NOVPUB
Chapter 410: 410
Getting closer to the mirror with a mischievous smile on her face, she asked the Roth who was now flustered, taking a hasty step back, nearly tripping over his own feet. ’Uh... what?’ he stammered. Leaning closer to the mirror, a predatory gleam in her eyes, she purred, ’What do you think of me, Roth?’"
Roth’s eyes darted around the room, as if searching for an escape route. He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously. ’I... I think you’re... uh... very... present,’ he stammered, wincing internally at his own awkward phrasing.
Flowua’s smile widened, a hint of amusement in her eyes. ’Present? Is that all? I was hoping for something a little more... evocative.’ She reached out a hand, tracing a finger along the cool surface of the mirror, her gaze never leaving Roth’s. ’Perhaps... captivating? Alluring? Irresistible?’
Ikem chuckled, taking another sip of his wine. ’Careful, Roth. You might find yourself entangled in a web you can’t escape.’
Tide, still looking slightly green around the gills from the earlier revelation, mumbled, ’I’d rather face a kraken than that.’
Roth just stood there, speechless, his face a mixture of confusion and panic. He felt like a rabbit caught in the headlights of a carriage, unable to move."
Ursula and Xerosis were the only ones not laughing as they stared at each other. Finally, Ursula spoke. "Congratulations, cousin, but we need to talk privately after this." Xerosis nodded in agreement.
Sensing the tension and noting that everyone was already familiar with one another, Ikem decided to shift the conversation. "Ember has completed work on the seal towers," he announced.
The demigods immediately turned serious at his words. Ikem continued, "I’ve already informed Mother, and she confirmed that we are to proceed with the original plan. We should also prepare for possible attacks from their counterparts."
Maul was the first to respond. "So, we’ve finally reached this point."
Everyone understood the weight of his words, except for Roth, whose unique circumstances left him excluded from certain aspects of the plan. Nonetheless, his role remained vital.
Ikem nodded at Maul’s comment. "You’re right, brother. If everything goes according to plan, our next meeting will be among the stars."
The demigods had long been ready to initiate their ascension, but it had been delayed due to the seals and the significant role they played.
The godlings couldn’t be entrusted with the seals, as they were too critical to their world. Thus, the task had fallen to the demigods. After placing the seals, they would initiate their ascension, killing two birds with one stone.
Five seals had been crafted for Ikem, Tide, Flowua, Roth, and Maul. Xerosis, however, was exempted. She had her own path to follow, one that would lead her to the realm of Ikenga, where her ascension could be fully realized.
"When do we start?" Tide asked.
Ursula spoke up. "I believe we all need time to say our goodbyes and spend time with our children before we begin. Perhaps in a month’s time."
The other demigods nodded in agreement. "A month it is, then."
As the group prepared to disperse, Ikem couldn’t resist asking, "Xerosis, how were you able to contact Uncle? As we all know, it costs a great deal to communicate with our parents."
The demigods, who were about to leave, suddenly paused. They feigned indifference but were clearly eager to hear her answer.
Xerosis sighed, seeing through their behavior. She finally explained how she had managed to establish communication.
Maul’s expression shifted as realization dawned. "So that’s why it felt like things on my side had gotten much warmer," he remarked.
The other demigods nodded in agreement. "If it’s as you say, then that method can’t be replicated," Tide said. "Too much commotion for a simple communication."
Ursula chimed in, her tone tinged with amusement. "Your communication was practically a spectacle for the entire realm. The temperature shifts, the lights flickering—it was hard to ignore."
Xerosis sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I wasn’t expecting it to cause such a ruckus. But Uncle wasn’t exactly subtle in his response. The god of sun rarely is."
Ikem chuckled softly, swirling the wine in his cup. "Subtlety has never been his strong suit. Still, it sounds like the effort was worth it."
Xerosis nodded, her expression growing serious. "It was. Uncle shared insights about my path and what I’ll face in Ikenga’s realm. There’s... a trial awaiting me, one that will test my resolve and worthiness to ascend."
The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of her words sank in.
"Then you’ll need to prepare," Maul said, his deep voice steady. "We can’t afford for any of us to falter now—not with everything at stake."
"I’ll be ready," Xerosis assured him. Her gaze swept across the others. "And I trust the same goes for all of you. Each of our tasks carries its own burdens, but together, we’ll see this through."
Flowua, who had been quiet until now, raised an eyebrow. "Bold words. I hope you’ve thought about what happens if one of us fails. The seals can’t be compromised."
"We won’t fail," Ikem said firmly, his voice carrying a commanding authority. "We’ve come too far and sacrificed too much to falter now. The seals will be placed, and our ascension will secure the balance of this world."
Tide leaned back, crossing his arms. "Let’s not forget, though—our parents counterparts won’t just stand by. If they suspect what we’re planning, they’ll come for us."
"They’re welcome to try," Roth said with a grin, his sharp teeth glinting. "It’s been too long since I’ve had a proper fight."
Ursula rolled her eyes at his bravado but smiled faintly. "Let’s not court trouble unnecessarily. For now, we prepare. In a month, we execute the plan—no distractions, no mistakes."
The demigods exchanged solemn nods, each retreating into their thoughts. The mirror shattered retraeting back into the throne as Ikem sat in silence with thoughts swriling in his head.
Meanwhile among the demigods, two were having a seperate conversation. Ursula and Xerosis, both sat in silence as they looked at each other, one with a look of guilt while the other kept on a stoic face.
"Was he gentle to you?" Ursula asked, to which Xerosis nodded as she said "That gentleness was what attracted me to him"
Ursula’s gaze softened as she spoke, though her tone remained measured. "His warmth is inviting from afar, isn’t it? It feels comforting, like the embrace of a gentle sunrise." She paused, her eyes distant as if recalling a memory. "But up close... it’s a different story entirely. Scorching. Overwhelming. Dreadful."
Xerosis tilted her head, her confusion evident. "Are you speaking of him as your father or something more?"
Ursula’s lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, silence stretched between them. When she finally spoke, her voice carried a faint tremor. "Both, perhaps. He’s my father, but I’ve never truly been able to stand beside him. His flames—his very presence—are too powerful. No matter how much I wanted to reach out, it was impossible without being burned."
Xerosis’s expression softened as understanding dawned. "That must have been... lonely."
"It was." Ursula’s stoic mask cracked for just a moment, her vulnerability shining through. She quickly composed herself. "But this isn’t about me. You’re not a child reaching for something unattainable. You’re making a choice—knowing the risks."
"I am," Xerosis replied, her tone resolute. "I won’t deny the danger of being close to him. His flames are fierce, but they’re also his nature. I... I admire his strength, even if it comes with that heat."
Ursula regarded her cousin carefully, searching her face for any hint of doubt. "It’s admirable that you have such conviction—something I wish I had at the time," she said, her voice carrying a tinge of regret. "But I must sadly inform you that conviction alone won’t be enough to help you in your situation."
Raising her hand, golden flames ignited in Ursula’s palm. She watched the fire dance, her expression unreadable. "I look forward to my ascension," she continued, her tone soft yet resolute. "Perhaps then, I’ll finally have the strength to stand by his side and welcome his embrace."
She clenched her flaming hand briefly before letting the fire fade. "My weakness back then hurt not only me but also him. And I don’t want him to endure that pain again—feeling distant from someone he loves."
Her gaze locked onto Xerosis, her eyes earnest and steady. "That’s why I’m telling you, cousin: you’ll need strength if you’re to stay beside him. Conviction is a start, but it’s not enough. Promise me you’ll find that strength, for both your sakes."
Xerosis remained silent for a moment, her gaze dropping to her hands. She flexed her fingers, as if testing an invisible strength within them. "I understand what you’re saying, Ursula. Strength... it’s not something I’ve ever thought I lacked until now."
She looked back up, her violet eyes gleaming with determination. "But I’ve already made my choice. I will stand by him, no matter what it takes. If I need to become stronger, then I will."
