In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities-Chapter 249 - Replenishing Magic

The elephant examined Michael with a warm gaze, its tone amicable.

[Hmm, you're a descendant of Alfred, aren't you? How are you related to him?]

Michael was taken aback. He hadn't expected to hear his grandfather's name in such a place. Striving to be polite, he replied, "Forgive my lack of decorum. I'm Michael von Crassus. Alfred is indeed my maternal grandfather."

The elephant seemed pleased and began circling the lake, spraying water from its trunk in delight. The spray washed away the grime from Michael and his companions, refreshing them and easing their fatigue.

[Ah, I knew it. You bear a striking resemblance to her. How is Alfred doing these days?]

Her? Michael wondered briefly, then realized the elephant must be referring to his mother. Bowing his head slightly, he answered, "Grandfather is traveling across the continent, assisting me in my endeavors. I feel guilty for burdening him so much at his age."

Alfred, at this very moment, was traversing the continent, collecting corpses for Michael's purposes.

The elephant nodded, understanding.

[Ah, the love of a direct ancestor. I know it well. It's why I'm in this bound state myself.]

From Michael's shoulder, Miaomiao peeked out, her green eyes glinting with curiosity. "I think I know who you are. Are you… who I think you are?"

The elephant, wearing what could only be described as a gentle expression, nodded. [You're likely correct. You're from the Sphinx lineage, aren't you? How is Akhenaten?]

Miaomiao's ears drooped, and her whiskers sagged. Her voice was heavy as she explained her grandfather's fate. "He's… no longer with us."

Hearing of the tragic death of a hero who had once sought to save the world, the elephant let out a mournful bellow that reverberated through the cavern. The lake quaked in response.

[Such a terrible thing! I've heard of that incident. That wretched creature… it's all his fault!]

The elephant's angry trumpet shook the entire lake. After venting its fury, it used its trunk to wipe away its tears and offered Miaomiao words of comfort.

[Ah, the best friends always seem to leave us too soon, while the vile persist like cockroaches, clinging to life.]

The elephant paused, its expression darkening momentarily before it shook its head. [No, there's no point in burdening the young with such talk. Come here, Akhenaten's granddaughter.]

Its expression softened as it extended its trunk toward Miaomiao. Hesitant at first, she eventually stepped closer. The elephant gently lifted her with its trunk, cradling her as if she were a precious memory.

[Yes… this feeling is the same as when I held Akhenaten. So much time has passed. So many good friends have gone.]

Placing Miaomiao back on the ground, the elephant turned its attention to Marcus.

[Hmm, you're quite unusual. A dragon who hasn't inherited the full legacy of your kind? Your parents must have been exceptionally lazy. Poor thing.]

It clicked its tongue sympathetically as Marcus attempted to assert his presence, spreading his wings and extending his neck to appear as imposing as possible.

Watching this exchange, Michael felt a strange unease. Despite the elephant's friendly demeanor, its true emotions were difficult to discern.

The elephant now drifted aimlessly across the lake, humming a tune. Sensing an opportunity, Michael cautiously spoke up. "It's time for us to leave. Is there anything you'd like me to convey to my grandfather?"

The elephant ceased its humming, moving closer to the edge of the water. Each step caused waves to surge across the lake, yet not a single droplet touched Michael or his companions. Its gaze was deep and unreadable as it finally answered.

[Hmm, parting already? It's a pity. Tell me, is there anything you desire? Name it, and I shall grant it.]

Michael quickly silenced Marcus, who seemed ready to respond enthusiastically. Miaomiao also jabbed Marcus's side with her claws, her expression fierce. Smiling politely, Michael replied, "Thank you, but there's nothing we need. My grandfather taught me to live modestly, and I am content with my current life."

The elephant burst into laughter, its voice booming.

[Hah! That does sound like Alfred. You are good children. Here, take this.]

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

A radiant white light shot from the lake, landing in Michael's outstretched hand. Within the light was a flawless, shimmering white gem.

[This contains my power. Should your life ever be in grave danger, use it. My projection will appear to vanquish your enemies. But be warned—its use will lay waste to everything around you.]

Michael shuddered as he felt the raw power emanating from the gem. Bowing deeply in gratitude, he quickly took his leave.

As Michael and his companions disappeared into the labyrinth, the elephant drifted serenely across the lake once more. Closing its eyes, it chuckled softly to itself.

[Alfred, that rascal… still as entertaining as ever.]

Michael, accompanied by Miaomiao and Marcus, hurried through the dark and damp underground waterway. Water seeped through the moss-covered walls, forming rivulets that soaked their pant legs. Yet, they had no time to concern themselves with such trifles. The sound of water dripping from the ceiling echoed ominously through the tunnels.

Perched on Michael's shoulder, Miaomiao scanned their surroundings anxiously, her green eyes glinting with unease. In stark contrast, Marcus ambled beside them, oblivious to the tension, and complained in a grumbling tone.

[Michael, why couldn't we just ask for what we wanted? I was curious about what treasures that old being might have had!]

Hearing this, Miaomiao hissed in frustration, springing up on all fours and flicking her tail sharply as she glared at Marcus.

[Are you completely clueless? Didn't you sense how terrifying that old one was? Stop spewing nonsense!]

Marcus, bewildered, looked between Miaomiao and Michael, his expression wounded. Whatever immense power or latent menace the ancient being exuded, it didn't seem to faze him. True to his dragon lineage, Marcus's focus remained firmly fixed on treasures, even in the direst of situations.

[What nonsense? I know he's strong, obviously. That's why I wanted to see what kind of treasures someone like him would have!]