Ch 70: What a relief nothing happened

Two days had passed, and Hina stood in the castle garden, her eyes scanning the vibrant flowers and lush greenery. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming roses and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. She sighed in relief, feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin. "Looks like nothing bad happened after all. This is great."

As a bonus, she had finally managed to restore about 40% of her divine power. She felt the familiar, invigorating energy coursing through her veins again. Hina extended her hand, focusing her energy, and a soft, radiant glow surrounded her fingers. She tested her power, gauging how much she could emit.

The system chimed in her mind, its voice reassuring. "Looking good, Master."

Hina smiled, the weight of the past days lifting slightly from her shoulders. "Yeah," she said softly, her voice filled with newfound confidence. The garden around her seemed even more beautiful now, every color more vibrant, every scent more fragrant. She felt the cool, smooth texture of the amulet her father had given her, a reminder of his protection and love.

As she continued to test her powers, small bursts of light and energy flickered around her. The sound of birds chirping nearby and the gentle hum of magic created a serene, almost magical atmosphere. The taste of hope was sweet on her tongue, a stark contrast to the bitter fear she had felt before.

With each pulse of divine energy, Hina felt more prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. She was determined to protect those she loved and to stand strong against any threat, knowing that her power was growing and her resolve was unbreakable.

Suddenly, while Hina was testing her divine power, Flicker from the hero's party stumbled upon her. Her presence was a stark contrast to the intense focus Hina had maintained.

"Oh, how are you, Hina? Are you okay?" Flicker asked, her face lighting up with a sweet, genuine smile.

Startled, Hina turned to face her, the radiant glow around her fingers fading. She managed a smile, appreciating Flicker's concern. "Hi, Flicker. Yes, I'm doing better. I've restored about 40% of my power, so I'm feeling stronger again."

Flicker's eyes widened with admiration. "That's great to hear! We were all really worried about you," she said, her voice full of sincerity.

Hina felt a warm rush of gratitude. Flicker's kind demeanor and genuine concern eased the lingering tension within her. The scent of the garden's blooms seemed even more refreshing in her presence, and the gentle breeze felt like a comforting touch.

"I'm glad you're here, Flicker," Hina said softly, her confidence bolstered by Flicker's supportive presence. "Thank you for checking on me."

Flicker nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, Hina. We're all in this together. Just let me know if you need anything, okay?"

Hina nodded, feeling a renewed sense of camaraderie. "I will. Thank you, Flicker."

As Flicker left, Hina turned her attention back to her training, her spirits lifted by the encounter. The sounds of the garden, from the rustling leaves to the chirping birds, now seemed to harmonize with her own renewed energy. With her divine power gradually returning and the support of her friends, Hina felt more determined than ever to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

And then Lefa stumbled upon Hina. Hina looked at Lefa, who was equally surprised to see her. They stood frozen for a moment, the tension of the past few days hanging heavily in the air.

"I am sorry," they said in harmony, their voices overlapping.

Hina quickly added, "Wait, I am the one supposed to be sorry."

Lefa shook her head, her eyes softening. "No, no, no, it was me too. I left you and got angry without giving a proper explanation."

Hina, holding her left arm, said, "Sorry too, Lefa, that I brought up the bad event that happened three days ago."

Lefa stepped closer, her expression gentle. "It's okay. The past is the past. We can forget about it." She smiled warmly and stuck out her small fingertip. "Friends?"

Hina's face lit up with relief and happiness. "Friends," she echoed, sticking out her fingertip.

They both laughed, the sound of their shared joy echoing through the garden. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over them. The scent of flowers seemed sweeter, and the rustling leaves created a soothing background melody.

As they stood there, the taste of lingering tears mixed with the newfound hope of reconciliation, Hina felt the weight of her worries lighten. The touch of Lefa's fingertip against hers was a small yet powerful gesture, symbolizing their renewed bond.

With Lefa by her side, Hina felt a renewed sense of strength and determination. They knew that, together, they could face any challenges ahead. The garden, once a place of solitude and sorrow, now felt like a haven of friendship and hope.

Lefa's eyes widened in amazement as she observed Hina. "Wow, your magic power has been restored," she exclaimed.

Hina nodded, a faint smile touching her lips. "Not that much, but I still manage."

Lefa's curiosity sparked. "I heard that you can utilize the dark energy in your body. Is that true?"

Hina's expression turned nervous, her eyes darting away briefly. "Yes, it is. I've been corrupted by the Demonlord."

Lefa recoiled in shock. "No, it can't be," she whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief.

Hina's heart sank as she saw the devastation in Lefa's eyes. "That's why I can't stay in this kingdom any longer," she continued, her voice heavy with sorrow. "I may bring disaster to this kingdom because the Demonlord is always after me."

Lefa's tears began to flow freely now. "No, no, sister, don't leave," she pleaded, her voice choked with emotion. "I have no good friends except you."

Hina's own anguish mirrored Lefa's as she reached out to comfort her. "I'm so sorry, Lefa. I must do it to prevent disaster upon this kingdom."

Lefa continued to cry in despair, the weight of Hina's decision bearing down on her like a crushing wave. In that moment of shared pain, Hina's resolve wavered, but she knew that she had to stay true to her decision for the greater good. As they embraced, their tears mingled, a poignant reminder of the bond they shared and the sacrifices they were forced to make.

As Lefa ran off, tears streaming down her face, Hina reached out to her, her eyes filled with desperation. "Lefa, wait," she called out, her voice barely a whisper, choked with emotion.

Seeing Lefa disappear into the distance, Hina's heart felt heavy with sorrow. She knew that their separation was necessary to keep Lefa safe, but the pain of parting weighed heavily on her.

"This is for your own good," Hina murmured to herself, her voice trembling. "We must depart to keep you safe."

Hina's eyes brimmed with tears, her vision blurring as she fought to hold back her own emotions. The thought of leaving behind her dearest friend tore at her soul, but she knew that it was the only way to protect her from the dangers that lurked in the shadows.

With a heavy heart, Hina turned away, her resolve firm but her spirit shaken. As she walked away, the echoes of Lefa's sobs lingered in her ears, a haunting reminder of the sacrifice they both had to make for the sake of their kingdom and their friendship.

Kanade approached Hina, noticing her solitude and the sadness that weighed heavily upon her. "Goddess Hina, are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Hina turned away slightly, hiding her tear-stained face from Kanade. "Yes," she replied softly, her voice barely audible.

Kanade frowned, sensing the depth of Hina's pain despite her attempt to hide it. "You don't seem okay," she persisted, stepping closer to her.

Hina hesitated for a moment before finally turning to face Kanade, her eyes reflecting the turmoil within her. "I'm just... dealing with some things," she admitted, her voice wavering with emotion.

Kanade nodded understandingly, her expression sympathetic. "If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you," she offered, reaching out a comforting hand towards Hina.

Hina managed a small, grateful smile, touched by Kanade's kindness. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling a glimmer of solace in the midst of her sorrow. With Kanade's support, she knew she wouldn't have to face her struggles alone.

Hina took a deep breath, steeling herself as she prepared to confide in Kanade. "If I stay any longer in this kingdom," she began, her voice trembling with emotion, "disaster will befall us. The Demonlord is after me, and I fear for everyone's safety."

Kanade listened attentively, her expression grave as she absorbed Hina's words. Without hesitation, she pulled Hina into a tight embrace. "It's okay," Kanade reassured her, her voice steady and resolute. "We've got your back. We'll protect you and the kingdom, even if we're not the strongest. We'll prevail against the evil that threatens us, as long as we stand together."

Feeling Kanade's unwavering support, Hina's heart swelled with gratitude. Tears welled up in her eyes, but this time they were tears of relief and hope. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I understand."

With Kanade by her side, Hina felt a renewed sense of strength and determination. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, united in their resolve to protect their kingdom and each other.