Wisesa throttled his mujino brood-mount and chased Izel into the forest, yet the same female’s screams soon reached his ears. The lad forced the monster to hasten until he found Izel already collapsed on the ground. Her monster mount was nowhere to be seen.

At the same time, Alicia and the two children were present, and Orb aimed at Wisesa's mount as Tome alerted its existence.

"Alicia, don't shoot!" the lad shouted. He directed the monster behind dense trees to conceal their sight before cinching the intestinal cord to bring the mujino down on its back. What caused the beast’s whimpering afterwards was a mystery only Wisesa and Barong knew; Wisesa delegated the final task to Barong to ensure the giant mujino met its end. Pulverising it to a fine puree. Wisesa emerged a moment later, clothes stained with crimson and reeking iron.

"I guess I get a thousand bonus points for taking down a big one myself!" Wisesa boasted. "I'm the winner!"

"Alicia, you shouldn't have slain my creature!" Izel grumbled as she rose, dusting herself off. "Ah, never mind. Who's counting points anyway?"

"What were you pals doing? What points?" Alicia slumped down in exhaustion.

"Nothing, Missy. Just a little game," Wisesa replied.

The forest finally quieted down. Dusk arrived anew. Wisesa leaned against a tree to catch his breath, while Izel, as usual, lifted her hands towards the sun on the western horizon to offer a prayer. The rancid odour clinging to Wisesa's body caused his sour face to look the other way, especially since Tome and Kaito were also keeping their distance. Alicia, exhausted, lay on the bed of dry leaves. She rummaged through her bag; one Stillmajik potion remained. She imbibed it and attempted to rise, walking towards Kaito.

Alicia raised Kaito's right upper arm, startling the boy. "Eh, Alicia-neesan? What are you doing?"

"Be quiet," Alicia said. The lass summoned the Arcane might of the orbiting Orb, laying her blue hand on the surface of the lost limb. The hand’s skin and flesh suddenly ruptured, causing Kaito to scream in terror.

The sun-gazing Izel suddenly snapped back. "Woman! What are you doing?" She made a move to charge Alicia, but a yell acted as her hindrance.

"Leave her be," Wisesa called out.

"Do you know what she's doing?" Izel retorted.

"You'll see."

Tome attempted to pull and push Alicia to stop Kaito’s suffering, but the lass remained as solid as a rock. Soon thereafter, his bones began to grow, then reddish flesh and muscle knitted together before all being concealed again by newly formed skin.

The Arcane might vanished. Kaito opened his eyes to find for himself, a new hand.

Izel witnessed the miracle, and her awe humbled her to her knees.

Little Tome was nearly in shock, overwhelmed.

Kaito, too, lost the ability to speak. He turned his hand over. His heart dropped when he tried to bend one of his fingers—there was a suggestion of pain as he did so. His lips trembled, slowly melting into a smile.

"Alicia... my hand—"

Yet his new arm received its inaugural sting by a firm grip, as did his left arm.

"What... are... you... thinking about? What in the name of Silent Divine are you two thinking about? "

Kaito's ears and heart ached at the snapping. His eyes, already moist with emotion, failed to hold back tears when he saw Alicia's ghastly face with her ruby eyes also welling up.

"I-I .... T-T-Tome ...."

"Can't ye wee bairns just play by the fireside and wait for me to wake up?" Alicia's patience weathered along with her mana.

Kaito, hiccupping from crying, bowed his body. "I'm sorry for making Alicia-neesan worry!" he pleaded. "We were playing near the camp, but Tome's bracelet fell off, and a tanuki-like animal stole it, so we chased the tanuki until it crossed the river and entered the cave. It suddenly turned into a mujino slime and began hunting us!"

"Ye've been attacked by m-mujinos so many times! Why are ye so careless, so fond of that bracelet over yer own lives? Yer're scaring me, ye ken? Could have killed me from a heart attack!"

"That bracelet is the only thing our parents left behind! I don't know if our mother and father made it to Takamagahara. It's our only reminder! Sorry! We were so careless! Sorry!"

"Alicia-neesan! Don't! Don't hurt my brother!" Tome had already fallen to the ground, gripping Alicia's right arm tightly, causing blood to flow again from her hand. The lass had even forgotten that her acid splash wound was still gaping.

Looking at his little sibling with glaring eyes, Alicia's hand jerked, grip loosened. Only then did she feel the pain in her arm. Anyone can still hear how pained her wheezing is. An amalgamation of fatigue and anger that left her breathless. She staggered back with an expression wracked with regret.

"N-no. Don't." Alicia caught Kaito in a comforting hug once more. "Okay. Okay. I understand. Please dinnae cry anymore. I apologise for yelling at you like that." she implored as her nose snorted a few times.

"It's all our fault, Alicia-neesan—"

"Hush, Kaito. That's enough. We've had enough trouble in one day. You're safe."

Alicia's hand drew Tome into a hug as well.

"I'm sorry too, Tome, for hurting your brother. I'm sorry. You are fine. You're all fine."

***

The night had fallen, and after journeying some distance, they decided to call it a day and set up a camp, still in the piney wilderness. At least for tonight, they were spared the need to fill their stomachs solely with unexceptional tinned provisions; they could also relish the fresh protein from roasted flying squirrels. Gratitude was to be directed at Wisesa, who was diligently tending the grilling. He had already changed his garments for a white top and shorts. Izel, on the other hand, had claimed a squirrel for herself, eating it with gusto while engaging in a spirited discourse with the Patron of Lands, mostly revisiting the recent fracas with the monsters.

Wisesa blundered in the forecast; whether they emerged victorious, suffered defeat, reached a stalemate, or Divine knew what else, Izel and Barong would never stop bickering, and he, too, was drawn into the vortex. The two younglings, Kaito and Tome, did not understand the fervour that animated the exchange between the trio of entities, nor did they want to. Their mouths had grown weary from discussions of monsters, and more accustomed to debone the squirrel meat. Kaito's new right hand attempted to perform a simple task, such as feeding a pinch of the piping-hot meat to his sister. He had set up the expectation that his delicate fingers would be as frail as babes on that hot surface, only to be ruined by their better resistance, even than his previous ones, to his surprise.

And what of Alicia? She had her portion of the meal and ate quickly as she was too hungry. Her conversation with Kaito and Tome had yet to progress after the last incident. The scolding had left a lingering unease in her heart, and perhaps a reluctance on their part to engage with her. So, she quietly slipped away from the congregation and leaned herself behind a nearby pine tree. With her knees bent, she rested Orb on her thighs.

"It's time," Alicia muttered. "I must ken what's happening with me, Orb. I sense myself growing stronger yet my self-control's slipping. All since I cleansed Barong, defeated the necromancer, Agosh Grendi, and then the culmination of it all, Bathara Kala. Perhaps the judge in Eidyn's court was right back then; complications might plague my body. If Wisesa's words hold true, I fear that I could harm those I hold dear. Ye didnae mean to take over my consciousness, did ye?"

I won't do anything like that, Alicia, Orb implied a promise. Currently, you're in a confused phase.

Alicia rolled her eyeballs, sighing. "Aye, of course, I'm confused, Orb!"

No, allow me to clarify. Your body has grown accustomed to being powered by Arcane might and learned to withstand the pain as well as the surge of adrenaline up to this point.

"My body has adapted. Then?"

As your body adapts, it learns to develop self-defence mechanisms. It's your subconscious that issues these signals, typically in moments of heightened adrenaline and critical times when your very life is at stake.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

"In other words, I wanted this."

Orb gave a tone of agreement.

"Oh, Orb, if only I had known all this from the start!"

Don't second-guess yourself, Alicia. Once again, you cannot comprehend at once my power or foresee the trials that lay ahead. In the early days, your focus, composure, and foundational control of my abilities were paramount. Now that you have surmounted these initial hurdles, the challenge is even greater. It is time for you to truly master this power.

Alicia fell into contemplative silence for a brief span. "So all I have to do is recognise the existence of my subconscious and synchronise with it."

Now you're starting to gain understanding.

"But how?" Something clicked in her mind. "Is meditation the key?"

And it is fortuitous that you’ve already found your future instructor.

"W-who...?" Alicia then glanced out from behind the tree. "Clipe."

Why 'clipe'? Isn't it great that you don't have to seek out another mentor? I may have other prospects in mind, but for the time being, they shall suffice.

Orb said 'them' and Alicia thought the same. She looked at Wisesa, the hothead, and she knew that the hothead could meditate for even six hours long just to stave off Barong’s dominion over his body. It sounded like a paradox, but if Wisesa could achieve such feats, it spoke of the depth of his meditation and spiritual wisdom. Then she saw the second candidate. A rambunctious woman with a penchant for sun worship. Who always held her hand aloft towards the sun upon doing almost anything. Izel, the descendant of Tonatiuh. It was not in her nature to sit still and muse upon thoughts and feelings, but Alicia learnt from her mother's magic encyclopaedia that Tlemaoyutoli practitioners possessed a myriad of spiritual practices that promised better cultivation of fire magic. After all, the mystical art of Tamoanchan was intrinsically linked to Citlalicoatl, the Star Serpent, their deity believed to be the inheritor of this mystical art.

It's a good time to learn from one of them, Orb added. You can finally engage in genuine spiritual training, distinct from your Western beliefs that merely revere a silent deity, yet barely strive nearer to your god beyond wishing others Eternal Peace or invoking your god’s name in curses. You are nothing more than a pseudo-congregation.

"What? " Alicia gasped in surprise. "Oh dear, Orb. So we were wrong all along? The dead dinnae attain Eternal Peace? I'm not that religious, but yer disdain does tug at my heartstrings!"

Don't let your thoughts run amok. There's no need to fret about it. You'll see.

"Alicia-neesan?" Kaito called out, concern lacing his voice. "Is Alicia-neesan retiring to rest now?"

Alicia started slightly. Unbeknownst to her, Kaito and Tome had silently drawn near, probably observing the unusual conversation with the Arcane sphere from the very first words. The boy asked because he saw that the brown blanket had shrouded most of Alicia's form. Failed was her attempt to find solitude.

Alicia forced a smile though it was faint. "Kaito? Tome? Is something wrong?"

"Um..." Kaito scratched his head with his new arm, his lips twitching with reluctance. "Sorry, Alicia-neesan, but could we sleep with you and Orb—I mean, Tome wants to cuddle with Orb again. Can she sleep with Orb?"

"Ye dinnae wish to come as well, Kaito?"

"I-I..." Kaito averted his gaze. "I don't know."

The faint smile gave way to a heartfelt one. The children still sought her presence. "Come and join us. Yes, Kaito, you too."

With a smile almost ear to ear, Tome strode over and tenderly grasped Orb’s surface.

"Orb...?" she inquired.

Vibrations and warmth course into her hand, while Orb's mellifluous tones elicited laughter from the little girl. Who knew what it was saying to her.

"Orb..." Tome almost took all of Orb into her arms. Difficult times like this should have changed a child, even corrupted them. But the Divine Sphere was like a panacea that seemingly kept the children from ever turning. They could still be cheerful. They could still hope. They could still be, above all else, "children".

Kaito snuggled against Alicia's left side, allowing his right hand to caress Orb and feeling a similar solace in its presence.

"How's the new hand?" Alicia asked playfully.

"I’ve never had hands this good," Kaito replied. "Alicia-neesan… you’re too kind."

But the bespectacled lass shook her head. "I already don't believe one can ever be ‘too kind’. If we want a better world, then people should accustom themselves to acts of kindness. If you want a happier world, then everyone should strive to spread happiness, not only for themselves but for others."

"Do you wish for a better world, Alicia-neesan? A happier world?"

"My dream, aye."

"Are you sure can do it?"

"Orb gave me a favourable opinion of that ambition, it even chose me for it!"

"I see... Orb is the source of Arcane, yes? The source of the most powerful magic? If Orb says so, it will definitely be done. I also want to believe that Alicia-neesan and Orb can make the world better. Make our fishing village go back to the way it was, free from pirates and mujinos."

"I'll make it happen."

Wisesa only became aware that he had been wholly engrossed in the night conversation with Barong and Izel for at least an hour and a half when he failed to notice Kaito and Tome by the fire. Izel too recognised the need for rest when the conversation abruptly halted and drowsiness pried her mouth open. As a precaution, they ventured toward a nearby pine tree. Not far from the bonfire, Alicia, Kaito, and Tome were found in the dimness, cocooned in blankets and nestled against the trunk. They were already fast asleep snuggling against each other, and their hands were tethered to Orb.

"Stupid kids," Izel mused. "Do they not fear catching colds, mosquito bites, or some other maladies in this chill?”

"They don't seem to mind," Wisesa replied, shrugging.

"I don't care about Alicia. Only the children."

Izel conjured a new magical fire afloat for them.

"That friend of yours," Izel said again, "she’s already taken a maternal role despite her youth. How did you two cross paths?"

"She accused me of stealing her Arcane orb—and yes, I did steal it—then we got into a few fights, but then she invited me to travel the world of thaumaturgy, claiming I was some kind of the chosen one, then we fought some more. We eventually grew tired of fighting and declared a truce, and I was forced to follow her. Not because I believed I was a ‘chosen freak’ like her, but because I needed to locate the illicit tenant cat's acquaintances to separate itself from me."

"Oh, that thing. The thing you don't want to mention that makes you always vexed with Tlaltecuhtli. Tlaltecuhtli, you don't appear as bothered as he is regarding the matter."

"Ah, I already don't see the point in being upset if it doesn't bring anything, Izel," Kitten Barong said. "If he doesn't want my power, let him find his way to get me out. But I'm not giving up so easily. On second thought, staying within Wisesa's body isn't that bad. He'll mellow out, just like he did with Alicia."

"Damn it, Barong," Wisesa hissed after clicking his tongue.

"Nevertheless, I envy the way you and Alicia met and how oft you fought. The closeness between men is often determined by how often they fight. Oh, what a privilege to possess a relationship like that! I'm green with envy!”

"You're a freak, Izel, you know that?" Wisesa quipped. "How can anyone who frequently fought each other see their relationship in such a positive light?"

"I mean, seeing you two now feels distinct from what you’ve described. But anyway, I commend her for caring for the children, and the deep affection she holds from them. Citlalicoatl always sees children as precious. Even when they belong to another."

***

Alicia poked Kaito and Tome who were still asleep. "Kids! Wake up!"

Kaito’s eyes were the first to flutter open, and he found Alicia crouching beside him with a smile. "Well, there you go. It's already noon. Time for breakfast! Izel said we'll reach Takamagahara today! Yer eager to meet your parents, aye?"

Kaito assisted in waking up Tome while Alicia darted off, returning with two brown cups of drinks.

"Behold! Yer breakfast!" Alicia declared with enthusiasm.

"Drinks?" asked Kaito.

"One of the best drinks I've had in Lojitengara. Milk and spices. A little spicy, but still delicious! I added some cream for Tome, in case the spiciness is too much for her."

"I must say, it's delicious, Alicia!" Izel exclaimed from the background. "It reminds me of the atole made by my community elder. Oh, when you arrive in Takamagahara, I'll introduce you to her!"

Tome, now awake, took her warm mug into her small hands. "Milk?"

"Milk! With mixed spices!"

"I love milk!"

"Everyone loves milk!" Alicia giggled. "Drink it slowly this time, aye?"

Tome blew gently on her drink before taking a tentative sip. She examined her cup thoughtfully, then took a few more sips. And so on until the last drop was left.

"Can I have some more?" the little girl asked, peering up at Alicia with a flat expression.

"You can have mine," Kaito offered.

"Oh, nae, nae need!" Alicia quickly retrieved Tome's mug. "I'll fetch another for you. Finish your share, Kaito."

After enjoying their milk drinks, they packed their belongings and resumed their journey through the air, led by Izel's blazing chariot. When their skin tingled unnaturally upon crossing a small town diverted into a military base—judging by the numerous war machines and increasing airship traffic—Izel explained that they had traversed the safe zone. No mujinos were guaranteed to frolic here.

Their flight continued for several hours until the trees gradually sparsed, replaced by rows of colossal, ancient warrior statues as far as the eye could see. The statues struck a motley of poses, from leisurely tea drinkers to fierce sword-wielders, from warriors perched atop giant toads to those standing on a single leg. Most of these statues succumbed to the ravages of moss and time, and their limbs were largely missing. There was only one giant torii gate of sombre grey and spiral carvings, and it was rather awkwardly placed. In this expanse, they encountered many travellers and carriages streaming through that gate.

"We're here!" Izel declared once they landed.

Alicia and Wisesa exchanged bemused glances. "Where's the city?" the lass asked.

"It's right here! Come with us, Alicia-neesan!" Kaito and Tome seized Alicia's arm as they ran towards two statues whose hands united to form a circular portal.

"Our parents once took us to an annual festival in Takamagahara," Kaito elucidated. "My father said that if you want to see something, find the right angle for it..."

It was only when Alicia peered through the hand-made portals did she lay eyes on the magnificent sight of the Kagatse Shogunate capital. Takamagahara was separated by a chasm, connected by branching bridges.

From there the bespectacled lass also realised that the people were meandering through the statue portal instead of advancing directly to the torii gate. Her curiosity was piqued. Alicia raced around, glancing at the gate from the opposite direction, then returning to the two statues, only to repeat the process. People and vehicles seem to continue on their way through the sculpture park just like that, when not viewed from the portal of the two statues.

Alicia burst out laughing. "It's an illusion!" she called out to the others. "An illusion! This is the first time I've seen Ninshu Art’s Land Illusion with my own eyes. On such a large scale too! Marvellous! Kaito! Can you construct an illusion like this?”

Kaito was genuinely taken aback by the bookworm’s mannerisms. "I... am not a practitioner,” he confessed, shaking his head.

"That's awright! I'll ask the original practitioners in Takamagahara! Oh, this is genius! My eyes were deceived! I must document this in my journal!" And so she clung to her statement, pulling her stationery and sizeable book from her bag.

Izel, watching from behind, leaned over to Wisesa and whispered, "Is your friend alright?"

Wisesa all but sighed. "Unfortunately, that's her most normal behaviour. At least those kids are the victims of her ramblings."

Izel then approached Alicia, gently patting her on the shoulder. "Ninshu's magical tricks are genuinely impressive, wouldn't you agree?”

"Exceedingly impressive!" Alicia responded with boundless excitement.

The pyromancer nodded. "Let's cross that Ukihashi bridge, and then, welcome to Takamagahara!" []