Ыыы

When I returned to the room with a wet towel, I noticed that Mash had woken from his sleep as he was trying to get up by himself. He looked at my face and said.

「…Where is this place? 」

「This is an inn in Semul. 」

A few hours ago, when the “cleaning” was done, Seiya got out of the torture room and on that moment, Mash lost consciousness most probably from exhaustion. I asked Seiya to take care of Mash while I opened the heavenly portal. The constant use of the portal for earthly causes might violate the laws of the God’s realm. But I was worried about Mash’s poor health, so we ended up using the portal and we arrived later in Semul’s inn where Elle was waiting for us.

The moment I tried to explain the story above…

「Mash!! 」

Elle has been sleeping near Mash’s bed all this time, but when she woke up and saw that Mash was awake, she jumped on him.

「What!? 」

「I’m glad!! I’m truly glad!! I was worried that you wouldn’t wake up anymore!! I’m so relieved to see you well!! 」

「Elle, be careful!! Mash is not in perfect health yet!! 」

Elle started grumbling as she stepped away from Mash.

「Sorry, Mash. Did I hurt you? 」

「No, you didn’t. I’m okay. 」

Mash showed her a tiny smile, but soon he got a serious expression on his face.

「It’s strange…really…I don’t feel pain anywhere… 」

Mash touched his face with his hands.

「My eye…my fingers are healed as well? Don’t tell me that you…? 」

I smiled at Mash.

「It was hard to cure your eye and all of your fingers. I think it took me more than one hour to heal you properly. 」

「…Sorry. Thanks. 」

Mash thanked me with a bit of embarrassment. On that moment, the door of the room was opened abruptly without knocking, and the overly cautious hero stood at the entrance.

「So the “mushroom” finally woke up. 」

Mash didn’t get angry at Seiya for calling him a mushroom. Instead, he spoke with an awkwardly voice.

「Thanks for helping me. 」

He thanked Seiya without looking directly into his eyes. Mash had a stubborn personality, so it might’ve been difficult to gather some courage to thank Seiya. However, Seiya didn’t seem to care as usual.

「More importantly. If you’re ready, then let’s leave now. 」

「Seiya? Can’t you give them a little more rest? Mash just woke up, you know?」

However, Elle and Mash looked at each other after hearing Seiya’s words.

Elle asked Seiya.

「Excuse me…What do you mean by “leave”? 」

「I decided to take you two with me as luggage carriers. So, get ready now.」

Oh no, he said “as luggage”! Why didn’t he say, “as comrades”!

I was getting worried about their reactions, but Elle showed a pure smile just like a blossoming flower.

「Whoa!! It sounds great!! I’ll be a luggage carrier, yes, a luggage carrier!! I’m happy!! 」

「Go…good for you, Elle. 」

I wonder if this child understands the real meaning of being a luggage carrier…?

On the other hand, Mash looked thoughtful. He spoke with a gloomy expression.

「I…I finally understood the reality of things. It’s true that your level is too different from ours. It’s just as you told us before. If we go with you, we’ll be just hindrances. That’s why…」

My heart hurt a little. I knew right away, what Mash was trying so hard to say. The torture and Dark Fires were traumas that will be kept deep-rooted inside of him. Even if he survived that ordeal, Mash’s crushed feelings was refusing him from accompany us on this adventure. Therefore, I could not say anything at all.

…Yet…Mash jumped so suddenly out of his bed and placed his head on the floor right in front of Seiya.

「Please…make me your apprentice!! 」

「…What? 」

That took me by surprise.

「I’m highly motivated to become better!! Of course, I’ll carry your luggage as well!! But, please let me learn more from you!! I want to be strong like you!! I beg you!! Please, make me your apprentice!! 」

What’s this… this child is more emotionally stronger than I thought he would be…But…I’m relieved…!

Seiya casually spoke to Mash, who kept begging.

「I don’t mind it, only if you carry my luggage. 」

「Is that so!! Then…I’ll be in your guidance!! 」

Elle smiled innocently at Seiya.

「Yes! Please take care of us, Mister Seiya!! 」

「Elle, you idiot!! You need to call him Master, okay, Master!! 」

「…I don’t care what you decide to call me from now on. Just do whatever you want. 」

Seiya looked really annoyed at them. While I looked at the three of them, I thought…

Yes, indeed. This group feels a bit different from a normal heroes’ party, but as originally planned, we’ve got with us the two kids from the Dragon Tribe, so I could say it was a success, right?

 Elle kept smiling innocently as she fixed my dress’ hem.

「“Lisutan”, please care take of us too!! 」

「Did you say “Lisutan”? Were you talking about me? 」

「Am I wrong? 」

「Well, I guess it’s okay though… 」

Ah…she got a goddess’ name wrong…well, whatever.

「By the way, Master!! There is a place I would like to show you!! 」

「Ah, Mash!! Are you talking about the “Dragon Cave”!? 」

「Yes, that’s right!! 」

Dragon Cave? Elle seemed to know about that, but I never heard about that cave before.

「Listen, Mash. What is the Dragon Cave? What do you have in there? 」

…The chief of Nakashi Village was the one who told Mash about the Dragon Cave. To summarize it up, Mash told the following story.

Sixteen years ago, a dragon brought two babies from heaven to Nakashi Village, those babies were Mash and Elle. The dragon spoke with the chief of Nakashi village.

「The babies who have inherited the blood of dragons descended into the earthly world to become companions of the hero who received the revelation from the Almighty. Together, they will save Geabrande from evil threats. When the hero arrives from the heavens to this world, the hero and the children will head together to the Dragon Cave and will release the seal. From there, I will give them the strongest weapon to defeat the evil forces. 」

I grabbed Seiya’s shoulder with excitement.

「Seiya!! The strongest weapon!! You must have it!! 」

However, Seiya was looking down with a puzzled face.

「After all the trouble I got into making the “platinum sword” with synthesis and, also, in making three spares as well… 」

Is that so? Poor Seiya! But, that’s the true meaning of going on an adventure! Even if you made a strong weapon, sooner or later, an even stronger one was bound to appear!

「Let’s put the gloomy feelings aside and let’s head together to the Dragon Cave! Mash, Elle, please lead us the way! 」

The two of them were eager to go, but…

「No. 」

When I heard Seiya’s word it felt like time stopped for a brief moment.

「I have some business to do in another place first. 」

「Seiya…don’t tell me that’s… 」

「Yes. The heavenly world. I need to practice. 」

I was drowsy and surprised at the same time.

Here he goes again…we always do short adventures and return immediately after being done with them…The God’s realm is slowly becoming his own property…

「The next destination is that cave with the dragon, right? Then, I need to prepare myself for my battle with the dragon. 」

Mash and the rest of us looked at Seiya with pale faces.

「Don’t do that, Master!! Why are you willing to destroy the dragon!? 」

「That’s right!! Dragons are not evil beings, did you know that!? 」

「I won’t know about that until I come face to face with that thing. Anyways, I’ll go to the heavenly world right now. Come along with me. Lista, there is no problem if these two come with us, right? 」

「Well…I guess it’s okay for now… 」

 In my heart, the situation was a bit more complicated, but even so, I agreed to it.

Training in the God’s realm proved to be successful, so I decided not to say anything else. “Levels go up when a hero fights against a monster”. I told this common theory to Seiya once before, and if Seiya had followed my advice, he probably would have died long ago. My theory doesn’t apply to Geabrande, a S-rank salvation difficulty. In that case, I’ll leave everything in Seiya’s hands.

I casted the spell and the portal appeared.

Seiya went to the portal while Mash and Elle followed behind him like two happy children going on a school excursion…

—

Once we arrived in the God’s realm, Seiya asked where Celseus was. (EN: Oh no, Celseus hide!)

Celseus often eats in the dining hall during lunch break. Since it was around noon when we arrived here, we immediately went to find Celseus.

While we walked through the temple corridors, Elle started walking side by side along with me and asked.

「Excuse me, Lisutan!! This is the world where the gods live!? 」

「Yes, that’s right. 」

Mash was looking everywhere with a stunned expression.

「This huge temple is truly impressive huh. It’s not only wide and big, but there is art everywhere. There’s sculptures, there’s paintings too…There are other artistic objects that I can’t recognize the shape. 」

「Whoa! Look at that gorgeous flower vase!! It has beautiful flowers that I have never seen before!! Listen, Lisutan!! Is it okay for me to stay here for a bit longer!? 」

「By the way Elle!! Did you see that fella over there with a ring on his head!? Don’t tell that was an angel!! 」

Elle and Mash were a too overexcited, but somehow, I felt happy to see them act like this. Well, it can’t be helped, because God’s realm can overwhelm first time visitors. So, their reaction was normal. I wished Seiya would also appreciate this place, but he insists on staying inside that white summoning chamber to do his training…

Nevertheless, Seiya is not “normal” unfortunately. He grabbed a running Elle by the neck of her robe.

「You can’t. It’s useless. I have to start practicing soon. 」

「No!! I want to see more of this place!! 」

「But, Seiya. You want to see Celseus first. You can do your training later. 」

「I don’t care. That’s a different matter. 」

 I wonder why I felt uneasiness..? I didn’t understand the reason why I felt this way. Well, we arrived in the dining hall at last.

I looked at every table in the dining hall, but Celseus wasn’t there.

When we tried to leave, I saw a familiar face looking at us from the corner of the kitchen walls.

The man noticed that he was seen, and shouted “Ah!”, and tried to hide immediately in the kitchen. (EN: I was at that moment that Celseus Knew he had fucked up)

「Master Celseus!? 」

I ran into the kitchen…and I was perplexed.

The swordsman god Celseus was wearing a floral apron on his muscular body while holding a silver bowl with meringue.

「…What the hell are you doing? 」

When Celseus noticed Seiya was here there too, he suddenly stretched his spine straight.

「Seiya!! You’re here!! 」

Oh my…There’s no masculine traits on him anymore…His childish attitude resembles that of my junior gods…Even so, the floral apron on a mustache man…what is with this weird combination? It does not suit him at all…

Celseus spoke as if he was on verge of tears.

「Well, you see…I told you before that I won’t hold a sword anymore. Because, “that thing” is a bit dangerous, don’t you agree? You’re going to bleed if you get cut, right? 」

What!? He was serious when he told me about forsaking his sword!? Even though, he is a swordsman god, he truly quit it!? How much trauma he got from training with Seiya!?

Celseus was shivering while holding his bowl with merengue.

「You know…I’ve been learning how to cook lately. So, I’m cooking recipes like these right now. Ah…Before I forget! I baked a cake moments ago, so would you like to have a slice of cake? 」

Celseus presented a shortcake in front of Seiya. It had a strawberry layer and looked delicious. I can hardly believe that a manly god baked this delicate cake.

However, as soon as Seiya saw the cake, he said…

「Inedible. I reject it. 」

「How can you say it’s bad when you haven’t even tasted it yet!? 」

Celseus started to cry. If he says that it’s inedible before trying it, then everyone else will be wary to even take a small bite.

「It can’t be…! I made it confidently, and yet…! 」

A devastated Celseus noticed a sweet-looking girl with red hair who was near us and he asked with a teary smile.

「How about you? Do you want to taste it? 」

He offered a plate with a fork, but Elle shook her head.

「Sorry, I don’t want to. It might have a weird muscle inside… 」

「There are no muscles inside!! Or rather, how someone bakes a cake with muscles!? 」

Seiya was staring at a miserable Celseus who baked a cake that no one wanted to eat.

「Listen, Celseus. I don’t care about your hobbies. But you have a main role to play. So finish that and start the real deal. 」

「Main role? 」

「Yes. This… 」

Seiya pulled the platinum sword out of the sheath and showed Celseus his shining blade. As soon as that happened…

「\*screams continuously\* I don’t want to!! I don’t want to practice with swords anymore!! 」

Celseus started panicking. I thought that Mash was going to say something like “what’s wrong with this dude”.

However, before he could say anything, Seiya grabbed Mash and put him in front of Celseus.

「Calm down. Your opponent isn’t me, but this guy over here. 」

 Celseus was surprised, and so was Mash.

「What? Master, you’re not the one teaching me? 」

「You’re too green for me yet. This is will the perfect match for you. 」

「I see. Seiya, so you were thinking about Mash all this time? 」

「If you think carefully about it, if he is too weak to carry my luggage, then it will be easier for monsters to rob him and steal my swords and weapons. He needs to be stronger. 」

Celseus looked closely at Mash.

「So you are Seiya’s apprentice. Okay…is it all right for me to see your abilities for a brief moment? 」

「Yeah. I don’t mind really. 」

Celseus used his clairvoyance ability to see Mash’s status, but he got a bit suspicious.

「What? You didn’t use any camouflage skill, did you? 」

「…I didn’t. 」

As soon as he got his answer, Celseus threw off his floral apron immediately.

「Okay, that’s great!! Let’s do it!! My training is harsh, so prepare yourself!! \*screams happily like a mad man\* 」

「What’s wrong with this dude!? His reaction is disgusting!! 」

Mash looked a bit apprehensive. Master Celseus…well no…I won’t continue to call him “Master”…Celseus didn’t get any better…! As soon as he realized that his opponent had a lower status than himself, his attitude changed dramatically! He is the type that I would absolutely reject to go on a date!

Celseus took Mash with him and left the kitchen in high spirits. Meanwhile, Seiya was staring meticulously at Elle.

「Okay, next it’s her turn. 」

「What!? Me too!? 」

Elle’s startled voice echoed through the kitchen.

...................................................................................

「If I remember well, this kid can perform fire magic like me. 」

Seiya talked to me as if he had a plan in mind for Elle.

「Lista, is there a god in the heavenly world that specializes in fire? 」

「A god who can evoke fire. I do have one in mind, but…」

「Nice. Guide us the way. 」

「Hmm. Okay. 」

 When I tried to walk out, Elle grasped the hem of my dress and looked quite anxious.

「What’s wrong, Elle? 」

「Sorry, Lisutan. But…Is that god of fire kind like you? 」

She must have imagined a tough and rude god when she heard the name “God of Fire”. I smiled at Elle.

「It will be okay! Unlike the mad Celseus, Hestica is a lovely and gentle goddess who can beautifully perform fire! So rest assured! 」

「Is that so! I’m glad! 」

Elle showed a bright smile as usual.

—

I took them with me and we headed for the water-mirror pond, which was located near the courtyard. Despite being located within the temple grounds, the pond of the divinity resembled a small lake with beautiful crystal-clear water on its surface. Hestica usually practices her fire abilities near that place…

As we got close to the pond, I thought to myself “I hope she’s there”. Then, I saw birds made out of fire magic dancing in the sky. There was no mistake. It’s Hestica.

Near the shoreline of the water-mirror pond, Hestica was standing with a huge firebird on her arm. Because she was a Goddess of Fire, her favorite color seemed to be only red and, besides that, she was wearing a crimson dress. Her hair was a long wavy red hair, so when I first saw her, it looked like she was immersed in bright red.

Hestica recognized me when she heard my voice.

「Listarte. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. 」

「Lady Hestica. Yes, it’s been a very long time. 」

Hestica noticed my companions and gazed at both Seiya and Elle.

「Look at what we have here. Are you the heroes that are under Lista’s care? 」

「Yes! In fact, we came here because I had a favor to ask you, Lady Hestica… 」

When I asked if she could teach Elle to improve her fire skills, she answered like this.

「It is the duty of all the gods in the God’s realm to support the people who try to save a world. I will gladly help you. 」

Hestica gave me two compassionate replies.

Elle bowed her head to Hestica.

「My…my name is Elle!! I’ll be in your guidance!! 」

Hestica gently stroked Elle’s head who seemed to be too tense and stiff.

「You have a beautiful red hair. \*laughs lightly\* Am I that frightening? Don’t be nervous, I won’t be strict. 」

「Yes! 」

「Well, then, let’s get started. Show me your fire magic skills… 」

—

As Elle kept shooting fire arrows into the sky, Seiya and I left the water-mirror pond area. I was relieved to entrust Elle to Hestica. However, I was worried at Celseus state of mind, so I needed to check on Mash later on…

As I walked down the corridor, Seiya spoke with conviction.

「Okay. Let’s find someone I can practice with. 」

I looked at Seiya and his eyes were sparkling.

…I felt like I’m the only one mature enough in this group full of children that are under my care…

Even so, I wondered if there is a god stronger than Celseus out there. The God’s realm is a very large place; even if we searched, we would take a very long time to find someone suitable. Maybe I should go back to the temple and ask Aria for help…

I was walking emerged in my thoughts that I didn’t notice a goddess ahead of me.

\*knocking sound\* Suddenly, our shoulders collided.

「What? Ah, I’m so sorry! 」

I kept apologizing with my head down, but when I looked up at the goddess that I collided with…

「Ah!? Hey you, can you even walk properly!? 」

She spoke aggressively to me while urgently I stepped away from her.

\*nervously sound\*

My heart was beating fast when I realized whom I came to face with.

A boyish but beautiful goddess with a short silver hair was approaching me. She was only wearing chains wrapped around her chest and lower body areas. This person was the Goddess of Destruction, Valkyrie. She looked rudely at me.

「Listarte!! A third-rate goddess!! I thought they no longer existed huh!? 」

「I’m, I’m so sorry!! Please forgive me, Lady Valkyrie!! 」

I kept apologizing nervously. Then, after scratching her nose, Valkyrie grinned sarcastically.

「By the way, Listarte. I heard that you got a world with an S-rank salvation difficulty, isn’t that right? How’s it going? 」

「Well, about that, I guess it’s going okay. I’m doing my best though… 」

「\*sounds mockingly\* It’s impossible for you! You’re just a lowly third-rate thing! 」

「\*laughs hesitantly\* That’s…that’s probable. 」

I was apparently laughing, however, I felt very uncomfortable about this situation.

「Eh… 」

Suddenly, Valkyrie touched my breast with both her hands.

「Wait…what are you doing, Lady Valkyrie!? 」

「\*smirks wickedly\* I wonder if these are good to grab some milk!! You look better than me, so it should be possible!! 」

「Please…Please, stop it!! 」

Yet, she didn’t stop harassing me. She kept rubbing me. Please, if she kept touching me like this, I’ll…!

「Don’t do it! Stop it…No…Please, stop it…! 」

After I begged tearfully, Valkyrie finally stopped pestering me.

「Okay! I’ll leave you alone for now! Listarte, listen carefully; you better be watchful of your surroundings the next time we meet! 」

She walked away looking amused.

Whoa, it was sexual harassment!! That perverted goddess!! What’s wrong with her!! Even though, we are in a celestial world, there are still bad goddesses around here!?

I noticed that my dress’ upper part was messy and I started to shed some tears. Meanwhile, Seiya stared at me with pity.

「Are you…being bullied? 」

「Of course not!! Lady Valkyrie acts like that in front everyone else!! 」

Actually, since I am a fairly new goddess, I have a low rank. Therefore, I’m always being ridiculed by the others! But, I’m not being bullied…No…I don’t want to accept that!

「Anyways, I felt some power coming from that overly exposed woman, am I wrong? 」

「Overly exposed woman you say…Seiya, do you really understand? Listen. She is called as Goddess of Destruction and she is probably the strongest goddess in the God’s realm. In the godly rank, she is right next to the powerful Great Goddess Isister. Well, I can’t do anything to someone like her. Ah…Seiya, training with her is useless, got it? She’s unbelievably strong, but she’s a stubborn goddess who won’t train anyone but herself. Lady Valkyrie is very fearless. Even gods and goddesses could be erased from this world if they disobey her. One day, there was a god who licked his mouth in front of her, and he was immediately erased. 」

While I fixed my unkempt dress, I looked around and I didn’t see Seiya anywhere.

What…?

…All of a sudden, I saw that Seiya was talking to Valkyrie a couple of meters ahead of me.

「Hey, you overly exposed woman. Practice with me. 」

\*screams\* Oh no!! What is he doing over there!?

「Who’s the overly exposed woman, you bastard. 」

 Valkyrie’s eyes looked at Seiya as if she was looking at an enemy.

「You bastard, don’t you dare think that you, summoned heroes, are allies with every god in this place, got that? I’m going to blow your brains, you brat. 」

「Oh. I want to see you try. 」

I jumped in the middle of their furiously clash.

「Stop, stop it please!! Se…Seiya!! Apologize!! Apologize to her now!! 」

No matter how strong you are, you can’t have her as your enemy! Valkyrie is the strongest goddess in the God’s realm!! But she is clearly different from Isister!! You’ll get killed if she’s in a bad mood!!

Valkyrie felt a tremendous anger throughout her body while she stared at Seiya.

「It’s useless, Listarte. I won’t forgive him even if he apologized to me at this precise moment! I’m going to crush this human to pieces! 」

「Oh my god!! 」

\*starts panicking\* I can’t believe I going to retire before saving Geabrande!! Please, someone, help us!!

On that moment.

「Stop it right there. 」

I heard a familiar voice and I saw Aria hurriedly coming at us without catching a breath.

「Lady…Lady Valkyrie!! Please refrain yourself!! 」

「No. This human has an arrogant attitude. He deserves to die. 」

「But this human is the special hero who was summoned to save the world with an S-rank salvation difficulty! Please, calm down your anger!! I’m asking you as your fellow senior goddess Ariadoa, so please, stop!! 」

Valkyrie was thinking for a while after hearing Aria’s plead.

「Well, if Aria says so, then I’ll forgive him. 」

I stood closer to Aria.

「Instead, I should get a reward and rub the bigger breasts next time, don’t you all agree? 」

「Ye…yes… 」

A teasingly Valkyrie walked away with a cunning smile, leaving Aria and I totally embarrassed by her senseless remarks.

—

Has I gave a big sigh of relief, Aria stood up to Seiya.

「Your actions were unreasonable, Seiya! You can’t talk to Valkyrie like that! What do you think it would have happened if I wasn’t passing through this corridor? You really are one of a kind! 」

What? Somehow Aria…Aria was mad at Seiya just now? She usually only talks freely with me, so this felt a bit strange…

However, Seiya didn’t change his expression and spoke coolly.

「You and Lista are too dramatic. That goddess was just enjoying herself, she wanted to see what kind of reaction I’ll make. I didn’t feel any murderous intent from her. 」

Aria and I looked stunned at each other.

「Are you sure? If that’s the case then…well, if Seiya says so, it might be true… 」

I felt some strangeness coming from Aria’s words before. I think Seiya noticed that too.

「Hey you, did you spoke with me with a too intimate tone before? 」

Aria felt self-conscious as she put her hand on her mouth.

「I’m…I’m sorry. 」

Aria coughed to clear her throat and she spoke the following.

「More importantly, you’re looking for someone else to train with except Celseus, right? I’ll introduce you to someone, so follow me… 」

Aria took us to the crypt of the temple. After going down the long stoned stairs, we arrived to a narrow passageway illuminated by flaming torches.

I didn’t know…there was such a place below the temple grounds.

I felt overwhelmed by the vastness of the temple. On that moment, Aria stopped by the door at the end of the passageway. Apparently, it seemed that we arrived at the intended place.

The rusty door opened while making a cracking sound. Inside, the stoned room looked like a prison and I spotted a woman in the background sharpening a sword.

In the darkness of the room, Aria introduced us to this woman.

「This person is the Goddess of War, Adenela. With respect to swordsmanship, she is a goddess with a much higher power than Celseus.」

Like the wide temple, the God’s realm is also a vast place. Gods and goddesses alike live in this vast place; all of them combined, I would roughly say that more than ten thousand live here. Therefore, there are gods that I didn’t meet yet, and Adenela, the Goddess of War, was one of them.

「Adenela. Will you practice with this hero? 」

The moment Aria spoke to Adenela, she turned her gloomy gaze to both Seiya and I. She had two big dark circles under her eyes.

「Pra…Practice? To practice with a human being. \*sounds weirdly flabbergasted\* 」

She spoke with a very low and unpleasant voice through the teeth. She has an unkempt long black hair and her clothes are a bit messy and tattered, they look like prisoner’s clothes. Honestly, she doesn’t look like a goddess at all. I mean, I just have a bad vibe coming from her.

As soon as I had those thoughts, Seiya, who was next to me, suddenly spoke.

「That’s repulsive. She is a disgusting goddess. Ah, I feel sick. 」

\*looks amazed\* That was what he had on his mind!? Well, I also had the same thoughts, right!? But normally, that’s something one keeps inside and not spill it outside, am I correct!?

I’m a bit worried that she might get upset at Seiya just like Valkyrie was before.

「\*sounds weirdly okay\* It’s…It’s okay, Aria. I…I like to…to teach. Well then, shall…shall we start? 」

In an instant, Adenela disappeared from our sight. In the next moment, I shuddered. Adenela was standing behind Seiya before I even realized it!

I was dumbfounded, while Adenela laughed weirdly as she stared closely at Seiya.

「You…you managed to follow me with your…eyes, correct? Since Aria recommended you to me, you…you are probably talented. I…I hope you will…will remember my words. Listen, no one in the past managed to learn my “gunshot sword” technique. It…It is a technique that exceeds the range of human senses, because…because it possesses godly speed and surpasses…surpasses common reality. It…It is a technique that pushes the body to its limits. \*laughs weirdly\* 」

Whoa…This person doesn’t look that dangerous compared to Valkyrie, does she? Seiya, what will you do? Even if it was Aria who introduced that person to us, maybe he’ll need to think carefully before deciding.

「Okay. Let’s do it. 」

「An instantaneous decision!? 」

This hero…Why aren’t you careful about situations like these!? A while ago, he also went face to face against Valkyrie, without thinking about the consequences at all. He is overly cautious and sometimes he is reckless, I can’t figure what he has on his mind!!

「Your “broken sword” technique that pushes the body to its limits. Tell me more about it. 」

「You’re…You’re wrong. \*sounds weirdly\* It’s…It’s “gunshot sword”. 」

「Who cares. Anyway, follow me. I’m going to the summoning chamber. 」

「\*laughs weirdly\* He…He has audacity. I…I understand… 」

Then, Seiya took Adenela and they left the room.

I was left behind with Aria and I asked her…

「I wonder if it will be okay with those two…? 」

「Adenela’s power is strong you know. If it’s Seiya, then I’m sure he will acquire a lot from Adenela’s skills. 」

When Aria professed those words, my mind became lighter. I lowered my head to Aria.

「Aria. Thank you for always helping me. 」

「It’s okay. I didn’t do that much. I want to help whenever it’s possible. That’s the least I could do… 」

「…Aria? 」

Aria spoke with a very serious expression and she bit her lips before answering.

「No. It’s nothing. 」

And she replied me with a gentle smile like always.

......................................................

A day later. I ventured to the Temple’s courtyard and I saw Mash practicing with Celseus using wooden swords.

Mash was training hard and sweating a lot, while Celseus keep pushing him forward. Celseus plucked Mash’s wooden sword. I could see that Mash was struggling to fight back.

…Who knew that Celseus could be a reliable mentor! He’s not an idiot after all!

Celseus noticed my arrival. He talked to Mash as he redrew back his sword.

「Okay. Let’s take a break. 」

「No, I can go on for a bit longer. If you want to take a break, then do it yourself.」

「I see. But don’t overdo it. 」

Celseus left Mash swinging his sword alone, and came on my direction.

「Lista. Mash is a very strong fella. He has willpower; therefore, I believe he’ll get much stronger from now on. 」

Celseus was smiling while he kept wiping his sweat with a hand towel. It’s been a while since he spoke with a very confident expression.

「And…I’m still strong. Because of that mad hero, I was convinced that I was a weakling. But when I went face to face with Mash, I realized that I was not useless after all. I found out that I am stronger than the standard strength levels. 」

「I see. That’s good for you. 」

There he goes again. Well, but I guess it doesn’t matter that much…At least, these two seem to be doing much better than I thought they would.

I also wanted to talk with Mash, but he was so focused with his training that I didn’t want to bother him. Afterwards I ended up leaving the courtyard.

Elle was practicing with Hestica, but I was not worried at all. In reality, the one I was the most concerned about, was Seiya. However, Seiya never liked when people go inside the summoning chamber while he practices. I wanted to take a peek to see how it’s going, but I don’t think I can.

Yet, in the end I made a bento lunch meal for Seiya. As I walked to the summoning chamber, I saw Adenela sitting in a dark place between the walls of the chamber’s doors. She was sharpening her sword carefully.

「Huh? Lady Adenela? What about practice? 」

「I’m…I’m taking a break right now. Seiya is still practicing…practicing alone. 」

…Well, with her as a master, maybe Seiya will become a pupil for once. As for practicing, Seiya never liked to take breaks in the first place, so that was not surprising.

「So, how’s it going with Seiya? 」

「He is…he is very strange. He is totally different from all the heroes I met before. I was…I was a little bit surprised. Moreover… 」

「Moreover? 」

「Moreover…\*laughs weirdly and crazily without stopping\* 」

「Oh my, that freaked me out!! What happened!? Why did you start laughing like crazy so suddenly!? 」

「No, it’s…it’s nothing. When…when I remembered my practice with Seiya, I…I became extremely excited… 」

She remembered something and laughed crazily!? So abruptly like that!? Is this goddess really okay!?

I was worried about Seiya and on that moment, the summoning chamber’s doors unexpectedly opened. Seiya looked like his usual self as he got out of that place.

「Hey, Adenela. Stop your break. I want to continue practice as soon as possible.」

「I’m…I’m coming… 」

Adenela seemed to be having fun; she jumped over and went straight away to the room. As soon as Adenela entered the summoning chamber, the doors closed.

「…Ah. 」

I realized that I didn’t give the bento lunch meal to Seiya. As usual, I ended up putting the bento through the gap at the bottom of the door.

…Just now, Seiya didn’t seem unusual. I wonder if I worried for nothing…

—

The second day. At noon.

I was feeling hungry, so I went to the dining hall. When I arrived, I was perplexed to find two familiar faces sitting side by side.

I saw Mash and Seiya sitting on the same table in the dining hall. Mash was eating a slice of bread and Seiya was drinking water from a cup.

「What!? That’s rare!! Seiya, who would have thought you would be in a place like this!! 」

Seiya looked at me and spoke as if it was troublesome.

「Earlier, this brat came to the summoning chamber to speak with me. He said “I want to meet you during lunchtime”. That’s why I didn’t have another choice but to come here. 」

「Mash, Is that so? 」

「Well, I wanted to spend some time with my Master… 」

Mash, you really are obsessed with Seiya. Well, he ended up being saved by Seiya, so I sort of understand his gratitude feeling.

「Master has been teaching me how to have the proper attitude during a battle.」

「Eh! And what kind of attitude is that? 」

The moment I sat down, Seiya stood up.

「It’s time for me to go. Adenela is waiting. 」

What’s wrong with him. That’s unfair. I just wanted to chat with him for a little bit…

Mash thanked Seiya while I tried to speak with him before he went away.

「Listen, Seiya! How about we return to Geabrande tomorrow! 」

If we include tomorrow as well, it has been only three days since we’ve returned here. I don’t think he can learn Adenela’s skills in such short period of time. However, if we stay too long in the God’s realm, Isister will summon me again to discuss this issue. I keep getting worried about my decision to let everyone stay here and practice.

「I’m sorry. But I’m worried about Geabrande. We could go to the Dragon’s Cave, get the strongest weapon and return here for you to practice with it.」

However, Seiya replied to me without turning back.

「Well, if I have tomorrow’s day, then it might be enough. 」

「Enough you say? 」

Seiya continued to walk and left the dining hall.

If he completes his training tomorrow, then that means that it will be possible to go to Geabrande immediately.

Mash and I were the ones left behind. I sat right next to Mash and asked him.

「Hey, about the story we were talking before. What kind of attitude for battle did Seiya taught you? 」

Then, Mash’s eyes started shining brightly.

「Master’s ideas are really something else! Pay attention, Lista! For example, how to walk in the field he said, “Always be careful while walking in a field because there might be monsters around. Look at your right, then look at your left, look up and look down, then watch your back, and start to look at your right again. Keep walking while looking at all sides endlessly.”」

「Excuse me…but walking like that without stopping…? If you turn your eyes and head constantly, won’t you feel nauseous…? 」

「Is that so? It might take time, but it would mean that I’m safe, right? But I was most impressed by Master’s second advice, “Doubt everything you see. Even your parents and siblings might be enemies as well”…Ah, I feel so enlighten! 」

Eh. What? These were only paranoid advices.

Still, Mash was laughing satisfied.

「But, Lista! The best part about all of this came afterwards!! Master said to me the following words, “Keep it in mind Mash. I also doubt you too”!! It was so cool, right? 」

「No, why didn’t you get angry with him!? 」

「Angry? Why? 」

「Well…Mash, if you’re okay with that, then it’s fine… 」

I took a small sigh as I saw Mash eating his bread so enjoyably.

…Ah…one follower of the delusional hero has increased…

—

During the night. While I was bringing dinner to Seiya, I saw Adenela stepping out of the summoning chamber. I thought it was the perfect timing.

「Ah! Lady…Adenela…? 」

I was going to ask about the practice, but I stopped midways. It was because I became astonished by Adenela’s new appearance. Her tattered clothes changed to a pure white dress, while her unkempt hair was beautifully styled.

「What happened! Why are you looking so fashionable? 」

Adenela’s cheeks became red.

「Because…Because it was embarrassing to be badly dressed in…in front of Seiya… 」

Oh no!! Don’t tell me that she fell in love with Seiya!? When Aria speaks with Seiya, her way of talking is strange as well…that man is a goddess’ womanizer!! Does he have a special skill called “Goddess Charm”?

Nevertheless, as soon as I was reminded of Seiya’s true personality, I touched a timid Adenela’s shoulder.

「Lady Adenela!? Please, get a grip of yourself!! 」

「Yes…yes… 」

「Okay, don’t forget to teach your “gunshot sword” properly to Seiya. Anyways, I’ll return here tomorrow, so see you until then. 」

「“Gunshot sword”?  To Seiya…Seiya, I finally remembered. 」

「\*looks extremely stunned\* What!? No way!! I just said that as a reminder, but you truly forgot about that important task!? Seiya has to learn the technique that exceeds the range of human senses, right!? 」

「Yes. But, Seiya…Seiya already learnt that technique. Ah, he is a genius. He “listens to one and learns more than ten”. I’m…I’m the only one who…who got the privilege to witness that. Besides that… 」

Adenela turned her eyes up to the ceiling as if she was admiring something. Suddenly, she opened her mouth and she was drooling with excitement.

「\*laughs weirdly\* Really…really…it was really the…the best…! \*continues to laugh weirdly\*」

This is bad!! I have a horrible feeling about this!!

When I saw Adenela crazily state of mind, I was determined to return to Geabrande tomorrow.

—

The third day.

It was morning in the God’s realm but I had decided to leave early in the afternoon to Geabrande.

I informed the three of them about my decision in advance. When I arrived in the courtyard, I saw Mash thanking Celseus.

「Thanks, Mister! Thanks to you, I feel like I’ve become much more stronger! 」

「No, it’s me who needs to thank! Because thanks to you, I was able to escape from that nightmarish mad hero ! 」

Both of them exchanged a heartfelt handshake.

What’s going on with this scene in front of my eyes. It seemed as if they had lots of fun practicing with each other.

I looked at Mash and I activated my clairvoyance skill to see his renewed ability status…

Mash

Level – 16

HP – 1381

MP – 0

Attack – 921

Defense – 877

Agility – 790

Magic – 0

Potential rate – 47

Resistance – Fire, Ice, Poison, Paralysis

Special skills – Attack power increase (Lv 5)

Skills – Dragon Thrust, Dragon Slash

Personality – Brave

…What!? He greatly leveled up!! His HP also exceeds 1000!? His current level will allow him to defeat monsters with ease!! Is Mash a good pupil? Or is Celseus who’s great at teaching?

After lowering my head to Celseus, I took Mash with me and we headed to the water-mirror pond, where Elle was with Hestica.

When we arrived at the pond, we saw Elle standing alone at one side of the pond. This was the first day I saw Elle since she started practicing with Hestica. I also informed Elle that we would be returning to Geabrande today.

Mash cheerfully called her name.

「Hey! Elle! 」

「Ah…Mash. 」

「Good morning, Elle! Are you ready? 」

「Ye…Yes! 」

She looked at Mash and I, and smiled. However, I felt that her smile was a bit awkward.

I secretly used clairvoyance to see Elle’s status…

Elle

Level – 8

HP – 384

MP – 220

Attack – 101

Defense – 172

Agility – 88

Magic – 196

Potential rate – 38

Resistance – Fire, Water, Lightening

Special skills – Fire Magic (Lv 4)

Skills – Fire Arrow

Personality – Bright

…What’s going on? Her status didn’t change that much, am I wrong?

On that moment, someone touched my shoulder while I was using clairvoyance. I looked back and it was Hestica. She whispered on my ear.

「Lista. Can I talk to you for a second? 」

「Su…Sure. 」

We left the two behind and we went slightly further away from the pond. Hestica was sighing continually.

「About Elle, you know…I will say it openly. That girl doesn’t have a clear sense how to use fire magic. 」

「Eh!! Is that true!? 」

「When you used clairvoyance, you understood, right? Her level is not going up at all. 」

Hestica told me the hard truth with a troubled look.

「At first, I thought my teaching method was bad. But three days later, I was convinced otherwise. That girl is not suitable for fire magic. There’s no doubt about it. 」

The painful truth made my heart ache. Hestica was also struggling to speak the harsh reality.

「Elle is a very good child. She has been practicing really hard since then. But Lista, as you know, magic has a lot to do with innate talents. One has to be born with it. It’s hard for me to say, but that girl doesn’t have it. She needs to give up on fire magic as soon as possible. I just want her well being… 」

When I headed to the pond alone, Elle came to me with an apologetic face.

「Lisutan…I’m so sorry. 」

「Eh? What’s wrong, Elle? 」

「I didn’t improve my abilities that much. I know that. So, were you and Lady Hestica talking about me, right? 」

Elle was about to cry, so I didn’t have the courage to tell her the truth. On the contrary…

「That’s not true! It is certain that your speed growth is slow, but it’s going to be okay! You will get better eventually! That’s what Lady Hestica told me just now!」

I had to encourage her with white lies. Elle was able to smile like she usually does.

「Is that so! Then, I’ll do my best! I tried various magic powers, but I could only perform fire magic properly! So I will work harder from now on! 」

「Yes! You’re right! That’s the spirit, Elle! 」

…Ah…I failed to tell her the truth…I am a useless goddess…

I really hated myself after saying those words. But at the same time, I couldn’t tell her the cruel truth. I wanted to tell her about it in the right timing. However, it was not a good time as well…

Even so, I always thought that Hestica and Elle were a good combination based on their red looks and the fire magic. Who would have thought that the result was ominous…Things went wrong…

Nevertheless, I took Mash and Elle with me and we headed together for the summoning chamber.

When we arrived, Seiya was leaning against the wall near the chamber’s doors.

「Seiya. Are you ready to leave? 」

「Yes. But it seems that Adenela has something she wants to give me. 」

Something to give? I wonder what that is?

「I have an obligation to her because of what she taught me, that’s why I’m waiting for her here, but she is taking a long time. I’ll wait one more minute, if she doesn’t show up, we’ll leave. 」

However, as soon as Seiya finished talking, Adenela was coming in our direction. She looked beautiful today as well, I also noticed that she was wearing make-up too.

Suddenly, Adenela started running and jumped into Seiya’s arms.

「What!? Lady Adenela!? What are you going!? 」

I was so astonished when Adenela hugged Seiya. She looked up at him and made an overly sweet voice.

「Seiya…Take me…Take me with you on…on your adventure… 」

「Sorry, Lady Adenela!? I am the goddess in charge of Seiya, you know!? 」

「In…In that case, I…I want to be the hero’s companion… 」

「Adenela, did you forget you’re a goddess!? You know you aren’t allowed to do that!! 」

「I…I want to stop being…being a goddess…! I want to be…to be with Seiya…Seiya forever…!」

I felt uncomfortable by her sudden confession of love. Somehow, I managed to keep a sane mind and then I gazed immediately at Seiya. However, Seiya remained silent and had his usual bored face. Then, Adenela presented a pastry box to Seiya.

「I…I want to give you my feelings! I made you a cake…cake! It…It took me five…five hours to bake! Please…receive it, Seiya…! 」

A homemade cake!! Receive…does she mean to receive her love for him!? You mustn’t accept Seiya…Ah, wait a minute!! Speaking of cakes…!!

I remembered an occasion about, let’s say, three days ago, when Celseus made a cake and presented it to Seiya, but he cruelly rejected it.

It can’t be!! Don’t tell me he has the courage to say those awful words to a girl in love!? He isn’t obliged to accept the cake but…he just needs to be careful with his words; please Seiya, be a gentleman!!

However, Seiya answered immediately.

「Inedible. I reject it. 」

He…he said it!! He doesn’t want the cake, I get it, but saying “inedible” is extremely rude!!

As expected, Adenela looked like she was “burning white” like ashes.

Seiya spoke coldly to Adenela without hesitation.

「I am grateful for the overall training. But that’s the only thing we have in common. I don’t know what it means to stay together forever. Besides, I don’t want to eat any cake. That’s all. Farewell. 」

Seiya turned around and walked through the marble corridor without even looking back at Adenela. Mash and Elle chased after Seiya in a hurry.

「\*sobs weirdly\* So…so that’s what he means…After all the trouble I took into making that cake, he…he doesn’t want it…\*continues to sob even more weirdly\*」

「Ah, Lady Adenela, please…Whoa!? 」

The moment I saw Adenela’s painful expression, I cried involuntarily as well.

It was because I saw tears of blood overflowing from Adenela’s unhappy face…

—

I came running over and I caught up with Seiya. I scolded him profusely.

「Wait! Don’t you feel sad for Lady Adenela!? 」

「Sad? I borrowed the help of Adenela’s power to save Geabrande. What’s wrong with that? 」

「I’m not talking about that! Why did you say terrible things to her!? You need to think of a woman’s heart for a moment! Lady Adenela was crying, you know! She was shedding tears of blood! 」

「I don’t care. It has nothing to do with me. More importantly, Lista. Open the portal. And you guys be ready to carry my luggage. 」

Seiya gave Mash and Elle backpacks full of tools.

Ah…He is so cold-hearted…I could not say anything anymore since I’m at fault too…Because, if Elle finds out that she doesn’t have any magical talent then…Ah, just thinking about that gives me horrifying goosebumps…

When we were crossing the portal for the earthly world, I heard the screams of gods from outside the temple.

「\*horrified voice\* Lady Adenela is striking furiously the sculpture of the courtyard with her sword!! 」

「Please, Lady Adenela, stop it!! 」

「She is disturbed! Lady Adenela totally lost her mind! Please, somebody stop her!! 」

「Even if we tried to stop her, with that insanely strength, we would be…we can’t, it’s impossible!! 」

There was a big hassle outside. However, Seiya touched his glossy black hair as if nothing serious had happened and spoke with his usual tone.

「Perfectly Ready. 」

No, that’s not what you should be saying!! How old are you to be saying childish remarks!? Ah…I don’t care anymore!! It was not my fault!!

…Seiya entered the portal dashingly while I quickly followed him , so that I could escape from the confusion in the God’s realm.