From Ashes To Scales

“Hubby!!”

As soon as those words echoed in my ears, I quickly turned around.

“Oi, Leona, don't move around. The wound is opening up again… my healing… won't last at this rate…” (Rose)

I quickly dashed as fast as my feet could carry me and overlapped my hand with hers.

“Greater Heal!!”

The green intensified and the wound closed up rapidly. Moreover, not even a scar was left by the time the spell was finished. I then instinctively grabbed Leona's shoulders.

“Leona, are you ok? Does it still hurt somewhere?”

“I’m fine now.”

I then bring her closer into my embrace.

“For a second I thought I lost you. That was reckless. Never pull a stunt like that again.”

“Aaa… hubby, this is… embarrassing…”

I don't care. I finally found people I can call friends. People I can care for. I don't want to lose that. I need to get stronger than this. Strong enough so that such a scenario never happens again. And I’m going to make them stronger as well.

“Alright… then that just leaves one lose end.”

I once again turned around to Yridian. However Saphira placed herself between me and him.

“Saphira, what are you doing? Move.”

“No. My lord, please forgive my cowardly behavior. I never expected you to possess such power and froze. Even after you granted me weapons and a place by your side, I couldn't act at all. For that I will take on any punishment you see fit.

However, please listen to this selfish request of mine. Do not kill him.”

“After all that… after assaulting us out of nowhere for no reason. And after what he did to Leona… you want me to spare him? Were you two friends in the past or something?”

“Not even remotely close. This decision is purely for all of our safety. If you kill him, the remaining Great Generals will sense it. Although not right away, all 4 of them will come after us at once. It's impossible even for one as great as yourself to fend them off.

But if you leave him alive, his pride won't allow him to divulge that he was defeated and he's less likely to track us down. So I beg of you, please reconsider killing him.”

I listened carefully to Saphira's request. I then closed my eyes and took 2 deep breaths.

“Saphira… move.”

“But, my lord, I…”

“Move!”

When I raised the tone of my voice she dropped her head and cleared a path. I then extended my hand towards the fallen Yridian.

“Glaciar Prison!”

In the next moment, a large cluster of ice formed around Yridian, trapping him inside.

“My… lord?”

“Don't worry. He’s not dead. But I don't want to turn my back against him, even in his wounded state. Glaciar Prison will keep him restrained and alive. And will prevent him from following us.”

“My lord, thank you for listening to this unworthy servant's request.”

“Enough of that. Let's get out of here. Rusalka do you… wait a minute. Why is your face bright red?”

“Fuueeh!! That's… nevermind. No. It's absolutely nothing you should be worried about, master.”

“If you say so. In that case… drive the carriage, please.”

“Of course.”

“As for you, Rose…”

But I couldn't finish that sentence. My stamina was drained and my conscience faded away. I think I collapsed on the spot.

“Hey!! Don't just randomly fall asleep on my breasts! I know they're soft, but they aren't your pillow!!”

“Now, now, Rose. He can't hear you. Give hubby a break, will you?”

“Ugh… if he were awake I’d beat him into a pulp for this… but fine. He did save us and after seeing that display of power… he’s my money bank after all… so I’ll let it slide. Let's get him into the carriage and get the hell out of here already.”

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~3rd person POV~

The God Realm, an ethereal sanctuary crafted by the divine, floated majestically above the myriad worlds it governed. A place of serene beauty and sublime tranquility, it was where gods convened to oversee creation and find respite from their cosmic duties.

The landscape of the God Realm was a breathtaking mosaic of opulence and natural wonder. Pathways paved with gleaming gold wound gracefully through fields of lush, emerald grass that swayed gently in an ever-present, warm breeze. The grass shimmered as if each blade was infused with divine light, creating a soft, inviting glow.

Suspended in the sky, the clouds were not mere vapors but solid, fluffy formations that supported the weight of the gods with ease. These clouds, a pure white so bright they almost sparkled, formed bridges and platforms, connecting the various parts of this heavenly domain. Walking upon them felt like treading on the softest silk, each step buoyant and light.

Golden spires and towers rose majestically from the ground, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings and celestial runes that pulsed with otherworldly energy. These structures, temples and halls of the gods, shone brilliantly under a sun that never set, casting a perpetual, gentle twilight over the realm.

Rivers of liquid light meandered through the landscape, their luminescent waters flowing serenely and emitting a soothing, melodic hum. Where these rivers met, they formed radiant pools, surrounded by blooming gardens of celestial flora—flowers with petals of silver and amethyst, exuding fragrances that spoke of distant stars and ancient forests.

In the heart of the God Realm lay the Grand Pavilion, an awe-inspiring edifice with arches and columns that reached into the heavens. Its vast halls were lined with thrones made of crystal and gold, each reflecting the unique essence of the god it belonged to. This place belonged to the almighty ones. The most powerful and respected of gods, along with the Heavenly Father.

The air in the God Realm was imbued with a sense of eternal calm and joy. Soft, celestial music floated through the air, accompanied by the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant songs of mythical birds with plumage as radiant as the dawn.

And in the sound of all this beautiful chirping, two women were playing chess. Needless to say both of them were goddesses. One of them was the majestical lady Iseria. She was sitting on a plain chair. As for the other… she was lying down on a sofa. Her attire was similar to Iseria. A greek style dress, but this woman had a large amount of jewelry on her. Bracelets, necklace, earrings, all made of gold and valuable gems. Her long blonde hair was wrapped in a ponytail. And due to her sitting position, her cleavage and large breasts were heavily exposed. Her glossy cherry lips and azure eyes would make one stare and desire her on the stop. She was the one who established the Church of Light. She is the Goddess of Light, Solana.

“My, oh my. Is it just me, or did you suddenly improve, Iseria? Usually I find no challenge in you but this time… you're really giving me a run for my money.”

“Well, you could say I had some practice lately.”

Truth being told there was always this rivalry between the Goddess of Light and the Goddess of Lightning. Not to the point where they would actually fight each other. More like a friendly feud. Always trying to prove that one was better than the other. Chess is a game they often play, but Solana was a master at it.

Given that… Iseria used training Magnus as an excuse to better develop her own skills. However, Iseria would never openly admit that in front of Magnus.

“By the way, Solana, there's something I wanted to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“You know that ‘he’ is bound to surface again eventually.”

“True.”

“And I know Magnolia is mostly your territory, but…”

“Oh my? What is it? Just get it out.”

“The person you chose as the Hero. Are you really sure he's the right one for the job?”

“Whatever is there to object? He was born in a wealthy family, received the best education, and not to mention… he’s really handsome.”

Iseria could not help bring her hand to her temple and started rubbing it.

“There you go again with that crap. Look, I know you like beautiful things, but come on. For once you should look beyond the physical aspect. Have you even taken a look at his soul?”

“My, oh my. I see where you're taking this. I agree he is not perfect and has faults, but only Gods are supposed to be perfect. And whatever sins he might have, all he has to do is ask for salvation and I shall forgive him. Isn't that the role of a Goddess after all?”

That couldn't be far more from the truth. Just because someone is asking for salvation and admits to his sins, it doesn't mean that the person should be granted salvation. It's just like a bucket of water. If the person doesn't change, then God can empty his bucket endlessly. He’ll just fill it back.

“Well, it's not exactly my place to butt in. I just felt that there could have been a better candidate for that. Don't come crying to me if at the end of the day he’s not what he seems.”

“Hou? You act just like when I stole your cherry pie 10 years ago. Are you still holding a grudge for that?”

“This isn't about the pie!”

“Fufu. At least you let your guard down. Check Mate!”

“Wha!? When did you?”

“Better luck next time, Iseria.”

With a click of her tongue, lady Iseria wanted to get up and prepare to leave. However, just before she was about to be on her way…

“Oh, before I forget… you have a mortal in Magnolia as well, don't you?”

“Yeah. So what if I do? Got a problem with it?”

“Of course not. He probably is one ugly and sorry fellow for getting stuck with you. If he were someone beautiful I probably would have noticed it. But since he didn't shine strong enough, I didn't even bother looking his way. But your reaction just now… should I probably greet him too?”

Electric sparks started forming around Iseria.

“Listen here, Solana. Leave him alone. He’s gone through enough hell already. The last thing he needs is you to mess with him. I’m warning you.”

“Oh. How scary. It's rare to see you like this. But relax. As long as he stays put in whatever corner you tossed him, I won't even notice him.”

With that final exchange, the two Goddess parted ways.