Mob MC 142.2

Test

Chapter 142.2. Salvation

-???'s POV-

"Please allow me to express my gratitude to the goddess who saved my life, and my destiny too! No, I mean, let me serve you by your side!"

"That's what they call the bridge effect. Please calm down for a moment."

"No, I will dedicate myself to you! If you refuse, I will offer my life as a sacrifice!"

I have decided to serve the goddess. If I'm got rejected, there is no meaning in living.

"Why? After finally regaining your body, why don't you return home to your family and say, 'I'm home'?"

Since I get kidnapped and out of touch, it might be as the goddess says. That would be normal.

"The year I left home was..."

As I mention it may be quite a long time ago. The goddess falls silent. That's right. Maybe I was the first one to get captured. It must have been a long time ago.

Besides, my family was a group of people who forced me to live as a magician, without any sense of familial love.

I have no interest in that now. I will serve the goddess.

"I see, so it was 48 years ago..."

Others also mention the year they were kidnapped. The most recent one was 12 years ago.

"Well, I understand. In that case, I have a proposal."

The goddess, with a sorrowful voice, indicates a new path.

"If you still wish to return to your family, please raise your hand."

"I would like to confirm from a distance. Is that okay? After confirming, I want to serve the goddess."

"Me too. I want to make sure my family is living well. If they're safe, I can feel relieved. After that, I will serve the goddess."

Two people raise their hands, seemingly determined to come back.

Of course, we will serve the goddess. There is nothing happier as a person and as a magician.

"I see. ....... Ummm. I don't like the idea of brainwashing you."

"What are you saying!? You saved us from hell. I can assure you, you have not brainwashed us!"

I express my frustration to the goddess. I don't want to be thought of as being brainwashed by the one who saved me from the never-ending hell.

Everyone feels the same way and vigorously nods in agreement.

"I understand. However, if you wish to serve me, I have a request. It's a trial. Alternatively, you can be employed by me without taking the trial."

"I choose the trial! Anything is fine!"

"Freya said she can handle it... So I'll leave it to Freya!"

I firmly pat my chest and declare I will take on the goddess's trial. No matter what kind of trial it is, I will do my best until I clear it.

"Um, then, soul... I mean, I have a question for your souls."

The timid girl nods anxiously, and I pay attention, wondering what kind of trial it could be. She squints her eyes, and her expression becomes serious as if peering into our souls.

Her timid, small-animal-like atmosphere disappears, and I feel a suffocating pressure as if she's peering into my very soul, making it hard to breathe.

[I will now sort you out. Heroes shall go to Valhalla, while fools shall live on the Earth.]

The terrifying pressure directly questions our souls. It wouldn't be strange for an ordinary person to faint from it.

My body trembles and my consciousness begins to blur, but I bite my tongue hard to keep myself conscious and scold my trembling body.

 I realize that the girl in front of me is not an ordinary person. She must truly be a goddess.

[Are you worthy of being a hero? Are you willing to serve our god in the realm of battle?]

[Yes.]

Without hesitation, my soul answers. I swear that I will never betray her.

The girl called Freya, with a mystical light dwelling within her, peers into our souls. After what feels like seconds or minutes of observing us, she smiles with satisfaction.

[Then, let's make a contract. If you can endure, it will be good. If you cannot endure, you will live on Earth. With this contract, you will be employed by me and become servants of our god.]

Freya gently covers her hand and utters only one word.

[Heroic Spirit Contract]

An unfamiliar magic circle is drawn beneath our feet. The light shines upon us, and she asks if we are willing to make the contract.

[Yes.]

Without hesitation, we respond, and golden particles emerge from the magic circle, gently enveloping us. At that moment, a different and powerful force flows into us.

It's not just a strong force. It's a power that gently embraces us.

[The contract is complete.  I look forward to working with you in the future.]

"Likewise!"

It seems the trial has come to an end. It seemed easy, but few can withstand that kind of pressure.

"Um, um... From now on, you have become a heroic spirit. You may suddenly get summoned, so please be careful when you're in the bath or using the restroom. A-Also, although my power strengthened you, your lifespan remains the same. Ah, your bodies had returned to their original age when you transformed to treants. It's not eternal life, so please be cautious."

"Um... I'm sorry, did we become a heroic spirit?"

As I listen, it seems there hasn't been much change, and I'm a little disappointed, but the girl's eyes hold a dangerous light.

"Since you made the [Heroic Spirit Contract], I will immediately know when there is a danger when you engage in wicked actions. So please be careful."

I see. We made a contract with the goddess. It's only natural. I have no intention of turning my back on the goddess.

"Well then, please take care of me from now on. My name is Freya."

"My name is Loki. Nice to meet you!"

I turn around as I hear a voice from behind, and I see another girl.

I can see the aura emanating from her. Her gentle light touches my soul, and I bow my head.

"I'm Nimue, the Witch of the Lake. My goddess."

It seems everyone has made the contract. We introduce ourselves respectfully.

And thus, we became the apostles of the goddess.