Liana’s Preferred Method of Travel Was Flight.
Using the wind spirits to soar through the skies, ignoring terrain and obstacles, was the fastest and most convenient option.
She could also move the ground itself with the help of earth spirits. This method was also efficient and even superior in terms of security and stealth.
However, Liana preferred flying.
Even before she awakened her unique ability, she had always enjoyed the refreshing breeze.
Her hometown was filled with hills and mountains, and right behind her house stood a large hill.
Climbing the hill and sitting quietly near the top allowed her to enjoy the invigorating wind.
Lying on the ground, closing her eyes, and listening to the sound of the breeze often made time fly by.
This fondness for the wind naturally made her favor flying.
Perhaps it was this affection that had influenced Lee Hayul, whom she taught elemental magic.
Hayul, too, preferred using wind spirits to take flight.
Thanks to this, while Liana was crossing the skies, Hayul, held securely in her arms, did not complain and remained calm.
They periodically descended to the ground to rest, considering Hayul’s condition.
During these breaks, Liana would quickly eat her own meal and feed Hayul as well, along with his medication.
Of course, her meals were simple, while Hayul’s consisted of easily digestible porridge to avoid straining his body.
And then came the moment to administer his medicine...
Grip...
[Soft, soft]
"...This strange habit of his," Liana murmured.
Every time, without fail, his small hands would reach for her chest.
While he behaved normally most of the time, the moment she fed him medicine, he instinctively reached out, squeezing her chest.
‘Is this because I let him grab my chest the first time I fed him medicine?’
It had become a peculiar habit. Now, he would whine and complain if she didn’t let him hold her chest while taking his medicine.
Liana glanced down at Hayul, whose small hands fidgeted in her arms.
Transformed into a child for reasons unknown, Hayul had always had a tendency to seek comfort, but now it was even more pronounced.
A healthy body fosters a healthy mind.
Even the strongest mental fortitude can deteriorate if the body is worn down.
Considering that Hayul, already prone to seeking affection, had gone through such an ordeal, it was understandable that his childlike state of mind had regressed even further.
‘He’s adorable.’
Beyond understanding, Liana felt a sense of maternal affection growing within her.
With a gentle smile, she stroked the head of the child focused on her chest.
The way he buried his face against her for warmth and grasped her chest reminded her of a baby seeking their mother’s embrace.
Of course, she couldn’t actually feed him, as there was nothing to provide.
After ensuring he had eaten and taken his medication, Liana continued to care for Hayul while sending out spirits to deal with any monsters or undead that appeared.
Even lower-tier spirits were sufficient for the task, but when she felt particularly lazy, she sent mid-tier spirits to handle everything efficiently.
Whoosh!
A cool breeze blew past, gently rustling Liana’s hair.
She turned her gaze slightly and spotted a bird flying toward her from afar.
It wasn’t an ordinary bird.
Made of wind rather than flesh, it was a Windbird, a mid-tier wind spirit returning after finishing its task.
From mid-tier spirits onward, they began to develop a sense of self.
This self-awareness gave rise to unique personalities and traits for each spirit.
Liana extended her arm toward the spirit. This particular one, shaped like a bird, had the habit of perching on her outstretched arm.
The wind spirit flew closer.
“...?”
And then, it completely ignored her arm.
In passing, it gave her a brief glance before diving straight into Hayul, nestled in her embrace, and began nuzzling against him.
Chirp!
[Windbird] [Adorable] [Refreshing]
The spirit’s affectionate nuzzling brought a gentle smile to Hayul’s face.
A pure, radiant smile that seemed to brighten the entire area.
As if to express his happiness, the wings on his back fluttered lightly.
Hayul extended his arms, hugging the spirit tightly like a plush toy.
The sight was heartwarming.
A child as endearing as a fairy, and the playful wind spirit showering him with affection—it was an image worthy of being framed and sold at an auction.
It was a scene Liana had grown accustomed to over the past few days.
As if to demonstrate his nature as a fairy, every spirit contracted with Liana would inevitably dote on Hayul whenever they appeared.
“Sigh...” Liana let out a chuckle, allowing the spirit a moment to express its affection before snapping her fingers.
Snap!
Behind her, a spatial rift opened. A suction force emanated from the rift.
Chirp!
Satisfied, the wind spirit fluttered its wings before disappearing into the rift.
[Reluctance] [Bird]
The necklace Liana wore clicked, expressing the spirit’s lingering feelings of regret.
Smiling faintly, Liana patted Hayul, who buried his face against her in disappointment.
“Sweetie.”
[...I’m not a baby.]
“You could fool anyone looking at you,” she replied with a chuckle.
Just yesterday, he had embraced the title of “baby” and asked for more affection. Today, as his consciousness began to return, he turned his head slightly, blushing at her words.
“We’ll be there soon. Once we’re back at Siyoram, you’ll undergo a thorough examination and be admitted to the infirmary.”
[...Do I have to be admitted?]
“Of course,” Liana said firmly, as if the answer was obvious.
Was he seriously considering returning to normal activities after causing such a major incident?
Hayul flinched and averted his gaze, as if realizing how absurd his words had been.
“You’d better prepare yourself for a stern lecture when we get back.”
At her words, Hayul froze. The wings on his back drooped in resignation.
This time, Hayul had once again sacrificed himself to save lives, rescuing far more people than in Sifnaha.
If the subjugation of the Two-Headed Venom Dragon had been delayed, the already toxic land might have become uninhabitable.
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Additionally, eliminating the dragon had significantly quelled the undead rampaging across China, as it had likely been the medium for necromancy in the region.
From the perspective of a hero, Hayul’s actions were commendable.
But.
As a cadet, a child, and Liana’s student, his actions were reckless and dangerous, warranting a stern reprimand.
Liana hadn’t scolded him yet.
Not because she didn’t want to, but because he was a physically and mentally exhausted patient, and it could wait.
Pinch...
[It hurts...]
Liana pinched Hayul’s nose. He winced, grabbing her fingers with his small hands, though too weak—or perhaps too guilty—to push her away.
“Especially Atra. She’s furious, you know?”
Hiccup!
Hayul let out a startled hiccup.
“She was so angry she nearly smashed all the furniture in her office. Do you know how hard it was to stop her?”
Hiccup!
“And it’s not just Atra. Cadet Hong Yeonhwa, who adores you, and Cadet Elia, who looked after Seoryul, are all worried, angry, and sad about you...”
Perhaps sensing his impending fate, Hayul trembled, his expression a mix of fear and guilt.
[Player Assistance System: Affinity]
Lee Hayul → Liana Belus
●●●●●●●○○○ (74 ▶ 75 / 100)
"Affection" "Gratitude" "Kind Adult" "Soft" "Warmth"