Third Implantation (26)

"Erna, you plan on killing your husband and freeing your children, right?"

"Yes."

"And your husband is of the Forgotten Rank, similar to a Primordial God."

"Yes."

"I think I have a plan to defeat him. Just give me... three years."

"Three years?"

"Yup."

Vastarael shrugged as if it were the easiest thing in the world.

"Look, it's not like I'm saying I'll show up with his head on a platter tomorrow. Three years isn't just for me, it's for you too. You're going to need time to get ready for this, Erna. You don't take down an Overlord by winging it, even though you're now a Divine after you died. Trust me."

Erna studied him intently, her piercing gaze seeking any sign of doubt or hesitation in his golden eyes. She found none.

"And what will you do during these three years, Vastarael? Surely you are not suggesting I wait idly."

No, not at all. Here's the deal. I'll be back in three years to help you take down your husband, the Frozen God, or whatever you call him. But in return, you're going to reveal your identity to Shimmer once those three years are up. No more hiding, no more pretending you're dead. She deserves to know who her mother is."

Erna's eyes widened slightly, the mask of control she wore slipping for just a moment.

"You... are asking much, Vastarael."

"Not as much as you think," he countered. "If you're willing to go as far as killing your husband to free your kids, then this should be easy. Besides... I think Shimmer would like knowing you're alive. Just saying."

Erna looked away, the weight of his words settling heavily on her shoulders. But after a long pause, she inclined her head.

"Very well. I shall do as you ask. And you... what will you do in these three years?"

"For starters, I'll spend the next eight months helping the unfrozen people in the Halo Islands now that the Winter Labor is dead. Someone's got to help them rebuild their lives, and it might as well be me."

"Eight months?" Erna asked, raising an elegant brow. "And why, pray tell, eight months specifically?"

"Because, it's just long enough to help without overstaying my welcome. Besides, I've got other things to do after that."

"Other things?"

"Yeah. After Halo Islands, I'm heading to the Fallen Bridge. I have to handle some business there."

Erna's expression shifted, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"The Fallen Bridge? That is no ordinary place, Vastarael. The world itself has taken over that region. It is no longer bound by mortal laws. What could you possibly hope to accomplish there?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" He teased, leaning a little closer with an infuriatingly casual smirk. "Don't worry about it, Erna. I've got it handled. You just focus on watching over Halo Islands until I'm done."

Erna let out a soft sigh, her ancient composure faltering just enough to reveal a sliver of exasperation.

"Very well. I shall ensure the people are cared for in your absence. You will find them thriving when you return."

"Good." Vastarael straightened, brushing a hand through his hair. "And hey, since we're talking progress, everyone who was frozen in Halo Islands is fine, right? The icy landscape melted, no lingering frostbite or anything?'

"They are unharmed," she confirmed, her tone formal once more. "The thaw was complete, and the land has returned to its natural state."

"Great," Vastarael said with a satisfied nod. Then, without warning, he stepped forward, his golden-sapphire eyes locking onto hers.

"Vastarael, what are you—"

Her words were cut off as he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers.

Erna froze, her crimson eyes widening in shock. The kiss was brief, just enough to leave a faint warmth lingering on her lips, and when he pulled away, he was already summoning a teleportation circle with a casual wave of his hand.

"Goodbye, Erna," he said with a cheeky grin, stepping into the glowing circle as it began to hum with energy. "See you in three years. Try not to miss me too much."

And just like that, he was gone, leaving Erna standing in the spire with a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

Her fingers lightly brushed against her lips as she stared at the spot where he had been, her formal composure completely shattered.

"What... was that?"

She found herself pouting slightly, an uncharacteristic gesture for someone as composed as her.

"That insufferable man... Who does he think he is, leaving me like that? Does he..."

She trailed off, her face flushing further as she realized her thoughts were spiraling. With a sharp shake of her head, she straightened her posture, though the faint warmth in her cheeks refused to fade.

"Three years," she muttered to herself. "We shall see what he makes of them."