What Do the Gods Want?
While we were off on our raid, the temple street—which had looked every bit the part of a solemn holy district—had gradually transformed into a place where people actually lived. It might not have been that reverent to begin with, but as guild buildings sprouted signs left and right, it turned into this bizarre scene indistinguishable from any ordinary market street. There didn't seem to be any professional sign makers around, judging by the wildly varying quality: some looked decent enough, others like amateur designer sketches, and a few as crude as if a child had made them with loving care. The stark contrast with the grand stone buildings crafted by architects and priests pouring their faith and skill into them made me burst out laughing.
"Why are you laughing?"
Hanbyeol, who'd been staring at my face the whole time, suddenly asked.
No point hiding it, so I told her straight. "It's just funny. These medieval fantasy-style stone buildings, and then they hang up Korean-style signs on them. Wooden ones, too, all different qualities."
"Hmm. Funny, huh." She tilted her head at my words and glanced around.
For a moment, I felt a bit embarrassed, wondering if I was the only one excited by it. "Maybe it's a generation gap...?"
"Yeah, could be. If you like it, that's what matters, sis."
Hanbyeol shrugged and led me out of the temple district toward the bustling main street. Laila stood on my other side, peering around curiously.
"It has changed noticeably. Otherworlders' culture is so unique."
I was surprised that even a non-human like her had picked up on it so quickly—until I remembered this had once been her turf. She'd made a pact with the Pope and lived here for a while. If she hadn't met me, she'd probably still be working for him...
"What're you thinking about?"
Hanbyeol turned back to me with a gentle smile.
I couldn't very well talk about someone else right in front of Laila, so I brushed it off vaguely. "Oh, nothing much."
"Sis, why won't you look at me? We said no more lies, remember."
"No, it's just... Laila's a succubus, but she seems so familiar with this place. Then I realized she's lived here from the start, so of course. It was a dumb thought."
"You could've just said that."
Her expression barely changed—just that same smile—but the chilling aura swelling from Hanbyeol vanished in an instant. Was it my imagination? Or maybe my conscience warning me for even thinking of lying. Lies have a way of snowballing if you don't want them caught, and unless your conscience is completely numb, it's natural to get jittery. Probably just a conditioned reflex.
"Hehe, thinking of me too? Does that mean you're finally opening your heart to me, Lady Ivy?"
I already knew Hanbyeol had feelings for me to some degree, so Laila's words made me uneasy. Wasn't this turning into a catfight over me? Call it self-consciousness, but if that was her goal, it was working pretty well. Nobody likes seeing someone else hit on the person they care about. I was worried Hanbyeol might snap and ruin the good mood.
But surprisingly, she didn't get mad. She just grinned. "Pets are fine to like. But you can't love a pet."
"Pet? Me? Ha! Who're you calling whose pet? Little mage, no matter how strong you get, I'm a full-fledged succubus. Humans are the ones who keep pets, not the other way around. I'm Lady Ivy's exclusive bedtime pet. Laila's a good girl. Please don't hit me."
Laila's rebellion was quashed the moment Hanbyeol raised her staff. How hard did she have to hit for a self-proclaimed high succubus like Laila to grovel like that? I definitely couldn't afford to mess with Hanbyeol by accident. No guarantee that staff wouldn't turn on me. Maybe I should teach her violence isn't good... but she'd grown up enough to be considered an adult now. Lecturing her like that would just spark more rebellion. Who was I to teach Hanbyeol anyway? I wasn't her parent, teacher, or sibling—just another shipwrecked soul in the same boat. I couldn't guide her if she went astray. All I could do was stay a reliable adult she could lean on, so she wouldn't feel anxious. Hopefully, that would mellow out her violent streak too. Bitter to think my concern started with "what if she causes trouble?" rather than pure worry. True care would mean hoping she stays safe and guiding her toward healthy values. Or at least having the qualifications for it. I wasn't worthy enough to receive her affection like that.
"Anyway, don't cling to sis until she says she likes you first. You'll just make her uncomfortable. She's too nice to push you away."
"But you're the one always clinging! Isn't that hypocritical?"
"I didn't pounce on her before we were dating."
"You totally did! You just made her feel good, that's all."
"It's our day off—cut the fighting, you two. Hanbyeol, before we eat, got anything in your inventory I could wear?"
Was she still blinded by love for me? Hanbyeol stopped teasing Laila and flashed me a bright smile. "You're buying me food, so I'll buy your clothes."
"No, it's just... bad things happen every time we go clothes shopping. Lend me something decent instead."
Dragged off by Iris to the torture chamber for the night, kidnapped by the Pope—both times after stopping at a clothing store. Separate from the physical trauma, this had etched itself into my brain like a jinx. Clothing stores are dangerous.
But Hanbyeol slipped her hand under my robe to cup my breast. "Nothing in my inventory would fit you. Sizes don't match."
"Mm..."
True. Hanbyeol preferred fitted clothes over baggy ones—shirts and skirts that hugged her figure, total teen fashion. Not teasing her flat chest; clothes perfect for her build wouldn't even go on me. If I forced it... our heights and waists were similar, so probably just couldn't button the chest.
"Sis, why are your eyes so wide?"
"Mm, nothing. Just cold."
"Weird. I put warming magic on the robe..."
"Well... body's fine, but I'm naked underneath. So it's kinda..."
"Got it. Scared of clothing stores? Fine, I'll zip over and grab something. Now that you mention it, you have gotten kidnapped every time we went shopping together. Total jinx?"
"Right?"
Thankfully, she seemed to buy it. Maybe in her mind, I was fragile in body and spirit. A bit worrying, but better safe than sorry. In a world with magic and gods, maybe there's a law that clothing stores lead to zealot abductions. First heretic inquisitors, then the Pope. Next could be tentacles dragging me off to never touch ground again.
"Ugh! Wasn't thinking about you, God..."
Was it blasphemy? The tail coiled around my leg flicked up and smacked my ass. The sound echoed outside the robe; both Hanbyeol and Laila flinched.
"It hits you too? When you think blasphemous stuff?"
"Blaming God or grumbling inside... it must read thoughts. That's why it helps when I need it."
"Fascinating holy relic. Other gods make weapons, armor, jewelry—stuff that boosts their authority in battle."
"Not always, right? Some make hammers or anvils as relics."
"You two chat. I'll grab sis's clothes. Laila, make sure no one touches her."
"Of course."
Hanbyeol left us for a nearby clothing store, glancing back repeatedly with a worried look. I smiled and nodded each time, though she might not see from afar.
"Where were we... right, hammers and anvils. Still tools for battle gear. They have intelligence, sure, so useful in combat maybe. But from the start, not made for fighting... more for pleasure, I'd say?"
"Pleasure...?"
Recalling what the tail and the nub inside my panties did, I got her point. Irresponsible fun for the wearer.
My cheeks flushed; Laila grinned slyly. "Hehe, naughty thoughts? But the pleasure I mean is different. You think you can stay a virgin and have fun now... but what if you meet a man you truly love, and the relic keeps guarding your hymen? Fun then?"
"Never thought of that..."
I had no plans to give my body to a man, but for another woman wearing this? Tragedy. No heirs even after marriage. Why bring this up? Couldn't read Laila's intent, so I listened quietly.
"Anyway, no records of FSM making combat relics. Sure, convenient ones boost faith too, but humans worship power more."
"You're right. Capable of this intricate relic, they could make powerful weapons... unless there's a restriction. That's what you mean?"
"A god needing restrictions would've been subjugated. No, they skip easy options like holy swords... too strong to bother? Or other motives for toys like this? Hehe, suits my tastes though."
I got the gist. Picking up from last time: what do the gods want? The "pleasure" might be for the god, not the wearer. Intriguing. Their existence confirmed indirectly—why summon us players from a game-world perspective? Or just interest in us accidental transplants? Unanswerable for now.
Laila's chit-chat left me with questions and stopped. Clever of her. If I were a devout priest, maybe shaken faith, blasphemy, debuffs weakening heals. But my faith wouldn't waver. It was shaky to begin with—mild complaints got a spank at worst, no big expectations. Healing stemmed from my leveled character, not belief. Otherwise, I'd be powerless post-possession.
"Trying to shake my faith and corrupt me?"
Only reason Laila'd do this: the succubus tattoo still on my belly. Her attempt to turn me. No moves since, but potential lingered. Despite growing closer, betrayal stung; I spoke coldly. Laila looked hurt too.
"No way. Pure curiosity. Think you'd waver from this? From what I've seen, you're so noble, sacrificing for others without self-care..."
"Don't say that..."
Face burning at the sudden praise, Laila giggled again. "Hehe, weak to compliments. So cute when embarrassed."
"..."
Glare through the heat—she'd just tease more. Lips twitching made me look ridiculous anyway.
"Turning you succubus is a goal, but separating priest from god doesn't make one. Succubi worship beauty goddesses too. FSM's lax but generous. Real personal curiosity—wondered what you'd think."
True, sexual fall vs. faith differ. Tattoo still itched; I glanced down. Laila noticed instantly.
"Ah, the tattoo bothering you? If I wanted, I'd induce heat, make you spread your legs yourself. No fun or point. I want you as kin, not minion. Remember? No charms used. Pure skill to make you feel good."
"...Thanks, I guess."
"You're welcome. Hope you see my sincerity."
No backstabbing intent eased me. Still, no letting her grope freely. She draped arms over my shoulders, leaning close; I stepped back with an awkward smile. She smirked, like keep it up.
Sincerity, kin, maybe a form of love? Overthinking. Excitement in bed didn't mean emotional love.
"Back! Ta-da!"
Hanbyeol had bought a plain white priestess robe, snapping her fingers. It vanished from her hand like a magician's trick, reappearing as she slipped off my robe and dressed me. Familiar now, I smiled calmly and thanked her. Laila's eyes sparkled.
"Teach me that too? Restraints off, I can use mana now."
"Need it to watch sis when I'm gone. Sure, after dinner at home."
"So you can undress too, right?"
"Yep."
That was her aim. Couldn't veto as third wheel. Bitterly, I watched Laila beam. Pray she doesn't misuse it on me.