It wasn't impossible for her to have the audacity to disregard need in favor of something as frivolous as desire, and do things that a normal person like Sunny would never do.
Like helping a blind girl simply because that was what Nephis wanted to do.
Perhaps, that mentality was the greatest advantage of all.
Perhaps, that was the real barrier that separated Legacies from the rest of them.
That was a lot to think about. However, before Sunny could gather his thoughts, Nephis suddenly spoke again.
"My turn."
'Uh… does she mean it's her turn to ask a question?'
Indeed, that was what she meant. Changing Star once again turned to Sunny and, after a long pause, suddenly asked:
"Do you know the legend of Odysseus?"
'A what… who? What sort of a weird question is that?!'
Bewildered, Sunny shook his head. Then, remembering that she couldn't see him, he said:
"No."
Nephis sighed and turned away. A few moments later, she softly said:
"Odysseus was a hero in an ancient war. In the legends, some humans back then had powers akin to the Awakened. Achilles with an Aspect of indestructible body, Diomedes that was so ferocious even the God of War was wary of him, Ajax who was as strong as a giant. Odysseus was not the strongest, and not the bravest. However, he was the most cunning."
Sunny blinked, staring at the silver-haired girl.
'What? Where did this come from? Why is she suddenly so eloquent?'
Meanwhile, Nephis continued:
"In the end, Odysseus's cunning ended the war, and he prepared to sail home. However, the gods cursed him to endlessly wander the seas, never to return. Over the years, he survived one horror after another and lost all of his companions. Then, shipwrecked, he found himself on an island where the beautiful fairy, Calypso, lived."
Changing Star's ethereal, strangely wistful voice resounded in the darkness, creating an enthralling atmosphere. Sunny couldn't help but listen with the utmost attention.
"Calypso fell in love with Odysseus and invited him to her palace. For many years, they lived together in harmony. The island was like a paradise, filled with all kinds of wonders, delicacies and delights. As long as loving Calypso was by his side, Odysseus was even immortal. But… the longer he stayed, the more time he spent sitting on the shore, looking at the sea with bleak eyes."
Nephis smiled.
"In the end, Odysseus built a makeshift boat and abandoned the island, leaving all its delights, the beautiful fairy, and even his immortality behind. So, my question is… why did he leave?"
Sunny blinked.
'What?'
What kind of a mind game was that? He even considered that Nephis was mocking him, but it didn't seem to be the case. It looked like she was sincerely interested in the answer.
'Weirdo!'
He thought for a bit, and then said without too much conviction:
"Maybe it was because he was far away from home?"
A fleeting smile appeared on Nephis's face.
"Far away… from home. Hm. Alright."
After that, she turned away and lowered he head, becoming like a statue again.
It seemed like their conversation was over.
Grumbling internally, Sunny lay down and tried to fall asleep. However, the image of bleak-eyed Odysseus kept appearing in his mind. After a while, he whispered:
"Well? Did he make it back home?"
Soon, Nephis replied.
"Yes. He returned to his wife and son, and they lived happily ever after."
Satisfied, Sunny smiled and turned on his side.
When he was already half-asleep, he heard Changing Star's quiet voice one again. This time, it was barely audible and aimless, as though not directed at anyone.
"Odysseus was the first human to break the will of gods."
***
In the morning, Sunny and Nephis were the first to get up. While the sun was rising and the sea was retreating, they made a fire and began preparing a simple breakfast.
With Cassia still asleep, they did not talk to each other much. It was like the last night's conversation did not happen. However, after some time, they somehow ended up discussing the plan for the next few days. Nephis had some ideas.
"With what you told us about scavengers crowding to the west, the logical step would be to start moving east as soon as we can. Of course, north and south are also acceptable, but that won't put as much space between us and the enemy."
Sunny nodded, agreeing with that logic.
"We have explored to the east a little, but not enough to confidently make it to the next high point in a day. That's why the best course of action would be to spend today scouting a path to that group of cliffs over there and move the camp tomorrow."
He sighed.
"Do you have any idea where we are? Would there be a human Citadel to the east?"
Nephis shook her head.
"I've never heard of a region that fits the characteristics of this place. In any case, we have to move to find out more. We'll either find a Citadel, encounter an unconquered Gateway… or die. East is as good of a direction as any. Plus, it's the safest, because there's a horde of monsters to the west."
At that point, Cassie suddenly sat up straight. Her eyes were wide open, and her face was a little pale. She looked nervous and excited.
Nephis frowned.
"Cassie? What's the matter?"
The blind girl turned to them and smiled.
"A… a vision! I had a vision!"
'Like… a prophetic dream?' Sunny thought, trying to come to terms with this new reality of someone being able to see the future. Or the past.
Meanwhile, Changing Star stretched her hand, as though prepared to summon her sword.
"Are we in danger?"
Cassie energetically shook her head.
"No, it's not that! People… I saw a castle full of people!"
She smiled at pointed with her finger.
"I don't know how far it is, but I'm sure that it's in that direction!"
Sunny and Nephis looked at each other, not knowing whether to be glad or petrified.
Cassie's small, delicate finger was confidently pointing west.