Chapter 97 A world without God
Afterward, we returned to the "Ideal Atelier."
Inside, golems were scurrying about busily. The top-tier golem, Seck, was holed up in the forge, working on some blacksmithing. I'd asked him to mass-produce shovels and pickaxes. Fudhdjdndhdjdndvsbmd svdjnd gjdjnd dhkndbdb d jsjjdbdjdn gndnd hdjbdv
Along with other weapons of usefulness which will help me in future battles.
In this "Ideal Atelier," one can pay points to build mines or gardens. Since I plan to mass-produce golems to gather materials eventually, I'm stocking up on tools in advance.
The golems can only gather low-grade materials, but it's better than nothing.
This "Ideal Atelier" is probably meant to be managed by an entire clan.
Without high-level [Alchemy] skills like mine, it's difficult to fully take advantage of its benefits. The golems don't grow, their skill levels are low, and so it's not exactly a huge advantage...
I watched as Samurai ran off to the woodworking shop.
I sat down on the sofa. Well, more like plopped down, really.
I spoke to Liora.
"Atori, why don't you sit as well? Let's take a good rest today."
"! Next to my lord?!"
Though the sofa was large, Atori sat so close to me that we were practically touching.
Today is a day of rest.
I decided to watch a movie on the sofa. In a world with time acceleration, movie-watching goes by quickly. Even a two-hour movie is over in no time with time acceleration.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
I see.
It seems the final frame has come to a halt.
"God is not here..."
Bathed in the refreshing light of an early morning, I muttered in despair.
Sometimes, every few days, God hides away for a day. God is busy. Even so, He leaves behind a vessel, so I can always receive His blessing.
Even a small girl like me can be strong with God's power.
On the days when God is not here, I usually train. However, recently my actions have changed. Instead of training alone, I've begun to gain experience in real combat.
I take on quests.
God can use *Alchemy*. To avoid altering human civilization, He uses techniques tailored to human standards. Normally, with God's level of power, He could create anything from scratch.
But for the sake of us humans, God restrains His power.
That means that for God to use *Alchemy*, materials are necessary. Gathering those materials is my duty when God is not around.
"Shiwo."
『Again, Master? I'm sure the Lord isn't thinking much about this. Whether you sleep through the day, train, or gather materials, I doubt it matters to Him. In that case, putting in effort is just a waste, wouldn't you say? I, too, would rather avoid running through the wilds as a horse. If possible, I'd prefer to devote myself to woodworking or artistic pursuits.』
"Be quiet. Let's go."
『Ahh, there is no more futile task than to be devoted to your Master's unappreciated devotion.』
"Shut up."
Shiwo shrugged his elf shoulders before finally transforming into a horse. I hate him. He's frightening. He's also good at giving off the vibe that he's close to God.
But I'm closer to God than he is.
Still, as God says, Shiwo is useful. Convenient.
God is kind, so He's probably gentle with Shiwo, who is only useful, so he won't feel bad. After all, no living being can survive being hated by God.
Lately, I've been thinking.
My family and the people in my village were pitiable.
They didn't know the joy of serving God. The elation of becoming a part of an extraordinary being, working as the hands and feet of an omnipotent existence. They'll never know this supreme bliss. That's why they wasted time on such meaningless things.
In that sense, they were truly pitiful.
That's what I think.
▽
Riding on Shiwo, we dashed off.
When Shiwo is in horse form, his speed is astonishing. In terms of movement speed, I wouldn't be able to match him.
I was taught how to run by Jack-Jack Sensei.
That's why I can understand.
This body, which God designed specifically for running, is optimized for running in every aspect. As expected from God. Did He also create horses?
I arrived at a city just within half a day's journey.
In this Third Field, every town and village is surrounded by walls. If they weren't, dragons would attack.
I want to offer a dragon to God, so it's unfortunate that dragons aren't attacking.
God, God, God, God, God, God...
I touch God's vessel, and call out to Him.
God.
God...
I think that no human, other than me, could endure this situation without God for even a second. I, chosen by God with my strong soul, am barely able to endure this suffering.
I'm certain that the reason God doesn't speak casually to others is that other humans would go mad. I'm sure of it. I understand almost everything about God...
As I stood by the gate, a weary-looking gatekeeper approached me.
"May I see your identification and your status?"
"I am Atori, an A-rank adventurer."
I presented my adventurer card.
The authority of an A-rank adventurer is powerful. Most things are permitted.
Once, God said:
『Adventurers are potential outlaws. If left unchecked, they could become the world's enemies. But by offering them privileges and status, they quickly become a force for humanity. That's why A-rank adventurers are treated with extreme caution and favor.』
Yes.
As an A-rank adventurer, even a small girl like me is treated with utmost respect. They have no choice.
But the gatekeeper's face tightened with tension.
"May I also confirm that you are not a vampire?"
"Fine."
Currently, vampires are a threat in this world.
If even one enters a city, it's said that the citizens will be devoured in no time, and most will turn into vampires.
I was subjected to some magical tool I didn't quite understand.
I don't know if I can trust this gatekeeper. Therefore, I used as many anti-status ailments, anti-mind control, and anti-mental domination measures as I could.
As a result...
"I see..."
The gatekeeper seemed to be an enemy.
Blood splattered. Normally, God would protect me. But since God is in His vessel form, I was drenched in the blood.
God dislikes getting dirty with blood, but it doesn't bother me at all.
▽
I decided to enter the city.
The guards surrounded me in a panic, but that didn't matter. I picked up the magical tool.
"[Appraise]."
With the portion of God's power entrusted to me, I can wield part of His abilities. Using that power, I discerned that this magical tool had a "brainwashing" effect.
While I have countermeasures against magical tools, it's still true that I was attacked.
"I was attacked. If you attack me again, you'll be enemies."
"It seems you're truly not lying about being an A-rank adventurer..."
The strongest-looking gatekeeper stepped forward.
He had a robust physique that could only be described as powerful. It was large enough that I, being small, had to crane my neck more than usual.
A large body does seem strong.
But I'm fine just the way I am. God often tells me I'm "cute." Therefore, I am the cutest in the world.
I like this body, which God cherishes.
For that, I'm grateful to my parents and ancestors.
The leader spoke.
"Please leave, A-rank adventurer. We cannot afford to deal with you right now."
"I was attacked."
"For that, we apologize. Now, please leave."
"I don't care."
Ignoring them, I entered the city.
Being attacked by gatekeepers, desperately trying to send me away. Considering the current state of the Third Field, it doesn't make sense for them to turn away a powerful ally.
They don't seem to suspect that I'm a vampire.
Well, if I were a vampire, this city's destruction would already be guaranteed. An A-rank adventurer with vampire powers would be unstoppable.
They'd give up.
In other words, they can only act based on the assumption that I'm on the human side.
"But why?"
"In times like these, you wouldn't come here just for an adventure, would you? What's your purpose? Whose side are you on...?"
"Huh? I'm always on God's side."
"A priest?"
"No. I'm an apostle."
I walked forward.
The gatekeepers couldn't do anything. They understood that attacking me would mean their demise. In that sense, they might be competent.
Inside the walls, it felt more like a village. Read latest stories on empire
Not prosperous at all. In fact, it felt desolate. The houses were even more modest than the ones in the village where I lived.
The kind of houses that Shiwo could break with a single punch.
The smell of straw.
A thin cow looked down sadly, staring at the barren ground. Next to it, a child sat, exhausted.
"Welcome, A-rank adventurer Atori."
Behind me, I heard a man's voice, tired as well. It was the elite gatekeeper from earlier.
"This is the [City of Twilight, Tere]... a land of decay."
God would probably say:
『It smells like an event is about to happen.』