Reincarnated as an Adeptus

Chapter 24: Heaven's Seal

Despite the strenuousness of the challenge,
one can win as long as they remain hopeful. 

After finding a solution to Rera's crisis, Cloud Retainer told Rera and Xiao to return to Wangshu Inn until further notice. To which Rera thanked the Adepti for their help.

Returning back to Wangshu, Rera sees Zhongli in the distance. Gazing off into the horizon.

"Zhongli!" Rera smiled, running up the stairs. "You returned!"

"Indeed, I have." He smiled, "Tell me, what happened while I was away?"

"I think I have an obligation to explain." Xiao spoke, appearing next to Rera.

"I truly hope that nothing went wrong, right?" Zhongli asked.

"..."

With silence for an answer, Zhongli sighed. The troubled expressions on both of their faces were enough to assume that something had gone wrong.

"Rera," Zhongli spoke, "May I have a word alone with Xiao?"

"S-sure..." She nodded, walking towards the dining area.

"..."

"Now then, I have been told that the Meditation failed. And I assume that you have left to go seek advice from Cloud Retainer."

"...Yes, my lord. I'm sorry that I couldn't-"

"Don't be." He smiled, "All that matters is that you have tried your best."

"..."

"So, what did Cloud Retainer say?"

"...We have decided upon the Heaven's Seal, training, and Amber Encasing."

"...I see." Zhongli sighed, "It must have been a hard decision to make. Especially for little Rera."

"She was the one who wanted that order. And she proposed a plan for each of them in such a short time."

"Hmm...but there is a huge risk within each of them." Zhongli mumbled, "But I suppose I can lessen the chances of the worst possible outcomes."

"You don't mean..."

"I do. I mean that I shall personally aid Rera."

"But then it would be too easy. She would learn from a young age that she is too strong to-"

"I do not mean I will increase the chances of success." Zhongli interrupted, "I mean that I will decrease the chances of memory loss and exhaustion."

"..."

"I see." Xiao nodded, "Then perhaps we did not have to worry too much in the first place."

"Hm? Why do I sense warmth in your words?" Zhongli teased, "Were you perhaps worried?"

"...I'm simply glad that we could finally save one of those cases." Xiao sighed, looking to the side, towards Rera. "Many of those children did not deserve to go through all of that. It's a miracle that she could even smile and act like a fool."

"Haha! Well said, Xiao." Zhongli chuckled.

"We'll begin at 3:45. And that man will be joining us too."

"Who?"

"The God of Shadows." Xiao answered, meeting Zhongli's eyes.

"..."

"Did he show himself to you?"

"Yes."

"Did...he seem sad at all?"