The scene shifted back to the kingdom of Albanian.
Two days had already passed since we had our first guild quest. I can still remember the fuss that had ensued when the receptionist heard the details regarding the mysterious unknown cave where the goblins lurk.
The look on the receptionist face when she heard we had defeated the hobgoblin was quite amusing to witness.
Furthermore, there was to be a thorough investigation regarding the incident.
In addition, considering the increased difficulty of the quest we had received a bonus for completing the quest.
Now inside the inn we were lounging in, I along with Nikita were now relaxing while having tea.
"This black tea is really delicious."
I said as I took a sip of the tea brewed by Nikita. Honestly, I'm surprised how skilled she is at making tea, or should I say as expected of the "Ice princess." I thought so while smiling to myself.
"Thank you, I'm glad you like it."
Nikita responded as her cheeks were dyed with a faint blush. Her two fluffy fox ears stood up, while her nine fluffy silver fox tails swayed gently behind her back.
How cute... I couldn't help but think that to myself. With all the craziness happening lately I'm glad I can enjoy moments like these. Though I sighed as I thought perhaps it might get a little noisy in the distant future.
It was said that moment of peace is only preparation for disturbance. I only wish that "Disturbance" Won't be coming anytime soon.
With that being said I shifted my gazed towards the terrace, sitting on the rail with her slender legs hanging in the air was a young girl with long waist length silky green hair.
The woman whose beauty could easily take one's breath away with a single glance, the spirit of wind, Alya was sitting there.
I furrowed my brow into a frown as I saw her expression, her beautiful face currently had a frown as she stared into the distant with a serious face.
Through our connection I could also feel her apprehensions, as though the worst was yet to come. This feeling only made me feel a bit perplexed. However...
Despite our connection I couldn't quite tell what she was thinking as she narrowed her emerald, green eyes.
Just as I was about to say something, someone else beat me to the punch.
"Hey, Alya is something wrong?"
Nikita inquired, curiously. It seems she could also sense something was wrong as she looked at Alya's anxious face.
"Hm?"
Upon hearing Nikita calling out to her Alya snapped out of her dazed state and jump down from the rail with a cute hop.
A sweet fragrance filled my nose as she walked closer to us and spoke.
"... Wrong? Something is definitely wrong. However, it is none of our concerns... not yet at least."
Alya replied, shrugging her shoulders. My face twitch from her casual response. Not yet, doesn't that mean it will be our concern eventually? I sighed internally as I asked.
"Can you tell me what exactly is wrong?"
Alya became silent for a few seconds before she opened her mouth.
"... There seem to be a war going on a few kilometres from here, I can sense the mana is really restless in the atmosphere."
"..." The room became silent after hearing Alya's words. War, my face tensed when I heard that. Why was there a war going on? I remember hearing back in Watanabe that the surrounding kingdoms were at peace so why now?
I place my hand beneath my chin as I thought.
"... Do you think this has something to do with that hostile kingdom in the north?"
Nikita asked, as she stared at me. Nn, now that you mentioned it that kingdom has been in bad terms with the Alberta kingdom, right.
"Yeah, maybe they're the ones at war."
I said as I sighed. Things seem to have taken a troublesome turn, with that thought I turned my gaze towards Alya who was now drinking black tea.
"Alya, you said we will eventually be drag into whatever is going on, right? Can you elaborate more on that?"
I asked with a serious face. Even though it was bothersome, this is something I needed to know no matter what as it involves my future as well.
Alya gulp down the tea and place the cup onto the coasters on the table before closing her eyes.
After a few minutes Alya reopened her eyes and spoke.
"I'm not one hundred percent sure but... I think the demon God; Lucifer will be making his return in the not-so-distant future."
Eh, L-Lucifer? Like the king of hell that Lucifer?
My mind was in a mess as I tried to process what she had just said.
"Th-That guy, the one responsible for starting the war three hundred years ago. I heard he was sealed by the legendary heroes, wasn't he? How is he coming back?"
Nikita asked, her ruby eyes shone with a peculiar glint as she asked. This girl... don't tell me she wants to fight him, the corners of my mouth trembled as that thought came to my head.
"W-Wait will you calm down, that look in your eyes is scaring me."
Alya said as she shrinks back away from Nikita who wouldn't stop hounding her. Realizing how unsightly her actions were Nikita sat down elegantly while going "Ahem" With her hand against her mouth.
With the room finally regaining its calm I asked.
"Do you mean the Lucifer of legends?"
Alya has knowledge from earth so she should be aware of my true question, was the story about the king of hell real? Or was it just a story? Does this Lucifer have anything to do with earth. If hell exist doesn't that means heaven exist as well?
Well... I was transported to another world so, hell and heaven actually existing isn't out of the realm of possibility. I couldn't stop my curiosity.
To my questions Alya only smiled wryly and shook her head.
"This Lucifer has nothing to do with that Lucifer, well I guess you could see him that way as the story regarding him is quite similar to the story you know."
Alya explained.
"Lucifer he was one of my masters' loyal servants, the God of creation. However, he betrayed us."
Alya continued, her face showed visible anger as she explained. Both Nikita and I glanced at each other as we heard the complicated emotions of Alya voice.
"When the god of creation disappeared, he wanted to take control of this world, so he fused with the infinity core. A core that grants him near infinite supply on magical energy. It took the combined effort of all spirits, the elemental goddesses and the heroes to stop him However, killing him was impossible so we decided to simply seal him away at that time."
Alya added. I see... So, he had near infinite magical power. Huh, he sounded like a troublesome opponent to face. However, I raised an eyebrow as I heard a new term I have never heard before.
"What exactly is the infinity core?"
I inquired, curiously.
"The infinity core is an orb that contains the essence of the god of creation, it also contains the essence of the god of destruction. It was something that never should have existed."
Alya said as she heaved a sigh. Something that should never had existed. Huh, so why does something like that exists?
"Can you tell me why something like that exists?"
I inquired.
"Th-That's..."
However, to my question Alya opened her mouth before she kept her silence with a frown.
It didn't seem like she was willing to disclose that information as she kept her silence while feigning composure. Meanwhile, the silver-haired Nikita decided to intervene as she notices the uncomfortable atmosphere drifting between us.
"U-Umm, would it be okay if I ask something?"
Nikita asked, as she raised her hand. Alya nodded her head cooly.
"Alya, you said the goddess of ice was also a traitor, could I assume Lucifer has something to do with that?"
Nikita asked to which Alya nodded her head and sighed.
"That bit*h was working along with him."
Alya said as she clenched her fist. I tilted my head in confusion to the title "Ice goddess" This was the first time I've heard about this.
"Umm. Who is the ice goddess?"
I asked.
"... She is the incarnation of ice and snow... but you can just call her a bit*h as her name is not worth remembering."
Alya said with a cold smile adorning her face.
"I... I see."
My face twitch behind the forcefulness of her words. I cough to clear my throat and changed the topic.
"S-So... let's get back to Lucifer. The seal is going to break, right? Is that why you're so restless?"
I asked. Alya nodded her head with a bitter face.
"I can sense the suppression force is weakening, in a few years... the estimate I can give is roughly five years. It will be broken by then and those demons will be free."
Alya explained. I see... five years. That isn't really a lot of time. Those guys will come back at that time so does this mean I will eventually have to face the demon God, Lucifer, then... wait come to think of it in that dream where I face those army of demons, I was much older, wasn't I?
Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling when thinking about that dream and the emotions I felt back then...
Wait if Alya could sense the seal could this also has something to do with my summoning? Was it really a coincidence that I was summoned at this time? A thought suddenly popped into my head as my face turned slightly pale.
"M-Master, are you okay?"
Nikita asked, as she looked at me with eyes filled with worry.
"Uh, yeah I'm fine."
I said with a small smile on my face.
"Haruto, are you sure you're, okay? Your complexion doesn't look so good?"
Alya said as she gently caresses my face. However, I shook my head.
"Yes, I'm fine... just a bit shock from the sudden information."
I replied.
"So, my future enemies are the demon race, I can assume."
I said so with a serious expression on my face. Not to mention the reincarnation of the god of destruction hasn't shown himself as yet, though he is probably in the same condition as me reborn without any memories.
In that case then I probably won't have to worry about him for now. Though, he is probably going to be the most troublesome opponent for me.
Within the next few days, I want to start my spirit arts training as soon as possible. As I was thinking that Alya's next words caught my attention.
"You don't have to do anything if you don't want to you know."
"Eh, what do you mean?"
I asked confused.
"It's exactly as I said. You don't have to do this if you don't want to... if it is too much for you to handle... th-then I will do it in your stead."
Alya said as she looked at me with a serious face. I stared back into those green, emerald pupils to see her real intentions. However, I was surprised when I saw the unwavering light in her eyes.
"I believe I have already said it before, but if it is too much for you to handle then... you can depend on me. Let me shoulder your burden."
Alya said as she placed her hand against her chest.
I was at a loss of what to say when hearing her honest words, she wants to shoulder my burdens... I clenched my fist as I smiled with a little self-hatred, what kind of man would I be if I allowed her to do something like this?
Even after everything that we went through together I'm still hesitating... how pathetic! I curse bitterly. Just what is it that I want to do?
I have already made up my mind if I can't go back home then I will....
"... I will fight."
I muttered aloud.
"Eh?"
Alya looked at me with a surprised face. However, as for the silver fox, Nikita. She had an expression as though to say, "As expected of master."
"Y-You, I already told you, you don't have to-"
"But I will."
I said to Alya who was looking at me with an unwilling expression.
"I can't let you do this by yourself, if I did, I know I would be left with regrets... and so, if you are going to fight so will I."
I said confidently.
"Umu, well said, master. Of course, if you are fighting then I will too."
Nikita chimed in; her lips upturned into a smile. Meanwhile, Alya sighed realizing it was pointless to protest any further.
"Besides those legendary heroes will also be participating, as well as the other spirits, right?"
I said, though Alya's face grimaced when she heard of the other elemental spirits.
"So, can we start my spirit arts training soon?"
I asked. I've been delaying my training long enough. Its time I start walking down the path I have decided since the beginning.
"Sigh, sure we will start as soon as possible."
Alya replied as she played with strands of her long green hair.
-----
(A/N: Thank you for reading. Sorry I haven't been releasing many chapters lately I've been too focused on my other works, but I will do my best to release chapters regularly from now on.)