A month later, a large vessel from Fontaine, cutting through the waves, sailed swiftly across the surface of the sea.
Clorinde stood tall on the deck at the bow of the ship, her expression stern and resolute, gazing ahead at the terrifying, raging storm front.
In her hand, a deep purple one-handed sword materialized, quiet and brilliant like a purple star in the night sky.
Soon after, the giant vessel plunged into the purgatory-like thunderstorm.
In an instant, countless violent lightning bolts descended from the sky, as if bearing destructive force, threatening to engulf the giant vessel.
However, at this moment of peril, Clorinde moved. The Vision on her collar suddenly lit up, bursting with dazzling light.
She was like a dazzling meteor streaking through the darkness; her purple one-handed sword instantly cut through all the violent lightning strikes, making the lightning that had threatened the giant vessel instantly vanish without a trace.
In under a quarter of an hour, the Fontainian vessel had shot through the raging thunderstorm area like an arrow and re-entered the calm blue sea and sky.
Clorinde stood alone on the pitching deck, still catching her breath. With every deep breath, the white Slime on her chest gently bounced. The battle with the thunderstorm had almost completely drained her strength.
Her thoughts drifted involuntarily to Yide far away. If it were him, dealing with such a storm would likely be effortless.
Just then, Furina, with her characteristic grace, slowly walked over to Clorinde's side. Her voice was as soft as the wind: "Clorinde, you must be exhausted."
Clorinde took a deep breath, making an effort to steady her breathing, and replied calmly, "Lady Furina, you're too kind. This is merely my duty, done to fulfill my promise to Yide."
As Yide 's name was mentioned, a trace of ill-concealed resentment involuntarily flickered in Furina's eyes.
That guy had been gone for such a long time without sending even a single word, as if he had vanished without a trace.
Driven by profound worry for Yide 's safety, she resolutely decided to accompany Clorinde.
The vessel traveled quickly, and about an hour later, they arrived at their destination.
What met Furina's eyes was a vast construction site, so large it was estimated to be about half the size of Fontaine City.
On this bustling construction site, countless machines were roaring, and construction workers were sweating profusely, working intensely to advance the project's progress.
Currently, a solid city foundation had already been laid, the water supply and drainage systems had also been successfully completed, and now, workers were focused on constructing various buildings upwards.
Furina stepped onto this land full of anticipation. As soon as she stepped off the vessel, a figure that made her heart pound appeared in her view.
It was the person she longed for day and night— Yide.
He stood in the sunlight, his figure upright and imposing, his features more handsome than ever.
Sunlight fell upon his face, bathing him in a golden glow, making him look even more captivating.
Furina's gaze was involuntarily drawn to him, as if the entire world had paused, leaving only him standing there, becoming the sole focus of her sight.
She struggled to suppress the torrent of longing within her, gracefully approached him, and began speaking in her typical flamboyant manner: " Yide, I demand a detailed explanation of the situation here."
Yide 's face broke into a smile as warm and radiant as sunlight. He responded gently, "As you command, my Goddess." His words were filled with doting affection for her.
Then, the two walked side by side, walking further and further away.
Not far away, Chiori watched their figures growing distant, her heart filled with mixed feelings, as if something inside her had been completely overturned, making her feel a pain she had never known before.
She knew well that she shouldn't have yearned for feelings that weren't hers to claim.
But emotions... how can they be so easily controlled?
…
As the sun set, golden afterglow spread across the vast sea, coating the entire ocean in a golden light.
On this tranquil shore, aside from the occasional sound of waves crashing against the rocks, everything appeared incredibly tranquil and serene.
The damp sea breeze carried a touch of salt, gently rustling Furina's lovely hair.
Her smooth hair, caressed by the sea breeze, fluttered lightly like a fairy's, complementing her beautiful face and creating a touching scene.
Yide tightly held Furina's small, soft hand as the two strolled leisurely along the beach together.
" Yide, tell me about your experiences during this time," Furina said gently.
Yide gently lifted her hand, as devoutly as a guardian knight, and gently pressed a kiss on the back of her hand. "As you command, my esteemed and beautiful Lady Furina."
Furina shyly gave him a playful look, but inwardly felt incredibly sweet.
Then, Yide began to recount, telling of his various experiences during this period.
After listening to his account, Furina couldn't help but let out a deep sigh and said with emotion, "The people of Inazuma are truly suffering deeply, to have ended up with such a muddled and incompetent deity."
Yide, however, calmly offered his assessment: "In truth, she isn't truly incompetent. It's simply that she's in a position that isn't suitable for her. She is a remarkable warrior, but not a fitting deity."
Furina pondered for a moment and confessed somewhat shamefully, "Honestly, I don't truly count as a competent deity either. I was even completely unaware of the suffering of Fontaine's common folk.
Had it not been for you, I fear many crimes would never receive fair judgment."
"Well then, my Goddess, shouldn't you grant me a little reward?" Yide gazed at her with burning eyes. His gaze revealed an irresistible charm and a hint of forwardness.
Furina could certainly see the deep meaning in his eyes. This fellow clearly wanted to seize the moment.
Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head, saying shyly in a voice barely louder than a whisper, "You may have this Goddess's kiss, but... absolutely must not... take things further..."
The words had barely left her lips when her rosy lips were fervently covered by Yide's mouth. Her lips were skillfully parted, and their tongues intertwined and mingled continuously.
Intense affection silently flowed between them, like flowing water, gentle and deep.
Furina felt as though she were on a dreamy cloud, gently enveloped by boundless sweetness and happiness.
Her heart found a peace and satisfaction it had never known before at this moment.
Time seemed to stand still, with only the sound of their heartbeats echoing.
After a long while, Yide sensed Furina's breathing becoming slightly hurried. It was only then that he gently ended the intoxicating, lingering kiss.
Furina calmed her breathing slightly and shot him a look. That pervert had just stepped out of line again.
Yide lifted a hand with an apologetic smile. "I couldn't help myself!"
Furina gave a soft huff and pouted, walking ahead by herself.
Yide quickly shamelessly followed her and retook her hand firmly.
Furina gave a few token struggles, then dropped her divine reserve, allowing him to hold her hand.
The setting sun's afterglow shone upon them, drawing their shadows longer and longer...