Chapter 1648: Chapter 1648

Maria elaborated on how the Administrators had abused their authority to hasten the destruction of worlds through Calamities. She explained that the Kraken had likely been unleashed by one of them to annihilate their world swiftly, though the outcome hadn't gone as they intended.

She also described the Ruler of the Tower, whose insatiable hunger for worlds had only grown over the eons. Every world was now threatened by the upper floors, which exploited and weakened the lesser realms, making it easier for the Ruler to consume them.

Maria even touched on Odin and his divine lineage, revealing that if not for him, Naiad might still be alive. He had instructed Oceania to take Naiad as her Divine Spirit, driven by a desire to rule even the oceans he could not see.

Given all that had transpired and their wish to keep Celes safe, Oceanus and his family agreed surprisingly quickly to the alliance. They also had personal grievances with the Tower Ruler, whose hunger had destroyed their original world, the birthplace of many Spirit Deities now residing in the Tower.

"Although we're enjoying a peaceful era after defeating the Kraken," Oceanus sighed, "we never know when another portal might open and unleash a new threat. If we can destroy the upper floors together and pave the way for you to defeat the Tower Ruler, with help from the Outer Gods you mentioned, then maybe we can reclaim the peace we once knew. Or at least gain the comfort of knowing that any turmoil in our world is of our own making, not the result of some alien force erasing our legacy."

"But if you truly destroy the Tower," Thalassa asked, "what happens to the worlds? I know you said they won't be destroyed, but what comes next? Will we be isolated? I understand that separation might be good for hostile worlds, but it would also cut us off from Celes."

Maria remained silent, deep in thought. Her plan had been fueled largely by revenge, but she had considered many outcomes. She had imagined scenarios where worlds were destroyed, and others where they were separated despite the wishes of their inhabitants.

In the end, her answer was simple.

"I'll handle it myself. I can manipulate space and the void between worlds," Maria said. "With my shadows, I can already teleport across vast distances, even between worlds. And I can grant that ability to anyone I choose."

"So you'll become the bridge?" Oceanus asked. "But wouldn't that be..."

"Taxing? Not really. I can automate it, create phantom clones to manage it, or even assign Undead to the task. They have endless stamina," Maria replied with a confident smile. "I'm considering every possible scenario, including one where our worlds are destroyed. I'm building contingency plans for each. Some will require me to grow stronger, but this journey has already made me powerful, and I'll keep evolving."

Oceanus and Thalassa exchanged a silent conversation through their Spirit Link, a telepathic bond shared by Spirits. After a moment, they nodded.

"Though we've only just met, you've helped us avenge our daughter," Oceanus said with a smile. "And you spared our lives, despite what we did to Celes."

"We're deeply grateful," Thalassa added. "We owe you and Celes more than you know. We'll help you." Google seaʀᴄh novel-fire.net

"Yes, but on one condition," Oceanus said, his tone briefly serious.

Maria braced herself, expecting a request for resources, power, or System Points.

"Please let us see Celes from time to time. Pretty please?" he asked, fidgeting like a schoolgirl.

"Please, please, pleeease..." Thalassa chimed in.

"H-Huh?" Maria was stunned, as were most of her companions. "That's it? How often?"

"Whenever you allow, but somewhat regularly. Maybe once a year? Is that too much?" Oceanus asked.

"Once a year is nothing. I'll try to visit every few months," Celes said with a smile.

"You're such a good boy!"

Oceanus and Thalassa were already enamored with the idea, having adopted Celes in their hearts. Brontys and Coraleia were equally delighted, celebrating the chance to spend more time with their new little brother.

"Alright, it's a deal. Let's seal our alliance with a Soul Contract," Maria said, extending her hand.

"A Soul Contract... Is that like a Spirit Vow?" Oceanus asked.

"Yes," Maria confirmed.

"Very well," Oceanus said, shaking her hand, though it was a bit awkward due to the size difference.

A glowing thread connected their souls, forming the sacred vow. The alliance was forged, and Atlantis was now bound to Maria.

"To show my sincerity, I'd like to offer you something," Maria said. "Touch this crystal. It contains the power we gained from another world. It's called a Dream Heart. It will help you grow stronger and awaken a Dream Weapon."

"A Dream Weapon? Like the boy's trident?" Oceanus asked. "Interesting."

"It won't hurt?" Thalassa asked.

"It stings a little at first. If you're not interested, say so now. I won't offer it again," Maria warned.

"Is it safe?" Brontys asked, turning to Celes.

"It is. Don't worry, big bro," Celes reassured him.

"Aw, can't you call me big sis?" Coraleia asked.

"Big sis!" Celes beamed.

"Aww! Okay, I'm going first!" Coraleia said, touching the Dream Heart, an item Maria had earned in Azure Star.

Pink clouds enveloped her hand, then her body, before flowing into her chest. She groaned in pain, alarming her family, but soon calmed down as something within her crystallized. She saw vivid memories of her family and her life.

"Incredible! I feel stronger. What is this amazing power? It hurt a little, but it's worth it. Wait, where's my weapon... Ah!"

Dream Essence surged through her, coalescing in her palm to form her Dream Weapon: a large blue ladle adorned with pink heart-shaped jewels.

"A ladle?!" she gasped. "Wow... This is perfect. I love cooking. I wonder what sort of powerful cooking dishes can I create with this wonderful new thing?"

"I-I didn't expect that," Brontys said. "Uh, okay, here goes nothing."