It was said that there was an area where sandstorm blew all year
round in the desert.
And those who set foot there would lose their sense of direction and
not be able to come back alive.
Turbo-sama's temple was located right at the center of that area.
Although she had looked extremely unwilling, Ophir had agreed to
guide us through the sandstorm, saying, "Geez, can't be helped!
Imma take you there!"
And like that, we safely and quickly reached Turbo-sama's domain
without a hindrance.
The place was so peaceful; the blowing sandstorm acted as a
barrier, blocking out sound from the outside world.
"—Ophir, huh. Why did you came bringing humans here?"
Anyways, just as we arrived in front of the temple, a woman called
out to us while descending down the stone steps of the temple with
an air of composure.
She had black hair and was dressed in black.
She looked stern, but from her outward appearance, she looked to
be about the same age as Terra-sama.
She appeared to be a little too young to be called hag, but well,
Ophir probably called her that way out of rebelliousness, like what
rebellious kids would call their parents.
"It's not like I brought 'em 'cause I wanted to. They told me they
wanted to meet you, so I'd no choice but to bring 'em."
"Hm, I certainly can feel Igniver and Terra's power from the three of
you, but I hate humans. You better hurry and leave before my
halberd is pointed at you."
"P-please wait a minute! Can you lend us an ear, even just for a
moment?"
"Importunate. Talking with humans is useless. Begone."
Swoosh! Wind swirled around Turbo-sama.
This… she seemed about to attack us for real.
"See? Told ya. That hag ain't gonna give a damn about anything a
human say. Ya can't persuade her. Let's just go back and… wha-,
hey!?"
Although I felt bad for Ophir, I ignored her warning and spoke to
Turbo-sama again, "I heard you are planning to destroy Afraal. That
if Ophir can't change the people's mind, you will turn everything to
dust."
"Is there anything wrong with that? I am the god of wind and death—
what is wrong with turning those who are not worth living to
nothing?"
"It's true that such people exist. But I'm sure that the majority of them
are good people."
"Hou. What is the basis to that belief of yours?"
"Please look at the children that Ophir saved. They still looked very
happy despite living in poverty. So did the people we saw in town.
Not all of them is evil. Please give them a chance!" I appealed in
earnest, but she had probably witnessed first-hand the ugliness of
humans for far too many times.
Turbo-sama sighed and said, "The other two gods have entrusted
their power to you. They might have seen some sort of hope in you.
But, human. The thing known as hope is fleeting. The true nature of
humans will never change no matter how much time passes. You,
too, should have learned of that."
"That, might be true… We humans surely repeat the mistakes we've
done over and over again. But we reflect on them and keep living on
despite the pain. Please, please don't take that chance from the
people of Afraal." I bowed.
Turbo-sama heaved another sighed and said, "I accept your plea.
But what will that change? Only the good people you mentioned will
reflect on their mistakes. Those who traffic children will never even
consider to reflect. Everything will stay the same." Turbo-sama shook
her head.
I then nodded, "Indeed," and said, "that's why we—along with Ophir,
will make them reflect by force!"
""""!?"""" The girls, including Turbo-sama, stiffened with a surprised
expression.
Well, that was natural.
I'd never tell them anything about it, after all.
I felt really bad about that, but the idea just came to my mind while I
was talking to Turbo-sama.
As such, I pressed on and continued, "But for that, we need Turbosama's power. To be precise, your power to control 'death'."
"Hou? A mere human is saying that he wants to use me, a goddess."
"Yes, that's right. If it'd allow us to resolve this situation in one go and
make a smile bloom on your face, I will even use your power, Turbosama!" I boldly smiled and declared.
"—Pu, hahahahahaha!"
"""!?"""
Turbo-sama broke into an uncontrollable laugh, making the girls
wide-eyed.
She then said, "—Very well. I will follow along your plan. But be
prepared, human. If it does not show any results, at that time—I will
tear you up into 108 pieces."
"Yes, that's just what I want!" I nodded, clenching my fist.
Still, 108 pieces… she's quite particular, isn't she?