Death is something sacred, meaningful, and possessed of a desolate beauty—meaning it is related to religion or the soul. Yet, at the same time, it is the exact opposite of all the above. It is something very concrete, involving only the flesh and matter. It is neither beautiful nor meaningful, much less sacred; one cannot even speak of it as being desolate.
Therefore, Li Yue had never imagined she would have followers or anything of the sort. Or rather, she simply didn't care whether anyone believed in her—that is, the worship of death.
She sat in the back of the classroom, listening in silence as a solemn professor lectured on "Death" magic, fulfilling the duty she had promised Albert at the time.
She wondered what kind of role Jormungandr played in those tedious books and parchment scrolls, and why everyone seemed to hold her in such awe. In truth, no important rituals or precious sacrifices were needed. After the Twilight Era, she would only provide help at the destined moment.
No... it wasn't me... it must have been the will within Jormungandr's remains. At that time, I did not yet possess the power of "Death"... but now, it's all the same.
"Although the descriptions in books depict her as the most indifferent deity in the world, taking revenge on all the gods," the lecturing professor suddenly paused, "it is said that she is actually a very gentle person. This is what I've heard from some magic users who have seen her."
Gentle? Li Yue chewed on the word. She didn't know when it had happened, but she could no longer understand the meaning of that word. Was it a positive term, or some strange metaphor?
Who said that? Was it Clo? It was probably her... a gentle person... I don't think I've... met many.
A series of memory flashbacks hit her. Li Yue rubbed the space between her eyebrows as figures flashed through her mind. From the earliest times to the present, distinct silhouettes flickered in her thoughts, bringing with them the precious memories she was most reluctant to recall.
"It’s better not to think of them, lest I grow soft-hearted in the future." Li Yue covered her eyes, and her slitted snake pupils quickly returned to normal. She sighed unconsciously, not even understanding exactly what she was sighing for.
The problem likely lay in the past. The deployment of the defense lines on the Western Continent would still take a long time; at least until this summer ended, the magic beasts would not make many moves.
Perhaps I really should go back and visit, to see those people who are about to vanish from my memory... forget it, consider it for the sake of "Li Yue."
At the Garden Hall, Clo, who had finished her teaching at the Time Casket, was pulled there by Ishtar. The rest of the Five Staves were also seated there, having changed into casual wear. It seemed like just an ordinary gathering.
"Miss Shi, it’s been a long time since we’ve had such a relaxing gathering." Daylight smiled. Her mood seemed quite good. The Church was now under her jurisdiction; in the past, many of her actions were restricted by the Pope's control, but now she was free. For instance, she could occasionally go to free relief centers to treat injured adventurers or personally counsel those who came to repent.
Blizzard and Alchemy had finished setting up the first two lines of defense. Currently, the academies on the Western Continent were undergoing personnel transfers and resource management, so there was nothing for them to do for the time being. As for Miss Kurong, Ishtar, she had always been unconcerned with most matters; aside from appearing at necessary occasions, she spent all her time managing the Garden Hall.
"That lady shouldn't mind us taking up your time, right?" Alchemy, Heisenberg, was as humorous as ever. He was perhaps the one among them who feared death the least. He and Reinhardt were of the same kind, though unfortunately, they were not well-acquainted with each other.
"She seems quite busy during the day, but we still have some time for ourselves." Clo took a sip of tea and turned her head away as she set down the cup. Her right index finger and thumb fiddled with the ring on her left ring finger, a flash of pink crossing her face for a moment.
"That’s nice..." Ishtar said from the side while watering the flowers. The snow-white Sialia Lilies slowly bloomed under the droplets from the watering can. "To have someone who cares about nothing else love you, as if you are her entire world... it’s truly beautiful. More beautiful than all the flowers I’ve ever grown..."
"Miss Kurong, the Lord loves you too. If He is truly no longer here, then I shall love you and everyone else on His behalf." Daylight opened her eyes, which held a look of sincere gentleness. She was now this gentle toward everyone.
"I... I don't need that..." Ishtar said subconsciously. Her hand tightened slightly, but then she seemed to lose all her strength and let out a sigh of release.
"Does she really care about nothing?" Clo thought for a moment, then shook her head. "The things she cares about are very important, but I don't remember them... regardless, I am not among them."
In the bustling market, Li Yue, with a vegetable basket hanging from her arm, sneezed. She carefully inspected the vegetables, then pondered if any ingredients were missing.
"Little girl, you’re wearing so little during the change of seasons; you’ll catch a cold easily," an old woman at a stall spoke slowly. There were many fruits and vegetables beside her. "Fresh strawberries, want to buy some?"
"I'll take some." Li Yue handed over the coins. "Not too many; I'm afraid she'll get tired of them."
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