System Awakened
In the outskirts of the Starshade Forest, we see Celestia Ruth, a clone of Isabella Ruth, walking out of the bushes while carrying Anos in her embrace.
A red flash of light suddenly dashed toward them, making Celestia Ruth frown as she dodged and saw a wolf with crimson fur staring at Anos with hungry eyes.
"You dare to attack Anos?!" Celestia Ruth said coldly, her gaze locking on the beast.
A powerful killing intent flared from her body, directed entirely at the wolf. Without hesitation, her figure flashed toward it.
Bam!
Her kick snapped the wolf's neck instantly, killing it in one strike. A purple soul band floated above its corpse.
"Huu… Anos is still sleeping." Celestia Ruth exhaled with relief, her eyes softening as she looked at her son, who slept soundlessly in her arms.
"Let's leave this place." She muttered, walking toward the east.
After a few minutes, Celestia Ruth pushed through the last of the small bushes.
"We're finally out of the Starshade Forest." She gazed back at the vast woods.
'I only hold 50% of the original's strength. Even so, I could fight a 50,000–70,000-year-old soul beast if necessary,' Celestia Ruth thought, eyes narrowing before shifting her gaze to Anos again.
'But I want to bring him out safely. That's all that matters.'
She adjusted her hold on him and began walking away from the forest.
Hours passed before Celestia Ruth finally saw a village in the distance.
"Hm? Anos?" she tilted her head as his reddish-black eyes slowly opened, staring at her face.
"It's almost night. We'll rest in that village." She quickened her pace as his gaze lingered on her.
Within minutes, they reached the gate. To her surprise, the village was far more developed than she expected, with several carriages gathered outside.
"Sunrise Village." Celestia Ruth read the name engraved on the wooden plate above the gate.
Inside, she calmly inspected the streets. The settlement was modest but had structure and liveliness—closer to a small city than a village.
'If it grows a bit more, it will surpass that.' She noted the food stalls lined along the road.
Eventually, she found an inn, which met her standards.
"Welcome to the Sleepy Fairy!" a young voice chimed as Celestia Ruth entered.
"I want to rent a room." Celestia Ruth said, eyes settling on the girl before her—around eleven or twelve years old, long black hair tied in a ponytail, dressed in a simple waitress outfit.
"One room for how long?" the girl asked with a bright smile.
'It's been a while since I've seen a smile this sincere,' Celestia Ruth thought, her expression softening for a second.
"One night."
"Understood. That will be ten copper coins. Breakfast is included."
Without delay, Celestia Ruth pulled a gold coin from her spatial ring and handed it over.
"Eh?! A gold coin?!" The girl's eyes widened in shock.
"Err… I don't have change for this." She looked nervously at Celestia Ruth, who only shook her head.
"I'll stay longer."
The girl sighed with relief. "Then it's fine… May I ask your name, madam?"
"Celestia Ruth."
At that moment, Anos stirred in her embrace, his head peeking out.
"Ah—!" The girl's eyes widened, her heart struck with invisible arrows.
"C-Cute…" she muttered, walking closer without even realizing.
'We're staying here tonight?' Anos thought, his curious gaze roaming.
"He's adorable. How old is he?" she asked eagerly.
"His name is Anos, three months old," Celestia Ruth replied softly, brushing her son's cheek.
"Um… can I touch him?" The girl's eyes sparkled.
'Too pure…' Celestia Ruth mused, glancing at Anos before nodding.
"You may, but gently."
"Mm!" The girl carefully touched Anos's cheek. Soft and squishy! she thought, a giggle escaping her lips.
At that moment, a woman in a waitress outfit entered.
"Oh my, a customer?" Her gaze landed on Celestia Ruth.
"Mom!" the girl ran over excitedly.
"Aria Walker," the woman smiled, hugging her daughter.
'So, she's her mother.' Celestia Ruth's heart ached faintly at the sight of their bond. Renu…
The girl whispered something and showed the gold coin. The woman froze.
"What?! Madam, we can't accept this!" She rushed over, trying to hand it back.
"It's fine." Celestia Ruth's calm look silenced her protests. "I want a room."
"…I see." The woman hesitated, then glanced at Anos, who watched her with curious eyes.
'Such a cute baby.'
"My name is Anna Walker, and this is my daughter Aria Walker. Follow me, please."
She led them through the inn's backyard to a modest wooden house.
"We don't normally rent this one—the owner's been gone for years—but it would suit you better with a child. Two bedrooms, kitchens inside and out, and a bath with running hot water."
She handed Celestia Ruth the key with a respectful bow.
"Call us if you need anything."
"Mom?" Aria asked, confused.
"Shh. Madam Ruth is a powerful soul master. We mustn't provoke her," Anna whispered.
Celestia Ruth overheard faintly and murmured, "She's a spirit elder…" before glancing at the key.
Unlocking the door, she stepped inside.
Click.
'Not bad.'
A small tug pulled her attention.
"Mama."
Her eyes widened. "Anos, you can already speak at three months?"
She smiled warmly. "Well, of course. You're my son. A genius."
Anos gazed at her, watching her chuckle with a gentle glow in her eyes.
'Maybe… reincarnation isn't so bad,' he thought.
[Ding!]
[No.777 System Awakened]