Supreme Magus novel Chapter 2248

"That's great to hear." Lith nodded. "Aran and Leria went through much less yet they have only recently recovered. I doubt they would have made it without Grandma so what's your secret?"

"It's all thanks to Zogar." Zinya puffed her chest out with pride. "His 'children' spent a lot of time with Filia and Frey, never leaving them alone. In their human form, they made the kids feel protected and part of the family.

"Whenever they had to shapeshift, Zoreth and the others always assumed an adorable-looking form that seemed out of a children's book. Having powerful creatures that looked like giant fluffy pets made wonders for their nerves, especially Tezka.

"He never leaves their side, even when they go to school. It's only thanks to him that I can sit here comfortably, knowing that wherever they are, my little ones are safe."

***

Ernas Arch Duchy, at the same time.

Phloria Ernas had just finished dining at the Phoenix's Nest with her date and they were taking a digestive walk in the gardens of Assar, the capital of the Ernas region. It wasn't exotic, but being so close to home made her feel safe.

Since the War of the Griffon had resumed, her dating schedule had only gotten worse. On the one hand, her parents were eager to find a suitable mate for her. On the other, Phloria had grown sick and tired of being alone.

She would spend her days going from the battlefield to the tower or Faluel's lair to train. Whenever she was on leave and Invigoration had lost most of its effectiveness, Phloria liked to go out and have some company.

No matter how much her sisters complained about their respective partners, she could see how happy they were. The picnic on the moon had been the final straw that had broken the camel's back.

Phloria had found the strength to let go of her feelings and search for someone who could make her laugh like Morok did to Quylla, someone who could understand her struggles like Nalrond did for Friya, or maybe someone whose kindness would warm her heart like Kamila did for Lith.

Phloria loved her magical powers just like she loved her work as a military officer. Yet the more time passed, the more she realized they weren't enough for her anymore.

'I don't want to spend the rest of my life working my ass just to be forgotten the moment I die like it happened to Menadion or Manohar. I watched many people die in this war and none of them in their final moments regretted not having trained or worked one more hour.' She thought.

'They all regretted the things they didn't do and having ignored the people in their lives, always thinking they could make up for it later. I want more in my life than work, train, sleep, rinse and repeat.' She thought.

"A copper coin for your thoughts." Celbas the Griffon said after the silence lasted long enough to become awkward.

He looked like a handsome man in his mid-twenties, about 1.84 meters (6') tall with short blond hair and silver eyes.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to space out." Phloria replied with a sigh. "I'm just really tired."

"I can see that." Life Vision showed Celbas how mana abuse would make it pointless to use his breathing technique on her. "Do you want to take a rain check and get some rest?"

"And spent the rest of the day staring at the ceiling while my damn brain keeps me hostage? Thanks, but no thanks." She said. "By the way, I'm curious. Isn't a 23 years old woman a little too young for a Divine Beast like you?"

"She would, if I wasn't 25 years old and a hybrid at that." He replied.