After that, Ray and his party remained in the Sanguis Plateaus for several more days. Only after confirming that the Dark Tide had left no lasting effects on them did they finally decide to return to Capitoline Hill City.
"I envy you all." Before departure, Luno looked at the group preparing to leave, a hint of regret in her voice as she pouted. "You get to go back to Capitoline Hill City and rest properly, while I have to stay here alone, facing those Dark Tide creations all day."
"Well, you are the esteemed Oracle Maiden." Ray looked at Luno, who was clearly in a sulk, and smiled helplessly. "Next time I have a chance, I'll definitely come back to the Sanguis Plateaus and hunt with you."
"Hmph." Luno gave a light snort, her discontent practically radiating from her small face. "Instead of such vague promises, why don't you just stay here and hunt with me until I get tired of it?"
"You really are as willful as ever." Ray shook his head with a soft sigh. "If I make a promise, I keep it. Believe me, if I get the opportunity, I will definitely return to the Sanguis Plateaus and hunt with you until you grow tired of it."
Luno pouted, secretly opening one eye to peek at him. "It's still just an empty promise... but I'll reluctantly believe you, since you seem sincere enough. But if you dare break your word...." She suddenly squinted. "Even if I have to tie you up, I'll drag you back to the Sanguis Plateaus!"
"Understood, esteemed Oracle Maiden."
Carlotta stood to the side, smiling gently without speaking.
She was just a little puzzled...
Luno hadn't known Ray for very long, so why had their relationship suddenly become so close?
Could this guy really be some kind of incubus?
Every woman he encountered, regardless of how long they'd known each other, ended up developing inexplicable feelings for him.
In the morning light, she watched the two saying their goodbyes, her fingers unconsciously twirling the ends of her hair.
'No good. The longer this drags on, the slimmer my chances become!
I don't know what Cat's Eye is thinking, but I have to get to him before anyone else does!'
...
...
Capitoline Hill City.
Though several days had passed, the city still exuded its usual peaceful tranquility.
The anomaly in the Sanguis Plateaus hadn't disturbed the city's daily rhythm.
Following their agreement, Ray's first stop after returning to the city was the Ephor's Palace.
However, because his identity wasn't yet clear, he was stopped at the palace gate by guards for questioning.
Just as the two sides were at a standoff, a familiar figure slowly emerged from the palace gates, it was Avidius.
"Sir Ray, we meet again." Avidius approached with a friendly smile. The guards immediately bowed upon seeing him. He casually waved a hand. "This gentleman is the Ephor's honored guest, and a hero of Septimont. No further questioning is needed. Please, let him pass."
The guards exchanged glances. Though they were merely following protocol, Avidius' status compelled them to comply.
"Thank you." Ray nodded in acknowledgment.
Avidius gestured gracefully. "A mere trifle. Compared to your exploits in the Sanguis Plateaus, this is nothing worth mentioning."
He shifted his tone slightly, a flicker of inquiry in his eyes. "Though I must say, your methods are truly astounding, to be able to devour a Dark Tide creation without suffering erosion yourself. Of course, this isn't doubt; after all, the anomalous frequency has indeed disappeared. It's purely out of curiosity, with no offense intended."
"In any case, I hope that the next time we meet, we might fight side by side."
"Go on. The Ephor has been waiting for you for quite some time."
With that, Avidius departed without another word.
Ray watched his gradually receding figure, then turned and entered the Ephor's Palace.
Augusta had been waiting there for quite a while.
"Haha, I knew I wasn't mistaken about you, Ray."
"Your existence... is truly extraordinary."
"Luno has already told me everything that happened in the Hunting Grounds. Devouring a Dark Tide creation without being affected yourself, what an unbelievable ability."
The Ephor's rose from her throne, her gown trailing down the steps. She walked over to Ray, her gaze appraising him intently.
This was the first time she'd heard of anyone being truly immune to the Dark Tide's erosion. The shock it gave her was comparable to hearing that someone had tried swimming in molten lava.
Ray modestly lifted the corner of his mouth. "Actually, that was thanks to Anby. As for me... I just did what I could."
"Anby? Oh, I remember, that little guy we saw briefly before?" Augusta mused, then a smile touched her lips as she extended an invitation to Ray. "Your power is formidable. Why not stay in Septimont? I'll offer you the most generous treatment. Whatever conditions you have, I can meet them."
Was this an invitation to join Septimont?
The conditions were tempting, but if he agreed...
If the Second Young Miss found out, she'd jump up and hit him in the knees, wouldn't she?
Therefore, Ray politely declined Augusta's invitation. "I'm honored by your offer, Ephor, but I currently have no plans to join Septimont."
"Haha, that's fair." Augusta showed no displeasure at his refusal. "You're from Ragunna, after all. You must have many ties there. But this invitation has no expiration date. If you ever change your mind in the future, you're always welcome to come find me."
"Also, the reward for this mission will be directly deposited into your account."
"I look forward to the day we meet again."
...
...
She awoke from her dream.
The young woman stretched lazily in the medical pod, rubbing around like a just-awakened cat for quite a while before slowly propping herself up.
"There shouldn't be any problem with my body for now, right?"
She yawned, covering her mouth. Though her limbs were still a bit stiff, for her, this had long become routine.
The burden of overclocking was nothing new to her, it was almost routine. She was even starting to become addicted to that feeling of pain...
No, it wasn't pain.
It was... a kind of thrilling ecstasy.
An unparalleled intoxication.
Vines coiled around her arm, climbing upward. Tiny buds slowly bloomed at their tips.
"The immediate danger is over, but for the time being... you'd better not leave the Black Shores."
The medical staff were reviewing her evaluation report, but the young woman paid them no mind.
If she couldn't fight, what was life worth?
She casually picked up her terminal and began browsing the latest mission list. As a Bloom Bearer of the Black Shores, her purpose was to seek out the strong and eliminate dangerous remnants.
Even though these missions often came with overwhelming odds, to her they were the sweetest reward, as intoxicating as honey.
Suddenly, she saw the message from Isidora.
Then, a faint smile curved the young woman's lips. She softly hummed a tune, a song she had learned from .....him.
"Found you."
"....Fated Seed."