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"What did you say?" I questioned, a mix of disbelief and excitement coursing through me. Could this be what I had hoped for? Is my intuition right?

Elheim's smile grew, and he nodded. "Why don't you take a walk with me for a while?"

Curiosity piqued, I followed Elheim's lead. We left the bus station behind, our steps guiding us through the streets. As we traversed the familiar surroundings, a sense of déjà vu washed over me. I couldn't help but try to piece together the memories of where I had encountered this place before. Was it during college? No, the streets of UC Irvine were far more bustling and hectic than this.

Unable to contain my curiosity any longer, I turned to Elheim. "Where exactly are we?"

"This is the university you've always wanted to attend, but was never accepted," Elheim answered. "I remember it well, because you were so frustrated at the rejection letter that you took your anger out on me. You threw your offering and even knocked off the little cross at the top of my shrine! Honestly, it baffled me."

A wave of mortification washed over me as I recalled that particular memory. The college in question had a banana slug as its mascot, and I had harbored a secret desire to be a part of it. It may not have been my glorious moment, but I had dreams and aspirations, and getting into that particular college was one of them. Of course, I had moved past that disappointment since then, but Elheim's mention of it brought back a sense of embarrassment.

"I am sincerely sorry for my actions. It was never your fault. I was young and didn't understand," I expressed, my voice filled with remorse. "Please understand that."

"My dear, you fixed your mistake and even offered me a whole cheesecake as an apology," Elheim responded. "No harm was done, and I have found that memory quite endearing."

For someone who looked to be in his mid-20s, it was a bit unnerving to hear him speak like a grandfather. It's even worse when he's to talking to someone that seemed a decade older, and that was me.

Wanting to cut to the chase, I inquired, "So, why have you brought me to this place? Why here instead of my school?"

Elheim's smile grew wider, and he met my gaze. "I brought you here because this school taught you a valuable lesson, one that has helped you navigate through long-term challenges."

Raising an eyebrow, I pressed further. "And what lesson would that be?"

"It taught you that just because things don't go according to your plans, it does not mean it's the end of the world," he replied. "Instead of becoming a banana slug, you became an anteater."

It took a moment for his words to sink in, and I realized he was referring to Peter the Anteater, UCI's mascot. I guess I did sort of find my way back, and even graduated cum laude in literature and business management economics.

"Now that I've answered your questions, it's time I tell you about my world," Elheim said as he veered off the road down a lonely path. "The world my creations have named is Vynos."

"Venus? As in the second planet in our Earth's solar system?" I asked, seeking clarification.

"The spelling may be different, but the pronunciation is the same, so yes," he confirmed. "To be honest, the names are coincidental. The specific land you will be venturing into is called Ozea. It will feel familiar to you, reminiscent of the European Middle Ages."

"Middle Ages?" My eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Elheim's grin widened. "Think of it as a high fantasy world, where humans are not the only race to inhabit my realm."

A gasp escaped my lips. "Are there elves, dwarves, and half-orcs too?"

"And so much more," he replied, his eyes shining with excitement.

I was convinced. This opportunity to journey to Elheim's world excited me to no end.

"When can we go?" I eagerly asked, unable to contain my anticipation.

Elheim chuckled merrily, clearly amused by my enthusiasm. "Very soon, Connie, but first, let me finish this orientation."

I blinked, realizing that what we had been experiencing was, in fact, an orientation.

"Oh, so this is an orientation?" I questioned, a mix of curiosity and excitement filling my voice.

"Yes, your isekai orientation, to be precise," Elheim clarified. "Now, there's something very important you need to know about Vynos. How much are you aware of the so-called dungeon phenomena? There are various versions of it, particularly in Korean novels."

My brows furrowed in confusion. I was familiar with the concept he was referring to, but I couldn't fathom how Elheim, who was bound to my property, could have knowledge of these novels.

He noticed my perplexed expression and let out a hearty laugh. "I have gleaned that information from over your shoulders, you know."

Disgusted, I cringed. "You've been in my room? How often have you been in my room?"

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Elheim didn't seem the least bit ashamed. "Whenever you had your D&D sessions, wrote your fictions, worked on commissions, and especially when you played video games. They're quite entertaining. This is why I find humans of Earth so fascinating. You have countless stories to tell, even if they're fictional. You bring them to life, whether on a movie screen or in a video game where you become the protagonist. Your people even have characters on paper, and you act out their lives and stories! I apologize for intruding, but humans are truly remarkable. I hoped that by bringing you to my world, its inhabitants would find joy and entertainment, even if they were small little crumbs."

Suppressing my initial urge to complain about the invasion of my privacy, I quietly forgave his transgressions. Instead, I became more intrigued about his mention of the dungeon phenomena.

"Okay, so... I am familiar with the dungeon phenomena. Why do you ask?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

Elheim's smile held a tinge of regret as he responded, "I may have implemented a similar simulation in the creation of my world, and unfortunately, it is irreversible."

My eyes widened as I realized that the world of Vynos could be far more dangerous than I had initially imagined. The dungeon phenomena, with its escalating threats and impending doom, had always held an ominous endgame. It was like a chalice being filled to the brim, teetering on the edge, ready to overflow with blood. It was never a good sign.

"But, don't worry," Elheim interjected, noticing the concern etched on my face. "Due to the timeline and the rate of progression in Vynos, the dungeon phenomena is not so severe that imminent doom will arrive within your lifetime. In fact, there is a chance that it may even become fully integrated into my world, forming a symbiotic relationship that could benefit both realms in the long run. Think of it like a virus, such as the coronavirus. It's Earth's way of purging the infection: humanity."

It was a morbid comparison, but there was an undeniable truth to Elheim's words. Humanity's impact on Earth, particularly with issues like global warming and climate change, could be seen as a destructive force, an infection upon the world. In conclusion, the dungeon phenomena is Elheim's answer against his creations' eventual undoing in the far, far future.

Although Elheim had assured me that the impending doom of the dungeon phenomena would not be a concern in my lifetime, the idea of facing dangerous monsters in Vynos still sent a shiver down my spine. This wouldn't be a mere game where I could restart or try again. The stakes were real.

"However, fear not," Elheim reassured me, sensing my apprehension. "Vynos may be a perilous world, but I won't send you off blindly. I have prepared some gifts to aid you on your journey."

I turned towards him, curiosity and anticipation gleaming in my eyes. "Gifts?"

Elheim's smile widened, radiating warmth and excitement. "Indeed. This is an isekai adventure, a reincarnation of sorts. I will bestow upon you special abilities, ensuring that your next life in Vynos is filled with longevity, happiness, and a plethora of exhilarating adventures and opportunities! Consider it my way of expressing gratitude for all the offerings you have given me over the past two decades."

His words filled me with a mix of astonishment and gratitude. The idea of receiving special abilities that would enhance my experience in Vynos was exhilarating. It was a token of appreciation for the devotion I had shown in making offerings to the cabinet-shrine throughout the years.

"I... I don't know what to say," I stammered, overwhelmed by his generosity.

Elheim placed a hand on my shoulder, his gaze filled with warmth. "You don't have to say anything, Connie. Your actions have spoken volumes, and this is my way of reciprocating the kindness you have shown. Your journey in Vynos will be extraordinary, and these gifts will be instrumental in shaping your path."

A sense of worry began to weigh on me. "But what about the inhabitants of Vynos? Won't they find me strange?"

Elheim grinned mischievously. "Isn't that part of the fun? Concealing some of your gifts and surprising them later? Revealing yourself only to the friends you trust the most?"

A nervous laugh escaped my lips as I imagined the scenarios he described. "I suppose you're right. It could be quite an adventure."

As we reached the end of the trail, we stood before a white, two-story building with closed double doors.

Elheim turned to me, his eyes filled with warmth. "...Everything is going to be fine, Connie. If anything happens, you can always pray to me, and you can count on my intervention."

Tears welled up in my eyes, a mix of gratitude and sadness. It was rare to encounter someone as caring and loving as Elheim, reminding me of the love my parents had showered upon me. "I... I don't understand why you're so kind to me."

He smiled gently. "That's simple. It's because I love you, Connie. You are like a beloved goddaughter to me, if you would allow it."

Goddaughter. My heart swelled with affection and acceptance. "I'm a little embarrassed, but... I'll allow it," I replied, my voice filled with warmth.

Elheim spread his arms wide, and without hesitation, I moved into his embrace. His strong arms enveloped me, providing a sense of security and comfort.

He placed a sweet kiss on my forehead and affectionately patted my head. "You have fun, okay?"

I nodded, my eyes brimming with determination, as I tightly squeezed him before pulling away. "I will."

"Good. By the way, I've ensured that you have your own user interface system to help you navigate your gifts. Just think it, and it will appear," Elheim informed me.

The simplicity of his instructions reassured me, and I nodded in understanding. "Okay."

Turning my attention to the brown doors adorned with a crash bar, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. It felt like I was about to attend a class, but on the other side of those doors awaited the gateway to another world: Vynos.

Approaching the brown doors, I stopped just a foot away, my hand reaching out to touch the cold metal crash bar. Anxiety and excitement coursed through me, creating a whirlwind of emotions.

"I... I don't even know what to do once I get there," I confessed, a hint of uncertainty lacing my voice.

Elheim's eyes lit up with a sudden idea. "Oh, wait! How about this?"

Turning around, I saw him holding out an open scroll, and I carefully took it into my hands, unfurling it to examine its contents.

"What is this?" I asked, peering at the words and illustrations that adorned the parchment.

"It's your Isekai Bucket List," Elheim explained, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "Consider it a guide for your journey. There's no deadline, so you can take your time completing each task."

I read the title in my head, "My Isekai Bucket List," as I scanned the unchecked boxes of goals that needed to be accomplished in Vynos.

Elheim's smile widened. "Isn't it interesting? And here's the best part: Each time you complete a task, I will reward you accordingly."

"Really...?!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening with delight. The generosity of this deity, this godfather figure, knew no bounds. More gifts and special abilities awaited me, further fueling my anticipation and eagerness for the adventures to come.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Elheim asked, his voice brimming with encouragement. "Vynos is waiting for you."

I nodded, feeling a surge of determination coursing through my veins. With renewed confidence, I turned to face the doors once again.

"Okay... Here I go."

Summoning all my courage, I pushed the doors open, stepping into the unknown world that lay beyond.

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