Pre-Prologue(3)

[...I didn't explain that to you yet, did I? Alright. I will help you understand how it all works...]

Goddess Eve took on the role of a caring and patient teacher, guiding me through the intricacies of the situation. Her explanations carried a gentle tone, reminiscent of a mother imparting knowledge to her child. While I felt a slight sense of gratitude for her willingness to share this information, I couldn't deny the lingering sense of bewilderment that enveloped me.

In truth, the Danmachi World I had seen and read about was nothing more than a means for people in my world to gain awareness of its existence. It served as a conduit to introduce the general concepts and elements of that world, much like how advertisement companies promote their products to capture people's attention.

In the realm of death, there existed individuals like me—wanderers driven by strong desires to reincarnate in their cherished worlds. If someone chose the Danmachi World as their destination, one of its Gods could gain a new follower by facilitating their reincarnation. This symbiotic relationship allowed the God to grow stronger, fueled by the aspirations and loyalty of their followers.

Goddess Eve further revealed the existence of parallel worlds, a revelation that left me both fascinated and perplexed. As a unique being with dominion over space and time, Eve possessed the ability to manipulate these dimensions. This extraordinary power not only made her one of a kind but also drew the attention and envy of those who coveted her position. By amassing followers across multiple parallel worlds, Eve had the potential to ascend to the heights of the Ancient Gods.

Assimilating this wealth of information proved challenging, yet gradually, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place within my mind. With a newfound understanding of the workings of this intricate system, I resolved to embrace the opportunities before me and release myself from the shackles of uncertainty. The solutions lay within my grasp, and dwelling on the mysteries that once plagued my thoughts became unnecessary.

"In the end, what I know is merely the facade others have portrayed of her..."

My voice unconsciously escaped in a mutter, carrying with it a tangible anger that twisted my facial expression.

The Goddess I had admired and longed to hold onto had been nothing more than a fabrication, crafted by a random God to entice me into the world of Danmachi.

[...Calm down, Ren.]

Eve let out a sigh, her voice tinged with a hint of exasperation. I was well aware of how irrational my thoughts sounded, but I couldn't suppress the intensity of my desires. The moment I learned of her existence, Ren Amamiya underwent a profound transformation.

"...Indeed."

While I refused to stifle my obsession, I vowed not to let it consume me entirely. Merely acting upon my desires would amount to nothing in the pursuit of my goals. Even if we were to examine countless timelines, the "irreversible events" would remain unchanged, implying that Ais' level could range from 6 to 8 or even 9. The risks were far too great.

Once again, my gaze fell upon the Goddess, her resplendent radiance now nothing but an annoyance to my eyes.

"...While I now comprehend that the novel's contents hold no value, I care deeply about their power system. It is archaic and excessively complex. That is why I propose an alternative approach."

Even if I were to reincarnate into the world of Danmachi, I would be no more than a minnow swimming in a pond thriving with fat sharks known as Goddesses. To transcend my limits, I would need to forge a bond with a Goddess.

[Oh? What do you mean by that, Ren?]

I detected a genuine sense of intrigue in Eve's voice. Did she believe I expected her to bestow upon me an overpowered cheat like a foolish protagonist might...?

Were I such a simpleton, I would have already made such a request. However, I held no interest in any of that.

"Is it possible to traverse between worlds?"

My question caused the Goddess's eyes to widen, or at least I attempted to discern that reaction through the overwhelming brilliance emanating from her presence.

[...I stand corrected. Ren Amamiya, you are truly audacious. Yes, it is indeed possible to travel between worlds. However, the cost involved—]

I interrupted her words.

"It depends on the distance between the world I wish to teleport to and the one I am currently in. Now, since you possess the ability to perceive all timelines, I beseech you to grant me access to the closest parallel world to Danmachi, where Ais Wallenstein might still occupy a low level or, even better, where she has not yet come into existence. Furthermore, I desire that this alternate world brims with Mana, Magic Power, Qi, Demonic Energy, or whatever power system thrives within it. Can you fulfill this request, oh great Kami-sama?"

With utmost respect, I lowered myself in a deep bow, presenting my plea as nothing more than a humble request.

[You... Yes, it is indeed within my power to fulfill your request. However, you must be prepared to wait for several hours. You underestimate the exhaustion and complexity entailed in what you ask for... Rest assured, once you prove yourself useful, I shall work you to the bone! Hmph!]

Her response came laced with feigned anger, though I knew deep down she wasn't truly upset, as she immediately set to work on fulfilling my request.

'I have never encountered a live tsundere before.'

Such thoughts shamelessly occupied my mind as I audaciously asked her to watch some other anime while she worked...

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