章 67: a new place a strange feeling
As Lilith explored the unfamiliar realm she had entered, she immediately noticed the differences in gravity and the density of magical energy around her.
"Aurora," Lilith whispered, "this is so strange. I feel so heavy—my body, at least—yet my mind and soul feel incredibly free."
"I see," Aurora responded, her voice echoing in Lilith's thoughts. "This world might be saturated with magical energy, which is likely why Ruby sent you here. It should be easier to learn and master spells in a place like this. You are a one special, after all, so you might gain even more from this experience. But don't let your guard down. I sense you're not alone in this place."
"I will do my best, just like Kai and Elara taught me," Lilith replied with quiet determination.
With those reassuring words echoing in her mind, Lilith pressed forward, each step deliberate and cautious. The strange landscape around her seemed to pulse with unseen energy, the air thick with a power she could almost touch. Shadows shifted in the corners of her vision, and unfamiliar sounds echoed faintly in the distance, as if the very realm was alive and aware of her presence.
Lilith moved steadily, her senses heightened, ready for whatever might cross her path. The weight of the new world pressed down on her, but she was undeterred, drawing strength from the lessons Kai and Elara had instilled in her. She knew that every moment could bring a new challenge, and she was prepared to face it head-on.
Hours had slipped by, and the crushing gravity of the strange realm was beginning to take its toll on Lilith's body. Every step felt heavier than the last, her muscles straining under the unfamiliar weight. Despite her determination, she could feel exhaustion creeping into her bones, slowing her pace. The air was thick with magical energy, almost tangible, pressing against her like an invisible force.
Aurora, ever watchful from the necklace that hung around Lilith's neck, sensed her struggle. Her voice, soft yet filled with concern, whispered, "Lilith, don't overdo it. You need to take a break. Eat some of your supplies."
Lilith paused, leaning against a twisted, ancient tree that seemed to hum with latent power. "I am tired," she confessed, her voice carrying the weariness she felt, "but strangely, I'm not hungry."
Aurora's voice echoed gently in her mind, considering the situation. "I see. It might be because you are a Demon Lord. Your connection to this realm's magic could be sustaining you, much like how faeries and spirits draw life from their surroundings. This place is rich with energy, and you may be unconsciously absorbing it. But still, I would advise you to eat something and drink some water. Your physical body needs rest and nourishment. You never know what dangers lie ahead in this place."
Lilith nodded, though the idea of eating felt unnecessary. She knew Aurora was right. Her body, despite its strength, was still adjusting to the overwhelming gravity and the intense magical presence. She reached into her pack, pulling out a small piece of dried fruit and a flask of water. The act of eating, though it felt almost redundant, was grounding. It reminded her of her humanity, of the physical form she still inhabited, no matter how powerful her soul might be.
As she rested, Lilith's eyes scanned the surroundings, the eerie quiet of the realm unsettling her. The landscape, though beautiful in its otherworldly way, was alien and unpredictable. Strange, ethereal lights flickered in the distance, and the ground beneath her seemed to pulse with a rhythm she couldn't quite understand. She knew she needed to remain vigilant, for this place, with all its wonder, also held untold dangers.
After a few moments, she stood, feeling slightly more refreshed. The weight on her shoulders remained, but her resolve was unshaken. With Aurora's guidance, she would continue onward, prepared for whatever lay ahead in this enigmatic world.
"It's getting late, Lilith. You should find a place to rest," Aurora suggested softly in her mind. "I would recommend finding a tree to sleep in. Set up your protection wards around it—we don't know what creatures might lurk in this realm."
Lilith nodded in agreement. "That might be a good idea," she murmured to herself. With renewed focus, she began to scout the area, searching for a suitable tree. Her eyes scanned the landscape, looking for one with thick, sturdy branches that could support her weight. The trees in this realm were unlike any she had seen before—ancient and massive, with twisted trunks and dark, dense foliage. Some of them seemed to glow faintly with an inner light, as if they were infused with the same magical energy that permeated the air.
After a short search, Lilith spotted a tree that stood out among the others. Its branches were broad and intertwined, creating a natural platform high above the ground. It looked strong enough to hold her safely through the night. She approached it cautiously, feeling the rough bark under her fingers as she tested its stability. Satisfied that it would support her, Lilith began to climb, her body moving with practiced ease despite the lingering heaviness from the gravity of this strange realm.
Once she reached a sturdy branch, she settled in and began to prepare her wards. With a few whispered incantations and precise gestures, she wove a protective barrier around her chosen resting spot. The wards shimmered briefly before fading into invisibility, forming a shield that would alert her to any approaching danger.
As she leaned back against the trunk, Lilith allowed herself a moment to breathe deeply, the cool air filling her lungs. The magical energy of the realm hummed quietly around her, almost like a lullaby. Despite the strangeness of her surroundings, there was a certain peace in the solitude of the night. She knew that sleep would come easily, and with Aurora keeping watch, she felt safe enough to close her eyes.
"Thank you, Aurora," Lilith whispered, her voice barely audible as she allowed herself to relax.
"Rest well, Lilith," Aurora's voice replied, warm and comforting. "I'll keep watch."
With that reassurance, Lilith let herself drift into sleep, her mind at ease despite the unknown dangers that might lurk in the darkness below.
Some time after Lilith had fallen asleep, her necklace began to shimmer softly. Aurora, sensing something, projected herself out of the necklace, forming a translucent body no larger than 50 centimeters. She floated silently above Lilith, her glowing form casting a gentle light in the darkened tree canopy. Then, with a commanding tone, she called out, "Come out. I know you're here. I know you've been watching her, and I sense you mean no harm."
A soft giggle echoed from a nearby branch. "You've got keen senses for a young one," a shadowy figure remarked as it stepped closer. As it emerged from the shadows, Aurora could see that the figure stood no taller than 40 centimeters, with a bushy tail and long, pointed ears.
"Young one?" Aurora scoffed, her ethereal form flickering slightly. "This is but a spectral form I'm using at the moment. And who are you, exactly? A squirrel?"
"Indeed I am," the creature replied with a slight bow. "I am Ratatoskr, the traveler. I've been watching the one you're protecting. It's been so long since I've seen a Demon Lord. But tell me, why does a dragon's soul seek to protect a Demon Lord? I thought you beings were enemies—like yin and yang, fire and water, or the wind that tries to topple a mountain."
Aurora eyed Ratatoskr cautiously, her shimmering form hovering closer. "I have fought many Demon Lords before, and it's true that those battles are the reason my soul now resides within this necklace. But Lilith, this child... she is different. She has the potential to become a true Demon Lord and restore balance to the world she comes from. But why do you call me 'young one'? My soul is over 35,000 years old."
Ratatoskr chuckled, his tail flicking playfully. "Like I said, you are indeed a young one."
Aurora stared at Ratatoskr, surprised by his response. "And what makes you so certain of that?"
Ratatoskr's eyes twinkled with ancient wisdom. "I've traveled through countless realms and ages, witnessing the rise and fall of countless beings. To me, 35,000 years is but a blink of an eye. You still have much to learn, young one."
Aurora considered his words, realizing that this small, seemingly whimsical creature might be far older and wiser than she had first assumed. "If you've been watching Lilith, then you know she carries a heavy burden. She needs guidance, not just protection."
Ratatoskr nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps you're right. There is something about her… something that could change the course of many worlds. I'll keep an eye on her, too. But remember, not all who wander these lands are as friendly as I."
Aurora's expression softened. "I appreciate your watchful eyes, but be warned—if you intend to interfere, I won't hesitate to protect her."
Ratatoskr smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "I wouldn't dream of it. For now, I'll simply observe. Goodnight, young one."
With that, the squirrel-like figure melted back into the shadows, his presence fading until it was as if he had never been there. Aurora, still alert, returned to her vigil, her spectral form dimming slightly as she watched over Lilith, her thoughts lingering on Ratatoskr's enigmatic words.
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