Adams said, “It wasn’t Rem who used her ability, nor the people who clung to hope, that were at fault. The system itself, the one that constructs the world, was wrong.”
“The system…? If it were corrected, this wouldn’t have happened…?”
“At the very least, fewer people would have chosen death.”
Adams said, “Why were people so overly influenced by Rem’s abilities? It’s because people were weak, immature both physically and mentally.”
“The world you lived in before your death was an oppressive one, where everyone possessed only uniform strength. Even if there were a race of giants, none could achieve the deeds of thousands or tens of thousands by themselves. Even though magic existed, the extent to which individuals could wield it was child’s play. There wasn’t a single other person who could wield the mysterious power that you possess. Your world was one where only you were special.”
“Th-then, why was I…?”
“…You were an anomaly in that world. A mistake by the gods, a bug in the world that occurred with astronomical probability. Therefore, others could not resist. You should have been born into the world I oversee. This true paradise, where everyone can desire strength and where equally strong individuals exist, was fitting for you.”
“A true paradise…”
Rem thought, “After I died, if even one other person had possessed the same radiance, would the outcome have been different? And if everyone’s hearts were stronger, would they have chosen death on their own? Perhaps this is the only world where I, who was born with power, would be permitted to exist.”
“Among the gods, a certain opinion is currently in conflict. One side aims to suppress the power of those living in the lower realms and unify the world into one that is easier for gods to manage. The other side aims to awaken the true power of those living in the lower realms and unify the world into one full of possibilities. I will be the leader of the latter, and in the not-too-distant future, I will instigate a great war.”
“A w-war…!? Such things are wrong… Why would you do such a thing, even as a god?”
“That is a statement born of correct thinking. However, you seem to have a prejudice against gods.”
“Prejudice…?”
“Gods, though superior beings, are not necessarily noble. They can be selfish and arrogant, just like me. …Rem, you must also have an ideal world, a world you desire, right? Then, grasp the world you want with your own hands. Merely singing of hope and love will tire even the gods.”
Adams removed his hand from Rem’s head and extended it in front of her. It was only then that Rem finally looked up at Adams, but she still couldn’t glimpse his face.
“Is that… an invitation…?”
“It is up to you what you think. Whether you take this hand or push it away is up to you. Decide for yourself.”
“…”
Rem hesitated for a moment, then immediately took Adams’s hand.
“I dislike war… but even so, I want to aim for my own… ideal world…”
“Hmph, you’ve improved slightly. But, are you alright? Even if we win against the enemy gods, the world I desire beyond that might be an extremely dangerous one filled with conflict?”
“At that time, I will control you and stop you… Rest assured…?”
“…Ku, kuku, kuhahahaha! I see, you will stop me! That’s good, a truly good answer! You’ve also become selfish, just like a god! Kuhahahaha!”
“I-I’m being laughed at… Uguuu…”
Perhaps sensing mockery, Rem’s face, which had been set in determination, dissolved into tears. However, at that moment, Rem felt as though she caught a glimpse of Adams’s expression.
“Kukuku, your crying habit seems incurable even in death. You are a strong-willed girl to the very end. Ah, that’s right. I shall give you your first task as a god.”
“Sob, sob… My, my first… *hic*… task…?”
“Don’t be so prepared. This has nothing to do with conflict. Actually, those who chose death to follow you are all refusing the path of reincarnation.”
“?!”
Rem’s eyes widened, tears still streaming down her face.
“To follow me… D-does that mean…?”
“Originally, we gods would impose heavy punishment on those who defy our will… However, with my authority, I have temporarily suspended their treatment. I was somewhat curious as to what kind of punishment you, a fledgling god, would mete out. How about it? Do you want to take on this memorable first task? If so, take my hand again. If not, then push it away. Decide for yourself.”
“…No need to answer!”
Rem tightly grasped his hand, showing her resolve. It was a weak grip that caused Adams no pain, even calling it powerless. However, he still seemed to be laughing with delight.
“Kuhaha, there is no more hesitation in you. I have certainly received your will. Then, take this.”
What Adams handed over was a torn and tattered plush toy that was familiar to Rem.
“Th-this… Mother made it for me… on my birthday…”
“Yes, a handmade, grubby, uncanny doll.”
“Th-the way you say it…”
“I don’t know restraint, so just go with it. And, the souls of those who followed you and I mentioned earlier are now imprisoned within that worn-out doll. Whatever you decide to do with them, as a god, you should naturally know how. First, have a good talk with them. Well, if you absolutely can’t decide, I might offer my advice if I’m in a good mood.”
“…Thanks.”
“I am not owed your gratitude. However, this is a reward for amusing me. I shall also grant you this authority.”
A divine light emanated from Adams’s hand and transferred to Rem.
“Eh…? Th-this is…?”
“I have adjusted your powers to befit a god. In short, the authority of ‘Dominion.’ Your powers until now were rough and extremely troublesome, indiscriminately leaking your abilities to your surroundings based on your emotions. It could be described as a nuisance in itself. This was particularly evident when you were crying uncontrollably earlier.”
“A n-nuisance…?”
“What, you didn’t realize? Until I came here, other gods who disliked being affected by abilities avoided even approaching this vicinity. In fact, since becoming a god, have you met anyone other than me?”
“…”
Rem recalled. After she withered away from old age, she found herself standing before a mysterious sign that read ‘Welcome to Heaven!’ floating in the sky. Along with that, there was a long explanation stating that she had been chosen as a god based on her past achievements. However, she truly hadn’t met any god-like beings other than Adams. Since then, she had stayed there crying and hadn’t moved to any other location. Therefore, Rem felt that what Adams was saying was correct.
“It seems you recall something. Well, there’s no use worrying about what’s passed. From now on, you will be able to switch that authority on and off at your own will. Furthermore, the effect range can be more precisely defined, and by narrowing the range, the effect will be applied more powerfully. Additionally, when the authority is activated— hm? What is it?”
While Adams was explaining, Rem stared fixedly at his unseen face. Uncharacteristically for her shyness, she didn’t avert her gaze at all.
“I’m just receiving… Why are you doing so much for me…?”
“…It’s already decided. You are a useful divine material for me. Moreover, what is lent must eventually be repaid with interest. Never forget that.”
“I see… You’re a strange god…”
“I don’t want to hear that from you.”
And so, Rem met a peculiar god named Adams. She later became Adams’s confidant and achieved great success in the Myth War that would be told of later.
