Chapter 163 - Makoto meets Artena

"Makoto"

A voice called out to me, its tone calm and serene with a melodic touch. The mere mention of my name brought a sense of peace. I knew whose voice it was; there was no way not to know. After all, she had helped me so much since I arrived in this world, and thanks to her, I achieved so much.

"Aurora-sama?"

I say as I slowly open my eyes. As my vision returns, I find myself looking into Aurora-sama's beautiful face. Her crystal-clear blue eyes seemed to be reflecting me in them; I could simply spend the whole day staring into those eyes and probably wouldn't get tired.

"Yes"

answered Aurora-sama with an affectionate smile on her face. From our position, Aurora-sama was definitely offering me a lap pillow. I honestly didn't know whether I should feel embarrassed or grateful for this gesture; in the end, I decided to remain silent. After all, there was something else on my mind at the moment.

"Did... did I die by any chance?"

I asked, my voice sounding uncertain in the quiet tranquility that surrounded us, but also with a calm tone. The reason for my question was quite simple, after using Shade's power, I should probably be dead. Her power was honestly much greater than I could have expected.

Instead of using it, it felt like I was the one being used. Although this analogy made no sense whatsoever, that was how I felt. Of course, it was obvious that Shade didn't mean me any harm, her power was just too immense for me to control.

Upon hearing my question, Aurora-sama let out a cute laugh and shook her head gently. Her gesture made my heart relax, strangely, I felt so calm in her presence.

"Fortunately, it didn't come to that, but you were definitely in a semi-dead state. Your heart stopped at the end of your fight, but I managed to revive you at the last second... If you had died, it would have been quite a hassle, you know? Being my only believer, you should be more careful"

Aurora-sama said with a hint of playfulness in her voice, while maintaining a light smile on her face. I honestly didn't know if she was joking or being serious.

I mean, sometimes I feel like Aurora-sama cares about me at least a little, but does she really care, or is it just in my head? For starters, why would an entity like Aurora-sama care about me? I really couldn't comprehend.

"Gosh, you're so serious sometimes, Makoto"

Said Aurora-sama, letting out a cute laugh. I had really forgotten that this person could read others' minds. As I thought about it, I felt Aurora-sama's arms enveloping me. Right now, I was lifted with my back to her, her arms wrapped around my neck while her warm breath brushed against my ear.

"You don't need to think so seriously about this, Makoto. Of course, I care about you. You've been working harder than anyone else since you got here. I'm always watching you, my only believer... My cute Makoto, fufufu"

Said Aurora-sama with a gentle and affectionate tone, while her embrace remained comforting around me. Her words sounded mischievous, like a mother praising her child. But that didn't bother me. For some reason, being praised by her made me feel happy, as if a sense of accomplishment mysteriously arose.

"How long do you intend to stay like this? Also, why do I feel like a third wheel here?"

While the comforting arms of Aurora-sama wrapped around me, a voice echoed through the area, surprising me as I didn't expect anyone else to be present. I directed my gaze toward the source of the voice and saw an extremely beautiful girl, with golden hair and eyes. Although not as dazzling as Aurora-sama, her beauty had a divine touch.

"Humph, of course, there's no one prettier than onee-sama" 

The girl said in a conceited tone. Her gaze turned back to me again, this time, her eyes shimmered with a certain curiosity, but I could sense her animosity towards me. Though I didn't know the reason, it was evident she didn't like me very much.

"Just as Onee-sama said, you really can look at us without going insane. I wonder why" 

The person said with a pensive expression. From her words, I could infer to some extent that she was a goddess, after all, it would be strange if she weren't given the situation.

"Umm... she could be..." 

I said, wearing a surprised and suspicious look on my face as I turned to Aurora-sama.

"That's right, she is Artena, the goddess of the sun and light, just like my little sister" 

Aurora-sama said with a lovely smile on her face. I really didn't know how to react in this situation. At this exact moment, there were two divine entities in the same place as me. Should I kneel or something? While I continued to be confused, Artena-sama continued.

"Anyway, you should thank Onee-sama for saving you" 

Artena-sama said in a conceited tone. Somehow, she seemed like the kind of person who would boast about her sister's smallest achievements.

"Humph, what's so special about that? Of course, Onee-sama should be praised by everyone. She is the most beautiful and kind of all gods... and yet, these foolish inferior beings treat her like an evil entity" 

Artena-sama continued, her tone growing increasingly aggressive at the end of her words.

"Artena" 

Called Aurora-sama. This made Artena slowly look at Aurora, her gaze still containing a smile, although now it was mixed with sadness and understanding.

"Alright... I'm sorry for that, Onee-sama" 

Artena muttered, softening her previous stance. Aurora-sama then turned her gaze back to me, her crystal blue eyes staring at me as she put on a warm smile.

"I think it's time for you to go back, Makoto. The girls are worried about you" 

Aurora-sama said, placing her hand on my face. Her touch was delicate and comforting at the same time, causing my eyes to naturally close, seeking even more comfort.

"Goodnight, my Makoto" 

whispered Aurora-sama, her voice soft like a tranquil melody, before enveloping me in a peaceful, deep sleep. With her welcoming words, I drifted back into the comforting darkness of slumber.