Chapter 27: The Arrival of the Reaper
A peaceful morning arrives with the chirping of birds. Today is another perfect day for hunting monsters...
I am Mikoto Shiranui, a former idol and a hero. In this different world where I was sent by the goddess, I fight against monsters every day to save the world. Well, for now, I'm doing my best to protect this town rather than the whole world.
"...It wasn't a dream."
I place my hand on my chest, choked up with tears of emotion. Below me is a valley I've never seen before.
Yes! It's a valley, the valley I've always dreamed of. The goddess didn't lie. Ilize-sama kept her promise.
However, I'm anxious... This is merely a reward I received. What did the goddess say again? I believe it was something about borrowing a body...
"Good morning, Mikoto."
Suddenly, a voice interrupts my contemplation. I look around, but there's no one there.
"Wha- Who is it?"
Mikoto isn't particularly good with ghosts or spirits.
The voice seems to come from inside Mikoto's head.
"I am Mikoto, the Shinigami. Nice to meet you from today onward."
"S-Shinigami? So, you mean you're borrowing my body?"
"Yes. While I'm in this world, I'll be borrowing Mikoto's body."
"I knew it! So, there really are Shinigami and such!"
"...You don't seem to dislike it much?"
"Being able to talk to a Shinigami is like being the protagonist in a manga, right? Wow, my excitement level is rising!"
"...If it makes you happy. I generally stay quiet, so you can relax."
"Understood. But, we have the same name! It must be something fateful--"
"...Just a mere coincidence."
"Well, that's true. Mikoto-san, how long will you be in this world?"
"...? Until Mikoto dies."
"Huh? Until I die? You mean for the rest of my life?"
"I don't know if there's any other meaning to it, but yes."
"I-I see... Understood. Nice to meet you from now on."
"...Mm, nice to meet you too."
"By the way, Mikoto-san... Can I call you 'big sister'? I've always admired having an older sister since I'm an only child..."
"...No."
"......"
"B-By the way, Mikoto-san, what brings you to this world even to the extent of borrowing a body?"
"Hm, I'm going to meet Kakeru."
"Kakeru-san? Who is that?"
"The person who will become my partner. A fellow Japanese striving to become a god in this world, just like me. He's the same as you, Mikoto."
"That's wonderful! A love that transcends worlds and social status. Please do your best! I'll support you with all my might."
"...Mikoto, it sounds like you're talking about someone else, but you're the one who will marry Kakeru."
"Huh... Wh-Wh-Why? Ah... Could it be for that reason you borrowed my body?"
"...You catch on quickly. Your intellect is far from ordinary, almost like an orc's."
"That status is definitely strange! A-Anyway, I've never even met Kakeru-san, and yet, marriage...?"
"Don't worry. With Kakeru, you'll definitely be happy. He's incredibly kind, and besides, he's skilled in bed."
"I-I don't need such explicit information! First of all, would someone like him really marry someone like me? I have confidence in my looks, but my personality is like this, you know?"
"Don't worry. Miko is cute. It's unfortunate to be compared to me. And you look a bit like Kakeru. I'm sure he'll make you happy altogether. Kakeru is that kind of person."
"...I see. Somehow, I'm starting to become interested in Kakeru-san! Mikoto-san, please tell me more about him."
Saying such things turned out to be unlucky. Afterwards, I was subjected to Kakeru-san's boastful stories.
"Take this! Excalibur, the Holy Sword's strike!"
I tirelessly defeated the monsters that invaded the town today as well.
"Phew, I managed to defeat it. Won't Mikoto-san lend me a hand?"
"It would violate the rules, and it would disrupt the balance of the world, so it's impossible. But I can give you advice."
"Wow, so the gods are amazing after all. That monster from earlier was a piece of cake, right?"
"For that level, it wouldn't even take a second."
"...I was struggling with it for half a day, you know."
***
"Hey, Mikoto-san... Why did someone like me become the hero? Someone stronger, talented, and smarter like Kakeru-san would have been able to help so many more if they were the hero, right?"
"It's good to have confidence. The most suitable soul is chosen to become a hero. Mikoto seems unaware, but normally, one cannot suddenly defeat monsters or endure numerous deaths and despairing situations."
"(In the first place, if it weren't for Mikoto, I would have died in the situation I was thrown into.)"
"Is that so? Hehehe."
...Mikoto's life was colored by misfortune until the very end. Normally, one would fall into darkness while resenting the world. However, Mikoto didn't become like that. She had a quick switch and possessed a flexible strength. Despite my many years as a Grim Reaper and the multitude of souls I had encountered, souls like hers were rare.
"Yes. That's why you should quickly become stronger and go meet Kakeru."
"Yes, I'll do my best."
She's truly an obedient and good child. Despite being so busy, Ilize always watched over Mikoto. My best friend is a kind goddess, even though she may not look like it. There was probably an aspect of this situation that was for Mikoto's sake. Probably.
Speaking of which, Kakeru also had a soul with the qualities befitting a hero. Except for the condition of dying in an unfortunate accident. Since he met me, it's definitely not an un·fortunate accident. Hehe.
***
She was born and immediately lost her parents, then passed around among relatives, and suffered severe abuse before being protected in a facility. From there, she worked harder than anyone and eventually became a top idol. However, out of frustration from being rejected for sexual favors, she was subjected to false reports, and in the end, she was stabbed to death.
It's not like I sympathized with her unfortunate circumstances and chose her to be a hero. There are plenty of other unfortunate people out there. But only a very few didn't harbor resentment or blame anyone. Such a pure soul is rare.
I actually wanted a boy... but it can't be helped. After all, for the sake of ensuring that such a soul can be happy this time, I created this world.
Mikoto, please be happy this time...
Ilize muttered so and returned to her busy work as a goddess.