The Dieftharméni crystal

Darkness.

That was the only thing I could see after the explosion.

"What?! Is it possible that I've died again?"

I was left terrified.

But then, taking a deep breath, I calmed myself down and looked around, thinking, 'Well, it's a possibility. But that doesn't rule out other possibilities.'

However, I did not feel as cold as I did when I died.

"Well, I guess I'm not really dead then."

I exhaled a breath of relaxation and then looked ahead.

As anticipated, there was only absolute darkness.

In fact, this area might have been my deep consciousness.

But...how could I leave this place?

"It would be a problem if I didn't get out of here."

I mumbled.

So I closed my eyes and tried one of the possible ways to get out of there.

*Creak*

"Hmm?"

From above, I heard a cracking noise.

As I raised my gaze, I noticed that the space began to crack like a mirror.

Shortly after, a white hand emerged from the crevice and moved in my direction, perhaps to save me.

I simply grabbed that hand without giving it a second thought, and it swiftly yanked me out of space.

In a split second, I transferred into a lake, and so I began to drift outside.

"Uwah!"

Finally! I got out without a mishap.

"Where?"

I murmured and looked around as I rubbed the water out of my hair.

I had the impression that I was in a wooded area.

There were a lot of large trees and numerous kinds of wildflowers all around. I looked up and saw what appeared to be a dark blue sky.

Although I had no idea where I was, I was feeling comfortable.

*Cling* *Cling*

"Hmm?"

Soon, my attention was drawn elsewhere when I heard strange clangers coming from the right direction.

I approached the corner rock of the lake and grabbed it firmly before climbing out of it and starting to walk in the right direction.

Eventually, the noises started to fade, and I felt as if someone was attempting to entice me to come over there.

Nonetheless, I kept walking forward, not even flinching.

"What? A shrine?"

I called out as I noticed a shrine between two large trees.

The bell at the entrance began to ring as if it had detected my presence.

*Creak*

After a while, the front door's large oak panel opened, and I, after taking a deep breath, stepped in.

"You took so long."

"?!"

My eyes turned to the left, where I caught sight of a lady standing next to a flowerbed.

She had crystal-clear green eyes and long, curly violet hair. She was decked out in an astral dress in the colour light blue, with jewels adorning her chest and waist. She had a thin, lovely body and skin as white as snow.

Her voice was familiar, yet, for some reason, I cautiously took a momentary step back, inquiring,

"You? Who are you?"

After noticing my vigilance, she chuckled,

"Why are you so cautious of me...Master?"

"Master—?!"

My voice trailed off but then as I looked at her, a bell went off in my thoughts, prompting me to say, "Are you...system?"

"That's correct."

She nodded with a calm smile.

Sigh! Alright, I think I understand everything now.

"So, you're the one who called me here, am I correct?"

I asked, pointing my right finger at her.

"Yes," she nodded.

"Okay, so first and foremost, tell me. Is my body safe out there?"

I inquired.

"Yes, you don't have to worry. Your body is entirely safe."

She responded.

"Good. So, may I know the reason behind my summoning here?"

I questioned while waving my fingers.

"Yes, but before that,"

She said and turned around, adding,

"Follow me."

"Okay," I reacted, and began following her.

"By the way, System—"

"Hoshiki."

She interrupted before I could even complete my sentence.

"Hoshiki? Your name?"

While raising my left eyebrow, I asked.

"That's right." she nodded.

"Alright then, Hoshiki. Is this place some sort of utopia of yours?"

I raised a question while gazing around.

"Indeed."

She replied in her calm voice.

She didn't appear to be a talkative person.

"I see,"

I responded. It turned out to be a regular shrine, contrary to what I had anticipated—some sort of mecha-type location. Oh, well. They had their own taste in living. No comment on this.

Shortly after we arrived inside the inner court, I noticed a goddess sculpture in the center of the court. The sculpture was made of gold.

"What?!"

Yet, it wasn't the golden sculpture itself that piqued my interest; rather, it was what lay in the sculpture's cleavage.

"Hey…this is Dieftharméni crystal, isn't it?"

I exclaimed aloud, pointing my finger at the cleavage.

"Indeed, it is."

She chuckled and turned her focus to the Dieftharméni crystal, saying, "I brought it here since it might be dangerous if it stays inside your body."

"Oh, I see."

I relaxed a little.

Although it was understandable why she did so, my aim stayed the same.

"However, since the crystal is also here, tell me how I should use its power."

I returned my attention to the crystal and commented. Honestly, despite having the goddess' blessing to overcome any danger, I couldn't stand by and watch the danger approach. If I'm strong, I'll train to be even stronger! I will be the strongest being in this universe!

"Fine, Master."

She chuckled again when she saw my resolve, adding,

"After all, this is why I summoned you here."

"Oh, that makes perfect sense."

I grinned and looked at the golden sculpture.

Then, she moved her right arm towards the crystal, and a stream of green energy began to erupt from it, eventually immersing itself inside her hand. Her crystal-like green eyes began to shine.

"Master."

She exclaimed.

"Yes," I answered.

"I'd like you to close your eyes."

She requested, her eyes shifting to me.

"Alright."

I simply followed her instructions.

Ah, I sensed a powerful storm of energy approaching me. I felt as if Hoshiki's palms were on my cheeks.

"Please, no matter what, do not open your eyes."

She made a request.

In response, I simply nodded.

I could feel her breathing getting closer to my face, and soon I felt a soft sensation on my lips, a sweet sensation even tastier than the honey itself.

'Is she…'

A thought occurred to me, but before I could act on it, I felt a tremendous amount of heat outpouring within my body. For a split second, I thought my body was about to disintegrate.

'Grrrr!'

My teeth were clenched. I became aware of my body trembling. Even though my eyes were closed, they felt as though they were on fire.

Soon after, the energy began to concentrate in my chest, morphing into a sphere, and then dispersing completely into tiny particles of energy in my body.

"You may now open your eyes, Master."

Hoshiki remarked while lifting her lips.

I opened my eyes, completely exhausted by the heat within me, and noticed that my entire body was covered in sweat.

"I-It's way...too tiring."

I gasped and sat on the grass, panting profusely.

"This is just the beginning, Master."

I heard Hoshiki's voice.

"Yeah, it's obvious."

I replied, shifting my gaze to her.

"You know,"

She added and sat beside me, saying,

"This world would be more remorseless than your previous one. You might not be able to flee from the danger here. This is why you must be prepared for anything."

Her voice was deep, as if she was worried about me.

"I know; that's why I'm attempting to be the strongest person here."

I replied truthfully.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, I noticed that my body was fading.

"What the...?"

I was left perplexed, but Hoshiki, seeing my expression, smiled and said, "It appears you're gaining consciousness."

"Oh," I realized what was going on.

"All right then,"

She said, and leaned closer to me, adding,

"Do your best out there, Master,"

In the next second, she had sealed my lips with hers.

Her unexpected action caused my eyes to widen.

However, if I reacted, I might end up ruining this moment; thus, I simply closed my eyes to enjoy the moment, and soon my body disappeared into nothingness.