Chapter 8 - A Goddess's Fertility

I worked.

Plowing and tilling sucks.

I wiped the sweat of my brow, leaning against the hoe. I stared to my fellow workers, each falling into usual archetypes.

“I’m bored.” I expressed monotone.

My coworkers kept to their duties, driven more by the prospects rather than making a living. Their goals align with the towns’, and so they all are having a good time. Many chat, expressing their excitement for the crops.

There is slight gossip, but more of my embarrassing fight with Lard, they don’t seem to know the context of my self-proclaimed Godhood.

My routine has already been established.

I would work, go home to a horse stable for sleep, and wake for work.

I walk the early streets of the morning, seeing the various stands being set up. I take a detour before work just to change things up. There are various onlookers to my presence, I’m still the talk of the town after a whole week.

I sigh.

I overlook the stalls, learning what I can.

It appears there's only one seller for the clothes in town, they advertise their shop very hard. I find an interesting stall with various nick nacks, the clothing shop’s logo was stickered on one of the pages of a book.

I can’t even avoid pop up ads in a fantasy world.

Studying the market, it appears luxurious items were akin to entertainment to the modern age. From books about various subjects, reincarnation being most prominent, no surprise, up to playsets and figurines.

But they also had leather note pads and pens, to dish strainers and authentic silverware.

The vendors did not break formula. You can entirely base your assumptions around their wares.

Only one caught my intrigue.

A figuring, emphasizing a certain Goddess’s thighs and skirt. The coloring was brilliant, with the red hair and blue eyes, white her skin and clothes were white as snow.

Expecting a certain overweight individual to be running this stand, I was taken by surprise to see a pity filled priestess staring me down.

Their stall was fitting for a suspicious cult, selling off the Goddess’s appearance as merch. I took specific note of a blue liquid advertising as holy water. It does appear to have a faint golden glow.

“It appears The Goddess has brought you here.”

“Huh?” I responded, the Priestess demeanor threw me off. “Y- Yeah, I guess you could say that.”

Her neutrality had me for a loop. I pondered why her eyes had such a feeling behind them, one so intriguing.

“Are you happy to have been reincarnated here?” I let my subconscious ask the question.

“Hm?” Her neutrality turned to a slight grin, her eyes unchanging. “I feel blessed for every day I am here. My old life is one I was never fond of.”

My itch is scarring me.

“Ooh... Do you wish to slay the demon king?” I don’t know why I asked, but it felt right.

Her eyes pierced, the pity remained but that same underline feeling was strong.

“I wish for peace of the lands. I truly believe the Goddess would grant such a wish.”

I stared, locking onto her gaze.

My subconscious came to a conclusion. One it would not share. Whatever it is my brain figured out was not me to know now, I choose to trust that feeling.

“I’m glad the residents of this world have such strong faith.” I gave a crafted smile.

“Hm?” She murmured. “Do you, Toshiro, envy your fellow Gods worship?”

Her question perplexed me. My immediate reasoning maybe her pity is feeling sorry for my self-esteem, falsely claiming to be a God. But my itch was still unscratched, I knew I was on the wrong train of thought.

“I value all forms of faith. From those who strongly follow, to the non-believers who simply want answers. I have no judgments nor desire to control or enlighten.” I lied, saying something that sounded the Godliest.

The priestess eyes shifted for just a moment, reverting to pity. In that moment, I understood one thing.

She’s dangerous.

Imani’s face flashed through my mind, my failure to predict festered. Whatever it is that makes me feel so unnerved by this priestess is something I will remember.

“I’m glad there could be higher being with such profound insight.” She smiled. “My name is Discordia. I hope we can talk more soon.”

I felt genuine affection, her eyes still unchanged.

I gave my farewells. I kept my composure as I felt her gaze on my back.

Working in the fields was hot again.

My wounds were healing up, but they had a lingering pain. What amazes me is the rate of recovery. I know I’m not a doctor or even got an evaluation, but I can tell this is abnormal.

I pondered the idea the last week, today is no closer to any answers.

As I schemed in my head on the walk home, I noticed something.

Women were about, specifically ones that were enticing men who were out late. This had my intrigue.

From my time in the market, I learned there is no real currency. It has been more of a socialist system built on trust. Basic goods were exchanged in good faith, no one would take more than needed, and more luxurious items were either trade or donated.

Though having the clothing store throw so many adverts and Lards ability to build cities the town is relatively young and developing.

Making my way around I watched. Women weren't being picky, the men the same. It’s like everyone's gone primal.

Couples or those flirting would poke and prod, touch would be done in confident and sensual ways. It reminded me of the highschoolers on the train.

Why?

Why is there such an abundance of sex here?

Pheromones were at normal levels in the air, the temperature was at cooling levels meaning it's not the heat. And the economy didn’t have any setbacks or events that would cause animalistic instincts to take over, this is human decision making.

This is interesting.

I made continued on my way, keeping to observations hoping to not be spotted.

###

I woke in the stable, the usual manure in the morning disgusted me.

Wandering the morning stalls, I found the churches once more.

“Ack!” I groaned.

“You.” Lard stared. “I’m not giving you any of our blessings, so don’t even try.”

His discontent was still strong.

“I’m doing the work as you instructed. Do you plan to heal me soon, it seems unholy to torture the working man.” I guilt tripped. My pain is nearly gone.

“Hm... Fine!” he handed one of the blue vials. “I will grant you an act of The Goddess’s mercy.”

I stared at the bottle, curious to its contents, the faint golden glow in particular.

I worked the day again, the usual talks of the town were shared, gossip becoming more mundane as groups establish, it felt like the modern workplace.

This is boring.

On my walk home, it was still a hormonal time. There was an established order and preference. Some men would want specific women and vice versa. The availability of women dwindled, meaning those late to the game were wandering, hoping to get it before it was too late. I think I spotted Lard hiding in an alleyway.

“Hello good looking.” A drunk women cat called. She let her attire emphasize her strong features, trying to lure me in. I played her game.

I wandered over, using a fake smile.

“Hello ma’am. Are you feeling alright?” I asked.

“Oh you.” She chuckled. “Worried about a woman’s health, such a gentleman.” She flirted.

The other women who were still around made judging eyes to woman who called me, I can tell, I was someone no one was supposed to get close to. The woman was intoxicated, I don’t think she even knew who I was nor cared.

“I always do my best to be courteous. I can see about fetching you some water.”

“Awe.” She put her hands on my chest, giving me a feel. “You are too kind. I would love to pay back in kind."

She giggles, rubbing me in a way no one could misinterpret.

“I’m sorry ma’am.” I distance her arms off me, easing my rejection. “I do not wish to take advantage, nor am I ready to have a child.”

The women looked at me confused.

“Have child?” She chuckled. “Hehe... We can’t have kids here.”

Can’t have kids?

The lady seemed to be too caught up in her drunken state, I couldn’t get a straight answer. Seeing as I had a negative reputation with the other women, I left for the night.

###

I returned to the churches stand. Discordia manned the station once more.

“Hello again.” She greeted in her usually tone and aura.

“How would you feel about having a kid?” I asked immediately, cutting out any pleasantries.

“Oh...” Her demeanor didn’t change, but her eyes once again flickered. “It would be most wonderful. But, seeing as the Goddess has not given the blessings of fertility on these lands, I am content to nurture those who live among us.”

The words stick in my head, but I choose to worry about it later.

On my way to work, I spot Layla enter for her job. I’m curious to talk with her.

Following inside, she was getting ready for the day at the booth, trying her hair back and sorting her paperwork.

“Hello.”

“Ack!” She was surprised.

“Oh- Hello God sir- I mean Toshiro!” She stuttered.

“You seem preoccupied, I’m not distracting you, am I?”

“No, not at all.” She promised.

I trusted her word on that.

“I wanted to ask you a question.” I stated.

“Yes, ask anything.” She smiled.

I pulled out the vial from my pocket, I could bring myself to use it. “Are you familiar with this?”

“Oh. Yes, I am amazed you were able to get one so soon.” Her impressed nature confused me. “The church started giving these vials to wounded adventures as of late. They work like health potions in video games.”

That seems very convenient, and raises many questions.

“Do you know who’s making them?” I asked curious.

“Hm... I believe it’s the alchemist who sells us our beers.” She pondered.

“Could you possibly get me in contact with them? These potions hold my interest.” I shared truthfully.

“I- I’m sorry. No one knows who the alchemist is... They wish to keep anonymous, saying it's to protect their product supply. And with how little they ask in exchange for their services, the guild would rather not risk losing their business.”

Hm... My itch numbed me, never has such a persistence occurred in all my life.

“Thank you.” I bowed and made my way to work, choosing to worry about this idea another time.

Blessings of Fertility.

During my normal workday I prioritized this idea.

I can tell...

I still have my biological urges. No one seems to be out of the norm. Pheromones still run rampant, and the instincts remain for reproduction. The whims of the women and men at night shows there is still a desire.

I now understand.

With the depression of no reproduction, our minds seek that stimulation. Many in the modern age find it in their hobbies, entertainment, or even creative outlets.

And with the socialist structure, there's no need to care for immediate family matters, because no one really have that option. Everyone’s bloodline is at a dead end, even if you find a partner that linger of dread will remain.

The people here are modern. They are all too familiar on the concept of having no kids. No one to judge their lacking, no one to envy for such luck. We are all on a true level playing field.

There are many pieces to consider, it feels like there’s excitement to be had soon.

As I came to this realization, I noticed something in the distance.

Off on the horizon, large specks could be seen, too big to be birds.

The towers bells rung.

“DRAGONS!!!”

The watchmen signaled, everyone stood for a moment, questioning their words.

Dragons?

I looked to the horizon once more, the flapping of their enormous wings could be seen.

“RUN!”

All my coworkers panicked, running inside the gate walls. I didn’t feel an immediate sense of urgency as either way the dragons could fly overhead. But as the gates slowly descend to close, I too started pushing through the crowd.

People ran into their homes. The streets were crowded as they would topple over one another.

I had one goal in mind.

I rushed up the church's stairs, running past the statue and those who desire to pray for forgiveness.

While they were suckered to a statue, I choose to find the real deal.

“GODDESS!!!” I called. Reaching the top, the doors were shut, people pleading to enter.

I looked to the sides of the building, not seeing any notable place in infiltrate. Seeing far down at the bottom of the church, to the lower planes, I saw Discordia enter through a sub level door.

“Shit.” If I ran fast enough, maybe I could-

A sudden crash shook the ground behind me. Me and the crowd stood frozen, unable to face whatever creature was crumbling the marble beneath its feet.

I turned, bearing witness to a sight that shocked me to my core.

A dragon. A bona fide, unrelenting force.

Its scales reflected an amber in the suns light. It’s mouth wide and body spanned the staircase in length and width. Its breath was strong. My hairs danced with every exhale even from a distance.

I was terrified.

The other dragons made land fall where they could in the open space of the town, those others had to take to the roof tops, crumbling the tiles.

I noticed leather straps, made by man, equipped and tasseled. Its rider hoisted on its long neck. Its spine lined with spikes that didn’t affect its user.

“Come on out powerful entity. We know you house magic beyond our control!”

The man's voice was deep and demanding. I felt its intimidating resonance.

Powerful entity with high magic? Oh... Oh shit...

“There is no such power here heathens, begone!”

Lard had teleported to the roof, holding his ground, I was impressed.

“Hmph.” The man groaned. The dragon raised its mighty head with his gesture, gaining incredible height to the churches roof.

Lard was also successfully intimidated.

“My name is Gideon. I speak as a general for the front lines! Our desire is to achieve the Goddess’s wish. To free reincarnation from the tyranny of the demon king!”

Huh?

My mind wrapped around his statement. I wasn’t aware of this demon king having anything to do with reincarnation itself, are they speaking on behalf of this realm?

“Hmph.” Lard stood his ground, trembling to the man's mighty voice. “We have nothing to give. We are a peaceful town, wishing to support in the Goddess’s blessing of a new life.”

“Then you are fools.” The man snapped. “We were all brought here the same, to achieve the Goddess’s dream. And here you cower. Pitiful.”

Wait...

There’s a divide between reincarnates. The side wanting to enjoy their new lives knowing of their harsh pasts. And those heading in to achieve the goal of defeating the Demon king.

I could feel my smile crack, a mischievous desire taking over.

“Then how about a challenge for the Gods!?”

My shout garnered their attention. Everyone’s sights were on me.

“What did you say, boy?” Gideon’s glare scared me.

“A challenge, a duel of representatives. For the town is housing the very Goddess you seek to appease.”

Gideon's eyes grew wide, he disgruntledly stared down Lard who nearly fell off the roof in fear.

“If you win this challenge, you may have the Goddess for your war efforts. And if the town wins, they keep the Goddess’s blessings.” I proposed.

“On who’s authority do you think you can make such a promise.” The man stared daggers, I can tell with a slip up, he would have me become dragon food.

“On the grounds that I am a fellow God!”

Those around went silent.

Lard and the towns folks’ jaws dropped, seeing as they saw my embarrassing defeat to the fatty. If Gideon knew I would already be dead.

Gideon stroked the dragon's ear, it reactively looked to the church, afraid of whatever was inside.

“My dragon sense’s no power from you. Prove your words are true.”

“Y- Yeah! Stop saying things out of your ass again!” Lard yelled, furious I was continuing this charade.

“Quite Fatty! Or I’ll reveal to everyone your ability is teleportation!”

“WHAT!?” Lard slipped off the roof, immediately saving himself with his teleportation.

The crowd was in awe. It appears the town was ignorant to this fact.

“Hmph. A clever ploy. But I will not be deceived by simple tricks.”

It didn’t matter I knew Lards ability, he wants something unique, something that no one would know...

He fell for my trap.

“Do you want to have kid in these foreign lands?”

“Huh?” His deep voice grunted confusion, the crowd and Lard were bewildered.

“You ask such a question boy. I will have you culled down and-”

“What if there was a way to have one?”

Gideon stopped his movements, clearly ready to have the dragon eat me.

“Go on.” He demanded.

I smiled, beginning to walk along the steps.

“We all know the Goddess of reincarnation. She is the very being who has sent us here.” The crowd listened, curious to my explanation.

“Yes. We know her.” The man was losing his patience.

“Then, have you never considered the idea... That we could impregnate the Goddess herself?” I stood below the Goddess’s beautiful art piece, gesturing to the potential.

I could feel everyone’s eyes widen.

My proposition sparked curiosity, eyes wandered onto the statue of the divine Goddess. The men lusted, while the women grew distain.

“So! Whoever controls the Goddess not only has the power she possesses. But also, the population.”

My smile was wide. I could feel the air warp around me, as if entertained by my nature.

“I have heard enough.” Gideon retorted. “I will have this place burn to the ground, your people slaughtered. I will have the Goddess.”

His goal was clear. His negotiations were out the window. The crowd set their animosity onto me.

Gideon... You idiot!

I could barely hold back my trembling body. The first real excitement since coming here was strong, I wanted to burst out in laughter. I held back, staring the man as he readied his forces.

“Did you think I gave that information so easily without a cost?”

“Hm?” Gideon stopped. Everyone was focused back at me. “What can you possibly do?”

“Heh.”

Gideon felt disrespect.

“HAHAHA!!! DID YOU FORGET WHAT I SAID!? I AM A GOD!!! WHO DO YOU THINK BROUGHT THE GODDESS DOWN IN THE FIRST PLACE!?!?”

Everyone stared in dumbstruck. I couldn’t stop laughing, it was too hilarious. My ploy was gaining ground.

Gideon’s brow furrowed, he lowered the dragon's head, its exhale was nearly enough to knock me away.

“AHAHAHA!!!” I continued laughing, even with the looming threat.

T- This! This is so much fun!

“What are you saying boy?” Gideon asked threatening in tone.

I wiped my tear away.

“What I’m saying is I can send back the Goddess anytime I want. We came down to check on your progression in our wishes. We stand proud of all your efforts from both sides. Whoever can prove their strength and wit, shall be rewarded her blessings and power.” I lied.

Gideon stared me down, even with his bare eyes he was hard and scary to read.

“Fine.” Gideon put his hand up, the other dragons took the command, ready to take off. “We shall take your challenge.”

Gideon had the dragon raise its head up, scaring Lard as he approached.

“Bring out your strongest warrior. We shall have our duel in two days.”

The dragon again lowered him to my level.

“If the Goddess is not here on our return. We shall murder every citizen and burn this town to the ground.”

He told no lie in his words.

With the powerful flapping of its wings, the dragon took flight, reaching high into the sky.

As I watched and felt every eye on me instead of our aggressors, one thought looped in my head.

I would like to leave now.