After discovering the horrifying truth hidden behind the kingdom and the Sylas family, Aris found his mind filled with relentless questions. He couldn't easily accept that Goddess Aqua, the revered holy figure worshipped by the people, was involved in cruel human experiments. With a heart in turmoil, he decided to seek answers directly from the goddess herself.
That night, Aris walked toward the Cathedral of Goddess Aqua, a place he had always regarded as sacred. The building stood majestically, illuminated by the soft glow of candles, casting dancing shadows on its marble walls. He stepped inside, his knees weak, but his resolve unwavering. He knelt before the grand altar adorned with intricate carvings, then closed his eyes and raised his prayer.
"Goddess Aqua... if You truly hear Your people, then grant me clarity. Show me the real truth…" His voice was soft, nearly drowned in the silence of the cathedral. Yet, just as he ended his prayer, the air around him began to change.
The atmosphere grew still, as if the world paused for a moment. A silvery-blue light began to shimmer in the center of the room, forming a figure that gradually became real. Aris held his breath as the form grew clearer. A woman of unmatched beauty appeared before him, wearing a bluish-white robe that sparkled like moonlight over water. Her aura radiated extraordinary grace and majesty, making Aris feel utterly small in her presence.
"You who have called me with a heart full of doubt… I hear you," the gentle voice echoed throughout the cathedral, yet carried a profound weight, as if resonating deep within Aris's soul.
Aris swallowed hard, his body tense. "Goddess Aqua… what is truth? What is justice?"
The goddess looked at him calmly, as though peering into his mind. "Truth is what is understood by those in power. Justice is the balance that must be preserved, even through sacrifice. You seek something absolute, but the world does not work that way."
Aris fell silent, pondering her words. Yet something still gnawed at his heart. He took a deep breath and, with great courage, asked, "Goddess Aqua… is it true that You allowed and even ordered the human experiments carried out by the kingdom?"
The goddess gazed at him with eyes that seemed to pierce the soul. "And if I answered yes, would it change anything? Humans were created to serve a greater purpose, just as water always flows according to its fate. Their sacrifice is part of this world's balance."
Her answer pierced Aris's heart. Anger and disbelief began to overwhelm him. "They're not just water that flows! They have lives, families, hopes! How can a goddess worshipped by her people allow such cruelty?!"
Goddess Aqua's expression changed, her gaze now cold. "You challenge my will, human? I have blessed your people, allowed you to flourish under My protection. And now, you stand before Me with a defiance that oversteps your bounds."
Suddenly, the atmosphere inside the cathedral grew heavier, the air pressing down on Aris. The once-gentle blue light now glowed with a threatening intensity. From the heavens, a pillar of pale blue light shot down at incredible speed, aimed directly at Aris.
Aris could only stare wide-eyed, his body frozen in place. He knew there was no escape from this attack.
But far away, someone felt the presence of that great power. Aris's father, who was far from the cathedral, suddenly jolted. The overwhelming aura made him rush toward its source. With incredible speed, he arrived at the cathedral just as the pillar of light was about to strike Aris.
Without hesitation, he leapt forward, shielding his son with his own body and forming a dome-like shield with his power. The pillar struck him hard, causing the floor around them to vanish and explode in a burst of energy. Yet, when the light faded, he was still standing, his body trembling but steadfast.
With a sharp gaze, he looked at Goddess Aqua. "Why did you attack my son? What reason lies behind this, oh goddess?"
Goddess Aqua gave a thin smile, her eyes probing. "You don't need to know," she said coldly. Then her gaze turned slightly playful as she looked at Aris's father. "Ah… so here is my old toy. Unfortunately, your time is up. So next time, I'll come for you."
After speaking those words, the manifestation of Goddess Aqua slowly faded, vanishing from the cathedral. But before disappearing completely, her voice echoed once more in the silent room.
"Aris, you dared to defy my will. You will face severe punishment for your bravery. Prepare yourself."
Aris's father looked at his son with sharp eyes, a mixture of anger and worry. He stepped closer, his voice firm yet still carrying a father's tenderness.
"Aris, explain what truly happened! What did you do for Goddess Aqua herself to want to erase your existence?!"
Aris lowered his head, his mind racing. If he spoke the truth, not only he would be punished—but his family as well. The wrath of Goddess Aqua was not something to take lightly, and Aris didn't want anyone else to suffer the consequences of his search for truth.
"I… I can't say anything," he replied in a low voice.
His father grew more agitated, gripping Aris's shoulders tightly. "Don't play with me, Aris! This is not the time to hide anything! Tell me the truth!"
Aris raised his head, his emotional eyes meeting his father's. "I can't tell you, Father!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the chamber. "If I speak, you and everyone I love will be dragged into the punishment too! I won't let that happen!"
Silence fell over them, the only sound their heavy breathing. Aris's father loosened his grip, his eyes scanning his battered and weary son. There was something far greater than just a secret being kept, and as a father, he had to find a way to protect his son without forcing him to speak.