CHAPTER 121: CH 121: THE CURSED RESORT - PART 2

Kana followed Emma into the resort, her steps slow and cautious as her senses absorbed everything around her.

Despite the eerie tension lingering in the air, the Happy Summer Memories Resort itself was stunning.

Ivory stone paths wove gracefully between tall palm trees, and elegant white structures stood lined along the shoreline, their glass windows glimmering in the soft sunlight.

The faint scent of salt and jasmine hung in the breeze, making the place look like a paradise untouched by trouble.

But the feeling was deceptive. The unease gnawing at Kana’s chest only grew stronger with every step.

Emma led her into one of the larger villas and handed her a neatly folded outfit. Kana blinked as she unfolded it—her eyes widening slightly.

It was the same revealing attire Emma was wearing: soft, thin fabric that draped delicately over the body, barely covering enough to be called clothing.

"Put this on. High Priestess Lumine insists that anyone entering the purification area wears these. It helps the flow of energy."

Emma said softly, her tone awkward but firm.

Kana hesitated, looking from the outfit to Emma.

"...This is all I get?"

Emma nodded, looking slightly embarrassed.

With a quiet sigh, Kana changed into the outfit, tugging at the thin fabric in discomfort.

On Emma, the top fit perfectly, hugging her curves in a way that looked intentional and elegant. On Kana, however, the top felt small. Too small.

The fabric strained just slightly across her chest, and she was painfully aware that if she made one wrong move, her assets would spill out entirely.

She crossed her arms instinctively, biting her lip as she debated whether to ask for a larger size. But before she could decide, the door slid open without warning.

High Priestess Lumine stepped in.

Kana’s breath hitched.

The woman radiated an almost otherworldly presence, her long hair cascading loosely over her shoulders, her own ceremonial outfit leaving little to the imagination.

She moved with quiet confidence as she approached Kana, her bare feet gliding silently across the floor.

Without a word, Lumine reached out and caught Kana’s wrist, pulling her gently but firmly toward her.

"W-Wait, what are you—"

Kana started, but her voice faltered when Lumine’s other hand rested softly over her chest. A faint glow enveloped Kana’s body, and she could feel warmth flooding through her veins.

"I need to check you to ensure no corrupted energy followed you here."

Lumine said calmly, her voice smooth like silk but carrying quiet authority.

Kana’s breath came unevenly as Lumine’s touch lingered—not invasive, but close enough to send shivers rippling beneath her skin.

The priestess’s energy pulsed steadily, brushing against her like soft waves, and Kana could feel every sensation magnified under the thin fabric of her clothes.

When Lumine finally withdrew her hand, the glow faded, but the tingling remained—every inch of Kana’s skin buzzing faintly, betraying her efforts to appear composed.

She tried to take a deep breath to steady herself, but her body refused to cooperate.

’Shit, did I get wet from being manhandled? What am I? A pervert?’

Lumine’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, sharp and knowing, but she didn’t comment. Instead, she turned toward Emma, her serene expression returning.

"Emma, we’ve found it."

Lumine said softly.

Emma blinked in confusion.

"...Found what?"

"The final piece of the puzzle. Someone capable of conducting immense amounts of divine magic. With her, we can finally perform the grand purification ritual."

Lumine replied, her tone quiet yet certain. Her hand lifted slightly as she gestured toward Kana.

Kana froze.

Emma’s lips parted in surprise.

"But... she’s an outsider. Is it truly alright to involve her in something so delicate?"

She said cautiously, glancing at Kana.

"It will be fine."

Lumine assured her, her voice carrying the kind of confidence that left no room for argument.

Then she turned her piercing gaze on Kana, lowering her tone into something softer, almost coaxing.

"Kana. Will you lend us your strength and help us purify this island?"

Kana hesitated, her thoughts still clouded by the lingering sensation of Lumine’s earlier touch.

Her heartbeat was unsteady, and the weight of Lumine’s gaze pinned her where she stood. Almost on instinct, before she could fully process what was being asked, she nodded.

"...I’ll help."

She said quietly.

It wasn’t until the words left her mouth that she realized what she had just agreed to. Blinking rapidly, she cleared her throat and asked,

"...Wait—what exactly are you talking about?"

But Lumine’s faint smile told her it was already too late to take her answer back.

"Good. Leave us for now. I need some time alone with Kana to discuss the details."

The priestess said softly, ignoring Kana’s protest as she turned to Emma

Emma hesitated, glancing between them, then sighed and nodded.

"Understood."

As Emma left the room, closing the door behind her, Kana’s unease deepened.

Alone with the high priestess, the air felt heavier, charged with something she couldn’t quite name.

Kana swallowed hard, her fingers curling slightly against her sides, bracing herself for whatever Lumine was about to say next.

Lumine’s gaze softened slightly as she stepped closer, the faint scent of sea breeze clinging to her robes.

"This island is under a powerful curse. The corruption runs deep—far beneath the soil, into the very heart of the land itself."

She began quietly, her voice smooth yet weighty. Kana stiffened, her grip on her clothes tightening as she listened.

"To purify it, we must pour an immense amount of divine magic into the ancient temple at the island’s center. But I cannot do this alone."

Lumine continued. Her eyes locked on Kana’s, unwavering and intent.

"I need a vessel. Someone capable of channeling my divine mana safely... and that someone is you, Kana."

Kana’s breath caught. The weight of Lumine’s words pressed heavily on her, yet something in the priestess’s calm expression unsettled her.

Her instincts, honed by countless close calls, whispered that not everything was being said.

If this was truly just a purification... why did it feel like more was at stake than Lumine admitted?

Kana lowered her gaze, not giving an answer right away.

"I...I..."

Lumine smiled faintly, though her eyes glimmered with something unreadable.

"Tsk, you’re a sharp one." she said softly.