347 Chapter 346: Growth

With a simple mental command, the lightning that adorned my form dissipated, returning to its resting place within me. As the crackling energy faded, the stormy sky gradually cleared, revealing the gentle glow of sunlight that bathed the world below in its warm embrace. The battlefield, once consumed by chaos and conflict, now stood illuminated by the serene rays of sunlight, as if nature itself rejoiced at the newfound peace.

The Auris, Humans, and Mindweavers, still reeling from the awe-inspiring display they had just witnessed, found themselves devoid of any desire to resume their battle. Stunned and perplexed, they stood frozen in a state of disbelief, their minds struggling to comprehend the extraordinary events that had unfolded before them. It wasn't an everyday occurrence to meet a Dragon, accompanied by Deities.

In the wake of my dramatic transformation, Breta was the first to lower her divine shield, her expression a mixture of astonishment and resignation. Serenia and the other minor deities followed suit, their divine auras subsiding as the tension that had gripped the battlefield gradually dissipated.

Breta couldn't help but voice her incredulity, her words tinged with a sigh. "I don't want to ask, but I doubt my eyes failed me. Did you just absorb the lightning mana?"

A lighthearted chuckle escaped my lips as I nodded, acknowledging her observation. "Indeed, I did. It was quite a challenge, I must admit."

Breta's gaze remained fixed on me, her expression a mixture of curiosity and bemusement. This wasn't her first time witnessing the power I possessed firsthand, yet it still seemed to surprise her.

"You are ridiculous, you know that, right?" She asked, to which I laughed and replied.

"I think I've heard that before."

She helplessly shook her head, her emotionless facade fading for a second as she continued, "I pity your brothers."

I smiled and answered, "I am the oldest, so it makes sense for me to be the strongest. I have to protect my cute little siblings, after all."

"Cute?" Breta asked with a raised brow before she scoffed, "I don't know about that." She mumbled the last part.

"I heard that, and besides, you have seen little Essie, right? If you don't think she's cute then there is clearly something wrong with you," I said with a grin.

The minor deities observed our exchange with a mix of curiosity and hesitation, their expressions betraying a desire to interject but a reluctance to interrupt. Sensing their unspoken thoughts, Breta swiftly diverted the conversation, eager to move on from the topic.

"Enough of that," she interjected, her voice laced with a hint of impatience. "Since we are done here, should we leave?"

I cast a final gaze upon the mortals below, acknowledging their bewildered yet hopeful expressions, before turning my attention back to Breta. With a nod of agreement, I affirmed, "Yes, there is nothing left for us to do here."

Then, my gaze shifted to Serenia, and I spoke with a tone of request, "Serenia if you would."

The Goddess nodded serenely, her ethereal presence filling the air as she gracefully waved her hand. As her divine energy surged, our figures began to gradually fade away, dissolving into the very essence of existence. The mortals' eyes widened in disbelief and excitement, their hushed whispers transforming into a cacophony of voices as chaos ensued.

In the wake of our disappearance, the Auris swiftly commenced their retreat, their fervor quelled by our enigmatic departure. The Humans and Mindweavers, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, shifted their focus from battle to clean up, working together to mend the scars of the battlefield.

As the dust settled, a palpable sense of finality lingered in the air. The fight was truly over. Whispers of the extraordinary encounter would undoubtedly spread like wildfire, interwoven with legends and folklore that would be recounted for generations to come.

And yet, the true impact of our presence extended beyond mere stories and myths. Unknowingly, seeds of unity and understanding had been sown within the hearts of those who bore witness to our presence. The absurdity of our arrival had shattered preconceived notions and fostered the potential for harmony amidst diversity.

As we vanished from their realm, the mortals seemed to have been left with a renewed sense of possibility, their spirits kindled by the belief that there was more to their existence than they had previously imagined.

****

As we soared through the skies, the vast expanse of the mortal lands stretched out beneath us. I broke the silence with a statement, directed at my companions.

"That should be the last of it," I remarked, my voice carrying a sense of accomplishment. Breta, acknowledging my words, nodded in agreement but remained otherwise silent.

Taking advantage of the moment, Serenia seized the opportunity to engage in conversation. Her voice, filled with curiosity, resonated in the air.

"Shall we head north then, to meet your brother?" she inquired, seeking clarity in our next destination.

I affirmed her question with a nod, a glimmer of anticipation flickering in my eyes. "Yes, we have concluded our tasks in this region. I believe he should be nearing the end of his own endeavors."

Serenia gracefully inclined her head, acknowledging my response. "Understood. Then, allow me to lead the way."

Before she could accelerate, however, I intervened with a gesture. "Hold on. There's no need to rush. I still sense a few lingering mana irregularities on his side. Let us give him some time to address them."

The Goddess displayed a hint of confusion upon her features but ultimately complied with a nod of understanding. On the other hand, Breta directed her gaze toward me, her expression filled with a mix of amusement and skepticism.

"You're oddly considerate when you want to be," she quipped, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm.

A mischievous smile curved my lips as I retorted, "What is that supposed to mean? I'm always considerate."

With a dismissive roll of her eyes, Breta responded, her voice laced with mock disbelief, "Yes, of course, you are." The banter between us lightened the atmosphere.

As we gradually decelerated our pace, my attention shifted to the new surroundings unfolding before us. I observed the landscape with a keen eye, taking in the details of this unfamiliar world.

Sidus, despite his efforts to appear mature, couldn't hide his true feelings from me. I knew him well enough to understand that he harbored a competitive spirit, always striving to match or surpass my achievements. Deep down, he carried a sense of dissatisfaction with consistently lagging behind me.

It was precisely because of this underlying sentiment that I chose not to rush to his side. He needed the opportunity to prove himself, to find his own path and regain the confidence that had wavered. Rushing in to "help" him now would only undermine his growth and prevent him from truly finding his own strength.

By giving him space and time, I hoped he would come to realize his own potential and find his own way forward.