“Ah, I see… so there’s something in this world that was turned into a game.”
“It might just be a coincidence that a world was faithfully recreated like that.”
Honestly, I can’t say for sure if this world is exactly the same as the game.
“But I’ve already confirmed that Hera exists in this world. She’s exceptional, even called a prodigy.”
In fact, she ends up contracting with a transcendent-level spirit, which makes her worthy of being called a prodigy. There are fewer than 30 transcendent-level beings in this world.
“Hmm… so, you know more about the future than we do, huh? Even we gods can’t see into the future.”
“That’s if you exclude me. I don’t know what kind of impact my presence will have.”
But enrolling is essential to stop her from falling into darkness. I absolutely have to get in.
“And how old are you? You seem to be over 15…”
“18.”
“What about the age difference?”
“There are plenty of 15-year-olds around this height. Since I don’t have parents, I can easily fake my background.”
I’m just shy of 180 cm. In this world, unlike in my past life, the average height for 15-year-olds is about 175 cm, so there are several main characters around my height. The protagonist himself is 181 cm tall.
“You… seem to be a bold person who takes risks.”
Zeus gives me a somewhat wary look, but I ignore him. I would gladly offer up this life of mine, which has already ended once, if it’s for her.
“So, will you make a contract with me?”
I ask what’s been bothering me this whole time. This is the most important thing.
Reflecting on it, I realize that with my current strength, I can’t defeat most divine spirits. Without that power, it’s impossible to stop Hera’s descent into darkness. Among those helping her fall, there are at least two divine spirit contractors.
“In conclusion… it’s impossible at this point.”
“…What?”
Impossible, at this point…?
“…What am I lacking?”
“You’ve only been using lightning magic, haven’t you?”
Well, you need a certain level of proficiency with lightning magic to make a contract with Zeus. Judging by his tone, my lightning magic should be sufficient. So that means—
“—Is there something else I need?”
“Correct. You’ve hardly used any non-elemental magic, have you? Without it, your body won’t be able to handle making a contract with me.”
“……”
So, I need non-elemental magic to contract with him…
Non-elemental magic refers to spells like body enhancement, mana barriers, and even magic nullification, also known as magic cancel. These are spells anyone with mana can use, but they’re difficult to master. Magic cancel, in particular, can only be used by those who have spent decades mastering non-elemental magic and experienced numerous types of magic.
It’s true that I’ve barely used non-elemental magic, aside from some minor body enhancement. Mainly because lightning magic has always been enough, and also because I simply don’t know many non-elemental spells.
In the game, aside from body enhancement, you never really needed non-elemental magic. Magic cancel was a hassle too—it could only nullify a spell if you’d been hit by it ten times, so I never used it once.
“I see… then teach me non-elemental magic. In the next five months.”
Honestly, I can reach the academy in minutes using lightning magic, so I should be able to train until the last moment.
When I look Zeus straight in the eye and make my request, he smiles slightly.
“I’ve been rather bored lately, so why not. It’s been 1,200 years since I last made a contract. Maybe this time will work.”
Apparently, Zeus’s last contractor died 1,200 years ago. Isn’t that a bit too long to go without a contract?
The divine spirits of the four primary elements usually change contractors about once every hundred years. Officially, the ice spirit Skadi hasn’t had a contractor for 500 years, but 1,200 years is more than double that. Isn’t that way too long?
“I dislike being tied down. Unless something interests me, that is. You, however, seem like you’ll be fun to be around. Now, shall we get started?”
With that, Zeus stood up from his chair and headed for the door. I quickly followed him, making sure not to lose sight of him.
“…What is this?”
I looked at the weights attached to my arms, legs, and back, casting a skeptical glance at Zeus. In response to my gaze, Zeus casually explained:
“I’m about to infuse these specially crafted weights with mana. Once that’s done, they’ll become up to ten times heavier. You’ll carry them and follow me through the trees without breaking a branch.”
“T-Ten times?! They already weigh around 300 kilos!”
“Eh? If you use body enhancement, it’ll be easy. Though, with your current level, it might be tough.”
There’s no way this is possible. A human carrying 3,000 kilos—about 3 tons—can’t possibly climb trees. That’s like the weight of an elephant!
“Oh, and you’re forbidden from using any magic other than body enhancement.”
“……You sadistic old man…”
Cursing under my breath, I kept reminding myself that this was for Hera’s sake, and I activated body enhancement throughout my entire body.
