Chapter 354: Leaking Secrets(2)
Chapter 354: Leaking Secrets(2)
As Arwen wished, our brief but intense life in Albenheim continued.
One day, I spent the entire time just resting—partly to recover my trembling legs and partly to catch up on reading Xenon's Biography.
Claiming it was "dangerous outside the blankets," I spent the time lounging in bed with her or exploring her chambers. It was far from boring, and we shared many conversations in between.
"So, you have not yet decided on a name for this world?"
"It's not this world, but the world within Xenon's Biography."
Arwen, having finished reading the manuscript I gave her, began asking various questions. The first was about the name of the world that Xenon would eventually proclaim.
Originally, I had planned to name it after Hirt’s true name, but she had forbidden it. Thus, I had to come up with something else.
"Even if you say it is not, do you think others will see it that way? I certainly do not."
"Then there's nothing I can do about it. Do you have any recommendations? Ideally, something related to the earth or the land."
"There are books regarding the Ancient Language in the sanctuary. Reading them later may be of help."
That sounded promising. Books on the Ancient Language were incredibly rare and difficult to obtain.
So much time had passed that most of them had been lost. Besides, my interest lay in history—specifically, major events—while linguistics had always been a secondary concern.
"By the way, to think that Lucifer spread his wings... Even if he borrowed the power of a demon, could it be...?"
Arwen looked at me with eyes full of expectation and curiosity. It seemed Cecile’s demonization incident was on her mind.
I gave a bitter smile and shook my head. Cecile’s demonization and an Elf’s "angelization" were entirely different matters.
"No. The gods were firm in saying that even they couldn't do that. They said a transcendent being like an angel can be demoted to a mortal, but the reverse is impossible."
"Why is that?"
"They said it's because of how one is born."
To be a transcendent, one must be born as one. It is impossible for a mortal to become a transcendent.
I felt a bit disappointed hearing that, but after experiencing reincarnation myself, I was able to shift my perspective.
If that's the case, wouldn't it be fine to die as a mortal and be reborn as a transcendent?
Not in a human body, but in a divine body—a Sinthe. There are records of Hercules doing exactly that in Greek mythology.
'A plot development where Jin dies and is resurrected as an angel. Hmm...'
It was a decent idea, but the thought of a demon becoming an angel felt a bit strange. Not an Elf, who is a descendant of angels, but a demon undergoing ascension.
I felt this should be used only as a last resort. If handled poorly, it might even cause a backlash from Albenheim.
Furthermore, Jin had become one with Diabolus after devouring him. That included his soul.
Could the gods truly purify a soul defiled by evil and separate only the personality known as Jin?
While they could bring a version of me from another dimension and reincarnate me here, this felt like something even beyond that. I had to be cautious.
'I should ask them.'
I left Arwen alone for a moment and stepped out of the chambers. As mentioned before, Elodia also served as a temple.
Originally, Elves worshipped Luminous and Dark Elves worshipped Mora, but since the expulsion of the Dark Elves, the Elves had been serving both.
According to Arwen, relations with the Dark Elves were also improving noticeably.
She even thanked me, saying that the fusion with the Dark Elves she so desired might happen sooner than expected, and that it was all thanks to me.
Regardless, I headed to Elodia’s chapel to ask the gods a few questions...
[To resurrect a mortal soul by placing it into a transcendent vessel... It's not impossible. It's just that we'd have to create a new vessel from scratch, so it would be a lot of work for us.]
'So it is possible?'
[It's not impossible.]
I hadn't asked Luminous, but Mora. I went to her because I thought she might feel neglected since we hadn't spoken recently.
Mora’s chapel within Elodia was dim, much like the temple in Helium, with only candlelight illuminating the space.
Despite having expelled the Dark Elves, Albenheim’s nature of clinging to tradition meant they didn't neglect her worship.
If they had, Mora probably would have been genuinely furious. With that thought, I posed another question to her.
'Then what about a defiled soul? Is purification impossible in that case?'
[It's possible. But it's incredibly difficult, like trying to separate ink from water once they've been mixed.]
'But not impossible?'
[Correct.]
Then I could write it in. However, my concern was still the potential backlash—or more accurately, the dissatisfaction—of the Elves.
Even if they didn't protest openly, wouldn't they feel some resentment if a demon ascended to become an angel?
Moreover, the heroes of the Elves and Dark Elves had sacrificed their lives to destroy the World Tree. Had they not, Diabolus would have been resurrected much sooner.
There were countless heroes who gave their lives to avert the crisis, so choosing Jin specifically to be resurrected as a transcendent felt unfair.
[Hehe.]
As I was lost in thought, Mora let out a playful giggle. Her laughter pulled me out of my musings.
'Why are you laughing?'
[Because I saw an interesting future.]
'Is it a good future for me, or a bad one?'
[I told you, it's just an interesting one.]
It seemed she had no intention of telling me. I chuckled at Mora’s playfulness, which was as consistent as ever.
If she called it an "interesting" future, it likely meant I would end up in a difficult spot.
If I had known, I would have gone to Luminous instead. Unlike Mora, Luminous was kind and probably would have told me everything.
[What? Are you saying I'm unkind?]
'It's not that. It's just that you're too mischievous.'
[Hmph. Fine, have it your way. I'm already stressed because of Mother, and now you're being mean. I'm not giving you any more Divine Power.]
'That would be a problem.' I smiled bitterly at Mora, who was sulking like a child who had their toy taken away.
If nothing else, losing access to Divine Power was a huge risk. I had to soothe her somehow.
'Lord Hirt gave me a blessing, so why can't you two?'
[Giving or not giving doesn't matter. The problem is that she already "stamped" you.]
'Stamped?'
[Yes. When Mother gave it to you, she said she was giving you the "Pure Blessing of Nature," didn't she? It's not just a regular blessing; it's a pure blessing.]
What was the difference? I wasn't a priest, so I didn't quite understand what she meant.
Mora must have read my thoughts, because she grumbled while kindly explaining it piece by piece.
[A pure blessing is the same as granting you a portion of Authority.]
'Authority?'
[Yes. A priest praying to grant strength to others, or inflicting ill effects on an enemy... or becoming completely one with the shadows so that even magic cannot detect you... those are all concepts of blessings that are possible as long as one has enough faith. But Authority is different. It allows one to perform "Miracles."]
"..."
A word that left me stunned just by hearing it: Miracle.
Since gods clearly existed, this world also contained miracles that defied scientific explanation. But there was a reason a miracle was called a miracle.
It is something that is clearly impossible, yet somehow becomes possible. That is what we commonly call a "miracle."
[If my brother Luminous performs a miracle, he can save someone on the brink of death or even restore a severed limb. He can even return lost senses.]
'Can't Cardinal Kate do that too?'
[She can only "reattach" a severed part. But my brother’s miracle makes the limb grow anew, like a sprout. It's the same for the senses.]
It truly was a miracle. I listened to her explanation in awe before immediately asking another question.
'Then what about you, Lady Mora?'
[Unlike my brother, I focus on internal matters rather than external ones. Mostly the mind. Like restoring someone who has become a vegetable or someone suffering from senility.]
At first glance, it might not seem like much, but that too was well worth being called a miracle.
In my previous life, dementia was called the "demon's disease," something one should never catch. A tragic mental illness that made one unable to recognize even their own family.
Both gods performed miracles suited to their symbols. If so, what kind of miracle would the Goddess of Nature show?
[As you know, Mother’s symbol is nature. Because of that, you will be loved by animals wherever you go. Furthermore, you can even speak with them.]
'Speak with them? I couldn't talk to that crow-tit yesterday.'
[That's because you didn't properly commune with it. Even if you're granted Authority, it depends on how you use it. Oh, and do you know what a "Spirit Creature" is?]
'Of course I do.'
As expected of a fantasy world, Spirit Creatures existed here. However, as the name implied, they were extremely rare to find.
Spirit Creatures weren't limited to animals; they included plants as well. The most prominent example was a mountain ginseng that was several hundred years old.
Regardless, if even one was discovered, it was so rare that nations, not just organizations, would personally set out to find it. Their efficacy was just as legendary.
[If you have enough Divine Power, you can even evolve ordinary flora and fauna into Spirit Creatures.]
'...Is that really possible?'
[That is the Pure Blessing given by the Goddess of Nature. Besides that, nature will help you whenever you are in danger. No matter how strong a demon worshipper is, if nature itself blocks their path, it will be impossible for them to pursue you. Anyway, do you realize how incredible the blessing you received is?]
I certainly did. It far exceeded the level of simply promoting an ordinary human to a Druid.
I didn't need anyone to preach to me about how great nature was. No matter how strong humanity became, nature was something they could never truly defeat.
To think that such a force would help me... honestly, it was hard to wrap my head around.
'...She really seems to adore me.'
[She can't help but adore you. Look at how much you've done for her.]
'Haha.'
I felt bashful at Mora’s sincere praise. Being praised by a god was something I could never quite get used to.
To shake off the awkwardness, I moved on to my next question without delay.
'Th-then, what should I do with the World Tree Seed? Should I just plant it in my territory?'
[...]
I asked about the World Tree Seed, but there was no answer. Only a heavy silence remained.
Sensing something was wrong, I asked again.
'Lady Mora?'
[Huh? What?]
'The World Tree Seed, how should I...'
[Do whatever you want.]
"Whatever I want?" I couldn't help but feel puzzled by Mora’s answer, which was vague beyond belief.
Did that mean I could smash the seed with a hammer? Or did it mean I should actually plant it in my territory?
Just as I was tilting my head at her incomprehensible words, Mora spoke in a slightly hurried voice.
[I-is there anything else?]
'Um... not really.'
[Really? Okay. Then I'll see you later. Bye!]
As if she had some urgent business, Mora abruptly cut off the connection. As soon as the divine link was severed, I slowly opened my eyes.
The statue of Mora standing before me no longer held any trace of her presence. She had fled.
'What was that?'
Why wouldn't she talk about the World Tree Seed? What kind of future was unfolding that she wouldn't even tell me?
I tilted my head at her inexplicable reaction but stood up nonetheless.
If Mora reacted that way, Luminous would likely be the same. There was definitely a reason involving the World Tree Seed.
'It's not like I can actually hit it with a hammer.'
For now, I decided to leave it alone until I returned home. I headed back to the chambers where Arwen was waiting, trying to organize my confused thoughts.
She must have had a reason for not telling me. I never once thought they would do anything to harm me.
And so, I made my way back to the room where Arwen was waiting.
"Ah. You're back."
"...What are you doing?"
I was met with the sight of Arwen sitting on the bed, cradling the seed—which was nearly the size of her own face—in her arms.
Rather than being absurd, it was such a cute and precious sight that a laugh escaped me.
Arwen gave a bashful smile at my question and offered an answer that was just as adorable as she was.
"Well... the seed was just sitting there all by itself, and it looked cold..."
"..."
"It is a gift from Lord Hirt, is it not? So I thought... perhaps I should take better care of it."
For a woman over a hundred years old, her words were incredibly endearing.
Hearing that, I grinned and carefully climbed onto the bed, moving to her side.
I gently stroked the golden seed Arwen was holding so dearly and spoke softly.
"Then shall we hold it together?"
"T-together?"
"Why? We've already spent our first night together, are you still shy about holding this with me?"
"I-it's not that..."
Arwen’s face flushed red with embarrassment at my suggestion. I smiled gently and pulled up the blankets.
It wasn't quite time for bed yet, but this was enough to create a lifelong memory.
I pulled the covers up to our chests and, placing the seed between us, I slowly pulled Arwen into an embrace.
"M-my love."
"Shh. Let's just stay like this for a bit."
"O-okay..."
And so, just as I closed my eyes to take a peaceful nap together...
Crack!
an ominous sound reached our ears.