Chapter 307 - 121: Advent of the Dominator of Death

Esther was very obedient.

While she didn't quite understand what "Grandma" meant, she understood that Lynch wanted her to go and pay her respects.

At once, she folded her small wings and drifted down from mid-air like a graceful butterfly, landing right on the Moon Priestess.

"Goo... goo... G-Gwanma...~" the little one cooed, her whimper-like sounds mimicking Lynch's earlier pronunciation.

The little one mumbled, imitating the sound Lynch had just made. Her cool little hands wrapped around the Moon Priestess's neck, and she affectionately nuzzled her head against the priestess's cheek.

The Moon Priestess's body went rigid in an instant.

This legendary being had lived for countless ages, witnessing both the glory and the fall of the Ancient Elf civilization. She had presided over the Divine Hall, guided believers, fought bloody wars against Abyssal Demons, and wandered alone through the ruins of time.

But the experience of being surrounded by family was more foreign to her than the most obscure lunar prophecy.

For a moment, she was at a complete loss.

This little one was like a tiny, faint flame, searing the long-frozen lake of her heart.

And as the small body pressed close, an inexplicable warmth seemed to quietly spread through her heart.

She could even feel the attachment for Lynch within Esther's Soul Fire, a portion of which now seemed to be transferring to her, the "Grandma."

'Awkward, unfamiliar... but... maybe this isn't so bad?'

She hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn't push Esther away. She simply let the little Vampire cling to her, nuzzling here and patting there.

The stiffness in her cold expression gradually melted away, and the moonlight in her eyes softened slightly.

Lynch, watching from the side, saw everything clearly. He chuckled inwardly, but his face wore an expression of someone deeply moved by this touching scene of familial affection and bliss. He said respectfully, "Mother, you see how much Esther likes you. This is the power of family! Should... I call Dragon Flame down as well?"

Dragon Flame?

In the past few days while possessing Sea Song, the Moon Priestess had seen more than enough of that young Dragon Descendant Kobold's talent for wrecking the place. She had also cleaned up plenty of messes caused by his explorations and fire-breathing antics.

The mere thought of that little one also pouncing on her, gnawing on her clothes with his incomplete baby teeth, licking her hand with a tongue that sparked with embers, or even practicing his Fire Breathing Skill on her...

She shuddered, and her cool voice held a slight tremble. "There's no need. Dragon Flame... he's still young. Just let him play up there."

'Are you kidding me? One Esther is already enough for me to handle. If Dragon Flame comes too, I'm afraid this wisp of my consciousness will collapse before I can even complete my mission.'

Holding Esther, who was still curiously sniffing her hair, a little more securely, the Moon Priestess looked at Lynch. Not wanting to give this boy any more chances to "expand the family," she steered the conversation back on track. "You mentioned before that you needed something for self-protection... Are you looking for something defensive or offensive?"

Lynch's spirits lifted.

'After all that back-and-forth, we're finally getting to the point.'

He immediately dropped his "devoted son" act and began to think seriously.

On the defensive side, the Water Curtain Shield from the Tide's Tear provided decent area-of-effect protection, but it was a bit weak against high-intensity, single-target piercing or energy attacks.

For now, however, it was sufficient.

As for offense... he recalled the stunning strike from the Hellfire pendant and the piercing power of Avril's Holy Light spear. His mind was instantly made up.

There's an old saying on Earth: "The best defense is a good offense."

A powerful shield might delay his defeat, but only a powerful offensive tool could turn the tide of battle at a critical moment.

"Answering Mother," Lynch said respectfully, "I would prefer a powerful offensive treasure. It could have a miraculous effect in a crisis. With it, I can also better protect Lakefront Town and be more confident in fulfilling the mission you've entrusted to me."

The Moon Priestess nodded slightly, unsurprised by his choice.

'This boy may be a sly one, but his judgment and decisiveness are truly excellent. That's one of the reasons I have high hopes for him.'

"I can give you a treasure that contains the power of 'Moonfire,'" she said, her voice cool and her tone still calm. "But the item is inside the sanctuary. We will need to reopen the Teleportation Gate to retrieve it."

Reopen the Teleportation Gate?

Lynch's eyes flickered, but he didn't agree immediately.

He glanced at the Teleportation Gate components that had just been dismantled, then at "Sea Song" whose entire demeanor had changed, a troubled look appearing on his face.

The Moon Priestess took in his expression.

The ice around her heart, which Esther had just barely managed to melt, instantly froze over again.

"What, you don't trust my oath? Afraid I'll take the opportunity to drag you into the ruins and make you stay with me forever?" She raised an eyebrow, an undeniable chill creeping into her voice.

"Ahem... Mother, please calm your anger." Lynch quickly said with an apologetic smile, "It's not that I don't trust your oath. It's just... I am responsible for the safety of nearly ten thousand people in Lakefront Town, I carry the future hope of the Empire on my shoulders, and now I bear the mission you have given me. It's always right to be a little cautious."

He paused, then said tentatively, "How about... we let Bone Valor go get it? He is my Netherworld Contract Skeleton and is connected to my thoughts, which makes him an extension of myself. It wouldn't be much different from me going to see you personally..."

"Keep that bag of bones away from my sanctuary!" the Moon Priestess interrupted him irritably, her tone filled with disgust. "Fine. Just have Sea Song come to me. I will give her instructions and have her bring the item out."