The second female lead Dual Cultivates

'[Initiating future vision. The user cannot change the actions that are about to happen. The action perimeter is outside the host's range]

Maria blinked as her eyes opened slowly to a sea of fire. She did not recognise the building on the far left of her vision. Nor did she recognise the architecture of the place.

But there was a familiar feeling about this place. It seemed similar to the ancient Greek settlements Maria had seen on the internet. Neither Gerna nor Imu had such settlements. The landscape was lush with flowers of all kinds.

It would have been beautiful, if not for the sea of fire that was engulfing everything. The smoke made it difficult to be able to see anything of significance.

All Maria could do was look straight. She had taken a single glance at the ground and her eyes had not dared to stray there again. Her footsteps made a crunching sound as they landed on the decaying bodies of the youth.

The country, no, the continent had been lit ablaze. Was it because of the node? The vision did not provide Maria with enough information about this topic.

"Give up. You have already lost everything princess" Maria headed toward the voice. It was the only source of sound that was available to her. She did not care that the words were hostile.

Worst comes to worst, she'll just fight. The environment was rich in magic. Even the fire held enough magic to enrich Maria's core for years.

"Give up? How can I give up? I'm a representative of the node. I'm the princess of "-". I cannot allow this country to fall" Maria wanted to hear more. She moved closer to be able to hear better.

But no matter how fast she walked or how far she walked, the distance did not be breached.

"I know who you are. But you are also someone who is allied with the Albest republic. We cannot allow you to run free either." the first voice spoke.

The smoke made it difficult for Maria to be able to see who the speaker was. But the magic coming out of them was magnificent. It almost rivalled the defeated princesses.

"Since you are about to die anyway, let me show you something. This flame, is it familiar?" There was a flame? All Maria could see was a blind light.

The intensity of the magic being used burned her eyes but Maria kept on looking. She needed to keep on looking.

"That is? B-But how? The node is contracted to me. How could you-", "Use the nodes' power? It's simple. I empowered that node. It channels my magic." The figure replied.

Maria was just as stunned as the princess.

Someone who can channel the node's magic was unheard of. There would have been no need for key holders and representatives if someone like that existed. But where was this person during the last demonic war?

"You? I know who you are now. But what is someone from the upper realm doing here? You don't pay attention to us lowly pebbles" the princess sounded bitter.

Maria was interested in the conversation now. The upper realm was something that was seldom mentioned. Mostly as a myth and the people there were referred to as gods. It was not something Maria had anticipated coming across.

"So that witch told you about us? This makes things easier then. Now, why don't you provide me with all the information you have and then I'll make the node explode" the figure said.

Maria was still not able to get a look at the shadowy figure and she had a feeling that she never would. The vision was actively trying not to let her see that shadow's face.

"Don't you mean you won't explode the node if I told you the information?" The princess replied. She sounded equally scared and brave.

"No. This continent is done for. I don't need this or the node to harvest magic for me anymore. Now, why don't we continue this session" Maria wanted to get out of this vision right now.

It made her feel helpless and weak. First of all, she had no idea where this vision was even taking place.

Second, she was sure she would be of no help against the shadow. Their magic was overwhelming and consuming.

"You won't get away with this. One day, you upper realm bastards will be dragged down. You won't get to harvest our magic forever for your one gain. The nodes are draining the human life force" the princess spat.

She struggled to get out of the hold but Maria could tell that this was it. There would be no getting out of that hold for her.

"Hmmm. But there are so many of you humans and demons. You even breed like battles on the loose. Why can't we harvest a few of you? We're not causing you any harm." The figure replied.

Maria looked away as the princess broke down into sobs. It was a helpless situation where the node was breaking apart. Maria wanted to help out but she had no control over magic.

Nor could she affect the visions. All she could do was sit there and wait for the vision to end. She felt sorry for the princess.

Maria had no love for Albest, but she was brave enough to admit that she did know enough about them to form a baseless opinion.

"You'll all be dragged down. Once we have all the nodes, we'll drag you down with your one power." The Princess cried out as she took her final breath.

And with that, the continent was done for. Maria could feel the node migrating with excitement and it would be blown to pieces any second.

"Awww. Now I'll have to find another target to drain for power. I guess German would be a good target for my next node. Don't you agree, little eavesdropper?" The man turned his head toward Maria.

It should not be possible for him to see Maria but she had a feeling that the figure was looking directly at her. There was a feeling of unrest inside her heart as she faced those eyes head-on.

"I don't -? You can see me?" Maria asked. She should have stayed quiet but she could not help herself. She needed to ask that question. and sate her curiosity.

"Seeing is not the right word here. I can feel your presence. A bright light that had been bestowed a rare gift from the 'mother.' You are wasted on these people of the lower realm." The man's voice was charming.

Had it not been for what Maria already saw of him, she might have been persuaded to hear him out. But not now. She had standards and she had made a promise to Nao.

Besides, her insides felt funny when the man said 'mother.' They revolted with a nauseating feeling that screamed 'wrong' and 'danger' inside Maria's mind.

"No? Yes? What's your answer? Think over my offer until we meet again in Albert. You'll be heading there next anyway" Maria wanted to ask how the man knew.

But she did not get a chance to ask. The ground beneath her gave way and broke apart. The vibrating node finally boomed and took the continent away.'

…………….

Maria panted as she opened her eyes. Her vision was so clear in front of her eyes. Generally, she tended not to remember her visions but this one was stuck inside her mind.

She felt Jamaica's magic howl around her. It felt sorrowful and mourning.

Maria wanted to know if it felt the same loss she felt. But that should not be possible. Maria's visions told of future events. One that had yet to happen.

That continent she saw in her vision had time on its hands. It would not be destroyed for some more time. If Maria interfered on time then she could make it before the continent was destroyed.

"The node is crying out. It feels the loss of its own even without its magical core. It seems as if the upper realm has started to move." Yuuki's voice broke Maria's concentration.

Venus cuddled harder against Maria's side. Her warm weight was something that was grounding for Maria. Her hand unconsciously sought out Venus's head to pat.

"My vision showed me the future. One of the continents is about to be destroyed" Maria admitted.

"I see. So you are the oracle. But even your vision cannot save the doomed. I'm afraid that you will be too late in your warning, even if you issue one now. After all, even more, minutes can be considered as future" Yuuki sounded remorseful.

And Maria understood why her system had said that this vision can not be changed. It also explained why some visions can be changed without consequences.

It was never about impact, but time. The more time she had, the better chances Maria had of interfering. It also gave her the advantage of knowing what was about to happen.

"Sleep tight tonight. We'll leave for the pool tomorrow. It is no longer safe to venture outside on your own. Not if the upper realm is beginning to pay attention to us." Yuuki spoke.

And Maria agreed with him. Her vision had put her on edge and The node's sadness added to it.

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