The Goddess Is Obsessed With Me

"So, what would you like to tell me?"

Inside Morione's tent, the ambiance resembled a shrine with its white backdrop softly illuminated by sunlight, which brought a sense of relief to those who beheld it.

The goddess I serve might not be widely worshipped, but she has a considerable following and is well-respected in the kingdom. Compared to the goddess I met earlier, her tent was much grander.

"Today, you didn't feel well, did you? Like specific parts of you were in pain or your insides felt churned up..."

While I was lost in thought, she pointed out, with precision that could be called sharp, the exact ailments I was experiencing.

As the goddess of fate, she seemed to be well aware of such things.

"Yes, I've been suffering from sudden severe headaches for an unknown reason... I don't understand why."

She pondered my words, resting her chin on her hand, then fell silent.

However, that silence was short-lived. She looked at me intently and spoke with a tone full of gravity.

"The symptoms that are tormenting you now are fortunately something I'm familiar with. Just close your eyes for a moment, and I can resolve it."

Her confident tone made me trust her, truly a formidable goddess.

"I understand, please proceed quickly."

I complied with Morione's request, gently closing my eyes as she began chanting some spell.

To me, the words were incomprehensible. Were they ancient or perhaps a script only deities use?

A light question was momentarily replaced by a feeling of floating, as if something was meddling with my thoughts. It felt as if fragmented memories, which I wasn't even sure I remembered, were being reorganized or interfered with. Some memories became clearer, while others faded.

This unusual sensation made me tense, but it wasn't necessarily uncomfortable...

"It's done; you can open your eyes slowly now."

Slowly, I did, the bright sunlight making me squint, but I focused on the goddess before me.

"How do you feel?"

I considered her question, searching my mind...

It felt somewhat better, yet not much different. However, one thing was sure; I felt unusually rational.

"I'm not quite sure..."

"Then try recalling what happened before you came here."

Following her advice, I tried to recall my earlier memories...

"I was wandering the streets after hearing about the gathering of gods, with many students gathered in a plaza."

I systematically retraced my steps.

"Then I found a tent, and inside it, I met..."

...Who did I meet?

I was certain I met someone, but I couldn't recall their face or even if they were male or female.

What was it...

"That's enough; you don't need to remember any further."

While something still felt off, since Morione told me so...

"Still, I definitely feel a bit better."

Gratefully, I smiled, and she returned it brightly.

"Good to hear. However..."

Her cheerful demeanor faded, and she handed me a letter, setting a somber mood.

"What's this...?"

Innocently, I asked. She then delivered some shocking news.

"The true reason we gods have gathered here is to eradicate the foul cults."

This was also the reason she sent me here: to cleanse the heretics.

"From what we've heard among the gods, their plans are nearing completion. Unable to just sit by and hear news, we decided to step in."

So, under the guise of benefiting the students, various gods have descended like this...

"Like I mentioned before, the principal of this place is said to be in league with the cult. But without evidence, we can't just arrest him. It's quite a frustrating situation."

I promptly opened the letter and began reading, paying close attention to Morione's words. The paper seemed like a list, filled with various names and specific locations.

Probably a list of confirmed cult members and their frequently visited places...

"The people listed on that paper are heretics. Investigate them and gather useful information. While it's not the final objective, the main target is the academy's principal. Any information about her would be especially useful."

I carefully tucked the paper away and nodded in acknowledgement.

"Understood."

"I'm sorry for giving you this task. We gods have our own duties, so I hope you understand."

Though she spoke as if comforting me, I showed no sign of distress.

"No problem. As a knight serving the goddess, it's only right to carry out this duty. Leave it to me."

Touched by my formal words, she gazed at me with an affectionate smile for a moment.

"Indeed... My cherished follower. The other gods have also informed their loyal followers, so it might be good to share information. Here's a list of believers who have been assigned the same mission."

I accepted the list, gave another bow, and headed towards the exit.

"I will do my utmost for the goddess."

Reaffirming my commitment, she waved with a smile.

However, just before stepping out, I caught a glimpse of the goddess I serve. Hidden behind the tent, I couldn't see her face entirely... but why did she look that way?

Morione's smile... seemed distorted with anxiety. Leaving the tent, I walked with a clear purpose.

"Harold, where are you heading?"

Outside, waiting for me were Aris and Marika, who quickly followed with an urgent pace.

"I have a task from the goddess. I'd like to go alone for a while."

Without prior notice or explanation, they naturally looked puzzled.

"What's this sudden talk? Where are you rushing off to?"

"You should at least explain a bit!"

They protested, and I had to stop.

Yet, when I tried to explain, I hesitated. Given what Morione had told me, it felt like a secret mission. Sharing with others wasn't straightforward.

"We're trying to identify heretics. I'm heading to the locations I've been given."

Trustingly revealing my assignment, they immediately grasped the situation and became serious.

"So, you're saying the organization that tried to kidnap us last time is still around?"

"I want to help too!"

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted to one of collaboration.

"I wasn't exactly seeking your help..."

The feeling was as if they had naturally hopped on board.

"Aren't you worried it might be dangerous?"

They both made their intentions clear.

"Having faced a dangerous situation before, I want to exact rightful punishment."

Marika responded casually, while Aris passionately exclaimed,

"Harold helped me before. This time, I want to help!"

To be honest, it seemed like they'd follow regardless of my decision.

"Alright... if you insist..."

They both expressed their gratitude and confidence in similar ways.

"The first location listed... I believe it's that alley."

I pointed to a faintly visible alley in the distance. Though Morione had influenced my view, the narrow street looked unusually dark due to the buildings, giving it a suspicious feel.

"Let's go check it out now!"

Before I could finish, Aris, fueled by some unknown energy, took the lead.

What had inspired such fervor?

Following Aris, we quickly approached the alley.

Upon entering, the ominous feeling intensified.

"There's definitely something off..."

Marika whispered, proceeding cautiously.

Agreeing with her, I continued following Aris, who was still leading the way... "Just a moment...."

Aris suddenly stopped us, leaning against the wall at a corner and gesturing to us stealthily. Had she spotted something? Her expression was serious.

Marika and I also listened carefully...

"The gods of the capital have gathered, so it seems difficult to proceed right now..."

A man's voice let out a suspicious phrase.

"?!"

"Shh..."

Aris, startled by Marika's surprise, calmed her down and continued to eavesdrop...

"That's right, it's better to lay low for a while. We have plenty of time, let's proceed after the event is over."

"By the way, did 'that person' manage to retrieve the crystal containing the soul of Lady Ruse Ria?"

The mention of the name of an ancient god in the conversation made it certain; although we hadn't seen them yet, it seemed that the cult members were meeting around the corner.

"Let's disperse quickly then. It would be troublesome if something were to happen while we're lingering around."

Judging by the different voices heard, the estimate was about four people...

"Aris, Marika, now's the time."

Listening to the conversation, it seemed we might miss our chance soon. If we wanted to take the initiative in the fight, now was the moment.

"Harold?"

"Wait a minute—"

Pushing past them, I turned the corner and, as expected, saw about four unidentified people standing there.

"Gravity Bullet!"

I cast a spell that could produce significant force with minimal noise to avoid drawing attention, and a purple sphere flew towards them.

"What?! Who is this—"

The heretics were too late to recognize the attack.

"Argh?!" The tallest man was hit squarely, his body embedded into the paved ground, stopping his movement.

Three remained...

With the narrow path, it was best to settle things before it got too complicated. We had to keep on the offensive.

"Water that breathes life into existence, this time take life away, sever them, Water Blade!"

"Argh!!"

The shape of a blade made of water flew at high speed, hitting another one...

"This is...!"

But perhaps the firepower was insufficient, as it didn't neutralize the target, and I was about to receive a counterattack.

"Ancient god, grant me the power to—"

"Wait."

However, another heretic, maintaining an unusual level of fixation, blocked those who were trying to cast a spell...

"That silver-haired woman... surely..."

It seemed like he recognized Aris and began to mutter to himself.

Then...

"I have to use this..."

He took something out of his pocket and clenched it tightly... and then, the situation unfolded...

"Aaah?!"

It was Aris's sudden scream...

"Aaaaah—!"

She screamed in apparent real pain, shaking as if truly tormented.

What trick had the cult member used? Aris seemed to be genuinely in agony.

"Aris, are you okay?!"

I tried to support her as she fell, but the pain seemed too intense for her to hear me.

"Wait... this situation..."

It wasn't a new scene to me.

Back on a weekend when I had spent time alone with Aris...

She had suddenly screamed and started convulsing.

The scene was similar enough to the past event to be suspicious, something was amiss.

If it was a different situation, there was a clue that was noticeable... that was...

"I've never seen it work so effectively."

The cult member took a specific action and it triggered the seizure.

I didn't see it clearly, but as soon as he clenched something, Aris became like this.

Did he use some kind of object?

I tried to look up to confirm what had happened when...

"Hellfire!!"

Distracted while tending to Aris, I was caught off guard...

The sight of a growing dark red fireball...

It was too late to react while holding Aris.

Just a moment...! Quickly, do something—Boom!