Brand New Life Online: Rise Of The Goddess Of Harvest

”More importantly, now that you have been welcomed here, we wish to offer you a position within the Heavenly Sun Empire of Takamagahara,” Amaterasu said. ”In recognition of your kindness, your ability to save lives, and your willingness to protect Japan alongside us, I would like to grant you a seat in our Divine Pantheon. Should you accept, you will receive a Divine Land within the Divine Realm, where you may farm and harvest valuable Divine Treasures to fuel your growth. You will also become an official Divine Citizen of the Empire and a Grand Kami—a noble among the gods. This will allow you to attend divine councils, purchase rare goods, and earn contribution points by completing tasks and missions. Most importantly, you are unique among us: you can travel freely between the Divine Realm and the mortal world without harming either realm or weakening yourself.”

”Most of us gods tend to grow weaker in the mortal world due to the scarcity of magic and divinity,” Susanoo explained. ”Though with the First Contact, the air now carries far more energy, so the burden has eased somewhat. Even so, our mere presence can warp the land and destroy everything around us. As you experienced earlier, mortals may die instantly just from gazing upon our true forms. It is... complicated. The only safe way for us to descend is by sealing our powers and weakening ourselves, which leaves us vulnerable to ambush. That is the reality I am trying to convey.”

”I see... That is indeed very complicated,” Elayne nodded. ”And I am truly honored...”

”Not only will you receive everything I have mentioned,” Amaterasu continued, ”but I will personally reward you from my own treasury each time you complete a task or mission. I will also bestow upon you my strongest Blessing, one that will strengthen your Spirit Core and accelerate the evolution of your Heroic Spirit. This will help you become independent from the Spirit Veins far sooner. I have heard that one of your goals is to return home to North America—Canada, was it? My direct Blessing, placed within your Spirit Core, will solidify your existence in this era. It will not happen instantly, but it will allow you to grow much faster.”

”T-That’s...!” Elayne’s voice trembled with disbelief. ”I am honestly shocked—and deeply honored, Your Highness. Joining the gods... it would be an incredible honor! However...”

”However?” Amaterasu echoed.

Elayne hesitated, then spoke with quiet resolve. ”I fear it might tie me too closely to this land. I do not wish to be bound to any one place. I want to save not only this country, but the entire world. I am a Counter Force created by the planet for that purpose. Focusing solely on one nation would feel... selfish.” She sighed softly. ”I would love to join, but only with the freedom to act as I see fit—never to be forced or bound against my will.”

A heavy silence fell over the hall.

Several gods stared in open shock at Elayne’s bold words. Though she often appeared clumsy and naïve, she had just proven herself remarkably sharp. She had joined the Amaterasu Clan of Mortals precisely because they could not compel her obedience. The gods, however, were different. With their overwhelming power and divine authority, they could seize her right now if they wished and force her compliance.

Elayne hid her fear well, but inside she trembled. They were too many, and far too powerful. She could not trust them yet. Binding herself to them under strict rules might limit her growth rather than help it, no matter what Amaterasu promised.

”Did she really just say that?”

”She’s throwing away her only chance to rise!”

”I would have killed for such an offer at her age!”

”Unbelievable. She’s barely a young goddess and she dares speak like this?”

”Counter Force or not, she is only one person. She should kneel and gratefully accept Amaterasu-sama’s generosity!”

Elayne felt the weight of their furious pressure bearing down on her. It was clear that most of the Kami were offended by her audacity—and that the majority wanted to claim her for themselves. She would be the perfect bridge between the mortal world and the divine.

Yet everything ultimately rested on the Empress’s decision. Her brothers remained silent, pondering Elayne’s words deeply. Elayne swallowed hard, her heart pounding. By now, she expected to be cast out.

And yet—

”Very well,” Amaterasu declared. ”I accept your conditions.”

”Eh?”

”HUH?!”

The entire hall erupted in disbelief. Even Amaterasu’s brothers looked stunned. This arrangement offered her no guarantees. Elayne could not be forced to help, yet the Empress was still willing to grant her everything? To give so much and expect nothing in return except the kindness of her heart?

”A-Amaterasu-sama! Please reconsider!”

”You cannot be serious, great goddess!”

”What?! But Empress!”

”She clearly wants to take advantage of us!”

”She demands everything and offers nothing?!”

”This world does not work that way! Even among gods, every kindness must be repaid!”

Despite the storm of protests, Amaterasu remained unmoved. A single stern glance from her was enough to silence the room and make hearts nearly stop.

”Who are you to order your Empress?” she asked coldly. ”Who are you to tell me how to rule the Heavens? If you are so dissatisfied with my leadership, you are free to leave... and never return. Or do you wish to become Rogue Gods, twisted into Evil Gods that will only harm mortals before we are forced to destroy you?”

”Eek!”

”T-That is not what we meant!”

”Please forgive us!!!”

”We were wrong! Terribly wrong!”

”Forgive our insolence, O great Empress of the Heavens!”

Amaterasu sighed and turned her gaze back to Elayne, her expression softening once more. ”Now then, Elayne. I accept all your conditions. I will grant you everything I promised—with no strings and no restrictions. You are free to act as you wish.”

”R-Really...?” Elayne whispered, stunned. ”Is that truly alright? I... I said those things expecting to be rejected. Why? Why are you so kind to me?”

Amaterasu smiled gently. ”Because I know you are a good person. I have read your heart, reviewed your records, and watched over you ever since you received my blessing and awakened that Soul Trait. I know exactly who you are. And I know that when the time comes—when we need your help the most—you will stand with us. Not because you are bound, but because it is what you believe is right. Nothing will tie you down. And when you do help us... everyone here will learn that true kindness still exists in this world.”

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