Into the mystic

Inside the cave, Adam sat slumped against the wall, his body coated in silver blood, with scattered bones littering the ground around him. A silver sword rested across his lap. Though his injuries weren't completely gone, the divine energy within him had accelerated his healing. The strange hunger that had overtaken him after the battle had forced him to spend an entire day consuming the silver drake's remains.

The sound of footsteps approaching snapped him from his half-conscious state. His hazy vision barely registered two figures entering the cave, but somehow, he instinctively knew they were female.

The two robed women halted as their eyes landed on him—his mangled, bloodstained body barely clinging to life. Their expressions widened in shock.

Maple, the shorter of the two, quickly took cover behind Triss. "Is it that thing? Or maybe... a new angel?" she whispered, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Triss, the taller woman with long black hair, didn't hesitate before answering. "There are possibilities. Either the ritual worked, and it was purified in the process, or this is an entirely different angel who fought and won but was left injured. Either way, it doesn't seem dangerous."

Adam inwardly grimaced. I can hear you, you know…

Hearing Triss's reasoning, Maple hesitated before stepping forward cautiously.

"Umm… sir? I can heal you, but only if you agree not to hurt us. Do you accept?"

What kind of idiot would say no? Adam thought irritably. He was barely holding on to consciousness, and she was acting as if he had the luxury of declining. Still, he nodded.

"Great!" Maple responded brightly. Without hesitation, she placed his sword aside and removed her robe, leaving herself completely bare before sitting on his lap, facing him.

Adam barely had time to process what was happening before she started chanting in a language he didn't understand.

My legs feel strange… did they put something on me? He could sense fluctuations of spirituality and ether as warmth spread through his body. Strength slowly returned to his limbs, and without thinking, he wrapped his left arm around Maple's waist, holding her in place.

When the chant ended, Maple blinked in surprise, realizing she couldn't move—he was still holding her.

Feeling the newfound energy coursing through him, Adam did a quick self-assessment. No pain. No numbness. Clear vision. Even the poison was gone. He flexed his wings experimentally—no pain. Even my wings are healed. Holy shit.

His gaze finally landed on the girl still perched on his lap. His brain caught up to the situation, and he quickly stood, placing both of them on their feet.

"My bad," he muttered apologetically.

"It's fine, no worries," Maple replied, slipping her robe back on as she returned to Triss's side. "So… what do we do with him?"

Triss studied Adam carefully before deciding, "We take him to the church. They'll know what to do."

Maple nodded.

Meanwhile, Adam attempted to secure his sheathed sword at his waist—only to realize that his clothes had been completely destroyed. Instinctively, his wings wrapped around his body, shifting into pure white robes and gray pants.

That's convenient.

Now clothed, he turned to the girls and gave a warm, sincere smile. "Thank you, dear ladies, for healing me." Though genuinely grateful, he remained cautious. He had always been a skilled actor back on Earth, molding his persona to fit different social circles. Here, he was simply playing a different role—one that would allow him to gather information without raising suspicion.

"If there's anything you need, please let me know," he added smoothly.

Triss and Maple exchanged glances before Triss spoke again. "Before anything else, can you tell us who you are?" Her posture was tense, prepared for any potential threat.

Adam had expected this question and had already crafted his answer. Pretending to think for a moment, he finally said, "Actually… it seems I don't remember much."

Triss frowned slightly. "That's troubling. Do you at least remember your name?"

"Yes, it's Ciel Starlight."

As the name left his lips, Triss's expression darkened. She turned sharply to Maple. "Prepare a concealment spell. We're leaving. Now. It's him."

Without waiting for Maple's reply, Triss faced Adam once more, her tone laced with urgency. "Sir Starlight, may I ask you to accompany us to our village?"

At that moment, something deep within Adam stirred. It was the same feeling he'd experienced before—the one that had compelled him to consume the crystal.

The first time this happened, I lost weight after eating that thing. So this should be fine… right?

He let the sensation guide him. His vision shifted. Suddenly, he was no longer just sensing ether and spirituality—he was seeing them.

And beyond that…

Desires.

His gaze locked onto the two girls, his newly awakened sight revealing a large white orb of energy within each of them, with countless delicate, ethereal strings weaving outward.

So… these are desires.

He didn't know how he understood this, but he could feel it. This ability—this perception—was linked to the divine energy within him.

I can see them… but can I also influence them?

"Sir Starlight?"

Triss's voice pulled him from his thoughts. He had left her waiting for an answer.

He quickly composed himself, slipping back into his role. Flashing a polite smile, he responded, "That is fine. I planned to find civilization anyway."

Triss nodded before instructing Maple to activate the concealment spell. Without another word, she led the group out of the cave and into the forest.

As they traveled, Adam quietly studied the intricate web of threads he had discovered.

The innermost layer… those are the basic survival needs.

The next layer… the hidden desires. Deep, dark secrets…

His gaze flickered toward the girls, and he immediately wished he hadn't looked too closely.

Triss and Maple's most prominent hidden desires?

Leaving the island.

Losing their virginities for a specific ritual.

Adam nearly choked on his own breath.

Okay. Yeah. This ability is dangerous. He quickly looked away, flustered.

The outermost layer, however, was the most intriguing. It held all other personal desires, and in Triss's case, her entire weave was in utter chaos—focused solely on one thing:

Bring the man named Ciel to the church.

Adam frowned slightly. No hostility. Just urgency. That means I should be fine… for now.

I might be able to calm her down if I influence her desires… but if I mess up, I'll look suspicious.

For now, he decided against experimenting. He'd need a better understanding of his new ability before trying anything.

With a sigh, Adam shook his head and continued walking.

Step by step, the trio disappeared deeper into the forest, their fates now entwined.