The Rise of the God of Death
Chapter 48: Lydia, The Beautiful Staff
The footsteps of Daimon and Manmand echoed faintly through the dimly lit hallway that led deep beneath the volcano. The air was heavy with the scent of molten metal and faint traces of ash. As they turned the final corner, a massive doorway appeared ahead — the entrance to the weaponry chamber.
The moment they stepped inside, they were met by the glimmer of countless weapons, resting silently on ancient pedestals. Swords, staves, bows, and spears — each radiating its own unique aura.
"Yo kids! Everyone, come here!" shouted Manmand, his deep voice booming through the chamber.
For a second, silence filled the room. Then a voice echoed faintly from the far side.
"Uncle Manmand? Master Daimon?" called Nil.
"Heh," Manmand chuckled.
"Hey, you're back!" said Nil, running toward them with a relieved smile.
"Did you find something?" asked Daimon.
"No, sir…" Nil replied quietly, eyes downcast.
"Don't worry, kid. I figured out something for you." said Manmand, resting a heavy hand on Nil's shoulder.
"Really?!" Nil's eyes lit up again.
"Yeah. Just give me a minute to check on the others first," said Manmand.
"Alright!" Nil nodded eagerly.
Together, they began walking deeper into the chamber, passing rows of glittering relics until they reached the far corner — where Lucy stood silently.
She was holding a blue, majestic staff, a floating orb hovering above it with pure water swirling inside. Her eyes were closed, her hands steady, her aura calm and focused.
"Heh… nice choice, kid," said Manmand, impressed. "That's an Absolute God-Leveled staff. Known for its unmatched strength. No one has ever succeeded in forming a contract with it. But what they didn't know… is that this staff doesn't choose power or talent — it chooses will."
"What is she doing?" asked Nil, puzzled.
"Contract," replied Manmand simply.
"Contract?" Nil tilted his head.
"A link between the weapon and the wielder," Daimon explained. "Only the strongest weapons demand one."
"I made about forty percent of them, by the way," added Manmand proudly, crossing his arms.
"Cool!" Nil said, wide-eyed.
"Let's not disturb her," Daimon whispered. "She can hear us even if she looks lost in thought."
Both nodded silently.
---
Inside Lucy's Mind
Lucy found herself standing in a flat, endless meadow under a grey sky. A giant version of the staff floated in front of her, motionless.
"Still no answer?" she muttered, staring at it.
"Ugh… I've been waiting for more than fifteen minutes and it hasn't moved an inch. Am I really that weak?"
"No, honey…"
A soft, melodic female voice echoed through the air.
"Huh? Hello?" Lucy spun around, looking for the source.
"I'm here, honey," the voice said again — this time, coming directly from the staff.
"Oh— you're finally awake, miss staff," Lucy said, blinking in disbelief.
"Please… call me Lydia," said the voice gently.
"Alright, Miss Lydia. May I know the requirements for the contract?" asked Lucy curiously.
"It's simple," said Lydia. "A single question — mysterious and rare, with countless possible answers."
"Are you always that deep?" Lucy sighed, tilting her head.
"Well," Lydia chuckled softly, "I am from the First Age."
"That explains it," Lucy muttered. "So what's the question, Miss Lydia?"
"It's usually 'What do you desire to accomplish with my power?'" said Lydia. "But for you… I've changed it."
"Changed it? Why?"
"Because, my dear, you're special."
"Special?" Lucy blinked in confusion.
"You seem to be close to someone I know," said Lydia.
Lucy's eyes widened. She's talking about Dad…
"Yes, honey," Lydia replied, her voice suddenly deeper. "It's the man you call your father."
"Wait—how—? Never mind. How do you know Dad? Is he that ancient?"
"No," Lydia answered softly, "but our connection… runs deeper than you think. You shouldn't know yet."
"Well, it's not like I care or anythi—"
"What do you mean?!" Lydia's tone suddenly turned sharp, her aura flaring.
"I—I'm sorry, Miss Lydia!" Lucy stammered, bowing her head.
Then, Lydia laughed. "I haven't laughed in ages. You're quite something, little one. I might form the contract already — but first, I still want to hear your answer."
"Thank you, Miss Lydia," Lucy said with a soft smile.
"Now, let's be serious," Lydia's voice shifted — calm but cold, resonating with divine pressure. The world trembled as a storm of aura erupted around Lucy.
"What do you desire… by following that man?"
The words struck deep. Lucy could barely stand.
"What… do… I… desire?" she whispered, struggling to breathe through the immense pressure.
Then, clarity filled her eyes.
"Actually… I never thought of a reason to follow my dad. He took me in, even though he hates humans. He protected me, risked his life for me. He treats me like his daughter and keeps me close to keep me safe. But… why do I follow him?"
Her voice softened. "Maybe because I want to make him happy. He's mysterious, full of pain… broken somewhere deep inside. I just want to help him. To make him feel whole again."
The storm stopped. Silence filled the air.
Then the staff transformed, glowing with divine blue light, taking the form of a beautiful woman — blonde hair flowing like sunlight, eyes shining like clear water, smiling gently at Lucy.
"Very well," Lydia said softly. "I hope you accomplish what you desire… with me."
The world around them shattered like glass. The light of the staff surrounded Lucy, merging with her until both became one — and the contract was complete.