Do you know that gods exist in this world?
They do.
It’s a bit of a problem if you tell me you’ve never seen one or don't believe in them.
They really do exist.
Look, just listen to what I have to say on the assumption that they’re real.
Gods exist in this world.
There’s a hierarchy among them, too. Setting aside the complicated details, you can basically think of them as High Gods, Mid Gods, and Low Gods.
High Gods are truly magnificent.
They exist on a level where you can’t even look them in the eye out of sheer awe.
They are the Gods among gods.
You shouldn't even dream of opposing them.
Actually, they’re the kind of beings you can’t even conceive of opposing.
That’s a High God for you.
An example?
How tedious.
Well, the Creator God, the God of Time... basically any of the famous ones that immediately come to mind when someone says "God" can be considered a High God.
To be honest, there are even more incredible beings above the High Gods, but you don't need to worry about them.
That’s getting into the territory of the Divine Realm.
Mid Gods are the ones who follow the High Gods' instructions.
The description makes them sound like middle management, but they’re entirely different.
What would they be in the world of the Human Race?
Uh... a Supreme Ruler of a continent.
Yeah, that’s the kind of image you should have.
Eh?
You still don’t quite get it?
How troublesome.
Then... let’s see.
If a High God is a King, then a Mid God is like a Minister or a General.
Does that work?
Do you understand now?
Good.
Low Gods are the ones who act as the hands and feet of those Mid Gods.
And there are mountains of them.
Ministers and Generals have tons of subordinates, right?
It’s just like that.
It makes them sound like they aren't anything special, but some Low Gods are actually quite clever; they gather faith and are worshipped properly.
Ah, I won't name names—that would cause all sorts of problems.
Anyway, here’s the main point.
Among the Low Gods, there are Animal Gods.
Now, it’s not that there’s a single deity called the "Animal God." There’s a god for every species—a Wolf God, a Fox God, and so on.
Whenever a new species is born, their god is born right along with them, so every race has one.
Rest assured, there’s one for your race, too.
But back to the topic.
Ahem.
I am a Divine Messenger for one of those Low Gods—the Snake God!
I puffed out my chest with pride.
Then, I was arrested.
Why?!
Wait, it’s the truth.
I’m telling the truth!
I’m not lying.
It’s for real!
Proof?
Is there anyone who can actually prove something like that?
Can you prove who you are?
You can’t, right?
A certificate?
What am I supposed to do with a tool used by swindlers?
I mean, I might be suspicious, but throwing me into a Jail cell immediately seems a bit excessive, don't you think?
Well, sure, the Main Gate was closed, so I tried to sneak in.
I didn't mean any harm!
While I was busy complaining in my cell, someone came to get me.
It was the Fox God’s subordinate.
I thought she was just playing around as she pleased, but what was she doing in a place like this?
She’s the one in charge here?
You’re lying, right?
Wait, you’re rich, aren't you?
Give me a little donation!
Life is a struggle over here, you know.
Even if I’m a Divine Messenger, it’s not like I get a salary.
Gather believers and earn money myself?
No way.
That’s a total pain.
Ah, sorry.
My mistake.
Please don't abandon me!
I’m begging you, get me out of here!
Phew.
Saved.
I suppose it really does pay to have friends in high places.
Don't you dare say we aren't friends.
Eh?
Why did I come here?
It was an Oracle from the Snake God.
He said an important tree had grown, so I had to hurry and present myself there...
And in this freezing cold, no less!
He told me it would be too late if I waited for it to get warm.
Ah, the important tree isn't here.
You might not believe this, but apparently, it’s right in the middle of the Forest of Death.
When I complained about how I was supposed to go to such a dangerous place, he told me to come here.
He assured me that things would work out somehow.
Ah...
Maybe he meant for me to have you take me there.
You can enter the Forest of Death, right?
Ahaha.
Don't glare at me like that.
It was just a joke!
Eh?
Is just "presenting myself" all I’m going to do?
Hmph.
Of course not.
I’m going to claim ownership of that tree and turn it into a symbol for the Snake God!
Did the Snake God actually say that?
Well, no.
But isn't it a waste to go all the way to such a dangerous place just to perform a Dedicatory Dance in front of a tree?
Besides, it’s not like I’ll have any rivals.
What if there are?
I’ll knock them flat, obviously.
Ahaha.
It’s fine, it’s fine.
It’s the Forest of Death.
There won't be any rivals there.
But how am I supposed to get to the Forest of Death from here?
...
Um, your eyes are looking a bit scary?
No, no, I know.
I know that your eyes are at their most dangerous when you look like you’re smiling.
I’m not trying to pick a fight with you!
Really!
It’s not like I’m planning to go on a rampage here or anything.
Eh?
You’ll take me to the middle of the Forest of Death?
Truly?
You even have an idea which tree it is?
Hooray!
Thank you!
And thank you, Snake God!
...
What is this place?
A village?
Eh?
Huh?
There are two trees. Which one is it?
Ah, the smaller one.
Thank you.
I can feel the divine aura just by getting close.
And... wait, is that a Divine Messenger of the Eagle God sitting on top of the tree?
So you were already here.
I see.
As expected of someone in the middle of the Forest of Death.
Will I fight over the ownership of the tree?
O-Of course not!
Ahahaha.
I haven’t considered such a thing for even a second.
Yes.
If you’ll just let me perform my Dedicatory Dance, I’ll leave immediately.
Yes.
I’ll only be in your way for a moment.
Seriously, what is this place?
This is insane.
I knew the Fox God’s subordinate was incredibly strong, but there are people all over the place here who could go toe-to-toe with her.
Or rather, there are Dragons.
And they aren't the Post-Age of Gods Dragon Race, either.
That’s an Ancient Dragon—a Dark Dragon—the kind that isn't just a legend; they’re the sort of nightmare that could kill a god if they felt like it! Gyaaaaaah!
Why is one here?!
Is this a Dark Dragon’s Nest?
No, even the Dragon King is here... I don't understand anything anymore.
The only thing I do understand is that this place is terrifying.
I should just dance quickly and go home.
Yes, that’s the best plan.
Huh?
Fox God’s subordinate, what is it?
Accompaniment?
No, no, that’s not necessary!
Don't make a big production out of this!
Don't gather a crowd!
Every single person here looks stronger than me; it’s bad for my heart.
Ah, I might be able to handle that child over there.
...
Wait?
That child is... Gyaaaaaaaaaaaah!
It’s Urulbraza!
The hero who, despite being part of the Human Race, climbed to the realm where she can slay gods!
A Divine Messenger like me would be wiped out in a heartbeat.
I’m not an enemy!
I’m really not an enemy!
I am a messenger of peace.
Keep it together.
Yes, I just have to get through this.
"Thank you all for gathering in this cold. Inexperienced as I am, I shall now perform a Dedicatory Dance."
I started to dance while staring at the ground, doing my absolute best not to make eye contact with anyone nearby.
Snake God...
I really resent you for this.
...
Wait?
While I was dancing and looking at the ground, a single black Cat walked into my field of vision.
...
............
............................................................
THERE’S A HIGH GOD HEREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
No, please, don't mind me!
No, I’m leaving right now!
No, I don't need any souvenirs!
It’s Winter, such a difficult season, you know!
Thank you so much!
Yes, I’ll just be going now!
No, I am truly, deeply sorry!
I was way out of line, and I am so sorry for the trouble I caused!
Yes!
From today on, I’m going to turn over a new leaf and live an honest life!
So please, just forgive me!
Fox God’s subordinate, please, I’m begging you—throw me out of here!
My name is Niz.
I’ve lived for many years as a Divine Messenger of the Snake God, but I have never felt death’s cold embrace quite as closely as I did today.
I am never going near the Forest of Death again.
Ever.
Vowing that, I started my journey back to my own home.
Snake God...
If you have any mercy at all, please don't give me any more Oracles for the next hundred years.
I’m begging you.
Fox God’s subordinate, I know, so don't look at me like that.
Yeah, I know I’d make that face too if someone came back two days after saying goodbye.
But it was an Oracle! An Oracle!
It’s not my fault!
This is my reason for existing, after all.
It’s not the Forest of Death this time, anyway.
It’s here.
Village Five, was it?
He told me to work here.
Yes.
To make up for the trouble I caused, as a form of apology.
So, please take me in.
Wait.
Don't say you don't need me!
I’m useful!
I can do all sorts of things!
I can even receive Oracles!
Eh?
You’re saying those are only Oracles from the Snake God?
Well, that’s how it usually works, right?
The only ones who can receive Oracles from all sorts of gods are people like Saints...
There’s a Saint here, too?
...
There goes my entire reason for existing!
Niz's strength is at a level where she cannot enter the Forest of Death alone. Therefore, she is ranked below Lu, Tia, Ria, and Ann.