Mistress Of The Evil Forest-Case 191: Out of the cage: Curtain falls.

At the end of the day, I am but a mere deity—an existence contained by the universe itself—finite, and not omnipotent. I know this vast space holds many secrets. I was genuinely surprised that Leviathan chose to go back in time with me, you know?

Maybe this is affection.

Nonetheless, after rippling about in the air for a bit, Leviathan lets out a growl and slowly pulls back into space. In response, I calmly wave goodbye to it and turn around. In the future, we should meet again.

For now, even if my role to shine has promptly ended, some background work needs to be done.

''Ah.''

I almost forgot the owl girl lying back there. It seems I don't need to bring her back myself, though, seeing that some people have gotten to that place first.

Tentative as always, Chloe.

That leaves... Neveah.

''...''

Somewhere along the direction of the snowy North Zircon, I sense the goddess's energy. Actually, I probably need to hurry up if I want to talk to her.

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Neveah has been overexerting herself for quite a while, and it wouldn't be strange if she falls into hibernation at any moment, especially now that a conclusion is drawn for Yggdrasil. Not a pretty conclusion, but one nonetheless. I can probably change that.

With such thoughts crossing my mind, I hasten my steps.

Along the windy trails, under the colorful aurora borealis, a set of footprints is faintly visible on the snowbed. Before long, I see a familiar figure slumping on the ground, unfazed as snow layers her body.

''Neveah.''

''...''

By now, the young goddess has completely shed her mortal facade, baring her hair as white as snow. The glasses are squarely gone, leaving the pair of bright orange eyes unprotected, and so are her freckles.

Neveah keeps her silence, nesting a sizable, glowing egg in her arms.

''...Thank you, Aurora.'' She mutters in a weak voice. ''Thank you for saving this place.''

''It's what I have promised.''

''Mhm. I'm sorry, but... can I have some time alone?''

From the looks of it, Yggdrasil, having spent too much of its life force rebelling against the black hole, is now about to cease to exist. It's not like I wanted to do so much damage either. This dragon is nearing divinity, so that much is needed to stop its path completely; otherwise, that repulsive thing would probably use it as a puppet.

If Neveah wants to keep her companion alive, she needs to provide that burst of energy herself. But she cannot. With how starved she herself is, the goddess would perish. Just like how I made a promise to help her protect this continent, she also made one to protect humanity.

It's not an easy decision.

Regardless... should I say she is lucky?

''That cub.''

''Huh...?''

''Do you want me to save it?''

For a moment, Neveah appears utterly confused, but her droopy eyes gradually widen, ''But... didn't you exhaust yourself earlier?''

Slowly settling down beside her, I give it a light shrug.

''I never said I would spend everything,'' I reply. ''Most of what I have accumulated is gone, but the leftover isn't totally insignificant.''

''T-Then, can you please...?''

''No need to be so polite. You and I have known each other for a while. This much is only natural.''

As Neveah nudges the egg forward, I put my palm onto its rough surface and infuse a suitable amount of divinity into it. In time, it should hatch again.

''Ah...''

Perhaps feeling that herself, Neveah's eyes moisten. Facing me, she grins foolishly, just like how she did nearly a thousand years ago. This appearance of hers seems almost fulfilled.

''Take a rest.'' I sigh, stroking her head. ''But don't take too long. The plan still needs you.''

''Yes...! Thank you. Really...''

''...''

With a tear rolling down her cheek, Neveah leans onto me, closing her eyes with a smile.

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And now that the most important matters have been taken care of, things should calm down for a while. Gazing deep into the stars—the real stars beyond the crack Leviathan caused—I ponder.

''Holy cow... that still looks unreal no matter how much I look at it.''

''Is it?''

''Yeah, I mean...''

Shortly after the incident concludes, I return to where I usually live—Chloe's room inside the dormitory. This time around, Chloe herself is here, and I am no longer the doppelganger maid.

The blonde girl stops looking outside the window and turns to me.

''Will she ever wake up...?'' She anxiously asks.

''Of course. A goddess can't fall so easily.''

''No, not Neveah, but... Aurora. My Aurora.''

''...''

...Right, we have two unconscious people here. Neveah and 'Aurora.' Thanks to them, both beds are now occupied, forcing me to sit at the table instead.

''Seriously, why don't you care about yourself at all...''

''Who knows?''

My gaze stumbles upon the cracked mask 'Aurora' usually wears. Thinking back, this little identity game has been a bit amusing for her, hasn't it?

I didn't use it at all, though. Not in this run. My run.

Maybe that was why I got troubled by Efil a lot. Nydia... died for that, too.

Lots of people died. Luxia ended herself. Nydia fell into the hands of Efil. Claire perished while battling Buezrith.

And Chloe... was killed by HIM.

''Hey, are you listening?''

''Ah.''

But perhaps all that sorrow was for something. Because now, everybody is alive and well. Looking at this slightly nervous yet assertive Chloe, I think to myself.

Soon, it is time to pass the baton.

Aurora, it's your turn again.