Power of Runes Chapter 427: A Special Guest

Gradually, the final remnants of white light dissipated, ushering in a serene hush that differed from before, as though the whole Soul Vault held its breath, expectant for the next event.

For an instant, Snow stayed utterly still, her gigantic frame firm while acclimating to the shifts inside her, wings fluttering subtly and instinctively, like she was gradually sensing each one.

Then, her red eyes shifted smoothly and purposefully, scanning the surroundings before locking onto the person ahead of her.

Ash.

A short pause ensued, her stare lingering on him, as if piecing together the visual with her memories, since the man before her had transformed so drastically that looks alone couldn't identify him.

Yet recognition wasn't based on vision.

It stemmed from something profound.

{Papa..?}

Her voice resonated gently in the Soul Space, starting with a touch of uncertainty, yet laced with an unchanged familiar affection, as if that one word held all the proof required.

Ash’s face softened subtly, the prior chill within him melting away unnoticed.

"Snow..."

He uttered her name softly, brimming with feelings.

That sufficed for Snow; all doubt vanished as she advanced, her huge body bridging the gap with precise, gentle motions.

Ash held his ground.

He just stayed put, lifting his hand to rest it softly on her lowered head, the touch flowing effortlessly, like it was meant to be.

Silence hung for a few beats, with no words exchanged.

Snow leaned into his palm lightly, her colossal form easing in a newfound relaxation, as if that connection anchored her fully.

{It is you...}

Now her tone rang with unquestionable assurance, resolving everything without extra words.

Ash exhaled slowly, unaware he'd been holding it, his hand steady as fingers traced her scales lightly, noting the evolution in her shape.

"Of course it is me... you took your time waking up."

His voice stayed even, nearly offhand, but a subtle warmth lightened the remark.

Snow’s wings adjusted behind her, tucking in more loosely as she lingered near.

A peaceful quiet followed, comfortable and familiar, weaving naturally between them.

Off to the side, Eva observed quietly without butting in.

A faint smile crept onto her lips unbidden, her gaze warming tenderly.

Perhaps feeling that look, Snow glanced at Eva, then back to Ash, as if checking if this new figure warranted notice.

{Who’s she..?}

Ash grinned faintly and answered, "She is your sister, so treat her like your elder sister."

{Are you her father then..?}

Snow inquired, cocking her large head, crimson eyes on him with pure inquisitiveness, puzzling out the logic.

Ash’s mouth quirked as he responded, "No, I am not her father, but even without that, she is your elder sister, alright??"

{Alright!!}

Little Snow bobbed her head eagerly, embracing it fully on his say-so alone.

Meanwhile, witnessing the banter, Eva let out a soft giggle like a child, delight evident and unmasked.

Ash nearly teased her, but before words formed, Snow’s shape altered abruptly, her vast form contracting swiftly and alarmingly, dwindling in a flash to a tiny girl of three or four years before them.

Her skin gleamed perfectly smooth and pure, soft white hair matching Ash’s, and with her oversized head, ruby eyes, and plump cheeks, she embodied pure adorableness.

At this sight, Eva and Ash’s hearts instantly turned to mush, the abrupt shift too charming to resist.

Suddenly, she leaped into his arms, clinging tight around his neck with tiny limbs.

"I missssssed you, Papaaaaa... you were gone for so long. Did you know...."

Soon enough, Ash discovered this adorable bundle was a real talker, words tumbling nonstop once started, like pent-up thoughts flooding out.

Ash beamed warmly, absorbing every word from little Snow uninterrupted, his hand patting her head naturally amid the chatter.

Yet her new look evoked Elysia’s image once more.

The present Snow strikingly mirrored a pint-sized Elysia.

But no evidence suggested intent.

So the oblivious new dad and his daughter chattered on endlessly, Snow initially bashful near Eva with shy peeks, but quickly warming up.

Back at the shop meanwhile,

Eric and Saskia descended the stairs in conversation, steps measured as their talk flowed steadily.

"I heard there’s a special guest that will be coming soon to the City of Light, I don’t know who that person is, but I was thinking of going there to see if I will get some opportunities there. How about you come with me too..?? You might also find something interesting."

Saskia proposed, cheeks flushing, avoiding Eric’s eyes, voice pitched casually with downcast gaze.

Eric missed it, leading ahead, and after more steps, agreed, "Sure, why not."

But inside, he pondered otherwise.

Saskia’s face lit up radiantly at his words, barely restraining a joyful bounce, hastening to match his pace unwittingly.

She eyed him expectantly before adding,

"Then how about this? I don’t know the exact date when that person will arrive, but it will be too crowded if we arrive there late, what if we just go to the place of their gathering daily?? I heard there’s a cafe nearby too and even some entertainment spots, we can spend our time having fun while waiting, instead of just standing around."

Noticing Eric’s clear reluctance, Saskia’s pulse raced, fingers twitching inwardly tense despite her composed facade.

She silently berated herself but stayed outwardly serene, swiftly rephrasing to avoid seeming insistent.

"Or maybe I can just try to find the exact date of their arrival, this way your time won’t be wasted."

Eric parted his lips to answer, but another voice interjected.

"There’s no need to find the exact date. Take Eric with you, I will give him holiday for a few days."

Saskia and Eric turned toward the voice. Eric blinked in stunned surprise as Ash emerged from the back, his stride faltering briefly amid swirling thoughts.

Of course, sarcasm tinged the notion, yet most astonishment fixed on the child in Ash’s arms.

A sudden warmth stirred in Eric’s hardened heart at her sight, an irresistible pull to squeeze her chubby cheeks and hear her giggle, her aura melting his defenses effortlessly.

But Saskia outdid him in shock.

She froze, mouth ajar, eyes bulging, bag nearly dropping before her grip clamped tight.

Ash disregarded their stares, approaching leisurely as if all was normal.

With Snow cradled in one arm, he extended the other to Saskia for a shake, flashing a captivating smile that disarmed instantly, "I am Ash, elder brother of Eric. I hope he did not give you a hard time."

Saskia stammered blankly, mind reeling, words failing amid the unexpected.

Only Eric’s shoulder touch snapped her back, prompting a rushed handshake and intro.

"Hello, I am Saskia, I am... his friend, no a customer, I-I-I...."

Ash offered a wry smile; he truly wished to dial back his allure, but even the Rune of Concealment couldn’t.

"Don’t worry about it, my little brother here is quite clueless, but I will allow him to go on a date with you, so don’t worry. If he says no, I will beat the hell out of him."

Eric and Saskia flushed crimson at his directness, sputtering protests, Eric jabbing a finger at Ash, voices clashing wordlessly—until Snow piped up.

"Papa, is that brother Eric you told me about..?"

Her sweet, bright voice filled the space, shattering the awkward tension, drawing all eyes to her.

***