NOVEL NEXT Chapter 21: Finding Some Food.
(Celia’s POV)
Eventually, I made it to that fortress. From a distance, I looked over it. Human knights were guarding the gate, with more on top of the walls. It would seem that they do let people in, though. As there were people coming and going.
Unlike with the forest, there was a large, and well worn dirt path that led to the fortress. Actually, this place seemed to be a border fortress, rather than just a normal one. I guess that you have to go through this border to enter some kingdom?
Regardless, I was starving, so I made my way over to the main gate. Shortly after I left Gram’s side, the sun had set. But I just walked through the night, not bothering to get some rest. I was more worried about getting some food; you see.
Border Knight: “Do you have a pass or the coin to cross, Miss?” He asked.
Celia: “I have neither.” I answer truthfully.
Border Knight: “Hm… what is your purpose for crossing?” He replied.
Celia: “Right now? I have no desire to cross. In fact, I was just hoping to find some food here. Currently, I am beyond starving.” I reply.
Border Knight: “…We can spare some food.” He informed, pointing me in the direction of slightly inside the gate.
A little bit past the large open wooden gate was an entrance to inside the fortress, just to the side of it. Going inside, I was greeted by… An attack to my head. Again, I was too honed to ever receive an attack like this, even if I am starving. As such, I just rolled forward to dodge.
Staring back at the one who attacked me, it was a very beautiful-looking woman. Beside her was another beauty, dressed up as a noblewoman. Ah, right. The one who attack me was dressed up as a maid. Girl… how can you conceal such a large sword under your dress!?
Celia: “Why attack me?” I ask while standing back up.
Saren: “My name is Saren, and I wish for your help.” She replied.
Celia: “And? Why should I bother to help you? What’s the point? You don’t even know me…” I reply with a raised eyebrow and in a slightly annoyed tone.
What?… Where is my endless love for woman gone!? Ah… without my original race, my domain must not be active. I didn’t realize how powerful of an effect it had on me. Right now, I was actually angry. If I was still a Supreme Goddess, then I wouldn’t even be slightly upset about this…
Saren: “I had a revelation that allowed us to meet, Celia.” She informed.
Celia: “Revelation?” I confusedly repeat.
Saren: “That’s right. A game for the higher beings has been put into play, and our realm was caught up in it. You, like those higher beings, are the same. They will sow chaos and destruction throughout this world. And… only you can stop them from doing so.” She clarified.
Celia: “…”
What the hell? If she was given a revelation, then a higher being had gifted it to her. If so, then someone was majorly breaking the rules of this game… Would this invalidate the entire thing? Shit…
Saren: “It isn’t against any of the rules, Celia. Simply put, I call it a revelation, but no God or Goddess has given it to me. Rather, this is just a power that I have.” She said after seeing my nervous expression.
Saren’s maid had long black hair tied up into a bun, with golden eyes. She was very cute. Saren was golden-haired, with purple eyes. Also a beauty. How odd… even without my domain, I seem to always come across beautiful women…
Saren: “Food has been prepared, so please eat and rest. It’s not poisoned, don’t worry.” She proposed, gesturing to the table by my side, which already had food on it.
Celia: “…”
How thorough… Sitting down at the table, I soon started to eat. Something that I didn’t mention before, is that Solia gave me poison training many years back. Though my body was greatly limited right now, I could tell just from one bite that the food was free of any dangerous additives. With that, I ate with gusto.
Many Meals Later.
Saren: “You eat so well, but my apologies, as this food isn’t the best.” She said with a smile.
Celia: “It is far better than dirt or nothing, Saren. Frankly, I was starving…” I admit.
Saren, from the conversation that I had with her while I ate, was a typical noblewoman. Her ability to see into the future perhaps made her less arrogant, but I could tell that she was still a noble, all the same. Saren’s air of nobility, and with how haughtily she talked, was… actually kinda cute.
There was a funny gap between her and I. Prior to the game, I was a Supreme Goddess, but Saren was just a human girl. But, regardless of my superior status, Saren didn’t act that respectful to me at all. In her eyes, she must see me as some tool, or a means to an end.
Saren: “I will feed and house you, but you cannot slack off, Celia. You have something called a “system”, right? You must get stronger.” She said with a serious tone.
Celia: “Slack off? Saren, this game isn’t tiny or insignificant.” I reply with a scoff.
Saren: “What is it, really?” She asked in reply, tapping her fingers on the wooden table.
Celia: “Various Wills have sent champions to play in the game. The Will whose champion wins… will survive and eat the others.” I answer.
Saren: “Sounds very important, but what does that have to do with us mortals?” She replied with a nonchalant tone, letting her maid fan her. It was pretty hot out right now…
Celia: “The winning Will eats the others, which also eats their universes as well. That means all their dimensions, too. Whoever loses, quintillions of their people will be eaten. You might not have much say in the matter, but it very much impacts you as well.” I explain.
Saren: “…”
Celia: “Not to mention, but I must win, as my wives and family need to survive. At no point did I ever think about slacking off.” I add with my arms crossed.
Either she didn’t hear my last words, or she was too shocked by what I said to her. Dropping her cup of tea, which shattered on the table, Saren seemed to be at a complete and utter loss. Her revelation must have been limited to a degree, as she most likely didn’t realize how grand this little game was. Hey, instead of being shocked, can I have more food, please?…