—Ilifelen calendar, year 5212, Enoh, 15th.
It was a long night. Rigeld had just received reports from the Aurlux airship convoy about cult activities near Ilifel in the small village of Erda. Not pleased, Rigeld called his niece down to the control room.
"What's the matter?" Luna asked, tilting her head.
He didn't want to send her out, but he didn't have much of a choice. Luna, along with the Wyvern Squad, were the ones who best tracked these cults.
—Those imbeciles dare act again? Rigeld thought as he watched his niece head out.
But then… Another headache arrived. The analysts barged in after detecting a spatial quake out at sea. Not to mention, this was a large one, larger than the one that took the wanderers to this world.
"…Call the Hero," Rigeld commanded after he looked through the data.
Just like the one the wanderers came out of; too close to ignore. But, unlike the recent spatial quake, the Oracles haven't mentioned anything; it couldn't be a natural phenomenon.
"At your service, Head Command," Chely greeted him stiffly as she entered the room.
"Glad to see you. I apologize for having disturbed your rare time off," he said calmly, hands behind his back. His gray eyes turned to the illusion projection. "As you can see, a spatial quake has emerged at sea. It's a relatively large one and… it seems like something is trying to breach into this world. It's estimated to fully stabilize in three days."
Chely paused, for a moment, her expression unreadable as she glanced at the slated crystal projections.
"You have the right to refuse, but… will you?" Rigeld asked sternly.
Unlike the time when the wanderers fell into this world, they had a clear prediction from the Oracles. Moreover, since it was a natural disaster, there was a low risk of something trying to breach into the world. But this was different, and Chely knew as well.
"I will go. But… can I have 30 minutes…?" she requested.
For once in her life, she wanted to prioritize being a woman before being a soldier. But, even then, she was too much of a coward to tell her little sister she might never come back. In moments like these, she'd prepared recordings she hoped never to be used. But it was different this time.
—I want to at least kiss the one man I like…
"Permission granted," Rigeld affirmed, his expression softened.
..
—Present Day: Ilifelen calendar, year 5212, Enoh, 16th.
It was now morning. Waves crashed onto the shore as the emerald-eyed woman stared at the spatial dome in front of her. An airship hovered in the distance, soldiers of the Burning Eclipse awaited their commander's order as reality was about to tear through the dome.
—Crack…
"!?"
Reality began to crack, but… it wasn't caused by the spatial quake within the dome, but rather, in the sky above the island.
Materializing the Eclipse Blade, her mana surged. Even those from the airships felt the weight of her mana, but none recoiled out of surprise—she was their commander, their leader, and their Hero.
Then… a black cloaked man in equally dark, light armor appeared. Reality's glass-like fractures clung to his clothes before snapping back together the moment he passed through—a white haired, blue-eyed anomaly.
"Commander—" she heard a voice in her ear.
"Hold position!" Chely calmly exclaimed as the entity noticed her presence.
It descended and began to slowly walk towards her. "You should leave, Mortal," it said coolly.
"I do not heed commands from you," Chely replied.
"As you wish," the man said, walking past her as he looked at the fogy dome.
Chely stopped him with her sword. "What are you doing, Alester?" she asked.
"…" Alester glanced at her, grasping her sword, but it refused to budge as his hand glowed, slowly melting his armor and hand. "As expected of a Hero," he commented, as he briefed on the damage done. "And evidently, I am going to rupture this dome—"
"And you'd think I'd let you?" Chely asked, stern in her tone.
If he were any other powerful person, his hand would've disintegrated from just coming into contact with the Eclipse Blade, but the creature before her was outside their understanding.
"You think I'd let you prematurely rupture the dome, causing the fracture to become unstable?"
Alester only glanced at her, releasing her sword. "You'd think twice before engaging me," he said plainly. "A battle between us would lead to an apocalypse. Is that what you want?"
"…" Chely clenched her teeth.
But before she could reply, immense pressure was forced upon her vessel; the island disappeared—rather, was pushed flat under the ocean. There was a dome of water around the island; a massive tsunami exploded outwards.
Chely, standing on a cracked, raw crystallized mana plate, glared at Alester, resisting his mana. All the comms were blurred, buzzing from interference. The ships fired massive spells alongside shells of ammunition, but they were dematerialized by something blue, leaving nothing but gray ash fluttering in the air.
And… it was the same with the dome, it had ruptured under his mana, the fracture itself was slowly being consumed by blue flames—each fragment burned to ash, slowly killing the spatial quake before it could the fracture could tear space, causing another quake.
Then… Chely got a glimpse of the world on the other side—it seemed like some sort of civilization. There was a crowd, but the creatures beyond seemed distressed, almost as if their publicly successful experiment suddenly failed for no reason.
Looking at Alester's expression, she could tell it wasn't new to him. But as he turned his back toward her, she managed to grab his shoulder before he could leave.
"What is it?" he glanced back.
"I have questions…" Chely voiced hesitantly.
"And what makes you believe I will answer?"
"…" Chely released his shoulder and genuinely looked into his eyes. "I know… some homesick people… I'm willing to pay the price," she tried asking.
Alester closed his eyes, breaking eye contact as he then looked at the burning fracture. "This world lies so far down. Why do you think we have access to the mirrored realm and not any other?" he turned to her to ask.
"…I don't know—it's outside our knowledge."
"It's simple. It's a matter of energy and distance," he replied. "This world is engulfed within the flames, but yet to be consumed by it."
"…" Chely's eyes widen.
"That is to say, this world has already fallen into the abyss."
Chely clenched her fists. She imagined her cheerful lover smiling brightly, but she knew deep down that he didn't really want to be here.
"Then…"
"But it's not to say it's impossible," Alester stated bluntly. "If there are traces to a world, it is possible to travel to that world, given enough Divinity. But would you be able to find the trace to that specific world? Let alone convince Gods to lend you their Divinity?"
"…" Chely was left speechless—so there is a way, she thought. "Then…" she knew this sounded preposterous, but… "Could we ask you?"
"…" Alester remained indifferent. "Do not lump me together with those things," he said, unusually cold. "I suppose I could consider it, or you could slay Gods."
"Slay gods…"
"It shouldn't be new to you; you've already killed one," he said casually. "Though a lesser fallen god," he corrected. "The Selges, correct?"
—That was a god…? Chely frowned. The beast that almost ended Ilifel?
He then said. "Or. Kill me and release this world's Divinity."
"…"
"If you can," Alester said, then glanced at the other side of the shard. "From their side, this world is nothing but darkness; our light doesn't reach theirs. Should they step inside, they would be entangled as soon as they cross, unable to return."
"… They'd fall into a hole so deep they practically cannot climb out of…" Chely muttered under her breath.
Alester briefly glanced at her complexion. "It seems I've satisfied your inquiry. Until next time, Hero," he said, walking as reality cracked and snapped back together.
"He… just answered without anything in return…" Chely uttered under her breath, then massive waves collapsed onto the cavity, which was once an island.
—So, Miu was right. You can have a dialog with him…
…
..
"So, you're Selene?" Turen raised his eyebrow, observing the petite blond girl from head to toe. "Ailz's little sister, huh?" he mused.
No matter what the circumstances were, this was suspicious. Jan didn't say much, but Turen could tell there was something funny about the situation, considering that the quiet guy crossing his arm chuckled.
"I am," Luna replied blandly. "Right, Ailz."
"Mm," Alum nodded. It wasn't very convincing at all. "She's my little sister," he said, petting her head.
Luna closed her eyes, leaning into the headpat. "Mmm~" she relaxed, almost purring.
Somewhat convinced, Turen chuckled. "Hahaha, I see! Welcome to Night Ouen, Selene!" he said.
Jan almost burst out laughing. Jua and Nuli looked at him strangely before approaching their new party member, greeting her warmly.
..
It was now noon, and it was only last night when Luna was ordered to stay and watch over Alum. Her uncle seemed distressed about something, but couldn't discuss it over comms. Then, just before she was about to depart, he contacted her through the crescent moon pin.
This time, he was cheerful as usual. But it did appear as though he lacked sleep. Either way, her objective hasn't changed. "Take your time and look at the beautiful world outside!" he exclaimed as the hologram flickered.
Luna hasn't paid too much attention to the world if she were being honest. It was only ever mission after mission. She'd fly in the sky, looking down for targets. But by evening, she appreciated the scenery.
The lush and colorful forest began to illuminate, rivers glowed—the air was damp, a little foggy, but pretty nevertheless.
They'd walked for a while now, and the sun was setting. There were a few combat encounters, but their new swordsman was skillful in quickly dealing with the magibeasts. An almost perfect coordination with the party.
"Seems like we have to camp here~" Nuli said, looking around.
It was a decent spot; it was decently spacious and had covers from the trees. The sound of the running river was also good for covering, though they did have to be mindful.
"I'll set up boundaries," Jan said as he swiftly began to place magitech devices all around.
Jua tried to tag along with Jan, but got kidnapped by Nuli—Luna couldn't escape either; they were both picked up like a kitten, being dragged away by the elf.
"I suppose I'll start cooking then!" Turen exclaimed, taking out utensils, a pot, a few knives, and a grill.
"Then—"
But before Alum declared he'd help with the cooking, Luna cried out, "Don't let him cook!" Though her words were somewhat dramatic, her calm and inexpressive face didn't convince Turen—he should've listened.
..
Just by the shallow river further down, Nuli placed down a magitech device; a barrier to obscure the view of outsiders—she began to untie her robe. It made a small metallic thud as the chains underneath hit the ground.
Jua, following Nuli's lead, removed her chest plate—the rest of the light armor began falling off, leaving shorts and a shirt. Her ears twitched as she glanced at Luna.
"What's wrong, Selene?" she asked.
"It's nothing," Luna replied, shaking her head.
"Is that so?" Jua replied as she walked into the water.
"…"
Luna usually only used cleansing magic for minimal hygiene—it worked well, but didn't exactly leave one comfortable. She'd always preferred a shower or bath regardless of efficiencies—it was one of her indulges during missions. But there was an issue. Her products were… a little too luxurious.
With a soft exhale, she removed all the light armor, unbuttoning her shirt. Her skirt fell to her ankles; the blouse slowly slid off her shoulders.
Nuli was already in the water. Bubbles glistened in the dusk's golden light. Her hair sparked as she lightly scrubbed her arm, eyes a soft blue, just like the glowing water.
"What's wrong?" the gentle elf asked, her head leaning to the side as she tended her hair.
"I didn't bring any products."
"That's fineee~ you can borrow mine," Nuli replied. "Oh, but don't try seducing my Hunbun, okay~ It's his favorite scent~"
"Urrg…" Jua groaned, then turned to Luna. "Don't listen to her jokes," she added, giving her some of hers.
"Thanks, Jua," Luna smiled softly.
As she stepped into the stream, it felt nice on her skin. Luna exhaled, looking up at the pink sky, slowly relaxing.
"Here," Jua handed her a bottle. "But… aren't you removing the necklace?" she inquired.
Luna shook her head, coming up with a story on the spot—she couldn't reveal herself as 'Luna,' after all. "It's a family ornament, Ailz has one too," she calmly replied.
"Oh… I see." Jua softly smiled. "Your hair is so pretty. What do you usually use?"
"…I—just something simple at the store," Luna said on the spot—it was obviously a lie, she loved taking care of her hair.
"Aww, I'm envious—you just have it good, huh?" Jua said, pointing out that Luna barely had to maintain it.
—That's not true… Luna said in her mind, but couldn't voice it aloud.
"Not only that, your skin's so fair too…" Jua added upon a closer observation.
"…" Luna softly stroked her arm. "I suppose?" she voiced, tilting her head.
"—Mmmhg~ I feel like the two of you have forgotten about me~!" Nuli sulked.
"Hm? Oh, you were here too, Nuli," Jua teased, smugly smirking.
"Why you!" Nuli exclaimed as she splashed water on her friend. "There~ there~ you bully!"
Jua grinned. "—Wha! Now you've done it," she said, crashing a wave onto Nuli.
"Hyaa~" Nuli squirmed.
"…" Luna watched the two with a deadpan expression, then she sighed, resigned as she looked at the sky with a palm resting on her almost flat plain.
—It is what it is…
..
Meanwhile, Alum burned almost everything—he was out of commission by the second rib, ordered to set up some sort of shelter instead.
As for his beloved Amethely, she'd just surfaced from the cave—lab. It's been a month since she and Alum became lovers. She snuck into his room the day before their anniversary—maybe she unconsciously knew.
Then, he left that morning…
"…"
Thinking about it, she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Of course, she didn't voice any of it aloud, not even to her best friend.
She knew he had a mission outside, but she thought he'd at least mention it. Still… she couldn't fault him for it either. She'd been caught up she herself and forgot about it—spending time with him was just too comforting. Nothing seemed to matter when she was with him; all her concerns would temporarily fade.
Amethely clasped her hands together, placing them close to her heart as she faintly smiled—at the end of the day, it didn't really matter. But…
When you come back, I'll have your favorite sweets ready. I will cook something nice; we can read together—Ehe~hehee~ then I could snuggle up to you.
With those thoughts in mind, she headed to the kitchen to make his favorite sweets—
I-it's not like I have ulterior motives… but it would be nice if he… r-returned some sort of r-reward… Nnnhg~hu-hu! I can't wait~ 💕
Filled with enthusiasm, many of the female soldiers joined her, and it became a small event—many of these treats would later be handed to Chely and her platoon as the news spread the next day.
..
It was quite silent at the camp. Turen hummed as he cooked. They'd occasionally have small conversations, but it then arrived at the topic of Amethely—his finacèe.
"Right, you've been engaged for a month now, huh? What did you do to celebrate?"
"…"
Alum froze on the spot; it hadn't crossed his mind…
—ah… I'm a failure… he thought, crouched down as he hugged his knees, drawing circles on the dirt.