Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 1999: Scattered essence (3)

"You're the one that wanted to see me." The god's messenger remarked in a voice that carried a hint of playful mockery toward me.

Yet I held my tongue, simply biding my time for whatever response they might offer.

"There's a purpose to this, but wouldn't you rather listen to this ancient bird's tale beforehand?" The god's messenger steered the conversation back to our earlier exchange.

After pausing briefly, I nodded my head gradually.

I truly desired to uncover the circumstances that drove this god's messenger to such a fateful choice.

In the end, honoring a vow that meant certain doom wasn't a decision taken lightly.

I needed to understand why the god's messenger opted for this path over merely dialing back the divine favor bestowed upon this realm.

The god's messenger didn't need to sever ties entirely; reducing the blessing's strength to allow gradual restoration would suffice. Humans could surely adjust even without the full support from this phoenix.

Yet it appeared the god's messenger was resolute in fulfilling its commitment to the end.

As if peering into my probing stare, the god's messenger let out a weary breath before continuing, "Everything began during those shadowy times long ago. Prior to the world's shaping, chaos reigned as civilization was in its infancy."

The narrative unfolded by the god's messenger proved surprisingly captivating.

If my own journey formed a tale, this backstory would serve as an ideal origin chapter.

Upon reflection, it would make for an excellent introductory arc in the game inspiring this world.

From the outset, countless individuals clashed to carve out their territories.

The founder of the Solar Kingdom had stumbled upon the territory guarded by this phoenix and forged a pact with it—or more precisely, with the deity the phoenix once served.

Thanks to that agreement, the Solar Kingdom's founder joined the divine conflict, the initial clash against the God of Destruction.

Once the battle concluded, only the founder and the phoenix survived.

Their patron god had fallen in the struggle with the God of Destruction.

Thus, the founder claimed the phoenix's former domain and established a kingdom there, birthing the Solar Kingdom.

This also explained the phoenix's readiness to lay down its life for this land.

After all, it marked the eternal abode of their fallen lord.

With the tale concluded, I gazed at the phoenix with a mix of conflicting emotions.

The phoenix clearly understood its life's purpose and no argument could sway its iron will. It was set on perishing in the domain its master had entrusted to it.

That said, this resolve wouldn't halt the encroaching powers of Destruction.

Those destructive forces still ravaged the world, posing a real threat to obliterate this sanctuary. Remaining stationary here wouldn't aid the phoenix in safeguarding its charge.

"I can tell what's on your mind, but my frailty prevents any movement to begin with. Even if I wished to assist, my fading essence limits what little aid I could provide."

I couldn't refute the reality of its words, though I sensed there might have been another option for the phoenix...

"I'm not vanishing this instant, so I'll lend my strength during the ultimate confrontation—if I endure that far. Until then, I'll stand guard over the haven my master bequeathed to me."

In time, I exhaled deeply and inclined my head in acceptance.

This was the phoenix's heartfelt desire, and I had no intention of wrenching it from its cherished home.

Given its firm choice, all I could offer was deference to its determination.

Still, one puzzle lingered in my thoughts.

While this shed light on the phoenix's stubborn attachment to this spot, it failed to clarify the true reason for summoning me.

The phoenix held no gift for me, nor was there a deity present for discourse. If sharing this history was the goal, countless simpler methods existed beyond dragging me all this way.

"It looks like we've arrived at the heart of it all." The phoenix declared abruptly, as though divining my inner doubts.

I narrowed my gaze slightly toward the phoenix, staying quiet in expectation of its clarification.

The phoenix appeared reluctant to voice its thoughts.

Whatever topic weighed on the phoenix, it promised to be far from straightforward.

Yet its evident reluctance puzzled me somewhat.

Having already committed to its course, the hesitation from the phoenix struck me as odd.

It left me questioning what could possibly give it pause.

"I summoned you because I wish to pass on one last inheritance. Earlier, I was uncertain about its fate, but now my decision is clear."