Peaceful Life System: I only need to live peacefully-Chapter 154: Sherry’s Past (1)

Enhanced Flight [-200 Goodwill Points]

He cast the spell on both of them. A shimmering aura of mana enveloped them. Sherry felt a sudden lurch in her stomach as her feet lifted from the ground.

"What in the... I’m flying!" she gasped, her usual composure breaking for a moment as she wobbled in the air. "You can do this, too?"

"Haha, it is not much. Just force the direction of air around you, and you will be able to fly as well. My spell only makes it easier." Riku said.

"Anyways, let’s get moving."

Soon, the world below Riku and Sherry turned into a blur, and the duo started off for their journey north.

"So Riku," Sherry asked, breaking the silence mid flight. "Why are we not teleporting directly? You can do that, right?"

"Wouldn’t that be faster?"

"I can only teleport to places I’ve already been to," Riku explained. "Or to a place where I have a strong magical link. This... this is just a faint thread on a map in my mind. I have to follow it."

"I see," she said, her expression thoughtful.

"What about the person we are going after? I have never met him. is he so important for this new project?" Sherry asked another question.

"Well, there is no doubt that Rennan will be instrumental in our new project. However, that is not why I am going there."

"Meaning?"

"I am going there because I think he might be in trouble. I would do that for anyone, even if the person was unrelated to me, but I could help." Riku gave a soft smile.

"If I am able to help someone, I am happy."

Sherry looked at Riku once again, her face blooming into a slight smile. She knew that RIku was that kind of person long ago when he had revived her against all odds, despite facing resistance from the others.

They continued their flight, the silence stretching between them once more. It was Riku who broke it this time.

"Sherry," he began, "Are you aware of the kingdom we are heading into? You could not have learnt Dark Magic from anywhere on this side of the world, so you have to have some connection with where we are headed, right?"

Sherry was quiet for a moment, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "It’s complicated."

"We have time," Riku pressed gently. "We’re partners on this trip. So you can tell me whatever you want. Only if you are comfortable of course."

She let out a bitter laugh. "You’re right. You should know."

"My home," she said, the words slightly above a whisper. "It has been such a long time."

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Start of Flashback

The chimes echoed across the courtyard of the Nocturne Academy, signalling the end of the day’s lessons.

A young Sherry stood by the iron gates. Her school robes were immaculate. A heavy satchel was slung over one shoulder. She smoothed the front of her uniform, a nervous habit.

Soon, a familiar figure appeared. He walked with a calm, unhurried gait. He was a tall, older man with silver hair and a kind face that always made her feel safe.

"Sebastian!" Sherry’s face broke into a brilliant smile.

The butler bowed slightly. "Lady Sherry. Were your studies fruitful?" He took her heavy satchel with an effortless motion.

"Boring," she declared. "Professor Vael droned on for hours about soul gems. Dreadfully dull."

"I am sure it was, my lady," Sebastian said. His eyes twinkled. "But soul-gem entropy is crucial for any aspiring dark artisan."

"I don’t want to be a dark artisan," she grumbled, kicking a cobblestone. "I want to see Mother and Father."

"Then you are in luck, my lady. It just so happens that Sire and Madame are home tonight."

Her expressions widened. A hopeful note crept in. "Are they really home tonight, Sebastian? Truly home? Not a 30-minute projection thing?"

Sebastian’s smile tightened. "They are, my lady. They returned this morning. They mentioned a... brief respite from their current project."

That was enough for Sherry. Her gloom vanished. "Then let’s hurry!"

She grabbed Sebastian’s hand and pulled him along.

Their journey took them through the heart of Nocturne. Towering spires of black obsidian scraped the sky. Runes pulsed with purple light. Shadowy alleys wound between grand townhouses. The air hummed with contained magic. It was not a place of sunshine, but it was her home.

They arrived at a large manor. Gates shaped like intertwined serpents guarded the entrance. The house was grand and silent.

Sherry didn’t notice. She ran through the main hall. Her footsteps echoed on polished marble. "Mother! Father!"

She headed for a heavy door at the end of the west wing. The laboratory.

She found the door ajar. She peeked inside.

Her parents stood hunched over a circular table. Its surface was a mosaic of glowing, shifting runes. The air crackled. Shadows writhed and danced, drawn to the power at the table. They argued in low, intense whispers.

"The resonance is unstable, Sorina," her father muttered. "If we push further, we risk a cascade failure."

"We have to, Kael," her mother countered. "The Lord Emperor’s deadline is absolute. We need a breakthrough."

Sherry pushed the door open. "Mother? Father?"

Their heads snapped up. The focused expressions of researchers melted away and the warm, unguarded love of parents took their place.

"Sherry, my sweet shadow-blossom!" her father, Kael, exclaimed. He swept her up in a hug.

Her mother, Sorina, followed, stroking Sherry’s hair. "Did you have a good day at the Academy, my darling?"

"It was fine," Sherry said, burying her face in her father’s robes. "Can we have dinner together tonight? All of us? And then maybe stay here for a week?" freēwēbηovel.c૦m

Her parents exchanged a look. It was her mother who finally knelt, her expression a mix of love and regret.

"My love," she said softly.

"We can have dinner tonight. But... your father and I must leave on a short trip tomorrow morning. A directive from the Emperor. It’s very important. We will be back within a day"

Sherry’s face fell. "But you just got back."

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