L-N 2: Hope for the hopeless.

L-N 2: Hope for the hopeless.

Upon coming back to consciousness, a tingling sensation spreads across my neck and back area.

''U-Ugh...''

Slowly gaining back my vision, the first thing I can make out is a vague visage of a person basked in the starlight pouring from outside. Strangely, their face is replaced by a sparkling... Something. No, this is...

''You're awake, Luxia Neveah.''

An indiscernible female voice sounds, welcoming me back to reality.

''...Miss G?''

The signature galaxy mask, hooded figure, and unreadable thoughts... No doubt, this is Miss G.

''I go by Silaerob.'' The woman closes the book she is holding.

''Silaerob...''

Slowly, memories of the past resurface. I was walking down the streets, and then... And then what? I can't remember. Suddenly losing consciousness and waking up in Dad's office...

Unknowingly, a smile creeps up on my face.

''Interesting.'' I mutter. ''Mind bringing me up to date, Miss Silaerob?''

At this, Silaerob appears to let out a sigh before pushing a worn book toward me.

''Read it yourself.'' She says.

''Hm?''

The book itself has no title and is relatively small for a conventional one nowadays. Holding it up, I carefully open the first page.

[Diary]

[Today is the first day I've tried writing a diary. I'm not sure what's going on here, but the church people are kind and honest; I like them. They motivate me to become a priest even more!]

[11/2/1735]

Instantly recognizing the dates, I turn to Silaerob and seek the answer.

''This... Isn't this Dad's diary?'' I ask.

''Yes.'' She replies. ''Read from the day you were adopted.''

''Hm~ I'm not sure what you're onto right now, but reading other people's diaries is bad, you know?''

''How do you think I have access to it in the first place?''

How did I not know anything about it? I-I had the mind-reading ability...

In an instant, the ominous premonition seems to have consumed me, turning my mind to paranoia. My breath is getting out of control, cold sweat trickles down my neck, and my vision is getting blurry.

Tremblingly, I flip the page again.

The more I read, the more it is apparent that Dad has something to hide from me. Something so unimaginably big and consequential that it might shake the whole world.

When I reach the last page, my body doesn't feel like my own anymore.

[Tomorrow is finally the day we execute the plan. With this, the world will be saved. I know I will have to pay my price by then, but my dear daughter, Luxia, is going to live on and live my part for me. Please let it be successful, my little goddess Luxia.]

[21/12/1834]

''...''

Why... Why does Dad not pray to Mother Goddess?

Perhaps there are many, many more important questions I can ask, yet this is what my brain fixates on. Did Dad perhaps fall out with Mother Goddess? Is that it?

What about AEN-088? What about the 'plan'? Where is Dad? What happened to him?

Confused. Confused. Confused. Confused. Confused. Confused. Confused. Confused. Confused. Confus—

''Calm down.''

Right then, Silaerob puts her gloved hand on my shoulder and reassures me.

''H-Hey, tell me what's going on!'' I hurriedly ask.

''You should see for yourself.'' Silaerob says as she gets out of her seat and pulls me over to the table. ''If you are still asking questions, it means the diary doesn't provide much information.''

She then grabs my hand and uses it to open a secret drawer under the table. Inside are numerous files, which are carefully wrapped in plastic holders.

''These should give you a good idea of the situation.''

''...''

My hand is trembling, and my breath is short. Never before have I been this shaken.

At this point, even an idiot can decipher it. Although I can't piece every clue together, I know something terrible has happened to Dad. From the tone of Silaerob, the way Dad talks in the diary, the eerie feeling creeping up my mind...

Still, is it selfish of me to hold even a glimmer of hope, even if I am hopeless?

Right then, Silaerob's cold hand embraces mine, moving it down to grab the forefront file, and the title reads—

[Project Celius]