Chapter 319: Guidance
"Hmm... seems like there are quite a few intruders today."
Not long after sending Flamme out of the Heavenly Kingdom, Olivia sensed the aura of strange powers intruding again.
Forced to end her prayers once more, she spread her wings and rushed toward the source of the aura.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Having opened the defensive barrier of the Heavenly Kingdom using the same method, Rhodes and Serie were flying above the city.
"This place is a bit tattered. Is it really the legendary Heavenly Kingdom of the Sky-Winged?" Serie asked curiously, looking at the dilapidated buildings below.
The three legendary kingdoms of the Mythical Era:
The First Dwarven Capital, the Elven Capital, and the Heavenly Kingdom beneath her feet.
Nowadays, the only one the world could see was the Elven Capital. The altitude of the Heavenly Kingdom meant ninety percent of mages couldn't even fly up here. Even if they did, they couldn't break the outer defensive barrier. It could be said that this geographical location made it nearly impossible to be invaded by external enemies.
"It was caused by Teleportation Magic."
Looking at the ruins below, Rhodes sighed with emotion.
Teleporting the entire Heavenly Kingdom directly above the Demon King's Castle back then was a last resort. After all, the power of faith there couldn't be transmitted through a spatial channel; it could only be invoked on-site.
Consequently, most of the buildings suffered considerable damage.
He and Serie arriving at this city was pure coincidence. They had spotted a small black dot in the sky and flown up out of curiosity, only to discover it was the kingdom of the Sky-Winged.
The two continued flying through the air, touring it like their own back garden.
Serie observed the damaged buildings with great interest, occasionally flying directly over them to sense the unique texture of the materials.
"Traces of Stasis Magic, and the materials are very special. Also, the architectural style here is completely different from the Elven Capital, even though they worship the same Goddess," Serie commented, then frowned slightly. "Just a bit too broken. A pity."
"No helping it. Forcibly moving such a massive object... even with the dual protection of Stasis Magic and the power of faith, it was difficult to completely offset the backlash."
"No wonder you said you didn't plan to replicate that method. Indeed, given the current state of this city, it cannot withstand the vibration of a second Teleportation Magic," Serie realized.
While the two were talking, a figure appeared silently not far ahead of them.
Olivia folded her wings. When she saw the visitors' faces clearly, her expression changed instantly—far more moved than when she learned Flamme was Rhodes and Serie's disciple.
She came before them almost eagerly and bowed slightly. Her voice remained cool but carried warmth she could hardly conceal. "Lord Rhodes, it has been a long time. And Lady Serie, I trust you are well."
Rhodes revealed a gentle smile and waved to her. "Yes, Olivia. Long time no see. It has been about a thousand years."
His gaze lingered on her for a moment, scrutinizing her slightly, as if confirming her condition over the past millennium.
Although the Life Magic contract connected them, allowing him to sense her life status at all times, seeing with his own eyes that she was the same as before was more reassuring.
Even Serie, who usually held a subtle hostility toward Olivia, only gave a light "Mn" as a greeting this time.
A thousand years ago, seeing Olivia display such undisguised reverence and closeness to Rhodes, Serie probably wouldn't have been able to resist finding an excuse to interrupt or simply drag Rhodes away.
But now, times had changed. Her relationship with Rhodes had long transcended worldly definitions, becoming the most indispensable part of each other's lives.
This relationship allowed her to calmly face this ancient companion who was theoretically Rhodes's familiar. She even felt a faint trace of... sympathy for her thousand years of solitude.
Olivia was also somewhat surprised by Serie's rare peaceful attitude but said nothing, simply leading the way. "Please follow me."
She led the two to the only intact main hall. The small chair Flamme had sat on earlier hadn't even been put away yet. But unlike receiving Flamme, this time Olivia appeared exceptionally attentive.
From somewhere, she brought out a perfectly preserved small round stone table and three exquisite small chairs. She even produced a bottle with an even more refined design, the liquid inside shimmering with dreamlike colors.
"This is Divine Wine, brewed from star dew and mana flowers collected in the gardens of the Heavenly Kingdom in the past. It not only strengthens the constitution and increases mana capacity but also restores stamina and heals injuries," Olivia said, placing the bottle on the table.
This contrasted sharply with her previous statement to Flamme about being "unable to offer hospitality." Fortunately, Flamme had already left and wasn't around to witness this discriminatory treatment.
Rhodes looked at the bottle emitting a hazy glow and smiled, not touching it immediately.
He didn't need to think twice to know the potency of Sky-Winged Divine Wine. Its kick was absolutely not comparable to ordinary alcohol.
However, Serie's interest was clearly piqued.
She picked up a bottle curiously, uncorking the stopper sealed by magic. A crisp, exotic fragrance wafted out. Without even pouring it out to taste, she tilted her head back and took a swig directly from the bottle.
"Hey, you can't just..." Rhodes instinctively wanted to stop her. This wine didn't look like something meant to be chugged.
But Serie had already swallowed it. She smacked her lips, a look of surprise appearing on her small face. "Mn... tastes good. A bit sweet, cool and refreshing."
She looked perfectly fine. Her eyes even seemed a bit clearer.
Seeing this, Rhodes swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue.
Whatever. With their current strength, even if Serie really got drunk, he was there to watch over her. Nothing would go wrong.
Olivia watched Serie's action, the corners of her mouth curling up. Then she looked at Rhodes, voicing the question in her heart. "Lord Rhodes, why have you suddenly appeared here?"
Rhodes withdrew his gaze from Serie and looked at Olivia. "Nothing much. Just wanted to come see you." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the empty hall, his voice lowering a few notches. "To see how you are doing here."
He was silent for a moment, then continued, "Olivia, regarding the oath binding you here... I still believe this is not a necessary atonement. Moreover, the sins committed by the Sky-Winged in the past shouldn't be borne by you."
Olivia's body trembled slightly. She lowered her head, making her expression unreadable.
Rhodes's voice carried a hint of firmness—not an order, but guidance. "Back then, things happened too suddenly; I didn't have time to explain in detail. But now, we have enough time. And the outside world is vast, with many changes. You shouldn't exile yourself in this cold kingdom forever."
Although Serie took another sip of Divine Wine on her own, her ears were perked up.
She also felt Olivia shouldn't lock herself in this kingdom forever. That was too boring.
Olivia was silent for a long time.
Finally, she raised her head, meeting Rhodes's firm gaze. A crack appeared in the resolve deep within her eyes. "I will... consider Lord Rhodes's intentions."
This was the greatest concession she could make.
Rhodes smiled. Although Olivia didn't agree explicitly, willing to try was excellent. "That is good. If you have the chance, go down and walk around more, Olivia. This world is far more exciting than you remember."
❃❃❃
⤑ Show your support with Power Stones!
⤑ Unlock a Bonus Chapter every time we hit 200 Power Stones!
❃❃❃
♕ Get early access to 20+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
🔗 https://www.pat-reon.co-m/c/Hollowborn
(Just remove the hyphen (-) to open the link!)
💬 Enjoying the story? Drop a review!
Your support really helps the series grow—thank you