Chapter 234 - The Ark Of The Next Pillar

She then looked at him for approval, with big, round eyes.

"Go on, it's your prize. Every day, I'll get you an animal until your next mission or when you've recovered fully," explained Z, tying a bib around the Valkyrie.

"Yay! All mine!" yelled the girl in happiness as she began to devour the stag.

"It's been so long since I'd seen Mav like this. Brings back memories..." said Ashley, passing a cup of water to Bryan.

"I'll get used to this... I hope..." said Bryan, gulping down the water.

"And besides, since when did she became a child again? She was a teen when we were fighting," asked Bryan, looking at Z for answers.

"She lost too much power. She was recently fighting her brother and the rest of the Umbras. To prevent her from going berserk, she reverts back to her child form. It also helps to recover her Elemental Powers even faster," explained Z.

As the girl happily ate the stag, Ashley gave a ruffle on the kid's hair. She smiled, albeit with her lower half face splattered with blood.

"Now this is the little Mavy I remember," murmured Ashley, smiling gently.

"Now that's the first time I see your genuine smile," noted Bryan.

"And the last. I don't like showing emotions to others except for my family."

"Ashie!" cried out the child, trying to hug the stickman.

"Oi! Wash up first!"

After having that feast, little Mavislin was being carried by Ashley and both went into her bedroom. As he placed Mavislin on her bed, Bryan was overwhelmed with the area once more. Literally, since a mountain of stuffed toys fell on him. But he popped out with ease, much to the giggle of Mavislin.

"I think the place is trying to kill me..." w.h.i.n.ed Bryan, finally coming out.

"With stuffed toys?"

Ashley and Bryan stood by the young Valkyrie's bedside, tending to the severe burns of her arm. Once it was quiet, Bryan sat down but Ashley continued standing.

"Well then, everything's alright for now. So, I best be off," said Ashley, cracking his knuckles.

"To where?" asked Bryan.

"Back to my Euphoria. I'm considered dead, remember?"

"Yea, but who would be the Marksman then?" asked Bryan, looking at him confusingly.

"Yea, besides, I've got a few things to ask and clarify," reasoned Mavislin.

"Then those things have to wait. Be a little more patient, will ya?"

Mavislin wanted to press on but there was a faint glow growing at the tip of his leather boots. Ashley knew that his time was up... For now.

"Well, looks like I have to go. Good luck, I've exhausted enough for now. I'll come back when my physical form is much more stable."

"I know someone that could help... I'll find him soon enough."

"Alrighty. Let's meet again. Hopefully, you won't get too hurt by then," said Ashley, putting his hands behind his head.

"Oh yea, it should be easier to summon me, since I have the emblem now," continued Ashley.

"I highly doubt so."

As the stickman faded back into Euphoria, Mavislin turned her attention towards Bryan. She tried to sit up but was refrained by Bryan, who was very concerned.

"Using so much power at once, even a Mage would need to rest."

"I've got something to ask you."

"Fire away," replied Bryan, shifting closer to the Valkyrie.

"I would need you to stand in as the Marksman for the Pillars since Ashley can't be called on so easily," said Mavislin.

"I reject. I hate long-ranged fighting. And my power is from the stars, so I can project my power into any weapon," said Bryan, shaking his head in disapproval.

He had expected the young Valkyrie to scream or throw a fit in retaliation of him rejecting his position. Especially since she was in child form now. But Mavislin took in a deep breath and smiled sweetly. She then looked at Bryan with soft eyes and offered him an alternative.

"I have another spot vacant. In fact, after the battle with the Umbras, all spots are vacant. Marksman is taken by Ashley since you don't want it. There is a particular one that I think you'd like. You like going undercover?" asked Mavislin.

Bryan was slightly surprised at Mavislin being so m.a.t.u.r.ed. It was hard to hear those words from a little child on her bed of stuffed toys.

"Yea, I don't mind fighting face to face. In my terms, all-rounder. I just don't prefer sniping. From swords to bombs, I can use whatever weapon I have to my advantage," answered Bryan, in accordance.

"Then, I shall offer you the First Seat of Slayer. Now then, shall I call you Slayer Bryan, or some other nickname you've got?" asked Mavislin, preparing the emblem of the Barren Pillars.