Translator: Kazumi
Editor: Silavin
The investigation into the 71st Floor consumed approximately two weeks. When Kousuke and his companions finally returned to the Crown branch, the initial chaos had begun to settle.
The temporary cards issued at the Seichun branch required transfer to headquarters for conversion to permanent cards, though this process could be completed at any time. Currently, only half of those who had received temporary cards had managed to make the switch, but this transition was expected to conclude soon. Adventurers who had witnessed the status displays of Crown cards, having heard the circulating rumors, had quickly recognized their practical value. Those who had seen them understood immediately that retaining temporary cards without status displays served no purpose.
While the confusion surrounding Crown cards had largely subsided, new disruptions had emerged at the materials purchasing counter. This chaos stemmed primarily from many adventurers’ lack of understanding regarding market pricing principles. They failed to grasp that materials not tied to specific requests could experience significant price fluctuations.
Predictably, most adventurers complained when prices dropped compared to their previous transactions. However, this issue was anticipated to resolve itself shortly, as adventurers originally active at Amamiya Tower had long accepted such market variations as routine. Those who continued to create disturbances faced potential consequences, including suspension of purchasing counter privileges or, in extreme cases, revocation of their Crown Cards. Most would not risk prolonged disruption for trivial reasons.
From Crown Card issuance through purchasing counter complications, Crown staff had developed familiarity with these processes. Leaving these matters to their expertise proved safer than Kousuke offering his input.
Glancing toward the bustling branch counter, Kousuke and his companions proceeded to the room housing the teleportation gate.
***
Kousuke had instructed Lirica to maintain discretion regarding the temple and paintings discovered on the 70th Floor. Upon arriving at the Administration Floor, he immediately contacted Sylvia to explain the situation, ensuring no significant complications would arise.
The decision regarding whether to keep the temple and paintings confidential remained pending. He believed it would be prudent to consult the individual directly about the proper handling procedures.
Kousuke then departed for the Sanctuary, intending to seek guidance from the Goddesses on this matter.
“Welcome.”
Kousuke materialized directly within the mansion, where Asura greeted him with an unprecedented smile. Standing beside her were the three Sisters: Eris, Spica, and Jal. They appeared to have been awaiting his visit.
“Hello. I apologize for keeping you waiting?” Kousuke raised his right hand slightly, and Asura responded with her characteristic smile.
“I guess. One could say it felt long, yet also faster than expected.”
“I see.”
Kousuke nodded briefly, then after a moment’s pause, addressed the matter.
“Let me confirm, that was definitely you, Asura, right?”
“Yeah. I would have been somewhat disappointed if you had not discovered the answer after all those hints.”
Asura spoke with her usual mischievous smile.
Examining the names of the three waters: Aeris Water, Laspica Water, and Sujal Water… Even ordinary Earthgard residents would recognize their connection to the Three Great Goddesses. However, few would realize that rearranging the letters of the Three Great Goddesses’ names revealed another hidden name.
This occurred because that name had vanished completely from the world of Earthgard.
The owner of that name was, naturally, Asura, who now stood before Kousuke.
Having known Asura from the beginning, Kousuke had noticed immediately. Kouhi and Mitsuki would have recognized it as well. Although the others sensed something significant from Kousuke’s demeanor, they appeared unaware of the specific revelation.
Without prior knowledge of the name, one would never suspect that the fourth Goddess’s identity was concealed within the three waters’ nomenclature.
Kousuke shrugged in response to Asura’s words.
“No matter how I see it, there was no possibility I would miss that.”
“I guess that’s true.” As Asura smiled with evident pleasure, Kousuke decided to inquire about the temple painting.
“Based on the temple painting, is it accurate that Asura was the one who conquered Gazenran Tower?”
Asura nodded at Kousuke’s confirmation.
“Correct. Those sure were memories. Eris and the others were not present during that period. Although the Tower’s Monsters were generally low-level, it remained quite a reckless adventure nonetheless.”
Even Kousuke appeared surprised, his eyes widening.
“What? Eris and the others were not there?”
“Yeah. Eris and the others became dependents after I achieved Godhood.”
Upon hearing this, Kousuke turned toward Eris and the others, who nodded in confirmation.
“Yes. We were created by the God who governed this world at that time.” Eris explained on behalf of her companions.
“The God of that era? So there was someone else there.”
“Yes. Although I have no knowledge of his current location or activities.”
As Kousuke blinked at this unexpected information, Asura nodded and continued.
“Even so, conquering the Tower alone… that was really risky of you.” This represented a stark contrast to Kousuke, who had relied entirely upon Kouhi and Mitsuki for his conquest.
Kousuke spoke with a slightly irritated expression, prompting Jal to appear amused.
“She has become more temperate now, but in those days, Lady Asura possessed some rather memorable nicknames.” Observing Jal’s statement, Eris and Spica averted their gazes from Kousuke, suggesting the claim held truth. Most tellingly, Asura’s smile had become intimidating.
“Oh, Jal. Is it right to mention such things?”
“What? Have I said something unnecessary?”
Jal regarded Asura with visible nervousness, but when she said, “Remember this for later,” her shoulders sagged with disappointment.
Setting that aside, Asura continued.
“The remainder unfolds as Kousuke anticipated. After conquering the Tower, I achieved Godhood much like yourself. However, unlike you, I was not a Living God.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. The God of that era desired a generational transition, and I accepted.”
Kousuke’s eyes widened at Asura’s revelation.
“Seriously? You agreed immediately?”
“Not exactly. There was naturally some time in between. But, the God of that period was not originally a public figure. So, minimal confusion occurred during the transition.”
When Asura conquered the Tower, her role resembled that of a world administrator rather than a deity. Consequently, the administrator’s identity never entered public awareness.
When Asura assumed control, her already-known name became recognized as divine. While some resistance occurred, the world largely accepted them as Gods, and this arrangement persisted at that time.
Incidentally, the concept of divine spokespersons began spreading during this period. Naturally, Eris and the others assumed these roles.
Although the world operated under this system for some time, eventually a change occurred that altered this arrangement.