‘Could it be that gods possessed no other abilities beyond brute strength?’ I pondered this, idly slurping instant noodles. Yet, this unfamiliar flavor was surprisingly delicious. ‘I should order a few more boxes online next time.’ No, no, that’s not the main point. ‘The real question is what special abilities gods possess. Surely something like flight, teleportation, an Ultraman Death Ray, or even an Excalibur?’ ‘Ah, I’m getting sidetracked. Regardless, gods must certainly possess some extraordinary powers; I just haven’t uncovered them yet.’
As I mused, an itch suddenly flared on my back. I instinctively scratched it, only to discover something truly astonishing.
My fingers brushed against a small, soft protrusion.
“What is this?” I murmured to myself.
Humans possess an intense curiosity for the unknown, especially when it lies close at hand. Though I was currently a goddess, my soul remained that of a man, and this innate human trait persisted within me.
Despite knowing this was a divine body, and that some aspects would differ from a human one, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences if tampered with, curiosity proved irresistible. It was simply my nature.
I gave it a gentle squeeze, but there was no reaction. Then, with a tentative tug, it extended slightly, piquing my curiosity even further.
Gritting my teeth, I pulled harder.
“Pwoosh… snap!”
A pair of pristine white wings unfurled from my back, startling me so profoundly that every muscle in my body tensed.
My back muscles involuntarily activated, causing the wings to flap rapidly. Lacking any control, they thrashed wildly, making flight impossible, but the powerful gusts they generated sent me careening erratically around the room.
Snapping back to my senses, I hastily relaxed my back muscles, and at last, the wings settled.
Surveying the utter chaos in my room, I found myself torn between laughter and tears. These wings were incredible! They seemed no more than two meters wide, yet how could they generate such powerful drafts?
In truth, such potent airflow wasn’t a direct result of the wings’ physical flapping. Rather, the motion merely invoked the ambient laws of the air, compelling it to flow according to my will, which is how deities achieve flight.
However, in my utter panic, I had merely thrashed my wings haphazardly, causing the air to churn in a chaotic vortex, mirroring my own bewildered state.
But that wasn’t the crucial point. How was I supposed to retract them?
I reached for the wings. They felt soft, smooth, and oddly ticklish.
‘No, this is too comfortable. I’m going to lose myself.’
And so, it was only after an entire hour of stroking my wings that I finally released them, my face flushed crimson.
Only then did the realization dawn on me: I was supposed to be figuring out how to retract them, not getting lost in that peculiar sensation.
‘Not only would I be unable to leave the house like this, but even live streaming would prove rather problematic.’
‘Cut them off? What a ridiculous notion! That would feel like self-mutilation.’
‘They must be retractable, just like before, leaving only a tiny point.’
‘But how does one retract them?’
Propping my head with my hand, I gazed with utmost seriousness at the enormous wings.
‘That’s it, with my mind!’ I fixated on the wings, silently repeating in my thoughts:
“‘Retract, retract, retract! Quickly, retract!'”
There was no reaction whatsoever.
Then, a profound truth suddenly struck me: there was nothing that couldn’t be solved with a bit of brute force.
“Hehe, don’t blame me then,” I chuckled mischievously. Yet, I momentarily forgot they were *my* wings, meaning the suffering would ultimately be my own.
I seized the wings and began to forcefully push them in. Suddenly, my hand inadvertently grasped a wing joint, sending a jolt through my entire body.
With a soft ‘swish,’ the wings retracted completely.
‘How odd.’ My face was flushed from the strange sensation—an itchy, prickly feeling that was, paradoxically, incredibly exhilarating.
‘No, I don’t know why, but I have a strong feeling that constantly stimulating the wings like this would be absolutely detrimental.’
I nodded in satisfaction at the now-retracted wings, then retrieved a roll of bandages from my ever-present first-aid kit and wrapped them tightly, several times over.
‘What if they suddenly popped out during a live stream or while I was out? That would truly be disastrous.’
However, that was merely wishful thinking on my part. If my wings truly desired to unfurl, they wouldn’t merely snap bandages; they’d punch a hole through a tank.
I sat somewhat bored on the bed. It was already the third day; only four more until I had to depart.
A sudden pang of reluctance struck me. This was, after all, the world I had inhabited for eighteen years.
Just then, the phone rang.
‘A phone call?’
‘I recall only my landlord having my number, and he never calls. Who could it be?’
The caller ID displayed ‘God’s Agent’.
‘I don’t recall ever saving her number, nor do I remember giving her mine.’ Puzzled, I answered the call.
–Hello, is this Moe God?–
Though the words themselves were respectful, her tone betrayed not a hint of deference.
“Yes, it’s me. What do you need?” I replied.
–Right, before you depart, you’re permitted to designate an agent to oversee the organizations of believers in this world. However, due to the unique nature of your world, no one apart from this agent can be aware of a true god’s existence. When you think about it, this agent will truly have their work cut out for them.– Her voice still carried that detached, almost arrogant edge.
“An agent? What purpose does an agent serve?” I asked.
–Oh, the uses are plentiful. They’ll accompany you for meals, drinks, entertainment, even sleep.– The agent replied nonchalantly.
A surge of irritation washed over me, and I gritted my teeth. “Can you please be serious for a moment?!”
–Alright, alright, listen. A divine agent actually helps a god solidify the faith of their followers, much like a Saint or Holy Maiden who can directly commune with a deity. However, your agent won’t be able to openly declare such a role, as the people of this world cannot know of a god’s existence.– She chuckled, a rare sound.
I felt a wave of confusion. If they couldn’t even declare a god’s existence, how could they possibly manage anything? Furthermore, I barely knew anyone. ‘Am I supposed to post something online like, “Moe God seeks Human Realm Administrator, urgent, apply now”?’ Aside from potentially exposing the existence of deities, would anyone genuinely be foolish enough to apply after reading such a post?
As if sensing my thoughts, she chuckled. –That little girl, Liu Han, is quite suitable. She possesses cunning, audacity, and considerable influence.–
I was utterly bewildered. ‘When did I ever meet someone named Liu Han?’ The name drew a complete blank.
“Are you mistaken? When did I ever meet someone named Liu Han?” I quickly clarified.
–Hm? You don’t know each other? But you chat with her incessantly every day, and you claim not to know her?– Her voice was filled with bewilderment.
“You mean Cute Little Fanboy?” I asked, uncertainty coloring my voice.
–Yes, she seems to use that ID when chatting with you. You’ve known her for four years, and you don’t even know her real name?– This time, genuine astonishment laced her tone, followed by a sigh of sentiment. –Truly destined to be alone!–
I bristled. “You’re full of nonsense! And what does my being ‘destined to be alone’ have to do with anything?”
–Flustered, are we? Anyway, I have an urgent matter I need your help with.–
Despite claiming to ‘ask for my help,’ her tone conveyed not a single trace of genuine entreaty.
“What is it? Asking me for help? Aren’t you a divine agent?” I retorted, my voice sharp.
–Lend me some money. My living allowance from the Divine Realm has run out.– She sounded a little embarrassed.
“No, I won’t. Why should I lend you anything?” I felt a small thrill of triumph. ‘Absolutely not lending it.’
–And here I was, about to teach you how to utilize some of your innate divine talents. What a terrible shame.– Her voice was laced with profound regret.
“How much? Come on, between us, what’s a little money? Just name the amount, and I’ll lend it to you instantly—no need to repay a single cent!” I declared with grandiosity and righteous conviction.
–Just thirty thousand. Thirty thousand, actually. There are still four days left, and it’ll be just enough for living expenses.– I could hear the hint of guilt in her voice.
“Th-thirty thousand?!” While I wasn’t short on cash, I could survive on less than twenty yuan a day. ‘This woman…’ I gritted my teeth. “Twenty thousand. Not a single cent more.”
–Tch, millions in your account and you’re still so stingy. Deal. My account number is ************.–
“It’s transferred.”
After a few quick taps, I swiftly transferred the funds and confirmed. ‘A divine agent with a bank card? How peculiar.’
No sooner had I spoken than a torrent of information erupted within my mind.
I spent a good while processing it all, organizing my thoughts. Then, taking a deep breath, I spread my wings.
The utterly useless bandages snapped with a ‘zzzzzt’ sound.
“Divine Art: Holy Light!”
As the words left my lips, a dazzling white light emanated from my body. All stains on the surrounding objects rapidly vanished, leaving them gleaming as if polished to a divine sheen.
Overjoyed, I immediately began darting around the room. Why, you ask? Because what could be more convenient than this for a thorough cleaning?
And so, I used the Divine Art: Holy Light, a divine technique capable of purifying all manner of filth, to give my home a complete overhaul. No wonder the books said gods always shone brightly; it turned out deities possessed an inherent divine art, Holy Light! So, gods actually came with built-in special effects!
However, about this agent business…