"Wake up"

  I could hear a soft and melodious voice calling me. It felt like someone was gently shaking me awake.

  "It's time to wake up, Aveline"

  My eyes fluttered open. A woman, who appeared to be in her mid-thirties, was looking at me with a gentle smile. She had brown hair and brown eyes, and was dressed in a white gown. She was the one who had called me.

  "Good morning, young lady. It's time for you to awaken. It's been a month since the Goddess Lumina sent you to our world"

  A month, huh. Well, at least I didn't sleep for hundreds of years or anything. I wondered though, who is this women?

  "Um, hello. Where am I? Who are you? How did I get here?"

  "My name is Anna, I was sent by the Goddess Lumina to care for you until you awoke. You have been asleep for the past month and we are currently in the Aurora Meadow village"

  Anna explained in a soft tone, and then asked me.

  "How do you feel, Aveline? Do you have a headache? Does it hurt anywhere else?"

  "No, I feel fine"

  I responded and looked around the room. There were several vials and potions placed on a table. The potions were made up of all the bright colours of the rainbow, and they were glowing slightly. The walls were covered with bookshelves filled with tomes and scrolls. Some of them looked quite old.

  "You were asleep for the entire month. We have been taking care of you"

  Anna continued, her voice still soft and soothing.

  "Thank you, Anna. I appreciate it. Um, can you explain the situation to me?"

  "Yes, the goddess Lumina chose you as the next Goddess Of Light and sent you here to defeat the Primordial Goddess Of Shadows. You need to find Nyxara and defeat her. That is your mission"

  "I see, thank you. So, where do I start?"

  "Well, the first step is to get some equipment and learn the basics. We'll get to that soon, but for now let's just relax and get to know each other. You have a long journey ahead of you"

  "Thank you, Anna"

  We continued talking for a while about this new world, I wanted to know if Anna was also a celestial being or just an ordinary person. Apparently, she is a simple villager, born and raised here in Aurora Meadow.

  After we finished talking, Anna took me outside and we walked around the village. The weather was perfect, a clear blue sky and a gentle breeze. its exactly what you would imagine out of those fantasy light novels.

  We stopped in front of a house, and Anna knocked on the door.

  "Come in, the doors unlocked"

  A voice said from inside.

  The door opened and an elderly man with grey hair and a beard was sitting on a rocking chair.

  "Hello, I'm the town blacksmith. You may call me Harold"

  "Nice to meet you, Harold. I'm Aveline"

  "It's nice to finally meet you, Aveline. What can I do for a goddess like you today?"

  Harold greeted me warmly, and then added.

  "Ah, Anna told me about the whole situation. I understand your predicament. Please allow me to provide you with the necessary equipment"

  "Thank you, Harold. I really appreciate it. However, I don't have any money"

  "Don't worry about it. I'll give it to you for free"

  Harold waved his hand dismissively.

  "Please, come with me"

  Harold stood up and led me to the back of his home where he has his workshop. He had a large table with several weapons laid out on top of it.

  "Here, try these out"

  He gestured towards the table, and I walked over and picked up a sword. The sword had an enchanting glow to it with a crystal embedded in the pommel of the sword it glowed when I picked it up. I have never held a sword so I don't have the skills to use it. Just as I thought that I heard a voice in my head.

  

  The voice was robotic and monotonous, but it was a reassuring voice. I swung the sword a few times, and it felt like I was already a master swordsman.

  

  "This is a very well crafted sword, Harold. It's quite amazing. I feel like I can cut through anything with this"

  "Thank you, I'm glad you like it. If you push your mana into the sword it will strengthen the blade "

  "Interesting, how about this spear?"

  I grabbed the spear and pushed mana into the shaft.

  

  The voice rang out again. Clearly Ethereal Great Sage is very overpowered.

  "Wow, I can't believe it. I've never used a spear before and yet, I'm able to use it perfectly. Is it because of my ability?"

  "Well, I think you're just a fast learner.

  Hmm... flattery will get you nowhere old man.

  I picked up the remaining weapons and tried them out.

  

  Yep.. I'm just a badass now.

  

  Same.

  

  Yeah...

  

  Nope,

  

  I'll pass on that.

  

  Hmm...

  I continued to try out the various weapons, but nothing worked for me.

  "Is there any weapon you don't have? Maybe something special?"

  I asked Harold, hoping he'd have a hidden ace.

  "Hmm.. not really. The only thing I can offer you is this. But it's very rare and extremely powerful"

  He held up a pair of daggers. The daggers were about the length of a dagger, and they had a black blade and a gold handle. The daggers looked incredibly dangerous.

  "This is a rare item that has been passed down in my family for generations. It is a pair of shadow blades. They are infused with the power of darkness. Only a handful of people have ever wielded these weapons"

  "They're beautiful. What's so special about them? Why is it so rare?"

  "It's because it's very difficult to make these weapons. The process requires the blacksmith to forge the blade and the handle separately. Then, they must imbue the handle with the power of light and the blade with the power of darkness. Pushing your mana into these will extend the daggers into 2 swords and also greatly increases their cutting capabilities"

  "Wow, that's amazing. Can I use them?"

  "Yes, you are more than worthy. Please take them, they will serve you well"

  "Thank you, Harold. You have no idea how much I appreciate this"

  I thanked him, and then turned towards Anna.

  "Now, what about armour?"

  "Follow me"

  Anna led me to another building where a man was sitting at a desk, working on some papers. He looked up at us and smiled.

  "Hello, my name is Alister Thornfield. I am the town tailor. Welcome, welcome, please come in"

  He waved his hand towards us, beckoning us to enter.

  "Thank you, Alister. Nice to meet you"

  "Likewise, it's a pleasure to meet a goddess such as yourself. What can I do for you?"

  Lumina definitely put effort into my new body, she even gave me the appearance and mannerisms of a goddess.

  "Well, I was hoping to get a set of armour. Nothing fancy, just something basic. Also, maybe a few dresses too. I want to wear something other than a plain tunic and pants. But I'm not too picky. Anything you can make will be perfect"

  "Hmm... I have a few sets that might fit you, let's go take a look"

  He led us to the back of the shop, and he had a variety of armour and dresses lined up.

  "What do you think? Which one do you like best?"

  "Wow... this one looks great"

  I pointed at a Lavender coloured one. It was sleeveless and had a low-cut neckline.

  "Perfect choice, It even fits with the colour of your hair. Would you like to try it on?"

  "Yes, I would love to. Thank you"

  "Very well, let's get you changed. Please follow me"

  He led me to a changing room and while he waited outside. I quickly changed into the dress. It was a perfect fit.

  "I'm ready, what do you think?"

  "Absolutely gorgeous, that colour looks great on you. You'll be the centre of attention"

  "Thank you, Alister"

  I thanked him and realised I don't have any money.

  "Um, I can't pay you. Sorry"

  "Don't worry about it, consider this a gift. I have a feeling we'll be seeing each other a lot more in the future.

  What did he mean by that... is he hitting on me or what.

  "Thank you, Alister. I really appreciate it"

  "You're welcome. Come by anytime"

  "Sure, thanks again"

  I bid farewell to the two of them and turned to leave the village with a smile on my face. I was meant to get armour but a dress is much better.

  The dress was very comfortable, and it flowed with the faint wind me as I walked. The sun was shining down on me, and the air was filled with the scent of flowers.

  I felt refreshed and invigorated. I had never felt so alive before. My last life felt like suffering compared to this life and i'm going to make the most of it.

  ***

  As I exited the village, the forest seemed to stretch out for miles in every direction. It was a beautiful sight. The leaves were green, and the sun was shining down, making the area seem to sparkle.

  

  A voice suddenly sounded in my mind, it was the same voice as the previous one, the voice of the system.

  "Thank you, guide me through"

  I said, and the voice responded.

  

  I followed the directions, and I came upon a clearing.

  The forest was full of trees, and the grass was lush and green.

  I took a deep breath and relaxed.

  

  "Camouflage, huh. I guess that will be helpful for when I'm in hiding"

  

  "I'm going to need a lot of experience if I want to get this to advanced. Oh well, no use complaining"

  I continued walking through the forest, and I came upon a large tree stump.

  "Let's climb up, I think I'll be able to get a good view from up there"

  I grabbed hold of the stump and began climbing up.

  "Hmm.. I've always wanted to try tree climbing. I never had the chance in my past life, I guess I was always too busy with work and playing games"

  I climbed to the top of the stump, and I looked down.

  "Wow, this is a nice view. The sun is just setting, and the clouds are turning orange. This is truly a sight to behold"

  I stayed there, enjoying the scenery.

  "This is nice, maybe I should come here more often. Thinking about sun setting it seems like I will have to camp out in the forest for tonight. Maybe I should find a place to camp before it gets dark. There's no telling what kind of monsters live in this forest"

  I made a small campfire and cooked some food that I brought from the village. The fire was crackling, and the aroma was filling the air.

  I ate my food and looked up at the sky. The stars were twinkling, and the moon was full.

  I fell asleep with a smile on my face. This feeling of being carefree was something I had never felt before, and I loved it.

  When I woke up the next morning, I packed up my things and set off.

  "Let's see, where was I headed to yesterday?

  

  

  "Hmm, let's check the map. I have no idea where this Primordial Abyss is. Although I doubt I even have the power to defeat her yet. Let's get stronger first, maybe try some quests along the way"

  I was lost in thought as I was walking through the forest.

  "I wonder if there are any monsters around here? If not maybe they have Adventurers Guilds in this world like in those light novels and games.

  As I was walking, a rustling sound came from the bushes behind me.

  I looked back, and a figure leapt out of the bushes.

  "A monster?!"

  The creature was a strange looking wolf with purple fur and black eyes.

  "So there are monsters after all"

  The creature looked at me and growled. Time to put my Magic and sword mastery to use.

  I drew my daggers and held them in front of me. I held a low combat pose with my left leg far behind me. I pumped mana into the daggers, extending them into two swords and used the daggers ability "Shadowbinding".

  The wolf charged towards me, and I slashed out with my swords.

  My attacks sliced through the air, and the wolf fell to the ground in 3 clean pieces.

  "Well, that was easy"

  I walked up to the corpse, and I could feel a presence coming from it.

  I touched the corpse, and a message popped up.

  

  "Yes"

  A dark portal opened up above the corpse, and it sucked in the body.

  The portal closed, and the system spoke.

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  

  

  

  "Hm.. interesting"

  I activated the spell, and my vision became shrouded in darkness.

  I was able to see through the shadows, and the world was completely black and white.

  I could see a faint glow coming from the distance. Before I left to go check it out I picked up the monster core that was left behind. It was a black gem, and it was pulsing with energy.

  "What the hell is this thing?"

  I examined the core closely, and a voice appeared.

  

  

  "Oh, a treasure. I wonder what I can use this thing for?"

  I stored the item away and headed towards the source of the glow.

  As I approached the source, I could see that it was a cave entrance.

  "Is this place some kind of dungeon?"

  I cautiously stepped inside, and I was greeted by the sight of a tunnel.

  The walls were covered in moss, and the air was musty.

  The tunnel was dark, and the only light was the glow from the torches placed on the walls. It was a very eerie sight.

  I followed the tunnel, and the sound of rushing water could be heard up ahead.

  I reached the end of the tunnel, and I found myself at the edge of a cliff.

  Below me was a massive lake, and the surface of the water was covered in a layer of ice.

  "I have a bad feeling about this"

  I stepped forward, and the ground crumbled beneath me.

  I fell into the icy cold water, and I could feel the cold seeping into my bones.

  I tried to swim, but my movements were slowed.

  The cold was unbearable, and I could feel my life fading away.

  with that thought I decided to channel my mana into my hands, I was going to use my common spell "Void Devourer" if I push enough mana into my spell it should be able to suck up all the water in the lake and dry the place.

  I cast the spell and a portal opened up in front of me, the water was being sucked in like a black hole and after a few seconds the entire lake was completely empty. I climbed out of the once filled lake and sat on the ground.

  "I almost died there. That was close"

  

  

  

  "So, that's how it is. It seems like spells will level up by using them"

  I was glad to know that I could level up spells, but the leveling process was a bit slow.

  "It will probably take forever to get this spell to the advanced stage. At least it will come in handy. I'll have to thank Lumina for giving me this ability"

  

  "That is a lot of information"

  

  "What do you mean by that?"

  

  "Okay... well, let's keep moving. I can't stay in one place for too long"

  I continued walking down the tunnel, and the path ended at a dead end.

  "Damn, it looks like I'll have to climb up"

  There were a series of handholds carved into the wall, and they led up to a ledge above.

  I started climbing up, and the walls were slick with moisture.

  My hands kept slipping, and I was struggling to keep a grip.

  Finally, I managed to reach the top, and I pulled myself over the ledge.

  

  "That was exhausting. At least I got a new ability out of it"

  The ledge was small, and the tunnel was narrow.

  There was a wooden door at the end, and a glowing symbol was engraved on the door. it looked like a magic circle.

  "Looks like this is the way out. Hopefully, there's no more water"

  I attempted to push the door open but the magic circle looks suspicious.

  "Maybe I should wait"

  Just as I was thinking that a black fog began pouring out of the door, it was the same fog that came out of the dungeon entrance.

  "That's the same thing that was coming out of the dungeon. What the hell is it?"

  

  "It's unknown? What do you mean unknown? Is it a monster?"

  

  "You don't know what it is?"

  

  "So, you're not going to tell me. How am I supposed to know if it's dangerous or not"

  

  "That's helpful"

  I sighed and focused my senses on the black fog.

  I could sense the presence of something lurking within the fog, and the pressure was overwhelming.

  I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and a cold chill ran down my spine. I began to channel mana in my hands again just in case, I was planning to use my common spell "Void Devourer" since it can suck anything it up provided it has enough mana.

  I stared at the fog, and the fog suddenly dissipated.

  A figure was standing in the middle of the room, and it was covered in a black cloak.

  The figure was tall, and it had a sinister aura surrounding it. I was petrified.

  The figure turned its head, and its eyes were glowing red.

  "Who are you?"

  I asked, trying to stay calm.

  "I am the keeper of the dungeon, and I am here to take you to the exit.

  Follow me"

  The figure replied, and its voice was deep and ominous.

  "Why should I trust you?"

  I asked, and the figure laughed.

  "Because I have been tasked by the Goddess Lumina to guide you out of this dungeon"

  The figure replied, and its words struck me with fear.

  "How do I know you're not lying?"

  I asked, and the figure chuckled.

  "Because the Goddess Lumina told me to guide you, and she is a god. If you do not believe me, then you are free to leave"

  "I'll take your word for it"

  I said, and the figure smiled.

  "Then follow me"

  The figure turned and started walking down the tunnel.

  I followed it, and the tunnel led us to a massive cavern.

  The ceiling was hundreds of meters high, and the walls were covered in moss and vines.

  The air was stale, and the sound of dripping water could be heard echoing throughout the cavern. I had a bad feeling about it, maybe he can read my mind and come up with lies.

  

  "I see"

  I didn't understand how the dungeon worked, but I decided to trust the system for now.

  "Hey, what's your name?"

  I asked the figure, and it stopped walking and turned towards me.

  "I am known as the Keeper, and I am tasked with keeping the dungeon safe"

  "Nice to meet you, Keeper. Can you tell me what that black fog was?

  The keeper turned to face me and chuckled.

  "That is the Abyss. It is the source of the dungeon's power, and it is also the source of my existence"

  "What does that mean?"

  I asked, and the Keeper shook its head.

  "It means that I was born from the Abyss, and it is my duty to guard the dungeon"

  "That's... creepy. Can you tell me more about the Abyss?"

  "The Abyss is the source of all evil, and it is the home of the Goddess Nyxara"

  "Wait, the primordial goddess of shadows? She lives in the Abyss?"

  "Indeed. That is why it is my duty to guard this place, so that she may never escape"

  "I see. Thank you for the information, Keeper"

  "You are welcome, Aveline"

  "How did you know my name?"

  "Because the Goddess Lumina has told me all about you"

  "All of this is because of Lumina? I really owe her one"

  "Yes, she is a benevolent goddess. You are lucky to have her as an ally"

  "Yeah, I guess I am. Hey, do you think I can ask you something?"

  "Go ahead"

  "Well, the reason why I'm here is to get stronger and defeat the primordial goddess. Is that even possible?"

  The keeper laughed and nodded.

  "Indeed, it is possible. But it will not be easy. You must first gain the strength and knowledge to stand against her"

  "That's good to know. How do I gain the strength and knowledge?"

  "You must complete the dungeon"

  "What?"

  "The dungeon is a place where you can gain experience and learn new abilities. If you are strong enough, you can even find powerful artifacts"

  "Artifacts?"

  "Yes, items with immense power. Some are capable of creating entire worlds"

  "That's... wow. I have so many questions"

  "Unfortunately, we have run out of time. I must return to my duties"

  "What? No, wait! There's still so much I want to ask"

  "Perhaps, another day. Goodbye, Aveline"

  Before I could respond, the Keeper disappeared.

  I sighed and looked around the cavern.

  "Well, that was... interesting"

  I was alone in the cavern, and I had no idea what to do next.

  I looked around, and the only way out was the way we came.

  I took a deep breath and walked towards the tunnel.

  "Here goes nothing"

  ***

  "Hmm... maybe if I push this boulder over. Yeah, that should work"

  I pushed the large boulder and it rolled into the hole.

  "Now, to climb up"

  I began to climb the cliff face, and I managed to reach the top.

  "Wow, this view is amazing"

  I was standing on the top of a large mountain, and the sun was setting in the distance. I could see the vast landscapes and what seems to be a rather large town in the distance.

  I walked along the mountain path, and the sun was beginning to set.

  I could see a large castle in the distance, and the city below was lit up with the lights from the buildings.

  I walked down the mountain path, and the moon was beginning to rise.

  "Wow, that's a beautiful sight"

  I stopped and admired the moon.

  "Well, the town is probably close. No point in stopping now, maybe there's an inn or something"

  I continued walking, and I came across a signpost.

  "City of Valorian. Population: 50,000"

  "Well, at least I'm not far from civilization. Now, where do I go?"

  I looked around and spotted a large building with a sign outside.

  "Oh, an Adventurers Guild"

  I made my way over to the building and entered.

  Inside, there was a large lobby with several tables and chairs. There were also a few people sitting around, and the place was bustling with activity.

  "Hello, welcome to the Valorian Adventurers Guild.

  Are you here to register or just looking for a quest?"

  "Hi, I'm new here. I'd like to register, please"

  "Of course, let me get the registration forms"

  The woman behind the counter brought out some paperwork and handed it to me.

  "Fill these out and return them to me when you're finished, also can I just point out the sheer beauty radiating from you"

  "Thank you. I really appreciate it"

  "Don't worry about it, I'm sure you're used to it. Being a goddess and all"

  I filled out the forms, and the woman handed me a badge. It seems like it doesn't matter the gender ,people are trying to hit on me. I'm certainly convinced Lumina done her finest work on me.

  "This is your registration card, make sure you keep it on you at all times"

  "Thank you"

  "You're welcome. You can check the board for quests or ask the receptionist over there if you need anything else"

  "Okay, thanks"

  I left the reception area and turned to walk to the quest board. When I turned however everyone was staring at me with lustful eyes.

  "Excuse me, would you like to join us for a drink?"

  "No, thank you. I have things to do"

  I turned away and walked towards the quest board.

  "What an idiot. He didn't even know who he was talking to. I bet he's never seen a goddess before"

  I looked through the board and picked a few quests.

  "These look interesting"

  "Hey, what did you pick?"

  "A simple monster subjugation, a delivery and a gathering quest. I can do complete these with ease"

  I learned that the kingdom I'm in is called Astraheim on the central continent, The capital city is Luminara and the city I'm currently in is called Valorian. The capital city is about 150 km from this city and it will take about 3 days to get there on foot.

  I returned to the reception and the woman greeted me with a smile and a lustful expression. I'm getting used to it at this point.

  "I'd like to submit these quests"

  "Certainly, may I see your card?"

  I handed her the card, and she looked it over.

  "Ah, it looks like you're just starting out. Are you sure you can handle these quests?"

  "Yeah, I'm fine. I have a feeling they won't be too difficult"

  "Alright, well good luck. I hope you succeed"

  I thanked her, and I went to turn in the quests.

  "Okay, you can go now. Please come back when you finish the quests"

  "Okay, I'll do that"

  I left the guild and made my way back to the forest.

  The night had fallen, and the streets were deserted.

  "Let's see, the quests should be located in the west part of the forest. The first one is to subjugate 10 goblins. The second one is to deliver a package to the merchant in the eastern district. The third is a gathering quest. It says to collect 10 medicinal herbs and 10 mana crystals"

  "Well, the night is still young. I think I can complete these easily. I'll start with the subjugation quest. Hopefully, it's not too difficult"

  I made my way into the forest and looked around.

  "Let's see, goblins are nocturnal, so they should be out and about. Maybe I can use my spell Abyssal Vision to track them down"

  The great thing about this spell is it acts as night vision and highlights my prey for me. I cast the spell and the forest was bathed in a purple hue.

  "There they are. Let's see, 10 goblins, 2 orcs and 1 hobgoblin. This should be easy"

  I stealthily moved closer, and the goblins were oblivious to my presence.

  "Now, to get the drop on them"

  I got into a stealth combat stance pulled out my daggers and channelled my mana into them, the daggers blades grew in length like 2 swords. The more mana the easier it would be to kill them in a single motion.

  The goblins were eating what seems to be the flesh of a deer.

  "That's disgusting"

  I moved silently towards the goblin, and I got within striking distance.

  "This is it"

  I leapt forward and slashed my swords at the neck of the nearest goblin.

  The goblin's head was cut clean off, and the others were startled.

  "Intruder!"

  One of the goblins yelled, and the rest looked around frantically.

  "Shit, they've spotted me"

  The goblins drew their weapons and charged at me.

  I readied myself for the battle, and I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins.

  The goblins attacked, and I blocked their blows.

  I retaliated by channelling mana into the swords, this time however I was going to push a spell through them. I'm going to use my unique spell "Solar Flare" which is a Fire spell produces a concentrated beam of solar energy that can melt through almost anything. I

  The goblin's weapons shattered, and their bodies were incinerated by the beam of light.

  "Damn, that was too easy"

  "Hey, look out!"

  

  A voice cried out from behind me, and a blade cut through the air towards me.

  "Damn, it's a hobgoblin. and a very skilled one at that"

  The blade was moving towards me at a high speed, and it would've sliced through me if it wasn't for my ability "Ethereal Great Sage" warning me of the incoming danger. I wonder what Dragon Blade Style means?

  

  "Interesting."

  "So, the user is a master swordsman"

  I blocked the hobgoblin's attack, and I could feel the weight of the blow.

  "Damn, you're pretty good. But not good enough"

  I activated the "Void Devourer" unique spell and created a portal right behind the hobgoblin.

  The hobgoblin looked confused and didn't notice the portal.

  "Huh?"

  The hobgoblin was sucked into the portal and disappeared.

  "Damn, that was close. I almost lost my life"

  I sighed in relief and gathered the materials from the dead monsters.

  "Let's see, 3 monster cores, 3 goblin ears and 2 orc fangs. Not bad. Time to return to the Guild to get paid"

  I returned to the Guild, and the receptionist greeted me with a smile.

  "Oh, you're back. How did the quest go?"

  "It went well, the goblins were no match for me. I'll get the materials and return in a minute"

  "Great, I'll prepare the rewards"

  I gave the receptionist the materials, and she examined them.

  "Yes, everything is in order. Here is your reward"

  She handed me a pouch full of gold coins, and I counted them.

  "300 gold, that's not bad. I can definitely get some nice equipment with this"

  I said to myself.

  "By the way, there's a rumour going around. A goddess is said to be roaming around the forest, maybe that's you"

  "What? A goddess? Why would anyone think that?"

  "Well, it's just a rumour. But apparently the Goddess Lumina was seen wandering the forest"

  "Lumina?"

  "Yeah, the Goddess of Creation. She's the patron goddess of the elves and half-elves"

  "I see, interesting. Thank you for the information"

  "You're welcome, if you have any other questions, please ask me. I'm happy to help"

  "Sure, thanks"

  I left the reception area and began thinking to myself. Heh from the sounds of things Lumina was watching my fight with the goblins, it was probably a good show for her.

  

  "Huh, that's kind of creepy"

  

  "I guess that makes sense"

  

  "So, what you're saying is she is always watching, but not always paying attention?"

  

  "Hmm... that's kind of a strange thought"

  Well its time to finish my other 2 quests, a delivery and a gathering quest. Easy enough.

  I headed to the merchant and delivered the package.

  The merchant was a bit surprised at my appearance, but he quickly calmed down when I showed him the receipt.

  "Thank you for delivering the package, here is your payment"

  The merchant handed me a small pouch, and I looked inside.

  "50 gold? Not bad. This should cover the cost of the delivery and then some"

  I accepted the payment, and the merchant smiled.

  "I'm glad you like it. It's always nice to meet someone who appreciates good service"

  "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind"

  "Well, if you need anything else, feel free to stop by"

  "Sure, thanks"

  I left the merchant's shop, and I was about to head back to the Guild to collect the herbs. But something caught my eye, a small jewellery shop.

  I was curious and decided to take a look.

  I entered the shop, and the owner greeted me with a smile.

  "Hello, and welcome. Can I help you with something?"

  "Uh, yeah. I'm interested in buying some jewellery"

  "Of course, let me show you our selection"

  The owner showed me a variety of rings, earrings and necklaces.

  "I'm looking for something unique. Do you have anything like that?"

  "Hmm, I think we might have something like that"

  The owner brought out a necklace, and it was a beautiful silver chain with a glowing blue gemstone.

  "Wow, this is amazing"

  "Thank you, it's an enchanted necklace. It absorbs physical and magical attacks when mana is channelled into it"

  "I'll take it"

  "Excellent. That will be 200 gold"

  "Okay, here you go"

  I handed the owner the money, and he handed me the necklace. Quite the pricey item but I guess it's worth it.

  "Thank you for your business, come again"

  "I will, thank you"

  I left the shop and made my way back towards the forest to complete the herb gathering quest.

  "Okay, I just need to find 10 medicinal herbs and 10 mana crystals"

  

  "Interesting"

  I explored the forest, and it wasn't long before I came across a group of rabbits.

  "Perfect, this should be an easy quest"

  I took out my dagger and approached the rabbits.

  "Okay, time to make a quick meal"

  I grabbed the rabbits and killed them with a quick slash of my dagger.

  "There, that should do it. Now, to collect the herbs"

  I gathered the herbs, and the quest was half complete.

  "Now, all I need is 10 mana crystals. Which can be found in dungeons or labyrinths, dungeons seem like the easier route, where to find one"

  

  "That's a long walk. Well, there's no point in wasting time, let's get going"

  I headed south-east, and the sun was beginning to set. the forest stretched out for miles in every direction.

  "This is going to take a while"

  The night had fallen, and the full moon was shining in the sky. The air was filled with the sounds of nocturnal animals.

  "Okay, I'm getting tired. Maybe I should take a break"

  I sat down and rested against a tree. But it seems like I wouldn't get much of a rest.

  "What's that noise?"

  I heard a rustling sound, and a figure appeared in the distance.

  "Oh shit, a wolf"

  The figure approached, and the moonlight revealed that it was a pack of wolves.

  "Shit, there's too many. I don't have a chance"

  I tried to run, but the wolves were too fast. They quickly surrounded me, I have no choice to fight. I quickly resumed a shadow style pose and pulled out my daggers. I began channelling mana into the daggers which would extend the blades to be as large as a sword.

  "You guys are dead meat!"

  I wonder what spell I should use? Ethereal Great Sage, what do you suggest?

  

  "Wait, are you talking about me? Is that the reason why I was reincarnated?"

  

  "So, that's why"

  The wolves charged at me, I used the un-blockable attack in shadow style known as "Blade of Death". The wolves were decapitated, and their bodies fell to the ground in one single blow.

  "That was too easy. Oh wait, this is the forest"

  

  "Wait, so are you saying he's stronger than me?"

  

  "Really? What happened to him? Did he die?"

  

  "Interesting. I guess that's one way to explain it, but I seem to be able to know all the sword martial arts"

  

  "So, what are these abilities?"

  

  "Why not? Why did you answer that question?"

  

  "Alright, I get it. well no point dwelling on it now, I best get some rest"

  

  "That's nice. Thank you"

  I settled down and closed my eyes. I then appeared in the strange white room I was brought to when I died, I looked around to see if I could find Lumina and then I saw her sitting in a chair. She was wearing a beautiful white dress, and her hair was tied in a ponytail. last time I seen her she was dressed in a hospital gown, it seems she dresses depending on the occasion.

  "Lumina"

  "Aveline, I'm glad to see you're doing well"

  "Thanks, but I have a few questions"

  "Of course, ask away"

  "What's with the sudden change in clothes? Last time you were dressed in a hospital gown"

  "Ah, that. I'm a goddess, I can wear whatever I want. Besides, the hospital gown was a bit boring I was only earing it because it felt right after you passed away. But, seeing you alive and well has made me feel more relaxed"

  "I see. Well, the next question is what's this place?"

  "This is the void. It is the realm between life and death. It is where all souls go when they die"

  "Interesting. anyway I'm guessing you wanted to catch up been a while huh"

  "Indeed. It has been 4 years since you passed away, and it is good to see that you have settled in to your new life"

  "Well, it's been eventful. wait 4 years? I've been dead for 4 years? It only felt like just over a month and according to what Anna said, she waited for me to awaken a month"

  "Time works differently in Elysium compared to Earth, a day in Elysium is equal to 24 days on earth"

  "24 days huh, interesting. Anyway, my third question is what's with the sudden change in the system? When I was fighting those goblins, I noticed the system became more interactive"

  "Ah, that. I had to make some adjustments to the system. You see, the system is designed to help you. However, the amount of information can be overwhelming. So, I've simplified it to give you only the necessary information"

  "I see. well, I have another question"

  "Go ahead"

  "Well, It seems that anyone that lays eyes on me instantly falls for me. I'm pretty sure the receptionist at the guild has a crush on me, and it seems it doesn't matter about gender. I'm pretty sure I had the same effect on the shop owner. what's the reason behind that"

  "It is part of your aura. As Goddesses, we have the ability to influence others. It is part of our nature. We are able to affect the emotions of others, whether it is love, hate, fear or even happiness"

  "I see. So, can I turn it off?"

  "Sadly, no. But there is a way to reduce its effects"

  "How?"

  "By focusing your mind, you will be able to suppress the aura. This will allow you to interact with others normally. But I tend to embrace the effects of my aura"

  "I see. Wait a minute. But it still doesn't stop monster trying to kill me, and if my aura has that effect on humans. What about monsters?"

  "There are a few exceptions, such as the monsters, and demons. They are not affected by the aura. However, they can sense its power. It is what draws them to you. The more powerful the monster, the more likely they are to attack you"

  "So, that means the more powerful the monster, the harder it is for me to survive"

  "That is correct. But, your far too powerful so I doubt you will run into any issues. Also, you're not the only one who has this aura. All goddesses have it. It is a unique feature of the gods"

  "Wait, if all goddesses have this aura, does that mean the other girls have it?"

  "Indeed. They do. It is what draws people to them"

  "I see. Well, does that include Nyxara"

  "Yes. However, her aura is not as powerful as yours"

  "Well, that's good to know. But, how do I train the aura"

  "Just focus on it, and you will be able to control it"

  "I see. Thank you for the information. I will be going now. By the way, I will be going on a journey, and I would like to know what you want from me"

  "I just want you to live your life, and defeat Nyxara. After that you may do as you please in this world, also don't forget about having companions. They will aid you along the journey"

  "Thank you. I will remember your words. Goodbye, Lumina"

  "Farewell, Aveline"

  ***