Chapter 122: The Return of the Tiger and the Shadow of the Forehead Seal
The Philosophy of Power and Hunger: When Deities Feast
Do you know how nature bows when an ancient, dormant power awakens within human veins? Diari's strength was not merely raw muscle or magic; it was "Devastating Protection." When love becomes a shield, the hemoglobin in the blood turns into flames of white fire. Yet, here lies the paradox of life: while the human soul dances within the layers of heaven, the body, like a newborn, cries out for bread. This blend of "Divine Power" and "Human Necessity" is the truest face of existence. Diari, at the peak of his power, becomes the gentlest guardian of Rina's small hunger; for kings are only great when they know how to satisfy the hearts of their queens.
The Return of the Tiger: Silence Before the Cyclone
On that green hill, as Diari fastened the ruby necklace around Rina's neck, he felt the entire universe shrink into the palm of his hand. The power that had smoldered like an ember beneath the ashes of neglect for years suddenly ignited. Diari felt his veins turning into chords of steel; his current strength was far deeper and quieter than before. Like a tiger that holds its breath before the leap, ensuring its prey is not startled.
Rina, standing beside him, felt a strange sensation. It was as if a massive magnet were pulling her toward the center of the earth. The warm energy radiating from Diari's body was so potent she felt her heart softening. But beneath all that love, the mark on her forehead—sealed by Lina (Malacora)—began to throb like a faint wound. The mark was shifting from red to a murky purple, as if trying to compete with Diari's rising power.
The Music of the Stomach and the Hungry Queen's Whims
Amidst all these tragic and cosmic emotions, a sudden sound broke the silence. "Gurgle... gurgle..." Rina immediately placed her hand over her stomach, her face turning as red as a pomegranate flower.
Diari (with a playful and charming laugh, his crimson eyes glowing with infinite love): "Oh... oh... look at the Queen! It seems the army inside Rina Khan's stomach has started a military coup. What was that music, Rina? It seems someone here is about to eat us!"
Rina (with a touch of whimsy and the slight anger only lovers understand): "Diari! Stop it... what can I do? I'm hungry! All this running and playing on this hill took all my energy. Do you think I'm made of magic and steel like you? I'm a poor human, and right now, I just want bread!"
Diari, with a loud laugh, took Rina's hand. "Come, my Queen, you shouldn't stay hungry for another second. We're going to that little shop at the bottom of the hill; I'll buy you that sandwich you always say tastes like paradise. Should it have onions and spicy peppers too?"
Rina shouted with joy and threw herself into Diari's arms: "Oooooh! No Diari, I won't eat a sandwich—I'll eat you out of pure joy! How can you be this good? Hurry up, I'm about to faint from hunger! Weeee!"
The Old Man and the Omen of Great Shadows
As they walked down, Diari felt his steps were light as rose petals, yet the weight of his power was like a mountain. He could now feel the heartbeats of the insects within the forest. They reached the shop; an old man with a white beard, whose eyes were like mirrors of history, was there.
As Diari ordered the sandwiches, the old man paused and looked into the depths of Diari's crimson eyes.
The Old Man: "My son... your eyes speak of an ancient story written in blood. Take care of the flower beside you. Sometimes, great power creates great shadows. Beware of the shadow hidden within her forehead."
Diari gave a reassuring smile: "Don't worry, Haji, I will be both shadow and light for her. Make us two special sandwiches—one of them very full, because our Queen is very grumpy!"
A Darkness Within the Sweetness: Where is the Key?
They sat down and began to eat. Rina ate as if she had been in the desert for a year. Diari just watched her, brushing her honey-colored hair away from her face.
Diari: "Rina... I'm thinking about the future. Our home will be filled with children whose eyes are bright like yours. I will be a shield for you. No force—not Lina, nor any black magic—can touch you. I feel now that I can move mountains for you."
Just as Rina was about to reply, everything changed. The sandwich fell from her hand, and she gripped her head with both hands. She felt the earth and sky spinning together. A voice inside her head whispered: "Come to me... come to Malacora..."
Rina (with a trembling voice): "Diari... that feeling is back. It's as if something in my forehead is calling me. Diari, if one day I change... if I become someone else, will you still be here?"
Diari (tightly gripping her hand): "Rina, even if you become a demon, I will sit beside you in hell and fight for you. You will be fine; this is just a moment and it will pass."
Rina gave a sorrowful smile, but the old man in the corner of the shop whispered silently: "Happiness is brief, but love is eternal. My son, the key is hidden within your crimson eyes; find it before the seal is complete and Rina becomes a ghost."
Written by: Dlin_myth