“150 liters of glue, 150 liters of water, 600 milliliters of borax solution...”
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I recited the ingredients aloud, my hands moving with practiced ease.
Being a Dafael angel meant taking on human-like shells and requiring a physical object from Kagal. When I fell from grace, it was into a puddle of slime—a fate that made me wonder if I had orchestrated it through time travel. Everything happens for a reason, right?
I mixed up a fresh batch of slime and soaked myself in the thick, gelatinous liquid. Using water to bathe would cause my skin to melt off, exposing my nerves—an unbearably painful experience. That's why I took slime baths and kept a large supply of slime in my apartment. The cool, thick slime enveloped me in a comforting embrace. The faint hum of the city outside was a distant murmur, contrasting with the quiet sanctuary of my bathroom.
As I relaxed in the slime, my thoughts wandered back to the journal I had read. The messages were cryptic, not my usual writing style, but I understood the need for such an approach in case someone else read it. The journal wasn't locked, and the first page said that my future self knew I wouldn't rebel against the instructions, given their severe implications. I still wondered what would happen if I did, but it wasn't a risk I was willing to take. I had chosen to trust myself... or rather, my future self.
As I sank deeper into the slime, a wave of conflicting emotions washed over me—regret for the choices that led me here and cautious optimism for what lay ahead. Trusting my future self was a gamble, but it was a risk I had to take.
Rising from the bath, I gently touched the liquid, altering its composition until it became more watery. I watched as the mixture drained from the bath.
Ever since I transformed into RoseBud, I had the ability to manipulate the consistency of slime. This ability made sense, considering I fell into slime myself. However, I could only control it if it contained the three main ingredients: water, glue, and borax solution. After all, those were the essential components that defined slime.
I dressed in my green tight suit. My skin is sensitive to temperature, so I had to customize my own clothing. The tight suit was my usual choice, providing necessary protection and flexibility. I used this opportunity to perform some gymnastic stretching exercises, feeling the fabric move with me.
I secured my belt, making sure each gadget's compression cube was snugly, all within easy reach. With a final tug to ensure it was secure, I felt a surge of readiness. Before leaving, I placed a small module near the wall of the apartment, as the journal had instructed I would need it.
As I stepped outside, the crisp morning air greeted me, invigorating my senses. The soft chirping of birds and the distant hum of city life created a lively soundtrack for the start of the day. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the ground, and the scent of blooming flowers mingled with the fresh morning breeze.
Descending the steps, I spotted Lizy waiting downstairs. Her bright smile was a beacon of warmth and positivity, cutting through the morning chill. She stood with an air of eager anticipation, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
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“Morning, Lizy,”
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“Morning, Miss RoseBud!”
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Her expression shifted to concern, I watched as her hands fidgeted with each other in front of her.
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"Are you feeling better after yesterday?"
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"Yes, I am."
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The lie slipped easily out my mouth, as I lingered on the encounter yesterday. The folder has a lot of materials in it, and most of them I have to give people in different times, or open at certain times. They are also in very cryptic writing, that I cannot even guess what time would be, or who the recipent should be.
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"Ready to go?"
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My head would explode if I keep trying to think about it. Might as well go on with my day for now, I do have a task to do.
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"Absolutely."
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We left the quiet, developed city of western Oriken behind and ventured into the bustling town center. An imposing angel statue stood tall, its bronze wings catching the light and casting intricate shadows on the cobblestones. The statue towered above us, a reminder of the power and influence RubberBand once held.
The statue commemorated Rub's arrival in Oriken; she built this place, and people called her the pure angel. They did not know, however, her powers could be as destructive as they were miraculous.
The air was filled with the sounds of street vendors calling out their wares, the aroma of street food wafting through the air, and the vibrant colors of market stalls, creating a lively tapestry.
Lizy looked up at the statue with a mixture of awe and curiosity, her eyes reflecting the golden glow of the angel's wings.
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“It’s hard to believe someone so loved would just leave like that.”
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I wonder how Rub feels, knowing that despite her grand legacy and reverence, she carries a harsh, deeply hidden burden. Does it haunt her too?
I nodded, my mind flashing back to countless conversations with Rub. Lizy wouldn’t understand her reasoning or the layers of complexity behind her decisions. But I did, at least a little. I felt a hint of sympathy for Rub, her struggles of identity hidden beneath a facade of purity.
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"There's always more beneath the surface than what people choose to see."
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I replied to Lizy, my tone was heavy, and Lizy didnt question further after.
The area here was less developed, with shorter buildings and even more alleyways adorned with vibrant graffiti. Many people had set up stalls along the path, selling various products. There were a lot of bicycles, most of them coming from the beach. The lively atmosphere buzzed with the sounds of ringing bike bells and cheerful chatter, creating a vibrant and bustling scene.
As we approached the statue, the bustling market atmosphere surrounded us. Vendors called out, advertising their wares, and the scent of street food wafted through the air. Lizy's eyes lit up as she spotted a stall selling colorful trinkets.
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"Can we stop for a moment?"
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She pointed towards the stall with a hopeful look in her eyes.
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"I've been saving up to buy one of those, that there!"
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I smiled warmly and looked at her.
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"Of course, go ahead. We have some time before LoggerHead arrives."
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Lizy hurried over to the stall. As I waited, I took in the sights and sounds of the town center. My mind wandered back to the journal and the cryptic messages it contained. My thoughts were clouded with concern, and I absentmindedly twisted a strand of my long hair around my finger. The weight of my future self’s secrets hung heavily on my shoulders, but I forced a smile, maintaining my composed facade.
With a whoosh of air, LoggerHead descended from above, his sturdy boots landing firmly on the ground amidst the bustling market. His wings, a magnificent blend of feather and light, folded gracefully behind him. As he walked towards us, he made a series of quick, fluid hand signs. In an instant, his wings vanished, leaving no trace behind.
With purposeful strides, he approached, an unmistakable glint of mischief in his eyes. His farmer's hat, adorned with a half-translucent cloth, added an air of mystery, while the stick he carried for picking fruit from tall trees sat on his back. His patched grey t-shirt and short jeans, combined with sturdy boots, gave him a rustic yet quirky look. As he moved, the sunlight caught the reddish tint in his grey hair, adding to his distinctive presence.
The market-goers around us barely spared a glance, accustomed to the unusual in this eclectic place. Log’s casual demeanor and charismatic presence made him blend seamlessly into the lively surroundings, even without his wings.
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"RoseBud,"
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"LoggerHead, Thank you for coming. We have much to discuss."
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He nodded, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. The half-translucent cloth attached to his hat added an eerie atmosphere as it fluttered gently with his movements.
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“Let’s find a quieter place to talk,
Can’t have our secrets spilled in the middle of a market, can we?”
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A sly smirk played at the corners of his mouth, typical Log behaviour.
As Lizy returned, her new trinket clutched in her hand, we moved to a nearby alley, away from the hustle and bustle of the market.
Once we were in the shadowed quiet of the alley, Log broke the silence first.
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"Alright, spill it. Need food? Delivery? Or maybe some top-secret intel?"
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He tried to maintain his usual calm demeanor, but his voice wavered slightly, the strain evident as he masked it with his trademark cheekiness.
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“Max, I am talking to Max here,”
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My eyes locked onto his, demanding the honesty I knew he often tried to hide. He flinched slightly, a rare crack in his façade.
His expression shifted entirely, frustration and pain flashing in his eyes.
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"What is the deal, Yoyo?"
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I held out a letter retrieved from the folder. The instructions were clear—I needed to give it to LoggerHead as Max.
He took the letter cautiously, his hands trembling slightly as he unfolded it. His eyes darted over the contents, and I watched as confusion and recognition flickered across his face, a storm of emotions brewing within.
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"I see,"
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His voice was barely audible, he then handed me the letter.
His hands trembled slightly, betraying the calm pretense he tried to maintain.
For the first time, I read its contents.
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"Karthenia will never return to Oriken," it stated in stark, unambiguous words.
"But travel alongside RoseBud, see where it goes, and you will meet her again. Follow the flow."
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A pang of confusion hit me. This contradicted everything I had been told—it said I should travel with Log, not the other way around. My thoughts raced, trying to make sense of the words. Unless... we were meant to embark on two separate paths that somehow intertwined, leading us to a shared destiny.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. The fabric of my tight suit stretched comfortably as I squared my shoulders, and my ponytail swayed gently with the motion.
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"We will depart in ten minutes"
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The mixture of fear and determination churned within me, but I pushed it aside. My emotions no longer controlled me; instead, a fierce determination settled over me, guiding my actions as if I was on autopilot.
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"We will go south. Lizy, can you lead the way?"
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Lizy's eyes widened in surprise, her fingers clutching the trinket she had just bought.
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"Wait, how did you know I know—"
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I gave her a reassuring smile.
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"You are from Axerith, you know the way."
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"Yes, I am from Axerith. But how did you—"
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"I always pay attention to the details."
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The surprise on her face weakened a little, as if she had underestimated me. well, I did realize that from the Journal anyways, I would have never guessed that she was from there, kudos to future me.
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"I always thought you didn't know."
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"There are many things I learn through careful observation and reading,"
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I must sound like a very smart person right now, which is great, I enjoy it. Its a cage of a personality that I would love to stay in, if it doesnt suffocate me, that is. I watched as Lizy's eyes sparkled with a blend of emotions—relief, curiosity, and determination.
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"Well, it's time to show you my home!" 36Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNGQ7rXU2Y
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