Transforming into a white cat, I hopped out a window, and down to the ground. The women would all remember talking to me, but not until much later. I was sure it was going to cause some unrest.
As for me, I wanted to explore this amazing creation that I had raised up. Things had gone just how I had planned, save for the extra destruction. Still, pretty good for something like this.
As I started to stroll down the street, forcing everyone to ignore me, I got the smell of some fresh pie. The smell was coming in the direction of where the marketplace used to be. I had made sure to keep it the same, just much bigger since many people wanted to migrate here now.
Creating a big city was one thing, but filling it up was a whole other story. I mean, I could probably make some people, but that sounds like real god work, and hard stuff at that. I was more of the if you build it, they will come, attitude.
Following my nose, I found a late-night pie vendor and transformed into my normal form. If there was one nice thing about realizing who I was, it was the seamless ability to step into a conversation without drawing attention. Then leaving like a ghost after!
"Lord Galio! The creator of the city! Bless me at my brand new shop!" The man running the stand laughed, and I smiled.
"I smelled the pie, and I just had to follow my nose!" I laughed, and the man handed me an entire pie.
"For the god of this world! This is the least I can do!" The man laughed, and I sighed as I took it.
Then I ate the whole thing down to the last piece in the blink of an eye. 'So good!' I thought and then smiled at the shocked man.
I leaned against the balcony railing, looking out over the vast landscape of my astral island. "Well, I've created this city, and now it's time to see how it evolves on its own. I'll still be around, keeping an eye on things, maybe offering a nudge or two when needed. But for now, I want to experience life as a mortal and travel the world. There are lots of problems for me to deal with!"
Penny nodded, understanding. "And what about the goddess competition? What's going to happen with that?"
I chuckled. "Yeah, that is first. The competition is before any traveling. I'll still be involved but in a more subtle way. I want to see these women grow and develop on their own, without my direct interference. It's about them, not about me.
And who knows, maybe one of them will surprise me and become a great goddess for this world."
Penny grinned. "It's going to be interesting to see how it all unfolds. And what about us, the participants? Are we just pawns in your grand game?"
I shook my head. "Not pawns, my dear. You are players in a game that you get to define. You have the power to shape your destinies, and I'm just here to provide the stage. Embrace the challenges, grow stronger, and make your mark on this world. Become a Goddess for me, and lead people to happiness!" I laughed, but then the air rippled, and I smelled blood in the air, lots of it.
I knew exactly what that smell was. Blood Witches!
But why so many?
"Ophiuchus!" A demonic Leo roared. "Chaos has arrived!"