We had spent hours searching for an inn. Luckily, we found one that wasn't full. It was somewhat old—its walls were grayish, or maybe just covered in gunk. The floor was cracked and scattered with soil, but it would do just fine. I grabbed the keys and led everyone to the room.
"This place smells," Zyler said, waving a hand in front of his nose.
"This is better than sleeping outside," I replied.
"Mmm..." he grumbled.
"I hope it's okay with you, Mayumi," I said, glancing at her.
She nodded silently.
Mayumi... If she were taught summoning, what kind of creatures could she summon? I'm not very knowledgeable in that field. Maybe I can find a book or scroll about it.
I slowly opened the door. The room was somewhat clean—but it only had two beds?
"There are only two beds," Zyler said as he stepped in.
"I guess both of you will have to share," I joked.
"Master!" Zyler exclaimed, his face turning red. "You know I can't do that!"
"How about it, Mayumi?" I asked, turning to her.
She shook her head, her cheeks flushed as well.
"I'm just joking," I laughed. "Zyler, you'll sleep with me. Mayumi gets the other bed."
"I guess that's fine," he muttered.
"Is that okay, Mayumi?"
She nodded again.
We settled our belongings and took a rest.
I looked out the window. The blue hue of the sky had shifted to orange and gold—it was already that late? The market lights began to glow, and more creatures filled the streets. Even spirits drifted in to shop.
I turned around. Zyler was already asleep in a rather questionable position, while Mayumi was quietly reading a book.
"What kinds of creatures can you summon?" I asked.
Mayumi looked up from her book, thought for a moment, then pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. She scribbled something and handed it to me.
Oh? She's been taught to summon the Twelve Celestial Deities? Summoning them requires enormous mana—and more than that, a deep bond with each deity.
"How many can you summon right now?" I asked, looking up from the paper.
She held up three fingers.
Three? She really is something else.
"And who are they?" I asked, handing the paper back.
She wrote again and passed it to me.
Pisces, Aquarius, and Leo. Water, air, and fire. The deities are equal in power, so summoning ones with different elemental affinities is quite the feat.
"So you're the new creature taking care of my Mayumi," a soft voice said suddenly.
I looked up—and saw the deity Pisces sitting beside Mayumi.
"Good evening to you, Goddess," I said, bowing respectfully.
"No need to be so formal," she replied with a gentle smile.
"If you don't mind me asking... why would your excellence come to a place like this?"
"I came to check on Mayumi—and her new... What are you, exactly?"
"I'm her master. I'll be teaching her how to weave threads," I said.
"Is that so? While you're at it, could you also teach her to use celestial threads?"
"I'll do my best."
"Thank you."
"If you don't mind, may I ask you another question?"
"What is it?"
"How did you and Mayumi meet?"
Asking a deity something so personal could go two ways—she might answer, or she might be insulted.
"Hm... When Mayumi was a little girl, she loved to dream—so much so that she became conscious in her dreams, even controlling them. That's a rare gift," she said, gently brushing Mayumi's hair. "Naturally, I was intrigued. I approached her first, within her dreams."
That makes sense... Pisces, the eldest of the Twelve, has the power to traverse dreams and alternate dimensions.
"Since I answered your questions, it's only fair you answer mine," she said as she softly put Mayumi to sleep.
"What would you like to know?"
"Why do you keep the hybrid with you?" she asked.
She saw through my illusion?!
"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to keep calm.
"Have you forgotten?" she said calmly. "I'm also the deity of illusions—illusions so real they affect the physical world."
Right... I forgot.
"Well... I want to train him. That's all," I said.
"That's not all. You want to use him—to end your curse."
I sat in stunned silence. How did she know...?
"I won't interfere. But make sure he never falls into the hands of the Demon Lord. If that happens, even the gods will struggle to stop him."
"I promise—I won't let the Demon Lord take Zyler."
"It seems I'm needed in the dream realm. I'll leave Mayumi in your care," she said, standing up.
A bright light flared—and then she vanished. The room fell into silence, and soon I drifted off to sleep.
In the morning, we packed our things and prepared for the journey ahead. But before leaving, we explored the bustling market. The streets were crowded with creatures, and every stall sold something unique.
I spotted one selling books. Maybe I'll find something on celestial deities.
"You two want to come in with me?" I asked.
"No, I'll stay out here," Zyler said.
"How about you, Mayumi?"
She shook her head.
I entered the stall. It was packed with old books and scroll-filled shelves.
"Good day, traveler," came a raspy voice from the counter.
I turned to see a troll with a long white beard and a wizard's hat.
"Good day," I replied. "Do you have any books about celestial deities?"
"Hmm... I think I do," he said, hopping down from the counter.
He wandered to the back, then pulled out a thick, dusty tome.
"This one's ancient. I tried reading it, but the language's too old for me."
"What language is it?" I asked as I walked closer.
"It's written in Tinig ng Unang Kalangitan," he said.
What luck...
"I'm actually fluent in that language."
"Oh? Then this book should tell you everything about the deities," he said, handing it over.
"How much?"
"Let's say... a thousand."
Fair enough.
"I'll take it," I said, handing him a bag of coins.
"Pleasure doing business."
"Thank you," I said as I stepped outside.
"You were taking a while, Master," Zyler said, standing up.
"I needed to get something before we leave. While we're here, feel free to grab something you want."
"I saw a cool sword earlier!" he said, pointing to a stall.
"How about you, Mayumi? Anything you want?"
She shook her head.
"Alright then. Let's see that sword."
The stall displayed all kinds—ancient blades to modern ones.
"Where is it?" I asked.
"In here," Zyler said, digging into a barrel labeled Free—Used & Damaged Blades.
Why is he digging in there...?
"Found it!" he said, lifting a black sword etched with ancient runes.
"What's this?"
"I see you've chosen that sword," the merchant said as he waxed a blade nearby. "That one's said to have been wielded by the knight who banished the Demon Lord to hell."
"Is that so..." I murmured.
"But that's just a legend. I don't believe any old sword could defeat the Demon Lord."
I was about to dismiss it—until a strange aura pulsed from the blade. This aura...
"How much?" I asked.
"It's in the free barrel. So, free."
"Then we'll take it. Thank you."
"Thanks for getting me this, Master!" Zyler said, swinging the sword with a grin.
"Why this one in particular?"
"I don't know... I just felt drawn to it."
"Hm..."
We walked toward the city gate. It was heavily guarded.
"Hold it right there!" a woman in armor called out.
She approached. "Before leaving, we must inspect you."
"What's the reason for the search?" I asked, raising my hands.
"Orders from the kingdom. There's been a surge in demon sightings—we're searching for a hybrid," she said, patting me down.
She pulled a device from her pocket.
"What's that?"
"A tool to disrupt illusions and reality-altering spells."
Fortunately... the spell hiding Zyler's horns isn't just any illusion—it rivals even Pisces' work.
"You're clear," she said, waving me through.
"Master, over here!" Zyler called.
I walked over to them.
"Master, what's a hybrid?" Zyler asked.
"I'm not sure either," I said, patting his head.
We continued toward Lupain ng Salamangka.
"Master, you promised you'd train us once we got off the boat," Zyler reminded me, stepping in front of me.
"Did I?" I said, raising an eyebrow, arms crossed.
Mayumi gently tugged on my jacket.
I did...
We found an open field surrounded by tall grass. The sky was clear. Perfect for training. I wove a dome-like barrier around us.
"Now—our first threads to fuse are light and air," I said, weaving my fingers through the air.
"Light thread? How do we get that?" Zyler asked, scratching his head.
"Light threads only exist where natural or magical light shines—like the sun," I explained. "They respond best to a calm, focused mind. Take a deep breath. Still your emotions. Any darkness in your thoughts will push the thread away. Close your eyes. Feel the warmth of the light—not just on your skin, but flowing through you."
"Extend your hand, or your mana, into the light. Don't force it—just sense the shimmering filament within it. When you feel it, gently draw it in. It should feel warm and feather-like."
I reached out and pulled a golden thread from the sunlight.
"Now, fuse it with an air thread—to create Flash."
Boom!
"Ow! That hurts!" Zyler said, rubbing his eyes.
"This spell distracts enemies," I said, turning to Mayumi. "You alright?"
She nodded.
"Now it's your turn."
Both of them raised their hands and reached out with their senses. It took some time, but eventually, they each managed to hold a thread of light.
"Now, fuse it with the air thread," I instructed.
They gently knotted the threads together and fused them.
Boom!
A flash of light burst out.
"That was easy," Zyler said, blinking rapidly.
Mayumi also seemed to have found it manageable.
"Good," I said, clapping my hands. "Now, repeat it—but this time, a little faster."
They spent half the day refining the spell. For such a short time, they made impressive progress. They really are strong.
Then, without warning, the ground trembled. A red light blazed beneath me. Before I could react, crimson chains shot from the earth and wrapped around my body, freezing me in place.
I struggled to weave a spell, but the chains nullified my magic.
"Where is the hybrid?" a deep voice roared.
Zyler and Mayumi rushed to my side.
"Master! What's happening?" Zyler cried, tugging at the chains.
"Demons," I gritted out.
"Demons?!"
A sickle, grotesque and made of flesh, whirled through the air, missing us by mere inches.
"There you are," a demon growled, emerging from the trees.
How did a demon pass my barrier?
"If you're looking for the hybrid, he's not here!" I shouted.
"Lowlife!" it snapped. "Do you think me a fool? I can sense his aura from a mile away!" It pointed directly at Zyler.
"What's it saying, Master?" Zyler asked, panic rising in his voice.
"I'll explain later. Right now, run—find help!" I commanded.
"No. I can face it," Zyler said, stepping forward.
He unsheathed the black sword he had found earlier and pointed it at the demon.
"So, the hybrid wants to fight," the demon snarled, pulling another sickle from its malformed body.
"Zyler, don't!" I shouted. But he ignored me.
He charged the demon, swinging with determination. The demon blocked and shoved him back with ease. Zyler attacked again, landing a few strikes, but the demon remained unfazed.
Beside me, Mayumi began to pray quietly.
Zyler's sword slashed across the demon's face, forcing it to stumble. But it only laughed and lashed out with its sickles again.
"Enough games," it growled. "The Demon Lord needs his sacrifice now."
The sickle pulsed, glowing, and suddenly grew chains. With one swing, it entangled Zyler, binding him midair.
"Zyler!" I screamed, heart pounding.
Then, I heard Mayumi whisper a name—"Aquarius."
A crackling bolt of lightning struck the demon, forcing it to its knees. The chains uncoiled and dropped Zyler to the ground.
"You've got a strong opponent here, sweetie," a smooth male voice echoed from above.
I looked up and saw Aquarius descending, his form surrounded by floating arcane machines. The demon froze.
"You've got a god on your side," it growled.
"Scared already?" Aquarius teased, smirking.
The demon roared and hurled its sickle. Aquarius dodged effortlessly as the machines began firing silver beams at the demon. It barely managed to block.
"You're strong," Aquarius said teasing it.
"After I kill you, I'll feast on your flesh," it hissed, pulling another sickle from its body.
"Dude, that's disgusting," Aquarius said, wrinkling his nose.
The demon leapt into the air, flinging both sickles toward Aquarius. One landed across his cheek, leaving a red mark.
"You like that?" the demon sneered.
Aquarius calmly touched the cut. Then, storm clouds began to gather above him. His eyes glowed light blue, and arcs of lightning surrounded him.
"How dare you damage this beautiful face!" he shouted, voice thunderous.
He raised his hand, and his machines formed a circle in the air. Silver beams shot down, trapping the demon. Every time it tried to escape, lightning surged through it.
"Now, face the wrath of a god," he said, lowering his finger.
A thousand bolts of lightning rained down. The demon's screams filled the air—until there were none.
When the skies cleared, only ash remained.
The red chains around me disintegrated.
Aquarius landed beside us and gently patted Mayumi's head.
"I'm sorry you had to see me like that, sweetie," he said warmly.
Behind him, Zyler looked visibly jealous.
Aquarius turned his gaze to me. "And who's this cutie, Mayumi?"
"I'm Diwaon," I said. "Mayumi's master."
He offered a hand and pulled me up, his eyes gleaming.
"I like your face," he said, pulling me closer.
"Hey! Don't do that to Master!" Zyler yelled.
Aquarius turned around, crouching to Zyler's eye level. "Oh, you must be the hybrid my big sister told us about."
"So what if I am?" Zyler challenged.
"I imagined you taller," Aquarius teased.
"You—!"
"Hey! What's going on here?" a sharp voice called out.
It was the armored woman from the city inspection.