Don't Take Away My Human Record Chapter 782: Hiberlian's Recap after Twelve Years - Novel Cool

Chapter 782: Hiberlian's Recap after Twelve Years

Chapter 782: Hiberlian's Recap after Twelve Years

As night fell, the corridors of the Inferno Gallery Academy were shrouded in darkness, and only the occasional whispers of the wind broke the quiet within the serene school building.

It took just an hour for Lanchi to wrap up the aftermath of the recent unrest after taking up the role of principal.

The officers from the Demon King's Special Investigation Force had also been sent on their way, although Lanchi requested their assistance in repairing the school's damaged buildings.

Despite their curiosity about the unusually amicable principal, the school's leadership team refrained from asking too many questions due to the late hour and retired for the night as instructed.

The clock hands were inching close to 4 a.m.

Cheerful voices echoed through the corridor outside the principal's office on the top floor.

"This school hasn't changed a bit; the vice-principal looks exactly the same."

The heavy oak door swung open, and a group of people walked in, chatting and laughing.

Leading the group was a tall male demon with a nostalgic smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"As soon as you spoke, the vice-principal seemed to recognize you, but she couldn't be sure. After all, you were the fake principal last time, and now you're the real deal."

Hiberlian stood by Lanchi's side, much like a secretary.

Lanchi's demeanor as principal was just too distinctive.

Among the group of teachers, she also spotted several demons she remembered from her first trip to the Shadow World.

As they stepped into the principal's office, the air immediately felt warmer.

The soft glow of amber lighting illuminated the deep brown wooden floor, and hellish coals burned quietly in the marble fireplace, crackling softly.

"Yes, everything here feels familiar and welcoming, as if time has flowed backward to days gone by."

Lanchi strolled over to the broad brown wooden desk, his fingers gently caressing the surface as he savored the antique texture.

"This principal's office is amazing! It's just like I saw in my dream."

Upon entering the office, Talia made her way to the window, leading Sigil by the hand.

She admired the small round table and the armchair by the window, and beyond it, the night sky of the Demon World sparkled more brilliantly than the Human World, dotted with countless stars.

To be honest, she really wanted this room for herself.

She recalled the time in Flora when she and Lanchi had crafted cards together, and how she had been affected by the burst of magic from the final stage of 'Caliera's Shadow Weave Record', causing her to fall into a dreamlike state and glimpse a similar principal's office.

"Caliera, I won't get lost this time," Sigil assured Caliera, still holding onto her hand.

She felt that navigating the Inferno Gallery Academy was a nightmare unless one simply smashed through the walls.

Earlier, while following the Saint through the corridors, she had somehow lost sight of him.

This time, to prevent Sigil from getting lost again, Caliera personally held her hand and led her into the principal's office.

Only now did Caliera feel relieved.

Although Sigil was grateful for Caliera's attentive care, she still felt a bit embarrassed, as if she were being treated like a child.

"Oh, alright then."

Talia let go of Sigil's hand.

She had been worried that Sigil might vanish again in the corridors.

Unlike Lanchi, who was a rather carefree father, Talia was a responsible mother.

"There's even a swimming pool in the principal's office? I love it!"

As soon as Sigil was released, she dashed towards the far end of the room, gazing at the pool of water.

Illuminated by the soft light, one side of the principal's office showcased a pool of water that shimmered with a gentle blue glow, resembling a pure blue sapphire.

"I told you I made this principal's office appealing to all ages, didn't I?" Lanchi remarked proudly.

"..."

Both Talia and Sigil turned to look at Lanchi simultaneously.

They both thought this guy was a bit too much.

As silence fell upon the principal's office, a knock sounded at the door.

"Mr. McCassy, I've arranged for your luggage to be stored at the school, and your accommodations are in the resting area, close to the corridor leading to the Demon King's Grace Restaurant. If you need any assistance finding your way later, please don't hesitate to contact me."

Lisandra knocked on the door and addressed Lanchi with a polite bow.

"Thank you, Lisandra," Lanchi expressed his gratitude.

Before Lanchi could take the room cards from Lisandra, he paused, noticing that Hiberlian had already eagerly approached Lisandra to speak with her.

The two women had forged a good relationship back in the Demon King's City, Nakalis.

Instead of sitting in his office chair, Lanchi leaned against the sofa in the resting area of the principal's office.

It was no longer working hours, and he didn't need to attend to official business. Lisandra didn't need to maintain a professional demeanor either; they were all friends now.

"Lisandra, thank you!" Hiberlian exclaimed, taking Lisandra's hand in a sincere show of appreciation.

She couldn't begin to imagine the risks Lisandra had taken these past few days to collaborate with her from within the academy, and Lisandra might have even been confronted by Desecrator tonight.

Having such a devoted friend made Hiberlian consider staying in this era.

"Princess, I'm just glad you're safe," Lisandra breathed a sigh of relief.

Even within the confines of the supposedly safest place in the Inferno Gallery Academy—the principal's office, she could still feel the tremors from the Inferno outside, and it terrified her.

Thankfully, it was McCassy who had returned, indicating that he had emerged victorious once again.

However, what truly astonished Lisandra was seeing that supreme female demon of the Illusion Demon race, Caliera, once more.

"Lady Caliera..." Lisandra gazed at the blurry yet beautiful figure by the window, at a loss for words as her emotions swirled.

"Ahem, yes, I'm back, my child," Talia replied, a little unsettled by the reverence shown by the demon. She straightened her posture and turned to face Lisandra.

"..."

The cat boss, hidden in the shadows, poked its head out to observe Tata.

It felt that Tata had become increasingly abstract ever since she started spending more time with Lanchi.

Talia hesitated for a moment before walking up to the timid Lisandra and gently patting her on the head.

"You did very well, Lisandra."

Talia slowly withdrew her hand.

She wasn't sure if the real Caliera would have done the same, but she felt that this young demon child needed some comfort.

"Lady Caliera...?"

Lisandra stared in astonishment, hugging her head and shrinking her neck as she looked at the Fallen Lord.

The usually distant and untouchable supreme demon, Caliera, was now treating her like a caring mother.

"I'm no longer the Regent of the Demon Realm, so there's no need to be so formal or use honorifics."

Talia spoke casually, having long accepted her changed status.

There was no need to dwell on the past or fret about the future; what mattered was the present.

"Is...is that so?"

Lisandra was still a bit flustered by the turn of events.

The usually competent woman found herself at a loss for words.

"By the way, Lisandra, could I ask you to take care of Tamisha for me?"

Hiberlian took the little gray cat out from her arms and gently stroked the sleeping kitten before handing it to Lisandra.

With the crisis averted, Lisandra had access to the safe office area near the principal's room and the secretary's resting room, which might be a better environment for the reclusive Tamisha to rest.

Hiberlian realized that she had been a terrible mother, failing to properly care for Tamisha during their journey. She trusted that the skillful former court ritual officer, Lisandra, would be able to provide a comfortable environment for the kitten.

"Of course, leave her to me."

Lisandra took the gray kitten and assured Hiberlian, "You should get some rest. I'll take my leave and settle Tamisha in for the night."

She didn't plan on staying in the principal's office any longer and bowed before turning to leave.

The door to the principal's office closed.

Only the principal and his friends remained.

A sense of relief filled the room, with all worries cast aside.

"That was a close call. If it had been me from before, I might not have been able to defeat Desecrator Merogass."

Sigrid clenched her fist and gazed at her palm.

According to Lanchi's assessment, she was around level 88 before her sealing in the Northern Continent. After breaking through that seal, a life-and-death trial, she had reached level 89.

During the day, a battle between her and Merogass would have been a close call, with the outcome uncertain.

"Sigrid!"

Hiberlian rushed into Sigrid's arms, not wanting to let go.

"Thank you for protecting me. You're the best!"

She thought of the injuries Sigrid had sustained earlier and felt a surge of tenderness. In the corridor, she hadn't known what to say to Sigrid, but now she could finally hold her.

Although Sigrid had grown stronger, she still exuded that adorable aura that had always been a part of her.

"Hiber...Hiberlian..."

Sigrid was taken aback by Hiberlian's embrace, feeling her sister's warmth, softness, and the faint scent of fruit from her hair, all of which enveloped her.

She recalled how Hiberlian had treated her with disdain back in the Northern Continent.

Now, witnessing Hiberlian's overflowing affection, Sigrid realized that her guess had been correct—

Hiberlian's feelings towards Sigrid and Sigil were vastly different.

Even though Sigrid and Sigil were incredibly similar, Hiberlian failed to recognize this and treated them with starkly contrasting attitudes.

"Now that I'm so strong, aren't you afraid of me?"

Sigrid asked tentatively.

"Now that you're this strong, I can rest easy. Just take care of yourself, okay?"

Hiberlian pulled Sigrid even closer.

This would likely be the last time they met in the Shadow World.

From now on, they would never see each other again.

As long as she knew that Sigrid would be safe and sound throughout history's tens of thousands of years, Hiberlian could bid her sister farewell with a joyful heart.

"...Sister...can't you stay with me?"

Sigrid asked innocently, her eyes shining with sincerity.

She allowed Hiberlian to hold her without resistance.

"I...of course, I want to be with you forever, never parting again..."

Hiberlian didn't know how to explain her feelings, her voice trailing off as she mumbled incoherently.

"Me too. Can you promise that the next time we meet, you'll still feel the same way about me?"

Sigrid whispered in Hiberlian's ear, her voice dreamy.

Being in Hiberlian's embrace brought her a sense of peace.

"Definitely!"

Hiberlian replied resolutely, her expression filled with sorrow and reluctance.

"Then promise me..."

Sigrid's voice was natural.

But a cunning smile had already spread across her face.

She was struggling to hold back her trembling, afraid that Hiberlian would notice.

"Sigrid, are you cold?"

Hiberlian sensed Sigrid's body shaking.

"Yes, so could you hold me tighter?"

Sigrid believed in taking advantage of any opportunity that presented itself.

In the future, when Hiberlian met her in the mortal world, she wouldn't be this affectionate.

Back then, when she wanted Hiberlian to become the Saint, Hiberlian had ignored her.

Now, with a little scheme, she could make Hiberlian willingly embrace her.

"Alright."

Hiberlian obliged, pulling Sigrid closer as she had requested.

"Can you say that you like me the most, Sister?"

Sigrid earnestly requested, whispering into Hiberlian's ear.

"I like you the most. How can you be so adorable, my Sigrid?"

Hiberlian felt like she was turning into a caterpillar, treating Sigrid like an oversized hugging pillow that she couldn't bear to let go of.

The young Sigrid had never really acted coquettishly towards her before.

Now that she had grown up, she seemed to have become even more clingy.

"You two...

"Talia stood with her hands on her hips, watching Hiberlian and Sigrid, who were stuck together like magnets the moment they laid eyes on each other.

Even from a distance, one could feel the joy emanating from them.

Even as sisters, their bond probably wasn't as strong as the one these two shared.

But seeing how happy Hiberlian and Sigrid were together, Talia felt a sense of warmth and healing.

Hiberlian and Sigrid turned their gazes towards the gray-haired illusion demoness by the floor-to-ceiling windows as they heard her voice.

As soon as they let go of each other, they both rushed towards her.

"Caliera!"

Hiberlian's actions were driven purely by her overwhelming sense of longing.

Sigrid, on the other hand, was carried away by the playful atmosphere and couldn't resist joining in the fun.

"I thought I would never see you again. You promised you wouldn't leave me and would always be by my side," Hiberlian said, her voice filled with grief as all the pent-up emotions from their separation came rushing out.

When she heard Desecrator Merogass claim that Caliera had perished in the Demon King's City, her heart had ached beyond measure. It was only now, upon seeing Caliera again, that she truly felt a sense of relief and stability.

"Hiberlian, I will always be by your side," Caliera assured her, her voice thick with emotion.

Talia gently stroked Hiberlian's long hair, her eyes closed as she savored this moment of reunion and the love she felt for her daughters.

She also took a moment to pat Sigrid's back affectionately.

With these two beloved daughters in her life, she felt that her existence as a demoness had been more than fulfilled.

Now that she had found her sister from the mortal world, if she could only lift the curse of the demonic fire from her, put an end to the calamity in the Southern Continent, and return to a peaceful life in Icicle, she would have nothing more to ask for.

The only regret she had was that in the mortal world, she had Hiberlian but not Sigrid.

Yet, Talia felt a sense of acceptance and peace. "Imperfection" was a constant in life, and sometimes, accepting this imperfection and the fact that gains and losses were two sides of the same coin could bring a sense of contentment. In a way, this acceptance was a form of perfection in itself.

"Wonderful, just wonderful," Lanchi exclaimed, clapping his hands as he leaned back on the sofa.

There was no sight more beautiful than this heartwarming family reunion.

Even he, the usually stoic Lanchi, was deeply moved by the scene before him.

Even the painting of the Goddess of Fate on the wall seemed to be smiling down at them.

"Lanchi, stop laughing. You're scaring me a little," the cat boss said as it poked its head out and tugged at Lanchi's pant leg.

It felt that there was something a little frightening about Lanchi's laughter, though it couldn't quite put its paw on what exactly it was. Lanchi, however, remained oblivious to the cat's concerns.

It is said that a boy who laughs often is blessed with good luck.

And so, we shall trust in Lanchi's good fortune.

The clock ticked away, marking the passage of time.

After chatting by the window for a while, the group reluctantly realized it was time to part ways for the night.

"Yawn, I'm off to bed," Sigrid said, rubbing her sleepy eyes.

She sensed that Lanchi might want to discuss some matters related to the Shadow World with Hiberlian.

As an outsider to the Shadow World, she felt it would be best to give them some privacy.

Besides, with the defeat of their strongest opponent, her work in the Shadow World was likely done. From now on, she could simply enjoy her time in the Inferno Gallery Academy, playing, eating, and having fun with Hiberlian and Caliera.

"I'm going to rest too," Talia said, her gaze drifting towards the door of the principal's office.

She had pretended to be Caliera to comfort Hiberlian and give her a complete and happy memory of the Shadow World.

Since Caliera was not a Challenger, it would be best for her to avoid discussions about the Shadow World.

"Together?" Sigrid's eyes lit up at the idea, her earlier drowsiness forgotten.

During their journey, she and Caliera had kept each other warm on the sled, but upon arriving in the city, Sigrid had slept alone while Caliera stayed in the kitchen, always full of energy and sometimes even disappearing as if by magic.

With only a few days left before they had to part ways, Sigrid wanted to spend as much time with Caliera as possible.

"Er..." Talia's original intention had been to find a place to release the summoning spell.

But seeing Sigrid's eagerness for her company, she couldn't bring herself to refuse.

Moreover, Sigrid did need her to guide her back to their accommodations, or she might get lost again in the corridors of the academy.

Although it would be helpful to have Lisandra navigate for Sigrid in the future, it wouldn't be right to constantly rely on her, as she already had a lot on her plate as one of the busiest demons in the academy, second only to the principal.

"What should we do, Lanchi? Do you have enough magical power left?" Talia asked Lanchi through their mental connection.

"If you don't plan on doing anything too extravagant, I should be able to maintain the summoning for a while longer," Lanchi replied.

Sigrid's happiness was the most important thing.

After the intense battle and their victory earlier that night, they deserved to indulge in some relaxation.

"Well then, I'll take care of Sigrid while you look after Hiberlian!" Talia transmitted back, too happy to stay annoyed at Lanchi. With a casual wave of her hand, she opened the door to the principal's office and nodded at Sigrid.

"Sigrid, how about a late-night snack? Let's go eat something before we sleep," Talia suggested.

She recalled Lisandra mentioning that the Demon King's Grace Restaurant was located close to their accommodations.

Ever since she had first seen the restaurant in Lanchi's recording of his previous trip to the Shadow World, Talia had longed to visit it, thinking that she might never get the chance to experience the authentic cuisine of the Demon King's City in her lifetime. And now, here she was, about to indulge in that very same cuisine.

"Perfect! Caliera, you really know how to enjoy life," Sigrid exclaimed excitedly, hurrying to catch up with the gray-haired witch.

"See you tomorrow~" As she disappeared through the door of the principal's office, she blew a kiss to both Lanchi and Hiberlian.

"See you tomorrow..." Hiberlian said hesitantly, her hand half-raised as she watched the door close automatically.

Something about Caliera felt different, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

While Caliera was still Caliera, and her core remained unchanged, there was an unmistakable new dimension to her.

(End of Chapter)

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