"Hmm~ I wonder when did I began to crave something as fickle as a relationship~"It might be because of the nature of this world, but every moment together with Verina had a much more meaningful and stronger effect than that of time I spent with someone in the real world.
Everyday was such a rollercoaster of gratitude and insatiable effort for survival, and it was solidified even more when our feelings started to become more mutual in the early days. Searᴄh the nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
Though, it felt a little bit too convenient that things fell apart to the right place this quickly.
"Right, that mysterious divinator…"
This Loki person was the whole cause that both Lupina and Verina even dared to come to this place, and I felt that something similar also happened with Kuzunoha.
That one part of the latest zero-sanity vision made me begin to doubt the reality around me.
Not to mention, there was also that bastard case with the massacre of my prisoners.
"So much to think about."
Anothing thing that I noticed was that there was a massive incompatibility between the mind of a former man called Lothair and the subconscious networks and biological prowess of Narcissus.
Some things matched with one another, and some things didn't.
For one, Narcissus' overall thinking capability is much higher than that of Lothair. It didn't occur to me immediately, but I could process information and perform complex calculations much faster and more precisely than when I was a Lothair, who was barely able to keep a good score in his education without excessive studying.
There was also some underlying rejection in my action and thoughts, and I found it more comfortable to do and think of things that compatibly align with Narcissus' subconscious network.
After all, it was greatly tied to how I could preserve and increase my Sanity.
Before I knew it, hours had passed.
Most of the people in this bastion had awoken from their resting slumber, while it was time for Lydia and Amelia to take their rest, knowing that there were people awake to maintain the bastion.
In that time, Kuzunoha appeared to be done with her interaction with Black Daffodil for today. She had written her reports about it, but the reporting session won't be commenced since 'Narcissus' was not present in the bastion.
After all, the meeting would also include Verina since it would break our bond and trust if I were to suddenly exclude her.
As such, the meeting was postponed for a couple more hours, in which Kuzunoha began working on establishing the feature of 'dimensional vessel' into my psyche and physicality.
Speaking of the 'dimensional vessel', the 'dimension organ' of my reproductive tool also worked in my Valtherion form.
One could imagine my surprise with how big 'that' thing was, now that my body grew bigger than the average adult male.
"It's done!" Kuzunoha chimed after she doused my soul with a huge amount of arcane energy in her process of constructing the needed establishment to facilitate the vessel-switching between the latest pristine state of my original state and my Valtherion form.
"That's kind of you to impart me with the manual on how it works," I chuckled. "It seems like it will be a while until you can meet with Lambda again."
"I will miss you wearing my outfit again."
"I'm technically going to wear your other outfit when I'm back as Narcissus." I wryly grinned. "I will return naked otherwise."
And using the same outfit after changing to Narcissus would rouse too much suspicion.
Soon enough, a parting session commenced as Lambda declared that she would depart from the bastion because of some urgent reason.
Kuzunoha, always enjoying her dramatic flair, clapped her hands lightly to gather everyone around.
"My friends, our dear acquaintance Lambda has pressing matters to attend to. She'll be departing for now, but I have a feeling this isn't goodbye—merely a temporary farewell."
Everyone gathered, their expressions varying as they looked on. I straightened, giving a small but commanding nod to keep up the act.
"Thank you all for your hospitality," I began, glancing over at the gathered bastioneers. "I've enjoyed my time here and wish you strength in the ordeals ahead."
The recruits exchanged glances and murmured to each other. Kara, the stocky former brawler, grinned and gave a salute, her eyes gleaming with respect. "Come back anytime, Lambda! We could always use a strong-woman like you!"
Beside her, Erika, the petite Deowl, gave a shy wave, looking as if she'd been caught staring. She flushed but managed to say, "Yes… Safe travels, Lambda."
Naosi, the weaponsmith, gave me a calculating look before nodding. "Hope you find what you're looking for, stranger. We could use another round with someone as… seasoned as you."
Amelia offered a curt nod and a firm handshake, her professional demeanor unwavering. "Thank you for the support, Lambda. We'll manage from here."
Even Lydia, the cunning one, cast a last, appraising glance. "Should you return, know there's always a place here for someone as uniquely gifted as yourself, Lambda."
A chuckle escaped my lips. "I'll remember that."
The rest were either silent or merely giving their gesture, but still genuine nonetheless.
Then there was Verina. She looked at me with her usual stoic expression, though I detected a flicker of something lighter in her eyes. Relief, maybe? Yes, there was definitely a hint of satisfaction in her gaze as she realized 'Lambda' would be leaving before Narcissus' return. I met her stare, leaning in with a knowing smirk.
"Well, Verina, it seems you'll get what you wanted after all," I said, making sure only she could hear. "I'll be off before I get another chance to meet Narcissus." Discover stories at M V L
Kuzunoha was confused as hell in the background.
Verina blinked, a flash of triumph crossing her face before she schooled it back into neutrality. "That's… acceptable," she said, with her usual deadpan demeanor, though her eyes gleamed faintly with satisfaction. "Thank you for the temporary assistance."
"It was a pleasure. I hope your dedication doesn't go unnoticed." I straightened up, offering her a knowing look. "Take good care of Narcissus until I return, won't you~?"
Verina stiffened, annoyed, but a light flush rose to her cheeks before she quickly regained her composure. "I always have," she replied, voice steady, though I noted her attempt to hide a smile as she nodded curtly. "Safe travels."
With farewells given and a few wry smiles exchanged, I took one step back, gave them a silent wave, and made my way to the horizon like a large cheetah.
I planned to have my exit with the fancy portal that Kuzunoha could conjure, but she couldn't even do it without having the destination to be somewhere near me.
"Ahahaha, I hope that I'm already far enough."