117 Leaving The Nightshade Sanctum Part-2
[Outside the Nightshade Sanctum]
Taking a deep breath, I passed through the large outer gate of the Nightshade Sanctum and left the colossal building behind. The storm outside continued to pour relentlessly, matching the intensity of the sounds I could hear from within. It was an overwhelming sight to behold.
'This way, Princess,' I said, beckoning Blaze to lead the way as he confidently strolled ahead, guiding me through the treacherous path. Despite the fierce weather, he seemed undeterred, showing me the way to safety.
When we first arrived on this island, we "borrowed" the boat from the beastman, Kael. Well, to be honest, we stole it.
'Borrowed? We stole it.' Blaze couldn't help but correct me, reminding me of the less honorable nature of our actions.
While it weighed on my conscience, I knew it was a necessary means to an end. If fate ever allows me to cross paths with Kael again, I will make it right.
'Chances of meeting him again are as slim as finding a silver pearl in the ocean and..... again weighed your consciousness? I don't want to hear that from a homicidal boy who is like myself.' Blaze interjected, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism. He knew the odds were against us, but he couldn't resist adding a touch of humor to the situation.
But anyways, Returning to our current predicament, swimming hundreds of miles back to Prowler's Cove harbor is simply not feasible. Even with my new Bloodline powers, it would be a daunting task.
'Don't be sad, Princess. Remember, once you reach the third stage, you'll be able to fly,' Blaze commented, his words filled with sympathy and encouragement. He was trying to uplift my spirits, reminding me of the abilities I would soon possess.
So, we needed to find an alternative means of leaving this place.
'-But why head for the shores?' Blaze inquired,
His curiosity is getting the best of him. I couldn't reveal the full extent of my plans just yet. It was better to disclose them gradually, sparing him unnecessary worry.
"You'll understand when we get there," I replied, keeping my response vague yet intriguing. With that, we continued our journey through the raging storm, the thunder echoing through the sky.
I relied on Blaze's guidance to lead me in the right direction, ensuring we followed a straight path that would eventually lead us to Prowler's Cove or any shoreline in the Reva Kingdom. He knew of a spot that would serve our purpose well, a remnant of the island's once mighty harbor.
After walking for about an hour, we finally arrived at our destination. Blaze introduced the place, explaining that it had once been a thriving harbor on the Crooked Island. To my disappointment and fascination, there was no trace left of its former glory. It had become a simple beach, stripped of any evidence of its former grandeur.
"This sand... it's blue," I remarked, captivated by the unusual sight. The sand on the shoreline was a pure, vibrant blue, devoid of the typical dusty hues. It was a breathtaking sight, each grain shimmering like a precious gem, casting a soft azure glow in the dim light. This beach, once considered the most beautiful spot on the island, now stands as a hidden treasure, forgotten by time. Its beauty stirred a mixture of emotions within me, a reminder of the island's forgotten past.
Walking ahead, I waded into the chilly water, its icy touch sending shivers down my spine. The realization struck me, reminding me that I was practically naked, clad only in tattered remnants of what was once clothing. My attire, reduced to nothing more than a ragged tablecloth, left me exposed and vulnerable, with barely any semblance of modesty remaining.
Blaze's voice echoed with concern as he witnessed my actions. 'Why are you going there?' he questioned, clearly perplexed by my sudden movements.
"I'm searching for test subjects," I replied with determination, plunging further into the depths. The enhanced abilities granted by my expanded mana pool allowed me to stay submerged for longer periods of time, giving me the freedom to explore beneath the surface.
As I submerged myself and swam through the waters for what felt like an hour, my senses heightened, searching for any sign of life beneath the surface. And then, as if drawn by some invisible force, I stumbled upon a peculiar sight—a gathering of sea turtles. Their shells had a distinct, unusual pattern that set them apart from the ordinary ones I had encountered before.
The group of sea turtles moved gracefully through the azure depths, their vibrant shells shimmering with a mesmerizing array of colors. Their patterns seemed to intertwine and shift, creating an ever-changing display of hues that captivated the eye. It was a surreal sight, as if nature itself had painted these creatures with its most imaginative brush.
Curiosity welled up within me, and I approached the group of turtles cautiously, not wanting to disturb their peaceful existence. Each turtle possessed a unique beauty, their small forms gliding effortlessly through the unsteady waters. It was as if they held a secret, a profound connection to the mysteries of the sea.
'These will do,' I thought to myself, eyeing the group of peculiar-looking sea turtles I had gathered from the ocean depths.
[After a while]
"Hmm... why do we have these animals here? You hungry? Let me warn you these don't taste good." Blaze asked, his paw lightly brushing against the turtles as he observed them curiously.
"Just wait," I replied, a determined glint in my eyes as I carefully selected one of the turtles. Its mesmerizing gaze met mine, as if it understood the significance of the moment.
' it's cute,' I thought,Closing my eyes, I focused my energy and tapped into the depths of my newfound powers. A surge of magical energy flowed through my veins, intertwining with the essence of the turtle cradled in my hands.
*Bam!*
My eyes shot open, startled by the sudden explosion that resonated through the air. The turtle had burst into a vibrant display of colors, its shell shattered and fragmented, leaving behind a swirling mist of green hues. My face and body were splattered with the grotesque remnants, the sensation invoking a mixture of disgust and fascination.
"Yuck..." I muttered, wiping away the remnants from my face, the pungent odor lingering in the air.
Undeterred by the initial failure, I reached for another turtle, determined to refine the process. Blaze watched in awe, his eyes wide with curiosity and confusion.
"Why did you do that?" he asked, his voice tinged with both bewilderment and concern, I didn't reply.
I repeated the process, guiding the energies within me to merge with the turtles I held. Each explosion brought forth a dazzling spectacle, as vibrant bursts of mana radiated from the shattered shells.
*Bam!*
*Bam!*
*Bam!*
The explosions continued, but with each attempt, I gained better control over the technique. Finally, the last turtle remained intact, its body emanating a soft, ethereal glow. It seemed to be in a state of drunkenness.
Satisfied with my progress, I carefully released the turtles back into the ocean, their journey forever altered by the surge of magical energy they had experienced.
"Well we are done now-"I interrupted myself mid-sentence and exclaimed, "It's a good time to put it to the test on a real one! Hey, Blaze~" It's going to be fun to scare him a little I guess.
'Blaze? You now call........nope, I ain't falling for that. What are you planning?' Blaze's flustered reaction betrayed his apprehension as he took a step back.
Smiling mischievously, I retorted, "Why do you think I'm up to something fishy? Come here, oh mighty dragon~" I beckoned him, closing the distance between us.
Blaze flinched and continued his retreat. 'Why, I ask? Because I can see that devious smile on your face... you don't smile like that!'
