Abyssal Sovereignty

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Chapter 2: Going To The Surface

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“Next, we should be heading to the outside world, right?”

“Indeed we should.”

In a secluded shrine, a petite girl, a tall sister figure, and a young lady were deep in discussion regarding matters beyond the Abyss.

“After catching a glimpse of the sun, many races have expressed a desire to leave the Abyss and explore the outside world. However, it has been so long that I can only wonder what the world has become,” remarked Misako, her gaze wandering over the documents submitted by those below.

“Aris, do you have any idea what the outside world is like now?”

Given Aris’ discomfort with overly formal atmospheres, Misako and the others opted to address her by name directly.

“Well, I can’t even confirm how long it has really been since we last checked. I’m quite in the dark myself.”

“I see…”

Leaving the Abyss required vigilance; the pace of change in the world was rapid. There was a genuine concern that after all this time, their own powers might fade to mere mediocrity. Worse yet, the Abyss still served as a prison for those who had been defeated in the ‘War of the Demons And Dragons’; the moment they surfaced, they might find themselves under immediate attack.

“What if we went in groups?” suggested Farkonia after some contemplation.

“You mean dispatching scouts first rather than letting everyone emerge at once?”

“Precisely.”

This was undoubtedly the safest approach; it would spread the risk and ensure that a smaller party would be less conspicuous.

“Then we shall settle on that. But who shall go first?”

“I shall.”

Without a hint of hesitation, Aris responded to Misako's inquiry.

“...Are you certain? If anything goes awry, it could end quite badly.”

“...I need to confirm it myself.”

“…”

The unwavering determination in Aris's eyes left both Misako and Farkonia with no choice but to acquiesce.

‘Despite the changes, has Aris held steadfast in this regard...?’

Ever since Aris awakened after her battle with Farkonia, they had sought to converse with her—albeit with intentions that spanned beyond mere updates, seeking to gauge her current condition. She had once succumbed to despair upon realizing that revenge was impossible, and none could predict whether the same fate awaited her again. With her power having grown significantly, they doubted their ability to intervene swiftly should history repeat itself; thus, they aimed to prepare in advance.

While the likelihood of Aris falling into rage again had diminished, the singular motivation of ‘revenge’ remained a constant specter.

“...Can you promise us this?”

“Pardon?”

“No matter what you discover, don’t rush. Take your time, think things through.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just promise me.”

“...Fine.”

Faced with Farkonia’s and Misako’s earnest expressions, Aris reluctantly agreed.

“Good. Now, let us prepare.”

“?”

“Ah? You’re not planning to leave us behind, are you? That would wound my heart... boo hoo...”

For reasons unbeknownst to her, Misako had an annoyingly mischievous streak about her... or perhaps she had always been this way.

“Alright, alright, we’ll accompany you. Having more people is certainly better than going alone, and we can assist one another in critical moments.”

“Agreed.”

Misako and Farkonia had always been among the strongest within the Abyss. Despite their earlier defeat at Aris’s hands, their abilities remained undeniably formidable.

“Puff puff!”

Moreover, Pupu had anticipated that she would accompany them, so the excuse of ‘holding them back’ was hardly applicable.

...

“Are you ready?”

“Of course, I am.”

Misako had delegated her affairs to the capable hands of Shirone and others. This had been anticipated, prompting her to cultivate individuals with adequate capabilities to stand in for her.

Meanwhile, Farkonia had appointed several dragons to hold sway within their kin, further enhancing their influence. As for administrative duties, Farkonia had distanced herself from such matters, staying in her subspace for years; from the perspective of managing the dragon clan, those dragons were more akin to dragon lords than she was.

“Then let us proceed...”

Aris raised her left hand, grasping at the air ahead. In that moment, ripples materialized as if she held the very fabric of their surroundings in her palm.

Simultaneously, her other hand stretched forth, gripping the ‘fabric’ beside her left and pulling it apart.

With a swift tug, the ‘fabric’ tore, unveiling the scenery beyond the shrine's walls, revealing an expanse of plains.

The Abyss was a peculiar realm with its own anomalous layout. Simply ascending took considerable time, requiring one to traverse spatial barriers—only those of significant strength could hope to succeed.

Hence, the most straightforward solution was to directly link to the spatial realm outside. What Aris had just done was tear open the very fabric of space with her bare hands.

While utilizing spatial magic would have been quicker and more effective, they needed to confirm their coordinates before entering the outside world.

“Let’s go.”

Aris, with her satchel containing Pupu, stepped through the breached space alongside Misako and Farkonia.

“...Hmm?”

“What is it?”

Suddenly, an unusual sensation washed over Aris.

“...It’s nothing; let’s investigate nearby first.”

Misako and Farkonia made no further comments, following her lead.

“...Show yourself.”

“Ah!”

A figure gradually emerged before Aris, shifting colors like a chameleon.

“How did you find me...?”

“Even if you conceal your form, your aura betrays you. They’ve undoubtedly noticed too.”

“Ugh…”

Before Aris stood a small green-haired girl, or Veridith, who hung her head in dejection.

“Upon reflection, it’s clear. That esteemed individual and I are both green dragons; this little trick would hardly deceive her…”

“...So why did you follow?”

“What more needs to be said!? I wanted to witness your magnificence at the earliest opportunity!”

“…”

Aris couldn’t shake the feeling that the brightness in Veridith’s eyes had intensified since their last meeting.

“I beg you; I truly wish for that!”

With a sudden burst of determination, Veridith dropped to her knees in supplication to Aris.

“...You…”

“Puff puff!”

Out of the satchel, Pupu peeked out, half of her body emerging.

“Ah! Pupu!”

“Puff!”

Watching the interaction between Pupu and the kneeling Veridith, Aris realized that their bond had grown considerably during her time in Farkonia’s subspace.

“...Fine then. You may assist in caring for Pupu when I am otherwise occupied.”

“Ah? Yippee!”

Leaping up from her prostrated position, Veridith lunged at Pupu with uncontained excitement. However, as Pupu remained nestled within Aris’s satchel, it appeared more as if she were dangling from Aris herself.

‘Well, with our strength, protecting her should pose no challenge.’