Kazuki had never used a sword in his life.
So naturally, now he was holding one—with glowing runes, forged by ancient gods, and apparently capable of cleaving mountains. No pressure.
"Keep your stance balanced," Celia instructed, arms crossed, eyes sharp. "You've got the power, but without form, you're just a walking explosion."
"Walking explosion sounds cool," Kazuki muttered, adjusting his grip.
"Only until you blow yourself up."
They stood in the Moonlit Garden just outside the temple grounds. Surrounded by bioluminescent trees and floating petals, the place was beautiful—peaceful. But that peace was about to end.
"The scouts reported a corrupted beast nearby," Lysaria said, stepping toward him. "It's small, but unstable. A perfect chance to test your combat instincts."
Kazuki took a slow breath. His heart was pounding. Not from fear—but excitement.
Ever since he arrived in this world, something inside him had awakened. His body moved faster, his reactions sharper. Even the air felt alive to him—magic humming around his every breath.
"Let's do this."
Kaela cracked her knuckles. "Finally. I've been itching to hit something."
Aria merely raised her staff and followed silently.
They didn't go far.
In a clearing just beyond the garden, the corruption had already begun to spread—black vines twisting the trees, red mist clinging to the grass. And in the center stood a twisted beast, once a stag, now mutated by dark energy. Its antlers were jagged blades. Its eyes glowed red with rage.
"What happened to it?" Kazuki asked.
"Void corruption," Lysaria said. "The first signs of the seal weakening."
"And we're letting the newbie fight it alone?" Celia raised an eyebrow.
"He won't be alone," Lysaria said. "We're here. But we must see how his power flows in real battle."
The beast roared and charged.
Kazuki's body reacted on its own.
His hand lifted. Lightning crackled to life around his fingers, dancing in arcs of silver and blue. He aimed, focused—
Too slow.
The beast slammed into him before the spell could fire.
Kazuki flew back, skidding across the grass, breath knocked out of him.
"Ow… Okay. That sucked."
"You alright, God-boy?" Kaela called out, already crouched to pounce.
"I'm fine," he grunted, standing. His ribs ached, but the pain was fading fast—his body was already healing.
That was new.
He looked down at his hands. They were glowing faintly.
He closed his eyes.
Focused.
Not just brute power. Control it. Let it flow.
When he opened them, his pupils had changed—now glowing with a soft, otherworldly light.
The beast roared again, charging.
This time, Kazuki didn't flinch.
He sidestepped gracefully, magic surging to his palm—and with a roar of his own, unleashed a compressed bolt of divine lightning, straight into the creature's chest.
The explosion lit up the sky.
When the smoke cleared, the beast lay motionless, its body purified, no longer twisted.
Silence.
Then Kaela let out a whistle. "Okay. That was hot."
Celia folded her arms, trying to look unimpressed. "Hmph. Took him long enough."
Aria simply nodded. "He's learning."
Kazuki stood there, panting slightly. The energy was still humming through him, but now it felt… calmer. Like it had accepted him.
"That was incredible," he said, more to himself than anyone else.
"You're still raw," Lysaria approached. "But you're adapting quickly. Faster than we expected."
Kaela walked up to him, grinning. "Told you I'd follow a god who could throw a punch. You just threw a storm."
"Does that mean I've earned your respect?"
She leaned in close, golden eyes flashing playfully. "You've earned something."
Kazuki blinked. "Wait, what does that mean—"
Before he could finish, Celia shoved Kaela aside, cheeks flushed. "Enough flirting! H-he needs to train more. That spell took too long to cast."
Kaela smirked. "Jealous?"
"Wh—!? O-of course not!"
Lysaria placed a calming hand on Celia's shoulder. "There will be time for both training and… personal growth. But for now, we must return. The corruption here is spreading faster than anticipated."
Aria was already examining the blackened vines nearby. "This wasn't natural. It was directed."
"Directed?" Kazuki asked.
She nodded slowly. "Something… sent this."
A chill ran down his spine.
That night, the temple was quiet. Stars shimmered above, and Kazuki found himself walking the halls alone, unable to sleep. The power still buzzed faintly inside him, as if restless.
He wandered into the temple garden, where he found Lysaria kneeling by a fountain, hands glowing softly as she offered silent prayer.
"Can't sleep?" she asked without turning.
"Yeah," he said, stepping beside her. "Too much in my head."
"You handled yourself well today. For someone who had never seen death before."
"It wasn't as scary as I thought it'd be. More like… I felt like I had to act. Like something took over, but not in a bad way."
Lysaria opened her eyes and looked at him. "That's the divine instinct. Your soul remembers what it once was, even if your mind does not."
He looked at the moon above. "Do you really believe I'm a god?"
"I believe you're what this world needs. God or not."
There was a long pause. Then she stood, turning to face him.
"And I believe you shouldn't carry this burden alone."
Before he could respond, she stepped closer—and gently pressed her forehead to his.
The touch sent a warm pulse through him, like a soft breeze across fire.
"As your High Priestess… and as Lysaria… I am yours."
His heart pounded.
Then, behind them—
"Aww, how romantic," came Kaela's voice from the shadows.
"I was just going to say hi," Celia added, clearly flustered.
Aria stood quietly behind them both, tilting her head. "Should I leave you all to your bonding ritual?"
Kazuki groaned. "This is gonna be my life now, isn't it?"
Kaela laughed. "Yup. Welcome to divinity, boss."