Chapter 40: Everything Came Back
Leona, usually proud and aloof, forgot to stop Abyss from stroking her hair. His touch was so soothing, the familiar sensation bringing a sense of comfort and contentment that slowed her work.
Abyss, his fingers expertly weaving through her silver hair, relished the feeling. During his amnesia, he had felt a void, an emptiness now understood. He had missed this—stroking Leona’s hair.
Her hair was soft, fragrant, smooth, its texture delightful. He could have spent the entire day doing this, if Leona hadn’t eventually protested.
After a while, Leona recovered from her trance, her eyes glaring at Abyss. “How long are you going to do that? Are you trying to make me bald?”
“Oh, sorry,” Abyss said, withdrawing his hand, a smile on his face. “I remember everything now, Leona. My name is Abyss. You’re a terrible liar.”
“It’s your fault for being so oblivious,” Leona retorted playfully, unable to maintain her anger. She was genuinely happy. His recovered memories were as precious as his returned power.
Flora and Rebecca also noticed. Flora quickly delegated her tasks, then approached Abyss, her expression filled with concern. “Abyss, you’ve recovered your memories?”
Rebecca, unable to leave her work, simply winked at him.
“Yes, I’ve recovered my memories. I blocked them to defeat the Lord of Nightmares. It’s finally over,” Abyss said, stroking Flora’s cheek, making her blush. “I remember everything—your companionship… My magic is flawless. My memories are complete.”
“That’s wonderful,” Flora said, her smile radiant, her joy palpable, even to the emotionally detached Abyss. His breath hitched in his throat.
Rebecca’s voice echoed in their minds. “Now that Abyss has his memories back, we can finally move on, right?”
“Yes, I’m dying to dig up some graves,” Abyss said. “Is there an empty grave nearby? I’ve finally remembered my favorite hobby.”
“No, you could dig up some Druid graves. If you don’t mind being attacked,” Rebecca said, laughing. Druids weren’t embalmed and were buried in natural settings, their bodies decomposing to enrich the earth.
“Ah… forget it. I remember other things I need to do,” Abyss said.
With the barrier in his mind gone, his memories returned completely, his plans resurfacing. He remembered why he wanted to defeat the Creator God, his meticulous plan to resurrect five geniuses with divine power, fulfill their wishes, gain their loyalty and their support, defeat the remaining Outer Gods, and harness their power. He also remembered his plans for a house, his knowledge of the Druidic order, and Leona and Rebecca’s wishes.
He decided to start gathering materials for his house. Finding Agnes was a matter of time. He needed to ensure his followers had a place to stay. Having everyone live together wasn’t impossible, but too many people could lead to problems.
He also remembered how to summon his undead servants. He would be able to call upon them whenever he needed them.
“Ah, right, I need to take a break,” Abyss said. “Can I leave for a bit?”
“What are you going to do? We’re all working,” Leona said, frowning.
“I’ll use my alchemical golems,” Abyss said, his mischievous grin returning. “I’ll control them remotely. I won’t delay our work.”
“What are you planning?” Flora asked.
“It’s best to keep it a secret. I’ll just tell them I need to use the restroom and send the golems back,” Abyss said.
“Go ahead. We’ll handle any questions,” Flora said, smiling.
Abyss gave her a thumbs-up and left.
“Where did Master Belator go?” a Druid asked, noticing his departure.
Flora hadn’t prepared an answer, but Leona said smoothly, “He’s getting some herbs. He’ll be back soon.”
“Ah, I see,” the Druid said, returning to his work.
Meanwhile, Abyss, behind a tree, was pulling alchemical golems from his magical catfish. He sneezed.
Leave a Reply