To them, this was more than a simple greeting and paying respects to their ancestor.
Their clan had suffered across many generations and had thought themselves to be abandoned by Tal’Nis. There was not a day that went by where those of the Seventh Demon Clan questioned if they had done something wrong to upset their ancestor long ago.
To have several centuries worth of troubles and worries passed down from generation to generation answered after all this time, how could their hearts remain unmoved?
“What you are seeing now is but a wisp of the will that I have left behind inside of the Seventh Origin Flames Necklace. These flames reflect my consciousness and true thoughts. It will speak as I would. It is not until the connection with the Seven Flames of Tal is restored that you will be able to communicate with my true body that has long since left the world you reside in. In order to re-establish that lost connection, I shall grant you a gift.” The flames of Tal’Nis said as it reached out its flaming arm toward Tal’Yah and touched her forehead with its index finger.
Tal’Yah’s closed her eyes as she felt an indescribable energy rush into her. After a few breaths went by, Tal’Yah opened her eyes; however, they were not the same as before.
The dark green flames within her eyes were no more. Instead, it had transformed into blue flames that resembled the one Izroth witnessed back in the crusade from the Lady of the Everlasting Rain.
The dark green flames that originally made up Tal’Yah’s flaming hair also underwent a similar change and turned into blue flames.
‘The intensity of the flames is different, but there’s no mistaking it. She resembles the fragment of Tal’Nis I saw in the crusade rather closely now.’
“These flames…” Tal’Yah looked down at her hand as a small wisp of blue flames appeared at its center before quickly dispersing.
Tal’Yah clenched her fist tightly as her hand trembled.
“The heavenly flame from which all the Seven Flames of Tal originate—it’s actually the Everlasting Flame…!” Tal’Yah said with a look of disbelief as she was still in a state of awe.
She then continued, “Ancestor, this descendant is not worthy of the Everlasting Flame. But, I swear on my life, as this generation’s clan head, I shall do everything that is within my power to restore the Seventh Demon Clan to its former glory. I will not allow the gift the ancestor has given this descendant to go to waste. I will find a way to re-establish the lost connection to the Seven Flames of Tal.”
Tal’Yah spoke with a firm resolve laced into her words.
The flames of Tal’Nis seemed to glance back at Izroth before returning its attention to Tal’Yah.
“You must remember well, my descendant. The person who has delivered the Seventh Origin Flames Necklace to your hands is the greatest benefactor of our Seventh Demon Clan. They will aid you in repairing the connection to the Seven Flames of Tal. In the future, you must never allow them to suffer at the hands of those with ill intentions. Should the words I have spoken today ever become lost on you—that will be the moment you are no longer a descendant of my Seventh Demon Clan.” The flames of Tal’Nis stated.
“Yes, ancestor! We of the Seventh Demon Clan will carve into our hearts the debt owed to our benefactor!” Tal’Yah cupped her fists and lowered her head.
The flames of Tal’Nis slowly started to dissipate and flow towards the Seventh Origin Flames Necklace in Tal’Yah’s possession.
“Ancestor!” Tal’Yah called out with a shocked expression on her face as the flames of Tal’Nis were fading.
“Granting you the Everlasting Flame through this wisp has consumed too much of what little strength it had remaining. But, be at ease, my descendants. I hold a great deal of confidence that this will not be the last time we speak. Remember, my descendants—no matter how many eras may come and go, I will always be watching over the Seventh Demon Clan.” The flames of Tal’Nis said as the last wisp was extinguished.
When the flames of Tal’Nis vanished, Tal’Yah and the other Seventh Demon Clan members once again fell to their knees and kowtowed to see Tal’Nis off properly. Even if it was only a wisp of their real ancestor, they treated it no different than if Tal’Nis would have been there in person.
…
A few moments passed as Tal’Yah and the Seventh Demon Clan members were finally able to collect and calm themselves from the events that had just unfolded.
Tal’Yah approached Izroth and stopped right in front of him before cupping her fist into her hands and lowering her head respectfully.
“Great benefactor, I have truly wronged you. As a result, I almost became the biggest sinner of my Seventh Demon Clan for daring to point my blade at the great benefactor. As promised, you may punish me as you see fit. If it is my life you wish for, I only ask that you show mercy and wait until I restore the Seventh Demon Clan to its former glory.” Tal’Yah stated in a sincere manner.
“Clan head…” Kol’Jil and Zel’Kan said in a pitiful voice.
“Sister, you can’t! Even if the Seventh Demon Clan is able to regain its past glory, how can it survive without you?! Great benefactor, spare my sister’s life and take mine instead! I-” Tal’Han shouted as he stepped forward.
But, the moment Tal’Han took his first step forward, Tal’Yah’s voice sounded, “Tal’Han, silence! This is a burden that I must bear alone!”
“Sister… Throughout my life, I, Tal’Han, have never once disobeyed you. But, this time-” Tal’Han said as he clenched his fists tightly.
He then continued, “I will not let you carry this burden alone! You have always protected me! Now, let me be the one who protects you!”
‘Oh? This kid—that’s quite the look he has in his eyes.’
A carefree smile formed on Izroth’s face as he observed Tal’Han. With a glance, he could tell that Tal’Han was inexperienced due to the air of naivety he exuded. However, despite this, Tal’Han’s gaze remained unmoving. It was clear that he was ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of his sister and the Seventh Demon Clan.
“Tal’Han, you-!” Tal’Yah scowled.
Tal’Yah was not heartless. How could she not be touched by her younger brother’s actions? In fact, a part of her was proud of Tal’Han since it was the first time he firmly stood his ground. Not to mention, he was doing so for her sake. However, what kind of elder sister would she be if she allowed her younger brother to take the punishment in her place?
Tal’Yah was prepared to scold Tal’Han; however, before she could do so, she heard Izroth’s voice sound from in front of her.
“I believe there has been a misunderstanding. I have no intention of punishing you, nor anyone else from the Seventh Demon Clan, for that matter.” Izroth clarified.
Tal’Yah, Tal’Han, and the other Seventh Demon Clan members were visibly stunned by Izroth’s words.
“Great benefactor, we… We attempted to harm you—how can you forgive the debt owed so easily?” Tal’Yah asked with furrowed brows and a perplexed look on her face.
To those of the Seventh Demon Clan, they were raised in a way that all debts, good or bad, must be paid back tenfold without fail. From their perspective, Izroth choosing not to settle the debt incurred from attacking him baffled the Seventh Demon Clan members. It was even more shocking that such behavior was coming from a human, a race well known for its petty acts of vengeance and harsh retaliation against those who wronged them. The members of the Seventh Demon Cla could not comprehend Izroth’s decision, which caused their hearts to grow unsettled.
“Your ancestor has already given me more than enough to settle such a small debt. So, don’t overthink it too much.” Izroth stated calmly.
Most of what Izroth received from Tal’Nis was only possible because of the efforts he put forth in the crusade. However, the three S-ranked Ageless Vial of Sen were things that the Lady of the Everlasting Rain did not have to gift him.
If not for those special containers, Izroth knew that it would have been a headache for him to find a suitable vessel capable of containing the Blood of the Immortal Hydra.
