Aqua flew high into the sky; the planet was serenely spinning below her, masking the cruelty and pain that was occurring upon its ground.
Her gaze shifted to the distant stars.
She had come here for an important reason. While planetside, the world soul would consider her an invader if she had attempted to commune with it, however, outside the world, she would be able to introduce herself as the outsider and a helper.
This is the only way I can think of. It might not even work.
She smiled. Her voice did not exist within this vacuum; however, her thoughts were uninhibited.
Her clothing fluttered in the cosmic winds that ravaged the space between worlds; even Aether became unstable if one lacked control; however, she had long ago surpassed such an issue. The power flowed around her, and time itself protected her from the cosmic chaos.
She crossed her legs and closed her eyes.
Speak with me, World Soul. Tell me what did Sun God felt.
No answer came, and she did not expect it to come so easily. The World Souls, according to Sun God, were isolationist in nature, only ever communing with chosen ones.
Some never spoke, and some spoke to one person in their entire existence. They did not need to do so. Their purpose was to be the core of the world and nothing more.
However, when it came to Sun God, it was different. He was special by the fact that he was the only world soul that decided to reoriginate the world and had the power necessary to do so.
However, I can't judge this one by his standards.
Her mind spread, and her senses sharpened. If the World Soul would not speak to her, then she needed to bring its attention to herself.
Her power coursed through the world; she sensed every plant, and even every sentient being. She passed through them like an ocean current. While that information was irrelevant, it would lead her toward the World Soul.
…
Nothing answered.
She followed the mana currents toward the current's source.
Help…
She felt it, a weak cry of the world.
Empress…Help…
Empress?
Please…
The voice rang through her head; however, she was not responding to Aqua. Her weeping echoed into the cosmos.
It hurts… The voice went quiet.
She is in pain. The rot that Sun God mentioned must be serious. She exhaled. The World Soul went quiet; it either did not wish to communicate with Aqua or it was too weak.
She squinted and shook her head. No matter what, Aqua had to find a way to help this world's soul. Sun God had asked that of her, and she would do it.
It would be so much easier if she spoke to me.
No solution was ever so easy as to offer itself on a silver platter. Wait for me, I will repay Sun God by saving you.
Massive blazing wings materialized, and she stretched her limbs. Cosmic storms are so beautiful. She turned away from the world.
Even Endurance would be shredded to its very atoms if it ventured too far into the tide of chaos that was the universe.
The kaleidoscope of colors was as dangerous as it was pretty.
Of course, not many had to worry about cosmic storms. It was a difficult feat to get into the cosmic expanse. However, not even those who had the ability wished to do so; after all, the cosmic storms were too dangerous for anyone without perfect defense like [Temporal Barrier].
I wonder if I could reach the old world if I flew through the cosmic storms.
She enjoyed the sensation of the storm before turning back toward the planet. While it was a nice break, she needed to return and head out toward the academy. She would use that time to find a way toward World Soul.
It does not matter; the Sun God's world has nothing left for me. Everything precious is right there. She reached forward and grasped the planet.
The world had many problems, most unknown to her, yet it was dear to her in what was a mere blip in her timespan. For all intents and purposes, from her arrival to the current moment was not even a minute in the grand clock of life.
Yet despite roadblocks, her life was drastically improved. I need to thank the Tyrant for sending me here. A small smile formed on her lips. It was the only good thing he had ever done for her, albeit not voluntarily.
Azure, Sheira… They are precious to me. I must not lose them.
The portal opened before her.
All she could do right now was to set her turbulent mind aside. If possible, she wanted to enjoy the time at the academy; it was something she had never had a chance to experience, despite the elven academy most certainly being primitive.
I can judge it when I arrive. She spread her blazing wings and flew into the portal.
Her wings disappeared just as the scenery changed into her bedroom. The portal closed, leaving no evidence of her going off-world.
She interlocked her fingers and stretched. "Mhm!" She let out a pleasurable moan. Her eyes drifted to her door. "Alright, since I don't need to pack, I can just take a walk."
The doors creaked open as she slid out of her room with fairy's grace.
The sun was about to come out, and mark their journey toward the academy.
Why do I feel kind of excited about it? She giggled. There was no reason to be excited about something so minor, yet she did.
She passed the halls, the path was bustling with servants performing their duties, most stopped what they were doing and bowed to her before going on their way
I preferred when they didn't know who I was. She hung her head dejectedly, yet the damage was already done. Admittedly, she could have handled Lira better and kept her disguise, but force was the only way she had ever dealt with her enemies.
Of course, some had required some finesse; however vast majority were burned or dealt with in another violent manner.
I could count enemies like Lira on one hand. She shook her head.
Rare were the foes who required the use of wit. While in the end, her power was necessary to deal a finishing blow, the result if she had killed her would have been disastrous.
If she had been rash, Lira would have escaped before the body switch counter had been created and informed Red Dawn, which would have caused even more issues for both Aqua and her allies.
There is still much for me to learn. What was the point of the immense power she had possessed if using such power could lead to even worse consequences? She needed to contain herself; the enemy at the current moment was not the Divine Tyrant, it was unknown, and they did not know much about her.
She took a turn toward the kitchen, ignoring the busy maids.
The kitchen was running like a well-oiled machine, staff moved around with efficiency and love, which she had expected of people working under Adam.
A young elven maid crashed into her, spilling the bowls of food she had been carrying.
She blinked, forcing herself out of the gaze.
Her eyes met Aqua. In a moment, she did not recognize her.
A mere moment after, she jumped to her feet and bowed her head, "L…lady Aqua! I am sorry! Forgive my clumsiness, I am just a worthless servant!" Her body shook out of fear, it seemed that rumors of her had inevitably reached even the lowly servants of the palace.
What in the world does she think I am? A feeling of sadness grew within her. She did not wish for her allies to be afraid of her, yet it seemed the rumors had made her more of a monster than a hero in their eyes.
She raised her hand, making the maid wince. "You needn't worry. I am not someone who would get angry over a simple mistake. Let me help you out."
A pale blue light enveloped the spilled food. Its form shimmered and then disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Instead of amazement, the maid picked up the now-empty bowl and dashed back into the kitchen.
"I am really sorry! It won't repeat!"
"I guess I really messed up…" Being feared was not something intended for her allies, only enemies. Admittedly, she had not done a good job at making herself appear truly benevolent, for the most part because she was not.
If not for Sheira and Azure, the kingdom would not have grown so much in her heart.
Everything she had done was because of Sheira and Soleah's request.
It seems I am really not as altruistic as I present myself, huh? She stepped into the kitchen.
The terrified maid rushed past her with freshly made bowls of food, making sure to avoid eye contact. I am not that scary. She pouted.
Her eyes wandered to the man who was on rather good terms with her until now. Do not be afraid. Please do not be afraid of me.
"Sir Adam." She bowed slightly, her eyes scrutinizing his body language.
His ears twitched. His head slowly turned toward her. "Ah, Lady Aqua. I haven't seen you in a while, but perhaps that's expected considering who you are." He rubbed his hands against each other while approaching.
Aqua gripped her skirt. She had enjoyed learning to cook with the royal chef; if he feared her, it would have been unfortunate.
"Why such a long face, Lady Aqua?" He tilted his head and grinned.
Huh?
"Ah, you must be wondering why I haven't taken the rumors about you so seriously?"
She nodded.
"Well…" He placed his hand on Aqua's shoulder, "Anyone who knows how to appreciate good food cannot be an enemy. And frankly, believing rumors is plain stupid, especially when the very target is right in front of me." His eyes glanced to the side; his cooks and maids were avoiding Aqua like a plague.
"Come, let's have a chat, if you do not mind, of course. Lady Aqua."
He was not afraid of her; he did not change. It was wonderful news. She couldn't help but crack a wide smile.
"Just Aqua, sir Adam. Just Aqua is enough."
"Good. It would have become annoying to keep calling my favourite student Lady." He crossed his arms and nodded.
She followed Adam into a small meeting room adjacent to the kitchen.
"Nobody should disturb us here."
"I see…" Aqua looked around. The room had shelves lining the walls, brimming with the kitchen's documents. In the middle was a table with one chair on each side, specifically designed for solo audiences.
"Please have a seat." Adam took a seat behind the table and gestured for Aqua to do the same.
She sat down and elegantly crossed her legs.
"Aqua, the rumors…" He slowly analyzed her clothing, "Why is everyone so terrified of you all of a sudden?"
He leaned forward. "I always knew you weren't just a servant nor tutor, but seeing your clothing, and the way the hushed whispers spread."
The silence made Aqua squirm a little.
"Is there any reason I should be afraid of you?"
Was there a reason? There were plenty; she was a dangerous, divine entity. She should not be trusted by anyone; even more, she should have been hated. Yet so many do put their trust in me.
She opened her mouth slightly, "I believe you would be within your rights to be terrified."
"Just because you killed a traitor and have a lot of power?"
She nodded.
He tapped his fingers. "Hahahahaha!"
She blinked and tilted her head.
"Sorry for the outburst, but that's ridiculous. I will tell you something." He stood up and walked over to Aqua. "I judge the character by the way one sees food, and you proved yourself to me as someone rather peaceful."
He brought his hand in front of his mouth and coughed. "Ahm! Do not mind me. You are still welcome to learn under me."
She nodded. "I would love to! But, I will be busy for the next couple of months, so I might not be able to."
"Oh? I assume very important business?" He grinned. "Well, no matter. My kitchen is open to any student of culinary arts."
This man made her smile; he was just like her dear teachers. "I will take you up on it."
"I will keep a slot open for you, now, do tell me when you are heading out on your mission?"
Aqua scratched her cheek. She had expected Adam to behave much like servants, yet he hadn't changed.
I guess someone so obsessed with culinary perfection doesn't see any other side but my appreciation for food. She smiled warmly.
"In an hour or two at maximum."
"Perfect. Let me pack you some delicious food to last you for a couple of days. Please wait here." Adam rushed out of the meeting room and slammed the door behind him.
Aqua leaned into her chair. It pleased her that not everyone was terrified of her.