As we walked through the forest, she bombarded me with many questions. I stayed silent, as we made our way to the Wesclim city gate.
“What are you doing??” she hissed. “Did you forget about the kids in the orphanage? They take them away, and they are never seen again.”
‘They were never seen again?’ I thought. “Oh yeah I forgot about that, but don’t worry, I have a plan, just trust me.”
I slowly walked up to the guard, with my hands clasped together. “Mister, can you help me please? My parents died in the war and I’m an orphan…”
I looked down sadly, sniffling.
“Ohhh you poor children, come with me, I’ll bring you to the church,” he said.
We frowned. “The church?” I asked tentatively.
“Yes, the church will take care of all under the goddess. For a price,” he said.
We exchanged a brief, knowing glance with each other.
“Okay than-“
“Divine Castration Art First Form : Crescent Kick!”
The guard lay slumped over, eyes rolled to the back of his head with foam coming out of his mouth. I clapped my hands together In satisfaction. “Don’t worry about it, he’ll be fineeee, come on let's go.”
Confused and a bit astonished, Michelle trailed behind me. ‘Is she, am I actually crazy in the future?’
“One day, you will inherit my techniques,” I began, while relieving him of his wallet. “Now come along, I need my sword back.”
The store remained just as I remembered it. “5 gold coins. Keep the change,” I said, tossing the coins behind my back. I bought the rapier, letting the familiar weight of the blade soothe me. It’s as if I've been reunited with an old friend.
“Th- thank you!” the shopkeeper exclaimed. “Come again soon!”
Waving my hand behind me, we made our way to the adventurers guild. As we entered, we received many greetings and murmurs of approval to become adventurers.
“… What are these beggars doing? Get lost, no soliciting,” a rough looking adventurer said. A couple of adventurers murmured in agreement.
“I’m not in the mood right now,” I said, slamming his head through the table. “Hm. You are lucky that I don’t feel like killing anybody today.”
Dropping him on the floor, I walked up to the guild counter. “Excuse me, is there a Mina here?”
“R-right away,” said the clerk.
I turned around to face Michelle. “Your friend Mina here will be your babysitter.” I glared at the adventurers who are still conscious. “Play nice.”
“Y-yes ma’am.”
“No need to be so formal, loosen up,” I said, walking away before stopping.
“Well? Speak up, are you meaning disrespect? Did you forget to eat breakfast?”
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“We wish you a good walk!” they shouted.
‘Sigh these people tire me out,’ I thought. ‘Might as well visit Yuki while we’re at it.’
Sneaking into the cathedral, I “gave them an early break” and took the teleportation array to the Beastkin Federation.
I could never get used to this. Ahh the fresh spring air. Beastkin guards are staring daggers at me. “Halt, state your identity.”
“I’m the pope,” I said, yawning. “Move aside.”
They exchange a brief glance before laughing. “You? The pope? Little girl, did you get lost?”
I look at them quizzically. I took out a pebble I picked up earlier, infusing it with my aura. “Divine Castration Art Second Form : Rupture.”
By condensing your aura, it is possible to cause controlled shockwaves. The effectiveness depends on your mastery. By injecting your aura into something through an object, it is possible to rupture internal organs, you can guess what happens next.
He laid screaming in pain on the floor, rolling around and bleeding all over the place. I glance at the other guard. “Do you believe me now?”
“Ye-yes, you’re the pope,” he said nervously. “Can I go now??”
“I’m the pope.”
“You are the pope!” he repeated, sweating intensely.
“Good, now shoo before I decide to end your bloodline with you.” I watched as he scrambled away, smirking as I made my way towards the palace.
“What are you all gawking at? Have you guys never seen the pope before?” I said, walking up the pristine stone steps.
The guards exchanged frantic glances, unsure of whether to stop me or help their friends convulsing on the floor below.
“Stand back, or you’ll regret it,” I said, walking into the palace. “Good boy!”
I pranced through the palace, looking for the royal family. “Hmm, this door looks right,” I muttered. “What a waste of money.” A massive, gaudy door, reeking of extravagance. Guards adorned with golden armor stood guarding the door, or what's left of them laying on the floor convulsing.
I nudged on the door, gradually applying more force. “…?” ‘It’s stuck? Ah forget it, this way is far simpler. Yes, a flashy entrance!’
Enveloping myself in aura, walking right into the door, leaving an Eris-sized hole. Dusting myself off, I scanned the room for the royal family.
The hall fell silent. Nobles glanced upwards mid bite, wondering what was going on. “I’m the pope!” I exclaimed, grinning. “My invitation must’ve gotten lost in the mail.”
The nobles looked at each other with uncertainty, then busted out laughing. “Who is this kid? I didn’t realize we hired a clown.” They burst out laughing even harder.
I glared at him. “Goddess giveth, goddess taketh.” Needless to say, he is now writhing on the floor. The noble’s escorts watching from the sidelines got ready, drawing their swords and bows.
“Silence!” a familiar voice booms from across the dining hall. “What is all this commotion about?”
King Felix walks towards me, and I notice Yuki trailing behind him, looking worried. My heart warmed a bit knowing she is doing well.
“U-um your majesty, this child claimed to be the pope and uhh, stole his family’s crown jewels,” he stuttered, pointing behind him.
King Felix raised an eyebrow. “Do you have a death wish? Tell me, what is it that you’re after,” he said as he strode towards me.
‘Huh, now that I’m here I’m actually not sure what to do, it’s not like she remembers me.’
Quickly thinking of a lie, I spoke up, pointing at Yuki. “I am her, and by extension, your guardian deity. You touch her, you’re dead. I will take my leave,” I said, making my way to a window. “I wish you a wonderful night.”
“Wait, where do you think you’re going? You just…! Fatally injured an earl, you think you will get off that lightly? Where is your proof?” shouted a noble in the back.
“Questions are normally 100 gold coins each, but I’ll give you a discount. 200 gold coins, since I’m feeling quite generous today.”
“This is ridiculous!” he exclaimed. “Guards, what are you doing? Arrest her!”
I glared at them, causing them to shrink back. “Anyone volunteering to be a eunuch may step forward. No? Good, now how are you going to compensate for getting your blood on my foot?” I said, wrinkling my nose. “Gross.”
Yuki appeared bewildered, looking back and forth. I gazed at her fondly, then at the king. “I’ve known about your relationship with the goddess, Felix. Treasure your family. I hope you will live a longer life this time.”
He skeptically studied her face. “Hmm… What do you mean by ‘this time.’ Are you threatening me?”
“You heard me. Figure it out yourself. Tell Rodney to control himself if he wants to live a long life. This is my final mercy. Goodbye,” I said, as my aura cracked the window. ‘If only I have more mana capacity… Whatever, this will suffice for now.’
“Wait!” Yuki reached out her hand frantically. “What do you mean?? Who are you?”
“What a curious situation,” Felix murmured. “Track her down. Send a message to the pope. Summon Prince Rodney to the throne room. Effective immediately,” he demanded, rubbing his temple. He turned to his daughter. “Yuki, we have a lot to talk about. Follow me.”
‘Ah, another good deed done. I will take it slow this time,’ I thought. Although I don’t need to sleep, the burden of staying awake all the time is strong. Although I don’t need to eat, we can all take such a simple pleasure in mundane everyday activities.
Settling on a thick tree branch, I leaned back, gazing at the moon. It is exceptionally beautiful tonight. I think back to the simpler times where I would adventure with Yuki in these very forests.
“[Dimensional Item Box], open.”
My clothes are quite dirty at this point, so I decided to change into something more comfortable. All of my old items are gone, but the robes remained.
I spot an elf on a nearby tree, with her bow trained on me. “Stranger, what are you doing in our forest? Be you friend or foe?”
“Alukah akmaya. Salum pitaya.”
She froze, lowering her arrow. “I greet the protector of the forest. Rest easy, you are under our protection,” she said, bowing respectfully.
I gave her a curt nod, dismissing her. A cool spring breeze ruffled my hair. It smells comforting, like a warm pie and something sweet that I couldn’t quite place my finger on. How tranquil,’ I thought to myself while stargazing. Soon, I dozed off into a peaceful slumber.