Pioneering the Apocalyptic World - Chapter 104

Chapter 39: The reunion of the Earth God and the Creator God

“Rhea!!”

“Ugh!?”

As soon as the creator god appeared, she immediately hugged the earth god (Rhea). Well, since the Creator God has no physical body, it would be correct to say that she took a pose like she was hugging her, but putting that aside.
Perhaps she was overwhelmed with emotion, she is crying..

“I’m glad you’re safeeeeeeee…”

“Hey wait, Promethia. I know you’re happy, so don’t show that embarrassing appearance in front of our followers…!”

The Earth God, who was still in a being in a hugged position, wandered her arms around and turned her gaze toward us.
It’s no wonder, after all, even if she tries to push the creator god away, the creator god doesn’t have a physical body. So unless the creator god herself withdraws, there is nothing that she can do.
Smirk… Cough, cough. When I was just looking at them with a smile on my face, I was suddenly glared by the earth god…… So it’s embarrassing, ufufufu.

“Wait, Rhea, why are you looking so worn out…! Are you okay!? Does it hurts!?”

It seems that the Earth God’s current state was finally visible when she was told to give some space, and the Creator God became even more panicked and noisy. Even though she couldn’t touch her, she is trying to touch here and there as if to check the condition of the Earth God.

“I got it, I got it, so get away from me a for a second!!”

It took a few minutes for the situation to settle down after the earth god yelled at her.

“… I’m very sorry.”

“Ah, no, don’t worry.”

The creator god who finally regained her composure blushed a little and apologized while swimming her eyes around.
…… I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, but this God is very human-like. Well, that part is also cute, so it’s fine.
By the way, I was the only one who was laughing at their interaction, Uru (and Zephyr who was held by the neck, so as not to move around) was calm, and Fricka and Fin were looking as if they have seen something they shouldn’t, while they kneel down.…… Well, the Creator God is the greatest being in this world.…

“… So, Rhea are you really okay?”

“Yeah. I won’t be able to use my authority properly for a while, but if I quietly rest here, I’ll be cured. More importantly, I’d like to praise your miko who freed me.”

“… That’s right.”

The Earth God waved her hands and moved to my side and tapped my shoulder.
However, it’s a rather frank, or a rather friendly relationship. Roughly speaking, these two should have a relationship like a boss and a subordinate. Partly because the creator god rarely appeared in the game, there were no stories with her and the other gods, so I had no idea what kind of relationship they have.

“Rion, thank you very much for releasing Rhea.”

“You’re welcome. This is also my job, isn’t it?”

The Creator God straightened her posture and bowed to me as if to maintain her dignity. To be honest, it feels like it’s already too late after seeing that earlier, but I’ll just accept her thanks without saying anything. The creator god didn’t notice my warm eyes, but the earth god nudged me from a position invisible to the creator god. Is it the creator god who is just dull or the earth god that is sharp…

“… It looks like you’ve also been injured quite a bit.”

The bandages on my right arm… Probably knowing that the miasma was invading its inside even without seeing it directly, the creator stared at me a look of pity.
That said, just like the Earth God’s case, this isn’t an incurable disease. And I don’t want to burden the creator god, so I act extra bright.

“It’ll be fine because it will heal soon. Rather, I’m glad that I was able to release the Earth Goddess with just this much.”

“…… Is that so.”

Perhaps the Creator God guessed my intentions, she didn’t say any more words and after pretending to swallow it, she puts her hand on my head and moves it as if to patting me. For some reason, the Earth God also roughly stroked the back of my head.
…… I wonder if gods like to stroke other people heads……? Well, It’s not like I dislike it, so I quietly let them pet me!
However, this position is a little bit, most of my view occupied by the creator god’s chest-cough, cough. I have to look for something to distract, something… Ah, that’s right.

“By the way, Creator God. Why didn’t you know where the Earth Goddess was sealed?”

A large amount of Miasma and Zephyrus were being ostentatiously positioned, as if protecting something.
Even if you don’t know if the seal itself is there or not, wouldn’t it be okay if you could tell me at least “This place is a bit suspicious”? That’s what I thought, but the things don’t always go well as you wish.

“… Unfortunately, miasma is not that uncommon in Asteria right now.”

“? But you sensed something unusual in Alness Village, right?”

“That’s just one of many that have occurred. It was just near Rion, so I thought that is better for you to solve it before it got worse…”

I see?
If miasma is everywhere, it can’t be helped if you can’t tell which one is particularly suspicious.

“Also, I was being sealed, so she couldn’t sense any a clue (divine presence) from me. It’s like saying, look for a grain of gold in the desert that’s all around you.”

“… That is certainly tough.”

I couldn’t help but nod at the Earth God’s additional explanation. Even I would be at a loss if I was told “There are materials buried somewhere here” in plains so vast as my eye could see.
… But “It’s not that uncommon.” huh… I wonder if it’s this world is really okay.
As if my concerns were conveyed, the creator god lowered her eyebrows and showed a weak smile. Hmmm… I have to work harder too…
When I was hardening my resolve in my mind, I heard the sound of something moving from next to me and Uru whispered “Hey.”. Ah, I have to ask her about this too.

“Umm… God of Creation”

“What is it?”

“… Is it okay if I keep this dragon…?”

I timidly asked while pointing at Zephyr in Uru’s arms. Zephyr, who was the subject of the conversation, casually made a “Kyu?” sound and tilted his head.
…… Originally, monsters are existences that should be defeated. He has the intelligence to understand our words, and he listens to us quietly without showing any hostility, so I could say, “Is there any problem?”… But that’s just my impression. The earth god doesn’t say anything whether she’s overlooking it or she has other intentions, but from the standpoint of the creator god, there’s a good chance she’ll say “defeat him.” immediately.
However, I’ve already grown somewhat emotionally attached to Zephyr.…… If I receive such an order, will I be able to ‘defeat a monster that’s not an enemy’?
While holding my breath, waiting for her decision.

“Yes, I don’t mind.”

The Creator God said it very easily.

“… Huh? Is that okay?”

“It’s okay?”

I inadvertently asked her twice, but the answer remains the same. It’s as light as if giving permission to keep a dog or cat.
I let out a small sigh of relief that I didn’t have to kill Zephyr.
However, as a matter of course, it doesn’t seem to be unconditionally, and she added a “however”.

“Rion, please take good care of him… I can’t openly defend this matter.”

I will take care of it, there is no help from the Creator God, I can understand both, so I nod.
And then, at the words that continued, I frowned in my heart.

“Also… By taking him with you, Rion, you may have malice turned towards you. Please be prepared for that.”

Not by its content. But by the state of the God of Creation.
If I’m not mistaken… She looks sad somehow.
Is she saddened by the future that may come to me? That’s possible. But I don’t think that’s all.

…… No way, is she struggling about how to treat monsters ……?

I close my eyes to shake off the thoughts that have gone through my head.
It’s definitely not about the monsters, I have been defeating them normally so far, and she hasn’t said anything about it.
Perhaps Zephyr’s existence has a special significance. But the fact that she don’t mention that means that she can’t say it or she doesn’t want to say it.
I decided not to express my doubts and remain silent.

“…… Yes, I understand.”

After a few other conversations, the Earth God requested, “I want to talk with Promethia about something, so can you leave us alone?”, so we decided to leave.
It’s been a long time since they have met, so I guess there’s a lot to talk about.