Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 144: A Burning Question

Ryukana the violet-haired goddess is waiting for Daniel, specifically, as the shuttle touches down at the Citadel after passing through the perimeter checkpoint. He excuses himself for a moment from the three dragons who accompanied him, and they head towards Xyreko, who is waiting patiently nearby.

"Ryukana, you look like you need something."

"I knew you were arriving soon, so I wanted to inform you that I am going to leave for a short time once more."

"I understand. I appreciate you letting me know."
"I'll still be on Zenkon, so if you need anything..." She scrunches her face as she thinks. Once more, Daniel is completely devoid of magic, in spite of how long it has been since he was inflicted with the curse. Senn has retreated to her own mysterious hideaway to search for a means to dispel the curse, while Xyreko has been attempting various spells in the Citadel in preparations for trying to help Daniel as well. In Ryukana's case, she can no longer detect him, as it was when he first arrived in the world. Ryuogriar and Reignleif have been insistently feeding Daniel milk every few minutes in order to try to restore his mana, but it'll take time to see results either way.

"I will do my best to keep my gaze on you, Daniel. If you need me, I will be listening."

Daniel nods. "As you know, I try not to bother you. I didn't pray much before I came here, I don't know if it's fair to expect prayers to work now that I've peeked behind the curtain."

She snickers softly. "Very funny, Daniel." She ponders deeply as she studies Daniel for a long time. He cocks his head, and she adds, "This curse is peculiar."

"You can... see it?" asks Daniel, curiously. He tries not to give away too much, since Kaeralegier is still trying to remain undetected by anyone associated with the Divine Realm, and he knows she was able to identify it and its effects with relative ease.

"I can. It's very subtle, and it doesn't work with mana the same way as usual. There shouldn't be any beings in this world capable of such a twisting of energies..." She tries to think.

"I don't know how it works, but could it be something that pre-dates your management of Zenkon?" Daniel can't remember all of the details, but he has certainly learned enough about this world's peculiarities to trust his gut. And, his gut says that the vision he had while he was 'dead' from the curse might be related.

"It's... possible. It's difficult to really quantify, because time flows differently for us than for mortals. There was a goddess that disappeared before I became the manager of Zenkon."

Daniel is surprised. He's not sure he does a great job of seeming genuinely innocent, but he tries his best. "Ohhh? Disappeared? How... How does a goddess disappear?"

"Why?" asks the goddess in front of him. "Are you planning on trying to make one disappear?"

He laughs. "Just curious."

"I don't know, honestly. As you probably guessed, Chaos and Order aren't exactly beings that can be questioned easily."

Daniel nods in agreement. "I see. Apologies for holding you up, though. Is there anything you need me to do?"

"Not at this time. I have been asked by my junior to speak to her summoned heroine. I expect they're seeking advice."

"I understand. If I can help, please do let me know."

"I will. Thank you." As she starts to walk away, and Daniel turns back to the others, she suddenly stops. "Daniel?"

"Yes?"

"I've wondered this for a while, but I supposed I hoped to understand without needing to ask."

Daniel faces her again, replying sincerely, "What is it?"