The Extra's Rise

Chapter 622 - 622: Divine Beast (2)

The self-driving vehicle that carried us from Luminarc's airfield toward the Creighton estate was a marvel of magical engineering—crystalline panels that provided panoramic views of the mountain landscape while maintaining perfect climate control, seats that adjusted automatically to provide optimal comfort, and a transportation system so smooth it felt like floating rather than traveling across terrain.

Rachel had immediately taken the same car as me, settling against my side with a contentment that spoke to how much she'd missed physical proximity during our two months of separation. Her warmth pressed against me as she curled up with her head resting on my shoulder, one hand absently tracing patterns across my chest while she pointed out landmarks through the vehicle's transparent walls.

"That peak there is where I had my Ascendant-rank breakthrough," she said softly, indicating a mountain summit that seemed to glow with inner light. "Father took me there for a meditation retreat, and something about the magical saturation just... clicked. One moment I was pressing against the Wall, the next I was through it."

'The way she describes it makes breakthrough sound almost effortless,' I observed with admiration. 'Though knowing Rachel, she probably made it look easier than it actually was.'

"It sounds like the perfect environment for advancement," I replied, enjoying the familiar scent of jasmine that always accompanied her.

"Mmm," Rachel murmured, snuggling closer with the kind of physical affection that reminded me exactly how much I'd missed her during the intensive Western continent operations. "I kept wanting to call you during the breakthrough, but Father said it was important to experience it independently first."

'Uncle Alastor was right about that,' I thought. 'Major magical advancement requires personal understanding that can't be shared or explained—only experienced.'

"I'm glad you waited," I said honestly, running my fingers through her blonde hair as she settled more comfortably against me. "Breakthrough moments are too important to be distracted, even by people you care about."

"I knew you'd understand," Rachel said with obvious satisfaction. "That's one of the things I love about you—you always prioritize what's actually important over what might be emotionally satisfying in the moment."

'Though right now, what's emotionally satisfying and what's important happen to align perfectly,' I reflected, appreciating the simple pleasure of holding someone I cared about after months of focusing exclusively on business operations and strategic planning.

"I missed this," I admitted quietly, tightening my arms around her as she practically melted against me. "The Western continent work was incredibly demanding, but the hardest part was not having time for the people who matter most."

"I could tell from our phone calls," Rachel replied, her voice carrying the understanding that came from knowing someone well enough to read their emotional state through subtle vocal cues. "You always sounded focused and professional, but I could hear the exhaustion underneath. I wanted to teleport there and force you to take breaks."

'She probably could have,' I realized with amusement.

"I'm glad you didn't," I said with a slight laugh. "Having you show up would have completely derailed my concentration, and probably resulted in several very awkward conversations with business partners who weren't expecting to meet one of my girlfriends during contract negotiations."

"Several very intimidated business partners," Rachel corrected with obvious satisfaction. "I may be sweet and charming most of the time, but I can be quite fierce when people I care about are being overworked."

'That's definitely true,' I acknowledged silently. 'Rachel's protective streak can be genuinely intimidating when activated.'

The vehicle began climbing a winding mountain road that offered increasingly spectacular views of the Creighton family's private territory. Unlike the urban sophistication of Luminarc, the estate grounds showcased natural beauty enhanced by subtle magical cultivation—forests where every tree seemed to glow with vitality, streams that flowed in patterns too perfect to be entirely natural, and mountain meadows filled with flowers that sparkled like living jewels.

"Father's been looking forward to your visit," Rachel said as we approached what appeared to be the main estate complex. "He's been practically vibrating with excitement about the aetherite re

'Right to business,' I noted with approval.

"I'm ready whenever you are," I said, feeling a familiar flutter of anticipation at the prospect of bonding with a Divine Beast.

"Excellent," Alastor replied, his sapphire eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Then let us begin immediately. The ceremony awaits, and destiny rarely offers second chances to those who hesitate."