A New Journey Part 3

The sun barely peeked through the thick fog, casting a muted glow upon the forest floor. The silence of the morning was broken only by the melodic chatter of birds perched above us. My breath fogged in the cool air as I tightened the straps on our wagon, preparing for the journey north.

I probably have dark circles under my eyes since I couldn't sleep, thinking about my talk with Namy and Usofra last night. So much has happened in such a short time that I'm still trying to digest it all. The only good thing about it is that it keeps my mind busy, preventing me from thinking about Syvis or my mom. I still feel in disbelief about how it all ended. I feel like everything was just a horrible nightmare, and the woman I loved didn't betray me in that cruel way. Just thinking about Syvis makes my heart hurt, yet part of me still wishes to see her again. Feeling this way really makes me mad at myself. I wonder if this is a wound that will heal one day... if I will forget about Syvis someday...

*KRK*

I came out of my thoughts when I heard something heavy fall. I noticed Namy and Usofra on the other side of the wagon, getting the last of their things into the wagon. I tried to look at them discreetly, still coming to terms with how much my life changed. In front of me are two women with horns and wings casually getting ready. I am really actually traveling with demons, leaving the place I called home, escaping from the people that I previously wanted to protect.

...I couldn't help but sigh deeply.

Still glancing discreetly at Namy and Usofra, I saw how Namy changed her appearance from her demon form to that of a human woman. It was a spectacle I had witnessed before, yet this time, a lingering curiosity nagged at the edges of my mind. There was a depth to Namy's abilities beyond mere illusion. Even Namy demonic presence disappears. If it weren't for me seeing Namy transform with my own eyes, I wouldn't have been able to detect that the now human in front of me is actually a demon. Namy can really fool anyone with that skill.

However, my astonishment came later when Usofra extended her hand, almost seeming like Usofra was showing her rings. Last night, I noticed that each of Usofra's fingers has a ring, and a symbol is engraved on each ring. Curiously, three of the symbols on the rings glow slightly, while the symbols on the other seven rings are dim.

Usofra whispered something while simultaneously I felt how Usofra used her mana. At that moment, the other seven dim symbols in the rings began to shine slightly.

Similar to Namy, Usofra's form shifted into a perfect and regular human woman. I couldn't help but marvel at the sight, noticing how the brightness of the symbol of one of the rings went out again. I think I understand what's happening. I had heard of a rare class capable of doing something like that.

Usofra must be a Rune Master.

From the little I know, Rune Masters can store spells from others in the runes engraved on things. The magic within the runes had no power of its own until activated by the Rune Master's mana. The symbols embedded in Usofra rings must be runes, and if I'm correct, each Rune represents a spell. Most likely, Usofra has Namy's transformation spell in one of those runes, granting Usofra access to Namy's power of changing appearance.

As much as I wanted to maintain my distance from these two demons, their abilities intrigued me, and I couldn't deny the advantage of having them as allies. Namy possesses the unique ability to transform into anyone she has seen before. In addition to this, Namy has those deadly finger extensions that turn black and can extend at will. During the previous fight, I witnessed the true potential of her deadly finger extensions. They are as strong as metal, spiky like a spear, and sharp like a sword.

On the other hand, her sister Usofra has the rare Rune Master class which, coupled with incredible sensory abilities, will be of great help. Not to mention that both can fly just like Sunshine.

"Are you impressed?" Namy asked, smirking at me as she caught my gaze.

"Your abilities are certainly...interesting," I admitted, not wanting to give her too much satisfaction.

"Interesting? Darx, we're more than just interesting. We'll be invaluable on this journey," Usofra chimed in, her pride evident.

"Perhaps," I conceded, knowing they were right.

Namy and Usofra turned around and got into the carriage. Meanwhile, I looked up, searching for Sunshine, who was flying around the trees, bullying and insulting the birds for some weird reason, "Hey, Sunshine! It's time to go!" I yelled.

After hearing me, Sunshine descended in front of me with a big smile on her face, as if she had no worries in the world.

"Stop bothering the poor birds," I told Sunshine.

"They started it!" Sunshine declared while giving the finger to the birds flying over us.

"I am not even going to ask how you came to that conclusion..." I replied, "Anyway, Sunshine," I said as I looked into her eyes, "I just wanted to ask you one more time. Are you sure you want to travel with us? We're heading into demon territory."

Sunshine laughed lightly as if my concern were absurd, "Dox, I already told you. That's exactly where I want to go."

"Right, your quest to uncover the truth behind the fairy goddess's disappearance. I didn't forget." My memory stirred, recalling Sunshine's desire to reach the demon territory for her own reasons.

"Exactly!" Sunshine exclaimed, her eyes sparkling, "I believe the truth lies within the depths of the demon territory in our old forest. And besides, I'm not afraid of some demons, especially when I have you to protect me!"

"Okay," I sighed, feeling relieved that Sunshine was coming with me, "I will also count on you."

"Of course!" Sunshine giggled before flying to perch on my shoulder.

We climbed into the wagon, ready to set off.

Namy sat outside, taking the reins, while Usofra also sat outside beside her sister, their eyes scanning the path ahead. Sunshine and I remained within the wagon, surrounded by various items we had looted from the church's transport. The carriage creaked as we moved along the dirt path, a pleasant rhythm accompanied by the sound of forest nature.

"Dox, do you trust them?" Sunshine asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she glanced at Namy and Usofra.

"Trust is a complicated thing," I admitted, "But they have their reasons for helping us, so we'll just have to see how it goes."

Several hours passed as we traveled in the carriage, the monotonous scenery slowly causing boredom to creep in. To pass the time, I began sifting through the things we had taken from the church. There was various jewelry, coins, scrolls, food, books, and clothes—nothing particularly exciting.

Then, my fingers brushed against something familiar. A nostalgic feeling washed over me as I pulled out a children's book my mom used to read me when I was a child about the goddesses and the creation of all. It was a book that every house had since it was cheap or free, being given mainly by the church. It was said that it was charity from the church to teach the children about our goddess, [Imris].

Having learned more about the church, I am no longer convinced that it acts for the people's benefit. During my stay in the village of Yarrin, I witnessed the church's persecution and elimination of individuals whose history contradicted the account presented in this book. The church goes to great lengths to maintain the narrative and suppress any dissenting opinions.

"Dox, what is that book?" Sunshine asked, looking curious, "You sat still as a statue with your eyes fixed on that book."

"This... is a book that brings back memories," I replied.

Bittersweet memories of the years I spent with my mother in our home back in our village...

Looking at the other books, a book titled "The Creation" caught my attention. Flipping through the pages, I realized it was also a book about goddesses and the creation, but with a more serious tone than the children's book.

"And what is that book about?" Sunshine asked, looking at the book I was looking at.

"It is a book that tells the story of the goddesses," I replied.

"WHAT? REALLY!?" Sunshine said, surprised, flying in front of the book, looking eager to examine it, "Why did you never tell me this book existed? Tell me, what does it say about the goddess of fairies?"

"I hadn't seen this book before either," I said.

Although, if it is a book the church had, it is most likely not entirely trustworthy, just like the children's book. Still, I opened the book and began to read aloud what it said to satisfy Sunshine's curiosity.

In the beginning, the five goddesses created the earth, making it the most gorgeous place to spend eternity. It was a beautiful place with blue skies, lush forests, tall mountains, and vast seas, yet it was too desolate.

Despite being in such a beautiful paradise, the goddesses realized that the earth needed more life. To solve that, the five goddesses used their divine powers to create living creatures to accompany them. They started with land animals inhabiting the forests and fields and birds flying through the skies to fill the paradise with sound and movement. They also created fish to swim in the oceans and rivers and insects to pollinate the flowers and plants. With these new additions, the earth became a vibrant and lively place, teeming with all sorts of creatures. The goddesses were pleased with their creation and looked forward to watching it evolve and grow over time.

The goddesses found happiness in the company of animals. They loved spending time with the creatures that roamed their beautiful land, but they still felt a sense of loneliness. They yearned for someone to talk to and share the wonders of the world they had created.

After much contemplation, the five goddesses decided to use their divine powers once again. This time, however, each goddess worked on her own creation. They each crafted living beings based on themselves, imbuing them with unique characteristics and beliefs.

[Imris]—The most powerful of the Goddesses, Imris, created beings in her essential likeness yet possess a diverse range of appearances. The Goddess bestowed upon them the virtues she held dear—wisdom, courage, and boundless innovation. These creations with unlimited potential, fashioned in the image of their divine benevolent progenitor, were named Humans.

[Sio]—Crafted by the Goddess of nature and beauty, Elves are beings of ethereal grace and elegance. They are slender and tall, with elongated limbs, golden hair, and delicately pointed ears, just like her. The Goddess Sio passed on to her Elves her love for nature and the blessing of long lives.

[Aena]—Forged by the Goddess of love and fertility, Dark Elves were created to enjoy the world's pleasures. Dark Elves share similar physical traits with their elven kin but with a darker, more mysterious aspect reflecting their affinity for the night. Their bodies exude an air of sensual magnetism, have long lifespans, and possess control over fertility, bestowed upon them as a gift by their Goddess, Aena.

[Taelindra]—The Goddess Taelindra, also wanting beings similar to her, created the Beast-Kind. The Beast-Kind resembles humans but possesses unique animalistic features. The Beast-Kind are gifted with five enhanced senses plus the sixth sense of intuition, which allows them to perceive the world with unparalleled clarity and precision and uncanny insight and awareness. Their physical appearances vary, with each member of the Beast-Kind bearing the ears and tail of a specific animal, reflecting their deep connection to their Goodness Taelindra, who has the same characteristics.

[Belnu]—Belnu, the Goddess of the Dwarves, crafted beings known for their unparalleled creativity and resilience. Dwarves are short in height but with sturdy frames that reflect their durability and strength, immune to many harmful elements, with bodies resilient and resistant to the rigors of almost any circumstances. Just like their Goddess, Dwarves have a deep love for craftsmanship and exploration, delighting in the creation of new inventions and the discovery of the unknown.

For a long tim-

"BULLSHIT! What about our Goddess, Faye?" Sunshine yelled as she counted using her fingers, "That story says there are five goddesses, but they are missing one! Ours! Faye! The Fairy Goodness!"

It's the same question that old man Adam asked me when we were in the village of Yerrin. The church was persecuting him for questioning the verity of the narrative of the books about the goddesses spread by the church, which, at some point, everyone stopped questioning and accepted as the absolute truth. Adam and now Sunshine question the absence of the Fairy goddess. If it weren't for the two of them, I would have never considered the possibility of the existence of another goddess. However, the big question is, if the Fairy goddess actually exists, why would the church try so hard to hide her existence, going to such **** levels of murdering people who suggest the existence of said goddess? Do they genuinely not believe in her existence, or are they hiding something? Would that answer be linked to why the church wanted to use me to take control of the kingdom? What is the true goal of the church?

"Dox, keep reading!" Sunshine said, pointing to the book with her finger, "Our goddess will most likely appear on the following pages. Hurry!"

"O-Okay..." I said, knowing that unquestionably, the goddess Sunshine believes in would not appear in this book.

When I was about to continue reading, I saw in the corner of my eye that Namy and Usofra were also surreptitiously paying attention to the story I was reading.

In the serene embrace of their paradise, the Goddesses and their creations lived in an era of tranquility and prosperity. Generations flourished under the watchful eyes of divine guardians, each race thriving in its unique splendor.

The time came for the Goddesses to also find love, solace, and companionship in the embrace of mortal love, giving birth to offspring of transcendent beauty and power, bearing the unmistakable mark of their divine lineage. Born beneath the gaze of celestial stars, these children of divinity emerged into the world with powers and eyes aglow, with hues unseen among mortal kin. They were the living embodiment of their mother's essence, each possessing eyes that mirrored the Goddesses themselves.

The offsprings of the Goddess Imris bore beautiful and intimidating piercing crimson eyes. Elves with golden eyes were born from the Goddess Sio, making Sio's offspring even more beautiful and enigmatic. The Dark Elves, born of Aena's shadowed embrace, beheld the world through eyes as white and enigmatic as the moonlit night. Meanwhile, the Beast-Kind, offspring of Taelindra, gazed upon the world with black eyes—a reflection of the untamed spirit that pulsed within their veins. And lastly, the Dwarves, heirs to Belnu, bore eyes orange as the brilliance of magma.

They were the living embodiment of the Goddesses' love, destined to wield powers beyond mortal ken to safeguard the paradise their mothers had wrought.

Amidst the tranquility and joy that graced the land, one day, a shadow of enormous proportions loomed on the horizon. From the depths of the unknown, an evil entity materialized with malign intent. Descending upon the land like a tempest of destruction, this malefic **** loomed as a titanic harbinger of annihilation, its sole purpose to obliterate all that dared to stand in its path.

The Goddesses, resolute in their duty as protectors, marshaled their divine might against the encroaching darkness. For innumerable years, they waged a war of cosmic proportions, making the heavens tremble with the clash of titans. Through tempest and turmoil, the Goddesses fought for the world's existence.

At long last, victory emerged from the crucible of strife, the evil entity vanquished beneath the weight of divine wrath. Yet, victory came at a cost—a price paid in the currency of sacrifice. Drained of their celestial vigor, the goddesses could no longer linger in the paradise they had so ardently defended. With heavy hearts, they bade farewell to the realm they had crafted with love, their ethereal forms dissipating into the aether from whence they came.

Before departing, however, the Goddesses bequeathed to their descendants a solemn charge—to safeguard paradise in their stead. As a last gift, they bestowed upon a select other few their blessings, with the intention that the selected would help the Goddesses' direct descendants fight against the remnants that that evil entity left in the world. The few selected were imbued with powers beyond mortals through a sacred ritual. Those selected will become known as adventurers in the future.

In the wake of the Goddesses' departure, the descendants of divinity upheld their sacred duty with unwavering devotion. Yet, as the long years passed, the descendants of each goddess began to distance themselves from each other.

Each race took its own path, and-

"Disgraceful," Sunshine exclaimed, her tiny voice trembling with indignation, "There's no mention of the Fairy Goddess at all! How can they simply ignore her existence? This is an outrage!"

I could understand Sunshine's anger; it must've been painful to see the deity she believed so deeply erased from the annals of time. The church had always been adept at manipulating information for their own purposes. Still, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that there was something sinister lurking beneath the surface of this charming tale.

"Sunshine, don't take this story too seriously," I told her, attempting to assuage her fury, "It's a church-distributed book, so we shouldn't consider what's mentioned here as the absolute truth."

"Absolute truth or not, it doesn't change the fact that they're trying to erase our Goddess from our history!" Sunshine huffed, her wings buzzing angrily behind her, "And if they're hiding her existence, what else are they hiding?"

"Sunshine, I know you're upset, but we can't let our emotions cloud our judgment," I said, my voice firm but gentle, "Right now, our priority is to reach the demon territory and uncover the truth about your goddess and Zaine."

Sunshine sighed, her agitation slowly dissipating as she considered my words, "You're right, Dox. What matters is finding the truth for ourselves. That was the reason why I decided to undertake this journey. The other fairies thought it was suicide to leave our home and travel to the ancient forest in demon territory to find out what happened to our goddess."

As Adam mentioned on that occasion, this story doesn't explain many things. Why has there been an attempt to erase the existence of one of the goddesses over so many years?

While the book chronicled the creations of the goddesses with meticulous detail, it remained conspicuously silent on the origins of demons and monsters. Where do they come from? In the story, the goddess gives us the power to fight against the remnants of that evil entity. Could those remnants mentioned be, as believed to be, the demons? After all, demons have no goddess.

Too many questions and few answers... I really hope Zaine can clarify all these doubts. Somehow, I feel that the goal of the church and demons is not as simple as I initially believed.

Something that intrigued me a lot about this book is that it talks about descendants that the other goddesses had. It is well known that the royalty of [Zrephia] were descendants of the goddess [Imris], which was why they were so unique, significantly distinguishable by their red eyes. I, who have red eyes like them, is what draws the attention of so many people to me. If the story is true, is it possible that there are descendants of the other goddesses?

I turned to see Namy and Usofra, who, from outside the wagon, were listening attentively to what Sunshine and I were talking about. It seems that, unlike me, they have traveled through other territories. Do they know anything about this topic?