Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 1998: Scattered essence (2)

Today had brought plenty of surprises my way, yet this one topped them all in sheer astonishment.

Truth be told, it was far from anything I'd anticipated encountering.

That tiny orb of energy carried distinct traits that hinted at its true nature, though it remained tough to accept what those traits implied.

Should those traits prove accurate, accepting its identity became even more challenging.

Simply put, it lacked the majestic presence one might anticipate from such a being.

"I notice that look in your eyes. You're not holding back on considering this old bird's emotions at all."

An embarrassed expression crossed my face upon hearing those words, followed by a clearing of my throat to steady myself before I replied, "Well, you can understand my reaction. It's simply tough to wrap my head around you being like this."

"Ha, ha, I don't hold it against you, but it's quite the tale. Would you care to hear this old bird's story?"

Even without it mentioning that, I would have inquired anyway. Thus, I nodded without any delay.

"To start, I must tell you that the god I served has passed away."

"Huh..." My voice carried a tone of shock as those words sank in.

I'd suspected as much before, but hearing confirmation from this god's messenger stirred a whole new level of impact.

The very idea that a god could perish... it was a revelation that shook me to the core.

Yet, it also shed light on the gods' fierce battle against the forces of Destruction—not merely out of obligation, but because their own survival hung in the balance.

I'd assumed this might be true, though lacking proof of gods' mortality had left it unverified until now.

That said, this knowledge wouldn't alter my resolve to combat the forces of Destruction or shift my actions in any way. My fight stemmed from a desire to safeguard those dear to me from the start.

Learning this changed nothing in that regard.

"My deepest sympathies. I wonder if this occurred recently or if..." My voice faded as I spoke.

The little energy orb let out a light laugh before responding, "No need to fret—it's an event from ages past. It took place right when the God of Destruction was initially sealed away."

I nodded gradually, processing this revelation.

The surprise factor was minimal, given how gravely the gods had always treated the God of Destruction's threat. Such an outcome from that era felt entirely plausible.

"So, do you still hold the role of god's messenger?" I posed the question cautiously.

"The title remains even if the god I served is gone, as long as their blessing lingers in me. Only when that power fades do I forfeit the role."

Deep contemplation gripped me instantly, for that statement packed layers of meaning.

The crucial detail lay in the mention of forfeiting the title.

Rephrased, it suggested this god's messenger teetered on the edge of losing everything—their status and strength would soon vanish entirely.

"What have you been channeling your power into?" I inquired after a prolonged pause.

With yet another chuckle, the god's messenger replied, "Hasn't it become clear? You've pieced it together already, so must I spell it out for you?"

A bitter smile tugged at my mouth, but truly, no explicit confirmation was needed—I'd already connected the pieces.

It explained the prosperous blessings enveloping this kingdom.

The god's messenger went on, "I've spread my very essence throughout these lands, and that's why it's flourished as it has."

"But why go to such lengths?" The question escaped me involuntarily.

A heavy sigh came from the god's messenger before they explained, "It stems from the pact I struck with this kingdom's founder. He was my chosen partner, the one to whom I vowed protection for this realm. For that reason, I've dispersed my essence far and wide here."

"Even so, this shouldn't force you to fade away entirely. Surely you can replenish yourself somehow?"

After all, that was the legendary essence of the mythical creature before me.

A mere glance at its telltale signs revealed the god's messenger as none other than a phoenix.

Phoenixes possessed the remarkable ability to regenerate endlessly through fresh flames. Thus, it seemed illogical for this one to deplete its power so drastically.

Not even divine power's decline should lead to this.

"You can't imagine the immense energy required to bestow blessings on this vast land—far beyond what an aging bird like me can sustain."

"Then, if you ceased the blessings, couldn't you rebuild your strength?"

"Maybe so, but that's not the path I'll take."

My eyebrows furrowed at those words, yet I held back from pressing further to sway the god's messenger. The resolute edge in their tone made it clear.

Even if I spoke up, they wouldn't heed my words.

Therefore, I simply asked, "Why did you wish to meet with me?"