Chapter 296: The Request of the Gods (2/2)

“Exactly. If you just defeat the undead without undoing the shackles on their soul, they’ll just be turned into undead again, but if you can isolate them without defeating them, then you can stop the monster from reanimating them. And if you manage to defeat the monster beast while those souls have been put away, you can undo the shackles on them.” [Kufo]

“And once the monster has been dealt with, I can just slowly deal with the undead… Indeed, when you put it that way, I might be highly compatible with this monster.” [Ryouma]

“It’s not just your grave slimes too. The Great Shurus Forest is a nest to powerful monster beasts. If a group of people as numerous as an entire army were to move together, they’ll happen into a monster beast right away and end up in a fight. For a place like that, moving as a small but elite group is much more convenient. In fact, it’s pretty much impossible for an army to march through it. They’ll likely be wiped out before they could even make it to their destination. Well, that’s by intention, though, by Fernoberia.” [Tekun]

“You’re making me sound bad. I just wanted to create a dangerous and inhospitable environment so that humans and invasive monster beasts won’t be able to desecrate that holy land. It’s a way to protect the holy land without relying on a divine beast.” [Fernoberia]

“That’s the same thing.” [Tekun]

Fernoberia, who seemed bothered by the slight difference in nuance, and Tekun, who didn’t care at all, stared at each other, but Kufo ignored them and just spoke.

“Anyway, that’s how it is, so we concluded that we would be much more likely to succeed if we were to send you rather than the army. Also, there have been many cases when a person who has received a divine revelation would go al ‘it’s the will of god!’ and start doing reckless things.” [Kufo]

“The tendency for the situation to take that turn increases when a lot of people are involved, and humans that would use ‘the gods’ as a pretense to do whatever they want would also begin popping out… Before you know it, people that refuse to help or can’t help are being treated as sinners, and the people supposed to help us are conquering other nations.

We don’t want any of the sort to happen, but if we send a divine revelation, stuff like that are bound to happen, so it’s a lot safer to ask someone like you, Ryouma-kun, who’ll carry out our task without going over the top.” [Rurutia]

“In the first place, we never asked humans to worship us. Of course, we don’t want them to mock us or treat us portly, and it’s also a bit too late to change our image, so we do maintain an attitude befitting that of gods when sending out a divine revelation.” [Gayn]

So even gods have their constraints, huh…

“Anyway, I’ll accept your request.” [Ryouma]

“Are you sure?” [Meltrize]

“?” [Ryouma]

Meltrize-sama asked with the same expressionless face, but somehow it felt like she was asking if I wasn’t going to reject them. I’m pretty sure it would be more convenient for them for me to accept though.

“It’s certainly convenient for us, but it’s more dangerous for you. You could also choose to abandon your plans of going to the Great Forest, and we wouldn’t blame you for doing so.” [Meltrize]

Is she worried about me?

“I’m not accepting the job because I’m scared of rejecting a request from the gods. I’m sure you’d accept it if I said no, but I have no intentions of rejecting your request. I’m deeply indebted to you for allowing me to transmigrate to this world, so I would be glad to be of help if even a little.” [Ryouma]

“…Thank you” [Meltrize]

“!!” [Ryouma]

As soon as she said that, darkness poured out of her body and covered everything from my neck below. It didn’t feel bad, but it covered me so suddenly that I couldn’t help but become alert. It was then that Kufo came to my side and called out.

“Don’t worry, Ryouma-kun! She’s just giving you her divine protection! It won’t harm you!” [Kufo]

“O-Oh, a divine protection…” [Ryouma]

I’ve never received a divine protection in this way, though… Or rather, I’ve always just suddenly noticed that I’d received one, so I’ve never actually known how I got them.

“I’m grateful, but why all of the sudden?” [Ryouma]

“Humans give an advance payment when making a request. As the Goddess of Sleep and Death, my divine protection will offer some resistance to dark magic, curses, and miasma. It will also aid you in suppressing the curse of the demon king and will be of no consequence when fighting against the monster beast. Consider it an advance. You’ll receive another payment should you succeed.” [Meltrize]

Well, I’m really grateful. Not only did she make it easier for me to do my job, she even helped suppress my curse. I actually don’t mind for this to be my full payment. Isn’t she being a bit too generous, though, giving a divine protection in exchange for one job?

“It’s not that strong. It can at most offer you some peace of mind. Don’t let your guard down just because you have it.” [Meltrize]

“Humans might be grateful for our divine protections, but they’re no big deal to us, so don’t be reserved and just accept them. I’ll provide the next payment should you succeed. After all, the holy land where the problem is occurring is under my supervision. I’ll hear out any requests you might have.” [Fernoberia]

“Requests, huh… Well, there’s nothing on mind right now, so I’ll just leave it to you.” [Ryouma]

“There’s no need to answer immediately, but alright. I’ll pick a payment on my own discretion then. Anyway, does this conclude the important talk?” [Fernoberia]

“I suppose. However, we still have time left, so let’s talk some more about the curse and about that monster beast.” [Gayn]

The gods and I spoke until I ran out of time and it was time for me to leave the divine realm… When the light finally enveloped me, the atmosphere about the gods was a lot gentler than when I came. If accepting their request put them that much at ease, then I’m glad I accepted it.

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