Kapitel 14: Maya's Resolve Amidst The Divines

"WHO DID YOU SAY IS THE PIPSQUEAK?"

The enraged dark elf, on the verge of casting a spell, was halted by the Pope as he placed a calming hand on her shoulder, diffusing the tension in the air with his gentle demeanor and authoritative presence.

The pope humbly stated, "Please do forgive me for not introducing myself sooner. My name is Adriano Giovanni, the Pope of the Church of the Divines. This young lady beside me is its Divine Priestess."

A warm smile playing at the corners of the Pope's lips, his eyes gently closed to hide his observation towards Ewaan, as his mind whirling with speculation.

– This young man entered the church together with the young lady who's now inside the chamber,

He mused silently, his thoughts tinged with curiosity.

– Based on how he defended her and seems to know about her true identity, he must have a significant relationship with her.

"Yes, I'm the Divine Priestess of this Church as well as the 7th Princess of the Avaloria Empire," she stated proudly, her voice carrying a hint of regal authority. "Hailing from the esteemed Caravelle Royal family, I go by the name Odelia Caravelle."

– That's right, you ignorant fool, acknowledge my lineage and bow before me. Mwahahaha~

She mused and mentally laughing to herself, reveling in her thoughts.

Despite being aware of her royal and religious stature, which is equivalent to that of an Archbishop, Ewaan remained unfazed.

It did however, fazed the Takagi twins as they were visibly shaken. Even after Ewaan insulted the Divine Priestess by calling her a pipsqueak, the Pope maintained his politeness toward him.

The Takagi sisters were left stunned by Ewaan's behavior towards those high-ranking officials, but despite their astonishment, they gathered the courage to step forward and introduce themselves.

Ayaka whispered to Ewaan, "Hey, don't just stand there, introduce yourself!"

"Young man, you know who we are now. Would you mind sharing a bit about yourself?" the Pope asked with humility.

In a daze, as his thoughts consumed by worry for Maya, Ewaan gazed towards the chamber, oblivious to Ayaka's words at first.

"Hmm? Oh!" Finally, he snapped out of his reverie, realizing the significance of the moment. "The young lady inside the chamber... I'm her big brother, Ewaan Tempest!"

°°°

A few moments ago, after Maya entered the chamber, confusion clouded her mind as she stood uncertain of her next steps.

Many faint voices started to loom around as she slowly moved towards the center, where seven statues stood, their presence exuding an undeniable grandeur.

Realizing the significance of those statues, Maya began to pray before them with her hands crossed and head bowed.

"I don't know if you can hear me or not, but... Since the moment Ewaan and I transmigrated to this world, everything became hopeless for us, and our lives turned upside down. Seeing him tirelessly trying to protect me, even though both of us are in the same situation…"

Her expression softened with a mix of vulnerability and determination as she poured out her heart in prayer.

Her brows furrowed slightly, conveying the weight of her words, while her lips formed a gentle curve, revealing a hint of resolve.

With closed eyes, she radiated an aura of earnestness, her sincerity palpable in the quiet stillness of the chamber.

In her fervent prayer, Maya sought not only strength for herself but also divine intervention for someone dear to her heart.

Her petitions were not for her own benefit but for Ewaan, who had stood by her side through life's trials and tribulations.

As she poured out her heart to the divine, memories of their journey together flooded her mind.

She recalled their first encounter in their world, and how Ewaan's presence had brought her solace even in the darkest of times from then.

From the perilous encounter with the Bipedal Buffalo Demon soon after their arrival in this unfamiliar world to the challenges they had faced together since then, Ewaan's selflessness and bravery had never wavered.

In these moments of reflection, Maya found strength in her memories of Ewaan's unwavering courage and care.

She prayed for his safety and well-being, knowing that he would continue to be her guiding light in the days to come.

"I… I can't bear to see him risking his life anymore!" Maya's voice echoed through the chamber, laced with raw emotion and urgency.

"Even though I don't want to admit it, but I get it," Maya spoke with a mixture of resignation and realization, her voice quivering slightly.

With a brief pause to collect her thoughts, she continued, "The only person who was supposed to come to this world was him alone! I was simply a bystander who accidentally became involved in his pursuits! He'll undoubtedly be doing dangerous things going forward!"

Her words echoed with a sense of acceptance and apprehension as she grappled with the harsh reality of their situation.

Maya vividly recalled the moment when the magic square appeared beneath Ewaan, and without a second thought, she reached out and clung to him, unwittingly transmigrating alongside him to this unfamiliar world.

Maya expressed her innermost desires with fervor, as her voice echoing with determination.

"I don't want to be a constant burden needing protection. I want to stand by his side and support him in his great cause. So, please, grant me the necessary strength to be his greatest aid!"

With her plea spoken, she fell silent, her heart heavy with the weight of her hopes and aspirations.

Shortly after, the ‹Hero's Crest› on her hand began to shimmer with a radiant golden glow.

Mana surged into her from the crest, coursing through her veins like wildfire, igniting every fiber of her being with searing agony.

The 'Mana Circuit' within her audibly expanded, emitting crackling noises as it strained to accommodate the influx of energy.

As she collapsed to her knees, overwhelmed by the excruciating pain, Maya longed to scream, but the intensity of the agony rendered her voiceless.

Tears welled down her cheeks, mingling with the sweat of exertion.

In that moment of despair, she was abruptly enveloped by a profound silence, broken only by a voice that resonated with crystal clarity within her mind.

"[Let Me Help You, Child, To Relieve Your Pain.]"

The soothing voice echoed in Maya's mind as she found herself enveloped by the radiant silhouette of a stunningly beautiful woman, emanating a golden aura.

Instantly, the excruciating pain that had gripped her vanished, replaced by a sense of calm and serenity.

"[I Sensed That, Even From The Heavens Above.]"

The silhouette was none other than the breathtakingly beautiful Goddess of Love herself.

"[Your Unwavering Love For The Man, Firmly Rooted In Your Heart, With Your Determination To Stand By His Side As An Equal Is Truly Remarkable!]"

"Who... who are you?" Maya inquired in a shaky voice as her pain subsided, her eyes wide with wonder and curiosity.

"[I'm The One Who Is Known As The Goddess Of Love ‹Ishtar›. In Response To Your Prayers For Support In Your Noble Cause, I've Come To Aid You,]" The ethereal voice replied.

"[Are You Willing To Accept My Power As Your Own To Fulfill Your Noble Cause And Protect Your Love?]"

Maya's resolve solidified as she heard the goddess' words.

Protecting Ewaan became her ultimate purpose, the driving force behind her presence by his side in this mystical world.

After accepting the proposal of the Goddess of Love, Maya witnesses as the golden silhouette dissolved into a swarm of golden mana particles that merged with her being.

She felt the surge of tremendous mana flooding her body, accompanied by a portion of the Goddess of Love's power.

With a sense of contentment and joy filling her heart, Maya thought that standing by Ewaan's side wouldn't be a hindrance but rather an opportunity to support him in his endeavors.

°°°

While Maya underwent her 'Baptism', Ewaan found himself bombarded with alerts from Great Sage.

[Notice: The God of Entertainment bestows his divine gaze upon the Outlander, Maya Tempest.]

[Notice: The Goddess of Water bestows her divine gaze upon the Outlander, Maya Tempest.]

[Notice: The Goddess of Justice bestows her divine gaze upon the Outlander, Maya Tempest.]

[Notice: The Goddess of Void bestows her divine gaze upon the Outlander, Maya Tempest.]

[Notice: The Fairy Goddess bestows her divine gaze the Outlander, Maya Tempest.]

[Notice: The God of Ecstasy bestows his divine gaze upon the Outlander, Maya Tempest.]

[Notice: The God of War bestows his divine gaze upon the Outlander, Maya Tempest.]

[Notice: The Goddess of Destruction bestows her divine gaze upon the Outlander, Maya Tempest.]

[Notice: The God of Mischief bestows his divine gaze upon the Outlander, Maya Tempest.]

[Notice: The God of Creation bestows his divine gaze upon the Outlander, Maya Tempest.]

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