By Zephyria 
“Will the world open again?”
I assumed it was about portals and stayed quiet, but the Goddess understood Ruben’s words well.
“The world Mikael was in before won’t open anymore. That world’s war has already ended.”
Startled, I quickly asked.
“…The War of Righteousness and Evil has ended? What was the outcome?”
“You don’t need to worry so much, Mikael. Good always triumphs over evil.”
So, good finally won.
Thank goodness. It was truly a relief. The thought that the sacrifices of so many were not in vain filled my heart with pride and eased my mind.
Why hadn’t I thought to ask this? The reason was very clear. I had no intention of returning. Even if the Demonic Cult had won, what could I, a mere martial artist in that world, have done? It was also partly due to my concern that Ruben, sitting beside me, might misunderstand. Still, thanks to Ruben, I was able to unearth and cast aside a worry I had buried deep within my heart, which felt wonderful.
I was relieved, and Ruben seemed quite satisfied as well. The child changed the direction of his hands and clasped mine. I held Ruben’s hand willingly and listened to the rest of the story.
The First Goddess said that moving a large soul required a significant amount of Mana transfer. The Oasis had said something similar before. Still, as far as that fellow knew, he had spoken truthfully.
At any rate, she said that at the time, fewer than five worlds were engaged in great wars within her reach.
She had compared them and chosen the one she liked best. Then, she prayed to my world’s god and pleaded to bring me over, but she was attacked by The Ninth and lost consciousness.
When she awoke, not only I but also several other fragments had crossed over into this broken world, and other worlds she had considered were now close to Central Plains.
With her body not fully recovered, the Goddess had been busy hastily tidying up the pieces of the worlds that had become entangled. After tidying everything up, The Ninth attempted to shatter this continent, and she narrowly escaped death by ascending, only to return.
She thanked me several times, saying it was all my doing. Although I was dragged here and suffered a bit, I gained a good family, good companions, and a beloved lover. So, I simply nodded and accepted her thanks.
Ruben, who had been listening intently, asked again.
“So, you’re saying this continent is still unstable?”
“That’s right. It will take at least another thirty years for the world’s boundaries to fully recover.”
“What if humans start using portal Magic on a daily basis?”
“Portals? You can’t use those. When did you advance so much?”
The Goddess looked at Ruben with wide, startled eyes, like a rodent.
Seeing her like this, I realized she was smaller than I thought. Her presence was so grand and distinct that I assumed her body was large too, but she was only slightly taller than Marianne.
I answered her question.
“I inherited the memories of The Ninth God, didn’t I? I can’t use Magic myself, but I can at least copy the spell formulas. I was thinking of having the continent’s Wizards research them, but will that not work?”
“Ah. Uh… you can do that? Can you use Magic too?”
“No. I can only read and write it.”
“So, you can’t transmit the Mana activation method, only the spell formulas and Magic Circles?”
“Yes.”
“Hmmmm… I think that might be possible.”
“…Really?”
The Goddess tapped the pedestal I was sitting on with her fingertips. Her eyes spun wildly, like a possessed shaman, as she pondered, then returned to normal. The overwhelming Divine Power surrounding us didn’t make me feel cold or fearful. It was simply wondrous.
After deep contemplation, the Goddess nodded vigorously.
“Originally, it shouldn’t be possible. The entire continent is a bit unstable right now. But you’re here, Mikael. You, who possess the Purification ability.”
“What can I do?”
“You know that tree you planted in Grimsbein?”
…The tree? The Source of the Waterproof Forest?
“In any case, it’s impossible for you humans to open portals anywhere instantly with your current Mana levels. You’ll likely install Magic Circles and pour in enough Mana to travel to predetermined coordinates each time. So, if you plant two of those trees… no, three trees each at the key points. Leave the entrance clear, and place them on either side and behind the Magic Circle.”
“That will be enough? Really?”
“Yes. Your Divine Power inherently has the function of Purification. The problem is that when large-scale Magic is used, the weakened world’s boundaries are affected by the Mana imbalance. If you continuously embed symbols that purify the surrounding Mana long-term, it should be able to withstand it. Still, be careful not to keep a space open for more than 10 minutes. And don’t place the portals too close to each other. If you’re not careful, a black hole could form in between.”
“Done.” Ruben clenched his fist tightly.
I don’t know what kind of world the child dreams of. I didn’t understand half of what the Goddess said. What exactly is a black hole? Still, since Ruben was happy, I felt excited along with him. Planting a few trees wasn’t difficult for me.
I guess I’ll get to see the world again.
If I have to be separated from Ruben for a long time, I’ll be sad, but if it helps the child, how could I refuse?
The Goddess continued.
“However, I don’t know how to use portals myself… Spatial movement fundamentally requires more resources for coordinate calculation than drawing Magic Circles. I don’t know how far a human Wizard, unlike a Dragon, can replicate it. Anyway, give it a try. If any problems arise, I’ll send a Divine Revelation immediately.”
What kind of Divine Revelation is this, like passing notes?
Ruben wanted to open portals near Sierren’s capital and at the centers of each Duke’s family. The Goddess readily agreed. Various other questions and answers were exchanged.
Most of it was about the continent’s age, the structure of minerals buried beneath its strata, the creation of the world beyond the sea, and the structure of Magic territory.
After an hour and thirty minutes of talking, we were dismissed.
The child might have been a little curious, so why was she so fussy about such a thing? The saying that the First Goddess was a goddess of benevolence seemed like a lie.
Still, I was overjoyed that Ruben was so satisfied his cheeks were glowing.
❖ ❖ ❖
Monday of the second week of March.
As soon as lunch ended, Ruben called me.
I thought he might want help with swordsmanship practice, so I deliberately borrowed and wore the Imperial Knights’ uniform and a sword at my waist. However, Vivian Grimbswein and Matt Nico were sitting in the reception room.
“It’s been a while.”
“You’re really alive… I’m so glad. You saved me, Young Master Ernhardt.”
“Huh? Me?”
“Yeah. When you were gone, that guy,”
Ruben cut off Matt Nico before he could grumble further.
“Mika, you said you wanted to meet Lady Grimsbein in person. I invited you as soon as I got the contact.”
“Yes. I thought the place I’m in is too small and dirty to call Senior Ernhardt.”
“…Where on earth have you been living and what have you been doing?”
“Nothing much. Just some apprenticeship.”
Come to think of it, my fingertips were rougher than before. The hands of a craftsman. Remembering her lineage, I felt a bit sentimental.
She proudly spread her fingertips wide for me to see and grinned, baring her teeth.
“And I thought it would be better to ask you directly.”
“…Me?”
“Yes. Lord Ernhardt, no, Senior. Please protect Grimsbein.”
It was a request made based on our friendship. I didn’t know how to answer and kept my mouth shut.
“I’ve never lived in Grimsbein for even a single moment of my life. My hometown is Viscount Nico’s territory. I don’t have the will to dedicate my entire life to Grimsbein’s glory.”
“…Hmm.”
“Of course, I know Grimsbein has many mineral deposits, and I know how valuable they are. I also know that many people from the Duchy want to reclaim the territory. But I don’t know how to fight monsters. All I know is metal crafting. And I can’t even touch swords or weapons. My specialty is accessories.”
I wondered if Ruben had told her to say this.
Suspicious, I glanced at Ruben, who was sitting next to me. The child pouted with an aggrieved expression.
Matt Nico suddenly choked, causing Vivian to pause briefly, but the child earnestly explained why I should take over the Grimsbein territory.
The gist was that I should fend off the monsters that would invade Grimsbein, establish the sacred tree to purify the land, and then return the territory to the Marquesses, Counts, and Barons of Grimsbein who were constantly complaining to me, so they could regain their stable lives.
“Honestly, even if Grimsbein were in perfect condition, it would have been difficult for me to manage. I’m young, I have no memories of my parents, and I have no retainers to trust and follow. But now, the craftsmen and retainers are scattered, and monsters are invading the territory every day.”
“But that’s…”
“Reconstruction projects also cost money. I’m a greenhorn who inherited a business buried in debt. If His Majesty the Emperor and you, Senior, pay the price and take over the territory and all its rights, there would be nothing better.”
“Hmm.”
“Still, since I am of Grimsbein’s bloodline, I do wish for the Duchy to be normalized. If it goes well, I could build a workshop in Grimsbein and train every day to create my life’s masterpiece. I want to hear the song of the inexhaustible mine and the unquenchable flame.”
“… ”
“The current Grimsbein needs Senior Ernhardt’s military might and symbolism. Proof that it’s a safe haven protected by a Grand Sword Master. Of course, your immense capital would also play a part.”
Vivian, or rather Wendy, whom I saw a few years ago, was a shy child hiding behind Matt Nico, unable to say a word. But now, she was firm and cheerful, like well-polished flint. How quickly other people’s children grow up. I felt deeply moved.
“Of course, it’s not just about obligations. You’ve been there before. There are over 80 recorded mines there. Among them, a particularly high-quality pink diamond mine is attached to Grimsbein. Plus, it’s right next to the sea, making it great for vacations…”
“There were a lot of Armor Crabs.”
“They say they’re delicious when roasted! I haven’t tried them myself.”
Ruben, who had been listening quietly beside me, added.
“The first place we’ll install a portal will be Grimsbein. Since there are no people around, the damage will be minimal even if an accident occurs. We plan to connect the area outside the capital’s north gate with the outskirts of Grimsbein Duchy Castle. It will take years, but if successful, we’ll be able to travel from Grimsbein to the capital within an hour.”
“… ”
“You’ll sleep next to me, in the Imperial Palace.”
“…Yes.”
There was no longer any room to refuse. I meekly nodded.