Is This Your First Time? (1)

Three days had elapsed since the unsettling passage of the Calamity, and our party embarked on an unexpected journey to the next city with the noble's carriage.

While many of the people had been transferred to the next city using the ship, we used the carriage because some of the heroes went along with them.

Nonetheless, the reasons behind this unusual trip were both peculiar and amusing.

Eveline, upon waking up, made a beeline to search for me. Despite her bandaged state and a noticeable limp, she navigated the entire city until she eventually picked up on a trail leading to our base.

Her abrupt entrance startled all of us, but the twist that transformed the situation into comedy was the instantaneous shift in her expression. When she caught sight of the other girls residing with me, her face blanched, reminiscent of freshly fallen snow, draining every ounce of blood from her.

Although handling Eveline was within my capabilities, the oddity emerged when I noticed she had brought a familiar individual alongside her – a girl.

However, not Seraphina, not Sylvia, and certainly not the questionable companions that joined forces with the other heroes during the battle... Nonetheless, the peculiar absence of those ntrd girls, including the other hero, Raul, still left me confused.

... There's no way they died, right?

Ehem...In contrast, the girl accompanying Eveline was none other than Juliette.

The reason for Juliette's presence eluded me, but the moment our eyes met, her demeanor took a peculiar turn.

Simultaneously, I expedited our meeting by deploying an earth barrier and instructing the others to flee.

While met with unnecessary questions, I promptly dismissed them with a stern "order." Reaper, this time, expressed discontent, but Solis managed to sway her, leveraging her impressive influence... Ahh, her ability to sway others was nothing short of overpowering.

Approaching the city, a formidable sight greeted us – towering walls guarded diligently by soldiers on all fronts. The aftermath of the Calamity from three days ago lingered, and one would anticipate signs of devastation.

This much should be expected though... The aftermath of the Calamity from three days ago had probably left them devastated.

...Or maybe not.

"Did this city even got hit by the Calamity?"

However, to our surprise, the city appeared untouched. Solis couldn't help but voice her astonishment, questioning if this city had indeed faced the wrath of the recent Calamity.

Occiditis, curious, glanced out of the carriage, observing residents going about their daily lives as if the catastrophic event never occurred. Her attention focused on a family navigating a marketplace, the parents holding their children's hands while engaging in routine activities.

To be honest, the atmosphere within the city seemed oddly serene.

"...mmm."

Seeing the tall structures and well-maintained surroundings, I sighed. In truth, I've already expected this much. The reason for this was already mentioned in the novel.

It was because this city was the most important out of all the others.

Why, you may ask?

This city held paramount significance, serving as the primary source of resources for both the Holy Kingdom and the Empire. Abundant in water and fertile land, it boasted the highest population, and, crucially, it embraced a harmonious coexistence of all races.

Unlike other cities plagued by discrimination, this haven stood out. Humans, demi-humans, elves, and demons coexisted on equal footing. Disrupting this equilibrium could lead to severe consequences, even banishment.

And because of this, this city held the collective commitment of various races. Humans, elves, demons, and even proud demi-humans were united in their resolve to protect this sanctuary. The dedication extended to allocating a significant portion of their armed forces to safeguard the city.

The harmony maintained in this melting pot was crucial, as any devastation within its borders would spell calamity for all races involved.

In short, it is [Game Over].

As the carriage came to a halt, we disembarked and took in the surroundings. I held the peacefully sleeping Reina in my arms, exhaling in awe at the sight that unfolded before us.

"That statue is quite imposing," remarked Reaper, captivated by the grandeur displayed in front of us.

The statue stood tall, a tribute to the visionary behind the city's creation—the original founder, a mere human who, devoid of hero status, achieved the remarkable feat of establishing a territory and fostering a peaceful coexistence among diverse races.

"....."

Silence followed as I struggled to recall the name of this visionary figure.

Who was he again?

***

The forgotten creator of Jinen City, whose name had slipped into obscurity for unknown reasons. Even the novel failed to shed much light on this charismatic individual.

He was portrayed as a figure with boundless growth potential, akin to the heroes, despite never receiving the blessings of the gods. After establishing the city, he ascended to fame, acquiring titles like "Prophet," "Messiah," and, most notably...

"The Incarnation of Freedom."

Odium read aloud the inscription on the stone.

Originally, according to the novel, this world has twelve gods.

- Goddess of Light

- Goddess of Time

- God of Freedom

- God of War

- God of Undying

- God of Unknown

The remaining six gods remained shrouded in mystery, never mentioned even at the novel's conclusion.

Examining the statue, I noticed the intricately carved stone cloth draped around the figure, wrapping around his body up to his right palm like a serpent.

Its symbolism eluded me.

"Let's move on, everyone," I suggested, noting the advancing time. With evening setting in, postponing a thorough investigation until tomorrow seemed prudent.

Thus, we commenced our journey toward the Mansion of the old noble.

...

..

.

"Now that was tough..."

After a refreshing bath, the maids assigned to our care guided me to my room.

"The room next to Master Rider is adjacent to Lady Odium and Lady Otuko. The other Ladies are here," the graceful maid explained, gesturing towards three doors.

Finally, a chance to rest. Given the limited reprieve since my return home, I— Huh?

"...Wait, where's Reina?"

Scanning the surroundings, I realized Reina had vanished behind me.

"Lady Occiditis instructed me to inform you that the young miss will be staying in her room."

"...Ah!"

Thankfully, the maid clarified before I succumbed to panic.

With a graceful exit, the maid left me alone. Watching her figure disappear as she turned the corner, I entered my room.

Tick—!

Simultaneously, the door adjacent to mine swung open.

About to close my door, it met an unexpected resistance.

Otuko's short feet revealed themselves, momentarily perplexing me. Her hands emerged, pushing the door open.

Her expression was a mixture of contortion and a flushed face, breaths coming heavily with teary eyes and an odd touch of salivation.

"Otuko... Why?"

Just as I was preparing to inquire about her actions, she interjected.

"You have to take responsibility."

Out of the sudden, she pulled me into a deep kiss.