Chapter 55 Talk with Commander Jill and her past

In the office, Jill, her black ponytail swaying lightly, found herself momentarily transfixed by the sight of Lucia, whose silver-white hair cascaded around her shoulders. Earlier, Jill had instructed Salia to usher the guest in, but upon laying eyes on Lucia's striking appearance, she was momentarily stunned by her beauty. However, Jill quickly shook off her daze and regained her composure.

As Jill prepared to address Lucia, a shimmering golden ripple materialized behind the girl, followed by the sudden appearance of a majestic throne crafted from pure gold, adorned with intricate red and white designs. Lucia gracefully seated herself upon the throne, leaving Jill wide-eyed and speechless as the paperwork slipped from her grasp.

"Goddess...?" Jill murmured under her breath, her voice barely above a whisper.

In that moment, only one figure came to Jill's mind capable of such a grand display: Embryo, whom she revered as 'God' or 'Kami-sama'. She had believed him to be the sole deity in the world, never anticipating the existence of another 'God'. 

Intrigued by the extraordinary display before her, Jill couldn't shake the feeling that this was far beyond the realm of normal human capabilities. While she had never witnessed Embryo perform such feats firsthand, she instinctively knew that mere mortals couldn't conjure such grandeur out of thin air.

Moreover, as she observed Lucia, Jill sensed a palpable aura emanating from her, one that seemed to exude power and authority. Despite her reverence for Embryo, Jill couldn't help but feel that Lucia possessed a strength far surpassing his own, magnitudes beyond what she had ever imagined.

The realization sent a shiver down Jill's spine, filling her with a mixture of awe and apprehension as she grappled with the implications of encountering someone whose power eclipsed even that of Embryo.

(Lucia POV)

Finally, I have a chance to show off! I purchased this from the system because it looked cool and regal, like something fit for a king, right? Just witnessing Jill's shocked expression was already immensely satisfying.

"Umu, umu," I nodded to myself in agreement, though inwardly.

Externally, I maintained a calm demeanor, as if I were a different person altogether. But then, to my surprise, I heard Jill murmuring something under her breath. She referred to me as a goddess, but I'm certainly not a goddess. It's a misunderstanding, but perhaps I should play along with it? Hmmm...

'Ah, she's back to her senses,' I thought, noticing Jill shaking her head once more.

"What business do you have with me, Kami-sama?" Jill inquired, her voice low and respectful.

"Hmm... well, I'm not Kami (God)," I replied, shaking my head.

"Then... what business does Kurayami-sama have with me?" Jill questioned further, using my surname as she already knew it from Salia's report.

"I'm planning to catch Embryo," I explained to her.

Jill stopped for a moment, clearly taken aback by my unexpected answer.

"Then why not just go and catch him?" Jill probed, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Jill must be wondering why I've come to her to discuss this if I possess powers similar to Embryo's.

"Currently, I can't go to him yet. So I will be staying here for a while. That's the reason why I came to you. I know he would be coming here anyway. So until then, I will be staying here," I explained.

"I see... but I can't give you a position as I like. After all, I am--" Jill began.

"Norma. Right? That's why I'm here as an observer, to check on you and all Norma," I interjected, and Jill nodded in acknowledgment.

"Indeed. We can't decide positions ourselves, and if you stay here, the information about Kurayami-sama would reach the capital," Jill explained.

"I know. Don't worry about it. You can explain that I was found on the island with Ange when Ange was rescued. Tell them that I'm mana user. Also, you need to know that Dragons won't be coming here anymore," I stated, watching as Jill reacted with surprise to my last sentence.

I doubt the empire would come and attack just because I'm a mana user. It doesn't matter much anyway. Dragons won't be coming here, and there won't be a battle for a while.

"Dragons... won't come... anymore? What do you mean?" Jill asked, clearly intrigued.

"It's just as I said," I replied, proceeding to explain my plans.

After my conversation with Jill, I exited the room, finding Salia still standing outside, waiting patiently.

(General POV)

"Salia, why are you waiting? Don't you need to rest?" Lucia asked.

"Well, I was waiting for you," Salia replied with a warm smile.

"Then, can you show me where Ange's room is? I'm going to stay with her from now on," Lucia explained her intentions.

"Oh..." Salia's surprise was evident, but she quickly understood that Lucia's decision to stay was likely due to her being a Norma as well.

"Okay, please follow me," Salia responded, leading Lucia with a smile. Though she was happy to have Lucia around more often, Salia couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy towards Ange, who would now be sharing a room with Lucia.

"It can't be helped, Salia already has a roommate, after all. Right?" Lucia teased, noticing Salia's jealous expression.

"Umm..." Salia nodded, her expression slightly downcast.

Eventually, they arrived at Ange's room, and Salia bid Lucia farewell before returning to her own quarters. As Lucia stepped into the room, she couldn't help but notice its stark, prison-like appearance. With nothing but two beds, a closet, and a dry, almost dead flower in a pot by the barred window, it was a stark reminder of their confined existence. 

"Ange must have gone to wash," Lucia thought as she walked over to the window with iron bars.

From there, Lucia gazed out at the vast expanse of the sea. There was no land in sight, as the rooms and facilities were built within the confines of the island. Lost in contemplation of the ocean's endless horizon, Lucia was interrupted by the sound of the door opening.

Turning to see who it was, Lucia's face lit up with a smile.

Ange, who had just entered the room, rushed over to Lucia and enveloped her in a tight embrace. Having just returned from the bathroom, Ange found solace in the warmth of Lucia's presence. Reflecting on her recent memories and the realization of her past as a princess, Ange had sought refuge in the bathroom to clear her mind.

As she hugged Lucia, Ange felt reassured that even though she could never return to the empire, as a Norma now, she could still live alongside Lucia. 

'It's okay... After all, I have found a place to lean on,' Ange thought, smiling as she remembered the past few days spent with Lucia on the island.

With a sense of contentment, Ange returned to her room after washing up. Upon opening the door, she was greeted once again by Lucia's presence by the window. Despite the room's plain and shadowy atmosphere, Ange's heart swelled with happiness as she rushed into Lucia's embrace. In that moment, all her worries melted away, replaced by the warmth of the girl she loved.

In a cozy room, Vivian lay happily on a bed-sized hammock suspended from the ceiling, engrossed in a book. Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Salia entered. Vivian closed her book and turned her attention to Salia, noticing the troubled expression on her face.

"Salia, what happened?" Vivian inquired with concern.

"Nothing," Salia replied with a heavy sigh, making her way to the bed beside the hammock and lying down.

"Did the commander scold you or something?" Vivian pressed, sensing that something was bothering her friend.

"It's nothing like that... It would be great if you weren't my roommate..." Salia's words trailed off, her tone low, but Vivian caught every word.

"Wa?! Salia is kicking me out?!" Vivian exclaimed in shock, her eyes widening in disbelief. Despite her occasional cluelessness and penchant for borrowing Salia's romance novels without permission, Vivian couldn't fathom why Salia would want to kick her out.

"I'm tired, wake me up when it's dinner time," Salia said with a faint smile, closing her eyes.

As Salia drifted off to sleep, Vivian couldn't shake off the weight of Salia's words. Her mind whirled with a mixture of confusion and longing.

'I thought I would find my first love with a man, but instead, a cool older sister appeared. I wish she liked me,' Salia's thoughts echoed in her mind as she lay there, contemplating.

In Arzenal, amidst the chaos of battle and the looming threat of dragons, the desires of a few girls yearning for romantic love and companionship with men seemed almost like wishful thinking. For them, the harsh reality of life on Arzenal overshadowed any fantasies of romance.

In a place where survival was paramount, where every moment could be their last in the relentless battles against dragons, thoughts of love and relationships with men often took a backseat. Here, on this isolated island, the girls had learned to rely solely on themselves for survival.

Living entirely within the confines of Arzenal, the presence of men became a distant memory for many. Instead, they focused on honing their skills, strengthening their bonds with one another, and preparing for the next deadly encounter with the dragons that threatened their existence. In this world, the concept of "living" was replaced by the harsh reality of "surviving."

"Hey! Salia! You're joking, right? Right?" Vivian attempted to rouse Salia from her slumber, gently shaking her shoulder. However, Salia remained still, sleeping peacefully as if she were oblivious to Vivian's pleas.

Giving up, Vivian sighed and returned to her book, the room gradually descending into silence once more, as if the brief interruption had never occurred.

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In the commander's office, Jill sat with her back against the chair, her eyes closed as she delved into the recesses of her memories. Once known as Alektra Maria von Loewenherz, she had led a life of privilege and happiness as a princess of the Galia Empire. However, her world shattered at the tender age of ten when it was discovered that she was a Norma—a revelation that led to her exile to Arzenal.

Initially consumed by despair, Jill found solace and strength in the harsh environment of Arzenal. Over time, she transformed into a resilient and determined individual, carving out a new life for herself as a Norma. Her newfound purpose came from the bonds she formed with her fellow Norma girls, finding camaraderie and support amidst the chaos of battle.

As years passed, the commander of Arzenal established connections with the Ancient peoples, a group seeking to reclaim their land and restore peace to their lives. Aligned in their desire for a peaceful existence free from the horrors of battle, the Norma and the Ancients agreed to work together, preparing for the rebellion that would challenge the status quo and pave the way for a new future. 

In this alliance, Jill saw a glimmer of hope for a world where she and her fellow Norma could finally find the peace they so desperately yearned for.

As the Ancient peoples revealed the existence of the para-mail, Villkiss, a weapon comparable to the destructive power of the Ragna-mail, excitement rippled through the ranks. However, it became apparent that only a chosen few could pilot it, and to everyone's surprise, Jill emerged as the one able to ride it.

With Jill at the helm, the morale soared, and she quickly assumed the role of leader, guiding her comrades towards their shared goal of victory. Her cheerful demeanor and unwavering dedication endeared her to all, forging strong bonds among the Norma and Ancient peoples alike.

As time passed, Jill found herself drawn to Istvan, who became the knight of Villkiss, dedicated to protecting its rider at all costs. Their connection deepened, but before Jill could confess her feelings, Istvan and Vanessa, another Norma, fell in love and married, their union blessed with the birth of Tusk.

Heartbroken but determined to fulfill her duty, Jill buried her feelings and pressed on, carrying the hopes of her allies with her. When the revolt against Embryo, who was like a god, finally erupted, victory seemed within reach. However, in a cruel twist of fate, Jill was kidnapped by Embryo in the midst of battle, swayed by his honeyed words and led astray from her path.

Betrayed by her own desires for love and companionship, Jill found herself easily deceived by Embryo's sweet words and promises. Lost in her newfound happiness with him, she willingly abandoned the revolt and her comrades, oblivious to the danger lurking beneath Embryo's charming facade. In truth, she was being manipulated by Embryo, who possessed the power to induce pleasure with a mere touch to Jill's forehead.

However, when the para-mails descended upon their sanctuary, Jill's friends rallied to her rescue, believing her to be kidnapped. In the chaos that ensued, Jill's senses were finally awakened, and she managed to break free from Embyro's grasp. But the cost was steep—she lost one of her arms and witnessed the deaths of those who had come to save her.

Embryo's wrath knew no bounds, and in a fit of rage, he mercilessly slaughtered the Ancient people who had dared to oppose him. Istvan, the man Jill had once loved, was among the fallen, along with the para-mail riders who had accompanied her. Jill escaped successfully, but she knew that it was Embryo who let her leave. After all, a disobedient doll was not worth keeping for him.

Returning to Arzenal as a broken shell of her former self, Jill was met with forgiveness and compassion from her Norma friends, who shared in her grief and loss. Amidst tears and sorrow, Salia, still just a child, rushed to Jill's side, expressing her admiration and happiness at seeing her again.

In that moment of vulnerability and despair, Jill found solace in the arms of her friends, their unwavering support offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that had enveloped her.

Consumed by bitterness and resentment towards the world of mana and its users, Jill's once cheerful demeanor gave way to a steely resolve to enact change. Frustrated by her failed attempts at diplomacy and the continued oppression faced by Norma, she devised a clandestine plan known as 'Libertus'—a revolt aimed at overthrowing the existing order and granting freedom to her fellow Norma.

Over the years, Jill meticulously laid the groundwork for Libertus, carefully concealing her intentions from prying eyes. Only one piece of the puzzle remained—the recruitment of Ange, the chosen wielder of Villkiss, much like Jill herself many years prior.

As she sought out Ange, Jill plotted to manipulate her into joining the revolt. Although she had yet to disclose the full extent of her plans to Ange, Jill anticipated that Ange, alone on an island with nowhere else to turn, would inevitably come to rely on Arzenal and its Norma inhabitants. It was this dependence that Jill intended to exploit, ensuring Ange's eventual allegiance to the cause of Libertus.

With Ange's arrival, the final phase of Jill's scheme was set in motion, poised to bring about the long-awaited revolution that would reshape the fate of the world of mana forever.

As Jill sat in her chair, her gaze lingering on the door through which Lucia had departed, a faint smile played across her lips.

"Anyhow, with the help of another kami-sama, I can finally achieve my goal," she mused, a sense of determination flickering in her eyes.

Years of resentment and betrayal had fueled Jill's hatred towards mana users, who had always viewed her and her fellow Norma as nothing more than monsters or violent barbarians deserving of death. Embyro's deception had only deepened her bitterness, leaving her with a burning desire for revenge against those who had wronged her.

Haunted by her past failures and the loss of her comrades, Jill's heart was consumed by self-loathing, unable to forgive herself for falling prey to Embyro's manipulations and failing to realize her ambitions. In her eyes, the suffering of her enemies was the only solace she could find amidst the turmoil of her existence.

Driven by her thirst for vengeance, Jill was prepared to do whatever it took to achieve her goals, even if it meant sacrificing her own humanity in the process.

As Jill contemplated the newfound ally in her quest for vengeance, a sense of anticipation welled up within her. The arrival of the god, with their plan to dismantle the mana system and vanquish Embyro, offered a glimmer of hope in the darkness that had consumed her.

"Let's be patient for a while. As the Kami-sama said, to wait," Jill murmured to herself, her voice barely above a whisper, as she closed her eyes and surrendered to the embrace of sleep, reclining back in her chair.

With the promise of an end to their long-standing conflict on the horizon, Jill allowed herself to rest, knowing that the time for retribution was drawing near. In the stillness of the moment, she found solace, knowing that soon she would have her chance to bring about the justice she had long sought.

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The soothing sound of sea waves filled the room, accompanied by the gentle rays of sunlight filtering through the barred window. Lucia slowly opened her eyes, greeted by the sight of the plain ceiling above her. Beside her, Ange lay peacefully, still lost in slumber. With a soft smile, Lucia gently brushed a strand of hair from Ange's face as she stirred awake, exchanging a tender kiss.

As they prepared to start their day, Ange couldn't help but notice the state of their room. "I should use some of our earnings to spruce up this place," she thought to herself. Despite their success in hunting dragons, the thought of investing in their living space had never crossed her mind before.

Leaving their room behind, Lucia and Ange made their way to the public shower area. Lucia was surprised to find a bustling gathering of Norma girls, each with their own unique appearance. It was a stark contrast to the limited variety she had seen in anime, where only the main characters were highlighted.

The girls in the shower room all possessed slim, toned bodies, with visible muscles on their arms and bellies, yet none of them were considered unattractive. Not a single woman with excess weight could be found among them. In fact, there were a handful of girls who rivaled Ange and Salamandinay in beauty, the main characters of their own stories.

As Lucia entered the room, she couldn't help but notice the curious glances directed her way. Some of the girls even began to blush and experience nosebleeds at the sight of Lucia's naked form. It wasn't uncommon here; many of the girls had embraced their attraction to others of the same gender, leading to an environment where harem dynamics thrived. Money could buy companionship and intimacy, and the rules of this place reflected that reality.

As Ange settled into her daily routine, Lucia took the opportunity to explore Arzenal, curious to see beyond what she had witnessed in the anime. While many of the facilities matched her expectations—such as the shooting field, school rooms, cafeteria, shower room, market, and para-mail hangar—Lucia stumbled upon a training field that hadn't been featured in the anime. Stretching out before her was a vast expanse, equivalent in size to a football stadium, where Norma girls engaged in rigorous exercises and drills.

Mesmerized by the sight, Lucia lingered for a while before eventually making her way back. Along the path, she encountered Hilda's group, who were en route to the cafeteria. Their eyes widened in surprise as they caught sight of Lucia, clearly taken aback by her presence. After all, they hadn't witnessed Ange's rescue the day before.

"A new Norma?" Hilda mused silently to herself, her gaze lingering on Lucia. "She's truly beautiful."

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