We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
Shooting Star of Dragon Peak.
“Ruiseine, come here.”
This was a little before we all gathered at the Wyvern Hunting Ground.
I stopped by the Great Shrine of the Armēdo Kingdom, and the Head Miko, Yashura-sama, greeted me.
However, what surprised me most was that Madrine-sama was accompanying Yashura-sama.
Why would the Head Mikos of two kingdoms, the Armēdo Kingdom and the Yorttenitos Kingdom, greet me together? What could this possibly mean?
With a question in my mind, I followed Yashura-sama into the Great Shrine. Yashura-sama and Madrine-sama proceeded into the depths of the shrine side by side. Then, they headed towards a staircase leading down to the basement.
“Yashura-sama, this area beyond here is the Great Library, isn’t it?”
The Great Shrine collects many books related to the Temple Religion from shrines all over the country. They house books about the activities of Mikos in various regions and the exploits of priests. Some of these books, which even concern Lady Shooting Star, are gathered and carefully preserved in the Great Shrine. The Great Library of the Great Shrine is, in essence, a library solely for the clergy, not open to the public. Why were Yashura-sama and Madrine-sama leading me to the Great Library?
Madrine-sama, who usually caused a commotion with Yufilia-san and Nina-san, walked ahead of me with an unusually solemn expression. The only sounds echoing on the long, staircase illuminated by the Light Magic Crystal Stones were our footsteps and the rustling of our robes.
I, too, was overwhelmed by Yashura-sama and Madrine-sama’s aura and felt tense. Then, Madrine-sama spoke to me without stopping her pace.
“Ruiseine, I have a basic question about sorcery.”
“Yes…?”
Suddenly, what was the matter? Questions raced through my mind, but I braced myself, believing there must be some meaning behind this question. Then, Madrine-sama asked.
“In sorcery, what does ‘formation’ mean?”
The sorcery that we Mikos activate by embodying fragments of the Goddess’s power has various effects, from elementary to the highest level. Among these, the foundational sorcery that protects people from evil is often named “formation”.
A representative example is the Crescent Moon Formation. It creates a shining light in a crescent moon shape beneath the target’s feet, along with a shadow where the light does not reach. By enclosing the target within the shadow of the crescent moon, a binding effect is manifested. It seals the opponent’s movements and creates an advantageous situation for us. That is the Crescent Moon Formation.
However, “formation” has another aspect. Unlike the Crescent Moon Formation, which uses shadow for binding, there are also “formations” that exhibit barrier effects through light. Long ago, when a large army of demons invaded the capital city, we Mikos combined our powers and activated a powerful barrier sorcery.
The Full Moon Formation. A great sorcery that minimizes the moon’s shadow and descends the full moon’s radiance onto the earth. Those enveloped in the full moon’s light are protected from evil powers. However, unlike basic sorcery, the Full Moon Formation is a great sorcery and cannot be activated by only a few Mikos. It is the highest-ranking barrier sorcery, which can only be activated when dozens or even hundreds of Mikos join hands and combine their magical power.
I organized the properties of sorceries named “formation.” Then, based on the fundamental aspects, I answered Madrine-sama’s question one by one, speaking them aloud.
“Sorcery that protects people with the moon’s light and binds evil with the moon’s shadow is the essence of ‘formation.'”
This was not a difficult question at all. Any Miko who had received an education and baptism would naturally possess this level of knowledge. In fact, if one could not understand it, I would think they should start over as an apprentice Miko. Madrine-sama nodded in response to my answer.
“Then, my next question. The effects of ‘formation’ change with the phases of the moon, don’t they? The closer the moon’s light is to a full moon, the greater the barrier’s efficacy, and the more shadow area there is, the stronger the binding power becomes. Then why is the Crescent Moon Formation, which has more shadow area than intermediate sorceries like the Half Moon Formation, considered an inferior spell?”
There are various other sorceries with “formation” in their names, such as the high-ranking barrier sorceries, the Waning Crescent Moon Formation and the Waxing Crescent Moon Formation. Among them, the most elementary “formation” sorcery is the Crescent Moon Formation. However, as Madrine-sama said, the shadow generated by the elementary Crescent Moon Formation is larger compared to other superior barrier sorceries. Madrine-sama asked me why the Crescent Moon Formation is considered an inferior spell and called the foundation of barrier sorcery.
I made an effort to give a thorough answer to this question as well. I don’t think Madrine-sama wants to hear a brief answer summarizing only the main points from me now. I felt that she was trying to gauge something about me through her questions.
“It’s because the era when the incantations were offered is the oldest.”
This is also a question that anyone involved in the temple should know as a fundamental basic. While recalling my knowledge, I continued my answer.
In the distant ancient era, the original sorceries were born from the Mikos who offered prayers to the Goddess. They would offer Kagura all night, likening the moon to the Goddess. Over time, this gradually became simplified, evolving into the light from their fingertips, drawn to guide the Goddess’s power inward. These patterns and symbols drawn with fingertips were concise representations of the Kagura music and dance. In other words, the incantations recited when activating sorcery and the light from the fingertips can be considered the Kagura itself offered to the Goddess.
Therefore, sorceries that omit the incantations and the patterns or symbols drawn with light are extremely weakened in power. This is because it is a selfish exercise of power that neglects reverence and faith towards the Goddess, merely seeking to be granted power.
The incantations that praised the Goddess also began to incorporate wishes to lament the world and save its people. Thus, over many years, various sorceries with different effects were created and have been passed down to the present day. Among these, the Crescent Moon Formation and Moonlight Arrows are said to be the very earliest sorceries. As they were born at the very beginning, the incantations and light patterns were not yet refined, and their power was not particularly great. However, due to their simplicity, they became the foundation of sorcery and have been passed down. Still, the Crescent Moon Formation and Moonlight Arrows are foundational yet profound sorceries. Precisely because the incantations and the light formations are simple, by deepening one’s understanding and engaging in self-improvement, they can sometimes exhibit greater power than other sorceries.
For instance, when I activate the Moonlight Arrow sorcery, I can only create a few arrows, but Ada-san, whom I met in the Forbidden Territory some time ago, could instantly produce about twenty arrows at once. Because they are foundational sorceries born at the earliest stage, they can become powerful sorceries with immediate responsiveness if mastered. Madrine-sama nodded once more at my answer.
“Madrine-sama, why do you ask such basic questions?”
Now it was my turn to ask. Why were we heading to the underground Great Library? And why did we suddenly receive questions that seemed to review the fundamentals of sorcery? Before we could receive an answer from Madrine-sama and Yashura-sama, we arrived at the underground Great Library. Yashura-sama opened the door to the Great Library and proceeded inside. The Great Library was also illuminated by Light Magic Crystal Stones, so it was not dark even underground. It was a nostalgic sight. When I was still an apprentice Miko, my grandmother and I often came here. I would read tales of Mikos from various lands and the exploits of priests, and my heart would pound with excitement. Ah, yes, I remembered something important. Besides the biographies of shrines from various regions, this Great Library also houses many books on sorcery.
About three hundred years ago, this land was cursed, ruled by the Rotten Dragon King. Naturally, there was no human cultural sphere, nor were there any clergy or shrines. However, after the Rotten Dragon King was defeated and people gathered from various regions, a city was built, and a shrine was erected. It is said that at that time, Lady Shooting Star, who visited from a distant land, spread faith in this region. Lady Shooting Star, who pilgrimage around various lands, also played a role in spreading knowledge, traditions, and correct teachings from distant lands. The reason why common faith and teachings are spread across any shrine visited anywhere in the world is thanks to Lady Shooting Star. And Lady Shooting Star had another important role: the propagation of sorcery.
Conflicts still do not cease in the world. Shrines are burned down due to conflict with other races, or those who preach are killed by attacks from monsters and yōma. Thus, no matter how many books are collected, knowledge and research achievements are often lost. Nevertheless, humankind will rebuild their shrines. They will pursue new research. However, it takes a long time to recover lost teachings and knowledge of sorcery. High-level sorceries, in particular, cannot be recovered even with extensive research. In such cases, Lady Shooting Star would bring knowledge and teachings of sorcery from different regions.
This land, too, did not initially possess the highest-ranking barrier sorceries like the Full Moon Formation. It is precisely because the renowned Lady Shooting Star introduced them from distant lands that the Full Moon Formation and various other sorceries have been passed down to the present day. The books related to sorcery, which have been meticulously collected since the establishment of the Great Shrine, are also housed in the Great Library.
Madrine-sama and Yashura-sama led me towards the bookshelves where books on sorcery were displayed. However, they did not stop in front of the bookshelves but proceeded further into the depths.
“Madrine-sama? Yashura-sama?”
Beyond the rows of bookshelves, at the very back of the Great Library, there was a room behind a thick door, accessible only to a select few among the clergy.
“Come, Ruiseine. Enter here.”
Yashura-sama unlocked and opened the thick door. Then, Madrine-sama beckoned me and guided me inside.
“I’m sorry for asking all those probing questions. But I wanted to confirm something.”
“My basic knowledge?”
“No, I wanted to confirm how devout and faithful a Miko you are.”
And then, Madrine-sama continued.
“I have watched you. Your modest support of your husband by Elnea-kun’s side. Your sincere dedication to fulfilling your duties as a Miko every day, even in a distant foreign land. And your gentle guidance of immature believers.”
Therefore, Yashura-sama handed me a brand new Miko’s Attire, which was slightly different from those worn by temple staff, and had prepared it on the desk.
“We officially recognize you as a Shooting Star for both the Great Shrines of the Armēdo Kingdom and the Yorttenitos Kingdom.”
“And as a tribute to Lady Shooting Star, we will bestow upon you great sorcery.”
I was moved to tears by the blessings of Yashura-sama and Madrine-sama. And now. I awakened my consciousness from deep meditation and slowly opened my eyelids. An endless, deep forest. This is the depths of the treacherous forest spreading between the western edge of the Wyvern Hunting Ground and Dragon Peak. I had separated from Elnea-kun and others and had been meditating here since the battle began at the Wyvern Hunting Ground. Uh, you see. Just because I became a Shooting Star doesn’t mean I parted ways with Elnea-kun, you know? I’m simply acting separately from everyone else to fulfill my role. “Ahem. Who am I trying to make excuses to?” Anyway, I am currently alone in the depths of the forest. However, I am not lonely. I am not sad. This is because I focused my consciousness on the scene reflected in my eyes. Why is it? Strangely, I can see scenes that should absolutely not be visible from the depths of the forest. People of the Dragon Race, filled with dragon energy, are flying through the sky and running across the land. I could clearly see them drawing power from the dragon veins, converting it into powerful dragon energy, and releasing it into the world with my dragon eyes. Giant Dragon Race individuals flew in from far to the east. Nimia-chan brought Asher-sama and the Ancient Dragon Species people. The Ancient Dragon Species were dispersed in the four cardinal directions of the Wyvern Hunting Ground and formed formations in important locations. Like Lord Sleigsta, who is positioned in the center of the Great Fortress, they are stationed in locations that are key to the dragon veins. The Ancient Dragon Species draw power from the dragon veins naturally, as if breathing. At the same time, they regulate and activate the flow of the dragon veins. For me, who bears an important role, the positioning of the Ancient Dragon Species greatly helps. This is because, I shift my gaze from the distant scenery to my feet. I, too, was standing on the flow of the dragon veins. It’s strange, even if I say so myself. My eyes could clearly see the flow of the dragon veins. And I could recognize and connect with the existence of those connected to the dragon veins. Apparently, this is my current “power.” A rustling sound of parting thick bushes was heard. I gasped. Emerging before me was a grotesque yōma. Clouds of miasma spread across the sky. In the distance, I could see a terrifyingly monstrous existence, far too giant to be anything else, likely the Demon King, appearing in the sky. With the appearance of the Demon King, monsters and yōma are likely becoming more active. And they may have noticed my presence, separated from the Great Fortress, and attacked. The grotesque yōma brandished a rusted, dark red greatsword. At that moment. A shadow sprang out from beneath my feet. The shadow attacked the yōma with fierce momentum and mercilessly struck it down. “I will protect you. Now, fulfill your duty.” The shadow that protected me was a great wolf beast that I often see in the Dragon Forest. I had noticed it from the beginning, you see? The existence of the beasts moving along the dragon vein flow was clearly visible to my dragon eyes. Furthermore, the surrounding trees, birds, and animals whispered. “We will protect everyone.” “So, protect the world.” “Everyone is in position.” “We’re all ready!” The voices of all things told me many things. And my dragon eyes also captured the preparations being made along the flow of the dragon veins. Elnea-kun had been concerned from the start. He worried that the Demon King might be a monster beyond all expectation. Teruru-chan, the Thousand-Handed Spider, and the Shōjō, who are legendary beasts, possess terrifying power. Similarly, the Giant Demon Lord once said that there are terrifying existences among monsters. If so, perhaps the king who reigns at the apex of yōma also possesses unimaginable power. In that case, no matter how much force we gather, we might fall into a situation where we cannot fight back. That is why Elnea-kun entrusted me with an important role. Yes, he entrusted me with half of the Mikos gathered at the Wyvern Hunting Ground. I extend my dragon eyes along the flow of the dragon veins, looking far into the distance. Then, I could recognize the presence of many Mikos. Some Mikos were dancing Kagura with all their hearts. In another location, Mikos were reciting incantations to the Goddess. I could also sense the presence of Mikos praying earnestly and others with tense expressions. And many Mikos were meditating deeply and quietly. Many Mikos, like myself, were separated from the battlefield centered at the Great Fortress. I am sure that the rear rescue operations, which will be handled by Madrine-sama and the other half of the Mikos remaining at the Great Fortress, are in a dire situation. Nevertheless, I came to this place with half of the Mikos, prepared for the role entrusted to me by Elnea-kun. The Mikos reflected in my dragon eyes were scattered at points far from the main battlefield, the Great Fortress, forming a circular encirclement of the vast Wyvern Hunting Ground. It’s truly filled with so many strange things. My dragon eyes, which should only see dragon energy, can clearly see the movements of Mikos located far away. Perhaps, by becoming a Shooting Star, I awakened something? Be that as it may. The figures of the Mikos clearly reflected in my dragon eyes. The cause must lie at my feet. Numerous Mikos, forming a circular encirclement around the vast Wyvern Hunting Ground, were all standing on the dragon veins. Of course, I was the one who directed the positioning of everyone. With the cooperation of Lady Revalia and Laira-san, I guided the Mikos, who had been moved to various locations within the Wyvern Hunting Ground, on their positions. And then, they were instructed to wait there until further notice. This formation is the biggest trump card and secret plan that Elnea-kun and I devised! Once I confirmed that all preparations were complete, I began reciting a very, very long and complex incantation. If I made even the slightest mistake in the transmitted words, the incantation would lose its meaning. However, I recite the incantation sonorously. I have practiced it countless times since it was taught to me. I have no hesitation in drawing the patterns and symbols of light with my fingertips. I began chanting the most supreme, ancient sorcery passed down in both the Great Shrines of the Armēdo Kingdom and the Yorttenitos Kingdom. Then, a phenomenon occurred that was beyond normal expectations. Normally, great sorceries are activated by enhancing their power through the shared magical power of many Mikos holding hands. However, there are no Mikos beside me. Even the closest Miko is far beyond in the forest. Despite that. The dragon veins flowing far beneath the ground where I and the many Mikos stand connected me to the distant Mikos. The thoughts and magical power flowing from me traveled through the dragon veins to the distant Mikos. It connected with the Mikos who were in deep meditation and was transmitted to even further Mikos. Mikos dancing Kagura. Mikos offering prayers. They were successively connected to the Mikos arranged in a circle, encircling the Wyvern Hunting Ground. And the magical power and prayers of many Mikos overlapped and were offered to the Goddess. Ada-san once referred to the “dragon veins” as “spirit veins.” Ada-san, who possessed a saintly aura, is also said to be the beloved disciple of a witch. Now, I understand what Ada-san meant when she said “spirit veins.” And Elnea-kun said this. “Hey, Ruiseine. I think that since dragon veins reach every corner of the world, they are like the blood vessels that run through our bodies, aren’t they? If so. The blood vessels that support the world’s life are not only for those connected to dragons, but also for everyone in the world, and for people like Ruiseine who serve the Goddess of creation, aren’t they!” It is time to prove the answer to the world that Elnea-kun has deduced. I, through the spirit veins, which are the world’s blood vessels, connect with the distant Mikos. Connecting Miko with Miko, magical power and prayers overlap, and we, who form a circular encirclement of the Wyvern Hunting Ground, become one. At that moment. A very strong, yet healing and warm “feeling” descended within me. “Ruiseine!” And somehow, Elnea-kun’s voice reached my ears. I was convinced. Now is the time for the role I was given. Having finished reciting the incantation, I offered a prayer and activated the sorcery, so that it would reach the Goddess and Elnea-kun.
