CHAPTER 66: INTERESTED GODDESS

[You have garnered the attention of a Divine Entity, The Goddess Of Light]

The line flashed before Azel’s eyes, each word laced with a weight that rooted him in place for a fraction of a second.

The Goddess of Light.

Not a spirit, not a nameless astral wisp, but the goddess — the one name every church bell on the continent had rung for, the deity enshrined at the heart of the Holy Church’s faith.

She was the light that blessed the world’s Saints and Saintesses, the voice in the prayers of millions.

The majority of Starbloom Empire and even other Empires prayed to the goddess, it was the major religion in this world, she was a very powerful goddess and the reason Humans could wield the power of the Divine — Holy Magic.

Saints, Saintesses, Preachers of the book of the goddess, the energies they used was holy energy, it was a light that is said to have once been used to vanquish all evil that lay in the world and bring peace upon it, but now, it was used by the holy for healing and boosts, there were offensive spells but there wasn’t much of them.

Holy Magic didn’t have a guide, the only limit was your faith and how you used it, and Holy healing was underestimated.

The power to use mana to heal Corruption and restore health as well as mana was overpowered, it was shown in the game that after Rain was killed unjustly... It seemed the goddess had gone into a fury.

The ability to use Holy power was stripped from every earthling that had them and as such prices of potions skyrocketed, the church lost influence and gradually crumbled to dust

So why was she interested in him now... why him?

Well it wasn’t like he could complain though.

[Congratulations for completing a Hidden Quest]

[You have gained the attention of a Deity]

[Rewards have been generated...]

[You have received 10,000 Fate Points]

[You have received — Branch of the World Tree]

Azel’s fingers twitched at the sheer value of the rewards, but his face betrayed nothing.

Surprise was a weakness in a crowded space.

The questions could wait — the world didn’t stop turning just because a god glanced his way.

But seriously a branch of the world tree? It was an item that was very rare but he had to put it at the back of his mind.

Right now, a far more dangerous sight stood before him.

Lillia stepped out from behind the changing curtain, dressed in a crisp white shirt tucked neatly into dark shorts, slender suspenders framing her frame.

It was simple — almost plain compared to noble fashion yet it fit her so perfectly it felt deliberate.

She gave a little spin, the hem of her shorts swaying, her pale pink hair catching the light.

"Papa, am I cute?" she asked.

Azel felt the words strike him with more force than any blade.

He fought the urge to reach for her immediately, to pull her into his arms.

There was no denying it — she was devastatingly cute.

From beside him, Hilda’s lips curved into a polite smile, but her eyes betrayed warmth.

She understood the feeling, but etiquette demanded restraint.

Even Rain who prided herself on emotional control froze mid-step.

[She’s so cute~ I order you to hug her this instant!]

The Goddess said in her usual joyful tone, sometimes Rain didn’t understand why such a person was the goddess...

Rain’s jaw tensed.

’You don’t order me around.’

Yet her feet moved on their own, carrying her straight to the girl.

Without asking, she scooped Lillia up into her arms.

"You’re cute," she said plainly, as though it were an objective fact.

Lillia squealed happily, wrapping her arms around Rain’s neck.

[Wait — let me get a feel...]

Then, in the space of a blink, Rain’s body changed.

Her irises flared a molten gold, and her aura swelled.

It wasn’t a mortal’s power anymore. It was vast, luminous, ancient — like sunlight at dawn, warm yet blinding.

The change was only noticeable for an instant...

But Azel noticed immediately. His instincts told him he was no longer looking at Rain.

This was something far greater.

The Goddess of Light.

It wasn’t like meeting a famed warrior or noble dignitary.

This presence pressed down on his soul while simultaneously lifting it — as if it judged him and approved in the same breath.

The goddess, wearing Rain’s face, turned her gaze on him after cuddling with the girl some more.

Her smile was not Rain’s.

It was softer, tinged with centuries of knowing, and for a moment, he felt as though she could see straight through him.

"I like you..." she mouthed.

The golden light faded instantly.

Rain’s expression returned to its usual calm, and the oppressive aura vanished like mist in sunlight.

She lowered Lillia gently back to the floor.

Oblivious to the shift, Lillia ran straight to Azel. He caught her mid-stride, lifting her into his arms.

"We’ll take this one," Azel said to the shopkeeper, "and any others she wants."

Now he understood why noble fathers spent fortunes on their daughters.

It was irresistible.

Hilda inclined her head, masking her amusement behind perfect manners, while already selecting outfits.

Azel approved each suggestion without hesitation.

[He’s such an interesting man.]

Rain’s inner voice was flat.

’Him? Azel? He’s even interesting to you?’

[Who else?] The goddess’s tone carried a teasing lilt. [He noticed.]

’Noticed what?’ Rain challenged.

[That someone of deity rank was using your body. Even I didn’t expect him to detect it so quickly.]

Rain’s composure slipped for a heartbeat.

’You can hide your presence, can’t you?’

[Of course. But aura is more than presence — it’s resonance. The instant I took hold, he sensed the shift. And despite knowing, he did not pry. He was... respectful. Honored to meet me, even UNLIKE A CERTAIN SOMEONE.]

Rain narrowed her eyes slightly.

’You’re lying.’

But the Goddess ignored her, Rain imagined she would have a hand to her chin now.

[Should I extend him an invitation?]

She snorted inwardly.

’Didn’t you say no mortal was worthy?’

[Well... perhaps I’ve changed my mind. Our new hero deserves a greeting, doesn’t he?]