บท 83: [83] The Journey to Eden

[The module requires immense energy and rare materials found only in specific locations. One of them is the Heart of Luminaris, a luminous crystal that grows deep within the caves of the Veilara Mountains. And...] Ciel paused briefly, prompting Ash to sigh impatiently.

"And what?" Ash pressed.

[The crystal is guarded by my sibling, Cherubim.]

Ash ran a hand over his face, already exhausted by the explanation. "So, let me get this straight—I need to face an eternal guardian to acquire this rare crystal, just to craft a pair of magical eyes for a little girl?"

[The choice is yours, Ash,] Ciel replied in an emotionless tone. [But I know you won't leave the child in her current state.]

Ash fell silent, staring into the dancing flames before him. The warm firelight cast flickering shadows on his face, yet within him, a darker conflict brewed. Ciel's words resonated in his mind. As always, Ciel was right. Martha didn't deserve to live in darkness, not after everything she had endured.

If something could be done, Ash knew he had to do it—no matter the cost. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself. "Fine," he said at last, his voice low but resolute. "We'll go to the Veilara Mountains."

[A wise decision,] Ciel replied, her tone calm but carrying a faint trace of satisfaction.

Ash glanced at the fire for a moment before furrowing his brow. "But... where exactly are the Veilara Mountains?"

A brief pause preceded Ciel's next words, her voice soft yet direct. [In a different dimension... Eden.]

Ash froze. He turned his head sharply, as if looking for someone, though he knew the voice only existed in his mind. "Eden? Isn't that..." He frowned, trying to process the information. "You're telling me I need to go to heaven? What are you trying to say, Ciel? That I have to die for this?"

A light chuckle echoed in Ciel's tone. [Of course not. If I wanted you dead, that would be counterproductive, wouldn't it? With me here, I can open the dimension for you. You don't need to worry about entering Eden physically. I'll handle it for you.]

Ash rubbed his face in frustration, his gaze returning to the fire. "I'm not sure what bothers me more—the fact that you can take me to heaven, or the fact that you make it sound like a casual afternoon stroll."

[As dramatic as always, Ash,] Ciel replied, this time with a more relaxed tone. [Eden is merely another dimension, albeit one with a much higher energy level than this world. The Veilara Mountains are located in one of Eden's most protected regions, where the Heart of Luminaris grows.]

Ash mulled over the description Ciel had provided earlier about the crystal. "If I go there, what about time in this world? I don't have the luxury of wasting time while things here move forward."

[Relax,] Ciel reassured him. [The time ratio in Eden is vastly different from this world. A hundred years in Eden equates to just one day here.]

Ash's eyes widened slightly. "A hundred years to a day? That doesn't sound like a fair deal. I could lose my sanity there."

[Oh, I'm sure you'll manage,] Ciel replied, her tone carrying a playful edge. [I'm here to ensure that doesn't happen. After all, if you lose your mind, it'll only make more work for me, won't it?]

Ash snorted, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You're far too nonchalant about something involving interdimensional travel."

Taking a deep breath, Ash steadied his thoughts. Inside the small hut, Martha slept peacefully, her tiny body curled beneath a simple blanket Ash had conjured with magic. Seeing the girl, Ash felt his resolve strengthen. The decision to embark on the journey no longer wavered in his mind.

"Alright then," he said slowly, his tone firm with determination. "Let's get started."

[Understood,] Ciel replied, her voice as steady as ever, though there was an undertone of gravity suggesting the seriousness of the path ahead.

Ash rose to his feet, gripping Gungnir in his right hand. He stared at the campfire for a moment before waving his hand to extinguish it with magic. The air around them grew still, as though the night itself anticipated what was to come.

"Ciel," he called out. "Open the path."

A magic circle appeared before Ash, glowing faintly with intricate patterns that radiated stable energy. A gentle breeze swirled around him, carrying an unfamiliar scent that felt otherworldly.

[The first step toward Eden begins, Ash. Don't worry—I'll ensure we arrive safely.]

With steady steps, Ash entered the magic circle. Light enveloped him, and in an instant, he felt his body lifted into another dimension.

When Ash opened his eyes, he blinked in amazement at the sight before him. The sky of Eden was unlike anything he had ever seen—a blend of deep blue and soft gold, adorned with drifting auroras shimmering in the distance. The air was heavy yet invigorating, as though saturated with pure energy.

He stood atop a glowing meadow, where each blade of grass emitted a soft luminescence, like tiny stars scattered across the ground. The atmosphere radiated a sense of grandeur, making Ash feel small despite knowing he was no ordinary man.

"So, this is Eden..." he murmured, his voice nearly lost in the unnatural stillness.

[Exactly,] Ciel confirmed. [But we don't have time to admire the scenery. The Veilara Mountains lie to the east of Eden, beyond the Valley of the Guardians.]

Chapter Title: The Guardian of the Veilara Mountains

Ash nodded and proceeded cautiously. He had no desire to draw the attention of Eden's inhabitants, though he knew that, as an agent of the gods, he wouldn't be outright seen as an enemy.

After a long trek through a valley filled with ancient statues of guardians, Ash finally reached the base of the Veilara Mountains. Towering cliffs stretched upward before him, emitting a faint golden glow, as if holding secrets inaccessible to mortal beings.

Climbing steadily, Ash moved with measured steps, guided by Ciel. The only sound was the soft breeze carrying the scent of unfamiliar flowers. Yet the serenity shattered as he reached the summit.

There, an enormous entity awaited—an immense eye floating in midair, surrounded by numerous radiant wings that moved silently. Its brilliance was so overwhelming that Ash squinted against the light. The sacred aura emanating from the being made it difficult for him to breathe.

The entity turned slowly toward him, and its booming, resonant voice shook the air around them.

"Who dares to trespass upon my domain?"

Ash swallowed hard. For the first time, he felt a pressure unlike anything he had encountered, even in battles he thought insurmountable.

"Uh… hello!" he said, attempting a friendly tone despite knowing how absurd it sounded in such a grave moment.

The entity remained stationary, but its wings began to move more swiftly. "Your presence is not harmonized with Eden's balance. What purpose brings you here, mortal?"

Ash forced himself to stay calm, though sweat trickled down his temple. "I'm not here to challenge you or disrupt the balance. I only seek the Heart of Luminaris to heal a child in my world."

Cherubim, the great eye with glowing wings, floated closer to Ash with nearly imperceptible movements. The air around them trembled, creating a pressure that made Ash hold his breath.

"To steal a sacred artifact for the sake of a mortal child?" The entity's voice echoed with derision, but something shifted mid-sentence. The colossal eye stared intently at Ash, and an eerie stillness blanketed the area as if time itself had paused.

After a few tense moments, Cherubim spoke again, this time with a tone of astonishment. "Ah! So it is you. The soul whispered about by Eden's dwellers as of late!"

"Huh?" Ash furrowed his brow, confusion evident on his face.

"Yes, of course, you're confused," Cherubim continued, now sounding strangely enthusiastic, almost like someone uncovering a long-hidden truth. "I mean, who would have thought? A mortal daring to carry the teachings of Bilbe into the another world. Such audacity is not something one encounters every day!"