Robin was utterly dumbstruck.
She had just been at the very center of an Emanator of Destruction's battlefield… and survived without a scratch??
More importantly, if her eyes hadn't been deceiving her…
Had Sylvia actually made an Emanator of Destruction suffer a major setback?
Sure, there was some clever maneuvering involved, but the sheer weight of an Emanator's presence was undeniable. Even pulling off such a maneuver was downright unbelievable.
At that thought, Robin's heart gave a little flutter.
The frail, slender white-haired girl now weakly leaning against her chest suddenly seemed to grow into an imposing figure.
Penacony had sent invitations to a whole host of factions. The future Penacony was bound to be a chaotic mix of all sorts.
If she could bring Sylvia in to assist her… wouldn't that allow her own investigation to proceed more boldly?
Robin stayed quiet the whole way back, mainly because she wasn't familiar with the Xianzhou natives, and she'd only just met Sylvia that day.
Her mind was busy turning over how to invite Sylvia to accept her commission—to investigate matters in Penacony.
As for Fu Xuan, with an outsider present, she didn't say much either.
After arranging temporary lodgings for the two, she hurried off to take charge of the overall situation.
An incident of this magnitude happening within the Xianzhou—an Emanator of Destruction infiltrating the Exalting Sanctum realm and clashing with a guest of the alliance, nearly destroying the entire realm in the process—was no small matter.
Thankfully, Xianzhou architecture was built stout, and their militant culture meant preparedness. The damage wasn't too severe, and not many buildings had collapsed.
Just thinking about the whole affair sent a shiver of dread down Fu Xuan's spine.
The Exalting Sanctum was an incredibly densely populated realm.
It was fortunate the General had arrived in time, and that Sylvia had been formidable enough.
Otherwise, the consequences would have been truly unthinkable.
As for Sylvia…
After settling onto the sofa in the new quarters, she glanced at Robin, who had supported her all the way, and waved a hand apologetically.
"Look at the mess today turned into. Maybe you should go rest for today as well? We can talk tomorrow."
Robin nodded. She also needed to reconsider the matter. The strength and connections Sylvia had displayed clearly exceeded her expectations.
However, watching Sylvia resting on the sofa, clearly not in the best shape, Robin couldn't help but ask with concern, "Miss Sylvia, do you need any help? Don't let my appearance fool you, I'm quite skilled at taking care of people."
Robin seemed almost eager.
Putting Sylvia's strength aside for a moment, the fact that she'd shielded Robin with everything she had, allowing her to survive unscathed right at the heart of the battlefield, left Robin with nothing but gratitude.
Sylvia didn't mind Robin's kindness. Under different circumstances, she definitely wouldn't have refused.
After all, who would dislike being cared for by a great beauty?
But whether it was using the Hazard Trigger to unleash the power of her Herrscher core, or finally shattering the toy knife to deliver that blade stroke belonging to Acheron, both had subjected Sylvia's body to the erosion of Nihility.
It wasn't that she couldn't handle it herself—her training with Acheron hadn't been for nothing.
It was mainly that Sylvia was afraid staying in close contact with Robin for too long might cause her discomfort.
The amount she was carrying was harmless unless someone was in prolonged, close proximity.
But if Robin really stayed to look after her for a whole day, that was a different story.
"No need. You heard about the power I used today. It's best not to stay near me for too long right now. You should probably go get yourself checked out at the Alchemy Commission too," Sylvia waved her hand, declining Robin's offer.
"...Alright then. I'll come find you tomorrow. If you need anything, contact me anytime," Robin nodded, not pressing the matter. Sylvia likely had her own secrets.
After her reply, Robin prepared a pot of tea for Sylvia before finally leaving the room.
Only after the door clicked shut did Sylvia's expression completely crumble.
Her earlier composure shattered instantly.
"...Help me, Big Sister Acheron~"
The moment the words left her lips, Sylvia's vision went dark. A familiar embrace, along with a familiar scent, enveloped her.
There was no need for pretense in front of Acheron.
So, Sylvia's face scrunched up, and she began to whimper softly as she nestled into Acheron's arms.
"Acheron, it hurts so much… Phantylia just attacked without a word today…"
Acheron, carefully cradling Sylvia in her arms, frowned deeply upon hearing this.
No wonder the power she'd left behind had been triggered. The moment she sensed it, she had prepared herself to be summoned by Sylvia.
Yet she waited and waited, and when the summons finally came, it seemed everything was already over.
Why hadn't she called for help?
"Why didn't you call me to help?"
Acheron wasn't the type to hold back her thoughts. So, thinking it, she asked it directly.
Looking at Sylvia lying limp in her arms, she felt both worry and anger. She wanted to punish this girl severely, yet couldn't bring herself to do it.
Sylvia, of course, detected that hint of displeasure in Acheron's tone.
But she felt no fear. Instead, she nuzzled her face against Acheron's chest. Skin met skin, and the soft contact seemed to drive away some of Sylvia's pain.
"If you had come, wouldn't the Luofu have realized you're not a Galaxy Ranger? That just wouldn't do."
"...And for such a trivial matter, you pushed yourself to this state?"
"How is that trivial?" Sylvia pouted. It wasn't a small thing, was it? Being a Self-Annihilator wasn't exactly a great identity to have. If exposed, she'd have to find a new cover again.
"..."
Acheron pressed her lips together. Sylvia's stubbornness was as consistent as ever, and it was more than she could bear.
She reached out and pinched Sylvia's cheek, giving it a good squeeze.
"Mmph—"
Sylvia truly had no strength to resist now. Aside from letting out a couple of muffled sounds to assert her existence, she was like a large doll, entirely at Acheron's mercy.
Acheron showed no mercy, kneading Sylvia's face until it was flushed red.
Then, she removed her stiffer outer coat, wrapped both arms around Sylvia, and helped her adjust to a more comfortable lying position in her embrace.
"First, tell me exactly what happened."
Sylvia sighed but held nothing back.
She recounted everything, from sensing something was wrong, to Jing Yuan's arrival at the scene, their combined effort to repel Phantylia, and what she'd gained in the end.
She told Acheron all of it.
The whole story wasn't long, but as Acheron listened, she couldn't help but pinch Sylvia's cheek again.
"Facing an Emanator of Destruction head-on… you really… I gave you that blade stroke for escaping, not for fighting Emanators to the death."
"Ow… easy, easy…"
Unable to fight back, Sylvia could only plead for mercy.
"Won't happen next time, I promise… let go, please let go…"
Acheron's heart ultimately softened. Hearing Sylvia's assurance, she eased her grip slightly.
"You'd better mean it next time."
With that, Acheron held out a hand and said, "Let me see that little bottle."
"What's the matter?"
"It might sound strange coming from me, but the power of Destruction isn't so easily claimed. And given the nature of Heliobi… it's better to examine it carefully."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.