The biting cold wind, carrying snowflakes, raged across the land of Belobog.
Sampo's figure was utterly disheveled, rolling and dodging in the thick snow, trying to escape the angry roars chasing after him.
The glib smile that usually hung on his lips, capable of talking the dead back to life, was now replaced by panic, leaving only gasps and curses.
"Are these guys bloodhounds? They've almost made old Sampo run his legs off!"
He grumbled under his breath, the icy snow soaking through his clothes.
The fervor surrounding the Ether Warfront had spread through the streets and alleys of Belobog like a plague. The lure of rare Ether Spirits was like a seed of fire planted in the depths of people's hearts, capable of instantly igniting dormant desires for greed.
Uncle Cold Legs' supposedly flawless theft plan had crumbled in an instant, turning him into a stray dog who could only burrow into the snowdrifts for meager shelter.
Just as Sampo lay still, a flash of vibrant red entered his sight.
It was a pair of slender, fair feet. Ten small toes, round and adorable, were adorned with a bewitching red nail polish. On the silver-clad snow, they stood out strikingly, abruptly, yet with a fatal attraction.
Sandals?
In this freezing, snowy world, someone was actually wearing sandals?!
Sampo looked up in astonishment, his gaze moving stiffly like a rusty machine along the beautifully shaped calves. A familiar yet unfamiliar face came into view.
Sparkle, the elusive woman, was looking down at him with keen interest.
"Oh dear, oh dear, whose poor wretch has fallen into such a state?" Sparkle let out a silvery laugh, crisp and pleasant, but to Sampo's ears, it was like the most vicious curse, every note filled with mockery and ridicule.
Sampo immediately felt a chill run from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, more piercing than the cold wind of Belobog.
"What are you doing here?" His tone was unfriendly, with a hint of wariness.
Sparkle crouched down, observing Sampo's miserable appearance with amusement, as if watching a wonderfully hilarious farce.
"Giovanni told me there were some interesting little trinkets appearing."
She casually fiddled with her nails, the red polish shimmering in the snowlight.
"I haven't found him yet, but I did run into your comical self first."
Sparkle's tone was light, as if discussing the weather.
Sampo's face darkened. Sparkle's appearance was no coincidence; she always seemed to appear like a ghost when he was at his most vulnerable.
"You little brat, you dare come to Belobog in its current state?"
Sampo retorted, "Aren't you afraid of getting into trouble? The Stellaron Memetic is about to erupt, you little twerp are the most likely to get caught up in it."
He lowered his voice, feigning mystery in his words.
Upon hearing this, Sparkle's lips curved into an intriguing and playful smile. Her beautiful eyes were filled with undisguised confidence and disdain, as if the crisis Sampo spoke of was nothing more than a trivial amusement to her.
"Don't worry, it won't."
Her tone was firm, as if she had everything under control.
"Since I dared to come, I have the confidence to control the situation. It's just little Belobog..."
Sparkle stood up, dusting off non-existent dust, her posture relaxed and carefree. It was as if the crisis in Belobog was just a minor, insignificant play in her eyes.
Sampo looked at Sparkle's confident demeanor, and a greater unease settled in his heart.
This woman was always like this, impossible to see through her true thoughts, and impossible to predict her next move.
"Whatever."
Sampo shook his head, giving up on trying to persuade her.
He knew Sparkle's personality; once she became interested in something, no one could sway her.
Besides, he was currently exhausted from running for his life and had no mind to meddle in other people's affairs. Sparkle chuckled softly, ignoring Sampo as she turned and walked towards the depths of Belobog.
Her figure gradually disappeared into the swirling snow and wind, leaving Sampo alone in the snowdrift.
Sampo watched the direction Sparkle left in, his eyes complex, filled with both apprehension and a hint of inexplicable anticipation.
This woman's appearance might bring unexpected changes to Belobog.
And he, perhaps, could also seize this opportunity to help Belobog escape its predicament, and even... reap more benefits.
There was no other way; Belobog was his old lair, and absolutely nothing could happen to it.
The thoughts belonging to a follower of the Path of Elation surged into his mind once more, and Sampo's gaze gradually became uncertain.
Seeing that no one was chasing after him anymore, he struggled to climb out of the snowdrift, patted off the snow on his body, and began to plot a new plan in his mind.
The perspective shifted back to the Echoing Corridor.
Serval cleared her throat and began to patiently explain to Daziel, "In the folk legends of Belobog, there has always been a saying about the 'Shadow of the Guardian.' It is said that 'the Phantoms of the Fragmentum, draped in solemn humanoid forms, are the echoes of the will of the past Guardians.'"
She paused, looked at Daziel, and continued, "Simply put, the Shadow of the Guardian is also a type of monster, but it is different from other monsters. They are not born from the Fragmentum, but are special existences formed by people's strong will and their thoughts and respect for the departed Guardians."
"Formed by people's will..."
Daziel thoughtfully rubbed his chin. "So, perhaps... I really can subdue it?"
A bold idea arose in Daziel's mind...
Daziel suddenly slapped his thigh, his voice trembling slightly with excitement, "Serval, you're absolutely right! In that case, what are we waiting for? Let's hurry and go!"
"Wait!"
March suddenly interjected, her watery eyes blinking as she looked at Daziel with a puzzled expression.
"Daziel, you... why can you turn a 'human' concept of a creature into your Ether Spirit? I've never heard you mention it before. I only knew that your initial Ether Spirit was abnormal, but I didn't expect..."
Daziel's expression instantly froze, his eyes darting around as he scratched his head somewhat awkwardly.
He stammered, not knowing how to explain the situation.
After all, the matter of the Reverse World System and his ability to turn girls into his Ether Spirits through that method was too embarrassing to mention. He really didn't want to explain these things to March.
Although March had become like a pervert when it came to those kinds of things, she was still the most fragile and purest part of Daziel's heart.
Her existence was like a mirror, constantly reminding Daziel that what he was protecting was the once beautiful, hopeful 12+ world. Seeing Daziel's hesitant and evasive appearance, March became even more curious.
She clung to Daziel persistently, continuing to ask, "Also, if all your Ether Spirits are humans, then who is this... this piggy bank?" She pointed to Topaz, who was standing beside them with a displeased expression, grunting.
"She... she is Miss Topaz," Daziel replied, forcing himself to speak, his voice getting softer and softer.
"Miss Topaz?" March tilted her head, repeating the name.
Immediately, the hint of curiosity on her face vanished, replaced by a gloomy expression, her small face covered in dark clouds.
"I'm angry!"
March stomped her foot fiercely, the crisp sound echoing in the empty corridor. She put her hands on her hips, glaring at Daziel with a pouty look. "Ah? You... don't be angry!"
Daziel panicked instantly, quickly stepping forward to comfort her, "I... I didn't mean to hide it from you..."
"That's not what I'm angry about!"
March's voice had a hint of a sob, tears welling up in her eyes. "I'm just angry, why... why can she be an Ether Spirit, but I can't?" She sobbed, speaking intermittently, "I also want... I also want to be Daziel's Ether Spirit... to be Daziel... to have Daziel pat my butt..."
"..."
Daziel was completely dumbfounded. He never expected that March would be angry about this.
He quickly reached out and gently hugged March, comforting her softly, "March, don't cry... I... I didn't mean it that way... It's just that, for now, Miss Topaz's combat power is enough... If it's really necessary, I... I will also let you become my Ether Spirit..."
Hearing Daziel's assurance, March's emotions gradually calmed down. She looked up, her eyes still teary, and sobbed, "R-really? You... you can't lie to me..."
"Really, I promise!" Daziel said firmly.
March finally smiled through her tears, hugging Daziel tightly and nuzzling against his chest.
"Alright, alright, stop making a fuss."
Daziel gently patted March's back. "Let's hurry up and go find that... Shadow of the Guardian!"
"Mm-hmm!" March nodded vigorously.
"Then let's go take a look. Based on my deduction, the Echoing Corridor was once the border fortress of Belobog's castle and the place where countless Great Guardians strategized. It's very likely that such a special Overlord-level Ether Spirit exists here," Serval said again, bringing the topic back on track.
Afterward, Daziel's group of four embarked on their journey to find the Shadow of the Guardian. Along the way, the four of them traversed the winding passages of the Echoing Corridor.
The surrounding environment became increasingly gloomy and oppressive, and an icy chill permeated the air.
"I have to say, even though I've been to this place once before, coming here again still feels very eerie..." March held Daziel's arm tightly, her voice trembling slightly. After all, there were indeed many shadows of the past Fragmentum here. In a sense, this thing was indeed similar to a ghost.
"Don't be afraid, I'm here. Don't worry about encountering any Ether Spirits, even if it's a real Fragmentum monster, there's nothing to be afraid of," Daziel comforted her, while secretly increasing his vigilance.
Pela, on the other hand, had a serious expression, constantly paying attention to the surroundings. As an intelligence officer of the Silvermane Guards, her perception of danger far surpassed that of ordinary people.
"Everyone be careful. This is, after all, the depths of the Echoing Corridor. Danger could be encountered at any time," Pela reminded them.
Not long after Pela finished speaking, a strange noise suddenly came from ahead.
"Shh, something's up!" Serval immediately signaled everyone to stop.
The four held their breath, cautiously approaching the direction of the sound.
Rounding a corner, they finally saw the source of the noise.
Not far ahead, a tall figure stood there silently.
It was a humanoid monster, draped in a tattered cloak, holding a staff in its hand. A faint black mist surrounded its body, exuding a chilling aura.
"This... is this the Shadow of the Guardian?" March's eyes widened, filled with shock.
The monster before them, although similar in appearance to humans, gave off an incredibly powerful sense of oppression.
"That's right, it should be her. It looks like... just an Ether Spirit, not a real Fragmentum monster."
Serval breathed a sigh of relief. "Daziel, hurry up and subdue her!"
"Hmph!"
Topaz snorted disdainfully.
"Topaz, don't underestimate it!" Daziel quickly reminded her, "This Shadow of the Guardian doesn't look simple!"
Just then, the Shadow of the Guardian spoke.
"Stellaron... promise... Serval Landau..."
The Shadow of the Guardian's voice still echoed in the air.
Daziel frowned, his doubts growing.
It... spoke? Why can I understand it?
Serval's expression was solemn, a complex light flickering in her eyes. She said to Daziel, "Don't attack rashly, be prepared to counter..."
Daziel began to ponder. Can't Serval hear its voice? Is it only I who can hear it?
He gripped the Ether Coin in his hand, watching the Shadow of the Guardian warily.
Serval Landau.
The Shadow of the Guardian spoke again.
This time, it mentioned the Landau family.
Moreover, did it just... mention Serval's name? And it seemed to carry a certain... accusation?
Crap!
Daziel remembered, wasn't this part of Serval's Companion Mission, "Only a Child"?
How did it end up happening here?
At this moment, Daziel was somewhat confused.
March grumbled discontentedly, "This thing is so noisy! Can Fragmentum creations really be this chatty?"
She tugged on Daziel's sleeve. "Hey, when are we going to attack? I'm about to fall asleep listening to it."
Daziel ignored March's complaints and turned to Pela and Serval beside him, asking seriously, "Can you guys not hear it talking either?"
Pela was slightly taken aback, then shook her head. "Talking? I only heard a burst of chaotic noise, like a broken radio..."
She paused, as if something had occurred to her, and suddenly looked at Daziel. "Wait—could it be that you can understand its language?"
Daziel nodded, confirming Pela's guess.
"It's repeating your name, Serval."
Serval's face instantly turned pale. She bit her lip, her eyes filled with pain.
"Cocoilia, is that you?!"
"You woman... you're truly persistent."
Serval's voice trembled slightly, as if suppressing some intense emotion. "I've tried my best to forget everything that happened before, but you always find a way to come back into my sight..."
"Cocoilia, you... bastard! First, you terminated my research, and now you want to ruin my life... what else do you want to take from me?!"
Serval's emotions seemed to be getting out of control. She roared at the Shadow of the Guardian, her voice echoing through the empty corridor.
Seeing this, Pela quickly stepped forward, trying to calm Serval down. "Serval, calm down! That's just a piece of data!"
Although she didn't know why the Ether Copy's data could produce this thing, since the corporation claimed that all seen creatures could be recorded in Ether Coins, recording a Great Guardian wasn't impossible.
She just wondered if this Ether Copy technology could record beings at the Emanator level?
Daziel speculated wildly in his mind.
Serval couldn't hear Pela's words at all at this moment.
She shook her head, her eyes filled with confusion. "Could it be that the time we spent together... was all fake?"
"You left so freely... don't you think you still owe me an explanation?!"
Serval's voice grew louder and louder, almost a roar.
Seeing Serval's emotions becoming increasingly agitated, Pela quickly raised her voice. "Calm down, Serval! I know you want an answer from Lady Cocoilia..."
"But this... thing in front of us, it's just our enemy, just data created by an Ether Copy! You won't find any answers from it!"
Pela tried to awaken Serval with a rational voice.
Upon hearing this, Serval suddenly calmed down. She took a deep breath and said slowly, "Ha, you don't need to comfort me, Pela. I'm very clear, I know what I'm doing."
Her eyes regained their firmness, as if she had made a certain decision.
"Since things have come to this..."
Serval turned her head to look at Daziel, a determined light flashing in her eyes. "Daziel, let me become your Ether Spirit. The old grudges between me and Cocoilia will be completely settled here!"
Daziel looked at Serval's determined gaze and knew she had made up her mind. He nodded and said without hesitation, "Okay, since you've said so."
He knew that Serval needed an opportunity, a chance to say goodbye to the past.
"Topaz, Miss Serval wants to join, is that okay?" Daziel asked Topaz.
"Hmph, hmph!"
Having obtained Topaz's permission, Daziel took a deep breath and threw the coin towards Serval.
The coin drew an arc in the air, accurately landing towards Serval.
The moment it touched Serval, the coin emitted a dazzling light, enveloping her within it.
In the others' vision, Serval changed.
The Serval who had been standing before them now transformed into a humanoid mech. The mech's armor was primarily purple, with smooth lines. It wielded a chainsaw sword and the turbine on its back vibrated gently, seemingly ready to charge up at any moment.
"This is..." March was somewhat surprised.
Isn't this the Automaton Spider?
In a sense, this was also a rare Ether Spirit, but in Daziel's worldline, it hadn't reached the strength of an Overlord-level being.
"Serval, how do you feel?"
Daziel tried to communicate with Serval.
"Buzz... buzz..."
An electronic sound came from inside the mech, with a hint of metallic texture.
Daziel understood her words.
"That's good."
Daziel nodded and turned his gaze to the Shadow of the Guardian in front of him. "Warp Trotter, Serval, let's go!"
The Shadow of the Guardian was still repeating those meaningless words, but Daziel had no time to pay attention to it.
Landau... Expulsion.
"Warp Trotter, same old rules, you take the main attack!" Daziel ordered.
"Hmph!"
Topaz responded, her figure flashing as she charged towards the Shadow of the Guardian.
The Shadow of the Guardian swung its massive fist, smashing down towards Topaz. Topaz dodged nimbly, occasionally countering with a ramming attack.
Daziel, meanwhile, commanded the Serval mech to harass from the flank. The chainsaw sword on the mech's arm continuously charged up, its power constantly increasing.
"Serval, dash, dash, get behind it!"
The Serval mech immediately executed Daziel's command. The power unit on its back suddenly burst out with energy, propelling the mech at an extremely fast speed behind the Shadow of the Guardian.
"Now! Use the 'Chop' command!"
The chainsaw sword on the mech's arm aimed at the leg joint of the Shadow of the Guardian and sawed down fiercely.
The energy beam accurately hit the target, and the Shadow of the Guardian's movements clearly slowed down.
"Good, keep attacking like that!" Excitement flashed in Daziel's eyes.
Topaz also seized the opportunity, landing several consecutive punches on the Shadow of the Guardian's chest.
Under the combined attack of Topaz and the Serval mech, the Shadow of the Guardian steadily retreated, the wounds on its body increasing.
The Shadow of the Guardian let out a mournful cry, and its body, hidden within the cloak, suddenly stiffened.
The battle was over.
Daziel walked up to the Shadow of the Guardian, observing it carefully.
Strangely, although the Shadow of the Guardian didn't dissipate, he didn't see any options to interact with it.
"What's going on? Could it be that... Cocoilia's Shadow of the Guardian cannot be subdued?" Daziel felt somewhat disappointed.
Just then, the Shadow of the Guardian lying on the ground suddenly changed.
Its original form began to shift, and the cracks on its body gradually disappeared.
A dazzling light flashed, and Daziel instinctively closed his eyes.
When he opened his eyes again, the scene before him stunned him.
The Shadow of the Guardian had vanished, replaced by a tall woman.
She had long golden hair, with one side cascading down to her chest—a very dangerous hairstyle for a wife.
Her skin was as white as snow, and her features were exquisitely beautiful, as if carved from ice and snow.
She wore a green and white dress, with ice-blue patterns adorning the long robe, paired with black stockings and high-heeled boots, making her appear noble and mysterious.
The most striking feature was the two long spears she held in her hands.
The spears were entirely silver-white, and the tips gleamed with a cold light, as if capable of piercing through anything.
"Cocoilia..."
Daziel muttered to himself, recognizing the woman before him.
Cocoilia slowly opened her eyes, her gaze icy and deep, as if able to see through a person's soul.
_____
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