Chapter 177: Back to the Start
What… I was certainly confused, but at the same time… I knew what had happened, but it occurred so fast that even if I understood the situation, the shock wasn’t leaving my system immediately. It took only a moment; I never thought anything could jump me like that now that I was a Spiritual Being.
I am back here… Back on Espoiramissa.
This world contained so many memories for me, most of them, to be honest, as I had lost much when I was first stabbed and with every level engraving the time of increase into my soul, in the end, so many memories that I could never forget were of this place.
Maybe one day, I expect to return here, but not so soon.
“So, are you going to speak?”
The question was for the only planet in the area.
Theories for why this happened could be left for later. For now, there was only one entity that needed to give me answers.
“I won’t be taking silence for an answer.”
I waited, but I heard nothing.
“Sigh.” I let out a long sigh and used my connection to Lila’s artefact to check on the situation there. It wasn’t perfect, but I could see in a small radius around it, which meant I could confirm Lila was safe. She was on a ship, likely unaware of my sudden disappearance. That was good at least, and with a little focus, I could send a small pulse through the artefact. There was a delay, and I hadn't learned how to send long distance messages with them yet.
The very long wait did tell me something.
That Espr was likely responsible for at least part of this. Though that part was the clear conclusion, no one could be allowed to be teleported onto its surface without their permission. So their involvement was a given, but the why… I had some ideas…
(“ It has been a long time, hasn’t it ”)
Espr’s ever-changing, unchanging voice rang in my head. Carrying a tone of control and authority that it had in our first conversation.
“Want to give me a war update?”
(“ Do you really wish for such a thing at this moment? You are finally away from all that fighting after all, you can truly rest while you are here ”)
“Such a strange thing for you to say, Espoiramissa.”
“Non-existent tongue caught in a crack?”
(“ The ‘war’ is going how you might expect. The enemy leader being dead has caused some panic and confusion. Though that is mostly a recent event, as his power still flows through many of your enemies’ forces. After everything quieted down in that area, word began to spread that perhaps he had died. Some appear to be in denial, while others are shaken by the possibility. Lucky for the side you betted on, they have been able to kill the ones who fell into worry as in an almost curse, the power weakens if the user doesn't believe in the leader, and the energy moves into others ”)
“So there is a chance that the more people die, the stronger the remaining people become?”
(“ Technically correct, but don’t worry, they won’t reach anywhere near the levels of the leader. They can’t become a false Spiritual Being like that ”)
“Becoming a faux Spiritual Being in the first place was insane.”
… I stayed silent for a moment. “Why did you do this, Espoiramissa?”
“I want to hear the words from you,” I demanded. “If you want to acquire what you desire, then be brave enough to say those words.”
I heard Espoiramissa laugh, which echoed across the planet. A pulse of life seemed to erupt across everywhere as I felt monsters in the corners of my [Star Mapping] vision roar with energy.
(“ What do I want? Ceella, I shouldn't need to say that, do it? ”)
Espoiramissa acted as if the reason they hadn’t said anything was that the reason was so obvious.
“Well, enlighten me, I am merely a lost child in compassion to someone like you.”
(“ I see you still have your bravado after all that fighting. Good. Well, if you really want me to say it, I want you, Ceella ”)
“That isn’t happening anymore, and you know it.” Once upon a time, in a different story, I could’ve become Espr’s proper witch. However, such a tale ended long ago. For many reasons, to be honest, I was a Spiritual Being myself now and after so much pain, I didn’t want to be under anything’s control. There were two big reasons, but I could list more. In the end, the me that could’ve become a proper witch did come into existence due to decisions made by the both of us.
(“ That isn’t just up to you decide ”)
“Oh, is it now?” I scoffed.
“We aren’t in the same position as before. You don’t hold the same sway over me, and your power, is it really enough to keep me down?” I stared towards the stars. “I doubt you will be getting any help in this endeavour. I’m sure this would be a solid piece of entertainment for the other Spiritual Beings. They helped you, didn't they?”
The small connection I had to Espr in my domain was erased, likely used as part of the anchor to teleport this body. Still, it was obvious that Espr didn’t do this alone; it wasn’t within their power.
“Unless you have been lying to me and long distance teleportation has always been a part of your powers, then, well, I might be the one to start this fight instead.”
(“ There will be certain aspects of this fight they can see, but their vision here is limited, and they aren’t able to break through my domain ”)
“How lovely.” My heart began to beat faster as I pulled more energy into my body. I was surprised by how easy it was. Bringing in energy from my Domain was far easier than at any other point in the universe.
I watched as monsters appeared from across everywhere and moved towards me, and in the distance I saw terrifying beasts that long ago I wished to never be near.
(“ A Spiritual Being has never been subservient to another ”)
“And you seek to change that? What a great innovator.”
(“ I’m just collecting was is rightfully mine ”)
“I am a one of a kind legendary piece, but be careful.” I warned. “I do bite back.”
I just laughed and continued to do so as I watched the mountain of monsters stampede from all directions towards me.
The first time here I was just a cog in the machine, now I was the public enemy of the entire world, what a promotion.
“See you on the other side of this mess, and do your best.” Flames engulfed my body and Starlight flew out in streams like ribbons and horns burned ever bright.