True Friends [Part 3]

Bang! Bang! Bang! Fireworks exploded!

The Demon Realm was hosting its annual (which is every year and a half in the Human Realm) combat tournament.

A tan-skinned girl sighed at home.

Although she looked a little older than Anyue, her build was about the same.

She had elf-like ears, light white hair, and a super short hairstyle, but an intense demonic aura surrounded her.

“Sigh, another boring tournament. But Sha’er should take first place easily, right, Ai Ai?”

“Lady Ailu is absolutely right. As long as nothing unexpected happens, Lady Sha’er will have no trouble taking first place.”

Although Ai Ai and Ailu looked identical, Ai Ai was actually a magical clone Ailu had created to ease her loneliness.

“Now, about the serious matter—any progress on the Demon King’s weakness?”

“Yes! So far, there’s no known way to kill him. But based on ancient gods, he might be sealed using the Celestial Mirror from the Heavenly Realm.

The problem is… we don’t know if the mirror still exists.”

Ailu smiled smugly.

“Just sealing him isn’t cool enough. I want to seal him in a flashy way—with an epic battle and some badass one-liners.”

“Then, Lady Ailu, are you planning to—”

“Relax. It’s not time to act yet.

I’m meeting an old friend from the Underworld first.

I’m bored anyway.”

“Could it be Lord Anyue?!”

“Yes. And maybe I can make some human friends too.”

“With your icy blue eyes, Lady Ailu, you should have no trouble making lots of friends.”

“Dummy, it’s not cute—it’s cool!”

“Apologies, I misspoke.”

“No worries.

Let’s tidy up and head out.

We’ve got a small house in the Human Realm anyway.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Back in the Sword Dance World, Shenyin had just flown home as the sun was setting.

After greeting everyone, she started cooking white truffle dishes with Yuni, while Aihua and Shala handled the fish.

“Yuni, how about white truffle foie gras with caviar?”

“Sounds great!”

Aihua chuckled.

“Shala and I will make braised fish.

Shenyin, can we borrow your spice mix later?”

“Sure!

But it looks like all the fish you caught are small.

How about going to my hometown to fish next time? The fish there are huge and delicious.”

Yuni nodded.

“Yeah, they’re sea fish, but way tastier than regular seafood.”

“Wow! Then I’ll go fishing there tomorrow!”

“Just be careful!

Back when Shenyin fished there, she was almost dragged into the water.

One of those fish can bite through a cow in one chomp!”

“That’s right.

The giant fish have a six-meter diameter.

Luckily, I’m strong, or I’d have been fish food.”

“Then I’ll take Restia with me.

Shala and I will do the heavy lifting, and Restia can stun it with dark lightning.”

“Make sure to strike the head hard—those fish regenerate fast.

But for Shenyin, one punch to the head is enough.”

“What’s its distinguishing feature?”

“It’s huge.

But you’ll need to use a live chicken as bait.

They only take the bait at the Sinking Stone Shoals.”

“Got it! I’ll finish dinner and prep right after!”

Meanwhile, upstairs in Alexander’s room, Ren was chatting.

“Ren, how strong do you think Anyue’s mother really is?

The first time I met her, I actually felt scared.”

“Same.

She seemed void-like, yet unapproachable—completely different from our former Elf King.”

“No wonder she didn’t care whether we ate the Nether Fruit or not.

We’re basically frogs in a well compared to the rest of the universe.”

“Anyway, let’s take things step by step.

I plan to use my own power to surpass even the realm of gods!”

“Just don’t overdo it.

I nearly died from my own recklessness.”

“Don’t get me wrong.

I’m not looking for a fight—I just want to reach godhood through pure training.”

“Then count me in.

I won’t let you be the only one moving forward!”

“No problem.

Also, I want to create some new spirits.”

“What kind of spirits?”

“Well, you know how we’re not fully satisfied with Miyo World’s cuisine?

Regular kitchen knives are just… iron.

And if we use normal sword spirits, they might get upset…”

“You’re thinking of culinary spirits, aren’t you?”

“Well, the old spirits were all made for combat.

Plus, I’m super curious about all the food I missed.”

“True.

You were dead for thousands of years—you missed a lot.

Back then, I only cared about plans, not food or fun.”

“Come to think of it, Vulcanic and the others are still childish.

Only the two of us seem mentally mature.”

“Yeah.

Even though I wronged them in the past, I’ll make it up to them.”

“That’s all in the past.

Honestly, you used them for your own goals, right?”

“I had doubts, but deep down, I sought the true light.”

“Same here.

In the end, I couldn’t handle the Root of Darkness and went berserk.”

“Anyway, I’m no longer clinging to the past.

I’ll live on as a human—or a normal spirit.”

Ren smiled at Alexander’s words.

“That’s actually… kind of human of you.”

Then Ren changed into a Tokiwadai Middle School uniform.

“How do I look?”

“Looks good on you.

I’ve always liked Misaka Mikoto’s school uniform too.”

“Then let’s have our new country’s school wear Tokiwadai’s uniforms!

And for the boys, we’ll use Shido Itsuka’s style.”

“Tōka’s uniform isn’t bad either. I’ll change too!”

Alexander’s outfit instantly transformed into Tōka’s school uniform. He looked into a small mirror by the bed.

“Not bad!

Alright, after dinner, let’s visit the Elemental Spirit Realm and greet the troops.”

“Sounds good.

It’s nice to visit the homeland from time to time.”

Their personalities had changed mainly due to Mio and Shizuku’s memories, along with the support of friends and a better environment.

They were much happier now.

Soon it was dinner time.

Mio brought out Nether Fruits and handed them to everyone.

“Everyone!

These are enhancement fruits from another world, gifted by a god.

They’re called Nether Fruits.

They greatly boost physical and magical strength, and only top-tier gods can eat them.

The one who eats them gets an 180x permanent boost in power, speed, defense, attack, and even lifespan!

I’ve already tried it.”

Everyone got excited.

Mireya quickly spoke.

“Thank you for this gift, my lady!”

“Thank the god who gave them to me instead!”

Then everyone ate the Nether Fruit and felt an explosive increase in power.

“Wow!”

Shenyin noticed something.

“Mio! My blind eye is healed!”

“Even has healing effects?

Well, that makes life easier.”

“Yeah!

With this power, I can totally beat my brother in the next match!”

“But don’t underestimate the Root God of our world.

I’ll teleport and deliver some Nether Fruits to Yugudora and the others.

You guys go ahead and eat dinner.”

“Okay!”

After Mio left, Restia got curious.

“Shizuku, how many interesting things did you find in other worlds?”

“A lot.

And with the advanced technology from those worlds, we’ll start developing soon.

We’ll test it ourselves before sharing with the people.”

Lin then joined in.

“We’ll upgrade every region in our world.

But first, we need to teach how to use it.

Mireya, aside from the Holy Spirit Knights, who else in our Holy Nation is highly perceptive?”

“Plenty of people—but their combat ability is lacking.”

“That’s fine.

We need to take it slow anyway.”

“Iv, the rain’s getting heavier—what do we do?”

Iv sighed.

“Turn it into a raincoat spell.

Worst case, we just shower after.”

“How about we go… huh?”

Anyue and Iv’s eyes sharpened.

“I sense a Demon Realm presence!”

“That aura… could it be Ailu?!”

“Who’s Ailu?”

“My only friend from the Demon Realm.

And she’s way stronger than you.”

“Really that strong?!”

“Yeah, but she’s kind and a total chuuni.

If we teamed up, we could take down the entire Celestial Realm.”

“Then let’s go check it out!”

The two flew invisibly through the sky with their raincoat spell.

Meanwhile, in the Human Realm, Ailu and Ai Ai also sensed Anyue.

“Lady Ailu!

Besides Lord Anyue, I sense another powerful person.”

“Probably her new friend.

Though… this aura feels familiar—like I’ve seen them before.”

Ai Ai looked confused.

But Ailu patted her head.

“We’ll know when we meet them.

For now, help me clean the place with magic—we haven’t been here in forever and it’s full of dust!”

“Yes!

But we don’t have any food.

How will we entertain Lord Anyue?”

“We’ll conjure some money and order delivery.

It’s raining anyway.”

Ailu zoned out a bit, thinking about what to order.

“Ai Ai, what do you think we should get?”

“Strawberry cake?

Or some top-tier sushi?”

“Let’s go with strawberry cake!

She loves sweets as much as we do.”

“But which place should we order from?”

“The one with the highest sales.

And get an extra-large order.”

“Yes!”

A few minutes later, Anyue and Iv arrived at a modern apartment complex.

Suddenly, a piece of paper appeared in their hands.

It read: Building 3, Room 301 — your old friend Ailu♪

“So it really is her.

I knew it!”

“Anyue, the name Ailu sounds familiar.

I feel like I’ve heard it before.”

“She never told me.

We’ll find out soon enough.”

The two arrived at Room 301.

The door opened on its own, and a voice called out:

“Come on in.”

Inside, two identical girls were watching TV on the couch.

Iv immediately recognized them.

“Ai Ai! Ailu!”

“Long time no see, Iv!”

“Hello, Lady Iv!”

“You two know each other?”

Iv nodded.

“Put simply, they were also friends of little Mio.

After Mio died…”

“What?!

Mio’s dead?!

What about Shizuku?!”

Ailu panicked.

Iv comforted her and explained everything to Ai Ai and Ailu.

“I see… thank you.”

“No problem…”

“Iv, when did you two meet?

And Ailu, how did you know Mio?”

“I met Iv a year and a half ago online.

We met up in person a few times.

As for Mio—Iv showed me photos of the sisters, and once I met them by chance.

They helped me save Ai Ai and even took care of her.”

“What happened to Ai Ai?”

“She was attacked by thugs from the Demon Realm on the way to the Human Realm.

They robbed and seriously injured her.

But she still tried to buy food for me.”

Ai Ai sighed.

“I ended up passing out in a cake shop.

When I woke up, I was in Lady Mio’s bed.

Later, Lady Shizuku told me they were helping the shop owner for a week.

After I passed out, Lady Mio took me home and cared for me.

Even Lin came to visit.”

Iv chuckled warmly.

“They’re just that kind of personality…”

Elu stood up from the sofa and patted Ai Ai’s back.

“Hey, Eve, how about we go to the Sword Dance World too?”

“Sure, but I’m curious — what did that villain steal from Ai Ai? And how strong is he?”

“Think of King Piccolo from the first Dragon Ball series. Ai Ai’s full-power energy blast is only about the power of a C4 bomb.”

“Then how strong are you?”

“Less than 28% of my power can destroy an entire solar system. If possible, I can demonstrate it in a lifeless star system.”

An Yue was shocked.

“Last time we met, you weren’t that strong. How did you get to this level?”

“I have the same trait as Saiyans — I get stronger after coming back from the brink of death. Of course, Ai Ai is my clone and has that too, but with a limit. I’ve been playing weak in tournaments where killing is prohibited, so I always lose while badly injuring others, becoming a joke. But my true goal is to defeat the Demon King with overwhelming power — and in style!”

“Rather than the Demon King, if we’re going to the Sword Dance World, we should clarify what we can and can’t say, right?”

“Don’t worry, it won’t threaten Mio and the others’ identities as Spirit Kings. But…”

“But what?”

“I want to buy a laptop beforehand because there’s no internet there, and I can only play pirated games.”

“No worries about the internet — Eve and I will fix that eventually.”

“Thanks!”

“But I’m curious — earlier you said your power could destroy the whole solar system. That means you’ve surpassed Lightning Cell.”

“Come on! That’s just author setting! Blowing up a planet isn’t as hard as it seems in reality.”

“True, I’ve never blown one up myself.”

“Anyway, Ai Ai and I ordered strawberry cake earlier. Let’s wait for it together.”

“Yay!”

“Thanks!”

“No problem. We’re all friends, and food tastes better when shared with friends.”

“You’re still the same as ever.”

9 PM in the Sword Dance World, Nie Bekor and his clone were walking down the street.

“Hey, me — how do you feel about Mio?”

“She’s really cute. You like everyone too, right?”

“Of course. Mio treats everyone like family. If it were me, I’d do the same.”

“Same here!”

While the two were talking, Mireia suddenly popped up and patted them on the back.

“I’m here!”

“How come you’re here?”

“I was free, and since our powers have improved, I really want to test them out.”

“You used to be Est. Can’t you live more like Est?”

“I don’t want to be treated like a child. Also, I’ve got a secret only I and everyone else know.”

“A toy?”

“Delicious food?”

Mireia was speechless.

“What are you thinking? Let’s find a place with no one around. There’s a little house of mine just ahead.”

“Alright.”

Nie Bekor recalled his clone, and they followed Mireia to a small house. Mireia closed the door.

“So Nie Bekor, do you know why I came to find you?”

“No idea? Just tell me.”

Then Mireia turned into Est.

“Alright, I actually kno—”

“Why are you transforming into Est?”

“I ate that fruit, so I can switch between two forms. But here’s the real talk — Mio and Shizuku aren’t actually Spirit Kings.”

“That joke isn’t funny. If someone was pretending, we’d notice right away.”

“But I have Mio’s memories. She was someone from another world, reincarnated by Lady Eve after death.”

“Why do you have Mio’s memories?”

“When Mio came back, she gathered everyone and shared her memories with us. Then she said, ‘I don’t want to hide it anymore. I want us all to live truly happy lives, and one day travel to my world together!’”

“Why though? So now you won’t listen to Mio?”

Mireia chuckled.

“She gave me a second life and power. I’m a demigod now, no longer under Alexander. My new master is Kamikoshi Mio Wiscott!”

“I see… so the real Holy Dark King doesn’t exist?”

“He does — far away, but also right in front of you. It’s Aria and Ren! And I swear I’ll forever be loyal to Mio, Shizuku, and Rin. They gave me emotions too, and Alexander agrees with my choice.”

“Then I should hurry back so Mio can share with me too…”

“Your fate was originally to disappear completely.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll understand once you regain the memories. But be careful not to let outsiders know Mio’s identity — her role as Spirit King is key to world peace.”

“Got it!”

Though Mireia understood that everyone relies on Mio and the others to become physically real — and that she herself was just a character from the original novel — she’s now alive and grateful to them. Without them, she wouldn’t exist like this.

But at that moment, Mio was summoned by Alexander for a conversation 10,000 meters above the ground.

“Mio, are you sure about this?”

“It’s fine! Besides, mutual trust is necessary. Do you want me to hide it forever?”

“The risk is too high, don’t you think?”

“They’re all close friends. Also, I brought Xiao An back to life — including you and Xiao Lian — because I trust you won’t do bad things.”

“Silly kid. Being too kind and naive can get you all in trouble.”

“I know, but hey Xiao Ya, how about a fight? I’ve always wanted to spar with you!”

“Why fight?”

“To improve, and to see if I can surpass you — the original Spirit King.”

“Maybe later. I don’t like fighting. Plus, you were originally just a normal human. You need to build a foundation first.”

Mio thought for a moment and agreed.

“Alright. But when we do fight, don’t hold back, or it’s disrespectful.”

“Fine. But we’ll fight barehanded! No energy blasts!”

“Deal. Let’s head back! Can I sleep with you tonight?”

“Why so sudden?”

“Because I want to. And you should know — in my memories, my mom told me as a kid, ‘If you sleep with a spirit, you’ll have good luck.’ Plus, your body feels soft like a human’s when bathing. It kind of triggered my desire.”

“You could always go to Est. She’s better and listens to you more.”

“But I still like you, Xiao Ya. Maybe it’s because of our special bond.”

“I really can’t say no to you. Fine.”

Suddenly, Alexander sensed Eve and the others’ energy — and something unknown.

“Eve’s back. Let’s go.”

“Okay! I wonder how the duplication went.”

Mio brought Alexander home and saw two familiar faces. Ai Ai immediately shouted:

“Long time no see, Lady Mio! Lady Eve already explained everything to us.”

“Oh? You two know each other?”

Eve was curious.

“Where is everyone else? Feels like no one’s home.”

“They went out. After eating the Underworld Fruit, everyone got a lot stronger. Plus, they all know my true identity.”

Mio smiled adorably.

“I see… Ha!”

Eve was startled.

“It’s fine. Everyone accepted it. Why though…”

Mio’s eyes turned red, like Eve’s.

“Actually, I’m controlling Mio and shared her memories with everyone!”

But the voice from Mio’s mouth was Eve’s mother’s.

“Mom!?”

“That’s right. And this body’s not bad — though the chest is too small…”

“Mom! What if no one listens to Mio after this?”

“They’re all good kids. Besides, is lying to your friends really okay? Mio already had this idea in her memories!”

Elu snapped her fingers.

“In this spiritual possession state, does little Mio know what she’s doing?”

“She knows everything — just can’t control it.”

“When did you possess her?”

“A few hours ago. I even visited my subordinates — they’re all doing fine. But mimicking Mio’s speech style in front of her friends was tiring. Even Alexander didn’t notice. My acting must be pretty good!”

“Mom, don’t joke like that. It’s too much.”

“Sorry. I’ll treat you to divine wine next time.”

“I don’t drink.”

“But I heard from An Ya earlier that Xiao An Yue does.”

“How do you even know that, Mom? Geez.”

“Maybe your mom thought you knew.”

“Ugh…”

“But Mom, don’t use Mio’s body again. Or anyone else’s.”

“Alright. I’ll take my leave.”

“Wait…”

Before Mio could finish, she passed out. Alexander caught her just in time and muttered:

“What a trashy witch.”

“Yeah, that’s just how she is.”

Then An Yue spoke up.

“Why does my mom know your mom?”

“No idea?”

“So what now?”

“Take it one step at a time.”

Ai Ai nodded.

“Interesting.”

Eve sighed.

“Let’s hope it’s not trouble.”

At that moment, Eve’s mother was at An Ya’s house. The two were chatting over tea.

“The plan worked. I wonder what your daughter Eve thinks.”

“Hehe, she probably never imagined I’d control Mio.”

“Giving them some tension is good — just don’t overdo it.”

“I know.”

“Luckily, they all have mentalities around age 14. I’m glad An Yue has friends.”

“Same for Eve. But they seem to act on emotion.”

“Exactly! An Yue really likes Mio — I can tell. If someone hurts her friends, he’d kill even a relative.”

“Lonely people with true friends will protect them with everything. You used to be like that too.”

“Wrong. I still am. But our daughters might be even more extreme.”

“That’s why they need friends to stabilize their emotions.”

“Hehe, want to visit the human world later?”

“But your body…”

“I’m not human. Even after giving birth, I’d recover in a few hours in the human world.”

“Then I’ll go with you.”

“Thanks.”

“No problem. Your personality can be a little worrying sometimes.”