The three Gods bring me to a table with four seats. We all take a seat while the God of Love, Ai, brings out some green tea. I gratefully accept and thank her. As I take a sip, my body relaxes and begins feeling lightened. It's as if the tea is healing my soul. This tastes absolutely divine!
"Alright, since we have plenty of time, we can take things somewhat slow. You'll hear a better explanation during your training so I'll just tell you what we tell all of the other heroes. This is the Divine Realm, and you'll be staying here while training with various Gods. After your training, you'll be sent to an endangered world and save it from disaster." (Sei)
After Sei finishes his sentence, Kenji begins speaking.
"Each world has a level to show how dangerous it is. Rank E is the lowest level while rank S is the highest level. Fate has already given you a world to save which is why you are here. Our purpose is to train you so that you can save the world you are given. Normally, heroes are only given ten days to stay in this realm; however, it seems fate has something else in mind for you. This could mean that your world will be at a high level. Nevertheless, your training will be harsher than any of the other heroes so prepare yourself."
Ai then starts talking after Kenji.
"Gods have already been notified about your arrival. Plans have been set so your future is already determined. Your instructor will tell you about this later today. Speaking of which, your main training spot will be your house which has just been created. You'll stay in this house during your entire time here. Well, if you can survive that long. By the way, heroes who die during their training won't be summoned back here. Instead, you'll be sent back to the other realm and have to start this whole journey all over again."
Sei, facing Ai, nods and turns to me.
"As AI has stated, your future has already been set for you, including the house that you'll stay at for the time being. It has all of the equipment and space that you'll need during your stay here. We also have sent some maids over there to help with the maintenance and any other things you might need. Here, let's go over there now." (Sei)
After talking and drinking our tea, we all left the building and headed towards my new house. Upon leaving, I watch more green wildlife fill my vision. Within the vegetation, various colors are varied across the fields and trees in the form of flowers. The sky is still a nice blue with zero clouds in sight.
We continue to follow down a gravel road. After a moment, we pass a giant mansion mixed within some trees. There are no other buildings next to it so I thought it could be abandoned; however, Kenji noticed my thoughts and corrected them.
To summarize, houses are placed about two kilometers apart from each other so that Gods aren't interfering with each other. Each house is like mansions, or to be more precise, 10 times the size of the mansions I know of on Earth. The size is dependent on God and their power or accomplishments.
After that, we continue on the way in silence until we reach a smaller mansion, though, on Earth, it would be considered normal-sized. Based on our conversation, I was told I would have a smaller mansion than the other gods because I was not a real God. That said, if this is mine, this might be too big still...
"Alright, we're here! This will be your house for the next 100 million years. It was a rushed build, so I hope it's okay."
Great... I get an enormous house too.
"Uh, couldn't you have made it smaller?"
"Hmm? Why smaller? I personally think it's too small already."
"Oh, okay... Thanks."
On closer inspection, my new house is a three-story mansion. The outside of it isn't that amazing other than the beautiful nature that surrounds it. That said, I can see an enormous swimming pool in the back. Why does it need a pool? Do Gods swim?
At least it's smaller than the ones we passed. I don't know if I could live in those mansions...
"We will be departing with you here. Inside, you'll find some maids who will help you with your daily life and will provide answers to any questions you might have. Soon, another God will come by to visit you to give you the basic run-down of your daily schedule. Good luck!" (Sei)
"Alright... Thank you for your help."
I bow to show my respects while all three of the Gods wave goodbye and depart. Having been left on my own, I ponder on what my training will be. Though, I quickly shake away these thoughts and enter the building.
Upon entering, I'm greeted by two female maids.
" "Welcome home, Master." " (both)
"Ah... Hello..."
I fall back with the sudden greeting. Oh, that's right. He said I have maids. I was too worried about the schedule than the maids' part.
I take a closer look at the maids and notices their beauty. The girl on the right has short dark-brown hair while the other has long light-brown hair. Both of them have ember-colored eyes and are wearing traditional Japanese maid's uniforms.
I'm stunned as I continue to take in their beauty. For a second, I thought that life here wouldn't be so bad, but then I remember the training I had to do and endure. Wait, they called me 'master,' right?
I flinch at the realization of living like a noble or rich person. To be honest, I never liked those who were rich or who have maids to do their every action. Those types of people are always evil or filled with greed and misuse their maids and other property. Having them call me 'master' makes it like I'm one of those people. This mansion also gives me that feeling, but the maids make the effect more significant.
Not only that, but I lived in Japan as a loner. I only had a couple of friends and lived in a run-down house. I wonder, do they treat all heroes like this?
I took my head and greeted the maids' with a bow.
"Sorry about that... My name is Yemon. It's nice to meet both of you. I'll be in your care starting today."
I give them a small and awkward smile. They both smile back and give me a greeting. I learned that the girl on the left is named Erina, while the other girl is named Kahori. After that, they gave me a tour of the house.
"This is the first floor and has what you might expect in any household. There's a kitchen, a master bedroom, a living room, a small exercising room, etc. There are also some rooms with some human activities to reduce any stress you might have." (Erina)
"The 2nd floor is your training room. In there, you'll find various equipment for bodybuilding, endurance training, fighting simulations, etc. You won't be using that floor any time soon. The third floor is your personal study, which you will be using today. It has a great view and has millions of books at your deposal. Plus, all noise that is happening outside the floor won't be heard inside." (Kahori)
After giving me a short explanation and a tour of the first floor, both girls smile and tell me to adjust to the building. Haha... As if I could...
"Oh, we have gotten word that your instructor will be arriving shortly. About... five minutes. Before they get here, do you have any questions for us?" (Erina)
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"Uh, yeah, I do have one. Are you two some type of Gods? If so, why would Gods be serving me, or are you some other type of race?"
Only Gods should be living here along with future Hereos so why are maids here? I doubt the Gods would be maids for some random hero so who are they? Actually, I notice some time ago but they have long backward ears. Are they some type of elf from another world? Why did they get sent here instead of being reborn into another world?
"Ah, that's a good question. Let me explain. There are many possible outcomes that fate can decide. For us, we were given the fate to serve maids in the divine realm. Typically, we would serve a God or help serve the heroes who the Gods are training. Unlike the other routes, Heroes and us maids keep our previous-life memories." (Erina)
"Like heroes, we also get a time limit to live here. Afterward, we are given a reward for serving. We can either become permanent servers for the Gods or reincarnate into a different world of our choice. Sadly, that amount of time is our remaining life." (Kahori)
"We are both from a race that we called Long Elf. We have lifespans of millions of years. Since we are still young, we will probably descend when you do." (Erina)
"Wait, you say millions of years, but how about 100 million?"
"Yes, living 100 million years will be hard to do. That said, we were given a special condition if we manage to live as long as you, which should be easy to do since you are only a human. Anyway, we'll be able to go back to our world and continue living as if nothing happened." (Erina)
"Huh, is that even possible? I thought they couldn't send people back to the original world?"
"This is true, but the true God gave us his word that he'll make it happen if we desire it so. Though it's going to be 100 million years, we will have plenty of time to make a decision. For now, let's get to know each other and work together until then." (Kahori)
"Uh, yeah... Lets."
When I ended my sentence, the doorbell rings, which can be heard everywhere inside the building, I begin to walk over to the door to open it, but one of the maids stops me. She says that it's their duty to do stuff like this, and it is my duty to greet the visitor. Without much choice, the maids run to the door. I walk to it too, but instead of opening it, I prepare myself to greet God.
The doors open. As it does, I nervously give my greeting.
"W-welcome! I thank you for coming to assist me today."
As I continue to bow, a female voice responds to me.
"Ah, so you're the special newbie. I'm the God of knowledge, Akira. I'll be one of your main instructors while you're here. Anyway, let's not waste any more time. Let me begin by telling you what type of schedule that you'll have during your duration here."
"Oh, alright. Thanks, Ma'am!"
When I said this, she stares daggers at me.
"Not, Ma'am. My name is Akira remember."
"Ah, forgive me! Thanks, Akria-sensei!"
"..."
She is a God and my instructor, so I decided to use an honorific for her. That said, she looks a bit weird when I used it. Not in a bad way, though. She looks somewhat happy?
"Enough, we'll begin now! We'll be using the 3rd floor. Follow me."
"Right!"
With that, we made our way to the top floor and into a room. The room itself is a classroom, though it only has one desk. Full bookshelves line each of the walls. Both of the maids followed us too, but Akria sent them away before we entered. She motions me to take a seat after a moment.
"Alright, I'll start with your schedule. You might not believe it, but we Gods are busy, so not all of the Gods can constantly be with you and teach you 24/7. For this reason, your day will be split up into sections with an hour with each of the Gods."
Akira continues speaking while moving to the front of the room, where my desk is facing.
"Your schedule will change halfway through of your time here if you make it that far. During this half, your day will be split into three sections: Learning, Training, Magic. Some of your instructors, like your learning instructors, will spend more than an hour with you. Now for your schedule... From 0:00 to 9:00, you'll be in this classroom learning from three instructors. Each of them will get 3 hours with you. By the way, I'll be one of your instructors... To be more precise, I'll be your first of each day!"
She continues without even asking if I have any questions. As I listen, I get paler and paler.
"Then you'll be given an hour break to do whatever you want. Afterward, from 10:00 to 20:00, you'll be doing your training. Different instructors will come by to instruct you and give you help throughout the years, but you'll mainly start with one to help improve your muscles. After that, you'll be given another hour's break. Lastly, from 21:00 to 23:00, you'll begin your magic training. You'll have an hour's break afterward, too. Any questions?"
"..."
I stare blankly at her. Do I have any questions? I have many!
"Yes! This schedule isn't fit for humans! How am I suppose to be able to do that the way I am? I need time to eat and sleep and..."
"Okay, shut up! You can do those human needs on your breaks."
"B-but that a bit too extreme?!"
"Hmm? I don't think so but stop with the crying. You'll survive somehow. Anyway, as I told you, I'm one of your instructors for your schooling. With that said, I'll be teaching you about some of the essentials things, like mathematics, science, languages, and some others. I don't know what the others will talk about, but I'm sure they'll tell you when they get here."
"Let's see... Ah, it's only 1:30, meaning that we still have an hour and thirty minutes. That should be enough time to begin your first lesson. For about a month or so, you'll be trying to learn the Ancient Tones, which is the language of the Gods. I'm already tired of speaking your language, and others can't even speak it, so having this skill is valuable for you. Let's begin!
She walks over to one of the many bookshelves, pulls an extremely thick book out, and slams it onto my desk. When I say thick, I mean it looks to have thousands of pages!
"Okay, read this book, and you'll have learned the language."
"... huh?!"
"What, did I stutter? READ THE DAMN BOOK!"
"Ack!? Yes!"
I turn the page and begin to read. Well, I say that, but I'm unable to read the words inside the book. I'm not sure if this Goddess is sane because if I could read it, then I wouldn't have to do such a thing. That said, something clicked within my brain, making some of the words readable and understandable. I don't know how but I'm now able to read the book. After some time, I became entranced.
You see, I enjoy learning things. On Earth, I would research various things, including some languages. Actually, I learned English, German, and Spanish (Japanese) during my time on Earth. I don't know why but I feel like I'm contributing to the team or helping if I learn and dedicate myself to something.
Due to my enjoyment of learning, I became able to learn about things at a faster rate. Even my reading ability increased, but programming had some more effect on that.
Anyway, I continued to read the book for what I assume are hours. After this time, Akira mutters something.
"Okay, you can stop reading."
"..."
"I SAID STOP READING!"
"Ack?!"
Her shouting causes me to drop the book. Lucky for me, the book lands face down, still on the same page as I was reading on. I look around, startled but find Akira staring daggers at me.
"Next time, when I say stop, stop! Understand?"
"Y-yes! I'm sorry, Sensei!"
"Mmkay. Let's see where you got to."
She walks towards me and picks up the book. Her eyes widen with surprise.
"Ooh! It seems you are a fast reader. That, or you are not taking this seriously and are just skipping pages. I know, let's have a quick test. You're about 2 / 10th in, so there should be enough materials to understand some sentences."
She lays the book down and stares at me.
"You, can you understand this?" [Ancient Tones]
"Yes?"
I can indeed understand her, but since I have only a small amount of practice in the language, I can only comprehend some of her words. Also, I'm unable to speak what little I know.
"Nice, how about this. What's your name?" [Ancient Tones]
Uh oh... What did she say? I think she said "name," but I'm not sure. Well, I guess I can take a guess and give her my name...
"Umm... Yemon? Sorry, I can't speak in it yet."
"Ohoh! You have gotten far, it seems. Tell me the truth, did you fully understand what I said?"
"N-no... I guessed that last sentence. I heard 'name,' but I didn't know if you were asking my name or yours."
"That's still impressive! You might master the language within a week! Oh, times up. It seems your next instructor is here. Anyhow, I'll see you tomorrow. Bye."
"Bye, Akira-sensei!
I stand up and bow to Akira as she leaves the room. Someone walks in, taking her place. This time, it's a man. He's tall, has white hair and facial hair, and has a sharp expression. He walks to the front where Akria was standing and looks at me. I give my greeting while bowing.
"Welcome, and thanks for coming!"
"Mhmm, you can sit."
"Yes, sir."
His voice is also serious and deep. I quickly take my seat.
"Alright, I'm your 2nd instructor, Kevin. I'm a sub-god of Akira."
"Sub-god?"
"Yes. In this realm, there exist, Gods, Sub-Gods, and mini-Gods. Gods are those who are at the top of this world, while Sub-Gods are those who follow under the Gods and study them. Mini-Gods are in-training Sub-Gods and need much work before they can involve. Out of everyone here, 80% of them are sub-gods, 10% are mini-gods, 7% are Gods, 2% are maids, and 1% are heroes."
"I see..."
"Now then, in my sessions, I'll be teaching you about the system that all living creatures abide by, along with some other information about the different worlds. Before I start explaining, have you heard of the concept known as statuses?"
"Uh, I know what they are in games. They showcase a player's level, health, MP, etc."
"Good, that'll save some time. Statuses exist in all worlds and are governed by the Gods. All worlds know about this concept but are in different forms. I guess your world had the concept in the form of games. Anyway, we'll be checking your current status. Please state - Status."
After hearing the word status, my blood starts to rush. This is it! Game and Anime terminology of another world. This is going to be so exciting!
"Alright... Status!"
I say aloud the chant to open my status. When I do, a window appears in front of me with information.
"Wow... Wait, huh?!"
As I stare at the window, I notice someone about all of the values.
Why are they so low?!