Pawahara Seijo no Osananajimi to Zetsuen Shitara, Nanimokamo ga Umaku Iku Yō ni Natte Saikyō no Bōke

[The Goddess of Wind Wields Death]

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 Turbo-sama’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, Turbo-sama!” 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?