Black Phoenix Heir

Chapter 58: Chapter 58 — Little Moon

Chapter 58 — Little Moon

It had been roughly two weeks since Victor had been thrown into the Mana Lock Prison. During that time, the prison had slowly become normal. Victor still hated being trapped there, and he had no idea what the tribe ultimately intended to do with him, but there was little he could do about his situation.

So Victor did what he could.

Over the past two weeks, Moonlight had continued bringing him food every day. What had begun as simple curiosity had gradually turned into something else. The two of them had grown familiar with one another, and their conversations had become the one part of Victor’s day when he wasn’t constantly thinking about his imprisonment.

Moonlight learned about the world Victor came from, while Victor slowly learned more about hers. Neither of them knew everything about the other’s world, but that didn’t stop them from talking.

Meanwhile, Victor had made considerable progress inside the Library.

He had finally completed the first Knowledge Trial. The progress that had once been stuck at eighty-five percent had finally reached one hundred, allowing him to understand nearly all of the common Tier One herbs. He could now recognize many medicinal plants, poisonous herbs, and the basic ingredients used by cultivators.

The second Knowledge Trial had progressed as well. Victor had reached roughly sixty-five percent, nearing seventy, and the knowledge he gained from it had focused primarily on beasts.

Through it, Victor had finally learned more about his small companion.

The Firebird.

He now understood why the little creature had constantly tried to attack him whenever he brought out the Black Phoenix Flame. Firebirds were naturally competitive with other creatures possessing fire-related abilities. When they encountered another flame, they often instinctively wanted to challenge it.

Fighting wasn’t always hostility for their species.

Sometimes, it was simply how they interacted.

Victor had also learned that Firebirds were extremely protective of their families and those they trusted. Once a Firebird accepted someone, that trust could last for life. They were known to be loyal companions, fiercely protecting those they considered part of their family.

Victor glanced toward the small black bird resting nearby.

The Firebird immediately lifted its head and chirped.

Victor shook his head slightly.

”Don’t get any ideas.”

At that moment, Moonlight was sitting outside the cell, finishing another conversation with Victor. Today, they had been talking about the Alchemist Tower. Moonlight had listened carefully, asking questions whenever something caught her interest.

Eventually, however, it was time for her to leave.

Moonlight slowly stood and looked toward Victor.

For the first few days, she had always bowed before leaving, but Victor had eventually told her to stop. It simply felt strange to him.

Friends didn’t need to bow to each other.

”Thank you for today,” Moonlight said.

Victor waved his hand dismissively.

”Go before the guard realizes you’ve been sitting here too long again.”

Moonlight’s lips twitched slightly before she turned and walked away.

As she passed through the prison, the guard looked toward her.

”Greetings, Moonlight.”

The man immediately bowed his head.

Moonlight simply gave him a small nod before leaving the hut.

Outside, the village continued as it always had. People moved between the wooden homes while smoke rose from cooking fires and drifted between the enormous trees surrounding the settlement. Tribe members went about their daily responsibilities, speaking with one another, carrying supplies, and continuing their lives.

Moonlight walked quietly through the village until she eventually arrived at one of the largest huts.

Several carefully carved totems stood near its entrance.

The same ones she had once pretended to clean.

Moonlight pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The atmosphere immediately became quieter.

Oheema was sitting cross-legged near the center of the hut, cultivating in silence. Her wooden staff rested beside her as faint Spiritual Energy moved around her body.

A few moments later, Oheema opened her eyes.

When she saw Moonlight standing near the entrance, her expression softened.

”Come here, Little Moon. Sit next to me.”

Moonlight quietly walked toward her and sat down beside the older woman.

For several moments, Oheema simply looked at her. There was a deep fondness in her eyes.

”You know,” Oheema said softly, ”you’re looking more and more like your mother every day.”

Moonlight remained silent.

Oheema gently touched her white hair.

”It has been many years now since your parents died during the Beast Surge. I still remember that night.”

Moonlight lowered her eyes slightly.

”But when I look at you now,” Oheema continued, her voice becoming softer, ”when I see how much you’ve grown... sometimes, I can almost see your mother again.”

Moonlight didn’t say anything.

She simply nodded.

Oheema reached for a brush and began gently running it through Moonlight’s long white hair. The hut became quiet for several moments before Oheema spoke again.

”The Festival of Mana is approaching. You’ve been practicing your Mana Dance?”

”Yes, Oheema.”

”Good.”

Moonlight’s expression remained calm, completely different from the girl Victor had come to know inside the Mana Lock Prison. The curiosity, excitement, and endless questions she showed whenever Victor spoke about the outside world were nowhere to be seen.

In front of Oheema, Moonlight was composed.

Stoic.

Careful.

After a moment, Oheema looked toward her.

”How have your studies been? Have you been doing well?”

Moonlight immediately nodded.

”Yes. Elder Vidal has been very pleased with my Mana control recently. He believes I’ll soon break into the next minor realm.”

A small amount of confidence entered her voice.

”And my sword form has also been improving at an extremely fast rate recently. You would be pleased, Oheema.”

Oheema smiled warmly.

”That’s good.”

She continued gently brushing Moonlight’s hair.

”You have a very bright future ahead of you, Little Moon. One day, you’ll be the one to lead this clan.”

Moonlight looked toward her grandmother.

”And I know you’ll do a great job.”

Moonlight nodded her head.

”Yes, Oheema.”

Her voice remained respectful.

”I’ll do my best.”

Oheema smiled.

Moonlight remained sitting beside her, her expression calm and composed.

But there was something hidden behind her eyes.

Something faint.

Something sad.

She didn’t show it.

She simply kept it to herself.