I stared at the massive serpent, completely thrown off by what she'd just said. For a moment, I thought I'd misheard her.
I coughed awkwardly, trying to make sense of it.
"Did you just say… Phantom?"
Lily nodded slowly, her glowing eyes steady on mine.
"Yes. You asked me what I wanted in return, didn't you?"
I gave her a cautious nod, already feeling a sense of unease build in my chest. Something about her tone told me this wasn't going to be a simple favor.
"Then this is my requirement," she said firmly. "The Phantom Azalea once searched for. The one she tried to fuse with, but failed. I want you to take that Phantom as your summon."
Her words hit me like a cold wind slamming into my face. All trace of casualness dropped from my expression. That wasn't just any request—it was layered with risk and weight. A lot more than I expected.
I clenched my fists slightly.
"And where exactly… is this Phantom now?"
