My 'System' Is Myself!?

After leaving the underground altar, Genichi walked through the streets of Orario, considering his next move.

Sunlight spilled across the stone-paved road, stretching his shadow far behind him.

Bustling crowds filled both sides of the street. Adventurers passed in groups of three or five, merchants loudly advertised their wares, and children chased one another through the alleys.

The city overflowed with life, vitality, and wonders that ordinary people could scarcely imagine.

But Genichi's thoughts were focused on something else: divine authority.

The fastest way to acquire more authority was to win over those goddesses and persuade them to willingly share their authority with him.

Genichi considered which goddess he should approach first.

Loki?

Freya?

Or perhaps one of the other deities he had yet to meet?

If he could obtain a goddess's divine authority through peaceful means, that would naturally be ideal.

After all, he had no desire to become a public enemy in this world or be hunted by every god in Orario.

He did not necessarily need to seduce them, either. As long as he could convince them to willingly surrender part of their authority, that would be enough.

Loki.

She was the first candidate who came to mind.

Though she appeared carefree on the surface, spending her days drinking, joking around, and behaving shamelessly, everyone could see how deeply she doted on Ais.

For Ais, Loki would do anything. She would offend other gods, break the rules, and pay any price necessary to protect her.

The corners of Genichi's lips curved upward slightly.

What if he could resurrect Ais's father and mother?

The legendary hero Albert Waldstein and his wife, Alicia Waldstein.

They had died at the Black Dragon's claws during that horrific battle decades ago.

If Genichi could bring them back to life, what would Loki choose?

Would she refuse him, or would she compromise?

Genichi was not certain.

But he knew there was no harm in trying.

As he continued thinking, another, far less respectable goddess suddenly came to mind.

That Goddess of Beauty. That shameless town bicycle. That bitch who had once launched a sneak attack on Demeter.

Back then, Genichi had been afraid of falling under her charm, so he had been forced to swallow his anger and watch as she escaped without consequences.

But what about now?

Could he resist Ishtar's charm?

Could he kill her?

If he could eliminate her and seize her divine authority, it would undoubtedly be an enormous benefit.

Genichi narrowed his eyes.

He had no interest whatsoever in a woman like Ishtar, but he certainly coveted her divine authority.

With that thought, Genichi quickened his pace and headed toward the Demeter Familia's home.

He intended to discuss the matter with Demeter. If neither she nor Astraea objected, he would kill Ishtar and claim her authority.

Demeter and Astraea were sitting beneath the veranda in the courtyard, drinking tea.

Sunlight fell across them, casting overlapping shadows onto the blue-gray stone path.

Demeter wore a pale green dress, her long hair resting loosely over her shoulders and a gentle smile on her face.

Astraea sat opposite her, holding a cup of black tea. Her expression was calm, though a touch of laziness lingered in her eyes.

"Demeter, Astraea."

Genichi walked over and stopped before them.

"There's something I want to discuss with you."

Demeter raised her head and looked at him.

"What is it?"

Genichi sat beside her and explained everything concerning Ishtar.

He told them how that woman had ambushed Demeter, how he had been forced to suppress his anger because he feared being charmed, and how, now that he had grown stronger, he wanted to kill Ishtar and seize her divine authority.

His tone remained calm, but Demeter and Astraea could sense what lay beneath that calmness.

It was not anger or a desire for revenge.

It was ambition.

Demeter's expression became serious.

She put down her teacup and looked at Genichi, her eyes filled with concern.

"Genichi, I know you've grown stronger, but Ishtar is no ordinary enemy. She is a Goddess of Beauty. Her divine authority over charm isn't something you can resist through strength alone. Even if you were already a god, you still might not be able to completely withstand it."

Astraea nodded as well, her voice carrying a rare gravity.

"Listen to us, Genichi. Ishtar's charm doesn't target the body. It targets desire. It can bypass every defense you possess. As long as you feel even the slightest desire for her, the faintest attraction, or a single moment of hesitation, she can seize that opening and place you completely under her control."

Genichi frowned.

He knew Ishtar's charm was terrifying, but he had not expected Demeter and Astraea to be this alarmed.

Neither of them was cowardly. Anything capable of making them respond with such seriousness could not be taken lightly.

"And there's something else."

Demeter's voice became even more solemn.

"Ishtar isn't alone. She has her own Familia, her own influence, and her own allies. If you attack her, you'll be declaring war against the entire faction of beauty goddesses. You won't be facing Ishtar alone. You'll be facing dozens of gods whose interests are tied to hers."

Genichi's frown deepened.

He had known that Ishtar possessed her own sphere of influence, but he had not realized it was quite this extensive.

If he truly attacked her, the consequences might be far more serious than he had imagined.

"So," Astraea said softly, every word carrying undeniable weight, "we absolutely, absolutely, absolutely refuse to let you attack Ishtar. It isn't because we're afraid of her. It's because we don't want you risking your life. Your life is worth far more than her divine authority."

Genichi fell silent.

He knew Demeter and Astraea were only thinking of his safety. They did not want him to take such a risk or doom himself because of a moment of impulsiveness.

"I understand."

Genichi's voice remained calm, but a shadow flickered through his eyes.

"I won't attack her."

Demeter looked at him, her heart aching.

She knew exactly what Genichi was feeling. He was frustrated, angry, and forcing himself to suppress it all.

But he had listened to their advice. He had restrained his impulses and was willing to abandon his revenge for their sake.

It reassured her, yet it also made her heart ache even more.

"Genichi."

Demeter reached out and gently took his hand.

"We can deal with Ishtar later. Once you can truly resist her charm, we won't stop you from doing whatever you want. But you can't face her now."

Genichi looked at her and remained silent for a moment before nodding.

"All right."

Astraea reached out as well and placed her hand over his.

"Genichi, you still have us. You have Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki. You aren't alone anymore. Your life doesn't belong only to you."

A faint light flashed through Genichi's eyes as he looked at them.

"Thank you."

His voice was quiet.

Demeter smiled, her expression as gentle as a spring breeze.

Astraea smiled as well, her smile as soft as summer rain.

(End of Chapter)

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