Firefly in the Dungeon

「Fragment IX」Tread, Ashen Desire

Connecting the dot, Elpis asked carefully, ". . . All those marks before―are you planning to put the whole of Orario inside some kind of barrier?"

Alice flinched upon hearing that and stopped. There was a short silence before the girl shook her head, looking a little troubled. ". . . As much, as I wished for it myself, such a lofty ambition, requires more, than a mere, pair of hand.

Creating, a small, sanctuary, is the only one within my grasp."

Which means it is not entirely impossible. Elpis thought silently.

As Alice walked ahead and opened the front door, a sliver of blue darted through the air, and landed right on the girl's shoulder.

"You are bold. Indeed. Bringing a guest this quickly, Alice."

Watching from behind, Elpis smile turned stiff by the bizzare sight. Yet the odd feeling of familiarity coming from the bird makes her innate curiosity remain asking for answer.

"This feeling. . . A Spirit, perhaps?"

"I am. Certainly." the bird answered proudly by spreading its own wing.

Alice giggled along with the antics. "This one's, name, Geūr, Goddess. My unhinged, Spirit companion."

"Pardon?!" the bird chirped in protest.

. . .

"Should we start by giving you my blessing?"

Perched on Alice's staff, Geūr says, "A blessing, it is. . ? Surely. It is interesting to know more about divine grace."

"Honestly, I haven't tried it before. But I do have the knowledge, so bear with me." Elpis said in honesty.

"Nothing disastrous would happen. Surely." Geūr chirped. "We could handle losing a few limbs. Of course."

". . . I don't think receiving Falna would cost that much." the Goddess said wryly.

Half giggling, Alice asked, "That's just Geūr, my Goddess―but mind to tell, what should I prepare beforehand?"

".Do you have anything sharp? A knife will do just fine. . , and a sheet of paper." Epis asked.

"A knife and, paper sheet, it is?" Alice repeated, rummaging through her robe. "Here, Goddess."

Receiving what She needs, Elpis says without warning, "Show me your back, Alice."

"Um. . ?" Alice had a blank look upon hearing the words, but quickly understand the reason. "Ah, my apologies."

. . . I had forgotten. Certainly, Falna was engraved on the back. Alice muttered silently.

Frantically getting the robe undone, Alice lay down and buried her face on the robe, hiding her embarrassment, leaving her small bare back to the Goddess.

Looking at Alice flustered side, Elpis laughed teasingly. "Oh my. . , innocent maiden, are you not?"

"A flower that avoid people is innocent. Of course." Geūr joined.

". . . Spare me, from this, humiliation." Alice muffled voice came out in protest.

While enjoying her children embarrassed appearance, Elpis drew a small cut on Her finger. Blood gathered from the open wound, forming a crimson droplet as the Goddess pressed her hand on the girl's back.

Alice squirmed from the tingling sensation, yet remain quiet. Trying to suppress everything that could bring shame to her pride.

· · ·

. . . Interesting. Elpis thought quietly while trying to engrave her blessing.

It was a process to draw upon the deepest part of one soul, done by the God upon their children.

During the time, the respective God could see a glimpse of truth, the very foundation of a person that makes them as themselves.

Most of the Gods depicted it as a flickering flame, while the others think of them as a spring filled with the person's talent.

. . .Of course, it was merely a metaphor, because even if the Gods tried to explain them, mortal couldn't truly understand what it truly is.

Elpis, as a Goddess in her first experience of giving Falna, could finally understand what those God and Goddesses meant to say. Yet even someone as inexperienced as herself could find something unusual from the trace within Alice's soul, that sets her apart from ordinary people.

From the girl appearance, Elpis had expected a heart still tinged with dreams, or perhaps, aspiration―a flame burning with vigor.

Given Alice's ability alone, Elpis could somewhat understand that the girl has experience behind every step.

Yet Alice soul denied her expectation, because the Goddess find neither the fiery soul of the young, nor the steady flame of the adult, and not even the wise candle of the old. There was nothing but a small glow―an ember quietly burning itself in silent.

Elpis frowned by the sight. She could feel a strong emotions leaking from the seemingly small ember.

. . . No.

It wasn't leaking; It burns willingly with unwavering conviction. But perhaps  because that it does, from Elpis perspective, it seems indifferent to everything around it. Even if it does burn with an obsession too pure that in itself bordering on delusion.

"—Goddess. . ?"

"——!" Elpis gasped as her chest felt tight; She had forgotten to take a breath.

It was only for a moment, glimpse, yet She feels everything clearly.

Knowing that, Elpis feels a little complicated, as if She had stumbled upon something She shouldn't have seen. But as it is coming from her children, the Goddess began to pity and sighed instead.

One the side, Geūr that has been silent watching opened its beak once again. "Was it gone awry? Possibly."

". . . No." Elpis shook her head, as She decided to take a look at the result of her own blessing.

❖ ❖ ❖

Name Alice Silverlight
Level 1

「Status」
Strength : I 0
Endurance : I 0
Dexterity : I 0
Agility : I 0
Magic : I 0

「Magic」
「Fraxinus - Forgotten Hall of Memories」

「Skill」

「Sciens Frenarestringir - Shackles of Wisdom」

「Magia Aestus, Arvora - Blessing of the Ether Spirit」
「Sioraí Ara - Eternal Pledge Under Star Altar」

❖ ❖ ❖

". . . ?"

Once again, the Goddess of Hope was at a loss for words.