“This place is…?” (Makoto)

I woke up.

“O-Oh my…Takatsuki Makoto?!” 

“Ira-sama?” (Makoto)

We look at each other with dumbfounded expressions. 

Looks like I have come to the space of Ira-sama. 

““…””

We look at each other in silence for a while. 

Hmm? She doesn’t seem to be that angry about me having controlled the Time Spirits…is what I thought, but Ira-sama was visibly getting more and more bright red like a boiled octopus. 

She is super angry. 

“YOUUUUU!!” (Ira)

She grabbed my collar and shook me. 

“I-I’m so—sorry, Ira-sama.” (Makoto)

“I told you to never, ever, use the Time Spirits, didn’t I?!” (Ira)

“B-But there were no other options…” (Makoto)

“…”

The arms of Ira-sama stop clean. 

“Right, there was no other path to win… I was seeing you defeated by the Ancient Dragon King, Takatsuki Makoto.” (Ira)

She looks up at me with serious eyes. 

R-Really? 

No wonder she was telling me constantly to run away. 

“But I somehow managed.” (Makoto)

I made an awkward smile, but Ira-sama’s expression was cold.

“Can you really say the same after seeing this?” (Ira)

What she slid to me was a Soul Book -my Soul Book.

I skim through it, but there wasn’t a spot that really bothered me…

—Remaining Lifespan: 3 minutes.

“…Eh?” (Makoto)

Isn’t this…bad?

I would die before I could put hot water in a cup of ramen and be able to eat it. 

“What are you going to do, Takatsuki Makoto?” (Ira)

“W-W-W-What should I do?!” (Makoto)

I directed a clinging gaze towards Ira-sama with a flustered voice, and she sighed heavily. 

“Come here.” (Ira)

She told me and pulled my arm towards her. 

And then, she wrapped her arms tightly around my back. 

“U-Uhm…” (Makoto)

“You hug me too already.” (Ira)

“O-Okay.” (Makoto)

I do as I am told while still not knowing what’s going on.

Ira-sama’s body is petite, and yet, when I hug her, she is unbelievably soft. 

On top of that, she gives out a mysterious nice scent.

“Good grief, you are really a chore.” (Ira)

She groaned, and I felt as if something was flowing into my body. 

“Ira-sama, what’s this?” (Makoto)

“I am increasing your lifespan, Takatsuki Makoto. This is the reward for defeating the Ancient Dragon King, so I wouldn’t mind giving you 1,000 years of lifespan, but it would be impossible with the body of a human. For now, I have left it at around 100 years.” (Ira)

She told me something outrageous. 

So Ira-sama can increase lifespan…is what I thought, but she is the Destiny Goddess, so that’s a given.

“I am done.” (Ira)

Ira-sama slapped my back, and slowly separated from her. 

Right in front of my eyes was the unreal beauty of Ira-sama, and my heart skipped a beat. 

But even if it made me skip a beat, it didn’t make me think about doing something perverted to her by any means. 

It has been like that the whole time in those 1,000 years I have been helping her in her work in the same space and training. 

“You are thinking something weird.” (Ira)

“No, it is the opposite. I have such a beauty like Ira-sama so close to me, and yet, for some reason, I don’t get in a weird mood at all.” (Makoto)

“Obviously. You are a mortal and I am a Goddess, you know? Our planes of existences are way too different. Stuff like love and lust are things that can only be felt from close beings. It is impossible for a God of the Divine Realm to be tied with a resident of the Mortal Realm.” (Ira)

“Eh? But the God King-sama had an illegitimate child…” (Makoto)

Because of the child of God, Alexander, we had a really bad time. 

“…That’s…an exception. The God King-sama -Papa- has a terrible unfixable philandering habit.” (Ira)

She laughed bitterly with vacant eyes. 

Let’s not dig too deeply here. 

I confirm my own Soul Book. 

It was written there that I had 100 years of lifespan remaining. 

That’s a relief. 

“Thank you very much, Ira-sama. At any rate, it was a miracle that 3 minutes remained. That was close…” (Makoto)

I put a hand on my chest in relief. 

“What’s that about a miracle? As if it would be possible to have 3 minutes remaining when using a Sacrificial Technique. It was adjusted in a way that you would survive by a really close margin -by Noah.” (Ira)

“Noah-sama did?” (Makoto)

“You offered your lifespan to Noah in order to call the Time Spirits, right? Moreover, her spiritual body was there, so that must have been her objective. In other words, she knew that you would be calling the Time Spirits there…” (Ira)

Ira-sama bites her nail, annoyed. 

I see, so Noah-sama looked out for me in order for my lifespan to not run out. 

“Then, I have to thank Noah-sama.” (Makoto)

“I have to complain to Noah.” (Ira)

Our words overlap.

““…””

Ira-sama and I look at each other. 

Our objectives differ, but our destination is the same. 

“Then, let’s go to the Deep Sea Temple.” (Makoto)

“You say it as if it is easy. Well, fine. Here.” (Ira)

Ira-sama says as she offers me her hand.

After hesitating for a bit, I held the hand of Ira-sama. 

“Then, our teleport destination is the Deep Sea Temple…Hm?” (Ira)

“What’s the matter?” (Makoto)

Ira-sama tilted her head. 

“That’s strange… There’s a barrier on the Deep Sea Temple. There’s no way Noah can do that with her powers sealed, so the fact that it is able to block even me from teleporting…maybe Althena-oneesama?” (Ira)

“Why would Althena-sama go through the trouble of putting up a barrier?” (Makoto)

“I don’t know, but…Noah and Althena-oneesama got along well to begin with, so she might be talking about something with her. It seemed like Althena-oneesama was bothered by the fact that Noah had gone to the Devil God side 1,000 years ago after all.” (Ira)

“I see…” (Makoto)

What talk are they having that she had to go through the trouble of putting up a barrier? 

“But that means we will have to stay put for now.” (Makoto)

If it is a secret talk between Althena-sama and Noah-sama, I can’t go intruding. 

“What are you saying? Who do you think I am?” (Ira)

So she says, and the scenery warped. 

I got dizzy for a moment there.

When the warped scenery returned to normal, there wasn’t any change in the surroundings.

Just what in the world…

“See? We jumped 1 hour ahead. Then, let’s head to the Deep Sea Temple.” (Ira)

“Eh, wait a mom—” (Makoto)

Ira-sama, who used the God Rank Spell Time Jump while having a casual talk, did a ultra long distance teleport from the Divine Realm to the Deep Sea Temple. 

◇◇

A very spacious place with nothing, very different from the space of the Destiny Goddess.

At that place, there’s an antique table and chairs. 

The one with an elbow there staring absentminded into space was the always beautiful Noah-sama. 

It is not her usual smile. She seemed to be thinking about something, her brows furrowed. 

Even that pondering figure of hers was picturesque. 

But it seems like she soon noticed our presence, she turned her face over here. 

“Oh my, Makoto! …And Ira-sama. Why did you come here?” (Noah)

She directed a wide smile at me, and an indifferent tone towards Ira-sama. 

“Noah-sama, thank you very much for your advice in the battle against the Ancient Dragon King.” (Makoto)

I kneeled and directed my heartfelt thanks to the Goddess.

“Fufu, you have grown strong, Makoto.” (Noah)

Noah-sama placed a hand on my head and brushed it gently.

“Noah! You know that it is prohibited for a resident of the Mortal Realm to use sacrificial techniques! Takatsuki Makoto was on the verge of dying there!” (Ira)

Ira-sama reprimanded her in a loud voice.

“That’s a rule of you Holy Gods, right? That doesn’t have anything to do with a Titan God like me. Also, Makoto didn’t die, right?” (Noah)

Noah-sama smiles elegantly. 

“Put yourself in my shoes; the person who has to adjust history!” (Ira)

“Isn’t that fine? It wasn’t that big of an effect anyways. It was simply calling Time Spirits.” (Noah)

“Adjusting history is a lot of work!!” (Ira)

“Is that so. Do your best then. Why are you telling me that?” (Noah)

“Your Apostle did it!” (Ira)

“I didn’t order him to.” (Noah)

“You could have stopped him!” (Ira)

“Even if I tried to, Makoto wouldn’t listen, right? I had no intention to stop him though.” (Noah)

‘Gununu’, Ira-sama groans.

Looks like she can’t go too strongly against Noah-sama. 

Does it have to do with the Sun Goddess and Noah-sama getting along? 

At that moment, the scenery that was reflected in the corner of my eye bothered me. 

There’s two glasses on top of the table. 

Bright red wine like blood that was half drunk was inside that glass. 

“Noah-sama, did someone come?” (Makoto)

“Yeah, Naia showed up in the Deep Sea Temple.” (Noah)

“Naia did?!” (Ira)

Noah-sama answered as if nothing, and Ira-sama reacted greatly to that. 

—The Moon Goddess, Naia-sama.

One of the 7 Goddesses…no, 8 Goddesses that rule this world.

She is the Goddess that has been clouded in mystery the whole time within all of those. 

She is also the Goddess that Furiae-san follows. 

“W-Why did Naia come to the Deep Sea Temple?! Or more like, she came to this world?! I thought for sure that she was playing around in a different world.” (Ira)

“Speaking of which, Princess did say that the Moon Goddess has been showing in her dreams recently.” (Makoto)

“What?! Why didn’t you tell me such an important thing?!” (Ira)

“Was it important?” (Makoto)

Ira-sama shook me around.

Why is the Destiny Goddess this agitated here? 

I look at Noah-sama, requesting help.

“Naia is the type that seeks entertainment, so she would actively stick her head into anything that looks amusing. If she feels it is boring, she would disappear in the blink of an eye. In other words…” (Noah)

“It means that she is scheming something! Noah! Tell me! What did Naia say?!” (Ira)

“She didn’t say anything of interest really. She said ‘Furiae-chan is as serious as always, it is boring’ or stuff like ‘She has that much talent, so she should do as she wishes more’.” (Noah)

“Heeh… Is the talent of Furiae-san impressive?” (Makoto)

I muttered this absentmindedly. 

“Right, the talent in Charm and Necromancy of this generation’s Moon Oracle is of the genius level that is hard to find when it comes to a mortal. If she were to use it for evil purposes, she would be able to control the people on the Mortal Realm on a scale that the Calamity Witch Nevia wouldn’t have even been able to compare, but…it seems like she isn’t using it that much.” (Ira)

Ira-sama said in wonder.

T-That much?! 

I didn’t know. 

“But it seems Princess wants to live quietly without standing out too much.” (Makoto)

That’s how it felt when I travelled together with her. 

It seems like she is having it rough being the Queen of the Moon Country though.

“That’s apparently boring for Naia.” (Noah)

“It would be troubling if she were to become like the Calamity Witch…” (Ira)

Noah-sama said with a ‘good grief’ and Ira-sama said wearily. 

“And so, what did you and Naia-sama talk about?” (Makoto)

When I asked this, Noah-sama blinked a number of times, and then she made a meaningful smile. 

“Just chit-chat.” (Noah)

Looks like she won’t be telling me. 

“Could it possibly be that she is trying to undo the seal of Noah…?” (Ira)

“Eh?” (Makoto)

I reflexively turn at the words of Ira-sama.

The Moon Goddess will undo the seal of Noah-sama? 

I would totally welcome that.

But Noah-sama shrugged her shoulders. 

“As if. If you try to undo my seal, you will end up getting thrown into Tartarus no questions asked as stated in the Divine Realm Regulations, right? The only one who can undo my seal is a resident of the Mortal Realm that manages to conquer the Deep Sea Temple…” (Noah)

Noah-sama closes her eyes sadly. 

“I-I know.” (Ira)

Ira-sama faces the other way as if finding this awkward. 

I speak out at the words of those two Goddesses.

“Noah-sama, do you think I can challenge the Deep Sea Temple as I am now?” (Makoto)

My Water Magic Proficiency is over 5,000. 

Ira-sama told me that there has been no mage who has mastered a specific magic to such a degree in the Mortal Realm. 

But Noah-sama showed me a sad expression contrary to my expectations. 

“You should understand too after challenging it that many times 1,000 years ago, right? There’s a barrier that negates all Spirits. A Spirit User can’t reach the Deep Sea Temple.” (Noah)

“B-But if I destroy the barrier.” (Makoto)

I try to hang on there, but Noah-sama smiles kindly at me. 

“The one who placed the barrier was the brother of the God King, the Sea God, Neputus. It isn’t something a mortal can do anything about.” (Noah)

“…I see.” (Makoto)

My shoulders droop. 

I put up a good fight against the Ancient Dragon King, so I thought that it was almost time I could challenge it though.

“Don’t get that depressed. I managed to become the 8th Goddess of this world thanks to you, Makoto, and I even have a decent amount of believers now, you know? At the time when I met you, I had zero believers.” (Noah)

Noah-sama gently placed a hand on my shoulder while I was saddened. 

“Noah-sama…” (Makoto)

“Fufu, you are cute, my Makoto.” (Noah)

Noah-sama had a face filled with affection. 

“Aren’t you two entering your own world here? I am here too, you know?” (Ira)

Ira-sama’s cold voice reached us from the side.

“Oh my, you were still here, Ira?” (Noah)

“I am. Problem?” (Ira)

“You should be reading the room here and leaving, right?” (Noah)

“Hmph, I am busy, so I will be leaving. Takatsuki Makoto, don’t call the Time Spirits ever again, okay?! Don’t think I will increase your lifespan again! Properly educate your Apostle, Noah!” (Ira)

After saying this, Ira-sama disappeared with a ‘shuin’ sound. 

Is she going to be shutting herself in that busy office room?

My heart pains a bit knowing that the reason for her overtime is because of me calling the Time Spirits. 

I should help her out again when I have the time. 

“Hmm~~~?” (Noah)

At that moment, Noah-sama’s face approached, and she began to sniff me. 

“N-Noah-sama?” (Makoto)

What’s the matter? -is what I was going to say, but before I could, she glared at me. 

“I can smell the scent of Ira on you, Makoto.” (Noah)

“Ah, no…that’s…” (Makoto)

‘It is because she gave me lifespan not that long ago’ -but I swallow those words.

“I see. You were hugged and were given lifespan, huh…” (Noah)

Right! 

Noah-sama can read minds, so there was no point!

“No, about that…” (Makoto)

I was about to say my excuse all flustered, but…

“I am joking. Just as Ira said, you should be careful about the use of the sacrificial technique.” (Noah)

The straight stare of Noah-sama returned to her usual smile, and the scenery around began to grow hazy. 

“Looks like time’s up, Noah-sama. I wanted to talk more with you though.” (Makoto)

“Right, me too, Makoto. Good work in your battle against the Ancient Dragon King.” (Noah)

“Yes, see you later.” (Makoto)

With those parting words, the scenery in front of me turned pure white. 

◇◇

I slowly opened my eyes, and what was reflected in my eyes was an unknown ceiling…no, it was a familiar face. 

“Good morning, Sa-san.” (Makoto)

“Ah! Takatsuki-kun woke up!” (Aya)

I was hugged with a big smile. 

“I was super worried. Your face was pale white when you collapsed. The Holy Dragon-san casted healing magic on you, but it was showing no effect at all. But your complexion suddenly grew better. Such a mystery~.” (Aya)

Sa-san tilted her head cutely.

“Aah…” (Makoto)

That must have been because Ira-sama gave me lifespan. 

While I was wondering how to explain this…

“Makoto woke up?!!”

A low voice rang from far away, and I could hear the footsteps of someone running here. 

Looks like she heard Sa-san say I had woken up.

The owner of those unworldly ears are…

 “MAKOTO!!!!” 

The door is slammed open.

The owner of that voice was Lucy. 

“Good morning, Lucy.” (Makoto)

“I am so glad…you are okay. Ah, but there’s someone that wants to talk to you, Makoto…” (Lucy)

Lucy is carrying something. 

It was the communication tool that Gera-san gave me before we headed to the dwelling of the Ancient Dragons. 

Speaking of which, he did tell me to keep him updated.

I didn’t do that at all.

“Oi! Has Takatsuki Makoto woken up?! Is he okay?! No, more importantly, let me speak to him!” 

I picked up the faint sound coming from the magic tool with my Eavesdrop skill. 

Gera-san’s speech is rough here. 

That’s as always, but it feels different from the usual. 

As if he is agitated here…

“Lucy, can I?” (Makoto)

“Yeah, go ahead, Makoto.” (Lucy)

I received the magic tool from Lucy.

“Hello, Takatsuki Makoto speaking.” (Makoto)

I put my ear on the magic tool and speak up.

“Takatsuki Makoto! So you were okay! Now that you have managed to defeat the Ancient Dragon King one on one, you have become a Legendary Hero carved in history! Let me congratulate you first! Congratulations!!” (Geralt)

The shouting voice of Gera-san resonated from the magic tool.

So loud. 

I think my eardrums received damage there. 

I separate my ear a bit from the magic tool.

“Thanks. By the way, did something happen?” (Makoto)

I thank him and ask.

“…You can tell?” (Geralt)

“Your voice is different from usual.” (Makoto)

When I said this, a slight silence passed. 

And then…

“Please listen calmly to this.” (Geralt)

Those words sounded as if they were directly more to himself than to me. 

What Gera-san said was something I didn’t expect at all.

“The Demon Lord Castle, Eden, has appeared in the sky of Symphonia. I will head to the capital at once. I will leave a message with the specifics in the fortress, so ask the details to a subordinate of mine.” (Geralt)

That was a notice of the Great Demon Lord’s assault towards Highland. 

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