FVN Chapter 302: Heaven 2
Chapter 302: Heaven 2
Chapter 302: Heaven 2
A bright light.
That was the first thought that pierced through the fog of my consciousness as my mind sluggishly began piecing itself together.
The overwhelming radiance in front of me was almost blinding, yet I couldn't look away.
My thoughts, still sluggish from the aftermath of whatever had just happened, struggled to process what I was seeing.
There was a figure before me undeniably human in shape, but everything about her felt far removed from the mortal plane.
She was luminous, her very presence casting a warm, golden glow that seemed to push back the lingering darkness within me.
The sheer beauty of her existence left me breathless, and yet, my mind faltered to define her as simply a person.
No, she was something far greater than that.
Her voice broke through the haze like a melody I had never heard yet somehow knew by heart.
[It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Riley Hell.]
The way she said my name, soft yet deliberate, carried a weight that seemed to anchor me in this surreal moment.
Her smile was radiant, a smile that felt like the gentle embrace of a loving parent.
It was warm, surreal, and impossibly comforting-like the kind of welcome you didn't realize you had been longing for until it was given.
[Hmm? Even though I've toned down my divinity as much as I could, I suppose being in my direct presence still overwhelms you,] she remarked, her voice tinged with mild amusement yet gentle enough to soothe the tension. [We only have a short time together, so I'm going to help you focus. Please forgive my rudeness in advance.]
Her hand continued to pat my head with a comforting rhythm, lulling me into a strange mix of calm and bewilderment.
My mind was still foggy, caught between disbelief and awe, when she closed her eyes.
A radiant golden light began to pulse from her form, growing brighter with each passing moment.
-Flash!
The light exploded outward in a burst of brilliance, forcing me to close my eyes instinctively. The energy it radiated was immense, a force that seemed to ripple through my entire being.
When the brightness subsided, I slowly opened my eyes, only to find myself instinctively pulling away from the soft warmth of her lap.
"Y-You..." I stammered, my body moving on its own as I scrambled to put distance between
us.
Before me stood the same ethereal woman, her presence still otherworldly, but something had drastically changed.
The overwhelming light that had cloaked her before was gone, replaced by a form I recognized immediately.
Her sharp blue eyes, cascading black hair, and commanding yet graceful features-everything about her appearance now mirrored that of my mother.
My mother, whose very existence stirred a somewhat visceral hatred within me....
[Fufufu- It seems this was the right choice] she said, her melodic voice now tinged with an unmistakable familiarity.
I froze, my mind racing to process the sight in front of me.
Even though the golden sparkles that shimmered faintly around her betrayed the truth of her identity, the uncanny replication of my mother's form was enough to send a chill down my spine.
"Taking that form isn't funny, you know..." I muttered, trying to steady my voice.
Seeing Helena's face-my mother's face-so close, especially with such an uncharacteristic look of warmth and care, nearly gave me a heart attack. It was a stark contrast to the stern and distant woman I remembered.
Her lips curved into a soft smile as she tilted her head slightly, her demeanor radiating an almost playful elegance.
[Ufufu~ This seems to be the only way for us to have a proper conversation, young Riley. Once again, please forgive my rudeness,] she said, bowing slightly in apology.
The sight of her bowing-a being of such undeniable power and divinity—was so jarring that my hands instinctively shot up, palms facing forward, as though to stop her.
Something deep within me, perhaps even my soul, screamed that someone like her shouldn't be doing something like this.
"Please don't bow your head," I said hurriedly, the words tumbling out before I could even think. "I didn't mean it in a harmful way. I was just... surprised. Dear goddess..."
Her eyes widened briefly, a flicker of surprise flashing across her otherwise serene expression.
Clearly, she hadn't expected me to identify her so quickly.
Not that it was difficult-everything about her, from the radiant aura to the ethereal beauty that felt almost otherworldly, pointed to one conclusion.
The weight of it felt perfect, balanced, as though it had been made specifically for me.
Its blade shimmered with a faint, stormy glow, a swirling mix of silver and azure. Just the
sight and feel of it were enough to confirm what it was.
"Tempest Sword..."
The name slipped from my lips almost instinctively, and a flood of emotions surged through
me. I had almost forgotten that this legendary-ranked weapon was supposed to be part of the
trial's rewards.
The goddess smiled warmly at my reaction, her golden gaze filled with something akin to
pride.
[Once you return, many things will change for you, young Riley,] she said softly. [For the better, I truly hope. The blessings I've given you are not just gifts but tools to help you move forward into the future you seek.]
She stepped closer, the shimmering glow around her dimming slightly as she extended her arms. Before I could fully process what was happening, she embraced me gently.
[This time, you can win...]
Her words, though comforting, carried an undertone of mystery.
Much like the other versions of myself, she kept speaking in cryptic phrases-"this time" and
"win."
Was she aware of what the other versions of me had done?
Or was she somehow connected to them?
The question lingered in my mind, but her intentions were clear.
She wanted me to succeed.
She wanted me to reach the happy ending I had always sought-not just for myself, but for
everyone.
The embrace was warm, enveloping me in a sense of safety I hadn't felt in years.
Even though her form resembled my mother, which should have made the moment deeply uncomfortable, there was something about her presence that made it bearable-almost
soothing.
[Before we have our small talk, and before you go...] she said, patting my head gently.
Her touch was so calming that I felt my eyelids grow heavy, a deep relaxation threatening to
pull me into sleep.
[Tell me, young Riley. What is it that you wish?]
Her voice was soft, yet it carried a divine authority that made it clear she wasn't merely asking
out of politeness.
Wish?
Ah, that's right. In the game, the goddess was supposed to grant you a wish-a single desire
that could shape your path forward.
But weren't those wishes usually tied to the rewards, blessings, and gifts already given during
the trial?
Whatever the case, this was different.
This was a rare moment where I could ask for what I truly wanted.
I tightened my grip on the Tempest Sword, my mind racing.
Despite everything, the answer was clear.
"I wish-"