Leaving the child, who could apparently read my thoughts, with Arwen, I hurriedly got dressed and headed straight to the temple.

The child’s identity was my top priority, even if it took time. While their resemblance to Arwen and me was alarming, the translucent wings on their back were the biggest issue.

If revealed unprepared to the public, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Angels, unlike demons, were beings known only through records and were considered an extinct race. Myths about elves being their descendants were widely known.

But suddenly, a being with angelic wings appears—one that looks like both me and Arwen?

Even their mere existence could shake the foundations of society. Adding everything else on top of that could lead to utter chaos.

Being scolded by Mary was the least of my worries. I had to find out what this child truly was.

"If we're talking about their race, they are indeed an angel."

Hearing Luminous confirm this, I let out a hollow laugh, overwhelmed by the weight of the revelation.

Honestly, I had suspected as much upon seeing the translucent wings, but it was still shocking to hear it confirmed.

But then, what was the sprout on their head supposed to be? It was undeniably cute, but it didn’t seem like mere decoration.

"This requires some explanation. Do you know how angels are born?"
"Uh… no."

Even with all the books I’ve read, the process of an angel’s birth remains a mystery.

Some say they are created directly by the gods, while others claim they are born naturally.

Unlike demons, very little is known about angels, leaving room for all kinds of speculation.

"Angels are beings born from pure divine power. They must possess strong divinity from birth to serve by our side."
"That sounds difficult to grasp. Are you saying they simply… come into existence?"
"To elaborate, divine power acts as a kind of seed. Angels are born from this seed."

I nodded, but my mind was soon flooded with more questions.

If angels are born from the divine power of the gods, why are there no angels now?

The story of angels breaking their own wings to descend as elves is classified as myth, not history—an event that happened eons ago.

Even during the demon war, there was no sign of angels, and the world barely managed to fend off the demons using the power of the World Tree.

Looking at all the evidence, the conclusion is clear: the gods currently lack the ability to create angels.

Why? Why can’t the gods create angels anymore?

Was it to honor the fallen angels who broke their wings as penance? That seems implausible.

Even if the gods wanted to honor their penance, wouldn’t they have created some form of backup, especially during the demon war? Angels, as described in records, are immensely powerful.

Then…

"So, the child was born through a kind of loophole. Over 3,000 years, the divine power concentrated in the World Tree was transformed into a seed with the help of a mother’s blessing. That’s why there’s a sprout on their head. While they may resemble an angel, it’s more accurate to call them a ‘divine being."

As my mind raced with unanswered questions, Luminous spoke in a slightly urgent tone.

I pushed aside my scattered thoughts and focused on the topic at hand: the child.

"So, they’re an angel, but not exactly?"
"You could say they’re not a pureblood. Still, being born from divine power makes them a transcendent being. Strictly speaking, they are a child of the World Tree."
"But why do they look exactly like me?"
"Do you know what a seed needs to sprout?"

Of course. Water, soil, and nutrients.

"Thanks to the blessing you received from the goddess, nutrients and soil were irrelevant. The seed could absorb what it needed simply by being near you."
"And water?"
"That came from both you and the child’s body."
"...What?"

Oh, no.

Hearing Luminous’s explanation made my mind go blank for a moment.

Sure, water is necessary, but for the seed to draw it from us... I felt a pang of guilt for the child. It was neither sanitary nor ideal, and it just made me feel sorry for them.

At the same time, it made sense. There’s no liquid more imbued with genetic information than that.

Perhaps this is why the child resembles me so closely. There’s no other explanation.

"Is this like Aphrodite’s myth…?"

Everyone knows the Greek myth of Aphrodite’s birth.

When Uranus was castrated by Cronus at Gaia’s command, his blood spilled into the sea, creating foam. From this foam, Aphrodite was born.

This isn’t all that different. The process just makes me feel guilty for the child.

"...So, what would have happened if I planted the seed in the ground instead?"
"It would have grown into a sacred tree, like the World Tree."
"And why didn’t you tell me that?"
"[Because the future would have diverged in two drastically different directions. One where a sacred tree grows in your domain, and another where an angelic being is born.]"
"Ah."

That made sense. The difference between the two outcomes was unimaginable.

This must be why they called it a “heavenly secret.” I nodded in understanding and turned back to the main issue: the child.

"So, is there anything I should be cautious about?"
"Not much, but you should know that the child is incredibly strong. Be careful."
"I already guessed as much. Anything else?"
"You can raise them as a normal child if you wish."

Easier said than done. Suddenly having a child without any preparation is overwhelming.

Leaving them with my parents would be a huge burden, and the child clearly sees me and Arwen as their parents.

Initially, I considered asking my parents for help, but that felt like shirking responsibility, so I dismissed the idea.

Even if the situation was absurd, this child is a gift from the goddess of nature herself. Complaining about it would be pointless.

"Love them and cherish them. They will undoubtedly be a great blessing to you and those you love."
"Of course. By the way, does the child have some sort of telepathy? Can all transcendent beings do that?"
"We can read thoughts, and the child will likely have abilities similar to yours. They may excel at connecting with animals or accelerating plant growth."

Hearing about the child’s potential, I nodded. Even though they weren’t pureblood, it seemed transcendent beings are naturally born with these gifts.

Now, the pressing concern was whether to reveal the child’s existence or keep it hidden. The moment their identity is exposed, it will trigger a tidal wave of reactions.

Leaving the child with Arwen wasn’t ideal either—it would feel wrong to place all the burden on her.

"Let’s head back to the dorms first. And then…"

I’ll prepare to face Mary’s wrath.

With a heavy sigh, I resigned myself to the storm that was bound to come.

If anyone would lose their mind over this, it would be Mary.

She had been generous enough to let me spend time with someone else I loved, only for me to return with a child in tow.

Her reaction was bound to be explosive. Divorce wouldn’t be off the table, though I hoped for the best.

"I’m sorry, dear. Your mother must have truly wanted to give you a meaningful gift."
"It’s fine. Mary will understand."

She’d understand in her head, but not in her heart.

As I plotted my next steps, preparing to face the future, a sudden curiosity struck me.

"Luminous, you and Mora are Hirt’s children, right?"
"Uh… yes, that’s correct."
"And angels are born through faith, not as her direct children?"
"...That’s right."
"Then, you two…"

I trailed off, narrowing my eyes.

What was I about to ask?

Everyone has experienced moments of forgetting what they were about to say. It’s especially common when browsing the internet.

That’s exactly how I felt now. I knew I had a question, but the thought had vanished entirely.

It wasn’t just forgotten—it felt as though the memory had been wiped clean, leaving behind an odd sense of déjà vu.

"Dear?"
"No, it’s nothing. I’ll ask later. Sorry about that."
"Alright. Do you have any other questions?"
"No."

With that, my connection to Luminous ended. Suppressing a lingering unease, I returned to the bedchamber.

And there, I saw…

"Wheee~!"
"Kya-hahaha!"

Arwen, using magic to levitate the child, and the child fluttering their translucent wings as they floated in the air.

Both were smiling so brightly that it was impossible not to feel their joy.

"Ah, you’re back?"

Arwen greeted me with a warm smile, clearly enjoying herself.

I couldn’t help but smile back. I had expected the child to give her trouble, but the opposite was true.

After a moment, Arwen canceled her magic and gently set the child back on the soft bed.

Noticing me, the child blinked their golden eyes adorably before breaking into a radiant smile.

"Daddy!"

They called out, scrambling down from the bed with tiny but determined steps.

"Careful!" I called, approaching slowly as the child made their way toward me.

The child, now fully recognizing me as their father, ran with all their might, translucent wings flapping excitedly.

Unable to resist their cuteness, I crouched slightly and opened my arms wide.

What I didn’t realize then was just how strong a transcendent child could be.

Expecting a newborn to regulate their strength was a foolish mistake.

Hop!

The child leapt lightly, soaring toward me with alarming speed.

Bam!

"…Huh?"

A pain beyond words shot through me, starting from below.