Wanderlust Beastkin, Beauty and the Beastkin-Chapter 43: The Request

I strolled over to the table, only to discover it was laden with all my past favorites. I heaped them onto an empty plate at one of the chairs and poured myself a glass of apple cider that was simply divine. Then, I dove into a massive piece of fried chicken, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes topped with a generous dollop of butter, roasted corn, deviled eggs, and a vibrant fruit salad. To top it all off, there was hot apple pie with whipped cream and the most delightful vanilla ice cream. I indulged until I felt like I might pop. Every bite was a burst of reality and deliciousness, but as I reached the point of discomfort, I couldn’t help but question whether I was falling into the same trap again—wondering if I was truly awake or just dreaming.

"After you’ve finished your meal, come join me by the fire for an engaging chat," a deep, captivating voice beckoned, sending a thrilling shiver down my spine that made my toes curl.

I made my way to the two chairs, carefully navigating around the occupied one, ensuring I kept my distance.

Seated in the chair that faced the fire, there was an absolutely enchanting man with long, lustrous blue hair and elegantly pointed ears. His mesmerizing blue eyes seemed to dance with different shades, perhaps a playful illusion cast by the flickering flames. Yet, the most breathtaking aspect of his presence was the magnificent wings on his back, a stunning blend of purple, blue, and green. He was truly a sight to behold, radiating an ethereal glow, as if white flames were gently caressing his beautifully toned and smooth skin. In his hands, he cradled a delicate teacup, sipping from a golden brew that resembled melted gold. A delightful fruity aroma wafted from the cup as he elegantly drank each sip.

I gazed at him, a hint of confusion knitting my brows together, as I wrestled with the nagging feeling that I should know him from somewhere.

"Take a seat; it’s quite impolite to loom over someone who’s trying to enjoy their tea. At this pace, you might just scorch a mark into my furniture with that intense stare of yours."

I looked at him for a moment longer while he took another sip, clearly enjoying his beverage.

"Come share a cup of tea with me. I seldom invite anyone to this spot, so it would be a pity if our delightful first encounter ended with you looming over me like a vulture while I struggle not to choke. I’m not going to parish anytime soon or possibly ever, so there’s really no need to wait around for my demise."

I cleared my throat, a rush of warmth flooding my cheeks as I imagined myself as some sort of vulture beastkin. Is that even a thing? How horrifying!

I plopped down in the chair across from the fire, my gaze fixed on him. He raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

"I’m not dreaming, am I?" I said, half-joking, half-wondering.

He chuckled and flashed a grin my way. "So, you finally figured out the lesson from that last time you mistook reality for a dream?"

"You knew about that. How did you know about that?"

"I occasionally observe newcomers who venture into my territory. It’s a rare occurrence, and I must say, you’re especially entertaining."

"I’m entertaining, huh? What do you mean by your territory?"

He flashed me a grin that was absurdly charming. "So, what’s your take?"

I gazed at him for a moment and then I suddenly realized where I’d seen him before! For a heartbeat, reality felt like it was slipping away. My eyes widened, and I could hear my heart thumping loudly in my ears.

"I see you’ve unraveled my identity. What a pleasure it is to finally cross paths with you."

"Is that you, Deity Duarte?"

Absolutely," he remarked with a charming grin, taking another sip of his tea. "Join me for a cup; it’s rather delightful, if I may say so."

"Yes, thank you," I accepted the cup of golden tea, inhaling its enchanting aroma. It had a fruity scent, though one I couldn’t quite place, with a hint of honey that was simply divine. As I took my first sip, a wave of energy surged through me. I glanced at the cup, then indulged in another sip; the flavor was exquisite and brimming with mana.

"Just how long have you been keeping an eye on me?"

"Since you’re stepped through the portal, and I must say, the spectacle has been nothing short of delightful. I particularly enjoyed your belief that you were merely dreaming until the next day. The way you boldly groped a male fox in public, doused that haughty female with your juice, dispatched that lizard male, and boxed up General Kai was pure entertainment. Not to mention, you saved Oliver and Sam and packed in so many thrilling escapades during your brief time here. It’s been a nonstop source of amusement!"

"Well, I’m glad that you have been enjoying yourself," I said with a hint of irritation in my voice.

I’ve been around long enough to appreciate anything that brings a spark of joy, but that’s not the sole reason I sought you out. More crucially, I’ve observed your unwavering commitment to helping your friends, and it’s clear you possess a strong sense of integrity, unafraid to tackle tough challenges. As a Deity, I’m bound by the rules that prevent direct interference in worldly affairs, yet I can take on up to three apprentices to bless and guide, allowing them to act as my hands in the realm. Currently, I have no apprentices, as it’s essential to find someone compatible with the abilities I represent. Healing is the gift I bestow upon my followers, and since you’ve chosen healing as your primary skill to protect others, you are perfectly suited to be my apprentice. If you accept my offer, I would bestow upon you my divine mark and grant you the gifts befitting an apprentice. However, I do have a request. The leaders of Duarte Village have succumbed to corruption, creating a toxic miasma that poisons the land and air. You must return to the village swiftly to rescue Elara and the other women trapped in the snatching grounds. The situation is far more dire than you might think."

"Elara, is she alright?" I looked at him with wide eyes and my heart beating wildly in my chest.

He took a moment longer than I preferred before he finally spoke. "I can not speak of the future, but I can tell you this: you need to act quickly, or irreversible events will unfold. As it stands, it’s not my role to disclose what has happened. I do not support the actions that have occurred within my domain; had they taken place elsewhere, I would have swiftly revoked my blessing. Nevertheless, while Duarte Village has been tainted by the influence of certain powerful individuals, it still harbors many loyal followers who genuinely support me. I refuse to abandon them to the wilderness without protection; without my celestial aura, Duarte Village would quickly fall prey to monsters. If you are willing, I will bestow upon you the mark of my divine blessing, signifying you as my chosen apprentice, and provide you with tools to aid in my request: to rescue the women of Duarte Village from the vile schemes of the men who have usurped my once-peaceful village and to eradicate the evil that has infiltrated its very core."

"You want me to get rid of the men in charge of Duarte Village? How do you expect me to do that?"

"I’ve set up this space to support you, should you choose to accept my request. Along the walls, you’ll find tomes filled with knowledge to guide you. I’ll also serve up some top-notch food, and trust me, this room is brimming with more mana than you’ll come across in your current world. Think of it as a bridge between your new realm and the celestial one, which, let’s be honest, your current body isn’t quite ready to access."

"If I agree to this, you will support me?"

"Yes."

"Then I would ask for something extra in return since this doesn’t seem to be a simple task."

"Name it."

"I ask that you allow me to go back to my old world on occasion. I don’t want to go back there to stay, I already feel invested here but I have things that I left unfinished there and I don’t like things remaining unfinished and I don’t want to have regrets that piled up with no way of fixing them. I would like to finish school and see my friends again, enjoy some of the things that I missed out on because I was too focused on living my life for someone else."

He frowned and tapped his finger on his side table.

Coming Next Time: Coming to an Agreement