While we were on the move, we ran into Earth God Gaia, one of the High-ranking Gods I’d seen earlier at the quiz venue. She said she’d come specifically to greet me... but the timing seemed strangely abrupt.
Sky-san appeared to share my confusion, speaking up with a look of mild bewilderment.
"To greet Kaito-san? Why now? I know you might have a moment to spare, but didn't the Supreme Gods order us to avoid bothering him unnecessarily?"
"I am aware," Gaia-san replied. "That is why I intend to return to my post immediately after a brief word. I realized that since both the God of Life and the Sky God are already his acquaintances, I was the only one who hadn't paid my respects. I’ve already secured permission from the God of Life-sama to do so."
"I see, so that's how it is..."
Come to think of it, as the Earth God, she was essentially Life-san’s direct subordinate—more like an aide. I suppose it would be awkward if your boss and colleague had already said hello, leaving you as the odd one out with no clear opportunity to follow suit.
"Um, hello. I’m Kaito Miyama."
"The pleasure is mine. I am Gaia, the Earth God, and I serve as the God of Life's assistant. I would be honored if you could keep my name in a corner of your mind."
A simple greeting was no trouble at all. Gaia-san bowed with refined, graceful movements. She radiated a clean, sophisticated aura that felt quite mature. In some ways, she reminded me of Life-san. I couldn't tell if she shared Life-san’s occasionally "darker" tendencies, but at first glance, she seemed genuinely kind.
"Well then, my business here is done. I shall take my leave."
She really had come just to say hello. Gaia-san bowed once more and began to walk away, only to stop abruptly as if she’d noticed something. She turned her kind gaze toward Aoi-chan, who was standing nearby.
"Pardon me, but might I ask your name as well?"
"Oh! Me? I’m Aoi Kusunoki."
"You have an incredible affinity for the earth, don't you? Your aptitude for earth magic must be exceptionally high."
Gaia-san questioned her about her magic while Aoi-chan stood there looking a bit overwhelmed. Aoi-chan did have a powerful gift for earth magic—one of those specialized aptitudes unique to otherworlders.
I was hopeless with most magic, but apparently my Sympathy Magic was top-tier. Aoi-chan’s talent for earth magic seemed equally exceptional. After all, she’d mastered high-level spells after just one year of training. "Extraordinary" was probably an understatement.
"Y-Yes. Earth magic is my specialty... I’ve been studying it quite a bit."
"Is that so? How wonderful. It’s as if the earth itself loves you. I am delighted to have met a child with such talent. I would love to talk more, but we are in the middle of the festival... I mustn't keep you."
"Y-You're right. I had so many things I wanted to ask, but..."
It looked like Gaia-san had taken an immediate liking to Aoi-chan. For her part, Aoi-chan clearly wanted to pick the brain of a High-ranking God whose domain mirrored her own magic. She was a diligent student at heart, but between the festival and Gaia-san’s duties, there simply wasn't time. Worse, commoners usually weren't allowed into the Middle Level of the God Realm where the high gods resided, making a future meeting unlikely.
Gaia-san noticed Aoi-chan’s crestfallen expression and looked thoughtful for a moment. Then, a gentle smile graced her lips.
"Aoi-san, was it?"
"Ah, yes!"
"...I bestow upon you the Blessing of the Earth."
"What!?"
As Gaia-san spoke, she held out her hand, and Aoi-chan’s body was wrapped in a soft glow.
"It is merely a minor version, but you have piqued my interest. Please, come visit me another day. With this blessing, you will be granted access to the Middle Level of the God Realm."
"T-Thank you so much!"
"I shall look forward to our conversation. Farewell."
With a final smile for the overjoyed Aoi-chan, Gaia-san bowed elegantly and went on her way. It had been a chance encounter, but I had a feeling this would be a major turning point for Aoi-chan.
Serious-senpai: "Hmm. At this rate, it seems almost certain that Hina will end up receiving a blessing from Sky-san too, doesn't it?"
???: "Hina-san has grown quite fond of Sky-san, and they seem to be very compatible spiritually, so it's a strong possibility. Gaia-san is highly intellectual, as well, making her the perfect mentor for someone as knowledge-hungry as Aoi-san."