NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 30: I guess I’ll save the world.
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"It's finished!" Kusa exclaimed in excitement as she gazed upon the now-transformed garden, which had gone from ordinary to extraordinary.
The once plain and mundane garden had been completely revitalized, now emanating an enchanting aura as if it had been lifted from the pages of a fantastical storybook. Every detail seemed to be meticulously crafted, turning the garden into a visual wonder.
Tiny orbs of vibrant green danced through the air, creating a magical ambiance as they fluttered around. Vines gracefully cascaded down the walls, lending an air of timeless elegance to the surroundings.
Replacing the bare earth were lush green grasses that seemed to ripple like waves, imbuing the garden with a sense of life and vitality that extended beyond the surface. The overall atmosphere of the place had matured, evoking the feeling of an ancient sanctuary.
Kusa's eyes sparkled with satisfaction as she observed the contented plants and their newfound haven.
"The plants seem to be genuinely delighted," Kusa remarked, her voice brimming with happiness as she felt the energy of the garden.
"I adjusted the moisture levels to provide an optimal environment, and the ambient light should provide them with the energy they need," Kusa explained, her tone thoughtful as she considered every aspect of the garden's transformation.
"Oh my, is this still the same garden?" Satori's astonishment was palpable as she took in the magnificent sight. The garden's metamorphosis had completely exceeded her expectations.
"I can hardly believe it myself," Satori added, her voice filled with wonder and appreciation for Kusa's extraordinary work.
"Hehe~" Kusa's laughter was a mix of pride and joy, a testament to the effort she had poured into making the garden a place of enchantment.
"Why did you become so messy?" Kusa's concerned voice cut through the air as she observed Satori's disheveled appearance.
Satori's usually impeccable dress bore visible creases, her once neat hairstyle had become a tousled mess, and there were traces of dark powder dusting her skin.
"I... I slipped," Satori replied hesitantly, avoiding eye contact. She didn't want Kusa to know the real reason behind her appearance.
However, Kusa saw through the explanation. "You've been in a battle, haven't you?" she asked gently, her tone understanding.
Satori's gaze flickered, and then she relented with a slight nod. "Yes," she admitted, her voice hinting of reluctance.
"Figured as much," Kusa said with a knowing smile. "Battles tend to have that effect. Trust me, I've had my fair share of messiness after fights."
Satori felt a mixture of relief and gratitude for Kusa's understanding. She had feared that Kusa would judge her for the state she was in.
"I'm glad you're not upset about it," Satori confessed, her voice soft.
"Don't worry about it. Now, how about we both take a relaxing bath to freshen up?" Kusa suggested cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Ehh?!" Satori's surprise was evident, though she wasn't opposed to the idea.
Kusa's enthusiasm was infectious, and Satori found herself unable to decline. "Sure, why not?" she replied with a small smile, allowing herself to embrace the unexpected suggestion.
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Kusa stood beside Satori, gently running a towel through her hair to dry it as Satori sat obediently in the chair. The serene atmosphere of the room was accompanied by the soft rustling of the towel against Satori's hair.
"All done," Kusa declared with a contented smile, as Satori's hair was now completely dry.
"Thank you," Satori expressed her gratitude, feeling rejuvenated after the soothing bath.
"No problem," Kusa replied casually, though her mind was focused on a different matter. She contemplated her next move, feeling an urge to explore the depths of the palace.
"I want to go to the bottom," Kusa suddenly stated, capturing Satori's attention and sparking her curiosity.
"Why?" Satori inquired, genuinely intrigued by Kusa's sudden interest.
Kusa hesitated for a moment, considering how much she should reveal. However, she decided to be honest with Satori.
"I want to absorb the radiation from the nuclear power down there," Kusa confessed, her green eyes meeting Satori's gaze.
Satori's eyes widened with surprise, her mind processing Kusa's words. The unexpected request left her momentarily speechless. She understood the significance of what Kusa was asking, the potential dangers involved, and the potential benefits.
"Why?" Satori asked, seeking clarification.
Kusa let out a sigh and disconnected from her surroundings. "You know the world outside is dying from the lack of greenery," Kusa explained, revealing the bleak state of the outside world, which is full of human-made structures and has fewer forest and nature areas.
"Some people try hard to protect plants, but in reality, they end up harming them more". Kusa explains that the soil has become deeply poisoned by chemical fertilizers, which some plants dislike, as well as the rust that comes off metal structures.
Kusa has thought about this for a long time and knows that it's a foolish decision to make, but she needs enough energy to help the plants for one final time.
Satori didn't say anything while she read Kusa's thoughts and wanted to know why Kusa
would go out of their way to help strangers and the world in general. "Why?" Satori asked. "Just because," Kusa murmured.
Satori read Kusa's heart and thoughts and realized it was true. "I'll help you!" Satori exclaimed, amazed by Kusa's simplicity. "Really!?" Kusa's eyes gleamed with joy. "That's why we should go now!" Satori said, just as excited as Kusa.
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Amidst the desolate landscape of the Blazing Hell, the remnants of magma glowed with a subdued, lingering heat. Kusa and Satori stood amidst the ruins, their presence starkly contrasting with the lifelessness around them.
"What lies in this place?" Kusa inquired, her gaze taking in the ruins and the flowing lava that seemed to tell stories of its own.
Satori's voice carried a detached tone as she answered, revealing the history of this forsaken realm. "This was once Hell, a place where the damned were cast to endure the molten depths. The lava that flows here was once fueled by the punishment of criminals, but now it's sustained by the energy of the departed, kept alive by Rin's efforts."
Kusa's response carried a mixture of understanding and unease, her understanding of Satori's world deepening yet also encountering the unsettling truth behind its mechanics. "It's rather morbid, but I guess it serves its purpose."
Satori's words confirmed the eerie reality of the place. "Indeed, it may be unsettling, but it's a necessary aspect of this realm."
Observing the surroundings, Kusa couldn't help but sense a change. "The temperature is rising, isn't it?" She voiced her observation as the air seemed to ripple with newfound warmth.
Satori concurred, her keen perception confirming the shift. "Yes, the dormant energy is stirring."
As if responding to their presence, the once-still lava began to come alive. Its molten surface took on a vivid yellow-reddish hue, casting a fiery glow upon the surroundings.
Their progress was halted as the dormant lava transformed into a churning, active force, radiating a fierce heat that intensified with each passing moment.
"It's growing more active," Kusa noted, her awareness attuned to the surging energy.
Satori concurred, her expression mirroring the realization. "Yes, the energy is accumulating."
In the distance, the intense scene of a battle unfolded, capturing their attention. Three figures clashed against each other in a fierce confrontation.
Kusa's eyes focused on the scene, her analysis quick and perceptive. "They seem to be battling a tengu of some sort."
Satori directed her gaze toward the spectacle, her insight offering clarity. "That's Utsuho, a hell crow. She's one of my pets."
Kusa's amazement was evident as she took in the sight of Utsuho. Despite the desolation surrounding them, the very essence of life and conflict was vividly present.
"Using a modern weapon to shoot radioactive bullets... how deadly," Kusa mused aloud, her curiosity piqued even in the face of danger. She found herself strangely drawn to the raw energy that the weapon emitted.
Satori's tone carried a note of caution as she spoke, sensing Kusa's intentions. "The lava pool is not just a reservoir of heat but also houses the spirits of the departed. Beware of their presence."
Kusa's response held an air of indifference to the spirits that lingered in the fiery depths. "I'm here for the energy, not their grievances."
Satori's apprehension grew as she watched Kusa's determination unfold. She couldn't help but question, "What exactly are you planning?"
Kusa positioned herself at the precipice of the molten expanse, her intentions becoming clear. With unwavering determination, she answered Satori's inquiry, "I'm diving in to absorb the heat."
Satori's concern was palpable as she tried to intervene, her voice laced with urgency. "Wait! Are you sure about this?"
Undeterred by the apprehension in Satori's voice, Kusa leaped into the abyss. Her words carried a hint of excitement, even amidst the perilous act she was about to undertake. "Don't worry, I've done this before."
Satori's response was a desperate shout, her attempt to intervene thwarted by an unforeseen obstacle. She reached out, her hand outstretched in a futile attempt to catch Kusa, but a vine emerged from the ground, restraining her.
"Idiot!!!" Satori's voice carried a mix of anger, fear, and frustration as she struggled against the grip of the vine.
Meanwhile, Kusa's body made contact with the dense lava pool, a resounding splash echoing through the air. Surprisingly, her form sank into the molten depths without any visible harm or burn.
"I thought I was going to drown easily, but it seems lava is denser than I thought," Kusa's voice reverberated from within the fiery pool. Her words were accompanied by a mixture of surprise and amusement.
"Any minute now..." Kusa muttered impatiently as she stood within the magma, absorbing its energy. She was focused on her task, seemingly unimpressed by the remarkable feat she was performing.
Emerging from the fiery pool, Kusa shook off the clinging magma and reassured Satori. "I'm okay, Satori! No need to worry!"
Satori's response was a mixture of exasperation and relief. "You... are... an... idiot..."
Kusa's analysis of the situation was pragmatic as she realized the unique nature of her existence. "It seems I can't drown in lava... an interesting discovery."
The vengeful spirits, drawn to Kusa's presence, attempted to interact with her, but their efforts were futile. Kusa's voice carried a blend of bemusement and self-awareness as she addressed the spirits. "I have no soul to possess, just a manifestation of countless plants. Your attempts are in vain."
Undeterred by the spirits' futile attempts, Kusa's focus remained steadfast. "Let's begin." As she hovered above the magma, a haze of heat enveloped her, marking the commencement of her energy-absorbing process.
As Kusa's hair gradually transformed into a radiant gold hue, the once-fiery lava pool swiftly cooled down under her influence. An ethereal, sun-like halo materialized above her head, casting a resplendent aura around her.
Satori's gaze remained fixed on Kusa, captivated by the extraordinary spectacle unfolding before her.
"I could evolve if I wanted to, but the outside world is more important," Kusa's words conveyed a deep sense of responsibility. Her commitment to helping the human world was unwavering, even at the cost of her advancement.
The three individuals who had been locked in combat below turned their attention to the source of the intense energy. Their eyes widened in disbelief as they beheld the sight of what appeared to be a sun goddess gracing the fiery pool's surface.
"Not yet... not enough..." Kusa's murmured words carried a determination to harness even more energy.
Fire embers swirled around her, converging upon her form. The effect was transformative, causing Kusa's radiance to intensify like the noonday sun.
The vengeful spirits that had lingered in the area began to undergo a purification process, their malevolent essence being cleansed by the potent divine energy emanating from the girl.
The once-blazing lava gradually dimmed, its fiery fervor transitioning to a more subdued state, akin to cooling basalt.
"I believe this will suffice," Kusa's voice resonated with certainty. In response to her determination, a new spell card manifested in the air, enveloped in a dazzling golden aura. The card bore a clear depiction of Earth, emblematic of Kusa's intentions and power.
"Kusa no kanban, 'Gaia no Saigo no tameiki'!" Kusa's voice resounded with authority as she invoked the name of her spell card.
A profound stillness enveloped the world as Kusa's magic took effect. In a breathtaking display of power, with her every breath, the dying plants surged with renewed vitality. Saplings transformed into towering trees, and wilting flowers burst forth in a riot of colors. Life sprang forth in the most unlikely places, as even the desolate urban landscape welcomed the touch of nature.
As if responding to her call, diverse plants appeared in the heart of the city, their presence transforming the surroundings into a verdant paradise. Green and yellow orbs descended from the sky, creating an otherworldly spectacle. Remarkably, there were no reports of casualties or injuries, leaving humanity perplexed by the phenomenon they dubbed the "Floral Bloom." Many believed it to be a mirage, an illusion conjured by their own eyes.
Environmentalists rejoiced, feeling their labors acknowledged by some benevolent force. Even in the enigmatic realm of Gensokyo, the sudden resurgence of flowers and fruit-bearing trees seemed otherworldly. The event caught the attention of keen observers, who sensed an overwhelming surge of power emanating from the underworld.
Forests grew wilder, grasses flourished with renewed vibrancy, and nature's symphony echoed through the air. Amidst the confusion and awe, one undeniable truth remained: the perpetrator behind this extraordinary event had achieved her purpose.
As the golden brilliance faded, Kusa's hair transformed back to its verdant hue, and the radiant halo dissipated. Standing once more in her human form, Kusa surveyed the transformed landscape with a satisfied smile, her mission accomplished.
Kusa withdrew her attention from the outside world and shifted her gaze to her immediate surroundings. As she surveyed the scene, she noticed the familiar faces of those she had met during her time in Gensokyo, all gazing down upon her with a mixture of awe and wonder. However, amidst the admirers, three individuals seemed conspicuously displeased.
"Did I overdo it?" Kusa murmured to herself, realizing the implications of her actions. A sense of unease settled within her as she anticipated the potential consequences that would undoubtedly follow her audacious display of power.
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