The Great Mutation (2)

A rainbow-colored aurora that split the night sky covered the entire Astra continent. The world had completely changed since the World Tree Rift incident two years ago.

Mountain ranges soared twice as high as before, and ordinary lakes transformed into magic-infused springs. As the concentration of magic reached hundreds of times the normal level, magic crystals bloomed like flowers throughout the continent. Now, the world had entered a new era called the ‘Great Magic Mutation.’

Deer with scales, wolves with two heads, and trees moving their roots like feet roamed the forests. Among humans, the number of those who suddenly gained the ability to use magic increased. In particular, magic power exploded in response to strong emotions.

“It’s been two years since the Hero disappeared.”

The Director of the Chronicle Empire’s Intelligence Agency reported at the Imperial Palace conference.

“Almost all ordinary citizens now believe the Hero is dead. But…”

Everyone simultaneously looked out the window. A giant golden shadow streaking across the sky passed over the city. The roar of a dragon echoed in their ears.

“They are still searching.”

*

A giant golden dragon flew over the forest. Aris’s golden wings sliced through the sky, reflecting the sunlight. Her sharp eyes did not miss the red figure fleeing below.

[There’s no use in running, Ignatius!]

The Red Dragon Ignatius fled in desperate struggle, but was soon caught by the golden chains emerging from Aris’s grimoire.

Aris, descending like an arrow, clawed at Ignatius’s back. Red blood scattered across the sky. Ignatius howled in pain.

[Please… how can you harm your own kind…]

[I need your heart.]

There was no emotion in Aris’s voice. The once noble and benevolent Golden Dragon Sage had now transformed into a ruthless dragon hunter.

Golden claws dug into the red dragon’s chest, extracting the heart.

Magic pulsed from the still-beating red heart. Aris carefully placed it in a specially crafted crystal container.

Aris’s golden eyes gazed at the container. For a moment, an image of Haru flashed through her eyes.

“Finally, twenty…”

She soared into the sky, turning northeast. Memories of the past flooded her mind.

Days and nights spent poring over ancient texts in the Dragonkin’s Grand Library. She had mastered all the literature on dimensional travel.

‘Methods for Crossing Dimensional Boundaries’, ‘Tracking the Location of Souls’, ‘Multidimensional Theory’…

From those thousands of books, she had reached one conclusion.

「To break through the boundaries of dimensions, a massive source of energy is required.」

Aris’s flight speed increased. A massive magic barrier came into view beyond the horizon. It was once the magic tower city of Arcana. Now, it was entirely Aris’s domain.

Flying into the circular space at the top of the highest tower, Aris transformed into her human form. Chancellor Lucy and the academy students greeted her.

“What are today’s energy readings?”

“It’s increased by 5% from the previous day. But it’s still not enough to open a dimensional gate…”

Fear and obedience were mixed in Lucy’s eyes. Aris accepted the scroll she was holding.

“Try harder. We’re not there yet.”

A giant magic circle was drawn in the center of the round room. Around it, 19 dragon hearts were arranged in a circle. Each heart was still beating, emitting magical pulses.

Aris placed the 20th heart in the empty space. The moment it formed a complete circle, the magic circle emitted an intense light.

Something distorted in the center. An amorphous spatial distortion briefly formed and then disappeared.

“Wherever you are… wherever my treasure is… I will find you.”

***

Sylvia’s long emerald hair fluttered in the wind as she knelt before the World Tree. Her hand caressed the roots of the World Tree. Faint green light leaked from the cracks on the surface.

“It’s getting worse…”

Magic flowed from Sylvia’s fingertips, enveloping the cracked part of the World Tree.

Ever since Haru disappeared two years ago, the World Tree had been constantly wounded. Magic continued to leak from the place where the dimensional boundary had been destroyed.

Thousands of spirits gathered around Sylvia. They all looked at the Queen with sorrowful eyes.

“Let’s begin.”

Sylvia clasped her hands together. The spirits began to circle around her body.

Every day at this time, she performed a ritual to infuse the World Tree with life force.

As she chanted an incantation in ancient Elvish, intense green light emanated from Sylvia’s body. The cracks in the World Tree were filled in, even if only slightly.

When the ritual was over, Sylvia stood up with a tired expression. Elder Aurora approached her.

“Your Majesty, you have worked hard again today. But…”

Sylvia’s eyes turned cold.

“But?”

“If you continue like this, your own life force will be depleted. The heart of the World Tree is completely sealed, and recovering the rift will take a bit longer.”

“So?”

Aurora hesitated for a moment before carefully continuing.

“You must consider the possibility that the Hero… may not return…”

Green flames ignited in Sylvia’s eyes. The air around her vibrated.

“Never say that again.”

Aurora lowered her head. As Sylvia passed by, the other elders exchanged worried glances.

“The Queen’s mental state is becoming increasingly unstable…”

“What can we do? Her power has now surpassed the level we can interfere with.”

Sylvia headed to her own space inside the World Tree.

Opening the door revealed a room filled with Haru’s belongings. The belt he used, his clothes placed in one corner, Haru’s hair meticulously preserved…

She stroked the empty space next to the throne in the center of the room. There was a newly crafted king’s seat there.

“Haru…”

Sylvia’s voice trembled.

“When you return, everything will be ready. Our throne…”

She looked at the portrait of Haru and herself painted on the wall. It was a picture of the two of them standing together, smiling.

“Our bedroom…”

Her gaze turned to the large bed on one side of the room. It was clearly sized for two people.

“Our future…”

Sylvia reached out and stroked the Haru in her imagination. Tears streamed down her face.

“Where are you, Haru…?”

All the spirits trembled, resonating with her sorrow.

“I’ll wait. Forever…”

The rainbow-colored magic shone brighter above the World Tree. The magic emanating from the wound of the rift continued to change the world.

***

Sacred light filled the cathedral. The Saint Luciferium Cathedral was three times larger than it had been two years ago. Light poured through the white marble pillars, and the sunlight streaming through the stained glass sparkled on the floor.

And at its center was her.

A Seraphim with twelve dazzling wings spread out floated in the air. A divine radiance, incomparable to anything before, enveloped her. Her pure white hair had grown longer, reaching below her waist, and her eyes were now completely purple, emitting a sacred light.

Thousands of believers knelt and prayed to her.

“Great Saintess-nim, have mercy on us!”

“Bestow your blessing, Saintess-nim!”

Seraphim smiled. Her hand reached forward.

“By the will of the Goddess, blessings upon all.”

At that moment, beams of purple light poured down upon the believers filling the cathedral. An old man who had been relying on a cane threw it away and stood up. A child who had lost his sight began to see the world with wonder. The pain disappeared from the face of a woman suffering from chronic pain.

They all cheered. Their eyes were filled with awe and worship.

“Long live the great Saintess-nim!”

“The incarnation of the Goddess-isiyeo!”

After the ceremony ended and all the believers had left, Seraphim walked to the central altar of the cathedral. The Archbishop carefully followed beside her.

“Saintess-nim, the construction of the new cathedral is proceeding as planned. The central dome is scheduled to be completed this week…”

Seraphim’s eyes sparkled.

“Are you making it big enough? All the believers should be able to attend my wedding.”

The Archbishop’s expression subtly hardened.

“Of course, Saintess-nim. We are building it on the largest scale on the continent. However… regarding the Hero-nim…”

“He will return.”

There was no wavering in Seraphim’s voice. Her purple eyes shone even more intensely.

“The Goddess told me. The Hero-nim is in the gap between dimensions. If I purify the world according to the Goddess’s will, he will return.”

“Yes, Saintess-nim…”

Seraphim was left alone in the empty cathedral after everyone had left. She opened a small door behind the altar and entered.

There, a white wedding dress was placed. It was a sacred-feeling dress decorated with intricate lace and pearls.

She carefully put on the veil and stood before the empty altar.

“Hero-nim…”

Her fingers mimicked holding an invisible hand.

“I am always waiting. The Goddess has promised. When the world is purified… you will return…”

Seraphim’s twelve wings glowed softly. A single tear ran down her cheek. As the tear fell to the floor, a faint purple flower bloomed.

“Everything is by the will of the Goddess…”

***

Emperor Iris, clad in golden armor, looked down at the map.

The Empire’s territory had doubled in the past two years. Countless kingdoms and city-states knelt at her feet.

She changed her clothes and headed to the conference room. All of the Imperial Palace’s top aides were gathered.

“Report. What are the movements of the Goddess Order?”

“Your Majesty, they are massing a large army on the northern border. There are reports that Saintess Seraphim is personally leading them.”

“The 5th Magic Mechanical Brigade is perfectly controlling the eastern border. The Goddess Order’s attacks have been repelled.”

Iris smiled coldly. Several magic-powered mechanical weapons were operating around her.

The Empire’s technology had rapidly advanced since the Great Mutation. Giant airships flew across the sky, waving the Imperial flag.

“They will soon retreat. That so-called ‘Saintess’ wouldn’t be able to attack the citizens first.”

Iris descended from the flying fortress overlooking the battlefield and returned to the Imperial Palace. The Imperial Palace, more than twice as large as before, was now so massive that it covered an entire city. Crystal towers, enlarged by magic enhancement, pierced the sky, and automated defense systems guarded the palace.

“Interesting. What about the Dragonkin Sage?”

“She is still researching something in the magic tower city of Arcana. There are rumors that she has collected numerous dragon hearts, but…”

“What about the Elven Queen Sylvia?”

“She has completely sealed off the World Tree and cut off all contact with the outside world. It is impossible to even approach the forest.”

Iris leaned back deeply in her chair.

“Prepare for the upcoming war. In the name of the Empire, I will take everything.”