Realm of Myths and Legends

Izroth inwardly furrowed his brows as the cold air washed over him.

«Resisted»

«Resisted»

Thanks to his Heavenly Golden Body and having consumed the Evil Cleansing Pill, Izroth was able to resist any negative effects brought about by the coldness. However, the fact that he could still feel a chill despite having successfully resisted it revealed the core of a vicious nature.

"It's already progressed this far. I'm afraid overstaying our welcome will have a harmful impact on us. We must keep our visit as brief as possible." Sylvia warned.

"Master..." Sychia uttered to herself as her expression saddened.

A part of Sychia could not bear to see her master in her current state; however, she knew what had to be done.

Sylvia waited a moment for Sychia to prepare herself. But, the wait did not last long as their time was limited.

"First Sword of the Thousand Blossoms, Sylvia has come to greet the master!" Sylvia announced.

"Thousand Blossom Maiden, Sychia has come to greet the master!" Sychia followed.

After the two spoke, there was a moment of lingering silence. Then, a few seconds later, a calm and soothing yet weak voice sounded from behind the door.

"You may enter." The voice responded.

The next moment, the door to the room opened on its own as Sylvia stepped forward with Sychia close behind.

As for Izroth, he followed silently after the two.

The door closed the instant Izroth set foot into the room.

What welcomed him was a spacious and tranquil room filled with several powerful magic formations.

Izroth did not know much about magic formations in RML, but his understanding of magic itself had reached incredible heights. Therefore, he could tell at a glance that the magic formations were set in place to suppress the cold aura leaking out of this room. Or, to be more precise, from the woman sitting upright on the bed.

'So this is the current head of the Order of a Thousand Blossoms. According to Sychia, they are not related, but... Aren't their appearances a bit too alike?'

Sitting upright on the bed was a woman who appeared to be in her mid-thirties. There was a gentle and refined aura of maturity that encompassed her as she gave off a natural sense of authority--even with her sickly state.

She possessed an exquisite pair of eyes the color of a lily and long pink hair that was slightly darker than that of Sychia's.

The woman wore a set of simple white robes that contained traces of healing magic.

But, what truly stood out about this woman's appearance was her extremely pale skin that released a frosted chill. Being the source of that chill, it was a miracle that she had not frozen to death yet. Though the fact that she was still alive and able to speak was a testament to her strength.

She was the current head of Order of a Thousand Blossoms and Sychia as well as Sylvia's master, the Holy Maiden, Seina.

NPC Name: Order of a Thousand Blossoms Holy Maiden, Seina(???)

NPC Level: ???

When Seina's gaze landed on Sychia, there was a look of relief in her eyes. But, soon after, that expression vanished and was replaced by one of sternness.

"Master-" Sychia attempted to speak; however, before she was able to do so, Seina held up her hand, causing her to halt her words without hesitation.

"Against my wishes, you left the Thousand Blossoms Peak. Furthermore, you purposefully deceived your senior sisters and put yourself in unnecessary danger. You understand your wrongdoings, do you not?"

"...I do. For my actions, I am willing to accept any punishment that master chooses." Sychia replied respectfully.

"Good. As long as you understand." Seina said as she closed her eyes.

She then continued, "You are prohibited from leaving the Thousand Blossoms Peak for one month. In addition, during that time, you must visit the Self-Reflection Room every day for half a day and reflect on your actions."

"I understand..." Sychia stated as she lowered her head in an apologetic manner.

Sychia knew the consequences of disobeying her master's decision; therefore, she did not protest.

"Now that that matter is settled... Foolish girl. It is good that you have returned safely. Do you enjoy causing your master endless worries?" Seina opened her eyes as the earlier expression of relief returned with a warm presence.

Seina had raised Sychia as her own daughter from the time she was a young child. Naturally, she was worried about her well-being. But, at the same time, a part of her was proud to see Sychia finally taking her own steps forward.

"It was not my intention," Sychia said as she gave a helpless smile.

"I know. If your intentions were impure at heart, I would not have let you off with such a light punishment. Still, as your master, I have failed you, Sy-" Seina was abruptly interrupted by a series of harsh coughs.

"Master!" Sychia and Sylvia called out simultaneously as they prepared to rush over.

However, before they could do so, Seina motioned her hand for them to stay where they were, causing them to halt their steps.

A few moments later, the coughs died down. Afterward, Seina's expression appeared to have become paler. This change did not escape Izroth's gaze.

"I am fine. It is just some light coughs. You two--there is no need to show me such expressions." Seina stated.

Both Sychia and Sylvia looked as if tears would burst forth at any second as the concern could not be hidden on their faces.

"Master, how can you say you failed me? It was this disobedient disciple of yours who went against your wishes. Please, do not blame yourself." Sychia said hurriedly.

Seina shook her head and responded, "It is no secret that I have doted on you from the time you were a child. You are like the daughter I could never have. I thought that I would always be around to protect you. But, soon, that will no longer be possible. As your master, I have taught you the ways of our Order, but I have not prepared you properly for the harsh realities of this world, Sy. If something were to happen to you because of my lack of teachings, I could not bear it. Even after departing from this world--I could not bear it."

Following Seina's words, there was a brief silence. Then, without warning, Sychia rushed over to her master's side as a stream of tears flowed from her eyes.

"Master! You cannot leave me! If you die, this disciple will die with you!" Sychia cried out as she kneeled over the side of the bed.

"Silly girl. You are no longer a child. If you say such things again, I will get angry." Seina replied as she gently stroked the top of Sychia's head.

Sylvia tightly clenched her fists as she looked away from Sychia and her master. However, no matter how fiercely she fought to hide her emotions for the sake of her junior sisters and the Order of a Thousand Blossoms, Sylvia silently stood there as the tears fell from her eyes.

...

A few moments later...

Things finally managed to calm down as Sychia had returned to standing upright and Sylvia readjusted herself.

Sychia's cheeks were still flushed bright red as she thought about the embarrassing sight she had just shown to Izroth. But, strangely, she also felt as though a heavy burden had been suddenly lifted off her heart.

"I have not mentioned anything yet, but it appears you have brought a guest. This is a rare occasion. Though I am certain you are aware of the rules regarding outsiders during this time." Seina said as her eyes finally fell on Izroth.

Although this was the first time she had directly looked at him, Izroth had not felt Seina's watchful "gaze" leave him since the moment he entered the room.

"Master, allow me to explain. It's like this..." Sylvia said as she went on to introduce Izroth and retold the events that Sychia conveyed to her.

After doing so, the entire room shook as Seina's expression turned cold.

"They dare lay a land on my precious disciple? That old man from the Eight Heavens and the Fifth Great Clan will have to give me a proper explanation...!" Seina said in a cold and fearsome tone.

To think they would use such vicious methods in an attempt to kill her disciple. How could Seina not become absolutely furious?!

"Master, you must calm yourself. Please think about your health." Sylvia reminded.

In truth, Sylvia was just as outraged about what happened as her master. However, as of right now, her master's health took priority over all other things. The matters with the Eight Heavens and Fifth Great Clan would simply have to wait.