"Nahida!"
Outside the barrier, watching Nahida float helplessly in the air, completely unable to resist, March 7th, Stelle, Little Swarm, and the others grew frantic. They frantically unleashed every ounce of power they could muster against the barrier, but aside from causing ripples across its surface, their attacks had no effect.
"Damn it!"
While this level of combat was clearly beyond their reach, the sheer helplessness of standing by and watching the villain torment their friend right before their eyes, with nothing they could do to stop it, filled March 7th, Stelle, and Little Swarm with bitter resentment.
March 7th pressed her lips into a tight line, her body overwhelmed by powerlessness and self-blame. Her mind replayed fragments of her time with Nahida, a mist gathering before her eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment...
"Nahida..."
As Nahida's eyes closed completely, her arms fell limp, and the Abyssal Aura ceased its infusion, the trio gradually fell silent. A suffocating atmosphere of sorrow blanketed the air, infecting every heart present.
"Are you all out of your minds?"
As the Avatar of the Abyss, Abyssal Lumina was acutely sensitive to negative emotions. She sensed the rising despair within March 7th and the others the moment it began to surface.
However, she was currently preoccupied with transforming Nahida and had no intention of wasting time on these three fools.
Yet, as their grief grew increasingly intense, Abyssal Lumina finally snapped.
"Nahida's not dead! Why are you all acting like she's in a funeral?!"
Damn it, you're practically cursing my sister to die with your pity party!
She's not even dead yet! What the hell are you crying about? Are you all out of your minds?!
"I'm just... disciplining my rebellious little sister. I have no intention of killing her. If you have time to worry about her, you'd be better off figuring out how to appease me so I don't kill you instead."
Abyssal Lumina's gaze remained fixed solely on Nahida, not even glancing at March 7th and the others as she spoke coldly.
Though her words were icy and indifferent, they carried no genuine malice, likely just empty threats meant to intimidate children.
And indeed, whether it was Little Swarm, Stelle, or even March 7th—despite their seemingly mature appearances, they were, in terms of age, genuinely children.
Thus, they took Abyssal Lumina's words completely to heart.
The sadness vanished instantly. They exchanged glances, and after a moment of silence, the oppressive atmosphere of sorrow intensified.
March 7th and the others didn't believe for a second that Abyssal Lumina intended to merely "discipline" Nahida...
Can't you see black energy pouring from Nahida's entire body? Is this normal behavior?
They imagined that once Nahida awoke, she would be completely corrupted by the Abyss, becoming Abyssal Lumina's plaything... or worse, Abyssal Lumina's younger sister.
At that point... Nahida would become their enemy, wouldn't she?
As these thoughts swirled in their minds, they grew increasingly distressed, and their distress deepened their self-blame.
I'm so useless! /(ㄒoㄒ)/~~
"What's wrong with these idiots..." Finally, Abyssal Lumina, whose attention had been entirely focused on Nahida, couldn't help but glance at the three fools.
"Never mind. We're almost at the final step."
Too lazy to deal with them, Abyssal Lumina muttered to herself, her indifferent gaze gradually heating as she looked at Nahida. Her eyes burned with anticipation, as if already savoring the image of Nahida, her training complete, following at her heels and calling her "Sister" at every turn.
"Hmm... Ugh."
Seeing Nahida's playfully raised eyebrows and sensing her gradually awakening aura, Abyssal Lumina's lips stretched into a wide, villainous grin, revealing her true nature to everyone. No longer concealing her burning desire for Nahida, she instantly extended her wicked hand toward the goddess, eager to claim her prize.
"Hmm?"
Absolute darkness no longer shrouded Nahida's vision, replaced by a face of breathtaking beauty. Momentarily stunned, she froze in place, unable to react.
"My sweet little sister, come here and call me 'Big Sister'~" Abyssal Lumina licked her lips. Though her expression remained impassive and her eyes indifferent, her breathing grew noticeably heavier.
"?"
As consciousness returned, Nahida stared at Lumina before her. Hearing those words, a large question mark slowly materialized above her head, suspicion gnawing at her mind: Has Lumina lost her mind?
But then, the memory surged back: she had just been forcefully infused with Abyssal Power.
"Get lost."
[Superposition Magic · Wither]
Realizing this, Nahida's eyes cleared instantly. She swiftly retreated beyond Lumina's reach, retaliating with a Superposition Magic spell.
"I'm... actually unharmed?!"
"You're... actually unharmed?!"
After creating some distance and unleashing a Superposition Magic spell, Nahida hurriedly checked her body. Finding no abnormalities, the anxiety that had been hanging over her finally tightened into a knot.
Having symptoms wouldn't be frightening; what was terrifying was the absence of any noticeable symptoms.
Nahida bit her lip, already bracing herself for the worst.
But then she froze, because the very culprit who had recklessly absorbed her Superposition Magic was now staring back at her with disbelief, muttering a disoriented, life-questioning phrase.
It seemed even Abyssal Lumina couldn't comprehend why Nahida, after being forcibly infused with such a massive dose of Abyssal Power, remained completely unaffected.
Seeing this, Nahida's eyebrows arched, then relaxed. If even the mastermind behind the attack—Abyssal Lumina herself—was clueless about what had occurred, then there was no need for her to dwell on it.
Abyssal Lumina, having likely witnessed countless wonders, quickly shed her surprise and confusion, replacing them with an expression of deep contemplation.
Abyssal Lumina scanned her surroundings, her gaze finally settling on the "Great Terror" Lumina hiding behind March 7th and the others. As if struck by a sudden realization, a sinister smile curled her lips.
With a casual flick of her wrist, Abyssal Lumina dispelled the barrier imprisoning the group. Smiling, she advanced toward "Great Terror" Lumina. "I knew it," she purred. "Why would Lumina herself be nowhere to be found? Turns out, you've been disguised as a harmless little girl all along."
"What's wrong? Still not willing to show your true form even now?"
"Hm?"
Sensing the overwhelming pressure radiating from Abyssal Lumina, the "Great Terror" Lumina's eyes widened with fear. Her body began to tremble uncontrollably as she stumbled backward, step by step.
As for March 7th and the others, Abyssal Lumina had already imprisoned them in a cage before even taking her first step. Their bodies, voices, and souls were completely sealed within, leaving them helpless witnesses as she stalked toward the "Great Terror" Lumina like a wolf eyeing a lamb. They could only watch, utterly powerless to intervene.
"**********!"
The trio's lips twisted into frantic shapes, but not a single sound escaped.
"What are you trying to do?!" Although March 7th and the others were imprisoned within Abyssal Lumina, Nahida was not. She swiftly positioned herself in Abyssal Lumina's path, her expression grave as she confronted the "Great Terror."
For some reason, Abyssal Lumina displayed an unprecedented gentleness toward Nahida. Seeing Nahida block her way, she smiled tenderly and spoke in a soft, soothing tone, as if coaxing a child: "Nahida, be good, okay? Sister needs to take care of some things."
"Once we've dealt with Lumina, no one will be able to stop us anymore."
"Fool... er, she's not Lumina herself. Even if you attack her, it won't do any good." Hearing this, Nahida's brow twitched. Instinctively, she almost blurted out the word "fool."
But remembering Abyssal Lumina's power, she hastily corrected herself after uttering just one syllable, wary of provoking her.
Though Nahida's status and position shielded her from such matters, she still possessed a basic understanding of social etiquette.
"Hmm? Oh~" Abyssal Lumina paused, then exclaimed "Oh~" with sudden realization, a meaningful smile spreading across her face.
"It seems she's even been deceiving you."
"Does it matter if she's lying?" Nahida paused for a moment, then dismissed the thought. If she wants to lie, so be it. Whatever her intentions, I just need to do what I should.
"Ah... Nahida, as your sister, I'm truly furious that such a shameless scoundrel would deceive you!" Abyssal Lumina pressed her hand to her forehead and sighed in exasperation.
"Don't worry, my dear sister. I'll avenge you." Abyssal Lumina smiled faintly, unleashing her full Abyssal Power. Before Nahida could react, she was imprisoned in place.
Feeling the cage formed from condensed Abyssal Aura, Nahida now vividly understood the immense gap in their power.
I should... be alright, right? Knowing that struggling would only waste her strength, Nahida ceased her efforts, her gaze fixed on the terrified "Great Terror" Lumina with a complex mix of emotions.
If Lumina herself has been hiding something, the key must lie in this form of hers...
With this thought, Nahida fixed her gaze intently on the "Great Terror" Lumina, as if waiting for something.
"Ugh..."
The "Great Terror" Lumina retreated continuously, while Abyssal Lumina advanced relentlessly. Cornered with nowhere left to run, the "Great Terror" Lumina leaned against the wall, crossed her arms over her chest, and let tears stream down her face, appearing utterly terrified.
"Hmph," Abyssal Lumina sneered, unimpressed by the display. "Your acting is truly remarkable. If not for that thing you left in Nahida's mind, I might never have suspected you."
"I... I don't understand what you're talking about..."
Realizing there was no escape, the "Great Terror" Lumina could only curl up tighter, trembling violently from head to toe like a girl who had stumbled upon a drunk, lonely man in a dark alley after thirty years of solitude. Her entire body shook with fear, evoking an irresistible sense of pity.
Had anyone else witnessed such a beautiful girl wearing such an expression, their very soul would have been elevated to the highest heights, willingly surrendering every good thing in their life to her.
But this person was Abyssal Lumina. She wasn't just anyone; she was an enemy, and not even human. Therefore, even with "Great Terror" Lumina's beauty and allure cranked to the max, it couldn't sway Abyssal Lumina's resolve or her planned actions.
"Don't worry. You'll understand what I mean soon enough."
Abyssal Lumina approached "Great Terror" Lumina, looming over her with cold, indifferent eyes that betrayed no emotion.
After staring at her for a moment, Abyssal Lumina crouched slightly, reached out a finger, and gently hooked the tip of "Great Terror" Lumina's jawline—the same breathtaking beauty that could make anyone instantly fall into a daze.
Too bad I have this beauty myself...
Abyssal Lumina scoffed coldly. "How can you act so innocent? Who's the real villain here?"
"Even a villain like me can't fake it as well as you. What are you pretending for, a righteous hero?"
"I... I really don't know anything, I swear!"
Terrified by Abyssal Lumina's intensity, the "Great Terror" Lumina's tears streamed down her cheeks like water from a broken dam.
Hearing this, Abyssal Lumina realized her opponent was determined to keep up the act. She decided to stop arguing, remembering the saying that villains die from talking too much—a principle she vaguely understood.
Though she didn't personally consider herself a villain...
"Ugh... Uh... Ugh."
Abyssal Lumina abruptly reached out and tightly gripped "Great Terror" Lumina's throat. Slowly rising to her feet, she lifted the struggling figure into the air, her arm extending upward until "Great Terror" Lumina hung suspended, her gaze piercingly cold.
"Ah... Uh..." Gasping for air, "Great Terror" Lumina pressed both hands against Abyssal Lumina's arm, kicking her legs frantically in a desperate attempt to break free. But her efforts were futile.
"Still pretending?" Abyssal Lumina frowned, clearly surprised that this Lumina could maintain such a convincing act even in a life-or-death situation.
"If that's the case, then die."
Refusing to believe the charade could continue, Abyssal Lumina gradually tightened her grip.
Crack...
Finally, with a sickening crack, the "Great Terror" Lumina's head lolled to the side, her body went limp, and her struggles ceased completely.
"..." Feeling the complete disappearance of the Great Terror Lumina's aura, Abyssal Lumina froze in shock, never expecting to have killed her so easily.
Strange... Could I really have been mistaken?
A flicker of confusion crossed Abyssal Lumina's eyes. Randomly slaughtering the innocent was something she would never allow.
A pang of guilt flashed through her gaze, but she quickly noticed something amiss.
March 7th, Nahida, and the others...
Why hadn't a single one of them uttered a sound after she publicly executed the Great Terror Lumina?
Even trapped in their cages, their voices should still have reached her ears.
As Abyssal Lumina pondered, a small green glow materialized behind her, gradually expanding until it coalesced into a massive book.
Forest Book
"!"
Sensing the power surging behind her, Abyssal Lumina whirled around in alarm.
The Forest Book was flipping through its pages at breakneck speed, summoning countless magical arrays that encircled her completely. The suffocating aura emanating from them felt like the chilling embrace of death itself.
Naturally, Abyssal Lumina had no intention of foolishly standing her ground and taking such a life-threatening attack head-on. She desperately tried to activate her own power to escape, but another force pinned her down, rendering her immobile.
"Lumina!"
Abyssal Lumina snapped her head back around. The "Great Terror" Lumina, who should have been dead, stood before her unharmed, her hair tips glowing brightly. It was clear that this attack originated from her.
Ignoring Abyssal Lumina's ravenous glare, Lumina held her captive while channeling the Forest Book's full power.
As the energy reached its peak, Lumina's Jade Green eyes blazed with an intense light.
[Forbidden Finale: Return to the Void]