"Given all you have said... and my previous experiments last year... the only thing that makes sense is that, when we draw power, we draw void spirits. And then... they become other types in the process. Some easier than others. Some die whilst channelling the power. And some clumps of void spirits are made. Eventually, they return to the void. And when void spirits of some power die..."

"They make flowers, that become seeds for new spirits?"

"That. Probably that."

So, death is just part of the cycle of life. Pretty obvious.

"I do not truly understand this discussion. But I believe all senior light spirits become aware that we are reverse. We prevent death and preserve cycles. Death is the lack of emotion. Apathy. Giving in. But we invoke emotion and are empowered by it. We do not understand why humans generate such emotion from love and death. But we relish in it, for sure." Michael confirms a few things even as both he and Rishya look puzzled.

There is a moment's silence.

"In any case, we should move on."

"Mmm... this must... it must be studied... if only there was more time... but you're right boy... first we must find a way out." Seria grumbles, but nods.

"Ah! Way out!" Aeris suddenly barks, dashing up to me.

"You found something?" I ask her, patting her head.

"No way! I just remembered that was what we were looking for!"

I feel a dramatic collapse is in order from everyone.

Yeah, this girl has a short attention span like a three-year-old despite her twelve-year-old appearance. I keep forgetting.

"Exit! Way out! Place to be gone!" She giggles.

Still monstrously cute though.

"Ahem, well... shall we follow the faint light again, Elijah-sama?" Rishya asks.

Faint light?

Oh, now she mentions it, there is a light. Like a twinkling star in the distance.

"Huh... I didn't notice that before." I mention.

"Understandable. I believe Michael is enhancing its light right now." Rishya nods smugly, patting her chest with a wobble.

"So, who do you want to carry, onii-chan?" Aria says, smirking.

Uhh... oh! Right, the unconscious girls. Yeah... I guess I should carry one.

Then again... armoured Kiku... armoured Kali...

"Uh... I'll take Kaede then I guess." I select the wuss option.

"Are you certain?" Aria looks suspicious. "Well... if that’s what you want." She grins.

She hoists Kali and Kiku over opposite shoulders in an absurd display, even more silly than that time she carried Yuuzu and Kurono, because she's wearing that insane fanservice dress.

I crouch down next to Kaede and pull her up in a princess carry.

Oh gods.

What.

What is this!

I nearly fall over from the unexpected shift in weight balance.

Fortunately, I manage to prevent completely pratfalling over and/or accidently groping her.

The others burst into laughter because I'm sure it was still a pretty stupid display.

"Did you think slender Kaede would be the lightest, Onii-chan? Where do you think she keeps her sixty kunai and stacks of other weapons besides on her body?" Aria laughs.

What the hell... she was the heaviest option!?!

"Bleeeahhh! That's right! Kiku was the correct option. She has red mithril armour, light as a feather! Hahaha!"

Goddammit. I think Aria is becoming more vindictive.

Hah... I suppose I deserve it for making fun of her magical girl appearance before.

I look at the girl with her eyes closed in my arms. She looks like a serene sleeping doll as usual. But right... uh... down... her rather loose fold of a kunoichi outfit, wrapped around her in lots of places, are belts upon belts of glinting knives and needles.

For some reason I was just too dense to notice. But yes, pocket dimensions are a thing restricted to void mages, right?

Did I think it was some mysterious ninja technique? Well, to be honest, I probably just didn't think about it at all.

I hoist her up, now used to the weight.

"Well, let’s get going." I say.

"Oh? I thought you'd want to swap?" Aria snarks.

"I'm not that much of a whiner. I made this choice, so I'm stuck with it, right? I'll take responsibility. And... uh... I'm sorry for making fun of you before." I bow my head slightly.

Aria looks suddenly bashful and puts a hand behind her head. Its surprisingly a hot gesture, given how scantily clad she is right now.

"Ehehe... jeez... I really can't win against your shamelessness, Elijah. But then again, that’s why I like you, isn't it?"

"Probably why we all can't help but be enamoured by the boy." Seria nods.

"Like, like? Aeris likes?"

"Well, let’s go, then..." I say.

I throw Kaede over my left shoulder so I can grab onto Aeris' hand again.

As expected, Michael picks Rishya up again, and dashes off at high speed in the direction of the twinkle. Aria runs herself, powered up by her swan dress.

Seria just appears to crackle with electricity and begins to fly next to her crystal and zooms off as well.

"Exit! Going! Gone!"

Aeris snaps up my hand and I am pulled off at Mach speed myself, after the others.

I wonder where this all leads?