Eriri didn't transform Myne's body to the same degree as Kato Megumi and the others, who could only absorb cosmic energy. Instead, she simply modified Myne's body to absorb the excess magic power within herself for self-strengthening. For Eriri, this process was incredibly simple, requiring only a flick of her fingers.
She also elEffated Myne's magic purity several levels, such that her internal magic surpassed all humans in this world, second only to the gods.
And over time, her body would continue to strengthen through the absorbed magic, making it unlikely she'd ever face the typical "glass-cannon mage" weakness.
Regarding magic itself, Myne wouldn't need to study it further.
Put simply, magic is the art of utilizing magical energy, casting spells through specific incantations. However, after Eriri's modifications, Myne's magic would now be fully under her control; she could conjure any type of magic through sheer imagination alone.
After resolving Myne's bodily issues, Eriri lifted the time pause. The sounds of the bustling marketplace once again reached the ears of Eriri and Myne as the world resumed its movements.
Feeling renewed, Myne eagerly tested her body. The lingering frailty she once felt had vanished completely. Now, she could even run and jump her way home without any problem.
"I really am better! Thank you so much, Eriri!" Myne exclaimed. She threw her arms around Eriri's leg, her face full of genuine gratitude.
If goodwill had a score, Myne's affection for Eriri would've been nearing maximum.
Knowing now that she hadn't usurped another's body—that she truly was Effa's daughter—Myne felt more at peace with her new life.
She was no longer troubled by the idea of abandoning her new family, even if she still occasionally missed her past life's parents.
Besides, it had already been five years since her rebirth—who knew how much time had passed on Earth?
Looking down at the little girl hugging her leg, Eriri scooped her up and playfully tapped her nose.
"Alright! Now that your health is restored, you should enjoy life to the fullest. So, what's the first thing you want to do, Myne?"
"What else? Find some books, of course!"
"Well, I expected that," Eriri chuckled.
It seemed that no matter how strong Myne became, her inner bookworm wouldn't be going anywhere.
"But remember, this world doesn't have printing or papermaking, so all books are handwritten and thus very expensive."
Myne's initial enthusiasm instantly deflated upon hearing this.
Though she didn't know the exact price of books here, it sounded clear they weren't cheap—and she definitely didn't have enough money to buy any.
Thinking quickly, Myne crossed her arms and looked up at Eriri with pleading eyes.
"Eriri…"
"Oh, too cute!" Myne's adorable, hopeful look struck right at Eriri's heart. Unable to resist, she rubbed her face against Myne's.
How could she say no to her "daughter's" request? Eriri cheerfully replied, "No problem; I'll get a book for you right now."
Just as she was about to conjure up a book from memory, she remembered the copy of A Certain Magical Index Vol. 1 she'd bought at Fujikawa's bookstore the previous week, which was still resting in her storage space.
So she pulled it out.
"A book! It's a book!" Myne cried, her voice filled with joy as she clutched the book Eriri handed her.
Eriri held it out with a grin. "Now, just so you know, taking this book means you're mine from now on."
She sounded every bit the Big Bad Wolf tempting Little Red Riding Hood.
With the book she longed for right before her, Myne could hardly resist. Besides, her goodwill for Eriri was nearly maxed out already. She didn't hesitate.
"Deal! From now on, I'm yours, Eriri!"
As soon as she held the book, she brought it to her face, inhaling deeply. "Ah… the smell of a book."
Nestled comfortably in Eriri's arms, Myne wasted no time immersing herself in A Certain Magical Index.
…
When Effa returned to the bench after her shopping, she saw a picture-perfect scene.
A beautiful blue-haired little girl sat contentedly in the arms of an angelic-looking young woman with golden hair, absorbed in a book Effa had never seen before.
A gentle breeze lifted their hair, blue and golden strands dancing together, painting a picture like something out of a dream.
Effa could hardly believe her eyes. Was this her daughter? How could she have become so adorable in such a short time? Her hair, previously dull, now shone clean and vibrant, as if it radiated light. Her clothes, though the same as before, were spotlessly clean, and her once sickly pale complexion was now a rosy, healthy pink.
For a moment, Effa felt hesitant to step into this scene.
Then Eriri's voice cut through her thoughts.
"Welcome back, Effa!"
Eriri's words snapped her out of her daze, and she hesitantly walked toward them. Myne remained engrossed in her light novel, seemingly oblivious to her mother's return.
Seeing Myne so entranced in Eriri's arms, Effa opened her mouth to speak but couldn't find the words.
"Myne, time to stop for now. Your mother's back; greet her first. The book is yours now, so you can read it later at home." Eriri gently closed the book and gave Myne's cheeks a playful pinch.
"Oh, alright," Myne reluctantly withdrew from the world of light novels and, finally noticing Effa, waved excitedly at her mother. "Mom, welcome back!"
Now, Myne's attitude toward her mother had completely transformed.
To her, Effa was no longer just "Myne's" mother but her own true mother.
"Myne, how are you feeling?"
"Mom, look! Eriri healed me completely!"
She sprang from Eriri's lap, hopping and skipping in front of Effa with boundless energy, leaving her mother in shock.
But seeing Myne's bright face, breathing normally and without a hint of weakness, Effa's concerns melted away, replaced by overwhelming joy.
Myne's fragile health had been a constant worry for the family, with no telling when it might finally fail her.
Knowing that her daughter now had a healthy body, Effa couldn't have wished for anything more.
"Eriri, thank you so much for healing Myne!" Effa's gratitude was almost palpable.
"There's no need to thank me," Eriri replied with a gentle smile.
Eriri didn't intend to interfere with Myne's development any further. Solving her health issues was enough.
So she decided it was time to leave this world, at least for now. She had memorized the world's coordinates, so she could return anytime. Besides, she planned to invite Myne into the chat group.
"Well then, Myne, it's time for me to go. If you ever need anything, feel free to reach out."
"You're leaving now?" Myne's expression fell in disappointment.
They had only known each other for about an hour, yet there was no trace of unfamiliarity between them. Myne had even developed a unique fondness for Eriri.
She didn't quite understand this feeling. As Urano, she had always been immersed in books, never having friends or experiencing romantic love, so she hadn't personally felt these emotions before.
However, she had read enough books to understand emotions like friendship, love, and familial bonds, so she understood them conceptually.
What she felt now seemed like a blend of friendship, familial love, and perhaps more.
There was no doubt that Eriri was now her favorite person across both lifetimes.
"How will I reach you?"
Myne knew that when Eriri said "leave," she meant not just the marketplace or even the planet but this entire universe. Myne herself had no means of traveling to other universes.
"Don't worry. I'll be adding you to a chat group that connects all worlds soon. We'll be able to talk anytime, and the chat group has cross-universe functionality, so there's no need to feel sad."
"A chat group that connects all worlds? That exists?"
Myne knew what a chat group was; as Urano, she'd joined her class's LINE group at school.
But a chat group that connected different worlds? That stretched her imagination.
"Of course! The multiverse is far more fascinating than any book you've read. They say each book is its own world, but there are infinitely many universes out there. You'll even be able to explore other worlds in the future," Eriri replied with a hint of mischief, subtly hoping to temper Myne's obsession with books.
"Well… maybe someday, but I'll never give up my books. Without them, I'd die!"
First attempt to lure her away: failed!
Effa, who had been standing to the side, was thoroughly confused by the conversation between Eriri and Myne. Universes, chat groups, other worlds, books… it was all a mystery to her.
Luckily, she wasn't the type to probe too deeply. As long as her family was happy, she was content.
Realizing she couldn't understand, she decided to let it be and stopped thinking about it altogether.
…
Eriri left Myne's world. Before she departed, she took the opportunity to erase the vile High Priest Bezewanst from existence.
Instead of simply killing him, she completely erased his presence from this world—no one would remember him, and all records of his existence vanished.
As she gazed at the blue planet, Eriri called to the chat group in her mind, "Hey, Little Skirt, time to add the next batch of newcomers. And remember to include Myne."
Naturally, the Little Skirt responded eagerly, "Yes, as you command, Onee-sama!"
And so, the seventh batch of members joined the group.
[Myne has joined the chat.]
[Mine has joined the chat.]
[Fubuki has joined the chat.]
[Erina Nakiri has joined the chat.]
[Arifureta (Level 4, Stage 8/Group Leader): Welcome, newcomers.]
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 6): Welcome, newcomers.]
[Chika Fujiwara (Level 4, Stage 4): Welcome, newcomers!]
[Kaguya Shinomiya (Level 4, Stage 2): Welcome, newcomers.]
[Kanae Kocho (Level 4, Stage 6): Welcome, newcomers.]
[Myne (Level 2, Stage 9): Eriri-neesan, we meet again! Is this the chat group you mentioned? Amazing! Worship emoji]
Already halfway home, Myne felt the presence of the "Multiverse Same-Sex ♀ Friendship Group" in her mind and grew excited, her earlier disappointment over Eriri's departure already dissipated.
After opening the group chat, her first thought wasn't to look at its features but to greet Eriri joyfully.
[Eriri (Level 8, Stage 6): Yep! Be sure to chat here often, alright? You should check out the chat group features, too. I'll send you some points to get started.]
[Myne (Level 2, Stage 9): I just received them. Thanks, Eriri-neesan!]
[Chika Fujiwara (Level 4, Stage 4): ???]
[Ruri Gokou (Level 4, Stage 2): ???]
[Elaina (Level 4, Stage 5): ???]
[Yuuki Asuna (Level 4, Stage 4): ???]
[Myne (Level 2, Stage 9): What's wrong? Did I say something weird? Question emoji]
[Arche (Level 4, Stage 6): Are Myne and Eriri from the same world?]
[Chika Fujiwara (Level 4, Stage 4): Yeah, I'm really curious about the relationship between Myne and Eriri! She gave her points right off the bat?]
Everyone's curiosity about Myne was piqued after seeing Eriri's actions and her words.
They all opened Myne's profile.
[Erina Nakiri (Level 1, Stage 2): Chat group? New technology? Just who are you people?]
[Mine (Level 1, Stage 1): …]
[Fubuki (Level 2, Stage 5): …]
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