Yellow lights illuminated the streets of Axel.
In the end, it wasn't that late. In fact, people were strolling about so cheerfully and carefree that if someone came from outside, they would never imagine that in just two days a walking fortress the size of a soccer stadium would arrive to raze everything in its path.
"Hey!" a burly adventurer with arms like tree trunks suddenly shouted. He had a scar on his head — probably some badge of honor earned on the battlefield. "Doesn't it seem a bit early to go to sleep? How about we grab a few drinks?"
"Ah! That sounds like a brilliant idea! Better enjoy ourselves now before the Destroyer arrives and pulverizes us all!"
"HAHA! You really know what you're talking about, partner! Come on! Let's make this night unforgettable so that tomorrow, after the battle, we can meet our Goddess Eris with a smile and a happy heart!"
Apparently those two adventurers had already given the city up for lost and assumed they were going to die at the hands of the Destroyer. I guess optimism wasn't exactly their strong suit.
Beside me, Aqua let out a snort.
"What's wrong?" I asked, turning toward her. She looked annoyed.
"It's not fair."
"You mean because it looks like they're giving up before the battle? It bothered me a little too, but there's not much we can do."
"That's not what I meant," the Goddess of Water growled, pouting.
"Oh? Then why are you so upset?"
"It's just not fair, Kaizer! It's not fair that all the adventurers in this city are waiting to die so they can see Eris! What about me?! I'm a goddess too! I demand the recognition I deserve!" she shouted, stomping her feet hard against the ground.
"Don't you think you're exaggerating a little?"
"Huh?"
"First of all, you're not in a position to receive the souls of the newly deceased anymore, since you're in this world now, right?"
"Well… you're right," Aqua answered hesitantly.
"And second, why get angry over something so stupid? This isn't the time to be thinking about death. All the adventurers in the city will fight together and stop the Destroyer!" I said, clenching my fist tightly in determination.
"I might understand a little of what you're saying, but that doesn't make it any less irritating. Especially when Eris is my junior. They should be worshipping me!"
"Whatever you say. Let's walk a bit faster, okay? I'm suddenly really hungry."
The truth was I wanted to change the subject as soon as possible. However, once this stubborn goddess got something stuck in her head, there was no stopping her.
"Hey Kaizer, who would you rather see when you die? Eris or me?"
"Honestly, I'd rather not die at all."
Although… I already did once.
"I understand, but… what if you did? If the Destroyer really kills you and pulverizes your bones with its enormous mechanical legs until you're nothing but a red stain on the ground… who would you rather see when you reach the afterlife?"
"Do you really need to put my death in such an horrific way?"
"Answer the question please, Mr. Paladin."
"I already told you that you couldn't receive me since you're in this world."
"Well, but in the hypothetical case that you could… who would you choose?"
Clearly this woman wasn't going to leave me alone until I gave her an answer.
I let out a long, drawn-out sigh.
"Eris, I guess."
Aqua's eyes widened like plates.
"WHAAAAAT?!"
"W-Why are you reacting like that?" Feeling a bit embarrassed, I glanced around and confirmed that several people had stopped to stare at us. Which wasn't surprising considering Aqua's shrill voice and the fact that we were standing in the middle of the street.
At one point my gaze crossed with that of a slim young boy with short silver hair. He was holding what looked like a cup of soda, and for some reason their eyes had settled on Aqua with a certain discomfort.
His features were refined and very pretty, despite the tiny scar on his right cheek. Though his most striking feature was undoubtedly those purple eyes.
I guess they must do pretty well with the opposite sex… wait, now that I look more carefully… is that a… girl?
At first it was hard to tell, but after observing carefully there was no doubt that the young person in question was a girl. Not only was her face delicate and very attractive, but so was her figure. Slim, with soft, elegant curves that were only further highlighted by the outfit she was wearing — which really left very little to the imagination.
I had never seen her before, but she had every appearance of being an adventurer.
What class, though? Archer maybe? Thief?
Suddenly an irritating, high-pitched voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
"What do you mean 'why am I reacting like that'?! How can you say you'd rather see a goddess you've never even met, and who, on top of that, pads her breasts?!"
Ah, right. Aqua was mad at me. The truth is I only wanted to tease her a little. I didn't think she'd take it so seriously.
"But it's precisely because I don't know her that I'd like to try something different," I replied. "Besides, we're only talking hypothetically. Hey, what was all that about padding breasts?"
"Don't change the subject, you ungrateful paladin! After everything I've done for you… giving you my goddess body so you could do all those dirty things with it… you're a… GRRRR!"
"Dirty things? What are you talking about? You're the one who's always horny. I bet that Eris is a much more respectable goddess."
"EEEH?!" Aqua's adorable cheeks flushed a deep red. "Th— Then go fuck Eris!" she shouted angrily, shaking both arms.
Many of the people around us let out gasps of astonishment at Aqua's scandalous suggestion. Even the silver-haired girl spit out the contents of her drink. It seemed my companion's words had affected her greatly, since she was as red as a tomato.
"Idiot! Kaizer, you idiot!" the goddess shrieked before finally running off, completely ignoring the stares of the passersby who remained frozen in place, stunned by the scene.
"Well… maybe this time I did go a little too far."
I sighed deeply.
"Hey, Aqua! Wait!"
I started running after her.
Hi! Thank you so much for reading! As you can see Volume 2 has started! Don't wanna wait until next chapter? Check out my P-A-T-R-E-O-N and read up to 8 chapters ealrier! Just copy this link and remove the spaces: patreon . com / DepressiveKnight
Your support really means a lot for me!