Chapter 29: The Cost of Victory

The defeat of Ignis sent a shockwave—both literal and metaphorical—through the mountain. With their leader unconscious and their command structure in chaos (partly because Rina had beaten up all the officers), the army of orcs and goblins outside quickly fell into disarray and were routed by Sir Gideon's forces.

When the knights finally entered the cavern, they found a scene that defied all explanation. The mightiest dragon in the known world was lying unconscious, covered in glitter, next to a colossal snail and a mountain of jiggling gold coins. We, the heroes of the hour, were sitting on the floor, too exhausted to even stand.

We were celebrated as the greatest heroes the kingdom had ever known. There were parades, feasts, and endless songs written about our absurd victory. "The Ballad of the Bouncy Dragon" became a tavern favorite. "The Glitter Gambit" was studied by military tacticians as an example of unorthodox warfare. We were promoted from F-rank adventurers straight to S-rank, a jump that had never been made before.

We celebrated with our own private feast in the fanciest inn in the capital. The mood was strange. We had won. We were heroes. But the victory felt different from our other, smaller successes.

"We did it," Kenta said, raising his glass. He looked different. The arrogant gacha-addict was gone, replaced by a young man who had run headfirst at a dragon to save his friends. "We actually did it."

"Here's to not dying," Rina grunted, a large bandage on her shoulder. She was quieter than usual, the ferocity of her battle having taken a toll.

Chloe was trying to discreetly get a sample of the bouncy gold, her scientific curiosity overriding all else. Luna was smiling, a real, genuine smile, as she watched her friends. The Grimoire offered a rare compliment. "A strategically sound, if utterly ludicrous, victory. I approve."

We had faced death together. We had relied on each other, our bizarre, mismatched skills slotting together like the pieces of a strange puzzle. In the heart of that volcano, we had stopped being a collection of misfits and had become a real team. A real family.

But as I looked at their faces—Kenta's newfound confidence, Rina's weary strength, Luna's quiet joy, Chloe's endless enthusiasm—a profound sadness washed over me.

This wasn't my world. This wasn't my life. I was a goddess, a bureaucrat, a being of rules and paperwork. This beautiful, chaotic, mortal life, with all its fear and friendship and glittery dragon fights… it was just a temporary assignment.

And I knew, with a certainty that chilled me to the bone, that my assignment was almost over.