Capítulo 57: Chapter 57: The Ball
The temple began to tremble, and the ceiling suddenly cracked open. In an instant, fractures spread across the walls, causing debris and dust to rain down.
Illyana's expression shifted. Although she didn't fully understand what was happening, it seemed like the entire structure was about to collapse.
"Everyone, gather around me!" she shouted, raising her palm. Blue light flared from her hand, then abruptly vanished. In her deep consciousness, magic coursed through her like a whale gliding through the endless void.
She found it—the exit, leading back to the deck of the *Phantom of the Seas*.
Illyana clasped her hands together, activating a magic circle that hummed softly amidst the crashing sounds of the temple's collapse. A blue door formed in the wind stirred by her magic.
"Go through it!"
She exhaled, watching as Li Xiang, standing at the rear and seemingly still gazing wistfully at the temple, hesitated.
"Li Xiang, stop daydreaming!" she snapped.
"Oh, right! Coming!" Li Xiang quickly turned and stepped through the portal. The blue corridor stretched out endlessly ahead of him.
After walking for a while, he saw another door. Passing through it, he found himself standing on the deck of the *Phantom of the Seas*, just as a deafening crash resounded.
Li Xiang looked up. The temple above the water, now resembling an unfinished ruin, collapsed into the sea. Dust clouds surged outward, carried by the winds of the collapse, while waves churned violently, creating a chaotic mass of ripples on the water's surface.
The once-proud temple sank beneath the waves, disappearing entirely.
Li Xiang stood there, feeling a sense of loss.
"This was a tough mission for everyone," Hayano Riri said, clapping her hands to bring the crew's attention back to her.
"I won't say much. Everyone deserves a good rest. When we return, the Clock Tower will recognize your efforts and reward you accordingly."
Li Xiang, still deep in thought, listened to Hayano Riri's words, then made his way back to his quarters. Once inside, he called out to Irigal.
'Irigal, what just happened?'
[What do you mean, Master?] Irigal's voice carried a sleepy tone, as if she had just woken up.
'I'm talking about the Gáe Bolg situation,' Li Xiang clarified, drumming his fingers on the desk. 'You said the memory of Scáthach was just that—a memory. But today, I got a special projection magic, and the system said it was a gift from Scáthach to her disciple.'
[Don't underestimate a deity!] Irigal stretched out her words, sounding smug. [For someone like Scáthach, who possesses a high-level Clairvoyance, do you really think she wouldn't foresee the events you're experiencing right now?]
Li Xiang froze, his nerves tingling with excitement and disbelief. He gulped down some water and asked, 'So... does that mean I'm truly Scáthach's disciple?'
[Eh? Did you think it was all just fake?]
Who wouldn't think it was fake?!
How could the legendary Queen of the Land of Shadows take him as her disciple? That sounded like something out of a dream.
Li Xiang stood up and paced around the room, drawing the curtains to breathe in the fresh air. Then, he sat back down, trying to process the situation. It felt as if he had just found out the popular singer he'd been idolizing online was actually his desk mate at school.
'So, Scáthach foresaw that I would enter this temple someday and left this gift for me in the underground chamber? No wonder, after I completed her *Phantasmal Realm Spear Art*, she said she had a gift for me and just tapped my forehead. Turns out the gift was here all along.'
[A deity wouldn't go back on their word,] Irigal remarked meaningfully.
But Li Xiang didn't catch the hint. He was too thrilled, excitement coursing through him until the exhaustion of recent days caught up with him, and he drifted into a deep sleep.
It was unclear how long he had been resting when a knock at the door roused him.
Through the darkness, only the moonlight filtered through the window.
"Who's knocking this late?" he muttered, fumbling for the light switch before opening the door.
Standing before him was Illyana, dressed in a vibrant evening gown. The dress was a floral wonder, dominated by a rich pink hue. Delicate flowers were sewn together, their petals adorned with fine gold trimmings at the edges. She held a soft pink satin clutch and wore a coral necklace that elegantly covered her collarbone.
She was radiant, elegant—except for her lack of height and, well, certain *other* features.
"This isn't a dream, right?" Li Xiang muttered, pinching himself.
"Li Xiang!" The refined air around Illyana quickly vanished as she stood on her tiptoes, glaring at him with a dangerous glint in her eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I mean you look so stunning that I thought I must be dreaming," Li Xiang replied, his expression remaining calm and sincere.
"Hmph, that's better." Illyana smiled. "Come on, we're having a ball tonight to celebrate the successful mission."
"A ball?" Li Xiang recalled that Max had mentioned there was a ballroom aboard the *Phantom of the Seas.*
"Yup! And I came to fetch you personally," she added.
"I think I'll pass." Li Xiang waved his hand. "I don't know how to dance, and I don't have anything to wear."
"I've got that covered." With a flick of her wrist, Illyana produced a sharp-looking suit.
Forcing a shut-in to go to a dance? Now that's creative.
Li Xiang accepted the suit, feeling the smooth, silky fabric between his fingers. It was clearly high-quality and comfortable.
He sighed. "You're putting me in a tough spot."
"Don't worry, I can teach you to dance. And even if you don't dance, you'll want dinner, right?" Illyana patted her chest, her coral necklace bouncing with her movements. Her face radiated confidence. "Trust me, I'm the belle of the ball at the Clock Tower. Waltz, rumba, tango, cha-cha—you name it. Give me half an hour, and I'll have you dancing like a pro. If I don't, I'll admit defeat!"
With such an enthusiastic offer, it was hard for Li Xiang to refuse. He retreated to his room, changed into the suit, and found it a perfect fit. Whoever had chosen the size had nailed it.
When he opened the door, Illyana's eyes sparkled. Dressed in white formal wear, Li Xiang looked entirely different from his usual self, his handsome features accentuated. But his just-woken, messy hair ruined the overall effect.
"Hey, fix your hair!"
"It's fine." Li Xiang quickly smoothed it down with his hand.
Entering the ballroom, his eyes were immediately drawn to the long tables lined with a mouthwatering array of dishes. The delicious scents wafting from the food made his stomach rumble.
Following the gentle strains of a piano, Li Xiang glanced up at the second-floor balcony and saw Max seated at the piano. His eyes were closed in concentration, fingers gliding over the keys as his body swayed—though it looked more like he was twitching than moving gracefully.
Behind Max stood seven more musicians, each tuning their instruments, creating a slightly discordant prelude.
The ball hadn't officially started yet.
"I'm starving," Li Xiang admitted. "Can I grab something to eat?"
"Not until I teach you to dance!" Illyana insisted, lifting her skirt gracefully and extending her hand toward him.
"Alright, but I really don't know how to dance."
"No worries!"
Half an hour later, Illyana stared at her once-pristine white heels, now scuffed and smeared with dirt.
"I give up..." she muttered, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
Li Xiang offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Captain. I didn't mean to step on your shoes... I just couldn't control myself."
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