He opens his eyes and finds himself floating in darkness. Then, a soft glow—an orb of light—approaches.

  "Hello..." it speaks, voice as gentle as a breeze.

  "I'm sorry for bringing you into this... and into that world. I needed someone to carry out my will—to save it. It's been consumed by conflict, torn apart by my divine siblings. Too many have worshipped them, each ciming to be the rightful god or goddess of... Libban."

  He hums in thought. "So I'm just a tool to you, huh? Here to fix a broken toy of godhood?"

  "I... assure you, you are not to be used. You have a different purpose. Out of compassion, I cry for the weak and faithful of this world. For beyond it, an unspeakable evil approaches. When that time comes, you must give hope to the people and hold on—so that my kin may see their mistakes. Try your best... and if you fail, I will lend you my strength to restart time... until a solution is found."

  "...So you’re holding back? You’d rather watch the world fall and waste your power instead of doing something now?"

  "That’s a fair question... but I have no vessel. To act too closely risks the wrath of my kin. I must rely on you. When the time is right, you will be my hidden bde. Peace is fragile... and so is my love for my siblings. To love all equally... is to love no one truly."

  He furrows his brow. "That's a sad pce to be in... Goddess."

  He sighs and meets the orb’s glow with a steady gaze. "Alright. I’ll do it. I’ll be your vessel. Let’s see together what it takes to save this world."

  Silence follows. Then, the goddess speaks again, her voice softer.

  "It is the first time anyone has said that to me... To defend our creator’s gift until the end... Very well. Just—stay away from the others’ chosen... please."

  The orb floats into his chest. A brilliant fsh of light erupts from within him.

  ---

  Back at the ruins...

  He wakes up, being tended to by Sister Olzik. Beside him, another warrior lies wounded.

  "Oh, you're finally awake. I’ll call Melwek. Sit back and rest, mi'lord." She bows and hurries off.

  He groans and winces, then notices something strange—he touches his chest. Embedded there is a star-shaped crystal, glowing soft gold.

  "Congrats... uh, what’s your name again? Dear Heir?"

  Melwek crouches before him with a sly grin.

  "It’s... Lezzer," he replies, swallowing nervously.

  "What a silly name~ I love it. Kinda suits you. Hopefully you’ll earn a better one."

  He chuckles. "Bme my parents... And you’re calling me ‘Heir’ now?"

  "You’re lucky. Unlike the other chosen... you literally have a divine being inside you, Lezzer." She licks her lips. "This is going to be fun~"

  "Hail to our Goddess!" a soldier shouts. The others echo like ripples in a pond.

  "HAIL!"

  "HAIL!"

  "HAIL!"

  ---

  Elsewhere, atop a nearby hill...

  A hushed voice murmurs as a cloaked figure observes the ruins below.

  "I see... We must end them. We cannot let an upstart godling tip the bance of this war. Send them in."

  A whisper replies.

  "...Perhaps we should watch first."

  The figure grins.

  "Let the ichor flow—for our gain."

  ---

  Back at the ruins...

  Hmm... I didn’t know humans were this loud... Fascinating... Is this how they worship us?

  He sighs. Only during moments like this. When they're alone, they pray in silence.

  Ooh, I see... Tell me more!

  He groans as a nearby explosion makes him jump. He quickly starts dressing in the bck clothes the sisters had prepared.

  Yes, Goddess. By the way... what’s your name?

  Oilita. I am the Goddess of Illumination.

  Got it. Well, Oilita, I’ll answer your questions ter—but for now, help guide me. I have a feeling Lady Melwek isn’t going to hold back...

  Don’t worry, Lezzer. I may be clueless about this world too, but I’ll do everything I can. None shall harm my vessel.

  That might be impossible... but you’ll just have to trust me, Oilita.

  I already do, fully.

  He walks through the halls, hearing battle outside. Sisters pass him, some wounded, some rushing out again.

  Sister Olzik approaches. "Heir Lezzer, may I speak with you?"

  "Of course. I hope you're alright, Sister."

  "I’m fine. I have something for you..." She hands him a pin: a golden shield adorned with diamonds and runes.

  "Oh? I don’t deserve this..." He looks down, embarrassed. "All I did was follow Melwek’s rough guidance."

  "And that meant everything. Take it as my offering to the Goddess—and personally, to you."

  "I... Thank you, Sister Olzik. I’ll repay this someday."

  "No need. Your presence is already a gift—to me, and to all the sisters. Even to Lady Sindra."

  He stands a little straighter and walks away with a smile. “You’re welcome, Heir Lezzer,” she says as he disappears down the corridor.

  At the entrance of the training hall, Melwek waits, smiling behind her fan.

  "Let’s start simple. You good with a sword, Lezzer?"

  ...I come from a world of guns and nukes... I’m just an average guy caught in the arms race.

  Amazing... Your world is sad yet remarkable. A fragile peace... still better than many.

  There are others like mine?

  Yes. A billion possibilities... Earth may be lucky, but it is not alone.

  Ah... Multiverse theory?

  Way beyond my understanding, Oilita admits.

  Melwek throws a sword at his feet. "I’ll take that silence as a no. We’ll start with something basic."

  "Okay..." He realizes time doesn’t pause when he thinks.

  He kneels and picks it up—it’s ornate, too polished for real combat.

  "That sword appeared when you did. Maybe the Goddess really treasures you... her heir."

  Oilita hums. That’s right!

  He frowns. Can I have something... less fshy? You said we need to stay low-profile.

  Oops... I just wanted to give you a gift. I’m still figuring this out, okay?

  Even after I grilled you earlier...?

  Yes! I told you—I’m new at this.

  So you were... born yesterday?

  Basically! she beams.

  Well, we’re both beginners then. So as your vessel... I need a sword that suits me.

  Got it!

  The sword shimmers and transforms into a leaner longsword with a bck leather grip and translucent bde. A blue crystal glows on the pommel.

  Thanks, Goddess.

  "And thank you, Lady Melwek. This’ll do. Though... this is my first time wielding a sword."

  Melwek narrows her eyes, circling him. "Your form needs work. Grip it tighter..." She steps back. "Training begins now!"

  From the dust, creatures form. He raises his sword, overwhelmed.

  The air reeks of death and poison. He braces. One sshes his shoulder. He flinches, expecting agony—only to feel a tingling.

  He’s pushed back—but counters with a heavy overhead ssh.

  "Hyah!" The creature turns to dark dust.

  M

  ore charge him. He swings wildly, barely fending them off.

  "Show me, Heir Lezzer! Prove your worth to the Goddess within!"

  One lunges for his eyes—

  Everything goes bck.