Power Hungry

"What the hell is that?" she nearly shrieked at the sight. The mask was dark red with sharp features—a long nose, a scowling expression, exaggerated eyebrows, and a curling mustache. It was made entirely of wood, carved with intricate detail. The mask emanated a strange energy, ominous yet alluring. There was something familiar about it, too. She was sure she'd seen it before—or at least a version of it. Was it—

"A tengu mask," the god said as he glided closer, handing her the wooden artifact. She accepted it, feeling an unexpected weight in her hands. Looking up at him with a perplexed expression, she asked,

"I don't mean to be ungrateful, but… why a mask?"

"Well, it's a divine mask. It has power."

"Power?" Her eyes lit up with curiosity.

"Yes, power," he nodded.

"Will it make me… strong?"

"Incredibly so."

Her heart swelled with excitement. This was it—the start of her main-character domination arc. A god-damn divine mask! She didn't even know what powers it granted yet, but she already felt unstoppable—

"But be careful though," he added casually, "it might sorta maybe possess you."

The mask left her hands so fast it might as well have grown wings, flying toward the other side of the room. Luckily, the god caught it mid-air.

"Why the hell did you give it to me then?!" she snapped. Sofia had no problem admitting how power-hungry she felt at the moment, but possession? That was basically selling your soul. No way in hell.

The god blinked at her, confused, then seemed to understand. "Oh, no, it won't possess you right away," he said in a cheerful, reassuring tone.

'He didn't understand.'

"I don't want it to possess me at all!"

"Oh…well if you're really careful—"

"You're basically cursing me, man." Her tone shifted, a tinge of sadness creeping in. "I just wanted one good thing to come out of this. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I'm getting a second chance at life, but… this whole thing feels so daunting. This world—it's mystical, isn't it?"

"It is," the god confirmed.

"Probably dangerous too." Her voice wavered. "And I… I'm scared."

He studied her for a moment before answering with a sigh. "The mask won't actively try to possess you. Its passive power protects the wearer's identity, improves their luck to some extent, and enhances physical abilities—making you as swift and nimble as the creature it hails." He handed it back to her, his hand resting atop hers. A sense of bliss and calm seeped into her as he continued, "Unlocking its full power, however, will require you to use Aetherflow."

"Aetherflow?" she echoed.

"Yes. It's the energy that encompasses and flows through all things in this reality. Unlike your previous world, the people here have learned to harness it. You can too—this body has already had some extensive practice, so it shouldn't be too difficult for you."

Sofia caressed the wooden mask, noting its smooth, cool surface. "And unlocking its full power?"

"When you do, the mask will speak to you. It will tempt and taunt you. Do not listen to its whispers." He offered her a reassuring smile. "Think of it as a test. Resist its attempts to manipulate you, and its powers will be yours to command."

"What kind of powers?" she asked, curious despite herself.

"Oh, you'll see."

'Definitely not ominous at all,' she thought, examining the mask again. Oddly, she felt more at ease holding it now. The passive powers alone—concealing her identity, increasing her luck, and enhancing agility—seemed useful enough. And honestly, she had no plans to dive into anything dangerous. If there was no system here to make her overpowered, then she'd settle for a mundane, quiet life. She wasn't about to risk being possessed for a stupid reason like gaining ultimate power.

Her eyes scanned the ornate room. Judging by the decor, this vessel probably belonged to someone rich. All in all, it wasn't a terrible setup. The god began to shimmer again, golden light enveloping his form as space around him rippled.

"I really gotta go this time."

Before he could disappear, Sofia stopped him again. "Wait! Before you go, give me a quick rundown of this new life. Pretty please and thank you."

The shimmering light dimmed slightly as the ripples steadied.

"Oh," the god scratched his head, thinking. "Your name is Magnolia."

"Magnolia?" she repeated with a grimace, but he ignored her.

"You're a noble lady, seventeen years of age—"

"Seventeen?!" She clutched her head, leaving the mask on her lap. "Not again," she groaned.

"Are you okay?" he asked, cautiously.

"Of course not!" she exploded. "It's like I've taken a whole step back! Ugh! Just when I thought I was out…" She took a deep breath, letting her arms fall limp. "I just have to wait till I'm eighteen, then I'll have my freedom again. Simple as pie, right?"

The god's expression shifted to something unreadable, like he knew something she didn't.

"Right?" she pressed, her irritation mounting.

"Well…" He rubbed his arm awkwardly. "It sorta, kinda doesn't work like that here."

"What?"

"I tried my best to find a world where you'd have minimal adjustment issues, and this was the best option. But, um, nobles here… kinda have to get married. And the original Magnolia—you—has a debut in like a week."

"What?!"

"You don't have to get married!" he said quickly, trying to placate her. "You can stay in your father's home." Then, avoiding her gaze, he added, "…But you'd still be, um, his property…and probably ostracized by society."

Sofia didn't yell this time. Instead, she plopped back on the bed, buried her face in a pillow, and unleashed a muffled scream of pure frustration. When she finally sat up again, her face wore a placid smile.

"Just kill me already."

"What?" The god looked taken aback. "I—I can't."

"Oh, but you can." Her smile didn't waver. "You're a god, aren't you?"

The god hesitated, rubbing the side of his arm. "Sofia, it's against the rules."

She tilted her head. "Let's see: you snatched my soul from its proper channel, then dumped me into this body. Pretty sure that's two rules you've already broken. What's one more?"

"One more could mean the end of us both," he said gravely. "I'm sorry, but I can't interfere in your life any more than I already have. I've taken a big risk as it is. We're lucky the others haven't noticed."

Her face fell. "But—"

"I'm sorry for accidentally killing you, but I've given you a new life. The family isn't half bad, and you're well off as a noble. I hope things go well for you. I'll visit when I can, but we can't push it. Do you understand?"

"…Yes."

"Good." He gave her a gentle smile as space began to ripple again. "I'll see you when I can, okay?"

Before he vanished, she called out, "What can I call you?"

"That… isn't something I'm allowed to say."

"Wha—"

"Bye."

The ripples folded around his form, and he disappeared, leaving no trace of his presence. Sofia stared at the empty space in stunned silence before muttering under her breath.

"That b***h."