewhat hoping she'd be bolder.
But Mira didn't take it further, her tone harsh and cold, "You were scared just now, weren't you?"
Ignoring her icy tone, Rhode held her hand that was pinching his chin, helplessly saying:
"I lost; the sudden burst of magic was too frightening, and this pose is quite embarrassing."
Mira returned to her normal state, feet touching the ground, letting him continue holding her hand, a triumphant smile on her face, "Heh heh, prepare for your punishment."
Showing her strong side to the one she likes, and seeing his shocked expression felt wonderful.
Now she could protect him.
"Alright, alright, what's my punishment?" Rhode felt slightly conflicted.
He originally thought that once Mira recovered, he could relax a bit, maybe even indulge.
But recalling how she pinched his chin...
If he didn't put in the effort, it might undermine his dignity.
This won't do!