Chapter 122: Cōl Lāli (2/2)
”So, it's not only a good finisher but also a carpet-bombing spell... I like it.”
Higure snickered. ”{Of course, you do.}”
”Now that I think about it, I also got a skill from doing the stampede,” he muttered as he recalled the rewards he had gotten from the impromptu ordeal. He opened his Item Box and pressed on the concerned case.
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Designation: Skill/Spontaneous Skill
Name: Wrath Yaksha
Requirements: Level 50 <✗> 200 Atr Cap <✗> Lv.10 (Max) Fear Resistance <✓>
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Description:
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By summoning a Yaksha within your body, you will be able to redirect negativity toward you and in consequence, you will attract the animosity of most hostile creatures in the vicinity.
Additionally, while the skill is active, your body will be strengthened by the Yaksha to resist magical and physical damage. However, the Yaksha will continuously attempt to take over your mind so be mindful to never use this skill in times of weakness.
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Cost: 300 MP | Duration: 5 Min.
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”In other words, an aggro skill, huh?”
”{Aggro?}”
”Short for aggression. Basically, it's the manipulation of an enemy's focus,” Rakna answered with a sigh and stood up. He took one of the few blankets inside his storage and used it to cover Evelyn who was only wearing her bodysuit; her cloak folded next to her. She mewled and faintly smiled at the warmth before snuggling further.
Higure grinned. ”{What a gentleman you are.}”
Rakna snorted and his ears and nose twitched. He looked at the stairs and saw Flavia stepping in with a bag in her hand. ”Ah,” she exclaimed when she crossed eyes with him and smiled. ”You're awake!” She spoke perkily and walked to him. ”Miss Higure told us it would be fine but, are you okay?” She asked as she put down the bag on the table.
”I am. Don't worry, I don't feel any different.”
”{Also drop the 'Miss', lass. I've had this name for barely two days now, don't add honorifics to it already,}” the lioness uttered, and Rakna observed that she seemed to be connecting both him and Flavia through telepathy.
”Well, in that case, I'll gladly do so, Higure,” the former teacher said softly with an ever-so bright smile on her face. It almost looked like there was a sun illuminating her back.
The lioness blinked in surprise and speedily turned to Rakna, ”{D-devourer, this friend of yours is way too sweet! Since when humans were so sweet and gentle?!}”
He gave her an amused glance. 'It's just how she is. Get used to it,' he responded and looked at the bag she had brought. ”This is?”
”Ah, it's coffee. I thought you would like one after coming around.”
”{…}”
”…I really can't disagree on the sweet part.”
”Hm?” Flavia tilted her head and he snorted before peering at what was inside the bag. He pulled out three sealed cups with a small plastic band sticking out from the top. ”They told me that you just needed to pull on that small strip and it would heat up for consumption,” she explained when she saw him throw a confused look at the cup.
”Oh?” Rakna raised an eyebrow and did what she said. Right after, an almost imperceptible burst of mana occurred before vanishing. The lid of the cup consequently slid off and gave view to the steaming coffee. ”How does this work…?”
”They said it was an elementary application of 'runes'. It's apparently a magic that can be used by anyone regardless of their affinities. They called it a branch of spellcraft,” Flavia said as she took a seat and similarly opened a cup.
”{What she says is right,}” Higure remarked from the side as Rakna grabbed several of the sugar cubes that were inside the bag. ”{If you want, I could teach you.}”
”If it's no bother for you, I'd really appreciate it,” Flavia nodded cheerfully and Higure almost felt like crying at the pure aura that emanated from her. Meanwhile, Rakna was mechanically putting sugar in his cup.
When he added his fifth one, even Higure was forced to say something, ”{Hey… don't you think it's a bit too much?}” Rakna shrugged and added a sixth… and a seventh one before finally stopping.
Flavia giggled and the lioness looked at her. ”He and his uncle have always been like this. Every time I came to their house to make breakfast, they would always put obscene quantities of sugar in their coffee. Maybe the two rubbed off on each other.”
Rakna grunted at what she said and took a sip.
”{So… you would make breakfast for those two?}” Higure inquired curiously as the two entered a peaceful silence while drinking their coffee.
”Yes,” Flavia smiled fondly. ”The old master was normally very responsible but he was horrible at waking up in the morning. And when I learned that Rakna would always wake up early but never eat breakfast, I just started going there every morning.”
”And then she started teaching me how to cook as if it was the most normal thing ever,” Rakna commented in between his sips.
”{Ooh,}” Higure was captivated by their relationship. ”{How did you two meet?}”
Flavia's back stiffened a little. ”Well… it wasn't a very good encounter. To be completely honest with you, Higure, for a time, I was scared of even approaching their house and my grandfather was just as apprehensive as me if not more.”
The lioness frowned at that. ”{Why so?}”
”That-”
”Flavia,” Rakna interrupted her with a blank tone. He threw her a look and she smiled bitterly. He then turned to Higure who was gazing at him with a suspicious eye. ”It was a time of my life I'm not the proudest. That's all you have to know,” he said, not leaving her a chance to reply.
Flavia chuckled wryly and glanced to the side where Evelyn was peacefully snoozing away under a blanket that she 100% was sure wasn't there before. ”But… you've been getting better over the years, haven't you?” She said and he hummed while looking at his coffee.
”As much as I hate to say it, this situation seems to have had positive effects on your mental state, don't you think? Usually, you would have never made a promise like what you did for Evelyn.”
Higure was now both confused and worried about the implications of her words. Even Fenriu was cracking one eye open while listening to the conversation.
”You might be right,” Rakna admitted as callously as ever though there was a hint of gentleness in his tone. Flavia smiled and they fell into a comfortable silence again. Higure ultimately decided to just drop the subject and enjoy the peace.
A few minutes later, Rakna's eyes widened in realization as he watched the ripples of the swirling coffee in his hand. ”{Hm? What's wrong, devourer?}” The lioness asked, noticing the change in his expression.
”Tomorrow…” He whispered. ”Is the full moon.”