Firefly in the Dungeon

「Fragment IX」Tread, Ashen Desire

Clueless but curious about the sudden reminder, Elpis moved right beside the girl without any question, choosing to trust her children.

In the next second however, as Alice weave her staff, Elpis held her breath at the sound of a chant coming from the girl's whispered voice.

"Velis ignorantum, Stultorii Illusio.

Itere Sileris Nocta.

―Enderglow Parade"

Following the girl's command, the light of her lantern burst forth, scattered into a group of small floating light, surrounding them like a hundred fireflies.

Elpis gasped in astonishment. ". . . A congenital magic?"

"It. . , could, be considered, one." Alice calmly answered; soft gaze lingered on her lantern.

To be capable of using magic without the help of Falna. . . It is a testament of one talent and perseverance. Even elves who were blessed with affinity for magic must spent a lot of their long lifespan to learn it. Elpis's thought raced with bewilderment.

Elpis had once thought that Alice's confidence solely comes from the equipment the girl has. Like a Magic Sword; even in the hand of ordinary person, it still has the ability to injure an Adventurer.

But, what is the chance of meeting one, beside elves, being capable of using Congenital Magic?

It was something a Goddess couldn't anticipate because the odds. But there is also something that gained Elpis interest;

"This is different from the Congenital Magic I've ever seen. . . Yours, seems much more similar to an Acquired Magic. " Elpis pointed out―but suddenly paused. Her attention shifted toward the lantern that has been quietly hanging on Alice's staff.

. . . The fire within it had changed, and now burns brighter than ever, giving a sense of pure, burning flame to those who gaze into it.

"A magic tool. . ?"

Alice nodded in response. A subtle hint of pride could be seen on her smile. "Yes. A tool created, to assist, myself. It replaced, the needs, of preparations, and shorten, the chant of Magic."

"Then. . , what is this Magic used for?" Elpis asked curiously; as she tried to touch the small floating light, yet it passes through―An illusion.

"I'm certain that you have an inkling, my Goddess." Alice smiled.

"Another concealment. . ?" the Goddess guessed instantly. "It seems that my children weren't so keen on being known."

"Perhaps." the girl answered vaguely with a smile, "Then. . , shall we?"

· · ·

Tense.

The night in Orario remain suffocating. As the chilling air brings fear, even strong Adventurers shuddered involuntarily.

Accompanied by Goddess Elpis, Alice observed the city once more. Bypassing the Guard from Ganesha Familia, they navigated through the city unnoticed, hidden by the veil of illusory fireflies.

After a few twist and turn that could make every sense of direction rendered useless, both of them finally arrived at a place, known as the Second Dungeon.

The Daedalus Street.

"This is probably the most dangerous place in Orario aside from the Dungeon." Elpis says. "What are you looking for in such a place?"