Ais sensed the atmosphere and wisely decided to give us some space.
I patiently awaited her words, and I didn't have to wait long.
"As I mentioned before, there's a troublesome faction that has set its sights on this world. They're the sort who won't hesitate to do anything to reclaim their former glory. Unfortunately, I can't share this with anyone else. If I were to make contact with any of the Ancient Gods, they would likely try to harm me rather than listen to what I have to say."
Right, she was ostracized due to her extraordinary power.
It's a pity, though.
"So, that means we're essentially on our own, correct? I can handle-"
Before I could finish, she interrupted me.
"Hold on, Ren. I know you deeply care for Ais and you're determined to protect her by yourself. But even though you've been able to obtain the memories of some pawns here and there, you still don't grasp the magnitude of this faction. They're enemies of all the Ancient Gods out there. If they've acted so brazenly, even knowing they could be discovered by those gods, do you really believe they fear them? I doubt it. This implies they've amassed considerable power while we weren't watching..."
Her words elicited a sigh from me.
"Despite the truth of that, I'm still resolved to fight them. Also, don't include yourself in that bunch of greedy bastards, they don't deserve it."
Even if they fled to a distant universe, I'd rip through the very fabric of space to reach them and obliterate every last one of those Forgotten Ones. How dare they even consider harming Ais?
Just because my impulses have mellowed lately doesn't mean I've suddenly transformed into a saint. I want them all to meet a gruesome end, and I won't rest until that's achieved.
I'll also take my time to torture the leader until they beg me to kill them. No, perhaps I won't even kill them. I'll just keep on torturing them forever...
"...That doesn't mean we have to confront this fight alone. Even though I can't directly inform the Ancient Gods, you can, Ren. It'll be tricky, but you have little to lose."
She directed a smile my way, but this overly cheerful expression didn't sit well with me. She might be able to deceive others, but not me. Even though this collaboration might be beneficial, I couldn't fathom teaming up with those who target individuals simply because of their greed.
This falsified smile was enough to convey her inner pain.
"Don't even suggest I should contact them. They've forsaken you and treated you as an enemy for eons. You expect me, your ally, to join forces with them? Absolutely not. I stand by the words I uttered long ago. We're aligned, and that won't change as long as I live. You're the benefactor who helped me achieve what was once a far-fetched dream, and for that, I'm profoundly thankful. Nevertheless, never ask me to collaborate with them again, because my response will always be a resounding no. I'll probably just slap their asses until they'll beg me to stop if I ever find one of them."
I spoke with unwavering conviction. Frankly, I didn't need that troupe of scoundrels complicating matters further after the mess I've already stirred. I'll eradicate that entire faction single-handedly, even if it costs me my life...
Her response was somewhat peculiar—she fell into silence for a while before breaking into a chuckle.
"I understand now. You've always been that way, Ren. I had thought that being with Ais would bring about a transformation in you, but it's more accurate to say that she's the reason you blossomed. Your nature hasn't changed; it's merely emerged from the shell that concealed it."
...How could she utter such embarrassing words so casually? It eluded me.
"Regardless. Moving on, I can tell you that their plans won't be easily executed. The Ancient Gods are currently suspicious of their meddling in this world. It'll likely take a few years before they have sufficient leeway to act up once again. You can use this time to train and enjoy some quality time with your girlfriend. Isn't it tiring to always have to think of other things instead of focusing on her? I can read you just as well as you can read me!"
...Leaving aside her words, which were true to some extent, I was intrigued by her extensive knowledge of the situation, but when I asked her, the answer I got only cemented my own opinion of just how immense her power was.
"Oh, that? I usually freeze time and examine the destinies of lesser Gods. When that method doesn't yield substantial information, I trap a God's soul in a unique realm where they forget everything upon exiting. Then, I extract information through various means. They can't deceive me since my divinity of Destiny is incredibly sensitive to falsehoods. It's a common trait among those with divinities connected to Fate."
Was she the main character in disguise?
She's basically playing the Ancients like they're pieces of trash.
"Of course, I mustn't do that excessively, or the most powerful Ancient beings could detect a disturbance. I also acknowledge that I'm not the mightiest Goddess in existence. This is why I proposed aligning with them. However, if you firmly reject that idea, I'll honor your decision..."
Her meaningful smile persisted as she carried on.
"Nevertheless, your current strength falls short of what's necessary to contend with the Forgotten Ones. I wish I could address this issue on your behalf, allowing you to relish your time here undisturbed. Yet, if I were to intervene, it would alert the attention of the Ancient Gods. This would invite even greater complications rather than resolving the matter. Thus, you're on your own for that. However, I can safeguard this world for you and provide you with training!"
She squeezed her palm to make a punch. Without context, she might seem like a normal and cheerful girl who was just engaging in conversation, but then, why do I feel shivers run down my spine like I was about to die?
Oddly enough, I have a nagging feeling that my days might be numbered...