Chapter 6. Deal With Godess
Reo leans forward, his crimson eyes staring at Celestia. "What do I have to do?" he asked, his voice sharp and direct.
Celestia gave a faint smile. "I like your directness," she said in a playful tone. "No unnecessary drama. Good."
Her smile faded, replaced by a serious look. She leaned back in her chair. "Let me be clear: I can't explain everything right now, but this world is on the path to destruction. Big events have already started, and they will lead to its collapse. My job is to stop that from happening. That's why I made a deal with the Earth Deity to bring your soul here."
Reo frowned. "If you're a goddess and you know everything, why can't you fix this mess yourself?"
Celestia sighed, the glow around her dimming. "Because gods can't directly interfere in the mortal world. If we do, it would make things worse—bigger problems than the disaster itself. This world is fragile, Reo. The balance must stay intact."
Reo crossed his arms, his expression hard. "So why me? Out of everyone, you're saying I'm the best choice?"
Her faint smile returned, her gaze steady and confident. "I've looked at all the possibilities. I've seen a trillion different outcomes. No one else can do what you can. If it's you, fewer people will die. Without you..." She paused, tilting her head as she studied him. "This world won't survive. It's that simple."
Reo stared at her for a moment, his jaw tightening. "What's the catch?"
"Catch?" Celestia chuckled softly, the glow in her eyes flickering like a spark. "There's no catch, Reo. Your task is simple: live as Leonhardt Caulem, the Duke's son. Play your role and follow Ellynn's guidance."
Reo raised an eyebrow. "And who, or what, is Ellynn?"
Celestia made a small gesture with her hand. "The voice you hear in your head. It's a system made specifically to guide and help you."