The next morning as Lily stirred from her sleep she found herself nestled between Ace and William. A smile tugged at the corners of her lips pleased by their comforting presence. Glancing around the room she noticed Will and Celestia sleeping peacefully with their proximity hinting at a budding connection. She couldn't help but hope for something more between them considering their shared background and the potential for a perfect match. With thoughts of their blossoming relationship in mind she sat up against a pillow and opened her interface and began crafting Halloween party invitations. Time was ticking with only two days remaining until the much, anticipated event.
As Ace and William roused from their sleep their curiosity piqued as they observed Lily engrossed in rearranging things on her interface. Sensing their interest she eagerly shared the details of her invitations and the Halloween party she was planning extending an invitation to both. However, their expressions shifted to a mixture of resignation and explanation. They revealed that their guild held an annual Halloween party which was a long, standing tradition they couldn't easily skip.
Nonetheless they promised to try to attend her party. Lily, understanding their commitments accepted their decision with grace.
‘I've already taken up enough of your time.’ She acknowledged her voice laced with appreciation.
Turning her attention to the guest list she sent an invitation to Leo ensuring he was included in the festivities. She also extended invitations to Colt Cyrene and Gabrielle recognizing their shared bond forged through their recent adventures. However, she made a deliberate choice not to invite her mother knowing that as a priestess she had her own plans. Lily respected her mother's commitments and understood the importance of allowing her to fulfill her duties without interference.
‘I hope you can come but your guild is your family’ she expressed conveying her understanding.
A tender good morning kiss lingered between Lily and her companions the affectionate gesture momentarily transforming into something more intimate.
As they gathered for breakfast Lily's gaze swept over the rescued girls who now filled the room. Their presence served as a stark reminder of the pain they had endured and the injustices they had suffered. Her determination for justice swelled within her fueled by a desire to seek revenge on their behalf. However, she swiftly recognized the need for a measured approach.
‘They need to suffer for a long time.’ Aaron interjected still seething with anger from what he had witnessed the day before.
Lily nodded acknowledging his sentiment. She instructed him to relay the locations to Melech and the others emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and cooperation in their pursuit of justice.
If they were to encounter any unique Lily made it clear that their immediate priority should be to rescue them and apprehend the men responsible for their captivity. While the desire to punish the men from the previous day still burned within her she decided to wait until she had gathered all of them ensuring a more comprehensive and impactful retribution. However, a thought crossed her mind, a yearning to check on her own dimension and see how things were faring there.
Standing up with a sense of excitement Lily posed a question to her companions. ‘Would you like to see my dimension?’
Their eager nods confirmed their curiosity and willingness to explore.
Activating her Dimension ability, a long black horizontal rift materialized to her left. It opened gradually revealing a pitch, black interior. Lily stuck her head inside, but the darkness obscured her vision though she could still breathe within it, an evident sign of its magical nature.
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‘Wow that's so cool!’ Dean exclaimed joining Lily in peering into the mysterious realm.
Lily explained that living beings could enter and reside within the dimension. She also revealed that Eco had her own dimension where she had banished the men from the previous day. After everyone had taken a glimpse into the dimension Lily distributed white drops from the glass jar she had received from the ninja to the girls. Eagerly they consumed the drops instantly feeling their strength surge.
‘Now you can defend yourselves against anyone who dares to harm you.’ Lily assured them. Gratitude filled their voices as they bowed in reverence to their Mistress. Lily then collected the black gold cards from Colt realizing that they had been sent in large quantities. She distributed one card to each of the girls including the overweight girl who had depleted her gold.
To aid the other girls living in Labunagaan Lily assigned Ralph and Elijah to deliver half of the cards along with a bottle. She asked the girls in Labunagaan to choose names for themselves names that would define them for the rest of their lives.
While Lily desired to locate the man responsible she was aware that the countless unique held connections to him which came as no surprise. She planned to visit Baba Yaga to revive her Bloody Worms and then meet with the Vampire Queen to apologize and explain the situation.
As Ace and William looked at her Ace asked, ‘Should we go with you?’
Lily gently shook her head and expressed her gratitude. ‘No, you've already done so much. Thank you for spending time with me.’
She approached them and planted a tender kiss on their lips sending them back home despite their reluctance to part.
Turning her attention to Aaron Will Celestia and Arba Lily suggested. ‘Let's pay a visit to Baba Yaga.’
The group prepared to embark on their next adventure eager to face the challenges that awaited them.
Leaving Mamba Cerberus and the hatchling in capable hands Lily, Celestia, Will, Aaron, Arba and Jun De embarked on their journey to visit Baba Yaga. Celestia gracefully rode her majestic white dove alongside Will while Lily mounted Jun De. Aaron and Arba rode on Aaron's unique mount a magnificent black cheetah with wings adorned with purple spots, red eyes and gleaming white teeth.
Fortunately, Baba Yaga was present when they arrived extending her invitation for them to enter and enjoy a cup of tea together. Prior to their conversation Lily retrieved the red stone allowing them to converse without the prying ears of the system. She shared the story of her accidental arrival in a parallel world and her subsequent endeavors including the rescue of Ballard who turned out to be Gabrielle's father and the eventual rescue of her own mother.
‘You've faced tremendous hardships, but such is the nature of life’ Baba Yaga acknowledged understanding the weight of their struggles.
Lily nodded in agreement, acknowledging that while her own life had been difficult it paled in comparison to the millennia of suffering her mother endured having been dead during that entire period. Lily inquired if there were other items that needed revival, but Baba Yaga confirmed that it was solely the worms that required attention.
Together they journeyed to the location where Lily had aided Jade in leveling up.
Lily extended her hand into the sand and released spirit flow causing a white layer akin to a blanket to envelop the area. Soon movement stirred beneath the sand and the heads of large red worms emerged, their gaze fixed upon the group.
Baba Yaga gracefully approached one of the worms caressing it gently on the head.
The worm smiled in response exuding an aura of happiness.
‘Thank you, Lily.’ Baba Yaga expressed her gratitude.
Returning to Lily's side she added, ‘If you ever require assistance simply let me know.’
Lily understood that Baba Yaga alluded to the impending battle against the god she would eventually face. She still had the mission of rescuing the angels and delivering Excalibur to King Arthur despite his connection to the system.
Their next destination was Amenale, the dwelling place of the Vampire Queen. However, Lily realized she was unsure of the queen's current residence as she might have relocated since their last encounter.
Standing at the portal she turned to Eco and asked, ‘Where does she live?’
‘In a grand palace in the heavens’ Eco replied leaping out and growing in size.
He clarified that entering the palace without his assistance would lead to instant death.
Jun De assumed a human form and Lily, Celestia, Will, Aaron, Arba and Jun De soared through the sky on Eco's back heading towards the heavenly palace where the Vampire Queen awaited.