Zumi paused before leaving, his heart heavy. He called softly for Aurora. From the hammock in the backyard, she came running with all the energy of a child, leaping into his arms as though she were still ten years old.
"Daddy!" she squealed, clinging to him tightly.
Holding her close, Zumi's mind reached for the familiar, divine presence.
"Celestia… she is bound to me. I cannot travel far without it making her ill. Yet I cannot bring her to China—it will be too dangerous. Is there a way? Can you remove this restriction, so she can remain here without suffering?"
A shimmer of light parted the air. Celestia appeared before him in her radiant Olivia Munn form, her voice carrying the tone of eternal truth.
[Celestia]:
"Host, it is indeed possible. But understand this: the bond remains because she wishes it so. Aurora chooses dependence upon you. If the link is to be severed, she must break it herself. Only by believing she is strong enough to stand without you will the chain release. Convince her. Guide her to see that she is no longer a child, but her own pillar."
Zumi looked down at the girl in his arms. He set her gently on her feet, kneeling so their eyes met. His voice softened into the tone of a father speaking to his little girl.
Zumi:
"Aurora… my bright star. You've grown so much. But you still hold onto me like you're small. Do you know what I see when I look at you? A strong young lady. A girl who has learned, endured, and laughed through more than most. You are not weak."
Aurora's lip trembled. "But Daddy… I don't want you to go. What if something happens and you're not here?"
Zumi brushed her hair back, smiling warmly.
"Listen to me. You are not alone. Ana will be here. Kathy, Kasumi, Sakura, Kaito, and Gia too. All of them care for you. All of them will watch over you. You don't need to hold on so tightly to me anymore. You're a big girl now, and big girls can stand strong—even when Daddy isn't right beside them."
Aurora sniffled, clutching her sleeves. "You really think I can…?"
Zumi placed a hand over her heart.
"I know you can. You're my daughter. You carry my spirit in you. And I will always be proud of you—no matter the distance."
She wiped her eyes, finally nodding, though her grip on him lingered.
Aurora clung to Zumi's sleeve, trembling. Her heart screamed to hold on forever, but his words echoed inside her chest:
"You're my daughter. You're strong. You're not alone."
Her little hands balled into fists. If I keep clinging, I'll only stay weak… but Daddy believes in me. Everyone believes in me. I… I want to believe in me too.
She bit her lip, tears welling, but raised her chin. Slowly, she nodded, her voice small yet resolute.
"...Okay, Daddy. I'll do it. I'll be strong on my own."
The world shifted.
A radiant tether, woven from strands of gold and silver light, stretched between Zumi's chest and Aurora's heart. It pulsed—alive, unyielding. But now, under Aurora's trembling hands, it began to unravel. One thread, then another, unweaving into motes of light that shimmered into the night air like fireflies.
Aurora gasped softly as warmth flooded her body, not from outside, but from within.
[Celestia's Voice Resonated Above Them]
[System Notification: Dependent Link Severed]
"Aurora has chosen independence. By her will, the tether of reliance has been broken. She now walks with her own strength."
[Reward Granted: Ascension of Spirit]
"Aurora's Kitsune heritage has awakened further. Two new tails have manifested. Current Tail Count: 3."
Behind her, light burst forth as two luminous tails unfurled, joining the single one she already bore. They shimmered with energy, swaying like living flames of white-gold and silver-blue. Aurora staggered, overwhelmed, then stood taller than she had ever before.
Her eyes glowed faintly, determination softening the fear that had gripped her moments ago.
She looked back at Zumi, smiling through her tears.
"Daddy… look. I'm not weak anymore. I'll wait here, and when you come back, I'll be even stronger."
Zumi's eyes widened as the new tails bloomed behind Aurora, glowing with a divine, otherworldly brilliance. He drew in a slow breath, pride swelling in his chest. His little girl, the one who once hid in hammocks and clung to his arm, now stood bathed in her own light.
"...Aurora," he whispered, voice warm and reverent, "you're incredible. You've grown stronger than even I imagined."
[Celestia's Voice Resonated Above Them]
[System Notification: Legacy Strengthened]
"Aurora's ascension enhances the Host's bloodline. Your path is no longer walked alone—your legacy expands through her power. Be proud, Zumi Gold. Her strength is also your triumph."
Before Zumi could speak further, the sliding door creaked open. Hina stepped into the living room, her fiery hair catching the glow of Aurora's tails. She froze, then broke into a grin.
"Aurora… you did it! Three tails already?" Hina clapped her hands together, genuine excitement lighting her face. "That's incredible. I'm so proud of you."
Aurora's eyes shimmered as she ran forward, throwing her arms around both Zumi and Hina in one big embrace. She buried her face against them, her voice suddenly firm—unyielding, but trembling with love.
"Protect my Daddy, okay?"
The words came not as a plea, but a command of the heart.
Hina's arms tightened around them both. Without hesitation, her answer came, unwavering as steel.
"With my life."
Aurora's lips curved into a small, satisfied smile at that promise.
Zumi exhaled, resting a hand on her head. "Aurora… my star, I'll be back. And when I return, I want to see how much stronger you've become."
Aurora sniffled, nodding, still hugging them tightly. "I'll be waiting, Daddy."
At last, Zumi stood, taking Hina's hand. Together, they walked toward the door. Aurora watched, her three luminous tails swaying in the background, the image of a young guardian finally stepping into her own.
The night air greeted them as they stepped outside. Their path forward was uncertain, but Zumi's heart was steadied—his daughter had proven herself strong, and now he and Hina would face China's trials together.
Aurora stood in the doorway, her three tails glowing faintly in the night, watching as Zumi and Hina moved to the garden. The air itself seemed to shift, heavy with anticipation.
Zumi raised his hand, the golden ring upon his finger pulsing with ancient energy. The air in front of them rippled—first like disturbed water, then like glass cracking under unseen pressure. With a soundless shatter, a shimmering portal of light and shadow unfurled, opening a doorway as though carved into the sky itself. Beyond it, distant bells tolled, faint whispers of China calling them forward.
Hina's fiery hair caught the glow of the gateway. She glanced once over her shoulder, meeting Aurora's steady gaze. A quiet exchange passed between them—trust, loyalty, and promise.
Zumi stepped closer, his hand tightening around Hina's. His voice was low, but resolute.
"Time to go."
Together, they walked into the portal, their bodies vanishing into the rift as if stepping across invisible air. The garden behind them fell silent, save for the faint rustle of Aurora's tails swaying in the moonlight.
[Celestia's Voice Resonated Through the Rift]
[Main Quest Initiated]
Seek out Serafina, the Goddess of Darkness, at the Chinese Monastery of Sun Wukong.
[Sub Quest Unlocked]
Investigate the "Creepy Girl" who appears each night at the monastery grounds. Unknown threat classification.
[System Directive]
Proceed with caution. The path ahead entwines divinity, shadow, and secrets yet unspoken.
The portal sealed behind them with a thunderous shoom, leaving only Aurora's silhouette framed in the doorway. She whispered softly to the night, her tails glowing brighter than ever.
"Hurry back, Daddy."
The chapter closed, the bond of family lingering behind, while the promise of gods, shadows, and hidden horrors awaited ahead in China.