Seeking Solace

...I walk to the path of Mount Lianthan, feeling mentally drained and confused after the whole interaction I had with my master. Everything was puzzling...and I still don't entirely understand why she had to pull that stunt on me.

The whole thing felt like a fever dream...a nightmare that I wished to escape from.

I hated it when she looked at me with those bleak eyes, that my death, and the death of her one-week disciple who could resurrect whenever he wanted...mattered greatly to her.

It made me feel quilty.

I didn't even want to continue torturing myself after that.

...but that wasn't the most puzzling thing that happened today. What did she mean that she wanted me to learn aura? Was that supposed to happen when I fought Wraith's Bequeath?

I don't know.

But all I know is...she only laughed after hearing that I didn't get to learn it.

...if that's not a sign of someone being a psycho, then I don't know what is!

Nonetheless, I'm going to listen to what she said and follow her advice for today. I'll lay down low and reflect on myself. I'm going to settle what psychologically disturbs me first before proceeding with any other mechanic that this game has.

That means...I'm probably going to sell the drops I got from the boss at Wraith's Bequeath tomorrow.

And as for battling again? Maybe some time this week...I'm still tentative about what I will do.

...so I go up the mountain, not using the tablet to teleport directly. I was relaxing and enjoying the scenery of the clouds passing through the sky. It took me some time to ascend to the top of the mountain...but once I reach the peak, I felt the slow yet peaceful journey fulfilling.

The fluttering scent of cherry blossoms greeting me as soon as I take the final step made it all the more better.

Thus, I felt more compelled to go to Rosalina's pagoda...it's good if I rest there for a while...spending time with Druvis and bond with her as her parental father.

Walking to the path of the North, I could see Rosalina's pagoda?

But why were there cracks--

Hold on...is this what master told me that she caused?!

WHAT THE HECK IS THAT?!

IT'S LIKE A BIG SWORD JUST SLICED THE MOUNTAIN!

This is nuts. Absolutely nuts...she told me to expect a crevasse being formed, but I absolutely underestimated its size! It was such a wide linear tear that I find it hard to believe that it was caused by a weapon like the one I'm using...

Is this even humanly possible?

...of course it's not! I'm speaking nonsense again! It's definitely amplified through the use of skills.

Nonetheless, it's freaking impressive.

So then, I continue to admire the crevasse and stroll forward the entrance of the pagoda. It's still as maintained as it was before...whatever happened that caused the huge tear. 

It's eerily peaceful, since there's barely any slashes or signs of piercing in the walls.

It could mean that there was no fighting that happened...but then, what gives with the tear? It's something that I find odd about what I can see. There were no traces except for the crack, and the pagoda was as tidy as ever.

Was this all done in purpose? To redirect the true problem from whoever sees the--

"I see that you've come to pick up our child," I get called out by the same voice I'm used to hearing whenever I enter this pagoda. This, inevitably, stops me from thinking about my observations. 

I focus my attention to the woman calling me from afar and...huh?

That's new...she has a familiar red flower placed near her ear. It looked dazzling on her, the rays of light from the sun adding more exposure to her beauty. It noticeably complimented the red in her eyes.

But what was even more amazing? Was the unusual green-colored "thing" on her shoulders.

Yep. That's definitely Druvis upon further notice. She's resting on Rosalina's shoulders...but the pale color on her body and the frightful look on her eyes told me that she was still frightful of her mom.

"Oh, Rosalina...yeah, I did." I smile, looking at her warmly and coming to greet them both. 

As soon as I step closer, Druvis immediately pounces on my shoulder and stays possessively close to my neck. She looked terrified...but she was definitely more comfortable resting on me.

Rosalina only sighs, a faint look of worry flashing in her eyes.

"I am at fault for that...I did not wish for Druvis to get in contact with my aura," She excuses, bowing softly at me. "This will not happen a second time," She continues, looking at me with clear eyes.

...but honestly?

I didn't hear all that!

I was too distracted by how close she was to me. The flower in her ear and the sincere look in her eyes...was such an ethereal scenery that made me lose my concsciouness. Momentarily, at least.

It felt relaxing. Even, hypnotizing. 

I come closer, my body and the mentally drained state of my brain taking over the rational and sane version of me.

I'm inches close to her, but I don't do anything except lose distance between us.

She only looks up at me with raised brows, expecting me to say something that would explain why I'm coming closer...but nothing comes out of my mouth except for a sigh of relief.

Well, at least 'nothing' before a couple more seconds pass.

"Do you mind if I rest on your shoulders?" I ask, the words coming out as more of a plea rather than a question. It's my desperate attempt at seeking comfort...of seeking something to calm the disturbed version of me.

And ironically enough? This attempt was directed to my contracted wife.

...she blinks for a couple of times, unsure of how to proceed. And so am I...I don't know what might happen out of this. Her mouth slightly parts, looking up at me with squinted eyes.

But they're not one of inherent disgust...or malice.

Or...anything negative at that.

It was only something that directly expressed her perplexion at this whole...situation I caused.

"...what compels you to ask such a request?" She voices out, not moving any further or closer to me. She's standing still, looking up at me with fluttering eyes. "Is there such a visible burden on me that makes you want to rest it at peace? I assure you, I do not mind nor hate my responsibilities as Druvithea's mother."

...hold on what?

...what was she talking about it?

Wait...did she get confused by what I've said! No! She's definitely got it the wrong way!