Chapter 84: Heroine Saw Someone as Beautiful as Her
Chapter 84: Heroine Saw Someone as Beautiful as Her
Lucan stood still, his gaze fixed on the injured Phoenix. The once-majestic creature, whose feathers had blazed with reds and golds, now appeared dulled and stained with blood. Despite her evident pain, Lucan could see the fierce spirit burning in her eyes.
He approached cautiously, mindful of the Phoenix's initial reaction. "Don't be afraid," he said softly, trying to project calm and reassurance. "I'm here to help."
The Phoenix hissed weakly, her feathers ruffling as she attempted to move away. Her usual grace and power were subdued, her movements sluggish and labored. Lucan could see that despite her resistance, her strength was rapidly waning.
Kneeling beside the Phoenix, Lucan carefully reached out with his hands. He began to channel his healing energy, focusing on the area where a long, spear-like weapon had pierced her side. His hands glowed with a warm light, and he felt a surge of energy flow through him as he worked to mend her wounds.
At first, the Phoenix recoiled, her eyes flaring with a mixture of fear and defiance. But as the healing light began to work, she could feel the pain subsiding and her strength slowly returning. Her resistance lessened as she realized that Lucan was not there to harm her but to offer aid.
The Phoenix's breathing gradually steadied, and she lowered her head slightly, her fierce gaze softening. "Why do you help me?" she asked, her voice a melodious whisper tinged with weariness. From her voice, Lucan could guess that the Phoenix was young.
"Well, I can heal you, and I don't have anything else to do," Lucan replied gently. "So I choose to help."
As Lucan continued his work, the Phoenix's initial wariness turned to cautious curiosity. Her feathers began to regain their vibrant glow, the warmth of Lucan's magic slowly restoring her to her former glory. With each passing moment, her wounds healed, and her majestic form began to shimmer once more.
Finally, the last of the Phoenix's injuries were mended, and she let out a relieved sigh. Her eyes, once filled with pain, now held a deep sense of gratitude. "Thank you," she said softly. "You have saved me."
As her injuries healed, a magical transformation began. The Phoenix's fiery feathers dissolved into a cascade of radiant light. Before Lucan's eyes, the magnificent bird's form shifted, and where the Phoenix had stood, now knelt a stunning woman.
The woman's appearance was nothing short of breathtaking. She had long, flowing red hair that cascaded in waves down her back, catching the light like flames dancing in the wind. Her skin was fair and smooth, contrasting beautifully with her vibrant hair. Her eyes, a brilliant shade of gold, sparkled with an otherworldly beauty that hinted at her true nature.
Her lips were full and crimson, curving into a warm, grateful smile.
She was dressed in a beautiful red gown that seemed to shimmer with an inner light. The gown was adorned with intricate patterns resembling flames, flowing gracefully around her as she moved. The fabric clung gently to her figure, accentuating her elegance and poise.
The woman stood up and gracefully bowed to Lucan. "I am Liora, the Scarlet Phoenix. I am deeply grateful for your kindness. As a token of my appreciation, I wish to give you something."
From within the folds of her gown, Liora produced a small, intricately designed token. It was a delicate amulet with a central gemstone that glowed with a warm, fiery light. She held it out to Lucan with a gentle smile. "This is a token of my gratitude. It will guide you if you ever need my aid."
Lucan accepted the amulet with a nod of thanks. "I appreciate it, Liora. But why are you here? Phoenixes generally avoid human territories."
"I'd rather not say," Liora replied, her expression turning serious. "However, there is something evil on this island, a presence that seeks to bring harm. It would be wise for you to leave with me."
Lucan shook his head. "I appreciate your concern, but I'll be fine."
Liora studied him for a moment, then nodded, understanding his determination. "Very well. Should you need me, you can find me at the Celestial Mountain."
With a final, lingering look, Liora stepped back and unfurled her wings. They were magnificent, each feather glowing with a spectrum of fiery colors. She took off gracefully, soaring into the sky with a burst of radiant light.
Lucan watched as Liora ascended, her form diminishing into the distance. The sky seemed to grow brighter with her departure, the air still carrying a hint of her warmth and grace. As the last traces of her presence faded, Lucan held the amulet tightly, contemplating the strange and wondrous events of the morning.
Liora, despite being the weakest Phoenix at the moment, was also the most beautiful. Phoenixes were generally kind creatures, always choosing peace over conflict and striving to create environments where all beings could be happy. However, humans were often not so kind. Their greed led them to hunt Phoenixes for their feathers and heads.
To protect themselves, Phoenixes chose to avoid human territories, living peacefully in their own realms.
Phoenixes possessed a unique power to purify impure thoughts and instill positive emotions in those they encountered. They used this power on hunters to dissuade them from pursuing their prey, transforming them into charitable individuals. However, Phoenixes could not use this power on a mass scale, or they would have done so long ago to change human nature.
Lucan had not expected to meet Liora, especially given her future as the Queen of All Phoenixes. This encounter would undoubtedly benefit him in the future.
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Maris who wake up, washing her face, noticed something in the sky.
When she look up, her eyes wide with suprised as Liora, the Scarlet Phoenix, soared into the sky. The radiant light of the Phoenix's departure cast a soft glow on Maris's face.
As Liora ascended, Maris caught a glimpse of her true form—a stunning woman with fiery red hair and golden eyes. For the first time, Maris felt a pang of realization. There was someone whose beauty rivaled her own.