Chronoa-san was escorting me into the God Realm. I hadn't realized it during my previous visit, but there was a building tucked behind the temple where I’d received my blessing. A gate supposedly sat inside, serving as the transit point to the God Realm itself.
The God Realm—literally the land of the gods. It was a strict, vertical hierarchy with Shiro-san at its absolute peak.
I wondered what it would be like. In my head, I pictured floating islands in the sky, drifting above the clouds. But then again, the Demon Realm had felt so similar to the Human Realm that maybe it would be surprisingly normal—
"...Wait... what?"
"This is the God Realm, where our kind resides," Chronoa-san declared.
"It's... above the sky!?"
"Ah, forgive me. I failed to mention it. All the land in the God Realm 'exists in mid-air.' That said, these masses were forged by Shallow Vernal-sama’s power, so they are perfectly stable. They do not shake or sway."
The scene that unfolded before me as I stepped through the gate was the very definition of fantasy.
Landmasses of all shapes and sizes were connected by elegantly decorated bridges, and through the gaps between them, I could see the vast blue sky stretching out below. It was breathtaking.
"Every island here functions as a gate, connecting to various points across the Human and Demon Realms. We call this cluster of floating islands the God Realm Gate."
"Wow... I'm so overwhelmed I'm at a loss for words. It’s such a mystical sight."
"I am glad it is to your liking. Now then, let us move. However, since it would take far too long for a human to travel on foot, I shall carry you."
"Eh? Oh, okay."
"I could take you straight to the Upper Level in an instant, but since this is your first visit, I’ll give you a brief tour. Do not worry; I have already obtained Shallow Vernal-sama’s permission."
"Thank you! I'd appreciate that."
"Umu."
Chronoa-san nodded and lightly snapped her fingers. Several shimmering golden rings of magic power manifested around me, and my body drifted into the air. She was enveloped in a similar light, and a moment later, we began moving at a brisk pace.
It wasn't so fast that the scenery blurred; it felt just a bit quicker than a car.
"This area is the Lower Level I mentioned. And look over there—do you see that landmass floating in the distance? That is the Middle Level."
"You’re right... I pictured the God Realm like a giant mountain, but it's more like a series of circular islands floating in tiers, each one a bit smaller than the one below."
"Umu. To ascend to the Middle Level, anyone other than a High-ranking God must use the gate in the Lower Level Central City. Though, frankly, it is rarely used."
Listening to her explanation, I looked around. Higher up, I could indeed see another massive landmass suspended in the air.
The God Realm really was incredible. Everywhere I looked, I saw something mystical—springs floating in mid-air, trees with shapes that defied the laws of physics... I definitely wouldn't get bored watching the world go by.
"If I remember correctly, only those on par with the kings of the various nations are allowed to enter, right?"
"Yes. To be precise, it is restricted to those who have earned a specific level of trust from the God Realm. Aside from kings, those who have received a True Blessing rather than a Temporary Blessing may also enter."
"A... Temporary Blessing? A True Blessing?"
"Hm? What’s this? You don't know?"
"No. I'm sorry for my ignorance."
Another term I didn't recognize. Based on Chronoa-san's reaction, though, it seemed like basic common sense. Seeing me instinctively apologize, Chronoa-san's sharp expression softened into a gentle smile, and she shook her head.
"No, do not mind it. Now that I think on it, it is only natural that an Otherworlder like you would not know. My consideration was lacking. I apologize."
"N-No, please! Don't worry about it!"
"I shall explain briefly. Normally, what human nobles receive every year is a Temporary Blessing. It is also referred to as an abbreviated version."
"Abbreviated... Like the one you gave Lilia-san back then?"
"Exactly. As you surmised, I granted Lilia a Temporary Blessing. It involves a simple procedure, but the effect is relatively weak and lasts only a year. That is why humans seek new blessings annually."
"I see. Then what’s a True Blessing?"
"A True Blessing, however, is a ritual a god performs using their own name. Unlike the temporary version, the effects persist for as long as the god who granted it lives. Furthermore, the power it provides is on an entirely different scale."
In short, a True Blessing was the high-tier version of the standard ritual, turning a temporary buff into a permanent, massive upgrade.
As I nodded in understanding, Chronoa-san’s expression turned serious.
"A True Blessing represents the ultimate mark of trust for a god. Those who receive one are placed under that god's direct protection and are permitted to speak in that god's name."
"In their name?"
"Yes. For instance, Miyama—you received a True Blessing from Shallow Vernal-sama, did you not? When she granted it, she should have given you permission to use her name."
"Wait... what?"
Did she? I don't remember anything like that...
(I forgot. I hereby grant you permission to speak using my name.)
You forgot!? Seriously, isn't that a bit too reckless? Then again, Shiro-san had apparently never given a blessing before, so I guess it couldn't be helped.
"What is the matter?"
"Oh, uh, nothing. I was just granted permission just now."
"Hm? I see. At any rate, being permitted to speak using Shallow Vernal-sama's name is effectively an Authority in itself."
"Wait, what does that mean, exactly?"
I still didn't quite understand. Was it like some kind of holy mandate?
"If you were to speak in Shallow Vernal-sama's name, it would be equivalent to Shallow Vernal-sama's own words. To object to those words would be synonymous with pointing a blade at Shallow Vernal-sama herself. It would be the most foolish act in this world."
"W-Whoa..."
"That is not all. If you were to issue a command in Shallow Vernal-sama's name, all gods would be compelled to obey. You effectively hold absolute authority over the entire God Race."
"..."
That was terrifying. Basically, speaking in a god's name meant my words carried the exact same weight as the god's own. And since Shiro-san was the literal peak of the world, my influence would be off the charts.
I immediately decided to seal that power away forever.
"By the way, for anyone who has not received a True Blessing to speak in a god's name is a capital crime. Judgment will be passed by the God of Life."
"I see..."
Thanks to her explanation, things were starting to make sense. I also finally understood why the gods didn't call each other by name. To the gods, names were tools for blessings and sources of literal power. To avoid misuse, they weren't made public.
And the person who managed all that information—the one who played Alice's role among the Six Kings—was Life-san.
"Thank you. I think I understand now."
"Is that so? It may be unnecessary to say, but the Authority granted to you is undoubtedly immense. Do not misuse it. Though, I already know you are not the type of person to do such a thing."
Chronoa-san smiled at me, and in that moment, she looked truly like a goddess. The gap between her usual cool persona and that gentle smile was so striking I felt my face heating up.
As we continued our flight, Chronoa-san spoke up again as if a thought had just occurred to her.
"I shall take this moment to thank you once again. Miyama, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for accompanying Shallow Vernal-sama previously. She seemed to be having a great deal of fun. That, above all else, makes me happy as well."
"No, really, it was nothing..."
"However... regarding what you saw at that time... please forget it."
"What I saw?"
I tilted my head, not catching her meaning immediately. Chronoa-san looked away, her face flushing as she muttered in a small voice.
"I mean... when I was in that... that indecent outfit..."
"Oh, the swimsuit?"
"Agh! Yes! I know! You're going to say it didn't suit me at all! I'm well aware! Laugh if you want, just forget it!"
Chronoa-san spoke desperately, her face turning a bright crimson. As I suspected, being forced into that swimsuit had really bothered her. She’d acted strange the whole time, refusing to even stand where I could see her.
"I wasn't going to laugh. Actually... I thought it looked good on you."
"What!? You! Are you trying to mock me again!?"
"No, I'm serious. It really did. You're tall and slender, Chronoa-san. You're a beautiful woman."
"Wha—!? Wha... Whaaa..."
Chronoa-san’s mouth worked like a fish out of water. Her face turned redder by the second. Then, with even more intensity than before, she leaned in toward me.
"D-D-Don't be absurd! To use such honeyed words on me... w-w-what are you trying to pull!? How scandalous!"
"I'm not 'pulling' anything. I'm being honest. I think you're stunning."
"I... I will not be deceived. I have been told countless times that I am like a man..."
I had a feeling Fate-san was the one responsible for that. I could practically see her face in my mind, flashing a peace sign.
It seemed Chronoa-san really wasn't used to being treated like a woman. She was completely bewildered in a way she never was when the subject was Shiro-san.
"Well, I don't know what others think, and I don't intend to say I'm the absolute authority on the matter, but I think you're beautiful."
"~~~~!?!?"
Chronoa-san’s mouth moved soundlessly again before she looked down, her face red all the way to her ears.
Yeah, it seemed her lack of confidence ran pretty deep. I decided it was best to drop the subject. As I turned my attention back to the scenery, I heard a faint whisper.
"...Thank you."
"Huh? Oh, you're welcome."
She fell silent after that, but for a split second, she glanced back at me with a soft, warm smile.
Dear Mother, Father—The God Realm was every bit the fantasy world I’d imagined, and everything I saw was breathtakingly new. After a while, Chronoa-san regained her composure and continued her tour as we made our way toward the Upper Level.