Chapter 4: The Burden of Divinity

A hush fell over the battlefield as the celestial being’s words echoed through the air. The weight of the gods’ expectations bore down on Miko’s shoulders, heavier than she had ever imagined. She had always dreamed of regaining her place among the heavens, but never had she expected to be at the center of a divine conflict.

Solmara and Nocthar stood before her, their divine forms flickering with restrained energy. The storm that had threatened to consume Elaris had stilled, but the tension in the air remained palpable. Every living soul, mortal and divine alike, waited for Miko’s decision.

Lysara edged closer, her voice barely above a whisper. “Miko, whatever you choose, you won’t face it alone.”

Miko nodded, her grip on Hoshikiri tightening. “I never asked for this power, but I can’t turn away now.”

She took a deep breath, then met the celestial being’s gaze. “Before I decide, I need answers. What caused this war to begin again? What crime is so great that it warrants the destruction of an entire city?”

The silver-cloaked figure, neither fully light nor shadow, inclined their head. “A question worthy of an arbiter.” Their voice resonated with the weight of ancient knowledge. “Solmara and Nocthar were once bound by an accord, a truce forged to maintain the balance of existence. However, that balance has been disturbed. The gods grow restless, and their power bleeds into the mortal realm, disrupting the order they swore to protect.”

Solmara’s golden eyes burned with righteous fury. “Nocthar has broken the truce! He gathers shadows in the hidden corners of the world, corrupting mortals and turning them into his pawns. I will not stand by as darkness consumes the realm.”

Nocthar’s voice was a whisper of the void. “And you, Solmara, blind yourself to the truth. It is the arrogance of light that shatters the balance, burning all who do not bow to its will. You speak of corruption, yet you refuse to see that it festers even among your own followers.”

Miko frowned. “If both of you claim the other is the source of imbalance, then who truly threatens the world?”

The celestial figure turned to her. “That is the question you must answer.”

A heavy silence followed. Miko felt the weight of history pressing upon her, the echoes of past conflicts whispering in the wind. She had come to Elaris to reclaim her divine power, but now, she faced something far greater—a decision that could shape the fate of gods and mortals alike.

Her mind raced. If she chose to side with Solmara, she risked condemning an entire half of existence to eradication. If she sided with Nocthar, she could doom the world to eternal shadow. The thought sent a chill down her spine.

But what if there was another way?

Miko straightened. “I refuse to choose between destruction and destruction. There has to be another path, one where neither light nor darkness dominate, but coexist as they were meant to.”

Solmara scowled. “That is impossible. There can be no peace with darkness.”

Nocthar’s form rippled like a dying ember. “And light will never yield.”

The celestial arbiter stepped forward. “Then the choice is made.” Their silver eyes locked onto Miko’s. “You reject the old war. You forge a new path. But understand this—balance does not come without sacrifice.”

A chill ran through Miko’s veins. “What do you mean?”

The arbiter raised their hand, and a radiant sigil formed in the air. “To become the true mediator, you must relinquish your claim to the heavens. You will not return as a celestial maiden, nor as a mortal. You will become something else—an entity that belongs to neither realm, but exists between them. A guardian of the balance.”

Miko’s breath caught in her throat. This was the price. If she accepted, she would never regain her former divinity. The celestial realm, the home she longed for, would be forever beyond her reach.

Lysara grabbed her wrist. “Miko, you don’t have to do this. We’ll find another way.”

Miko closed her eyes, memories flashing before her—her fall from the heavens, the lonely days wandering Tokyo, the old shrine where she found a home, the laughter of her viewers as she shared her journey online, and now, the people of Elaris looking to her for salvation.

She opened her eyes, determination burning within them. “If this is what it takes to protect both worlds, then so be it.”

The sigil flared to life, engulfing her in light. Power surged through her body, neither celestial nor mortal but something entirely new. The wind howled, and for a brief moment, Miko felt as if she stood on the edge of existence itself.

Then she promptly tripped.

“Nai yo!” she yelped, catching herself mid-air just before face-planting onto the sacred battlefield. “Couldn’t the divine transformation come with a bit more grace?!”

Lysara stifled a giggle. Even Solmara and Nocthar exchanged a glance, unsure whether to be impressed or deeply concerned.

When the light faded, she stood transformed. Her shrine maiden robes shimmered with both golden radiance and shadowy mist. Hoshikiri pulsed with a power greater than before.

The celestial arbiter smiled. “It is done. You are now the Keeper of Balance.”

Solmara and Nocthar looked upon her, their divine energy retreating. For the first time, there was no malice between them—only understanding.

The battle was over. But Miko’s journey had only just begun.

And as she looked down at her new celestial-mortal hands, she muttered, “I really hope this doesn’t mean I have to do divine paperwork now.”