Reincarnated With A Glitched System: Why Is My MP Not Running Out? - Chapter 1931: Zephyrus’ True Feelings

Chapter 1931: Zephyrus’ True Feelings

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Zephyrus had to summon a great deal of courage to ask Celica for a private conversation.

He had endured far more than he had anticipated. What was meant to be two years in the trial had stretched into six long years inside the dream-like space of the inheritance.

The conditions had been absurdly difficult, and only after all that time had he finally succeeded.

The Celestial Matriarch had assured him back then that he need not worry about aging. Though his body had grown older, his lifespan remained untouched.

That, however, was not his true concern. He had experienced a sudden growth spurt and now stood taller than his own big sister!

Although he had successfully helped his Golden Phoenix hatch and evolve into a powerful young adult form, one that aided in suppressing the darkness within him and the formidable entity residing there, he still had a long path ahead.

The Heavenly Saint knew that Zephyrus carried “something” inside him: an ancient and powerful presence that had been with him since birth.

It was the source of his nightmares and the strange, bloodthirsty energy that sometimes leaked from his body…

Through the trial, Zephyrus had learned to control this entity to a certain degree and suppress it using his powers and the Starlight Pattern he had obtained.

Yet even after speaking with the Heavenly Saint’s Will, he could not find a way to “remove” the entity entirely.

“It is essentially impossible to eliminate the ’entity’ within you. I have many clues about what it might truly be, and the prospect alone is terrifying. At the same time, it appears strangely balanced within your psyche, Zephyrus.”

“So there is nothing that can be done?”

“You do not seem to understand. This ’entity’ is yourself. There is no separate being. You are that being, and that being is you. You are… a reincarnation of an ancient entity of overwhelming darkness that is, at the same time, directly connected to this planet.”

“…?!”

“You must already sense it, right? What lies within your soul is only yourself. Your identity as Zephyrus—your name, your sense of self—is new, layered over the original identity of your soul. But you and they are not separate souls. You are one and the same.”

“I see…”

“The only way to remove it would be to kill you… but even then, I am not certain it would succeed. For all we know that entity would be freed from your body and fully revive, bringing destruction to the world to restore everything to how it once was.”

“I have spoken to it and seen it over these last six years… but I never imagined it was this serious.”

“No, it is not.”

“Eh?”

“As long as you remain alive and continue growing stronger while cultivating the golden holy flame element, you will be able to balance the darkness within you with this new light. The more time you spend with that entity held in equilibrium by your light, the more its ’evil intent’ will be suppressed. Eventually, after a couple centuries, it could even scatter completely. It is good that you’re half-elf and have a long lifespan, so it’s completely possible.”

“Really?”

“Yes. And when that time comes, when you pass away of natural causes, hopefully, the power within your soul will simply return to the world, and your consciousness will be free to ascend to the afterlife.”

“So that is an option…”

“For now, focus on growing stronger above all else. Do not become paranoid, and do not let this knowledge consume your mind. You are surrounded by the strongest people on the planet and by many who love you. But know this: the more you hide within your heart, and the more you suppress your true feelings, the harder it becomes to contain the darkness.

By remaining honest with your heart no matter what, you will overcome it. With everything you possess right now, you should be safe for the time being. Strangely enough, the entity likes you and does not particularly wish to harm you either.”

“…Thank you. I will remember your words and your guidance, Saintess.”

Zephyrus sighed as the memory of that conversation resurfaced. He stepped onto the terrace of the house and gazed at the setting sun beside Celica.

“Wow, look Zephy, the sunset is beautiful today because the sky is so clear,” Celica said, smiling warmly.

“Yeah… it really is,” Zephyrus nodded, admiring the view before letting out a quiet sigh. “How have you been, Celica? I heard you’ve been training as an Alchemist and learning a lot.”

“I have,” Celica confirmed with a nod. “I’ve also learned a lot about myself… I’m not the same kid as before, so don’t worry. You’re not the only one who has grown up, hehe.”

“Is that so?” Zephyrus asked, a small smile forming.

He slowly moved closer to her side and together they watched the sunset.

A comfortable silence settled between them as they simply enjoyed each other’s presence without needing words.

Then they talked more about what each had experienced over the past years, sharing smiles and gentle laughter.

“You sure went through a lot, Zephy…” Celica said softly.

“You too, Celica,” Zephyrus replied with a nod. “Um… I’m sorry.”

“Eh? Why?” Celica asked, puzzled.

“Because I’ve grown so much… I bet you were expecting me to still be small and cute?” Zephyrus said.

“W-Well, I certainly didn’t expect you to grow this tall!” Celica admitted with a laugh. “But… it’s not bad at all… it feels like I just skipped time. Sometimes I wondered how you would look when you grew up, Zephy. And honestly… you’re more handsome than I imagined.”

“H-Handsome?” Zephyrus blushed deeply, his face turning bright red.

“Heheh… yeah!” Celica smiled back at him. “I’m really glad you’re back, Zephy… So, um, what did you want to tell me earlier?”

“Ah, right…” Zephyrus felt his nerves surge again, his heart pounding faster. “I… well… it’s hard to put into words, but… Celica, since we were little I’ve always cherished your company. You’re one of my best friends… But…”

“But?” Celica tilted her head curiously.

Zephyrus swallowed hard and stepped closer, his anxiety rising.

He remembered the Heavenly Saintess’ words.

“Be honest with your heart.”

He closed his eyes, took a slow breath, and relaxed.

“I… I wanted to tell you that I’ve always liked you,” he said, no longer hesitating. “And even after all these years, these feelings for you have never faded.”

“…” Celica’s eyes widened as she absorbed his words. “Z-Zephy…”

“I am not expecting anything in return,” Zephyrus continued with a gentle smile, shaking his head. “So please don’t feel pressured… I just needed to be honest with you after all this time, because my heart could no longer bear to keep it hidden.”

Celica looked down for a moment, then gazed back at the sunset, and finally turned to Zephyrus with a soft smile.

“I… have been thinking about you all the time too, even after two years,” she admitted quietly. “And well… I do… kind of like you too, Zephy!”

“E-Eh?!” Zephyrus was stunned. “R-Really?!”

“Yes!” Celica giggled. “But I was a bit weird… I’ve always been a little different from everyone else. I have… well, a different mind. I get obsessed with things, and sometimes I get too lost in my own world. As I’ve grown up and learned more… I’ve tried to be a little ’normal,’ but… it’s not easy when my mind has always worked differently…”

“…”

“So that’s why… I don’t know if you should really…” Celica’s voice wavered, her eyes glistening with tears. “If you should really like a weird girl like me…”

“Celica…” Zephyrus stepped forward and gently took her hands. “You’re not weird… you’re an incredible friend and a wonderful girl. You kept me company when I felt lonely and my sister wasn’t around. I loved playing dolls with you and making plushies together.”

“…!”

Zephyrus smiled, his emerald eyes gazing tenderly into Celica’s golden ones.

“I would love to be part of your world, just as you were always part of mine,” he said warmly, his voice soft and sincere.

Celica’s heart skipped a beat.

“Z-Zephy… really?” she asked, voice trembling.

“Yes, really,” he assured her, interlocking his fingers with hers. “Let’s take our time… let’s get to know each other even more. There’s nothing I want more than to truly know you.”

“Me too…!” Celica’s tears spilled over as she threw her arms around him. “Me too, Zephy!” she cried, hugging him tightly.

Zephyrus hugged her back, feeling a warmth he had never known before.

The young half-elf prince had never felt so happy in his entire life.

Within him, a golden flame of radiant light burned brighter, spreading golden energy throughout his body.

The darkness in his soul slowly shrank, and the shadow that had clouded his heart began to fade.

“Have I ever told you how pretty you are?” Zephyrus asked softly. “Honestly, you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever known.”

“Z-Zephy! Hahaha, what are you saying out of nowhere?” Celica giggled, cheeks flushed. “You’re handsome too, heheh… V-Very!”

“Well, thank you,” Zephyrus replied with a shy smile. “Hm, it’s getting cold. Let’s go back inside.”

“Yeah, you should join us! Don’t be shy! I know we’re all girls, but everyone there cares about you. And you should get to know Ruby—she’s a nice girl,” Celica said, tugging him toward the all-girls gathering.

“A-Ahahah… I don’t know…” Zephyrus muttered.

“Just come with me!” Celica insisted, pulling him along.

Thus, Zephyrus stood out like a sore thumb among a group of girls… but he was able to introduce himself to Ruby and learn more about her.

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