Firefly in the Dungeon

「Fragment VIII」Third Step, The Intangible String

". . . Indeed." A voice replied to her. Sweetly soft and serene, it was a feminine voice that could trance every being.

Alice reveal her smile in response, slowly lowered her arm while remain calm. Before long, a gorgeous figure revealed themself under the dim moonlight.

She, was dressed in a rather simple robe, a chiton made of pure white silk, yet in the contrast of it, a black shawl wrapped around her shoulders, while a long light blue hair flows unrestrained like a waterfall.

Tickled by a familiar feeling of divinity, Alice noticed. She is one of Goddesses.

. . . Rather, it would be quite hard not to tell. Because, She has yet to suppress that divine aura, creating a rather strong impression similar to that of blazing bonfire.

As Alice gaze remain directed to the starry sky, the unknown Goddess moved closer toward her.

"May I. . ?" the unknown Goddess gestured, pointing toward the empty bench beside Alice.

"Um, by your wish." Alice answered politely, followed by a complete silence; trying to hide the fact that she is still nervous to meet a divine being.

Despite this, a few minutes after the unknown Goddess sat beside the girl, the word that was exchanged between the them is practically zero. Turning it into a heavy silence for the girl.

Unable to endure much longer, Alice brace herself and awkwardly took the initiative, ". . . It is, a splendid night, to gaze, upon the star. Yet, what circumstance, has brought, such a Goddess, to grace me with, a divine presence. . ?"

But as she finished speaking, Alice suddenly froze. Her brows furrowed uncontrollably with the desire to facepalm. It was her own habit to be on guard while she is nervous, but as a result, her mannerism turns rigid.

On the other side, surprised by the disparities between Alice's speech and her appearance, the Goddess blinked a few times, before She finally take a better look at the girl.

Interesting. I wonder where did she come from with that kind of etiquette. Giving Alice a side glance, the Goddess then says, "To your doubt, please take it as nothing but a mere curiosity. Because it is peculiar, don't you think?

. . . To find someone outside, while everyone is afraid even to leave their window open. Yet a girl like yourself is brave enough to stargaze alone."

"In all, honesty, Goddess, my presence, is not to be, noticed." Alice replied with a troubled smile.

As if the Goddess could foreseen Alice answer, She continues unabated, "Is it because of those subtle layer made of magic? They do conceal yourself well, I must say, yet one of them gave it away."

Alice tilted her head as a response, obviously lacking any clue. "May I know, which is. . ?"

"The one that target the others instead of only covering yourself. It isn't as effective against someone with a strong minds, one of which is the Gods. At least for me, it feels like someone breathing closely to the neck." the Goddess replied patiently.

That one? I had assumed that it wouldn't be a problem, since I failed to notice any reaction from my brief encounter with Goddess Astraea. . . She hide it, so it seems. the girl thought for a moment. "I apologize, for my rudeness."

"I don't mind." She denied. Withdrawing Her attention from Alice, the Goddess gaze fall upon the gigantic tower of Babel. "This city with danger below us, what did you seek?"

Hearing that question, Alice didn't answer immediately, seemingly fall into thought while the Goddess put await.

"I myself. . , was not certain, dear Goddess," Alice finally answered. She chose to speak the truth, knowing it would cause no harm. A lie, on the other hand, might be harmful, especially in the presence of someone capable of discerning it.