Heaven

No one dared to stop the king’s carriage.

The magnificent carriage, pulled by the kingdom’s finest eight horses, passed through the capital’s gates and sped forward like an arrow slicing through the wind.

The guards didn’t even check who was inside.

They were too busy hurriedly opening the gates at the sight of the golden carriage adorned with the royal crest.

From the window, I gazed at the unfolding landscape.

The night sky was particularly beautiful tonight.

The stars twinkled like diamonds scattered across black velvet, streaming by as the carriage moved.

The endless plains below shimmered in the moonlight, bathed in silver.

“Look at that constellation…”

Ryandel pointed outside and said.

“Hm~ I don’t know~ Not interested~”

I replied, sinking into the plush cushions.

The stars were beautiful, but after two hours of the same view, boredom set in.

Even the most comfortable and luxurious carriage ride becomes tedious without anything to do.

Rote floated near the ceiling, slowing down and speeding up as she played.

Glacia had been asleep in the corner for a long time.

Her legs twitched occasionally in her sleep, betraying her dreams.

Cecilia sat on my lap, her wings slightly spread, her warmth like a cozy ondol room.

Miel fluttered by the window, basking in the moonlight.

Her blue ice wings sparkled like a small star flying inside the carriage.

“It should take about ten days to reach the Heshet Empire, right?”

Levi asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Just as Ryandel replied, my status window beeped.

『 「Authority – Deathmark」 is now available 』

Ah! Deathmark!

The cooldown is over!

I almost forgot!

My status window even notifies me when the cooldown ends!

What a relief!

My heart raced.

Last time I used this authority, I met Mikel-nim!

And Mikel-nim took care of the demons instantly!

So… if I use this now, can I meet Mikel-nim again?

Excitement surged through me.

Why endure a boring carriage ride for a month and a half when I could spend time with Mikel-nim and return whenever?

“Hehe! I’ll go meet Mikel-nim and come back!”

I exclaimed excitedly.

“Huh? Did you call me?”

Ryandel asked with a confused expression.

Wait… to use this authority, I need to bring someone… but last time it was a demon…

Now, there are no monsters around…

But since Mikel-nim is here, she’ll take care of whoever I bring!

Who should I take? Ryandel? Levi? Or someone from the Ace Quartet?

I glanced at everyone in the carriage.

Ryandel and Levi… but this is an amazing opportunity, so I’d rather take my insect companion who’s been with me longer.

But choosing one might make the others jealous…

Mmm… Miel!

Aha! Miel’s name was inspired by Mikel-nim!

She’s the perfect choice!

Mikel-nim will surely like her!

“Miel, want to go see Miel-nim with me?”

Miel responded to my voice, stopped fluttering, and looked at me.

Curiosity sparkled in her small eyes.

“Miel and I will go see Miel-nim! Deathmark!”

As soon as I shouted, the Deathmark symbol began to appear on Miel’s small head.

On the little butterfly’s head, the Deathmark looked like a tiny crown.

“Huh?”

“What?”

Ryandel and Levi stared at me with wide eyes.

But the authority had already activated.

The symbol completed, and my vision began to spin.

The carriage scene blurred and darkened, and when it cleared, we were in a vast coliseum.

“Hehe! We’re here!”

I exclaimed happily.

Looking around, it was the same coliseum as before.

Tall stands, grand pillars, and a red moon hung in the sky.

Miel, excited by the new sights, fluttered rapidly, exploring the coliseum.

Flutter Flutter!

The sound of her wings echoed faintly in the empty space.

Soon, a secret door on one side of the coliseum began to open.

Golden light spilled out, and a figure emerged from the radiance.

『『『 ᛚᛃᛟᛋ᛫ᛟᚲ᛫ᚠᚱᛁᚦᚱ 【Mikel】 ᛒᛚᛟᚦ᛫ᛟᚲ᛫ᛞᚱᛖᛃᚱᚨ 』』』

Mikel-nim!

She appeared, more beautiful than ever!

Her golden hair, tinged with a bit more pink than before, shimmered in the moonlight, and her thin, flowing attire…

As stunning as ever!

Mikel-nim’s perfect figure was visible through the fabric, and I couldn’t help but blush.

But then, someone else appeared behind her.

『『『 ᛋᛟᛚᚷᚢᚦ 【Solaris】 』』』

Who is that?

Another goddess…

My status window showed the name Solaris.

A woman with fiery red hair, like burning flames, and golden eyes similar to Mikel-nim.

Her name suggested she was the goddess of the sun.

And… her outfit was even more revealing than Mikel-nim’s!

As dazzling as the sun itself!

I didn’t know where to look, overwhelmed by her presence.

Miel, excited by the new sights, fluttered rapidly, staring at the two goddesses.

Who knew a butterfly’s eyes could shine so brightly?

She showed no fear of these divine beings.

“Lycoris! You’re back!”

Mikel-nim approached with a bright smile and hugged me warmly.

Her embrace was so warm and soft.

“Hehe… Mikel-nim…”

I muttered shyly.

“You’re really in heaven…”

Solaris said, sounding incredulous.

“Yes! I really made it! I told you I wasn’t lying!”

Mikel-nim glared at Solaris.

“It’s just… unbelievable…”

Solaris shrugged, looking embarrassed.

It was surprising to see a goddess so flustered.

“Who… is this?”

I asked cautiously, looking at Solaris.

Gulp!

Her size was unbelievable!

“What? Don’t you recognize me?”

“Pfft! Hahaha!”

Mikel-nim burst into laughter.

Her laughter echoed through the coliseum.

‘Thanks to the status window, I know her name, but nothing else…’

I stared at Mikel-nim, hoping she’d explain.

“This is Solaris.”

Mikel-nim said, still chuckling.

“She’s the goddess of the sun. Very famous in the human world. One of the oldest gods, with temples everywhere.”

“Ah, nice to meet you, Solaris-nim!”

I bowed hastily.

From Mikel-nim’s words, she seemed like an important goddess I shouldn’t offend.

The sun’s temples… I thought only the light temples existed…

I should visit a sun temple someday to pray…

“But how did you get here?”

Solaris asked, curious.

“Through the authority Mikel-nim gave me!”

“An authority I gave…?”

Mikel-nim’s face showed confusion.

She tilted her head, looking puzzled.

“Deathmark… Deathmark…”

“Huh?”

Wasn’t this authority from Mikel-nim?

“Ah!”

Mikel-nim suddenly clapped her hands and exclaimed.

“It’s one of my abilities as the new Mikel! Hahaha!”

“Here we go again…”

Solaris sighed, looking tired.

She gazed at Mikel-nim with a mix of exasperation and affection.

“You… because of her, you… um… you were born because of her.”

Solaris said, turning to me.

“Me…?”

‘New Mikel…?’

What does that mean?

Is Mikel-nim upgraded now?

Or is she…?

Flutter Flutter!

Miel fluttered anxiously around me, as if trying to tell me something.

“Oh, look! This one’s name is Miel!”

Mikel-nim noticed Miel and exclaimed.

“Yes! I named her Miel because it’s similar to your name, Mikel-nim!”

“Wow! Really? That’s so sweet of you!”

“Hehe.”

I smiled, glad she liked it.

Mikel-nim’s face lit up with joy.

She behaved like a delighted child, circling around Miel.

Solaris watched us with a mixture of amusement and disbelief.

Miel continued to flutter excitedly, inspecting the two goddesses.

She suddenly flew to my hair and plucked a few strands, flying down to the coliseum floor.

“Ow! Why did you pull my hair?”

I frowned at the sting.

Why the hair?

To my surprise, Miel began writing something on the floor using my hair.

What the…?

She could write?

《Can we go back?》

“Huh?”

Wait a minute…

Mikel-nim seems unaware of how to send us back…

“Mikel-nim, can you send us back?”

“Huh? You returned fine last time, so why not now?”

Mikel-nim asked, confused.

A chill ran down my spine.

‘Is it because one of us has to die to return…?’

Last time, after fighting demons, their death sent us back…

Now, with just Miel and me…

Does that mean we’re trapped here…?