Truth

The light faded, revealing a vast library that seemed to stretch endlessly in all directions. But unlike the pristine temples Luther had expected, this place was gloriously chaotic. 

Books floated through the air of their own accord, some looking fresh off the press while others were barely held together by threads. Artifacts of various cultures cluttered ornate tables, and the walls were covered in maps that shifted and changed as he watched.

'This is where a 'goddess' stays?' He was starting to think that maybe coming was not the best idea.

"Welcome to my domain," she said, sprawling onto a plush armchair that definitely hadn't been there a second ago. "Much better than those stuffy council chambers where they usually brief heroes."

"It's..." He looked around, trying to find the right word. "Different."

"I'll take that as a compliment." She waved her hand, and a detailed holographic map appeared in the air between them. "So, quick rundown: Our world, Celestia, is divided into five major kingdoms, each aligned with a different elemental affinity. They've spent centuries fighting each other over resources, territory, and which element is superior – you know, the usual stupid reasons."

"Huh, you are telling the whole world just has five kingdoms?"

"Oh, I rephrased, haha, no hero has ever picked up on that. No, the five kingdoms are just one continent of many. Celestia is actually way bigger than earth."

"Ok, that makes more sense but one thing still doesn't make sense. You are telling me that in such a big world, there is no one that can defeat the demon king?"

"There are but... you are sharper than you look." Her playful demeanor shifted slightly, a calculating look entering her eyes. "Most heroes just accept everything at face value. They're so excited about being chosen that they don't question the basic premise."

She stood up, pacing as books automatically moved out of her way. "The truth is more complicated. In simple words, they can defeat him but not kill him. The demon king is not part of this world so he cannot be killed by normal standards. Only someone from another world-" 

"You are lying. Hahaha, I can't believe I fell for this shit and agreed to come along." The look in his eyes became murderous. "Tell me the truth."

"You are starting to get on my nerves real fast." She stared at him for a bit and then sighed, "fine. Every 1000 years or so, goddesses in training are given their final exam. Get a human from another world, turn him into a hero and task him with killing the demon king of that world. It's a race, if you kill the demon king before other goddesses heroes, I will be the winner and I will be promoted to a demi god." 

Hahaha.... So that's what this is. A fucking game. A test." His hands clenched into fists. "All that talk about breaking traditions and doing things differently – you're just like everyone else, trying to use me for your own gain."

Her expression hardened. "Don't compare me to—"

"To what? The nobles who'll try to control me? The priests who'll want to use me?" He took a step forward, and for the first time, genuine surprise flickered across the goddess's face. "At least they're honest about their bullshit. You tried to play me by acting different, pretending to understand. 'Oh, I'm not like other goddesses, I want you because you're an asshole!'" His mocking impression made her flinch. "But in the end, I'm just a pawn in your promotion game."

"It's not that simple," she started, but he cut her off with a harsh laugh.

"It never is, is it? There's always some bigger picture, some greater good that makes it okay to manipulate people. Well, guess what?" He spread his arms wide. "I'm done being anyone's tool. Send me back."

"I can't."

The words hung in the air between them. Luther's eyes narrowed dangerously. "What do you mean, you can't?"

Ariadne ran a hand through her hair, her perfect divine appearance flickering again to show something more tired, more worn. "The transfer is one-way until the task is completed. It's part of the test – we have to work with the hero we choose, no takebacks."

"So you're trapped with me as much as I'm trapped with you," he said slowly, a dangerous glint entering his eyes. "What happens if I refuse to play along? If I just... don't fight the Demon King?"

"Then I fail. I'll remain a minor goddess forever, relegated to managing lost socks and forgotten umbrellas." She tried for a smile, but it was bitter. "And you'll be stuck here, in a world that wasn't meant to be yours."

He stared at her for a long moment, then started laughing again. But this time, there was something almost maniacal about it. "Oh, this is perfect. You know what? I think I will help you after all."

Ariadne blinked. "You... will?"

"Sure." His smile was all teeth. "But not because you want me to. Not because of your test or your promotion. I'll do it because fucking up your perfectly ordered divine system sounds like exactly the kind of chaos I live for." 

He stepped closer, until they were almost nose to nose. "I'll kill your Demon King, but I'll do it my way and every time those stuck-up gods and goddesses look at you after your promotion, they'll remember that you only succeeded because you chose the worst possible hero – the one who told you to your face that he was doing it out of spite."

For a moment, Ariadne just stared at him. Then, slowly, a genuine smile spread across her face – not the practiced, divine one she'd worn before, but something sharp and almost human. "You really are perfect for this."

"Save it," he growled, but there was less venom in it than before. "I'm not your friend, and I'm not your champion. I'm just the asshole who's going to break your system because breaking things is what I do best."

"That's all I need you to be." She waved her hand, and a screen displaying cards appeared. "since we have come to an agreement, you can now choose your starter skills. These will help you level up faster than normal."

He looked at the screen and turned away, "no thanks."

She stared at him, her divine composure slipping. "What do you mean, 'no thanks'? Everyone takes the starter skills!"

"Like I said—I'm doing this my way." He crossed his arms. "I'm not taking shortcuts handed out by gods. I'll figure it out myself."

"That's..." She pinched the bridge of her nose. "That's not how this works. The skills aren't charity; they're necessary. The Demon King's forces have powerful and special magic. It's recommended you take these skills since they are made to counter their magic."

He shrugged. "I'll adapt."

The goddess looked like she wanted to argue further but instead let out a long sigh. "Fine. Have it your way. But don't come crying to me when you're facing a fire-breathing dragon with nothing but your fists and stubbornness."

"You are acting like I can't learn magic on my own."

"Haaah, you can but that will take too long, it takes years to master mana." Talking to him was starting to give her a headache.

"We'll see about that."

"Fine fine, let's just move on." She snapped her fingers, and a map showed up. "You will start here, the kingdom of venoz, its the smallest and weakest on the continent." She looked at him, seeing the look of disgust on his face, "I know but we have no choice, this is the only kingdom where I have a follower, she will link me to their summoning circle and then I can send you."

His eyes narrowed as he studied the map. "So I'm starting from the bottom. Typical."

"It's strategic," she countered. "The other kingdoms won't pay much attention to you there. You'll have time to... acclimate."

"You mean fumble around helplessly without any skills," he snorted.

"Your choice, not mine." She enlarged the map, focusing on a small town. "This is Riverton. My follower is a tavern keeper there, Luna. She's... eccentric, but trustworthy."

"A tavern keeper?" He raised an eyebrow. "Your divine follower serves ale?"

"Not all followers are priests in fancy robes." She rolled her eyes. "Some of the most devout believers are ordinary people. Luna's grandmother was a priestess of my order when such things were still allowed in Venoz."

That caught his attention. "Not allowed? Why?"

"The current king, Torval III, banned worship of all gods except the state deity, Solus." Her expression darkened. "It's complicated. Venoz used to be the center of diverse worship until Torval's grandfather seized power fifty years ago. Now, followers like Luna have to keep their faith secret."

"So I'm walking into religious persecution. Great." He shoved his hands in his pockets. "Any other surprises I should know about?"

She hesitated, then sighed. "Venoz has... a vigilant hunter force. They're particularly suspicious of strangers, especially those who can't explain their origins. You'll need a cover story."

"Let me guess—you have one all prepared for me?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Actually, I thought you'd want to come up with your own. Since you're 'doing this your way.'" She made air quotes with her fingers.

He couldn't help but smirk. "Smart. Fine, I'll figure something out. What else?"

"The currency is silver and copper coins. I can give you enough to last a few weeks, but after that, you're on your own." She materialized a small pouch and tossed it to him. "And you'll need these."

A bundle of clothes appeared on a nearby table—simple pants, a shirt, and boots, all made of sturdy material.

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" He gestured to his school uniform.

"Unless you want to be immediately identified as a foreigner from another world, I suggest changing." She turned away. "I'll give you privacy."

She changed quickly, grudgingly admitting to himself that the new clothes fit perfectly and were more comfortable than they looked. The boots, especially, felt like they were made for him.

"Not bad," he muttered, tucking the money pouch into his belt.

"I do occasionally know what I'm doing," she replied dryly, turning back around. "Ready?"

"As I'll ever be." He squared his shoulders. "Let's get this over with."

Ariadne nodded, then paused. "One last thing." She held out her hand, and a small pendant materialized on her palm—a simple silver disk with a strange symbol etched into it. "Take this."

He eyed it suspiciously. "What is it? Some kind of tracking device?"

"It's a communication tool. If you're in real trouble—and only then—squeeze it and call my name. I'll hear you." She pressed it into his reluctant hand. "I can't interfere much, or the other goddesses will cry foul, but... I won't leave you completely alone."

The sincerity in her voice made him uncomfortable. He pocketed the pendant with a grunt.

"Just don't do anything stupid," she added.

"That's my line," he shot back.

She laughed, and for a moment, she looked almost human. Then her expression grew serious as she raised her hands. Golden light began to swirl around them.

"The summoning circle will pull you through. You'll arrive at Luna's tavern—The Laughing Mermaid. Find her, tell her I sent you. She'll help you get oriented."

The light intensified, forming a complex pattern beneath his feet.

"And Luther?" Her voice softened slightly. "Try not to punch anyone on your first day."

"No promises," he replied, but there was a hint of a smile on his face as the light enveloped him completely.

The last thing he heard was her voice: "Good luck, my troublesome hero."