Almace all grown up

Lilith took a deep breath, trying to collect herself. "What was that?" she murmured, grasping her head. The rage she'd felt was intense, almost overpowering. It was a new, frightening level of anger. 

Glancing down at the scorched ground, where not even ashes remained, Lilith felt a wave of unease. 

With one last look at the aftermath of her fury, Lilith stepped away, disappearing in an instant. A gust of wind was the only trace of her departure from the scene of devastation.

Returning to her parents' house, Lilith found her parents being gently tucked into bed by Azriel. They were sound asleep, blissfully unaware of the night's terrors. It was a relief to see them safe.

Lilith, concerned about their well-being, asked Azriel, "Can you erase their memories of what happened? They shouldn't have to remember this."

Azriel nodded, his tone reassuring. "You don't need to worry. I've already taken care of their memories. They won't remember the incident, and I've made sure there are no traces left."

His ability to alter memories, so effortlessly executed, offered Lilith a sense of relief. It was important to her that her parents remain untouched by the darker realities of her world. 

Lilith's face eased into a more relaxed expression as she acknowledged Azriel's actions. "Hmm… that's good," she said, her voice reflecting a mix of gratitude and relief.

Turning her attention inward, Lilith communicated with Veda mentally. 'Transfer all the data from the previous book.'

<<Affirmative. Transferring data now,>> Veda responded promptly.

In the following moments, Lilith felt a flood of new information streaming into her mind. It was a wave of knowledge pouring into her consciousness. She closed her eyes for a moment, focusing.

Once the initial rush had settled, Lilith opened her eyes again. She began to browse through the newly acquired information, sorting and understanding it.

Lilith, focusing her magical abilities, gestured gracefully toward the space in front of her. "This is the one," she announced.

As she moved her hand, an intricate display of magic unfolded. Mana began to materialize, weaving through the air and gathering the dust scattered around the room. The combination of mana and dust took on a tangible form, shaping itself into a small golem.

Lilith watched intently as the golem's shape became more defined, resembling that of an infant. She then began to add details to it, her hands moving with precision.

As she worked, Lilith spoke softly to herself, "Now, to make you just like I was..." Her voice was a mix of concentration.

With a final touch, Lilith completed the carving. The golem before her was now a perfect, miniature replica of her own infant self.

Lilith's creation of the golem served a dual purpose. Firstly, it allowed her the freedom to leave without constant worry over her parents' safety. The golem, designed to be a replica of her as an infant, would stand guard, ready to protect her parents from any potential dangers.

Hover it felt as if she was giving something up. Lilith wanted to spend more time with her parents but the thought of having to act like an infant sounded way too boring to her.

"Let's go," she said, summoning the entrance to her dimensional pocket.

Azriel, sensing her distress, expressed his concern. "But do you not want to be with your parents at the moment?"

Lilith's response was tinged with sadness. "No… I can't bear to look at my parents right now," she admitted with a sigh. "And I just want to take a breather."

Azriel, ever respectful and understanding, sought to reassure her. "But my lady, I hope you understand that this was none of your fault," he said gently, bowing politely as he stepped into the dimensional pocket.

"None of this was my fault… huh." Lilith thought.

Indeed none of this had happened in her past life so there was no reason for her to prevent this from happening.

But she couldn't help but believe that this was her fault.

Lilith sighed as she closed her eyes and quickly traveled to worlds where she found herself in the same bedroom she had hired Azriel.

Upon exiting the dimensional pocket, Azriel found himself back in the familiar surroundings. Azriel then asked, "What do you plan on doing now?" he inquired.

Lilith smiled and answered simply, "Letting out some steam." She approached the bedroom window, opening it with a swift motion. With a fluid and graceful leap, she descended, landing gently on the ground below.

She proceeded toward the entrance of the elven city, her steps carrying her swiftly. The streets blurred past her as she made her way out of the city, her destination clear in her mind.

Passing through the city gates, Lilith found herself entering the embracing quietude of the thick forest that lay beyond.

Once outside, she plunged into the thick forest, the dense foliage welcoming her with its shadowy embrace.

Suddenly, Azriel appeared before her, materializing from the shadows. "A splendid idea," he commented, a note of admiration in his voice.

In the midst of the dense forest, Lilith unsheathed Azriel, preparing to vent her frustrations 

However, she immediately noticed something was off. Her movements lacked their usual fluidity and responsiveness.

Puzzled, she voiced her concern. "Huh? What's wrong?" she asked, seeking an explanation from Almace.

There was a heavy silence; Almace didn't respond. 

Breaking the silence, Ragnarok spoke up. "She's still traumatized about harming you," he said, his voice carrying a weight of concern.

Harpe then chimed in, her tone earnest. "Master, our purpose is to be a tool for you," she began. "But our worst fear is harming you."

Lilith's expression shifted as she processed their words. She looked at Almace with a newfound understanding, regret washing over her. "Ah..." she uttered, realizing the gravity of her previous actions and their impact on Almace.

Lilith knew that she needed to apologize immediately. "Ah, Almace, it looks like I made a grave mistake. I won't ever do that again. Please forgive me," Lilith earnestly apologized, her voice filled with genuine remorse.

There was a brief pause before Almace responded, "You know, I was really heartbroken..."

Lilith's expression softened, regret evident in her eyes. "Ah... I'm sorry," she repeated

Almace, sensing Lilith's sincerity, made a request, "Then, if you're really sorry, can we hunt some strong monsters together? Just the two of us?"

Ragnarok immediately voiced her protest, "Hey! That's unfair!"

"Sure." Lilith nodded with a smile.

Azriel watched as Lilith prepared for her venture into the forest. "You can stay here if you want," Lilith said to him, giving him the option to remain behind.

Azriel, ever the faithful servant, responded with a loyal smile. "I will watch over you," he offered.

Lilith nodded, appreciating his offer but focused on the task at hand. "Do what you want," she replied. 

With that, she sprinted into the forest, her speed turning her into a mere blur among the trees.

Energized and ready to test her skills, Lilith called out, "Let's try a new technique I learned!" The excitement in her voice was palpable.

She inhaled deeply, centering herself, and then brandished her sword, executing movements at precise angles. The sword cut through the air with a whoosh, the sound resonating throughout the forest. Trees around her were sliced cleanly, falling to the ground.

"Ahahaha!" Almace joyful laughter filled Lilith's head causing her to smirk.

Five hours into her hunt, Lilith stood atop a gigantic serpent she had just defeated. She was covered in the purple blood of the serpent that stained her face but she quickly it wiped away.

Almace (Katana)

Level: 10 (Stage one) -> 50 (Stage 2)

---

Level: 50 -> 73

Free point: 115

---

"I think I'm ready now!" Almace exclaimed with enthusiasm

Lilith, still catching her breath, looked puzzled. "Huh? Ready for what?" she asked, not entirely sure what Almace was referring to.

At that moment, an extraordinary change began to unfold. Almace, held in Lilith's hand, started to emit a golden glow, gradually floating out of her grasp. The katana shone brighter and brighter, its light becoming almost blinding.

Lilith, unable to keep her eyes open against the intense luminosity, was forced to shut them. 

As Lilith cautiously opened her eyes, she was greeted by a stunning and unexpected sight. Floating gently down towards her was a beautiful woman.

She had long, flowing black hair that cascaded down her back, perfectly complementing her deep black eyes. Her attire was a night dress, as black as the shadows of the forest.

The woman's features were strikingly mature and refined. Her bust size was notably larger than Lilith's, and she stood taller, exuding an aura of maturity that was a clear step above Lilith's.

When Lilith finally opened her eyes she was met with a mesmerizing sight.

Beautiful women slowly descend towards Lilith. She had long black hair with black eyes that matched her black night dress. Though the women had her bust size twice as big as Lilith, and quite taller than her. In terms of matureness, she was definitely a step above Lilith.

"Almace?" Lilith contorted into confusion.