It had taken the entire night for Derick to have his avatar advance as far as possible towards Styxia.
Finally, after losing its bearings, he had it temporarily halt its movements, preparing to lie dormant there until his main body passed by and confirmed Styxia's coordinates.
After stopping, Derick shifted his gaze back to his own self.
His vision fully returned to his main body, Derick felt his breathing quicken. Because the small bed was too narrow, he and Castorice were face to face, and Derick could clearly feel the tip of his nose brushing against Castorice's.
"Derick..."
Castorice murmured, her hand pressing Derick's waist with a bit more force. Her calf lifted slightly, resting on Derick's, the warmth of her foot transmitting through the white silk stocking to his leg. Her small foot arched like a crescent moon, gently rubbing against his calf.
Derick's heart felt as if it had been brushed by a feather; an itchy sensation instantly welled up.
Derick felt his body temperature rise considerably.
"'Having a body that's too good isn't always a great thing,'" Derick cursed inwardly as he felt his body react involuntarily.
Even in his current youthful form, his development was considered excellent compared to adults. Now, with his physique further growing, his development was progressing in a coordinated manner throughout his body.
"'If I grow even more... the physique of a Chrysos Heir should be quite good, right!'"
Derick thought to himself.
Worried about waking Castorice, Derick quickly filled his mind with all sorts of random thoughts.
From the situation of the Chrysos Heirs, to the plot of Jarilo-VI, and then the Phantom Prison Jing Dery on the Xianzhou...
He had almost replayed every plotline he knew in his mind. Then, Derick started pondering the appearances of the various Aeons, their factions, and even their love-hate relationships.
Towards the end, he even began to contemplate the Big Bang.
As a result, during that supposed sleeping time, Derick hadn't slept a wink.
When Castorice woke up the next day, she looked at the mentally exhausted Derick, a bewildered expression in her eyes.
"You, what happened to you?"
"It's nothing. Just thinking about going to Styxia later makes me a little excited," Derick replied to Castorice with a yawn.
Given his constitution, even without sleep, he shouldn't have been this affected. The problem was, Derick had spent the entire night forcing his mind to think about other things. This one night was more exhausting for Derick than a whole night of research.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Cipher got up at this moment. She crossed her snow-white legs, her perfectly shaped feet pointing, even wanting to stretch them towards Derick and Castorice.
Castorice, fast asleep, hadn't noticed. But Cipher, as a legendary phantom thief, had very sharp eyesight. She had seen Derick's physical reaction crystal clear.
"Then do you want to rest a bit more?" Castorice glanced at Cipher, then asked Derick with concern.
"No need, I'll recover after walking a bit. I seem to have the energy of two Titans in me; I can recover without sleep," Derick shook his head.
"Alright then, let's take a short walk in Okhema, and then we'll head to Styxia," Castorice said after a moment's thought.
"Mm."
Derick agreed with Castorice's idea.
"I'll go prepare some breakfast." Castorice got up to prepare food.
Cipher was putting on her shoes. Seeing Castorice had already gone to the kitchen, a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes.
"I didn't expect the young lad to be developing so well."
"Hmph." Derick turned his head away, his expression unnatural. He hadn't expected Cipher to have noticed his state last night.
Seeing his shy, averted face, Cipher let out a teasing laugh. While Derick wasn't paying attention, she reached out and pinched his cheek. Derick's current appearance was quite fun to pinch.
"'If he absorbs more Titan energy, he might grow again. By then, it might not be appropriate to pinch his cheek anymore. While his cheek is still cute, I should get a couple of good pinches in,'" Cipher thought.
However, this Derick was not the same as when they first met. Possessing Nikador's Coreflame, his speed couldn't match Cipher's, but his martial skills were far superior. Although his cheek was pinched, Derick reacted in time, extending his hand to block her, and then, with a similar gesture, pinched Cipher's cheek in return.
Cipher didn't expect Derick to actually fight back and was about to do something more, but at that moment, Derick had quickly left the bed and gone to the kitchen. Cipher saw Castorice glaring at her.
"Fine, I lose."
Cipher shrugged and conceded defeat.
"All full, let's set off." After eating, Cipher patted her stomach and said to Derick and Castorice.
"Okay."
Derick and Castorice nodded.
Before leaving, Derick locked the door.
Cerces appeared at the door just then, looked at Derick and Castorice, and said, "Are you two departing?"
"Yes, we're preparing to go to Styxia," Derick nodded affirmatively.
"I hope you return soon. My Titan Coreflame still needs you to inherit it," Cerces said to Derick.
"Hey, it should be my turn next time," Cipher grumbled, dissatisfied.
"I'll be back as soon as possible," Derick assured Cerces, simultaneously infusing her with a stream of the Titan of Reason's energy. This trip would take a few days at least; if he didn't infuse her with some of the Titan of Reason's energy, what if Cerces's energy was insufficient by the time he returned?
"Mm."
Cerces nodded slightly.
After bidding farewell to Cerces, Derick and the others continued towards the outskirts of Okhema. In the Marmoreal Market, he greeted the merchants.
"Derick, you're leaving again?"
"Yes, for some matters related to the Flamechase Journey, I'll be out for a few days."
"Then I wish you a smooth journey." An uncle picked up some fruit he was selling and handed it to Derick. "Here, for you, Lady Castorice, and Lady Cipher to try."
"Thank you, Uncle."
"Thanks, Uncle." Cipher took a fruit from Derick's hand and also expressed her thanks.
"Thank you," Castorice said softly.
"Compared to you all watching over Okhema, what we do is insignificant," the fruit uncle quickly waved his hand.
"Don't say that. Without everyone, the Flamechase Journey couldn't proceed at all," Derick said, a little embarrassed.
"Nothing to be embarrassed about. Derick, if we finish what we need to do sooner, that will be the best way to repay the uncles," Cipher said, patting Derick's shoulder.
"You're actually being so proactive?" Derick was a little unaccustomed to hearing Cipher speak so positively.
"Of course. This time it's mainly your business, not mine, so naturally, I'll be enthusiastic," Cipher said, proudly puffing out her chest.
Indeed, I shouldn't have any expectations for her.
Derick thought to himself, looking at Cipher like this.
Afterward, the three of them walked out of Okhema city. As they were leaving the city, they saw a few Earth Beasts. Castorice looked at the Earth Beasts, a hint of anticipation in her eyes.
Derick knew what she was thinking, squeezed her hand, and said, "Don't worry, when we return safely, I'll definitely find a way to lift the curse from your body. At that time, you'll surely be able to feed the Earth Beasts with your own hands."
"Mm, I believe you."
Hearing Derick's words, Castorice nodded gently.
"Alright, let's skip the farewells for now. I'll send you two to Styxia first," Cipher clapped her hands and said to Castorice and Derick.
"Mm."
Cipher directed the operation: "Later, Derick, you hold Castorice, and then I'll hold you. That way, we can all reach Styxia in one trip. Remember to hold Castorice tight; if she falls midway, things will get troublesome."
"Mm, I know."
Derick nodded affirmatively.
Castorice completely trusted Derick. Hearing Cipher's arrangement, she immediately reached out to embrace Derick's shoulders. At the same time, she bent her knees slightly, allowing Derick to smoothly lift her in a princess carry.
Derick lifted Castorice. Only one thought occupied his mind.
From now on, the roles are reversed.
In the future, it will always be him princess-carrying Castorice, not Castorice princess-carrying him.
And after absorbing the Titan of Death's energy this time, my body will probably grow once more. By then, at least with a more masculine physique, I'll be able to do more. In Derick's mind, a few galgame CG memories became increasingly vivid.
"We're off!" Cipher spoke at this moment.
Then she bent down slightly, reached out to grab Derick's thighs, and lifted him and Castorice up. Her shoulder pressed against Derick's rear. Tossing a coin towards the sky, she pushed off with her feet and began to charge.
Cipher transformed into a streak of light. Derick felt himself moving at high speed. Although he had experienced it once before—oh, counting the time he was unconscious, twice—this third time still made Derick feel somewhat unaccustomed to it. At the same time, he had to hold Castorice tightly, not letting her slip from his arms.
In the blink of an eye, the charge ended.
Derick, Castorice, and Cipher appeared at a dilapidated pier by the sea. Looking into the distance, they saw a giant, abandoned city.
It was countless times larger than what was depicted in the game.
This was no surprise. Before "Death" arrived, Styxia was a famous coastal city-state with a considerable population. Now, only crumbling city walls and buildings remained.
Coupled with the deep ocean, Derick and the others felt the place was even more gloomy.
"You two go explore. I'll hide nearby. If anything happens, send me a signal." Cipher handed Derick a signal flare device.
"Okay."
Derick nodded.
Cipher turned and disappeared.
Derick looked at Castorice.
"Let's go, Castorice. Let's go check out the city."
"Mm."
_____
Greetings! ✨ Walnut here!
🔥 AN INCREDIBLE OFFER IS ON THE TABLE! 🔥
We're only 13 members away from our 65-member goal! 🎯
The second we hit it, 10 BONUS CHAPTERS for ALL STORIES will be released to everyone. No exceptions!
🪦 Your membership is the key. Let's make it happen!
100 powerstones = +1 Bonus Chapter for everyone! 5 reviews = +1 Bonus Chapter for everyone!
Secure your early access before it's too late!
👻 patreon.com/Walnutchan