At 700 years old, early this morning, Aglaea suddenly awoke. An unusual tremor came from the Golden Thread network.

"How interesting…"

You, sleeping beside her, were startled awake by her movement. "What's wrong?"

"A special guest has arrived at the city gates." Aglaea sat up, her slender fingers gently moving in the air, as if sensing something. "She carries a… scent of death."

"A Chrysos Heir?"

"Likely. And her ability is very special. I can only send you." Aglaea turned to look at you. "A Mo, you go welcome her."

"Why me?"

"Because your ability is equally special… I can only send you."

"Alright, I'll go now."

In an alley near the city gates, you found the special visitor. A slender figure was walking cautiously, a gray cloak covering most of her face. Her hands were covered by thick gloves, even in such warm weather. Whenever someone approached, she instinctively recoiled, as if afraid to touch anyone.

"Watch out!" A child ran over, chasing a ball, about to collide with her.

The girl panicked, trying to dodge, but tripped on a corner of the wall. Just as she was about to fall, you instinctively reached out and supported her arm.

"Ah! Don't—"

She tried to break free in terror. Instantly, a bone-chilling coldness spread from the point of contact. Death. Pure death energy began to surge into your body. Your arm started to go numb, your heart suddenly stopped, and your blood seemed to congeal instantly. Your vision began to blur, and your consciousness was being swallowed by darkness.

But at the moment of near-death, you simultaneously used your ability. (Copy). That death energy was captured, analyzed, and copied by your ability. When the same power was generated within you, the two streams of death energy canceled each other out, forming a delicate balance. You took a deep breath, your heart resumed beating, and blood flowed again.

The entire process took only a second or two, but for you, it felt like a life-or-death experience.

"You… you…" The girl stared blankly at you, her light purple eyes filled with shock. She could clearly feel that her death curse had indeed touched the person in front of her. She saw the moment your face turned pale, saw the traces of death spreading on your body. But… you were still alive. Not only alive, but smiling at her.

"Are you alright?" You released her hand. "The path is a bit slippery, be careful."

It had been hundreds of years. Since she had this curse, no one had ever survived after touching her. Everyone who tried to approach her turned into cold corpses. But now, someone touched her and was asking if she was hurt.

"You… you…" Her voice trembled, and her eyes instantly reddened. "Are you really alright?"

"I should be, right?" You smiled and moved the arm she had just touched. "Rather, you, are you hurt?"

"Impossible…" She murmured, tears flowing uncontrollably. "This is impossible… You should have died… Everyone dies…"

She suddenly rushed forward, her trembling hand wanting to touch you again, but stopped at the last moment. "I… I'm sorry…" She retreated in a panic. "What if it was just a coincidence just now… I can't…"

You looked at her distraught appearance, feeling a little surprised. This girl who could bestow death seemed more fragile than anyone at this moment.

"It's alright." You extended your hand proactively. "Touch me, see, I'm really fine."

She stared at your outstretched hand, as if looking at some incredible miracle. After a long time, she carefully touched your fingertip with her gloved hand. When she confirmed that you were truly safe and unaffected by death, she completely broke down.

"Ugh… Waaah…" She squatted on the ground, hugging her knees and crying loudly. It wasn't a cry of sadness, but a cry of immense relief. You knelt down and gently patted her shoulder. "It's alright, it's all over."

Feeling the warmth of your palm, she cried even harder. Passersby cast curious glances, so you led her out of the alley.

In a quiet restaurant, Castorice finally calmed down. She wiped her tears with a handkerchief, saying apologetically, "I'm sorry… I lost my composure…"

"I understand." You pushed over a cup of honey brew. "Drink something to warm yourself up."

She carefully took the cup, her movements still cautious, afraid of touching you.

"That…" She bit her lip. "Is your body really not uncomfortable? No nausea, dizziness, palpitations… any abnormalities?"

"Truly not." You looked at her seriously. "Why are you so worried?"

She lowered her head, her voice very small. "Because… anything I touch dies. People lose their lives instantly, animals stop breathing immediately, and even flowers and plants wither and perish… It's been like this for so many years… So I can only wear gloves, thick clothes, and stay away from everyone…" At this point, she couldn't help but look at you again. "But you… why are you…"

Looking at her confused yet hopeful eyes, you said gently, "Perhaps it's because I'm also a Chrysos Heir."

"A Chrysos Heir…" she mused. "But I've met other Chrysos Heirs, and they also…" She didn't finish, but you understood her meaning. Even Chrysos Heirs couldn't withstand her touch of death.

"My name is Orion." You changed the subject. "What's yours?"

"Castorice." She replied softly. "My name is Castorice."

"Castorice…" You repeated the name. "Like a butterfly alighting on the branch of death?"

She looked up in surprise. "How did you know that phrase?"

"I just suddenly thought of that imagery." You smiled. "That name suits you very well."

Castorice's face flushed slightly; it had been a long time since she heard anyone say that. Most people, after learning of her ability, wished she would change her name to 'Plague God' or 'God of Death'.

"Castorice, did you specifically come to Ohema?"

"Yes." She nodded, her eyes brightening. "I heard that the romantic Demigod Aglaea is gathering Chrysos Heirs for the Journey of Chasing the Flame… I thought, perhaps my ability could be of help. Although… although everyone is very afraid of me…" She continued with a bitter smile. "These years, I've been to many places. But no matter where I go, the result is always the same. At first, people might welcome me, but soon they discover that I bring only death. 'Plague God, get out!' 'God of Death, stay away from us!' 'Monster!'" She imitated the tone of those people, her eyes filled with sorrow.

"Once, a small village took me in. The village chief was a very kind old man; he said no matter what curse I had, I was a guest. I was very grateful, very careful, wearing gloves, wrapped in a cloak, not touching anything. But…" Her voice choked. "A little girl, she said my eyes were beautiful and wanted to hug me… I refused, I backed away, but she chased me, and then… I accidentally fell… She instinctively came to help me up…" Castorice covered her face, her shoulders trembling violently. "Everyone in the village went crazy and tried to kill me… I escaped, but that child's face… I'll never forget it…"

You listened quietly, your mind filled with myriad thoughts. Originally, you only intended to use her ability, but hearing these experiences, you suddenly felt very sorry for her.

"So I thought, Ohema is my last hope." She looked up, her eyes holding a humble plea. "If even this place cannot accommodate me, I will… I will go to the River Styx. There is no life there, I won't hurt anyone anymore…"

"Don't say silly things." You interrupted her. "Ohema will accept you."

"Really?"

"Of course." You extended your hand. "And, at least there's one person here who isn't afraid of you."

Castorice looked at your outstretched hand, and tears welled up again.