Chapter 13. Gods
"Well, it's time. Strive to live a good life."
Phew… gone.
I feel guilty as if I'm deceiving them. No, I actually am deceiving them...
Even if it's necessary, making them work for our convenience feels wrong...
Now, the next one is his sister.
I hope things go smoothly.
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"Where... is this? This isn't Japan..."
"This is the world of gods, or perhaps the afterlife."
"Ah, so I did die... And if this is the world of gods, then who are you?"
"Uh, um. I am a god. A goddess, that is. Hahahaha..."
As expected from siblings, their reactions are eerily similar...
"So. What does a god want with me?"
"Uh, um. Indeed, you do resemble each other. You two..."
"Huh?"
"Just a moment ago, your brother was here... hmmph!"
"Where! Where is my brother!? Let me see him!"
"Calm, calm down! I'll explain everything! Don't shake me!"
Panting, to treat a god like this...
"You, I am still a proper god. Show some respect."
"Unfortunately, I don't recall ever being helped by a god. But if you let me see my brother, I'll respect you accordingly."
"Is your brother that important to you?"
"Yes. For my brother, I'd even turn against gods or demons."
"Hoho, are you serious about that?"
"Yes. No second thoughts."
Then you are indeed the right choice. He also wanted to see you.
"Then I have a request for you. If you listen, I'll make sure you can see your brother."
"I accept!"
"...Can't you at least pretend to hesitate or be uncertain? It's a god's request, you know. Such a quick decision."
"If my reunion with my brother is on the table, I have no choice. There's no room for hesitation."
She's really determined... well, fine.
"Then before I make my request, let me explain the situation. The request comes afterward."
"Alright, tell me."
"The reason your world was destroyed... I told your brother that it was because the dimension reached the end of its lifespan and collapsed, but that was a lie."
"...So? What's the real reason?"
"Indeed. The true reason your dimension was destroyed is... another god messed up. It was destroyed by the hand of a god."
"..."
"Your anger is justified and understandable, but please bear with me for now. I'll continue explaining."
"Alright..."
She looks furious... naturally.
"The reason that god destroyed the dimension you lived in was because he tried to reform the world and failed. He said it was to improve the world."
"Reform the world?"
"Yes. The dimension you were in, the world was centered around Earth. It seems he was dissatisfied with the state of Earth. War, hunger, poverty, discrimination... He aimed to eliminate those and create a world where only happy humans exist. He was serious about it. He had always claimed to love humans."
"And yet he destroyed the dimension? That's ridiculous. Besides, a world with only happiness is strange. Happiness exists because there's unhappiness. A god who doesn't understand something so basic is just wrong."
"Exactly. However, he attempted to change even that aspect. To create a world where only happiness exists and it wouldn't seem strange. The result was a failure. Countless lives were lost."
"So? What happened to the idiot god who did such a thankless thing? Did you capture him or something?"
"He escaped."
"...Don't just say it so casually..."
"He is also a god and a rather powerful one. Capturing him isn't easy. Of course, we plan to capture him before he causes more trouble, but we might not make it in time. So,"
"The request. I can guess what it is."
"Yes. I want you to cooperate with your brother. If that idiot god does something in the world you're reincarnated into, I want you to stop him or buy us time. Without letting him notice you as much as possible."
"My brother too? But you haven't explained it to him, right? And reincarnation?"
I hadn't mentioned reincarnation, had I?
"Indeed. I haven't explained it to your brother. He has already been reincarnated into another Earth's parallel world, ahead of you."
"..."
"What's wrong?"
"Can I be my brother's sister again in the reincarnation?"
"That's possible. It would make cooperation easier."
"Alright! Then that's fine. Continue."
She's really something...
"Yes. I didn't explain to your brother because there is no certainty that the god will act in the world you go to. Also, if your brother acts too overtly and gets noticed, it would be troublesome. We can't let him act before we're ready to capture him. If he escapes again, it would be problematic. Your brother is quite serious, isn't he? A good person. If he knew the world might end again, he'd put his happiness second."
"That's right... he's not good at keeping secrets either."
"Exactly. So I want you to work together and investigate, preventing the world's destruction. Keep it secret from your brother as much as possible until you're certain. If necessary, you can tell him, but make sure he doesn't act rashly."
"What exactly should we do? And can we really handle it, going up against a god?"
"Gods can't directly interfere with the world. Basically, all they can do is speak to people or appear in dreams. When they want to interfere more directly, they send apostles. He would probably do the same."
"Apostles? Like angels?"
"In your world, that might be the understanding, but no. They are vessels of the god's will, wielding power as the god desires. Puppets, you could say. They can't exert their full power."
"But they're still stronger than humans, right? Even if we catch them in the act, there's nothing we can do."
"Don't worry. As I told your brother, the souls of humans from your world are higher in rank than those in the world you'll be going to. You'll be born with great talent. If you hone it, you should become strong."
"I see... So, specifically, what should we do? 'Investigate and prevent the world's destruction' is too vague."
"Indeed... First, find the key existence in the world. To alter the world, he would need to contact this key. If you can secure and hide this key, protecting the world should be easier. Next, look for anomalies in the world, especially those that can't be explained without divine intervention."
"Can't you gods identify the key existence in that world?"
"Sorry, but none of the gods know. The number of dimensions is vast, and the key isn't always the same. We can't keep track of it. Not even that idiot god. He'll also struggle to find the key."
"What about investigating anomalies?"
"It's part of finding the key. They should be noticeable anomalies."
"I see... By the way, what was the key in our world? And is the center of the world we're going to also Earth?"
"Yes, the center is Earth, and the key is somewhere on Earth. That's certain. As for the key in your world, we don't know. Before we could find out, that idiot messed things up."
"I see... there's not much information..."
"Sorry. We'll do our best to help before it's too late. If we find anything, we'll let you know. That's all from our side. Any questions? If not, we'll start the reincarnation."
"Yes... You said there's no certainty the idiot god will act in the next dimension, so why that dimension? You must have some basis for this prediction, right?"
"Indeed. As I mentioned, the souls from your world are high-ranking, which means your dimension is a high-ranking one. Altering a high-ranking dimension isn't easy. He failed before. So..."
"He might try again in a high-ranking dimension or a lower-ranking one where it's easier."
"Exactly."
"And the easier one is where we'll be reincarnated."
"Even though it's easier compared to the previous attempt, it's still difficult."
"I see. Next question."
"Why us siblings?"
"Hmm?"
"Why are we tasked with protecting the world? I'm not unhappy about being my brother's sister again. I have no problem doing something with my brother. It's my wish. But protecting the world? There should be more suitable people."
"Not just anyone can be reincarnated into another dimension. Only those with the necessary strength of soul can cross the dimensional barrier. Moreover, they must have the right personality. A nihilist would be of no use, and someone who seeks world domination with newfound power is out of the question. This time, we also needed someone who could work with family. Solo would be too difficult. That's why you two were chosen."
"I see... Given those conditions, it makes sense my brother was chosen."
You barely cut, but I won't mention that.
She's really something...
"Other candidates are being sent to other dimensions. You're not the only ones chosen."
"Of course. You don't need to worry. We won't get overconfident."
"That's good to hear. Anything else?"
"You mentioned contacting you. How should we do that?"
"Pray to me, calling my name strongly. I can't promise to respond every time, but I'll keep an eye on you. Forgive me if I'm busy."
"Understood. One last thing. If we resolve the issue, are we free afterward? Even if there's no interference from the idiot god?"
"Yes. Your happiness is the priority. That's why we kept it from your brother."
"I understand. Rest assured, I won't let our world be destroyed again. Anyone who threatens our happiness will be dealt with. I have a god's endorsement, after all."
That threat includes a god, though...
"I rely on you. Anything else? If not, we'll begin the reincarnation."
"No, I'm ready. Please proceed."
"Then, let's begin."
Reincarnation is proceeding smoothly.
"Ah, one more thing."
"What is it?"
The reincarnation has already started?
"Once we're settled in the new world, I'll tell my brother everything. Don't worry, I won't let him do anything reckless. And I prefer not to keep secrets from him. We'll work better if we both understand the situation."
"I see... I'll leave it to you."
"Yes. Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
…
Has she gone? I hope she finds happiness.
Now then, are there any other souls that need to be sent?
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