Adventure of Zero

The morning sun filtered through the stained glass windows of the grand cathedral, painting the stone floor with vibrant colors. Zero stood at the far end of the main hall, arms crossed as he watched Lina being scolded by the high priest.

The high priest, Eldran, looking at her sternly, loomed over her, his voice echoing in the vast space. "Lina, how many times must I tell you? I already warned you the other day. Wandering off is unbecoming of someone in your position! Now, do you understand the risks you take? It's not just for yourself but for all of us."

Lina lowered her head, her usual lively demeanor subdued. "I'm sorry, Father Eldran. I didn't mean to cause trouble."

Eldran's gaze flicked to Zero, his expression softening marginally. "And you," he said, addressing Zero. "I hear you were the one who rescued her. For that, you have my gratitude."

Zero shrugged, his voice devoid of emotion. "She was careless. Someone had to clean up the mess."

Eldran raised an eyebrow at his bluntness but chose not to comment. "As a token of appreciation, the cathedral is prepared to offer you a monetary reward for your efforts."

Zero shook his head. "Keep it. I don't need your money."

Lina looked up at him, surprise evident in her silver eyes. "Zero..."

Eldran seemed taken aback. "Are you certain? It's a significant amount—"

"I'm not interested," Zero interrupted, turning toward the doors. "I've already taken care of the rogues. The city guards will handle the rest."

---
Later that day, Zero and Johan stood before the city guards' headquarters. The leader of the guard, a gruff man with a scar across his cheek, handed Zero a small pouch filled with coins.

"These men have been causing trouble for weeks," the guard said, gesturing to the rogues now locked in a cell. "You did the city a great service by bringing them in. Their bounties were no small sum."

Zero pocketed the coins without ceremony. "Just doing your job for you," he said dryly.

Johan chuckled beside him. "Come on, Zero. You could at least try to look satisfied."

---
As they prepared to leave the city, Lina approached them in the square, her silver hair catching the light. She was accompanied by several cathedral attendants, though her demeanor was more relaxed.

"Zero!" she called, hurrying toward them.

Zero frowned. "Shouldn't you be staying out of trouble?"

Lina ignored his comment, smiling warmly. "Before you go, I have something for you both."

She raised her hands, and a soft golden light surrounded her. The air seemed to hum with energy, and a faint floral scent filled the space.

"I bestow upon you the goddess's blessing," Lina said, her voice resonating with a strange, serene power.

As the light faded, Zero felt a familiar warmth settle over him. He frowned. "What was that?"

Before Lina could answer, a melodic, teasing voice chimed in.

"Oh, didn't I mention?"

Zero's blood ran cold as he turned to see Oliva standing nearby, her form shimmering with divine radiance. She looked exactly as she had during their first meeting, though now her playful smirk seemed even more annoying.

"You..." Zero's voice was laced with disbelief and frustration.

Lina looked between them, confused. "You know the goddess?"

The world seemed to stop and only the three of them were conscious.

Zero ignored Lina, his focus entirely on Oliva. "You've been watching me this whole time, haven't you?"

Oliva clasped her hands behind her back, tilting her head innocently. "Of course! How could I not? You're my favorite reincarnate, after all."

"Favorite?" Zero's tone was icy. "You sent me here with no skills, no knowledge, and no warning about this world. And now you show up pretending to be some benevolent deity?"

Oliva pouted. "Aw, don't be like that, Zero. You have earned some useful skills, haven't you?You've done so well! Besides, didn't I always step in when you really needed me?"

Zero's jaw tightened. "You played me."

Oliva clapped her hand at Zero making friends. "Oh, this is wonderful! Everyone's getting along so nicely." she said while eyeing the three of them.

Zero shot her a glare. "What do you want now?"

Oliva leaned closer, her golden eyes sparkling with mischief. "To wish you luck on your journey, of course. And maybe to remind you that everything happens for a reason."

He turned away, his patience clearly wearing thin. "I don't have time for your games."

As he walked off, Lina hesitated before calling after him. "Zero... thank you for everything."

He paused but didn't look back. "Stay out of trouble." he handed her the carved knight, the prize he had won at the stall.

With that, everything went back to normal. The time flow normally. He and Johan left the square, leaving Lina and the ever-smiling Oliva behind who's visible only to Lina and Zero.