Showing herself to Kouki and others with a kind voice──was a stick figure goddess. *Wriggle wriggle, stagger stagger*
Perhaps because of the really out there form that was very outside his imagination, Kouki was hit with great shock and pressed his hands on his face. Everyone else was also making a stupid face with their mouth hanging open.
Yes, everyone. For some reason, even Old Kalagura was muttering 「W-what, is that appearance...」 while looking terribly flustered.
Kouki gasped hearing Kalagura saying that and returned to his senses.
(No, wait. Come to think of it I heard that she is tremendously weakened...eh!? Could it be that I'm acting really rudely here!?)
His first impression might have dropped like a rock! Kouki thought with blood leaving his face.
『Hero-sama?』
「Ah, no, err──I was a bit surprised because your appearance is a bit unexpected! Please forgive my discourteous behavior!」
It was a desperate apology that came from him blowing his fuse completely. His shout echoed through the underground shrine that was formed from countless gigantic tree roots.
Silence descended for a brief moment. Meanwhile Moana and others also came back to their senses. Nervousness spread out with worry that they might have displeased the goddess but...
『Forgive me』
What came back was an unexpected apology.
『It has been ages since I lost my original vessel...my current self has lost considerable amount of power, however, the little ones will be greatly burdened to stand in front of my vessel-less presence.』
「Ah, could it be, you prepared that body in haste because of that...」
『It was my opinion that it would be easier for children of man to talk with a form that is similar to human but...it looks like I have startled everyone instead.』
The stick figure human with Faceles* mask was quite eerie with the way it was clattering. Though its voice and atmosphere conveyed how apologetic she was feeling.
「F-Foltina-sama's original form, has a greatly dignified appearance.」
Kalagura's follow up was painful. Perhaps, this is a mistake...it seemed that Foltina-sama also understood it. Among the masses something like this would be called "she bombed it", "what a clown", and the like, but Kouki held himself from saying any such thing.
『Should I return to my original form?』
「「「「「Please by all means!!」」」」」
An unanimous consent. Except Aularodde. Also, Kalagura's voice was the loudest. His voice was filled with thick emotion of earnestness.
What remained behind after that was a spherical light of pure white color floating lightly in the air.
Its size was as big as a volley ball. It seemed that this simple light sphere was Foltina's current default appearance.
『Child. Do you feel any pain from my divine presence?』
A voice that resounded more directly to the soul than before was transmitted to them.
「I-I have no word to express the depth of my feeling of gratitude for such great consideration! Although feeling of awe and veneration flooded my whole body, anything like pain from standing in front of such divine presence is nonexistent!」
Koone replied with her whole heart even while sweating rivers. In contrast to her words, it seemed that she was feeling the divine presence so much that she would lose the strength in her feet if she let her guard down.
Even Moana and Spenser and others were slightly sweating.
It was natural. For Koone and others, they were meeting face-to-face with a grand existence but,
「So pretty nano...like a small galaxy」
「Yes, truly. I am feeling a power of purity that turn this place into a holy sanctuary just from her existing like that.」
Myuu and Hinata exchanged a small whisper. Just like they said, that sphere of light was certainly radiating divine presence and beauty that surpassed human knowledge.
Looking carefully, it seemed the sphere of light was a congregation of miniscule shining particles. There was a core at the center that was radiating a considerably stronger radiance, and around it were shining grains whirling like countless stars. It was truly a galaxy. Then, perhaps the sphere of light that was containing all of those ought to be called as the universe.
Even though they were feeling a pressure that made them naturally wanted to kneel in submission, they also felt a refreshing air that made them wanted to stay there forever.
Evidently, this shrine that was formed from tree roots was a holy sanctuary that was created solely from Goddess Foltina's presence.
「You're saying that you're fatigued, even though you're radiating this much power?」
『It is shameful but, I cannot even suppress this divine presence that even little children are able to endure. Furthermore, I am in a state where that is my limit.』
Most likely, this sphere of light should be called as the "core" of the existence that was called Foltina. Right now it was in an exposed state. Expressed in human term than perhaps she was in a state of being a soul without body.
At the same time, her divine presence only made Hinata slightly sweaty and stiff, while Myuu only stood a bit straighter, perhaps because she had experience of getting attacked by a god class enemy, or perhaps because she was a member of the demon king family who were god class. It certainly showed the degree of her exhaustion.
『Even so there is no denying that you children are burdened. ──Therefore, please say it if you children feel that it is hard to endure. I shall reside within that puppet once more──』
「「「Please remain just like that no matter what!!」」」
The true feelings of the children that sounded like We like you as you are! harmonized beautifully. It was so much their wish that their mind didn't even realize just how disrespectful it was to cut off the goddess's words like that.
Foltina-sama faltered a little. That improvised vessel, is it really that no good...perhaps she was thinking that, or perhaps not. But putting that aside,
「Please pardon my late greeting, Foltina-sama. Once again, I am the hero Amanogawa Kouki. It is my great delight to be able to meet you.」
The Kouki also introduced Koone and the others as the representative. They were greatly moved and spoke their gratitude from being bestowed with the honor of this audience. Foltina too sincerely replied back to their words one by one with happiness radiating from her voice.
The unanticipated honor of having their name spoken by the goddess who had existed since the creation of this world made Moana and Koone and others desperately holding back their feeling of wanting to dance wildly in joy.
However when it was the turn of the hero Kouki and the former goddess Aularodde, her tone was clearly different compared to with Koone and others. Although she held consideration toward her beloved children, the way she was also able to draw a line where it was proper also showed how she was truly a goddess.
Aularodde got into a good mood from that clear difference in Foltina's tone usage. She was sending a gaze that seemed to say 「Well? Moana and my positions are different after all?」 to assert dominance while taking a step forward.
「It looks like we will be able to get along. As a sign of acquaintance please accept──」
It looked like she was going to present an energy drink that she was still hiding with a smile, so Kouki plundered it from her in an instant with his state of "Serene Mind".
Must protect! Must protect Foltina-sama from becoming an energy drink addicted goddess! His mind was wholeheartedly filled with only that thought.
「W-what are yoy doing, Kouki-sama!」
「That's my line. In the first place Foltina-sama is in this form, so she can't even drink.」
「That's...I can water the tree root with that or something! She can absorb it like that!」
「Don't make the cornerstone of this world absorb energy drink! Aah geez, I understand that you're desperate for friend, but it's emergency right now! Moana!」
「Roger! Come on, you hopeless goddess! Wait quietly until Kouki finish his discussion!」
Moana put Aularodde in full nelson while she was kicking and screaming like a kid. Kouki and others watched that in exasperation.
The sphere of light was flickering seeing such exchange.
『The other world's goddess and the hero have a very relaxed relationship it seems. It's a good thing.』
Her voice was heartwarming. It was composed and showed no wavering. Her dignity as goddess didn't crumble. Magnificent.
Also, her emotion was conveyed even only through her voice despite having no expression. No, rather than through voice, perhaps it should be said that her emotion was conveyed directly.
Although Aularodde was only a former goddess, Kouki felt slightly awkward being seen acting too relaxed with her by another goddess. He tried making an excuse.
「N-no, about we're being relaxed with each other, how should I say it...she already retired from her position as goddess, so right now she's just my comrade, or like my family or something...」
『I can guess. Something must have happened to her. And hero-sama is helping her with that.』
That was why, a goddess was leaving her own world and travelling together with the hero, no doubt about it. Foltina-sama said that with an atmosphere that was worrying for Aularodde from the bottom of her heart. So kind.
But, unfortunately she was greatly off the mark.
「Ah, no, that's not it. She simply wanted to retire already after being a goddess for five thousand years without any rest or sleep, and had someone else replace her as goddess.」
『...? Pardon me, hero-sama. I don't really understand what you...』
It seemed that she didn't get it. And so, Kouki gave a brief explanation about what happened at the fairy world. It was also the happening that became the core of their plan to revive the world tree's branches, so he would need to explain it anyway sooner or later. This was a good chance.
And, after Foltina-sama heard about the details,
『...? Pardon me, hero-sama. I don't really understand what you...』
As expected it seemed she didn't get it.
Of course, she understood about what happened at the fairy world. But, there was one point that she just really couldn't comprehend.
『Just what in the world is so painful about existing for the sake of your dear world?』
「...」
Naturally she wasn't saying that because of sarcasm or anything. Her tone was filled with nothing but confusion. Kouki didn't have any answer for that question, so his gaze naturally moved toward Aularodde. The other people too.
Aularodde who was showered with attention was also letting out 「Eh...?」, looking like she had gotten asked a mysterious question. She stared at the sphere of light.
「Umm, but, because...I had worked hard you know? For five thousand years without any rest or sleep」
『? Working hard?』
Aa, Kouki thought. This was, that. The thing where two people had fundamentally different way of being. It was truly like the different between human and god.
Aularodde must have somehow guessed it too. That the mega friend candidate was a decisively different creature than her. But, she didn't want to accept ittttt!!
「E-even a goddess should be allowed to wish for happiness!」
『Indeed. A goddess's happiness is to watch over her world for perpetuity. For that she would do anything necessary until the end of time when the destiny of the world run out. Isn't that right?』
She wasn't preaching or lecturing. She sounded like she was only asking for an obvious confirmation, like asking A living creature need to breath right? An invisible blade stabbed into Aularodde's glass heart.
「...Perhaps...that is so...」
「「Aula!?」」
Too easy! Kouki and others retorted inside their heart.
The pupils of the former goddess who looked like she was going to easily got persuaded (Foltina had zero intention of doing so) were opened wide. The wrong one is, me? She was muttering something like that to herself. Old Kalagura took a step back from the ill former goddess.
But, a merciless follow-up attack (?) hit Aularodde in her current state.
『I too can possibly yield my seat as a goddess if there is another who has the qualification for that. However, that will be for after I have mustered out every single drop of strength I have in me and my existence vanish into nothingness. Isn't that right?』
「Y-yes...」
『Everything is because of love. There is no god who doesn't love this responsibility, who doesn't love all living things in their own world.』
「I, I love, workkk...」
『Countless circle and rotation has come to pass since this world was born. No matter how many days, months, and years shall pass, this love will never disappear. My brethren. I believe that you too are the same. It must be truly painful for you in this current state where you have to be away from your world like this. If there is anything that I can do to be of assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.』
「Thank you very much! I'm sorry from losing my mind from just five thousand years! I'll answer this trust you have in me! God life for million years! Goddess job banzai!!」
「「Aula! It's fine already!!」」
Fuheh, fuheheheh, I'm sorry for being a gutless worm! My eyes are opened now! I'll go back right away and work! With eyes that looked like she had completely resolved herself like that, Aularodde's head was bobbing up and down bobble head doll while her hands shot up as she muttered banzai.
The difference in perception as goddess, or perhaps difference in statue, anyhow there were just too much differences that it seemed her mind was smashed apart and she fell sick again.
For the time being, Hinata cast full powered magic of tranquility! And full powered hug and pat from Myuu!
『My brethren. Right now I'm in the height of exhaustion. I'm awake in order to talk with all of you, but most likely I will only last until sunset. After that I will have to enter a dormant state once more. If a large infected species attack right now, I won't be able to do anything with my own strength.』
Even though she was radiating this much divine presence, Foltina said that she would definitely be defeated by a large infected species that Kalagura was able to take care by himself.
It seemed that she was forcing herself considerably to be able to talk fluently like this.
Although, that was that. The expressions of Kouki and others were twitching from a bad premonition.
Their premonition was right on. Foltina-sama's good intention exploded.
『If by any chance my strength run out, it's fine even if it's only while your world is being managed by your representative, but can I ask you to take over the seat as this world's goddess until then?』
「If that's my senpai's request then there is only one answer! Yes-, of cour──」
「Myuu won't let you say it nanoo!!」
「I will not let you say it!!」
Myuu wrapped around Aularodde's face with her whole body. Aularodde's words stopped by the soft stomach blocking her mouth. Then Hinata's magic lightly intoxicated her consciousness.
Good Job & Nice Combination! Kouki praised the children like that inside his heart while averting the topic, or rather returning to the original topic.
「Foltina-sama. I believe that you have mostly guessed it but, we came here in order to revive this world's great tree.」
Kouki implicitly said that they could revive her, so there was no need to make Aularodde returned back to be a corporate slave.
「However we have a lot of questions that need answer before that.」
This world's great tree──he informed her that they were calling it the Blessing Tree while asking if there would be any demerit or worry in doing that. In addition of that original question, Kouki also asked the many questions that had piled up on the way here, about the infected species and Dark Being, why Siltrayte Kingdom got attacked at this point of time, why hero didn't get summoned until the world had been turned into desert to this point, why she didn't give any assistance to Synclea Kingdom, etc.
Foltina listened to all those questions quietly until Kouki finished. Then her voice resounded solemnly inside the room that was slightly filled with tension.
『First allow me to express my gratitude. I don't know what kind of method you have in your disposal but, if there is a way to revive the cornerstone──the Blessing Tree, then there will be nothing else that I wish for more.』
However, Foltina continued. As expected it seemed there would be demerit.
『There is a risk. A careless revival might lead to a lethal extinction.』
「That's....as I thought, is it because of the infected species?」
The sphere of light shined for a moment. It must be a signal of affirmation. It was something that could be imagined. After all the infected species was also using blessing power as their nourishment.
「...Are you saying that there's a need to destroy them?」
『There's no problem at the present stage. But that is something that will have to be carried out no matter what in the end.』
Her tone brokered no argument. Her tone contained a powerful will that wouldn't recognize any exception or objection.
Even Kouki had no intention to insist for a possibility of coexistence with the Dark Being at this point of time. But, even though they couldn't coexist with human, Dark Beings too were existence with their own will living in this world.
Because of that, he was thinking that perhaps such possibility could come out instead from Foltina herself. And then, if she asked him for that, and furthermore if she had a concrete method to carry that out, the he would surely give it his all to make it possible.
However, there wasn't a slightest hesitation in Foltina's voice. Rather, he could even felt something like negative emotion, either it was hatred or regret or something filling her voice.
「...Just what in the world is the infected species?」
『Kind hearted hero from another world. I shall answer your question as thanks of the salvation that you brought and proof of my sincerity. Even if that means that I have to shed light to my shameful mistake.』
According to her, more than five thousand years ago, it suddenly appeared in this planet.
Something that produced unlimited miasma. Even if she wanted to describe its form or shape, it was a repulsive and indefinite existence that transformed every time it was witnessed.
Foltina and the people at that time called it "calamity".
The miasma of the "calamity" that remained at the corner of this continent swallowed the surrounding countries and vegetations and animals that existed at that time in the blink of eye, changing them into monsters that only had madness and battle instinct.
A war between living things that were violated by miasma and normal living creatures began. Even if a living creature wasn't killed directly, miasma spread rampantly just from those violated beings staying in the battlefield, creating new monsters from there.
Seeing the monsters proliferating in geometric progression like that, they became called with the name "infected species".
It was an alarming situation. Foltina too wasn't just standing idly by. She bestowed oracle to the kings of all countries, divine protection to capable warriors and priestesses, dispatched special beasts who were her familiars to the battleline, and also selected someone who became the leader of mankind's army──the hero, and even resided in her (the hero was a woman) weapon to become her strength.
Offenses and defenses that went back and forth continued. They paid a great sacrifice, but in the end they succeeded with the subjugation.
It was truly the legendary final battle in this world.
『The problem was after that.』
「After that?」
『Yes. I committed a shameful blunder. My decision was fatally mistaken...』
「What do you mean?」
『I, wanted to save them. I thought that my beloved children, could still be saved.』
It sounded like a confession. There was no divine majesty in her shaking voice. A too powerful regret that even pained the chest of those who heard it was conveyed.
『I was considerably exhausted from the battle against the calamity. To a degree that I had to temporarily sleep and focus in recovering.』
That was why, she bestowed an oracle. Even those who got violated by miasma should be able to return to normal when she had recovered. Until then fight together under the leadership of the hero and endure, she commanded.
The warriors under the leadership of the hero sympathized with the goddess's will. After all they too couldn't stop from wishing that their comrades and the animals who had been reduced into a shell of their former self to be returned to normal.
But, Foltina shouldn't have given a different order. Don't let even a single one remains. Exterminate every single infected species as quickly as possible.
『The infected species evolved.』
「Evolved...I see, they became able to reproduce by themselves!」
A silent affirmation came back. Kouki recalled the story he heard from Koone and Moana. The eyewitness account of Dark Beings producing descendant from their own miasma.
The existence called "calamity" that supplied them with unlimited miasma was gone. Many people and animals were under the protection of the hero.
Then, their only choice was to expand their influence and invade those who were outside the hero's reach.
It was unknown whether it was because of their instinct as living being or under the order of someone with intellect. But, it was the fact that they succeeded in creating new life between fellow infected species.
There was also how the species that was infected directly from "calamity" possessed terrific amount of miasma. The number of the second generation infected species increased explosively.
It was already too late when they noticed.
From the start, the mankind alliance army had been half-destroyed from the battle against the "calamity".
The hero too, when she consigned the "calamity" into oblivion, it infected her with miasma as though to leave a parting gift. Although she didn't die, her body would harm her surrounding if she didn't stay within the range of the Blessing Tree's protection where the miasma could be suppressed.
Naturally, Foltina too who was forcefully awakened by the emergency situation was still in an exhausted state.
『Defeat was inevitable. I was forced to make such judgment...and made a decision. To lure all the infected species into this continent and sealed them along with the continent.』
「All, of them?」
『That should be the case...』
So that one day, when Foltina was fully revived they would be able to exterminate the enemies completely for sure.
Preparation to create the current oasis and hiding the Blessing Tree by sinking it underground was carried out, while people who would remain in the continent of death in order to protect Foltina──a thousand protectors under the leadership of the hero and a thousand more people to support them were selected.
All the remaining people would escape outside the isolated continent in order to gather strength. But in the middle of such plan.
「A traitor appeared. From among the humans.」
Those were words that they heard for the first time, said as though they were spat out. Those words came from Kalagura.
「It is written in the diary of the founder. At that time, a group of infected species that were born in the later generations captured a human and forced them to assist with their escape.」
Old Kalagura implicitly said that the current situation wasn't Foltina's fault, but a case of foolish humans reaping what they sowed. He was saying those words with an expression that even radiated hatred.
Kouki and others were taken aback with surprise by the boiling emotion that the cool-headed old man suddenly showed.
「That was...the ancestor of the Dark Beings who we had fought until now, wasn't it?」
They spent hundreds, thousands of years increasing their force, overran islands and other continents, and before long reached even the other side of the world. Just like harmful insects like swarm of locust or grasshopper devouring grain-producing region before moving to the next place.
Surely, their thinking ability and their society in their own way were also evolving in the process of that. Their insane desire for battle kept unchanging while also fermenting desire to rule in addition to that.
『I was exhausted to the extreme from luring the infected species and forming three layers of barrier. From there I have to devote most of my focus in maintaining the barrier while also resting. I had to resign myself to recover slowly.』
Foltina didn't touch the harsh comment that Kalagura made. Rather she was speaking with consideration for him in her tone as she continued on.
「Three layers barrier?」
『Yes, hero-sama. A barrier to reject invasion into this world, a barrier to seal the infected species in this continent, and a camouflaging barrier to protect Glassnerde and this world's cornerstone.』
「A-a barrier that protected a whole world...」
No wonder that she was this weakened despite being a goddess, Kouki thought with a held breath. When he glanced at Aularodde to ask for confirmation, she was nodding her head fiercely to him to show just how much power such feat would require.
Furthermore. Even while resting she kept herself in a half-awake state to continuously pour her strength and focus to maintain the barrier. It was truly a godly feat that continued to run without ceasing for even a single moment...
No wonder she couldn't really recover even until now.
In addition, if she also kept monitored even until the other side of world and sometimes granted an oracle so that the survivors wouldn't be completely exterminated, even if that was an instinctual act that she did unconsciously as a goddess, it would be no different from not resting at all.
He could understand why the oracle he received was so fragmentary if that was the case.
He was accepting the explanation, however for a moment, there was a part of the barrier's explanation that grabbed his attention. Kouki went 「Hmm?」 and started turning his focus to understand the reason for his discomfort but──
『Amidst the long passage of time, there were many times when I was able to wake up. However, I always failed to select a new hero. There is always only one hero no matter the era. When a hero exist in another world it is impossible to select one from my own world, and a great deal of power is required to summon the hero.』
The next words from Foltina gave him a shock like he had gotten socked in the face that he stopped thinking about that discomfort completely.
『Then I sent for you when I had finally regained enough strength to perform hero summoning. That is the sequence of events. ...It was also the cause of why SIltrayte Kingdom got attacked by infected species.』
「...Eh?」
Why was an infected species that should be sealed in this continent attacked Siltrayte Kingdom at this point of time? This was the answer for that question.
Foltina was already just barely hanging in there, and then she used a vast amount of power to connect the worlds. What would happen then?
It wouldn't be strange for a tear to form in the continent barrier. The barrier didn't disappear completely or anything, but by chance there was an infected species nearby the tear when it formed and it luckily managed to escape from there.
「It was...my fault?」
「No.」
The one who unexpectedly denied Kouki's words firmly was Aularodde who had apparently predicted that it was something like this. On the way here, she looked like she wanted to say something to Kouki must be because she had got a guess about this at that time.
「If Kouki-sama didn't get summoned here, Synclea would be destroyed before long. This is something that couldn't be helped. If you still think that there is someone responsible for this tragedy even then, that lies with none other than the goddess who was unable to completely maintain the barrier.」
『...My brethren is correct. Hero-sama, all responsibilities lie with me.』
It was a bit bad for Myuu and Hinata's hearts. 「Please tell us beforehand before going into goddess mode nano. Myuu's heart is pounding from getting hit this closely. You aren't Tio-oneechan after all」「Even though you are a really lovely person if you can always be like this...」 They might have said something like that.
Putting that aside.
「It's Kouki's bad habit to think that everything is your responsibility.」
「Moana...you're, right. Aula too, thanks.」
「Fufuhn, I'm a former goddess no matter how rotten I am after all!」
「Anyway don't call yourself rotten like that.」
Thanks to Aularodde who spouted something like that with a smug face, the slightly tense atmosphere relaxed.
「Umm, was the infected species that attacked Siltrayte the only one?」
『My apologies. I used up a great deal of my strength when evacuating the people of Siltrayte with teleportation. It's hard for me to search in my current state. I can at least grasp the situation of the surrounding by using hero-sama who has a connection with me as a focal point but...』
「Is that so...either way, it feels like there's nothing that can be done unless we revive the Blessing Tree first huh.」
He had learned almost everything that he wanted to know. Then Kouki wondered what everyone else was thinking and ran his gaze to Moana and Koone who were staying quiet so as to not disturb the conversation between the hero and the goddess.
It seemed the two of them also didn't have anything that they wanted to know right away. They nodded to him.
Then, as expected the matter that they had to learn the most right away was whether there was danger to Synclea or not.
「Foltina-sama, thank you very much for your answers to our questions. There are also some other things that I wish to ask, but considering your present state, I believe that first we should consider attempting to revive the Blessing Tree. Once again, can you tell me about the risk of doing that?」
『Yes, hero-sama.』
The first worry went without saying, which was the attack from infected species. In case the power used during the reviving got spread out widely, the infected species all over the continent might come rushing.
Second, in case the tree got restored to full health right away, there was a risk that the control over the three layered barrier that was just being barely maintained would waver, or in the worst case the whole barrier would burst up.
In other words. It would be desirable to carefully control the strength while secretly reviving the tree.
The goddess had spent thousands of years making do somehow with minimum amount of power. Even for a goddess, suddenly regaining the power of her heyday would be worrying it seemed.
『Other than that, I have concern about our lacking combat force to exterminate the infected species after the revival...』
The large species would number hundreds of thousands, and combined with the small species too there would be tens of millions of enemies. In addition all of them also had breeding capability. They would instinctively try to increase their number when their number was decreased.
Even the fully revived Foltina wouldn't be able to wipe out such number in one stroke. And if it became a game of cat and mouse then their side would be forced into an increasingly poorer situation.
As expected, they would need a similar combat force like the hero's warrior group in the past to work together and efficiently defeat the enemies with certainty.
Kouki smiled wryly at Foltina's voice that was somewhat filled with expectation and nodded.
「Of course, I will fight together with everyone here. I also have the demon king's quality weapons that excelled in destructive power and mobility.」
『Thank you very much, hero-sama.』
Koone also immediately offered the participation of Synclea's warriors in the coming battle. It was also arranged for a place to be prepared so warriors from both sides could exchange technique. If the eradication of the infected species succeeded, or perhaps a leeway was created, a reinforcement would also be sent to hep with eradicating the Dark Beings.
「For the time being, I want to test whether it's possible to revive Foltina-sama until a state like in the past where it was possible for you to summon me. Is that alright?」
『If it's only that much.』
The permission was given and Kouki held up his hand toward the sphere of light. The holy sword that was kept inside the sheath leaked out a faint light as though to give assistance.
The chanting began. Pure white light flowed out. It looked like it was going to assimilate with Foltina's light.
Like that,
「──"Absolute Image"」
「Eh!?」
The one who let out a surprised voice was Myuu. It was only natural. The name of the magic that Kouki chanted just now was undoubtedly regeneration magic after all.
Foltina's radiance strengthened. The next moment, blinding light filled the underground shrine. The light quickly died down and then a pure white projection of a female with a somewhat awe-inspiring aura was standing there.
A humanoid shape that was fully formed from light. She had short hair and tall height. She could be seen wearing a top that looked like a long poncho and a loose trouser, but they weren't made from cloth. In the end it was only a projection of a woman figure.
「Are you, Foltina-sama?」
『Yes, hero-sama. My strength has returned slightly, so I tried changing my form, thinking that it would be easier to talk through human form as expected. I'm borrowing the form of my hero in the past.』
「So the hero of this world was a woman...」
『Yes, similar like you, she was a very kind child. Thank you very much, hero-sama. To think that you're in the possession of power to interfere with time.』
「Yes! That nano!」
The one who interrupted the talk without fear was Myuu. Her fingers pointed toward Kouki with a snap. Kouki had used regeneration magic without using artifact. It made Myuu lost control of her mouth.
「Why is Kouki-oneesan can use regeneration magic nano!?」
「C-come to think of it you're right. The great dungeon, was it? Didn't we talk before that there's a need to conquer that? We also talked about wanting to challenge one in the future. But, both Aula and me were always together with Kouki and I don't remember ever going to a great dungeon though.」
「Ah, yeah. Actually...that Nagumo was researching whether it's possible to learn age of god magic without conquering a great dungeon by reconstructing the liberators' "magic of age of god magic's inheritance".」
And? Moana and Myuu tilted their head with puzzlement. Kouki's eyes turned distant and he said.
「Regeneration magic will be indispensable for the revival of the branches after all. ...He said nice timing and tested that thing that was still in theoretical phase to me.」
「「Human experiment!?」」
Moana's eyes widened. Even Myuu looked slightly turned off and said 「Papa, even if it's to Kouki-oniisan who you hate, doing that is just...」.
In fact, he went through horribly dreadful experiences because of that, like being assaulted with terrible headache and his body seizing up violently like a fish that got thrown on land, the seizing got too much and his body snapped and needed to be revived, becoming a cripple that could do nothing except giggling dyufufufu, returning back into the past Kouki when he had just got summoned to Tortus, then because of that he got punched, then as expected he snapped and half destroyed Hajime's underground workshop and it devolved into a serious fight, etc, etc.
Kouki himself wished to be able to use regeneration magic on his own so he endured it, but it went without saying that after that he strongly swore that he would never got into Hajime's experiment ever again.
Also, he hadn't learned the other age of god magic. He was completely exhausted and had no will to on anymore just from regeneration magic. Though if the magic got improved, it would become easier to make other people learn those magic.
Kouki stared at the empty space with a vague expression. It made Aularodde to turn pale too and felt worried──not. She pressed her with question.
「As I thought you really got dragged into demon king-sama's experiment! And that was also an experiment that is related to interfering with time! Let me ask clearly, have you gone to the past and did something forbidden!?」
「I never! I also never went to the past!」
To think that the "doing time travel and making child suspicion" came up once more here. It was a fact that he became a guinea pig, so strong doubt was residing inside Aularodde and Moana's eyes now.
*Coughh* Kouki cleared his throat. He forcefully returned the talk to be back on topic.
「As expected it's difficult to go back for several thousands years with just regeneration magic so...」
It would be possible if he received unlimited magic power supply, but to do that he would have to ask Hajime to supply magic power to him across worlds.
Of course he would do that if it was necessary, but then it would be Hajime doing the work even after saying that he would leave it to Kouki. So, Hajime had prepared one more tool for the branch revival.
Kouki activated his treasure warehouse and took out a regular icosahedron that was as big as an exercise ball.
『This is...』
Foltina raised her voice in surprise. That was because the object was filled with outrageous amount of blessing power.
Blessing power that was produced with "Grasp Gloria" and "element conversion system" was stored inside a huge god crystal (blessing power edition) that was also created with the same pairing.
「I will supply you with blessing power now. By using my regeneration magic to regenerate this storage crystal itself. I'll be able to activate and adjust the supply amount on my side, so I think this will be able to wipe away Foltina-sama's worry. What do you think?」
『I cannot even find anything to complain about. My deep gratitude for the person who prepared this too. It will be great if there is something that I can do to express my gratitude but...』
In any case.
Foltina who had regained her strength enough to be able to summon a hero from another world turned a gaze that was filled with affection and gratitude toward Kouki, before turning a loving gaze toward Koone and Moana.
『For the time being, allow me to grant a proof of my gratitude to hero-sama...and blessing for my beloved children.』
The voices of hyowah and nnn slipped out from Koone and Moana.
Looking at them, the pattern on their body was shining while doing subtle change. The pattern was becoming very similar with the one on Kalagura's body.
『If the two of you have the grounding in using heaven's blessing art, then you should also be capable in enduring my divine protection. I bestow a worthy divine protection to the queen who had fought to the end, and to the queen who wished to fight from here on.』
Moana was bestowed with a strengthening of her heaven's blessing art "Divine Protection", and a new heaven's blessing art "Decline" that was in contrast to that.
Koone's heaven's blessing art "Restoration" was strengthened, and a new heaven's blessing art "Sympathy" to supplement it was bestowed to her.
A power to protect someone, and a power to weaken the enemy.
A power to create nature, and to sympathize and obtain the assistance of that nature.
Moana and Koone somehow understood the powers that were granted to them, perhaps through the newly engraved pattern on their body. They looked befuddled from feeling too surprised. But, there was still more shocking present to be had.
『And, Koone Di Shelt Synclea. I shall bestow to you who love nature and be loved by nature, the proof of being my shrine maiden.』
「Eh, t-there is still more!?」
Oi, Koone-tan that's rude! I understand how you feel though! Koone received such scolding with a small voice from her big sister and bowed respectfully.
Foltina gave a kind smile and put her hand over Koone's head. A twisted staff was formed from the shrine's ceiling that was made from tree roots.
It was a very simple staff that had no jewelry or decoration. Its length was around 70 cm. It was quite big for a child like Koone.
It floated in the air and be brought to in front of Koone. Koone looked toward Foltina. She responded with only a nod.
Koone slowly took the staff in her hand. She felt a profound weight from it that was more than simple heaviness.
『I understand. Of your earnestness in trying to return this world to its original form despite your still immature age. Of your spirit that is overflowing with love. Never forget. No matter when and in any kind of situation, I will always be your ally──』
「T-than you-, very much!!」
Koone whose effort until now and determination, and her resolve toward the future had been recognized felt a hot tear falling down her cheek.
She hugged the staff. She rubbed her cheek on it lovingly.
Then. The staff that felt so heavy suddenly felt light. It was enveloped in light when she realized and the staff was shrinking.
「E, ee? What is thisss」
『Don't panic, my shrine maiden. That is my retainer. With "Sympathy" it can also become a good advisor and even a friend for you.』
So cute! It was Myuu and Hinata who raised their voice.
That was because the staff transformed into a small creature that got on the shoulder of Koone who froze from surprise.
「Weapon turning into beautiful girl is the typical development! From her appearance Myuu guess that it's a driad-chan?」
「K-Ku-chan, is it alright if I look at her from closer?」
「E, eeee?」
It was a girl with lower body that was made from tree roots and upper body that was decorated with leaf and flower. Her hair was long and pure white. Just like Myuu said, the girl on Koone's shoulder was a standard fantasy dryad, with the appearance of its beautiful girl transformation version.
Koone looked across her shoulder. A girl who seemed to be a dryad was smiling softly to her. Even seen from the side, her smile looked very affectionate. The feeling that she loved Koone was conveyed with extreme alacrity.
「C-cute...」
Koone stopped thinking about a lot of things. Because, Myuu had taught her that cute was justice. She saw it now. This was certainly justice.
「Thank you so much-, Foltina-sama! This Koone Di Shelt Synclea! Swear here and now that I shall give it my all to revive this world until that time my life come to an end!」
『Those are wonderful words. This is a good chance. You can give a name to that child.』
Foltina-sama stred at Koone lovingly and with satisfaction. Perhaps what Koone obtained here wasn't just divine protection but also favor.
Koone nodded sincerely and immediately started to think of a name for dryad-chan together with Myuu and Hinata.
『Now then, hero-sama. Originally I planned to become a divine sword and lend you my strength to show my gratitude for you but──』
「There are already enough swords! Kouki-san doesn't hold a sword in his mouth to do something like three-sword style──no, is it alright if I'm the one getting held in the mouth?」
「It's not alright.」
It seemed that holy sword-chan also agreed. It was flashing brightly as though to say 「There ain't any need for sword other than me!」. It was protesting fiercely.
『Fufu, I thought that would be the case.』
Foltina-sama was mature. She didn't show any sign of feeling offended and easily withdrew as though she had predicted this beforehand.
『Please bring my split body together with you.』
「Split, body?」
『Yes. From what I'm seeing, hero-sama is unable to display your original power sufficiently.』
「Eh? Original power?」
Kouki tilted his head. Seeing that made Foltina looked puzzled instead. She wondered why he didn't know what she was talking about and glanced at Aularodde. Aularodde, was tilting her head.
『The hero's original power. In all the worlds, the hero will definitely possess effectiveness toward the energy that is unique to that world.』
「Possess effectiveness?」
『Haven't you ever experienced your opponent getting weakened when fighting in the hero's chosen ground?』
「...aa」
He suddenly recalled. Now that she mentioned it there was that ability.... The opponent that entered the light that was radiated by the holy sword would have a weak debuff applied on them.
The effect of that ability to monsters from the holy precinct only felt like measurement error, and it wasn't effective at all against opponent from other worlds, so he had forgotten about that ability without noticing.
『Hero-sama can interfere and disperse the unique energies of all the worlds through the god's weapon. That is none other than the real ability of the hero that enable them to become savior across the worlds.』
「Is, that so...」
Most likely, it wasn't anything like the absolute advantage that Aularodde displayed against the apparitions, but only at the level of "being usable in any kind of world" and "had noticeable effect".
Of course, for that ability to be definitely effective against the unique energy of any world would already be enough to place it as an extraordinary ability.
『If my brethren who is residing in that holy sword is awakened then you would surely be able to use that ability sufficiently. ...However, Aularodde Lea Refeat. Why hadn't you taught him despite staying at his side? You have also transformed yourself into god sword haven't you?』
「Eh, because, I never heard about anything like that.」
『...』
Eh, is that true!? Kouki-sama is amazing! Aularodde was making a face that seemed to say that. Perhaps it was just his imagination, but Foltina's gaze when looking at Aularodde who was like that felt cold.
Perhaps, somehow she was starting to notice 「Ah, this brethren, she might be that kind of type...」, no doubt about it.
『Anyway, I shall give my assistance to allow hero-sama to display your true ability until my holy sword brethren is awakened. With the quintessence of my power "Blessing", it'll be possible to substantially increase the limit of hero-sama.』
「That's...I'm thankful. Truly.」
An increase to his base strength, and obtaining a new trump card that he never even imagined. Kouki's expression naturally split into a smile.
『Then, with haste』
Foltina joined her hands in front of her chest. She closed her eyes and at the same time her radiance increased, forming a sphere of light.
That sphere of light──
『Please receive it──my brethren』
「Ee?」
To draw out the hero's power sufficiently, either a god should reside inside the hero or a god should personally transform into a divine weapon.
And, the offer of Foltina herself transforming into divine weapon had been rejected. The holy sword was being dormant.
Then, there was only one option.
「Hiih, what are you doi──AH!? DON'TT! Don't come insideee! OUCH, it hurtsss! HIGIIH!? I-I'm breakinggggggggg!!」
Aularodde arched her body backward like a shrimp. The pose she was doing looked artistic in its own way. She was holding her head while twitching uncontrollably. She was desperately trying to chase out Foltina's split body that entered her body.
The first thing Moana did was swiftly blocking Koone's ears with both her hands while making her turned her back from the former goddess who was giving bad influence for her cultivation of aesthetic sensibility. At the same time, Koone also blocked Myuu's ears from behind, while Myuu also did the same for Hinata.
It was a magnificent coordination. The column that was like a train make-believe game was the result of each of them trying to protect the heart of their important person so they wouldn't listen to such dirty voice.
Even while that was going on, voice like 「Ohoooh!!? It's entering deep insyideee~~~」 was resounding. There was no doubt that their action was completely correct.
By the way, Kalagura and Spenser and the others were making small talk with each other as though they couldn't see the silliness before their eyes. It was questionable how the content of their conversation was only about the weather, but they were gentlemen.
After that, several minutes that were hellish in various senses passed.
『It seems that you are formerly an incarnation of tree so I conjectured that it would go well but...I'm glad. You managed to fuse properly with it.』
「Don't you have any human heart?」
Aularodde-san's eyes had lost their highlight and she was hugging her knees while lying on the floor. Even her tone had changed. Kouki and others couldn't look directly at her and quietly averted their gaze away.
『? We aren't human you know?』
That was so. They were god.