What had happened just now left us a bit surprised, and slightly tired. We agreed on taking a small break before continuing. Aquarina was rather sad she was being controlled, and her hate for the gods became even bigger for some reason. She was also glancing at the egg with a bit of hate, though if it ever hatches and it's a nice dragon, I think we should still keep it.
"Sigh… I can't believe I just did that without even knowing…" Sighed Aquarina. "Thank you for being there Sylphy…"
"Don't worry, everything's alright now. Alice inspected you using her light magic and she says you're already fine, the mind controlling effect has been completely dispelled." I told her, trying to calm her nerves.
"That's… relieving." She sighed, still feeling slightly down.
Everyone seemed silent as well, nobody really knew what to say, so they were leaving it all to me, geez. Well, she's… my special one. So I suppose it is my duty to cheer her up.
"You're still rather tired, aren't you?" I asked.
"Yeah… Not physically but mentally." She sighed. "And I feel… I feel a bit afraid. I don't want to be used… I don't want to be a puppet…"
"I know how it feels." I sighed. "Don't worry, I will never let anybody use you, you're the only one in control of your body."
"I swear on my name, I'll be there to protect you and help you. If these damn gods dare touch you again… I will make sure to make them pay." I swore on my name, as I felt my rage beginning to grow in intensity as the curse in my soul became wider and stronger, desiring to absorb more…
I had managed to slightly hurt Evil Gods using the curse, their spiritual vessels were easily wounded and they screamed in agony when I attacked them like that… if I keep growing stronger, maybe there could be some way to hurt them even more badly.
I won't let them touch her…
"Hahah…" Suddenly, Aquarina giggled a bit. "You sometimes say some really funny things…"
"A-Ah…" I suddenly snapped back to reality, as if my own anger was bringing me elsewhere. "Right… Yeah sounds stupid, right? I just don't know what else to tell you. I want you… to feel safe, at least with me."
Aquarina smiled adorably, her blue eyes shining brightly.
"Sorry, I got a bit frightened, but I am not really weak either, am I? I a strong too… And with you, I think we are unbeatable!" Aquarina said with a confident grin. "Mooch!"
Suddenly, she stole me a kiss in my lips.
"Uwah! T-That was sudden!" I got embarrassed; I couldn't help it.
"Heheh, that's all I needed!" Aquarina giggled, getting up and back to her energetic personality. She quickly hugged me and began petting my head. "You're so cute when you're worried about me~~!"
As I received her pampering, everyone was watching at us while giggling and gossiping with one another. I had already grown accustomed to this…
"Look at them, so shameless…" Said Celeste. "They could find a room already."
"Aquarina only needed some Sylphy to fill her energies up, isn't it?" Sighed Zack. "Well, I can understand her, Sylphy's lovable…"
"Huh? I am not too?" Mist asked at Zack surprised.
"Y-You too, Mist, of course." Zack felt slightly pressured, giving Mist a head pat.
"They're so cute together… Mister Teddy and I wonder if one day we'll find someone we can love like that." Celica said with an innocent giggle.
"Big sis will marry Aquarina?" Wondered Zephy, my little brother asking Nephi.
"It does seems to be the case, young lord." Nephi nodded. "We shall celebrate when the wedding begins."
"Ugh you lot, just shut up!" I cried in embarrassment, as Aquarina giggled at my side.
Alice seemed rather happy while seeing this scene.
"You've come a long way, Sylphy. Look at all the friends you've made… So many sweet people at your side. You're great."
"Huh? W-What with that compliment out of the blue?"
"N-nothing… I just am happy. I've been at your side since you were a little baby after all… It is like seeing my child grow up, or my little sister!"
"Geez, even you're getting corny…"
"Hahaha, sorry, sorry, I can't help it~"
Naturia seemed to agree.
Like that, before departing, we decided to have a small snack. Whatever dangers awaited us at Floor 3 weren't going to be any easier than the Eels or that dangerous Sea Snake Lesser Dragon, so we better fill our stomachs with healthy snacks to boost our stats as well, utilizing Cooking Magic!
"I'll cook for now, you've been cooking all the time, Sylphy." Aquarina said. "I've been practicing cooking with your mom for a while now, you can count on me!"
"O-Oh! Sure then!" I nodded. "I'll take a break for now, I need to wash myself as well."
I quickly brought out a tent from the Dimensional Bag and undressed me inside, beginning to wash myself from all the sweat using some basic Tier 1 Water Magic Spells.
And while I was taking a bath, Alice began talking.
"I know you want to save your EXP for later, but I would recommend you making a few more System-using equipment, Sylphy. You've already seen in Scarlet's performance enhancement. Her abilities have become over ten times better, and she keeps getting stronger, sharper, and sturdier with each level up. How about you turn something else with a System?" Alice spoke to me through the telepathy that spirits and their masters could do.
"I had considered it but I still don't know…" I sighed. "Well, do you have any ideas?"
"Yeah! Your boots change too much, and clothes… not for now. I believe either accessories you can carry anywhere easily without needing to be changed or… another weapon." She said. "Items created by the System are especially powerful and have a lot of durability. How about the Coral Golem's Shield?"
"Huh… A shield wouldn't be so bad. Alright then! I guess you've convinced me."