Local Netizen Elf’s Life In Another World

Case 346: Missing.

''The emerging religion is exploding in popularity, perhaps thanks to the elven princess's charms, or perhaps deep down, we all want to embrace the truths she discloses. Either way, we are witnessing history—the birth of a new goddess.''

As I gingerly polish my Hecate II and listen to an article, swirling thoughts occupy my head.

''It's true that we're smoothly progressing... but Hanako, don't let your guard down.''

''...''

I look up at the person reading the article—Luna—and show a bitter smile. I think we all feel the same, and even without Luna's prophetic vision, this premonition isn't going anywhere.

Thanks to that, everyone has been restless lately.

Even though nothing should happen, it seems like something would happen. It's such an unpleasant sensation, not knowing what will come. But then again... what can I do?

Like everybody else, I can only try my best and hope for the best.

''It's closing in...''

Letting out a nervous sigh, I gaze out the window at the distant wasteland. At some point, as we briskly advance and recapture territories from our enemies, the landscape drastically changes. Instead of the usual sight, every shred of reality has been torn apart and replaced by something alien.

Dirt turns dry, bearing a ghastly purple color mirroring that of the ominous sky. Plants, animals—even the last bits of carbon-based life are no longer. What roams the land now are incomprehensible creatures harboring unwavering malice.

Based on precedence, we'd have to get through this natural layer of defense before reaching the true 'demon city.' 

Here's the thing, though, once we achieve that, defeating the demon king will be a piece of cake. Historically, the difficult portion of these crusades was always the 'How to get there?' part, not actually battling the final boss.

Objectively speaking, our side had overwhelmingly more resources and manpower, not to mention a goddess's full support. It's just about the journey to get through these mutated creatures—about how to preserve the saint's power along the stretching land of death so that they can deliver the blow. 

The roads leading there seem to be changing every now and then, with different sorts of scary land mutations to top it off, so it was a challenging journey every time. I'd expected mine to be just as tough before, even if I used a jet fighter to soar through the sky...

...Only if we didn't have Eva here, of course.

Eva has been to every place on this planet, and at a moderate cost of energy, she can open a portal straight to wherever she wants. She has actually assisted a few of my predecessors this way before, by the way. We can't expect every chosen saint to grow accordingly every time, can we?

Either way, the demon city's layout hasn't changed much. I made sure to thoroughly 'torture' the succubus princess to get this information, so it must be true.

Right now, HQ is thinking about a sweeping operation. Because we need to fight the corrupt goddess behind this as well, we can't afford to proceed too slowly. Relying on Eva, we will pour most of our military power through her open portal, wiping out the whole place in one swoop and gradually expanding from the inside until we meet the current frontlines.

I'm saving the nuclear option for obvious reasons, but it'll be a missile shower for sure. After the demon king is down... well, I have a feeling Eve will interfere at some point.

''Hoo...''

Just a bit more.

The power of worship is apparent now. I feel stronger than ever, receiving so much support from all over [Aria]. With my companions and devastating artillery by my side, we will surely win.

It's the final operation. After this, I'll be truly worry-free. I'll finally be able to start a family and travel the world with my loved ones. It's the end of my more than two decades preparing as Sylvia Everwood. 

Those thoughts fill me with anxiety, but at the same time, I'm more than eager.

Not long after, unprovoked, I decide to check around HQ. There's just something that bothers me—my instinct is acting up, I suppose.

''It's fine to be anxious, daughter. Take that as fuel and do your best.''

''Baby, we believe in you—that much is the truth.''

Giving my parents a big hug, I steel my resolve once again. Then, I pass by the officials shaking their hands. I greet the soldiers as usual, feeling their tensed nerves before D-Day.

''Hah? Don't you dare retreat at this last minute!'' Camellia narrows her eyes. ''It's a huge waste of energy for everybody else, you understand? Not to mention the fallen ones... l-look, at least I trust you not to screw up, alright...?''

''...Thank you.''

Patting Camellia's head, I wander again.

As I feel a breeze cutting past me, my phone buzzes. I unceremoniously sigh and sit down, pulling out the device. Who could be contacting me at this time?

''...''

It turns out that my grandparents have finally learned how to use a phone.

[We wish you good luck!]

They sent.

[Come back safely!]

Another one.

''Heh...''

A smile creeps up my face. Not stopping at that, my old acquaintances are also wishing for my success. My old bodyguard, my nanny, my maid, the cat people, the dragons, the mermaid queen, and even the druids...

Suddenly, the bubbling spikes inside me no longer feel as sharp.

Then, as I turn to finally leave, I notice someone by the side of the road. That black hair... Adele?

''Ah, Your Holiness. I've been waiting for you.'' She approaches me with a smile.

''What's wrong?'' I reply.

''Nothing. Just... I wanted to say thank you. You're the reason I'm able to fight like this, so...''

''I didn't do much, really. You're here because you want to and you can—it's all you.''

It's the usual back-and-forth compliments, but somehow, her smile lingers in my mind for quite a bit afterward. 

But soon, I return to my room, reuniting with my most cherished lovers. Although it is soon our important day, we still have dinner as usual, and right before bedtime, we gather for one last push.

''Everyone, let's do well tomorrow.''

Preparing for the actual thing will take several days, but we probably won't have any time off during those. So, this is the last resting opportunity.

Liana, Emy, Tina, Anna, Sariel, Luna, Eva, and I—we glance at one another, a silent resolve forming between us.

''Phew...''

Lying down on the bed, surrounded by them, I keep my eyes open for a few seconds, just to really think about the journey up until this point and my future—my goals. I won't settle for anything less than a perfect happy ending.

So, let's do our best, myself. It's now or never.

Thinking so, I close my eyes and force my consciousness to rest.

When I eventually wake up, the sun is already hanging somewhat high in the sky. Aside from feeling a little airy in my head, it's a perfect day.

''...''

But wait.

This emptiness... I—

''?!''

Now that I carefully take a look around, everyone seems to be sleeping abnormally well, not disturbed by my sudden movement—everyone except... Eva.

''This is...''

My connection with Eva has vanished.

A terrible sense of breathlessness brews within me.

Eva has gone missing.