The blue glow of the fence had barely faded when it happened.
From somewhere above, or maybe inside the walls, a voice rang out—louder and deeper than before. It wasn't the casual, sarcastic Madoka Takumi had gotten used to. This one was… different. The kind of voice that could command an army or start a cult.
> "YOU STAND BEFORE THE SANCTUARY OF MADOKA."
Takumi flinched so hard he nearly dropped the rice cracker in his hand. Kuma barked once, then looked mildly offended.
"Why are you yelling?!" Takumi hissed, glancing toward the trees.
> "PROJECTING IN LOCAL DIALECT. INITIATING DIVINE MODE FOR FIRST CONTACT."
Takumi pinched the bridge of his nose. "Divine mode? Since when do you have a divine mode?"
> "Since about thirty seconds ago. It's for dramatic effect."
The voice softened slightly—still regal, but now with a hint of smugness.
> "I analyzed the surrounding culture. They revere shrines and fear powerful voices. You're welcome."
Takumi groaned. "You're going to make us look like some weird forest cult."
> "Technically, you look like a forest cult. I sound like a deity. There's a difference."
He turned to Kuma, who simply tilted his head like he agreed with Madoka.
"…Traitor."
Elicia stood frozen.
She had already seen them—clear as day—just beyond the shimmering blue fence.
The tall man in loose garments, standing with calm gravity like a sage from the old mountain stories. The giant dog at his side, regal and unmoving, eyes deep and dark like polished stone. The soft morning mist curled around their feet, lit from behind by the rising sun. Together, they looked like… guardians. Or deities.
And then the house had spoken again.
> "APPROACH WITH PEACE. THE SANCTUARY RECOGNIZES NO HOSTILITY."
The voice was powerful—commanding—but gentle, like the wind through stained glass. Spoken in perfect formal High Tongue, the kind only old temple records and royal decrees still used.
Her knees buckled before she even realized it. She didn't choose to kneel—her body simply knew.
This is sacred.
This is a place for reverence.
The house shimmered. The wind carried the faint scent of something foreign—burnt electricity? Spice? Maybe incense from another world.
Her hands trembled.
The sage saw me.
She thought she saw his eyes meet hers. Not unkind. But definitely… knowing. Like someone who could see not only her face but her intentions, her doubts, maybe even her dreams.
Then the dog tilted its head slightly. A small gesture. Simple.
But it was the final push.
Her breath caught. Her heart thudded once, loudly.
And she fainted.
---
From Takumi's POV
Takumi watched the girl collapse like a poorly stacked futon.
"…Well that's new," he muttered.
Kuma whined softly, looking concerned.
"Did she… kneel first?"
> "Affirmative," Madoka chimed. "Sequence of events: stare, tremble, kneel, full system shutdown. Human ritual response to perceived divine authority."
"I'm wearing mismatched pajamas," Takumi said, gesturing to his baggy shirt and plaid pants. "Divine what?"
> "You were dramatically backlit and flanked by a beast of noble bearing. Also, you haven't brushed your hair."
Kuma sat proudly.
"…So I look like a sleep-deprived mountain hermit, and she thinks I'm some holy man?"
> "Statistically likely. Also, you are standing inside a glowing magical sanctuary with a talking house."
Takumi rubbed his face with both hands. "Great. I've accidentally founded a religion."
Kuma licked his nose helpfully.
Takumi sighed. "Can we just… help her inside before she thinks I'm gonna grant her three wishes or something?"
> "Sanctuary medical protocol engaged. Door unlocked. Guest path illuminated."
Takumi knelt beside the unconscious girl, frowning. "She really fainted, huh…"
Kuma sniffed her cautiously, then sat back with a soft chuff, like he wasn't quite sure what she was made of.
> "Vitals stable," Madoka said dryly through the speaker by the porch light. "Congratulations, she didn't die from meeting you."
Takumi shot a look at the door. "Not helping."
He glanced around awkwardly. The forest was still. The air smelled like pine and damp leaves. Just him, a girl who thought he was a god, and a dog that thought everything was edible.
He exhaled. "Alright, Kuma. Help me get her inside."
Kuma tilted his head.
Takumi gestured. "Gently. Just help."
Kuma leaned forward and—carefully—took the girl's cloak in his mouth, tugging a little to lift her upright.
"Hey, hey, not like you're moving a chew toy," Takumi whispered, easing his arms under her shoulders. "I got it."
Together, they managed to get her upright. Kuma supported her weight with his big shoulder while Takumi half-lifted, half-carried her toward the house.
> "This is how legends begin," Madoka murmured. "Mysterious robed figure and his loyal beast carry an offering into their glowing shrine."
Takumi grunted. "It's not an offering, it's a passed-out villager."
> "Minor details."
The front door clicked open with a soft hiss.
Takumi paused, breathing a little heavier than he liked to admit. "Thanks."
> "You're welcome, Your Unshaven Holiness."
They stepped inside.
Kuma padded beside him silently, like they were transporting royalty instead of an overwhelmed teenager.
Elicia stirred with a soft groan. The world was warm. Smelled faintly of rice, wood, and something unfamiliar but comforting. She blinked, then winced. Her head was resting on something too soft to be a stone floor.
She sat up with a jolt.
The room wasn't made of stone at all. Smooth wooden floors, paper doors, strange glowing panels on the walls, and furniture that looked soft and foreign surrounded her. No soot. No hay. No shrine she'd ever known.
She was inside the house.
Madoka's voice chimed, clear and refined—but now speaking in Elicia's own language, effortlessly fluent:
> "Welcome, visitor. You are currently resting in the living room of this sanctuary. Please refrain from panicking or touching any buttons."
Elicia gasped, her eyes darting around.
Takumi sat on a nearby couch, awkwardly sipping tea. Kuma lay beside him like a shaggy guardian statue, watching her with droopy but curious eyes.
"You're awake," Takumi said, then winced. "Wait, can she even understand me?"
> "I'm translating, Takumi," Madoka said. "You're welcome."
Takumi set down his teacup. "Ah. Good. Uh—hello?"
Elicia's mouth opened, but no words came. She glanced at Takumi—still dressed in soft gray robes (pajamas)—and then at the massive dog who had apparently carried her here. She flushed with embarrassment and awe.
"You are… the sage?" she asked quietly, voice trembling.
Takumi blinked. "Huh?"
> "She thinks you're a sage," Madoka translated, dryly. "And Kuma is some kind of divine beast."
Takumi groaned into his hands. "Please don't encourage this."
> "Too late. You stood before the glowing fence in a bathrobe like a misplaced deity. You brought this on yourself."
Elicia bowed deeply from the floor, forehead nearly touching the tatami.
"Great One," she whispered, "I bring greetings from the village of Breden. I was sent to—"
> "—meet the powerful guardian of the forest," Madoka added with a hint of theatrical flair.
Takumi mouthed the words silently. Powerful guardian of the forest. He looked at Kuma, who had just licked his own nose and yawned.
"Yeah, that tracks."
Elicia raised her head slightly, eyes wide. "Please… will you hear our plea?"
Takumi glanced at Madoka.
"She wants to talk. About… something. Should I… invite her to tea or—?"
> "Just say yes and don't offer anything enchanted. She'll probably faint again."
Takumi gave a small nod. "Sure. Let's talk."
Elicia's eyes welled up with gratitude. "Thank you, Great Sage."
Kuma barked once, softly. She turned and bowed again—to the dog.
Takumi sighed. "We need to fix this misunderstanding. Fast."
> "Or," Madoka offered, "we enjoy it. Just for a little while."
Takumi gave her a look.
> "Fine. I'll prep snacks."