ocean-life Case 252: Aris.
Case 252: Aris.
Case 252: Aris.
''This is so nice...''
Under the green leaves, Liana, Emy, and I simultaneously stretch out, feeling the refreshing sensation of being near a tree. For a while, we were forced to live underwater, where little green could be found, so this feels like Heaven.
Understanding our traits, the others tacitly leave us alone, focusing on other things instead.
''So, how do we enter again?''
Tina asks as Luna, our guide, begins to trace her fingers on a certain tree.
''It should be somewhere around this area... oh.''
Eventually, her hand sinks into the tree trunk with a mystical white ripple bursting out of the contacting point. The next moment, a bright door forms on the surface of the tree.
''That's...''
Divine energy. I can recognize that any day.
So, it is true that a deity has constructed this realm. Moreover, I can feel the expertise of the person who made this door. I can't explain it well enough, but the energy architecture of this door, for example, is extremely efficient, unlike the crude way we use divine energy.
After breathing in the freshness once more, I follow everyone else into the door.
Passing through the rift, a slight dizziness hits me, but I soon recover.
Beyond it, though, is... another forest. Honestly, it's not much different from the one earlier, but what can I say...
''Why are they so big...?''
The trees are too big and tall. Like, really, I can't even see their peaks.
''Due to space limitations, we decided to grow them slightly bigger for housing as well.'' Luna enthusiastically explains. ''We can't give up trees no matter what, you see.''
''You call this 'slightly' bigger...?'' I stare at her in absolute absurdity.
Though, I can't deny that they do feel nice to be around. Too nice, in fact. Is this an addiction?
''...''
Peeking at my two elven girlfriends, I see their faces melting as if climaxing. Yeah, this is an addiction.
Following Luna's steps, we eventually arrive at a cluster of trees where basic living infrastructure is neatly lined up, surrounding giant trees that are hollowed for housing. At first glance, I see around two or three dozen houses, so I guess their population is around a hundred—if they don't have futas.
''Mar, stop punching the tree...''
''Hah... hah... you don't understand, July. This is the only way I can get stronger!''
''...You do realize the tree will hate you if you do this, right?''
''Everyone, please gather.''
Luna gently asks, placing a wooden box on the table. If I'm not wrong, she does seem a bit... restless.
''Before you proceed with your second trial... I have something to confess.'' She says, her ears drooping slightly. ''During your contact, you must have been curious about me.''
Suddenly, the atmosphere turns solemn. I more or less have an idea of who she is, but the others clearly don't. At least, I appreciate them for not pushing Luna and me to speak.
''It's not that hard to guess, really.'' Liana lets out a quiet sigh. ''Astrology is a field relating to the divine, and someone as competent as you... must not be ordinary.''
''I agree.'' Sariel nods her head. ''And it is quite concrete considering this realm's existence.''
Luna forces out an awkward laugh.
''I wasn't meant to deceive you or hide anything, but... I suppose we didn't have a proper chance to talk.''
''It's fine. The important thing is that you are willing to now. We're party members, so trust is important.''
Holy hell, is someone as crude as Liana actually soothing other people? Is this the power of beauty?
''Right, trust...''
'''' ... ''''
''Anyway, my identity, was it?'' Luna snaps back. ''As you have predicted, I am what you would call a goddess—a deity. More specifically... I'm what's left of a deity.''
...That sounds remarkably ominous. She won't disappear after a while or something, right?
''Long before the era where Eva began to reign over Aria, there existed another civilization. Humanity prospered, and a goddess was eventually born—Aris, Goddess of Stars and Moon. They spent thousands of years in peace. However... at some point, tragedy struck.''
''Dark Fantasia...'' Someone mutters.
''They... no. We failed to defend against the great evil.''
A heavy silence hangs in the room. Because we've pretty much experienced the most difficult period inside the virtual world, we know how devastating it is. And... it's going to be the same this time around if we fail.
It's not about suffering a great defeat. It's extinction—a hard reset.
That was what likely happened since no record of a civilization worshipping Aris was found in historical documents.
Before I know it, sparkling tears begin to fall out of Luna's eyes. When I try to wipe them, Luna shakes her head and pushes me away instead. She smiles. Apologetically.
''I failed to protect my people.''
It is as if she is saying that someone like her shouldn't deserve it. Her tone was... infinitely sad.
''Knowing that, only I selfishly persisted. Only I remained in the world, cursed to bear this sin for millenniums. Enduring it wasn't easy. It was painful. It was hard. But I didn't have the right to complain. I have to make it right. ''
''Please, my destined ones. Help me atone for my sin by expelling those repulsive creatures.''