Local Netizen Elf’s Life In Another World

Case 253: Regression.

Needless to say, Luna's pitiful appearance manages to tickle everybody's heartstrings a bit. 

And, of course, her goal aligns with ours, so there is no reason to refuse.

''Thank you,''

Luna says with a smile as she shakes my hand. With that decided, we are about to begin the second trial to obtain more divinity. As Luna carefully opens the wooden box, a crystal radiating intense energy can be seen lying on a layer of foam.

It's been a while since I've seen this.

''Let me explain the second trial.''

Naturally, Luna, who was/is a goddess, takes on the role of a guide. Eva will be thrilled to find out that someone has done her job for her and all.

''The objective of this trial is to temper your mortal body and change it into that of a deity, which means the very essence of your strength will change. For instance... you will likely not be able to use mana anymore.''

'''' Eh? ''''

''Utilizing two sources of energy at the same time is not, at all, efficient.'' Luna firmly shakes her head. ''Inherently, divine energy is more powerful and versatile than mana, so there should be no downside to switching to it completely. Moreover, divinity is a deity's essence. One needs to forsake their old self and embrace it to truly become a god.''

''Erm... so, I'm assuming that after we change our body, our overall strength will increase? Is that right?''

It'll be quite troublesome if it's the opposite. Troubles might arise in that window of weakness, and we might not be able to solve them.

''If the transformation goes smoothly. Please don't worry since Eva has already planted a seed of divinity inside... well, most of you. It should help.'' 

''Seed of divinity?''

''You can consider it as a small device to make your body more familiar with divine power over time.''

'''' ... ''''

Admittedly, Sariel and I are the ones most affected by this, as we primarily thrive on our magical talents. And... well, since divine energy is stored inside our body, the [Heart of Fire] will become quite useless. Still, the prospect of increasing our strength is attractive.

It's not like I'm compromising anything. Yeah.

''I'm in.''

As soon as I make up my mind and inform Luna that, the others gradually follow as well.

''I'm greatly pleased.'' 

As Luna holds the fragment of divinity up in the air, we nod at each other one last time.

Simultaneously, we stretch our hands forward and touch the floating crystal. A blinding light escapes the small fragment, engulfing the whole room.

From every direction, I feel some sort of energy seeping into my body, slowly forcing my... forcing?

Wait, it is crushing me??

I don't feel immediate pain, but my whole body seems to be squeezed together. Is this normal?

After God knows how long, the blindness finally subsides, and...

''Huh?''

For some reason, I'm looking under the table? Is my posture wrong?

No, more like... my point of view has been lowered. Even the voice I have just muttered—it sounds high-pitched. Not that my usual voice is low or anything.

''S-Sylvia...?!''

A kid's voice?

Turning to my right, I see a small kid around the age of four or five with a startled expression. Her clothes have all fallen onto the ground, seemingly too big for such a slim body. There's something strange on top of her head...?

The moment I notice her familiar blood-red hair and fiery orange eyes—

''Oh.''

I'm the same, aren't I?

''Oh my, oh my~!''

'''' ... ''''

In the spacious tree house, only Luna's occasional exclamations can be heard. She, with an expression as though she is seeing exotic animals, circles the bed with a camera.

Yeah.

For some unknown reason, we've been turned into kids. Babies, even.

Aside from us three elves, who fortunately still look quite cute, the baby version of Anna is honestly diabolical. Not in a bad way. She's just too adorable.

Even when I'm a baby myself, I can't help but want to pinch those chubby cheeks and scruff her fluffy ears. Tina is also quite beautiful, and then...

GRR—!

Ah, um. How should I say this...

My condolences?

Sariel has been turned into a small red dragon. She still has majestic horns and all, but she looks like a pet I would get if I were to beg my dad for one.

Grumbling as she rolls on the bed, the small Sariel eventually collides with Liana, who's also grumbling.

''...''

''...''

The two glare at each other a bit before Liana grabs Sariel by her head and begins to shake her.

''Ah, stop, stop, stop!"

Fortunately, Luna intervenes just in time.

''Whew...''

Why do you look proud, star woman? You turned us into lolis!

As if reading my mind, the next second, Luna begins to explain the situation. The sight of her talking earnestly to a bunch of absolute toddlers and a dragon is quite comical, I'll have to admit.

''Please endure it for a while. This step is needed to change the structure of your body to the ideal arrangement. It should only last for a week or two at most.''

''That's a relief...''

''Originally, you should have started as fetuses... but I figured that would be a bit uncomfortable, so I modified it a bit.''

''Luna mama, I love you!''

The more I think about being a helpless fetus, the more I feel like throwing up, so I throw myself at Luna first to express my gratitude. The former goddess, being a sucker for cute children, immediately embraces my small body tightly.

The boobs are suffocating me, though!

In any case, it appears as though we can't use much of anything at all. Mana, divine power... oh, gone were the days I was invincible...

If there is something magical, I'd say that we have become certified angels. We don't have wings, but there is a halo floating on top of our heads.

They're all pure white coated with a layer of gold, and the gold part is gradually receding as well. According to Luna, this is basically a timer for the trial. 

Turning over to the sides, I notice that half of my proud members have already succumbed to the sleep demon, sprawling around on the large bed.

Tch, tch. Such weak youth.

But, I mean... there's really nothing to do. Luna says that we only need to wait, which initially confuses me.

What part of it is a trial?

But then I realize that only we have the privilege of hiding in such a safe place. Eva and Luna must have been on edge the whole time when they did this.

Um. Let's not complain.

So, I crawl over to the small kid with protruding cat ears and hug her into my embrace. Even though my soft chest is gone, I hope she still likes it.

*****

''I'm finally meeting you, junior.''

Sipping my tea while savoring the aroma, I cast a glance at the woman in front of me. Long, lustrous silver hair and domineering red eyes... ah, not good. I need to hold myself back.

''...''

''Not answering your senior like that... you're a bold one, aren't you, Eva?''