Amber had decided to take the morning off. With the Red Kite Immortal's flight speed, she could sweep across the entire continent-sized singularity in under an hour. It was tempting—freedom, sky, solitude.
But Fu Hua's voice cut through her excitement.
"Don't forget to use Yu Du Chen to mask your presence. This world isn't peaceful. If the enemy detects you, it won't just be a passing glance."
Amber hesitated. "It should be fine, right? I've got navigation. And if things go south, you can fight for me!"
She was half-joking. But she meant it.
Navigation could operate her body like a mage, executing moves with precision—but only one per second. Against brute force, that was fine. Against finesse? It was a liability.
Fu Hua, on the other hand, was different. This was her body at its peak, free of divine sound interference, empowered by the complete Yu Du Chen. She was stronger than she'd ever been.
Amber could even let navigation handle ranged attacks while Fu Hua took control in melee. Sword God had no cooldown in this form. Together, they were more than the sum of their parts.
But Fu Hua poured cold water on her fantasy.
"You've grasped the sword heart and mastered a few forms. Warcraft is no longer suitable for training. You need real combat—equal footing, life and death. If you encounter an enemy, I won't help."
She paused.
"Navigation won't either."
Amber deflated. "...So strict."
Fu Hua sighed.
They didn't speak of it, but they both knew: this was already a master-apprentice relationship. Fu Hua had never been good with apprentices. She'd lost too many. But this time, she'd decided to intervene early.
"Your vacation stands. But instead of wandering, go back to Uruk. See what needs doing."
Navigation chimed in: [Looking for the Chaldeans]
Amber nodded and flew back. But Uruk was quiet. The Chaldeans were gone—and not just out on errands. Their presence had vanished entirely.
Amber considered training. But Fu Hua stopped her.
"Your heart is dry. Cultivation now would be counterproductive."
She added, "Navigation said to look for Chaldea—not return to Uruk. They're likely on a mission from Gilgamesh."
Amber nodded and headed to the tower.
Normally, she'd never dare approach Gilgamesh directly. But in Fu Hua's form, she felt bold. She mimicked Merlin's casual stride and walked to the throne.
Gilgamesh glanced up from his clay tablet. "Why are you here?"
He paused, then smiled faintly. "Looking for Fujimaru and the others? I sent them to Kusa City—northeast of Uruk."
Amber bowed slightly. "Thank you. I'll take my leave."
"Wait."
Gilgamesh set down the tablet. "You've chosen to aid Uruk. That makes you an ally. As you can see, Uruk has no treasure to reward its allies."
Amber tilted her head. "It's my mission to protect the fire of civilization."
Ishtar had warned her not to say such things to mortals. But Gilgamesh wasn't just any mortal.
…Also, she thought he was handsome.
Gilgamesh's expression softened. He looked back at his tablet, signaling the conversation was over.
Amber left, confused but unbothered.
Fu Hua, however, reflected.
Gilgamesh had allowed Amber to roam freely for days—an unpredictable force, unchecked. But now, he'd acknowledged her. He'd confirmed her position. He was a king who knew how to win allies.
Fu Hua respected that.
But her focus returned to Amber.
"Amber, you've made progress with Taixu Sword Qi. But don't get complacent."
"Huh?" Amber blinked.
"Confidence is good. But don't assume you're invincible. Why didn't you ask what the Chaldeans were investigating?"
Amber hesitated. "…I didn't really care. I just wanted to be around people."
She didn't fear anything. She'd grown strong. She'd won every battle. Her only defeats were in training—and those came from the person she admired most.
It was enough to inflate anyone.
Fu Hua wasn't surprised. She'd seen the signs. She'd hoped Amber would get knocked down naturally. But this time, she chose to intervene.
She'd lost too many apprentices to stay in silence.
And she didn't want Amber to be another one of them.