C101
Those were strange words.
"...How can I leave someone so sick?"
Although the man was biting his lip due to a high fever and severe headache, he said it was nothing.
"It's okay. If I rest for a moment, I'll get better. So, go first."
Terence's face and neck were covered in cold sweat.
Perhaps due to the high fever, his eyes were a bit unfocused, and I didn't feel much strength in his grip holding my hand.
Even I, who couldn't sense magical power, knew it for sure. If we leave him like this, he will die.
"Lie. It's not okay."
I murmured as if crying.
"It's not a lie."
"Don't be boastful."
"I'm not being boastful."
"Stop talking. Because your energy is decreasing. Please, be silent for a moment, please."
When I begged, he closed his mouth.
"What do I do? What should I do?"
I shook my head desperately. Terence had to be saved at all costs.
"Should we get out of the mine as quickly as possible and go see a doctor?"
No. A common doctor had no way of treating him.
"Then, should I have faith in the goddess from now on?"
If it were me now, I would feel that I could faithfully believe in God or the devil to save him.
"Great and merciful goddess..."
I tried praying to the goddess with clasped hands. No, I was trying to recite a prayer.
But I couldn't remember the prayer at all.
Even though I tried to pray as I wanted, the truth was that I knew it better than anyone. I don't believe in God.
It's been two years since I transmigrated here, but I wonder if I haven't memorized a single prayer during that time.
If God appeared here and asked me to throw myself at His feet and beg for mercy, I could easily do it.
However, it was impossible to suddenly have faith born from the heart.
Before fighting the divine beast, I judged that there was a high possibility that the three of us would die. I was prepared.
However, seeing Terence die in front of me gave me a sense of fear different from what I had imagined.
I'm scared. I'm afraid that he will really leave me like this in vain. I'm afraid he'll die because he entered the mine at my suggestion.
In the end, all of this was my fault. If I hadn't been greedy for the magic stone mine that Liena could obtain, Terence would have...
"Ethel."
At that moment, he called me softly.
"Don't think foolish things. Because it's not your fault."
How did he see through my thoughts?
"And... You really don't have to worry. Am I someone who can die in a place like this?"
He pulled up the corners of his mouth and tried to smile. Although it was difficult, it didn't come out well.
"I've experienced this kind of pain several times. If I rest, I'll feel better soon."
My heart felt tight. He tried to console and reassure me even in this situation.
That sight was very pitiful, but at the same time, it made me angry. Who cares who?
"You told me a moment ago to take care of my body, didn't you?"
"Ethel?"
"I'll literally take that back. You're the one who should cherish your body, not me."
It was really strange. Obviously, I was getting angry, but ironically, my eyes began to moisten.
"I'll never leave you behind. I'll definitely get you out, so keep that in mind."
I turned my attention to the divine beast. Anyway, for now, the only thing we can hope for is the divine beast.
"Is there really no way?"
"No."
"Don't answer so bluntly, think about it!"
"If I think about it, will a way that doesn't exist appear?"
"You're a messenger of God, so you're probably brimming with divine power, right? If I don't have divine power, try doing something with your divine power!"
"No, it's too much to say that."
The divine beast seemed embarrassed, but I didn't have time to worry about that.
"My power is fundamentally different from human divine power. It may be destruction, but it's not suitable for healing or calming."
"Then give me your power! I can use it after converting it into my divine power."
"This is ridiculous and unreasonable..."
The divine beast widened its eyes.
"Wait a moment, isn't this too exaggerated?"
"Can you give me power?!"
"Maybe if it were someone else, but you're the one who made me submit and performed the master-servant ceremony."
A moment ago, I touched the meteorite and shouted at the divine beast to become mine, which was the master/servant ritual.
"Since we're connected, it will be possible to transmit my power to you. But..."
"But what?"
"As I said before, the power of a divine beast and the divine power of humans are very different in nature. It's a power that comes from God."
"Is that a big problem?"
"I've never given my power to a human before, so I don't know exactly what will happen, but my power may cause problems in your body."
"If it's a problem..."
"You could be in danger too."
"That's not allowed."
It was the sound Terence made. He took a deep breath and barely managed to complete the sentence.
"Ethel, do you believe what the beast that was fighting us a moment ago said?"
"How dare you doubt me!"
Terence completely ignored the protest of the divine beast and only looked at me.
"There's no need for you to take that risk for me."
"Even though it's my fault that you're like this?"
"Because it's not. If something happens to you too, what's the point?"
The way he prioritized me over himself until the end helped me make a decision.
"Divine beast, give me your power."
"Ethel!"
"This is my decision. Not even Terence has the right to interfere."
Terence turned his head to look at the divine beast, but the divine beast had already risen into the air.
"Alright. If that's my master's choice."
The small body of the divine beast emitted a soft light.
"I can't give you much because I've exhausted a lot of my power due to the battle."
"It doesn't matter."
"Hold my arm."
At that moment, Terence urgently shouted.
"Vinetta! Take Ethel and get out of here right now!"
Vinetta frowned.
"It's an order! I'm sure you haven't forgotten who your master is, right?"
I also shouted without giving up.
"Ignore him! Vinetta really wants to save Terence, doesn't she?"
Vinetta's concerns didn't last long. She came to my side and held Terence in place to prevent him from struggling.
"Sorry, Your Highness."
"Vinetta, you!"
"I'll accept any punishment later."
Terence tried to free himself from the restraints, but it was impossible in his condition.
"Thank you. And if Terence says something, come to me. Now I'm very rich."
I encouraged Vinetta and then stretched my arms toward the divine beast.
"It will be difficult. All I can say is resist."
The divine beast said and put its paw on my hand. An unknown energy flowed into my body.
Soon, it turned into a huge stone and crushed my lungs. Breathing became difficult.
"Ethel!"
The last time I recognized Terence's shout, my consciousness was engulfed in a torrent.
It's hard to breathe. My head is spinning. I feel nauseous. My body feels cold and sometimes hot.
I couldn't tell what was happening, and all I wanted to do was go with the flow and feel comfortable.
I spoke to the goddess to order my mind, which was half-broken.
"Miella, didn't you say last time that it was fun?"
There was nothing religious about me, but in another sense, I believed in Miella.
That god must still be looking at me with interest.
Then save me. If I die, your great amusement will disappear.
Perhaps the divine beast became stronger than shown in the novel due to Miella's whim.
And I even defeated that divine beast and made it mine.
"I can have more fun with you in the future! If you want, I'll destroy the evil spirits and all that!"
I wasn't sure if talking to Miella would save me, but before I knew it, I was desperately seeking the goddess. As much as any other faithful believer.
"You're so arrogant. But that's fun."
With the sound of laughter, I felt as if someone had approached and rescued me.
"Ethel!"
"Mistress!"
When I opened my eyes, I saw a person and an animal.
"What happened?"
Vinetta answered my questions.
"You were unconscious for about ten minutes."
I was lying next to Terence. I quickly got up and looked at the person beside me.
"Terence?"
"You were conscious a moment ago, but just now..."
He had his eyes heavily closed. I urged the divine beast.
"Did I succeed?"
"It seems so. My power is flourishing in you."
As I listened, I could feel the energy swirling inside me. I silently took Terence's hand. It's warm.
I begged, holding his hand tightly with both hands. Please, let him be healthy and safe again.
Then my hand began to glow faintly. The light soon transferred to Terence.
After some time, Vinetta announced with an unusually excited voice.
"His Highness's complexion has improved slightly."
I leaned in and listened to his heartbeat. I could hear his heartbeats sounding calmer than before.
"Thank God, thank God..."
When I felt relieved, the strength left my body. No, in fact, I was about to collapse earlier, but it barely held.
I fell towards Terence. Consciousness faded gradually.
I can't lose consciousness yet. I have to watch over Terence until he's completely well.
I did my best to wake up. But then I heard a whisper in my ear.
"It's okay. You can rest."
It was a low, sweet voice that was very reassuring. I fell into a pleasant sleep.
---------------------------
There was a woman. She was very beautiful, but her face seemed profound.
The woman looked at me and asked cautiously.
"We're friends, right?"
I gladly replied.
"Of course, Liena."
---
'Ko-fi o 'Buy Me A Coffe' for Advanc3 Ch4pt3rs
(Up to '20' more ch4pt3rs)
Publication of up to 3 to 4 chapters per week, thank you.