The scene shifted back to the kingdom of Albanian.
Two days had already passed since we had our first guild quest. I can still remember the fuss that ensued when the receptionist heard the details regarding the mysterious, unknown cave where the goblins lurk.
The look on the receptionist's face when she heard we had defeated the hobgoblin was quite amusing to witness.
Furthermore, there was to be a thorough investigation regarding the incident.
In addition, considering the increased difficulty of the quest, we received a bonus for completing the quest.
Now inside the inn we were lounging in, Nikita and I were relaxing while having tea.
"This black tea is really delicious."
I said as I took a sip of the tea brewed by Nikita. Honestly, I'm surprised how skilled she is at making tea, or should I say, as expected of the "Ice princess." I thought so while smiling to myself.
"Thank you, I'm glad you like it."
Nikita responded as her cheeks were dyed with a faint blush. Her two fluffy fox ears stood up, while her nine fluffy silver fox tails swayed gently behind her back.
How cute... I couldn't help but think that to myself. With all the craziness happening lately, I'm glad I can enjoy moments like these. Though I sighed as I thought perhaps it might get a little noisy in the distant future.
It was said that the moment of peace is only preparation for disturbance. I only wish that "Disturbance" Won't be coming anytime soon.
With that being said, I shifted my gaze towards the terrace, sitting on the rail with her slender legs hanging in the air was a young girl with long waist-length silky green hair.
The woman whose beauty could easily take one's breath away with a single glance, the spirit of wind, Alya, was sitting there.
I furrowed my brow into a frown as I saw her expression; her beautiful face currently had a frown as she stared into the distance with a serious face.
Through our connection, I could also feel her apprehensions, as though the worst was yet to come. This feeling only made me feel a bit perplexed. However...
Despite our connection, I couldn't quite tell what she was thinking as she narrowed her emerald, green eyes.
Just as I was about to say something, someone else beat me to the punch.
"Hey, Alya, is something wrong?"
Nikita inquired curiously. It seems she could also sense something was wrong as she looked at Alya's anxious face.
"Hm?"
Upon hearing Nikita calling out to her, Alya snapped out of her dazed state and jumped down from the rail with a cute hop.
A sweet fragrance filled my nose as she walked closer to us and spoke.
"... Wrong? Something is definitely wrong. However, it is none of our concerns... not yet at least."
Alya replied, shrugging her shoulders. My face twitched from her casual response. Not yet, doesn't that mean it will be our concern eventually? I sighed internally as I asked.
"Can you tell me what exactly is wrong?"
Alya became silent for a few seconds before she opened her mouth.
"... There seems to be a war going on a few kilometres from here, I can sense the mana is really restless in the atmosphere."
"..." The room became silent after hearing Alya's words. War, my face tensed when I heard that. Why was there a war going on? I remember hearing back in Watanabe that the surrounding kingdoms were at peace, so why now?
I place my hand beneath my chin as I thought.
"... Do you think this has something to do with that hostile kingdom in the north?"
Nikita asked, as she stared at me. Nn, now that you mentioned it, that kingdom has been on bad terms with the Alberta kingdom, right?
"Yeah, maybe they're the ones at war."
I said as I sighed. Things seem to have taken a troublesome turn. With that thought, I turned my gaze towards Alya, who was now drinking black tea.
"Alya, you said we will eventually be dragged into whatever is going on, right? Can you elaborate more on that?"
I asked with a serious face. Even though it was bothersome, this is something I needed to know, no matter what, as it involves my future as well.
Alya gulped down the tea and placed the cup onto the coasters on the table before closing her eyes.
After a few minutes, Alya reopened her eyes and spoke.
"I'm not one hundred per cent sure but... I think the demon God, Lucifer, will be making his return in the not-so-distant future."
Eh, L-Lucifer? Like the king of hell, that Lucifer?
My mind was in a mess as I tried to process what she had just said.
"Th-That guy, the one responsible for starting the war three hundred years ago. I heard he was sealed by the legendary heroes, wasn't he? How is he coming back?"
Nikita asked, her ruby eyes shone with a peculiar glint as she asked. This girl... don't tell me she wants to fight him. The corners of my mouth trembled as that thought came to my head.
"W-Wait, will you calm down? That look in your eyes is scaring me."
Alya said as she shrank back away from Nikita, who wouldn't stop hounding her. Realising how unsightly her actions were, Nikita sat down elegantly while going "Ahem" With her hand against her mouth.
With the room finally regaining its calm, I asked.
"Do you mean the Lucifer of legends?"
Alya knows Earth, so she should be aware of my true question: Was the story about the king of hell real? Or was it just a story? Does this Lucifer have anything to do with Earth? If hell exists, doesn't that mean heaven exist as well?
Well... I was transported to another world, hell and heaven actually existing isn't out of the realm of possibility. I couldn't stop my curiosity.
To my questions, Alya only smiled wryly and shook her head.
"This Lucifer has nothing to do with that Lucifer; well, I guess you could see him that way, as the story regarding him is quite similar to the story you know."
Alya explained.
"Lucifer, he was one of my master's loyal servants, the God of Creation. However, he betrayed us."
Alya continued, her face showing visible anger as she explained. Both Nikita and I glanced at each other as we heard Alya's complicated emotions.
"When the god of creation disappeared, he wanted to take control of this world, so he fused with the infinity core. A core that grants him a near-infinite supply of magical energy. It took the combined effort of all spirits, the elemental goddesses, and the heroes to stop him. However, killing him was impossible, so we decided to simply seal him away at that time."
Alya added. I see... So, he had near infinite magical power. Huh, he sounded like a troublesome opponent to face. However, I raised an eyebrow as I heard a new term that I had never heard before.
"What exactly is the infinity core?"
I inquired curiously.
"The infinity core is an orb that contains the essence of the god of creation; it also contains the essence of the God of Destruction. It was something that never should have existed."
Alya said as she heaved a sigh. Something that should never have existed. Huh, so why does something like that exist?
"Can you tell me why something like that exists?"
I inquired.
"Th-That's..."
However, to my question, Alya opened her mouth before she kept her silence with a frown.
It didn't seem like she was willing to disclose that information as she kept her silence while feigning composure. Meanwhile, the silver-haired Nikita decided to intervene as she noticed the uncomfortable atmosphere drifting between us.
"U-Umm, would it be okay if I ask something?"
Nikita asked as she raised her hand. Alya nodded her head cooly.
"Alya, you said the goddess of ice was also a traitor. Could I assume Lucifer has something to do with that?"
Nikita asked, to which Alya nodded her head and sighed.
"That bit*h was working along with him."
Alya said as she clenched her fist. I tilted my head in confusion to the title "Ice goddess" This was the first time I've heard about this.
"Umm. Who is the ice goddess?"
I asked.
"... She is the incarnation of ice and snow... but you can just call her a bit*h as her name is not worth remembering."
Alya said with a cold smile adorning her face.
"I... I see."
My face twitches behind the forcefulness of her words. I coughed to clear my throat and changed the topic.
"S-So... let's get back to Lucifer. The seal is going to break, right? Is that why you're so restless?"
I asked. Alya nodded her head with a bitter face.
"I can sense the suppression force is weakening, in a few years... the estimate I can give is roughly five years. It will be broken by then, and those demons will be free."
Alya explained. I see... five years. That isn't really a lot of time. Those guys will come back at that time, so does this mean I will eventually have to face the demon God, Lucifer, then... wait, come to think of it, in that dream where I face that army of demons, I was much older, wasn't I?
Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling when thinking about that dream and the emotions I felt back then...
Wait, if Alya could sense the seal, could this also have something to do with my summoning? Was it really a coincidence that I was summoned at this time? A thought suddenly popped into my head as my face turned slightly pale.
"M-Master, are you okay?"
Nikita asked, as she looked at me with eyes filled with worry.
"Uh, yeah, I'm fine."
I said with a small smile on my face.
"Haruto, are you sure you're okay? Your complexion doesn't look so good?"
Alya said as she gently caressed my face. However, I shook my head.
"Yes, I'm fine... just a bit shocked by the sudden information."
I replied.
"So, my future enemies are the demon race, I can assume."
I said so with a serious expression on my face. Not to mention the reincarnation of the god of destruction hasn't shown himself as yet, though he is probably in the same condition as I, reborn without any memories.
In that case, then I probably won't have to worry about him for now. Though he is probably going to be the most troublesome opponent for me.
Within the next few days, I want to start my spirit arts training as soon as possible. As I was thinking, Alya's next words caught my attention.
"You don't have to do anything if you don't want to, you know."
"Eh, what do you mean?"
I asked, confused.
"It's exactly as I said. You don't have to do this if you don't want to... if it is too much for you to handle... th-then I will do it in your stead."
Alya said as she looked at me with a serious face. I stared back into those green, emerald pupils to see her real intentions. However, I was surprised when I saw the unwavering light in her eyes.
"I believe I have already said it before, but if it is too much for you to handle, then... You can depend on me. Let me shoulder your burden."
Alya said as she placed her hand against her chest.
I was at a loss for what to say when hearing her honest words, she wants to shoulder my burdens... I clenched my fist as I smiled with a little self-hatred. What kind of man would I be if I allowed her to do something like this?
Even after everything that we went through together, I'm still hesitating... how pathetic! I curse bitterly. Just what is it that I want to do?
I have already made up my mind that if I can't go back home, then I will....
"... I will fight."
I muttered aloud.
"Eh?"
Alya looked at me with a surprised face. However, as for the silver fox, Nikita. She had an expression as though to say, "As expected of the master."
"Y-You, I already told you, you don't have to-"
"But I will."
I said to Alya, who was looking at me with an unwilling expression.
"I can't let you do this by yourself; if I did, I know I would be left with regrets... and so, if you are going to fight, so will I."
I said confidently.
"Umu, well said, master. Of course, if you are fighting, then I will too."
Nikita chimed in; her lips upturned into a smile. Meanwhile, Alya sighed realizing it was pointless to protest any further.
"Besides, those legendary heroes will also be participating, as well as the other spirits, right?"
I said, though Alya's face grimaced when she heard of the other elemental spirits.
"So, can we start my spirit arts training soon?"
I asked. I've been delaying my training long enough. It's time I start walking down the path I have decided on since the beginning.
"Sigh, sure, we will start as soon as possible."
Alya replied as she played with strands of her long green hair.
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(A/N: Thank you for reading. Sorry, I haven't been releasing many chapters lately. I've been too focused on my other works, but I will do my best to release chapters regularly from now on.)