Leon stood before the simple grave, the moonlight casting long shadows across the clearing. He took a deep breath, focusing his mind.
'System, guide me through the Ritual of Revival.'
[Acknowledged. Projecting ritual instructions]
A complex array of glowing runes appeared in his mind's eye. It was a simple spell, but it required precision. He knelt, placing one hand on the cold earth of the grave. With his other hand, he began to draw the runes in the dirt, channeling his dark magic.
As he drew, a faint, black mist began to seep from the ground, swirling around his hand. The air grew cold, and the ambient sounds of the forest died down, replaced by an eerie silence. Necrotic energy, the very essence of death and decay, answered his call. It felt different from the raw power of his Titan cultivation—it was quieter, more insidious, but potent in its own way. The final rune complete, the entire array on the ground pulsed with a soft, purple light.
"By the decree of the one who walks the path of souls," Leon intoned, his voice low and steady, "I command the lingering spirit to return. Awaken!"
The purple light flared, and the mist coalesced over the grave. It swirled faster and faster, slowly taking on a humanoid shape. The form solidified, becoming the translucent, glowing figure of a young woman. She had long, flowing silver hair, delicate features, and two fluffy fox ears twitching atop her head. Two magnificent, equally fluffy tails swished gently behind her. Even as a spirit, her beauty was breathtaking.
Leon found himself momentarily stunned. Having never interreacted with any girls in over 9000 years, for Leon the innocence and vibrant feminine force radiating from this girl, even in death, was highly captivating.
He even felt a slight movement in his lower region at the enticing sight.
Kira's spiritual eyes fluttered open. They were a stunning shade of amethyst. She looked around, confused, before her gaze landed on Leon. Her face instantly broke into a radiant, joyful smile.
"My husband!" she exclaimed, her voice like tinkling bells. "You came for me!"
Before Leon could even process the word "husband," she launched herself at him, her arms outstretched and her lips puckered for a kiss.
Leon braced himself instinctively, but she passed straight through him like a cool breeze.
She stumbled on the other side, turning around with a look of utter shock. She looked at her glowing, see-through hands, then back at Leon. "What… what's happening? Why can't I touch you?"
Just then, a new notification pinged in Leon's mind.
New Objective Added to Requiem Mission #1
Objective: A Body for a Bride
Description: Kira's soul has been revived, but her spirit is untethered. She requires a physical vessel to interact with the world and fulfill her regret.
Task: Gather the necessary materials to create a new body for Kira.
Heart of a Sunwood Treant (1)
Tears of a Moonlight Pixie (1 vial)
Core of a Golem (1)
"You are a spirit," Leon explained calmly, deciding it was best to be direct. "Your body is gone. I have called your soul back."
Kira's ears drooped, and her two tails fell limp. "A spirit? So… I'm dead?" Tears welled up in her amethyst eyes. "I never even got to… I never had my wedding night."
"I know," Leon said gently. "That's why I'm here. To help you fulfill that regret."
"First things first," he said, changing the subject. "We need to get you a body. But while we search for the materials, tell me about yourself. Whatever you're comfortable sharing."
Kira floated closer, her two tails swishing nervously. "Me? There's not much to tell. I'm Kira, the oldest daughter of the Fox-Kin King of the Silver Tail Kingdom. Our home is the Whispering Peaks, a massive mountain range that marks the entire eastern border of your human kingdom. I have two younger sisters and a brother, all much more ambitious than me."
"What were your ambitions?" Leon asked, his eyes on the dark path ahead.
"Honestly?" she said with a small, shy laugh. "I just wanted a happy life. A kind husband, lots of children to fill a noisy home… simple things. My siblings wanted to be great mages or powerful warriors. I was a disappointment in that regard."
"So why did you agree to marry the King of Aeridor? It doesn't seem to fit your simple ambitions."
"It didn't," she agreed, her voice tinged with sadness. "Our kingdom has been fighting with the humans over territory. My father thought a political marriage would bring peace. As the oldest, it was my duty."
"What happened when you arrived at the palace?"
Kira shuddered, her form flickering. "I don't know everything. It was all so fast. I arrived, met the King… he seemed nice enough. But the Queen… she looked at me with such hatred. Later that night, before I was even shown to my chambers, men in masks grabbed me. The next thing I remember is waking up here, with you."
"So you don't even know for sure who killed you?"
"I suspect it was the Queen," she whispered. "The King seemed quite taken with me, and her jealousy was obvious to everyone."
Leon nodded. "Once you have your body, would you like to return to your kingdom?"
Kira shook her head immediately. "No. It's not like I was cherished there. Because I didn't want power or influence, my parents focused all their attention on my siblings. They received the best training, the finest clothes… I was mostly overlooked." Her voice softened. "The only person who was ever truly kind to me was my handmaiden, Yuna."
"Yuna?" Leon asked, the name catching his attention.
"Yes! She was my best and only friend. She came with me to the human palace." A look of panic crossed Kira's face. "Oh no! I have no idea what happened to her after I was taken! Would she be okay?"
Her distress was genuine. This was a regret that ran deeper than a missed wedding night; it was the fear for a loved one.
"Don't worry. I will help you find her," Leon gently said with a small smile on his face.
"Really? You would do that for me?" Kiara's eyes sparkled.
"Of course…"
"Yay! Thank you, husband."
"Can you stop calling me husband? You make me sound old." Leon said, slightly admonishing Kiara.
"Eh? Why? You don't want to be my husband? Sniff…" Kiara's eyes immediately turned watery, demanding an explanation.
"I never said that... How about this, you call me Leon for now, and once I help you form a body, we will take it from there." Leon immediately tried to divert the topic.
His mind was still not over trying to find his master again, even after so many years. However, he could not bear to reject the girl in front of him who was calling him husband so earnestly.
Sigh. I will let nature take its course. No need to force anything