My Goddess is Good at Pretending

Chapter 554: The Hero’s Motivation

Seven students of the prestigious Superhero Academy were suddenly whisked away from their school lives into an entirely new and mysterious world. One moment, they were sitting in their classroom, preparing for another day of training and studies.

The next thing, they found themselves standing in a grand, ornate hall filled with the radiance of divine light. Before them stood the Emperor and the Imperial Princess, their faces etched with desperation and hope. Surrounding them, were the ethereal statues of the Council of Gods as if looked upon the students with a mix of solemnity and expectation.

The statues of Gods bestowed upon each student a unique blessing, awakening within them new powers that were awe-inspiring and daunting. The power of potent forces coursed through their veins to empower their existing talents and abilities, the gifts from the divine meant to prepare them for the monumental task ahead.

Despite the overwhelming nature of their newfound abilities, the students couldn’t ignore the weight of responsibility that had been thrust upon them. They were the heroes who had to save this world from an unspeakable evil, the Demon King of Extreme Evil, a sealed malevolent force whose cruelty knew no bounds.

However, they were still teenagers, unseasoned, and had only recently initiated into combat and strategy. Their lives in their homeworld had been filled with training drills and the occasional test of courage, but nothing had prepared them for the realities of a world on the brink of annihilation. They had yet to gain experience in a real war.

Despite their inexperience and naivety, they accepted the challenge in the new world, driven by the urgency of many people’s pleas and the sincerity of the princess’ prayer.

In the days that followed, the students trained tirelessly, pushing their bodies and minds to the limits. They honed their new powers, learned the intricacies of this foreign world, and studied the Demon King’s dark history.

Each step was a test of their resolve, as they grappled with the fear of failure and the pressure of expectations. Yet, through their struggles, they found strength in one another, forming a bond that transformed them from classmates into a united force.

Five weeks had passed since they arrived in this world. As the day of reckoning approached, the students stood on the threshold of their ultimate challenge, no longer just inexperienced teenagers but heroes in the making.

The holy war to slay the Demon King would begin next week. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but they were determined to fulfill their destiny and save this world from the grasp of the Demon King as it was the only path for them if they wished to return to their original world.

"Can we really slay the Demon King? He is not the only one. If the other Demon Kings join the battle, our army will be annihilated. Humanity is at a huge disadvantage here..." The leading hero, Yuusha Mashiro, sheathed his holy sword, pondering while looking at the night sky.

"So, does that bother you so much, White Hero? The other Demon Kings won’t interfere in this matter. We’re saving the world, but actually, it’s just the Human Realm of this world. But, with your new awakened power, I think it’s only a matter of time if you wish to slay them all." The man in crimson armor approached with his scarlet sword in hand. "Night practice, eh? Mind a little spar?"

"We were still students at Superhero Academy just a month ago. Richard Rees, my friend, I ask you, did we do the right thing? Was there really a way home after we killed the Demon King?"

"Speak your worries out."

"We barely know anything about this world. Even though we already promised the Emperor and Imperial Princess, I still can’t get rid of the anxiety in my heart. I feel they are hiding something crucial..."

"We returned from the extermination mission a week ago. Do you feel we are just being used now? We can just use them back for our purpose, no?"

"It wasn’t the first time we fought against the strong demons. It’s been more than a month, and our homeworld isn’t peaceful either. The monsters and demons are rampant everywhere. Our world can be saved and it has hope like the Cube Island, Guardian of Dream, and the World Union. As for this world, we’re the hope, and the responsibility feels so heavy. Eight generations of heroes have failed, you know?"

"They are local heroes, and we’re the chosen ones blessed by Rhykdohr, the Glorious God and his Council of Gods. Our foundation is flawless. We were just rookies a month ago, but we can already slay the 7th Rank demons with our gifted talents now. We’re already the Grand Masters here."

"You’re right. We’re the miracle. We started as the Nascent Spirit Warriors, and we’ve probably already reached the Nirvana Spirit Combatants right now. The SSS Rank Heroes by our homeworld’s standard."

"Let’s have a spar and that might clear your mind. You’re the leading hero here, so you can’t waver. This world is pretty good, but I need to return to Earth. Just like you, my mother is definitely still waiting for me. Damn, it’s almost summer vacation and here we are. It’s good the Emperor and Imperial Princess are so sensible and generous despite their ridiculous request."

"Thanks, Richard. Please give everything you have and don’t try to surrender as I won’t stop unless you’re down."

"How arrogant of you. You might be the one to fall into the mud today."

Yuusha Mashiro, the White Hero, brandished his holy sword to his comrade. Richard Rees, the Scarlet Swordsmaster, raised his scarlet sword in a defensive stance.

They engaged in a heated sparring session, but they refrained from using any kind of magic as it was purely a spark between swordsman by relying on their sword techniques.

Nobody gained the upper hand, but nobody lost as well. It was a draw because both of them fell to the ground, exhausted and out of breath.

"You’re still as good as ever, Mashiro. I think we need to rest now. I’m so damn tired." Richard laughed, trying to reach the stars in the sky.

"You’re indeed my good rival and best friend. I’m glad to get to know you early. But, you’re so smelly. Make sure to take a bath before bed. No girl will ever approach you if you never care about your cleanliness and body odor." Mashiro covered his nose with his hand, moving away as if faced with the unbearable, unpleasant smell.

"Tch, your situation is no better. I will only get laid with the best girl who deserves to be my queen."

"Huhu, then what about Harriet-san? She is pretty and likes sizing you up."

"Well, don’t ever talk about her to me. This unreasonable woman is a keeper. If you wish to pursue someone, try to get the first-class beauty like the Imperial Princess, or Miss Katsue... our healer is so damn hot."

"Err... please mind your choice of words, my friend."

"I just appreciated the beauties."

The two boys left the training ground while gossiping about their favorite beautiful girl like boys in general. They were unaware that a nine-tailed shadow fox watched them from the sky.

"Vann, do you know why 10th Rank powerhouses are so few in this world’s Human Realm?" Elysia stroked the winged white tiger on her lap.

"The human race is the weakest in this world, master. The northern, I mean, any random monster tribe in the White Realm, despite their various races, can still empower humanity even though they are not structured. And, we haven’t talked about the demons here." Vanessa heaved a subtle sigh. The beasts and beastkin also deserved some attention, but she knew her master wouldn’t be so biased only to humanity.

"Your foundation is already fortified. Can you please morph into your human form now? Stay by my side instead of curling up in my arms all the time." Elysia poked Vanessa’s cheek with amusement.

Since humanity was at a disadvantage in the power struggle, and this Stevia Empire could only maintain peace through the ’dirty method’, then her Elysion Church should be warmly welcomed by the people as the beacon of hope. But, her people played the card right in their initial steps. They would also reach the monsters, beastkins, and even demons afterward.

"..." Vanessa pondered about it. It only required her master three hours to help her fortify her foundation, so the primary matter was already resolved.

Even though she still wished to stay in her master’s arms, her master already said it. The night was still young, and they still had a lot of time to spend! She should ensure she would enjoy every moment she spent with her master.

Vanessa morphed into her human form right away, but her master immediately used divine magic to cover her body with a pretty dress.

"I already said that your fur is not clothes. Don’t just transform without preparing the spare outfit. You are literally naked all the time in your beast form, Vann." Elysia reminded her lovely cat girl, but she knew the beast and beastkin possessed a different sense of shame than humans.

"It’s okay if it’s master~" Vanessa rubbed her cheek against her master’s hand.

"Let’s venture to other places. Do you have some places you want to visit?"

"With pleasure. Leave it to me, master. I shall guide you to the interesting places I often visit."

Vanessa patted her chest proudly as she showed her master some good places.

Elysia nodded and took a look at the palace below. She confirmed the seven summoned heroes did come from Earth, the cadets from Superhero Academy who became the 6th Rank experts with the newfound blessed power that could rival the 8th Rank warrior, equivalent to the Emperor-class powerhouse.

Since the hero’s main plot would start next week, then she had to lay the variables in suitable places so the Elysion Church would gain the most beneficial outcome for them to spread the love and her teaching for the good of the world.