“Believer” means that God and people formed a bond. For that reason, Solana and I talked a little bit about each other. However, I did most of the talking. Perhaps because she had just woken up, Solana had a slightly fuzzy memory. Most of all, I think that it was also because I was eager for someone other than my family to hear me out.
I’ve been talking about what had happened to me for the past two years. I mentioned that after my father’s death, our lives take a dark turn. The people in the guild who were unhappy with my father made us their enemies. Then there’s my useless skill and my sister Lu―Luisia’s illness.
It was as if a lifetime’s worth of calamities had befallen on us in just a year. My life tumbled into a pitch-dark valley.
I did all sorts of things just to make money. Putting up flyers, cleaning gutters, waking people up, doing adventurer requests.….
When Gideon, the nobleman who became the owner of the East Dungeon, invited me into his party, I thought things were finally going to be okay. At that time, the East Dungeon had only fallen into the hands of the nobles. I readily believed in Gideon-san’s kindness when he said he would “guide me.”
But then I came to know firsthand that there was no such sweet deal. The reason the noble had let me into his party was to torment the son of the man they hated. I was ridiculed and expelled within six months.
Still, I begged Gideon at the end, “―Please sell me your healing items!”
My sister’s condition was so bad that she could die. At that time, Gideon had a rare healing item, the World Tree Elixir. It’s also known as a panacea and is a coveted item even for nobles. Although, it seems that nobles only use it as a “rare seasoning” to mix with their alcohol or tea.
Even when Father was alive, it would have cost a year’s worth of living expenses. Gideon sold it to me for double the price. I discussed it with mom, and I took out a loan for the part we couldn’t pay right away. My sister’s condition improved temporarily.
I’m grateful to Gideon-san for that. But I think that should not be used as a reason for assault or harassment.
“So even that amazing item did not cure her?”
Solana and I had moved upstairs. The goddess floats softly and stares at my sister.
“Yes. Uhm, Solana-sama—”
“Just Solana, is okay.”
The goddess said nonchalantly. We watch over Lu as she was tormented by her illness.
“I don’t think it’s a normal disease. I can sense magical powers.”
Solana narrowed her eyes distressingly.
“……Poor thing. It is not a disease, but an anomalous condition. It’s like being put in shackles.”
A status ailment of unknown origin due to magical powers. In ancient times, it was called a “curse”.
“Even in ancient times, there were people who would suffer this if there were a lot of monsters nearby. If there is a dungeon, it could be the cause.”
“But….…”
I swallowed my words.
Why only Lu?
The Goddess got down to the floor and looked at me. My plain appearance was reflected in her large eyes that sparkled like the sun.
“Rion, I’ve just woken up, so I don’t know about this era well. But I think you’re a good person. A hardworking, kind child.”
The goddess placed her hand on her chest.
“Let me help you.”
I was confused. It’s like a page in a story. A heroic tale I had heard from my father. A book I had reread many times. A page in a story that I longed for—but knew I would never reach.
“If you don’t mind…… I want you to become my believer.”
Solana’s outstretched hand to me was pure white and seemed to glow like a real god. No, this person is probably the real deal.
I took Solana’s hand. It might have been because it looked like she wanted me to hold it, and that it looked lonely, and in a way it resembled Lu’s hands.
“Goddess-sama, please help Lu…… help my sister. I’ll do anything to make that happen!”
Solana nodded.
“Hold my hand and close your eyes.”
With my eyes closed. Solana’s voice echoes in the darkness.
“Our power is strengthened by the number of our believers and their belief in us.”
A warm force flows from Solana’s hand.
“Let’s talk about the old days. Once upon a time, there were many gods. But the gods were attacked by monsters. The end of the world, the Ragnarok happened. My memory is interrupted in the middle, but the fact that man and God are alive and well means that we have repelled the underworld.”
I can see the light at the end of my closed eyes.
Before I knew it, I was looking up at the night sky —I was in space. There is a blazing sun. Beyond it are countless stars. The stars connected together and one after another, they created various shapes.
A giant hammer. A sharp spear. A ship that can go anywhere. A bangle imbued with magical powers.
“W-what…… is this….…?”
“You may have seen my memory. The myth that people imagine is in the shape of the constellations.”
With the sky as their stage, myths were depicted one after the other.
A hero who slayed the dragon.
A giant god who fished out a snake that covered the world.
Then with the blare of the horn, they eventually gathered together, convened in the lush hill. They eventually vanished to fight against the darkness. Then the world was enveloped in a sealing ice.
“The gods were wounded. Now, the world is covered with sealing magic. Right?”
“Yes……”
I was reminded of the myths of this country—the Kingdom of Asgard.
Seal. Gods.
All of them are keywords.
Once upon a time there was a battle between gods and monsters. In the end, the gods won, but the main god, Odis-sama, sealed the injured gods into a state of slumber.
Monsters are also sealed away to preserve resources for humans. That place are the dungeons in the Royal Capital.
It was all before the seal covered the world.
This is the story of the “Age of the Great Sealing”, which now only have traces left in the dungeons.
“Rion, can you promise me something?”
“Promise?”
“For me to use my powers on you and your sister, a bond is necessary. And to form the bond between God and man, a vow is essential.”
This will make me strong.
When I thought of that, my heart burned hotly.
Poverty. Misfortune. Humiliation. Dark memories surged to my chest, making it hot.
Suddenly, memories of my father passed. When my father taught me how to use the sword, the first thing he taught me was how to block attacks. He emphasized that even if I wield a sword, I am no different from monsters if I just wield it to cause damage. He said that the key to surviving in real combat is the defensive ability to block attacks and protect your allies.
It’s not enough to just be strong. I don’t want to be just that. I wanted a warm-hearted strength that would allow me to protect Lu —my family, and everyone I want to protect.
It’s not enough to be the strongest.
“Kindest……”
“Hn?”
“The kindest and strongest, I want to become both.”
Solana nod her head.
“Your story is yours to make.”
I heard a click as if something clicked in place inside my head, and the warmth of the sun enveloped my entire body.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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