After a whole day where I spent each moment with Jayna to make it special for her, we returned to the Spiritas Federation and picked up Yumiko and the other girls to look for the Hermit.
Although the world sounded small when it was only composed of Spirit Beasts and the Spiritas as its denizens, I estimated that I would need at least three days to complete a tour around the whole World of Spirits.
If I asked the World's Will to provide assistance by letting me borrow some of its Authority, we could shorten it in one day. But… with that paranoid World's Will, it's impossible.
Naturally, if I went out to the Chaotic Space outside the world's atmosphere, moving from one place to another would be somewhat shorter than touring it from the inside. However, there was no way for us to scour every place for the location of the Hermit.
"Well then, I will go in this direction, Daisuke. See you later." While still giggling happily, Jayna pointed in the direction opposite of where I would be going.
The day I spent with her was still fresh in her mind and the effect of relishing those memories we made was enough for the girl to give way to the others. Due to that, Jayna considerately chose not to stick on my side for a while.
And consequently, my other Companions who saw her state also curiously wondered if one day alone with me would also transform them like that.
That might be the case due to how I would be doting on them.
Either way, after deciding which way they would go to shorten the time that we would need for scouring the whole World of Spirits, my Companions separated with me except for two… Lexie and Ophelia who I also called here to Adapt the incomplete Level 3 Spirit-type Source Energy and enhance their Spirit-type Pathway.
"Lexie, first of all, I apologize for asking you here. I know you're trying to avoid me as much as possible but… given that we will leave soon, I just want to spend some time with you."
"Don't mention it. I understand. Besides, I'm not trying to avoid you. I just don't want to be led around this… destiny you're talking about." Lexie answered while having the trouble to meet my gaze.
Either way, that's a valid excuse. Being my Companion always ended up with our destiny being entwined. I could clearly feel it every time someone else would be added.
? I was acting on what I felt and they're doing the same.
There's Caila for example. Although we had already gotten close enough for her not to inch away or avoid me, she still had no romantic feelings for me. It's all Companionship, I guess?
And Lexie could also be like that.
In the end, it's all the same for me. They're my motivation and my highest priority. Whether they ended up having feelings for me or not doesn't matter.
But considering how mysterious this destiny is and how it worked so far with me or with us even back then when Yuko was the one who possessed the Eye of Destiny during our previous lives.
"I am glad for the invitation, D-daisuke. And I apologize if I will not be able to come on your journey. The tribe is still in its early phase and there's a lot of Barbarian refugees needing a guide. I promise that once you return from your journey, I will not hesitate to remain by your side." Although she almost stuttered at saying my name, Ophelia eventually found the courage to say everything in her mind.
And to answer that, I kindly smiled at her. "Un. Do what you must. I will return, no. We will return for the two of you."
Soon after that, we went on our way to scour this world for a woman that might or might not be here anymore.
It's a favor and who knows? That Sergei might even become a Divinity as well. More Divinity on our side was a welcome addition. And if he ended up becoming an enemy instead…
I would have a card to use against him.
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A day later, everyone returned to the place we set to meet up.
Unfortunately, none of them found the Hermit.
Most likely, she already left this world after the events that led to the banishment of the Dark World denizens who were trying to encroach the world.
Whether she had a Space Vessel with her or not, we had no idea. Even Yumiko, who was somewhat excited to see the Hermit again, was down. That woman helped her a lot during her Hero days in this world and… perhaps, she wanted to return the help she received by also helping the Hermit reunite with her father if that's what she wished.
After comforting her and the others who were feeling down because of it, we all returned to Earth to prepare for our departure.
Lexie and Ophelia returned to their world. Naturally, I didn't leave them empty-handed.
I gave them one Portaclone each.
Due to the Shared Growth, the two of them had already reached the 2nd Realm of their Transcendent Pathway just like everyone else. Although they wouldn't be able to summon a Rank 3 Transcendent clone with only their inherent Source Energy, I left them a lot of Energy Stones we picked up in the Ancient Ruins.
Moreover, since Lexie also adapted to an Elemental-type Pathway, I left her Mystical Gems compatible with her main Element. As for Ophelia, I left her a bunch of weapons with sealed Weaponsouls to pick from. If she couldn't unseal the first one then she would have more choices.
She already has a Weaponforce but like Yuko and the others, she fell short on awakening a consciousness on her weapon, hence, it was almost impossible for her to create her own Weapon Path. Her chance was to unseal a weapon with a Weaponsoul to increase her prowess.
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