NOVEL WEB Chapter 188: Chapter 182
With ample time on his hands, Ray found himself lounging at the bow of the ship, basking in the tranquil embrace of the night. The sea stretched endlessly before him, its surface shimmering under the moonlight, while the gentle rocking of the vessel provided a soothing rhythm to his thoughts.
In the stillness, his mind wandered to his own strength—or rather, the remnants of it. The boundless, overwhelming power he once wielded was a distant memory. His usual strategy of brute force and overwhelming his enemies no longer applied, leaving him with a pressing need to develop a new fighting style that suited his current abilities.
Naturally, his innate and primary skill—Shadow Manipulation—would form the cornerstone of this new technique. He envisioned combining it with weaponry, such as swords, to create a versatile combat style. Abilities like shadow control, teleportation through shadows, and stealth would complement this approach perfectly. Yet, a glaring issue arose: the procurement of suitable weapons.
This dilemma led his thoughts to his most natural tools—his claws and fangs. These primal weapons, imbued with power by a god far greater than he had been even at his peak, were unparalleled in their lethality. In Teyvat, they might very well be unmatched. However, their utility was limited to his feline form. In his human guise, his claws dulled to mere nails, and his fangs were no more than ordinary teeth.
The predicament gnawed at him as he weighed his options. After a moment, he resolved to experiment. Each possibility would be tested, each idea explored, until he discovered the most effective way to harness his abilities and reclaim his place as a force to be reckoned with.
———
In the Castle Garden of the Shadow Space,
Within the sprawling, city-sized castle, a vast hanging garden within the inner courtyard—a sealed-off artificial ecosystem, complete with a lush environment that seemed alive in its own right. Trees and plants from both reality and fantasy thrived here, their vibrant colors and unique forms creating an otherworldly scene. At the heart of the garden stood a massive Yggdrasil-like tree, its roots and branches stretching impossibly wide and high, casting a serene aura over the area.
Beneath a tree with soft, wind-swaying branches and greenish-purple leaves, Ray lay curled lazily on Asia's lap. Her hands combed through his dark fur as a small blob-like slime nestled beside him, radiating a comforting presence.
"How have you been holding up lately, Asia? I know I haven't been around much for you or anyone else," Ray said, his deep voice carrying an apologetic tone, though it still held the commanding presence of someone used to being in control.
Asia, who had been staring off into space, blinked and seemed startled by his words. Quickly, she waved her hands in a flustered manner. "Oh, no, Ray! Please don't apologize. I—if anything, I should be the one apologizing. After all, if it wasn't for me, th—"
Before she could finish, a tendril of shadow emerged and gently pressed against her lips, silencing her. Ray's eyes narrowed as he spoke, his tone firm but not unkind. "Enough. I've told you time and time again—none of what happened was your fault. Stop blaming yourself for things that were beyond your control."
Asia's shoulders sagged slightly, her expression clouded. Despite Ray's resolute denial, she still couldn't shake the guilt she carried. She had been branded a witch in the past, accused of heresy and misfortune. Even now, she believed that her presence had shattered Ray's once-happy family—a belief she clung to, no matter how often he told her otherwise.
Ray, sensing her inner turmoil, sighed and shifted slightly in her lap, his fur brushing against her hands to draw her focus back to the present. "Asia," he said softly, "carrying guilt for something you didn't do is a burden no one should bear. You don't need to punish yourself for something beyond your control. Do you trust me when I say that?"
She nodded hesitantly, her lips pressing into a thin forced smile. Yet her downcast gaze betrayed her lingering doubt. Ray could see it clearly—she wasn't entirely convinced. To her, his insistence felt like an attempt to shield her from a truth she felt she deserved to face.
Letting out a low growl, more frustration than anger, Ray added, "You've always been too kind for your own good, Asia. But kindness doesn't mean carrying the blame for everything on your shoulders. Let it go."
For a brief moment, her expression softened. Her trembling hands gently stroked his fur, her voice barely above a whisper. "I will… try."
Ray exhaled deeply, closing his eyes as the tension in his shoulders eased. "That's all I ask. None of it was ever your fault," he murmured. His voice was soft now, almost tender, as if reassuring her was as much for her benefit as it was for his own peace of mind. With that, he rested his head against her lap, seeking solace in her presence, letting his burdened thoughts drift away.
Just as he began to settle into the comfort of her touch, his moment of peace was shattered. His eyes snapped open as a swirling portal materialized a short distance away. From it, Freya emerged with graceful urgency, bowing her head slightly as she approached.
"Master, the Giant Octopus has returned for revenge, and we need your assistance," she reported, her tone apologetic for disrupting his rare leisure time.
Ray sighed heavily, the fleeting tranquility evaporating in an instant. Without a word, he stood and stretched his body, a faint crack echoing as he prepared himself for the inevitable. Turning to Asia, he fixed her with a firm but caring gaze.
"I'll be leaving for now. Don't let your mind wander to unnecessary guilt while I'm gone. Rest properly—you're still recovering," he instructed. There was no room for argument in his tone, though the warmth in his words lingered.
Asia nodded quietly, her lips curving into a faint, reassuring smile. "I will," she replied softly, watching as he leapt gracefully from her lap and strode toward the portal.
With a final glance back, Ray disappeared into the portal alongside Freya. Asia sighed, her gaze falling to the blob-like creature nestled in her lap. It seemed to be soundly asleep, oblivious to the world. Smiling faintly, she resumed stroking it gently, her thoughts turning back to the peace Ray had tried to instill within her.
———
Standing at the bow of the ship, Ray's sharp gaze swept across the serene expanse of the ocean. The rhythmic lapping of waves against the hull belied the sinister presence lurking beneath.
To most aboard, the sea seemed calm and unthreatening. But not to Ray—and certainly not to Freya, who stood tensely beside him. Her sharp eyes caught the unmistakable shadow shifting below the surface, its ominous aura radiating dread that sent a chill down her spine.
"Battle stations! Everyone, move!" Freya barked, her voice cutting through the stillness like a blade, snapping the crew into action.
"Full sails ahead!" she continued, turning sharply toward the helmsman. "Activate the wind generators—push this ship to its limits! We need speed, now!"
The crew scrambled to obey, sails snapping into place as the ship surged forward. Freya's commanding presence kept them focused, but even as they moved efficiently, Ray's gaze remained locked on the dark form below, his expression grim. "It's coming," he muttered, low enough for only Freya to hear.
—————
If you enjoy my fic and wanted me to support my work and effort, feel free to support me on Patreon.
patreon.com/DaoistKittyKat