Volume 1 Chapter 20 - Morning After the Chase
The morning light spilled across the treetops, soft and golden, chasing away the mist that clung to the forest.
Birds sang again, cautious at first, then louder as the world slowly remembered peace.
By a shallow stream, Cindy sat on a smooth stone, her wings drying under the gentle sun. Tiny sparkles drifted off each flap — remnants of her mana from the night before.
Beside her, Puff snored softly, curled up like a silver puffball. His fur glimmered faintly with mana, proof of how much he'd used during their escape.
Cindy smiled tiredly. "You really saved us back there, Puff."
The hare's ear twitched. "Mmh... I did, didn't I? You owe me snacks."
Cindy giggled softly. "I'll find some berries later."
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The Weight of Being Seen
She dipped her fingers into the stream, letting the cold water run between them.
Her reflection rippled — a small humanoid butterfly, delicate and glowing faintly with blue and pink hues.
"I guess... I can't stay hidden forever," she murmured.
Her voice was almost carried away by the wind, but Puff, still half-asleep, replied, "Maybe not. But you don't have to face the whole world at once either."
Cindy looked at him. "You think they'll come again?"
"Probably. People always want what they don't understand." Puff opened one eye lazily. "But you've got me. And I bite."
She laughed quietly. "That's comforting."
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A Quiet Breakfast
After washing away the dirt and dried mana from their flight, Cindy gathered a few glowing berries from a nearby bush. They tasted like sweet honey and left a faint, sparkling residue on her fingertips.
Puff chewed noisily beside her. "You know, for someone who used to be human, you're pretty good at finding food."
Cindy tilted her head. "Well, I was a nurse. Feeding exhausted people and finding snacks during 12-hour shifts was a survival skill."
He chuckled. "Guess some skills cross worlds."
She smiled warmly, wings fluttering with amusement. "Maybe they do."
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The Gentle Breeze of Peace
After breakfast, Cindy sat on the grass, closing her eyes.
A soft, magical wind formed around her — not strong, not defensive — just a calm, healing breeze.
Leaves danced gently in the flow, and the faint scent of flowers filled the air.
Her mana shimmered with soft green light. Puff felt the warmth reach him, easing his tired muscles.
"Using your healing wind again?" he asked quietly.
Cindy nodded. "Just... for comfort. Not all wounds are visible, you know."
Puff's ears lowered. "Yeah... I get that."
The forest hummed softly around them — no fear, no chasing footsteps, no cries of alarm. Just birds, water, and wind.
For the first time since her reincarnation, Cindy felt truly safe.
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Reflections
"I used to think being small meant being weak," she said softly, staring at the clouds drifting by. "Back then, I had to fight to be noticed. Now, I have to hide to stay alive."
Puff tilted his head. "So what's worse?"
She smiled faintly. "Neither, I think. Both are hard... but both mean I still exist. I still get to live."
Her eyes shimmered as she added, "And if I'm alive, I can still help — even if no one knows it's me."
Puff closed his eyes again. "You're weird, Cindy. But I like that."
She laughed gently. "Thanks, Puff."
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System Notice
[Skill: Gentle Breeze proficiency increased to Lv.5.]
[Passive bonus unlocked: Soothing Aura – Gradually restores minor health and stamina to nearby allies.]
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The breeze around them shimmered softly, surrounding them in a cocoon of comfort.
The tension of the chase, the fear of being hunted — all melted away under the soft hum of nature.
For now, Cindy decided, this peace was enough.
No running. No fighting. Just being.
As the sun climbed higher, Cindy leaned back on the grass, wings spread wide to the light. Puff rested beside her, both of them breathing in the calm rhythm of the forest.
And for a brief, perfect moment, the world felt still —
as if the very air itself wanted to protect its little butterfly and her loyal friend.