Chapter 78

"You've kept us waiting.

'Huh...? ...This is...'

I whipped my aching body into action and got up.

The first thing I saw was the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.

It seems I'm in some forest.

(My body's pain isn't going away... Have I run out of magic power?)

I checked my entire body, but there were no wounds.

However, it felt as if I had been beaten all over.

'...Right! I...'

Suddenly, I remembered everything that had happened to me.

I had lost to that goddess, Clairecil.

A broken black sphere remained in my hand, a harsh reminder of the reality of my defeat.

It was a complete failure.

'Gah... Damn it!'

Without thinking, I slammed my arm into the ground.

The surrounding trees shook, and leaves danced in the air.

I was worried about them.

It's a miracle I'm still alive, but if even one of them is gone, it would be meaningless.

I have to go.

I need to get back to that place and protect them...

'Just when I thought you finally woke up, where do you think you're going, you fool?'

'Huh?'

A voice I didn't recognize called out to me as I stood up.

No, that's not right. I've heard this voice somewhere before.

Right, when I was bathed in the light released by Clairecil...

'What are you spacing out for! Over here!'

I turned around in surprise and saw a child leaning against a tree.

She had long, flowing black hair and pitch-black eyes without any highlights.

She was the complete opposite of Clairecil in terms of color.

She looked just like her, except for her build and color.

Her face could easily be mistaken for a twin.

However, she was wearing a black T-shirt and shorts, which made me question her sense of style.

'What's wrong, do you have a problem with my clothes?'

'What! You... reading my mind...?'

'It's all over your face, you fool!'

'Ow!'

She hit me on the head—it hurt... really hurt?

'I may look like this, but I'm a god! I can easily wipe you out!'

'What! A god... I see! You're one of her allies!'

In response to the screaming girl, I instinctively raised the broken black sphere.

I knew it was useless, but if it could withstand an attack for even a moment, it would be enough.

It's a dire situation, but I'll survive no matter what.

I'll kill her.

I'll kill her and survive.

Wait... why am I thinking about killing her?

Right, because they're not human.

If she's a 'god,' I should be able to kill her.

'I'll kill you!'

'Wait, wait, wait! Stop!'

Just as the broken black sphere was about to touch her, I hesitated.

Why is she so scared...?

'I am the Destruction God, Destroyia! The counterpart to the Creation God, Clairecil! I was just trying to scare you, but I have no intention of fighting you! So put down your sword!'

'...'

When I brought the black sphere closer, she covered her face and said, "Eek!"

Hmm... Is this the counterpart to Clairecil?

'...Cut the crap, kid.'

'It's not a joke! You're so rude! I've been around for thousands of years—'

'Shut up.'

'Eek! I'm sorry!'

When I brought the black sphere closer again, she became incredibly docile.

Even if she is a god, can a god really have no dignity?

'After I saved you... you could at least say thank you, you know.'

'...Hey, tell me more about that.'

'Huh?'

Huh? No, she just said something I can't ignore.

She saved me?

'Haha... Haha... You're interested in my story! Then I'll tell you why you're in an unfamiliar place! And why I'm so cute—'

'Shut up, just get to the point.'

'Ugh... That's bad luck! I'm a god!'

Hmm, is this her true nature?

No, I don't have time for this. I need to get the information quickly.

'So, what is it? I'm really in a hurry.'

'I understand... I'll start with what you're most curious about. First, your companions are all safe. Not a single one of them is dead.'

'Really!?'

'I wouldn't lie in a situation like this...'

I collapsed to my knees in relief.

Thank goodness, they're safe.

If they're alive now, I have nothing more to ask for.

'All thanks to me—'

'So?'

'...You'll have bad luck one day, you know.'

Shut up, I just met a dangerous god who attacked me.

It's impossible to show respect in this situation.

'Anyway, I'll explain from the beginning. First, about the Creation God, Clairecil. She was my partner in creating this world.'

'...That's a bit grand, isn't it?'

'Well, we are gods. Anyway, the world was developing smoothly. She created everything, and I destroyed the excess. That's how the world progressed.'

'...'

'One day, without any warning, "humans" appeared. I didn't really care about such a minor incident, but she couldn't stand it... and started massacring humans.'

That's a terrible story.

'What did she have against them?'

'She couldn't tolerate anything other than what she created spreading in the world. I finally had enough and tried to stop her. Since gods can't kill each other, I sealed her away.'

'...And that seal was just broken... right?'

'Just now? What are you talking about? It's been about three days since you lost to her.'

'...Huh?'

Three days...? I've been asleep for three days...

But my magic power and injuries haven't recovered.

That's hard to believe.

'The disappearance you experienced is a divine technique that any god can use. Its effect is to erase the target from this world. You should have disappeared, but when Clairecil's seal was broken, I revived and intervened. I negated her disappearance and sent you far away to save you.'

'...How does that relate to me being asleep for three days?'

When I asked, the so-called Destruction God turned away and started speaking with a guilty expression.

'Well... I was trying to save you in a cool way and reseal Clairecil... but... I made a mistake and couldn't completely negate the disappearance... I lost most of my power, and you lost your magic power... As a result, I failed to use the divine technique I intended to use to teleport you, and you ended up with a body that can't use magic...'

I was speechless.

I see, that's why I couldn't gather my magic power.

But...

'What a joke!'

'Eek! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!'

'I appreciate you saving me, but now I can't fight her!'

'I'll use the remaining divine power to restore your magic power! It will take some time, though!'

'What! Damn it!'

So... I won't be able to fight properly for a while?

Damn... I thought the troublesome war was over and I could finally relax...

But a part of me is relieved.

If I fight Clairecil now, I have an excuse.

I don't have to take the responsibility.

Thinking about it this way makes me hate myself, and I clenched my fist tightly.

'...Clairecil is heading to a certain place to fully recover her power. She seems to have sensed my presence and is avoiding your companions. She's stabilizing her power on an isolated island at the center of the three continents. No one can get close to it.'

'So... now...'

'It's impossible. There's a powerful barrier. You can't break it, and neither can I in this state.'

...There's nothing we can do.

Is that really the case? Is there really nothing we can do?

Do we have to do nothing until she regains her full power...

'—Let's go, snot-nosed brat.'

'What!? Where are we going?'

'I don't know. But instead of moping around here, we should look for something we can do. You're in good health, so you should at least try.'

'...Damn.'

I had no response.

It's frustrating, but the kid has a point. I'm just giving up.

Should I move? Now.

It might help take my mind off things.

If they're safe, I should try to meet up with them.

I don't want to waste any time.

'Your magic power will gradually return if you stay with me. It will take about 2 to 3 months for her to fully recover... She's not the type to compromise, so you can expect to have about 3 months of freedom.'

'3 months... I can do a lot in that time.'

'Yes, you can do a lot. If you want to.'

'...Alright.'

I can't afford to be weak.

So what if she's a god? I'll find a way.

I'll make her regret challenging me.

'By the way, what's your name?'

'Setsu. Nice to meet you, Straw.'

'What? What do you mean by "Straw"?'

'Destroyia, middle, Straw. It's easy to call and a good name, right?'

'...You have no naming sense, do you?'