Ch.354Revealing Heaven’s Secrets (2)

Life in Alfheim continued, short and intense, just as Arwen wanted.

One day, I spent the day resting to recover my trembling lower body while also reading the Biography of Xenon.

Claiming that outside the bed was dangerous, I spent time with her rolling around in bed or exploring the bedchamber.

It wasn’t a boring time at all, and we conversed with each other throughout.

“So you haven’t named this world yet?”

“Not this world, but the world in the Biography of Xenon.”

Especially after reading the draft I gave her, Arwen asked various questions. First was about the name of the world that Xenon would proclaim.

Originally, I had planned to name it after Hirt’s real name, but that was not permitted. So I needed to come up with another name.

“Even if you say it’s not, would others think the same? I highly doubt it.”

“Then there’s nothing I can do. Do you have any recommendations? Preferably something related to earth.”

“There are books about ancient languages in the sanctuary. Reading them later would be helpful.”

That would be fine. Ancient language books are extremely difficult to obtain.

They’ve been mostly lost due to the passage of time. Besides, I’m interested in history, specifically event-centered history, not languages.

“By the way, Lucifer spreading his wings… Even though he borrowed the power of demons, could it be…”

Arwen looked at me with eyes full of expectation and curiosity. She must be reminded of Cecilly’s demonization incident.

I shook my head with a bitter smile. The demonization of Cecilly and the angelification of elves are completely different matters.

“No. Even the gods declared it impossible. They said that while transcendent beings can be demoted to mortals, the reverse is impossible.”

“Why?”

“Because of their origin.”

To become a transcendent being, one must be born as one. It’s impossible for mortals to become transcendent beings.

I was also a bit disappointed when I heard this, but after experiencing reincarnation, I was able to change my perspective.

Then, what about dying as a mortal and being reborn as a transcendent being?

With a divine body, not a human one. There are records that Heracles from Greek and Roman mythology did just that.

‘Jin dying and being resurrected as an angel… Hmm…’

It sounds fine, but there’s something strange about a demon race becoming an angel. Not even an elf, a descendant of angels, but a demon race ascending.

This should probably be used as a last resort. It could cause backlash from Alfheim.

Moreover, Jin completely became one with Diabolos by devouring him. The same goes for their souls.

Could the gods purify a soul tainted by evil and separate only Jin’s personality?

While it might be possible to bring another version of me from a different dimension and reincarnate me in this world, this seems beyond that, so I was a bit cautious.

‘I should ask about this.’

I left Arwen alone for a moment and stepped outside the bedchamber. As I mentioned before, Elodia also serves as a temple.

Originally, elves worship Luminus and dark elves worship Mora, but after the dark elves were exiled, the elves have been serving both.

According to Arwen, relations with the dark elves have been noticeably improving.

She said that the long-desired integration with dark elves might happen soon, and she thanked me for it.

Anyway, I headed to Elodia’s chapel to ask the gods a few questions…

[Resurrecting a mortal’s soul in a transcendent vessel… It’s not impossible. We just need to create a new vessel, which would be quite laborious for us.]

‘So it’s possible?’

[It’s not impossible.]

I asked Mora, not Luminus. Since I hadn’t spoken with Mora recently, I thought she might feel neglected, so I sought her out.

Mora’s chapel in Elodia was dark like the temple in Helium, with only candles illuminating the space.

Despite exiling the dark elves, Alfheim didn’t reject or abandon traditions due to their conservative nature.

If they had, Mora would have been genuinely angry. With this in mind, I asked Mora:

‘What about tainted souls? Is purification impossible in such cases?’

[It’s possible, but it’s like separating water and ink after they’ve mixed—extremely difficult.]

‘But not impossible?’

[No.]

That’s at least feasible then. But what worries me is the elves’ reaction, specifically their discontent.

Even if they don’t openly oppose it, they might express dissatisfaction about a demon race ascending to become an angel.

Moreover, heroes from both elf and dark elf sides sacrificed their lives to destroy the World Tree. If they hadn’t, Diabolos would have revived sooner.

There are countless heroes who sacrificed their lives to save the world from crisis, so singling out Jin for resurrection as a transcendent being seems unfair.

[Hehe.]

While I was deep in thought, Mora laughed playfully. Her laughter pulled me out of my contemplation.

‘Why are you laughing?’

[Because I saw an amusing future.]

‘Is it a good future for me or a bad one?’

[Just an amusing one, I said.]

She doesn’t want to tell me. I chuckled at Mora’s ever-present playfulness.

Given that she called it an “amusing” future, I’m probably going to find myself in a difficult situation.

I should have gone to Luminus instead. Unlike Mora, Luminus is kind and would have told me everything.

[What? Are you saying I’m unkind?]

‘No, just that you’re too playful.’

[Hmph. Do as you please. I’m already troubled because of Mother, and now you’re being mean. I won’t give you divine power anymore.]

That would be problematic. I gave a wry smile at Mora, who was pouting like a child whose toy had been taken away.

I might not care about other things, but not receiving divine power is a significant risk. I need to appease her somehow.

‘Hirt gave me her blessing, so why can’t you two?’

[Giving or not giving isn’t the issue. The problem is the seal she placed.]

‘Seal?’

[Yes. Remember what Mother said when she gave it to you? She would give you the “pure blessing of nature.” Not just any blessing, but a pure one.]

What’s the difference? Since I’m not a cleric, I don’t quite understand.

Mora, reading my thoughts, grumbled but kindly explained everything in detail.

[A pure blessing is equivalent to bestowing a portion of divine authority upon you.]

‘Divine authority?’

[Yes. Clerics can pray to empower others or negatively affect enemies, or completely blend with darkness to become undetectable even by magic. Both are forms of blessings that are possible with sufficient faith, but divine authority is different. It allows you to perform “miracles.”]

‘…’

The word “miracle” is astonishing just to hear.

Since gods clearly exist in this world, scientifically inexplicable miracles also exist. But why are miracles called miracles?

Something clearly impossible that somehow becomes possible—that’s what we commonly call a “miracle.”

[If Luminus were to exercise a miracle, he could save even dying people or restore severed limbs. Or he could restore lost senses.]

‘Can’t Kate do that too?’

[She can only “reattach” severed parts. But brother’s miracles make new body parts grow like sprouts. The same goes for senses.]

That’s truly a miracle. I was amazed by her explanation and immediately asked:

‘What about you, Mora?’

[Unlike my brother, I focus on internal rather than external aspects, mainly the mind. I can restore people who have become invalids or those who have gone senile.]

It might not seem like much at first glance, but it’s definitely worthy of being called a miracle.

Especially in my previous life, dementia was considered a devil’s disease that one should never contract. A tragic mental illness that makes one unable to recognize even family members.

Both gods perform miracles according to their symbols, so what kind of miracles would the goddess of nature show?

[As you know, Mother’s symbol is nature. So wherever you go, animals will love you. Plus, you can communicate with them.]

‘Communicate? I couldn’t talk to the sparrow yesterday.’

[That’s because you didn’t properly connect with it. Even if divine authority is bestowed, it depends on how you use it. Oh, and do you know about “spirit beasts”?]

‘Of course I do.’

Fitting for a fantasy world, spirit beasts exist here too. But as the name suggests, they are very rare.

Spirit beasts include not just animals but also plants. The most prominent example is centuries-old wild ginseng.

Anyway, they’re so rare that when one is discovered, it’s not organizations but nations themselves that search for them, and their efficacy is proportionally remarkable.

[With enough divine power, you could evolve ordinary animals and plants into spirit beasts.]

‘…Is that possible?’

[That’s the pure blessing the goddess of nature gave you. Besides, when you’re in danger, nature will help you. No matter how strong demon worshippers are, if nature blocks them, it’s impossible for them to chase you. Anyway, do you understand how amazing the blessing you received is?]

I certainly do. It far exceeds the level of elevating an ordinary human to a druid.

I don’t need to elaborate on how great nature is. No matter how strong humanity becomes, nature is something they can never defeat.

The fact that such a force is helping me is, honestly, hard to grasp.

‘…You really favor me.’

[How could I not? After all you’ve done for us.]

‘Haha.’

Mora’s sincere praise made me feel awkward. Being praised by a god is something I can’t get used to.

To dispel this awkwardness, I quickly moved on to another question.

‘So, what about the World Tree seed? Should I just plant it in my territory?’

[…]

I asked about the World Tree seed, but there was no response. Only a heavy silence.

Sensing something strange, I asked again.

‘Mora?’

[Hmm? What?]

‘How should I handle the World Tree seed…’

[Do as you please.]

“Do as you please”? I couldn’t help but be puzzled by Mora’s vague answer.

Does that mean I could smash the seed with a hammer if I wanted? Or does it mean I should really plant it in my territory?

While I was tilting my head at this incomprehensible response, Mora spoke with a slightly urgent voice:

[Do, do you have any other questions?]

‘Umm… not really.’

[Really? Alright then. See you later. Goodbye!]

As if she had some urgent matter, Mora abruptly cut off the communication. As soon as the connection was severed, I slowly opened my eyes.

The statue of Mora in front of me had no energy left. Mora had fled.

‘What’s going on?’

Why won’t she talk about the World Tree seed? What kind of future is unfolding that she won’t even tell me?

I tilted my head at this incomprehensible reaction but got up from my seat.

If Mora reacts like that, Luminus would probably be similar. There must be a reason related to the World Tree seed.

‘I certainly can’t just smash it with a hammer.’

Let’s leave it alone until I return. Organizing my puzzled thoughts, I returned to the bedchamber where Arwen was waiting.

They must have their reasons for not telling me. I never thought they would harm me.

So I made my way back to the bedchamber where Arwen was waiting.

“Ah. You’re back.”

“…What are you doing?”

I found Arwen on the bed, holding a seed as big as her face in her arms.

Rather than being dumbfounded, I found it cute and adorable, which made me smile.

Arwen smiled sweetly at my question and gave an answer that was as cute as she was.

“Well… the seed looked cold sitting there all alone…”

“…”

“It’s a gift from Hirt, isn’t it? So I thought we should take better care of it…”

That was incredibly lovable coming from a woman over 100 years old.

Hearing that, I grinned and carefully climbed onto the bed, moving closer to her side.

Then, gently stroking the golden seed that Arwen was preciously holding, I quietly said:

“Shall we hold it together then?”

“To-together?”

“Why? We’ve already spent our first night together, yet you’re shy about holding something with me?”

“Th-that’s not it…”

Arwen blushed and became shy when I suggested holding it together. I smiled gently and pulled up the blanket.

It’s not time to sleep yet, but it’s enough to create a lifetime memory.

Eventually, I pulled the blanket up to our chests, placed the seed between us, and slowly embraced Arwen.

“Y-you.”

“Shh. Let’s just stay like this for now.”

“O-okay…”

And just as we closed our eyes to take a cozy afternoon nap…

Crack!

An ominous sound reached our ears.