Chapter 159 – A Silent Path Toward Light
The next morning, the morning light of that foreign world filtered through the magical mist still hanging low above the ground. The air felt fresh but strange, with the scent of wild grass mixed with magical dust that lingered like dry ash that never fully settled onto the earth.
Sylvia dressed herself piece by piece in the private chamber of the old castle. The Dress of Death, her black gown, wrapped around her body like a living shadow, complemented by Black Gloves that covered her arms up to the elbows. Strong yet flexible Black Stockings hugged her legs, perfectly paired with high boots embedded with invisible runes. Black Crystal Earrings shimmered faintly whenever magical light struck their surface. At her waist hung the Rapier of Night, a sleek yet deadly weapon pulsing with a dark aura like a second heartbeat. The Agility Ring on her right index finger hummed softly, resonating with the surrounding magical energy.
And finally, atop her head, she wore the Abyssal Regalia a gleaming black crown shaped like jagged spikes of darkness, a symbol not just of worldly rule, but dominion over the very dimensions that dwelled in shadow.
As she was about to leave, Celes approached. Her face was as expressionless as always, but there was a hardness in her gaze.
"I’m coming with you."
"You can’t," Sylvia replied without looking at her. "There’s too much for you to monitor here. Magical fluctuations, dimensional scouting, and don’t forget... this castle still hasn’t been cleared of ancient traps."
Celes opened her mouth to protest, but in the end, she only sighed. "You hate this, don’t you? All of it. The role of a leader."
Sylvia offered a faint smile but gave no answer. She simply turned the doorknob and walked out without looking back.
As the grand doors of the castle opened, the outside wind immediately greeted her with a crisp breeze. Waiting at the front gate was the white dove from yesterday. It circled slowly in the air before gliding forward, as if signaling her to follow.
Sylvia sighed quietly. "Ahh... it’s been a while since I breathed outdoor air. Dealing with leadership is such a nuisance. Sometimes I wish I could go back to the past fighting, exploring, without worrying about tax systems or fuel logistics."
She walked leisurely, following the bird. Not in a rush, and not riding Noir, her dragon, whom she had left in Nocture. If something happened to her city, Noir would be an invaluable backup force.