Side Story 15: A Proud Dragon, a Worried Goddess, and an Ambitious Inferno.

Side Story 15: A Proud Dragon, a Worried Goddess, and an Ambitious Inferno.

As Hestia was about to have her first meeting with Peolyncian humans, another meeting was being held up above the skies, in one of the realms of the gods.

In this realm, the ground you walk on is made from soft clouds surrounded by unending light sources that illuminated this place every second, banishing every shadow the moment it appeared.

In a specific area within this white world, extravagant furniture was placed for the sole occupant of this place. So refined was the furniture that most would believe that its owner was either wealthy or influential.

This was the world of the Goddess of Light, Aurena, and it was currently hosting a tea party.

Problems and more problems, and I cant intervene as they are not breaking any taboos, a somber black dragon spoke out, stress contorting his face in a deep frown.

That is, after all, our roles as gods. We observe and maintain the balance of our world, while our followers change the status quo, a beautiful, youthful woman responded to her titanic tea partner, fluttering her light blonde hair and pure white feathered wings as she gave out a teasing laugh. Hie hie, 2000 years and it seems you still cannot adapt to your new role.

"His duty is the most taxing I believe, although I cannot sympathize as I have never been pushed this far due to a lack of genuine worshipers," a sharp-eared man said in defense of the giant dragon, documenting every word spoken by this meeting's participants on his right arm. "Magic and the pursuit of knowledge will never die out as long as this world possess mana, which means my source of power is infinite as the depths of the unknown."

As light-hearted as the atmosphere was in this radiant home of the Goddess of Light, the talk itself was far from it, as the giant dragon continues to mull over the recent events that have occurred under his command.

My first attempt failed disastrously because I underestimated the girl for being a newborn, while fate decided the outcome of the second. Now, the girl has escaped, and her escort party was injured during the ambush, the black dragon, Kargryxmor, retold the occurrences that he witnessed through the eyes of Astalos, the Boltreaving wyvern. "I don't understand, why did that girl flee? Shouldn't she seek me for protection? Her instincts as a newborn should compel her to do so."

Kargryxmor, did you not mention that the girls name was Hestia Atsuko? Please, use it as it would make my job far easier, dont you agree, Goddess Aurena? the elven man suggested to the dragon god, not raising his head from his arm as he kept writing.

Oh, yes I do, Istari. She is our champion, after all. As young and inexperienced she might be, we must show her respect as we were the ones to appoint her to this duty, Aurena replied, shifting her white wings as she turned to address the dragon. So, Kargryxmor, where is she now? Do you know?

The great dragon let out a small sigh before materializing a blue globe of the world and resuming his report, The attack from the grimgarians, God Marsvens descendants, took place in the southeast part of the Belzac forest. From what little that I could see, Hestia should have entered a cave in the direction of a human kingdom. Mhmm, this one, here. You are the God of Knowledge and Magic, Istari, enlighten us.

On request, the elven man observed where the great dragon pointed at and then tore the skin off his arm, unwrapping it like a bandage until it transformed into parchment, From the most recent information, this land is currently called the Kingdom of Artorias. This piece of knowledge was given to me about 1 second and 23 milliseconds ago, by a human male with the [Peddler] Job. I must give my thanks to the God of Mercantilism, the next time I meet him for sharing this, he he he.

The god of dragonkins observed this, silently mumbling, Use the damn administrative window, you idiot as he watched the high elven god wrap the skin back onto his arm, leaving no signs of it ever being anything else but fair elven skin.

Ignoring the eccentric elf, the dragon turned his head back to the goddess of light, "Goddess Aurena, I still cannot form a connection with Hestia and she will likely evolve before I can tell her anything. I apologize, but it would seem like I will have to delay our meeting with her.

Kargryxmor was vexed at his current predicament. Never had he thought that a single mortal would give him this much trouble. Not only has Hestia killed three wyverns with relative ease, but she was able to flee from three B rank wyverns, who were significantly stronger than her pure stat-wise.

In fact, if Hestia hadnt had her companions help her in the fight against the first [Drifting Snow Wyvern], or if it had gone all-out right at the start with a death-match mentality, the dragoness would have never stood chance, even if she had gotten [Lightning Magic] during the battle. The mobility and experience differences between the two combatants were too huge, it was just the dragoness luck that the wyverns were ordered to not kill.

The God of Dragon was also the God of Oaths, considering any promise or duties bound by a mutual contract to be extremely important, worthy to risk his life to fulfill. He was dissatisfied with himself, unsure if he had overlooked a more efficient option.

Kargryxmor has always been a person who considered performing the task himself was the only way to ensure it is done right. He was headstrong and wished to jump back to the mortal plane to speak with Hestia directly, as having to rely on somebody else to fulfill this important task was causing him unrest.

However, he couldnt, for he was bound to the rules of being a god.

While it wasnt common for gods to mingle among mortals, the origin gods dissuaded them from doing it too often. Sometimes they would come down due to their work, but it wasnt uncommon to see a god simply finding the god realm too boring and wishing to spend some leisure time with Peolyncian natives. They could still work with their administrative window from down there.

It was just unfortunate that Kargryxmors duties relied on him to be in the god realm. There is also the fact that gods are forbidden to interfere with anything that would influence the world. Mortal politics belonged to mortals. Gods may judge but they shall never contribute anything to it.

The only time that they were allowed to execute their powers is when a taboo is broken, but that will always be scrutinized under the eyes of the head goddess Plesia.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.

Aurena listened to Kargryxmors report with a gentle smile which grew into a teasing one after taking a sip from her tea, You say that, but arent you also proud? Compared to our last meeting, you seem far less stressed out. You havent burst into anger despite how much I have joked around.

Kargryxmor instantly fell quiet, jaw agape, hesitating to respond back. He was assessing if Aurenas words were another of her plentiful jokes or if they were genuine, looking inside himself to analyze the many different feelings that were circulating in his head.

What Aurena was mentioning was the time she managed to send a system message to Hestia, despite how weak their connection was. She was elated to learn that she could finally communicate to her champion, but quickly realized anything longer than what she sent would have caused grievous repercussions on the still young soul.

It was already plenty enough, thanks to Hestia owning two divine blessings. One from a weakening subordinate god, and one from the second most influential origin god. She was fine with the results but wished for more.

I know it wouldnt have helped the situation, it isnt Kargryxmors fault that his worshippers are stepping out of line, Aurena mumbled. The only way that would have prevented all of this was if our connection hadnt been severed for some reason. I still question how Hestia was able to do this in the first place.

If Aurena had made contact with Hestia before Kargryxmor sent out his wyverns, everything would have smoothly resolved itself. Hestia would have made it to the elves and Aurena could have made contact with her. It should have been that easy.

Wellits still fine. After that display, I ought to keep Hestia away from Kargryxmor before I can have a talk with her alone. That big oaf is distressed that his faith is waning due to his descendants, so instead of looking at the bigger picture, he will most likely get Hestia to resolve his issue first. However, those demonkins must be dealt with first for the safety of Peolynca. Sighif only that race wasnt considered a Peolyncian native, I would have already done everything by myself.

Aurena suddenly let out another deep sigh, placing a hand on her cheek, SighI never would have thought that she would go to the kingdom of Artorias. This istch, With a small movement of her hand, a blue, translucent screen appeared before her. The information my angels have compiled for me isnt reassuring at all. I honestly am not willing to plunge Hestia into that land, especially with what Kargryxmor has reported.

Argh, my desires are too akin to his. I wish to appear before Hestia and tell her everything over a cup of teatch, Elder Plesia would not be pleased if I did that, Aurena mulled over her options with exasperation.

SighI think it might be time to visit father to ask him for some of his wisdom. I havent met him in a while, he must feel lonely, Aurena said with a cheerful smile. I apologize in advance, Hestia. I do hope the conflict that you will find there wont be too much for you. Politically and militarily...however, this might be a chance for you to develop your [The Light] and gain a few followers, no?

Aurena let out a repressed laugh and then continued looking through the footage that she got from Lorena and Colwyn, two humans that Hestia just met, At least, I can keep an eye on you until we meet. Do make haste, Hestia. The more you become famous, the more eyes will look at you. You cant stay unknown forever. No, you dont want to stay unknown forever, right?

Dematerializing both her administrative window, Aurena stood up from her chair, May the lights fortune be with you and guide your path with hope, banishing any shadow that wills to consume you, my champion. Hie hie, good luck, Hestia~

And with that, the Goddess of Light turned into a stream of light particles and vanished from her realm.

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Sis will be so angry if I did it though, a person with the appearance of a great menacing inferno spoke, moving his searing hot arms to navigate through his administrative window.

This was Danterno, the God of Fire, one of the six origin gods and also the brother of the head goddess, Plesia. Despite how different their governing element was, the two share a strong bond of siblings, ignoring the duality of water and fire.

ButI need her. Everybody else has a proper form but I still cant materialize myself, forcing me to stay in this outdated form. I need somebody worthy to champion my cause! Danterno mumbled as he anxiously tapped his window in his divine realm of fire. What my faith currently needs is somebody to rally everybody to a single cause. Conflict from within my religion and also the fluctuation of believers due to their recklessness. Why are all my worshippers so hot-headed, ahhhhhhhh!

And the fire that was his head grew in size, erupting like an active volcano.

Once he cooled down, Danterno then looked at his list of gods, There is also the issue with my subordinate gods. Greedyall of them only think about their own growth while neglecting the whole picture. How can anyone grow in strength when I, their leading god, cannot even reach the power of the fifth spot, Zephira!

Danterno was considered the weakest of the six origin gods without any debate. The gulf in power between Danterno and the fifth rank, Zephira, the Goddess of Wind, was massive. Danternos lack of talent as a leader and for management has caused a terrible blockage in his growth as a god of Peolynca.

Due to his divided faith, none of his followers were able to conclude on a form for Danterno, each praying to a different image of their inferno god. This has twisted Danternos divine form, creating a creature that wasnt even close to the serene form of his sister, nor the other three goddesses, Zephira, Crustacia, or Aurena.

Even Marsven, the God of Darkness, was able to create a form that resembled a race of Peolynca. The God of Shadows was close to his worshippersbut that wasnt the case for Danterno.

No, I cant let this go! I, a being of fire, cannot accept being the weakest! I am destruction and power, carnage and purification. I can accept being number six, but I will never accept my current position! Danterno roared. I must close the gap, any way possible! This isnt even outlawed by Sis. Aurena will be annoyed but I am not planning to fully take her over, I only need a spot in her soul.

Danterno then navigated to a footage that he received from a goblin shaman, one of the warriors of the great demi-human army of the ogre king. He observed and analyzed the footage to find the young dragoness Hestia and where she was fleeing.

He then conjured up a globe of the world, trying his best to pinpoint where Hestia should currently be. Usually, this would be a job for his angels and aids, but the god of fire was ambitious and determined. He wanted to find the girl as soon as possible. He couldnt wait any longer.

One of my worshippers in the vicinity. Trash. Do your only good deed and serve as a sacrifice to create my champion, Danterno said with conviction. I cant destroy his soul, otherwise, Sis would kill me, but I can influence it enough. Once she is in sight, I will grant her my blessing.

With a one-track mind, the god of fire went back to his work. Fiercely resolute to do anything to have his faith grow.

Fire consumes fire.