SACHI KONDO

I saw all my classmates standing outside the building, most of them were discussing about their reincarnation, the city of heaven and about the Gods and Angels they have seen or met up till now. Most of them were excited to attend the General Assembly. Everyone had finally made up with their situation and had accepted that they were dead and were looking forward to their resurrection in another world.

“Is it going to be a fantasy world?”

“Who Knows?”

“Will there be magic”

“I would love to use swords in that world; after all I am a state kendo champion.”

“You sure, that’s what you want.”

“Maybe we can make a harem?”

“Let me see you try!”

“As if anyone would fall for you in the first place!”

‘Hahahhaaaahhahah’ bursts of laughter were heard everywhere.

Everyone had same thoughts running through their minds and they kept on blabbering the same thing.

The angel appeared before us as it descended from the sky and brought the wide-spread wings close to its back.

“Children of the mortal realm, you all will now attend the proceedings of the General Assembly and meet the ALMIGHTY WORLD GOD, who has the highest authority in all the three realms of divine, mortal and hell. You all are expected to behave and exercise utmost caution while making queries and requests.” The angel finished giving his instructions and clapped two times. We were depressed that we had to monotonously keep on climbing stairs again, but our eyes lit up when a gondola with a swan head levitating in front of us appeared. We boarded the vehicle one by one while the angel stood outside. How is this gondola going to move without a driver? The gondola soared up high in the sky. Ah! My bad! It’s just that simple- Auto Pilot.

Some tried to look from the side while maintaining caution not to fall. We soon reached a height where the city of heavens on the gigantic mountain looked like a hole and the buildings played the role of colourful pebbles rolled out in an orderly arranged pattern on the floor. Beyond that there existed nothingness covered with clouds as usual. Some were frightened of the height while some were posing in front of the gondola. Are they still afraid of dying, I wondered?

The cool breeze dried the water splashed on my face and an expression of joy naturally formed for the first time. Somehow I was smiling. How could this be possible, but I had already forgotten all about the strange dream I had just before. What mattered now was to talk out the details about our reincarnation with the Gods.

Till now the angel was flying at the same speed beside the gondola. But then it looked at us with his expressionless poker face, and flew like jet leaving a trail of disarrayed cloud in its track. But I could clearly see the smirk on his face and his thoughts were written all over ‘Puny mortals, standing on a flying gondola, you can’t fly can you. Flying is so fun. YAAAAAAYYYYYY.’ ‘HHHHAAAAHHHAHAHAHAH.’

Our swan shaped ride made an excellent parking in front of a building with a city hall looks. We climbed out and stood on a platform; the angel had reached the destination before us and gave us the looks of ‘you are late, mortals. May the divine punishment fall upon you!’

That’s not fair, weren’t we in this together.

We climbed the stairs again but this time they were made of blue crystals and had a blinding luster at its edges. We found ourselves standing in a courtyard once more, but this time we were inside a building rather than a garden. We dispersed and observed the place, running around while some were still standing and chatting. We were in a closed room, with stages on three sides and railings of golden colour, while the middle front stage was still higher than the sides.

Suddenly we heard a loud trumpet which continued forever and with deafening drumbeats, followed a multitude of Gods and Goddesses who stood in a line in front of the railing. Realizing our demeanor in front of the Supreme Beings, we were ashamed and the class rep tried to bring us back at the centre. We made four rows and five columns and stood facing the middle stage where the ‘Person Who Stood Above All’ was going to appear. While we looked at the audience, they all consisted of beautiful ladies and handsome men. Some of us tried to make an eye contact with them which were met with smiles instead of ignorance. While some of the Gods tried to wave hands back at us. This small exchange of greetings had lightened the mood and got rid of the tension that was driving the room mad.

Then Lady Gaea appeared on the middle stage and said, “The ALMIGHTY WORLD GOD WILL NOW MAKE HIS APPEARANCE.” She then took a step back and moved forward to stand at the left front corner of the stage.

A bright light formed at the centre robbing me of my eyesight and played with my senses, when it subsided there stood an old man holding a scepter in one hand while the other hand worked as a perch for an eagle. A tall and thin man, with silver curly hair and beard so long that they could be tucked into his belt. He had a very long peculiar nose with an orange-tint at its end. His eyes could be described to be a brilliant, soul-piercing shade of lightning blue, with a twinkle of kindness and mischief. He had an almost unearthly calm and relaxed demeanour and almost constantly gave off an aura of serenity and composure. He was clothed in a long red robe fastened to his shoulder and a crimson-red cloak that made him look like a great wizard. A wreath of olive leaves served as his crown.

He was old in body but was surely young in mind and spirit.

“My dear children, I welcome you all to the General Assembly of Gods. Your demise, even though was unfortunate and unexpected, but there is another chance for you to get back your life and get reincarnated in another world. So tell me what you wish and it shall be fulfilled.”

I gulped down the saliva collected in my mouth and did not know how to act. Just then Homura stepped forward and said, “We all have decided that we will accept the offer of being reincarnated and abide by all the rules laid by the Gods.”

Wait when they even decided that. No one asked me. What about my opinion. Will I not get a chance to speak my mind? They did not even bother to tell me. For them they visualized the class as a group of nineteen students and always left me out. Whatever there is no reason for me to refuse till the conditions are normal and can be easily followed.

The Almighty World God made up a mischievous smile as if he was about to reveal a hidden devious plot. “I am very pleased to hear your answer and respect your decision and resolve to live again and experience the hardships of the new world. So let’s talk more about this world and how this reincarnation system will work.” He then took a deep breath and continued with his explanation.

“The world you are going to reincarnate is called ‘ISLEGUARD – THE SANCTUM OF THE HOLY CRUSADE’.” Everyone started to murmur about why such a solemn name for a reincarnation world.

“Yes, you heard me right. This is a world of magic, unlike your previous world, the laws of nature in this new world are quite different and can be changed according to one’s will using spells and other supernatural powers.”

At these words everyone started cheering and whispering to each other.

‘Our lives are set.’

‘World of magic, I wonder we can become the strongest wizards and enjoy luxurious lives out there.’

‘I will start with flying magic.’

But these whispers soon shut down when the Almighty World God continued.

“Ahem!! Hundred years ago in a holy battle the Gods of divine realm passed their judgement on the Devils of the Hell. At present this world is in peril and chaos, with the world neglected and no God to look after it. We all have decided that you will save this world.”

‘Wow, is it really the fantasy trope we read in novels and watch in movies.’

‘I will be a Hero, and save the princess of the Kingdom and purge all the evil.’

‘What are you talking about; I am going to do that. You will be my side companion and tend to my horses and carry the luggage.’

‘They should have only summoned me. I can do all that. Fighting is my hobby. I will be victorious in all wars.’

‘Hey boys, who do you, think you are.’

‘Girls are braver than boys and can be heroines too and save the world. So just shut up.’

“HAHAAAAH, I commend your high spirits. But here is the real deal. You will not save the world alone. Each of you will form a contract with a god or goddess who will support you on your journey to save the world. The duo that makes the most contribution in saving this world will be awarded by the divine realm. In the victor party, the god will be given the opportunity to become the in charge and take control of that world and ascend to the upper echelons in the divine realm. While the human will have one of his wish fulfilled of whatever they desire.” At the end of these words the Assembly was in an uproar. Not only the students but the gods and goddesses started talking among themselves and raised several questions.

‘What?’

‘Yay, a Hero with a Goddess on journey to save the world and get one wish fulfilled. Can it get even better now somehow? I doubt.’

‘What are you talking about? Of course I am going to save the world with my Goddess not you. My wish will come true.’

‘What will be your wish?’

‘I don’t know. Maybe to become rich and have a harem of girls of actresses from earth.’

‘You scum can only think about that. You can even ask to become a god yourself. This opportunity comes once in your life after all. So make full use of it.’

The endless fantasies of my classmates continued while the Gods have their own personal agendas.

‘How interesting?’

‘A chance to take control of the world and ascend to upper echelons. I am not going to miss it.’

‘Entertainment is always so cold in divine realm, but this sure has a packed punch.’

‘I am looking forward to the events that will soon unfold.’

The World God raised his scepter to gain back everyone’s attention. The hall fell in complete silence and looked up to the World God, waiting for his further instructions.

“One week from now you will be reincarnated in the Isleguard. All of your reincarnations will be based on your personalities as judged by the divine system. Some of you might be reincarnated as prince or princess, maybe adventurers or knights. The God or Goddess assigned to you too will reincarnate themselves as someone near to you like relatives or world leaders and guide you on your journey. The Gods will have restricted use of their divine power and may be able to fully use them only in case of emergency.” At this the World God stopped and turned around his head and confirmed something with Lady Gaea.

He then continued to explain on the rules and our lifestyle that was to be expected in the new world.

“As I have said before this world has magic unlike your previous ones and people still live by the rule under their king and queen with knights protecting the honour of their country. THE DIVINE SYSTEM WILL ALL PROVIDE YOU WITH A UNIQUE SKILL THAT WILL BE IN CONJUNCTION TO THE TYPE OF DIVINITY OF THE GOD YOU SIGN YOUR CONTRACT WITH. YOUR DEVELOPMENT IN MAGIC AND STRENGTH WILL BE BASED ON A SKILL - LEVEL SYSTEM CREATED AND MONITORED BY THE DIVINE SYSTEM ITSELF. When more than half of you reach the age of 18 and above you can freely complete your mission without any intervention.”

The hall yet again usurped with murmur and chatter of Gods and mortals alike. Just shut the hell up! Let the old man at least complete what he is saying. Why no one is talking to me. Does my opinion even matter to someone?

‘The skill - level system and a unique skill bestowed by the Gods, what bliss!’

‘So it’s save the world by playing a game.’

‘I wonder how much I can level up.’

‘I will probably max out everything.’

The Gods had their own personal issues:-

‘What!! Restricted access to our divine powers. It sure is a pain in the ass.’

Somehow this statement sounded a bit inappropriate for a God. I wonder which department he handles. But for now, never mind!

‘Working with the mortals to save a world, quite a handful task.’

‘Indeed. We have to even bestow a unique skill.’

The momentum of the hall meeting was going haywire, so the World God tapped his scepter on the floor twice, while the eagle who was lifelessly sitting on His shoulder, now glided through the hall ready to attack anyone who broke this heavenly silence or interrupted Him.

“Finally, the twenty gods and goddesses who will descend in the mortal realm with the children will the now choose their partner. Just step forward and take the hand of the child you wish to make the sacred vow of saving the world.”

For the first time silence still continued after He had stopped talking. So we don’t get to choose which god or goddess we want to serve but are chosen. That means it will affect our unique skill too. I thought to myself and considered other variables that might affect our selection.