Chapter 2

"Um... Thank you for helping the flower."

"It's nothing. The illness has been completely cured, so you can rest assured, okay?"

"......Yes!"

The boy standing in front of me... I bowed my head deeply to express my gratitude to God. Although the current situation is confusing, according to Mr. Takagi's words, the flower has successfully undergone surgery and is safe. Moreover, God has said that it is fully cured.

Then, I remembered that I hadn't introduced myself and hurriedly bowed again to God.

"My name is Hinami Kusumoto. I am a 21-year-old college student."

"Okay, nice to meet you. ...But, you didn't seem surprised to come to such a dark place all of a sudden."

I introduced myself and regained a bit of composure. God seemed surprised by my lack of dramatic reaction.

I was already exhausted by the fact that the flower was safe. I had no confidence in being surprised.

"For me, there's no greater surprise than the flower being saved..."

"I see. Then, do you remember the exchange condition?"

"Ah... Yes."

I hesitated for a moment but answered clearly.

I had promised to dedicate everything I had.

It was quite vague, and there was no discussion about how it would be done. What would happen to me? Would I be killed, or perhaps used for some other purpose? But, thinking about it, the probability seemed low since the other party is God... I had always thought that God was just a fictional creation of humans.

"Wow, you're really honest, aren't you?"

God sat down next to me, who was slumped over, and brought his gaze to my level.

I felt like I was being sucked into his blue eyes. Having worked part-time to help with my sister's medical expenses, this position was somewhat embarrassing, no, quite embarrassing and painful. I could feel my face heating up.

"You will become my toy, Hinami."

"Eh...! Toy?"

"Yes. I've been here alone for a long time. Well, I do have a few things to do, but basically, I'm quite bored."

"Hmm..."

"You're not very enthusiastic, huh? Hehe. I want you to go to a different world that I manage, separate from Earth."

A different world, huh?

Well, for God, this might be a piece of cake. However, I wonder if there's any benefit for God in sending me to a different world. Honestly, I'm just a powerless woman.

"I want to pass the time by watching you struggle in the different world."

Is this what God is like? I received an answer that was far beyond my expectations.

Noticing my reaction, God continued to speak with a smile.

"Also, I have another purpose. I want you to collect points."

"Points?"

I repeated the word and looked at God.

"Yes. The points are added when you take some action in the different world. By sending these points to me, I can obtain them. Of course, as a reward for the points, I will send you something appropriate."

"Do the points have some benefit for you when I collect them?"

"Hmm... That's a secret."

God's lips formed a crescent moon. Then, he placed his finger on my lips and smiled mischievously, saying, "I won't tell you." Suddenly, my face felt like it was on fire. I've never been treated like this before...

God seemed to notice my reaction and chuckled. I felt so embarrassed, I wished there was a hole to hide in. Just being looked at by that beautiful face made me feel like I was boiling, and my face was probably as red as a boiled shrimp.

Since I don't know what the points are for, I'm curious, but if God says it's a secret, I shouldn't pry. I should collect points as a thank you for saving the flower. If I understand that, there's no problem.

"Then, please send me to the different world right away!"

"Eh?"

Perhaps due to my embarrassment, I stood up abruptly.

I thought I was ready to go to the different world, but when I looked at God, he seemed puzzled... Did I do something wrong?

"Haha! You're so cute, Hinami! You're going to the different world without knowing anything? You'll die!"

"Eh!?"

Come to think of it, I only knew that I had to collect points.

Moreover, he casually suggested that I would die if I went without preparation. The world I'm going to must be full of dangers... I'm starting to feel anxious.

I gently turned my face away from God and sat down again. God patted my head. I was being treated like a child...

"Anyway, let me explain briefly. The name of the different world is 'Lethisrill.' It consists of three continents: 'Sariton,' 'Mushbar,' and 'Agdis.' 'Sariton' and 'Mushbar' are mainly inhabited by humans. 'Agdis' is rich in nature and is home to many beastmen and fairies. However, 'Mushbar' is ruled by an extremely belligerent emperor, so be careful when you go there..."

"...Yes."

I was slightly confused by the sudden mention of the continents' names. If country names were added, I wouldn't be able to remember them. Perhaps understanding this, God advised, "It's better to learn the country names when you get there." I felt embarrassed...

"Also, there are three main races: humans, beastmen, and fairies. There are also monsters, so be careful. I don't need to explain humans, so let's talk about beastmen and fairies. Beastmen are generally referred to as non-monster animals. They have intelligence and look like humans, but they have ears and tails. Fairies are hard to explain... If I use an example from games in your world, they include elves, dragons, and fairies. In short, they are mysterious beings that are neither human nor beast."

"Ah, I see... It's quite different from Earth."

I repeated God's words and tried to remember them. However, this world seemed similar to the one in the games that the flower liked... I didn't play many games because I was always working part-time, but if it's a world the flower likes, I'll try my best to survive there.

"In short, it's a world like a game. Anything else...?"

"Roughly, but it's easy to understand, right?"

"Sure. Oh, right. Try saying 'Status.'"

"Eh? Um, 'Status!'"

When I said the word, a screen appeared in front of my eyes. Was this a hologram? It was written in Japanese and seemed to be a visual representation of my information.

〈Hinami Kusumoto〉

21 years old

Lv. 1

HP 15/15

MP 20/20

ATK 3

DEF 3

AGI 6

MAG 10

LUK 30

〈Skills〉

None

〈Titles〉

Blessing of Lethis

"Wow, it's like a game..."

"ATK is attack, DEF is defense, AGI is agility, MAG is magic, and LUK is luck. ...But, your stats are really low!!"

Ah, they are low... I had a feeling they were low from the moment I saw them, but it's a bit of a shock to hear it. Well, considering I'm a normal girl who doesn't do sports... Is there any hope?

God seemed to be thinking about something after looking at my stats. He must be thinking that I'll die if I stay like this. Cold sweat trickled down my back.

"You'll die soon... But, usually, you'd have at least one magic skill."

"Magic...! That's amazing. Can I use it?"

"Hmm... It depends on your aptitude. First, we need to do something about these low stats."

God made a serious face and took my hand.

His expression showed how low my stats were. I wondered how I managed to be chosen by God. Ah, that's why my luck (LUK) is a bit high? Maybe I'm a lucky girl.

"Ah!"

While I was thinking, my body suddenly shook.

What's happening...?

"Yes, it worked! Check your stats again."

Then, my body floated in the air. Before I could resist, I was seated on the lap of the handsome God. My body fit perfectly, and when I looked at my hands, they were smaller. My clothes became loose and almost fell off, so I quickly held them in place.

I turned to God, wondering what was happening, but he just smiled without explaining...

I gave up and repeated the command.

〈Hinami Kusumoto〉

13 years old

Lv. 1

HP 30/30

MP 45/45

ATK 10

DEF 10

AGI 13

MAG 20

LUK 50

〈Skills〉

God's Garden

Light Rhapsody

〈Titles〉

Blessing of Lethis

"My stats have improved..."

"But they're still weak..."

"Hey, I have skills! And, what does 'Blessing of Lethis' mean?"

My stats had slightly improved, and I had two new skills.

These must be the powers given by God. As I stared at the screen, God explained each one.

"These are based on your past experiences."

"Eh? ...Ah, I'm 13 years old now!"

I noticed my body had become smaller and my stats showed 13 years old.

"Well, you've just become a bit younger. I converted the experiences you had from 13 to 21 years old into stats. However, your knowledge and skills remain. I'm converting the 'time you experienced.' Other than that, your mental age will become a bit younger, but there shouldn't be any significant issues, so don't worry."

"Umm... Okay."

"Yes. First, the blessing. This is proof that I, Lethis, am watching over you. It's shown as a title."

"Eh! So, that's your name, God..."

"Right. And the skills. These are based on your aptitude, so I didn't choose them. Unfortunately, they're not the magic you were hoping for."

God touched the 'God's Garden' on the status screen. A description appeared below. This is a convenient system...

〈God's Garden〉

You can create a sacred sanctuary protected by God.

"Wow, the explanation is quite vague..."

"Hehe, yeah. To put it simply, I'll give you a house when you go to the different world, and a certain area around it will be protected from enemies."

"Oh, that's amazing... So, it's like a barrier?"

"Yeah, something like that."

This will be a big help.

I followed God's example and touched the 'Light Rhapsody' below.

〈Light Rhapsody〉

By singing with heartfelt emotion, a light fairy is summoned to create a protective shield.

"Like a defensive magic...?"

"Seems so."

"But, there's no offensive ability. Will that be okay?"

"Hmm, that might be a problem!"

"Eh!!!"

I might die soon...

But, the skill is "singing." Is this related to the fact that I learned piano and singing since I was little? Although I stopped when the flower got sick...

Feeling quite down, I touched the 'Blessing of Lethis' last.

〈Blessing of Lethis〉

You can exchange diaries with Lethis.

"...Eh?"

"Because being alone in an unknown world is tough, right? I think it's a pretty good deal."

"Y-Yeah, you're right!"

I see. Once I leave this place and go to the different world, I won't be able to communicate with God except through this blessing. It would be quite tough to be alone in an unknown situation. I felt grateful for God's consideration.

"You're really honest, Hinami. Anyway, I said I'd give you a house, right?"

"Ah, yes!"

"I can't build a house in the city right away, so I built one in the forest. The area inside the house and the surrounding fence will be recognized as your home. Remember that the 'God's Garden' skill applies to this area."

That's my safe place!

I nodded vigorously to show God that I understood. This is the line between life and death.

"By the way, the city is within walking distance. It might be a bit far, but I chose a forest with a low difficulty level, so it shouldn't be too dangerous."

"Thank you! I think I can survive."

"Okay. Hmm... I think that's all I have to say. Do you have any questions?"

"Eh... Hmm... I can't think of any."

"Well, you might not know until you experience it. If anything happens, just write it in the diary."

"Okay!"

It feels like I'm getting more than I asked for. If it means my life, and the flower is saved, it's a good deal. I hope I can do something a bit more mature at the end...

"Let's go. Actually, I can't keep people here for long."

I nodded gently and looked at God. God nodded in response.

Then, he hugged me tightly. I could feel his warmth directly. I didn't know what was happening, but I felt reassured and a few tears came to my eyes. Noticing my reaction, God gently stroked my head.

"I'm sorry for the forced situation. But, now you're mine, so you can't run away..."

"Ugh..."

"Hehe, be prepared."

God pulled away from me and kissed the back of my hand.

"Ah...!!"

"Hehe, it's a service, a service. When you arrive in 'Lethisrill,' check your status."

Then, I couldn't argue as my body was enveloped in a bright light, and I disappeared from the dark world.

5/24 Slight corrections made.

INT → MAG

Explanation of the rejuvenation by God