Volume 7, Chapter 22 – The Oracle Ritual

Within the solemn, pitch-black cathedral, the ritual to pray for a divine oracle from the Goddess of Life began.

Fia and Anastasia stood silently in a corner of the Great Cathedral, watching from a distance as Pope Schneider stood before the statue of the Goddess of Life, chanting his prayers in a resonant voice.

Despite Schneider’s warrior-like appearance, he took on a true papal air once he donned the sacred white robes and the jewel-encrusted miter. This was especially true as the golden light pouring from the ceiling illuminated his form, while everything else remained swallowed by the surrounding darkness, making it appear as though he had been personally chosen by the divine.

“Your Highness, they are watching us,” Anastasia whispered, leaning in close to Fia.

The “they” she referred to included the dozen or so white-robed priests surrounding Schneider, as well as the believers sitting in the pews ¹ is a long bench seat or enclosed box, used for seating members of a congregation or choir in a synagogue, church, wedding chapel, funeral home, cemetery or mausoleum chapel and sometimes a courtroom. with their hands clasped in prayer. According to Schneider, having the faithful witness the ritual was a necessary part of the process; without the power of faith provided by these believers, it would be difficult for him to establish a connection with the Goddess of Life.

Without taking her eyes off the statue, Fia shrugged.

“It can’t be helped. This is the Milcandis Holy Kingdom, after all, and we are Elves. We should be glad they’re willing to listen to the Pope and believe that we should stand together against a common enemy.”

“I’ll kill them if they dare try anything.”

The resolve in Anastasia’s voice left Fia feeling rather helpless.

“Anastasia, weren’t people already allied in your world? Why are you still so prejudiced against humans?”

“Because humans are prejudiced against us.”

“Uh.”

Fia was momentarily stunned. She recalled Anastasia mentioning that because the Elves and humans had fought a decisive war before the arrival of Chaos, the national strength of the major countries on the World Tree Continent had been severely depleted. This left them powerless to resist the encroachment of Chaos once the disaster arrived. Consequently, other races believed that if Yelido hadn’t started the war, none of this would have happened, leading them to view Elves with hostility.

It was an absurd logic. By that reasoning, if the Milcandis Holy Kingdom hadn’t invaded Silvar, the Eldest Princess wouldn’t have died, and Yelido wouldn’t have been enraged. Ultimately, it was simply that people couldn’t defeat Chaos and needed a target to vent their resentment upon—much like a parent who, after being angered by something else, comes home and finds fault with everything their child does just to find a “soft target.”

“Still, Schneider is at least sensible enough to choose cooperation with you after seeing the Chaos. In my world, after His Majesty executed Schneider, an extreme anti-Elf cult emerged within the Holy Kingdom. Even knowing the great enemy was at the door, they still chose to hunt Elves in secret. I encountered them before, but they were ultimately just humans of inferior strength; they were no match for me in magic.”

“So, based on that, you actually think Schneider is decent?”

Fia turned her head, looking up at Anastasia with a playful, teasing expression.

Anastasia’s face stiffened, looking quite reluctant.

“I’m only praising his pragmatism. He is the primary culprit behind the war. As you said, we will judge these criminals once the Chaos has passed.”

“Tch.”

A believer sitting near Fia let out a scoff, which immediately drew Anastasia’s attention. A single glare from her was enough to make the man’s entire body go rigid with terror. Even though the current Anastasia only possessed strength at the pseudo-fifth tier, she was still far more powerful than any ordinary person. The sharpness of her gaze was more than a commoner could bear.

Fia couldn’t help but feel that if they weren’t in the middle of a solemn oracle ritual—one she had personally requested—Anastasia would have likely dragged the man out of his seat.

Fia gently touched Anastasia’s hand, offering a low-voiced warning.

“Anastasia.”

“Yes.”

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The two fell silent once more as Schneider’s impassioned chanting continued to echo through the solemn sanctuary.

“O Goddess who created us, who bestowed upon us the power of samsara and rebirth—”

The process was truly tedious, and Fia couldn’t help but yawn. She had been using [Mana Vision] and her detection spells to observe the flow of mana in the ritual, but aside from the constant gathering of light elements toward the statue, there were no other changes. This didn’t really prove anything.

It was likely because faith magic and elemental magic existed in two entirely different systems.

While there was a possibility that Schneider was pulling her leg, he had even brought out books from the archives for her to flip through and invited so many believers to watch. The chance that he was deceiving her was low; Schneider was likely even more anxious to receive an oracle than she was.

I hope the ritual succeeds. That way, I can bring the original Anastasia back sooner.

Suddenly, Fia felt a nudge against her left hand, followed by the sensation of her hand being enveloped by a warm palm. She instinctively turned to look at Anastasia on her left, only to find Anastasia biting her lip and looking at her, her cheeks slightly flushed.

The current Anastasia seemed to be more prone to acting affectionately.

“What’s wrong?”

“You’ve been staring at the statue, Your Highness…”

“I have.”

Fia was bewildered. Then, her expression turned subtle. Was Anastasia’s next line going to be something like, “Look at me more”?

While Fia wouldn’t have been surprised to hear that—since the Anastasia of any world harbored feelings for Dofilia that went beyond master and servant—this was the Great Cathedral. There was a time and place for everything.

“You…”

You look so anxious.

Anastasia wanted to ask that, but the words died in her throat. It was precisely because Fia was worried about the original Anastasia that she had stayed in the archives without sleep searching for leads, and why she had rushed to the Holy Kingdom now. To say Fia was anxious was a complete understatement, and saying it out loud would only make Anastasia feel incredibly petty.

She and the Anastasia from the other side were mutually exclusive existences. If she stayed, the other Anastasia would vanish; if the other Anastasia returned, she would return to her original place. Therefore, even if her intent was to comfort Fia and tell her to rest, it could easily be misinterpreted as her being greedy for the happiness of this world and trying to prevent the original Anastasia’s return.

It’s so enviable.

Anastasia lowered her gaze.

The more Fia worried about Anastasia, the more the current Anastasia felt a mix of guilt and envy. This was something she had never sought—something she hadn’t even imagined before coming to this world.

If I disappeared, would the current Princess look for me like this?

But rather than receiving care, she wished more that Fia wouldn’t be so anxious and distressed. In truth, simply knowing that Fia would worry for her was enough to satisfy her. She should be the one putting in the effort; seeing Fia so exhausted only made her feel powerless and guilty. She felt it would be better if she were simply dead.

Anastasia couldn’t help but steal a glance at Fia’s profile. An unbelievable thought welled up in her heart: she felt that if she were to vanish, the Princess before her would search for her just like this.

Is it because her personality changed? She’s no longer that cold, silent doll, but a sharp, approachable, living “Elf.”

Anastasia turned her head, her gaze becoming bolder as she scrutinized Fia’s exquisite features. She could never tire of looking at this smooth, delicate face; it was far more beautiful than the Goddess statue nearby. She didn’t even realize she was staring, her eyes filled with nothing but Fia’s reflection in her own ruby pupils.

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Damn it.

Why am I the one to be discarded?

“Why did you stop halfway, Anastasia?”

Fia didn’t let go of Anastasia’s hand. Being stared at so blankly made her quite embarrassed, so she squeezed Anastasia’s hand in return. The intimate gesture immediately snapped Anastasia back to reality, and she hurriedly averted her gaze like a cat running away with its tail between its legs.

“Ah, I… I was just wondering, did you find what you were looking for in the archives?”

Witnessing Anastasia’s stiff change of subject, Fia blinked and decided to follow along for now.

“I did, but only a little. The Unsinkable Moon isn’t a divine gift from the Goddess of Life. As for who it actually came from, the books were vague and reluctant to mention it. My guess is there’s something they’re hiding—perhaps something that would undermine the Church’s rule if it were revealed. But nevermind me—that’s not what you wanted to say just now, was it? Give me the truth.”

“Uh…”

Anastasia, who had been smiling awkwardly a moment ago, was now in a bind, not daring to look Fia in the eye.

“Well…”

“Do you feel lonely?”

“Uh, yes…” Fia had hit the nail on the head. Anastasia was stunned for a moment before hanging her head in shame. “It’s only been a few days, but I’ve already grown fond of this world. When the Anastasia from the other side returns, I’ll—”

Before she could finish, Fia reached out and pressed her index finger against Anastasia’s lips. She furrowed her brows, her face—as beautiful as a work of art—filled with displeasure.

“I won’t allow you to say such things. Anastasia will come back, and I will keep you here as well. Neither of you will disappear.”

In an instant, Anastasia crumbled under Fia’s burning gaze. She loved the feeling of Fia’s finger on her lips, and the intimacy of the gesture filled her with joy. However, her worry for the future still triumphed over her attachment, and she turned her face away dejectedly.

“How could such a thing be possible…”

“There are already two Milus. Why would having two Anastasias be strange? Just because Laplace couldn’t make a vessel capable of holding a fifth-tier soul doesn’t mean I can’t. You won’t know the result until you try.”

A note of anger had surfaced in Fia’s voice. If they hadn’t been in the Great Cathedral, she would have grabbed Anastasia by the arm and forced her to lean down and look her in the eye. She continued in a demanding tone.

“Now, what was it you actually wanted to say? Stop looking away.”

“…”

I think I’ve already gotten what I wanted.

Looking at Fia’s angry yet adorable expression, Anastasia bit her lip, too embarrassed to answer. This level of concern was enough to satisfy her, but the words were hard to say.

“If you don’t tell me, I’m not talking to you for the rest of the day.”

“Eh…”

The threat was far too cute.

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But also far too devastating.

Anastasia didn’t know whether to laugh or be embarrassed. Unable to disobey Fia’s command, her eyes darted across the floor as she stuttered her answer.

“I… I was just wondering… if… if I disappeared, would you worry about me like this, Your Highness…?”

“Isn’t that obvious?” Fia replied with a look of pure common sense, looking at Anastasia as if she were an idiot. “That’s it? You aren’t lying to me, are you?”

“Well…”

A gentle, wry smile appeared on Anastasia’s face.

This is why I didn’t want to say it.

The moment she had seen Fia furrow her brows in anger, Anastasia had understood: if she were to vanish, the same feelings Fia held for the other Anastasia would be directed toward her as well.

The envy ebbed away like a receding tide, leaving only a sunlit warmth in her heart.

She actually wanted to say, “If possible, please don’t worry about me like that, Your Highness, because it would make me sad,” but it was too sentimental for her to voice.

I really want to just hug the current Dofi as tight as I can, like a plush toy, bury my nose in her, and breathe in the scent of her hair and skin…

How did the previous Anastasia ever hold herself back?

“Are you really going to keep hiding things at this point? Fine, it’s okay if you don’t want to say it.”

Fia, of course, had no idea what Anastasia was thinking; she simply assumed she was afraid. She tightened her grip on Anastasia’s hand. While it was somewhat improper, she felt closer to this affectionate Anastasia than to the one who was always suppressing her own desires.

Perhaps she should find ways to give the current Anastasia more of a sense of security—like caring for her more and being closer to her—so that she wouldn’t be afraid to speak her mind.

Of course, the priority was still bringing back the original Anastasia. The light elements within the cathedral were growing increasingly dense; the ritual had reached its most critical moment.

Fia’s expression returned to one of seriousness.

I’ve become a bit too relaxed. No, it was likely because she felt that once she obtained the oracle, she would be able to find Anastasia. That was why she could speak so calmly with Anastasia now.

“Our prayers and those of our descendants will never cease. We implore the radiance of the Great Goddess to continue protecting us, and allow me to offer my heartfelt gratitude to you—”

A string of obscure words that Fia couldn’t understand were chanted by Schneider. He tucked away the thick prayer book, opened his arms, and prostrated himself before the Goddess statue. Simultaneously, the dozen or so white-robed priests behind him followed suit, along with the believers. They all sang the same incantations, and the once silent cathedral instantly became so noisy it made her ears ring.

This continued for about ten seconds until the light elements in the sanctuary were dense enough to form bands of golden light. Everyone fell silent in unison, their eyes filled with longing as they looked toward the Goddess statue.

The descent of the oracle was at hand.

Even Fia was incredibly tense. She held her breath, fearing that her mere presence might disturb the ritual. However, after a full minute of absolute silence, there was still no change within the Great Cathedral. The golden radiance from the ceiling continued to illuminate the statue of the Goddess, but whereas before the statue had felt divine and sacred, it now gave off the impression of a cold, dead object.

Had it failed?

A bad premonition rose in Fia’s heart. She noticed the grim expression on Schneider’s face as he looked up. All the devotees were watching him. He rose slowly without saying a word. As if understanding the situation, the dozen or so priests scattered. They used low, rustling whispers to convey instructions to the believers, who then began to leave the Great Cathedral one by one. Only after the last priest had departed and closed the heavy doors did Schneider walk toward Fia with a heavy, somber pace.

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“The Great Goddess did not grant me a response, Your Highness.”

Despite having a premonition, hearing the confirmation that there was no response caused Fia’s heart to sink.

“The ritual failed?”

“No, the Goddess simply did not respond. There was nothing wrong with the ritual… It has been like this for some time. No matter how successful the ritual is, the Goddess will not grant us a response.”

Schneider’s aged face was bitter. He had long harbored suspicions in his heart, but his position did not allow him to voice them; even thinking about it was a sin.

“Tsk.”

Fia clicked her tongue sharply.

A wasted trip was one thing, but the primary concern was that the lead she had finally found was severed once again. Did this mean her only remaining option was to wait for Calista to establish communication with her deity and then seek a way through that god? But how long would that take! Anastasia didn’t have that much time!

Fia felt a flare of fire burning in her chest. Her once calm heart grew restless and anxious again. With her leads cut twice now, she could no longer maintain the same composure as before.

What on earth should I do!

“Your Highness…”

Anastasia bit her lip. Fia’s grip on her hand made her feel cherished, but the anxiety and dissatisfaction written all over Fia’s face made her feel a suffocating sensation in her chest.

“Your Highness, regarding the Chaos—”

“I will have someone contact you later with more specific details. I have urgent business now. We will meet again another day. Anastasia, let’s go.”

Fia turned to leave the hall, but after a few steps, she realized her behavior was far too unseemly. She stopped, turned back to Schneider—who was standing frozen on the spot—and gave him a low-voiced warning.

“In the past, I heard a piece of news from a Holy Son. Her Goddess told her that all the gods in this world have vanished, leaving only her Goddess behind. I suspect your Goddess of Life might be one of those vanished deities as well, which is why you can no longer receive an oracle.”

“Th-that… How could that be?!”

Fia’s words were like a heavy blow. Schneider’s eyes went wide, and his body even swayed unsteadily.

Schneider’s previous suspicion was that the Goddess had realized the Apocalypse was coming and had departed this world early, leaving them without an oracle. He wasn’t the only one who thought so; rumors had already been circulating throughout the Church. Especially after the massive explosion in the Dry Desert, these rumors had spread like wildfire—claims of the Apocalypse arriving and the Goddess departing, explaining why she hadn’t granted an oracle even when the Holy Kingdom faced defeat. Fia’s words now directly confirmed those fears.

Fia shook her head gently.

“Believe it or not, I cannot reveal more. I apologize for not being able to tell you about the Chaos immediately, but my promise to you remains valid. Wait for news in the Holy Kingdom. Farewell.”

Saying no more, Fia took Anastasia’s hand and left the hall. She put her arm around Anastasia’s waist, spread her wings of light, and soared straight into the starry sky.