Gazes From The Abyss | Chilumi Fic

Chapter 6: Strange waves circulating inside

Boredom had found its way into the depths of Lumine's elastic mind. Despite being criticized for being too busy with her plans, it was evident that the young woman struggled to find fulfillment in her day-to-day life. She often blamed the gods for burdening her with such a monotonous existence, refusing to take responsibility herself or to lay any blame on the woman who had given birth to her. No, Lumine would never insult her own mother. Instead, she directed her frustration directly at the divine beings who had supposedly orchestrated her mundane life.

As she walked alone through the winter landscape, a scowl etched upon her face, Lumine couldn't help but hiss when a slime brushed against her feet, further fueling her irritation. She retaliated with a surge of her abyssal power, dispersing the cryo slime in an instant. A small smile formed on her lips, relishing in the retribution she had dealt to the pesky creatures that had dared to disturb her monotonous day. She straightened her heel and prepared to continue on her way, only to have her expression turn upside down when she encountered a horde of dancing hilichurls blocking her path. Lumine mentally face-palmed, wondering what had gotten into her today. It seemed as though everything was working against her.

Just as she was about to leave the chaotic scene, a tiny voice reached her ears. Without a second thought, Lumine rushed towards the direction from which the voice emanated. She moved swiftly, effortlessly navigating the terrain. It was as if the obstacles that hindered her earlier had vanished, allowing her to reach her destination unscathed.

Narrowing her eyes, Lumine took in the sight before her. A little boy was joyfully jumping near a towering ruin guard. Instantly, her instincts kicked in, recognizing the danger in the situation.

"That's suicide,"   

                  
                                                                                                              

Lumine continued to watch as the little boy gleefully jumped around near the towering ruin hunter. Without a moment's hesitation, she sprang into action, her instincts overriding her previous boredom. She swiftly moved towards the boy, managing to grab his arm just in time to prevent him from touching the dangerous machine. The boy, however, threw a tantrum, clearly upset by being pulled away from his newfound plaything.

"It's not safe to touch those things. Playing here can be very dangerous," Lumine spoke calmly, guiding the little boy away from potential harm. As they distanced themselves from the ruin hunter, a furrow formed on Lumine's brow as a thought crossed her mind.

"Why are you here alone? Where are your parents? A young child like you shouldn't be in a place like this—what if something happened to you?" Her words were straightforward and blunt, reflecting her concern for the boy's well-being.

The boy sheepishly looked at Lumine, scratching his ginger-colored hair. Lumine couldn't help but notice the resemblance—his innocent gaze, the color of his hair. It reminded her of someone from her past. She quickly averted her eyes, trying to shake off the memories that threatened to resurface. Why would she think of him now? It was distasteful, a reminder of a chapter she had hoped to close.

"My parents live far away from here. I came to this area because the snow reminded me of my hometown. I was planning to go back to our camp, but then I saw this big 'Mr. Cyclops' and got curious," the boy explained, looking up at Lumine with eyes that held a hint of familiarity. Her lips parted slightly, caught off guard by the unexpected connection she felt in that moment. It brought back memories of someone she once knew. Ajax...