Just Extra

After the fight, Naviga and Minerva were both knackered, sprawled on the ground, looking pretty beat up. They were both struggling to breathe, every gasp a reminder of the pain shooting through their bodies. Blood was everywhere, forming dark, shiny puddles around them. The rough volcanic rock beneath them soaked it all up, turning a nasty shade of red. They were fading fast, losing strength with every passing moment, their faces pale and trembling.

Suddenly, Minasa appeared, like a ray of sunshine in all the chaos. She didn't hesitate, kneeling down beside the two warriors, her movements careful but kind. She pulled them into a tight hug, holding them close like she was afraid they might disappear. Gently, she helped them sit up, guiding their tired bodies until their backs were against the cool, damp cave wall. The chill of the stone felt good against their burning skin. Every move she made was quick but gentle, showing how much she cared for her sister Naviga and Miss Minerva.

Minasa grabbed some healing potions from her storage ring, her fingers gliding over the smooth vials before she picked one. She carefully uncorked it and tilted it to pour the liquid into Naviga's mouth first. The potion had a bit of a kick as it went down, but almost instantly, a comforting warmth spread through her chest, healing the cuts and mending the broken bones. Minasa did the same for Minerva, keeping a close eye as colour slowly returned to their faces. They were still weak, but at least they were starting to bounce back, their breathing becoming steadier and the tension melting away.

Once she was sure they were alright, Minasa focused on the Violet Inferno Flower. She stepped cautiously towards it, treading carefully because she knew this was a delicate job. Gently, she plucked the flower from the jagged rocks, cradling it in her palm. Its petals shimmered softly, buzzing with energy. Carefully, she stored the precious bloom in her spatial ring, making sure it'd be safe. Earlier, she'd also gathered the Void Petal Soil, so she tucked that away in her ring as well. These rare items would be super useful later on.

With everything secured, Minasa went back to where Naviga and Minerva were resting. They had dozed off against the cave walls, their heads tilting forward, totally spent. Even though they looked pretty fragile, there was no fear on their faces—not while Minasa was there. Just her presence was enough to keep the creeping darkness away, a quiet promise that she'd protect them no matter what.

While the two warriors were sleeping, Minasa quietly approached the fallen Molten Cobra. Its huge body lay across the cavern floor, lifeless but still radiating heat. She knelt beside it and reached into its core, pulling out a glowing, pulsing orb packed with power. Even in death, its core was warm, shimmering like molten gold. She handled it with care and placed it into her spatial ring, sealing it away for later.

Finally, with all her tasks wrapped up, Minasa got to work on making some food. The smell of cooking wafted gently through the cavern, mixing with the faint scent of battle—the metallic tang of blood and the smoky scent of scorched earth. But for now, all was calm. And peaceful.

×××××

Five hours passed in silence, the cave dimly lit by the faint glow of residual energy. Minerva and Naviga stirred from their deep slumber, their bodies still heavy with lingering pain from the earlier battle. The sharp ache in their muscles and bones reminded them of the toll the fight had taken. Slowly, they attempted to rise, but Minasa's voice cut through the quiet like a blade—firm, cold, and unyielding.

"Miss, don't get up now," Minasa said sharply, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Your bodies are still recovering. Stay seated. First, eat this food and circulate your Universal Essence through your body slowly. Only then can you consider getting up."

Minerva and Naviga exchanged glances before lowering their heads obediently. "Yes, Aunt Minasa," Minerva replied softly, while Naviga echoed, "Yes, sister." Neither dared to challenge Minasa's authority; they knew better than to provoke her stern demeanor.

Minasa handed them plates of food—meat carved from the Molten Cobra they had defeated. The aroma was rich and savory, carrying a hint of fiery spice that seemed to resonate with the very essence of the creature. Minerva, being a Fire Elementalist, felt an immediate affinity with the meal. She could sense how the meat's properties would enhance her connection to fire, amplifying her elemental efficiency significantly. Even Naviga, whose Yin Element didn't directly benefit from such fiery sustenance, found the food strengthening her physical form. Her blood, bones, marrow, core, heart—all the vital components of her body—felt invigorated, as though the meat fortified her from within.

They ate slowly, savoring the delicious flavor while feeling its effects ripple through their systems. Once finished, they closed their eyes and began circulating Universal Essence throughout their bodies, allowing the energy to heal and reinforce their weakened states. Naviga activated the chip embedded within her, scanning her current status.

---

Status Update:

Name: Naviga Akerman

Core: 3rd Phase

Age: 15 [Biological Age: 22]

Physical Strength (Phy): 13 [Normal Adult: 2] → Updated from 11

Universal Essence (U.E.): 15

Agility (Agi): 12 [Adult: 2] → Updated from 11

Defense (Def): 15 [Adult: 2] → Updated from 13

Charm: 18.5 [Adult: 3] → Updated from 18

Luck: 8 [Adult: 1]

Elements: Yin Element, Moon Element

Arts:

Lunar Serenity Breathing – [Foundation]

Lunar Edge Sword Art – [Transcendence] (Previously Mastery)

Universal Essence consumption reduced by 20% compared to Mastery level.

Eclipse Slash Sword Art – [Mastery] (Previously Foundation)

Universal Essence consumption reduced by 10% compared to Foundation level.

Phantom Moon Step – [Transcendence] (Previously Mastery)

Universal Essence consumption reduced by 20% compared to Mastery level.

Moonlit Shield – [Mastery]

---

Naviga reviewed the updates carefully, noting the improvements in her physical attributes, agility, defense, and even charm. Her swordsmanship and footwork techniques had reached new heights—Lunar Edge Sword Arts and Phantom Moon Step Footwork Art had both ascended to Transcendence levels, making them far more efficient in terms of Universal Essence usage. Eclipse Slash Sword Art had also advanced to Mastery, further refining her combat capabilities.

Despite these gains, Naviga resisted the urge to test her newfound strength immediately. She understood that her body was still recovering, the aches serving as a reminder of her limits. Instead, she focused on cultivating her Universal Essence using *Lunar Serenity Breathing*. However, progress was slow. The absence of Moon or Yin Elements in the environment made it difficult for her to draw upon her natural affinities. The cave was saturated with Fire Element due to the presence of the Volcano. which Minasa had collected earlier. While the flower had slightly diminished the ambient Universal Essence in the area, there was still plenty left to cultivate. Yet, without her preferred elements, Naviga knew it would take time—perhaps another six hours of meditation—to fully replenish herself.

Her thoughts drifted momentarily to the Violet Inferno Flower. Though its collection had altered the energy dynamics of the cave, she trusted Minasa's judgment. For now, all she could do was focus on her breathing, letting the Universal Essence flow steadily through her veins, nurturing her weary body back to full strength.

Six hours later, after their meditation, Naviga and Minerva finally got up. The aches in their bodies had mostly gone, but they still felt the weight of their earlier battle. Minasa was nearby, her sharp eyes scanning the area. After a moment, she spoke, her voice calm but firm.

"I can't sense any danger right now," Minasa said. "We can go back now. I've got both the Violet Inferno Flower and the Voidpetal Soil. Miss Minerva, I'll give them to you once we're settled." With that, she gave them each a set of talismans—for protection and travel—and then vanished, leaving only a faint trace of her presence.

Naviga and Minerva took a moment to look around the cave one last time. The bloodstains from their fight were still there on the volcanic rock, dark and ominous reminders of the battle. The heat of the volcano was all around them, pressing against their skin. Luckily, Minasa had given them ice talismans, which they quickly put on. The cool energy from the talismans helped a lot, letting them handle the intense heat as they made their way out of the cave.

Once outside, the volcano's heat surrounded them. The molten glow of lava lit up the jagged landscape, casting spooky shadows. Using flying talismans, they flew up into the air, above the crater's edge. From there, they carefully navigated towards the tunnel that would lead them away from the central volcano. They moved carefully, each step deliberate as they crossed the dangerous path.

Reaching the left volcanic mountain, they stopped for a moment before using their flying talismans again to fly upwards, this time heading towards the mouth of the volcano. It was a risky journey, the heat and fumes threatening to overwhelm them at every turn. But they stayed focused, their determination pushing them forward. When they finally reached the crater's rim, Minasa reappeared, silently beside them. Without hesitation, she summoned an airboat, and together, they descended from the volcanic peaks.

The journey away from the three volcanic mountains was uneventful, the landscape gradually changing from fiery wasteland to calmer, more familiar ground. Even though they didn't encounter any immediate threats, both Naviga and Minerva stayed alert. They knew that if they had stayed longer at the central volcanic mountain, they might have faced fire giants or other monstrous enemies. But for now, they were safe—or so it seemed.

They were still on edge, even though there wasn't any immediate danger. The Violet Inferno Flower was safe with Minasa, but they didn't have it. Thieves and assassins were everywhere, not just after rare treasures like the flower, but also just wanting to cause trouble and steal things. Maybe they weren't after the flower itself, but anyone who dared to go near the volcanoes. It was a bit scary, and they were mentally prepared for another attack.

But they were lucky today. The journey went smoothly, and they were soon approaching Medure City. Seeing civilisation was a bit of a relief, but they knew they couldn't relax completely. Danger could pop up at any time, and they were determined to stay ready for whatever came next.

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