437 An Indirect Confession, The Date at a Very Unusual Place (1/2)

Day 80 - 1:25 PM - Mount Banahaw, Tayabas, Quezon

A week after the birth of the Night Everred Spirit Tree, Mark finally finished the things he initially planned to do in the base. Although there were other projects he had in mind, those were not that urgent to do.

And thus, Mark asked Mei to go out. As he did not feel embarrassed at all, he directly told her to go on a date with him. The manner was quite unromantic. The fact that there were also other people in the room when he asked her did not help.

Odelina, Spera, Jaeya, Aephelia, Amihan, and the three little girls were in the room as they were having dinner. Although no one said anything, Odelina, Aephelia, and Jaeya had teasing expressions on their faces. Spera and Amihan seemed to be confused as the concept of dating were new to the two. Amihan was not human, while Spera barely had any genuine interaction with other people. Iola seemed to be happy seeing that Mark was trying to strengthen his relationship with Mei.

Abbygale and Miracle had a different reaction, though. Hearing that their Papa and Mama were going, they wanted to come along.

Despite all that, Mei did not mind anything else aside from Mark's invitation. And of course, she happily agreed bashfully. A kind of emotion and expression that she would only show around her new family.

Mark asked her where she wanted to go. To his dismay, her reply was...

”I'll go where Gege wants to go.”

That reply brought him quite a dilemma that he was not able to hide. Seeing that expression of his, however, Mei smiled mischievously.

And now, Mark and Mei, holding hands, flew in towards this place.

The place that was known as the ”Holy” or ”Sacred” Mountain of the Philippines, the Mount Banahaw.

Mark had chosen several places for them to go to today. This mountain was the first stop.

There was a lot of beautiful sceneries around this mountain. Each of these scenic spots was good with events like dates and family outings. However, that was not the only thing Mark wanted to find. He was gambling to find something else.

It had already been around five minutes since they arrived above the volcano. Although Mount Banahaw was about sixty-three kilometers away from the mountain base, they just spent an hour flying. Flying was a faster way to travel now that the roads were blocked by many things. After arriving, however, Mark brought Mei to fly around the mountain for some reason.

”Gege, what are we looking for?”

Mei asked. She did not mind spending more time with Mark flying around. However, he seemed to be keen on finding something.

Then...

”Let's go down.”

Mark said with a smile as if he had won a jackpot in a lottery. It made Mei quite confused.

Mei was even more confused when Mark brought her to a somewhat secluded part of the Mount Banahaw. She would not be surprised if he brought her into one of the tourist spots. However, why did Mark brought her here?

Furthermore, being a Mutator, Mei's senses were enhanced to some extent. Her constant exposure to Psychic Energies also heightened her ability to feel it. After landing, she could not help but feel some stares towards her and Mark. The strangest thing was that the gazes felt abnormal.

”Gege, are we being watched?”

She asked.

”Don't worry about them,” Mark replied. ”They are the spirits living in this mountain.”

Hearing that, Mei understood what was happening. Being called the Holy Mountain, Mount Banahaw was not just a regular mountain at all. It was a mountain being frequented by pilgrims and devotees of some religions. There were also rumors of spirits living in this mountain.

For sure, these creatures were alarmed by their arrival, especially since Mark had a strong aura.

And as expected, someone appeared to confront the two.

A beautiful woman appeared in front of them. She was wearing a long white dress and had a crown made of vines and flowers.

”What is someone with demonic blood doing in our mountain?”

She said with a frown.

Without a doubt, this woman was the caretaker of the Holy Mountain. Of course, the appearance of someone with Demonic descent in her territory would make her angry. She was even releasing an aura while trying to intimidate Mark and Mei.

Unfortunately, both Mark and Mei were unfazed. This made the woman surprised.

”Are you the Diwata of this place?” Mark asked. ”We're here to enter the sanctuary.”

Hearing that, the Diwata was surprised.

”Are you here to destroy the sanctuary?” The Diwata released an even stronger aura. ”I will not let you!”

To her intimidation, Mark sighed.

”I'm not here to fight. If I'm here to fight, I can just destroy this whole mountain without a word.”

After saying that, Mark released a ball of black smoke on his hand.

That ball of smoke made the Diwata step back with a terrified look.

”M-miasma!”

She shouted in fear.

Seeing the Diwata being afraid, Mark made the ball of miasma vanish.

”As I said, I'm not here to fight. I just want to enter the sanctuary for a short time.”

After Mark made the ball of miasma vanish, the Diwata felt relieved. Although she was still afraid, she was the caretaker of the mountain and the sanctuary. She could not back down that easily.

”If you are not here to fight or destroy the sanctuary, why do you want to enter it?”

To that question, Mark made Mei step forwards. As the Diwata had not paid attention to her due to Mark being someone with demon blood, she was stunned to see her appearance. She was a Diwata who was born beautiful, yet, Mei's beauty was above hers.

”We're here on a date. I want her to see a nice looking place.”

The Diwata was not new to Human customs as humans frequented the mountain. Still, she was surprised that a Demon would bring a human on a date. Usually, a Demon would just force a woman they took a liking to submit and copulate with the woman.

Nevertheless, the Diwata could tell that Mark was not joking.

”Although I know that demons are not trustworthy, can you promise that you will not destroy anything?”

The Diwata decided to compromise.

”You can rest assured. I don't want to ruin our date, either.”

”Alright. Follow me.”

The Diwata then turned around to lead Mark and Mei.

With a smile, Mark looked at Mei as they followed behind.

Soon, they were brought to a place, where two large acacia trees had grown forming an arc. Passing through the center of the two trees, the scenery blurred.

This made Mei close her eyes unconsciously.

”You can open your eyes now.”

She heard Mark's gentle voice.

When she opened her eyes, she was surprised.

Lush green grass and trees, beautiful and colorful flowers, the cold and gentle breeze of the wind, and the flying orbs of light everywhere. Although the mountain was still here, the whole forest had gone on a frightful transformation in a blink of an eye.

Still, the scene was too beautiful to be explained by just words. Just this scene was enough to make her heart pump.