"No! GET UP! WE'RE SURVIVING THIS TOGETHER!"

Celestine strained against the weight of Lia, who had succumbed entirely to the sandworm's fear-inducing skill. Desperation etched across Celestine's face as she attempted to pull Lia away from the oncoming threat. The sandworm, with an arching trajectory, sped towards them at an unrelenting pace, its colossal form blotting out the sunlight.

As the monstrous creature approached, a surge of instinct overcame Celestine. In a split-second decision fueled by primal survival, she released her grip on Lia and sprinted with every ounce of strength within her. The merciless truth struck Celestine as she glanced over her shoulder — the choice to save herself meant leaving Lia vulnerable to the sandworm's destructive path.

Regret and horror painted Celestine's expression as she watched the colossal creature reach Lia, who, despite the impending danger, wore a light smile through tear-streaked cheeks. The sandworm's massive form crashed down upon Lia, sending a plume of sand into the air. Celestine's heart sank as the realization of what she had just done settled in, a heavy burden of guilt and grief weighing upon her shoulders.

"N-No… no… no, no, no… w-what have I done-"

…

Celestine slowly opened her eyes, her vision adjusting to the world around her. She lay there, battered and bruised, the taste of blood lingering on her lips. Each breath was a struggle, her chest rising and falling with the effort. Sweat streamed down her face, a testament to the physical toll of the battles she had faced.

Despite the pain, a light smile graced Celestine's lips as she gazed up into the cloudy sky. A single ray of sunshine pierced through the gray expanse, casting a warm glow on her battered form. In that moment, it seemed like a celestial blessing, a reminder that even in the midst of darkness, there was a glimmer of hope.

Celestine's eyes were drawn to the image of the angel of nature, a symbol of resilience and strength. The clouds seemed to part slightly, allowing the sunlight to illuminate the ethereal figure. It was as if the angel watched over her, offering a silent reassurance that, despite the trials and tribulations, there was a force of nature guiding her through the storm.

"Why… am I thinking of her now…?" Celestine muttered before coughing up a pool of blood.

"Don't worry forsaken one. It is only natural you fell to me. Now allow me to guide you to the afterlife… poor, poor soul. You have suffered, but I shall ease that suffering by guiding your soul to a better life."

"Shut… the… fuck… up…" Celestine grit her teeth before punching her chest.

Vroom… vrooom… vrooom… VROOOOOOOM

Over the course of the past two years, Celestine found herself at a noticeable plateau in her skills. The traditional means of gaining experience points had become increasingly difficult, and she felt the weight of stagnation bearing down on her. Determined to break through this barrier, she made a decision that remained hidden from her friends and family—a risky venture into the realm of technology.

Recognizing that technological enhancements were the key to overcoming her limitations, Celestine embarked on a daring path. In a clandestine operation known only to her, she replaced her heart with a marvel of machinery resembling an engine, a mana engine to be precise. This intricate device served as an augmentation to every aspect of her internal system. It granted her heightened regeneration, increased strength, enhanced speed, enduring stamina, sharper sight, and heightened senses—an upgrade that touched every facet of her being.

However, this extraordinary enhancement came at a cost. The mana engine required a continuous supply of Celestine's soul to operate. It was a sacrifice she willingly made in exchange for the newfound abilities that would propel her past the stagnation that had hindered her growth. The small drawback of relinquishing a portion of her soul served as a constant reminder of the delicate balance between technological advancement and the essence of one's being.

Delving into the delicate and forbidden art of soul manipulation, Celestine began experimenting discreetly, seeking a way to push the boundaries of her newfound technological enhancements. It was a path shrouded in secrecy and risk, one that only the daring would tread. However, her efforts bore fruit when she stumbled upon a significant breakthrough.

Collaborating with Lucy's advanced technology and the expertise of talented Tolf scientists and engineers, Celestine harnessed the power of dimension-hopping. They condensed this formidable technology into a handheld device, sacrificing some of its raw power for the sake of portability. Yet, Celestine, with her ingenuity, managed to compensate for the loss.

To ensure a continuous source of power for this intricate device, Celestine implemented a unique solution. Small pipes discreetly nestled at the back of her neck, cleverly concealed by her flowing hair, served as conduits for the absorption of surrounding mana. This innovation allowed her to sustain the device's operation, providing the energy needed for her ventures into the unexplored realms of existence. It was a delicate dance between forbidden arts and cutting-edge technology, and Celestine had become the master orchestrator of this intricate symphony.

The resonance of Celestine's new engine heart echoed through the mountain range like a thunderous symphony. The very rhythm of her heartbeat seemed to reverberate with an otherworldly intensity, disrupting the natural harmony that enveloped the surroundings. The benevolent angel of nature, perceptive to the slightest disturbances in the delicate balance of the ecosystem, immediately sensed something amiss.

Reacting swiftly, the angel summoned a wave of vibrant, flourishing plants, intending to crush Celestine in a verdant embrace. However, her divine plans were thwarted when a quick scan revealed that Celestine had inexplicably shifted a few meters backward, cradling the unconscious form of Ethel in her arms. The angel's expression, usually serene and benevolent, now displayed subtle cracks of annoyance.

The celestial being, accustomed to maintaining control over the natural forces, found herself perturbed by the unexpected variables introduced by Celestine's enhanced abilities. The mountain range, once a realm of tranquil beauty, now bore witness to a clash between the mechanical and the mystical, each force vying for dominance. The angel's ethereal gaze bore into Celestine, a silent challenge echoing through the ancient peaks.

Blood splattered across Celestine's mouth as she gently set Ethel down, her enhanced regeneration working at an astonishing pace. Zuriel, the angel of nature, observed with a mix of curiosity and concern. The rapid healing process defied the laws of the natural world, prompting questions about the source of Celestine's newfound abilities. However, the stoic silence that met Zuriel's unspoken inquiries only fueled the tension in the air.

Without a word, Celestine surged forward, her movements a blur of speed that defied comprehension. In her hands, a longsword adorned with intricate golden runes gleamed with an otherworldly light. The blade sliced through the air with precision, aiming for Zuriel's neck in a lethal arc. The celestial being, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected onslaught, barely managed to evade the strike, the blade grazing the edges of her flowing robes.

The clash between Celestine's technological prowess and Zuriel's celestial might unfolded in a whirlwind of steel and ethereal energy. Each movement was a testament to Celestine's enhanced speed and strength, her strikes carrying the weight of both mechanical precision and the unrestrained force of nature. Zuriel, the guardian of the enchanted forest, now faced an adversary who harnessed powers that transcended the limits of the natural world. The once-serene mountain range became the battleground for a conflict that blurred the lines between magic and machinery.

Zuriel extended her hand, summoning a barrage of thorny vines that shot towards Celestine. In response, Celestine twirled her longsword with precision, cutting through the vines with a series of swift strikes. The celestial guardian's eyes gleamed as she conjured a swirling vortex of leaves and petals. Celestine, with a burst of speed, dodged the airborne assault, her metallic limbs enhancing her agility.

Zuriel called upon the power of the earth, causing the ground beneath Celestine to tremble. Undeterred, Celestine leaped into the air, her mechanical limbs absorbing the shock of the shifting terrain. A radiant light enveloped Zuriel as she unleashed a beam of celestial energy. Celestine, quick on her feet, somersaulted away, narrowly avoiding the searing blast. Celestine retaliated with a series of precise sword strikes, aiming for Zuriel's ethereal form. Zuriel gracefully weaved between the attacks, her flowing robes billowing with each evasive motion.

Zuriel, tapping into the essence of nature, sent a flock of spectral birds to assail Celestine. The mechanical warrior swung her sword in a defensive dance, dispersing the incorporeal avian assault. Celestine initiated a rapid flurry of strikes, her sword gleaming with golden runes. Zuriel, channeling celestial energy, created a protective barrier that absorbed the kinetic force of each blow. Zuriel's eyes glowed with ethereal light as she summoned a swirling tempest of wind. Celestine, using her mechanical limbs as stabilizers, stood firm against the gusts, her cloak billowing dramatically.

A burst of celestial energy manifested in Zuriel's outstretched hand, forming a radiant sphere. Celestine, calculating the trajectory, sidestepped the magical projectile with a swift movement. Celestine initiated a combination of sword strikes and quick footwork, aiming to disrupt Zuriel's focus. Zuriel gracefully danced between the attacks, her movements as fluid as the wind. Zuriel, tapping into the essence of the forest, caused the flora around them to surge with life. Celestine, adapting to the changing battlefield, maneuvered with agility amid the growing vegetation.

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