Chapter 3:

How to gain heat immunity

Making of a Goddess

Step 1: Accept the Burn (And Cry a Little)

“Alright,” I say, standing on my rocky perch, staring at the endless sea of molten death ahead. “I just have to cross 275 kilometers of this, survive, and not die. Easy.”

The magma bubbles ominously in response.

I swallow hard.

“Okay, step one… let’s see how much my [Heat Resistance (Weak)] can handle.”

I take a cautious step forward onto a solid-looking patch of volcanic rock. It’s still incredibly hot, and the second my foot touches it, a burning sensation shoots up my leg.

“GAAAAAHHHH HOT HOT HOT—”

I hop back onto my safe rock, clutching my foot.

DING!

New Skill Acquired: [Pain Tolerance (Lv 1)]

“Oh, great!” I scream at the sky. “Not heat resistance, just tolerating suffering! Fantastic!”

But I am an isekai protagonist. Which means I have no choice but to keep going.

Step 2: Magma Hiking (But It Sucks)

I grit my teeth and start hopping from one blackened rock to another, testing which ones are less likely to melt my feet off. The heat is still awful, but after a few more steps… something changes.

I pause and look down at my hands. My skin isn’t turning as red from the heat anymore.

DING!

[Heat Resistance (Weak) ➝ Heat Resistance (Lv 2)]

“YES! Progress!” I cheer.

Then a tiny lava bubble pops near my feet, splashing molten rock onto my leg.

"AAAAHHH WHY?!"

DING!

[Heat Resistance (Lv 2) ➝ Heat Resistance (Lv 3)]

I blink.

“…Wait a minute.”

I glance down at the lava, then back at my stat window.

Slowly, I extend my hand right above a bubbling lava pit. The heat sears my palm, and my fingers shake—

DING!

[Heat Resistance (Lv 3) ➝ Heat Resistance (Lv 4)]

I stare at the notification.

A grin spreads across my face.

“Oh-ho-ho… I see how it is.”

Step 3: Extreme Heat Training (a.k.a. Becoming a Lunatic)

From that moment, my training becomes insanely stupid.

I start dipping my hands and feet closer to the lava, flinching in pain but watching my skill level rise. I step on hotter and hotter rocks, forcing myself to endure it. I even try jogging over the unstable surface, dodging bubbling pools of molten death.

By the time I check my status again, it’s looking way better.

[Updated Stats]

Strength: 5 (Slightly better than a noodle!)

Agility: 9 (You might outrun a grandma now!)

Endurance: 8 (You can take a few more hits before crying!)

Heat Resistance: Lv 6 (You are slightly less flammable!)

I wipe the sweat from my forehead (which immediately evaporates). "Alright, now we're talking!"

Then, something rumbles.

I freeze.

“…That’s probably not good.”

Step 4: Oh Great, Another Monster

I turn slowly.