Multiversal Ascension-Chapter 117: Meeting a Goddess
Mikael felt the familiar pull of teleportation, and in the blink of an eye, the world around him shifted. He landed on soft ground, but before he could even scan his surroundings, a breathtaking fragrance enveloped him. The air carried the fresh scent of wildflowers, the crisp purity of morning dew, and a faint sweetness drifting in on a gentle breeze. It was as if nature itself had been distilled into perfection—serene and untouched.
Before he could dwell on it, a system message caught his attention.
[You have entered a world for a military mission! From this moment until the mission is completed, all usual rules of the Records are deactivated. Extraction is not possible until the mission is complete. Good luck, and do your best—remember, everything you do will affect your final grade.]
Mikael waved off the notification before his gaze landed on his surroundings. At that moment, his breath caught.
Before him stretched a realm beyond mortal comprehension, a paradise woven from divinity itself. The sky was not merely blue—it shimmered with hues of gold and silver, as if painted by a celestial artist beyond human understanding. Ethereal clouds drifted lazily, casting gentle halos of light over the breathtaking landscape. The air carried a purity so profound it felt almost tangible, each breath filling his lungs with invigorating warmth.
Beneath his feet was not mere earth or stone but a radiant, marble-like surface that gleamed with an inner glow. Intricate golden veins pulsed faintly across it, emanating a gentle, rhythmic energy. It was neither cold nor warm—simply perfect, as if sculpted by divine hands.
Towering trees with silver and emerald leaves stretched toward the heavens, their branches adorned with luminous fruits that glowed softly, as if containing the very essence of the stars. Flowers of impossible colors bloomed in pristine gardens, their petals swaying gently despite the absence of any visible breeze. Their fragrance was intoxicating yet soothing, weaving directly into the soul, a scent that seemed to erase all burdens.
In the distance, crystalline waterfalls cascaded from floating islands, their waters glowing faintly as they descended into mirror-like lakes. Despite their ceaseless motion, they did not crash or roar but instead sang, their melodious chime blending seamlessly with the divine hum of the realm. Birds of radiant plumage glided through the sky, leaving shimmering trails of golden light in their wake, while streams of raw energy wove through the land like rivers of liquid stardust.
At the heart of this paradise stood its crowning jewel—a temple of unparalleled magnificence. Spires of celestial jade pierced the sky, bathed in divine radiance. Its gates, adorned with sacred runes and intricate carvings depicting celestial battles and blessings, stood open as if anticipating their arrival.
And at the entrance of the temple stood a woman of unreal beauty. Her silky silver hair cascaded down her back like waves of moonlight, and her golden eyes shimmered like stars, their divine glow piercing yet warm. She wore a flowing silver robe that was neither too tight nor too loose, accentuating her figure with a grace that seemed both effortless and absolute.
Her very presence radiated divinity. Every movement, every breath, was perfection itself. Even Mikael, who had seen many beautiful women, found himself momentarily stunned. His mind wavered for a fraction of a second before his gaze landed on Lyra beside him, snapping him back to reality.
“Thank you for answering my request, young heroes. If you would, please follow me—we have much to discuss.”
The goddess’s voice was like a melody, reaching them effortlessly despite the vast distance between them. She had noticed Mikael’s brief moment of distraction but said nothing, a small, knowing smile gracing her lips.
Exchanging uncertain glances, Mikael and his companions stepped forward, tension lingering in the air. This was, after all, their first encounter with an actual goddess. While the mission description stated they would act as her divine envoys, none of them had expected to meet her in person. The weight of the situation pressed down on them, their newfound role carrying an unexpected gravity.
They quickly closed the distance, stopping just before the goddess. Without further words, she turned and gestured for them to follow.
“Come.”
With that simple command, she led them inside the temple.
The moment they crossed the threshold, an otherworldly silence enveloped them. The grand hall was vast yet empty, its walls adorned with flowing golden inscriptions that shimmered with an ethereal light. It was not barren, but neither was it lavishly furnished—there was only a sense of boundless space, as if the temple itself extended beyond mortal perception.
Then, with a mere wave of her hand, the goddess conjured a seating arrangement of unparalleled comfort. Couches and chairs, woven from what seemed like threads of divine silk, appeared out of thin air. Though Mikael and his group had seen more impressive miracles through the Records before, there was something different about this. The way she created something from nothing carried an aura distinct from the artificial, system-like power of the Records—it felt organic, effortless, purely divine.
Once they were seated, her golden eyes met each of theirs before she spoke again.
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Seraphis, the goddess of purity and protection—the deity whom the people of the Rithen Kingdom pray to.” She bowed slightly, neither overly formal nor condescending, a gesture of measured respect.
Following her lead, Mikael and the others introduced themselves in turn.
Once the introductions were complete, Seraphis continued, “Young heroes, I do not know how much information you have been given regarding this mission, so allow me to explain everything from the beginning.”
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She paused for a moment, as if gathering her thoughts, then spoke once more.
“The world you have arrived in is in the midst of a devastating war between the Rithen Kingdom and the Valden Kingdom. Three years ago, the war-hungry nobles of Valden pushed for an invasion, seeing Rithen as weaker and ripe for conquest.”
“The king of Valden, driven by a mix of greed and pressure by his court, gave in. And so, a war of bloodshed and destruction began, its rivers running red with the lives of countless men and women.”
A sorrowful expression crossed her flawless face. “This war is not fought for justice, nor for survival—it is waged purely for the ambition of a few, while thousands pay the price with their lives.” A flicker of something dark passed through her golden eyes, a restrained anger woven beneath her serene exterior.
She took a slow breath, exhaling softly before continuing.
“Forgive me… This subject is a sore one for me.”
Seraphis’s golden eyes shimmered with unspoken grief before she continued, her tone steady despite the weight of sorrow within it. “When the war began, the casualties on both sides mounted rapidly. However, the Rithen Kingdom suffered disproportionately—their soldiers were outmatched, their weapons inferior, and their strategies lacking compared to the Valden forces. As a result, they have steadily lost ground, and their defeat seems inevitable.”
A distant look crossed her flawless visage, as if she could see the battlefield itself, strewn with the bodies of those who had prayed to her for salvation.
Mikael, who had been listening silently until now, leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp. “Excuse me, Lady Seraphis, but there’s something I don’t quite understand.” His tone was polite but lacked the reverence most would expect when addressing a goddess.
Seraphis’s golden eyes widened ever so slightly. It was rare—no, unheard of—for someone to question her so directly. Every time she appeared before her believers, whether through dreams, visions, or avatars, they bowed, groveled, and whispered prayers in trembling voices. Yet here was this young man, speaking to her as if she were not an untouchable deity but someone he could hold a conversation with.
It was… refreshing.
Intrigued, she inclined her head. “Go on.”
Mikael listened intently before shifting slightly in his seat. “Lady Seraphis, if I may ask… I can see that you care for the people of the Rithen Kingdom. So why is it that you can’t help them yourself?” His tone was respectful, his curiosity genuine. “You’re a goddess. I don’t know how powerful, but as a divine existence, if you truly wished to, wouldn’t you be able to end this war?”
She smiled faintly, leaning back with an air of quiet amusement. “A fair question, and one most would not dare to ask so directly.”
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Mikael offered a small, lopsided smile. “I figured you had your reasons, but I couldn’t help but wonder.”
Her golden gaze held his for a moment before she sighed lightly. “It is not a matter of whether I wish to help. If I could descend upon the battlefield and shield my people from harm, I would. But as a goddess, I am bound by the laws of divinity. Direct interference in mortal affairs is forbidden.”
Mikael furrowed his brows slightly. “Forbidden by whom?”
“The fundamental laws that govern existence itself,” she explained, her voice calm yet firm. “Gods exist to guide, to protect in spirit, to grant strength through faith—but not to alter the course of the mortal world through direct action. To do so would disrupt the balance of fate, a balance that exists for a reason.”
A flicker of frustration passed through her otherwise serene expression. “And if I were to break those laws? The consequences would be severe, not only for me but for this entire world.”
Mikael nodded slowly, absorbing her words. “I see… So instead of stepping in yourself, you found another way.” His eyes sharpened slightly with understanding. “That’s why you turned to the Akashic Records.”
She smiled at his quick deduction. “Yes. Seeking warriors from the Records is the absolute limit of what I can do to interfere. Because the Records exist beyond this world’s natural order, their involvement does not break the laws I must abide by.”
Mikael exhaled, leaning back slightly. “A clever loophole.”
Seraphis chuckled softly, her melodic laughter echoing through the temple. “You could say that. Though calling it a loophole makes it sound as if I am bending the rules out of convenience. I assure you, I would not have sought this path if there were any other way.”
Mikael studied her for a moment before offering a small, knowing smile. “I believe you.” He tilted his head slightly. “It must not be easy… watching over your people, wanting to protect them, but having to abide by rules you didn’t create.”
Seraphis’s golden eyes widened slightly, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. Most mortals either demanded answers or blindly accepted her will. Few ever truly acknowledged the burden of divinity itself.
She regarded him for a moment before a warm, appreciative smile curved her lips. “You understand more than most.”
Mikael chuckled softly. “Well, I try.” Then, with a faint smirk, he added, “Besides, it’d be a shame if someone as beautiful as you had to worry too much.”
Seraphis arched an elegant eyebrow, her expression amused. “Flattery, is it?”
Mikael placed a hand over his heart in mock sincerity. “I assure you, it’s nothing but the truth.”
A light chuckle escaped Seraphis, her gaze lingering on him with a trace of intrigue. “You are quite different from those who worship me.” There was a glimmer of amusement in her golden eyes. “I must admit, it is… refreshing.”
Mikael smiled. “Glad to hear I’m making a good impression.”
But just as the moment stretched, a small yet deliberate cough broke the air.
Kiara.
Mikael turned his head just in time to catch her giving him a deadpan stare, her dark blue eyes cool and unreadable. Her expression was neutral—too neutral.
At that moment, he inwardly facepalmed. ‘Right… maybe I was a little too friendly. And with Kiara’s personality… yeah, she’s definitely not happy about this. Honestly, in my defense, it wasn’t exactly my intention to flirt with her… It’s just that I was kind of nervous. I mean, a goddess was right in front of me, so I flirted out of nervousness?’ he wondered to himself.
Author Note:
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