After vigorously helping several Retainers raise their levels.
Linde and his group of six had already left Branica.
The Star Spirit rubbed her dark circles, a hint of sadness flashing in her eyes.
When would these days end?
She wondered if her master was doing it on purpose.
He clearly knew she was in the next room, yet he let Eve and the others' voices grow louder and louder.
Even though she had been subjected to multiple 'demonic sound' baptisms, she couldn't quite bear it anymore.
These past few days,
she had been completely sleepless.
"Star Spirit, you don't actually need to keep holding back."
Meyn, carried on Akame's back, spoke weakly.
As a long-range fighter, her physique was even weaker than Setsuna's.
She was still in a state of complete exhaustion.
Akame echoed, "Exactly, don't you want to break through your level?"
Including the newly joined Eve, there were only five Retainers accompanying them.
She also wanted another comrade-in-arms to fight alongside.
Otherwise,
Meyn on her back was a prime example.
The Star Spirit rolled her eyes and said helplessly, "It's all because of you guys, you don't give me a chance at all."
"???"
Akame and Meyn were full of question marks.
What was she talking about?
Did something like that even need a chance?
Wasn't it just a direct 'normal attack' and the master would take care of the rest?
"I... I'm a first-timer."
The Star Spirit hugged her arms and said shyly, "According to our elf customs, a certain sense of ritual is still needed."
"Uh..."
Akame and Meyn exchanged glances.
A sense of ritual, thin-skinned.
Now they understood.
Akame said solemnly, "Don't worry, since you've said so, I will help you."
"Then I'll leave everything to you."
The Star Spirit grabbed Akame's arm, her face filled with excitement.
She definitely needed to
give herself away quickly.
Otherwise, she would have a nervous breakdown sooner or later.
On the other side,
Linde asked, "Eve, is the Divine Bird, Kaladorius, really that strong as you say?"
"Mhm."
Eve nodded, "That is a legendary Divine Bird, an existence even the Demon King fears."
"Although my level has increased, if I want to truly defeat the Demon King, I need its help."
"Oh."
Linde blinked.
He had no impression of this so-called Divine Bird.
After all, in his previous life, he had only watched the anime.
However,
if his Retainer wanted it, then he would get it for her.
"By the way, is this Divine Bird male or female?"
Eve was stunned and subconsciously said, "According to legend, it's female."
"But, what if it's male?"
"Then I can only get rid of him."
Linde said as a matter of course, "I cannot allow other males to exist around my Retainers."
"..."
Several days later,
Linde and his group descended from the sky.
What greeted their eyes was a range of towering, cloud-piercing mountains, giving a sense of grandeur.
"Master, this is our destination, and also the holy land of our Black Witch Clan."
Pointing forward, Eve spoke excitedly.
"Hmm, the scenery looks beautiful."
Linde gazed into the distance, a smile curving his lips.
Then, he looked elsewhere: "However, the residents here don't seem to welcome us."
The moment his words fell, magical fluctuations had already spread from afar.
The next second,
several wind blades had already torn through the sky, heading straight for Linde and his group.
"Who's there?"
Meyn shouted, and her Romantic Artillery had already been activated.
Boom!
Accompanied by a roar,
all the wind blades were shattered by that single shot.
Akame and the others also immediately took protective stances, standing in front of Linde.
For this,
Linde was very satisfied.
Although with his strength, he didn't need the protection of Akame and the others.
But as a master, no matter how strong, it is only right to be protected by his Retainers/Subordinates.
"There are many enemies. Have we been ambushed?"
The Star Spirit frowned, her magic power surging.
Under her gaze, figures leaped out from the forest.
Without exception, all of these people had jet-black wings; they were all members of the Black Wing Clan.
"Humans, this is not a place for you."
An elder walked out from the crowd and said sternly, "Leave quickly, or else..."
His words were cut short as he stared intently at Eve.
"You... you are Lady Eve."
"M-M-Meer, Grandfather Meer."
Eve gazed at him, a look of pleasant surprise on her face.
"Lady Eve, have you been abducted by these humans? Don't worry, we will never let humans harm you."
"Grandfather Meer, please don't misunderstand. They are my companions."
"So please, don't be impulsive."
Meer, who was about to give an order to attack, paused, then scrutinized Eve.
She didn't seem to be coerced.
He immediately apologized, "Uh, everyone, I am truly sorry."
"I apologize for my rash actions just now."
Hearing this, Akame and the others did not lower their guard; instead, they all looked at Linde.
"..."
"Why are you looking at me? Do I look like the kind of person who, after being attacked once, would kill their entire family?"
"Didn't I say it was all a misunderstanding?"
"..."
Akame and the others exchanged glances, seeing the subtle meaning in each other's eyes.
Isn't he?
With the misunderstanding resolved, Linde and his companions, led by Meer, began to delve deeper into the Black Wing Clan's sacred land.
"Lady Eve, where have you been recently?"
Meer asked with concern.
"Because of the Demon King's Army's pursuit, I've been hiding and running."
Eve explained, "But I realized that constantly hiding is not a solution."
"So I hope to obtain the power of the Divine Bird Calidus."
"What did you say?"
Meer's expression changed, and he quickly urged, "Lady Eve, you absolutely cannot do that."
"Don't you know how many people have tried to pass the Divine Bird Trial, but none of them ever returned alive?"
Looking at Meer's worried eyes, Eve shook her head earnestly.
She said seriously, "Since someone once gained the Divine Bird's approval, then I can too."
"And now, I have gained new power."
Eve subconsciously touched her belly, her tone growing firmer.
"That's right, and she also has Akame helping her."
"Don't worry, with the master here, it will definitely not be a problem."
Akame and the others also chimed in.
Uh... looking at the confident group, Meer still sighed softly, "I still think it's too risky."
"Lady Eve, you possess the potential to become the Demon King; you just need to wait patiently."
"There's no need to risk your life for a slim hope."
"Grandfather Meer, you don't need to persuade me anymore."
Eve shook her head, "Perhaps what you said is indeed a method."
"But during that time, who knows how many of our clansmen's lives would be lost."
"Trust me, we will definitely pass the Divine Bird Trial."
Hearing Eve's words, Meer wanted to speak but stopped, his words ultimately turning into a sigh.
"Since that's the case, I won't say anything more."
"However, you've had a tough journey. Before challenging the Divine Bird Trial, you must rest well."
"Yes, that's a must." Eve nodded vigorously.
On the other side, the Star Spirit's eyes lit up when she heard the word "rest."
A chance.
Has the chance finally arrived?