[Loserine has found a memory fragment.][Her memories are gradually recovering. Her soul is returning!][Favorability +20!][All Attributes +20!][Three memory fragments remain. Once all are collected, your adventurer Loserine will gain a brand-new trait!]
"Three left, huh?"
After reading the system notifications, Kurose Akira fell into thought.
Coincidentally, after submitting the commission, there was still one more memory fragment remaining.
Which meant that now, only two fragments were left.
That said, the fact that each fragment granted a flat +20 to all attributes was undeniably generous. Gaining a total of eighty free stat points was a pleasant surprise no matter how one looked at it.
After Loserine absorbed the soul fragment, it vanished without a trace.
In its place, the hollow skeleton that had once defined her form was gradually enveloped by a layer of deep azure light, wrapping around her crystalline bone structure and reconstructing the silhouette she once had in life.
Even so, she remained undead—only now, her appearance carried a semi-transparent quality.
Put simply, it was as if a translucent phantom now wrapped around her bones. It was still strange to look at, but at the very least, her facial features were visible again.
And then—
"Natasha…"
A soft, gentle voice emerged from Loserine's lips.
With the recovery of her memories came the return of her ability to speak.
"Loserine?!"Hearing that familiar voice, Natasha couldn't hide her excitement."I never imagined I'd be able to see you again. This… this is unbelievable."
Loserine smiled, then turned her gentle gaze toward Akira.
The only reason she had been able to return to this world was because of him.
This guildmaster from another world had heard her call—and that was what led to this miracle.
"All of this is thanks to your help, Guildmaster~"
Loserine knelt on one knee before Akira, offering him her gratitude.
"Get up—quickly."
Akira hurriedly helped her to her feet.
However, the moment his hand touched her soul-formed skin, he noticed something… odd.
It wasn't flesh, and it wasn't rubbery either.
It felt strangely like touching pure water—yet his fingers couldn't sink into it.
What an incredibly bizarre sensation.
"Natasha,"Loserine said after standing, turning toward her."I'm now a member of the guild, so I can no longer remain behind to protect Sunset City."
"That's alright,"Natasha said with a smile, shaking her head."Roxia has successfully become a Vowbound Knight. I believe she can take over your role."
"Roxia…?"
When Loserine heard that name, a trace of tenderness passed through her eyes.
"When I left, Roxia was only a seven- or eight-year-old girl," she said softly. "I never imagined she would inherit the title of Vowbound Knight. She truly is an exceptional child."
"Yes," Natasha replied."She's incredibly diligent. You were always the person she chased after. I believe she has the strength to bear the responsibility of protecting both the Yerman Family and Sunset City."
"…"
The two spoke warmly, reunited after a long separation.
However, Loserine's memories had not yet fully returned, so her speech often paused mid-sentence, stuttering like a signal with poor reception.
From their conversation, Akira also learned more about Natasha's identity.
She was a descendant of the family that had protected the White Rose Blossom for generations.
Although centuries of change had rendered the title of "guardian family" largely ceremonial, with Vowbound Knights now bearing that responsibility, Natasha remained the person closest to the White Rose Blossom itself.
And Akira understood something crucial—
As the guardian deity of Sunset City, the White Rose Blossom housed a soul that bore an identical appearance to Natasha.
Which meant that Natasha would inevitably play a vital role in future quests.
As for how the story would unfold from here… that was something he would have to uncover step by step.
Naturally, Natasha herself knew nothing about the White Rose Blossom's deeper secrets.
"Natasha… once I recover all of my memory fragments, I'll come back often to see… see you…"
Loserine finished the sentence haltingly—then suddenly fell silent.
This was likely because only a quarter of her memories had been restored, causing frequent "short circuits."
Seeing this, Natasha couldn't help but laugh.
She had never imagined that the once-glorious Loserine would end up like this.
After Loserine fully stopped responding, Natasha turned to Akira.
"Then I'll leave Loserine in your care, Mr. Kurose~"
"Mm."Akira nodded.
"Mr. Kurose truly is a man one can rely on," Natasha said with a smile."I hope we'll have many more… in-depth exchanges in the future."
"It's a promise," Akira replied.
After their conversation ended, Natasha swayed gracefully as she departed.
Akira finally let out a breath of relief.
The commission had been completed successfully. It was time to return to the guild.
Before leaving, he glanced at Loserine standing beside him.
Her eyes still held confusion and uncertainty. Although some of her memories had returned, she remained somewhat dazed. It seemed clear that only by collecting all four fragments would she fully recover.
"Let's head back."
...
Late at night.
Roxia sat alone in her study, gripping a yellowed letter tightly in her hand.
The letter had been sent by her aunt, Loserine.
It contained words of longing—not only Loserine's messages to her, but also her parents' thoughts and affection.
It also mentioned the purpose of their voyage.
They had gone to sea in search of a medicine—a drug meant to treat her mother's illness.
As for what illness it was exactly, the letter didn't specify. It only mentioned that it was a hereditary disease.
"Father… Mother…"
Roxia murmured softly, her sapphire-blue eyes flickering with faint firelight.
In the silence, a middle-aged knight entered the study and spoke quietly.
"The person has been captured."
"I understand."
Roxia nodded and stood, picking up the sword resting beside her desk.
Her gaze sharpened, turning cold and resolute.
"Let's go. This time, we're uncovering the full truth behind that shipwreck."
...
In the blink of an eye, Akira returned to his guild.
The first thing he did was submit the mission.
[Congratulations on completing the mission!][Silver Coins +10, EXP +1000][Memory Fragment +1][You have obtained one free opportunity to refresh a trait]
"Ivsha, this is yours."
Akira handed four silver coins to Ivsha.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Kurose~!"
Ivsha accepted the coin pouch, her beautiful eyes filled with gratitude.
"You earned it," Akira said with a smile, then turned toward Loserine.
He was about to have her absorb the new memory fragment when he received a notice—
Loserine's soul was not yet stable. The fragment could only be used after 12 hours.
With no other choice, he postponed it. There was no need to rush—after a good night's sleep, she would be ready.
"Then, Mr. Kurose~ I'll return to the church now~"Ivsha said sweetly."Don't forget—you promised to accompany me to church tomorrow~"
"Yeah. See you tomorrow."
Ivsha smiled as she stepped into the teleportation array. A flash of white light—and she vanished, returning to her church.
However, the moment she entered, an obese elderly nun suddenly called out to her.
"Ivsha."
"Sister Carrie?"Ivsha turned in confusion as the old nun handed her a cross necklace.
"Ivsha, tomorrow all nuns must undergo a Holy Light purification ritual in the church. Although you've lived here for nearly twenty years and are already immune to the effects of holy light on demons, it's better to be safe. Wear this."
Her expression darkened slightly.
"Things haven't been very peaceful in town lately…"