Back at their forest shelter, Leo sat shirtless in the sun, nursing scratches, bruises, and a mud-soaked ego.
The girls were all unpacking their loot from the dungeon like it was a festival.
Aira polished her frost-forged blade.
Rina practiced juggling fireballs dangerously close to Leo's head.
Lira read three books at once using her illusions.
Kara? Punching trees. Again.
Leo groaned, adjusting a cooling leaf compress on his shoulder. "System, please tell me this is the last of the chaos."
[SYSTEM ALERT: New potential disciple approaching.]
"…You suck."
[Agreed.]
A presence entered the clearing.
She wore flowing white robes, her steps silent, her smile innocent. Around her, the trees swayed. Rocks shifted. Grass sparkled.
Leo froze.
"Uh… hello?"
"I heard there's a master here," the girl said softly. "I want to be your disciple."
[SYSTEM: New Disciple Request Detected]Name: ElyaFuture Title: Saintess of Restoration]Power: Divine Blessing Domain – Reality Alters With Emotion]Warning: Extreme emotion may cause… world-altering effects.Status: Fifth Disciple Acquired]
Behind Leo, a tree grew arms and waved.
"System. Why is the tree waving?"
[She's happy.]
"Tell her to stop being happy."
Too late.
The broken door of their hut repaired itself.
The table grew a second layer.
Leo's tea cup gave birth to another tea cup.
"Oh no," Leo muttered. "She's a walking blessing nuke!"
Elya sat politely in front of him, glowing slightly. "Please accept me."
Leo sighed and raised a hand.
"Welcome to the team."
The moment he said it, the clouds parted, sunlight poured down, and a distant monk's voice whispered:
"Amitābha… the bald path awakens."
"…What."
[SYSTEM GIFT: Monk's Beads – Path of Bald Destiny unlocked.]
Leo stood slowly.
"System, am I going bald?"
[Eventually.]
"I take it back! CANCEL HER BLESSING!"
[Request denied. Enjoy your destiny.]