When I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was the light, or lack thereof, in the room. I guess it was night then. I glanced around the room after sitting up and saw who I assumed was Sylphet sleeping while leaning over my bed. The rest of the room was empty aside from the furniture. Now how do I get out of bed without waking her? As I considered my options, I noted something was different about my situation than usual. My body felt lighter, as if physics themselves had ceased to function. That’s odd. As soon as that thought crossed my mind a sheet of paper appeared in midair addressed to me, it read: Hello my dearest sister, I figured I should give you a little edge. I know you told me you didn’t want me to use my powers of time to help you train and break some seals. Soooo, I went ahead and made some slight adjustments to your mortal form instead. Feel free to try them out later, I even made it possible for you to do Innate silent casting! That was so much harder than you realize, Izu-chan. I swear I'll need to sleep for the next decade to unwind from that work! Please take care of yourself in your new life! Oh, and please don’t take such risks again. I know how badly you wanted to see me and all, but I really would rather you not ruin your life’s work like that. If it wasn’t for our connection, you really would have died after that. See you when I see you, love ya, sis!

Damn it, Historia! "Haahh," knowing her, she only had the best intentions, but did she have to do this? I sighed and activated my unique skill, omnidirectional movement to create a solid ledge in the air to lift myself out of bed. Then I swung over Sylphet's slumbering form and used my skill to avoid making a noise on landing. I walked over the ground with a single centimeter of clearance. I snuck out of the room and investigated the situation.

I get down the steps without causing a single creak, avoiding any sound that may give my presence away. Using my unique skill, I shifted my orientation so that my feet now stood on the ceiling. Then I crouched in a corner because my future sight detected the door to my left opening. It was Kotoha in a dark green negligee, and she seemed to be sleepwalking into the kitchen of the inn. I followed her, taking care to minimize my presence and avoid making noise. Once she got herself a drink, she headed into the dining area in the dead of night. There I saw Athena reading to lamplight in her usual armor.

Their conversation began. Kotoha spoke first, "I still don't like the fact that we have to work with you humans to protect our lady. However, I understand that you were given orders to see her safely to the forests of Mina."

Athena shrugged in response, then replied without a single retaliatory reaction. "Hey, I get it. Humans are the source of many of the woes that affect the natural world. I don't blame you for it at all. May I make an inquiry?"

Kotoha rolled her eyes and sighed. "Sure, if I can answer, I suppose I'll pay you back for guarding Lady Izuna until we took over."

"Ok, so...what's the truth about Izuna's origins?"

The dryad hesitated in her response, giving away that there was more to the story than the runaway princess bit. "As long as we're working together, I owe you a proper explanation of the situation. First, let me ask you something. Do you know the story of how our dimension was created?"

The human nodded, so she continued, "The creation of our dimension and the founding of the first mortal lifeforms was said to be orchestrated by the primordial goddess Izunami. Time and history came afterward thanks to her twin sister, Historia. Over countless millennia, Izunami watched from her gilded castle in the divine realm, unable to directly experience life among her creations. Throughout those countless millenniums, Izunami earned the reputation of being an unpredictable powerhouse. She was also assumed to suffer from mental instability. She created more things, more lifeforms, and killed off those which she deemed failures. Eventually, a few members of the mortal races earned their own divinity and specializations. However, they kept their distance from Izunami because of her role as the primordial goddess of death. Are you following?"

Athena nodded once more before Kotoha continued, "This next bit is more or less speculation. Eventually, the never-ending isolation and growing loneliness drove her to do something drastic. We assume she sealed her powers and memory and blessed a couple with a miracle child. Vampires are often thought of to be among the higher ranks of the undead, and High elves are the immortal rulers of the elves. That couple was Izuna's parents. On that day, the progenitor high elf was born. However, she had a unique trait compared to her twin sister, Mizuno. Izuna's eyes had the same divine stigmata that were on every statue of Izunami and Historia. Once again, she was isolated until she was old enough to wear colored contacts. Only then was she allowed her debutant ball. Due to her isolation, she developed a severe case of social anxiety and awkwardness. This tale takes a tragic turn, where the war began four years after her debut, and she lost everything she worked so hard to gain."

Athena sat in silence for a while after that, "So...Izuna is Izunami?"

Kotoha nodded and smiled with pride, "Our Lady is the forgetful sort and tends to leap before she looks. She hates thinking hard about things if they don't catch her interest. Despite having been born a goddess, she had never experienced love, friendship, companionship, or anything that could amount to a proper life. However, she was the most human of the gods and had needs that would never have been met unless she reincarnated herself. We dryads take great pride in serving Lady Izunami."

"That explains a lot. Though, I would like to see proof."

That's when I dropped from my hiding spot nearby and made both of them jump and arm themselves. "Sorry if I spooked you, I couldn't help listening in when you started talking about me. Now would be a good time to reveal the proof I suppose?" I took a seat at the table and placed the letter on the table. "First, this letter was addressed to me by Historia. The second bit of proof would be my eyes," I popped my contacts out again, revealing my true eyes.

Athena gaped at me in awe for a while before speaking, "Thank you, Izunami."

I cracked a sheepish grin and shrugged, "No need to thank me, I just now accepted this as the truth tonight myself. So, I won't wear my colored contacts anymore," I took the box containing my contacts off my belt and threw it into the firepit. "After that vision tonight, I can't think of any way to deny it anymore. I met my twin sis, Historia, and we had a conversation about everything. It ended when I regained consciousness here. The letter proved to me that it wasn't just a dream, but something more."

Kotoha smiled at that then teased me, "Now you accept it, even though we've been saying so this whole time, eh? I swear, what are we gonna do with you?"

"Sh-shush Kotoha, I was in denial, ok? Who in their right mind would readily accept that they are a goddess just because someone else told them? They would have to be crazy...er, no, crazier than me at least," I paused before adding in a light but happy tone, "Anyway, we leave for the port of Elysia in the morning. Get some sleep you two."

""Yes ma-am!"" They both replied and fled the room, leaving me with an exasperated smile on my face. I love my life now, so I don't think I was wrong to leave my godhood behind for an extended vacation. Perhaps I'll take a wife and when our inevitable mortality takes us, I will resurrect everyone I cared about as gods so we can live together forever. I dread being alone. If what they said is true, and I reincarnated myself just to experience life, I better make the most of it. I headed back to my room and climbed back into bed, making sure not to wake Sylphet. I covered her with a spare blanket and closed my eyes thinking about the near future and how much fun it will be.

***

“Lady Izunami, it’s time to get up and get some breakfast.” A voice called out to me from the door of my room. I turn over and curl up even tighter to keep the light out of my eyes. The person who called out to me heaved an amused sigh and moved to tear away my covers. “Very funny, My Lady. If you don’t get up now, Sylphet will eat your portion.”

I groaned in response and rolled back over, rubbing my eyes to fight my sleepiness. Then I heard Sylphet’s voice, “I would never! Don’t make me out to be a glutton, Flora.”

That got me to smile and forced me to stifle a laugh. Sylphet jumped on me and started shaking me in flustered agitation, “W-what’s so funny, My lady! I swear, why am I always the butt of jokes around here?”

I cracked under the pressure of my suppressed laughter and cackled, finally awake I opened my eyes with a bright grin as I said, “That would be because you have the best reactions, Sylphet.”

The nymph straightened up and looked me in the eyes, then performed the very submissive bow of a servant to her mistress. “I heard from Kotoha when I woke up this morning that you have come to terms with your identity; I am happy to serve you however you wish, we all are,” Her eyes took on a zeal that wasn’t there before as she continued, “There isn’t a single one of us who would ever go against your wishes.”

I hesitated to respond and looked away to hide my expression. Those were the eyes of a zealot, an extremist who would do anything for a cause if they were told to. I couldn’t very well push her away for it, but it still left me with an uncomfortable itch I just couldn’t get rid of. I worry about Sylphet’s fanaticism, I don’t really want that kind of person in my life, so I hope she grows out of it soon. I forced a smile and responded to her properly, “Thank you Sylphet, I appreciate you being there when I need you. Though, do you think that, maybe, you could tone it down a little?”

Her expression went from one of zealous devotion to utter confusion for a moment before she responded, “I’m not sure I follow, but I will do my best. I am sure that I will understand one day as long as I stay by your side, Your Highness.”

Now that I’ve accepted my identity as this goddess, I suppose my prior views of not showing off my skills will have to go out the window. My natural eyes will be in plain view from now on, which means my crescents will be visible to everyone. Oh gods, I so did not think this through. I am so nervous about this. Those were the thoughts that flashed through my mind as I got ready for the day. I suppose I’ll also need to rein in the 7th seat and her squad. I am supposed to be their mistress, so, it tracks that I need to take command. My attempt last night felt like I was playing a role on a stage though. My sister Mizuno was the one who was the heiress to the throne. I don’t have any talent for leadership, but I must give it a shot at least and do my best. If the war never happened, it is likely I would have either been married off in a political marriage or wound up serving my dear sister as her personal bodyguard. My talents have always leaned towards combat, and that was fine by me. I mostly live by instinct. The lousy nobles of the inner court considered me an outcast and a failure. There were even rumors that I was an illegitimate child of the king, who then was turned into a vampire. Anyway, I should clear my head before Athena catches on to my thoughts. She is scary good at reading my mind without a skill.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

I smiled and greeted Athena once I got to the bottom floor where the tavern was. “Good morning, Athena. Did you sleep well?”

She looked up from her work as she helped the tavern owner’s family with serving customers. “Oh, Lady Izunami. Why yes, I did sleep well. How about you?” The customers caught Athena’s words and turned to look at me after hearing a goddess’s name. Upon seeing my eyes, they were quick to turn away and began muttering amongst each other.

“It’s true, I never thought I would encounter the creator of our dimension in the flesh until I died. Does this mean the world is about to end?” One of the civilians commented.

Another spoke, “You think those might be tattoos? If they are she would be tried as a heretic for impersonating a goddess.”

“You gonna ask her yourself? You know if she is the real deal, you would be vaporized on the spot for your insolence.” Some elderly man warned.

Those were just a few of many of the conversations that started up after Athena mentioned my name. I forced a smile as I overheard these conversations due to my enhanced hearing. Then I answered Athena, “Yeah, I slept alright. I had a hard time falling asleep though. I was thinking about what the future had in store for us is all.”

“Ah, makes sense. You were in denial for a good while,” Commented Kotoha.

I shrug at her teasing jab and take a seat, “Anyway, we head to the port after everyone has eaten. We will not delay again. I won’t have another emotional outburst that causes that this time.”

Flora smiled at that and drove a playful taunt my way, “If you say so, My Lady. Your instability is well documented, you know?”

At that, I clicked my fingers on the table and used a trace of my fleshly unsealed might. Floating a mug of ale into the air and pouring it on her for her snark. “Consider that punishment Flora, now go get changed and reflect on your actions,” I commented with a sly grin.

About half an hour passed, and we reunited with our merchant charge. “So, Lady Izuna is the goddess Izunami? I can’t tell if you are pulling my leg or not, but I would rather not get vaporized if she is.” The merchant’s reaction was one of caution but acceptance when he learned of my identity.

I flashed him a kind smile, “You don’t have to treat me any differently from before. I am still a high elf and traveling in a mortal form. Much of my power is sealed and I don’t have any intention of getting involved in any drama or conflicts if I can help it.”

“That is a relief to hear, thank you. Oh! That’s right, I meant to offer you a gift the next time we met, take this.” He handed me an object resembling a medallion of some sort.

“What is this?” I asked, intrigued by its engravings.

“I happen to serve as the personal merchant of the Emperor of Dylstraya. It’s just past the Kingdom of Mina and the mountains.”

I quirked up an eyebrow at that info, “You sure you should be giving me something so valuable? Isn’t it something the emperor gave to you for your own usage?”

“I can’t deny that, however, I think setting up an alliance with them is your best shot to weather the incoming storm.” His cryptic response left me confused, but I chose to accept his offer anyway.

We traveled alongside his carriage all the way and didn’t run into any complications on the trip to Elysia. We were now in line to be checked by the guards. They seemed to have a higher focus on security here, as the guards at the gates were armed with the most modern equipment available in the modern era. High-powered anti-infantry assault rifles were hanging by a sash around their necks, and they wore smart glasses that checked the identities of those entering and exiting against a national database. They even had snipers up on the scout towers to watch for incoming threats. It was more like a military compound than anything I had ever seen, at least as far as my unsealed memories could tell me.

Most of the people coming into the port seemed to be merchants and their adventurer bodyguards. As I observed the location and the people entering ahead of us, I felt a sudden hair-raising chill. Danger, it’s not safe here! The trees warned me of the threat as I started moving.

“Move, now!” I shouted with the most urgency I had ever felt before. I dove for cover in a ditch beside the road and not a moment later, a thick beam of plasma shot overhead from the woods beside the path. The merchant’s cart was vaporized along with its contents. I turned my gaze to the source of the beam and spotted a large monster. It was a disaster-class behemoth, a massive hydra. I assessed the damage and spotted Flora’s bloodied lower half. I punched the ground in frustration. If only I was faster at detecting the threat. It was as though it had teleported in, but I can’t grieve now. “Come, Achlys!”

My spear took form from a dark mist, and I held it at the ready. “If you can move, get to shelter. Another blast may come at any moment.” I called out as I began rushing toward my friend’s killer. I activated my unique skill and took to the air, running along in a semi-circle around my foe. I raised my hand and with that one action, hundreds of fire lances formed above me, waiting for my signal. The Hydra turned its hideous maws towards me with a vicious snarl. Its slightly opened mouths showed signs of an imminent fire breath attack, as searing flames began to rise from its throats. A magic shootout just waiting for the pin to drop as time seemed to move in slow motion.

If I recall, hydra class monsters range from mid-B to high A threat levels as an adult. Meanwhile, the child spawn of the hydra species fell under the upper C rank. I was a lower C-rank adventurer, and I didn’t know if I was looking at an adult hydra or a child, and that worried me. I could probably leave this beast to the authorities, but then again... It killed my friend. I want to be the one to take this thing down, even if I die trying. I glared at the monster and spoke to the footsteps running up to fight beside me, “I know you want to help me, and as a member of the Silver Owls, I feel grateful for your efforts. But, please, don’t interfere unless I need saving. I know full well I am probably in over my head, but I want to, no...I must do this alone, or I will never forgive myself.”

Iris and Athena both raise their voices at the same time, “Don’t be a hero Izunami. This is more than you can handle as you are now, don’t throw your life away.”

The hydra released its salvo of fire, the temperature seemingly climbing by thirty degrees. I breathed a sigh and spoke with as much authority as I could muster, “I order the 7th seat to prevent anyone from interfering in my fight, even if it looks like I am losing. As long as I am not dying, I want no one to take my prey.” I hated to use their zealous nature about me, but I had no other choice if I wanted to keep everyone out of my fight.

As I spoke, I used my spear to cut into my arm to draw blood. Then I used my innate skill, blood control to create a wall and redirect the flame breath attack with mana-infused blood. “Now then, I won’t be able to hide my vampire nature while we are at the port anymore. That should be fine as long as I protect everyone.”

I stomped my foot into the ground and formed a large gaping hole beneath the hydra. Then I unleashed my fire spears to try and take their heads out in one move. I tried to seal the deal with a finisher move, causing the hole to fill with spikes and snap shut in an instant. For a moment, it seemed to have worked, until the ground burst open with a fiery inferno as the beast rushed me in the next moment. Damn, this thing is tough.

My next move was to dive to the right and stab my spear into the beast at the base of its necks. However, I didn’t get that far as its razor-sharp teeth sank into my left leg. “GAhrhrn, shit!”

I rolled away and dropped the ground beneath me so that I could dodge the hydra’s sweeping claws. Then I formed a new limb out of the flowing blood so I could retain my movement. Using the earth as a cannon, I shot myself out of the hole and drove my spear into the middle head then spun around to run along its back. I raised earthen spears to stab into its underbelly as I went, causing it to release an earsplitting howl.

“Grrrrrraaaaaah!” It roared as it swiped its massive tail at me. I dodged with a split second to spare thanks to my foresight skill. I act on impulse, driving my spear into the beast's thick tail with all my might. This forced another gritty howl from its lungs as it kicked me away with its powerful rear legs. I felt something within me snap and an immense pain rose, making me feel nauseous. I forced myself to move as it lunged at me to finish me off, just managing to escape the jaws of death once more by a hairsbreadth.

I returned the favor by driving my earthen spears through its sides and then created ice chains to restrain its movements, and thus buy myself some extra time. My thoughts raced by as I thought about a way to win, and then I remembered there was a skill in that ancient tome from the divine library. It was back when I was in that dream world with Historia. I leaped back and called out, “Status!”

I didn’t have much time, so I overlooked my stats and checked my available skills. Good, it’s there! I took the skill and used all my remaining skill points to max it out. I formed a magic circle beside me, it was massive. This was my only chance, or I would lose. I began to chant:

I call upon you, who blazes bright, he who rises from the ashes of creation time and time again, ignite. Burn my foes asunder, rise from your slumber. I call upon thee, Phoenix of Demise!

Just as the hydra broke free and charged me, my chant had finished. Now a gigantic bird of fire stood between us and when they met, a shockwave blew away the trees around us in a fifty-meter radius. The Pheonix caught the beast in its outstretched claws crushed its body and then burned it away leaving nothing but ashes behind.

I breathed out a sigh of relief as the strength drained out of me, taking my legs out from under me. Just before I fell though, the firebird saved me by bracing me with an outstretched claw. I smiled at it then said, “Thank you so much for the help. I really bit off more than I could chew there.”

It lowered its head as if in response, then spoke into my mind. This was nothing, master. Think nothing of it. Please summon me whenever you need me. It then began to dissipate into magic particles, leaving its claw behind me until it was the final part.

That was the summoning skill. I learned about it when I was in the library when I was waiting for my sister. It was from the tome of skills. I figured educating myself on the various skills would be a good idea going forward and the summoning skill stood out to me. It was an amazing skill that let you make a contract with a beast or monster and summon it to your aid at any time. It had an extra caveat that was worthless as an investment for anyone with low luck stats. When the skill is maxed out, you are given a single free summon ranging from low D-rank beings to calamitous S-rank beings. The Phoenix of Demise was an upper A rank beast. That would make the late Hydra a lower B rank. I was Lower-Mid C rank. The only reason I even survived the first few blows was my vampire body’s durability and future sight. My sister’s modifications probably played a role too. Anyone else would have died instantly.

I turned my head to look in Flora’s direction, her corpse was still there. I sighed and lay down on the grass and stared up into the sky. Life seems so frail in this world. I never realized people could die so suddenly. If I had my memories of my time as a goddess, I might have realized that and taken steps to counter any dangers before today. Sadly, with my powers sealed the way they are, it wouldn’t have changed anything. I heaved a frustrated sigh and then closed my eyes, letting nature's tunes calm my nerves. Then it hit me, Man, I’m a monster. Why am I not crying over my friend’s death? Is this because I am the goddess of death? Am I broken? I clenched my fist and punched the ground for the second time that day. I took another deep breath, and when I exhaled, I closed my eyes and let my consciousness slip. One last thought crossed my mind in that final moment of awareness: This is becoming an unfortunate habit.