Reincarnated With A Glitched System: Why Is My MP Not Running Out? Chapter 1998 1998: Nephilim's Heart

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Once I wrapped up my full explanation to the familiars, a stunned silence enveloped everyone.

"I see… this is truly amazing," Nephilim murmured gently. "So she's awakened divine power as well. During my own evolution, I absorbed a vast quantity of divine power, yet my growth unfolded differently from the others—probably since I was partly divine right from the start."

"Yeah…" I whispered.

"You discovered Nephilim in some ancient ruins, didn't you?" Ruby inquired, her gaze locked on Nephilim. She examined the gears and robotic frame with silent wonder. "Each time I gaze at her mechanical build, I marvel at the masterful artistry involved— Oh, apologies, did that come off as rude?"

"Not at all, it's alright," Nephilim responded with a kind smile. "I'm truly a freak among freaks. My memories of the past are faint, and I might be the most bizarre being anyone encounters. They left me discarded in a temple of the gods as yet another botched creation. The gods forged me as a devastating weapon—a secret ace against the Demon King—merging divine and demonic forces."

"I get it… that must have been tough. Sorry if I stirred up painful recollections," Ruby replied, dropping her eyes.

"It's fine, Ruby," Nephilim reassured her. "You always appear so anxious about offending folks. Relax."

"Uh-Ah… hehe… yeah, you're correct…" Ruby let out a timid chuckle. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Nephilim replied warmly. "We share more similarities than we knew. Let's be friends."

"R-Really?!" Ruby's eyes grew wide.

Nephilim gave a casual shrug. "Sure, why not?"

"Y-Yes!" Ruby bobbed her head eagerly. "And… uh, do you mind if I… Um, forget it, that'll sound strange."

She paused briefly. Nephilim regarded her with calm interest. "You wish to examine my mechanical body's inner workings? I've wondered about it too, since I can't peer into my own mechanisms. Plus, my original knowledge of my makeup shifted after evolving through Sylphy's System… so yes, feel free to inspect. After all, you're the Blacksmith Hero."

"Y-You don't find it odd?!" Ruby exclaimed in surprise.

"Why should I? I can sense hearts now—a new skill I picked up. Your request holds no hidden agenda." Nephilim offered a tender smile. "You're a caring soul who frets endlessly over others' opinions… yet at times, you must release those worries and open up. Just voice your thoughts without dreading refusal. Even if the response isn't ideal, trying beats silence. It's far better to express your heart than bottle it up, letting despair build gradually. I know this from my own path."

"…? Oh, got it," Ruby agreed, nodding thoughtfully. "You've endured a harsh existence, Nephilim."

"Somewhat…" Nephilim confessed softly. "My evolution brought back memories of my prior life… as a human. Back on a world named Earth. When existence felt far simpler. That was ages ago. Earth has transformed beyond recognition, and now I wander a foreign planet, forsaken by my sole kin."

"Nephi…" I could no longer feign ignorance. As we strode together, I turned to her. "Whenever you feel like discussing this, I'm here for you."

"No need to fret, Sylphy. I'm… incredibly ancient. Extremely so. I've weathered countless existential dilemmas across my long life…" She uttered a faint, wistful laugh. "I've realized acceptance often serves as the sole path ahead. Accepting oneself, and one's role in this world, this cosmos… Some elements remain unalterable, such as your history. Yet that doesn't doom the now or tomorrow to rigidity. Because of you, I've begun to grasp that embracing yourself—and reshaping the present, then the future—starts with viewing your past as fixed. Embrace who you are, scars included, for that legacy shaped your being. Escape proves impossible. Progress demands facing it head-on and triumphing."

"Wow…" Aquarina sighed in awe.

"That's… wow, those words pack a punch, Nephilim. Struck home for me too, haha," Celeste remarked with a gentle chuckle.

"Embracing your history and surpassing it… right?" Ruby repeated softly. She nodded pensively, lost in thought.

"Consider all you've achieved—our current journey, our purpose. Haven't we surpassed what our pasts ever foresaw?" Nephilim questioned, her soft smile resurfacing.

"I guess so!" I exclaimed with a bright smile, giving a firm nod. "Right, guys? You're all incredible, so never forget that. Ruby, that especially applies to you."

"Aw… you don't need to say all that, but thanks," Ruby responded, her smile bashful yet sincere. "This spot feels almost healing—except for the pollen. Why not come here more frequently?"

"I'll grant you all complete permission to enter my dungeon anytime you like from now on!" I declared, winking playfully. "Feel free to drop by and unwind whenever."

More than anything, I placed absolute trust in my companions. They were exceptional individuals I cherished profoundly, leaving no doubt in extending such an invitation.

"That sounds great. Does that mean I can drop in on Armageddon and tease her?" Aquarina inquired, sporting a mischievous smirk.

In her tiny form, Armageddon let out a sharp gasp and quickly hid behind me, shooting Aquarina a fierce glare filled with real outrage. "Y-You snake! Who do you think you are?! Sylphy, we're partners in crime, so protect my safe haven, please!"

"Uh yeah, well… try not to bully her… excessively," I requested with a light chuckle.

"Heheh, got it," Aquarina answered. "Only the kind, soft kind of bullying."

"Uugh! Sylphy, you're awful!" Armageddon cried out.

"I'm just joking around! Relax, queen," I chuckled heartily. "Oops—aren't you a queen anymore?"

"Grrrr!" she snarled right at me.

While our chuckles rang through the air, Beelzebub drew near to her once more, attempting to soothe her through intense flattery.

"Ignore her words, Your Majesty. Sylphy and Aquarina merely jest as usual," he assured her sincerely. "Have no fears—we all acknowledge your supreme glory."

"Hmm? Who might you be?" Armageddon wondered, squinting suspiciously at him.

"Y-You've already forgotten me?!" Beelzebub exclaimed in shock. "Am I truly that unmemorable?! I'm Beelzebub! Beelzebub!"

"Huh? If I don't recall you, that makes you an unremarkable and trivial existence," she remarked casually with a shrug before looking elsewhere.

"Whaaat?!" Beelzebub appeared completely crushed, his face showing the agony of devotion gone unanswered.

While we pressed on with our stroll, he lagged back. Furoh approached to lift his spirits, transforming into Armageddon's likeness and stroking his head.

"Is this shape cheering you up?"

"Gaaaahhh! Stop using her appearance, you mimic! It's only torturing me more!"

"…Sorry."

At times, they could be truly absurd.

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