"...Hmn..." (Sakuta)
Feeling warm sunray pouring on my face, I open my eyes. I look around the unfamiliar room, illuminated only by the sunlightcoming through between the window's shutters.
(... Ah right. I came into another world for some unknown reasons, walked to the nearest town, and rented a room at this inn.) (Sakuta)
I get off from the bed and stretch my body. I don't feel any of yesterday's exhaustion. Then, noticing that I have no other clothes than what I wore yesterday, I remember I wanted to go buy clothes before I fell asleep.
(So, how much money do I have, and how much does clothes cost, is what I should consider.) (Sakuta)
I put out all the money I have on the desk. 2 gold coins, 12 silver ones, and 1 small copper coin.
(A small copper coin is worth 1 Lys. A larger one is worth 10, from how I paid for this room. Decimal system is probably used here too, so a silver coin might have a value of 100 if there is no larger coin for copper. Anyway, like this, a gold coin would be worth at least 1000 Lys. In total, I have at least 3201 Lys.) (Sakuta)
It's quite inconvenient that coins don't have their value inscribed. There is only some kind of crest on one side, and someone's face on the other.
(Dividing this amount by the price of a night with two meal, I can live for 53 days. I don't know how much cost clothes, but worst case I will settle for second-hand or something.) (Sakuta)
Thinking so, I gather up the coins and go out of my room. I don't forget to lock the door, though I didn't leave anything inside anyway.
I climb down the stairs and get to the hall room / dining room / reception.
"... Have a nice day !" (Mina-san)
There, I hear Mina-san seeing off a group of peoples with an energetic voice.
(Looks like there is no customers left.) (Sakuta)
The room was quite silent now that all only Mina-san was left.
"Good morning, Mina-san." (Sakuta)
"Ah good morning Sakuta-sama ! Did you spend a good night ?" (Mina-san)
"Yes, I have no complaint." (Sakuta)
(Honestly, as long as the room is clean and the bed isn't too hard, I won't complain. Oh and it's better if the room is safe. I can't ask for too much when I don't even know anything about this world.) (Sakuta)
Mina-san nods with a satisfied smile.
"Mmhmh ! That's good. Don't hesitate to say it if there is anything wrong. By the way ... Why are you calling me Mina-san ? Just call me Mina or Mina-chan like everyone else !" (Mina-san)
Well, if the person herself says so, it's fine I guess.
"Alright." (Sakuta)
"..." (Mina)
"..." (Sakuta)
The conversation came to an abrupt stop. Sorry, Mina. I can't be a good conversation partner.
"...*smile*..." (Mina)
"..." (Sakuta)
"So ?" (Mina)
"So ?" (Sakuta)
"This is where you call my name !" (Mina)
She exclaims, and makes a pouty face.
"Oh right ... Mina. You can simply call me Sakuta too." (Sakuta)
"No, no, I can't do that. Because Sakuta-sama is the customer." (Mina)
"It's fine. I don't mind." (Sakuta)
I don't really care how I am called, as long as it isn't depreciative or mocking.
(Does she remember all her customers names and call them with -sama ? That's quite impressive. I wouldn't even remember half of their names.) (Sakuta)
"Well, if you say so. So, Sakuta, you are quite the late waker, aren't you ?" (Mina)
"Not really." (Sakuta)
(I don't know what time it is, but, although it's true I woke up late today, it must be because I was really tired yesterday. I will wake up sooner next time.) (Sakuta)
"It's too bad ... you missed the breakfast, an father already went to buy supplies." (Mina)
(No way ?!) (Sakuta)
"Hmm... what to do... Alright ! I will make you something !" (Mina)
"Thanks. Sorry for the trouble." (Sakuta)
"Don't mind it ! But ..." (Mina)
Mina suddenly lower her voice, and with a serious expression, raises a hand to hide her mouth.
"... keep it a secret okay ?" (Mina)
I don't understand why, but for the time being, I nod. Not like I had anyone to talk to about this, and there would be no point anyway.
"Usually, my father cook all meals. If it's known that I cooked, it will become a disaster. The males adventurers of this inn will go berserk over it." (Mina)
Oh that's what it's about. I see. I already witnessed yesterday's behaviour, or more like I was the victim. Better avoid becoming all mens of this inn enemy. I nod strongly to Mina to show my understanding.
...
A few minutes later, I am eating bread and what looks like scrambled eggs. It's good. I remember I couldn't savor yesterday's dinner because of those disturbing guys.
The taste is a bit different from chicken eggs. I can't say how exactly, maybe a deeper flavor ? I wasn't a gourmet. I used to cook and eat randomly.
'As long as it was edible, filled my stomach and wasn't too bad for health, I wasn't picky with food. If it was easy to cook, then it was even better.' I though, remembering my highschool days, when I lived alone in an appartment.
"I am going." (Sakuta)
I said to Mina.
"Good bye ! Have a nice day !" (Mina)
...
I walk on the south main road toward the center of the town. I am aiming for the west district, thinking that there should be more shops selling clothes there. Since I am unfamiliar with the streets, I choose to take larges roads which are easy to navigate in.
After walking for ten minutes, I reach the center plaza. The place is crowded with peoples busily bargainning prices at the numerous stalls selling anything, from food, to animal pelts, and random items I don't recognize. The place is suurrounded by big buildings which seems to be either shops or restaurants. Certainly, this place looks like it will always be filled by peoples, so it's among the best places to set up a shop.
Then I notice a huge, white building. The building has stairs leading to its large, opened doors. The walls are supported by big columns. Globally, it looks a bit like a greek temple.
'Ah that's right, there was a temple here...' I though lightly.
Yesterday, I had though that this was a place I had nothing to do with. Now that I re-think about it more leisurely, there might be clues to my coming in this world to be found here. After all, who know if a god exists and communicate with peoples, in a world where monsters and levels exist.
(However, there is also a possibility of being a targeted for heresy or something if I said 'I came to find god so he can tell me why i am here'. There might be others issues too. Should I really go and check ?) (Sakuta)
- Yes, go to the temple -
I don't hesitate for long. Something is telling me to go. My intuition is telling me to go. I can just hide the fact I came from another world until I feel it's safe.
And so, I stop a distance away from the temple, observing peoples coming in and out of the ancient looking building. Various peoples from all age and lifestyle are using this place.
(Looks like anyone is free to come and go. That's good for me.) (Sakuta)
I mingle with the crowd, walking up the stairs to enter the temple.
...
The inside of the temple is brightly illuminated by spheres of light fixed on the walls. The floor is made of white marble. Overall, the inside of this temple gives off an impression of holiness. Even though there are a lot of peoples here, the large hall is mostly silent.
I turn left and right to take a look around and understand the layout of this place. There are five rooms which, together with the entrance, are placed at the corners of an hexagon. Priests looking peoples are keeping rows of peoples in order, before each of these rooms. Except one.
The room on my immediate right from the exit is unpopulated. Now then what will I do ?
(I will obvioulsy check this one first !) (Sakuta)
Thus, I stepped inside a circular room of about 20 meters in diameter, devoid of peoples except from me.
I stand before the huge 5 meter tall statue of a goddess. The statue is made of pure while material which makes the outside walls seem old and slightly yellow in contrast. Actually, this whole room feels as clean as brand new.
(And now ? What am I supposed to do ?) (Sakuta)
- Pray to the goddess' statue -
(Alright I will pray in front of this statue. But there is no offering box ... Can't be helped.) (Sakuta)
I close my eyes and clap my hands together, concentrating on the sentences 'I wish to meet and ask. Why did I appear in this world ?'.
I wait. I will wait one minute, and if nothing happen I will go to another room.
"..." (Sakuta)
At some point, I feel as if the air around me changed. I can't find other words to describe it. Just as I was about to open my eyes, I hear a voice.
"I welcome thee to my divine realm, otherworlder. As thou do not possess a blessing, do thou wish to accept mine blessing, goddess of Growth, Aruvetia's blessing ?" (Aruvetia)
I open my eyes at the same time I hear those words said with a clear, bell -like voice. A beautiful woman, clad in a pure white robe, sewn with silver and gold thread descend slowly to the ground, where the statue was, softly landing on her sandals. She is surrounded by a halo of light. The fabric of her white robe twinkles in a faint blue.
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
"But I guess you have some more important questions to ask first." (Aruvetia)
She squints her deep blue eyes, smiling beautifully. Her long and flowing pink hair flutters as she tilts her head sideway. Two locks of hair spread on the side behind her ears like two small wings. These hair have a supernatural shine, with purplish or blue hue at some places, and surround her perfect facial features. A golden and black hairband makes itself conspicious with its dark tones over light colors.Her pale skin looks smooth and flawless.
(How beautiful ...) (Sakuta)
I am mesmerized at this sight. I can only think of a single word to describe her : a goddess.
"Ara~. Thank you, it has been a long time since I was complimented as such by a mortal." (Aruvetia)
She place a white hand on her cheek.
I feel slightly embarassed at those words. Eh ?
(I didn't say anything ... Could she, possibly read my mind ?) (Sakuta)
(Yes I can. But only the thoughts you allow me to hear. If there is something you wish to hide, I shall not abuse my power to peer into your mind.) (Aruvetia)
I hear a voice, identical to the announcement of level and skills up, in my mind.
(I ... don't have anything to hide ... I think ? I didn't do much since coming to this world. Ah um ... Aruvetia...-sama was it ?) (Sakuta)
"Yes. I am Aruvetia, this world's Goddess of Growth." (Aruvetia)
('This world', and 'otherworlder' ... Is it fine to ask questions ? There is a lot of things I want to know.) (Sakuta)
The goddess answer my thoughts in a gentle voice.
"Yes, take your time." (Aruvetia)
"Why ... am I in this world ?" (Sakuta)
"Umm ... it would be difficult to answer 'why', after all, your soul wasn't brought to this world by anyone's intention. At least, from my knowledge." (Aruvetia)
(... So, this is ...) (Sakuta)
"Yes, you were brought here by accident. So to speak, it was something like a natural disaster." (Aruvetia)
Aruvetia said, making an apologetic face.
(I see ...) (Sakuta)
So I was brought to this world by accident ... And it wasn't even something like being summoned by accident, as a bystander like it happen in various web novels ... It come a bit like a shock, no ... suprise ? That I came here as the result of a disaster.
"Most likely, you died in your original world, and your soul drifted between worlds instead of going through the cycle of reincarnation." (Aruvetia)
My soul ?
"Aruvetia-sama, why do you say 'my soul' ?" (Sakuta)
I still have a body ?
"Indeed, you lost your original body. Souls wandering between worlds aren't unusual, although it happens rarely from a human's perspective. For exemple, in this world, the previous one came four hundreds years ago, and before that, nine hundreds years ago." (Aruvetia)
She then said something about a decision among the gods of this world that, when a soul with a developped consciousness wander here, a body would be made for this soul.
"After all, if left alone, a lost soul might take over a newborn's body. It is also possible that you would find yourself in the body of another specie, be it an animal or a monster ... Worst case, you might be taken by the Demon God. In order to avoid that, a new body is made for these individuals. The body is made from the person's mental image of himself." (Aruvetia)
(D-Demon God ? That sure sound ominous. I have to thank the goddess.) (Sakuta)
"Thank you. I am very grateful." (Sakuta)
I bow my head low to express my thanks.
'You are welcome' she answered with a smile.
I'm glad I met with this goddess. What would have happened to me if it was a dangerous god ?
(If it's Aruvetia-sama, I would be alright with worshipping her.) (Sakuta)
*giggle* "It's fine there isn't any rites that you have to do for me. Ah but I would be happy if you came to talk every now and then." (Aruvetia)
(Wouldn't I be a bother ? I won't have anything interesting to talk about. And a goddess might be busy.) (Sakuta)
"No it's fine ! I actually have a lot of free time after all." (Aruvetia)
I see ... I don't know how much I can take those words in their litteral sense, but for now I will do as she said. Still, it's quite a peculiar feeling to have your thoughts read. But with this, I can convey things I want to say but am unable to.
"... What do I look like ?" (Sakuta)
(Aruvetia-sama said that my body was made according to my own image of myself, right ? So I am curious about my appearance. I didn't look at a mirror since I came here.) (Sakuta)
"Mirrors are expensive after all. Here use this." (Aruvetia)
Extending her hand gracefully, palm down, a full-length mirror appeared. I place myself in front of that mirror.
"..." (Sakuta)
What I see in the mirror is the reflexion of a black haired, black eyed boy, in my clothes and equipment, standing with an expressionless face. The boy looks like he is only 15 years old.
(Why am I so young ?! I should be at least 18 years old ! I'm sure I looked at least older than this. Did I believe myself to be younger inconsciously ?) (Sakuta)
"It's quite amusing that you show no emotion at all, but when I peek in your mind, you are full of thoughts and emotions." (Aruvetia)
Saying so, the goddess puts a hand over her mouth, hiding a laugh.
Feeling a bit embarassed, I look at my own reflection's face.
(Am I really lacking in my facial expressions ?...) (Sakuta)
I try smiling a bit. What I see on the reflection is ... no changes ...
No, the corner of my mouth moved by 2 mm ! Maybe ...
A memory suddenly surface in my mind. It this scene of myself doing the same thing, trying to smile in front of a mirror in my apartment. I understand instinctively ... That this is hopeless. This face shall never show any emotions.
"If one was unable to read your thoughts, it would be almost impossible to tell your feelings." (Aruvetia)
I feel a bit depressed inside. The goddess, smiling wryly, not knowing what to say, puts the mirror away and changes subject.
"Aside from that, do you have anything else to ask ?" (Aruvetia)
I think a bit and ask.
"Is there any way to return to my world ?" (Sakuta)
I do not even know if I want to return to my former world, but this question should be asked. I might have left a lot of things behind by disappearing suddenly.
Aruvetia-sama answers, wearing a sad expression,
"I am sorry Sakuta, but it's most likely impossible. Although I could send you to another world, there are countless worlds out there. I do not know the coordinates of your original world, and you don't know either, right ? Furthermore, even if you luckily reached the right one after aiming at a random world, you are unlikely to land at the right time period." (Aruvetia)
(Is that so ? Well I understand. I won't try then. It would be pointless if I landed 1000 years in the future. It would be the same as going to yet another foreign world.) (Sakuta)
"You are taking this surprinsingly calmly, Sakuta." (Aruvetia)
Somehow, I wasn't surprised at this reality. Maybe I knew intuitively that I wouldn't be able to return.
(I can't do anything about it, so it can't be helped. Anyway, if I don't return, I will have to live in this world. *Sigh* It would be so convenient if I had cheat skills. I would have an easy life.) (Sakuta)
"Cheat ?" (Aruvetia)
(Ah it's something about fictionnal stories in my world. Someone travelling in a foreign world would be granted great power by gods or the world itseld. Enough to be called a hero and be the strongest.) (Sakuta)
"Hmm. I see. But we gods, can't grant this much power to a single individual just like this. It would destroy the world's balance, and in the first place, your soul wouldn't be able to hold out." (Aruvetia)
"Ah well, it can't be helped then." (Sakuta)
I can only do my best, strive for my survival.
"It's not to the extent of something that can be called a cheat, but in this world, one does receive something upon getting lost in this world." (Aruvetia)
(Really ?! What is it ?) (Sakuta)
I suddenly get excited at those words. After all, it's directly related to my life.
Aruvetia-sama smiles wryly, as if telling me not to get my hopes up.
"Aside from the belongings you found on yourself upon awakening, you were given a special skill. It's called 'divine skill [Common Sense]'." (Aruvetia)
(Ehh...) (Sakuta)
My thoughts froze from the unexpected words. Common sense ? It sounds so disappointing after being put together with 'divine skill'...
"W-Well, the name was choosen by that god, Deus. He insisted to call it like this." (Aruvetia)
Haa... Ok...
"... What does it do ?" (Sakuta)
"When you ask yourself a question in your mind, as long as it can be answered within the average knowledge of this world inhabitants, the knowlegde will be directly transmitted to your mind. Additionally, you obtain knowledge of the most common language of the region you appeared in." (Aruvetia)
"... Isn't that really good ?" (Sakuta)
Without it, I would be unable to talk to peoples ... This skill isn't very flashy, but it's actually something vital isn't it ?
(If I think about it, I unknowingly used this skill a few times already. It was this skill that lead me here. I might still be lost in the grasslands if I didn't have it. Thank you for this skill, Aruvetia-sama.) (Sakuta)
"No need to thank me. It wasn't actually only me who decided to create this skill. It was the decision of us six gods and goddesses after the Devil incident." (Aruvetia)
"Devil ?" (Sakuta)
She explains an event from two thousands years ago, where an otherworlder obtained power took decided to destroy this world...
...
(I've stayed in this room quite a long time now. Is it fine ? There is no time limit to meet gods ?) (Sakuta)
"Do not worry, the time flows faster here, and there is no time limit. Ask as many questions as you want. However, understand that I cannot answer all questions." (Aruvetia)
That's good. I take a lot of time to ask questions about this world. The goddess doesn't answer questions like 'what is the recipe of an all-curing elixir', 'where to find a legendary artifact sword', or 'what is the strongest spell'. Since it would break the balance or something.
...
This world's civilisation worship six god and goddesses.
- Goddess of War, Lisanthius,
- Goddess of Magic, Elemia,
- Holy Goddess, Feris,
- Goddess of Art, Meifeng,
- Goddess of Growth, Aruvetia,
- Creator God, Deus.
Additionally, there is a Dragon God who created dragons, and then stopped interfering with the mortal world, and the Demon God who appeared in this world a long time after all others gods.
The six gods are those worshipped in temples all over the continent.
"But I only saw five rooms in the temple ?" (Sakuta)
"Deus, doesn't have a statue. He never showed his appearance to peoples after all." (Aruvetia)
I see... There is another thing that bothers me.
"There wasn't anyone before your statue." (Sakuta)
I remember there was a lot of peoples waiting before the four other rooms, but none here. I wonder why. The five goddesses should be about equaly prayed to, right ?
"T-That's ... " (Aruvetia)
The goddess averted her gaze on the side ... Suspicious.
"D-Don't you have more important things to ask ? Hahaha ..." (Aruvetia)
She forcibly tried to change subject... Her divinness is dropping.
"..." (Sakuta)
"Uuuh ... Fine ... Actually, gods can give blessings to some of their followers, speeding up their skills' growth according to which god they receive blessing from..." (Aruvetia)
It seems that it's something like a large bonus in growth rate in martial arts related skills for the War Goddess, Magic related skills for the Goddess of Magic, etc... And for Aruvetia-sama, since all skills are affected, the bonus is a lot lower. Something like +15% versus 3%... The general opinion is that, focusing on a single field of competences is better than 'wasting effort' in fields one will never use.
"And so, I don't have a lot of believers... There is currently no one who possess my blessing..." (Aruvetia)
So she concluded, visibly depressed.
(... Could it be, I stepped on a landmine ?) (Sakuta)
I can almost see the gloom over her head. Wait I can really see it.
"That's right... I am so free because no one comes pray to me... I was so free and bored that Deus took pity and handed me the task of making level up annoucements...*hic*" (Aruvetia)
She is hanging her head sighing and emitting negativity. I am starting to feel really bad for her ...
"Cheer up ?..." (Sakuta)
I don't know how to cheer someone up, much less a goddess...
"*hic*... I am even getting cheered up by a human ...! Uwaanh~ *sob*" (Aruvetia)
She started crying ?!
"*hic* Even though I repeated many time to look dignified ...! Uguu-" (Aruvetia)
You repeated ?! It was all acting ?!
...
Some time later, Aruvetia-sama finally calmed down.
"Sorry, Sakuta. I calmed down now." (Aruvetia)
She said, wiping tears at the corner of her eyes.
"It's fine. Don't mind it." (Sakuta)
Somehow, when I think about it, it was kinda cute. Makes me want to pat her head...
(No, no, no. I better not think about such rude things. She is still a goddess.) (Sakuta)
Anyway, I still feel a bit of guilt.
"So, can I receive Aruvetia-sama's blessing in my case ?" (Sakuta)
"Eh ?! You want to receive mine ?!" (Aruvetia)
Her face was colored in disbelief.
"Is it no good ?" (Sakuta)
"No ! It's alright ! Please accept it !" (Aruvetia)
Light Surrounds me before I hear the goddess' voice directly inside my head.
- You received the blessing of Aruvetia, Goddess of Growth -
"It has been a long time since I gave my blessing to someone." (Aruvetia)
The goddess had a large smile blooming on her face. She seemed extremely happy so my guilt faded away.
(Cute...) (Sakuta)
After this, I asked a few more things about status, skills and blessings, and bid farewell to the goddess.
"Come again ! Whenever you want !" (Aruvetia)
I decided to come once a week. It should be good enough.
Light engulfed me and I found myself in the temple room in front of Aruvetia's statue.
...
(It was a lt of information all at once ... I'm tired.) (Sakuta)
I found myself back at the inn before I knew it. When I went out of the temple, a temple sister talked to me. It seems she manage an orphanage behind the temple and was searching for donators. I didn't listen too much since I had too much on my mind, so I gave her a silver coin and escaped.
"Welcome back ! You came back early. Did something happen ?" (Mina)
Mina was sweeping the floor with a broom.
"I'm back. Not really, I have a lot of things to think about." (Sakuta)
(About what I will do from now on.) (Sakuta)
"Is that so ? Anyway, will you take lunch here ?" (Mina)
"Yes." (Sakuta)
"Got it !" (Mina)
I returned to my room and sat on the bed, ready to put my thoughts in order. Then I suddenly remembered something.
(I forgot to buy clothes...) (Sakuta)
----------------------------------------
Summary of Sakuta's current status :
Name : Sakuta
Specie : Human
Level 3
Blessing : Goddess of Growth - Aluvetia
Skills :
Swordmanship
Lv3
Dodging
Lv1
Intimidation
Lv1
Enhanced Eyesight
Lv1
Enhanced Hearing
Lv1
Pain Resistance
Lv1
Thoughts Acceleration
Lv1
Parallel Thoughts
Lv1
Concentration
Lv1
Status Appraisal
Lv4
Self Status
Lv4
Item Appraisal
Lv4
Divine skill : Common Sense