"Who… are you?"
The words left Kyūsei's mouth before he could stop them.
The tall figure looked down at him, golden eyes faintly amused.
"…You really ask that?" the being said calmly. "After watching so many isekai stories, that's the first question that comes to your mind?"
Kyūsei frowned.
"I never believed in that kind of thing," he replied. "So yeah… I'm a little confused."
He paused, then looked up again.
"So what now? Are you going to send me to another world? Make me defeat some Demon King and save everyone?"
The figure smiled faintly—but there was no warmth in it.
"I won't reveal anything," he said. "You'll have to discover it yourself."
Kyūsei narrowed his eyes, thinking for a moment.
"…Can I ask you some questions?"
"You may," the being replied. "As long as they're not about the world I'll send you to."
The special one…?
"…Then why me?" Kyūsei asked. "Out of everyone… why did you choose me?"
The golden eyes flickered.
"…Because of your grandfather."
Kyūsei froze.
"My… grandfather?"
"Yes," the being said calmly. "Because of his prayer."
Kyūsei's confusion deepened.
"That doesn't make sense. A lot of people pray to you."
"You're right," the being replied. "Many people pray."
His voice grew colder.
"But they pray out of greed. They ask for wealth. Power. Success. They want me to solve their problems… to live their lives for them."
He paused.
"Your grandfather was different."
Kyūsei said nothing.
"He never asked me for anything," the being continued. "Not once. He only gave thanks—for the life he had."
For a brief moment, the space fell silent.
"When he died," the being said, "I granted him a wish."
Kyūsei's heart tightened.
"He said…" the figure's voice echoed softly, "'Send my grandson to another world. He always talked about magic… about other worlds. I think he'd be happy there.'"
Kyūsei's eyes widened.
"…So that's why I'm here."
"Yes."
A quiet breath escaped his lips.
"…Then where is he now?"
The being's expression softened—just slightly.
"He is living in a world I created for him. A peaceful one."
Kyūsei lowered his gaze.
"…Good."
A faint smile appeared, but it didn't last.
"As long as he's happy… that's enough."
He looked up again, his expression turning serious.
"…Then answer me this."
The air grew heavier.
"Why do people suffer?" Kyūsei asked. "Why do innocent people get hurt… get killed… while those with power do whatever they want without consequences?"
Silence.
Then—
"You misunderstand."
The being's voice lost all warmth.
"I created the world. I created you."
His golden eyes gleamed.
"But what happens within it… is not my concern."
Kyūsei's fists clenched.
"So you just watch?"
"Yes."
"I am no longer a ruler," the being said. "I am a watcher."
His voice echoed endlessly.
"You humans act as if I exist to serve you. To fix your problems."
A faint, cold smile formed.
"I am not your slave."
Kyūsei gritted his teeth.
"But it's your world—shouldn't you care?"
The answer came instantly.
"I have created countless worlds."
The pressure in the air intensified.
"Yours is nothing more than a small fragment among them."
Kyūsei felt his chest tighten.
"Why should I care… about a world consumed by endless greed?"
"…Then why send me?" he asked quietly.
The being looked at him—deeply.
"Because I am curious."
A pause.
"Curious… what you will become."
The light around them began to intensify.
"Time is up."
"Wait—!"
Kyūsei stepped forward.
But the figure was already fading.
His voice echoed one last time—
"Do not disappoint me…"
A brief silence.
Then—
"BECOME THE GOD OF THAT WORLD."