Closing my eyes, I sensed the presence of the [Evergreen Garden] that permeated the surroundings.
It was only a faint trace, like a lingering scent, far weaker than the actual [Evergreen Garden].
Still, it was undoubtedly the same kind of presence I felt in the [Evergreen Garden].
I searched for that presence, centering myself.
My power spread out like ripples on a calm water surface when a small stone is dropped.
As I searched for the [Evergreen Garden] with those ripples, they returned as if hitting another set of ripples.
Repeating this, I searched for the source of the [Evergreen Garden]’s presence.
The presence within the temple was faint, so its strength didn’t change much, but I could still sense its intensity.
As if pulling it closer, I searched for the areas where its presence was strong, and eventually found its center.
It was undoubtedly the point of connection between this world and the [Evergreen Garden].
Although it was a connection point, there was no hole that leaked its presence into this world.
It simply existed naturally as a “place” connecting that space to the [Evergreen Garden].
But I was able to confirm that the connection point and the [Evergreen Garden] were undeniably linked.
Once that was confirmed, all that was left was to use divine power to call out using the method taught in the [Evergreen Garden].
“Asura, Eris, can you hear this voice?”
“Yes, we’re perfectly connected. Eris’s teachings here were finally useful, weren’t they?”
“I’m relieved we didn’t have to resort to reckless methods this time.”
“Hahahahaha.”
“…Oh, I’m sorry. I can’t do more than this. Perhaps another time.”
“Yeah. See you. …You still seem busy, huh?”
“Naturally.”
“Then you answered this call… even if it was just a single word.”
“It’s probably because it was a call from you.”
“Is that so?”
“Is there any other reason?”
“No, I wonder?”
“Haa… Well, that’s fine. Regardless, do you understand how to create the path?”
“Yeah. Well… I found this place, and somehow?”
“If that’s the case, it would be best to connect them quickly. You can’t stay there indefinitely, can you?”
“Understood. God Elisamil.”
“…What is it? Being called that by you makes me feel… ticklish.”
“Whoa, that’s harsh!”
“If you keep joking around like before, you won’t have enough time!”
“Oh, right. Okay, I’ll hang up for now, okay?”
“Yes, please do.”
***
About thirty minutes had passed since Kousuke sat cross-legged and closed his eyes.
Of course, Kouhi and Silvia were present, but others had also begun to observe the situation.
These were mainly priests and shrine maidens belonging to this temple.
From what Silvia could see, there were more high-ranking individuals among them.
Silvia thought it was natural.
Kousuke might not be aware of it, but what he was currently doing was one of the ultimate goals that clerics strived for.
Kousuke’s current posture and approach were not the official methods passed down in the temple.
However, that wasn’t of great importance.
Even the methods passed down in the temple had various variations.
To touch the mystical.
Once that was achieved, for the clerics, the means and methods took a backseat.
And now, Kousuke was demonstrating one form of that in front of Silvia and the other clerics.
The atmosphere Kousuke was enveloped in could undoubtedly be felt as touching a part of the mystical.
The higher their rank, the more they would be able to perceive it.
As Kousuke showed almost no signs of movement, the clerics watching him began to murmur.
Of course, they spoke in hushed tones so as not to disturb Kousuke.
Silvia, who had been observing Kousuke, naturally noticed this.
They were all looking in a particular direction.
Silvia soon noticed the presence as well.
That was natural.
The person was approaching Silvia.
Silvia turned around and confirmed the person’s identity, her eyes widened, and she quickly bowed her head.
“To think you’d show yourself after so long, only to bring someone even more extraordinary, Silvia.”
“…Temple Head.”
As she greeted Silvia, the woman who did not take her eyes off Kousuke was the Temple Head who oversaw this temple.
Until a certain time, Silvia, who belonged to this temple, had naturally known her.
However, the Temple Head showed Silvia a slightly sorrowful expression.
“…You’re still not forgiven, are you?”
“That’s not true. I myself have come to terms with it as something from the past. …However, for whatever reason, I am no longer part of the temple. Those around me will not forgive it.”
At Silvia’s words, the Temple Head sighed.
“…It seems to be the same as ever. …At any rate, I’m glad you’re doing well.”
“Yes. You too, Temple Head.”
“Thank you. …By the way, could you introduce me to the extraordinary person over there?”
The moment Silvia reflexively tried to answer, she felt a gaze from Kouhi.
The gaze immediately shifted towards Kousuke.
But Silvia quickly understood the meaning of that gaze.
“…No. I apologize. If you could wait until this person awakens, please?”
At Silvia’s answer, the Temple Head’s eyes widened for a moment, and then she smiled.
“…Yes, that would be best. Until then, I will also be studying.”
Saying so, the Temple Head sat down on a nearby bench where Kousuke could be seen.
“Why don’t you sit down too?”
“No, thank you. However, I am fine as I am.”
“I see.”
The Temple Head nodded, and turned her gaze back to Kousuke.
Her eyes had completely taken on the look of a high-ranking cleric.
Kousuke finally opened his eyes about an hour after closing them.
When he opened his eyes, Kousuke, who initially looked dazzled, asked Kouhi, who was standing by his side.
“How much time has passed?”
“About an hour.”
“…The perception of time is completely different. Was it because connecting took time?… …Oops.”
As Kousuke tried to stand up from his spot, he stumbled and Kouhi supported him.
It was natural, considering he had been in the same posture for nearly an hour with minimal movement.
“Are you alright?”
“Yeah. …I’m fine.”
Saying so, Kousuke looked towards Silvia.
“Silvia, do you have a holy artifact?”
A holy artifact is something that clerics always wear, similar to a cross.
Silvia, caught off guard, looked bewildered.
“Of course, I have it… However, more importantly, there is someone I would like to introduce…”
Saying so, Silvia looked towards the Temple Head.
Kousuke also guessed that the woman wearing the shrine maiden outfit was a high-ranking cleric.
However, Kousuke had something he wanted to do first.
He looked at the Temple Head and bowed his head.
“…I apologize. You mentioned introducing someone, but could you give me a little more time? There’s something I absolutely want to do first.”
Seeing Kousuke’s face, the Temple Head nodded.
Above all, her intuition as a longtime cleric was at work.
“Of course, that’s fine. Rather, would you mind showing me what you want to do?”
“Yes. Since you’re willing to wait, I don’t mind.”
Kousuke nodded and looked at Silvia.
Silvia quickly took out the holy artifact hanging from her neck.
Silvia’s holy artifact was in the form of a pendant.
Receiving it, Kousuke sat cross-legged again, placed the holy artifact on his palm, and closed his eyes once more.
May 11, 2014 Typos corrected
June 9, 2014 Typos corrected
