*Chapter 6: The Task*
Kagami and Astaria returned to town after parting ways with the bird they had encountered during their commission. They had completed the task and received their payment, albeit for one of the oddest jobs they could have imagined and embarked on. Still, in this world, money was money, and they needed it to survive. No need to sweat the small stuff for now.
The currency in this realm was known as 'Sa,' named after the goddess who ruled this world. It was the main currency used in almost every transaction.
Astaria, despite claiming that her current role of “The goddess of this world” was her duty, was, in reality, a goddess in training, eager to prove her worth by defeating the demon king. The revelation left Kagami with mixed feelings.
As they sat in the guild, eating lunch in a somewhat awkward silence, looking at each other. Kagami finally addressed the elephant in the room. "So, you just lied," he said bluntly.
Astaria sighed, trying to defend her actions. "I wouldn't call it a lie; it's more like hiding some information. Or changing the truth for the greater good."
Kagami shook his head in disbelief. "No, the whole thing is a lie. You're just some small fry in the world of gods, aren't you?"
Astaria's temper flared, and she stood up, slamming her hand on the table, causing the nearby patrons to glance in their direction. She was going to further defend herself, but Kagami quickly gestured for her to sit down, and she reluctantly complied, her anger subsiding.
"A god is a god; each has almost infinite potential," Astaria explained, her voice more composed. "And apart from that monster senior of mine, gods usually progress slowly in obtaining and reaching their potential. This test exists to teach gods humility, to make them experience human society, and to help them prove and improve themselves, and unlock their potential."
Kagami, seemingly uninterested, continued to munch on his food. Astaria was about to elaborate further on the concept of the demon king when a guild receptionist approached their table, informing them that the guild master wished to meet them. After some inquiries and assurances that there were no issues, Kagami and Astaria weighted their options and decided to see the guild master.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
The office of the guild master was cluttered with papers and work-related documents. When they entered, it was in a state of disarray. The guild master greeted them cheerfully, referring to them as "our favorite cute new recruits." She appeared as a mature and beautiful woman with long black hair and a mole on her face, giving her an air of authority.
Kagami and Astaria treated her with the respect her position demanded, though they couldn't ignore the scent of alcohol in her office or her somewhat laid-back demeanor. Still, her words carried weight.
Kagami, trying to maintain his composure and not starting any trouble, asked, "Excuse me, but could you tell us why we're here? We're not in any trouble now, are we?"
Astaria, on the other hand, was more concerned about her meal. "Yeah, if we didn't do anything wrong, can I go back to finish my meal? I'm hungry, you know." Astaria wasn't completely oblivious to the situation and it's possible impact on their lives, but she was really, really hungry.
The guild master reassured them with a sweet voice, "No, no, please don't worry. You're not in any trouble. In fact, you might be here for a reward."
Both Kagami and Astaria remained skeptical, but before they could react, the guild master continued. "We haven't even introduced ourselves properly yet, and you're already so tense. That hurts my heart, you know."
Kagami remained cautious, keeping his hand on his dagger, just in case, while Astaria watched the situation unfold. As her appetite suddenly vanished.
"Cut to the chase," Kagami finally said, impatient. "No need to beat around the bush. If you have something to say, say it."
The guild master chuckled and then got straight to the point. "Alright, alright. I have a special orb, a little birdie, if you will, that informs me of various things. For instance, it told me that a certain group of people passed by a certain drunk lady sleeping on the road, not once but Twice. Now that little lady has gone missing, and I want that same group of people to search for her, to make amends. You don't happen to know that group of people, now do you."
Kagami remembered the first time. but struggled to recall the second, until suddenly he remembered seeing someone on the ground out of the corner of his eye when they had parted ways with the bird last time. He began to piece together the situation, deep in thought.
To be continued...