Chapter 2: Meeting God (Self-Proclaimed)

I found myself in a mysterious space which could be said to be dark and bright at the same time.

My field of view was also filled with colors that I can’t recognize if it’s black or white, but it’s definitely not gray. I also couldn’t distinguish if I was on the ground or is floating.

I have worked as an assassin for a long time, but in my later years, I spent my daily adventures along with the other heroes who scouted me for my expertise.

Even though my perception ability is normal, I wasn’t able to grasp the current circumstance at all.

「Hello~」

「Who’s there?!」

I heard someone’s relaxed voice all of sudden.

I can’t tell whose voice it was, nor from where it came from.

But the owner of the voice appeared right before me.

A small figure appeared as if clearing out the black and white clouds that were blocking my vision.

Even though she’s standing right in front of me, I can’t feel her presence.

And, although I could recognize her as a woman, I was not able to recognize her face at all.

And then her face became visible, her silver hair, red eyes, and beautiful white skin became recognizable. But I’m not familiar nor acquainted with anyone who had those features.

「Who are you…」

「Me? I’m god.」

Although she introduces herself as a god, there wasn’t an ounce of dignity at all in her gestures.

No, I can’t even recognize the quality of her voice. Although I can understand it’s a beautiful voice, I have no memories of it.

「What’s the meaning of this? Why can’t I seem to recognize nor understand you…? 」

「Ah, that? That’s my doing. I’m a god after all. If you look directly at my figure, it will end up in a SAN checkmate, you know? 」

「Sa…n… What?」

「Well~, don’t worry about it. In other words, it will be good for you if your recognition is obstructed in this manner.」

「This space too?」

「That is, of course.」

The existence that claimed to be a god is the one obstructing my perception.

I decided to believe her this time, although I’m highly doubtful about her reliability.

After all, I was already at death’s door at that time.

It’s not strange to actually meet a god after death, right?

「In other words, I’m already dead, right?」

「Nn, that’s right. You are unmistakably, completely, and perfectly dead, nothing more than that! 」

「I didn’t really want to hear that confirmation though…」

If my former comrade Maria somehow managed to arrive even when I’m on the verge of death, I would have been able to survive because she’s a master of healing magic.

However, resurrection of the dead was designated as a taboo and was sealed.

It was said that souls must always be meant to enter the cycle, as the doctrine says so. It’s not permitted to unnaturally obstruct it.

In addition, Maria doesn’t know this technique. In short, it was impossible for her to revive me.

「I see, that means I will be returning to the circle of souls.」

「Well, you can think of it that way.」

While seemingly having fun, the god did a fluttering dance.

However, the next words I’ve heard after that made me think deeply as to what she was implying.

「What is it. Are you telling me that it’s possible to be resurrected somehow? 」

「Well, resurrection is impossible. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any other way besides that. You have quite excellent companions.」

「Hah?」

As a question mark floated above my head, god puts her hand on her mouth and「Mufufu」let out unpleasant laughter.

「No, it’s nothing. But let me just say one thing.」

「What?」

「I welcome you to a new horizon! Let’s make a splendid welcome! 」

「Haa…?」

I was rendered speechless not knowing what this so-called god did, and all of a sudden I was struck by something without understanding what it was.

Right then, I was immediately hit by dizziness and my vision became dark.

Am I standing? Am I sitting? I can’t understand, but my vision delineated a marble pattern, like a dribble of milk in a cup of tea.

「W-What…?」

「It looks like it will begin soon. Well, I do enjoy using loopholes like this.」

「What is this—My body, what is happening?!」

「You’re going to be returned to your original world. Well, I’ve interfered with the success rate just a little bit.」

「Just what are you—」

「Oh, right, while I’m at it, let’s also add Interference as a bonus」

The self-proclaimed god continued to mutter incomprehensible things.

And then my consciousness was suddenly cut off, and I sank into the darkness.