New Chapter 7: A Strange Connection

Sitting in the carriage, Artemis and I engaged in light banter. She asked me about myself with no ulterior intentions, so I didn't mind answering some of her questions.

"Do you have a family? Is that why you're trying to go to Orario, to make a name for yourself and help them?" Her eyes were filled with stars, and in her head, she was definitely painting me in some ideal image, but I broke the truth to her.

"No. I don't even remember them; I've been living alone my entire life." My voice was completely neutral. Thankfully, I sacrificed my memories of connections in my last life! If I hadn't, then that feeling of loneliness would definitely be eating at me.

"O-oh, I'm sorry!" Artemis felt awkward; she didn't know what to do now. I threw her a bone to help out—I didn't want to have an awkward ride either.

"No worries, but I came to Orario to get stronger and to face more life-threatening scenarios!" The dungeon is going to be such a godsend opportunity, I just know it.

"Eh?" I could tell she was confused. I guess I'll add more details.

"I want to challenge myself, and the dungeon will be a great way to do that. Also, the city has strong adventurers, I'm sure, who will be fun to challenge!" Not to mention, great experiments for some variation techniques; however, she didn't need to know that.

"I see! Will you come and visit us? I'm not saying you have to often, just sometimes." Her face flushed red, which was starting to get quite unnerving...

"I'm sorry if this is sudden, but is there a reason why you're urging me to stay in contact with you?"

"Ah!" She jolted. It seems I shouldn't have asked that question. She made eye contact with me, and after a few seconds, she sighed. She nodded her head, and before I could even ask, she spoke.

"I really don't know what it is, but I feel a connection to you. It's strange, as I've never felt like this before, but whatever it is keeps pulling me towards you! I don't know what to do." Hearing her words, I thought to myself. That's when I considered a possible reason, which wasn't that far-fetched, but my only piece of evidence was from the system when I obtained the Six Eyes. 

It explicitly stated, "Beginning Rebirth." I originally thought it was just talking about my eyes, but it could have been mentioning something even greater...

"Star Plasma Vessel... Six Eyes... these two were linked by fate, but a man can't have this special physique." I muttered under my breath; however, it seemed that Artemis caught some of my words.

"Star Plasma Vessel and Six Eyes?" She was clearly confused, which wasn't surprising, but screw that. Hold on, could Artemis be something similar to the Star Plasma Vessel? She is a goddess, and while I won't speak to her exact divinity, she typically is shown with stars or the moon surrounding her!

I know my Six Eyes and the vessel are linked, but to think that would traverse universes. She might not even have the exact physique; it could just be something similar!

"Hey! Can you answer me!"

"Huh?"

"Mou~!!! You've been quiet for like the last 5 minutes!" Artemis was quite upset.

'I guess I'll make it up to her. I swear after this, I'm going to separate from her, but if I do that, I won't be able to prove why she is feeling this "connection" as she called it. Ha, it's not my problem, so I'll keep it that way.'

"What was your question again?"

"I asked what this Star Plasma Vessel and these Six Eyes were that you were speaking about!"

'Yikes... I got her quite upset.'

"The Star Plasma Vessel, from what I know, is a type of physique that only women can have. As for what it does, I'm not that well-versed." I can't say what it's actually for, as it might freak her out.

"And you say this might explain the connection between me and you?" She looked like a cat, with curiosity radiating off her right now.

"No. It's more likely you have something similar, but I doubt it's that physique. If anything, it's more likely because of your divinity, sharing some relation to it, that you feel a connection to me."

"Okay, but what are the Six Eyes you mentioned?" Hearing her question, I smiled. Fortunately, she was smart and didn't ask for any more details related to my eyes.

"I didn't mean to pry, I'm sorry."

"Eh? No, you don't have to apologize. It's my fault for speaking aloud and leaking that." I could use this as a chance to exploit her guilt, to maybe do some studying using her... but then that will open up a whole new can of worms. Besides, didn't I consider her a potential friend? If I used her, I'd feel somewhat... okay, not really that bad, but it would ruin our relationship, and I'm certainly going to need it.

'Sure, while I don't need her for anything truly important, her presence will make a lot of things smoother! Keep reminding yourself of that, me! She will save you a ton of time!'

Exiting my thoughts, I made eye contact with Artemis, and she was staring at me with genuinely upset eyes. "How can I make it up?" she asked, her tone making her sound quite pitiful.

"That connection must be influencing you a lot to feel so upset over a new acquaintance."

"No! This time, it's a lot of things: divinity, my own values, and the connection. If I were speaking to anyone else, I'd just be a little upset. Right now, I feel like I'm about to cry! It's so infuriating!"

Artemis progressively got louder, which, thankfully, the carriage seemed soundproof, since no one had barged in. However, this just made me have to think of a solution to this predicament...

"How about you let me join your Familia, but as a secret member or something."

"Huh?!"

"If you don't like that, then I can figure something else out." This will work both ways: she'll get someone with strong potential, and I'll get to study her. If she truly has a special physique, then I can see if it will benefi—!? No, no, no, I'll sate my curiosity, that's it! Thank God I left the forest; if I hadn't, then I wouldn't be able to learn how dangerous fusing with that beast Sukuna was. 

"No no no. It's not that you can't; I just... If you do, then I'll have to deal with a lot more men trying to get in. I typically only choose women." Artemis was conflicted, and it showed on her face. She wasn't good at hiding her thoughts!

"I did say 'Secret,' so..."

"I heard you, but the guild has to have a record of all members and their levels. I'm just thinking of the chance someone leaks the news!" I can see her predicament, but truly it was an easy fix.

"You're the goddess of the Familia, so you could just open up more restrictions to join but maybe offer some other benefits."

"Like?" Artemis cutely tilted her head, and I swear this time she did it on her own.

"Look. Women have the same needs as men, so wait... Did you ban dating?"

Artemis turned her head awkwardly, and I got my answer. Yeah, that will be the first thing to change!

"Again, women have the same needs as men. They want to 'relieve' themselves, so first you should make it where couples are allowed. Before you say anything, you should impose more expensive taxes or whatever you do on them!"

"W-won't that make them leave?"

"If you handle it wrong, yes. However, put the increased taxes under the guise that it's going to better facilities for training, relaxing, armor, potions, and even better housing. You could actually do that if you want, or scam, but from the little time I've been hanging out with you, I can tell you aren't the scam type!"

"Thanks! I try really hard!" Artemis stood up excitedly, and her eyes contained more stars than before. I don't think my words deserved such an exaggerated reaction, but the happier she is, the better it is for me! Moving on...

"Great! Now after you allow couples and dating, you can do a screening for men who want to join and get someone who's good at reading people to differentiate between those who actually want to join or those who want to join just for pus—I mean, to play around. Heads up, I do want to join, but I have my own purposes before you get that person to check!" Honesty goes a long way; this will make her trust me more, and I can do a lot more in the Familia.

"Ah-AH!-oh. Thanks for being honest! I figured you offering had to do with something else, but I do appreciate the honesty. I know for sure it's not for women, at least! That makes me feel a lot better."

"Huh? Well, one of the reasons is because of you, but—" I stopped speaking. Artemis' face turned red, and I swear I could see steam coming out of her head. 'What the…' I shook my head. Her reaction was probably enhanced by this connection or whatever!

"Yes, one of the reasons I'm joining is because of you, but it's to study or figure out this connection." Her apple-like face calmed down, and she looked like she was about to cry. 'Ugh, how do I salvage this?'

"Hey. You're the only goddess whose Familia I'll join willingly! You are also the first woman I know." My words were honest as I know I can trust her more than any other goddess. Hestia, while loyal, is lacking in the brain department, and Hephaestus, while she treats one with the same respect you treat her with, she isn't really a suitable option. I don't have to explain that one. She and I would have many conflicting opinions.

'And there it is...' Artemis' face reddened again, and I swear it should be impossible to be able to switch between emotions this fast.

"Pfft~!" Seeing all of her displays, I couldn't help but laugh. It is really cute and warms my heart a little, but I know it's not because of anything romantic, so I didn't let it affect me too much! Once again, I'll thank Sukuna for saving me from a fate controlled by women.

Tap~!

Artemis stomped her feet and pouted, but she still had the red blush covering her entire face and even down to her neck a little.

"HAHAHA~! Stop!" My laughter got louder, and her face got redder to the point I think it's actually unhealthy, but she is a goddess, so maybe it's not.

"Guh?!"

She jabbed me in my stomach... my laughter stopped, and I just stared at her. Her eyes bore into me, and with a deadpan face, I continued looking into her eyes.

"Was that really necessary?"

"Yes."

"I was just trying to help you reduce some anxiety. I know what we talked about is a massive change for an all-women Familia."

"Thanks, but I don't appreciate being laughed at!" Her cheeks puffed, and she stared even deeper into me.

"I wasn't laughing at you; I was laughing with you."

"I wasn't laughing though..."

"Figure of speech."

"..."