CH 26

Chapter 26 - Guided By The Light Shining From The Sky

“Mia-kun.”

Souya tried to stop Mia. The act of trying a technique higher than one’s own level is a physical burden in itself. There must be a reason why it is forbidden in the teachings.

“…… Souya-san, If it’s too much, I’ll give up. I’m sorry for being selfish.”

Mia bowed her head to Souya and turned to Connie, the ghost. 

“…… Connie-kun. Nice to meet you. But, I’m sorry if I can’t do anything for you.”

Mia smiled at Connie, closed her eyes, and began to pray.

An hour had passed since Mia had started praying. She just kept on praying, in front of Connie. The lakeside was silent, with only the slightest echo of waterfowl chirping from a distance.

(…… It must be tough. It would have been nice if she had been at least a priest’s staff.)

Souya watched Mia’s prayer calmly. The Cleric’s Staff, which Mia was holding in both hands, was a ritual device that enhanced the lower level sacred arts that the Cleric used, and had no effect on the higher level sacred arts that Mia was about to use.

Souya didn’t mention this because Mia herself knows this best, and the fact that she still clutches her wand is probably part of her routine in using the sacred arts.

“Souya …… Mia is ……”

Souya restrained Merylou, who was watching the prayer with concern, from breaking the silence and whispered in Merylou’s ear.

“Quiet. We must not disturb her prayer. Let’s watch over her.”

Nevertheless, I wonder where would Mia give up? Praying to God requires intense concentration. If she continues at this rate, she will exhaust her strength and lose her concentration, and somewhere along the line she will reach her limit. Souya decided to wait it out.

The sun was shining in the west, and the lakeshore was glistening with golden colors. Mia was still praying in front of Connie.

(The sun is setting …… So it’s been six hours.)

To be honest, I didn’t think it would last this long. I was worried about Mia’s strength, but I couldn’t let her interrupt such a long prayer by herself. I wanted to wait for her will to give up. When I looked at Merylou next to me, she was staring at Mia and Connie, her hands folded in a prayerful gesture.

(……Well, I’m in the mood to pray too …… There’s a little breeze coming up.)

Perhaps it was the wind that had started to blow, but the grass and flowers at Mia’s feet were swaying.

Then a change occurred.

“…… I heard it clearly just now. Thank you very much, Earth Mother Goddess Mikaela-sama.”

Mia opened her closed eyes and brandished her Cleric’s Staff. Her long blonde hair began to sweep and glisten in the crosswind.

“– Spirit of the lost dead. May the Earth Mother Goddess Mikaela have mercy on you and guide your souls to the sky. [Salvation].”

Then Mia’s Cleric staff released a dazzling flash of light, and the light from the sky enveloped Connie’s body. Connie seemed confused for a moment, but then he realized what was happening to him, smiled slightly, and muttered something to Mia.

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“…… You’re welcome, please be at peace.”

Mia smiled softly as she replied to Connie. The sun was setting, and her body was glowing a golden color. It was as if something divine had possessed her.

“What is ……”

A murmur escaped from Souya, and his eyes widened in disbelief. He never expected Mia to succeed in using the sacred art salvation. Common sense dictated that her prayers would not be answered by her feelings alone.

Also, did she just have a conversation with Connie because she understood the mutterings of the ghost? What the hell happened?

“No …… This is a world where insane people like me exist. Why am I trying to apply common sense only to her? Haha, ahahahaha.”

Souya, realizing the narrowness of his own vision, let out a chuckle.

Connie’s figure completely disappeared into the sky, and after everything was over, Mia lost consciousness and was slowly falling apart. Souya was stunned, but when he saw Mia unconscious, he came back to himself and supported her body before she collapsed.

“Mia, are you okay!”

Merylou approached Mia, who Souya was holding in his arms.　

“She must have used up all of her magic power for that one technique. I don’t think it’s life-threatening, but she’ll need to rest for a while.”

“…… I see …… Thank god. Mia, I’m sorry, and …… Thank you.”

When Souya looked to the side, he saw Merylou fell to her knees, and her eyes were filled with tears. 

“…… There’s also Mia-kun’s condition. Let’s rest here today. Please let us hear your requiem on the ocarina.”