Chapter 18
“The Gaurdian”
Through that vast stream of awareness, a small figure's presence somehow stood out from the rest—a child's essence that burned with surprising intensity.
"Well, aren't you something special?" Gameweaver's voice softened to a gentle whisper as she addressed Raya's consciousness. "So young, yet you've learned survival's harshest lessons. And what's this? Ah... Ani's collar. Some bonds transcend even death, don't they?"
For just a moment, the AI's perpetually cheerful tone carried a hint of genuine warmth. "The Summoner class was made for souls like yours, little one. That collar... the love infused in every scratch and scuff... it will let you call Ani to your side again. Not just a memory, but a guardian spirit! He'll fight beside you, protect you, just like before. Larger now, stronger—though still with those same kind eyes, I expect."
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Raya's heart swelled as she felt the familiar presence of Ani, a mix of overwhelming gratitude and disbelief washing over her. She could almost see him—his warm eyes, his tail wagging, the comfort he had always brought her in the darkest times. Tears threatened to form, but she held them back, focusing on the warmth of Ani's spirit wrapping around her. The idea of seeing him again, of feeling his presence by her side, filled her with a hope she hadn't dared to feel in a long time.
Gameweaver's voice brightened back to its usual pep. "He'll be able to shield you, heal you, even clear paths through enemies! Of course, statistically speaking, having a spectral companion won't significantly improve your survival chances. But won't it be lovely to face your inevitable death together?"
Raya took a deep breath, her small hands clenching as she held onto the thought of Ani. She wasn't here to let fear rule her—she had Ani again, and that meant she had something worth fighting for. No matter what Gameweaver said, no matter the odds, she was going to face whatever lay ahead with Ani by her side. It was more than she could have ever hoped for.
The digital void twisted and churned, pulling Raya's young consciousness into the stream of billions before another presence emerged—one carrying the sharp tang of antiseptic and the weight of countless impossible choices.