*Chapter 3: The Vanishing Act*

Kagami, the unassuming high school student turned 'Chosen One' , was standing in the midst of a fantastical world with his two companions by his side. The sky above him was a swirl of colors he couldn't quite name, but was as clear and beautiful as it can be. The air was filled with strange, exotic and refreshing scents. He had already reunited with the stray dog he had befriended back in his own world, and a newfound sense of camaraderie filled the air. Although he wasn't conveniently put in the middle of the town, he was happy enough.

Astaria, the Goddess of 'Light and Protector of the Multiverse' , watched Kagami with a mix of anticipation and frustration. She had reluctantly agreed to let Kagami take care of his dog's needs before embarking on his quest to save the world from the impending darkness she spoke about. She couldn't help but feel that Kagami was far too nonchalant about the gravity of the situation.

He had a weird air and feeling about him she couldn't quite put her fingers on.

As they journeyed through the fantastical terrains heading towards the town, the dog wagged his tail and Kagami maintaining his casual cold demeanor towards Astaria and yet strangely warm towards the dog, Astaria struggled to contain her divine irritation.

"Kagami," she finally said with a hint of exasperation, "you need to understand that this world is in grave danger, and your actions have consequences... Treating a dog better than a Goddess is simply not acceptable."

Kagami glanced at her, his brow furrowed. "Danger? Remind me again What kind of danger are we talking about here?"

Astaria hesitated for a moment before answering, "A darkness is spreading across this world, threatening to consume everything. Only the Chosen One can stop it. That's you... Right?"

Kagami blinked, processing the gravity of the situation. "So, I'm supposed to save this world? Me and the little guy?"

Astaria nodded solemnly. "Yes, Kagami. You are the Chosen One, and this dog may hold the key to our success... Probably."

Kagami scratched his head, looking down at his faithful companions. "Well, buddy, it looks like we've got a quest to embark on."

And so, Kagami and his loyal dog continued on the adventure that may take them to the farthest reaches of this fantastical world, facing challenges, making allies, and discovering the true power of friendship(?). As for Astaria, the once 'all-powerful goddess' , she found herself in the peculiar position of relying on a seemingly ordinary guy and his canine companion to save the world from so called impending darkness.

As they continued their travel, the landscape grew even more surreal and breathtaking. They traversed an enchanted forest with trees that whispered weird voices and sounds, crossed crystal-clear rivers inhabited by mischievous water spirits and giant Crabs, and encountered creatures that could only be described as mythical beings that could only exist in another plane of existence.

Throughout it all, Kagami remained remarkably unfazed as always. Astaria, on the other hand, couldn't help but be amazed by the wonders of this new realm, even as she fretted over the impending darkness that threatened to engulf it, Her Duty and other stuff.

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"Kagami," she said as they were going slowly towards the town, "we must remain vigilant. The darkness is growing stronger, and time is of the essence."

Kagami nodded, his expression seemingly serious. "I understand, Astaria. We'll do whatever it takes to stop this darkness."

But just as they were resolute in their determination to face the challenges ahead, something unexpected suddenly happened.

Kagami's loyal dog, who had been happily trotting alongside him, suddenly vanished into thin air. One moment, he was there, and the next, he was gone.

Kagami's eyes widened in shock as he looked around frantically. "Where did He go?! Goddess Where did he go?!"

Astaria, for the first time since her arrival, dropped her act and appeared to be at a loss. She looked around, her divine brow furrowed, her godly aura diminished.

Kagami, his heart pounding he panicked and, turned to Astaria. "This may or may not be your fault. It better not be Your fault!"

Astaria bit her lip, her expression troubled. "I... I'm sorry, Kagami. I didn't mean for this to happen... Actually I don't really know what happened, but I think the Gods took him and sealed my Powers... Again?"

Kagami didn't answer but turned and started walking away, his dog sudden disappearance clearly bothering him.

It was weird and it felt weird. Astaria hesitated for a moment before trailing after him, floating slowly as he made his way toward the nearby town.

As they walked, Astaria tried to explain herself. "My powers have been sealed, you see? Kagami. I can't do much to help right now. But on the bright side, this means you still can embark on a journey to meet beautiful girls and have exciting adventures!"

Kagami's eyes lit up a bit at the prospect of having a fulfilling life, but he couldn't help but feel that Astaria was

trying to sugarcoat the situation. "You're just saying that to make me feel better, aren't you?"

Astaria chuckled nervously. "Well, maybe just a little. But really, we'll make the best of this together!"

Kagami raised an eyebrow. "And why would you tell me this?"

Astaria sighed, her divine aura now completely gone, revealing her appearance as that of a beautiful girl who floated beside Kagami. "Because I feel we have a long way to go, and making things worse from the start won't help. And because... you are kinda scary."

Kagami couldn't help sighing at the honesty in her words. "Fair enough. I won't go after you, for what happened."

Eventually, they arrived at a lively town with a bustling atmosphere. The streets were filled with adventurers in all sorts of gear, and the scent of food vendors wafted through the air. (They snuck in when the guards was busy.)

Kagami glanced at Astaria, who had resumed her role as just a beautiful girl floating beside him. "We should register at the Adventurer's Guild. This how things should go right?”

Astaria nodded. "Agreed, that's how it should go."

Inside the guild, they approached the reception desk, where a beautiful female receptionist with long, flowing hair greeted them with a warm smile. Kagami turned to Astaria and pointed at her. "This is Astaria, my...pet. I am Kagami."

Astaria, who had started to look forward to what's coming, couldn't believe her ears. She opened her mouth to protest but quickly shut it when Kagami shot her an angry look.

The receptionist raised an eyebrow but maintained her professional demeanor. "Very well. Welcome to the guild, Kagami and Astaria. If you are here to register, Please fill out these registration forms."

Astaria couldn't resist a whimper of complaint, but Kagami's stern look silenced her once again.

As they filled out the forms and officially became adventurers, Kagami couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfilment. He was in a new world, with new possibilities, and the chance to embark on an adventure to rule all adventures.

Astaria, while still adjusting to her newfound vulnerability, knew that she had to make the best of their situation. After all, she was just a newbie when it came to this whole "adventure" thing, and she had a lot to learn.

And so, Kagami and Astaria, an unlikely duo of a 'normal guy' and a goddess in training, set out on their adventure together, their journey filled with uncertainty, humor, and the promise of a whole new world of experiences!

(And Maybe Death and suffering, Who knows?).