UE Rewrite: B2 — 56 (18.5). Radiant Eminence (Patreon)

PoV:

1. Butter ( Our Beloved High Queen of the Evening Star!)

Undying Empire Index

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Two days later, the dense, untamed jungle closed in around Butter. She took in the buzz of the wildlife, listening intently as if it were serenading her. She rode atop one of the giant torlim, the creature’s broad, bumpy back shifting beneath her. Mika, stoic and ever-vigilant, led the way with a confident stride, knowing how to navigate the terrain with ease.

Beside her, Adoncia, with her blue irises and determined spirit, managed to keep pace, showing remarkable balance on her own torlim mount. The woman was learning fast.

Butter’s aquamarine eyes gleamed, the lush foliage a reflection of her mood. The black-barked trees towered overhead, their ancient limbs twisting and curling, creating a canopy so dense that only slivers of sunlight pierced through, casting eerie patterns on the forest floor. She couldn’t help but talk to herself, her voice animated as she narrated their journey, a habit she’d picked up to keep herself entertained.

Butter’s Log: Week Nine… or maybe Ten, who knows anymore? she began, her voice carrying a playful lilt, her golden hair and poncho slick with rain. The staff tied to her back sparkled with its wet wood, continuing to fuel her newfound freedom.

My insane sister has gone somewhere super far away; she’s not dead, so far as I’m aware, since I’d die, too—but what could she be doing? Perhaps she’s doing something with Roman; he did mention weird quest dimensions at one point. Priss will do Priss things! What about me? Ah, I’m glad you asked, Beautiful!

Here I am, accompanied by the ever-scowling Mika. Scouting on ahead, we have the forever-distant White. And last, but certainly not least, the lovely Adoncia, crafting her goods with expert skill! We venture deeper into this verdant maze, awaiting adventure.

On a side note, I learned that Adoncia’s eye color changes to gold when she uses her Oni powers—a product of her being half-tied to the Soldier Division in the Military Court. It’s been a rough journey, filled with mud, rain, and more mud. But we soldier on! Isn’t that right, Blue-Eyes?

Adoncia chuckled, shaking out her damp black locks. “It was a bit rough on my bones, High Queen. Even when I was in my Oni State, when those wild, eh…what were they called, Mika?”

Mika’s left eye creased, diverting their direction to a more clear animal trail. “Those were the yiralak, vicious little beasts with more teeth than sense. Thankfully, they are more bark than bite when you know how to handle them. They mostly come out when it rains. We don’t get them too often in the eastern valley, though, and I’ve never seen a pack that size before, but once you kill the big red one, they scatter.”

Butter leaned forward, spotting a change in the coming foliage; it was opening up more, providing easier travel. Ah, the joys of the rainy season. I must also say that I am impressed by this wooden throne you managed to make on the move, Adoncia! It fits perfectly on Sir Bumps-A-Lot, she complimented, wiggling a little in the wooden seat. The maid had crafted it on the move, which was more than a little impressive.

Now I can proudly proclaim, ‘I shall retire to my throne, brave knights,’ she theatrically stated, even getting a giggle from Mika as White chimed in.

“Onward, but not too fast. I must preserve my regal dignity, ladies.”

That would be something I’d say, Butter mused. How can you be so talented, Adoncia? An excellent maid, a thrifty craftswoman, and a lady with a club to bonk anyone trying to cozy up to me on the head! Does that make you one of those bouncers I’ve heard about?

“Not exactly,” the woman laughed, looking embarrassed while working on her next project to surprise her with. “I just like keeping myself busy. Back home, there was always something to do, and we were poor, so I did a lot of the repair work around the house.”

Yes, Butter proudly declared, I am stealing you from Priss. You are just too talented to be running around organizing goods. Hmm. Is it just me, or are the trees becoming smaller and further apart? The colors are changing, too. What a cute pink tree that little thing is! Oh, can you make some eating utensils out of it, Adoncia?

Adoncia glanced at the tree, its delicate pink leaves fluttering in the breeze. “I suppose I could, High Queen. Though, at this rate, you’ll have me working around the clock. What happened to ‘taking it easy and enjoying life’?”

A mischievous glint appeared in Butter’s bright eyes as she stretched out. That’s all part of my grand plan, Blue-Eyes! Keep you so busy you forget you’re actually having fun.

“Ah, so that’s your secret,” Adoncia cried with a smile, shaking her head. “You do realize that at this rate, my bones might just wear out before you get tired of giving me tasks.”

Nonsense, Butter mused, filled with mocking delight. You’ll thrive under my benevolent rule! Besides, you get to be part of history in the making. Think of all the stories you’ll have to tell your little brother when we return. We can all have a tea party with your new sister-in-law!

Adoncia’s expression softened at the mention of her little 16-year-old brother. “You always know how to get to me, High Queen. A tea party with Alisa, but they’re too young to get married.”

And by whose societal standard is that determined? Butter huffed. If they love each other, then I see no issues with them tying their knot and declaring one another their own. You also realize that humanity is on the verge of extinction in this new world; we only have a few thousand humans left, and not all of them are alive. So, I say, let love flourish!

Mika shifted in her seat to glance at Adoncia, an incredulous smirk on her discolored green face. “I still do not believe that humans wait so long after their natural reproduction cycle to mate and repopulate. If the ri’bot did that, then we would have long died out.”

Adoncia laughed softly, shaking her head. “You both realize that it’s not just about the age. Humans have this thing called schooling, and we need to be able to support a family before we start one. My brother still has a lot to learn before he can even think about marriage.”

Butter leaned forward, her aquamarine eyes sparkling with doubt. I think you have a few things backward, Blue-Eyes. Schooling is important, I agree, given all the knowledge humans seem to gather. But what does that have to do with love or the continuation of that knowledge onto the younger generation…that cannot exist without the act?

Love is the most powerful force in the universe. Who needs to support a family when you have love, which, if true, will prompt the lovers to find a way?

Mika returned her scanning eyes to the thinning jungle and added, “I think the High Queen has a point. The ri’bot don’t wait for such things as schooling or the collection of resources. We mate and then find our way forward together with the clan.”

Adoncia chuckled, looking thoughtful. “Well, I guess things have changed…and humans did marry a lot younger in the past when the mortality rate was a lot higher. I can see that perspective with our current numbers, as well. Eh, am I missing the point?” she asked upon seeing her glowing eyes looking at her with a sad smile.

I really need to find you someone compatible when we get back… Then you’ll get it. Until then, we move onward to conquest! Isn’t that right, White? What’s it look like ahead?

“Clear skies and grassy hills as far as you can see… It’s really something.”

Oh! Butter chirped, ready for a change of scenery. Let’s pick up the pace, girls! 

As they continued their journey—Adoncia collecting some pink branches for tableware—the dense, ancient trees gradually gave way to other colorful variants of unusual shapes. The jungle, once oppressive with its close-packed vegetation, began to open up, allowing more light to filter through. Vibrant leaves in shades of pink, purple, and blue created a surreal landscape waiting to be painted.

We really need to expand more into the arts when available within the Serving Court, she whispered, lamenting the fact they didn’t have more positions open for more entertainment. Priss is so slow! She needs to get stronger so we can expand further… Mmm. The air here smells so fresh and…bitter? Interesting!

The path became easier to navigate, the underbrush thinning out as they moved forward. Butter noticed the change in scenery with a mix of relief and excitement; the jungle’s end was near. They slowed a tad on their rise up the hill White had directed Mika to guide them up, and Adoncia nodded, taking in the surroundings.

“It’s beautiful, High Queen. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Mika brought them to a high vantage point, the terrain now mostly a mass of ruby-hued, grassy hills with sparse trees dotting the landscape.

The view from the top of the hill was breathtaking. Northward, she spotted another deep-set land stretching into eternity on the opposite side of their lush jungle valley home. Steep cliffs descended from the hilly mass of their valley’s northwestern exit, and a dry savanna lay beyond, the landscape stark and rugged.

Luckily, the weather had been kind to them so far, the heavy rain of the jungle giving way to a light drizzle that had since cleared up. The air was somewhat cooler, a gentle breeze rustling the grass around them.

The contrast between the lush jungle and the ruby hills, extending into a yellowing, barren savanna, was striking. Patches of crimson lined the wide river to their east, and she could spot herds of animals traveling along its path.

Standing beside White, Butter brushed her liquid-like locks behind her ears, the hot wind heating her skin with the blazing sun overhead. The single curved line of life-giving water cut through the dry savanna, flanked on either side by the blood-looking grass, creating an odd vein appearance.

Wow… What a sight. It really does go on forever.

White licked her lips as if sampling something sweet, her silvery-gray eyes seeing potential. “I taste free real estate, High Queen. The old quen’talrat homeland is supposedly cursed, left to rot by the surrounding nations…but it doesn’t seem that way to everyone.”

She followed the horsewoman’s hand to the spotted tent settlements in the distance, making Butter smile. It seems like some of the clanless had to move somewhere outside the valley to survive. It only makes sense that they’d go somewhere where no one would persecute them, adapting to a nomadic lifestyle… Could they be the Susime? Perhaps not…

Butter’s vision narrowed as she noticed an open tent set up on the next hill over, lower than theirs. Her heart skipped a beat. “There is no doubt; Nergath has been waiting for us. We have our own welcome party!”

Mika, always the pragmatist, scanned the area with her sharp, golden eyes. “Whoever awaits us, High Queen, we need to be prepared. The Susime are not to be underestimated after what they did at the mines. We should scout the area thoroughly before approaching.”

Butter nodded, her playful demeanor returning. “White, meet with Nergath and assess the situation. The Nexus should be within range. We can’t afford any surprises, after all.”

As White set off, Butter glanced at Adoncia, who was busy adjusting her gear. “What about you, Blue-Eyes? Any concerns?”

Adoncia looked up, pulling her black hair into a tighter braid. “Just the usual, High Queen. I’m ready for whatever comes our way. Though, I’d appreciate it if we didn’t have to face more goo-spewing insects today… Some things here in the north are gross since they’re not hunted by the ri’bot. Also, we don’t know anything about the Susime yet. Could he have set up a trap with their Life Energy staves? Something about this doesn’t feel right. Why is he alone?”

She offered her maid a reassuring smile. “We’ll be careful. We’ve come this far, and we won’t let anything stand in our way now. Besides, with Mika and White by our side, we’re more than capable of handling whatever comes our way. Even if they do have Life Energy, I can just absorb it, and if Death Energy, purify and absorb it. It’s one of many reasons why Priss sent me.”

With White scouting the area and Mika keeping a vigilant watch, Butter allowed herself a moment to soak in the surroundings. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the earthy aroma of wet soil. The sun cast a warm glow over the landscape, highlighting the vibrant colors of the alien flora and fauna.

Directing her mount to turn to the south, the dense canopy of the vast valley stretched out into a sea of strange colors, the distant mountains barely visible through the hanging mists. She took one last look at the Delthax’s shelf, even with them to her right, creating a natural barrier against the lower-valley clans.

Butter took in the sight, savoring the unique beauty of the alien world. The tall ruby grass covering the rolling hills waved gently in the breeze. She followed a swarm of large insects, their iridescent wings catching the light and creating a mesmerizing dance above the river. Strange creatures, unlike anything she’d seen even in the colorful pages of children’s books, darted in and out of the grass, adding to the sense of wonder and mystery that filled the air.

She had to marvel at the sheer size of the river to their right. It was a vibrant, crystalline blue, its surface dazzling under the midday sun. Massive fish, their scales glinting like precious gems, swam in schools, visible from even this distance. Butter watched the distant light show with fascination, noting how different they were from anything she had seen in her life, not that it had been that long so far.

White descended, her horse’s alabaster fur shimmering in the sunlight. The mount’s graceful movements made it seem almost otherworldly, fitting perfectly into the surreal landscape. Butter’s heart quickened at the thought of making contact with the mysterious and genocidal Susime clan. She could feel the anticipation bubbling within her, a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Her gaze returned to the distant tent set up on the next hill over. Nergath would be there, waiting for them. What fun will you bring to me? To adventure! she thought, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

After a while, White’s voice entered their minds, circling the hill. “The tent is occupied, but there are no immediate threats. Nergath is waiting for us. There are three pack animals on the opposite side. He seems…eager.”

Butter’s grin widened. “Eager, you say? Well, let’s not keep him waiting. Adventure calls!”

They made their way toward the tent, the landscape gradually changing from the lush jungle to a more open, hilly area. The ground beneath their feet turned from soft, moss-covered soil to firmer, rocky terrain. The tall ruby grass swayed gently in the breeze, parting to reveal the path ahead.

As they neared the tent, a surge of excitement built within her. Ahead of them, Nergath walked around his tent, White shadowing Nergath, her bow knocked, ready to strike at a moment’s notice. However, Butter’s intrigue was on the beast the Susime used.

It was an alien pack animal that resembled a cross between a reptilian steed and an oversized dragonfly that she’d seen in human books. Its segmented body, covered in iridescent scales, glistened in the dappled sunlight, and its multifaceted eyes reflected a kaleidoscope of colors. Its six legs moved with a fluid grace, and a pair of membranous wings fluttered occasionally, adding to its cute appearance.

We need them! Priss, we need to find out where they tame these flying bugs! They’d make travel so much easier.

The tension was palpable, yet Nergath seemed almost amused by the suspicion. He pulled off a white staff with a sizable topaz embedded in its intricately carved crown, shaped like an open lotus flower. He hesitated for a moment, a calm and collected demeanor masking his thoughts.

“Greetings, High Queen. I take your presence as confirmation that your sister has sent you to investigate our clan?”

Butter looked him up and down; his voice was steady but carried an undertone of apprehension. Adoncia’s brow furrowed, and Mika’s grip tightened on her weapon.

“High Queen, this could be a trap; he’s too close,” Mika warned, her tone grave.

“I’m worried, as well; how does he know about Empress Elinor?” Adoncia added, her blue eyes reflecting her worry.

Butter, however, ignored their warnings. She carefully rose from her seat, slipping the staff strapped to her back through the gap near the rear of her armrest. Hopping down with grace, she smiled at her companions on this wild adventure, her eyes twinkling with determination as she spoke aloud, stretching her arms high above her head.

“Life is filled with risks.” Her liquid-like golden hair caught the light while facing the ri’bot as she stood, placing a hand on her hip. “Tippy-toeing around won’t get us anywhere.”

She grinned, looking him straight in the eyes, her tone playful yet serious. “Shall we get to know each other a bit better? As much as I love dancing and dressing up, let’s not spin around the topic. Join me!”

Taking the initiative, Butter slid her hand down the side of the insectoid steed in passing, giggling at its joyful purr that shook its body at her warm touch. Nergath’s eyes narrowed, a small smile lifting his face as she spun around to a backward skip, making sure he was joining her.

“I’ve been looking forward to this!”

“…As have I.”

Butter dropped onto the cloth with casual elegance. She leaned back on her hands, looked across at Nergath, and went straight for the throat. “So, tell me about your culture. I want to know everything! How did you know Elinor and I were in the valley or that we are sisters? Are you working with Shade?”

Nergath’s expression darkened, his eyes becoming slits. “Pointed, are you?”

“Very pointy!” Butter chimed, extending a fingernail, confidence laced in every word. “I’m here to determine if we’re going to war or can find solid ground. Simple and plain.”

“Common ground, High Queen,” Adoncia prompted.

Fighting a blush, Butter maintained her composure. He knows what I mean.

The golden ri’bot set the white staff in his lap, and she sensed a potent pulse of Life Force within flare with power that made her heart quicken.

“What would you say if I’m wrong…then you will die by the end of this conversation?”

Butter raised her hand, halting an arrow from entering the ri’bot’s brain or Mika’s blade, which was inches from the Mystic’s throat. Laughter bubbled out of her chest.

“I’d say I’m intrigued. See? I’m a good conversation partner! Now, go on, answer my question.”

He rubbed his chin, Nergath tone took an unexpected turn as he looked at the black wooden staff strapped to her back; Mika withdrew, keeping close enough to still strike.

“...The Crawling Shadow has led my people down the wrong path. It pains me to say, but Seg’tharis’ Fingers… My brothers and sisters have fallen for its whispers. However,” he paused, his gaze meeting Butter’s with intensity, “before we continue, I must be sure of your position… I must be sure I have not fallen for its honeyed words. You have already passed the first test, but will you undergo two more for me to be sure?”

Her eyes locked onto the staff in Nergath’s lap before meeting his intense gaze. “I can pass any challenge you throw at me. I sure hope it’s worth my anticipation. I can already feel its Life Energy, so different from the Death Energy of the staff you gave me. Go on.”

“High Queen?” White sighed. “You really make protecting you hard, but I’m interested, too, so I shouldn’t talk.”

Nergath didn’t blink, studying her thirsty smile before shifting his hand to the pouch on his waist, no doubt where he was hiding his real test. Butter was patient, though. She hadn’t expected to be put through a trial. For what; who could say? It sounded fun, though.

“Indeed. It should be simple… Can you recharge this Life Staff with the Death Staff I gifted you? Unite its essence as a Finger of Utelira could? Naturally, you may keep it if you can.”

Butter’s eyes sparkled. “Ooh. Well, it would be a first, as far as I know, so I won’t know until I try, but it sure sounds interesting! May I? Oh—”

She couldn’t help a giggle as Adoncia jumped forward to take the offered staff first, wincing as it burned her fingers.

“High Queen, it’s—”

“Life Energy, silly!” Butter chided, taking the item before tapping the girl on the head with it. The maid stifled a cry, tears coming to her eyes as Butter gave her a concerned glare. Of course, it is going to burn you. Think a little. Why do you think White and Mika didn’t handle it? she continued privately through the Nexus in order to not further embarrass her.

“Sorry, High Queen…”

Giving Nergath a wink and holding up a finger, she set the tingly staff down. She got up and pulled the anxiety-filled woman into a hug, soothing her fears.

It’s okay, Blue-Eyes. I know Priss and I do things differently, and I can be a bit of a handful. Thanks for worrying about me. You’re wonderful, and don’t you forget it! Trust a little. I am the High Queen, after all. I know how loyal you are to Priss and me. Don’t think you need to prove it.

Pulling away, she saw the teary-eyed smile of the girl, relieving the guilt and self-anger.

Dropping back to her butt, she grinned and picked up the staff. “Life is about taking risks, remember?” She took the staff and felt the energy inside it. Despite Nergath’s claim that it was nearly drained, its power was still significant. The staff wood itself was attuned to Life Energy, which immediately caught her attention, and as she slid her fingers up to the gem in her exploration, a wave of sorrow washed over her.

So…that is the truth behind their power, she sighed, suddenly not feeling so chipper upon feeling the tortured soul within, begging for relief. Speak to me. Tell me your story if… I see. You can’t anymore.

She listened to the soul’s silent cries, practically delirious and insane from its tortured existence for centuries, probably much longer. Internally, Butter’s thoughts raced under the Susime Mystic’s sober study.

Hmm. Do the Susime know that their awesome powers come at the expense of these tormented beings? Or are they oblivious to the suffering they harness? Is this what Nergath is talking about regarding Shade’s manipulations?

After a time, the man’s low voice pulled her mind out of her reverie. “What do you feel?”

“Sorrow,” Butter softly replied, the atmosphere growing more tense at the word. “The soul inside is in agony. This isn’t just a tool… It’s a prison.”

Nergath’s fist rose to press against his brow. “Sorrow… When we channel it, we feel the utmost joy. So, what she told me before her imprisonment was true. Still, can you unite it with your Death Energy?”

Butter took a deep breath and shook her head. “I don’t think you quite understand what you’re asking me to do. I’ll do what I believe to be right, and you’ll have to judge the results for yourself…”

She began to channel the Death Energy from her staff, carefully merging it with the Life Energy of the new staff. The process was delicate, requiring precise control to prevent either energy from overwhelming the other.

Butter felt the hands within the topaz of the white staff reaching out, begging for release. The idea that these beings’ souls were being used to power the Susime’s abilities intrigued her deeply, but she also felt an unusual pull of duty within her to answer their prayers. She needed to know more. Instead of channeling the energy immediately, she turned to Adoncia with eyes, asking for help.

“What do you need, High Queen?” she asked, the positive vibes of being needed coursing through her spirit as she neared.

“Unstring the Death Staff, will you, Blue-Eyes?” she asked, her tone light despite the gravity of the situation. “It’s kind of hard to reach from my position.”

Adoncia hesitated since she naturally thought it would disrupt her body, but complied after a second’s thought and realized she was holding a staff of life. Carefully unstrapping the item from her back, she handed it to her.

Holding them, one in each hand, she closed her eyes and stilled her beating heart. Butter felt the cracked walls of the gem, reaching through the blessed wood and sending a surge of Life Force through the dark rod of the Death Staff as it released its spiritual energy.

A collective gasp echoed around them. Butter opened her eyes and drew upon the potent energy within the Life Staff. The area around them glowed brightly, the ruby grass shimmering and growing. Unique flowers took shape from the sanctified force, filling the grassy flowers with life to flourish into a fully nourished state.

Peace overshadowed the atmosphere, forcing Adoncia, White, and Mika back. Nergath’s eyes widened in stunned silence as a giant, golden-skinned ri’bot ghost took shape beside them, similar to the one they saw in the tomb.

“A Supreme One…crying,” Nergath whispered while Mika fell onto her face, unsure what to do as her weak religious side conflicted with her new life as an undead. “Utelira’s Hand was right.”

The ghost's eyes were filled with pain and fear, her whimpers echoing through the air. Slowly, as Butter sent comforting waves of energy, the fear and pain began to fade. Ghostly tears formed in the ri’bot’s eyes, reflecting her relief and gratitude.

Butter smiled gently. “Of course, spirits can cry. The spirit is a reflection of the body, and the body, the spirit. It is the perfected version of their body.” She reached out, her touch gentle and reassuring as the three-meter-tall ghost met her fingers. “Relinquish your powers to me and take your rest in heaven. The way is open.”

The atmosphere around them became holy, a divine hum filling the air. Life sprang forth in the sweeping wind, glory surrounding Butter and her liquid golden hair. She held out her hand, and the large ri’bot reached out, touching it with trembling fingers.

The weakened soul shimmered, a sad smile touching her tortured face, relief falling over her as if an eternal vice had been loosened from around her chest. “Thank you,” she whispered, her presence beginning to fade as the topaz radiated light. “Free the others… Bring peace to the souls bound by The Darkness.”

All of Butter’s focused power channeled from the yellow gem into the black stone of the Death Staff, turning it flaming white and burning the woman’s compressed soul to the point of death—something she couldn’t do herself.

The topaz crumbled into dust, and the black staff burned into ash. Still within the sanctified area, Butter plucked out the purified gemstone, alight with Life Energy. She placed it in the spot where the topaz had been, and immediately, she felt the surging waters of life energy become smooth as a gentle brook, and the light dimmed.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Butter watched as the alabaster staff illuminated again, the jewel at its head fading to a light glow. With that, her soul mended and healed; she no longer needed to purify Death Energy to survive…well, if she managed to get into Priss’ body.

[Soul Restored]

[Seed System Revitalized]

[Myth of the Heavenly Conqueror]

Butter squealed inside at the information that impressed onto her spirit, yet when she tried to close her eyes and enter her inner world…nothing responded.

Of course, you’d slap me in the face, Priss, she internally cried. Since our souls are intertwined, and I need to link up with you to figure this out. I suppose it is set to that automatic function it was on when Priss first got her Seed… Sad, but not the end of the world! Watch out, Priss, because your little sister is on the rise!

Despite the tragic situation of the ri’bot gods being trapped in stones, mourning the situation wouldn’t help; it should be celebrated that she now knew to look into the topic further.

All the Death Energy butterflies around her transformed into brilliant white, signifying her new source of power. She could now keep her body active while practicing her new abilities to their maximum for a month on the pure Life Energy with what she’d collected.

Nergath’s eyes widened, and he whispered, “You are the Radiant Eminence that legend spoke of… Seg’tharis’ salvation and Utelira’s chosen finger.”

He looked lost in thought rather than reverent, and Adoncia’s eyes darted around nervously.

“A cult? They’re going to try to make you their evil queen, High Queen!” she exclaimed, panic rising in her voice.

White smirked and shrugged, lowering her bow. “Not too far off from the current status quo, don’t you think?”

Butter laughed, a musical sound that echoed through the clearing, her golden hair shimmering like liquid sunlight. “Oh, come on, you two, lighten up! If I’m going to be an evil queen, I at least need a crown like Priss. My big sister gets all the cool stuff! It’s my turn. Maybe something with butterflies.” She winked at Adoncia, her eyes twinkling. “What is this ‘Radiant Eminence?’ I must say, I like the sound of it. Matches my golden hair, don’t you think?”

Nergath looked up, his expression thoughtful now. “There is one final test that will confirm you as the one we have awaited.”

Butter’s excitement was palpable, her voice brimming with anticipation as she leaned in closer. “I’m always up for a good story. Tell me more about your culture and people—about this prophecy. Things are taking an interesting turn, and I’m always ready to be the chosen one…because I always am!” She grinned, her confidence radiant.

White privately snorted through the Nexus. “Humble as ever, High Queen.”

Why must one be humble when speaking the truth? she cheerily returned. I’m a goddess. I can feel it in my bones now! Well, not that my bones are actually bones, but you get the point. In fact, he’s probably understating my greatness. I’m gorgeous in every way, including power! There’s no denying it now. I’m the Radiant Eminence, after all! Whatever that is.

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