Local Netizen Elf’s Life In Another World

Case 304: Racing toward the future.

Hm...

You know, I've been here for a surprisingly long time. I didn't count the days one by one like a psychopath, but it has been roughly a year or so. Despite that, I don't miss my peers in the real world that terribly. It's all thanks to the fact that I do see them here, just not their modern selves. Oh, and maybe it's because my memory is constantly updated to match that of Hanako, too.

I can't quite put it into words, but it feels a bit like recalling something in a dream—I know that it had happened, and it is real enough, but something's just a little bit off.

As for Hanako, she has long adapted to life in the Aris kingdom.

Not only culturally but in terms of personal relationships, I think she is already settled. She has almost the same harem as me, and... well, what else to say?

Each night for her is eventful enough, but it's even better since there isn't a reason to rush... yet.

And that's where we need to get to Aris.

Aris is the only unique element in Hanako's journey that I—Sylvia—didn't have. Beyond just a guidance light, the goddess is also a close companion of my old self, and after spending so much time observing from this perspective and even from Hanako's, I can confidently say that I know her well.

''...Something definitely happened.''

I agree, Hanako.

Not only does Aris behave strangely these days, taking time off constantly whilst seeming restless, but the fact that I have been separated from Hanako speaks volumes. After all, I haven't been independent for almost two months.

It is almost as though... Aris doesn't want me to experience whatever is ahead directly.

Turning away from Hanako, who is clasping her hands for a prayer, I gaze out the window at the blue sky. Today, the clouds are exceptionally tall, with the sunlight pouring onto its upper contour. Below, people are moving as usual, giving a sense of peace.

However, this growing premonition...

Hah...

Well, let's face the inevitable, even if it hurts.

From that point onward, time seems to move faster than usual.

Each day would pass by without much change, yet every single one of them carries a certain mood of anxiety. Of course, to the regular inhabitants, nothing is wrong, but for the people close to Aris and also for the religious folks, they have definitely realized something, even if it's not concrete.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

These days, the goddess's smiles become rarer, and when she does smile, it doesn't look as convincing anymore. Moreover, she has been participating less and less in mortal affairs, always pushing for some kind of excuse to leave. The back of her, whenever that happens, seems so small, like she is being chased by something.

Honestly, I want Hanako to confront her and get to the bottom of this, but as someone who knows everything, I kinda don't want her to as well.

That stalemate continues for a while until—

''...Aris?''

''...''

One day, Aris appears as usual, but this time... her beautiful face is ridden with guilt and immense sadness. Hugging her trembling shoulders, the goddess seems to have crumbled into a mess of self-loathe and despair.

Her once lustrous skin now pales away, just like how the light in her eyes fades. While crying, she constantly mutters to herself, ''Right, I'm only an insignificant goddess; how could I ever predict Heaven's will...?'' like a broken record.

''Aris!''

''...!''

As dull as she may sometimes be, Hanako, fortunately, does jump in right away, pulling Aris into her embrace. She drags the goddess into the bedroom, sits her on the bed, and kneels before her.

''Aris. Tell me what's wrong.''

''No, it's...''

''Tell me. Aren't we soulmates?''

Biting her lips, Aris eventually opens up, clenching her delicate hands, ''I... actually, there has been something going on recently.''

''I know that much. Just tell me what happened.''

Perhaps moved by Hanako's adamant attitude, the deity actually tries to steady herself, ''Phew... this... this planet is in danger.''

''...What do you mean?''

''It means just that,'' Aris lets out a wry laugh. ''Something is threatening this world. It comes from the depth of space—unmovable, unstoppable, and immensely powerful.'' 

The sheer vocabulary Aris uses to describe this existence is enough to send a chill down anyone's spine.

''It would be here soon.'' The goddess weakly says. ''I tried to stop it, I really did. However... it was more stubborn than anything I could have imagined.''

''What... what is it exactly??''

''I don't know.''

Aris's eyes turn to the window, and Hanako soon follows suit. Fortunately or unfortunately, the sky is without clouds today. Thanks to that, even the tiniest of inconsistencies with the blue canvas is discernable.

''....Huh?''

The girl squints her eyes.

Somewhere far, far away—beyond the layer of atmosphere this planet holds—a spec of purple is visible. 

''It's coming.'' Someone mutters.

I notice Hanako's hands trembling. No, it might be Aris's, who are covering the other's hands.

Still, at this point, through all the shock and dread, another desire begins to burn inside Hanako, and it is one I know all too well—the desire to be stronger.

To no longer let precious things be destroyed or stolen.

Especially as Hanako stares at her lover's hopeless eyes, the boiling sense of urgency kicks in. She abruptly rises to her feet, startling the goddess.

''Let's go to the palace. I want to learn magic.'' She says.

''Oh, but—''

''Aris.''

''Yes...?''

Holding the deity's soft cheeks dearly, Hanako whispers, ''No one other than you has given me my second life, Aris. I owe you this favor, and if I am ever going to pay it back, it would be now.''

''Hanako...''

''Don't get too gloomy. Isn't it too soon to give up on life? I've been to the battlefields. I know how precious a life can be, so we're not going to let any of it be lost.''

''...!''

''So, help me, Aris.''

Wow... this is the first time I've heard that Hanako is a former soldier. More surprising is her attitude. Bold but not arrogant, respectful but not self-putting, and steady instead of unstable.

Yeah, that's myself alright.

True to her promise, Hanako devotes herself almost entirely to training every day, putting more effort into learning than I ever really did. She begins to pay close attention to the lessons instead of the teachers, often forcing her body through rigorous exercises.

Thanks to that, her rank as a mage continues to climb, reaching heights previously thought to be unseen.

''Heh... I guess I do have talents, after all.''

Jokingly-of course.

Still, amidst the busy schedule of her and even Aris's, the spec of purple keeps on growing in the sky.