With the formalities concluded, Goddess Glyss began bestowing her divine blessings.
One by one, golden light enveloped Ramon, Emma, Lily, and Silver as they received her power. Each time, their bodies glowed briefly, radiating warmth and energy.
Then, as the final light dimmed, the goddess turned toward me.
"Alve, perhaps you should also receive a blessing," she offered.
I shook my head.
"It's alright," I said, declining her offer.
She tilted her head slightly. "May I ask why?"
"Don't take this the wrong way," I replied. "I think having mana and magic is incredible—something I could only dream of back in my world. But I'd rather not accept it."
Her eyes studied me for a moment before she asked, "Is there a particular reason you wish to refuse?"
"There are two, actually."
I took a breath and continued, "First, I don't want to risk drawing attention from the gods of my world by returning with magic. And second..."
I hesitated for a moment, locking eyes with her before finishing my thought.
"...having magic is dangerous, especially for someone like me, who has a short temper."
The goddess blinked, then nodded.
"Very well, I will respect your wishes."
With that, the blessing ceremony concluded.
Now, all that was left was to wait for Ramon and the others to defeat the Demon Lord. Once that was done, I could finally return home.
Just as we were about to finish the prayer, Goddess Glyss spoke again.
"While you are in this world, try to explore. There is much to appreciate here."
Her words stuck with me.
There was something about the way she phrased it—something **off**.
_I never said I hated this world… so why did she say I would come to like it?_
Was I missing something?
### **Back in the Church**
As the golden glow faded, we found ourselves standing once again in the grand hall of the central church.
Ramon turned to me with a grin.
"Well, we finally have a way to send you back. For now, you should stay with us at our place."
"Oh, thanks," I replied.
The moment those words left my mouth, everyone around me froze.
Emma was the first to break the silence.
"Wait… did Alve just **thank** someone?" she asked, blinking in disbelief.
I frowned. "Excuse me?"
Lily smirked. "He _can_ be polite after all."
Ramon chuckled. "I was starting to think you were incapable of expressing gratitude."
"What do you guys think I am?!" I shot back. "Apart from my expression, I'm totally normal."
Despite my protest, they exchanged knowing smiles.
Ramon clapped a hand on my shoulder. "We get it, _normal person_. Let's head home. I'll inform His Majesty about our meeting with the goddess."
I sighed.
_I really don't have the energy to deal with these people…_