Chapter 228: Book 17(3)
Chapter 228: Book 17(3)
Mora, the Goddess of Darkness and Rest, has a much more childish and mischievous side compared to her twin brother, Luminous.
She often throws tantrums at her believers, plays pranks through her oracles, and sometimes even pouts if one of her followers scolds her too harshly.
Because of this, people often wonder if she is truly a goddess, doubting whether she is really a transcendent being who has lived through ages beyond mortal imagination. This is especially true since Luminous carries himself with the speech and conduct of a "true" god.
However, these are merely doubts; no one actually intends to insult Mora. It’s more of a wish that she would maintain a bit more divine dignity.
Furthermore, while her behavior may be childish, Mora is a benevolent deity who shows her followers a different kind of mercy and kindness than Luminous.
[You’re late! Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting?]
'I’m sorry.'
[At this rate, you might as well have been an hour later! Then I could have turned you into a girl for sure!]
The problem was that her sense of humor was a bit much. I let out a silent sigh of relief after hearing Mora’s half-serious grumbling.
I could somehow deal with my hair staying long. It was inconvenient, but it didn't make daily life impossible.
But I had to prevent a gender swap at all costs. The thought of losing what’s below and gaining something above was so awkward it felt like I’d die just imagining it.
'I’d appreciate it if you didn't say such horrifying things.'
[Oh, hush! Horrifying? Your shoulders might feel a bit stiff and you’d feel a bit empty down there, but I’m sure it wouldn't be so bad.]
'If you’re going to keep joking, I’m leaving.'
[Sorry.]
When I gave her a serious rejection, Mora apologized immediately, sounding a bit sheepish. I could almost picture her sticking her tongue out and laughing awkwardly in my head.
Dealing with her was exhausting in many ways, but at the same time, her human-like nature made me feel at ease.
Even though she acted like a child, it felt somewhat cute. It felt less like I was dealing with a god and more like I was talking to an ordinary person.
'Anyway, did you have something to tell me?'
[No. Not really? I just wanted someone to talk to.]
'...You have other followers.'
[They are them, and you are you. You’re a soul from another dimension, so you’re truly special.]
At first, I wanted to ask what that was supposed to mean, but Luminous had acted similarly. He had even patted my head last time.
As Mora said, since I was a soul from another dimension, their interest in me was bound to be high. It made me feel a bit strange.
'I think Cecile would be hurt if she heard that.'
[That child isn't a soul from another dimension like you, is she? And to me, all my children are special. You’re just... unique.]
'Um... I see.'
Mischievous or not, a god was still a god. Even with her flighty tone, there was sincerity in every word she spoke.
I wondered what I could say to please Mora and decided to just bring up anything. Since she said she was bored, I figured I could just follow a stream of consciousness.
'Mora, you said you grant your blessing to the demons and dark elves, right? Are there no other races?'
[Not really. Most humans and elves believe in Luminous, while dwarves and beastkin believe in our mother.]
'By mother, you mean the Goddess Hirt?'
[Yep.]
Hirt is the Goddess of Life and Nature, and the mother of the twin deities. I had heard many stories about her, but unlike the twins, I had never spoken to her directly.
According to Leona, one doesn't build a "temple" for Hirt like they do for Luminous or Mora; instead, they communicate with her through a type of "ritual." I was told that as long as one offered a suitable sacrifice and performed the ritual, they could speak with her without needing a temple.
For this reason, the races that worship Hirt possess a unique power called "sorcery" rather than "magic."
Sorcery is a power distinct from magic, and in the distant past, it was used by humans as well as beastkin. Even now, it’s said there are barbarians in remote areas who still use sorcery.
If magic is like programming—writing code to produce a result—then sorcery is a mysterious ability that is difficult to even explain. The most prominent example is the "rain ritual," and occasionally, sorcerers are invited to places struck by drought.
'I’ve never met Goddess Hirt. You said there’s a temple for her in the Machina Kingdom, right?'
[Yeah. Thinking of visiting her later?]
'I should at least show my face, shouldn't I? Since I’ve already met Luminous and you.'
[Alright. Hold on a sec. Mom! There’s something...]
Mora’s voice grew distant. Hearing that, I felt a very familiar scent from my past life. It was the situation where someone you’re on the phone with asks to hand the phone to someone else.
Just like with Luminous last time, I suddenly wondered what the place where the gods lived looked like. Would there be "angels," the ancestors of the elves, there as well?
According to mythology, they lost their wings and fell to earth after committing a sin against the gods, but it wasn't clearly stated whether that was one person or many.
Furthermore, there are documents stating that the one who delivered the Seed of the World Tree during the Demon War was an angel. From this, it could be inferred that there was at least more than one angel.
While I was lost in these idle thoughts for a moment, I was reconnected with Mora, whose "call" had been interrupted.
[Mom said to do whatever you want. But since you seem busy lately, she said you don't necessarily have to come. Or, she said you could ask the child named Leona.]
'Ask Leona?'
[Yeah. She said she can possess that girl and deliver whatever she wants to say. Of course, only when you want her to. She told me to tell you there’s plenty of time, so there’s no need to rush.]
'I understand.'
I wondered if Leona could use sorcery too. I hadn't known that at all.
Then again, even if she was the daughter of the third wife, she was still a lion beastkin, so she must have learned at least a little.
'By the way, Mora, is there anything you’d like me to do?'
[If I had to pick one, I’d turn you into a girl—]
'Other than that.'
[Aw, why? Just once. Can't you just close your eyes and let me do it once? You’re so pretty, after all.]
The words "You’re so pretty" felt strangely bothersome. As soon as I heard them, I was startled and snapped my eyes open.
But my body hadn't changed at all. Everything was still intact down there, and my chest was the same as always.
Then what was it? Feeling suspicious, I closed my eyes again and questioned Mora.
'What do you mean, pretty? Nothing has changed.'
[Open your eyes again and look in the mirror.]
A mirror? Come to think of it, the private chapels in the Helium Temple each had a full-length mirror.
They were placed there so that one could tidy their appearance before praying to Mora. This was true not only for Mora’s temples but for Luminous’s as well.
I opened my eyes and turned my gaze toward the full-length mirror standing right next to me. After blinking for a few moments, I slowly stood up to check my reflection.
'...Oh, please.'
The person reflected in the mirror was, for all intents and purposes, a heavenly beauty. My hair, which I usually kept tied back, was somehow loose and cascading down to my waist like a waterfall.
My face had always been radiant, taking after my mother, but now the lines were softer, and my physique had completely transformed.
My shoulders and waist had narrowed, while my hips had widened into elegant, boastful curves. That alone was shocking, but the most prominent change was undoubtedly my chest.
They were big. A pair of masses that defied simple description were attached to my chest, asserting their presence.
I was currently wearing my school uniform, and the buttons looked like they were about to go ping! and fly off. And this was a male uniform!
What kind of unfair body was this? Not even Nicole, let alone Cecile or Cherry, would be at this level. To put it bluntly, it was a walking piece of smut.
Fuck. I couldn't help but swear. I covered my face with my hands, and the beauty in the mirror mimicked my every move.
Never. Absolutely not. I’d rather bite my tongue and kill myself than become like that.
With a body like that, just living a normal daily life would become a struggle. Gritting my teeth, I knelt back down.
[How is it? Pretty, right? Living like this at least once—]
'Mora.'
[Wouldn't be so bad— Huh?]
'If you keep this up, I’m going to portray you as an evil god in my book.'
[Hmph...]
Realizing I was dead serious, Mora gave a dejected response. I imagined a puppy soaked in a rainstorm, but no meant no.
However, seeing a god so depressed made me feel a little guilty. I let out a sigh and spoke quietly, a hint of apology in my voice.
'...Still, didn't you put a bit too much of your personal preference into this?'
[Huh? What do you mean? That’s exactly what you’d look like if you became a woman.]
'Are you kidding me?'
I really couldn't stop swearing. I could understand Nicole having a good figure because she exercised, but why was I like this? Even my mother wasn't quite at this level.
As if she had overheard my doubts, Mora kindly explained.
[That’s because the potential comes from your father, not your mother. Was her name Lily? That girl will probably look exactly like that when she grows up. Though her facial features will be a bit different.]
'...My sister is going to grow up to look like that?'
[Yep.]
As soon as I heard that confirmation, one thought immediately crossed my mind.
The creeps are going to swarm her. I had to protect my sister at all costs.
Anyway, my father really did have an extraordinary physical pedigree. Thanks to this, I had learned something about our family genetics.
'Sigh... Mora.'
[What is it?]
'First, I’m sorry for swearing. I was just so shocked...'
[No, it’s okay. My prank was a bit much. In exchange, I’ll fill you up with plenty of divine power today. Any other questions?]
The situation had almost turned awkward, but fortunately, it was smoothed over. I thought carefully about Mora’s question before speaking.
'Just tell me if there’s anything I should be careful of in the future. I meant to ask Luminous, but I forgot.'
[Something to be careful of... My brother already said it, but at least in the near future, no dark clouds will loom over you. Though some troublesome things might happen.]
'Troublesome things?'
[Yes.]
In response to my puzzled question, Mora gave a cryptic answer.
[The contents of Volume 18, which you are about to write. The world will let you know those contents. And very soon, at that.]
'...?'
At the time, I had no idea what that meant.
*
Around the same time, in the Holy Nation 'Savior'.
"Oh! You have returned, Cardinal Kate!"
"Have you been well, Lord Deimos?"
Kate, with a pure madness installed in her heart, had returned to the Holy Nation.