As the fairies that had wanted to sparkle alongside me began to swarm, I gradually began to understand what the power of "Embrace" truly meant.
"Embrace" means to hold someone close. It is about comforting them, no matter who they are, and making them release any lingering grudges or resentments, all while nurturing them with your warmth.
To put it more specifically, think back to the purification miracle I performed in the Fairy Forest.
The act of enveloping the fairies, who had been tainted by darkness for centuries, in that miracle and returning them to their original forms was an act of "Embrace."
‘No matter how I think about it, I don’t feel like I’m suited for this power.’
The fairies, now freed from their dark forms, were darting across the land, scattering starlight everywhere. Their presence, as described by their own vocabulary, was truly sparkling. They had likely lived with that same radiance for all these years.
Now I understand why people were so often charmed by fairies.
<Why do you think so?>
‘Because I don’t seem like the type to fit with "Embrace," right?’
How could someone like me, who enjoys teasing, mocking, and stomping on others' weaknesses, ever fit with something as pure as "Embrace"?
<Why don’t you try telling that to your friends? You’d get an interesting reaction.>
‘Well, they’re precious to me, so...’
<Hmm. You’re not quick to admit it, are you? Then let me ask you this: What about your compassion, which you can’t even shake, for Lina and the Goddess’ apostles? Even when they’ve done horrible things, you still haven’t cast them off!>
‘That’s not compassion, it’s resignation.’
It’s the only way I can deal with these perverted idiots who enjoy being hated!
If it were up to me, I wouldn’t want anything to do with these kinds of people! Who would want to be involved with such perverts!?
<...I’m sorry.>
‘It’s fine, I know.’
<Well, then, ask those who you've helped. No one would say that you’re far from "Embrace.">
Maybe... I think. But as I considered asking, I realized it would be hard to even bring it up, so I scratched my head.
"Lady Alrn, what’s the consumption process like when using the divine power?"
"...For a bug, you’re rather clean about it."
I couldn’t say there wasn’t any consumption. Accepting their darkness and turning it into light had been quite taxing on my already exhausted body.
Thankfully, since they had regained their fairy nature, I was able to make them sparkle again. If I had tried to "embrace" them the first time I visited the Fairy Forest, I might have collapsed again.
"Well then, let’s stop here for practice."
"You don’t want to see Lady Alrn collapsing, do you?"
The perverted apostle cleverly persuaded the fairies with a smile and approached me.
"Once your body is recovered, I recommend testing the limits of the power of "Embrace." Divine powers are conceptual, so you don’t need to limit yourself."
So, imagination is key, huh? But that’s no problem! Unlike you guys who only know this fantasy world, I’ve come from a world with vast modern knowledge!
"How did the conversation go, Your Majesty?"
While I was thinking proudly, Erginus looked up and asked.
"...It went well, just as you mentioned."
The Fairy Queen said it went well, but her voice was tinged with a faint tremor.
Her smile, which was always bright, was nowhere to be seen now. She couldn’t even force a smile.
As I stared at her face, which struggled to hold back tears, Erginus moved toward her.
"I’m sorry, Your Majesty. Because of the burden I placed on you, the fairies’ wings..."
"No, no. That’s not it. It’s just... just that the past scenes came to mind."
The Fairy Queen said she was merely gazing at the fairies, shining in white light, which reminded her of the past. Erginus’ expression grew bitter.
No matter the process, it was Erginus who had darkened the Fairy Queen’s wings. He must be carrying some guilt—how pitying.
"We just conducted a test of the divine power bestowed upon Lady Alrn. If used well, the fairies might even regain their white wings."
"...Erginus."
Before I could intervene with more frustrating words, the Fairy Queen cut him off in a cold voice.
Her voice, which had just been filled with sadness, now hardened into sharp eyes, piercing Erginus.
"It’s something my people and I chose."
At the Queen’s words, the fairies expressed their discontent, and Erginus panicked, waving his hands.
This guy hasn’t changed at all, even after becoming a god. The Fairy Queen must have it hard.
After being bombarded for a while, Erginus finally crumbled, and the Fairy Queen returned to her usual bright smile as she approached me.
Her expression shifted in an instant. It seemed to match a dark queen more than a fairy.
"My apologies for the delay in greetings, my hero and champion."
Huh... What? Hero? Champion? Why is she calling me that?
Shouldn’t that title go to that perverted mage lying there?
"I would like to dedicate everything to you, but since I already have a contractor in my life, I can’t."
No. That... What is she saying? It’s fine. I don’t need all of that.
The reason I got involved in this whole thing was my selfish desire to grow taller after making a miracle and to find a new dungeon. If you start talking about grand blessings, I’ll want to run away!
Come to think of it, why haven’t I grown taller yet!? After making a miracle like this, isn’t it normal to grow at least an inch!?
Ugh, useless god! What is going on here?! Explain yourself!
"I’d love to tell you to keep the fairy you desire by your side, but it seems you already have three fairies with you."
These three? Well, they are a little strange.
Aside from their cute appearances, they remind me of those lost fools or perverted apostles.
Even now, while other fairies have returned to their black wings, these three are still running around me, talking nonsense about sparkling.
Updat𝓮d from frёewebnoѵēl.com.
"Even so, I suppose if I were to share my power with you now, it would only be a hindrance."
What?! No!? That’s not it! I desperately need that skill! I have to receive it just to understand what kind of blessings the Fairy Queen holds!
"Then, I will take on the role of the fairy in the old tales. After all, it’s always the fairy’s role to guide the hero to where they must go, right?"
The Fairy Queen clasped her hands together and closed her eyes. She sang a song. It was a poem meant to guide the hero to where they were destined.
After the Queen’s prayer-like words ended, I reflected on the song I had just heard.
The paladins who served the gods were probably referring to Grandpa. The mace I hold is likely something he left behind.
The magicians’ legacy would be the dolls buried underground.
The knights’ legacy is likely the records in Garad’s castle.
I get that part. I’ve seen it in the game at least once.
But what is the warrior’s hope?
I’ve never seen anything like that before!?
And why is the explanation so unnecessarily grand?
The hope placed in a place even fairies couldn’t reach!? My inner middle schooler is freaking out over this!
Just as I eagerly awaited more clues, a notification sound brushed against my ear.
[Quest has been updated!]
A quest? I’ve received a new quest!?
[The Legacy Left by the Warrior.] [The one who has gained the right to fulfill the legacy left by the newly born hero and the regrets of past sages. Take hold of the ancient legacy and move toward hope. Challenge the end of a long story.] [Obtain Luel’s Mace! (Success)] [Be recognized by the dolls left by Erginus! (In progress) (2/4)] [Obtain the Memo in Garad’s Castle! (In progress)] [Reach the location of the Warrior’s Corpse! (In progress)] [Reward: Blooming of the Warrior’s Soul.]
Wow!
What is this?! So unnecessarily grand!
This reeks of a main quest!
It feels like the hidden true ending that hasn’t appeared for years in the failed game!
As I looked at the quest window with gleaming eyes, I tapped my lips and pictured the continent's map in my mind.
I don’t need to think about anything else. The places already covered in the game are done. Now, the only thing I need to focus on is the Warrior’s Corpse!
Let’s start by thinking of places I couldn’t access in the game.
Hmm, there are so many of them. If I ask Caria to help with exploration, it’ll take quite a while.
I hope there’s some clue.
"Pathetic loser?"
"Sorry. I want to tell you something, but there are restrictions beyond this."
"I’m doing my best. Hero, please understand."
Tch! This newbie god is trying to act all mysterious now!?
Fine! I’ve got my own methods without needing you guys!
‘Grandpa! As the warrior’s companion, give me a clue about that person!’
<...If you just ask me blindly, it’s pointless. That guy disappeared at some point, so I don’t know either.>
Damn! Even Grandpa’s turned into an incompetent old man!
No choice, then.
Extra!
Help!
Heeeeelp!
[Press further.]
Press further? Hmm, in this case, it’s gotta be Grandpa, right?
‘Be honest with me! Or I’ll dig into Grandpa’s dark history!’
Erginus made a doll that holds Grandpa’s dark past? Are you sure you’re okay with that!?
<Saying it like that doesn’t make things any clearer! If I knew, would I keep quiet?>
‘But didn’t Ganxu’s power tell me to press further!?’
<Even if you do, not knowing won’t suddenly make you knowledgeable!>
‘There’s gotta be something suspicious, right!’
<There’s nothing! How many times must I say it!? If you have the power of "Embrace," embrace my ignorance too!>
...Does he really not know?
Did something go wrong with the power of the useless mold?
Or am I misunderstanding something?
Hmm. There’s so little in my hands. If there was something I could use as a clue, I could at least get them to spill something.
As I furrowed my brows in thought, unexpected information came from an unexpected person.
"Lucy. Lucy. Are you not switching with Luel today?"
"...What nonsense are you talking about?"