As the silhouette of the Goddess of water materialize from condensed droplet of water consolidate into a solid form, the pressure boring down on the surroundings only grew stronger.
The trees swayed slightly as the once steady stream of water undulated roughly from the powerful pressure.
The lesser spirits that had yet to gain full self-awareness fluttering around suddenly became energetic, they subconsciously drew closer to the avatar of the Goddess of water.
"Our Goddess…"
The high priestess, Catalina lowered her head in reverence. Stream of tears could be seen trickling down her cheeks, glistening at the corners of her beautiful, gem-like eyes. They weren't from a sense of sorrow, but genuine joy.
Even though the high priestesses of each generation could communicate with the Goddess through telepathy to a certain extent, it was very rare for the Goddesses to respond to them.
In fact, it had been several years since a priestess last had the honour of communicating with the Goddess.
Although she didn't express it outwardly, she had been greatly surprised when she had received the order to bring the hero to this place.
The Goddess of water took on a human form. Her long waist length blue coloured hair falling down to her slim waist, and her gorgeous eyes were enchanting.
A dress woven from blue silk wrapped around her figure. Her beauty was truly remarkable.
"So, this is the Goddess of water, Aqua?"
Katsumi did her best to stay on her feet as she endured the presence of the Goddess of water. Her midnight black eyes studied the woman before her.
Aside from the presence she gave off, she seemed no different from a small young girl in her mid-teens.
However, Katsumi felt her breath taken away from how beautiful the Goddess was, she felt as though she could be the most perfect being in terms of physical appearance.
"… Hero who have travelled across worlds, your presence honours me. I am grateful you answered my summoning. And you, Priestess of the Sacred Church, bearer of our voice and guide of the faithful—know that you have my deepest gratitude."
The Goddess of water, Aqua said, her beautiful melodious voice could soothe the soul.
"So, you were the one who brought me to this world, I don't remember ever answering any summoning of yours."
Katsumi said bluntly. It was quite a rude way of speaking towards a sacred Goddess who was worshipped by the humans of the world, but Katsumi's status as the summoned hero was enough to warrant that.
Although she hadn't expressed her true feelings openly, she still felt some annoyance about her situation.
Since neither the king nor the princess were the ones who had summoned her here, she couldn't bring herself to criticize them.
But now that she was before the one responsible, she could express her dissatisfaction.
"H-Hero?"
The high priestess, Catalina reacted to Katsumi's harsh words with a flinch. The Goddess of water, however, merely showed a somewhat troubled smile in response to Katsumi's glare.
The summoning magic randomly chose the one fated to become the chosen hero by reacting to those who were the most compatible to the elemental Goddesses and their respective elements.
Either way, it didn't change the fact that they had abducted the children who became the chosen heroes.
She had naturally expected to be criticize to a certain extent when she arrived here. Her glossy lips twisted into a sadden smile.
"I already know the reason you summoned us here, but I'd like to ask you one thing before you explain the reason for requesting to lady Catalina for bringing me here, may I?"
"Go ahead."
The Goddess, Aqua nodded as she waited for Katsumi's next words, she seemed very patient and composed, there was not the slightest hint of indignation on her otherworldly countenance at all.
"Is it possible for me to go back, I had my own life back on earth that was unfairly taken from me. Since you brought me here, I suppose you can also send me back, yes?"
Katsumi took a breath as she asked, her eyes filled with expectation. After a moment of silence, the Goddess of water, Aqua lips parted as she replied.
"Indeed, it is possible for me to send you back to your own world. The method of summoning an individual from another world here is extremely difficult and complex. Furthermore, it requires a stupendous amount of mana and magic power control. It's generally impossible for a human sorcerer to perform such feats, but as long as I know the exact coordinates, it is an easy feat for us to send you back to your own world."
The Goddess of water said, reassuring her. The atmosphere she exuded was both warm and friendly, making her seem very approachable.
As a Goddess who embodies the gentle flow of water, Aqua was generally one of the most compassionate among the Goddesses. Although she does bicker with the Goddess of flame, Aetna, those were merely friendly bantering.
Katsumi heaved a breath of relief when she heard the words she had expected to hear. The tension in her shoulders loosening up slightly.
She honestly thought it would be some cliché where those summoned here would be stuck without a method home.
"We were the ones who had unreasonably summoned you all here, to our world, we are not shameless enough to bring you all over and leave you here without away back home, the heroes that were summoned three hundred years ago reacted the same, and we did sent them back to their homes after they sealed the demon god, Lucifer."
She explained apologetically. There was a tinge of undisguised lamentation in her voice.
(Well… The ones who were fortunate enough to stay alive until the very end, that is.)
For a brief moment, there was a smear of sadness in her eyes. Katsumi and Catalina didn't seem to notice that moment of sorrow.
It seemed she was truly penitent about bringing the heroes into the conflict with the demon god, Lucifer. It made it difficult for Katsumi to express her displeasure so blatantly, her angry glare faltering slightly.
"I see… In that case can I request you send me back after accomplishing whatever purpose you had for summoning me here?"
"Of course, I, the Goddess Aqua, swear that I shall send you back home once the dangers had been taken care of, I'll make it my own responsibility."
The Goddess, Aqua swore gently. At those words, the troubles weighing on her heart finally lesson.
"Now then, can we move onto why I came here?"
With the matters of Katsumi's request settled, Aqua coughed, and finally move onto why she descended here. She directed a fixed stare towards the high Priestess, Catalina and opened her mouth.
"I suspect you already know, don't you?"
"Y-Yes, I had a vision, the demon god will return to the world after being sealed for three hundred years. I don't know the exact time he will appear, but…"
"It's already began… The seal has already started weakening. His miasma is already starting to fill the world even now. Sooner or later, demonic beast will appear, born from its dark aura. The wild animals will also be contaminated from the negative effects of the miasma as well, becoming wild, mindless demonic beast."
As she spoke, Aqua's otherworldly face darkened from worry. The elemental Goddesses were naturally concerned about the appearance of demonic creatures that would be appearing due to the miasma.
The demon god, Lucifer already had an immeasurable number of demonic forces in his sealed army, each of them so powerful that even the elemental Goddesses could not ignore them.
There were many other powerful and ancient beings that still existed in the world today, leaving aside the military forces of the various nations scattered across the continent.
There are other powerful forces that could potentially lend their assistant, and those were the high-ranking spirits that once accompanied the God of creation.
Unfortunately, the elemental Goddesses had long since ignored the affairs of the mortal world. And thus, there was no knowing their current location in the world.
"Perhaps the elven queen, lady Dryad could also help, or maybe… The black serpent of the apocalypse, but that woman isn't easily able to be controlled. Ever since she fell into a deep sleep, she hadn't showed any sign of awakening since then."
The Goddess, Aqua muttered to herself, thinking about the various existences who could be potential allies. When she thought of the black serpent of the apocalypse she exhaled a slight sigh.
The black serpent was a legendary ancient creature also known as the 'gluttony' for her insatiable hunger.
During the time of the ancient she had devoured countless empires before falling into a deep slumber, ultimately becoming forgotten through the passage of time.
It was an extremely enigmatic beast, it does not operate based on logic or reasoning, it merely followed its natural instincts, which was to devour.
But it's more bothersome and terrifying ability was its poisonous breath capable of affecting a wide area, and its unique ability to petrify its targets upon making eye contact.
It also had the ability to manipulate poisonous flames, and it could easily manipulate the earth.
They were beings that don't operate under the laws of the world unlike the inhabitants of this world.
As the God of creation didn't openly participate in battle himself, he had created various artificial existences as his own army instead.
Most of which had disappeared after his death, particularly, the divine executioners, mechanized angelic beings who were like the blade of heaven themself.
Their duties are to protect the realms created by the God of creation. However, after his death, they became inactive and stopped functioning, their cores lost and forgotten.
Those ancient beings are known as the Nullborns. Excluding the ancient Gods of old time, the Nullborns were existences who stood at the pinnacle of strength, specializing in their own field of power.
They were also created by the God of creation as well. Among the Nullborns there was the dragon lord, the vampire king, and the mermaid princess.
They hadn't participated in the war three hundred years ago due to their own disinterestedness.
They each had enough strength to shatter the world with ease, with their immense power, such wars weren't enough to gain their attention.
Originally, the demon god, Lucifer and the white empress were also considered Nullborns as well, before they abandoned their titles.
They generally only take orders from the God of creation himself, but after his death, they ultimately went their own separate ways, disappearing from history.
The black serpent was considered to be the most dangerous among the Nullborns.
(The only one who would be willing to lend a hand is the dragon lord, Lyra.)
Aqua thought to herself inwardly, finding her general location shouldn't be too difficult with how destructive her nature was.
"Hm, the black serpent? What is that!? It doesn't sound like a creature we could ally with."
Katsumi had overheard her muttering and expressed her concern from the intimidating name.
"Hehe, you don't have to be concern, I doubt that beast would willingly help us in this situation anyway."
The Goddess, Aqua gently brushed away soft strands of her blue hair as she chuckled gracefully, her facial features loosing up from her smile.
(Maybe that annoying emperor could also lend his assistance as well, but I honestly would rather ignore him if necessary.)
Aqua thought inwardly, the God of creation had created various high-ranking monsters who were powerhouses in their own right, the Nullborns were only among the few such existences. But leaving aside the matter of locating them—
There was also the matter of the primordial energy weakening the seal, which concern her.
Primordial energy was the most primal, most dangerous energy in the vast cosmos.
So far no one had been able to manipulate such energy, even her master and creator, the God of creation, hadn't been able to manipulate such energy in the past.
(It definitely hadn't appeared here naturally. Primordial energy only exists at the chaotic sea, at the outer edge of the universe. Someone must've brought it here, but who?)
She pondered various possibilities but ultimately sighed in the end.
"The more pressing matter right now is the miasma contaminating the world."
Aqua pressed, her brow furrowing into a slight frown.
(I'll have to find a way to slow down the primordial energy devouring the seal to slow down its effects, but doing so would also lure out the one responsible for bringing such energy here. And getting rid of it won't be easy.)
Currently, the only one with the capabilities of purifying the miasma is the white empress, but after the God of creation disappeared, she lost the precious gift he gave her, and ultimately, she lost interest in the mortal world.
Even if the world is filled with miasma she most probably won't descend from her own world, at least not until Lucifer arrives. With her hatred for him, she would only appear once he is freed from the seal.
"Either way, it is difficult for us to accurately predict when the seal will break. For now, let's find a way to deal with the current situations."
The Goddess, Aqua spoke, her voice strained.
"Is there no way to deal with the miasma once affected?"
Catalina's brow furrowed as she asked, her sapphire-like eyes filled with concern.
"Unfortunately, there isn't. Only Lucina is capable of such a feat."
Aqua explained as she heaved a sigh.
"Lucina? Who is that?"
Katsumi asked, curiously.
"You'd know her as the white empress, isn't that how you all refer to her?"
Aqua said with a cute tilt of her head.
"… I see, so her name is Lucina, do you know where she is, is there a way to ask her to take care of the miasma?"
Catalina asked, her voice carried a sense of urgency about the situation.
"That's impossible, even for us, that woman currently isn't physically in this world, she lives in a completely different dimension. Although, connected, even with our divine senses finding her exact location in space is an impossible task."
"Couldn't summoning magic work?"
Katsumi muttered as she stared at the Goddess of water, Aqua. If they could summon individuals from completely different worlds over to this one, couldn't they also summon someone from other dimensions over to this world as well?
Indeed, if it was possible to summon someone across worlds, then logically speaking, it should be possible to summon someone across dimensions, if following the same logic, but as expected, even the miracles of the elemental Goddesses is never that easy.
"No, the summoning magic circle is completely random, and even if it could, summoning someone as powerful as her would be an arduous task, she could even resist the summoning if she wanted."
(And summoning someone like her without prior warning could easily be considered as an offense.)
Aqua thought without expressing those words out loud.
"So, there is nothing we can currently do about the miasma, is that right?"
Katsumi inquired. She was somewhat annoyed about the lack of solutions.
"That's right, and that's why… We need the help of you heroes."
Aqua stared at Katsumi with a stern expression, those beautiful blue eyes of hers were filled with such intensity that it made Katsumi uncomfortable to maintain eye contact, she awkwardly adverted her eyes.
"What do you want us to do?"
"… I want you to find the other remaining heroes and grow stronger. Currently, you have only tapped into a fraction of your powers, your divine weapon is special, they contain unfathomable powers, enough power to overturn the mere concept of power itself. I will transfer some information about the weapon onto you. You heroes must master them in preparations for the return of the demon god and his demonic army."
The Goddess, Aqua uttered sternly, with a seemingly graceful movement, she closed the distance to Katsumi.
Her long, waist length wavy blue hair swayed gently behind her. As she drew closer, she softly placed her finger on Katsumi's forehead.
"Don't resist, you'll experience a slight headache, but it will only be for a single second."
Aqua drew closer as she whispered.
"Ngh… Guh…."
At that moment, Katsumi's body shuddered, numerous information entered her head one after another like a violent flood.
The information was vast as the deep ocean, they were mostly information about her divine weapon, techniques and the best way to use it.
However, this information was only the tip of the iceberg, she'd have to discover the full potential of her weapon herself, Aqua was only granting her more knowledge above its basic use.
Meanwhile, a few distant away, the spirit of wind, Alya had blended in with the wind, entering an ethereal state and suppressing her spirit aura. She hid between a canopy of trees several meters away.
To those around her, it was as if she doesn't exist, all presence, and traces had disappeared from the physical world, as if she was now in another plane.
(As expected, even those Goddesses are troubled about the miasma… Those heroes will most likely become more active in the world.)
She thought to herself. The situation was no joke, considering the demon god, Lucifer had stolen the world core from the white empress, his strength had increased stupendously.
In the beginning both the demon god and the white empress were equal in strength, but now the scale had tipped onto the favour of the demon god.
When the previous heroes sealed the demon god three hundred years ago, it was mostly due to his own arrogance and over confidence. Not to mentioned, he hadn't fully assimilated with the worldly core, but…
(It had been three hundred years since then; it wouldn't be surprising if he has already gained some form of mastery over the world core. It may not be possible to seal him the same way again.)
As she thought that, Alya narrowed her eyes.
(Perhaps I should make contact with the hero, it wouldn't hurt to exchange information with her. Not to mention, I'm sure Haruto would be interested in meeting her considering they came from the same world.)
Alya's lips curled upwards into a slight smile as she observed the situation before her. More and more information entered Katsumi's head, in her memories, she learnt about various ancient magic spells, she also learnt about various powerful individuals who were once active during the era of the God of creation.
"Once all the information successfully stabilizes with your mind, you should be fine."
The Goddess, Aqua said, her body was becoming transparent and illusory, she had used up all of her time here.
"… You want me to meet these individuals in my memory?"
"Yes, the heroes' strength alone might not be enough this time. To win you'd also need the help of those few as well."
"I see… And once all of this is over, you'll keep your words and send me back, won't you?"
"Yes, I swear to the highest heaven, I will."
The Goddess, Aqua said as her figure dissipated into droplets of water.
"…"
There was no way of knowing whether or not the Goddess would actually keep her words, but aside from a verbal agreement, there was nothing else she could do. For a brief moment, there was a look of frustration on Katsumi's face.
She sighed gently as she held onto the katana at her waist. She gently unsheathes the beautiful blade of the katana, her divine weapon which she gave the name Mizukiri no Kami, which was translated to 'God of water cutting' in Japan. The blade gleaming beneath the rays of the artificial sun.
"Lady Catalina, before I go back to the royal palace, I'd like to take a stroll in town to clear my head."
Katsumi said as the hand grasping her sword trembled. Catalina observed Katsumi carefully, her gentle blue eyes was filled with concern.
"Are you sure you'll be, okay?"
Catalina asked sternly, wondering alone in the capital can be extremely dangerous, especially if one was wondering around unaware.
"Yes, I'll be fine."
"… I see, in that case go ahead."
(I'll ask the royal knights to secretly observe her from a safe distant.)
Catalina gave her agreement while secretly making preparation in case something happened.
…
Several minutes later. Somewhere in the capital of Albanian city, a young black-haired Japanese beauty could be seen among the gathered crowd with her hair tied into a long single ponytail with a white ribbon was wondering around.
Her fairy-like beauty making her stand out, as many could be seen gazing at her, even from afar.
However, Katsumi ignores all the stares from her surroundings, her eyes glancing at the surrounding scenery from time to time.
Despite the late hour, the district was still bustling with various activities.
The streets were dimly lit by the illumination of the magical artificial lighting. Sounds of cheers could be heard from various stalls, the clink of alcohol and the laughter of drunks rang out.
Unfortunately, in her current state, she was unable to enjoy such scenery, her eyes were clouded with various thoughts. It was already late in the afternoon, as the sky was dyed a scarlet red.
A pleasant breeze caresses her skin, it ruffled her white dress as soft strands of her long black hair flutter gracefully, as she strolls through the polished marbled streets.
The scent of freshly baked bread from one of the local markets drifted through her nose.
The hero, Katsumi seemed to be pondering, or perhaps sorting out her feelings, multiple memories flashes through her mine occasionally, she saw people familiar yet unfamiliar to her.
"Sigh, gaining memories so suddenly is truly annoying."
She muttered bitterly to herself, as her feet came to a sudden halt, her refined facial features twisting slightly as she bit her lips. An indescribable emotion seems to rose up within her modest chest, it was a mixture of impatience and anxiety, truly a multitude of negative emotions.
"Oya, you'll ruined that pretty face of yours if you make that kind of unladylike expression, you know."
From behind Katsumi a soft, yet bewitching voice rang out. Startled, Katsumi whirled around and subconsciously grasp the hilt of her katana, Mizukiri no Kami.
However, her beautiful gem-like eyes widened when she saw the figure who had appeared.
It was a woman of otherworldly beauty, somewhat different from the Goddess, Aqua.
She seems transparent as though she could disappear at any moment. But her physical body was in a materialized state.
The woman had long waist length green hair, and her big, bright eyes were like emerald gemstone.
"You are… The wind spirit, Alya?"
"Oh, you are already aware of my existence."
Alya raised an eyebrow of her name being called.
But when she considered that the Goddess of water had transfer memories onto her, she felt it was natural.
"… There is no need to be afraid, hero."
Alya said playfully with a soft chuckle.
"I'm not scared."
Katsumi retorted to Alya's playful words.
"Heh, lying to me is impossible, you know. Spirits are very sensitive to the emotions of others, especially high-ranking spirits like me. We are capable of sensing even the hidden intention of those around us to a certain extent."
She explained nonchalantly.
Spirits were cautious creatures to begin with, due to their cautious behaviour, they were very sensitive to emotions and the feelings of other living creatures. They tend to be picky with whom they form soul contracts with.
If an individual was filled with negative emotions, they would normally never show themselves openly and stay away.
"…. Which is why, I can sense the emotions of frustration and fear coming from you. Frustration for not being able to go back home, and fear from having the title of hero forced upon you, I assume?"
"…"
Katsumi's rosy lips tremble slightly from Alya's accurate analysis, subconsciously holding her breath as her thoughts were seen through. Alya's lips curled up into a slight smile as she observed Katsumi's distraught expression.
"Well, then hero, why don't we have a little chat."
Alya closed the distance as she spoke. Her graceful smile alluring.
….
At the same time, elsewhere in the forest…
The forest lay in a hush, wrapped in the dimming light of the setting sun. Long shadows stretched between the trees, their twisted limbs silhouetted against a sky bleeding orange and violet.
A faint golden glow filtered through the thinning canopy, flickering like dying embers on the mossy ground.
The air was cool and still, touched by the earthy scent of damp leaves and bark. As the sun sank lower, the forest seemed to exhale, its edges growing soft and shadowed, the quiet deepening with every passing moment.
Swoosh!
At that moment, a pale blue light streak across the forest along with the sound of roaring thunder.
Upon closer inspection, two lights flickered across the forest at blinding speeds. Their flashes illuminating the forest. Each time they clash, and their paths intersected, the sounds of screeching metal rang out as sparks flew.
Two figures moved around rapidly, a young boy with slightly long black hair billowing in the wind as he swung his sword.
Clang!
A young beastkin with nine fox tails parried the blade of his sword of a swing of her ice sword, she moved swiftly and gracefully, like a beautiful dance.
"Hehe, amazing, master you truly have remarkable talent in wielding the sword. And it was a brilliant idea to use her coat which has the unique ability to absorb energy to serve as a catalyst for your lightning acceleration."
Such words of praise came a young beauty with long, flowing length silver hair which shimmered like ethereal moonlight, the silver fox beastkin, Nikita.
"Aah… It's all thanks to you, Nikita. While watching you, I was able to figure out a method of using the lightning element to enhance my speed, though temporarily."
Haruto replied, scratching his cheeks sheepishly.
"But even then, seeing it and implementing it into your combat style is anything but simple."
Nikita responded, her ruby eyes sparkling with glee.
"Next we should try physical body enhancement. Since your human body is still too weak to handle lightning in its purest form, you should strengthen your physical body as much as possible."
Nikita stared at Haruto closely as she explained. The reason Haruto could accelerate to such speed is through the use of lightning, which supercharged his body with propulsion energy to move quickly.
Unfortunately, the amount of electric energy he could use at a time is greatly limited, and after use his skin would burn from each use.
As a beastkin, Nikita could imbue ice or lightning to her physical body without issues, but that wasn't the same for Haruto's human body.
"… Right, having to cast healing magic or healing spirit arts between use would leave openings for others to take advantage of, and neglecting my injuries would only wear down my physical body."
In that case, what he needed to do now was find away, to imbue himself with the natural elements without consequences. For now, he was using his coat to store electric energy needed for acceleration.
Doing so reduces the burden of him taking on the energy himself, but he would still suffer injuries whenever he coated himself in electricity to amplify his speed.
(Mm, lightning is already so hard to control, if my concentration were to falter, I'd risk electrocuting myself.)
Haruto pondered ways he could use the lightning to his favour; the increase speed would give him the edge in a frontal clash.
"Alya what do you think?"
Alya was a spirit that specialized in wind manipulation spirit arts, but she was a high-ranking spirit nevertheless, her knowledge and experience were most valuable. However…
"…"
Alya did not respond to him. In fact, she was nowhere to be seen at all.
(Hm, when did she leave?)
He wondered to himself, confused.
"The sun is starting to set, let's rest before heading back."
Nikita suggested as she parched her throat with her water bottle, taking cute sips. Haruto sat beneath a large, towering tree and glanced around the surrounding scenery.
"… Have you seen where Alya had gone?"
He was so engrossed in training that he hadn't notice when she had left.
"No, humph, that little vixen must've gotten bored and wondered away."
Nikita huffed as she responded. Alya didn't seem very interested in participating in their training, in actuality, she wasn't fond of fighting unless necessary, after observing and confirming Haruto's current abilities in handling spirit arts, she had most likely lost interested at some point, as the training veered into swordmenship instead.
"… Most likely, we have been training for a long time, I'll try reaching out to her through telepathy—"
"Master!"
Nikita's fox ears suddenly stood up, as she turned her gazed towards the direction of the southern mountains. Perhaps sensing her agitation, Haruto furrowed his brow in doubt.
"Is something wrong?"
"… Y-Yes, something is heading towards the direction of the city, I hear the cries of beast!"
Nikita explained, her voice cracking with undisguised anxiety.
….
Meanwhile, a few thousand kilometres away from the kingdom of Albanian, in the southernmost mountainous region…
ROOOAAR!
Several large flying demonic beasts, including demonic dragons were currently flying at a tremendous speed, unthinkable for their large bodies. With dull, empty eyes, they howled into the starless night sky.
The sheer size and mass of their colossal monstrous bodies easily dwarfing the trees in their paths as they cast large, towering shadows.
Fierce howling storm-like wind was generated as they beat their massive wings that blotted out the turbulent sky.
In their path of trajectory was the kingdom of Albanian a few hundred kilometres away.
Unprecedented danger loomed over the Albanian kingdom.