"Who is Anby?"
That was a good question.
Anby is a warrior of the Absolutes...
"Well... perhaps it's best if Anby explains it to you itself."
As he spoke, Ray lowered his gaze to the tacet mark on the back of his hand and called out softly.
"Anby, quit sleeping. Get out here."
A moment later, a shimmering golden light swirled, and Anby emerged from the Tacet Mark, rubbing its bleary eyes and stretching leisurely.
"Mmm—wah!" It extended its tiny claws in a lazy yawn, swaying drowsily in mid-air. "What's up? Is it dinner time?"
"All you ever think about is food. Take a look at yourself." Ray helplessly poked Anby's little belly before turning to Carlotta. "As you can see, Miss, this is Anby. It was Anby who dealt with the remnants of the Dark Tide in the Riccioli Islands. Well, more accurately, who ate them."
Carlotta's eyes widened slightly as she stared incredulously at Anby, now fully emerged from the Resonance Mark.
She had never heard of an Echo living within a Resonator, this was the first time she had witnessed it with her own eyes.
Anby nimbly landed on Ray's shoulder, sat down, and waved a tiny paw at Carlotta.
"Hi there, I'm Anby!"
Carlotta tilted her head, studying Abu with astonishment. After a moment of silence, she turned back to Ray. "You're saying... this little one ate the Dark Tide? Is that true?"
Before Ray could answer, Anby eagerly hopped forward, paws on its hips. "Hmph, of course it's true! It was just the Dark Tide, I could eat it ten times over! And, I'm not 'little one,' I'm Anby! I have a name!"
Suddenly, as if remembering something, it covered its mouth in thought, then shook its head repeatedly. "But... maybe not. That stuff tastes really awful."
Carlotta watched Anby with keen interest.
This little creature's personality was quite amusing, different from any other Echo she had ever encountered.
"My apologies, Anby. I'll remember," Carlotta chuckled, extending a fist. "I'm Carlotta Montelli, Ray's boss and girlfriend. Since it's our first meeting... how about I treat you to a big meal?"
"Really?" At the mention of food, Anby's eyes instantly sparkled. It flew over and lightly bumped fists with her. "Miss Carlotta, you're the best!"
Hooked!
Although Anby's exact connection to the Cat's Eye wasn't fully clear, the available intel suggested they were in a symbiotic state, inseparable.
In that case...
Why not win Anby over and turn it into a little informant placed right beside Cat's Eye?
A faint smile touched the corner of Carlotta's mouth. She straightened up and lightly clapped her hands.
A waiter soon approached with a menu. Carlotta took it and handed it directly to Anby, raising her chin with a hint of pride. "Here, order whatever you like. It's on me."
"Really? Then I won't hold back!" Anby practically threw itself onto the menu, pointing at every dish that looked delicious.
"This... might be a bit much?" Ray looked at Anby, then glanced at Carlotta.
"It's fine," Carlotta replied, propping her chin on one hand and watching the excited Anby with a meaningful smile. "As long as Anby is happy. By the way, Anby, if you're ever hungry, you can come find me anytime."
"Mhmm, mhmm, mhmm!!" Anby nodded its little head vigorously.
"Anby, don't order too much. You might get a stomachache." Seeing Anby's eager, unrestrained enthusiasm, Ray covered his face with a hand and sighed softly.
"A stomachache?" Carlotta brushed off the concern. "If it can digest the Dark Tide, a little food shouldn't be a problem."
"Precisely because of that, I'm more worried." Ray's expression turned slightly grave. "We still don't know if the Dark Tide has any side effects on Anby. And why it chose to reside within me is also a mystery."
Carlotta tapped her finger lightly on the table, deep in thought. "True. An Echo residing within a Resonator is unheard of. The two of you should get a thorough check-up when you have the chance. Especially since... Anby can also devour the Dark Tide."
If it were just the former, it might still be considered a rare anomaly.
But the latter fundamentally changes the nature of the entire affair.
The Dark Tide is the erosion of civilization by Leviathan's corruption.
Once it erupts, it is nearly irreversible unless the Sentinel intervenes.
Twenty years ago, it was only through the self-sacrifice of the Order's Saintess, the Resonator of the Sentinel, who perished alongside the Dark Tide, that it was barely contained.
Even so, Ragunna has yet to fully recover from that disaster to this day.
"Ray, are you truly unaware of why Anby chose to reside within you?" Carlotta pressed.
Ray shook his head. "I honestly don't know."
He looked down at the Tacet Mark on his hand, lost in thought.
To this day, he didn't even understand the true nature of his own Resonance ability, surely it couldn't just be physical strength?
And why did Anby appear within his Tacet Mark?
"Is that so?" Carlotta lightly pursed her lips, pondering. "But it's best the Order doesn't learn of this, speaking of which, Phoebe. That Order Acolyte was present at the time, wasn't she?"
Ray nodded. "Yes, Phoebe was there. But I'm aware this matter is too significant. I've already asked her to omit the details about the Dark Tide and Anby when reporting to the Order. You don't need to worry about that part."
Hearing this, Carlotta raised an eyebrow.
She crossed her arms and legs, leaning back into her chair. "Oh? Sounds like you trust that Acolyte quite a bit. Did something... happen between you two?"
The hints of jealousy and resentment that had faded earlier subtly seeped back into the young lady's tone.
"Miss, truly, nothing happened," Ray said, rubbing the back of his neck. "If you don't believe me, ask Anby! Anby can vouch for me!"
"Anby, is that true?"
"Mhmm, mhmm, mhmm!" Abu nodded its little head cheerfully. "But after the Dark Tide was dealt with, Ray had a great time hanging out with Miss Phoebe these past couple of days! And Miss Phoebe even bought me lots of yummy treats out of her own pocket!"
Ray's eye twitched. "Anby... you really didn't need to add that last part."
"Huh? Oh... hehe..." Anby scratched its head. "I'll remember that next time."
This little rascal...
Was it doing this on purpose?
A vein pulsed faintly at Carlotta's temple, though her elegant smile remained firmly in place. "Had a great time, did he? I see. Well, since you're so full of energy... your vacation ends now. You can accompany me on a business trip. Consider it a chance to stretch your legs."
"Er, I don't mind working, but a business trip?" Ray was taken aback. "Where to?"
"Septimont," Carlotta replied with a light hum. "The Montelli Bank's operations are expanding there recently. As the family's second daughter, I need to inspect the situation personally. And while we're at it... I can visit an old friend."
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