Elden Ring, but with Wind Spirit Moon Shadow

Chapter 451 Mercy
Bai Shi looked at Marlenia's incredulous face and calmly waited for her reaction.

He desired order and hope, not the meaningless abuse of the defeated.

Michaela and Malenia's past lacked proper guidance, and their fragmented inner worlds continued to diverge from the world.

Ultimately, they made mistakes and went astray.

However, Michaela and Malenia may still be susceptible to modification.

Ultimately, the anomaly of the Sacred Tree Twins stems from this damned border region itself.

One was born corrupted beyond recognition, its body ravaged and its form inhuman; the other was unable to grow up and left its protection at a young age to seek a cure.

Even the noble son of gold is powerless against his divine parents... or perhaps they are more concerned with the law.

Everyone would be so bewitched that they would become completely obedient to Michaela, making him unable to distinguish right from wrong or understand the people's thoughts.

Such a growth environment is so wrong that it leaves one speechless.

In the wrong soil, the wrong flowers will naturally bloom, or they may not even bloom at all.

They relied on and supported each other at the very beginning, but it ended up like this, which is truly lamentable.

Bai Shi decided to give them a chance.

Recognize the reality of this border area and let them make this imperfect border area a better place with their own hands.

Marlenia is not stupid; she has just been too focused on Michaela in the past.

Gradually, she also came to understand part of Bai Shi's intentions.

For these losers, being able to contribute to the new era is already an immense act of kindness.

Witnessing the gradual establishment of that magnificent era is itself a path of atonement for them.

Taking a deep breath, Marlenia responded to Bai Shi with a firm gaze.

"I understand."

"This power will now be at your disposal."

Bai Shi nodded, and his gaze towards Marlenia softened.

Marlenia made an unusual choice; it was a choice she made herself.

Although it was corruption that she had once loathed, she saw life through that corruption.

I began to understand the emotions of those corrupt lives, and I began to understand others.

Unlike Michaela, Malenia was the first to resonate with the lives truly struggling in the mud of the borderlands.

True bonds are forged in mutual support through hardship, not in the perfect illusion of charity from the clouds.

Corruption and abundance are inherently intertwined.

Although Marlenia has not yet undergone a complete inner transformation, in Bai Shi's eyes she has already proven that she is worth saving.

If Marlenia can truly control corruption and bridge the gap between corrupt and normal beings, then she would be a much-needed asset for Bai Shi.

Bai Shi looked at Marlenia and said:
"Making peace with your past is a remarkable thing, especially for you."

"You said before that you chose corruption, right?"

"Although it is an unusual choice, it is still a change."

Marlenia nodded, and then Bai Shi stood up and spoke to her again:

"Then, go and collect the rotten stuff."

"Starting with Galid, let's atone for the mistakes we made in the past."

"Although so many years have passed, it is not all in vain; we still have to do it."

"To devour that corruption, or to be devoured by it."

"As for what comes after that, use your strength to contribute to the new era."

"For the peaceful border crossings, so that even corrupt individuals can walk in the sunlight..."

"I need a bridge to communicate with those lives, and that requires your strength."

Marlenia looked at Bai Shi, her eyes gradually widening.

If there is a way to save lives, can he also equally embrace those lives that are despised?
What love and magnanimity this is!
Marlenia originally thought that Bai Shi only valued her power and thought that she was more useful alive, which was why he spared her life.

But she could never have imagined that Bai Shi would keep her around for such a loving reason.

His promise of a peaceful border crossing was so moving.

Bai Shi is both powerful and has a gentle heart.

That kind of gentleness is a quality they, being so fragile, lack.

Marlenia's lips trembled slightly; unlike before, she was now completely captivated.

Even though they were once enemies, it doesn't affect her feelings now; in fact, it makes her even more loyal.

Her thin lips parted slightly, and Marlenia's resolute vow rang out:

"I will do everything in my power to dedicate myself to that bright world."

"Your glory and great achievements are destined to be sung by everyone."

As she made her vow, Marlenia felt a strange stirring in her heart.

In the past, Malenia couldn't understand what kind of emotion this was.

Why is the elder brother so fixated on General Ratahn, focusing his attention solely on him?

Even now, looking back, Malenia cannot fully understand her past fervent aspirations.

Humans are such peculiar creatures.

People cannot understand each other, and they cannot even empathize with their past selves.

But now, Malenia finally understands.

Physical and mental disabilities occur simultaneously.

Because of blind faith, they blindly follow.

Malenia's loss of sight also prevented her from being independent, causing her to blindly follow others.

Even through later learning, she can see the outside world without her eyes and even observe battles more accurately.

But the dependence from childhood is something that cannot be changed, nor is it something that one is willing to change.

It seems that her entire life revolved around the single act of 'repaying her brother'.

Besides that, there's only fighting, where the victor takes all.

Now that she has truly witnessed the light, how could she possibly tolerate the darkness any longer?

For the first time, she focused her attention on people other than Michaela.

That burning soul, that dawn breaking through the darkness of the borderlands, is so captivating.

Marlenia clenched her fists tightly, clutching her clothes, and remained silent.

With the future of this border region in the hands of such a powerful and benevolent person, it will surely usher in a truly bright era.

As the conversation between the two ended, Michaela, who was standing nearby, opened her eyes at just the right moment.

Michaela lay on the ground, gazing up at the shadowy, closed sky, her mind in turmoil.

He had actually woken up a long time ago, but he hadn't opened his eyes.

When Marlenia awoke, Bai Shi took the opportunity to remove the hypnosis he had placed on her.

Having overheard Bai Shi and Marlenia's conversation, Michaela understood that lofty ideal.

That beautiful and peaceful border region was more wonderful than the most delightful dream he could imagine.

Michaela sat up, glanced at Bai Shi discreetly, then lowered her head and remained silent.

He didn't know how he should react either.

It's like a child who almost caused a major disaster, who knows they made a mistake but has no way to make amends.

Bai Shi looked at Mikaela with a look of tolerance in his eyes.

No one spoke first, and the group remained silent.

Marlenia looked at her brother, then at Bai Shi, and seemed about to speak.

But after calming down and thinking for a while, Marlenia also closed her slightly open mouth, waiting for Bai Shi's decision.

All of this, right and wrong, should be judged by Bai Shi.

After a while, Michaela finally looked up from the silence, met Bai Shi's eyes, and asked:
"I did something that almost made the border area irreparable..."

Don't you hate me for this?

Bai Shi finally heard Michaela speak and smiled.

It's not what he says that's scary, it's when he doesn't say a word at all; those kinds of kids are the hardest to handle.

Bai Shi gazed into Mikaela's eyes and said softly:

"How could I possibly hate someone weaker than myself?" "I only feel pity for you."

"Besides, you didn't succeed, did you? Things haven't gotten to the worst point yet."

A strange expression appeared on Michaela's face.

He had hated his weakness countless times in the past, but now that weakness had prevented him from making any serious mistakes.

If he were powerful enough, he might make a grave mistake before the White Consciousness could stop him, or even before the Faded Ones could return to the borderlands.

Bai Shi ignored Michaela's reaction and simply said to him:

"You think you're special... no, I should say everyone thinks they're special."

But that's not actually the case.

"It's very sad when you realize that."

"However, this is an essential part of life; growing up is painful."

"You may be able to escape pain by hiding in your own beautiful dreams, but you can never escape growing up."

"You cannot save the borderlands, because you cannot even save yourself."

"Saving the border area is an adult's job."

Bai Shi paused, looked at Mikaela who was clearly moved, and continued:
"The eternal love you are trying to forge with seduction."

"But that's just a reflection in the mirror where you escape reality, and it's fragile."

"The world may not be perfect, but that is not a reason to give up on it."

"The way to face the world is to acknowledge the cracks in the mirror and then work to fix them."

"How dare you claim to be a god if you can turn a blind eye to the suffering of your closest loved ones?"

As she listened to Bai Shi's words, Michaela's heart was gradually touched.

Marlenia's eyelids drooped slightly, revealing a complex mix of emotions.

Michaela turned her gaze to Marlenia, her eyes filled with apology.

The twins of the sacred tree were once so harmonious.

Although life is full of suffering, and every day is spent in pain and worry, it is the happiest time.

But at some point, he gradually shifted his attention away from his most important sister.

With Malenia becoming independent, Michaela focused all her attention on her ideals.

His dear sister had given so much for him with all her heart...

However, he blindly walked down the wrong path, unable to see anything but that bubble.

He strayed further and further down this wrong path, ultimately hurting everyone around him, including himself.

Bai Shi stood up, looked down at Michaela, and reached out his hand to him.

Michaela hesitated for a moment, then grasped the offered hand and stood up.

Bai Shi looked at Mikaela's youthful figure and guided her:

"Use your eyes to see, and use your hands to achieve."

"Use eyes that cannot discern reality from illusion to see the courage of every soul that chooses the path of thorns."

"Use the hands that once wielded charm to lift their wretched bodies as they struggle in the mud."

"When you can truly understand the lives of those living on the borderlands, your broken heart will probably be filled."

True bonds are forged in mutual support through hardship, not in the perfect illusion of charity from the clouds.

The same applies to Michaela.

The gods, high above, cannot understand human suffering.

His self-righteous charity and his imagined beautiful world are not what this border region truly needs.

Only by recognizing this world full of cracks can we know how to mend it.

It's perfectly normal to be immature; you just need to mature step by step.

In this process, he gained understanding and insight, and then used his strength to contribute to the new era.

Michaela felt the warmth of the sun, but what moved him even more was the opportunity and trust Bai Shi had given him.

Just a short time ago, he was an enemy blocking the way.

How could someone like him receive such treatment?
"I...I will try to do it."

Michaela answered hesitantly, but then felt surprisingly relieved.

So, would a truly reliable person give off this kind of feeling?

After hesitating for a moment, Michaela spoke again, asking Bai Shi:

"Torina... I'm so sorry."

"I know that no matter what I say, it can't undo the mistakes I made in the past..."

"But I at least want to say sorry."

Bai Shi had already discussed this matter with Torina for a long time.

Although Torina was in pain about being abandoned, she didn't actually harbor much resentment.

As the other half, she understood Michaela's determination best and knew his helplessness.

Michaela has staked everything, including himself, on that illusory dream.

Bai Shi, recalling his previous conversation with Torina, replied to Michaela:

"She is doing well now, there's no need to worry about her."

"However, it would probably be better for you to be independent."

Cut ties completely, put the past grievances behind you, and just live your own lives.

Michaela got the answer and nodded silently.

Michaela took Marlenia's hand as before, waiting for Bai Shi's orders.

Bai Shi thought for a moment. Although he had given Michaela some guidance, it seemed there was nothing specific he could do for someone with his special circumstances.

Let's send Michaela to Galid with Marleneja first.

We'll have them bring Romina along later, so Bai Shi won't have to make any more arrangements.

He was involved in the events of the Ionian Swamp; none of this would have happened if Michaela hadn't been so fixated on Rataen.

Speaking of Rataen, Bai Shi reached out to Michael.

Ratahn's soul still needs to be retrieved.

Bai Shi does not intend to revive Rataen like Xia Duo.

After that, let him stay with Xiao Ge and wait for him to undergo the normal reincarnation process in the spirit world.

However, that will probably have to wait until he becomes the King of Elden and re-plans the cycle of life and death.
-
With Mikaela's matter finally settled, Bai Shi breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Arranging things was far more tiring for him than fighting life-or-death battles.

At least Bai Shi was genuinely enjoying the battle.

Ashmi, who had been standing to the side waiting, looked at Bai Shi with surprise, scanning him up and down.

As a half-soul being, she could sense that her host had undergone a tremendous change in soul.

In the past, Bai Shi's soul was fiery, but now it is directly the sun itself.

Ashmi blinked, hesitating whether to return to Bai Shi's body.

She always had a terrifying thought in her mind: what if her soul was scalded when she went back?
Bai Shi naturally had no idea what Ashmi was thinking at the moment, but he felt that her mental activity seemed to have become more active.

Bai Shi waved, urging Ashmi to hurry back into his body, as they would soon be setting off again.

Stretching his body, Bai Shi thought for a moment and realized that there didn't seem to be anything urgent for him to deal with at the moment.

We can first resolve the matter of the dead prince completely, and Bai Shi can also replenish Feng Lingyueying's attempts along the way.

Along that route, you can replenish your Wind Spirit Moon Shadow quite a few times.

The two heroes, Gargoyle and 'Dead Dragon' Fulsanth, this is the second time.

Furthermore, Xia Duo needs the power of the Ancestral King to win the revival match.

In this way, with the three chances replenished, Bai Shi's chances can be restored to full again.

However, after a moment's thought, Bai Shi changed the itinerary.

Before returning to the border, Bai Shi decided to resolve the matter of the Shadow Land first.

Bai Shi felt at ease leaving the matter of the Finger Ruins to Vic and Bernal, and letting the two of them accompany him.

So he took the opportunity to meet the so-called 'Mad Dragon' Baylor.

(End of this chapter)