Chapter 2: Innocence

Despite the continuous rain, I felt somewhat comfortable because I was with Morakex. He carried me as we walked for what seemed like a long time, until the weather cleared, and we arrived at a place where humans lived.

"This is the Gathered Haven, a gathering place for humans that I protect along with two other demigods," Morakex put me down and gestured for me to look at the human settlement not far ahead.

Amidst the bustling activity of humans, smoke rose from their dwellings. The rain-soaked ground wasn't muddy because it was composed of solid rock.

"Hmm... You seem to like humans," I observed the human settlement in front of me. Humans appeared dim and fragile in my eyes, like the faint glow of fireflies. It felt like one had to be careful not to harm them with the slightest touch. Yet, these seemingly fragile humans gathered here and thrived.

"And there are three of you, just like you," I expressed my genuine surprise. Considering the memories I was born with, demigods weren't exactly easy to get along with. Even myself... I thought that if Morakex hadn't introduced these humans to me, I probably would have ignored them like insignificant insects.

"Morakex!" A furry and unfamiliar creature ran over. "Did you bring a demigod back?"

It was about the height of Morakex's calf, furry, with light yellow fur, black fur around its eyes, and two black dots for eyebrows. There was a crescent-shaped white pattern in the middle.

It even had rosy cheeks!

It was just so adorable.

I stared at it, and because it was about my height, I could look it in the eyes without tilting my head. "Hello there, I'm Chongxiao. You're a demigod too, right? What's your name?"

"Huh? Oh, you can call me Markus," the furry creature scratched its head with a raised paw, wearing a smile. "Hello, Chongxiao."

"Now that you all know each other, let's head back," Morakex said, then I felt him cast a sidelong glance at me.

I involuntarily tensed up. Had I been found out?

"Chongxiao, don't mind Markus's appearance. His strength has long transcended the limitations of true names," Morakex explained calmly. He then lifted me back onto his arm to sit.

Markus chuckled, "No wonder I felt something trying to [touch] me earlier. It was Chongxiao's power, huh? It feels a lot like Morakex's. I thought I was mistaken."

He had a good temper and didn't seem upset at all; he just smiled.

"I just explained the importance of true names to her. She couldn't resist trying when she saw you," Morakex's voice remained calm.

His arm was stable, and I couldn't feel any bumps as he walked. Realizing they weren't angry, I let go of my apprehension.

"Furball spotting me isn't surprising, but how did you notice, Morakex?"

"Every step leaves a trace," Morakex's voice, carried by the wind, was like a veil over my ears, making me relax involuntarily. I clung to his shoulder, resting my head against it, feeling drowsy.

"Besides, you and I share a deep connection, Chongxiao," he continued speaking slowly, his tone unhurried. "When your elemental power surges, even if it's as weak as a butterfly's wings, it stands out to me like the moon on a dark night."

"But in the future, don't use this method to test other demigods. It's impolite and dangerous."

"...Chongxiao?" He called my name.

I buried my face in the flesh of his neck. Being this close, I could almost smell the scent of rock element coursing within him.

I responded with a murmur because he didn't call my name again.

His body was slightly warm, and through the fabric, I felt a gentle warmth that seemed to flow continuously. I liked the rock element on him: steady, solid, and rich. It felt as if my body was being cleansed inside and out with each breath.

The surroundings grew quiet, except for Morakex's steady heartbeat close by. But it wasn't noisy; it was incredibly comforting.

In this comforting atmosphere, I fell into a deep sleep.

"Looks like she's asleep," Markus conveyed with his eyes. "So, where exactly did you pick up a demigod like her from?"

The intense elemental power surging within her body – if it weren't for the fact that it was undoubtedly rock, he might have mistaken it for fire. That's why he came out the moment he sensed it. After all, there were quite a few ferocious and ruthless demigods out there. In fact, it was the demigods like Morakex who were the exception.

However, it seemed Morakex hadn't received his message.

He gazed at the tiny demigod sleeping soundly in his arms. Her small size was evident, and she was quiet, quite the opposite of her previous personality.

Her hair color resembled his; perhaps they were born from the same mountain range?

She had taken a form more similar to a human, with the exception of those seemingly cracked patterns on her skin, making her look like a human child.

It wasn't a bad thing at all.

Morakex raised his other hand and formed a small rock crystal butterfly. The golden butterfly turned amber in the moment of its creation, fixing itself onto the girl's hair.

Grow up in peace... This time, no one will ever force you to do things you dislike.

Markus thought to himself, "Well, I'll ask another time. Morakex's attitude is enough to confirm that this newly born demigod is harmless."

I woke up.

Hmm, it's not surprising. Even demigods need to sleep, even if it doesn't affect anything. But when you're tired and feeling comfortable, is there anything wrong with taking a nap?

I was lying in the middle of a very large platform, with a smooth stone wall above my head. Below the platform were layers of steps, and beneath the steps were simple stone tables and stools.

The rock elemental energy here was abundant and active, making me feel relaxed.

"Morakex?" I sat up and stifled a yawn. "Markus?"

A tall figure appeared in the doorway, bathed in warm firelight. "Awake? Have something to eat," Morakex walked in, carrying a fire lamp in one hand and a stone plate in the other, placing them on the stone table.

I noticed that this cave was completely dark. Blinking, I hopped off the platform, descended the steps in a few strides, and ran to the stone table. "Is this where you rest? The rock elemental energy here is so rich."

Morakex sat down, his expression calm. "Yes, would you dislike it? Some demigods seem to care a lot about this and would dislike parts that don't belong to them."

"No, I don't dislike it. In fact, your presence makes me feel at ease," I replied, eyeing the food he had brought. To be honest, I didn't quite understand it. "Demigods don't need to eat, right? After all, this body is just a product of elements."

The food on the stone plate was unfamiliar to me, but it smelled good, I presumed. However, I had no desire to eat. Eating or not eating made no difference to me.

"For us, food is indeed not necessary," Morakex's expression remained calm as he gazed at me with his amber eyes. "But when you eat delicious food, even in an elemental body, you can taste the flavor and feel satisfied."

"Are you really not going to try?" His voice sounded ordinary, but I felt strangely compelled. Tentatively, I picked up something that resembled an upside-down stone mortar and brought it to my mouth. I hesitated before saying, "Well, I'll give it a try..."

Ah, wow.

It was soft, hot, and had a strange sensation. My tongue felt a bit sore, but it wasn't the kind of pain from an injury. I swallowed a few bites and stuck out my tongue. "It's a bit... spicy."

Finally, Morakex smiled faintly. "That's called spicy, and this dish is called Spicy Meatballs, a creation of Markus. How does it feel?"

There was no warmth in an elemental body. However... just like the warmth I felt when Morakex held me, at this moment, a warm sensation welled up from within my body.

I held my stomach, a look of wonder on my face. "It feels... warm. Markus is really amazing!"

"Oh, by the way, did you give this to me?" I tilted my head and heard the faint sound of the butterfly wings on my hair fluttering. The subtle sound traveled through the air into my ears, and I found it amusing as I shook my head again.

Morakex nodded. "Yes, don't you like it?"

Well, it's not that I don't like it.

But do you really like asking if people like things?

"I like it." I nodded honestly.

The days in the Gathered Haven were quite ordinary, and the humans easily accepted my presence. Perhaps it was because Morakex and Markus had such good images that they seemed to assume I was a friendly demigod.

"Aren't you?" A human child looked at me curiously. "You're so cute, and you're about the same age as us. Do demigods also grow up from childhood?"

I scratched my cheek. "Probably not, right? I might grow up tomorrow, though." But I had another curious question, "Aren't you afraid of me?"

Although humans accepted me, they still didn't dare to approach me. After all, even in humanoid form, it was easy to tell that I was not human.

Especially with those crack-like patterns that seemed like they could ooze magma.

The human child had beautiful black hair and brown-black eyes. She tilted her head and said, "Why would we be afraid of you? You're very pretty." She reached out her hand and gently touched my face.

Her fingers were a bit rough, but her movements were gentle, as if she was afraid of breaking me.

"Master Morakex said your name is Chongxiao, right? I'm Jiahe. This looks like it would crack, but it feels smooth." She quickly withdrew her hand, smiling at me.

"Because it only looks that way." I felt strangely elated and said, "You have a good eye!"