CHAPTER 12
Now a full hour had passed since the chaos that had shaken their home The wind outside had died down, leaving only the faint rustle of leaves brushing against the windows. The living room was quiet, restored to its original state thanks to Sakura's careful repair spell. Glass, walls, and furniture all returned as if nothing had happened, yet the lingering tension still clung to the air.
In her room, Lily lay on the bed, still unconscious from the sheer intensity of the events she had survived. Renji had gently placed her there, ensuring she was comfortable, his hands lingering for a moment as if to confirm she was truly safe. He stood beside her, staring silently. The weight of his own feelings pressed down on him, and without realizing it, his knees gave way. He fell to the floor beside her bed, bowing his head, tears welling in his eyes.
" What a fool I am .. I promised I would protect you… but even I… even I can't protect you from my world," Renji whispered, voice breaking, "and yet… you still chose to live in my world… and now… now you could have died… and I wouldn't be able to forgive myself…"
Lily's eyes fluttered, barely opening. She could faintly hear his voice, the warmth and concern flowing through every word.
Renji continued, voice cracking, "I… I failed you… as a brother… and as your mentor… I'm… I'm sorry…"
Lily struggled to speak. Her voice was barely audible, weak from exhaustion.
"What… what are you talking about, stupid elder brother?!" she croaked, finally forcing herself to sit up slightly.
Renji gasped and lifted his head. Seeing her awake made his heart pound and tears streamed freely down his face. He whispered, choking on emotion, "Li… Lily…"
Without warning, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as if he could never let her go.
Lily groaned softly, the pain in her body still lingering. "Eh… big brother… ow… ow… ow… ow…" She jabbed him lightly on the head with her fist. "Get off me stupid!!"
Renji winced, holding his head where she had struck him. "I'm… I'm sorry," he murmured.
Slowly, Lily lifted herself up from the bed, sitting upright. "You're fine, stupid elder brothee I'm fine," she said softly, still catching her breath.
Renji smiled, tears glinting in his eyes. "I'm just… just happy you're awake."
Before he could continue, Lily suddenly hugged him tightly, pressing herself against his chest. "You know, you're such a foolish big brother," she said softly, teasing him gently.
Renji's heart ached at her words, but tears still ran freely down his face.
"You didn't fail me… you stupid big brother…" she whispered. "I told you before… even if the world turns its back on you… it will always be you… and I… always…"
Renji hugged her tighter, holding her as if to reassure himself. "Sometimes… you know sometimes I wonder if I'm the older one… or if you are. You keep teaching me new things all the time…"
Lily chuckled softly and released herself slowly from his embrace. "Of course I'm the older one. All you know how to do is fight without using your small brain!"
Renji chuckled lightly, the sound mingling with the soft tears on his cheeks. "Probably… you're right."
Lily's hands reached up to wipe the tears from his face. Taking back to the same moment a year ago then she spoke "you know I'm happy you're showing emotions again," she said warmly. "A year ago… you didn't show any… even though there were tiny signs, it wasn't always like this. I'm really happy you're showing emotions now, big brother."
Renji rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "You know alot happened back then I lost .. no we lost our best friend and our brother but things change, you know."
A bright smile spread across Lily's face.
Then Renji continued...
"Ooo! You're awake. There's someone I'd love you to meet emmm well it's a little confusing she's kinda technically your grandma… she's the one who saved you .. but fuck it let's go!"
"Wait… grandma?" Lily asked, tilting her head. "Wait… we have a grandma?!"
Renji gently took her hands, guiding her toward the living room.
"Eh… wait, big brother!" she protested softly, looking back at him with wide eyes.
When they entered the living room, Sakura and Dracan were waiting. Their faces lit up immediately with joy.
"Lily-sama!" Sakura cried, joyful tears streaming down her face. "Lily samaaa are you okay?! C'mon, tell me! You really had your big aunty worried!"
Dracan's voice was calm but firm, betraying relief. "You really made us scared. Don't ever do that again!"
Lily chuckled faintly, a small smile on her lips. "I'm fine…"
But just as the tension began to ease, a calm, commanding voice cut through the air.
"Didn't I tell you she's going to be okay?"
Renji's lips curved into a small smile. "This… is technically your grandma… and my mother from my past life. This is Arin."
Arin stepped forward, her presence radiating authority and warmth at the same time. Her eyes scanned Lily's form, recognizing the immense spiritual energy that she carried. A soft chuckle escaped her lips.
"That's… interesting," she said, reaching out to gently pat Lily on the head. "It's good to see you, old friend."
Lily's heart skipped a beat. Though she had never met Arin before, she felt a deep warmth and unconditional love radiating from her. It was as if she had known Arin all her life.
"Th… thank you for saving me," Lily whispered softly, bowing her head slightly in respect.
Arin smiled but shook her head. "You're sharp, but that's wrong. I didn't save you."
Renji's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean… mother?"
Arin's gaze softened, her voice calm but filled with authority. " It's exactly as you heard..I didn't save her. I only calmed her bonding process…"
Sakura's eyes widened. "Bonding process…?"
What do you mean?
Arin nodded. "Well as you know no human has ever bonded with Rajah before. Her power is made of pure, infinite energy. She never runs out of power nor stamina mmmTogether, my right-hand friend and I commanded the universe and existence itself. now even though she hasn't completed the bonding process, she already possesses far more energy than you, Januza."
The room fell into a stunned silence.
Then burst into shock..Ehhhhhhhh!!!!!
"Ehhhh…! What do you mean?! But… Renji is the strongest person in the world presently!" Sakura exclaimed.
Arin's expression remained calm and authoritative. "True but because you can't feel it. Magic and spiritual energy are completely two different things. But I don't know why Rajah chose her, but her power is pure divinity… even capable of rivaling you at your six eyes, Alcaraz power, Januza. She's a weapon against existence itself."
Dracan exclaimed... Wait the six pattern of Januza-sama is him at full power how is this possible
Arin chuckled No!! Even januza hasn't awakened his potential at full power is him being as strong as me meaning he needs the 12 eyes which I have
The eye of Alvarez Sakura responded
Yes but at his peak he only awakened six of them
Clearly I didn't train you hard enough Arin grinned!! and now you have lost it and only awakened two of the patterns
Lily tilted her head in confusion. "Wha… what does that mean?"
Renji's voice was heavy, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. "So… now she's stronger than me?"
"No!" Arin said firmly, shaking her head. "I told you… mana and spiritual energy are completely different things. Hunters can awaken their mana to become strong immediately. But no human has ever possessed spiritual energy. She must train to complete the bonding. By doing so, she will unlock more spiritual energy and gain full access to Rajah's will and abilities. Like I said… she is a weapon against existence itself."
Rajah by my side could fight for thousands of years without stopping even in places that exists outside of space and time both the universe and outerverse both contains spiritual energy
Rajah being one with spiritual energy means she can never get tired of fighting as it completely upgrades her power and stamina
Right now she has more energy than you but she has to train to utilize that energy. Fuck yeah!! it's a good thing I came
Sakura's eyes sparkled, almost dancing with excitement. "Eeeee! Amazing!!"
Sakuta shook her head slightly, smiling through the weight of responsibility. "Ooo… Renji-sama… you really are from a family of monsters," Sakura said softly, still in awe.
Lily groaned, pressing her palms to her face. "Ehhhh no no no!! I can't fight for a thousand years! I just found out I have a freaking animal inside me! This is… too much!!"
Arin chuckled warmly, the warmth in her presence easing some of Lily's tension. "It's okay. I will personally train you myself."
Lily blinked, disbelief mixed with relief in her expression. "Huh… you… will?"
Arin nodded, smiling. "Yes. I will guide you. You're not alone in this. You will learn to control Rajah's power."
Lily's chest tightened with both fear and hope. She had no idea how to manage this immense spiritual power, yet having Arin by her side made her feel safe.
Renji squeezed her hand gently. "You won't be alone, Lily. I'll be with you too."
Sakura nodded, a small, encouraging smile on her lips. "We'll all help you, Lily-sama."
Dracan remained silent, observing the scene, feeling the energy radiating from Lily and Rajah's bond. Even he was in awe of the potential he could sense within her.
A calm, reassuring silence settled over the room. For the first time since the chaos, there was hope, trust, and the quiet understanding that Lily was no longer alone in her journey.
The bonding process had begun. And though the road ahead would be long and filled with challenges, one truth remained clear: she would never face it alone.