Miko stared intently at her status panel, carefully reading through it.
LV1, with all attributes at zero—this symbolized that everything was just beginning.
Her eyes lingered particularly on the [Magic] and [Skill] sections.
The skill [Spirit Sight] seemed like an enhanced version of her original ability.
Not only could she see spirits, but she could track their movements and even glimpse aspects of divine essences?
Thinking of this, Miko instinctively raised her head and looked at Phaethon once more.
This time, with her enhanced Spirit Sight from his blessing, the scene before her eyes transformed completely!
Phaethon's seemingly ordinary human form vanished from her vision.
What replaced it was an endless, blindingly radiant sea of golden light!
That light was so vast and brilliant, it felt as if it illuminated countless worlds, brimming with unimaginable majesty and power.
Yet, this light—powerful enough to make stars pale in comparison—was not blinding.
Instead, it radiated warmth, gentleness, and boundless compassion.
Like the first light of dawn, it carried vibrant life and filled one's heart with an unparalleled sense of peace and security.
Under its glow, all fear and darkness seemed to be utterly powerless.
Just glimpsing this surface-level essence made Miko's very soul quiver.
It was the instinctive reverence a mortal felt when beholding something truly divine.
"Hmm?"
Phaethon seemed to sense Miko's gaze but did not appear angry. He merely smiled warmly and gently reminded her:
"Miko, your Spirit Sight now allows you to perceive far more than before.
But in Orario, it's best not to peer too deeply into others—especially the gods.
Some of them are... quite peculiar, and drawing their attention wouldn't be a good thing."
"Ah! I-I'm so sorry, Lord Phaethon!"
Miko jumped, startled, and hurriedly bowed her head to apologize:
"I... I didn't mean to. Back in my original world, I could always see... I just couldn't control it..."
"Heh, I understand."
Phaethon chuckled. "But now it's different. After receiving my blessing,
your Spirit Sight is now fully under your control. You can choose when to activate or deactivate it."
"R-Really?"
A trace of joy flickered in Miko's eyes as she followed Phaethon's guidance, concentrating to control her vision.
Sure enough, as she willed it, the twisted and terrifying images that once plagued her vanished in an instant.
The world returned to normal. When she wanted to see again, with just a slight focus, that special vision returned seamlessly.
"Amazing! I can really control it!"
Miko almost cried from joy, her face glowing with relief.
"Finally... finally, I won't be tormented by those things anymore!"
A problem that had haunted her for so long had been resolved so effortlessly!
However, Phaethon poured a splash of cold water on her enthusiasm at the right moment.
"Don't celebrate too soon, Miko. Being able to control what you see only helps you live normally.
But those evil spirits you saw, they won't just vanish because you stopped seeing them."
His expression turned more serious: "If you don't take action to purify or exorcise them,
if you just let them fester and grow, their numbers will keep increasing.
Their influence on the real world will deepen, and one day...
even ordinary people without Spirit Sight will start to see them.
When that happens, your world could very well fall into true catastrophe."
Miko's smile froze. She understood what Phaethon meant.
Running away wasn't a solution—it never was.
"That's why, Miko, you still need to grow stronger."
Phaethon continued:
"You need to master the strength to fight back, to eliminate those spirits.
Your Spirit Sight is a powerful detection and perception ability.
And your awakened magic [Spirit Control] has enormous potential."
Controlling spirits, making them allies, and even drawing out the powers they had in life...
This sounded like it was tailor-made for her!
"I understand, Lord Phaethon!"
Miko nodded firmly, her gaze resolute.
"I will strive to become stronger and master this power—not just for myself but to protect the world I care about!"
Seeing Miko regain her resolve and find her purpose, Phaethon nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. Now, let's head downstairs."
The two descended the stairs back to the main hall.
Kanae, who had been waiting patiently, immediately stepped forward gracefully and greeted them.
She could sense that Miko had successfully joined the Familia.
"Congratulations, Miko. Welcome to our family."
Kanae smiled warmly.
"Thank you, Kanae... Senpai."
Miko replied bashfully.
Kanae then turned to Phaethon, her expression filled with curiosity.
"Lord Phaethon, are we going to take Miko to the Guild for her adventurer registration now?"
However, Phaethon shook his head and smiled gently.
"There's no rush for registration just yet.
Today, we have something far more important to do."
He looked at Kanae, giving her an affirming nod.
"Kanae, you have successfully reached LV2 and advanced to Sword Saint.
Your strength has undergone a significant transformation.
Now, it's time for me to fulfill my promise to you."
Kanae's body stiffened slightly at his words, and then her eyes shone with a fiery brilliance.
She straightened up and replied with utmost seriousness:
"Yes, Lord Phaethon! I am fully prepared!"
She knew exactly what Phaethon meant—
To return to her original world, to sever the threads of that predetermined tragedy, and to save her beloved sister!
Phaethon nodded, wasting no time.
He raised his hand, and a radiant golden light gathered in his palm.
Like flowing tides, the light expanded outward, rapidly sketching the outline of a glowing portal before the three of them.
The gateway shimmered with powerful spatial energy, swirling with images of an entirely different world.
"Miko."
Phaethon turned to the curious Miko, extending an invitation:
"Would you like to join us?
Consider it a chance to witness the growth of our Familia's captain,
and perhaps experience the scenery of a different world."
"Huh? M-Me too?"
Miko was stunned but quickly became more curious—and a bit excited.
Almost unconsciously, she nodded.
"Then... let's go."
Phaethon took the first step into the light-filled gateway.
Kanae followed, her stride steady and filled with anticipation.
Miko hesitated only a moment before summoning her courage.
With a deep breath, she stepped forward, joining them as they disappeared into the shimmering portal...