Under Takumi's guidance, the two of them soon arrived beneath a towering palace. A radiant orb of light hovered above its spires, rippling with golden waves.
From those shimmering rings drifted countless poisonous snowflakes, falling softly upon their bodies. Then, a solemn voice echoed from within the orb.
[Well done, little challengers… for surpassing the first trial.]
[It has been a long time since anyone reached this place.]
[Now, to see if you are worthy of commanding me—come, face the second trial!]
Cracks spread across the luminous orb, from which a crimson, bloodlike liquid began to flow. In the next moment, a divine cry shook the heavens as the sacred being revealed its form—the Divine Bird, Kaladorius.
A wave of mental energy swept over them. Eve instantly fell silent, her consciousness drawn into the trial of the soul.
Takumi's vision blurred as the specters of the dead screamed toward him. The Red Dragon Emperor's Gauntlet materialized, surging with fierce aura that tore apart the illusion in a single burst.
When he lifted his gaze again, his eyes locked upon the divine bird bathed in holy light—Kaladorius itself.
"...?"
Kaladorius stared down in bewilderment.
This human had forcefully resisted its mental shock—and hadn't even entered the trial! That—wasn't supposed to be possible!
Takumi met the creature's gaze, his [Jade Eyes] glowing faintly.
[Kaladorius]
[Level: ???]
[Traits: Incarnation of the World (Gold), Gift of Power (Gold), Power of Pestilence (Purple)…]
[Incarnation of the World (Gold): Embodiment of the world's laws, wielding incomprehensible authority.]
[Gift of Power (Gold): Grants one the ability to bestow power upon others, evolving their abilities.]
[Power of Pestilence (Purple): Master of deadly disease; its body carries poison capable of killing all life in this realm.]
Even when pushed to its limits, the [Jade Eyes] could only reveal three traits. Without question, Kaladorius was no mere lifeform—it was a divine spirit born of heaven and earth itself.
"Peering at me with your spirit eye is… somewhat impolite," the Divine Bird said.
"But, human, your situation is difficult for me to judge."
Kaladorius's voice carried a hint of confusion. It had never met anyone who simply couldn't be drawn into its trial.
Takumi raised his head proudly. "Doesn't that mean I've already passed? Even your power couldn't shake my will."
"…"
The divine bird went silent. After a few seconds of thought, it finally nodded.
"Indeed… to withstand my power, your heart must be flawless. And for a human to pass my trial at all—an impossible feat—you have achieved it."
"However…" Kaladorius's tone shifted with faint hesitation. "Only those of demonic lineage may command me… yet you already possess a master's aura."
Conflicted, the Divine Bird lowered its head at last. With its sharp golden beak, it gently tapped Takumi's forehead.
"Then I shall grant power to your Spirit Eye. And, as compensation for my inability to serve you directly… take this—my egg."
"Hold it well. It will grow in response to your mana and spirit—a magical egg. How it hatches, what form it takes… depends entirely on you, my master."
As the bird's radiant energy poured into him and the egg descended into his arms, Takumi was genuinely moved. You're too reasonable— even offering compensation!
He had fully expected to fight or steal its blessing if it refused, but now… all hostility vanished.
At the same time, the divine power caused his [Jade Eyes] to evolve.
[Ding! Trait acquired: Foresight Eye (Blue)]
[Foresight Eye (Blue): By consuming mana, you can glimpse several seconds into the future.]
"The original ability of the [Jade Eyes] wasn't overwritten—it's just been upgraded. Not bad."
To Takumi, [Foresight Eye] was more useful than many purple-tier traits. Seeing even a few seconds ahead in battle meant complete tactical dominance!
Cradling the smooth, warm egg in his arms, Takumi chuckled. This Divine Bird is way too generous—even gave me its egg!
He vowed to raise it carefully—after all, it had to hatch into a beautiful girl, right?
He quickly stored the egg inside the Interdimensional Realm for safekeeping.
Just then, Eve opened her eyes. From Takumi's perspective, only a few minutes had passed—but her eyes were already brimming with tears.
"Yur, Minon… and Nayara… when everyone appeared…" Her voice trembled as she broke down. They all accused me—wanted to kill me—but I tried my hardest to reach them… In the end, they understood me… but then… they were gone…"
Seeing her despair, Takumi gently drew her into his arms. "It's okay, Eve. I'm here. I won't leave you."
Though he didn't fully grasp all she'd seen, Takumi understood well the pain she'd endured.
Kaladorius, watching them quietly, lowered its beak once more—lightly tapping Eve's head.
"In accordance with the ancient covenant, I grant you proof of completing the trial!"
A torrent of divine energy flooded her body, transforming her from the inside out.
Her black hair turned into a sacred silver-white, two sharp horns sprouting from her forehead. Her black dress shifted into elegant, alluring leather armor that hugged every curve of her body.
Her charm was overwhelming—her once gentle figure now radiating power and sensuality in equal measure.
"Not only did her power rise to High Rank, but… her figure improved too," Takumi muttered internally, sizing her up.
Sensing his burning gaze, Eve's face flushed red. "D-Don't stare at me like that~~!"
She covered her armor-clad body shyly, pale skin tinted rose beneath the new holy light.
Takumi averted his gaze with a wry smile. She's mine anyway… I can look later.
Unbothered by their flirtation, Kaladorius spread its wings, summoning a divine current of wind.
"Your trials are complete. I shall return you to your world."
The space around them twisted—a brilliant white light engulfed the pair, and the next instant, they were standing on the teleportation platform within the city.
Glancing around, Takumi immediately released the rest of his companions from the Interdimensional Realm.
They gasped when they saw Eve's transformed appearance.
"Waaah! Eve-chan looks so cool!"
"So beautiful!"
Flustered by their praise, Eve's face turned bright red as she shyly bowed her head.
...
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