Chapter 123: Blood of the Phoenix

"Although I have perfectly reconnected the two halves of her body, the internal organs that were crushed are difficult to recover on their own. She needs concentrated life energy to absorb in order to heal. While her life is no longer in danger, she remains in a coma. She should wake up in a day or so, but her physical condition will be so poor that she won't even be able to get out of bed," Qi said with a sigh and a frown.

The group cheered upon hearing this, the weight finally lifting from their hearts. The mood, which had plummeted into an abyss, spread its wings and soared back to heaven.

"You're a good kid, Qi. As long as Sheele is alive, nothing else matters. Even if she can't get out of bed, we will take care of her," Leone said, flashing her brightest, most genuine smile yet.

"Yes... as long as she's alive, that's enough," Akame murmured, covering her mouth and turning away.

"Thank you, Qi. Truly, thank you. It was all to save me that Sheele was shot in the heart by that girl and torn in two. If you ever need anything, I will do my best to help. Where is Sheele now?" Mine walked up to Qi, bowed deeply, and asked with hopeful eyes, eager to see Sheele as soon as possible.

"She’s in the same cave where we parted ways with Akame. She’s in a delicate state, so we shouldn't move her yet. In a day or two, I'll go and bring her back," Qi replied with a wave of his hand and a smile.

"Won't anything happen there? Like an animal accidentally wandering in, or someone stumbling upon it?" Mine asked, suddenly worried.

"Ah, I really did forget that," Qi exclaimed, then laughed. "Did you think I was as foolish as you? I’ve already sealed the cave entrance with diamonds and placed a massive boulder in front of it. Ordinary animals or people wouldn't be able to find it. Even if they did, the diamond wall could withstand several attacks from an average Teigu user. If it’s breached, the diamond bead I left there will be activated, and I’ll know the situation and be able to rush over. Unless Esdeath discovers it, there will be no danger," Qi assured her with conviction.

"Speaking of diamond beads, you mean the crystal beads you gave us? What exactly are they for? I tried crushing mine and nothing happened," Leone asked, leaning in curiously.

Qi looked around solemnly before speaking. "I didn't disclose this function before because we weren't close enough, and that meant Mine, Sheele, and Bulat didn't think to crush the beads when they were in danger. That is my fault. Because of my negligence, Bulat sacrificed himself, Sheele nearly died, and Mine was severely wounded. I am truly sorry."

As he spoke, he bowed deeply, apologizing to the place where Bulat was buried and in the direction of Sheele and Mine.

"This is not your fault, Qi," Akame said quietly.

"We never thought it was your fault, so don't blame yourself. It was our own failure to take your words to heart. So, what exactly is the purpose of this crystal... this diamond bead?" Mine asked earnestly, pulling the bead from her pocket.

"It acts as my avatar." Seeing that everyone was standing, Qi tapped his toe on the ground, creating a diamond stool for each of them. "Everyone, sit down."

"An avatar? What do you mean? What is its specific function?" Najenda asked, puzzled.

"Once you crush the bead, I receive a signal. I can then use my special ability to transfer my consciousness into the cells I’ve already embedded within the bead—which are essentially a part of my own body. My immortality allows me to regenerate without limit, provided I have enough energy. In an emergency, I can manifest from the bead to temporarily assist you or provide cover for your escape," Qi explained in detail.

"Is it that good? So, as long as we carry this bead, we won't be in any danger as long as we don't run into Esdeath?" Lubbock asked, surprised.

"Don't get your hopes up; I'm not a god. There are limitations. First, due to energy constraints, when my consciousness transfers to the bead, I can only use the energy stored within it, which is less than ten percent of my full power. It can only be used in critical moments. Once that energy is exhausted, my strength will drop significantly, and eventually, I'll be no stronger than an ordinary person. Secondly, there is only one of me. For example, if Leone calls for help first and then Lubbock runs into danger, I can only choose to help one, and Lubbock might die." Qi looked at Lubbock with regret, as if he were already doomed.

"Hey, the way you're looking at me is really annoying," Lubbock said, raising an eyebrow.

"In other words, in a crisis, it can be used as a distraction or a shield, right?" Najenda summarized.

"Though the phrasing is annoying, it's not far from the truth. Even with less than ten percent of my energy, flying you back to my main body is no problem. I can also unleash one or two powerful techniques. However, once my consciousness transfers, my main body becomes immobile, as if in a deep sleep."

"Understood. Next, we need to find a hidden, safe place to serve as our second base. After that, I need to take the confiscated Teigu and return to headquarters," Najenda said, pulling out a cigarette.

"Where to?" Qi asked.

"To the main base, of course. The extra Teigu can arm more soldiers of the Revolutionary Army. We also need to see if we can recruit some talented individuals to join Night Raid. We are already short-handed, and now only six of us are capable of fighting, with Mine severely injured. We lack talent," Najenda sighed.

"I see. Then I'll search some libraries in the capital to see if I can find items with high life energy or something that can repair internal organ damage. Just having Sheele lying in bed isn't my final goal," Qi said.

"That reminds me, I recall a legend about an exceptionally powerful Super Danger Beast in the south. It is entirely crimson, shaped like a phoenix, over a thousand feet tall, and manipulates fire like an extension of its own body. It lives in volcanic magma and is known as the 'Undying Bird.' Just one drop of its blood can heal any injury in a short time. However, this bird is so powerful that no one can contend with it. No one has ever been able to get within ten meters of it. History doesn't record anyone ever obtaining its blood, but for some reason, the properties of its blood have been passed down, leaving many with a desperate longing for it," Najenda said, lost in thought as she recalled the legend.