The days passed by, and Kye continued his journey with the Phoenix, whose name was Rae. Together, they navigated the uncharted territories of Nebula, facing various challenges along the way. It became evident to Kye that Rae was not only a formidable warrior but also a wise and knowledgeable guide.
Well, maybe it was because it was her home, but still, it was amazing.
As they approached the sanctuary of the Phoenixes, hidden amidst Nebula's breathtaking natural wonders, Kye couldn't help but reflect on the incredible journey they had undertaken. He had never expected to come in just a few days. It would have surely taken him weeks, if not months if he were to be alone. And now he had just a day of traveling before finally meeting Ras, or at least soon enough.
"Rae," Kye said during the evening as they rested by a crystal-clear stream, the stars of Nebula illuminating the night sky. "I want to thank you for everything. Without you, I wouldn't have made it this far. Your guidance, your friendship... it means more to me than I can express."
Rae's fiery plumage shimmered in the moonlight as she turned to Kye, her eyes filled with warmth. "Kye, the honor is mine. You've shown great courage and compassion throughout this journey. Your dedication to your friends and your unwavering spirit inspire me. I'm great to have met you." She made a beautiful smile.
Right before Kye could answer her, a notification from the system came.
[You have accomplished a quest]
[Two instant level-up granted]
'Oh that's true, I still had this quest going on," He smiled when he saw that he was now level 18. 'It had taken me so long, but I'm soon level 20." Indeed while he was only level 13 before starting traveling with Rae, he had leveled up three times thanks to all the beasts they had encountered.
Kye asked if he could land the finishing blow, and Rae gladly accepted. Thus it was easy for Kye to level up a lot, especially since all the monsters they encountered were of a high grade, granting him a shit ton of experience.
'I wonder if I'll get another race when I'll get to level 20?' Kye started to think deeply. 'Well I don't really know what's above an angel, but surely I'll get stronger, right? I just hope it won't hurt like last time.' He could still vividly remember the pain he had to endure just to go from half-angel to an angel. It was the old times when everything wasn't that complicated.
But now that he thought about it again, he started to get scared. He still remembered his dark self as much as he remembered the pain he had to go through when evolving.
'"It's just a matter of time". What did he mean by that?' Kye's expression turned grim. 'Is it possible that the more I will evolve, the harder it would be for me to control myself?' Kye could only think so far before hearing Lightbringer's voice.
'Why's the long face?' Kye looked at the ring on his finger. 'Did something happen?'
'I just...' Kye still hesitated if he should tell him the truth, but in the end, he decided to share one of his other worries with him. Still, this worry was intricately related to the one with his dark self. 'I just remembered what Michael said back then. I didn't only have holy power in me when I transformed into an Angel, but I also had demonic energy. Do you think... I'll start to become a demon the more I ascend, or I mean the more I evolve?'
Lightbringer took some time before being able to form an answer. 'You know, Kye, I already told you that your parents aren't normal, right?' Kye nodded mentally. 'While it may be possible to make offspring through two different races, it is harder the stronger they get. And do you know why?'
'No, I don't.'
'Because if the energy within the parents passes onto the baby, it will devour the offspring from the inside. That is why it's usually impossible for two strong beings of different races to make a child.'
'Then...' Kye's voice started to quiver. 'How... how was I born?'
'I... can't tell you yet, but don't be afraid, Kye. I know what you think about demonic energy since you grew up with this mindset of good and evil. But there's no need to worry. Moreover, your system is made for you to go the path of ascendance and become a real and strong angel, not a demon. So if I were you, I wouldn't worry too much.'
'But... what if my personality starts to split because of this? What if I get mean with those around me? What if I lose my friend.'
'Kye! You're the kindest person I've ever seen, do you really think you can become vile?'
'But what if... It's not about my intentions, Lightbringer?' Kye spoke softly, his voice filled with apprehension. 'What if these energies have a mind of their own? What if they start to influence me in ways I can't control?'
Lightbringer offered a thoughtful response, its mental presence a reassuring presence in Kye's mind. 'Kye, I understand your concerns, and it's natural to fear the unknown. But remember, you are not alone in this. You have allies who are here to support you, like me and Ras. There is Aria as well who wouldn't hesitate to land a hand. Your parents are also watching over you. And even if you were to face internal struggles, your inherent goodness and the strength of your spirit will guide you back to the path of light."
Kye's anxiety began to ease as he absorbed Lightbringer's words of encouragement. "You're right, Lightbringer. I can't let fear hold me back. I've come this far because I've always believed in doing what's right, even when it's hard."
Still, despite his words, Kye's mind was still full of worries.
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