Side Story 19: Hestia’s future.

Side Story 19: Hestia’s future.

With Hestias meeting with Aurena over, the Goddess of Light sat silently in her chair, neither drinking her tea nor checking on the bond shed just established with her new champion. Her only emotion was the delighted smile she kept on her face, still pleased from securing Hestias support and seeing the progress she has made.

Under the old plan, Hestia was to be reborn as a dragon whelp with most of her memories removed to preserve her soul, and during the five years she needed to mature, she would slowly remember her past lifes dream and eventually pursue it. Although the memory erasure was a failure, and Hestias birth happened earlier than expected and without her draconic parents even, it was a resounding success in Aurenas eyes.

While Aurena was lost in her own thoughts, something suddenly caught her attention. An aura-like signal resounded through her divine realm. Although weak in intensity, the unease behind it was enough to pull Aurena out of her contemplation, in order to soothe the source of the signal.

Shaking her head in exasperation, Aurena took a sip of her tea, placed it back on the table, and then opened her administrator window. Seeing the many unopened messages shed accumulated since her meeting with Hestia, Aurena gave a wry smile at the fact that her duties as an Origin Goddess would never end. Among them was a single request to speak to her, personally.

The moment she accepted it, a dark mist appeared in her realm of light, slowly forming into the figure of a massive dragon. With scales of pure black, the dragon stood there majestically, easily dwarfing the maiden of light. However, against all common sense, the one who was slightly shivering was not the regal goddess but the god dragon of legends.

Inform me of everything, my Goddess, the dragon demanded with a submissive bow. The contrast between his words and his action would catch most people off-guard but Aurena disregarded it, already accustomed to this proud dragons strange behavior quirks.

Instead of telling him everything verbally, Aurena decided to send the black dragon Kargryxmor a video of the meeting, as it was more efficient this way. So, through his admin window, Kargryxmor watched Hestias visit, changing his expression numerous times throughout it. With every new emotion, he learned something new from his young descendant, whether it was pleasing to him or not.

Ahhhhhh! How could she even propose such an outrageous idea?! Kargryxmor roared as the video neared the end. My bloodline is prestigious even among the other dragons of legend. I was the Tyrant of the Skies, every mortal would feebly retreat once they saw me, and this little whelp asked to give up her lineage just like that?! Ahhhh, and here I thought we could work together, girl!

Aurena blinked in surprise as she heard his rant, waving her hand gracefully to stop the misunderstanding this dragon had, Wait, stop, Kargryxmor. Hestia only said it as a joke. Elder Danternos blessing is a different matter, but I believe she had no intention of actually wanting me to remove your blessing.

Kargryxmor looked down at the Goddess of Light, who could be compared to an ant when it came to size differences, with a quizzical eye, having dispersed his rage at her words, Is that true? Bah, I felt a slight hint of anger in her words, I thought she meant it, but if it was all a misunderstanding then I shall simply forget it. We have other matters to discuss, anyways.

Aurena nodded in agreement with her subordinate god. Hestia had finally made contact with those responsible for her reincarnation and made a divine pact with an origin god to serve her as her champion, and most likely a saintess in the near future.

As a champion, Hestias duty was to eventually reform Aurenas church and religion and eradicate the blight currently infesting them at their core. Although probably still unaware of the purpose behind it, Hestias dream to become an idol fitted well into Aurenas plans to turn Hestia into a saintess, a messenger and representative of the goddess herself. Being the first idol of Peolynca, Hestia was the first of a new type of saintess inspired by otherworldly knowledge.

Although most saints and saintesses worked under the support of a certain temple to garner the respect and attention of the locals, Hestia needed to build up her reputation alone as she traveled. Aurena couldnt imagine Hestia would chain herself to a singular organization, especially when she had managed to do so much by her lonesome, according to her discussion with her. If this crimson blossom could flourish without the care of a caretaker, then Aurena personally believed it would be wiser to let her spread her roots around.

Even now, dragons and drakes are mingling among humans and beastmen, as we teach all true dragonkins the ability to transform into the lesser intelligent races. Hestias proficiency with [Humanize] came from this fact and her past life as a human, Kargryxmor continued. I believe a few of her siblings are still on the mainland. I wonder when they will meet, or if I should accelerate the process, he said with a smile similar to Aurenas.

Dragonkind going on such a journey could only return to Kargryx once they fulfilled the goal of the Adulthood Ceremony, and not sooner. They would either live out their lives outside of Kargryx, or die during their travels to evolve.

Well, I am glad you can see reason, Kargryxmor. I have nothing more to hide from you, so let us make sure we support our champion fully now, Aurena responded with a friendly smile, wanting to bury the problems they had previously. Once I have informed her about the demonkins at our next meeting, make sure you have her escorts ready, I will give Hestia notice to avoid complications. I would prefer your roughness to not intrude in our discussion, so have her pray at one of your shrines. Concerning escorts, have you solved the problem with the last one?

Kargryxmor turned smaller, gave Aurena a solemn bow, and replied with If our trust can be maintained, then I will give my vow once again, my Goddess. Although there was some reluctance in his eyes due to her treachery, Kargryxmor has known this goddess for over 2000 years now, and knew the bond they have maintained over these years. As a dragon, he respected strength and honor. Although he found her actions unhonorable, he realized it was he who was misguided. In his eyes, Aurena was worthy of a second chance because she looked at thebigger picture.

That might pose a problem, my Goddess, he then replied to her question, shaking his head in denial. The two ice wyverns returned to their roost and informed my priestesses, but it seems the one named Astalos continued his pursuit. He lost his horn against the grimgarian army and is now even more desperate to evolve. I can send wyverns to-

No, that is not needed, Aurena interrupted Kargryxmor. Let the fool do what he wants. I believe you mentioned Hestia needed to be rank A to return to Kargryx, correct? Well, isnt this good fortune for our champion, a flying bag of experience is coming towards her willingly.

Hmpf, and some of her mortal followers believe their goddess of light to be only compassionate. Considering the subordinate gods she possesses, they are fools.

Thinking of the other gods, Kargryxmor began to speak again, About the other gods, what should we do?

Despite Kargryxmors unease, Aurena simply shrugged her shoulders, There is no need to worry about them, whether they are my subordinate gods or the other origin gods. I also do not care if the other origin gods speak to her, as I can trust them to respect the quest I gave Hestia. Most likely they will give her one of their own, hie hie. If other subordinate gods wish to speak to Hestia, then let them. The girl isnt a fool, although, a bit nave. She can reject all of them because I have her back. Aurena gave Kargryxmor a swift glance, making him scowl, but quickly returned to her usual expression as she reassured him she would try to persuade Hestia to help him.

After their discussion was over, Kargryxmor left Aurenas divine realm, returning peace and pure white and yellow back to her home. The goddess of light let out a short sigh, finally looking a bit troubled.

While the other gods arent much of a problem, what does concern me are my other champions and saints, Aurena muttered as she opened her admin window again, looking through a list of individuals who had acquired her blessing, with Hestia at the very bottom. How unfitting of me to complain, but I need to inform all of them to avoid them being too surprised.

Compared to dealing with gods, Aurena couldnt meddle into mortal affairs. She would be able to remove her followers blessings if they did cause Hestia trouble, but showing too much favoritism to a single champion would cause discontent among her followers. The status quo had to be shaken, but Aurena didnt like the idea of hurting the champions and saints who had served her faithfully for so many years.

Aurena, as an origin god, couldnt personally interfere with mortals, so she had to rely on her champions and saints to deal with problems on Peolynca. She needed her followers to spread her faith and to solve the problems of her worshippers. Hestia had to deal with her colleagues one of these days, and Aurena could only hope that everything would work out. If they could work together, Aurena would be pleased. She hoped dearly no blood would be shed among them. To Aurena, her champions and saints were like her little children.

I can delay the information for a bit until you grow up more, Hestia, but once your achievements are too much, the kingdoms and empire of man will know a new champion and saintess has been elected. I hope you can work with your fellow champions and saints, Hestia, Aurena uttered before standing up. Elder Plesia should be done with Elder Danterno by nowI should check on it.