Epic Of Caterpillar

Chapter 2878 - 2879: A Talk With The Goddesses

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While Susanoo spent a month in deep meditation, Kireina and the others explored the realm, savored its wonders, and steadily advanced their Cultivation.

Takemikazuchi remained fiercely protective of his family, but once the month passed, he finally permitted Kaguya and her siblings to meet Kireina.

With him watching closely, the squirrel trio could not openly admit they already knew her from before. Still, the day felt warm and meaningful.

”I see, so youʼre preparing for something important?” Kaguya asked curiously. ”I wonder what that might be?”

”Ah, well, I canʼt say,” Kireina replied with a gentle smile.

Through Heart Language—unique to the Heart Tribe, a form of telepathy impossible for others to intercept or read—she continued the conversation privately.

”At Mount Takao there will be an entrance exam for those wishing to join the Chaos Gate. But itʼs also where Iʼll find some of my lost family members. And itʼs a bait mission—we expect our enemies, the Demons and the Sun God, to appear,” Kireina explained through Heart Language. ”If you can, itʼs better if you donʼt go there, Kaguya. Iʼm truly happy youʼre living a good life here... so stay if thatʼs what you want.”

”Kireina-sama...” Kaguya responded with her mind, her thoughts clear to Kireina through Intent. ”I... I love my father and mother in this world very dearly. Itʼs impossible not to. Are you saying itʼs fine? That this isnʼt fake?”

”Itʼs not fake, donʼt worry,” Kireina assured her. ”And we will fight to ensure this world isnʼt destroyed or twisted for the Usurpers of Destinyʼs schemes.”

”I will help them. I must. Iʼll find the right moment with my two brothers,” Kaguya vowed.

”Well, Iʼm counting on you,” Kireina nodded.

After that heartfelt exchange, Kireina and Kaguya shared drinks and savored the delicacies of the Japanese Godsʼ Realm—traditional meals rich with flavor and tradition.

Over the month she had already spent here, Kireina had fully refined her First Star of Fate and begun forging the Second. By merging both methods she had learned, she simultaneously created the Veins connecting them and fused them into her being, reinforcing both Body and Soul at once.

Cosmic Starlight constantly surged from her form. Rings of radiant starlight manifested around her. As a Star Shattering Cultivator, she looked gloriously majestic!

Alongside that progress, Kireina adapted and evolved her previous techniques, combining them with something far more potent. She fused the Thousand Soul Flame Furnace Refinement Art with Abyssal Demon Queen of Demise Body, birthing a new version ablaze with Demonic Abyssal Soul Flames that accelerated the forging of her Second Star. The same happened with Heavenly Celestial Sun Scarab Goddess Khepri Transformation, which generated Celestial Heavenly Soul Flames.

These Soul Flames formed a perfect Yin-Yang rotation of spiritual energies, helping her complete the Second Star within the month. It manifested radiantly, linked to the first through a glowing Star Vein that amplified both starsʼ power.

As she achieved this breakthrough, two new star-shaped tattoos appeared on her hands, dramatically strengthening her body.

Frank, Ismena, and Aceline had also advanced steadily. With Kireinaʼs help through nightly Dual Cultivation—which perfectly aligned their Yin and Yang Spirits—Aceline and Ismena reached the Heavenly Being Stage and now stood mere days from Four World Axis.

Frank contributed insights into cultivation and allowed Kireina a glimpse of his new fighting style. He still summoned weapons as before but now fused them directly with his blood and flesh.

She watched him summon a temporary Fake Excalibur through his right arm. The limb turned golden, etched with blue circuits and ending in sharp, claw-like blade fingers overflowing with holy light. His new method blended countless techniques and martial arts, transforming him into a living weapon!

Kireina had not yet sparred with him, but anticipation burned within her for how he might aid her in battle.

When Susanoo finally emerged from meditation, he had fully stabilized his Heart Essence and reached the complete stage of Manifestation. He burst from his chambers with boisterous energy, immediately declaring a grand party filled with drinks and exquisite food.

Kireina cared little for festivities but joined anyway. During the celebration, Nanako and her father attended, granting Kireina the rare chance to meet her openly.

”It is good to see you, Lady Kireina.”

Under so many watchful eyes, Kireina and Nanako could only act as near-strangers.

”Yes, itʼs a pleasure to meet you, Lady Nanako. Iʼve heard of your origins. As someone often called a Demon, I want to tell you never to feel discouraged. We all possess endless potential, and I believe you can rise very high.”

”Thank you... that means a great deal coming from someone like you, an Esteemed One.”

”Esteemed One?”

”Fufu, does Lady Kireina not know the term? Those who reach your Realm—Star Shattering—and become stars in the firmament are called Esteemed Ones.”

”I see... Is this why everyone pays tribute, offers gifts, and even bows when theyʼre gods themselves?”

”Yes, fufu.”

Both Nanako and Kaguya had blossomed into breathtaking princesses of the heavens. Their beauty had only deepened.

Though Kireina tried not to dwell on it, she felt herself falling for them all over again—their majesty stirred something profound. In a way, it even felt like meeting them anew.

”Ohoho, I see that Lady Kireina and my daughter are getting along quite well!” the old Kami of Wisdom, Fukurokuju, greeted warmly. ”Iʼm glad you could become friends. Since Susanoo-sama invited us to his Heavenly Realm, weʼve faced far less discrimination... Iʼm relieved my dear daughter can finally roam freely. She has already made several friends.”

”If you donʼt mind, I would love to be her friend,” Kireina replied with a gentle smile. ”Nanako-san, it is an honor.”

”Oh... you donʼt have to be so formal, Kireina-sama. The honor is mine, as you are a great Esteemed One.”

It wasnʼt just them. Everyone at the party sought to build connections with Kireina after rumors of her surpassing Susanoo spread like wildfire.

Now people called her the ”Eclipsing Star Blade Esteemed One”—a title born from the crowd that had stuck, and one she quietly liked.

Later, when they found a moment alone, Kireina led Nanako and Kaguya to a quiet terrace where they could speak freely. She shared her plans and offered them a choice: help if they wished, or remain here in peace.

”You all have wonderful new lives here. Youʼve lived much longer in this world than with me outside. Itʼs completely fine if you choose to stay,” Kireina said softly. ”I... only want your happiness. I will no longer chase selfishness. Our past relationship was beautiful, and I will cherish it forever... but you have new lives now. Donʼt let the past chain you to me.”

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