76 Tala of the Sovereign Nation (2/2)
”This..” Luna was actually taken aback. He had anticipated the possibility of Tala deciding to join them. In fact, he knew that the chances were higher than 90%. Even if she refused, he would try to talk to her about the dangers of venturing out alone. But he would never have imagined that she would be humbled to this point.
”I can understand your confusion. What did you expect? That I would have the overflowing pride of a Goddess and not ask if I could follow you?”
”I would be lying if I said I wasn't.” Luna honestly replied. It was one thing for Tala to talk to him and share what she knew before, but to humble herself and submit to him when she had a choice? Even if Luna doubled the strength he had now, he wouldn't be so shameless as to expect something like that.
”Luna, don't forget that I've been through this journey before. The people that were with you during your weakest are incomparable to the people you'll meet and befriend when you're strong. If I relied on the fact that I was Bathala's daughter and flaunted my status among the humans, did you think that I would have been strong enough to stun the people of Kaluwalhatian? I was strong before, but am I strong now? Will the pride of being a former Goddess help me when I fight the creatures of the void?” Tala explained how things were from her perspective.
”I understand,” Luna nodded.
Of course, now he did. He was just surprised at how Tala adapted psychologically to her new state, that it stunned even him.
It was just like how the politicians and high-ranking people from the previous world were in this new world. Sure, they relied on their lingering clout to gather people to work for them. Sure, they could even gather like-minded people to their side who also relied on who they were prior to the new world.
But what good could that do for them in the long run?
Tala, despite living a long life as a Goddess before, never lived a pampered life. She experienced life and her struggle for personal strength.
That was the key: Personal strength.
Not the fact that she was Bathala's daughter. Not the fact that she was more exalted than regular humans like Juan did. It was the same thing as what Luna was doing, albeit, Luna was doing so at a grander, more ambitious scale.
”So? Do I have the privilege of serving under the most promising ONE candidate?” Tala smiled sweetly as she extended her hand for a handshake.
Luna smiled as well and replied, ”Do your part like everyone else. I'll give you a high enough position that is worthy of your expertise once you prove yourself. For now, I'll put you under Boni's care. Teach him the ways of the Star Anito in return, yeah?” Luna was quite aware that despite being low level now and being reborn, she would be able to retrain her mastery of the Star Anito at a pace much faster than she previously did.
”With pleasure!”
Luna reached out and shook her hand. ”Welcome, Tala, Star Goddess of the Sovereign Nation.”
”Future Star Goddess.” She corrected him.
”Right.” Luna agreed as he looked behind him, towards the bamboo cabin. ”It seems your student finally woke up.”
After recalling Boni's little 'stunt' that caused him to writhe in excruciating pain earlier, Tala decided to throw in a little extra besides the lessons she promised for Boni, ”I'll impart some wisdom into him as well, so he won't do such stupid things next time.”
”Please do so.” Luna nodded. After all, he had Elder Aran constantly sharing his wisdom with him. Tala was much more ahead than the Elder, which would prove useful to Boni who was loyal to a fault.
Tala looked towards Luna's back as he went towards the cabin to get Boni. As soon as Luna went inside, Tala revealed an entrancing smile on her face as she gently caressed the tattoos on her arms. If anyone saw it, they would immediately have been captivated.
”Star Goddess of the Sovereign Nation, huh? Why does it feel as if that title holds more weight than the moment the Nobles of Kaluwalhatian were forced to acknowledge me.”