Avenius, Original Sibyl 

Decapitation, fanaticism, death, immolation.

The fate of the Sibyls was always the same in the world of the miniature garden.
This story began a long time ago, when the four powers of hope descended upon a girl who wished for people’s happiness.
Her name was Nefeshé.
Wielding the power of God, the girl filled the miniature garden little by little to create the utopia she envisioned – a world where everyone can enjoy equal happiness.
Her blessings spread across to all parts of the world, and the once desolate land began to overflow with blessed rain and lush greenery.
Eventually, the inhabitants of this world worshiped the girl as a goddess who would bring fertility.
The blessings bestowed by the goddess would continue forever – as long as people offered their prayers.

However, the utopia that Nefeshé envisioned was forever changed by a tragedy that occurred during her birthday celebration.
Betrayed by one of her own servants, Nefeshé lost part of her divine power.

Humans realized this and started to attack her, but she somehow managed to escape and leave the country.
However, even in her escape, Nefeshé was forced to witness the ugly side of humanity.

Her guards, who have faced hardship many times, supported her through her suffering and headed north in search of a place to settle down.
They believed that salvation lied at the end of that road.
But among them, there was one person who harbored different intentions.

(They are nothing but beasts. No matter how much Lady Nefeshé reaches out to them, they only grow fat. They go on a rampage as they please and destroy things with ease! Such creatures have no right to receive Lady Nefeshé’s favor!)

Avenius, the black-haired guard, remembered the lustful eyes of the humans who looked at Nefeshé, and bit their lip until it bled.

(I will not let anyone take Lady Nefeshé. Only I, who has devoted everything to protecting her and receiving her favor, will do so!)

With a boiling passion in their heart, Avenius marched forward.
Unaware that this very heat would eventually consume them.

In the world of the miniature garden where Nefeshé was worshiped as a goddess, there was a primordial race that was born before humanity.
This race had no reproductive functions and possessed characteristics similar to monsters that appear naturally.
As a result, their numbers were small, and their living space was gradually threatened by the human race that emerged later.
It was Nefeshé who put a stop to this.
To her, who envisioned a utopia of equality and happiness, all living things were equal.

Nefeshé appointed that primordial race, who had been treated with contempt by humans, as her guards, and has continued to uphold this custom to the present day.
Avenius, the chief guard, was one of them.
In order to build Nefeshé’s ideal world, Avenius has continued to eliminate those who threatened her.
If it served her interests, it mattered not if the request came from humans.
She possessed the worth that justified such actions.

“…Avenius, why did you leave that land? With Miss Salacia’s help, couldn’t you have fought against those who sought Lady Nefeshé’s power?”
“That land will soon be swept into turmoil. We can’t expose Lady Nefeshé to its vortex. Besides…”
“Besides what?”
“There’s no guarantee that woman will protect us. Remember, humans are different from us.”
“But… where should we go by ourselves…?”
“North. Just trust Lady Nefeshé’s oracle.”

Avenius answered calmly, as if it were the obvious thing to do.

“Please head north.”

That was the oracle that descended upon Nefeshé.
It had begun to be spoken from her lips at some point.
The signs had been there for a while, but it became clearer after the incident that occurred during Nefeshé’s birthday celebration… or so Avenius speculated.

“…”
“Lady Nefeshé…”

Since then, Nefeshé had spent increasing amounts of time simply passing the hours in silence.
Lately, she would sometimes fall into a deep sleep.
The voice of the “Demiurge” appeared in her dreams – she claimed it was the oracle.

Even now, Nefeshé appeared distant, her gaze fixed on the mountains far to the north.
Towards a land that has never been explored before – Agidis.
The “Demiurge” was waiting for Nefeshé in a land even further north than Agidis.
At first glance, it sounded like an unbelievable, absurd story, but Nefeshé’s words remained the same.
It was enough to stir the guards into action.

“Oh… This must be a trial from God! If Lady Nefeshé and the ‘Demiurge’ meet, then this world will move in the right direction!”
“That’s right! May the world of Lady Nefeshé be blessed!”

The guards, utterly exhausted by the relentless hardships, suddenly became energized.
…Except for one, Avenius.

(What are they so excited about? The only one in this world who can be called God is Lady Nefeshé…!)

Blood dripped from their bitten-off lip. Avenius did not care about that, and turned their hostile eyes towards the god said to be beyond Agidis.
Avenius felt jealous and angry at the “Demiurge” who used Nefeshé like a servant.

(An arrogant false god – such a thing should not exist. Only Lady Nefeshé is God!)

Relying on Nefeshé’s oracle, the group headed for a land far to the north.
As the increasingly rugged mountains drew nearer, it became more apparent that this place was also blessed by Nefeshé.
True to its untamed nature, rare plants unseen in cities thrived here, and the breath of life seemed to emanate from every corner.
The closer they went to the top, the more treacherous the animal trails became.
Along the way, the guards felt this land was a harsh environment, almost rejecting human habitation.
The group silently walked along the animal trail, eventually reaching a steep incline that naturally slowed their pace.
Avenius, who was walking in the lead, had probably not anticipated such a harsh environment, and they couldn’t help but worry about Nefeshé, who only had the physical abilities of a girl her age.
Just as they was looking around for somewhere they could all regain their strength, they sensed something wriggling in the bushes at the end of the road.

“…ah!”

Tension spread among the guards.
If whatever was moving could move around freely on this steep terrain, it would put Avenius and their group at a severe disadvantage.
After immediately signaling to the others behind her, Avenius aimed their sword at the bushes.
Following their lead, the other guards also drew their swords and turned toward the source of the sound.
The rustling sound gradually spread, and before they knew it, the group was surrounded.

“Is it a monster? No, this is… Everyone, protect Lady Nefeshé at all costs!”
“Ha!”

Combat in unfavorable terrain meant a single moment of carelessness could cost lives.

“Please, may everyone be safe…”

Protected by her guards on both sides, Nefeshé prayed, her heart heavy with concern for them all.
Inspired by her resolve, the guards braced themselves, expecting the enemy to strike at any moment… what emerged from the bushes was something they did not expect.
Avenius, who caught sight of it, muttered just one word.

“…Humans?”

One after another, people clad in white robes appeared before the group. The one who seemed to be their leader revealed pointed ears hidden beneath his hair as he spoke.

“We are not humans. From what I can see, you appear to be the same as us.”

The elderly man who spoke in this calm tone introduced himself as Auch and offered to welcome the group to their village.
Relieved by his gentle demeanor and the unexpected encounter with their brethren, the guards’ tension eased. They began discussing accepting Auch’s offer.

“Hmm…”

Avenius had no intention of accepting such a proposal.
But right now, they wanted to let Nefeshé rest, even just a little.
Choosing rest over safety, Avenius sheathed their sword while fixing Auch and his group with a sharp gaze.
This did not mean they had let their guard down.

(If they show even the slightest suspicious movement, I’ll condemn them immediately.)

Avenius told themself this in their mind.

As the group visited the undeveloped land of Agidis, they were greeted by members of the same primordial race as Avenius and the other guards.
They said they have built villages in the area.
Not expecting to encounter their brethren, the group followed Auch’s lead.
The villages were scattered throughout the mountains, but the cave deep within a dense, lush forest served as the primary base for Auch and his kind.
Avenius muttered to themself as they watched the backs of the guards who entered the cave one after another.

“…That’s far too careless.”
“What’s wrong, Avenius?”
“Lady Nefeshé… They are inviting someone they have just met into their home… This could be a trap.”
“And so? I believe in them. Everything begins with trust.”

Ignoring Avenius’s caution, Nefeshé declared this with certainty.
With Nefeshé speaking thus, Avenius could not deny it. They silently stepped into the cave alongside her.

Inside the cave, torches placed at regular intervals provided light. As they proceeded, modest traces of daily life could be seen here and there.
Going further in, they came across a particularly large space.
Beyond the faint light seeping through cracks in the cave ceiling, torches were propped up like markers.
Right beside one such torch was a small alcove. The guards who had gone ahead were just settling down to rest inside it.

“Those guys… they’ve even dropped their swords. They’re way too relaxed.”
“We’ve been traveling through unfamiliar animal trails. You must be tired, too.”
“But, Lady Nefeshé-“

Avenius’s words of concern for Nefeshé were interrupted by an unexpected action from her.
Nefeshé had placed her hands on both of Avenius’ cheeks.

“Hey, Lady Nefeshé!?”
“Your fatigue is showing on your face, isn’t it? We’ll take advantage of Lord Auch’s kindness.”
“But I have to protect you…”
“Isn’t it the duty of those who protect me to make sure I’m well rested?”

Pierced by her reproachful gaze, Avenius found no words to reply. Although they had failed to show consideration for their master, they were more captivated by Nefeshé’s breathtaking beauty.
What intensified this was not her unfading, fresh aura, but perhaps the fact she couldn’t fully hide the unusual weariness visible in her features.

“Avenius…?”

Yet, time passed idly.
Hesitating, Avenius reached out to touch the hand resting on their cheek.
Just then, Auch’s voice called out from behind her.

“You needn’t worry about guarding this place. We have sentries posted outside.”
“…Ah, I understand.”

Slightly irritated at being interrupted, Avenius replied sullenly.
They then settled down in front of the cave where Nefeshé rested, deciding to recover their physical fatigue.

On that evening…
Inside the cave, the guards and Auch were chatting around a campfire.
In stark contrast, Avenius simply watched this scene from the cave entrance.
Suddenly, a faint voice reached their ears amidst the lively atmosphere.

“…mh…”

It was the voice of Nefeshé, sleeping peacefully right next to Avenius.
Drawn by the sound, they turned to see Nefeshé murmuring again, perhaps dreaming of the “Demiurge” once more.
Even in deep slumber, her appearance was breathtakingly beautiful. One might even say she radiated a divine aura.
Avenius was so captivated she forgot to breathe.

“Ah… Lady… Idea…”

Hearing that name unexpectedly dampened Avenius’s mood, and they muttered to no one in particular.

“Idea…? Could it be the one tempting my lady…”

Suddenly, a dry clang sounded behind them.
Avenius drew their sword and thrust it toward whoever stood behind them. Their gaze fell upon Auch.
At his feet lay fruit, presumably brought for the two of them, and a wooden bowl, scattered haphazardly.

“Lord Auch, please don’t scare me-“
“What did you… Just say?”
“Lord Auch?”
“Lady Idea, you said Lady Idea, didn’t you?! Yes, yes, there is no doubt about it!”

Seeing how Auch had changed, Avenius regretted having spoken that name so carelessly.
It wasn’t that they hadn’t considered the possibility.
If someone named Idea was indeed the Demiurge, then just as there were worshipers of Nefeshé, it wouldn’t be strange for similar beings to exist.
But it was already too late. Others who had heard the name Idea began gathering before Avenius one after another.

As if in a fever, they began chanting the name “Idea,” pressing their crossed hands to their chests and offering prayers.

(What should I do… We may have the advantage in terms of strength, but if we are overwhelmed by numbers, Lady Nefeshé might…)

Just as they were pondering how to resolve the situation, another guard blurted out, as if he was talking to a friendly neighbor.

“You believe in a god that you don’t even know exists? Even though the real God is right in front of you.”
“…!!”

Seeing the villagers turn around in unison at those words, the guard finally realized his slip.
They were all staring at them with frozen, plastered smiles.

The guards became tense as they saw the sudden change in the villagers’ behavior.
Unable to endure their eerily uniform smiles, the guards told the story of the dream Nefeshé had.

“Oh… Lady Idea! Lady Idea!!”

Seeing their ecstatic faces, Avenius snapped back to reality and instinctively turned to protect Nefeshé.
However, as if waiting for that moment, something hard struck them on the head. Avenius’ vision shook and they fell to the ground.
The villagers swarmed over them.
The other guards were similarly overwhelmed, unable to move.

“Auch! You bastard!?”
“We will now begin the ritual. Please watch from there.”

With that, Auch walked slowly toward Nefeshé, who still lay asleep.
Even after being roughly dragged out of the cave, Nefeshé showed no sign of waking.
Her sleep was drawing her into an even deeper abyss.
Auch calmly drew a knife from his cloak.

“You bastard…! Try to inflict even one wound on Nefeshé, and I will take your life!”
“The only God in this world is Lady Idea. Let us confirm whether or not this girl is God.”

Immediately afterwards… fresh blood flew from Nefeshé’s neck.

“…!? Mh, gah…”
“YOU BASTAAAAAAAAAARD!!”

Auch paid no attention to Avenius’s screams, and with the skill of butchering an animal, severed the head from the body.
Soon, a tearing sound echoed, and that was carelessly placed atop the girl’s body.

Silently gazing down at the girl’s pitiful form, Auch waited for her transformation to begin.
And then, all of a sudden, the blood that had been pouring endlessly from Nefeshé’s body stopped. The blood that had already flowed out began to be drawn back toward its master, as if pulled by a magnet.

“Ohhh, this is…!”

Then, even her head, which had been lying sideways on her body, was dragged back to where it belonged.
Bone, flesh, skin.
Everything reconnected as if nothing had happened, even the fine texture of her skin regenerated.
And with a shallow breath, her closed eyelids slowly opened…

“…Are you satisfied?”

Nefeshé weakly stood up, her expression sorrowful as she looked at Auch and the others.
Having lost the powers of earth and water, she could no longer exert the same authority as before, and she no longer showed any defensive reaction.
All she had left was enough power to restore her body.
“How wonderful…”

Auch and the others showered her with words of praise at this astonishing sight beyond human comprehension. Her expression held a certain serenity.

“Lady Nefeshé! Move aside!!”

Seizing the moment when the restraints loosened, Avenius rushed to Nefeshé’s side, checking her body for any abnormalities.

“I’m fine, Avenius.”
“Oh… I’m relieved…”
“This is truly the work of God! I never thought-“

Auch didn’t say anything more.
His head fell to the ground with a thud as Avenius sheathed her sword.

“I told you. If you hurt Lady Nefeshé, you will lose your life.”

As they spat out those words, the area became strangely restless.
Looking around, it was overflowing with people prostrating themselves and murmuring Nefeshé’s name.

“This is a miracle from God…!”
“Oh, Lady Nefeshé… Lady Nefeshé…”
“Those fanatics…”

Avenius murmured the words as if spitting them out.
As if to say they would absolutely kill them.

The fanatics, who had believed in the god Idea since ancient times, prostrated themselves before the power Nefeshé had displayed.
And before the excitement had even died down, they made an unexpected proposal.

“…You want us to go north together?”
“Yes, the legends of our race speak of the place where Lady Idea is said to have descended.”

Nefeshé seemed to recall something, her expression suggesting recognition.

“That place… is it not like the edge of the horizon?”
“Oh… You are quite correct. Far north from here, past the harsh Land of Death, lies the “Primordial Void”. Legend has it that Lady Idea descended there a long time ago.”
“Ah… So I am being called by Lady Idea.”
“Yes, that’s right. Only the chosen one can be led to that land. You must be that one!”
“Lady Nefeshé…?”

Avenius gave a puzzled look at Nefeshé, who seemed a little excited.
She seemed a little younger than usual. But there was no way to confirm that.

“Please, please, might we be allowed to assist Nefeshé on her journey?

Avenius immediately responded to the fanatics’ words.

“I will allow you to accompany her.”

Observing the fanatics, Avenius noticed something. They showed interest only in Nefeshé, who had displayed divine power, treating everything else as utterly trivial.
In other words, for these individuals, matters concerning the Idea were everything, taking precedence over all else.
Such fanaticism could prove a formidable asset if used correctly – Avenius silently chuckled at this realization.

(I’ll make the most of these fools. Until the day I destroy Idea with my own hands.)

Unaware of Avenius’s scheming, the fanatics rejoiced.
The group prepared for the journey to the “Primordial Void” and retired for the night.

The next morning, a scream echoed through the silent village.
As the group was preparing to depart, a guard who had been patrolling outside came running up to them.

“Avenius! The Luthra army is closing in!”
“What!?”

The Luthra army, which had been following Nefeshé’s footsteps, was starting to catch up.
They hadn’t been able to pinpoint their location yet, but once they found the animal trail, it would only be a matter of time.
If they left now, they might be discovered if they acted together with the fanatics. On the other hand, if they left these people behind, there was no telling what they might do.
In that case, there was only one thing to do.

“We’ll fight them! Bring down justice on the evil traitors who stand in God’s way!”

As Avenius shouted out, the fanatics all raised their voices in unison.
Easily stirred into action, they seized their weapons and burst from the cave. Several guards followed in pursuit.
Looking at the scene, Avenius was the only one who showed a twisted smile, the corners of their mouth curling up.

“Everyone… please stay safe…”

The ominous atmosphere made Nefeshé’s heart flutter, and they offered up a sad prayer.
May their prayer at least protect everyone.

The battle was in favor of Avenius, who had a terrain advantage.
However, it became more and more tense as time passed.
These were humans who had trained relentlessly, honing their skills to efficiently extinguish their foes’ lives.
On the other hand, there were the mere fanatics who didn’t fight and lived quietly deep in the mountains.
The outcome was as clear as day. Amidst screams and shouts of rage, mountains of corpses piled up one after another.
Watching this from a safe distance, Avenius laughed mockingly.

“Haha, I’m sure they’ve died satisfied now. Come on, Lady Nefeshé, let’s go.”
“Eh?”

Avenius urged Nefeshé forward and began walking in a direction away from the battlefield.

“A-Avenius! Everyone sacrificed their lives for Lady Nefeshé!”
“They died while remaining faithful to their beliefs. What greater happiness could there be?”

Sensing unease in Avenius’s coldly delivered words, the guards closed in around them and asked with tense expressions.

“A-Are you willing to abandon the lives of your comrades like that?”
“Our lives are for Lady Nefeshé. Of course!”
“Wh…”
“I apologize for taking your time, Lady Nefeshé. We must leave this place immediately-”

Behind Avenius, the guards stood in formation, swords drawn as if shielding Nefeshé.

“You guys… do you know what you’re doing?”
“Sacrificing lives so carelessly… I can’t agree with that sort of thinking!”
“The only life we ​​need to protect is Lady Nefeshé! I can’t leave her to you! Lady Nefeshé, this way!”

Just as Avenius was about to extend their hand, it suddenly stopped.
Nefeshé shook her head from side to side, refusing to look at Avenius.

“Lady Nefeshé… why…?”
“Avenius, please reconsider. Life is essential to this world. It must not be lost needlessly.”
“We don’t want to make things worse either. We don’t want to make Lady Nefeshé any more sad than she already is…”

Whether moved by Nefeshé and the others’ plea or not, Avenius, who had been staring in shock, suddenly smiled bitterly.

“I see… Ah, ah. I get it. You spineless fools have no right to protect Lady Nefeshé!!”
“Damn it, Miss Avenius!”
“I don’t care about anything other than Lady Nefeshé! …LADY NEFESHÉ!”

Avenius raised their sword and shouted loudly.

“Only I can give it my all!!”
“What, you stupid…!”
“We have no choice. Lady Avenius, you must step aside now!””

The swords of the guards closed in on the enraged Avenius from all sides. The moment their blades locked…

“…?!”

Without hesitation, Nefeshé jumped between them.
But Avenius’ sword didn’t stop.
The momentum of the sudden strike made it impossible to pull back; the deadly blade pierced Nefeshé clean through. Like a puppet whose strings had snapped, Nefeshé collapsed to her knees.

“LADY NEFESHÉ!?”

Avenius immediately dropped their sword and embraced Nefeshé faster than anyone else could reach her.

“Ah-Ahh, aaahhh…”

Her heartbeat weakened, and her body lost her warmth.
Feeling the life slowly drain from her body pressed against theirs, Avenius lamented the magnitude of the sin they had committed.

“Ah-Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?!?!?!”

Her once-beautiful features had long since faded, and the tears that flowed mixed with Nefeshé’s blood, staining everything red.

“A-Avenius… are you hurt…”
“I-I didn’t mean to do this…! I-I just…I…I…”

The guards pulled Nefeshé away from Avenius.
Their outstretched hand toward the departing Nefeshé could not reach her, and it was severed by a sword that was swung down.
Without mercy, the sword struck again, and Avenius fell to the ground, helpless.

“…Avenius…!”

Nefeshé pushed the guards aside and staggered toward the gravely wounded Avenius.
Clinging to them as if to cover them, Avenius’s body pulsed strongly, its life force rapidly fading.

“Nefe…e…”

But.
Even so.
Avenius’s thoughts were fixed on only one thing.
To continue protecting the divine maiden who had supported then more than anyone else, who had devoted everything to them.
That was their faith in Nefeshé, their love for her.

“I… I want… to pro…”
“Ah…Avenius…”

The small emotions Nefeshé had felt countless times before now overflowed like a dam breaking.
It was a deep sorrow for not being able to do anything for those who truly believed in her.
It was despair at her own powerlessness, as a goddess unable to resist the absurdity.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t save you… Avenius… please… don’t die…”

It was at that moment.
A red light peeled off from Nefeshé’s body.
It flickered as if responding to Avenius’s plea, slowly enveloping their form.
Soon, the light filled their entire body, melting together, becoming one.

“Ah… Ave-“

The instant Nefeshé reached out, Avenius’ body pulsed with a thud.

“This is…”
“Ah, ugh… aaaahhh!?!?!”

Avenius was on fire.
The sight made Nefeshé instinctively step back.
The flames enveloping Avenius ran across the earth, burning it.
They were now right at Nefeshé’s feet.
Yet Nefeshé refused to move away.
Amidst the silence, where no one could utter a word, only Avenius’ voice echoed, gasping in pain as their body burned.
Nefeshé realized that this was caused by her own power of fire.
But something was different from the previous situations.
The power that should have brought hope continued to burn Avenius’ body endlessly.

“No… Why…?”
“This place is dangerous, Lady Nefeshé!”

Carrying Nefeshé, who stood there with a pained expression, the guards hurriedly left the place.

“No, Avenius, AVENIUS…!”

Perhaps Avenius had heard her, as they showed a slight reaction.

“Ne-“

They reached out their hand into the empty space.
They could no longer recognize their face, voice, or smell.
But even as their body was being eaten away, Avenius’ heart trembled with joy.
They had… been acknowledged.
As a being worthy to receive her power.

“Ne…e….”

And so, Avenius laughed.
As if to devour the love bestowed upon them.
Forever and ever.

And then… A pillar of flame rose high into the sky.

The power of hope was bestowed upon Nefeshé.
For Avenius, who possessed the nature of a human womb and lacked gender, it was an uncontrollable force.
There was no way to stop the rampant power that had been poured into them.
All they could do was wait for it to decay.

Yet, their body that should have burned to ashes was restored by the power’s rampage, and it burned again to ashes.
Exposed to the endless pain and regeneration, and the horrible smell of burnt flesh, the spiral of hardship never ended.

“Ne…fe… sh…I…lo…”

Even so, Avenius was fulfilled.
Stronger, more intensely.
They continued to think only of Nefeshé.
Becoming this way had sublimated their feelings for Nefeshé into something even more solid.

Yes… The pain and suffering that burned their body was the one and only affection from Nefeshé.
As long as this continued, they could be loved forever.

“I A M L O V E D . . . H E H E H E H A H A H A H A . . .”

///////

In the land of Agidis, which had been transformed into a sea of flames, It flickered.

“What!? My sword’s melted…huh? My hand’s on fir- AAAAAAAAHHH!!”

The Luthra army, unlucky enough to encounter It, desperately tried to resist. Yet, everything proved futile before the wall of flames It enveloped itself in.
Anything it touched instantly burst into flames, burning relentlessly until nothing but scorched remains remained.
Not a single human was left standing.
Yet, there was no way to escape this land engulfed in flames.
The humans had no choice but to decide.
Fight It and meet a brave death, or beg God for mercy while watching themselves turn to dust and ashes…

In the land of Agidis, reduced to dust and ashes, a voice echoed hollowly on the wind.

“Ne… h… …”

As long as It remained, no life would ever sprout on this land.

The Flame Demon continued to wander Agidis.
As if to confirm its love.

…Forever and ever.