Chapter 1

In front of me, mist drifts, and my feet feel unsteady.

Before I realize it, I am floating in this place, neither hot nor cold, and without a sound.

"Are you conscious, Klaus?"

Before I know it, a woman stands in front of me.

She is wrapped in blinding light, with a beauty and physique that seem otherworldly...

"I am the goddess Muse, who governs this world. You are currently on the brink of death."

"You, you are... the goddess!?"

I am surprised by her sudden words. The goddess Muse is revered as a benevolent deity, and is an object of faith for people all over the world.

There is a church in the town where I live, and I have even offered prayers during my coming-of-age ceremony.

"W-Why... why would the goddess appear before someone like me?"

In my 16 years of life, I have led an ordinary life, not particularly proud of it. I have neither committed any notable crimes nor achieved any great deeds that would save the world.

The goddess only reveals herself to those of noble birth, such as heroes who have saved the world or seers who receive divine oracles.

"In fact, the reason you are on the brink of death now is because of me."

However, the goddess Muse, looking apologetic, tells me this.

"May I explain?"

I can't just let it go, so I ask.

"I maintain the balance of the world through various adjustments. Recently, I noticed that monsters in the demon realm have become more active, disrupting the balance, so I decided to grant power to humans."

The goddess Muse continues her explanation.

"Normally, I would grant power to the royalty, nobility, or those with great talent in this world, but I mistakenly gave that power to you."

"What... what does that mean?"

I am confused by the sudden claim of being granted power.

"The power I granted is designed to expand and draw out the latent abilities of the individual. If given to royalty, it would be expected to awaken a very strong ability, allowing them to defeat monsters and maintain balance. However, such power comes with a great burden. Klaus, your capacity was not enough to handle it."

"So... as a result, I am on the brink of death?"

When I confirm this, the goddess Muse nods.

"I see... so I'm going to die."

The faces of my parents and my sister, Seria, come to mind. They have raised me with care and affection.

The thought of dying without saying a final word to them brings a wave of sadness.

"No, no, you won't die."

However, the goddess Muse waves her hands and smiles.

"I don't want to kill a human by mistake. I have enlarged your capacity with my power and repaired the damage."

She places her hands on her hips and puffs out her chest, saying "hehe." Despite the situation, I find her cute.

"Then, why did you appear before me?"

"Indeed, you won't die, but I have used almost all of my stored power on you, so it will take time to replenish it. If possible, I thought you could use some of that power to help the world..."

She looks somewhat guilty. If her story is true, a crisis is looming for the world.

"I understand. If there is something I can do, I promise to help."

"Really? Thank you!"

The goddess Muse grips my hand and her eyes sparkle.

"Ugh..."

My vision blurs, and my consciousness begins to cloud.

"Don't worry. Your family has given you medicine, and you are trying to regain consciousness."

The goddess's form wavers, appearing to be ten or twenty.

"Listen, Klaus. When you wake up, you will have a skill. Use it to—"

I can hear her voice, but I can no longer maintain my consciousness. I lose consciousness before I can hear the goddess Muse's final words.