Dream Kiss and the Apostle's Awakening
As soon as I closed my eyes in the dream, a chilling aura suddenly enveloped me. This familiar coldness... it was Master's presence.
"Rico..."
A familiar voice called my name. When I opened my eyes, a silver-haired woman stood before me. It was Master, the one I'd longed for so desperately.
"M-Master!"
That's when I realized I was in my negligee. Oh no! This is way too revealing! But Master just gazed at me curiously, as if it were something fascinating.
"Hehe. Rico, you've polymorphed. You're just... so adorable."
Eeee! My face flushed hot at her words. My heart pounded wildly.
Master studied me intently, then slowly approached. Her graceful steps were breathtakingly beautiful—silvery hair flowing like moonlight, eyes white as snow gleaming toward me.
"Rico, you're truly my greatest treasure."
She stood before me, smiling softly. My heart raced even faster at that smile.
"M-Master... I wanted to show you my human form."
"Is that so? You've already mastered polymorph. Even Nis must be surprised."
Master gently stroked my hair. A shiver ran through my entire body. Without thinking, I tilted my head toward her hand, like a cat begging for more pets.
"You've taken good care of the bugs and guarded our labyrinth splendidly."
Her voice was cool and soft, like water flowing over ice.
"I waited... I've been waiting all this time, Master."
My voice trembled. The longing felt so vivid.
"Hehe. You've worked hard."
She placed her hand on my shoulder. A thrill shot through me as it touched my skin.
"Ah... Master...?"
Her touch felt unexpectedly hot, not cold. She gently lifted my chin, our eyes meeting.
"Rico, I..."
Her face drew closer. Hehehe... wait, is this... what I think it is!? Don't explode, heart! Just hold on a little longer!!!
Just as Master's soft lips were about to brush mine—
Thwack!
"Ow!"
Something suddenly dropped onto my face. I snapped my eyes open to find Lote hovering above me. Its glass-bead eyes stared right at me.
"W-What?!"
I bolted upright. Lote tilted slightly and glanced out the window. The sun had set; darkness had fallen.
"Oh... evening already..."
It was a dream... but so incredibly real. It felt like I'd just been with Master moments ago. What would her icy lips have felt like on mine? Just imagining it made my whole body tremble.
"Argh! Why'd you wake me right then!"
I yelled at innocent Lote. I'd told it to, but that exact moment! I was in a foul mood.
"Gah!"
Fuming, I flicked its body hard.
"Ow!"
My finger hurt from its solid metal surface. A yelp escaped me unwittingly.
"Ow... that hurts..."
How is it that hard?! Proteum really is ultra-durable metal. Even my tough roots couldn't pierce it.
"Ugh..."
My face burned. Miel, Cecilia, and Glessia were watching me. Miel fluttered up excitedly, landing on my lips and flapping its wings.
Flap flap!
"Huh...?"
What? Did I stick out my lips while sleeping!? And they saw!?
"Waaah!"
My face heated up. I hope I didn't make any noises...
Flap flap!!
As if reading my mind, Miel flapped furiously on my lips. Glessia eyed me knowingly, while Cecilia spread her flame wings wide, seemingly smirking.
"You guys saw...?"
Glessia nodded. Why nod! I mean, yeah, but!
"Ugh...! Don't stare at people sleeping!"
I hurriedly changed from negligee to my black dress.
"Ugh! Let's go!"
I rushed out of the room. The four followed: Miel on my head, Cecilia on my shoulder, Lote orbiting nearby, Glessia lazily trailing.
Down in the inn's first floor, Liandel and Levy waited. They looked much better after their naps.
"Lady Ricoris, did you rest well?"
Liandel asked politely.
"Yeah, sorta..."
The dream flashed back; I averted my eyes.
"Let's head to the guild quick! Gotta see Master!"
We hurried across the village to the Adventurers' Guild. Evening bustle filled the streets—villagers nodded greetings, but I just waved lightly, eager to arrive.
Get the badge fast, then to Master!
Opening the guild door, Evan waited at the counter.
"Lady Ricoris! As promised, your S-rank badge."
He handed over a small box. Inside gleamed a blue metal badge, diamond-like crystal at center, "Ricoris" engraved below.
"Wow..."
The gemstone badge was gorgeous. Seeing the name Master gave me filled me with pride.
"This is your S-rank badge. Show it for top treatment at any kingdom or empire guild."
Evan explained.
"Monster extermination reward too."
He offered a small pouch of gold coins.
"Fifty platinum. Should be more, but it's our guild's entire savings..."
Liandel and Levy gaped.
"F-Fifty platinum?!"
Levy stammered in shock.
"Yes, the guardian corpses alone exceed that value. And..."
I barely heard, fixated on rushing to Master.
"Thanks! We're leaving now."
"Now? Already? Tomorrow morning would be..."
"Yep, now! Can't wait another second for Master!"
I handed the coin pouch to Liandel.
"You hold this."
He took it, flustered.
"Buy what we need quick, then go!"
We dashed through shops, grabbing potions, gear, food. Liandel and Levy selected; I paced impatiently.
"All set?"
"Yes, basics covered."
"Then let's move!"
"Um... could we stop by the temple last?"
Levy asked hesitantly.
"Temple? Michael's?"
"Yes! We did before the labyrinth."
"Michael's temple? Of course!"
We climbed a quiet hill path on the village outskirts. Under the night sky stood a lone white building.
"There."
Levy pointed. Moonlit, the temple of light glowed softly. Small and humble, yet sacred.
Above the door, a radiant sunburst emblem; a tiny bell on the roof tinkled in the breeze.
We gently opened the door to warm air. Inside felt cozier than expected. Golden candles circled the altar, behind which stood Michael's statue—a graceful woman extending hands in blessing.
Pilgrims' offerings dotted the altar: jeweled necklaces, woven flower bouquets, letter boxes, small statues...
Levy knelt immediately, praying. Liandel bowed respectfully.
The four acted too: Miel fluttered quietly, Cecilia dimmed her flames, Lote hovered, Glessia stood meekly at the entrance.
I naturally knelt before the altar.
Michael, thanks for my powers. I've offered blood sacrifices—keep protecting me. Bless my path to Master especially.
Suddenly, the candles flickered. An unseen wind swirled briefly.
Huh? What was that?
Levy and Liandel looked up, sensing it. The interior brightened instantly. Candles turned golden one by one, soft starlight flooding the space.
"T-That's...!"
Liandel gasped, staring at the statue. It remained serene, but holy aura—gold and red intertwined—flowed from her fingertips.
Levy's eyes widened in awe and excitement.
Then, hot energy surged within me, like flames racing through my veins from my heart.
Acquired the [Michael's Apostle] trait.
[Michael's Apostle] - Selected as apostle of the god of light and war, Michael.
"W-What!?"
I yelped at the sudden status window. Simultaneously, the candles blazed brilliantly before returning to normal. As the dazzling light faded, the temple fell silent again.
Levy and Liandel froze in place, faces rigid, barely breathing.
"L-Lady Ricoris... just now..."
Liandel's voice shook slightly.
Levy paled, eyes huge, gaze darting between the statue and me.
"I... I've become Michael's apostle!"
I replied, voice quivering with excitement.
They exchanged glances, then stared at me.
"...What?"