The city of the gods, Pressacott.
The peculiar rumors about this place meant exactly what they sounded like—it was said that gods lived in this city.
In fact, many claimed to have experienced the so-called miracles of the gods here, so religious figures and the devout frequently came to visit.
"Now then..."
Exiting the forest, I had a panoramic view of the city. I imagined a small village, but it was larger than expected.
The city was surrounded on all sides by mountains, like a giant dam.
A river that seemed to originate from the mountains across flowed through the middle of the town, forming a small lake near its edge.
With heavy rainfall, the whole place looked like it could flood. That was my impression of the city.
"Hmm?"
As I gazed over the landscape, something felt off.
I noticed it, but couldn't spot the cause even after staring for a while. I decided to head onward—it must not be anything major if I didn't notice right away.
"Gotta climb down this, huh."
The slope enclosing the city was steep. Going straight down would be reckless, but looking around, I could see what looked like small steps carved out of the cliff face here and there.
We were probably meant to use those to descend all the way down.
"Whoa, it's so high! Hey, aren't you totally scared?"
The girl who had been standing next to me taking in the scenery spoke up.
It was that freak with the eye mask. Don't follow me around. And quit acting so familiar all of a sudden.
"Hey, it's scary, right? Your balls must be tingling!"
I figured I should ask just to be sure:
"My what?"
"You know, your balls? I heard they tingle when guys are up high. Is it true?"
Grinning, she babbled some stupid crap.
I ignored her and started walking. Reacting felt like losing.
I briefly considered asking her for directions if she lived in town, but... no, I absolutely did not want to interact with her. And judging by her reaction, this was her first time visiting too.
She served no purpose.
"Aww, I'm joking! Why're you ignoring me?" she whined, trotting after me.
Weren't you collapsed back there a minute ago?
"Whoa, these stairs are so steep! Dangerous! Be careful, 'kay?"
The suspicious girl acted like we were traveling together.
We just happened to be going the same way, that's all. We had no relationship whatsoever. And she seemed perfectly healthy.
Somehow I made it down the cliff face to the city entrance and headed for the front gate.
A man in clerical garb standing there stopped and looked at us.
"Oh my...travelers, I take it?"
"Yeah, something like that."
"Don't tell me, you've also come seeking the miracle of the gods?"
"Yeah, heard there were gods in this town."
Figured it was best to play along.
Sure enough, when I said that the cleric broke into a bright smile and came closer.
"That's right! Exactly! This is a marvelous place. Nowhere else lets you feel the power of the gods so tangibly!"
He had probably already experienced the so-called miracle of the gods. He nodded enthusiastically like he was savoring bliss.
Since I wanted information, I matched his mood.
"Yes indeed. I'm an outsider who came to this city myself, but I fell in love with its tranquil, peaceful atmosphere, and most of all the divine power you can feel in your very bones. I decided to move here."
His story revealed that quite a few others had relocated here after believing in the rumors of the god's miracles.
Despite its remote location, the bustling city was thriving on the back of those rumors.
These intriguing miracles occurred when the town's shrine maiden charged the 'Godstone' with magical power once a month.
Luckily, that would happen tomorrow night.
One other bit caught my interest.
Many came from afar to see the miracles, and they donated generously to the town.
For whatever reason, rumors said the larger your offering, the more deeply you would experience the god's miracle.
While that probably contributed to the town's growth... for a guy like me, it sounded sketchy as hell.
The size of your donation affects how much of the monthly miracle you get to see?
Cheapskate gods, I thought, but kept silent and bid the man farewell.
Today I'd look for an inn, then walk around town tomorrow.
At some point, the eye mask girl had vanished.