Apparently, I've become a believer in the Evil One.


"Tacky-dono?
We're in trouble.
　The tension that had been building up from seeing my friend again dropped quickly.
　Indeed, that goddess was a bit suspicious.
　But I didn't expect her to be an evil god.
　I was screwed.

"What is an evil god, anyway?
Well, as a matter of fact, they're said to be the old gods who were defeated in the War of the Gods.


　The ruler of the divine world at the top of the world.

　According to mythology, the ruler has changed three times in the past.
　The 'Creator God' who created the world.
　The Creator God left this world at some point.

　The next rulers are the sons and daughters of the Creator God.
　They were called the 'Old Gods' and the 'Old Ruler'.
　Their rule lasted for a long time.
　Eventually, the Old Gods became arrogant and looked down on everyone else as lowly creatures and treated them carelessly.
　The current rulers, the Holy Tribe of Gods, rebelled against them.

　After that, a war broke out between the Old Gods Tribe and the Holy Gods Tribe, with the current God King, Jupiter, at the top.
　The Divine World War 'Titanomachia'.

　After a fierce battle, the 'Holy God Tribe' side won.
　They are the current rulers of the God Realm.
　And the 'Old Gods Tribe' is called the Evil Gods.

　I learned about such a myth in the Water Temple.



It seems that the goddess I became a believer in was the 'old god tribe'. The "old god tribe" is still imprisoned somewhere and continues to aim to retake the divine world, right?
It seems that the goddess that Lord Tuckey signed up for is one of them.
Oh, boy.
　She was such a dangerous goddess.

'Lord Tuckey. Will you continue to be a follower of this goddess?
　Fujiyan says with a worried look.

''Ummm....''
　To be honest, I'm still confused.
　I couldn't say anything, and when I was silent, Fujiyan changed the subject.

''By the way, this dagger is awesome!　In addition to the name of the weapon, I also assessed the weapon's abilities!
　That's right.
　It's true, it was a sharp sword.
　I couldn't get it properly appraised at a weapons store.

What's your gift, by the way?
Made of adamantite, the metal of legend. Its durability is god-grade. I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of things that you've never heard of. Besides that..........
Oh, oh...

　Fujiyan explained in detail about the dagger's abilities.
　Eh?　Is this a cheat weapon?

Is this possibly great?
'It's great!　It's by far the most powerful weapon I've ever handled in my shop!　It's a weapon that deserves to be treated as a national treasure!
Yeah.
　Hmmm, apparently it's true what you said about a divine weapon.
　When I came to this world, I got my first cheat.
　A contract with an evil god was the exchange for it, though.

''Goddess. Thank you for the good stuff.
　I put my hands together and pray.

'Is it good that he was an evil god?'
That's ... a question you have to ask.
But it will be difficult to meet.
I don't know, maybe they're watching this conversation too.
Really?
　Looking around, Fujiyan looks around.

　He said he's always watching you.
　Are you watching me, Goddess-sama?

(............)

　No answer.
　Oh well.

I'll take my time in deciding whether or not to remain a believer.
'I see. I don't know if there's anything I can do to help you... but please talk to me about it.
Thank you.

　This is where Fujiyan finished his ale.
　By the way, this is his third ale.
　He asked the waiter to give him some hibizake on the rocks.

He said, "Fujiyan, you are a strong drinker.
　I'm still about halfway through my first drink.
'Merchants get drunk all the time.
　Fujiyan's face as he smiles bitterly is that of an experienced man.

'I wouldn't be a merchant if it weren't for me.
　I can't drink that much.

I'll take it easy on the adventurers.
　I took a small drink from my glass of liquor.

'By the way, have you heard about this? I heard that the Great Demon Lord will be back within a few years.
　That's new.

"I didn't know. Really?
Those rumors are spreading. The state denies it. All the priestesses of the six goddesses of the six attributes except for the moon are said to have received the oracle.
'I've never heard of it before. That makes it tough for those chosen to be brave.
　Like Sakurai-kun from The Hero of Light.

　But still, the Demon King, huh?
　I'm not sure if I'm stronger than that, but I'd like to challenge him.

I'm sure you've heard the rumor that the reason we were called to this other world is so that we can fight the Demon King.
　Fujiyan whispers to me.

'It's common, but then I would have preferred a stronger skill.
No, no, no, I'm not much of a fighter. A merchant is more appropriate.
I see. I'm glad Fujiyan seems to have the right skills for you.
　I want skills that make me a little stronger in battle.

I heard that the nations are gathering their forces for the battle against the Demon King now.
'Ah, so that's why the Water Temple had scouts from so many different countries.
　Fujiyan is a well-informed man. It's good to know.

By the way, what are you going to do, Mister Tuckey?
I'll be an adventurer for a while, to improve my level.
Would you like to form a party with me?
"Fujiya?
　Can a merchant fight?
　Didn't you say you weren't good at fighting?

　When I talked to him, he said that merchants can't fight, but they hire adventurers to explore dungeons and such.
　And the shopkeeper I met at lunch said he was a silver-ranked adventurer.
　I can safely explore with the forces I hired with Fujiyan's money.
　It's tempting.
　But...
　But then, I feel like you're being too lenient.

I'm grateful to you, but I'm going to try to do it solo first. I've trained in the temple for that.
Well, I'm sorry to hear that, but I'm always available to help.
　It's a thankless task.
　What you should have is a friend of a classmate.

　Afterwards, we talked about memories of the previous world and the fun we had in this world.
　My memories of the previous world are, after all, about the game.
　It's been a year, so I'm sure I've missed out on a lot of titles.

　In this world, Fujiyan seemed to have eaten food from all over the continent, and he praised it, saying that the level was surprisingly high.
　However, he's not happy with the lack of ramen in this world.
　So he is determined to open a ramen chain in the future.

　I want a hamburger.
　Cheeseburgers, fries and a Coke while playing video games were all I needed to live on.
　I miss it.

"Mister Tucky, you're too unhealthy. "Three nights in a row of burgers and fries is not healthy for you.
'I don't want to be told by Fujiyan, who eats ramen and curry for breakfast.
That's not something you can do these days.
It's a lot healthier in this world. They have light vegetable soup and porridge in the temple.
That wasn't very nice, was it? Next time you're in the land of commerce, come to Cameron, where the food is good. It's a rich man's country and the food is delicious.
　We talked and talked and talked until late at night.

　I think it was around midnight when we broke up.
　He asked me again if I would like to stay at Fujiyan's house, but I refused because I didn't want to be too picky.
　I got all the money from the shop.
　I'll buy you back next time.


　I spent my first night as an adventurer, wrapped in a blanket in the corner of the large room in the adventurer's lounge in the adventurer's guild.
　It was noisy with the other adventurers snoring and talking in their sleep, but I was tired, so I was able to fall asleep quickly.



　◇



　That night, I dreamed again.

　An empty space.
　It was the first time in a day.

'What are you doing?　Goddess?

　The goddess was on her knees.

　Her back was straight and her hands were in a figure eight.
　Showing the back of her head to her opponent is to show her surrender to him or not.
　The casually visible nape of his neck is s*xy.
　No, it's not.

"Master Noah.

　He called out softly.
　The Goddess's shoulders shook.

''It's the name of the goddess, isn't it?''

　A thin voice replied.

'Was it an evil god?'
..........
　No reply.

'For now, let me see your face. I won't feel comfortable if you keep getting down on your knees.
Can you not quit being a believer?
..........
Stop talking.
　With a start, he looked up, stood up and grabbed me by the shoulders.

'I'm sorry!　I didn't mean to deceive you. I just didn't tell you.
　Isn't that called fraud?

It's not a scam!　Also, I'm pretty sure she's a goddess!
''But it's the 'old god race', right?
Old is a bit of an oxymoron, isn't it? I don't like the word "old". I'm the youngest member of the Titan tribe.
　He makes a sulking, kicking gesture in the air.
　Cute as ever.

　Oh, he smirked.
　You could read my mind.

'Pretty goddess. It looks like you'll be fine even if I'm not a believer.'
　The goddess's face draws up.

'Impossible, impossible, impossible!　I've waited a thousand years to make one believer!　And if there are no believers, God's power remains weak. And I can't be a believer because I'm treated as an evil god. I can only recruit otherworldly people!
　Those otherworldly people were mostly held back by the six great goddesses.

''Hey, hey, wasn't that dagger good?''
Is this it?
　I look at the dagger at my waist.
　According to Fujiyan, it was indeed a terrific weapon.
　It surely wasn't something that could be obtained by adventuring in this world in a proper manner.

''But it was a bit of a bypass to be found out as an evil god in the appraisal, wasn't it?
No!　It wasn't supposed to be detected by an ordinary appraisal!
　So Fujiyan's skills were not ordinary.

　As expected of "Appraisal, Super Grade".
　I mean, he's trying to trick you.

No, but. Let's see.
　The goddess is squirming.
　She can't seem to come up with a good excuse.

　But, well, they hid the fact that they are evil gods, but the weapon they gave me was real.
　We didn't get any weapons in the water temple, and this dagger makes a big difference with or without it.
　In that case, I should say.

"Dear Noah. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. I will take good care of it.
I'm glad you like it.
　He smiles.
　In this way, he doesn't look like an evil god at all.

The term "evil god" is just what the "holy tribe of gods" call it. I'm a goddess too.
　He said that with a pout of his lips.

　
　Indeed, if he had called me an evil god the first time I met him, I would have definitely turned him down.
　I became a believer, and so far nothing bad has happened to me.
　I sighed, a small, sigh.

'Fine. Stay a believer.
Oh, really?
Yeah.
　Honestly, I was happy.
　The only person who came into this world and told me that they were expecting me was the Goddess.

　The only thing the others did was to make fun of me, or pity me, or worry about me.

　Ah, but they read my mind, you know.
　Is it pity, after all, or is it pity?
　As I was thinking about this, the goddess suddenly approached me.

''Mako.''
　He hugged me.

'You are my dearest follower. I'm counting on you, so take your time getting stronger.

It's too deliberate and stinky, as expected.
Oh, my God!　I tried so hard!
　I got popped on the head.

　I'm sorry.
I have excellent 'clearing water' skills and 'RPG player' skills.

　Whatever the case, the contract is a continuation.
　As a follower of Goddess Noah-sama, let's do our best.

''By the way, again, do you have any instructions from Goddess-sama?
Why do you want the oracle so badly?
I'm getting ready to go.
　Most of the time, I think it's something you're asked to do recklessly, like defeat the Demon King.
　As promised in RPGs.

"You're such a weird devotee!
　The goddess says with a troubled look on her face.

'Well, how about this?　I'm currently locked up for the crime of going against the 'Holy God Tribe' guys, and you're coming to my rescue.
　Oh!　That's good!
　The High Road.

　Saving the captive goddess.
　It's a situation I've always dreamed of.
　Yes, yes, that's what I wanted.

''A place where the 'old god race' is held captive, right?
Oh, that's a different place. The Old Gods are imprisoned in Tartarus. Humans can't go there, but I'm a young god, so it's a different place. It's a place where even a human can barely find it.
　I see.
　I guess there's a lot I don't know just from myths.

I'm in an underwater temple in the deep sea.

'What?　Not now.
The Abyss of the Deep Sea. It is said to be the deepest dungeon in the world. The Underwater Temple at the end of it.

　The Goddess Noah told her about the top three most difficult labyrinths (dungeons) in this world.
　It was one of them.
　It's a dungeon for people(s) of all kinds(s), but it's a dungeon for people(s) of all kinds(s).

Ha-ha, I guess I shouldn't do that.
　Goddess-sama asks smilingly.

'I'm going. I'm going to get there. I'll help you out in return for the dagger.''
''The dagger is a thank you for being a believer, though, so don't worry about it. If you pray every day, you might get some blessings or additional skills sooner or later, so it's better to keep being a believer!
　He said something that sounded like a newspaper solicitation.

'Oh, excuse me. Well then, it's time to wake up.
　I'm starting to feel fuzzy.

'When you feel up to it, come and rescue me. I'll wait patiently.
　A smiling Noah-sama is waving his hand.

　I've got 10 years left in my life span.
　For now, let's level up and buy some life expectancy.

''If you let me go, I'll do whatever you say!
　I heard that voice.

　Are you saying the right thing again?　Goddess.



　◇



　I woke up in the morning and checked my soul book.
　The soul book says 'Goddess Noah's Attendant'.
　I'm glad it doesn't say 'Evil God'.

(I'll do my best, Lady Noah.)

　He grasps the dagger with both hands and prays.

'Alright, let's do it.'
　Your adventurer's life in McAllen begins today!

　I walked out of the Adventurer's Guild break room and headed to the reception desk.
　It's early in the morning, so it's empty.

''Let's see, with Takatsuki-san's level and adventurer rank, it's right around here.''
　The guild's receptionist led me to the request

Capturing hornbills (3 hornbills) in a large forest
Luggage handling for wagons to the Fire Nation (2 meals and lodging included)
Luggage handling for wagons to the country of the sun (3 meals and lodging included)

　It was all an errand quest.

Is there anything like monster slaying?
You're a solo artist.　Lately it's been all about party defeat quests...
Well then, let's see if we can catch the horned rabbit.
'Aye, that's accepted. By the way, if you see goblins or orcs, please kill them or report them to me. It's a constant quest, so there will be rewards.
　'Oh, I see.

'At your level, I'm sure it would be difficult to exterminate, so I'd better run for it.
　You've been warned.
　Well, I've never fought an orc before.
　When we meet them, we'll see what happens first.

Do you have any questions?
No, I'm fine.
Okay, well, good luck with that. Okay, next one.

　I left the Adventurer's Guild and headed to the West Gate.

　I showed the guard my guild's license card and was easily let through.
　He told me to keep up the good work.
　I bowed my head briefly and headed towards the forest.
　I was headed for the big forest.


　--The Great Forest.

The Land of Water (Roses) and the adjacent Land of Trees (Spring Rogue).
　A large part of this is the forest.
　In the large forest, there are natural dungeons called the 'Forest of Lostness' and places filled with strong demons called the 'Forest of Demons'.
　Incidentally, the area behind the Water Temple where I trained for a year is called the Forest of Spirits and is famous for being a safe place where demons do not appear.

　This quest is for a beast called the Horned Hare, which is widely found in the large forest.
　It is a cute looking rabbit with horns, but it is a monster.
　However, they don't attack people, but instead are vermin that destroy crops.
　For this reason, it is the target of a quest to defeat it.
　They are said to be suitable for eating meat.

''There they are.
　The brown rabbit has a small horn on its forehead.
　I read in the book that as it grows, its horns get bigger.

(Water Magic, Ice Arrows)

　Approach with your stealth skills.
　Before they see me, I release an ice arrow.
　My magic is too weak to finish them off, so I stab them with my dagger to finish them off.
　Soon, the hunt for three of them is complete.

　I was about to leave, but I got a reaction to multiple 'search' skills earlier.
　The opponents are goblins.
　Probably, there is a goblin settlement nearby.

　I'm not familiar with the geography of the Great Forest, but from my memory of prepping beforehand, this area should be close to the Demon Forest.
　The strong demons are deep in the Demon Forest.
　The weaker demons seem to be in front of the Demon Forest.

(There are about forty of them?)

　Ten times what we fought last time.
　Normally, there was no choice but to run away.
　However, the area near the Devil's Forest was covered in a deep fog and visibility was poor.
　I have the "Searching" and "Night Vision" skills, so there's no problem.

(There are a few of them acting alone.)

If we use our 'covert' skills to destroy each one, we might be able to reduce their numbers somewhat.

(What to do?)


"Do you want to fight a goblin?
　Yes, sir.
　No.


'RPG Player Skills' showed me the options in the air.

　I'll report back to the guild, but we can beat them anyway, right?

(Don't get any funny flags!)

　I heard the goddess's voice.
　We're being watched.
　It's okay.


　I used my 'Covert' skill to muffle the sound of my footsteps and slowly approached the goblin walking alone and swung my dagger at it.