Mithra reached out; a whistling sound echoed; the pillar fragment returned to her hand.
It had returned.
She'd expected to part with it.
Discarding such a high-grade material was wasteful, but she'd promised Nino.
And it was, after all, a Wandering God, albeit incomplete.
[Event —— "Hunting a Wandering God"]
A message appeared before Mithra.
[Under the given conditions, you successfully hunted a Wandering God with a rich history; though incomplete, you succeeded. You may choose from three extremely costly rewards.]
[Infinite Trials: Experience the immortal warrior's training; learn their strength. The price: Is it truly an experience?]
[Blood Frenzy: Gain the "Yearning Blood" state; greatly enhance your Ki and sense. The price: Your body weakens, becoming fluid; all regeneration is suppressed.]
[Frozen Distortion: Greatly enhance your physical strength and ice miracles while moving rapidly by lowering the temperature of your body and surroundings. The price: Non-ice miracles are suppressed; your body becomes rigid.]
The choices seemed intriguing.
Mithra noticed something.
"Humble Remains"—where was that boss?
Was the advertising cost too high?
Mithra had thought this reward was a fixed choice, but it wasn't. A slight disappointment, though she might not have chosen it anyway.
This time, one option was locked in—Lebaance.
He seemed eager to train Mithra.
The other two options—blood and ice-based power—were from previously unseen patrons; Mithra noted them.
Though the descriptions seemed ordinary, all three options would be powerful.
Patron rewards were always strong.
"Substantial enhancement" implied a massive increase.
Mithra's most significant "substantial" enhancement was Lebaance's regeneration; she'd disregarded it, focusing on quick recovery.
Then, she realized she was nearly indestructible.
She didn't know if head explosions were fatal; she assumed they weren't due to her limb regeneration.
Since Mithra didn't want military training, she chose between the other two.
Ice miracles were rare natural miracles.
In Dreamland, ice and water miracles were distinct, their symbolism vastly different. Mithra didn't have, nor had encountered, any ice miracles.
From a synergy perspective, either option was good; Mithra already had strong Ki miracles.
But the "Yearning Blood" state suppressed physical regeneration, likely affecting her regeneration.
Mithra knew she was incredibly resilient, having died countless times; she was used to resurrection-based combat.
If she became overzealous under Yearning Blood, she'd be instantly incapacitated.
Mithra closed her eyes and chose randomly.
Her choice: Frozen Distortion.
Excellent. Done.
Investing in future combat; ice miracles were essential.
The choice made, power surged into Mithra; a wave of cold washed over her back.
Mithra stiffened.
A normal person might feel a slight chill; but Mithra felt like her back was freezing and shattering.
If this was the initial reaction, using this power…
Mithra made her choice while casually returning.
The commotion in Sun Square entered her view.
...
The Sun City incident, at least the parts Mithra cared about, concluded.
A long-standing symbol, older than any fairy tale, older than Sun City itself, met an undignified end.
This story would spread through southern, and perhaps all of Dreamland, becoming a long-lasting tale, even entering Dreamland's history.
The ensuing internal strife within Xyrin's empire would be difficult to quell.
Simultaneously, fear and concern regarding miracles and Wandering Gods resurfaced after the Wandering God's chaos.
The key to dispelling Eternal Night had become a threat—the reversal shocked many.
This wasn't unprecedented; similar tragedies occurred before Sun City; but the Sun City Xyrin event held greater symbolic significance.
Wengerson and Sun City's core officials were arrested, dismissed, and sent to Rising Sun City for trial.
Rising Sun City would temporarily govern Sun City; Nino, Sun City's former border guard captain, who played a significant role, would serve as acting mayor.
Xyrin's empire apologized and offered compensation to those affected.
They also expressed deep gratitude to Andemiriya Sanctuary for resolving the crisis.
Many Enchanting Land citizens also contributed to stabilizing Sun City, potentially fostering future cooperation.
This is a macroscopic summary of the event.
...
Sun City, having lost Xyrin, experienced rare rain.
For Sun City, accustomed to "sunny rain," this cold rain reflected the city's somber mood.
Without Xyrin's influence, the citizens found their fervor had subsided.
Under Nino's leadership, with Rising Sun City's swift intervention, order was restored.
Except for Xyrin.
Two weeks passed, but the spectacle remained etched in memory.
The inky black darkness replacing Xyrin in the sky unsettled the citizens.
Once, Eternal Night had enveloped the world; Xyrin dispelled it.
Now, Xyrin had become a Wandering God; Eternal Night had defeated Xyrin.
The irony was profound.
...
Within Sun City, at the two-way Eternal Night rift, most guards were new faces.
The incident had resulted in a significant change of guard; many were transferred from the border guard, some were new recruits.
They primarily maintained order; Rising Sun City officials handled most of the work.
Rising Sun City viewed Sun City like a talented but late-blooming younger brother to a once-successful but now-disillusioned older brother.
Though the older brother had become a burden, he'd once supported the family and cared for them; they still offered assistance.
But after the older brother's downfall, almost losing half his assets, some contempt was unavoidable.
Even the Rising Sun City personnel didn't take this lightly.
Under the influence of the dark purple energy, sealing the rift, constantly spewing Eternal Night creatures, took considerable time.
Mithra used "Twilight" to confirm the seal; she stored the method with the pillar fragment and Eternal Night crystals.
"Done," she turned to Nino, who was watching.
Though Xyrin's empire suppressed the Eternal Night's effects, internally, everyone knew she was the one who'd truly dealt with the Xyrin Wandering God.
"Thank you! I… Sun City owes you so much!" Nino said, deeply grateful.
He didn't know how to properly express his gratitude.
Nino knew he hadn't truly helped Mithra; in the Southwest District, he'd only coordinated with her.
He'd done little, yet Mithra had helped him immensely.
She'd helped uncover Sun City's secrets, thwarted Wengerson's plans, and even sealed the Eternal Night rift.
Mithra glanced at the Rising Sun City officials who seemed eager to speak with her, then turned back to Nino, "It was nothing."
She still held the Xyrin Great Maul; she'd sent Nie Hong back to Planet Blue.
The maul was surprisingly docile; it hadn't caused any trouble for over two weeks; it even tried to interact with the Night Hunter Greatsword, Abhorrence staff, and crescent blade.
Though its attempts were ignored.
Nino looked at the Rising Sun City officials, slightly embarrassed.
They wanted to arrange a meeting between Nino and Mithra; Xyrin's empire had little leverage against Mithra besides the Xyrin Great Maul.
The Sanctuary and Orph were the biggest winners, rightfully receiving accolades and benefits.
Mithra was another significant contributor, even more crucial than Orph.
But the release of some Eternal Night energy led to efforts to minimize her influence.
Mithra's reputation among Sun City's citizens was negative; they saw the destruction and the encroaching darkness, not her role in defeating Xyrin.
Presenting her as a hero would create problems for Xyrin's empire.
Mithra had done so much without compensation; taking the Xyrin Great Maul was a way to redress the balance.
The maul was significant, not just as a powerful weapon, but symbolically linked to Xyrin.
The empire needed to retrieve it.
This, combined with their previous losses, made Xyrin's empire appear unreasonable.
Of course, they could ignore Mithra.
But was she insignificant?
Andemiriya Sanctuary and Aurora Saintess Orph had a conciliatory approach.
Negotiation was possible, but slighting Mithra would jeopardize their cooperation.
Orph wouldn't typically prioritize personal respect and loss over the Sanctuary and empire's interests.
But after this event, she would.
The Sanctuary held the high ground; Xyrin's empire couldn't be forceful.
Mithra, from Enchanting Land, wasn't directly affiliated, but she could teleport anywhere; could they capture her?
They had no choice but to negotiate.
She was a powerful figure.
"Mithra, they…" Nino, mediating, found this difficult.
"Let's go to the Sanctuary's living room," Mithra stated.
The Rising Sun City representatives were relieved; negotiation was possible.
If Mithra refused, Xyrin's empire would be powerless.
Though they were responsible for the Sun City incident.
But why the Sanctuary's living room?
The familiar Sanctuary living room.
Mithra occupied one side of the large table; opposite were Xyrin's representatives; Kimio sat amongst them, visibly uncomfortable.
Nino sat in the middle; Salomo, calmly pouring tea, joined them.
The Rising Sun City representatives could only endure.
The door opened; Orph entered.
"Greetings," her polite greeting eased the tension.
But they couldn't help but feel nervous.
Orph sat beside Mithra, not in the mediating position.
"You're in the wrong seat," Mithra stated bluntly.
"No, I'm on your side this time."
"Unnecessary."
"Are you angry?" Orph asked gently.
"No… really."
Mithra admitted to some resentment towards the Sanctuary after the Gross Town incident, but not this time.
For Mithra, she'd merely worked for her mysterious patron, hunting the Night Hunter Church and then destroying Xyrin.
Even if Nino had hesitated, she would have found a reason to destroy Xyrin.
The Sanctuary had acted selflessly.
Orph had made significant contributions in the Xyrin battle.
Mithra didn't see her actions as extraordinary; she had powerful tools and a powerful patron; even so, without Orph's support, she would have been destroyed.
Orph deserved the accolades.
Mithra completed her mission, pleased her patron, received rewards, helped those she wanted to help, acquired two God-killing weapons, and steadily increased her Eternal Night crystal collection; she'd had fun.
There was nothing to complain about.
Except for Navida and the Herald of Eternal Night, things had gone smoothly.
Her expression remained unchanged.
"I understand. If I want it, the Sanctuary will secure the Xyrin Great Maul for me," Mithra said impassively; Orph smiled, turning to the imperial representatives.
"Ahem!" The imperial representative, embarrassed, nearly choked on his water.
"Miss Orph has a good sense of humor," the representative chuckled nervously.
"Andemiriya Sanctuary will compensate Miss Mithra by creating a second God-killing weapon for the Empire. The blueprints will be sent to the Rising Sun City Craftsmen's Association. Xyrin's empire will also offer additional compensation for Miss Mithra's contributions."
Salomo added, "Miss Mithra single-handedly killed several branch bishops and Grand Priest Livnis. She obtained a 'Darkness' Pillar Fragment, crucial to resolving the Sun City incident."
"This is confirmed by Gulan Sacrifice Tower and Andemiriya Sanctuary; other ceremonial groups also express gratitude and support. Here's the documentation."
Seeing the documents, the imperial representative was sweating profusely.
One Sanctuary was troublesome enough; now Gulan Sacrifice Tower was involved, vouching for Mithra!?
And other ceremonial groups were clearly taking sides!
"This…"
Kimio spoke, "There's no need to hesitate; we've made concessions; why hesitate and invite ridicule?"
"Kimio…" the representative looked at him hesitantly.
"Offer our highest compensation; there's no reason to haggle; if you can't, I'll personally bear half the compensation as the one responsible for losing the Xyrin Great Maul," Kimio said calmly.
The representative relented.
"The Empire's position is clear. We've discussed this internally," leaning forward, the representative said earnestly, "The Xyrin Great Maul is symbolically important; we want to retrieve it. As compensation for its return and for Miss Mithra's contributions, the Empire will create a God-killing weapon for her."
"Additionally, we'll bestow the title of 'Xyrin Hero'; you will be a lifelong friend and honored guest of the Empire."
"Is that acceptable?"
The representative looked anxiously at Mithra.
Everyone focused on Mithra.
Tension filled the air.
Mithra, unfazed, considered for three seconds.
"Fine," she agreed.
...
This matter has indeed concluded.
The Xyrin Imperial Historian sighed, stood up, and shook hands with Mithra, saying: "You are the hero of Sun City, and you will also be the hero of the Xyrin Empire. We thank you for everything you have done for the Empire."
"Goods delivered, payment due." But Mithra only replied nonchalantly.
The Historian's smile stiffened slightly, but he still nodded in agreement: "Of course. You will receive notification within a month at the latest. You may submit any requests beforehand, and please remember to keep an eye on news from Dreamland."
The Xyrin Great Maul naturally couldn't be returned so casually. Although this matter was carried out under the witness of the Sanctuary's people, if the Xyrin Great Maul were returned directly after the Xyrin Empire's main objective was achieved, the urgency of the commission to Mithra would certainly lessen.
Such squabbles are a favorite pastime of these powers, especially a national organization dealing with an individual.
Therefore, the Xyrin Great Maul could still be kept warm in Mithra's hands for a while longer.
However, the Historian first presented Mithra with a medal, modeled after the second Xyrin.
This was the tangible symbol of the aforementioned "Xyrin Hero" title. With this, Mithra would receive the highest level of treatment throughout the Xyrin Empire's territories.
This is advantageous in terms of connections.
Mithra accepting this served as a guarantee to the Xyrin Empire.
The Xyrin Imperial Historian had many other matters to attend to and promptly took his leave. Kimio, after once again inquiring after Mithra's well-being, followed suit.
After this matter was resolved, Nino stood up and said to Mithra: "Mithra, Sun City also has some gratitude and compensation for you."
"And you decided to join the festivities?" Mithra said.
"The Empire's side is official business; as for Sun City's side, you've received the 'Xyrin Hero' medal, so this treatment is only right. I owe you too much. I know you don't care much for these things, but this repayment will at least ease my conscience." Nino said sincerely.
Hearing this, Mithra could only agree.
Representing Sun City, Nino first gave Mithra a large sum of money – simple, yet practical.
Sun City helped Mithra open an account in the Xyrin Empire, making Mithra a Dreamland tycoon.
While Mithra had never been short of money from processing the Gross Town's confiscated goods, she would likely never lack funds in the future.
The Xyrin Empire is a major power in the southern part of Dreamland, and its currency and accounts are usable in mainstream Dreamland regions. She wouldn't need to worry, except in extremely remote areas.
Next was a Sun City property.
The Xyrin Wandering God caused immense destruction to many areas of Sun City, particularly from its several ground bombardments, which razed a significant portion of the city to the ground.
Reconstruction is underway, and Sun City had already reserved a plot of land for Mithra. After completion, that land will belong to Mithra.
Although Mithra didn't quite understand real estate, she might have appreciated it on Earth, but in this world, it simply meant she would have another place to rest.
"Unfortunately, I had considered erecting a monument for you, but due to impact concerns, we're restricted from any publicity directly related to you," Nino said regretfully.
"I'm not dead yet."
"And monuments aren't only for the deceased. It's fine. You'll leave your mark on Xyrin Imperial history anyway. We'll help you manage your reputation once the dust settles." Salomo chuckled.
That initial refined and polite image was fading fast.
Mithra didn't dwell on it.
After sharing a meal together, Nino and Salomo, burdened with various matters, took their leave.
Mithra prepared to return to Planet Blue. Orph offered to see her part of the way, and Mithra didn't refuse.
The two walked side-by-side towards the nearest teleportation point.
"Mithra, when are you planning to visit Andemiriya? You still have that appointment to fulfill with Mr. Safin." Orph proactively broke the silence.
"After some time has passed, when the fuss dies down," Mithra replied.
She intended to return the necklace to Safin's daughter at the Sanctuary, but initially, immediately after the Gross Town incident, her impression of the Sanctuary was less than favorable, and her attention was focused on Planet Blue, so she postponed it.
Then came the series of events in Sun City, followed by Ember City, and back to Sun City.
This resulted in her reputation at the Sanctuary rising along an incredibly bizarre curve, making her hesitant to return.
"I'm sorry, perhaps we were too enthusiastic, and you, Mithra, are finding it overwhelming." Orph seemed to sense this, and said with a smile.
So you do realize.
Mithra thought to herself before replying, "Just treat me like a normal person."
"But you're not a normal person. Normal people wouldn't confront a Wandering God because of a promise to a stranger, wouldn't single-handedly save so many people in Ember City and end everything, and wouldn't infiltrate Eternal Night alone to search for a solution, finally crushing the Xyrin for the sake of their friends."
"…Some things were just a coincidence." Mithra said.
"While the exact process is important, the results are undeniably clear, Ms. Mithra." Orph chuckled.
Mithra was silent.
This woman was so incredibly logical.
Seeing Mithra's silence, Orph nodded in satisfaction, then casually continued, "So, the Night Hunter was actually with you, Mithra?"
Mithra turned to look at Orph.
Orph didn't look at Mithra, her gaze fixed ahead, her tone calm. "During the information gathering, we discovered the Hunter's presence in these events. It only recently resurrected, and yet it was involved in the Sun City incident shortly after. While it's not strange that pursuing the night beasts would draw it here, you also happened to be there, Mithra."
"We then investigated further, questioning witnesses…Mithra, you also seem to possess a greatsword, a God-killing weapon?"
At this point, it was clear that Orph wasn't a fool. She was genuinely investigating, and Mithra didn't intend to play dumb: "Yes."
Orph glanced at Mithra: "It was you who defeated the previously unknown Hunter in Gross Town."
"Yes."
"My apologies, I hadn't noticed."
"Huh?"
Mithra had braced herself for some questioning. While she didn't think Orph would break off their relationship over this, the matter involving the Wandering God would inevitably require some explanation.
Orph's words, however, left Mithra completely bewildered.
Why is she apologizing?
"Regardless, whatever you encountered in Gross Town was ultimately our fault. If I had arrived half a day earlier, perhaps…" Orph said.
"That… you might have a misunderstanding…" Mithra attempted an explanation, but seeing Orph's expression, he felt it would be futile. He changed the subject: "Do you know how they plan to handle all this?"
"Ah, yes. Mithra, you seem perfectly normal. Even standing this close, I don't sense any trace of the Wandering God's curse on you. Despite the fact that you're wielding several God-killing weapons."
Orph moved closer to Mithra.
So the strange distance she kept during their walk was a probing test?
Mithra subtly stepped to the side, increasing the distance.
Orph's earlier demeanor had been very "saintly," but it was clear this woman wasn't some naive innocent.
Residing in the vulnerable position of Aurora Saintess, her white had many touches of "black."
But that "black" was just right; not enough to make coexisting with her unpleasant.
Unfazed by Mithra's distancing, Orph continued casually, "You have your secrets, you've even found your purpose. As long as you remain a hero of Dreamland, the Andemiriya Sanctuary will continue to support you."
"This will not be publicized; it will be kept confidential within the Sanctuary. Although you may not have favorable feelings towards us, please trust us." Orph said earnestly to Mithra.
Mithra looked at Orph's serious expression, then looked away: "It doesn't matter, do as you see fit."
She wasn't particularly concerned about others' opinions. Regardless, she would still be working for her boss in Dreamland, and these minor matters were insignificant.
If things turned hostile, the outcome would be obvious.
Maintaining a friendly relationship simply made her daily life a little easier.
"Thank you, but may I make one more personal request?"
"Go ahead."
"Next time you encounter a situation you're unsure about, please contact me first. I'll arrive as quickly as possible, and if not, I'll contact the nearest help. Don't try to solve it alone."
"…Uh, okay?" Mithra replied uncertainly.
Immediately, Orph's face brightened.
Her mood seemed genuinely excellent.
Mithra, however, was pondering.
What constitutes "uncertain"?
She felt she always approached situations with confidence. Even if she wasn't sure, her boss would have her back.
Well, it didn't matter if she agreed.
At the teleportation point, Orph waved gently to Mithra in farewell.
Mithra had considered asking Orph if she could touch her God-killing weapon along the way, but Orph's conversation had distracted her, leaving her somewhat regretful.
...
Planet Blue.
Shuǐxiù University, the central library.
"Then, Mithra simply—'Gae Bolg'! One thrust directly brought down that Xyrin, completely ending that disastrous incident in Sun City!"
Nie Hong vividly described Mithra's actions.
Liyu remained calm, but her eyes sparkled. Leo Duncan, however, was silent, unsure what the enigmatic term meant. A relic unleashed?
However, news of the Sun City incident had already spread online.
Someone even filmed the spear piercing the Xyrin; although the video quality wasn't high, it was undeniably shocking.
Despite the single-blow attack, the attacker remained anonymous online. The influence on Sun City was completely suppressed, resulting in little information reaching Planet Blue.
Leo Duncan quickly understood the reason for the secrecy.
The power of Eternal Night was diametrically opposed to both Sun City and the Xyrin Empire. Being saved by an opposing power demanded that the impact be minimized.
Furthermore, Sun City was chaotic during that time. Except for permanent residents, most Planet Blue citizens had temporarily withdrawn. There weren't many Planet Blue citizens in Sun City that day, and even fewer were present in the city center, the Sun Square.
However, Nie Hong happened to be among the select few witnesses.
Leo Duncan was in class when the news broke. He unconsciously recalled Nie Hong and Mithra's earlier discussion about attending the Xyrin's newly announced press conference, and they had stayed there for several days without returning.
Initially, he only worried about whether they might be involved, but it now seemed their involvement was far deeper than he'd imagined.
Just listening to Nie Hong's boastful account, one could sense his richly varied experiences.
"Speaking of which, with Mithra participating in such a major event as a Planet Blue citizen, our side will surely make a statement," Liyu recalled.
Exaggerating slightly, this was a monumental feat that saved Sun City. For a Planet Blue citizen to achieve this in Dreamland, Mithra was truly a celebrity.
Planet Blue couldn't treat her as a minor figure. Once the Xyrin Empire finalized Mithra's compensation, Planet Blue would inevitably follow suit.
Otherwise, while Planet Blue citizens have always been quite proud in Dreamland, there are always consequences for those who don't return.
Mithra is a particularly unique returnee, having already made a name for herself in Planet Blue. The Federation would certainly not neglect this.
"They definitely will. This time, she's a true heroine. Ah, the pressure of being around her is increasingly intense," Leo Duncan sighed.
"Then you should show me some respect too. I received praise after returning," Nie Hong immediately chuckled, striking while the iron was hot.
"Finish your missed classes first. Finals are approaching, and your physical education credits are failing," Leo Duncan glanced at him.
Nie Hong's face immediately fell.
Indeed, although he was praised for his performance in Sun City, that didn't excuse his failure to attend classes.
While he wasn't directly reprimanded, he had to seek one-on-one tutoring from his professors. The physical education professors were quite accommodating, allowing Nie Hong to choose his own tutoring time.
So, he chose to change the subject: "Where's Matsuri-san? I haven't seen her lately."
"Mithra recently found some new materials and gave them to Matsuri-san to make clothes. Matsuri-san's clothes are amazing, but she only makes them for Mithra." Liyu added.
She seemed to feel a considerable amount of pressure.
Although she had little chance of participating in this, she still subconsciously positioned herself as a competitor.
Nie Hong and Leo Duncan exchanged glances, sensing Liyu's underlying emotions.
Leo Duncan wasn't particularly concerned. He firmly believed that someone like Mithra wouldn't be involved in romance. If he were investing in the stock market, he'd firmly bet on Mithra's "single" stock.
Furthermore, based on his observations, Matsuri didn't harbor any romantic feelings for Mithra.
"Right, during this incident, I also met Miss Orph, the older sister I saw in Gross Town. She's a true powerhouse, and she really cares about Mithra."
Leo Duncan was speechless, glancing at Nie Hong.
He could see Nie Hong trying to shift Liyu's attention, but his topic was…inappropriate.
Switching to a more powerful rival, huh?
"I heard…I heard Mithra might become a consort of the Sanctuary in the future!" Nie Hong whispered.
After saying this, he saw Leo Duncan and Liyu staring at him with strange expressions.
"Huh? I was joking. Why aren't you surprised?" Nie Hong scratched his head.
"Nie Hong, the seat next to you is occupied." Mithra's calm voice came from beside him, and Nie Hong froze.
Why did he always get caught when gossiping behind someone's back?!
After moving Nie Hong to a seat at a nearby table, Mithra sat down in his place and exchanged greetings with Leo Duncan and Liyu.
"How did things go over there?" Leo Duncan was most concerned about Mithra's actual gains.
"It should be alright." Mithra briefly summarized the negotiations.
"The Xyrin Empire suffered a significant loss, but they deserved it." Leo Duncan nodded.
"Xyrin Hero…that's the highest medal the Xyrin Empire can award outside its own system. Planet Blue will likely spend considerable effort deciding how to treat you," Liyu added.
"There's something like that?" Mithra casually tossed the medal onto the table for everyone to see.
"You need to keep that safe; they won't issue a replacement if it's lost," Liyu quickly pushed the medal back towards her.
"It doesn't matter, my God-killing weapons are more important," Mithra shrugged.
"You're so nonchalant, but you truly have the right to be," Leo Duncan said admiringly.
Mithra didn't dwell on her own affairs, turning to ask, "You guys have finals coming up soon, right?"
"Yes, summer break is coming soon," Nie Hong chimed in.
"Your college experience is quite unique, yet not so unique. Don't you have any large-scale student competitions or tournaments?" Mithra asked curiously.
"Competitions?" Leo Duncan looked puzzled.
"Student believer youth competitions, escalating to international tournaments…one-on-one battles, individual and team competitions, singles, doubles, survival battles…" Mithra listed a few examples.
"…That's impossible. Rounding up students to watch them fight is some kind of bizarre, comical spectacle. Besides occasional school exchanges, physical contests are rare. Even in exchanges, it's mostly academic discussions and sharing miraculous insights." Leo Duncan felt embarrassed, unsure what strange tradition Mithra was referring to.
"Miracles aren't something you can just hack and slash your way to understanding. Whether it's Unified Sense or Clarity, it requires gradual accumulation. Those who can directly improve in combat are rare geniuses."
Liyu's words caused the three to simultaneously focus on Nie Hong.
A freak talent capable of improving during combat—there seemed to be one present.
Nie Hong: ?
Since the Sun City incident, Nie Hong's Unified Sense had reached its final stage before the start of the academic term. His transformation had been dramatic.
"Does everyone have summer plans? Our class doesn't seem to have any activities planned this summer," this prodigy, however, hadn't yet fully grasped his own talent and asked naively.
"I'm flexible; I'll go wherever I want," Mithra replied.
Without classes to attend in Planet Blue, Mithra intended to find a place to travel. Returning to Dreamland would mean her bosses might interfere with her vacation, and she truly didn't want her fate to be twisted again.
...
Mithra's return to her normal routine coincided with the university students' preparations for their final exams, adding a sense of urgency to the atmosphere.
Mithra wasn't exempt. She planned to use participating in some exams as an excuse to review some knowledge, a form of assimilation, though course credits were irrelevant to her.
During this time, Mithra received feedback from Planet Blue.
Nothing particularly important, mainly upgrades in her treatment and some material rewards. Mithra casually exchanged some of the materials with Matsuri, letting her play with them.
Mithra had already obtained some materials from Sun City. Unlike the previous fabrics, this time Matsuri even mentioned metal ores, so Mithra fulfilled her request.
The materials were diverse, and she wondered what Matsuri would create.
Ultimately, she'd be making her clothes.
Simultaneously, Mithra began using the materials gathered over these days to enhance her favorite companion—Hammer-bro.
As the quality of the materials improved, the refining process became increasingly difficult. Externally, this manifested as Mithra entering another period of daily weakness, experiencing nausea and vomiting, occasional bouts of temporary blindness—more severe than previous attempts.
However, it didn't severely affect her actions; it remained within bearable limits. While those around her expressed concern, she brushed it off.
Then, Mithra began making trips to Dreamland every few days to negotiate with the Sun City and Xyrin Empire regarding the God-killing weapons they owed her.
The other party allowed Mithra to freely express her opinions, promising to fulfill her requests as much as possible. The Xyrin Empire, after all, was a nation forged from the chaos of the Wandering God, possessing numerous relics left behind. They even presented a selection of usable materials for Mithra to choose from.
After confirming the transaction, their actions were decisive and generous.
However, judging the quality of the materials offered for the Night Eyes was difficult without a thorough assessment. Anderet, her boss, didn't accept any appraisal methods other than firsthand examination.
While teleportation was convenient, Mithra found a personal visit troublesome. In her weakened state, she didn't want to travel, especially as it would interfere with her studies and exams.
So, she casually selected some materials that looked suitable.
She had initially hoped to extract some Heart of Light, but her request was denied, so she had to settle.
Creating so-called God-killing weapons from these long-sealed Wandering God materials, using mostly modern technology, Mithra didn't have high expectations.
After the somewhat perfunctory transaction, she waited for the results.
With the new materials en route, Mithra quietly studied.
She only took the written exams; she skipped the practical Miracle proficiency tests as they held little value.
At the same time, she investigated information regarding ice Miracles.
Unfortunately, Shuǐxiù University didn't offer a specialized ice Miracle program. They had a Star Miracle department, yet the less rare ice Miracles were not offered.
This matter would have to be put aside for the time being.
Without any significant problems, time flew by, and the final exams drew near.
Even Nie Hong's presence dwindled as he dedicated himself to catching up on his coursework.
After confirming she could take the exams, Mithra waited for Matsuri.
Back in the library, Mithra looked away from her laptop and saw Matsuri, whom she hadn't seen in a while.
"It's gotten hot," Matsuri commented, noting Mithra's summer attire.
Her own clothing hadn't changed; Matsuri essentially rotated between a few simple, airy dresses, preferring white.
"Finally saw you come out of your room," Mithra nodded in greeting.
"I did go out to eat normally; we just kept missing each other!" Matsuri explained.
Mithra responded casually.
Then Matsuri explained her reason for venturing out: "The armor is proving difficult, completely unlike previous clothing."
"Oh?" Mithra questioned.
It had been just two outfits previously; now, suddenly, armor?
This wasn't something Mithra's sewing skills from Gross Town could handle. It required a blacksmith, not a seamstress.
"So it'll take me a bit longer. But I'm preparing another outfit for you. You provided so many materials; I even had to rent a larger workshop," Matsuri mused.
"Consider letting me help," Mithra offered.
In terms of value exchange, the sewing kit from Gross Town was insufficient compensation for the two outfits Matsuri had made for her.
Offering some return in another area would only be fair.
"We'll discuss that later. For now, let's go to my room so you can try on the clothes. Oh, and you have to wear the new clothes for at least a month." Matsuri chuckled.
"That's excessive."
"They're made to your liking. What if I want to make them my way?"
"You're not even trying to hide it."
Matsuri openly admitted she prioritized her own preferences when designing clothes; however, the previous two outfits had suited Mithra's taste.
The simpler, more practical first outfit had been Mithra's favorite, and she wore it most frequently.
In the future, Matsuri would likely favor her own style more, and Mithra could simply tolerate it.
Simply serving as a clothes rack and receiving such high-quality garments would be the envy of many; there was no reason to complain.
"If it's armor, wearing it for a month in Planet Blue wouldn't be practical," Mithra didn't have many clothing requirements. As long as it didn't impede movement, she didn't care much about what she wore, but armor was inconvenient in modern society.
"Then the armor can be limited to Dreamland," Matsuri readily compromised.
Mithra nodded, closed her laptop, and went with Matsuri to try on the clothes.
...
While she knew Matsuri would eventually lean towards her own preferences, this was still too abrupt.
"Religious attire isn't very practical…" Mithra commented, examining the new outfit.
This outfit's style was quite distinct, resembling the garb of a typical priest or clergyman.
Predominantly black, accented with dark purple, the robe's length—down to the knees—was typical of Matsuri's style. It even included a purple holy amulet around the neck.
In Planet Blue, people would likely assume it was cosplay, but in Dreamland, such attire would raise suspicions about potentially sinister religious affiliations.
Organized religions in Dreamland weren't generally associated with positive things, especially those of unknown origins.
"It's fine. Although it looks like religious clothing, it doesn't have any symbolic objects or designs, so it's alright," Matsuri stated confidently.
"But without symbolic designs, it feels a bit bland," Mithra said.
The robe, though religious in style, lacked even a simple cross, making it rather dull.
The Night Hunter's designs had been eye-catching, even if bizarre, but they undeniably made a statement.
"So, what designs do you want to add? I can help you arrange them," Matsuri propped her chin on her hands, seemingly pleased to assess Mithra.
Mithra carefully considered.
"Dogs, corpses, fanged tentacles, flesh grubs, fire, eyes, stars…I'll think of more later."
He looked at Matsuri.
Matsuri was speechless.
"Individual symbols are easily misinterpreted; you want a whole hodgepodge!" she exclaimed.
"Is it difficult?" Mithra decided this was a fitting opportunity to commemorate this moment.
"No, but with so many elements, proper arrangement is needed; the amulet should be larger as well." Matsuri had no objections, finding the idea fun.
"It's troublesome."
"Not at all. You can wear it for a longer time then."