WHEN I GOT REINCARNATED AS A SPIDER WITH MY GODDESS :VOLUME1

CHAPTER -2.B THE PANTHEON

CHAPTER -2.B THE PANTHEON

SACHI KONDO’S ROOM

I was in dark and nothing was visible. I thought my eyes are shut, so I tried to pull up my eye lids. Then out of the blue I found myself levitating in the sky. The sky was crimson-red and was covered with the flicker of lights which rose high up from the fire which ravaged the land. Beings clad in armor were clunking axes and crashing war hammers against each other. Arrows were zipping and hissing through the air. Some were sobbing and sniveling with fear. Swords were ringing against each other. A legion of knights attacked the centre of the opposing party lines.

The septic smell of death hung over the battlefield. It was a battle of head-clasping horror. The acrid taste of blood rose up and overwhelmed my nose and I was about to puke.

What the hell is happening? Why am I witnessing a war? Am I dreaming? First I thought that it was earth. But it was not. There were trolls, beastmen  with werewolf skin, rabbit ears and fox tails, fallen angels with black wings, devils, minions, minotaur, black demonic beast chained to ground kept howling and demons with horns and their hands drenched in blood with faces splattered with red sanguine fluid roamed all over the place.

The other party consisted of humans in knight suit holding swords and shields, angels with spear, bow and arrows. But there were some people with overwhelming presence that commanded force and the flow of the war. Dressed in attire I had never seen before. Bodies untainted with the gore of war and emotionless faces they lead the troops to their death by the hands of the devils. Were they Gods? Am I witnessing a holy crusade?

These Gods displayed battle skills that were difficult to follow while the enemy got torn apart and turned into mince meat. I was horrified and frightened. My body shivered with goosebumps. People were dying and their cries of pain and anguish were made heard to me intentionally loud and clear.

“STOP THIS! I DON’T WANT TO LOOK! STOOOOPPPP!!!” I kept on shouting but no one heard me. My voice choked as my neck felt tight and sore. My face was drenched with my own tears. Blood gushed through my veins in respond to the increasing heartbeat. I tightly clenched my chest to stop the pain. Why is this happening to me?

‘IT WILL ALL BE FINE.’

A calm voice rang in my head and I felt a warm embrace but there was no one near me. The sensation of being hugged felt so warm that I responded and tried to hug back.

 I opened my eyes and my gaze fell upon a beautiful young woman with a voluptuous figure, long pure white hair that extends to her back with bangs that cover her forehead; the left side of her bangs slants to the right, while the right side of her bangs slants slightly to the left, she also has beautiful clear crystal-blue eyes. She was dressed in a white combat dress, a garter belt on her waist with two sword sheaths on its sides, a crown-like bonnet, which has white feathers on both sides, armored shoulder pads that have a short white cape. She held a black and a white sword with various marking and intricate carvings which I couldn’t make out from far. She sure has to be a Goddess. She was cutting through the enemy lines as if victory was already in her grasp. No one could stand against that kind of power. Even the very thought of delaying her forward march seemed futile.

But what surprised me was when she turned her head around and smiled at me directly looking into my eyes. How is she able to look at me, at least no one else can? Did the previous voice belong to her? Who is this person? Somehow I feel like I know her. It was my first time I maintained an eye contact with a stranger for so long and the impression of her smiling face was inscribed in the depths of my hearts.

I wanted this moment to continue forever. The reassurance from a stranger I never met before but her smile was so genuine that I was able to smile back too.

But everything came to an abrupt end when things started fading.

“WAIT! WHO ARE YOU?” I shouted with my hands stretched but there was no response.

I found myself lying on the bed of the room on floor 20 in the city of heaven Cardelia, drenched in sweat, breathing heavily and hands stretched out reaching for something far out of my reach.

Somehow I slept the entire time and when I looked at time it was already 6 o’ clock. I was going to be late. Will I be scolded?  I washed my face and without drying it ran out of my room and down the stairs descended to the ground floor in one breath. My hairs still untidy and a bit messed up which I tried to straighten down with my hands.

 Please God of Architecture just put up a lift at least, maybe I can petition a demand later.

***

SACHI KONDO

I saw all my classmates standing outside the building, most of them were discussing about their reincarnation, the city of heaven and about the Gods and Angels they have seen or met up till now. Most of them were excited to attend the General Assembly. Everyone had finally made up with their situation and had accepted that they were dead and were looking forward to their resurrection in another world.

“Is it going to be a fantasy world?”

“Who Knows?”

“Will there be magic”

“I would love to use swords in that world; after all I am a state kendo champion.”

“You sure, that’s what you want.”

“Maybe we can make a harem?”

“Let me see you try!”

“As if anyone would fall for you in the first place!”

‘Hahahhaaaahhahah’ bursts of laughter were heard everywhere.

Everyone had same thoughts running through their minds and they kept on blabbering the same thing.

The angel appeared before us as it descended from the sky and brought the wide-spread wings close to its back.

“Children of the mortal realm, you all will now attend the proceedings of the General Assembly and meet the ALMIGHTY WORLD GOD, who has the highest authority in all the three realms of divine, mortal and hell. You all are expected to behave and exercise utmost caution while making queries and requests.” The angel finished giving his instructions and clapped two times. We were depressed that we had to monotonously keep on climbing stairs again, but our eyes lit up when a gondola with a swan head levitating in front of us appeared. We boarded the vehicle one by one while the angel stood outside. How is this gondola going to move without a driver? The gondola soared up high in the sky. Ah! My bad! It’s just that simple- Auto Pilot.

Some tried to look from the side while maintaining caution not to fall. We soon reached a height where the city of heavens on the gigantic mountain looked like a hole and the buildings played the role of colourful pebbles rolled out in an orderly arranged pattern on the floor. Beyond that there existed nothingness covered with clouds as usual. Some were frightened of the height while some were posing in front of the gondola. Are they still afraid of dying, I wondered?

The cool breeze dried the water splashed on my face and an expression of joy naturally formed for the first time. Somehow I was smiling. How could this be possible, but I had already forgotten all about the strange dream I had just before. What mattered now was to talk out the details about our reincarnation with the Gods.

Till now the angel was flying at the same speed beside the gondola. But then it looked at us with his expressionless poker face, and flew like jet leaving a trail of disarrayed cloud in its track. But I could clearly see the smirk on his face and his thoughts were written all over ‘Puny mortals, standing on a flying gondola, you can’t fly can you. Flying is so fun. YAAAAAAYYYYYY.’ ‘HHHHAAAAHHHAHAHAHAH.’

Our swan shaped ride made an excellent parking in front of a building with a city hall looks. We climbed out and stood on a platform; the angel had reached the destination before us and gave us the looks of ‘you are late, mortals. May the divine punishment fall upon you!’

That’s not fair, weren’t we in this together.

We climbed the stairs again but this time they were made of blue crystals and had a blinding luster at its edges. We found ourselves standing in a courtyard once more, but this time we were inside a building rather than a garden. We dispersed and observed the place, running around while some were still standing and chatting. We were in a closed room, with stages on three sides and railings of golden colour, while the middle front stage was still higher than the sides.

Suddenly we heard a loud trumpet which continued forever and with deafening drumbeats, followed a multitude of Gods and Goddesses who stood in a line in front of the railing. Realizing our demeanor in front of the Supreme Beings, we were ashamed and the class rep tried to bring us back at the centre. We made four rows and five columns and stood facing the middle stage where the ‘Person Who Stood Above All’ was going to appear. While we looked at the audience, they all consisted of beautiful ladies and handsome men. Some of us tried to make an eye contact with them which were met with smiles instead of ignorance. While some of the Gods tried to wave hands back at us. This small exchange of greetings had lightened the mood and got rid of the tension that was driving the room mad.

Then Lady Gaea appeared on the middle stage and said, “The ALMIGHTY WORLD GOD WILL NOW MAKE HIS APPEARANCE.” She then took a step back and moved forward to stand at the left front corner of the stage.

A bright light formed at the centre robbing me of my eyesight and played with my senses, when it subsided there stood an old man holding a scepter in one hand while the other hand worked as a perch for an eagle. A tall and thin man, with silver curly hair and beard so long that they could be tucked into his belt. He had a very long peculiar nose with an orange-tint at its end. His eyes could be described to be a brilliant, soul-piercing shade of lightning blue, with a twinkle of kindness and mischief. He had an almost unearthly calm and relaxed demeanour and almost constantly gave off an aura of serenity and composure. He was clothed in a long red robe fastened to his shoulder and a crimson-red cloak that made him look like a great wizard. A wreath of olive leaves served as his crown.

He was old in body but was surely young in mind and spirit.

“My dear children, I welcome you all to the General Assembly of Gods. Your demise, even though was unfortunate and unexpected, but there is another chance for you to get back your life and get reincarnated in another world. So tell me what you wish and it shall be fulfilled.”

I gulped down the saliva collected in my mouth and did not know how to act. Just then Homura stepped forward and said, “We all have decided that we will accept the offer of being reincarnated and abide by all the rules laid by the Gods.”

Wait when they even decided that. No one asked me. What about my opinion. Will I not get a chance to speak my mind? They did not even bother to tell me. For them they visualized the class as a group of nineteen students and always left me out. Whatever there is no reason for me to refuse till the conditions are normal and can be easily followed.

The Almighty World God made up a mischievous smile as if he was about to reveal a hidden devious plot. “I am very pleased to hear your answer and respect your decision and resolve to live again and experience the hardships of the new world. So let’s talk more about this world and how this reincarnation system will work.” He then took a deep breath and continued with his explanation.

“The world you are going to reincarnate is called ‘ISLEGUARD – THE SANCTUM OF THE HOLY CRUSADE’.” Everyone started to murmur about why such a solemn name for a reincarnation world.

“Yes, you heard me right. This is a world of magic, unlike your previous world, the laws of nature in this new world are quite different and can be changed according to one’s will using spells and other supernatural powers.”

At these words everyone started cheering and whispering to each other.

‘Our lives are set.’

‘World of magic, I wonder we can become the strongest wizards and enjoy luxurious lives out there.’

‘I will start with flying magic.’

But these whispers soon shut down when the Almighty World God continued.

“Ahem!! Hundred years ago in a holy battle the Gods of divine realm passed their judgement on the Devils of the Hell. At present this world is in peril and chaos, with the world neglected and no God to look after it. We all have decided that you will save this world.”

‘Wow, is it really the fantasy trope we read in novels and watch in movies.’

‘I will be a Hero, and save the princess of the Kingdom and purge all the evil.’

‘What are you talking about; I am going to do that. You will be my side companion and tend to my horses and carry the luggage.’

‘They should have only summoned me. I can do all that. Fighting is my hobby. I will be victorious in all wars.’

‘Hey boys, who do you, think you are.’

‘Girls are braver than boys and can be heroines too and save the world. So just shut up.’

“HAHAAAAH, I commend your high spirits. But here is the real deal. You will not save the world alone. Each of you will form a contract with a god or goddess who will support you on your journey to save the world. The duo that makes the most contribution in saving this world will be awarded by the divine realm. In the victor party, the god will be given the opportunity to become the in charge and take control of that world and ascend to the upper echelons in the divine realm. While the human will have one of his wish fulfilled of whatever they desire.” At the end of these words the Assembly was in an uproar. Not only the students but the gods and goddesses started talking among themselves and raised several questions.

‘What?’

‘Yay, a Hero with a Goddess on journey to save the world and get one wish fulfilled. Can it get even better now somehow? I doubt.’

‘What are you talking about? Of course I am going to save the world with my Goddess not you. My wish will come true.’

‘What will be your wish?’

‘I don’t know. Maybe to become rich and have a harem of girls of actresses from earth.’

‘You scum can only think about that. You can even ask to become a god yourself. This opportunity comes once in your life after all. So make full use of it.’

The endless fantasies of my classmates continued while the Gods have their own personal agendas.

‘How interesting?’

‘A chance to take control of the world and ascend to upper echelons. I am not going to miss it.’

‘Entertainment is always so cold in divine realm, but this sure has a packed punch.’

‘I am looking forward to the events that will soon unfold.’

The World God raised his scepter to gain back everyone’s attention. The hall fell in complete silence and looked up to the World God, waiting for his further instructions.

“One week from now you will be reincarnated in the Isleguard. All of your reincarnations will be based on your personalities as judged by the divine system. Some of you might be reincarnated as prince or princess, maybe adventurers or knights. The God or Goddess assigned to you too will reincarnate themselves as someone near to you like relatives or world leaders and guide you on your journey. The Gods will have restricted use of their divine power and may be able to fully use them only in case of emergency.” At this the World God stopped and turned around his head and confirmed something with Lady Gaea.

He then continued to explain on the rules and our lifestyle that was to be expected in the new world.

“As I have said before this world has magic unlike your previous ones and people still live by the rule under their king and queen with knights protecting the honour of their country. THE DIVINE SYSTEM WILL ALL PROVIDE YOU WITH A UNIQUE SKILL THAT WILL BE IN CONJUNCTION TO THE TYPE OF DIVINITY OF THE GOD YOU SIGN YOUR CONTRACT WITH. YOUR DEVELOPMENT IN MAGIC AND STRENGTH WILL BE BASED ON A SKILL - LEVEL SYSTEM CREATED AND MONITORED BY THE DIVINE SYSTEM ITSELF. When more than half of you reach the age of 18 and above you can freely complete your mission without any intervention.”

The hall yet again usurped with murmur and chatter of Gods and mortals alike. Just shut the hell up! Let the old man at least complete what he is saying. Why no one is talking to me. Does my opinion even matter to someone?

‘The skill - level system and a unique skill bestowed by the Gods, what bliss!’

‘So it’s save the world by playing a game.’

‘I wonder how much I can level up.’

‘I will probably max out everything.’

The Gods had their own personal issues:-

‘What!! Restricted access to our divine powers. It sure is a pain in the ass.’

Somehow this statement sounded a bit inappropriate for a God. I wonder which department he handles. But for now, never mind!

‘Working with the mortals to save a world, quite a handful task.’

‘Indeed. We have to even bestow a unique skill.’

The momentum of the hall meeting was going haywire, so the World God tapped his scepter on the floor twice, while the eagle who was lifelessly sitting on His shoulder, now glided through the hall ready to attack anyone who broke this heavenly silence or interrupted Him.

“Finally, the twenty gods and goddesses who will descend in the mortal realm with the children will the now choose their partner. Just step forward and take the hand of the child you wish to make the sacred vow of saving the world.”

For the first time silence still continued after He had stopped talking. So we don’t get to choose which god or goddess we want to serve but are chosen. That means it will affect our unique skill too. I thought to myself and considered other variables that might affect our selection.

Just then a beautiful Goddess holding a bow in her hands ascended from the right stage and took the hand of Hiori and smile at her. She had been chosen by the goddess of hunting wild animals Lady Artemis.

A God with a built up body, grey beard and a trident in his hands jumped from the stage on the ground and ignoring everyone took the hand of Hashima Katsuragi. He had been chosen by the God of seas – Poseidon.

Then suddenly a beauty, superior and outstanding even among the gods stepped down from the stairs. (What a relief at least some Gods know the usage of stairs is better for maintaining health and is better than scaring others by flying or appearing out of nowhere.)  She has long silver hair, silver eyes and white skin like that of fresh snow. A perfect golden ratio and her silhouette even in the dress she wore were just too attractive. Her clothes were in large parts coloured white and red, they exposed most of her stomach and breasts. She also wore a beautiful pair of shining gem ornament in her hair. While everyone’s eyes were laid on her she walked without a care in the world as if used to such kind of attention, she grabbed the hand of our class rep. Homura Kenta had been chosen by the goddess of l**t- Freya.

Then a strawberry blonde hair girl with a fair, flawless skin and a curvy figure epitomizing feminine beauty, came forward and took the hand Yumiko Furata. She was the goddess of love – Aphrodite.

A blonde hair guy with a quickened pace ran forward and made a quick stop before crashing into Okarin Ooshima he held his hands. Until then I wasn’t able to see him. He was the messenger god – Hermes, who had the most peculiar outfit, wearing a pot shaped hat and winged sandals.

Several Gods and Goddesses had jumped, flew, walked, disappeared-appeared into the ring and had already choosen their partner. Even though we were not made clear on what basis or qualification we needed to be a partner of a specific God or Goddess, we were still more than happy to be accepted by them.

While all these things were happening so casually, a sudden sense of fear and despair fell on my face, when I realized that for the first time after coming to Pantheon all the eyes were focused on me.

Holy crap!!!! What the hell!! I was still standing alone and even the assembly hall filled with hustle and bustle of the eccentric crowd, felt like a lonely desert where I couldn’t find a single oasis after travelling for months and had ran out of water supply just a week before.

Should I pretend that I hadn’t noticed anything and ask directions for the washroom. But then I realized that I hadn’t even talked to anyone after coming to heaven. Should I ask my classmates? No, no I can’t, they will just try to pull my leg or even worst ignore me.  How about one of the gods, the entire hall is filled with them. Would they mind if I ask such a trifling question in such an important meeting. Is there even a place here called washroom. Should I make a run or try to hide my face which was already half covered with my black hairs which were a bit of a mess since I was unable to comb after waking up to catch the running train.

All my classmates and even the Gods were giving me all weird looks and their gossips about me took a humongous jump.

‘What she was not chosen, by any god or goddess.’

‘How is this possible?’

‘She is just as pathetic as she was in school.’

‘Was she even in our class? Maybe I never noticed.’

‘Me too.’

‘She is the one in our class who always got bullied by other students while we all just sat and enjoyed.’

‘My goddess she is one of our classmates and is very shy and afraid to interact with others.’

‘It is as you suspect my dear god, she is just a weakling. ‘THE WEAKEST ONE’ among all of us.’

‘So what is going to happen with her, if no god or goddess chose her.’

‘Are we already cut short with one competitor?’

‘It seems so my Lady, but its all the same for us.’

‘YAY’

‘She is the weakest one after all, so no God or Goddess would try to waste their time on her.’

Even though I was standing there, the way they casually talked about me made me angrier and sad at the same time. Am I really this pathetic!  But this was something not new for me. Not wanted by anyone. Left all alone again and again.

There was no one who chose me nor did I get an opportunity to choose anyone. But for once I really wanted it, this one feeling of being embraced and hugged by someone as if I had just experienced it a while ago, to be needed by someone and a place to belong to.

Are my chances of living a happy life really over before it even started? Please just give me an opportunity and I will prove myself and work hard to protect what is important to me and save the world with my own hands. So please, someone, anyone chose me for once in my life.

***