I stumbled forward, barely registering the rough stone floor beneath me as I was shoved unceremoniously into the dark prison cell. Disoriented and confused, I tried to make sense of my surroundings; what little light filtered in from the corridor outside revealed only shadows and dust.

"Watch your step," a deep voice warned me as I nearly tripped over a raised stone. Blinking away the darkness, I began to discern the outline of a man sitting on a dusty bed, his posture relaxed despite the grim setting. As my eyes adjusted, I could see that he was a bulky man; he had short turquoise hair and sharp green eyes that hinted at a mind still sharp and keen.

"Who are you?" I asked cautiously, remaining vigilant.

"Ren," he replied simply, his tone measured and calm. "And you?"

"Ryemi," I answered hesitantly, still struggling to process how I had ended up here.

"Nice to meet you, Ryemi," Ren said, extending a hand towards me. His grip was firm as we shook hands awkwardly.

"Where am I? What is this place?" I asked, my voice echoing off the damp walls.

"Black Spiral Prison," Ren replied, his expression somber. "It's where they throw outsiders like us who don’t live under their rule."

I shook my head in confusion, recalling how I was arrested out of nowhere. "I don't understand. I was just asking the guards for directions when they grabbed me and dragged me here. I didn't do anything wrong!"

Ren regarded me with a look of sympathy. "But you are an outsider, right? Since the goddesses took over, any human not registered in an official settlement is considered an 'illegal'."

"An illegal?" I asked. "Why would I be considered an illegal?"

"Because you were wandering outside, which can only mean that you escaped from another settlement or have been living illegally outside the goddesses’ sphere of influence," Ren explained patiently. "The goddesses have established a strict system of control. All humans must live in designated settlements controlled by a goddess. To travel freely outside their domains is a crime." 

I felt a chill run down my spine at his words. I had known so little of the outside world before setting out on my journey. Now this stranger was revealing a terrifying truth - the world I hoped to explore had become little more than a prison, not much different from the cell we were currently confined in.

"So we have no rights? No freedom?" I asked quietly.

Ren shook his head. "Very little. Us 'illegals' even less so. We'll likely be sentenced to hard labor, or worse." He paused, shooting me a peculiar look. "Do you really not know any of this? Just where did you come from?”

I hesitated, unsure of how much to divulge to somebody I just met. But something in his calm, intelligent gaze seemed to tell me he was a good person. 

"You're right, I'm not from around here," I began, not wanting to reveal too much. "I travelled here to find somebody. But now..." My voice trailed off as the severity of our predicament sank in.

Ren listened thoughtfully, his expression unreadable.

I took a deep breath before continuing. "I was raised in a very remote place. I never even set foot into the outside world until a few weeks ago when I started this journey."

Ren's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "That would explain your lack of knowledge about the world. But for you to have lived completely unaware of the goddesses’ influence, I never thought that such a place could still exist on Earth."

I bit my lip, debating how to answer him.

"Let's just say that I got lucky," I replied carefully.

"I see," Ren murmured. Though I could tell he was still burning with curiosity, he didn't pry further.

"Well, you certainly chose a dangerous time for your quest," he remarked dryly. "This world is not what it used to be."

Ren went on to describe how the goddesses conquered humanity sixteen years ago. How their massive size allowed them to easily subjugate all who resisted. How mankind was now enslaved, forced to worship these cruel giants who treated them as playthings. 

As he spoke, vivid scenes sprang to life in my mind. Immense shapely legs striding through cities, reducing towers to rubble beneath delicate feet. Beautiful but terrible faces looking down from the clouds as tiny people cowered in the shadows of their voluptuous bodies. I shuddered at the thought of being at the mercy of such senseless torment. What little freedom humans retained seemed to be because the goddesses enjoyed their desperation.

"I had no idea things were this bad," I gasped in shock.

Ren nodded somberly at my reaction. 

"It's a dark era for humanity," he agreed. "But it wasn't always this way. Before the Goddesses appeared, mankind was prosperous and thriving."

His green eyes took on a faraway look as he described the world that existed before. Vast shining cities of metal and glass. Fast vehicles that traversed land, sea and air. Instant communication across great distances. It sounded too good to be true, though Ren spoke of these wonders in a factual manner.

"I worked as a scientist and engineer for the Interstellar Exploration Agency. We were attempting to develop technology that could break through the mysterious light barrier surrounding our planet and finally reach the age of spacefaring," Ren described with an excited glint in his eyes. 

Ren went on to explain his role in greater detail - the advanced propulsion systems, the experimental alloys, cosmic radiation. His voice grew passionate as he recalled those days, working alongside the brightest minds trying to achieve the impossible.

I listened, enraptured by this glimpse of the past. Humanity had been so advanced, standing at the cusp of the stars themselves. A swell of admiration rose within me for this man who had dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge. To think he had come so close to unlocking the secrets of space travel, only to have everything snatched away by the cruel whims of godlike beings. 

"I'm so sorry this happened to you and everyone else," I said softly. "You deserved so much better."

"Thank you, but I’m afraid there’s nothing we can do about it," Ren glanced down sadly. “I feel especially bad for your generation. You were too young back then, so you will probably never know what it’s like living in a flourishing civilization.”

I shook my head vigorously, determination burning in my heart. "It’s too early to be so pessimistic. As long as we don’t give up, perhaps things will go back to the way they were someday… For starters, why don’t I help us get out of this place first!"

Ren frowned, eyeing my petite stature dubiously.

I shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny as I took a step back, my side ponytail swaying slightly.

"I like your attitude, but that’s easier said than done. Especially for a small girl like you," he finally remarked.

Anger flared at his doubt, though I tamped it down.

"I may not look like much, but I can definitely do it," I stated confidently.

"How?" Ren asked skeptically. "Are you some kind of magician?" 

I bit my lip, tempted to demonstrate to him just what I was capable of, but I resisted the urge.

"Not exactly," I began hesitantly. "I just need you to trust me. If you turn around, cover your eyes and promise not to peek, I'll get us both out of here."

Ren frowned, clearly torn between doubt and hope. His longing for freedom eventually won out, and he nodded. 

"Very well," he agreed. 

Satisfied, I took a deep breath and steeled my nerves. It was time. 

"Now turn around, cover your eyes and do not move," I ordered. 

Ren obeyed, turning so his back faced me. I watched anxiously as he covered his eyes with both hands, hoping with all my might that he would keep his promise. After all, I had been sternly warned to keep my abilities a secret from anybody I met.

My heart pounded as I focused, drawing on the energy coiled tight inside, the power surging through my veins like liquid fire. 

With a deep breath, I thrust my hands forward and unleashed a torrent of flames. They erupted from my palms, scorching hot and blindingly bright. The fire roared as it spewed forth, slamming into the prison wall with the force of a battering ram.

The stone barrier didn't stand a chance against my onslaught. The flames melted through it with ease, boring a massive hole straight through ten inches of solid concrete. 

I grit my teeth, feeling the heat wash over me. My skin tingled from the inferno raging mere centimeters in front of me, the surrounding air shimmering with intense waves of heat.

Finally, I cut off the flames. Panting with my shirt disheveled and drenched in sweat,, I stared at the gaping hole I had created. Beyond, I could see the dark hallways, winding around like an intricate maze.

I heard a shocked gasp behind me. Heart pounding, I turned around immediately. Ren’s astonished face greeted me, his mouth agape.

“You looked…” I grumbled as his green eyes darted between me and the smoking hole behind me.

"What...how...that's impossible..." he stammered. 

I fidgeted nervously, unsure of what to say. I had just carelessly used my power in front of a complete stranger. A power I had been told to hide. 

What now? Would Ren see me as a freak? Would he tell others about me?

…Would I have to eliminate him?

No… I don’t want to hurt anyone, especially not someone I just met. But then, what do I do now? I cursed my own inexperience as I shuffled my feet apprehensively, unsure of what the right course of action would be.

The silence stretched between us as we both struggled to process what had just transpired, the fate of our newly forged companionship hanging delicately in the balance.

The gleaming skyscrapers of Artemis rose around us as the limousine glided through the bustling streets. I gazed out the tinted window, marveling at how far we'd come in just one year. Sleek mag-lev trains zipped between towering glass and steel structures that seemed to defy gravity. Holographic displays flickered to life on building facades, trumpeting the city's first anniversary celebration. 

"It's truly remarkable, isn't it?" Cornwell's deep voice drew my attention back inside the limo. The mayor of Artemis regarded me with a rare smile, a stark contrast to his usual stern demeanor.

"It is," I agreed, returning his smile. "Sometimes, I still can't believe we pulled it off."

Cornwell nodded, his gray hair catching the light. "Fifteen thousand people, safe and thriving. All thanks to you, Ryan."

I felt a flush of bashfulness at his praise. "It was a team effort. I just provided the tech. You're the one who's kept everything running smoothly."

"Always so modest," Cornwell chuckled. "But we both know that Artemis wouldn't exist without your brilliance."

“Well, dimensional manipulation is a fascinating phenomenon,” I rubbed my chin in thought, “I was also surprised when I first came across it.”

As I spoke, I couldn't help but appreciate just how far our technology had advanced. Just a few years ago, before the goddesses arrived, this would have seemed like science fiction.

The thought of the goddesses sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. I pushed away my old memories of towering female forms that stretched towards the heavens. Focus, Ryan.

"--so it shifts our position to a different dimensional axis, and our spatial coordinates can become transient just like that," I finished, realizing I'd been rambling.

Cornwell was nodding along intently. "Excellent work as always, Ryan. I don't know what we'd do without you."

His words filled me with a mix of pride and unease. I was committed to protecting Artemis, but part of me longed to do more. To find a way to help those still suffering under the goddesses' rule. To find Mimi...

I shook off the thought. "Thank you. I'm just glad I can help keep everyone safe."

"Indeed," Cornwell said, his expression growing serious. "Safety must always be our top priority. We can't afford to let our guard down, not even for a moment."

I nodded in agreement, but couldn't shake a niggling doubt. Was hiding away truly the answer?

I pushed the doubt aside and refocused on the breathtaking view outside. The gleaming spires of Artemis rose around us, a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. Sleek skyscrapers of glass and steel stretched towards the sky, their facades reflecting the warm glow of the setting sun.

"It's incredible, isn't it?" I remarked, gesturing at the cityscape. "To think we've built all this in just a year."

Cornwell's stern expression softened as he gazed out the window. "Indeed it is, Ryan. It really goes to show what the human spirit is capable of even during the hardest of times."

As our limousine glided silently through the bustling streets, I marveled at the throngs of people going about their daily lives. Families strolled along tree-lined boulevards, children laughed and played in verdant parks, and professionals hurried to and fro with purpose. It was a stark contrast to the ruined world outside our hidden sanctuary.

"Fifteen thousand…" Cornwell spoke, his voice thick with emotion. "Fifteen thousand lives saved from the whims of those... beings."

I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. "It's more than I ever dared hope for when we started this project."

Cornwell turned to me, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Your expertise, your dedication... you've given these people a future."

His words filled me with a complicated mix of emotions - pride, certainly, but also a gnawing sense of disappointment. How many more could we have saved? How many more were still out there, living in fear of massive divine entities that could reshape the world with a careless step?

I swallowed hard, pushing away the unbidden images of monolithic girls.

I cleared my throat, focusing on the present. "It's not just me, Cornwell. Your leadership has been just as instrumental as the spacetime manipulation technology I discovered."

Cornwell leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I've been meaning to ask. The technology behind Artemis... it's unlike anything I've ever seen."

"I found out about it through sheer luck. You see, under certain conditions, spacetime can be bent and manipulated in ways we never thought possible," I explained, a spark of excitement igniting within me. "Essentially, we've created a bubble of warped spacetime around Artemis. It's not just an invisibility cloak - it's a complete dimensional shift."

As I continued to explain, Cornwell's expression morphed from curiosity to awe. His eyes widened, drinking in every word. "Fascinating," he breathed. "But I’ve always been meaning to ask: How exactly does it prevent detection?"

I leaned back, my mind racing with the intricacies of the technology. "Picture it like this: Artemis exists in a slightly different phase of reality. We're here, but we're also... not here. It's why the goddesses can't sense us."

Cornwell's face lit up with understanding. "Hmm… I see… But what happens if... What happens if one of them were to step on us accidentally?"

"There’s nothing to worry about, Cornwell. Even if a goddess were to place her foot directly on top of Artemis, it would simply pass through us. The warped spacetime would cause her foot to phase right through the city without causing any harm."

As I shared with the mayor how Artemis’s defenses worked, my thoughts drifted to the true origin of this revolutionary technology. The limousine's gentle hum faded into the background as my mind wandered.

In truth, the core discovery leading to Artemis's protection lay not in pure luck, but in my alliance with Chrophemus, the Goddess of Time. For years, we had worked together in secret, driven by a shared goal to save humanity from the cruel reign of her fellow goddesses.

Chrophemus... her image filled my mind. Standing at an awe-inspiring 99.1 kilometers tall, her long white ponytail flowing like a river of starlight, and those captivating heterochromatic eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of eons. I could almost hear her gentle, mature voice, always laced with comforting reassurances and subtle guidance.

It was within her pocket dimension, a realm hidden from the prying eyes of other deities, that I first encountered the phenomenon of bent spacetime. The very fabric of reality rippled and folded there, creating a sanctuary impervious to outside detection.

At first, I didn’t really think much of it. But around ten years ago, I suddenly had a thought: Couldn’t humanity harness this phenomenon to build a safe haven?

I spent countless hours studying this miraculous anomaly, my mind racing with possibilities. Chrophemus, in her infinite patience and kindness, allowed me to thoroughly research the intricacies of dimensional manipulation.

With each passing day, I grew closer to unlocking the secrets needed to replicate this effect. Eventually, I received the breakthrough needed to construct the Invisible City Artemis.

As the memories washed over me, a pang of guilt twisted in my chest. Cornwell, my trusted friend and ally, had no idea of Chrophemus's involvement. None of them did. The weight of this secret pressed heavily upon me.

After all, in this world where cruel goddesses reigned supreme, nobody would trust me if they knew I was so closely acquainted with one of them.

"You alright there, Ryan?" Cornwell's voice cut through my reverie, concern etched on his face.

I forced a smile, pushing the thoughts of Chrophemus to the back of my mind. "Just lost in thought," I replied, hoping my voice didn't betray the turmoil within.

I blinked, refocusing on the present as the limousine came to a stop. The door opened, and I stepped out into a scene of breathtaking opulence. 

Before us stood a grand ballroom, its facade adorned with intricate golden filigree that caught the light of a thousand twinkling stars. Massive crystal chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the gathered crowd. The air was thick with the scent of exotic flowers and the gentle hum of excited conversation.

As Cornwell and I made our way through the throng, I couldn't help but feel out of place in such an extravagant setting.

"Mr. Ryan!" a voice called out, and I turned to see a young woman approach, her eyes shining with admiration. "I just wanted to thank you personally. My family... we wouldn't be here if it weren't for you."

I smiled, feeling a rush of fulfillment wash over me. "I'm just glad we could help," I replied.

As we continued through the crowd, more and more people approached, each with their own story of gratitude. An elderly man clasped my hand, tears in his eyes as he spoke of the grandchildren he'd be able to see grow up in safety. A group of scientists eagerly discussed the technological marvels that made Artemis possible, praising my contributions.

With each interaction, I felt the weight of responsibility grow heavier on my shoulders. These people looked up to me, trusted me. I couldn’t help but harbor mixed feelings, feeling like I hadn’t accomplished nearly enough to deserve such adoration and glory. There were still so many people outside the city who were suffering day in and day out.

Cornwell's hand on my shoulder snapped me out of my thoughts. "It's time," he said, gesturing towards the stage.

I watched as he ascended the steps, his presence commanding immediate attention from the assembled crowd. Cornwell stood tall, his graying hair adding an air of distinguished wisdom to his stern features.

"Citizens of Artemis," he began, his voice resonating through the grand hall. "One year ago, we embarked on a journey many thought impossible. In a world ravaged by the whims of cruel goddesses, we dared to dream of a safe haven."

I listened intently as Cornwell recounted the trials and tribulations of Artemis's founding. His words painted a vivid picture of determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

"But we persevered," Cornwell continued, his voice swelling with pride. "Through ingenuity, courage, and unwavering resolve, we built this sanctuary. A place where hope, long thought extinct, can flourish once more."

Even though Cornwell was the one speaking, everyone’s eyes were fixed on me. I shuffled nervously in place, not used to being the center of attention.

"And none of this," Cornwell's voice cut through my turmoil, "would have been possible without the brilliance and dedication of one man. Ryan, please join me on stage."

A thunderous applause erupted as I made my way up the steps, my heart pounding in my chest. Cornwell turned to me, his serious expression softened by genuine gratitude.

"Ryan," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "on behalf of all 15,000 people in this city, I thank you. In a world where hope was sparse, you gave us a miracle."

I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I faced the crowd. Their expectant faces blurred together, a sea of hope and admiration that threatened to overwhelm me. I cleared my throat, my voice echoing through the grand ballroom.

"Thank you, Mayor Cornwell, and thank you all," I began, thinking hard about what to say next. "What we've accomplished here in Artemis is nothing short of extraordinary. Each and every one of you played a crucial role in building this place that thousands now call home."

My eyes scanned the room, taking in the faces of those I'd worked alongside for the past year. Scientists, engineers, farmers, teachers - all united in their desire for a better world.

"But as I stand here today, I cannot help but think of those we left behind," I continued, my voice growing stronger. "Billions of humans still suffer under the rule of the goddesses. They live in fear, without hope, without a future."

A hushed murmur rippled through the crowd. I could feel Cornwell's eyes boring into me, but I pressed on.

"That's why I've made the decision to leave Artemis," I announced, my unexpected words eliciting a collective gasp. "I want to venture back into the outside world, to help those still trapped under the goddesses' reign."

The silence that followed was deafening. I could practically hear the shocked thoughts of everyone present.

"I know this decision may seem dangerous, even foolish," I admitted. "But I can't in good conscience stay here in safety while others suffer. Long ago, I made a pact with some of my dearest friends, to free humanity from the wrath of the goddesses. I intend to make good on my promise, even though it’s been years since I last saw any of them."

I paused, swallowing hard as I thought of the risks ahead. The image of a colossal foot crashing down on helpless humans flashed through my mind, a reminder of the power we were up against. But I pushed the thought aside, steeling my resolve.

As I stepped away from the podium, the room erupted into enthusiastic applause. But amidst the cheers and standing ovation, I caught sight of Cornwell's disapproving glance.

I made my way through the crowd, shaking hands and accepting words of encouragement, but my eyes remained fixed on Cornwell. As the applause died down, I approached him.

"Cornwell, I..." I began, searching for the right words. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I know this comes as a shock."

His tense expression eased slightly, but the disappointment in his eyes remained. "Ryan, do you realize what you're risking? Why head into the unknown when we are perfectly safe here?"

I nodded solemnly. "I understand the dangers of the outside world well. But I know I can go because you are here, Cornwell. With you at the helm, I know that Artemis is in capable hands and I can leave without any worries."

Cornwell's eyes glistened with unshed tears. He placed a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm. "I really want to dissuade you, Ryan. This is a bad idea. Please, reconsider this?"

Cornwell’s plea was both sincere and desperate, but I had already made up my mind.

I felt a lump form in my throat. "I’m sorry, this is something that I have to do. Just promise me that you will take care of Artemis while I’m gone."

“Looks like nothing I say can change your mind at this point,” he grunted, failing to hide his displeasure. “Fine… I promise you, Ryan.”

“Thank you,” I expressed my appreciation as I leaned into a bittersweet hug.

As we embraced, I could feel the tension in Cornwell's body. When we parted, he wiped his eyes quickly, regaining his composure.

"Just... be careful out there, Ryan. The world isn't what it used to be," Cornwell warned.

I nodded, the images of the goddesses’ titanic forms flashing through my mind once again. "I know. I'll do my best to stay safe," I reassured him with a smile on my face.

The rest of the night passed in a blur of celebration and farewells. Before I knew it, morning had arrived. I stood at the gates of Artemis, my pack slung over my shoulder, ready to embark on my journey.

To my surprise, I found Cornwell waiting for me, accompanied by three armed soldiers. Despite the somber atmosphere, Cornwell's face broke into a warm smile.

"Did you think we'd let you leave without a proper send-off?" he asked, his tone lighter than it had been the previous night.

I chuckled, relieved to see Cornwell in better spirits. "I should have known better." 

Together, we set off on the path leading away from Artemis. Cornwell and I fell into easy conversation, reminiscing about the early days of establishing the hidden city. The soldiers trailed behind us, scanning the surroundings for any potential threats. 

A few kilometers out, I came to a stop. "This should be far enough," I told Cornwell. "Beyond here, the perils present will be unpredictable." 

Cornwell's expression turned grim as he nodded in understanding. "Farewell, my friend," he said, pulling me into another hug. I returned the gesture, feeling a surge of gratitude for the man who had stood by my side all these years. 

As I pulled away, I turned to the soldiers. "Thank you all for your service. Artemis is in good hands." They saluted in response, their faces betraying a look of uncertainty and doubt.

As I turned to depart, I heard the unmistakable sound of a gun being cocked behind me. Whipping around, I saw Cornwell leveling his pistol at me, his hand steady despite the pained look in his eyes.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "But I cannot allow you to leave here alive."

For a moment, my mind went blank, unable to comprehend Cornwell's words. Then a wave of realization crashed over me - he intended to kill me, right here and now. 

"What is the meaning of this?" I demanded, unable to believe what was happening. My thoughts raced wildly, desperately seeking a way out of this predicament.

Cornwell's face was stoic, though I could see the anguish in his eyes. "Surely you must understand why I have to do this," he said heavily. "You know too much about Artemis - its location, its secrets. If the goddesses were to capture you..."

He trailed off, but the implication was clear. If I were tortured for information, it would mean the end of Artemis and everyone living there. Still, I had to try and reason with him.

"Cornwell, listen to me," I pleaded, raising my hands in a pacifying gesture. "This day would have to come eventually. We can't hide in Artemis forever - if we truly want to save humanity, we have to embark out of the city at some point."

But Cornwell was unmoved, his pistol unwavering. "My duty is to protect the citizens of Artemis," he said resolutely. "I cannot gamble their lives on your ambitious dreams. The people here are my responsibility, a responsibility you personally entrusted to me."

I cursed internally, realizing too late the critical difference in our views. While I had always intended to win salvation for the entirety of humanity, Cornwell was concerned only with preserving the lives of those in Artemis. 

"The people here trust me to keep them safe," Cornwell continued, his tone growing more forceful. "I will do whatever it takes, pay any price, to honor that trust. Even if it means..."

His voice broke, and for a moment I thought I saw a glimmer of doubt in his eyes. But then it was gone, replaced by grim determination. 

My mind raced frantically, searching for something, anything to make him reconsider. But I knew in my heart there was no swaying him. He had already resigned himself to going through this terrible decision.

As I stared down the muzzle of Cornwell's pistol, all my grand aspirations seemed to drain away. After everything we’ve gone through, our friendship would end like this?

These harrowing thoughts paralyzed me as I watched Cornwell's finger tighten on the trigger. All I could do was close my eyes and await the inevitable. The shot that would prematurely end my life and my mission of saving the world. If this was to be my end, then so be it. I can only hope that Cornwell would live to regret this choice.

Just as I braced for the gunshot, the ground beneath me began to rumble. At first I thought it was merely my legs quaking in fear, but the vibrations steadily grew more violent. Pebbles danced along the earth as the seismic activity intensified.

I opened my eyes to see Cornwell and his men glancing about in confusion, their firearms lowered momentarily. What was happening? Some kind of earthquake?

My gaze lifted to the horizon, and that's when I saw her. Rising up from beyond the hills like an unfathomable colossus of myth. 

Ithyrminah.

The Goddess of Nature herself was striding across the continent, each footfall sending shockwaves through the earth. She stood so tall her head grazed the very boundaries of space, an epic giantess strolling carelessly through the world. The tiny creatures under her feet meant nothing to her.

My jaw dropped as she approached, clad in only a set of skimpy pink panties as her bushy dog tail swayed hypnotically behind her. Her outfit did little to conceal her voluptuous figure, all sensuous curves and taut muscle.

I was shaken from my awed stupor by panicked shouts from Cornwell's men. It was then that my brain registered that we were directly in the path of the approaching giantess. If we didn't flee fast enough, we would surely be crushed beneath her colossal feet.

But it was already too late. Ithyrminah's shadow fell over us as her sole descended. The soldiers fired their guns uselessly towards the sky while Cornwell himself just gawked stupidly at the impending foot.

Despite the spray of gunfire, the goddess didn't even seem to notice us. Calamitous gales that uprooted nearby trees heralded the inexorable fall of her bare foot, making it difficult to maintain our balance. All I could do was stare up at the smooth expanse of her arch as it blotted out the sky.

Our miniscule lives were seconds from being extinguished. And yet, I felt no fear, only acceptance. It was better to go out this way, snuffed out by a humongous footstep akin to a natural disaster, than to die at the hands of one of my most trusted friends.

I braced myself for oblivion, but by some miracle, her devastating foot landed just shy of flattening us. Although, it was still far too soon to be celebrating just yet.

The ensuing impact was unlike anything I'd ever experienced. A deafening boom rent the air as the earth heaved and split beneath the goddess's step. Fissures spiderwebbed outwards from the epicenter, humongous shards of rock flung skyward. 

The shockwave caught me like a powerful punch, launching my body through the air until I crashed back down dozens of meters away. I hit the ground hard, all the air forced out from my lungs. For a few long, arduous moments, all I could do was lie there stunned amidst the rubble and chaos.

My ears rang from the cataclysmic footfall, and I felt the air pressure shift again as she lifted her titanic foot back up. Gradually, the rumbling waned as Ithyrminah continued on her way, already far in the distance. I slowly pushed myself upright, wincing at the pain that lanced through my entire body.

I could not believe I lived. By all rights, I should have been reduced to a bloody smear beneath the giantess's heel.

I forced myself to stand, assessing the aftermath of the goddess's thoughtless step. The landscape was unrecognizable, warped and ruptured beyond belief. Fissures dozens of meters deep scarred the earth in all directions, forests and rock formations either collapsed or flung miles away. 

At the heart of the devastation lay a massive indentation - Ithyrminah's footprint. The size was incomprehensible, a yawning chasm stretching for kilometers in the shape of her sole. I gazed over the precipice, unable to see the bottom through the haze and clouds of debris.

Just imagining the stupendous force needed to carve out such an enormous canyon sent a shudder through me. And I had been a mere hundred meters away from ground zero. Had her step landed a little more to the right, I would have been obliterated without a trace, my flattened remains buried at the bottom of the chasmic ravine.

Such ruthless power was beyond anything humans could hope to match. With a casual stroll, Ithyrminah had altered the region forever, crippling miles of terrain that had likely existed for millennia beforehand. 

I limped away from the edge of the footprint, my earlier confidence shaken. In all my years away from the outside world, I had forgotten just how insignificant we were next to them. Saving humanity seemed a laughable goal considering the vast difference in scale and might between us. We were less than ants to the goddesses, our lives effortlessly obliterated should we have the misfortune of crossing their path. 

How could we ever hope to stand against such towering beings of immense strength? They could erase us anytime they wished, our structures and lands meaningless obstacles to their otherworldly might. 

Perhaps this endeavor was doomed from the start. Maybe the best we tiny humans could hope for was to somehow avoid provoking the ire of the giantesses as we struggled to survive in their world.

Watching her retreating back, I was struck by how pathetic I was compared to the goddess’s extraordinary stature. She could have stamped out my life without a second thought, without even noticing.

But as I watched Ithyrminah disappear over the horizon, her perfect form framed by the boundless sky, I fervently pushed back my pessimistic thoughts. I slapped myself hard in the face in an attempt to knock away my fears. We would find a way, no matter how impossible the odds. Because we had to. The alternative was extinction. And I refused to let that happen.

Not while there was still breath in my body.

Looking around, I realized that Cornwell and his men were nowhere to be found. Whether they were dead or alive was unclear, but the Goddess of Nature’s unexpected intervention had given me a miracle, and I needed to seize it quickly. 

I hastily gathered my belongings and took off running, my legs pumping furiously despite my injuries. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, propelling me forward through the mangled terrain. I had to put as much distance between myself and my prospective pursuers as soon as possible. 

As I ran, my thoughts turned to my destination: the Republic, my homeland. The sprawling nation I had once called home, now nothing more than the personal plaything of the capricious goddess Ithyrminah. 

It had been over sixteen long years since Ithyrminah had claimed ownership of the Republic. With a flick of her finger she had demolished our military forces, sending fighter jets crashing down in fiery explosions. Our weapons were useless against a being of such overwhelming strength.

In mere days she had conquered the entire Republic, forcing all citizens to worship her, acting as her slaves. None could stand against her.

To a giantess of her stature, I was utterly insignificant. I knew this fact through and through after all my past confrontations with goddesses.

Sixteen years ago, I didn’t even return to the Republic when I heard it was under attack. I did nothing as she claimed my homeland as her own personal possession, telling myself that any attempts at resistance would be useless anyway as I focused my efforts towards finding Mimi instead. My shame and uselessness still haunt me to this day.

Perhaps returning now was foolish. Ithyrminah was so big and unstoppable, and I was just as weak and pathetic as I had been sixteen years ago. What could I possibly hope to accomplish?

Yet some small part of me clung to the hope that I could somehow make a difference this time. That I could find a way to free my people from her domination, no matter how slim the odds. 

It was likely just the fanciful wish of a weary man desperate to erase his past failures. But it was all I had left after failing to find my childhood friend even after so many years. I had to try, even if it cost me my life.

With that singular purpose driving me forward, I continued my journey to the region that used to be the Republic. Towards uncertainty, danger and very likely utter defeat.

The closer I got to the Republic, the more signs of destruction I came across. Massive footprints spanning miles in diameter, forests flattened into unrecognizable carpets of splintered wood, rivers diverted into new paths. 

Each scene of devastation fueled my dread at what I might find, my mind conjuring horrific images of Ithyrminah stomping on helpless civilians without a second thought, her laughter echoing across the land as she demolished everything in her path.

I shook my head roughly, trying to clear those disturbing visions. I couldn’t afford to be distracted by my own morbid imagination. I had to stay focused on the task ahead.

As I pressed onward, my pace quickened, driven by an urgent need to reach Ithyrminah's settlement as soon as possible. The landscape around me began to change, showing signs of human habitation that had managed to survive the oblivious actions of the goddess. Small villages were scattered about, their inhabitants casting wary glances at the skies above, as if expecting a giant foot to descend upon them at any moment. Illegals, they called them, humans who refused to live under the rule of the goddesses.

The atmosphere was tense as I passed by, the hostility and distrust towards outsiders evident on their faces. They had managed to endure Ithyrminah's caprices for sixteen whole years, adapting and persevering against all odds. Their resilience stirred something within me – a strange mix of pride and sorrow that weighed heavily on my heart.

I carried on walking, not wanting to attract unnecessary attention at this juncture.

Entering the Republic for the first time in over a decade and a half filled me with a sense of trepidation, but also a sliver of optimism. Perhaps, against all odds, there might still be a chance to make a difference here.

My steps became more resolute as I ventured deeper into the borders of my former country. With every stride, I reflected on the enormity of the task before me.

Determined and hopeful, I continued on my path towards the unknown, guided by the memories of my past and the promise of a better future for my enslaved countrymen.

Dear stranger,

My name is Lista, the Goddess of Knowledge. My Domain of Knowledge grants me complete information of everything that happens in the universe, and a portion of my power is imbued into this book.

This is the Goddesses’ Index, a magical book that contains information regarding every single goddess present in the cosmos. It automatically updates its contents according to the events of the universe, allowing you to have access to the most current information.

Naturally, this book doesn’t contain an entry for myself. The reason for this should be obvious. Regardless, please feel free to read about any other goddesses that catch your interest.

So you wish to read about Ithyrminah? I remember her as a rather small and cute girl, but I’d imagine that’s far from how she’ll seem to a human like you. However, if you know how to properly keep her entertained, I’m sure she won’t give you too much trouble.

Ithyrminah, Goddess of Nature

Age: 10,954

Height: 91.9km (1.55m at human size)

Powers: Flora and fauna alteration, creation, and control. Very sensitive senses due to her hybrid dog features.

Kill Count: 7,108 since the start of this cycle. Generally doesn’t kill humans, but accidents tend to happen when you are this big.

Settlement Population: 19,827,091, of which the majority are former citizens of the Republic. Less than 10% of the Republic’s original population remains, the nation thoroughly ravaged by multiple goddesses even before Ithyrminah took ownership.

I stared in stunned disbelief at the gaping hole before me, my mind struggling to process the impossible sight. Where solid stone walls had stood moments ago, there was now a big hole, jagged edges still smoking slightly. And there, silhouetted against the darkness beyond, stood Ryemi - all 5'2" of her slender frame dwarfed by the destruction she had somehow wrought. 

"I can't believe you were watching me," Ryemi grumbled, her grey eyes flashing with annoyance as she turned to face me. "You promised you wouldn't look."

"What? No, I-I didn't see anything!" I protested, holding up my hands. "There was just this loud sound and I turned around and..." I gestured helplessly at the massive hole, words failing me.

Ryemi crossed her arms, her side ponytail swishing as she shook her head in exasperation. "Sure. You expect me to believe you turned around at the exact moment I looked at you?"

"I swear, I really had my eyes closed," I insisted. "But then, I heard something exploding! How was I supposed to ignore that?"

She sighed dramatically. "Fine. I suppose the noise was pretty loud. But you better not go blabbing about this to anybody else, got it?"

I nodded quickly, still reeling. How had this young girl created that hole? And why was she so determined to keep it secret? My scientific brain itched to understand.

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. My eyes darted between Ryemi and the destruction, my confused mind struggling to reconcile the two.

"Ryemi," I began, my voice tight with barely contained astonishment, "how in the world did you do that?"

I took a step closer, my gaze intense as I searched her face for answers. "Are you some kind of metahuman? Or did you use some weapon I'm unaware of?"

Ryemi shifted uncomfortably as she took a step back, her eyes glancing around as if seeking an escape route. She bit her lip, her small body quivering. "I... it's not really something I can explain," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

"But surely you must have some idea," I pressed, my intrigue overriding any sense of delicacy. "A power like that doesn't just appear out of nowhere. Where did it come from? How long have you had it?"

Ryemi's discomfort was palpable now. She hugged herself tightly, her slender frame seeming to shrink even further. "I don't... I mean, I'm not sure..." she stammered, her usual eloquence deserting her. "It's complicated. Can we please just focus on getting out of here?"

“Of course, of course. But maybe you can tell me more about it while we are walking?” I suggested eagerly, unable to curb my curiosity despite seeing Ryemi’s reaction.

Ryemi shook her head, her expression pained. "I really don't want to talk about it right now. Can you please just drop it?" 

Her tone was sharp, bordering on anger. Taken aback, I studied her face and saw glints of tears in her eyes. Guilt flooded me as I realized how insensitive I was being, interrogating her to the point of distress. 

"I'm sorry," I apologized hastily. Slowly, I knelt before her, meeting her gaze. "I didn't mean to upset you. I was just curious, but that's no excuse. I promise I won't ask you any more questions you're not comfortable answering." 

Gently, I reached out and wiped a stray tear from her cheek. We stayed there for a moment, basking in the peaceful silence.  Slowly, I could see the warmth return to Ryemi’s eyes.

When Ryemi finally spoke, her voice was soft with gratitude. "Thanks, Ren." 

I smiled gently. "No, I should be thanking you for getting us out of that cell. It was my fault for asking you so many questions when there are more important things to be doing right now." 

I cleared my throat, getting to my feet as I extended a hand out. "Well then, shall we get going? The sooner we escape this place, the better." 

Ryemi smiled as she replied, taking my hand gratefully. "Yeah!" 

I led Ryemi down the dimly lit stone corridors, our footsteps echoing ominously. The hallways twisted and turned like a labyrinth, leaving me unsure of our direction. Panic rose in my chest as I struggled to find the exit. 

"This prison spans over 1.5 kilometers, shaped like a massive cross with exits at each end," I explained to Ryemi, trying to keep my voice steady. "But the layout is designed to confuse and disorient prisoners. I’ve been stuck inside that cell for so long, so I'm taking a while to figure out how this structure works." 

Ryemi nodded, her hand tightening around mine. I could sense her growing anxiety, though she hid it well. We walked in silence for a time, navigating the maze at a brisk pace. The air felt stale and suffocating, as if the sinister walls were closing in around us. 

When we reached another dead end, I cursed under my breath. Ryemi rested a comforting hand on my arm. "It's alright, Ren. Let’s just take our time, we’ll get out eventually." 

I shook my head, frustration simmering inside me. "No, we have to get out of here before dawn. If we're not free by then..." 

I cut my sentence short, not wanting to alarm Ryemi further. But as the words left my lips, a violent tremor shook the prison. Ryemi screamed, clutching at me in terror as the walls groaned and shuddered. 

"She’s up earlier than usual…" I grimaced. "We were too slow." 

The tremors intensified, throwing us to the ground. Ryemi sobbed against me, her fragile body trembling like a leaf in a storm. I wrapped my arms around her, shielding her from the falling fragments of rock as best I could. The prison felt as if it might collapse at any moment and bury us beneath mountains of stone. 

"Ren, what's happening?" Ryemi cried out, her voice barely audible above the cacophony of groaning stone and metal.

"Stay close to me!" I shouted back, gritting my teeth as I struggled to maintain our balance. The vibrations intensified and I found ourselves getting thrown around the corridors like ragdolls. My body got battered and bruised as I tried to protect Ryemi from the repeated impacts against the walls, but I refused to let go of her.

"Everything will be okay," I reassured her, even though I wasn't so sure myself. Yet in that moment, comforting her felt more important than anything else.

When the tremors finally began to subside, we found ourselves huddled together on the floor, bruised and disheveled. I carefully untangled myself from Ryemi, wincing as pain shot through my body.

"Are you alright, Ryemi?" I asked worriedly, my heart pounding in my chest.

She nodded silently, her eyes wide with fear. Glancing over my injuries, her expression turned to one of remorse. "I'm sorry, Ren... you got hurt because of me."

"None of this is your fault," I told her, patting her on the head lightly. "We're going to get out of here, I promise."

Ryemi managed a weak smile, but her growing unease was evident. As the dust settled around us, a bright light nearly blinded us. Shielding our eyes, an incredulous sight came into view through an adjacent window: an immense female face with flowing golden hair and piercing violet eyes gazed directly at us.

We were looking at a goddess.

She was completely naked, her highly erotic body stretching as far as the eye could see into the distance. A coy smile played on her lips as she peered down at the prison held delicately in her hand. 

"Alluria…" I breathed, recognition dawning on me. This was the Goddess of Love herself. 

Ryemi stared up at the goddess in stunned silence, her eyes wide with a mix of terror and wonder. Gently grasping her hand, I gave it a small squeeze. "It's going to be okay," I repeated, though I knew deep down that nothing about this situation was okay. 

We were at the mercy of a goddess who saw humans as nothing more than playthings.

I swallowed hard, trying to quell the panic rising in my chest.

"Black Spiral Prison is actually Alluria's earring," I revealed gravely, my voice wavering slightly. "She puts it on every morning when she wakes up, which is what caused the shaking we just experienced."

Ryemi’s grey eyes met mine, filled with fear and disbelief. "An... earring?" she whispered, unable to fathom the absurdity of it all.

"Unfortunately, yes," I replied, my throat dry. The recognition that our lives were so inferior against the scale of a goddess weighed heavily on me.

At that moment, Alluria spoke. Her voice was light and airy, yet strong enough to thoroughly rattle the floor we stood on. "What an absolutely stunning earring, don't you think? I can’t wait to start another beautiful day with all my cuties!"

She moved slowly, her movements like a dance, as she brought Black Spiral Prison towards her earlobe. The massive structure, reduced to just a tiny trinket in Alluria’s hand,  swayed precariously, and I tightened my grip on Ryemi's hand, silently praying we wouldn't be flung right out the window.

Alluria affixed the black earring onto her earlobe, giggling as it settled into place. "There we go, all set for another glorious day!"

Her nonchalant actions left us feeling utterly insignificant and helpless. How do we escape from a being so powerful?

"Ren, what do we do now?" Ryemi asked, her voice laced with desperation.

"Stay close to me," I told her, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "We'll find a way out of this, I promise."

As Alluria slowly sat down, her casual movements sent violent tremors through the prison. Ryemi clung to me, her knuckles white from gripping my arm so tightly. I couldn't blame her; every shake threatened to send us tumbling, and the entire situation felt like a nightmare.

"Oh, my darlings!" Alluria cooed, addressing the many prisoners trapped in her earring. "I know it's tough in there, but you're all putting up such an outstanding fight! Keep up the good work, alright?"

Her patronizing tone only fueled my determination to find a way out. It was clear that she saw us as nothing more than trivial specks, never considering the terror and suffering we were experiencing. I scanned our surroundings for any possible escape route, my mind racing with urgency.

Finally, a glimmer of hope appeared: one of Alluria's golden hairs was swaying near the window, thicker than a redwood tree and more than sturdy enough to climb down. It was risky, but staying here was not an option. 

I turned to Ryemi, meeting her terrified gaze with renewed purpose. "That hair - it's our only chance. We have to jump for it, then climb down as fast as we can. Do you trust me?"

Ryemi glanced between me and the hair, her expression a mix of fear and apprehension. After a moment, she nodded. 

Without another word, I helped Ryemi onto the windowsill. "On the count of three. One, two, three!"

We leapt from the prison onto the hair, scrambling to get a grip before we tumbled into the abyss. My heart pounded as I struggled for purchase, every muscle screaming in protest. Beside me, Ryemi was panting with effort, her hands trembling against the hair. 

Somehow we managed to stay on, and I breathed a sigh of relief. "We did it. Now let’s climb down before - "

My words were cut off by a sudden jerk. We froze in place, clinging to the hair for dear life as Alluria's hand shot up towards the stray strand. Time seemed to slow as her enormous fingertips grazed the hair, and for one terrifying moment I thought our escape attempt would end before it even began. 

Then, to our immense relief, Alluria simply shrugged as she brushed the hair behind her ear without noticing our presence. "Must have been my imagination," she muttered, her quiet tone belying how close we came to doom.

I let out a shaky breath, waiting until Alluria took interest in something else. "Let's go," I told Ryemi, "while we have the chance."

She nodded, and together we began the harrowing descent down Alluria's hair. The journey was treacherous, as even her smallest movements threatened to shake us loose and send us plummeting to oblivion. More than once, I had to grab Ryemi to stop her from losing her grip. 

After what seemed like an eternity, we finally reached the base of Alluria's neck, hoping gratefully onto the non-vertical surface. My arms were numb from effort, every muscle burning as I collapsed against her skin. Beside me, Ryemi was panting heavily, her face pale with exertion. 

"We made it," she gasped, a disbelieving smile crossing her face. 

I let out a weary chuckle, giving Ryemi a pat on the back. "We're not out of the woods yet, but this is a promising start." 

We rested upon Alluria's collarbone, knowing that we needed to conserve our energy. The road ahead would be fraught with peril, but for now we could breathe easier knowing we escaped that infernal prison.

As we recovered, my gaze drifted downwards, and I froze at the sight before me. Alluria's massive breasts loomed in the distance, capped with pink nipples the size of mountains. Hundreds of people swarmed over her areolas, worshipping their colossal mistress with feverish devotion. 

Ryemi followed my stare, her eyes widening. "What are they doing?" she asked in a hushed whisper. 

"Pleasing Alluria," I said grimly. "Her pheromones have driven them to madness. They live only to lavish affection upon her, not caring for their own needs." 

Alluria let out a contented sigh, shifting slightly. The movement caused a vibration that shot through our surroundings, reminding me of how vulnerable we were in the face of her immensity. 

"My darlings, you spoil me so," Alluria purred, a smug smile crossing her lips. “Oohh, those on my left nipple, I like the energy. Keep it up and I might actually feel something soon.”

The worshippers cried out in ecstasy at her words, redoubling their efforts to please their goddess.

Ryemi stared at the scene in horror. I saw the mix of emotions that flickered through her eyes: disgust, sorrow and even anger.

“This is our world now, this is what humanity has been reduced to,” I told Ryemi sadly.

Sitting with my back facing the pair of gigantic tits, I tried not to get distracted by the writhing mass of humanity on Alluria's nipples, each poor slave driven to elation by their unceasing worship. 

"Time for a change of shift, my sweet cuties," Alluria announced as she repositioned her ass. The ground rumbled beneath her tremendous backside, flattening mountains and forests effortlessly in the process. "You've worked so hard all night; I'd hate for any of you to drop dead from exhaustion."

As she spoke, she stretched out her colossal fingertip, placing it right next to her nipple like a landing platform. The slaves hesitated for a moment, their adoration making it difficult to pull away from their task.

“Hmm?” Alluria raised her eyebrow. “I appreciate your devotion, darlings, but the sadness would just eat me up from the inside if anything were to happen to any of you. Please go get some rest? For me?” She chided in a soothing voice.

Finally, Alluria's apparent concern for their well-being had them reluctantly climbing onto her finger.

"Thank you, my darlings. You've all done such a wonderful job," Alluria praised in a sweet tone as her finger was loaded with crowds of grateful slaves. Then, with meticulous care, she lowered them back down to the ground, ensuring they safely alight before turning her attention elsewhere.

With her other finger, she reached down to the middle of the settlement to retrieve a new set of eager slaves, the men practically fighting to get on her massive fingertip.

Lifting her finger back up, she observed the hundreds of passengers on her skin, their microbial forms barely noticeable to someone of her stature. Their eyes shone with anticipation as the finger rose higher and higher, granting them an enticing view of their goddess's now vacant nipple.

"Work hard and delight me, my dears," Alluria encouraged them in a charming voice. “And remember: no venturing into the milk ducts. I will really get mad this time if any of you get lost in there again.”

Nodding her head at the passionate response from her subjects, she finally brought her finger towards the grand pink mountain that was her nipple. The men practically ran each other over as they scrambled to pleasure the divine nipple, their lives reduced to a singular purpose.

As this fresh group began their fervent worship, Ryemi and I exchanged troubled glances. It was clear that staying near Alluria's bosom would only expose us to more danger, but our options were painfully limited. We needed a plan and fast, for who knew what torment awaited us the longer we stayed on Alluria’s dangerous body.

The minutes began ticking away. The temperature around us was rising steadily, the goddess beginning to sweat from the heat as the sun fully came up. Each bead of sweat was the size of a substantial pond, threatening to sweep us away if we weren't careful.

Weaving carefully through the landscape of skin, we managed to find a nook in the hollow of her collarbone where the sweat wouldn't reach. It offered a momentary respite, but the fragrance of Alluria's perspiration was overpowering even from here. 

Ryemi wrinkled her nose in disgust. "How can anyone worship a being like this?" she asked incredulously. "She treats humans as nothing more than toys!" 

Her furious tone mirrored my own feelings. What had the world come to, that so many people would become mere possessions of a sadistic and capricious goddess like Alluria? 

I shook my head, at a loss for words. There seemed no good answer for the madness we now lived in.

The heat was becoming unbearable as Alluria's body temperature rose even higher. Before long, I started to feel lightheaded and dizzy, my thoughts growing hazy. Alluria's pheromones - they were affecting me even from here. I urgently covered my nose and mouth with my shirt, trying desperately to block out her intoxicating scent. 

Ryemi glanced at me in concern, noticing my deteriorating state. "Ren, are you alright?" 

I clutched my head in pain, panic seeping into my thoughts. If I lost myself to Alluria's scent, there would be no escape from this hellish place. I would be doomed to remain as the goddess's plaything forever. 

Ryemi's eyes widened with understanding. Without another word, she pulled me close against her chest in a tight embrace.

“Wha-?” I exclaimed in surprise, my voice coming out muffled as my face was pressed into my companion’s bosom.

The sweet scent of Ryemi surrounded me, suffusing my senses with a comforting warmth. For some reason, it seemed to dispel the effects of Alluria’s pheromones, overriding my mind with vivid images of Ryemi instead.

Slowly but surely, I could feel Alluria's influence fading, replaced by an inexplicable sense of attraction towards Ryemi. My entire world was Ryemi, I would live for Ryemi, die for Ryemi. Ryemi was my everything-

Ryemi abruptly pushed me away, sending me rolling backwards as I hit my head on a section of Alluria’s humongous collar bone.

“Ouch!” I screamed in pain. Blinking my eyes repeatedly, I looked around in confusion, clarity gradually returning to my mind. I cringed as I recalled the weird thoughts that were circulating in my head just moments ago.

Did I really just think all that about Ryemi? A girl who was decades younger than me?

“Are you alright? Sorry… I think I went too far,” Ryemi apologized as she rushed over to my side, her eyes wide with concern.

“What did you do?” I asked hastily, trying to make sense of what just transpired.

“Um…” Ryemi hesitated, averting her eyes away from mine, “remember when you promised not to ask me anything I wasn’t comfortable with answering?”

“More secrets I see…” I grumbled, getting back to my feet. “But I guess you did just save me… I have no idea what you did, but please don’t ever do that again unless it’s an emergency.”

“Yes, I promise,” Ryemi affirmed, heaving a sigh of relief.

I shook my head and took a deep breath, trying to clear the remnants of lust and infatuation from my mind. We had more pressing matters to attend to, like finding a way off this giantess. 

Surveying my surroundings, I observed the potential paths we could take. Her armpits were the closest, but the dense concentration of sweat glands there would overwhelm us with her pheromones, robbing us of our sanity. 

Her cleavage wasn't too far either, but traversing the valley between her breasts would expose us to her scent for an extended period, leading to a similar problem. 

I even considered heading towards her neck, but I’ve heard from somewhere that the nape of the neck had an abundance of sweat glands as well. Also, it was in the wrong direction: we were trying to go down, not up.

In the end, there was only one viable option. "We'll have to wait until Alluria lies down and rests. That's the only time the strength of her pheromones will diminish enough for us to climb down without losing our minds. It will also make for an easier descent if her body is lying flat and motionless," I concluded with a frown. 

"But... how long will that take?" Ryemi asked anxiously. "And where would we even hide until then? We would be doomed if she so much as scratches an itch at the wrong place!" 

"I know, it's a gamble. But it's our best shot at escaping this place," I said in resignation. Sighing, I clasped Ryemi’s delicate hand in mine, hoping to alleviate her fears. "We've made it this far. Let’s just hope that our luck holds strong all the way until we get off this enormous woman." 

Though Ryemi still seemed apprehensive, she nodded hesitantly. “Alright...”

Alluria, huh? She’s always been a rather whimsical one, the kind that’s always dancing to her own tune. No matter how much knowledge I possess, it’s still very difficult for me to predict what she will do.

For the most part, she just does whatever amuses her the most at that very moment. But with both immortality and power, chasing the next thrill becomes increasingly difficult the longer one lives. I can’t blame her for choosing such a lifestyle though. A goddess’s long life is often filled with mundanity and idleness.

My apologies for rambling. I suppose a human such as yourself wouldn’t care much about our problems. You have your hands full fighting tooth and nail for your own survival, after all.

How enviable.

Alluria, Goddess of Love

Age: 12,018

Height: 97.7km (1.65m at human size)

Powers: Humans fall madly in love with her from exposure to her pheromones, males are especially susceptible to this.

Kill Count: 2,104 since the start of this cycle. Extremely practiced and meticulous when tormenting humans, she rarely kills anyone by accident. She only ever kills when an amusing or creative idea of doing so strikes her mind, but those events are rather infrequent.

Settlement Population: 91,001,927, of which the majority are former citizens of Heizhou. Due to Alluria’s power, she managed to subjugate the entire region of Heizhou with barely any resistance from the inhabitants, so the majority of its citizens are still alive.

The ground quaked violently beneath us, nearly catapulting us off the goddess’s smooth collarbone. My heart hammered in my chest as I gripped onto the immense folds of skin for dear life, praying that I would not be thrown off. Beside me, Ren gritted his teeth and scrambled to find purchase, intense concentration evident on his tense face. 

Alluria's fingers closed around the boundless expanse of black fabric as she slowly lifted it up, causing another devastating tremor to run through her body. I squeezed my eyes shut, barely daring to breathe as her other hand came up and pulled her dress over her enormous boobs. The ground tilted dangerously, and I cried out as I slid several inches down her collarbone. 

Ren grasped my arm just in time, pulling me back up. "Hold on!" he shouted, wrapping an arm around my waist. I clung to him gratefully, hoping that his strong grip would be sufficient to keep us both secure.

We were struggling to survive, solely due to the fact that Alluria was currently in the process of getting dressed. Just that was enough to throw our surroundings into complete disarray, making me feel just how insurmountable the disparity in our statures was.

The tremors grew more violent and frequent as Alluria adjusted her dress, the unbelievable magnitude of her movements threatening to send us tumbling to our deaths at any moment. Her fingers brushed against her monumental chest as she straightened the neckline, the resulting shockwave buffeting our surroundings harshly. 

I screamed, my heart leaping into my throat. Below us was a drop of countless miles to the ground. If we fell from this height, there would be no surviving. 

Somehow, Ren managed to hook his legs around one of the ridges in her flesh, anchoring us in place. My arms were wrapped tightly around his torso, our lives now entirely dependent on his ability to keep his foothold.

An eternity seemed to pass before Alluria’s titanic body finally stilled. I remained frozen against Ren, my whole body trembling from the adrenaline and terror coursing through my veins. 

We were safe, but I now fully understood the miserable truth: Our lives were not in our hands. Not as long as we remained on Alluria’s overgrown body. It was completely up to luck whether we lived or we died. She could end our lives with a single careless movement, and there was nothing we could do to stop her. We were well and truly at her mercy.

Alluria's melodious voice boomed above us, shattering my thoughts. "How do I look, my darlings? Do you like my dress?" 

I glanced up to see her gazing down at the ground expectantly, her violet eyes gleaming as she posed. From this high up, I could not hear the responses of the millions of slaves below, but I imagined that they were probably singing her praises with vigor.

A pleased grin spread across Alluria's face, her eyes crinkling. "Why thank you! I'm glad you guys like it, I wore it just for you!" She paused, tapping a finger against her chin pensively. "Perhaps I'll give you a reward for being so sweet…"

Alluria's voice trailed off, the unpredictable goddess momentarily lost in thought. Meanwhile, Ren and I took the opportunity to catch our breaths, our chests heaving with effort. The world had stopped shaking for now, providing us with a much needed respite.

"Ryemi," Ren called out to me, his voice laced with concern, "are you alright?"

I managed a weak nod, wiping the sweat from my brow. "Yeah, I'm okay. Just a bit shaken up."

Ren's green eyes searched my face, his expression filled with worry. It was strange to think that we had only met today, yet here we were, cooperating to stay alive on the collarbone of a giant goddess. Our lives had become inexplicably intertwined, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with him.

"Are you hurt anywhere?" Ren asked, inspecting my body for any injuries.

"No, no," I assured him hastily. "I'm fine, really. I just need a moment to catch my breath."

As I spoke, I could see the relief flooding Ren's features. Despite our precarious situation, it was comforting to have someone reliable by my side. In our short time together, we had faced insurmountable odds together, and the growing bond between us was undeniable.

"Alright then," Ren said finally, offering a small smile. "Let's stay alert and be ready for whatever comes next."

As we braced ourselves for the unknown, I couldn't help but feel slightly guilty. I had been evasive with Ren about my powers. He had asked me questions, and I had dodged them, unsure of how much I could trust him. Yet, here he was, concerned for me and risking his life to protect me.

My mom always cautioned me to keep my powers secret and to use them sparingly. Her words echoed in my mind, a constant reminder of the danger that revealing too much could bring.

Still, there was something about Ren that seemed profound. As I studied his features, taking in the sharp lines of his jaw and the kindness in his eyes, I felt like I could trust him. He might not understand the depths of my abilities, but he still treated me like a normal girl. 

Ren's turquoise hair was disheveled, falling across his forehead in a casual style that belied his usual precision. The pale green of his irises seemed to glow in the dim light, like twin beacons guiding me forward. His hands were calloused from years of hard work, yet they handled me with a gentleness I have rarely known. 

Everything about Ren radiated strength and compassion in equal measure. I couldn’t even imagine getting off Alluria’s body alone, making me feel even more grateful for his dependable support.

"Ryemi?" Ren's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"Yes?" I replied, trying to mask my deep cerebration.

"Take this time to rest," he said softly, his hand lightly touching my arm. "We'll get through this together."

I nodded, comforted by his reassurance. As we settled in for another long stretch of waiting, my eyes grew heavy and I drifted off to sleep.

Some time later, a violent shudder jolted me awake. The ground beneath us pitched and rolled, nearly throwing me from Alluria's collarbone. I scrambled for purchase, my fingers clawing into her flesh as Ren wrapped his arms around me. 

"What now!" he shouted in exasperation, struggling to stay balanced. 

But this was no ordinary tremor. The shaking grew harsher, rattling my bones and blurring my vision. 

Alluria was lying down. 

As the entire world tilted, I craned my neck downwards to see her boundless back descend, flattening trees and crumbling mountains with an unstoppable force. The ground continued to shake and buck as her body settled into place, sending shockwaves throughout the continent.

When her movements finally ceased, all was eerily silent. The topography of milky white flesh stretched endlessly before us, rippling with each breath Alluria took. The scale of her body was as terrifying as it was awe-inspiring, a vivid reminder of her grandeur. 

Ren and I cautiously peered over the edge of Alluria's collarbone, taking in the breathtaking landscape of her body. 

Her breasts rose like twin peaks in the distance, her tight dress concealing the thousands of devotees and their perpetual worship of her nipples. Her impeccable bodyline drew my gaze, mesmerizing in its flawless symmetry. 

Alluria's hips flared out to either side of her, thick thighs pressed together in repose. Their creamy expanse was unmarred by any imperfection, glowing with vitality even at rest. 

Yet nothing compared to her face in slumber, serene and otherworldly. Long lashes fanned across her face, luscious lips quivering slightly with every breath. Her eyes remained shut, concealing her gemlike irises. 

Almost sheepish under her unconscious regard, we observed the slow rise and fall of Alluria's chest. Though she appeared deep in sleep, it was still impossible to remain calm in the face of such an overwhelming presence. Each breath seemed to stir the air around us, heavy with her scent. The heady aroma threatened to overtake my senses, awakening a confusing mix of fear and longing. 

I shook my head to clear it, clinging to the task at hand.

Ren placed a steadying hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently. His touch grounded me in the present, reminding me of our shared goal. I glanced up at him appreciatively. 

"We should make our way down her shoulder while she’s asleep," he whispered. "The pheromones will be less concentrated there."

I nodded, bracing myself for the long trek ahead, knowing it would be fraught with peril even under the best circumstances. Alluria's slightest movement might send us tumbling to our deaths, dashed against her colossal form. 

Gingerly, we began walking towards the slope of her shoulder.

The precarious path stretched endlessly before us, Alluria's flawless skin glittering as far as the eye could see. Smooth and pristine, it provided scarce handholds, turning the simple act of walking into a delicate balancing act. 

More than once, I lost my footing and tumbled forward, only to be caught in Ren's waiting arms. He steadied me each time without complaint, remaining a pillar of calm even as my heart raced. 

As we neared the inner slope of her shoulder, the world around us seemed to heat up. Sweat trickled down my spine, making my clothes cling to my skin. A swamp-like humidity hung in the air, as if the very air itself was heavy with Alluria's potent musk. 

Ren mopped at his brow, his face flushed. "We're getting closer," he managed, his voice husky. 

I nodded, biting my lower lip to focus on anything other than the intoxicating scent assaulting my senses. My body felt weak, as if it were no longer my own.

"Oh no…" Ren grumbled as we reached the edge of Alluria's shoulder. "Climbing down from here will be difficult."

He ran his fingers along her flawless skin, which seemed even more slippery up close. With the steep drop of Alluria’s shoulder and the smooth nature of her flesh, the descent seemed like a much more precarious task than we originally thought.

I nodded in agreement, feeling a surge of anxiety wash over me. "What's our other options?"

He hesitated for a moment before gesturing towards the other direction—Alluria's armpit. The musky scent was even stronger there, the air heavy with pheromones that threatened to disorient us completely.

"Descending that way would be easier, the skin there would definitely provide more handholds for our climb down," Ren observed, "but the concentration of pheromones is much higher. It could be dangerous."

I bit my lip, weighing our limited options. While descending her armpit would be easier in some ways, the risk to our sanity was too great. I just wasn’t confident that my powers would be able to bring Ren back if he fell prey to Alluria’s influence a second time.

"It's not worth the risk," I said finally.

Ren nodded, relief flickering in his gaze. "You're right. Her shoulder it is then." 

He turned back towards the slope, eyeing it with a mix of determination and dread. I followed his gaze, trying to quell the panic rising in my chest. The angle was steep, the skin slippery—one wrong move could send us straight into the afterlife. 

Yet we had no choice. It was the shoulder blade or nothing. 

Ren took a deep breath and swung himself over the edge, grabbing onto Alluria's skin to slow his descent. I watched him slide a few inches at a time, my heart in my throat, before summoning my courage and following after him. 

The slope was even more treacherous than it appeared. I scrabbled for purchase, my nails digging into Alluria's shoulder as I fought not to lose my grip. Every inch downward felt like a victory, though my arms were already trembling from the effort. 

Ren glanced over his shoulder, concern etched into his features. "You alright?" 

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. If I opened my mouth, the only thing that might emerge was a scream. 

Somehow we managed to make progress, the ground inching closer with each precarious step. By the time we finally reached the bottom, my whole body was shaking and drenched in sweat. I collapsed to my knees, panting as I touched solid ground once more. 

Ren sat down heavily beside me, raking a hand through his hair. "That was too close," he said with a shaky laugh. "Remind me not to do that again."

I let out a weak chuckle. "Agreed." 

We didn't have long to rest, however. The sounds of shouting and stomping boots drew our attention, and we looked up to see a dozen soldiers approaching with rifles aimed at our heads. 

"Halt!" The leader barked. "You are both under arrest. Surrender now, or we will open fire!"

"Shit," Ren cursed under his breath, "these soldiers are completely devoted to Alluria. Her pheromones have taken over their minds, and they won't listen to reason."

I could see the tension in his eyes, and I knew he was right. There was no way we could talk our way out of this situation. My heart ached at the thought of having to use my powers against them—they were victims too, after all.

"Ren," I murmured, gripping his arm, "what should we do? I don’t want to hurt them."

As the soldiers closed in around us, their guns never wavering, I realized that we would be captured at this rate, making all our efforts up to this point for naught.

I couldn't stand by and let us be taken back to Alluria's clutches. My heart raced as I weighed the decision before me. I considered trying to dispel Alluria’s influence on them just as I previously did for Ren, but the sheer number of soldiers made me dismiss the idea almost immediately. With a heavy heart, I knew what I had to do.

"Stand back," I told Ren, steeling myself.

With a deep breath, I unleashed a torrent of fire from my fingertips, aiming for the soldiers' weapons and feet. My goal was to disarm and deter them, not to cause lasting harm. As flames licked through the air, the crackling heat filled my senses, and I dreaded seeing the aftermath of my actions.

The soldiers cried out in alarm, scrambling away from the blaze. Their guns clattered to the ground, rendered useless hunks of melted metal. I breathed a small sigh of relief upon seeing that none of them appeared too injured, at least for now.

Still, guilt churned in my gut as I surveyed the soot-stained soldiers. They were only following their goddess's orders; they didn't deserve such treatment. I bit my lip, forcing back the sting of guilt as I considered the suffering I had caused them. 

"Did I hurt them too badly?" I mumbled, my voice small. I searched the soldiers' faces for any signs of severe burns or injury, hating myself for resorting to violence. They were starting to stir from their stupor, blinking at the seared ground and their tattered uniforms in confusion. 

The soldiers were beginning to regain their senses, their devotion to Alluria overriding any fear. I tensed, preparing to fend them off again if need be. The soldiers staggered to their feet as one, eyes glazed over with zeal. I swallowed hard, my heart pounding. They began marching towards us with renewed purpose, heedless of their injuries. 

I gritted my teeth, raising my hands and summoning twin bursts of flame. The fire streamed from my palms, knocking the soldiers off their feet. They collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony. 

I bit back a sob, hot tears spilling down my cheeks. Why wouldn't they just stay down? I didn't want to hurt them anymore! 

The soldiers dragged themselves upright once more, limbs trembling from strain and injury. Blood dripped from burns and gashes, staining their charred uniforms. 

Slowly, they closed in, hands outstretched menacingly. Their eyes remained dull and glassy, fixated on serving their mistress above all else. 

Panic rose in my chest, suffocating in its intensity. I couldn't do this anymore. I couldn't bear hurting them so grievously when they were nothing more than helpless victims. 

My hands dropped to my sides, the flames guttering out. I shook my head mutely at the approaching soldiers, tears flowing freely. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself for the blows to come. 

A cry of pain rang out, followed by a loud thud. I cracked open my eyes to find Ren standing over the fallen body of the nearest soldier, fist bloodied. He turned to face the rest, his face roaring with determination.

“What kind of man would I be if all I did was hide behind a girl,” he declared in a loud voice as he readied another fist.

The remaining soldiers rushed at Ren, who met them blow for blow. He wove between their grasping hands and retaliated with punches and kicks, felling them one by one. 

I could only watch in stunned disbelief as he fought like a madman, desperate for survival. As the final soldier crumpled to the ground, Ren stood panting, sweat dripping from his brow. He turned to me, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay, Ryemi?" he asked, extending a hand to help me up.

I nodded mutely, overcome with shock at the fierce display of combat, a stark contrast to his usual gentle self. I took his hand, my own trembling slightly. "Thank you, Ren," I whispered, tears pooling in my eyes once more.

"Hey, don't worry about it," he said softly, giving me a reassuring smile. "We're in this together, remember?"

As we shared that tender moment, a sudden darkness fell over us. The landscape was plunged into shadows, an oppressive silence settling like a heavy blanket. Ren looked up, confusion etched on his face as he searched for the source of the sudden eclipse.

It took several moments for us to register what we were witnessing: the immense violet pupil of Alluria, looming overhead like a nightmarish moon.

"Oh my god…" Ren murmured, his voice barely audible. Fear crept up my spine as I stared at the ominous purple ceiling of Alluria’s eye, wondering what cruel fate awaited us now.

"Sweeties, that was such an impressive fight!" Alluria's booming voice echoed around us, her tone deceptively cute and playful. "I must admit, you're quite the entertaining duo!"

Her immense eye blinked slowly, sending a powerful gust of wind towards us.

"You've got some fascinating powers there, little girl," she continued in an intrigued tone as her face backed up slightly, granting us a grandiose view of her monolithic face in its entirety. "I can't help but feel like you're capable of much more than that, though."

My heart raced as I tried to maintain my composure under the colossal goddess's scrutiny. I couldn't let her see how terrified I truly was; it would only feed her sadistic appetite for control and manipulation.

"Maybe I am," I replied defiantly, trying to keep my voice steady, “but what is it to you?"

Alluria chuckled, her laughter shaking the ground beneath our feet. "Oh, you feisty little thing! I adore that spirit of yours. But remember, I'm the Goddess of Love, and love can be a powerful weapon. Don't underestimate me, darling."

"Whatever you have planned," I retorted quickly, clenching my fists at my sides, "we won't give in."

"Such hostility!" Alluria gasped in an exaggerated manner, her eyes narrowing slightly. "All I want is to see a little more of your interesting powers."

“No,” I answered firmly, crossing my arms in refusal. “You can’t force me to show you anything. I’m not one of your obedient puppets.”

A sinister grin spread across her beautiful face as it loomed closer, her enormous violet eyes boring into mine. "Oh, sweetie," she said ominously, "who said it’ll be me who forces you... it'll be your precious companion instead."

My heart sank at the implication of her words, and I glanced over at Ren, who was still recovering from his earlier exertions. We exchanged eye contact, both our gazes housing equal confusion.

"Wha-what do you mean?" I stammered, failing to hide the quivering in my voice.

Alluria let out a melodious laugh, her eyes glinting with cruel delight. "You'll see soon enough, darling. But for now..." 

She flicked a single bead of sweat in our direction. It descended towards us like a giant meteorite, crashing into the ground and sending a massive plume of water shooting into the air. 

We scrambled away, but it was too late. The plume collapsed upon itself, submerging us in a churning lake of sweat. 

I gasped as the volatile liquid surrounded me, struggling to keep my head above the surface. The suffocating musk overwhelmed my senses, clouding my thoughts as I fought against the crashing waves. 

Through the chaos, I glimpsed Ren grabbing onto a piece of debris, his eyes wild as he searched the waters. "Ryemi!" he shouted, panic lacing his voice. 

I tried to call out, but could only manage a strangled cough. The churning waves dragged me under, tossing me about like a rag doll. As darkness crowded the edges of my vision, I felt a strong grip encircle my waist. 

Blinking away sweat, I turned to find Ren clutching me against him, kicking powerfully as he swam towards what seemed to be shallower waters.

"I've got you," he rasped, pulling me along. I wrapped my arms around his neck, relief flooding my senses. Together, we struggled against the ruthless currents, slowly making our way to safety. 

All the while, Alluria's jubilant laughter rang out over the chaos, cheering us on in her falsely sweet tones. “You’re almost there! Don’t give up now~”

Her amusement grated on my frayed nerves, fueling my determination to survive this twisted game of hers.

Ren and I fought on through the crashing waves, clinging to each other as we navigated the treacherous waters. Step by step, we inched closer to dry land, driven by our desire to overcome the goddess’s vicious machinations. 

At long last, Ren's feet found purchase on solid ground. He stumbled forward, dragging me along until we collapsed on the shore, our chests heaving from exhaustion. 

I turned to look at my companion, gratitude shining in my eyes. "Thank you for saving me," I said softly. 

Ren gazed back at me, his lips curving into a weary smile. "Don’t worry, Ryemi," he replied between pants, "I won't let anything happen to you."

His words filled me with warmth, chasing away the chill that had seeped into my bones. I smiled back at him, a spark of hope igniting within me. 

At this moment, his body suddenly fell in front of me. A stab of worry pierced my heart as I realized that he was out cold. Gently, I shook Ren's shoulder, anxiety building when he didn't immediately respond. "Ren, wake up," I said urgently.

There was no reaction from Ren's motionless form. Alarm surged through me and I shook him harder, pleading for him to open his eyes. 

"Ren, please, you have to wake up," I urged, my voice cracking with emotion.

Finally, Ren stirred, his eyelids fluttering open. A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I saw him regain consciousness. But the relief was short-lived.

Alluria's voice boomed from above, her ominous tone sending shivers down my spine. "Ryemi, was it? Do you know that my scent can have rather... peculiar effects on people?"

I gazed up at her towering face, my heartbeat quickening. It was then that I realized: the entire area surrounding us – and our bodies – were soaked in Alluria's musk. The implications of this dawned on me, and a cold dread settled in my chest.

"Ren..." I whispered, my voice filled with fear.

His eyes, now hyper-dilated, stared intensely at the humongous goddess’s form as he began to shout praises of love and worship towards Alluria. “Great goddess! You look so beautiful today!”

The sight of him in such a state made me back away instinctively.

“Ren…?” I feebly called out, hoping against hope that he would snap out of it.

But my pleas seemed to fall on deaf ears. Controlled by the potent influence of Alluria's pheromones, Ren continued to lavish adoration upon her, utterly consumed by his newfound devotion. And as I stared into his enraptured gaze, I knew that I had to find a way to save him – before it was too late.

"Ren, snap out of it!" I cried, grabbing his shoulders and shaking with all my might. There was no reaction from Ren, as if he couldn't even hear me. 

Tears sprang to my eyes as I gazed up at his vacant smile. I couldn't bear to see Ren reduced to Alluria's mindless puppet. There had to be a way to break her control, to bring him back to me. But with the musk of Alluria’s sweat so overpowering here, there was no way I could dispel it with my powers alone.

Alluria, watching my pleas with amusement, let out a giggle. Her smile was twisted and cruel as she addressed Ren in a cute voice. "Ren, sweetie, Ryemi is being really selfish today. She refused to show her powers even though I asked really nicely! Could you be a dear and… convince her?"

"Of course, my Goddess!" Ren's voice was overly enthusiastic, causing a shiver to run down my spine. He turned to me, his eyes still hazy in that maddening state of adoration.

"Ren, please don't do this!" I begged him, but it was like talking to a stone wall. He lunged at me, pinning me to the ground with astonishing force. Panic surged through me as he began assaulting me, landing blow after blow on my smaller frame.

But no matter how much pain he inflicted, I still refused to use my flames. I couldn't bear the thought of harming him. If there was the slightest chance that he could break free from Alluria's control, I had to hold onto that hope.

Excruciatingly long minutes passed in a blur of pain as Ren continued his merciless onslaught. My body was bruised and battered, every inch of skin tingling with agony.

Still I refused to fight back, tears streaming down my face as I pleaded with him, "Ren, please stop! I know you're in there. You have to fight it!" 

He showed no signs of hearing me, delivering punches with barbaric ferocity. I was at my limit, vision dimming from the abuse, when Alluria let out an impatient huff. "This is getting rather boring. Ren darling, why don't you make things more interesting and strip our little firefly naked?"

“Yes, Goddess!” Ren answered without hesitation.

Panic flooded my senses at her words. "No, Ren, don't do this!" I screamed, struggling against his grip as his hands moved to rip my clothes off. 

But my resistance was futile against his superior strength. In moments he had stripped my clothes off my body, leaving me naked and exposed before him. 

Sobs wracked my body as I shivered under his gaze. I had to get through to Ren, had to break the hold Alluria had over his mind before things escalated further. 

"Ren, you have to fight her!" I cried. "This isn't you! She's twisting your mind and forcing you to hurt me. You have to remember who you are!" 

For a brief moment, I thought I saw a flicker of awareness in his eyes. But just as quickly it vanished, replaced by the same hollow devotion. My heart sank at the realization that he was too far gone. I was helpless in the face of Ren’s strength, unable to do anything but endure whatever cruelties Alluria decided to inflict upon me.

Alluria's mocking laughter rang out. "Oh, how precious. But your little pep talk won't be enough to break my hold over your companion's mind." 

She leaned down, her violet eyes gleaming with sadistic delight. "Now, let's see if we can get things really interesting. Ren, be a dear and stuff that cock of yours into Ryemi's mouth." 

My eyes widened in horror. I struggled against Ren's grip with renewed desperation, kicking and screaming. "No! Don't do this, Ren! Please, I beg you!" 

To my surprise, Ren hesitated. A flicker of confusion crossed his face, and for a moment he seemed to waver in place.

"Hm…? What are you waiting for?" Alluria tilted her head.

“Is that really necessary, my Goddess?” Ren turned to face Alluria’s monolithic face.

"Ren?" I whispered tentatively. A spark of hope ignited in my chest. Could he truly be regaining control of his mind?

Alluria pursed her full lips and raised a perfect golden eyebrow. "Interesting," she muttered, seemingly contemplating Ren's resistance. "It appears the effects have worn off more quickly than I anticipated."

I could see Alluria's gears turning as she considered her next move. With a wicked grin, she decided on a different approach. She shifted her colossal body, sitting up and repositioning herself such that we were directly in front of her massive crotch. The overwhelming scent of her sex filled the air, making it difficult to breathe.

"Let's see how well you resist now," Alluria purred as she looked down at us. Her erotic scent wafted over us, and I could feel my own head growing foggy.

Ren's eyes glazed over once more, and his body stiffened. It was clear that Alluria's pheromones had taken hold again. My heart sank as I realized that any hope of breaking through to him had been snuffed out.

"Ren, please... don't do this," I begged, tears streaming down my face. Despite my pleas, Ren approached me with renewed vigor, his eyes brimming with an ardent desire to please his goddess.

"Sweet Ren," Alluria cooed, her voice dripping with anticipation. "Once again, can you please violate our dear Ryemi with your cock."

My heart pounded in my chest as Ren immediately obeyed, pulling out his dick as he approached me with a predatory gaze. I could hardly believe that just moments ago, this same man had been fighting to protect me from every threat that came our way.

"Ren, please, remember who you are!" I cried out desperately, searching for any glimmer of recognition in his eyes. But there was nothing; all trace of the man I had come to trust and admire was gone.

As Ren's naked body loomed over me, I could feel his hot breath on my skin, and I shivered involuntarily. The scent of Alluria's fragrance filled the air, intensifying my fear and making it harder to think clearly.

"Ren!" I sobbed, grasping at his arms in one last futile attempt to break through to him. "Please don't do this! We can fight her together!"

But it was no use. Ren grabbed my head roughly, forcing my mouth open as he positioned himself. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself for the defilement to come.

“Ok, stop.” At the last second, Alluria's voice suddenly rang out.

My eyes flew open in disbelief and relief. Ren froze in place, his grip on my head loosening. I hardly dared to breathe, not understanding why Alluria had called it off at the last moment. 

"You’re so weird," Alluria commented in a curious tone. "You still refuse to fight back, even when you're about to be brutally raped by your own companion. Tell me, what is stopping you?"

I blinked away the tears streaming down my face, struggling to regain control of my emotions. "Ren... He's a good person. He doesn't deserve any of this."

"Is that all?" Alluria asked, leaning forward in intrigue. "Is there really nothing else tying you two together? What is the basis of your relationship?"

"No," I sniffled, my voice barely audible. "We... We just met today."

Alluria's violet eyes widened in surprise, and she glanced at Ren, who was still under the influence of her pheromones. "Is that true, Ren?"

"Yes, my Goddess," he replied.

A moment of silence followed as Alluria processed this information, her eyebrows scrunched in thought. The air around us seemed to grow heavy with tension. What would she do now?

"Remarkable," Alluria finally spoke, a hint of admiration in her voice. "To show such care for someone you've only just met... It's unbelievable."

As I looked up at her, I could hardly believe what I was hearing. Was Alluria actually praising me?

"That is a virtuous and beautiful form of love," Alluria continued, her lips curled into a smile. "One I cannot help but admire." 

I gaped at her in stunned silence, hardly daring to believe she was being sincere. Alluria, the manipulative and cruel goddess, admiring me? It seemed impossible. 

Yet there was no trace of mockery in her expression or tone. She appeared genuinely impressed. 

Slipping on her black high heels, Alluria slowly rose to her full towering height, her all-encompassing shadow falling over Ren and I.

"You have given me a lot to think about, Ryemi," she said, her booming voice resonating through the air. "And so, I shall grant you this boon: I will let you and your companion go free today."

My heart nearly stopped in my chest. We were being released? Alluria was actually letting us go?

She paused, gazing down at us with a contemplative look.

"In the end, you didn't show me your powers today," Alluria sighed. "However, you showed me something far more beautiful instead. Thank you for that."

With that, Alluria's colossal form turned and began walking away, the ground quaking with each of her steps. I watched in stunned silence, still struggling to process the fact that we had survived the encounter with the goddess. 

As Alluria's figure receded into the distance, she glanced over her shoulder, flashing me one last smile. And then, she was gone.

Turning my attention back to my surroundings, I found that Ren had collapsed to the ground beside me, passed out from the mental strain of being under Alluria's influence. I fell to my knees and wrapped my arms around my bare body, trembling uncontrollably. 

We survived. Against all odds, we actually made it out in one piece.

The first rays of dawn broke over the horizon as I crested the final hill, my weary legs protesting after days of grueling travel. I froze in my tracks, breath catching in my throat at the surreal sight before me.

Ithyrminah's colossal form dominated the landscape, her sleeping body curled around the settlement like a mountain range of flesh and curves. My eyes widened, taking in every detail of the slumbering goddess. 

Her long purple hair, topped with a droopy pair of dog ears, cascaded over the hills in silken waves, each strand thicker than large freight trains. Her face was peaceful in repose, eyelashes like forest canopies fluttering gently. The slope of her neck flowed into shoulders that could eclipse entire cities, rising and falling with each massive breath.

I swallowed hard, gaze traveling south. Ithyrminah wore nothing but a set of pink underwear, the fabric stretched taut over her titanic figure. Her breasts protruded out, casting deep valleys of shadow. The absolute scale was dizzying - a single nipple alone must be larger than a football stadium.

My cheeks burned as I struggled to tear my eyes away from her body. I had come to gather information and find a way to free the people, not to ogle a goddess like some hormonal teenager. But still...

"Focus, Ryan," I muttered, shaking my head. "Don't get distracted."

Yet as I gazed upon Ithyrminah's resting form, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement mingled with terror. Here was power beyond imagination, beauty and danger intertwined. Part of me longed to explore those boundless expanses of soft skin, to lose myself in her immensity...

Ok, time to stop. I clenched my fists, forcing those frivolous thoughts away. I was here to help the people, nothing more. No matter how alluring Ithyrminah's enormous body might be, I must remember my purpose.

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and began the long trek down towards the settlement. 

I approached the settlement's edge cautiously, muscles tense and senses alert. But to my shock, there wasn't a single guard in sight. No checkpoints, no patrols, nothing. 

"This can't be right," I muttered, scanning the area. Every other settlement I'd encountered had strict security measures. But here? It was like walking into a rural town.

Bewildered, I stepped onto the main street. Row after row of simple yet well-maintained houses lined the road. Clean windows, tidy lawns, even the occasional flower garden. It was a far cry from the squalid conditions I'd come to expect under goddess rule.

"What is the meaning of this?" I wondered aloud, unable to reconcile this peaceful scene with everything I knew about the cruel deities.

An elderly man shuffled past, nodding politely. "Morning, young fella," he said with a smile.

I blinked, caught off guard by his friendly demeanor. "Good morning," I replied automatically. 

As he continued on his way, I couldn't shake my unease. Was this all some elaborate facade? A trap to lull humans into complacency before Ithyrminah demolishes their hopes?

Yet as I continued down the street, observing people going about their daily lives, I saw no signs of fear or oppression. Children laughed and played. Adults chatted amiably as they tended gardens or painted homes.

It defied everything I thought I knew about life after humanity’s downfall. Baffled, I approached a woman hanging laundry in her front yard, figuring she might be willing to answer a few questions. She had red hair and kind blue eyes that crinkled at the corners when she smiled. 

"Morning," I said, offering a small smile of my own. "I'm Ryan. Just passing through."

"Hertha," she replied, shaking out a sheet. "A pleasure to meet you, Ryan."

Her casual manner put me at ease, so I took a risk by probing her. "This seems like an unusual settlement," I said carefully. "Most of them are harsh places, but this..."

"Ah, you're surprised we're not all depressed and malnourished?" Hertha chuckled, clothespins tucked between her lips. "Most goddesses prefer to keep humans in poor conditions, it's true. But Ithyrminah's different."

My eyes widened at the casual mention of her name. There was a settlement I passed by a few years ago where you’d get your tongue cut off if you uttered the goddess’s name directly.

Hertha finished pinning the sheet and turned to face me fully. "Oh right," she suddenly spoke. "You needn't worry about hiding the fact you're not from around here. We have no laws against outsiders here. Ithyrminah mostly leaves us to ourselves, as long as we stay put and don’t try to run away."

“That’s reassuring to know, but why is Ithyrminah so permissive? Don't you have to serve and worship her constantly?" I inquired, remembering how ruthlessly playful she had been sixteen years ago, when she had first taken over the Republic.

Hertha shook her head, her expression turning wistful. "Not anymore. When Ithyrminah first claimed this land, she was quite… mischievous. She'd force us to entertain her for hours, making us run through dangerous obstacle courses in her..." Hertha paused, glancing around nervously. 

I leaned in closer, eager to hear more. Hertha lowered her voice to a whisper. "She'd make us play in her private parts. We'd have to climb up and down her nipple, which was as tall as a five-hundred-story building. Or she'd trap us in her vagina and we'd have to try escaping before she came."

My cheeks burned at the lewd imagery, and I felt a stir of arousal despite myself. Hertha seemed to notice my reaction, raising an eyebrow. I waved a hand dismissively. "Please, continue."

"Well, Ithyrminah eventually grew bored of the usual power games most goddesses play. Nowadays, she only requires us to perform minor tasks in the mornings to keep her happy, but nothing too taxing. Then she disappears to some secret place of hers for the rest of the day, though none of us know where she goes. As long as we're here when she returns, she doesn't really care what else we do. Life has been quite peaceful ever since,” Hertha finished.

Although I was happy for them, I couldn't help but feel a very slight tinge of disappointment at not being able to witness Ithyrminah's erotic antics myself. I shook the thought away, reminding myself of my goal, though it appeared that the people here didn’t need liberation as much as I thought. At least for the time being.

"What kind of tasks do you do in the morning?" I asked, wanting to know more details. 

Before Hertha could answer, a booming yawn shook the ground beneath us, nearly sending me tumbling. I grabbed onto a wooden post to steady myself, gazing up in awe as Ithyrminah slowly woke. 

A chill ran down my spine at the sheer magnitude of her being. Even from miles below, I could see every fine detail of her face with perfect clarity.

Her eyelids struggled to open, granting me a slight peek at the striking violet irises that seemed to glow against her pale skin. As she sat up, her voluminous purple hair tumbled down around the settlement, creating a makeshift curtain that blocked out the sun. 

Ithyrminah stretched her endless arms overhead, her joints popping loudly. The motion caused her breasts to jiggle and sway, mesmerizing in their immense size and ripeness. 

My gaze traveled up the slope of her thigh, drinking in every curve and dip of her skin, soft as velvet and flawless. 

Before I knew it, arousal coiled hot and insistent in my groin, my length straining against my trousers.

I shook my head vigorously, trying to dispel my boner, but it was no use. Luckily, Hertha didn’t seem to notice this time, her attention likewise consumed by the monolithic goddess.

“I-I need to get going,” Hertha stammered, grabbing her pack. “As for what we do, it’ll be better to just show you instead of telling you. The Dental Brigade will be gathering soon, you're welcome to join us if you'd like.”

“The what brigade?” I asked absentmindedly, too preoccupied to catch her words the first time.

"Just follow me,” Hertha sighed in exasperation.

Regaining my composure, I followed Hertha towards a huge cliff overlooking the region.

The cliff was teeming with thousands of humans, all busily preparing an assortment of ladders, ropes and containers. My heart seized at the sight, taken aback by the impressive but strange congregation.

I opened my mouth, intending to question Hertha, when another thunderous yawn shook the world, cutting my intentions short. I whipped my head up to find Ithyrminah's face looming overhead, her mouth stretching open wide enough to swallow the cliff whole. Slowly but surely, her gargantuan maw purposefully approached us, smothering us all in her overpowering morning breath.

My knees went weak at the sight, awe and terror twisting into a heady cocktail that flooded my veins. I stumbled back on shaky legs, squeezing my eyes shut against the impending doom, hands raised in a fruitless gesture of self defence. 

I thought for sure that any moment now, she would devour us whole. But that moment never came.

Peeking through my eyelids, I saw that Ithyrminah's mouth had stopped just short of the cliff. Her lower lip was perfectly aligned to the edge, forming a sloping ramp into the yawning chasm of her open mouth as she produced a low “ahh” sound, similar to the kind a patient would make when going to the dentist.

I gaped at the surreal sight, stunned into silence. Her lips seemed close enough to touch, the sweltering dampness of her breath enveloping my surroundings. 

My gaze traveled up the impossible height of her face, drinking in every monumental feature. Her eyes were scrunched closed, long eyelashes fluttering as if she was still struggling to wake up. One of her tremendous dog ears twitched, the motion causing the ground to wobble slightly.

Overwhelmed, I struggled to process the scale of her. It was simply too immense, too grand, too much. I was but an insignificant speck before her, my entire being shuddering under the weight of her presence. 

Yet for all her intimidating size, I was taken aback by how gentle and practiced her movements were. The cliff was intact, all of us unharmed. Hertha giggled beside me, clearly amused by my dumbstruck reaction. “Don’t worry, she won’t eat us. We’re part of the Dental Brigade. We clean her mouth every morning.”

I blinked at her stupidly, speechless. “Clean her mouth?” 

Hertha nodded, moving to join the rest of the crowd who were already climbing into Ithyrminah’s mouth. Swallowing hard, I hesitantly followed after them. 

Ithyrminah’s lower lip was surprisingly pillowy and yielding under my hands, comfortable enough to rival a luxurious hotel bed. I slid down its slope into the sweltering cavern of Ithyrminah’s mouth, the humid heat hitting me in suffocating waves. 

The terrain within was treacherous, her gums like massive pink mountains with deep crevices housing pools of saliva. I slipped and stumbled over the slippery surface, struggling to keep my balance. 

By the time I navigated the trail through her gums, my clothes were soaked through with drool. Before me towered a monumental tooth, its surface etched with deep grooves that would dwarf even the tallest human. 

The other members of the Dental Brigade were already rigging up an extensive system of pulleys and ropes along its side, clearly well-versed in scaling and cleaning such an impossibly huge tooth. Watching them work, I couldn’t help but admire how adept they were, skills no doubt honed from years of experience in this bizarre task. 

Hertha sidled up next to me, handing me a heavy-duty toothbrush the size of a lawnmower and several large buckets of mint-scented toothpaste. “Here, you can start working on the base. The plaque buildup there is usually the worst.”

Nodding mutely, I took the supplies and began the arduous climb up towards the colossal molar, gripping the wet gums for dear life. From up close, the yellowed plaque coating its surface was a grotesque sight, stubborn stains that were thicker than I was tall. It really drove home how ridiculous our size disparity was, I wasn’t even at the level of a stain to her.

As I scrubbed vigorously at the plaque, Hertha introduced some of the other tasks people did for Ithyrminah. “There are many other grooming brigades responsible for maintaining the goddess’s hygiene and appearance. The Pedicure Brigade trims her toenails and files her calluses. The Tail Brigade washes and combs her tail. And the Vaginal Brigade...” Hertha trailed off with a blush.

My eyes widened, instantly picturing the monumental task of cleaning Ithyrminah’s colossal womanhood. The thought sent a rush of warmth through my groin. I shifted uncomfortably, hoping Hertha wouldn’t detect my arousal. 

“The... Vaginal Brigade has over a million members,” Hertha elaborated sheepishly. “They are responsible for thoroughly cleaning and... occasionally pleasuring the goddess to ensure her... satisfaction.” 

I scrubbed harder at the tooth, using the exertion to distract myself from the lewd images Hertha’s words had conjured. One million people dedicated to serving Ithyrminah’s gargantuan sex—the scale of it was just insane. 

“Of course, the goddess’s needs are so immense that no amount of people can properly satisfy her,” Hertha continued, oblivious to my flustered state. “So, she has greatly reduced the frequency of her… playtimes.” 

As I continued scrubbing, my thoughts wandered to Ithyrminah's mysterious daily disappearances. Where could she possibly be going each day that would require her to regularly leave the settlement for such extended periods? My instincts told me that uncovering the truth behind her daily excursions could potentially grant me important information. A nagging thought in the back of my mind even hoped that it could provide a clue to Mimi’s elusive whereabouts.

"Hertha," I spoke quietly as we worked side by side on Ithyrminah's enormous tooth, "Do you have any idea where the goddess goes every day?"

She paused for a moment, seemingly deep in thought. "I'm not really sure," she admitted, "some say she visits other settlements to check on them, while others believe she has some secret hobby hidden away from us all. But like I told you, nobody really knows for sure. We aren’t allowed to leave the settlement after all."

"Interesting," I mused, filing away the information for later consideration. Whatever it was, it was important enough to occupy most of her day.

After nearly an hour of meticulous cleaning, the Dental Brigade began packing up their equipment and preparing to leave. As Hertha started to walk away, I stayed put. "Hertha, I think I'm going to stay back for a bit longer. You go on ahead without me."

Hertha immediately gave me a bizarre look and I knew straight away that she was judging me, but she didn't question my behavior. "Um, ok…"

Hotness flushed my cheeks as I realized what my intentions must look like.

“Wait, it's not what you think!” I blurted out, “I really have something important I need to do here!”

“Sure you do,” she smiled wryly before joining the rest of the brigade as they filed out of the goddess's mouth.

I groaned in embarrassment as I missed my chance to properly explain myself to her. Now, Hertha was probably telling her friends about the strange pervert who wanted to stay behind in a giant girl’s mouth.

The next thing I knew, an eerie darkness enveloped my world as Ithyrminah closed her mouth.

Left alone in the vast cavern that was Ithyrminah's mouth, I couldn't shake the feeling that Ithyrminah was hiding something pivotal behind her daily routine. If I could only find out what it was.

With determination, I began exploring the landscape of Ithyrminah's mouth, searching for a secure place to hide until she left on her mysterious errand. Her gums were spongy and moist, giving slightly under my feet with every step. An earthy, musky odor permeated the air, clinging to my clothes and skin. 

After some exploring, I discovered a gap between two of her humongous molars and climbed up to investigate. The space was narrow, but deep enough that I would be out of sight. Perfect. I wedged myself in as far as I could, settling in for what was sure to be an uncomfortable wait. 

Some time later, a rumbling shook the ground beneath me as Ithyrminah stirred from her rest. Her jaw creaked open, blinding light spilling into the cavernous space. I held my breath, not daring to move an inch as she yawned, the gust of her breath nearly bowling me over. 

When she finished yawning, Ithyrminah's mouth slid shut once more, encasing my world back into darkness. I could feel every single one of her footsteps as they caused the entire region to shudder violently, nearly dislodging me from my hiding place. I gripped the squishy meat of her gums tightly, bracing myself against the tremors that threatened to shake me loose with every stride. 

Where was she going? What was so important that it occupied so much time? My curiosity grew with each passing second, fueling my desire to uncover the truth.

Ithyrminah walked for several minutes, the vibrations and sounds of her movements echoing through her mouth the entire time. By the time she finally stopped, my arms were trembling uncontrollably from exertion. I breathed a sigh of relief as stability was finally restored in the monstrous, living cave.

"Hey, you," Ithyrminah's voice boomed around me, the vibrations washing over my body like crashing waves. "How long are you planning to hide in there?" The intensity of her words left me frozen in place, my heart pounding in my chest.

I couldn't believe she'd discovered me. My plan had been foolproof – or so I thought. But there was no denying the fact that the goddess knew exactly where I was. Unable to respond, I remained quiet, hoping that she would simply ignore me and continue on her way.

"Really now?" Ithyrminah sighed, disapproval lacing her tone. "Fine, if you’re not gonna come out on your own, I suppose I'll have to fetch you myself." With that ominous warning, I felt her massive tongue loom over me like a mythical kraken, digging against the wall of teeth in an attempt to get to me. Every fiber of my being screamed at me to flee, but it was useless – there was nowhere for me to run.

As her colossal tongue pressed against me, I gripped onto the slimy surface. The moist warmth enveloped me as the sound of her heartbeat pulsed through the air. I unintentionally swallowed her saliva as it slushed around me, choking on it.

"Come on~" she coaxed, her tender voice still powerful enough to rattle my bones. "Step onto my tongue. You have no idea how hard it is to keep myself from smushing you by accident."

With great trepidation, I complied, stepping out from my hiding place and onto the pink expanse of her slick tongue. An overwhelming mix of sensations bombarded me every time she spoke or even shifted her mouth slightly, making me realize just how stupid my idea really was: My body would get instantly obliterated by the pressure of her voice if she spoke at a normal volume. I was unbelievably lucky that she had noticed me and was now purposefully suppressing her vocal chords whenever she talked.

"Good," she murmured, her satisfaction evident even as I clung to her tongue for dear life. "Now, let's have a chat, shall we?"

With slow and deliberate care, Ithyrminah began to push her massive tongue out of her mouth. Roaring winds rushed past me as the outside world came into view. I couldn't help but stare up at her monolithic face, a mixture of awe and fear washing over me. Her big round eyes regarded me with interest, and her dog ears twitched ever so slightly, betraying her curiosity.

"Arth yoo rarthee to torkh nowe?" she asked, each syllable rocking the warm ground beneath me. Her speech was nearly incomprehensible with her tongue sticking out of her mouth like that. I nodded nervously, keenly aware of how precarious my position was on her enormous tongue.

"Owkeh," she replied. Carefully, she reached up with her index finger, extracting me from the slippery surface with ease. She lifted me up to her eye level, peering at me with a set of highly judgemental eyes.

"Really?" she chided, shaking her head disapprovingly. "Hiding in my mouth? What were you thinking?"

I gulped audibly, feeling utterly exposed in her gigantic grasp. "I... um…" I stammered, struggling to figure out what to say in response.

Her eyebrows raised in amusement, and she let out a small chuckle. "What? Cat got your tongue?"

I stood mutely, still in shock from the entire experience. Summoning my courage, I managed to ask the question that had been burning in my mind. "How did you even notice me? I'm so small compared to you."

Ithyrminah giggled cutely, a sound that resounded through my very being. "Listen here, stupid," she said with a grin, "my senses are way stronger than a normal goddess’s. I can feel every sensation on my body, no matter how small."

"I see…" I muttered, suddenly feeling even more pathetic in her presence.

She flashed a cheeky smile as she spoke again, "now it’s your turn to answer. What were you doing in my mouth?"

"Uh, well..." I hesitated, debating whether or not to tell her the truth.

Ithyrminah's eyes narrowed, her face taking on a contemplative look. "Come on now, don't be shy. Don’t tell me… you were hoping to get eaten by me?"

My face flushed hot with embarrassment. "What? That's not it at all!" I protested vehemently. 

She smirked, clearly enjoying my discomfort. "Oh really? Then what were you doing hiding there, little human?" 

I squirmed under the intensity of her gaze, scrambling for an excuse that didn't reveal my true objective. "I, um... I just…"

Ithyrminah threw her head back and laughed, the impactful soundwaves nearly rupturing my eardrums. "Admit it," she leaned in closer, her massive eyes glinting mischievously. "You have a giantess fetish, don't you? You can’t help but want to get swallowed by a big, powerful goddess like myself."

"What? No!" I denied again, my face burning bright red. 

"Come on, there's no need to be shy," she purred silkily. "I get humans like you approaching me all the time for such things. I guess I really am just that irresistible, aren’t I?"

I shook my head vigorously. Her mocking was unbearable, but revealing the real reason I snuck into her mouth was probably not a good idea.

"I’m being serious, by the way," Ithyrminah said playfully, "there have been many others like you who tried to sneak onto various parts of my body, hoping for an unforgettable experience."

As she spoke, I couldn't help but feel even more humiliated. It was becoming more and more evident that nothing I say will change her mind about my intentions.

"Humans can be quite adventurous when it comes to their desires," she continued, her voice teasing. "Some have tried climbing my legs, sneaking into my cleavage, or even hiding in my hair. A few daring souls even attempted to scale my tail."

Feeling smaller than ever, I shifted uncomfortably as she continued elaborating on her previous encounters.

"Anyway," Ithyrminah said as she brought me nearer to her eye, "let's take a closer look at you, shall we?"

As she scrutinized my face, a light blush appeared on her cheeks. "H-huh? Y-you know, you're actually more handsome than I thought," she stammered in a squeaky voice.

Her sudden bashfulness caught me off guard. Was this giant goddess really blushing because of me? Somehow, it made me feel embarrassed as well.

"Uh… thanks?" I managed to utter, feeling more awkward than ever.

Lowering her finger back down slightly, Ithyrminah cleared her throat. "Ahem, anyway, let's get back to the topic at hand." 

She gave me a cheeky grin. "Since you love my body so much, we can have some fun later tonight." 

Her words sent a surge of arousal through me, and I felt my member stiffening in response. I quickly tried to suppress it, but there was no hiding anything from her keen eyes. 

"Oh~" she grinned, her gaze flickering downwards. "You really can't wait, can you?" 

"N-no, that's not it at all!" I insisted, my face turning red as a tomato. This misunderstanding was spiraling out of control, and the throbbing in my loins wasn't helping. 

"There's no need to deny it," Ithyrminah smirked, "I already know how much you want me." 

"Please, just listen to me!" I pleaded, desperate to clarify the situation. But she simply shook her head and chuckled, obviously unconvinced by my continued denial. 

Sighing in exasperation, she said, "anyway, I really have to go now. But don't worry, I'll make sure to give you an unforgettable night later. Just come find me when I’m back." 

With that, she gently placed me onto the ground. Looking down at me from miles above as she straightened back to her full height, the goddess gave me a cute wave.

Watching her breathtaking form from below left me momentarily stunned, eliciting another giggle from the titanic giantess as she finally turned around to leave. I could only watch in awe as she strode off into the distance, the heavy thuds of her footsteps resonating through the earth.

Remembering my initial objective, I tried to follow after Ithyrminah, hoping to uncover her destination, but her massive strides made it impossible. Each step shook the ground beneath me, threatening to throw me off my feet with the cataclysmic force of her movements. 

Gritting my teeth against the tremors, I doggedly trailed after the receding giantess. But every miniscule step I painstakingly took was matched by one inconceivably vast one of hers, making it clear that catching up was simply not possible.

A particularly violent quake sent me tumbling to the dirt, and I stumbled, struggling to regain my balance. Panting from the exertion, I finally admitted defeat, watching Ithyrminah's silhouette fade into the distance until even her towering height vanished beyond the horizon.

As Ren's eyes fluttered open, I couldn't help but observe him with apprehension. The horrible memory of the previous day weighed heavily on my heart, even as I tried to push it away. His gaze was unfocused, still groggy from sleep.

"Good morning," I greeted him awkwardly, clutching my shirt. The fabric felt rough against my skin, a reminder of the vulnerability I had experienced mere hours ago.

"Morning," Ren muttered, rubbing his head gingerly as he sat up. He seemed to be in pain, and I wondered if he remembered anything about what happened the previous day.

"Are you okay?" I asked hesitantly, watching him closely. I knew that he had already regained control of his senses, but some part of me couldn't help but keep my guard up around him. “You’ve been asleep for the past twelve hours.”

Ren nodded slowly, though his eyes remained clouded with confusion. "I think so. My head is killing me though." 

He paused, glancing around our makeshift campsite. When his gaze fell on me again, I saw a flicker of concern cross his face.

"What happened yesterday?" he asked. "The last thing I remember clearly was being discovered by Alluria. After that..." He trailed off, shaking his head in frustration.

I bit my lip, an icy feeling of dread settling in my stomach. Of course he didn't remember. Alluria's control over him had been absolute. The kind man I knew had been buried deep beneath her manipulative haze of pheromones.

Should I tell him? The words stuck in my throat as I contemplated what to say. Part of me recoiled at the thought of recounting the horrific details. But maybe it was a blessing that he didn’t recall anything, perhaps it was better this way…

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "Nothing happened," I said, forcing my voice to remain steady. "Alluria had you under her spell for a while, but I managed to get us both away safely. That's all." 

Ren studied me for a long moment, his piercing green eyes seeing far more than I wanted them to. I felt my cheeks grow warm under his scrutiny and had to resist the urge to look away.

"Are you sure?" he asked finally, his tone gentle. "You seem… upset. If anything happened while I was passed out, please tell me."

I shook my head, perhaps a bit too forcefully. "Nothing happened. Really," I insisted.

Ren didn't look convinced, but he didn't press the issue further. An uncomfortable silence fell between us. I busied myself with packing up our belongings, anxious to get back on the road. The sooner we put distance between ourselves and this place, the better. 

"We should get moving," I said briskly, standing up and slinging my pack over my shoulders. "It's a long way still to the Republic."

Ren nodded, though his eyes remained full of unspoken questions. He slowly got to his feet, swaying a bit unsteadily. I reflexively reached out to help him but retracted my hand at the last moment, something which Ren definitely took notice of.

Without another word, I set off down the forest trail. After a moment, I heard Ren's footsteps behind me. We walked in tense silence, the atmosphere heavy with things left unsaid. But I couldn't bring myself to break it. The memories of yesterday were still too near, too raw.

I kept my gaze fixed straight ahead as we walked, afraid that if I so much as glanced at Ren, the floodgates would open and I'd break down. What he'd done to me… It wasn't him, I knew that. The Ren I knew was kind, gentle, selfless. But when Alluria’s spell had overtaken him, he'd become something else entirely.

The things he'd done to my body still haunted me. The way he'd stripped my clothes off my skin. The brutal way he'd hit me, again and again, ignoring my screams and pleas for him to regain his senses.

I wanted to put everything that had transpired behind me, to move past it, but it was easier said than done. Perhaps the damage was irreparable. The thought brought an ache to my heart.

After hours of walking in tense silence, I knew I had to try to mend things between us somehow. This journey would be unbearable if we continued like strangers. 

"Ren," I began tentatively, "how long do you think it'll take us to reach the Republic?"

Ren seemed startled that I had spoken. He cleared his throat before replying, "if we keep up this pace, we should get there in about two weeks. But it’s located on a different island, so we will have to cross a canal first."

I nodded, feeling a slight sense of relief as the tension between us began to dissipate. "How will we cross the canal?" I asked, curiosity filling my voice.

"Hmm… Let's just focus on reaching it first," Ren replied, stepping closer to walk by my side. "We'll have to assess the situation and find suitable means of transportation once we're there."

I smiled slightly, feeling more at ease now that I could at least converse normally. Even the act of discussing our plans was enough to soothe my tumultuous emotions somewhat. 

Over the next few days, the awkwardness between us gradually faded. We fell into our old rhythms - walking for hours on end, scavenging for food, and setting up camp each night beneath the stars. 

I continued avoiding any mention of what had happened while Ren was under Alluria's control. The memories still haunted me. But simply having Ren's calm, thoughtful presence back by my side was comforting. I was comfortable with this Ren, that was enough. There was no need to discuss or even think about that terrifying version of him that had scarred me so deeply.

I took a deep breath as we trekked onward. Though Ren never brought up the incident, I knew he was likely burning with questions about what had transpired. 

Yet he remained patient and gave me space, not wanting to cause me any more distress. I glanced at him walking beside me, his turquoise hair ruffling in the breeze, green eyes focused ahead in quiet contemplation.

Despite everything, he had chosen to stay by my side and support me on this perilous quest. I felt a swell of gratitude for him and his kindness.

Before I knew it, my lips had curled into a smile.

"That's the first time I've seen you smile all week," Ren’s remark knocked me out of my thoughts, "I'm glad you seem to be feeling better."

I nodded, my cheeks flushing a little in embarrassment. 

"I'm sorry for acting so weird this past week," I said sheepishly. "I know you are probably very confused about it…"

I took a deep breath, pushing the dark memories back down.

"Thank you for being patient with me," I continued. "I promise to act normal again from now on."

Ren studied me for a moment, his green eyes filled with empathy and understanding. He knew I still wasn't ready to talk about it.

"I'm just glad to have you back, Ryemi," he said finally, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I gave Ren a grateful smile as we continued our journey, chatting like old friends. The events of the past week still weighed heavily on my mind, but having Ren by my side made me feel like I could get through anything.

After several more days of walking, we finally reached the canal… or at least where it was supposed to be. Instead, we were met with a shocking sight. 

The entire region had been flattened into a vast muddy crater that seemed to span for miles in every direction. It was as if some colossal force had simply stomped down and obliterated the landscape. The canal and everything around it was just gone, reduced to a mushy wasteland.

I froze, unable to comprehend the sheer destruction laid out before us. It was on a scale beyond anything I could have imagined. The crater had to be at least a mile deep and stretched from one horizon to the next.

"What...what happened here?" I gasped in disbelief. 

I took a few tentative steps forward, my boots sinking into the sticky mud. According to Ren, this used to be a major canal, large enough for oil tankers to pass through. Now it was a dead zone, devoid of even a shred of nature.

Ren's face was grim as he surveyed the devastation. "This was no natural disaster," he said. "The only thing capable of this kind of wanton destruction is a goddess. One probably stepped on the canal without even noticing it."

I shuddered, images of Alluria's towering form flashing through my mind. If she could turn an entire continent into her personal playground, then flattening a canal would be child's play for her. 

"Well, at least this makes things easier for us," Ren pointed out. "Now we don't have to find a boat to cross the canal. We can just walk straight through instead."

“That’s true,” I agreed. “Although… given the state of the terrain, it doesn’t exactly look like a walk in the park either.”

"Well, beggars can’t be choosers," he joked, sliding into the crater. “Come on, let’s get a move on before it gets dark.”

The trek through the muddy wasteland was slow and arduous. With each step, our feet sank knee-deep into the thick, gloopy mud. More than once, I nearly lost my shoe as it got sucked into the mire. But Ren stayed by my side the whole time, keeping me steady whenever I stumbled. 

By the time we finally emerged on the other side, both of us were caked in mud from head to toe. Yet as I looked back at the miles of mud we had just traversed, a small smile crossed my lips.

“Wow we really did it…” I gasped, surprised that we had made it across before nightfall.

“See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Ren chuckled, his white teeth contrasting comically against the backdrop of his muddy face. I found it hard to stifle my laughter the moment I saw it.

As it got dark, we quickly washed up as best as we could in a nearby spring. Only a few more days, we would reach Vivre. Then the very next stop after that would be my destination, the Republic.

We continued walking for several more days, the journey becoming more taxing as we entered increasingly mountainous terrain. My legs ached from the endless hiking, but I pushed on, knowing that we were making good progress. 

Finally, after conquering a particularly steep ridge, Vivre came into view in the valley below. But the sight that greeted us was far from what I expected.

"No way..." I gasped incredulously, my eyes widening in disbelief. 

Where a bustling city once stood, now only ruins and rubble remained. The buildings were reduced to crumbling skeletons, the streets deserted. An eerie silence hung over the entire valley, punctuated only by the whistling mountain winds.

But most shocking of all was the massive form that dominated the landscape - the naked body of a goddess, peacefully asleep. She was so colossal that her torso alone was wider than the entire city. I craned my neck up, struggling to take in the sheer scale of the divine being. She had short black hair adorned with a pair of Oni horns, the stratospheric height of her resting head made it difficult for us to see her face properly even though we were currently standing on a literal mountain.

"Is this… Vivre? It looks even worse than Alluria’s settlement did… Is there anyone even living here?" I murmured as I turned my attention towards the dilapidated country below.

We picked our way carefully down the mountain pass and into the valley below. Up close, the extent of the destruction became even clearer. Not a single building remained intact, only piles of debris everywhere. Strange encampments dotted the landscape, cluttered with ragged belongings all lying out in the open, without a single tent or shelter in sight.

As we walked among the ruins in shocked silence, I noticed the faces of the inhabitants peeking out from the shadows. They regarded us with suspicion and hostility, their eyes sunken and hollow.

I shuddered at the hostile stares, feeling uneasy. These people seemed more feral than human.

Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream pierced the air. I whirled around to see two men wrestling violently on the ground nearby. One had his jaws clamped around the other's neck, teeth tearing viciously into flesh as blood spurted.

The sight made my stomach churn. "What are they doing?!"

More screams erupted as the settlement dissolved into chaos. All around us, people were attacking each other with fingernails and teeth, faces contorted in barbaric fury. The guttural sounds of ripping flesh and splintering bones filled the air. 

I watched in horror, unable to comprehend the depraved violence unfolding before my eyes. These were not ordinary fights - this was raw, animalistic violence.

"Stop! Please stop!" I cried out futilely. My pleas went unheard over the carnage.

Why were they doing this? Fighting over scarce resources? Territory? I searched the faces of the blood-soaked savages desperately, looking for some glimmer of humanity. But all I could see was vicious primal instinct, as if they had shed the last vestiges of civilization.

I wanted to weep at the injustice of it all. But more than anything, I burned with the urgent need to stop this senseless slaughter.

I took a step forward, ready to throw myself into the fray, but a firm hand gripped my shoulder.

"Don't," Ren said, his voice tinged with sadness. "We shouldn’t interfere, we have no idea how they’ll react."

I whipped around, glaring at him. "So we just stand by and let them tear each other apart?!" 

Ren held my gaze steadily. In his eyes, I saw the same anguish that raged inside me. 

"I know it's difficult, but we must think rationally," he said. "We know too little about what is going on, and there are far too many of them for us to stop. Any intervention now would only make things worse."

His calm reasoning doused my impulsive anger like a bucket of ice water. He was right - as much as it pained me, there was nothing I could do to stop the bloodshed. Still, the realization crushed me. Once again, I was just a powerless bystander.

I blinked back furious tears as I watched a burly man rip out his victim's jugular with his teeth. Blood fountained, yet no one reacted. This was business as usual for them.

How could the world come to this? It was too much to take in. All I ever wanted was to help people, but now it seemed violence and cruelty waited around every corner. Would we ever find a place where humanity still thrived? 

The sounds of slaughter faded as I retreated into my thoughts. If… maybe if I used my power I could…

I suddenly remembered my mom’s warnings. Not only would using too much of my power threaten my own life, it would also attract the unwanted attention of dangerous goddesses, including the one currently sleeping carefreely right in front of us.

I turned my gaze upwards, taking in the majestic form of the slumbering goddess. She lay on her back, her smooth skin glowing in the morning light. She slept so soundly, an aura of serenity surrounded her. 

It was hard to comprehend the juxtaposition between the goddess’s relaxing demeanor and the hellish carnage that had descended upon the settlement’s inhabitants. I wondered if she was even aware of the violence being enacted right under her nose.

A thunderous rumble jarred me from my thoughts. The sleeping goddess began to stir, her colossal body shifting languidly. Immediately, the sounds of struggle ceased. All eyes turned to the waking deity.

The settlement's inhabitants froze, their savage fighting forgotten in an instant. Even those grievously injured ceased their whimpers, dragging their battered bodies into kneeling positions. The urgency was palpable as they scrambled to show reverence before the goddess could fully open her eyes.

I watched in astonishment as a man missing both legs army-crawled through the mud, determination etched on his face. Nearby, a woman with a deep gash across her abdomen struggled to rise, fresh blood dripping down her naked frame, driven by an instinctual terror of the giantess's wrath. Previous animosities were cast aside in deference to the greater threat looming above.

A firm hand grasped my shoulder, jolting me from my observations. I turned to see Ren, his eyes fixed on the stirring deity. Without a word, he lowered himself to one knee and pulled me down beside him. 

Understanding his intent, I followed suit. As much as I wanted to confront the callous goddess about the horrific state of the settlement, I knew now was not the time. For the moment, we needed to avoid attracting her notice.

I kept my head bowed, though my eyes remained transfixed on the gargantuan being. Her limbs stretched lazily as she emerged from slumber. I could scarcely comprehend the scale of her body as she shifted above the settlement, her torso steadily rising.

One careless motion from this goddess could wipe out everything before her. The lives of everyone now rested solely in her unpredictable hands.

Still half awake, the goddess unleashed a yawn that shook the very ground beneath me. I tensed, unsure what to expect next.

A deafening splashing sound erupted as a deluge of clear liquid suddenly poured forth from between her colossal legs. My eyes widened in disbelief as she began casually urinating over a significant portion of the settlement, showing no regard for the inhabitants kneeling below. 

The steamy torrent of the goddess’s pee washed away everything in its path, swallowing up thousands, if not millions of people in an instant. I watched in horror as many struggled to keep their heads above the swirling urine while others simply vanished below the surface.

The oppressive smelling lake continued to grow, flooding the area. The goddess paid no mind, yawning again as her bladder emptied over the chaos below. 

I trembled with outrage at the senseless destruction unfolding before me, but Ren's firm grip on my arm kept me rooted in place. We could only watch helplessly as camps were destroyed and lives were lost to the goddess's caprices.

When the deluge finally ceased, the damage was done. Where millions of people once lived was now a vast ocean. The smell was overwhelming as I gazed out at the massive expanse of urine now occupying a huge swath of land. Steam rose up from the hot liquid, creating a humid haze throughout the area.

Bodies bobbed up to the surface here and there - men, women, children - their lifeless forms drifting aimlessly in the goddess's pee. The survivors scrambled to pull themselves out, immediately collapsing in exhaustion on whatever dry ground they could find. But they recovered just as quickly, returning to their previous kneeling positions as if nothing had happened at all, their bare bodies dripping wet with urine.

I clenched my fists, fury and helplessness churning inside me. This supposed deity had just destroyed an uncountable number of lives on a mere whim and she didn’t even acknowledge it, her piercing golden eyes still half open as she yawned again. Her actions were beyond cruel - they were pure evil. 

Beside me, Ren shook his head sadly, his expression grim. A rage unlike any other I felt before burned in my chest, screaming at me to throw all caution out the window and attack the goddess with everything I had.

I took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to rein in my anger. As much as I wanted to unleash my fury, I knew I had to keep my mom’s advice in mind. She’d always told me not to let my emotions dictate my actions.

I glanced over at Ren again. His stoic face was set in a hard line, his eyes fixed on the ground in front of him. But I could see the tension in his shoulders, the anger simmering just below the surface.

The goddess stirred, her mountainous torso shifting. She looked down, scanning the area below her with those piercing yellow eyes. There was something ancient and terrible in that stare, even as she lazily yawned once more.

Her eyes moved from person to person, ensuring that every single one was kneeling before her. Right below her monumental pussy, the struggling humans in the steaming lake were barely staying afloat, gasping for air and fighting to keep their heads above the surface. Their desperate splashing sent droplets of urine flying through the air, glistening in the sunlight.

"Pathetic things," she grumbled, the volume overwhelming as it rumbled across the landscape, "can't even swim out of a little puddle."

With a casual flick of her colossal finger, she summoned countless lightning bolts that vaporized the struggling humans instantly. Soon, not a single moving figure remained in the entire lake. I winced at the callous display of power, my heart unable to bear the inhumanity of it all.

The goddess finally stopped her gaze upon the few who had managed to escape the lake, their bodies drenched and trembling. They immediately dropped to their knees, faces pressed against the ground as if their lives depended on it. It was clear that defying this monstrous being would result in grave consequences.

"Good," she sneered, looking down at her subjects with an expression of pure disdain. "Remember your place, insects." Her words were dripping with cold contempt, her tone devoid of any warmth or kindness.

Did she really just kill all those people trapped in her pee because they weren’t kneeling?

I clenched my fists tightly, my nails digging into my palms as I tried to suppress the urge to lash out. My heart pounded in my chest and my breathing grew labored. Beside me, Ren remained silent, but I could see his hands shaking slightly.

"Enough!" I couldn't hold it in any longer. The injustice and cruelty weighed heavily on my heart, and I refused to stand by idly any longer. In a fit of rage, I rose from my knees and faced the goddess with defiance burning in my eyes.

"Ryemi, what are you doing?" Ren hissed, grabbing my arm in an attempt to pull me back down. "We can't fight her!"

I tried to shake him off, my resolve unwavering, but Ren’s persistent grip quickly pulled me back down. Ren held me firmly, his fingers digging into my arm as he whispered urgently, "Ryemi, stop! She'll kill you if you provoke her."

I wanted to resist, to stand up and unleash all my fury at this cruel goddess. But the concern in Ren's eyes gave me pause. This was a goddess after all, could I really defeat her if I tried?

With great effort, I reigned in my anger and remained kneeling. My heart was still pounding and my hands still shook with barely contained rage. But for now, I stayed put.

"You two. Why are you wearing clothes?" Just then, the goddess's authoritative voice addressed us.

My blood turned to ice in my veins. She had noticed us after all. But what was with her question? What was wrong with our clothes?

It suddenly dawned on me that every other person in the settlement was completely naked. I had been so distracted by the ruthless carnage earlier that such a crucial fact had completely gone over my head.

Beside me, I could feel Ren tense up. He must have realized our fatal error as well. Our clothes, however dirty and ragged they were, made us stick out like a sore thumb.

I slowly raised my head to meet the goddess' striking yellow eyes. She towered over us, her intimidating presence dampening my fury for a moment.

"I will make things clear to everyone one last time. This is the realm of Zu, Goddess of Thunder," she announced, her voice echoing across the desolate landscape, “here, everybody must follow the Six Prohibitions without fail: no clothes, no food, no shelter, no technology, no tools, and no entertainment."

As I listened to her words, my mind raced with a thousand questions. How could any human survive under such abysmal conditions? What kind of twisted ruler would enforce these rules?

I clenched my fists, barely able to contain my outrage. This so-called goddess was depriving her people of even their most basic needs. It was despicable. Unconscionable. 

"But why?" I blurted out before I could stop myself, "if even food is prohibited, what can people even eat?"

The goddess tilted her head, looking as if I had just asked the dumbest question possible.

“They can eat each other of course,” she answered matter-of-factly.

Suddenly it all made sense. This goddess had deprived all of her citizens of their bare necessities, they lived even worse than animals here.

This was why they couldn’t pitch tents in their shoddy encampments, much less build proper houses, because even having shelter was prohibited.

This was why they were all naked, because even clothing was prohibited.

And the worst of all… this was why they were fighting each other so savagely earlier, because they were forced to eat the flesh of other human beings for sustenance, having been deprived of all food by their wicked overlord.

“This is wrong…” I muttered under my breath, anger boiling inside me. “How can you even make them eat other humans…”

“What’s so wrong about it?” Zu questioned, “I do it too, see?”

Before I could even react, Zu plucked several dozen kneeling humans off the ground and popped them inside her mouth. They were barely even worth a nibble to her, swallowed down her gullet in a single small gulp.

“I’m a fair and just ruler, I follow all the rules I established myself,” Zu continued in a remorseless tone, “I wear no clothes, sleep with no shelter, use no tools or technology, and don’t engage in any entertainment at all. Why do you think it so unreasonable for everyone else to do the same?”

I clenched my fists, desperately trying to suppress the anger that was threatening to consume me. It was unbearable to think that the bloodbath I witnessed earlier was a direct result of Zu's twisted laws. The suffering and desperation these people were forced to endure was beyond comprehension. How could anyone be so heartless?

"Tell me, little girl," Zu said, her eyes narrowing as she brought her titanic palm towards me, "do you have any last words? Even if I am a merciful goddess, I must still uphold my rules."

"Merciful?" I scoffed, "you're nothing but a tyrant!"

"Very well then," Zu replied coldly, her fingers crackling with electricity as she prepared to strike me down. “Prepare to die.”

Zu's giant fingers sparked with lightning as she pointed them directly at me. I could feel the immense power radiating from her, the very air trembling with the force of the impending strike. The lightning around her fingers grew blindingly bright, casting stark shadows across the landscape. 

But I stood firm, refusing to look away from the looming threat.

Her fingers sizzled as she summoned the full fury of the storm. The air grew heavy with ozone, my hair standing on end from the static charge. An earsplitting crack resounded across the sky as a massive bolt erupted from Zu's fingertips, arcing straight towards me with deadly intent. 

As the lightning bolt streaked through the air, I took a deep breath and focused my mind. Reaching deep within, I called upon my own dormant power. I could feel energy coursing through my veins, building steadily like a rising tide. The power grew until my skin tingled and my hair floated around me from the static.

Just as the lightning was about to strike, I thrust my hands upwards with a defiant shout. From my outstretched palms, a brilliant bolt of my own erupted forth, colliding spectacularly with Zu's attack. 

The resulting explosion was deafening, a blinding flash illuminating the entire landscape for miles. A shockwave of dust and debris radiated outwards from the point of impact. I shielded my face against the gale force winds, squinting through the destruction. 

The ground beneath me was scorched and cracked, remnants of the blast etched into the very earth. My clothes and skin were singed, but I had survived the Goddess of Thunder's wrath unharmed.

“I actually did it… I blocked her shot,” I gaped at my own hands in disbelief. Could I actually beat her if I really tried? The tantalizing prospect tempted me, and the urge to stand and fight grew even stronger.

As the dense smoke from the explosion billowed through the air, obscuring everything in sight, I felt Ren's strong hand grip mine. He wasted no time in pulling me away from the scene of devastation, urgency in his every movement. I could sense his determination to protect me and to find a safe place for us to hide.

"Come on, we need to get out of here," Ren shouted over the cacophony of crashing debris and crackling remnants of electricity. He led me towards what appeared to be the entrance to an underground cave, hidden amidst the chaos.

“No! Let me go!” I screamed as I kicked and thrashed about in an attempt to free myself from Ren’s hold. “I’m going to kill her!”

The adrenaline coursing through my veins fueled my senses. I could feel the heat from the explosion still radiating off my body, hear the whistling wind as it tore past us, and taste the acrid residue of burnt ozone that lingered in the air. The scent of charred earth and smoke clung to everything around us, a testament to the power we had just unleashed.

In my high, I truly felt like I could do anything, feeling the intense divine energy swirling in my body. I was not going to let this oversized dictator continue to torment the people any longer. I had to stop her, to put her down and prevent her from ever hurting another soul again.

"Ryemi, stop!" Ren yelled at me, his voice strained with concern. "You can't fight her head-on like this! We need a plan!"

But I couldn't contain the rage that had ignited within me. I wanted nothing more than to confront Zu and make her pay for her atrocities.

"Let. Me. Go!" I roared, my words punctuated by my overwhelming rage.

"Ryemi, please!" Ren pleaded, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. He tightened his grip on me and covered my mouth with his hand, trying to stifle my enraged screams. "We're not ready for this, we have to find a place to hide while she can’t see us."

Against my will, Ren dragged me deeper into the cave, his hand still firmly covering my mouth. The darkness of the cave seemed to swallow us whole as we ventured further in, our footsteps echoing softly against the damp walls.

"Stay quiet," Ren whispered, finally releasing my mouth but keeping a firm grip on my arm, "she might hear us."

My heart was pounding in my chest, every fiber of my being yearning to battle Zu.

As we continued through the cave, we could hear Zu's confused murmurings drifting through the air.

"Impossible... How could a human summon lightning?" she muttered to herself, her voice laced with pure disbelief. "What kind of trickery is this?"

Her words grew louder as she struggled to comprehend what had just happened.

"A mortal shouldn't possess such power," she growled, her frustration evident in her tone. "Control over lightning is my domain. Nobody should be able to utilize it so freely…"

Listening to her confusion brought a small sense of satisfaction to me, knowing that I had managed to unnerve the mighty Goddess of Thunder.

I wanted nothing more than to run out of the cavern and confront the goddess right at that moment, no matter how reckless it might be. In spite of that, I decided to just let Ren drag me deeper into the cave for now. I could at least hear him out first before trying anything drastic, I owed him that much.

Zu is one of the newer goddesses and I have never met her in person before. I do know that she can be a very stubborn and headstrong woman, though. I pity the likes of any human who runs into her.

Wait, what is going on? The information stored in this entry is being erased. But that would mean…

Zu, G=dd$#s of Th=@$&r

Age: 10,*%5

Height: &@5.0km (1.77m at *!man s#%^)

Powers: Conjure !^+$ms, c!&$te =&d manip@la%$ lig%#^^@

Kill Count: 44,23&,#!8 ^$nce the s-@^! of this cycle. Ex+%@^ely cruel, tort&!es and kills thousan*& of humans =%$ly, with m%$!#^= more perishing fro= %^e inh*&ane livi%g *$!ditions in her +%#!lement.

Settlement Population: 48,@^=,#-1, of which the m*&&@%=* #re former ^%**ens of Vivre. Ab&!% half of the =#iginal popu&*%%#= remains, *ith a large amo+#$ of pe=^@e unable to survive the -#$sh reign of Zu.

The mud squelched beneath my feet as I sprinted, clutching Ryemi's slender wrist while pulling her along behind me. My lungs burned with each ragged breath, but I couldn't stop - not with the deafening roar of the goddess Zu still ringing in my ears. 

We had to get to safety. I had to protect Ryemi, no matter what. 

My heart pounded wildly in my chest as we dashed further underground. We were already very deep inside the tunnel, but still I ran, dragging Ryemi's petite frame along with me.

"Ren, stop!" Ryemi cried out, her voice echoing off the cavern walls. She wrenched her arm from my grip, forcing me to skid to a halt on the uneven ground. I whirled to face her, panic and frustration welling up inside me. We didn't have time for this!

"What are you doing?" I demanded. "We need to keep moving before Zu finds us!"

Ryemi's eyes flashed defiantly, her hands balling into fists. "No, that’s enough! I have to go back and stop her! Have you seen what she’s been doing to those poor people?!" 

She made to shove past me, but I blocked her path with my body. Didn't she understand how dangerous Zu was? Did she think I was just going to stand idly by and let her walk to her own death?

"Get out of my way, Ren!" Ryemi shouted, anger distorting her delicate features. 

My heart constricted at the sight of her hateful expression. I had to make her see reason before she got herself killed. Gripping her shoulders, I stared beseechingly into her stormy eyes.

"Ryemi, listen to me! You can't possibly beat Zu on your own-" I implored, but she quickly interrupted me.

"I don't care how big she is! I can't let her keep hurting people. Now move, before I make you move!" She screamed in my face as she wrestled herself free from my grasp once more, eyes ablaze.

I gaped at her, stunned by the ferocity of her words. I stood frozen, unsure how to react to Ryemi's furious outburst.

"Don't you even care about what she's doing to all those people?" Ryemi accused, waving her arms wildly. "She's subjected millions to such horrible living conditions, even making them slaughter each other daily! Why won't you let me stop her?"

Her petite frame trembled with barely contained rage as she glared at me. Her words cut deep, implying that I didn't care about what Zu was doing. That couldn't be further from the truth. I cared far more deeply than she could imagine. Gripping my fist tightly, I punched the wall with all my strength, startling Ryemi and momentarily shutting her up.

"Of course I care!" I retorted, my voice strained. I turned to face Ryemi, my eyes brimming with anguish. 

"Vivre…is my home country. Those people that Zu is tormenting…they're my countrymen," I revealed in a pained voice.

Ryemi's eyes widened in shock. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came out.

I could feel my composure threatening to unravel. "You think I'm not angry? That I don't want to make Zu pay for what she's done?" I asked, my voice cracking as my suppressed feelings spilled forth.

"Seeing my people, my home, reduced to this. It makes me furious beyond belief," I confessed, my hands clenching tightly. "When we first arrived, it took every ounce of willpower just to contain my anger…my frustration…"

I took a shaky breath, struggling to rein in the tempest of emotions swirling within me. 

"But I knew if I let my anger take over, I wouldn't be able to protect you," I said softly. 

Ryemi's gaze softened. She reached out tentatively to touch my arm.

"Ren, I'm so sorry, I didn't realize-" she started.

I shook my head, cutting her off. "No, it's okay. I'm not angry with you. I just..." My voice trailed off.

"I’ve already failed to keep you safe back in Alluria's settlement. If anything happened to you now when I could've prevented it..." My words faded away, the thought too painful to give voice to.

Ryemi's expression shifted from shock to understanding. Her hand remained on my arm, offering silent comfort.

"Ren," she uttered quietly, her grey eyes meeting mine with a newfound warmth. "I'm sorry I didn't see what you were going through, and for making assumptions. I understand now."

I looked into her eyes, seeing the genuine empathy shining within them. It felt like a warm embrace, soothing the turmoil in my heart.

"Thank you," I whispered gratefully. She gave me a small, reassuring smile, and I could feel the last remnants of tension dissipating between us.

“WHERE ARE YOU!” Zu's rage-filled voice abruptly interrupted us, rattling the entire cave and threatening to bring down the entire ceiling.

"COME OUT OF HIDING NOW, OR I’LL CRUSH EVERY LAST HUMAN HERE INTO PASTE!" she bellowed. 

My blood turned to ice in my veins. I couldn’t help but imagine the destruction she threatened, vivid images flashing through my head - Zu's massive feet stomping down upon the settlement, trampling millions of lives in an instant. Plumes of dust billowing up as derelict structures get crushed to rubble beneath her. Screams silenced in a moment as her heels ground men and women alike into the earth. 

The scenes continued playing through my mind, each more horrific than the last. I saw the hordes of fleeing humans scrambling to escape the shadow of her palm as she ominously brought it crashing down. Homes reduced to pancaked wreckage as the entire landscape becomes a flattened wasteland of broken dreams.

Bodies littered the streets - people I might have once known now lifeless and limp. The wails of the dying echoed in my ears, cries of pain and terror filling the air. Blood seeped into the cracks of the broken earth.

And hovering above it all, Zu - her face alight with dark satisfaction at the devastation she had wrought simply on a whim. The country I once called home left in ruins beneath her feet, nothing but a graveyard.

“What do I do… this can’t be happening,” I grimaced as I anxiously paced about in the dark tunnel. My heart pounded wildly, panic gripping every fiber of my being.

At that moment, I felt a gentle touch on my back. Turning around, I saw Ryemi's concerned face looking back at me. 

"Ren, don't worry," Ryemi consoled me, her voice calm and resolute. “I'm going to head out there and defeat Zu. I won't let her harm anyone else. Especially not the people from your homeland.”

I looked deep into Ryemi's eyes, taken aback by the steely determination that now burned within them. Gone was the hysterical rage from before. In its place, a quiet yet unwavering conviction emerged.

She meant every word. This diminutive girl, who moments ago seemed so impulsive and immature, now stood ready to confront a goddess.

I hesitated, uncertainty creeping in. "Ryemi, are you sure? Zu is...she's massive." 

I swallowed hard, continuing. "Her footsteps alone can flatten mountains, cause tsunamis. She commands lightning itself, able to strike down anything in her path in an instant. And she...she won't show any mercy. Not to you, not to anyone who defies her." 

"I just...I can't bear the thought of you throwing your life away against her," my hands trembled as I spoke. "Tell me…can you really win?"

"Yes." Her response rang clear. "I will win."

Ryemi clasped my hand gently. "Have faith in me. That's all I ask."

I searched Ryemi's face, looking for any sign of doubt. But her eyes only shone brighter. She truly believed she could defeat the towering goddess standing outside.

A long moment passed between us. This mysterious girl who fell into my life so suddenly now stood as the only glimmer of hope against Zu's wrath.

I let out a long breath. Ryemi, the girl I wanted more than anything to protect right now, was asking me to let her face insurmountable danger to try and save my homeland. I was touched, and I was scared. But her words held a conviction that stirred my heart. I wanted to trust her.

"Alright," I said finally. "I still have my doubts, but I can see your mind's made up. If you really think you can face a goddess and win, then...I won't stand in your way anymore."

Ryemi's face lit up. "Thank you, Ren. I know I can do this. With you believing in me, I feel like I could take on the world."

In spite of the dire situation, I found myself smiling at Ryemi’s enthusiasm. "Just promise me you'll be careful. Zu is ruthless. She won't go down easy."

Ryemi’s expression turned serious once more as she replied, "I promise. I will defeat Zu and free Vivre." 

Ryemi bit her lip nervously as she came closer to me. "Um, Ren? Can you do me a favor while I'm out there?"

"What is it?" I asked.

Ryemi's cheeks flushed a deep red. She averted her gaze as she mumbled, "Can you...take care of my clothes for me?"

I blinked in surprise. "Your clothes? Why would you need to..."

Ryemi's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, and she looked away sheepishly. "You'll understand later," she mumbled, not meeting my gaze. Her shyness only served to deepen my confusion.

"Alright," I agreed hesitantly, still puzzled by her request.

Ryemi nodded, her face red as a tomato. Slowly, she reached for the hem of her shirt, preparing to lift it over her head. I quickly turned around, not wanting to impose.

Even with my back turned, I could hear the rustling of fabric as Ryemi's clothes fell away. I tried not to imagine how she must look right now, bare before me. The sound of her embarrassed breaths, heavy and deep, filled the cave, making my heart race. 

In my mind's eye, I pictured her slender form, all smooth skin and gentle curves. I imagined the blush painting her cheeks as she stood exposed. Despite myself, I couldn't stop fantasizing about how she might look. 

"I'm done," Ryemi said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. 

I felt her press the bundle of shed garments into my arms, her body warmth still present in the fabric. The contact sent a tingle up my spine. I kept my eyes lowered, uncertain if I could meet her gaze right now. 

"W-well then," Ryemi stammered. I heard her shuffle her feet awkwardly. The air was charged with an odd tension that set my nerves on edge. 

I dared to raise my eyes, curiosity finally winning out. Ryemi stood before me, naked, trying in vain to cover herself with her dainty hands. Her body looked absolutely stunning in spite of her young age, her lithe form radiating an innocent allure. Our eyes met for a brief moment before we both looked away, faces burning.

Ryemi let out a long sigh, her shoulders sagging. "I feel so exposed like this," she murmured, more to herself than me. "But I suppose this is something I have to get used to…"

Her voice held a note of resignation, yet also determination.

I kept my gaze firmly fixed on the cave wall, a tense silence hanging between us.

Finally, Ryemi spoke up again. "Well then, I should get going. Wish me luck." 

With those final words, she began walking away, her petite figure disappearing into the gloom. I heard the soft pad of her bare feet as she turned and headed for the cave entrance. The sound of her movement receded as she stepped outside. I remained frozen in place, listening until the last echoes of her footsteps faded.

I took a deep breath to steady my nerves before making my way towards the cave entrance. The bright sunlight momentarily blinded me as I stood just shy of the opening. Blinking rapidly, my vision adjusted to reveal Ryemi standing just a few feet ahead of me. 

She seemed so small and vulnerable out here in the open. Her slender frame was silhouetted against the sheer enormity of the landscape. I followed her gaze upwards, towards where the towering figure of Zu loomed menacingly over the horizon.

The goddess was of an unbelievable scale, her mountainous body obscuring half the sky. Her head alone was larger than a whole mountain range. Dark, roiling clouds swirled around her knees, tiny bolts of lightning arcing between them. The very air seemed charged with power emanating from the giantess as she scanned the ground with an enraged expression.

I shuddered, feeling utterly insignificant next to Zu's sheer immensity. How could someone as small as Ryemi hope to stand against a goddess of such stratospheric stature? My gut twisted with anxiety for her safety, regardless of whatever mysterious power she possessed. 

When I glanced back at Ryemi, I saw no fear in her eyes. Only a quiet resolve that seemed to radiate from her tiny shape.

“WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU! COME OUT NOW!” Zu's thundering voice boomed out once more, making the ground beneath my feet tremble. Her words reverberated through the valley, accompanied by the rumbling of distant thunder.

Due to their size difference, Ryemi still remained unnoticed at ground level even as she stood right before the titanic giantess.

I stared up at Zu's imposing visage, her horns sharp against the roiling clouds behind her. Those piercing yellow eyes held no mercy, only the promise of ruthless domination. Apprehension churned within me as I considered the goddess's fearsome capabilities. 

Instead of answering the goddess’s calls, Ryemi simply closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath. When she opened them again, I saw a flash of bright light within those grey irises.

Suddenly, she began to grow, her petite form expanding rapidly as she ascended into the sky.

“Wha-” I gasped in shock as my words caught in my throat, unable to believe my eyes.

In mere moments, she towered above the trees, continuing to swell in size at an astonishing rate. Soon she dwarfed even the mountains surrounding us. I gaped upwards, watching with awe as Ryemi's slender frame grew ever vaster.

Her skin seemed to glow faintly as she expanded, radiating a transcendent aura. Dark hair billowed behind her in silken waves while her eyes shone with ethereal light.

When her growth finally ceased, Ryemi stood astride the land like a colossus. She now matched Zu in scale, her 93.1km stature making her only one head shorter than the thunder goddess.

I was utterly dumbstruck by the sight of Ryemi looming overhead, her titanic proportions beyond comprehension. She appeared somehow both powerful and delicate; a behemoth with the beauty of a flower. 

Pretty features framed those calm, determined eyes that gazed across at Zu. Ryemi's hands flexed, sparks dancing between her fingertips as she prepared to unleash her magic.

Zu's yellow eyes went wide with disbelief as she stared at Ryemi’s enlarged form. 

"Impossible!" the goddess cried, thunder rolling through her words. She took an unsteady step back, her massive foot involuntarily flattening a mountain beneath it.

"Your reign ends today, Zu!" Ryemi declared, grey eyes blazing. 

Her words seemed to shake the very earth. Zu looked utterly stunned, struggling to comprehend the sight before her. This petite girl had somehow grown to nearly match Zu’s own height. Now Ryemi stood as a giantess, radiating magical energy as she confronted the goddess without fear.

Sparks flew wildly around Ryemi's hands as she summoned her power. The air hummed with gathering energy.

Zu's shock quickly turned to rage. Dark clouds swirled overhead in response to her anger. 

"You dare challenge me, worm?" Zu snarled. Thunder rumbled ominously through the heavy air. "I am a goddess! The likes of you should grovel at my feet!"

Ryemi did not back down. Magic flared wildly around her clenched fists. 

"Your cruelty ends today," she stated firmly. "You have oppressed the people here for far too long. And I will make you pay for that!"

Her brave words echoed across the land. Lightning forked through the roiling clouds as Zu prepared to unleash her wrath.

Ryemi braced herself, resolute in the face of Zu's fury. She would not falter, not when the lives of so many depended on her. 

With a guttural roar, Zu hurled a massive bolt of lightning towards the defiant girl. The blinding flash seared through the air, only to be met by Ryemi’s own bolt that she threw up just in time. The resulting impact shook the earth violently. 

Far below, I struggled to keep my footing as the violent tremors rocked the very foundations of the earth. The sheer force of the clashing titans above was enough to make the ground buck and heave. I stared up in terror at the two colossal forms wrestling furiously amidst crackling lightning and booming thunder.

Turning my attention back to the fight between giants, Ryemi grappled with Zu, the pair trading earth-shattering blows as they smashed through mountains and forests. Their titanic forms cast vast shadows across the land as they battled. 

With a well-placed kick, Ryemi managed to topple the larger goddess. Zu crashed to the earth with ground-shaking force, her massive body carving a miles-long furrow into the landscape.

Ryemi wasted no time pressing her advantage, leaping atop the fallen goddess to pin her down. Zu thrashed and struggled beneath her, but Ryemi held firm, squeezing the air from the goddess's lungs.

Craters formed beneath them from the impacts of their struggle. Zu clawed and bit like a wild thing, desperate to throw off her attacker. But Ryemi clung on, weathering the goddess's desperate blows. 

The land continued quaking under the force of their battle, and for a moment I thought the continent itself might split apart from the carnage. But seeing the fierceness of the battle, I knew that Ryemi could not afford to be any gentler in her actions. I could only watch with unbearable anxiety as the two titans warred, praying that Ryemi would be able to defeat Zu before irreparable damage was done to the age-old land.

Zu's eyes flashed with rage as she summoned her divine power. Dark clouds swirled overhead, and the air crackled with energy. I could feel the hair on my arms stand up from the static charge. 

With an enraged roar, Zu called down a colossal lightning bolt straight at Ryemi. The blinding flash lit up the land for miles. The thunderclap was deafening even from my distant vantage point. 

But Ryemi was ready. As the bolt streaked towards her, she thrust out her own hand. Another thunderous crack resounded as she intercepted Zu's attack with a bolt of her own. 

The two massive lightning strikes collided in an explosion of sparks and plasma. For a moment, the sky was filled with a web of wild, arcing electricity. I shielded my eyes from the intensity of the discharge.

When I looked again, Ryemi was still poised above Zu, her hair blowing back from the lingering static charge in the air.

Zu thrashed wildly beneath her, screeching curses. “LET GO OF ME YOU LITTLE BITCH!”

With a forceful push, Zu managed to disrupt Ryemi’s balance and wriggle out of her hold.

Ryemi's determined expression remained unwavering as she focused her energy. I could see the air around her crackling, and an intense aura of power radiating from her body.

"Zu, your tyranny ends today!" Ryemi shouted, raising her hands towards the sky.

The atmosphere above her swirled with electric energy as she channeled her power into a devastating lightning bolt, more massive than anything I had ever seen. With a roar, she unleashed it upon Zu, a cataclysmic strike aiming to end this battle once and for all.

But as the bolt slammed into Zu, it harmlessly dissipated across her skin, causing nothing more than a tickle. Zu threw her head back and cackled madly.

"Did you really think you could defeat me with my own element?" Zu taunted, her cocky laughter echoing across the land. "You idiot, my Domain of Thunder gives me complete invulnerability to lightning!"

In that moment, I saw Ryemi's eyes widen in realization. She gritted her teeth, frustration and determination mixing in her gaze. I knew she wouldn't give up, even if her most potent attack had failed.

"Is that all you've got, little girl?" Zu sneered, preparing another powerful thunderbolt to launch at Ryemi. Ryemi's expression hardened as she stepped back. I could almost see the gears turning in her mind as she analyzed the situation. 

In a swift motion, Ryemi crossed her arms and summoned swirling flames that engulfed her hands. With a fierce cry, she thrust her palms forward, launching a massive fireball straight at Zu's chest. 

The sudden change in attack caught Zu completely off guard. The scorching flames slammed into her, making the goddess shriek in pain and surprise. She stumbled back from the force of the blow, struggling to regain her footing.

"You little wretch!" Zu snarled, smoke rising from the charred spot on her chest. Though not seriously harmed, it was clear the fireball had hurt her. 

I watched with bated breath as Ryemi pressed her advantage, unleashing more and more fire upon the staggered goddess. Zu attempted to shield herself, but the relentless barrage pushed her further and further back. 

To my amazement, Ryemi's persistent pyrotechnic assault forced Zu away from the settlement, step by massive step. The two titans battled furiously, but Ryemi kept Zu on the defensive, not allowing her to counterattack or unleash her lightning. 

I realized then that Ryemi was purposefully maneuvering Zu away from us, mitigating the damage to the settlement and its inhabitants. So she had noticed the devastating collateral damage their battle was having! Even in the midst of their earth-shaking duel, Ryemi's wit and quick thinking shone through.

“Ryemi…” my eyes filled with admiration as I gazed at Ryemi’s trustworthy back, the brave girl successfully positioning herself protectively between the raging thunder goddess and the millions of helpless humans beneath her humongous form.

Zu's eyes narrowed as they focused on the fearful inhabitants cowering behind Ryemi.

"Still trying to protect these pathetic worms?" she sneered. "Let's see how long you last!"

With frightening speed, Zu raised her arms to the sky. Dark clouds swirled overhead in response, crackling with energy. A blinding bolt of lightning tore down from the heavens.

My heart seized in my chest as I realized the strike was aimed directly towards me and the rest of the humans.

I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for the end. A blast like that could vaporize everything for miles. 

We were all going to die.

The seconds stretched on. I heard a deafening crack, yet felt no pain. Had it been instant? Was I already dead? 

Trembling, I forced my eyes open. An immense shadow covered everything. Craning my neck, I realized that the lightning had struck something massive overhead.

Ryemi's titanic body leaned protectively over the settlement, shielding us from the blast. Her colossal breasts heaved with exertion, immense pink nipples hovering just above. She had blocked the attack with her own body.

“Ryemi…a-are you okay?” My heart ached from worry as I stared up at Ryemi's boundless face, her expression wracked with anguish. Our eyes met for a brief moment.

But how much longer would she be able to protect us? Zu readied another deadly bolt, laughing cruelly.

Zu unleashed bolt after devastating bolt, the grievous assault bombarding Ryemi's back as she remained crouched over us. Each strike made her massive frame shudder, yet still she refused to move. 

I could only watch helplessly as the gigantic girl endured the torture without complaint. Tears blurred my vision.

"Where did all your earlier vigor go?" Zu taunted, destructive energy swirling around her fingertips. "Can’t even fight back anymore?”

She punctuated her words with another lightning strike, smirking as Ryemi cried out in agony. 

"Fine, keep shielding these vermin like that. Once I knock you down, I’m going to enjoy the sight of your body falling right on top of them!" Zu grinned as she readied another attack. 

It became excruciatingly evident to me that Ryemi was struggling to remain conscious through the pain, but even still her titanic eyes flashed with defiance and a refusal to give in.

“Ryemi…you’ve done enough,” I croaked in anguish, “please just save yourself. Don’t worry about us.”

Whether she could hear me or not, I didn’t know. But Ryemi’s colossal form remained unmoving, her determination as unbreakable as ever.

Zu just laughed mockingly. "Foolish girl! I'll break you before I'm through."

She sent a barrage of lightning raining down. Ryemi screamed, the deafening force of her voice shooting me off my feet as her continental body trembled from Zu’s forceful attack. 

With a final burst of lightning, Ryemi's gargantuan body could take no more. As Ryemi’s legs buckled beneath her, she made one last effort to swerve her body away from the settlement as she crashed to the ground, the impact sending shockwaves for miles around. 

I was flung backwards by devastating gales, slamming hard into a boulder. For a moment the world spun around me.

When my vision cleared, I was greeted by the sight of Zu standing triumphantly over Ryemi's fallen form. She had an unbelievably smug expression on her face, like a conqueror who had just claimed her prize. 

"Finally!" Zu crowed, placing a foot on Ryemi's chest. "That’s what you get for challenging a goddess with your poor powers of imitation."

Ryemi made no response, her colossal body unresponsive beneath Zu's foot. I stared up at her monolithic face. Her eyes were shut.

"Aww, all tuckered out?" Zu pouted mockingly. "Don't worry, I'll put you out of your misery soon enough."

I felt tears well up in my eyes as I gazed at Ryemi's battered form. She had risked everything to protect us. After witnessing Ryemi’s full strength, I can say with certainty that she definitely had the power to beat Zu. What held her back was…her kindness and desire to protect us from the catastrophic effects of their battle.

"Ryemi…" I called out, my voice cracking with emotion. "Thank you for protecting us, I’m so sorry for being this useless…"

Before we all died, I had to let her know how grateful I was. I hated how weak I was but that was really all I could do at that moment. How I wished I could take her place now, to spare her from further torment.

To my surprise, I heard surrounding voices take up my cry. All around me, the people she had defended with her own body were raising their voices in support. 

"Thank you for protecting us! Don't give up now!" a woman shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth.

"You can do it, big sister!" yelled a group of young boys. “Don’t lose to her!”

"Please fight! You have all our support!" came a chorus of voices. 

More and more people added their cheers to the rising tide. The air rang with shouts of encouragement and gratitude. Zu glared down at the settlement, incensed by this audacious show of solidarity. 

But we would not be silenced. Ryemi had risked everything for us. The least we could do was let her know she was not alone. That her actions had meant something. 

These people had been beaten down and oppressed for so long, to the point that they dared not even lift their heads in Zu’s presence, yet here they were, standing strong with Ryemi. United by her selfless bravery. 

The cheers grew louder, echoing through the valley. Zu snarled, casting a disdainful glance at the rowdy populace. 

"Silence, you wretched ants!" she bellowed. "I'm your god! Not her! Do I need to remind you all of your place?" 

But her threat went unheeded. If anything, our voices grew stronger. Ryemi had rekindled something in us - the will to fight back.

We knew just how helpless and weak we were, we could do nothing except place our hopes on a single courageous girl. But if that was the only thing that we were capable of doing, we would do it to the utmost, no matter what the consequences would be.

“Ryemi! Get up!” I shouted with renewed vigor. “I know you won’t be defeated by this giant bitch so easily!”

Zu's face contorted in anger at the continued defiance. 

"Shut up, shut up, shut up!" she roared. "I'll crush you all for this!"

She lifted her massive foot directly over the settlement, blotting out the sun. An ominous shadow fell over us as the underside of her sole loomed overhead. 

I tried to maintain some semblance of composure, but the radiating fear in my heart was undeniable as the cheers around me also quickly gave way to screams of terror.

This was it. After everything we had been through, my insignificant life would end under the heel of one evil giantess. 

Right then, I heard a startling war cry emanate from the side.

Then I saw it - Ryemi’s towering body standing over us. With a primal roar, she drove her emblazoned fist straight into Zu's chest. The impact resounded across the valley, the sound ringing continuously in my ears. Zu's eyes went wide with shock as Ryemi's flaming hand pierced straight through her torso. 

The flames quickly cooled down, leaving a massive charred hole as the Goddess of Thunder staggered back. She clutched at the wound in disbelief. 

"How...how is this possible?" she rasped. "You were finished!"

Ryemi said nothing, her face sweating profusely as she panted heavily.

"You will regret this!" Zu spat, though her vigor was rapidly dissipating. "The whole of humanity will regret this! Killing a goddess… such an unthinkable crime will never go unpunished!"

As the words left her mouth, her strength seemed to drain away. Her massive frame teetered and she crashed to her knees. The impact made the very earth shudder.

I watched in stunned disbelief as the Goddess of Thunder - a being of seemingly limitless power - toppled over onto her back. The ground shook violently and a cloud of dust erupted around her lifeless form. 

For a moment, all was still. Even the wind itself seemed to hold its breath. 

Then slowly, hesitantly, a roar arose from the settlement below. The people were crying out in a mixture of jubilation and incredulity, scarcely able to believe that their malevolent ruler had been felled at last.

I stood frozen, unable to comprehend the enormity of what I had just witnessed. Ryemi actually did it.

The sweet aroma of jasmine tea wafted up from my porcelain cup as I gazed out at the vibrant palace gardens. Roses and lilies in every hue stretched as far as the eye could see, their petals glistening with morning dew.

"Isn't it just lovely today, Mira?" I asked my maid, who stood attentively by my side. "The flowers seem especially beautiful this morning."

"Indeed, Your Highness," Mira replied with a curtsy. "The gardeners have outdone themselves."

I sipped my tea, savoring the subtle floral notes. "I do hope Father returns soon. It's been what, three months now since he left on his latest expedition?"

Mira nodded. "Nearly four months, Your Highness. But I'm certain the Emperor will return any day now."

"Oh, I do hope so," I sighed wistfully. "I miss him terribly when he's gone for so long. What do you suppose keeps him away for such extended periods?"

"I couldn't say, Your Highness," Mira replied carefully. "The Emperor's business is not for me to speculate about."

I frowned slightly at her evasive response. "But surely you must have some thoughts on the matter? Father never tells me anything about these long absences of his."

Mira hesitated. "Well... I'm certain His Majesty is attending to important matters of state. Running an empire as great as ours must require a great deal of the Emperor's time and attention."

"I suppose you're right," I conceded, though I couldn't quite keep the disappointment out of my voice. 

As Mira busied herself refilling my teacup, I gazed out at the lush gardens and let my mind wander. The vastness of our empire never ceased to amaze me - nine entire star systems and fifty-two planets, all part of the immaculate Gaia Empire.

Not that I have ever seen it, though. Being the princess of such a large empire came with many restrictions, and I have never even set foot outside the capital before.

I understood the depth of my status and have never complained about it before, but… was it too much to ask to just be able to see my father a little more often?

I sighed heavily, earning a concerned look from Mira. "Is everything alright, Your Highness?"

"Oh yes, I'm fine," I assured her quickly. "Just... thinking."

"About your father?" Mira asked gently.

I nodded. "I just wish I could spend more time with him. Running an empire must be a lot of work for sure, but…"

Mira's expression grew guarded. "I'm sure His Majesty has his reasons, Your Highness. We must trust in his wisdom."

"Of course," I agreed, though doubt gnawed at me. There was so much about my father and our empire that was a mystery to me.

I pushed the troubling thoughts aside and forced a smile. "Well, no use dwelling on such matters. Shall we take a turn about the garden? The roses are in full bloom and I'd love to see them up close."

I may not be fully satisfied with spending my days confined to the palace, but it’s not the worst. I could just simply enjoy these peaceful days gazing at the flowers.

Suddenly, a commotion at the palace gates caught my attention. A squadron of guards were past the garden. 

My heart leapt. Could it be?

I glanced at Mira, who looked just as surprised. Without another word, I stood up and hurried after the guards, Mira calling after me in panic. 

As I entered the courtyard, my eyes immediately found my father standing by a large metal crate, surrounded by his generals and advisors. Even from a distance, I could see he looked disheveled and uneasy. 

My excitement faded into worry. What could possibly have my peerless father in such a state?

I quickened my pace, barely noticing the guards who bowed and parted to let me through. At last, I reached my father's side, a little breathless. 

Just as I was about to greet him, an ear splitting roar shook the entire palace. “WHERE ARE YOU RUDITH! STOP RUNNING AWAY AND SHOW YOURSELF!”

I froze in terror, instinctively grasping for my father's arm. He didn't seem to notice, his gaze fixed upward with a grim expression. 

Slowly, I followed his line of sight, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. 

Two towering figures loomed overhead, descending from the heavens like vengeful deities of myth. Even from this impossible distance, I could make out every detail of their appearance with startling clarity. 

The goddess on the left had bright red hair tied into neat buns, her piercing crimson eyes scanning the surface below with blatant contempt. Despite her immense size, she possessed an impeccable air of elegance as she floated down from the sky, her white robe fluttering gracefully around her colossal form as she landed.

In sharp contrast, the goddess beside her seemed far more boisterous, tossing her brown ponytail over one shoulder as she peered down at our world. Where her companion was draped in finery, she wore not a stitch of clothing, proudly displaying her bare physique for all to see. 

My mind reeled at the sight of these humongous figures, struggling to comprehend how anything could possibly grow to such an absurd scale. They were like walking continents descending from the heavens, blocking out the sun with their unimaginable grandeur. 

In the span of a single step, one of the goddesses obliterated an entire city, crushing millions of lives under her heel without a second glance. The ground shook violently with each thundering footfall, buildings crumbling into dust and ruin. 

All the while, their booming voices called out a single name: Rudith. They were calling for my father. But why?

“What is happening, Father?” I shrieked in panic, turning my face towards my father.

My father clenched his fists in an attempt to stop their shaking, his usual composure shattered by panic. "They're goddesses," he stated grimly, "and this is war."

War? I stared up at the astronomic beings in disbelief, unable to fathom how we could possibly stand against such immense and terrible power. 

"They are here for revenge, for the victory we won days ago. We had defeated the greatest of the goddesses," my father explained, "but these goddesses ambushed our fleet on our way back, nearly wiping out the entire army. I barely managed to escape, and now they have come to lay waste to all we hold dear."

His words struck me like a physical blow. The empire was at war? And with such gigantic entities no less? Never could I imagine that such horrendous events were unfolding behind the scenes. It was like my entire world got flipped upside down at once.

My father gazed up at the rampaging goddesses, his eyes burning with a silent fury. He placed his palm on the metal crate next to him, running his fingers along the sleek surface. "Within this box are fragments of Genesis's power, the spoils of our battle. They are our only hope now of defending our home… but all who have attempted to harness their power were instantly vaporized." 

He looked at me then with a strange intensity, gripping my shoulders suddenly. "But there’s one thing we haven’t tried yet… I believe the fragments can resonate with a vessel sharing the goddesses's nature. All goddesses have the bodies of young women, so maybe if someone similar to them were to consume these fragments, they would be able to-" 

A deafening crash abruptly cut off my father’s words, shaking the entire palace and sending tremors through its sturdy walls. We peered out the window to see one of the crimson-haired goddess's feet descending onto the continent, landing frighteningly close to our location.

Thankfully, she continued walking without noticing our presence. But it was clear that her actions would soon reduce everything to rubble if left unchecked. 

Seeing a crowd of evacuating civilians, the giantess approached them slowly. Crouching down, she interrogated them in a stern voice. "Where is Rudith? Tell me where your king is hiding or I will eliminate all of you."

I couldn’t hear the people’s replies from here, and I held my breath in anxiety. Were they going to tell her where the palace was?

“What do you mean by south of Castell? Where is that? Hm… Uh huh… A tall golden spire? I don’t see that anywhere!” The goddess slammed her fist in frustration as she tried to understand their instructions. “Your directions are beyond comprehension, are you doing this on purpose?”

The terrified people tried giving directions, but they were meaningless to a being of her incredible scale. The sprawling grey cityscape was indistinguishable to her, just another feature of the landscape to trample underfoot. 

With a frustrated huff, she leaned further downward, her upper body looming ominously over the region.

“Useless… You are all useless…” she muttered, her agitation seeping into her voice.

The next moment, her breasts descended like a pair of massive meteorites, smothering all the civilians into a fleshy paste. A ragged scream tore from my throat at the sight of such brutal carnage.

I glanced at my father, hoping for some kind of reassurance that things were going to be okay. However, I noticed his gaze was trained on something in the other direction.

"Look," he pointed towards the other goddess. She sat on top of a military installation as the defense force battled her, clearly amused by the desperate acts of resistance from the various fighter jets and tanks.

"Father, what are they doing?" I asked, my voice quivering with fear as I watched the scene unfold before me.

"Trying to fight back, but it's hopeless," Rudith replied bitterly.

The planes aimed for her sensitive regions, targeting her clitoris and nipples, but the brown-haired goddess simply laughed in response, her booming voice echoing across the land. It was clear that their weapons were completely ineffective against her.

"Ha! Is this all your puny little toys can do? Pathetic!" she taunted, her mocking words sending shivers down my spine. The hopelessness of the situation was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of impending doom creeping up on us all.

My father cursed under his breath, his anger flaring as he watched the futile efforts of the military forces. "If only our main army hadn't been destroyed by these accursed demons, we wouldn't have to resort to such outdated weapons."

I looked at him, worry etched on my face. I had never seen my father so agitated, so overwhelmed by the circumstances. It was disconcerting to see the usually composed man in such a state, and I couldn't help but wonder how much worse things could get from here.

The goddess quickly grew bored of the army's attacks, feeling them as nothing more than a mild tickle. With a cruel smirk on her face, she declared, "enough of this foolishness. It's my turn to play now!"

Without warning, a formidable stream of clear liquid gushed forth from between her legs, crashing through the cityscape below. My father and I watched in stunned horror as the scorching flood of urine washed away everything in its path, tanks and buildings alike perishing under the force of the deluge. 

When her torrent finally ceased, an enormous lake had formed in the middle of the continent, the steaming hot liquid reeking of her scent. I shuddered at the devastation she had wrought, my heart breaking at the lives lost in her heinous act of relief. 

As if unsatisfied with the damage she'd already caused, the brown-haired goddess dropped to all fours, her eyes gleaming with malicious glee. She started playing a twisted game, trying to capture the fighter planes using her mouth as she teased and mocked them incessantly.

“Ahhh um~” she made a sultry sound as her gargantuan mouth closed over a few of the planes. “Stop running away, come and be a part of me. I know you want to…”

She kept taking big, exaggerated bites at the air as the remaining planes skillfully evaded her mouth by just a sliver. The goddess didn’t seem to mind though, continuing to play cat and mouse with the terrified pilots as they endured near miss after near miss.

"Have you no shame?!" the red-haired goddess bellowed at her companion, smacking her on the back of her head as she berated her. "We have a mission to complete – stop wasting time!"

"Loosen up," retorted the brown-haired goddess, rolling her purple eyes. "I'm just having some fun. It's not like they pose any threat to us."

“I can’t believe you are acting so disgracefully just because Genesis isn’t here anymore! What would she say if… if she was still alive…” the other goddess sniffled, tears forming in her eyes.

For a moment, the air around them crackled with tension. Eventually, the brown-haired goddess relented, sighing dramatically. “Fine. Fine. You are right, we should probably get on with it.”

Clearing her throat, the brown-haired goddess slowly stood up to her full height while the remaining fighter jets scrambled to avoid her gargantuan movements, buzzing around her legs like flies.

“Sorry for cutting our playtime short, little ones. In exchange, let me show you what my Domain of Amusement can do,” the goddess spoke ominously as she beamed brightly at them. With a wave of her hand, the fighter jets were immediately transformed into oversized toy planes. They spun out of control, crashing helplessly to the ground below. “Now, it’s probably time to finish up. If we can’t find the emperor, we should just destroy the whole planet and be done with it.”

My heart pounded as I watched the destruction escalating outside. The goddesses were growing increasingly frustrated with their inability to locate my father, and it was only a matter of time before they made good on their threat to annihilate everything. 

I turned to my father with pleading eyes, trembling at the thought of what was to come. "Father, you have to do something! They’re saying they want to destroy the entire planet!" 

He gazed at the fragments thoughtfully with a heavy stare. After a few moments of contemplation, he looked at me with a crazed glint in his eyes. "There is only one way to defeat them. You must consume these fragments and inherit the might of the goddesses. It is the only way to stand against those monsters." 

"B-But I can't! I don't know how to use that kind of power. I'm not ready for something like that." I cried out as I waved my hands in refusal, eyes wide with terror at the prospect. "And didn’t you say that all the people that have tried it got vaporized?" 

“But the only ones who have tried so far are men, not young women. And besides,” my father replied with a hardened expression, "we have no choice. It is our duty to protect the empire, even if it means taking such a risk."

Before I could protest further, he grabbed me by the arms and forced several of the glowing blue fragments into my mouth. I gagged at the strange sensations flooding my body, an overwhelming flow of information and power that threatened to drown my senses.

“Stop it Father!” I screamed frantically, my arms flailing wildly, “I’m scared!”

But he didn’t stop. He kept shoving fragment after fragment down my throat, until the entire contents of the box had been emptied. “You are going up against two goddesses, you will need all the power you can get! As the royal princess and rightful heir, do it for your nation!”

I staggered back, feeling increasingly dizzy as the world whirled around me. I must have consumed almost a hundred fragments, the tiny blue shards glowing hot in my stomach.

The next moment, I felt my body expanding at an alarming rate, the ground receding beneath my feet as an entirely new perspective unfolded.

It took only a few seconds before my head burst through the roof of the palace, bringing the whole structure crumbling down around me. But I didn’t even have time to register the damage done before my surroundings transformed again, the rapid pace of my growth causing drastic changes in my view with every blink of my eyes.

My senses reeled at the impossible sight before me. Cities were reduced to sprawling toy sets as I rose up and up, soon standing over the highest mountains like they were mere anthills. The world continued to shrink around me, countless civilizations folding into a patchwork of grey as I reached higher into the sky. I could feel the immeasurable weight of my body with every movement, a single footfall capable of crushing vast landscapes into dust. 

Yet amidst the shock and awe, a profound sadness welled up within me. Visions of galactic wars and ruined worlds flashed through my mind, the lingering memories of a goddess betrayed by her own creations. I saw chaotic glimpses of the truth behind my father's conquests, a trail of destruction that spanned star systems and consumed countless innocent lives, culminating in the death of a kindhearted goddess that did nothing to fight back even as she was brutally murdered.

‘How could he do this?’ I thought in dismay as the torrent of memories flowed incessantly into my very being.

Opening my eyes again, I realized that my growth had finally ceased. I was huge. Larger than continents, my full frame reached nearly half the height of the planet. To call the cities that lay below me microscopic would be an understatement: They were so tiny that I feared a single loose hair of mine could accidentally pulverize a city.

…Now what?

The expansive footprint stretched before me, a yawning chasm sunk deep into the earth. I stood at its precipice, craning my neck to take in the full scale of the gargantuan depression that could swallow entire cities. The ridges and grooves were like massive landforms eroded by the graceful sweep of her toes as they pressed into the ground. 

I had been tracking Ithyrminah for days, tracing her daily path in hopes of discovering the secret place she headed to each morning. During my pursuit, I often found myself lost in her phenomenal size and the raw power that allowed her to so effortlessly mold the landscape beneath each step. To be caught beneath even a single toe would mean complete obliteration.

But in spite of that, I kept focused on my mission.

With a deep breath, I descended into the smooth valley of her footprint. The steep walls rising on either side made me feel small and vulnerable, at the utter mercy of this titanic goddess should she return. I quickened my pace as the open sky shrank to a thin strip overhead.

I whispered a prayer that I would make it through the canyon before she wandered back this way. To be caught helpless in her path now would mean a one-way ticket to the afterlife. The thought sent my heart racing, torn between primal fear and an inexplicable sense of thrill.

I trekked for hours through the valley of her footprint, the walls eventually giving way to gently sloping ridges that marked the edge of her sole. I took a moment to look back at what I had painstakingly traversed: miles of earth shaped by nothing more than the casual press of her bare foot. 

As the sun began to rise, I quickened my pace, knowing Ithyrminah's arrival was imminent. I headed away from the goddess’s tracks, locating a deep fissure along a mountain path and swiftly descended into its shadowy depths. 

Crouched in that narrow crevice, I felt the first rumbles of the goddess's approach. The vibrations grew until pebbles danced along the ground beside me. I held my breath, praying I was safely out of the trajectory of her apocalyptic feet. 

The devastating steps came swiftly, my body convulsing from the shockwaves. Dust rained down as the cliffside above me fractured from the force. I gritted my teeth, willing my body to keep still and silent. 

The quaking continued as the titanic goddess strode by, each footfall a localized disaster. I could barely comprehend the scale of each step that passed overhead. My bones rattled from the impacts, dust choking the air. It felt as if the very world was being torn asunder.

Finally, the first foot came into view from my hiding spot, eclipsing the sun. Smooth pink skin stretched over impossibly large toes, standing countless stories tall. Veins bulged beneath the surface, wider than major waterways. The toenails alone were larger than city districts, each able to provide shelter for tens of thousands of people.

As the foot slowly receded, the true magnitude of her leg was revealed. Muscles rippled beneath flawless skin, powerful enough to propel her phenomenal mass with ease. The calf was an otherworldly monolith, every subtle flex driving the earth into paroxysms beneath me.

I could only stare in awe, my mind struggling to grasp the absurd enormity of this living goddess. To be caught beneath one of those planet-shaking steps would mean instant death. Yet even in my terror, I felt undeniably drawn to that devastating power and beauty.

The footfalls moved on, each one disappearing over the horizon. I remained frozen in place, not daring to move, but then the tremors abruptly ceased. Bewildered, I decided to peek out from my hiding spot. 

The titanic footprints stretched to the horizon, a testament to Ithyrminah's mind-boggling size. She had crossed countless miles in just a few casual steps. Yet now there was no sign of the towering goddess.

I quickly deduced that she must have shrunk herself down to human size, implying that she had reached her secret destination somewhere in the distance.

I began cautiously following the cataclysmic depressions left by her feet. The nearest footprint alone was over ten kilometers across, the impression so deep I gave up the idea of climbing down. As I walked along the gigantic ravine, I grew dizzy from just looking at the vastness of the indentation. 

Walking from heel to toe took over an hour. I was just an ant traversing the slightest mark left by her godly feet after all.

As the sun reached its zenith, I finally reached the end of the first print. My destination still lay far, far ahead. Ithyrminah had crossed this ludicrous distance in mere seconds, while the same journey would take me an entire day. The disparity was humbling, underscoring how trivial my existence was next to a goddess.

Hours passed as I continued my arduous hike. The sun gradually descended, casting long shadows across the ravaged earth.

My legs ached from the endless walking, but anticipation spurred me on. What mysterious location was Ithyrminah visiting each day? Why did she shrink down to human size? What secrets lay ahead?

As dusk settled over the landscape, I finally reached the end of the final footprint. In the distance, nestled between two towering rock formations, I spotted something unbelievable.

Lights. Music. The unmistakable signs of civilization. But this far into the wilderness?

I crept forward and to my astonishment saw a massive stadium, the kind that could easily seat a hundred thousand people. Blinding spotlights flashed through the encroaching darkness while the pounding bass of pop music echoed incessantly.

It was a bizarre, almost surreal sight. This ultramodern structure felt totally out of place in the middle of the primeval landscape.

Clearly this was her secret destination, but it raised even more questions. Who built this place? Why a stadium? I would have to venture inside to find the answers.

As I approached, the music grew louder, the beats and melodies of a bubbly pop song.

I reached the entrance and pulled open one of the massive glass doors. Inside, the stadium opened up before me, a cavernous space with thousands of seats wrapped around a central stage.

But the seats were all vacant. Not a single soul occupied the endless rows and aisles. The lights continued to dance wildly, but it only added to the eerie nature of the scene. 

On the stage far below, a group of teenage girls danced and sang with polished precision. Their charming costumes and energetic performance indicated they were idols, but what were they doing here?

I made my way down the steps, their music resounding through the hollow stadium. None of this made any sense. Why build this lavish concert venue in the middle of nowhere? My questions only grew more numerous the further in I went.

I reached the bottom of the steps, the empty rows of seats looming above me as I approached the lively performance happening on the stage. The idols twirled and posed, lost in their own world of music and dance even as I came closer.

"Hello?" I called out tentatively. The idols continued without pause. Louder, I tried again. "Excuse me!"

Before I could say anything more, a rough voice called out. "Ryan? Is that you?"

I turned to see a green-haired man rushing towards me from the wings of the stage. Jacob. An old comrade from the army who I hadn't seen in over sixteen years. We had worked together once upon a time, but had gone our separate ways when Ithyrminah attacked the Republic and I made the decision to continue searching for Mimi instead of returning home. 

"Jacob!" I couldn't contain my astonishment. After all this time, to run into him in a place like this. "What are you doing here?"

Jacob grinned, clasping my shoulder warmly. "That’s what I should be asking!"

We exchanged a brief reunion, but the questions still burned in my mind. I asked Jacob what this stadium was for and who had built it.

"This place?" Jacob swept his arm out, gesturing at the expansive stadium around us. "It was built for the goddess. For Ithyrminah."

I stared at him in confusion. For the goddess? Before I could ask what he meant, Jacob pointed towards the seats on the opposite side of the venue. 

"There. Look."

I followed his gaze, and there she was. The towering goddess who had brought entire cities to ruin with a flick of her finger, now as small as an ordinary girl. Ithyrminah sat at the very first row, intently watching the performance happening on stage. She was utterly enthralled, bouncing up and down on her seat, a delighted smile plastered on her face as she clapped along to the music.

Gone was the capricious and haughty demeanor I had witnessed when facing her colossal true form. Here, she seemed almost childlike in her innocent enjoyment of the show. Her usual revealing wear was replaced by a comfortable beige pullover and women's running shorts, which suited her surprisingly well.

Ithyrminah's long purple hair billowed freely down her back in gentle waves, swaying lightly as she bobbed her head to the beat. The distinctive canine ears atop her head twitched occasionally in response to a particularly impressive move from the performers. Her striking purple eyes were wide and attentive, reflecting the glimmering lights of the stage.

She was completely spellbound by the performance, and for a moment it was hard to believe this carefree girl was the same merciless giantess who had razed cities and defeated armies. I suppose everyone had their hobbies. Who could have guessed Ithyrminah's guilty pleasure would be idol concerts?

“We built this place to hold shows for Ithyrminah,” Jacob confirmed my speculations. “As you can see, she has a fascination with idols.”

That much was evident, but I still scratched my head in puzzlement.

Jacob's expression darkened slightly as he continued. "I first discovered her obsession sixteen years ago, back when she was rampaging through the Republic. Then, I was leading a battalion trying to halt her advance."

He stared into the distance, as if watching the memories play out before him. "She was toying with us, casually swatting aside our artillery and planes like they were mere nuisances. We had fallen back to make our last stand in the city’s center." 

Jacob's fists clenched at the memory. "And that's when she saw them - a group of idols performing in the city square. Ithyrminah stopped her rampage, transfixed by their show."

“Ithyrminah's eyes lit up as she watched the idol group perform, their synchronized dance moves and cheerful pop songs momentarily making her forget the wanton destruction she had been gleefully causing just moments before,” Jacob carried on. "She leaned over the stage, her face casting a wide shadow over the entire district. The idols froze in terror, but she eagerly urged them to keep singing and dancing. When they fled in panic, she plucked them up with her massive finger and set them gently back on the stage."

“The idols trembled on the stage, their faces pale with fear. Yet none dared stop their performance, too terrified of incurring the fickle deity's displeasure.” As Jacob kept going, I found myself unable to believe the absurdity of the story, but I continued listening intently. “Then one of the singers missed her cue, stumbling over the lyrics. The others froze, exchanging panicked glances. Before they could decide whether to keep going or flee, Ithyrminah boomed out quickly: ‘Don't stop’.”

“Her voice echoed through the ravaged city like thunder. The idols flinched, then hurriedly resumed their act. I could see the desperation in their eyes as they danced and sang with renewed vigor, their survival depending on their ability to entertain the unpredictable goddess,” Jacob painted the vivid imagery of the incident as if it happened just yesterday.

As Jacob continued his lengthy recount, I began to understand just how strong Ithyrminah’s fascination was. The Goddess of Nature was completely immersed, all thoughts of destruction temporarily forgotten. As the show continued, Jacob took the opportunity to evacuate the remaining citizens, hastily leading them away while Ithyrminah was distracted. It was the only thing he could do while the idols desperately continued performing. Even as Jacob ushered the last of the civilians to safety, he could hear the shaky voices of the idols rising in the empty city.

After the evacuation was completed, Jacob turned back just in time to see the performance ending. The idols finished on an uncertain final note, their faces etched with pure terror as they realized their lifeline of entertainment was at an end. Ithyrminah began clapping enthusiastically, a wide grin on her face. 

'That was amazing!' she applauded. 'I haven't had this much fun in ages!'

The idols stood petrified, unsure of what to do now that their show was over. Sensing their fear, Ithyrminah giggled. 

'Oh right! Sorry, I totally forgot you guys need to evacuate too,' Ithyrminah chuckled.

With a casual drag of her massive finger, she traced a straight path out of the city, carving a gigantic furrow through buildings and streets alike.

'There! A VIP path made specially for you! Now you can get out easily, right?' Ithyrminah announced with a pleased grin.

The idols needed no second urging. Moving with alacrity born of terror, they sprinted down the carved path without a backward glance. Ithyrminah watched them indulgently until the last of them successfully crossed the city’s boundaries.

The moment the idols exited the borders, Ithyrminah turned her attention back to the city. Balling her hand into a fist, she brought it down hard onto the city with the force of a meteor. In an instant, the entire city was pulverized into dust, obliterated so forcefully that no trace remained. Ithyrminah surveyed her handiwork with satisfaction before sauntering away.

This was where Jacob ended his account, falling silent. I stared at him wordlessly, stunned by the bizarre tale.

I shook my head in an attempt to clear it. There were so many questions swirling through my mind after Jacob's incredible story.

I turned my gaze to Ithyrminah, sitting in the front row of the stadium seats. She was still engrossed in the performance happening on the stage, clapping and swaying along to the rhythm of the music.

It was astonishing to see the mighty goddess like this. The Ithyrminah before me now was practically unrecognizable compared to the apocalyptic engine of destruction I knew. As I watched, she laughed and cheered, her eyes shining with jubilation. Here, she was just an excited fan enjoying a simple idol show.

My bewilderment must have shown on my face, because Jacob let out a gruff laugh. "Not what you expected, huh?" he remarked. "Once I figured out how to take advantage of her secret hobby, everything changed. I had to jump through a whole lot of hoops to even get an audience with her at the start though."

He gestured around us. "Eventually, I convinced her to let me build this stadium. Told her I'd secretly gather the most talented girls from across the land, training them and holding daily concerts just for her." 

I followed his gaze, taking in the massive arena situated here in the wilderness. It was an impressive structure, with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. Clearly no expense had been spared.

"Now I manage over eighty young idols," Jacob continued. "We constructed dorms for them nearby. The girls take turns interacting with Ithyrminah and singing for her from dawn till dusk." 

“What?!” I chuckled in disbelief. “I can’t believe you really went from managing soldiers to managing idols. And eighty of them!”

Jacob nodded, a wry smile on his face. "Believe me, never saw myself doing this either. But keeping that giant brat entertained is the only thing stopping her from getting bored and engaging in more… undesirable methods of amusing herself."

He scanned the stage, before pointing to a petite, pink-haired girl energetically dancing front and center. 

"That's my daughter, Melody," he stated, "she's one of our top idols, despite being only sixteen. Has a real knack for this kind of thing."

I studied the girl intently as she performed. She possessed an undeniable stage presence, commanding attention with her graceful movements and vibrant energy. 

Her most striking feature was her long, cotton candy pink hair done up in twintails that swished fluidly with each dance step. The color perfectly complemented her blood red eyes, very similar to her father’s, which practically glowed under the stage lights. 

She wore a frilly idol outfit, with a short red skirt that fluttered around her thighs as she spun and jumped. The costume top was sleeveless, showcasing her slender arms. 

Despite her petite frame, Melody's dancing radiated strength and precision. Each step and gesture was executed flawlessly, reflecting years of rigorous training.

As the music reached a crescendo, Melody launched into a series of rapid, synchronized moves in perfect time with the other dancers. Her twintails whipped through the air wildly as she performed a series of spins and kicks.

Watching her dance with such passion, her unmatched talent was evident. On stage, she was in her element - a born performer pouring her heart into every move.

"Any progress in your search for Mimi?" Jacob asked abruptly, knocking me out of my trance, “and your whole mission on achieving peace and all that?”

I sighed, the weariness evident in my voice. "Unfortunately, no. I feel like I've been going in circles trying to find her. When it comes to my mission… I’ve made almost no progress at all."

Jacob nodded solemnly. "I figured as much. It was an admirable goal, but far too optimistic. These beings have proven time and again that they care nothing for humanity beyond their own amusement." 

His words had a bitter edge to them that hinted at a deep resentment towards the goddesses. I knew Jacob had witnessed the devastation they unleashed firsthand. Still, I clung to the fragile hope that there was a path towards reconciliation. 

"There has to be a way-” I began, but Jacob cut me off.

"You're a good man, Ryan. But you can't reason with them. The goddesses only care about themselves. The sooner you realize that, the better." 

Though blunt, I could tell Jacob's perspective came from a place of protecting people, not malice. We simply disagreed on how best to achieve that goal. I considered Jacob's perspective, but ultimately I knew there had to be a better way forward than just fruitless conflict. 

"I know you've seen the worst these beings can do," I said. "But you've also spent years interacting with Ithyrminah. Surely that could have changed your mind a little? Why don’t you try and see if you can talk to her about a path of coexistence?"

Jacob shifted uncomfortably. "I'm not sure that's possible. She only cares about herself. In that aspect, she’s exactly the same as the rest of them." 

"I like to think that most of them possess compassion too, we just need to remind them that we are deserving of it as well. Won't you at least try to win her cooperation? For the sake of humanity?" I pressed.

Jacob hesitated. "I'll...think about it," he finally said unconvincingly.

I felt like there was something he wasn’t telling me, but I decided not to push him further for now. This was at least a start. If I could get Jacob to open up a discussion with Ithyrminah, we might be able to gain another powerful ally. I just had to hope he would follow through.

Jacob sighed, running a hand through his green hair. "Look, it's getting late. Why don't you stay here tonight and get some rest? But I’ll need you to leave first thing in the morning." 

“Alright,” I agreed. “Thanks for letting me stay the night.”

After the idol performance ended, Ithyrminah stood up and left her seat. In an instant, her body began growing at an exponential rate, her clothes shredding as she expanded. Within seconds she had gone from a petite girl to a towering 91.9km tall colossus. 

I could only watch in awe as she finished her transformation, her purple hair rippling behind her in an ethereal breeze. Her ears and tail, now the size of mountains, twitched with delight. She effortlessly stepped over the stadium, now absolutely miniscule even compared to her smallest toe, the ground quaking under each titanic footfall. 

There was an alluring, otherworldly grace to her new scale that stirred something within me. But just as quickly as the thought entered my mind, I pushed it away.

Ithyrminah leaned down, her massive figure filling the entire sky as she enthusiastically bid farewell to the tiny idols below.

"Thank you for the wonderful show!" She happily said. Even at a whisper, it echoed for miles. 

Melody and the other idols waved up at the goddess, though she could hardly see them now. Ithyrminah's tail wagged excitedly behind her, each sway uprooting entire forests. 

As she turned to leave, the colossal goddess attempted to put her humongous underwear back on, which she had left somewhere outside the stadium due to its monstrous size. Even the cup of her bra could cover the whole arena ten times over. With an immense finger, she pinched the waistband of her gigantic pink panties, raising them up her endless legs. She fumbled clumsily, struggling to maintain her grip on the sheer fabric as she tried to keep walking at the same time.

The titanic movements were both comical and strangely mesmerizing to witness. This 91.9km tall goddess fighting with a pair of panties like an impatient child. Yet the raw power contained in each flick of her wrist could decimate regions. 

Finally managing to slip them on, Ithyrminah repeated the process with an equally massive pink bra. She carefully held the straps between two fingers, taking great care not to tear the lacey material. With her tongue poking out in concentration, she stretched the bra over her mountainous breasts, jiggling wildly with each minute adjustment. 

After several attempts, Ithyrminah secured the bra in place. Giggling, her footsteps finally steadied as she playfully adjusted the enormous cups. Satisfied, the giant deity continued on her way, the ground fracturing under each groundbreaking step as per usual. Her tail swished behind her happily, casually leaving a trail of ruin in its wake.

That night, after Ithyrminah had left and the dust had settled, I bumped into Melody along the corridors of the dormitories.

"Hey, excuse me," I called out softly, not wanting to startle her. "I'm Ryan, a friend of your father."

"Hi there, Ryan!" Melody chirped cheerfully, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "What can I do for you?"

"Actually, I wanted to ask you about your work here," I started as I began inquiring about the idol operation here and Ithyrminah herself.

Melody's eyes sparkled with excitement as she began sharing her story. "Well, my dad is the one who started this whole operation."

Melody animatedly described her everyday life, her enthusiasm infectious. Her genuine passion for performance shone through as she recounted countless hours of practice and rehearsals. It was clear that she took pride in her role as an entertainer, even if her audience was limited to just one individual.

"The amazing one is Mina, she sings and cheers non-stop throughout all our performances," Melody exclaimed passionately, her voice filled with admiration. "Oh um, Mina is like a…nickname Ithyrminah lets us use for her. Don’t call her that though, only us idols are allowed to use it. Anyway, as I was saying…"

Melody continued to explain how the many idol groups would rotate throughout the day to perform for Ithyrminah, with the goddess sitting through up to ten concerts a day. However, Ithyrminah never seemed to get tired or bored, dancing along energetically for hours on end.

I nodded along as Melody passionately described the grueling schedule of performances and rehearsals that was part and parcel of being an idol. Though I tried my best to match her vibrant energy, I could feel the fatigue creeping in as the night wore on. 

"I must say, your dedication is impressive," I remarked, stifling a yawn. "You must really love being an idol if you are willing to put this much effort all for a single audience member."

Melody's eyes lit up at my compliment. "Oh it's never boring! Mina is the best fan we could ask for. She cheers with the energy equal to a stadium full of people and is always really nice to us." 

“During one fan meet, she even grew to her full size to let me ride on her hand and experience the view of a giga giantess. It was…the greatest feeling ever. Makes me kinda jealous, I wish I could experience the real thing someday,” Melody giggled as she recalled the exhilaration.

Despite my lingering doubts about Jacob's intentions, I couldn't help but smile at Melody's energy. At the very least, Melody not sharing her father’s hatred of goddesses was a comforting thought for me.

Noticing the time, Melody smiled apologetically. 

"Oops, I didn't mean to keep you up so late with my rambling! You should rest up for your travels tomorrow," she said in a flustered tone. "I'm so glad I got to meet you, Ryan. Thank you for listening!"

With that, we exchanged goodnights and I shuffled back to my quarters, collapsing onto the bed.

Man could that girl talk! But as I thought back to our conversation, I couldn’t help but smile. Melody was just a sweet girl at heart, and her innocent exuberance was just the right kind of diversion I needed from the bleak state of the world.

For now, I decided to just get some sleep knowing I’d have to leave early the next day.

The next morning, I was jolted awake by violent tremors that shook the entire structure. I immediately knew that it was from the approaching footfalls of Ithyrminah. 

The walls rattled dangerously. Dust rained down from the ceiling as picture frames and lamps crashed to the floor around me. I worried the whole room might collapse from the impact of Ithyrminah's steps. 

After what felt like an eternity, the tremors finally began to subside. Wasting no time, I threw open the door and headed into the hallway.

The dormitories were eerily empty and quiet now. Jacob and the idols must already be assembled for Ithyrminah’s arrival. With no sign of Jacob to bid farewell, I decided to just exit the venue myself and go on my way.

I crept through the vacant corridors and stairwells. Reaching the exit, I peered outside cautiously before stepping into the open air. 

I took a deep breath, feeling a bit of trepidation as I stepped beyond the walls of the compound. The thundering footsteps had long faded, but my heart still pounded from the intensity of Ithyrminah's arrival. 

Glancing back, I studied the imposing structure one last time. What kind of performance was unfolding within its walls now?

Ithyrminah’s enjoyment of concerts was surprisingly endearing, and I found myself hoping that she would turn out to be a goddess who reciprocated our aspirations for peace. As I navigated her titanic footprints back the way I came, I sent a silent prayer that Jacob would speak to Ithyrminah about it.

The odds felt slim, yet holding onto even a shred of hope felt vital. Step by step, I continued my solitary walk under the baking sun.

Hours passed as I hiked through the wilderness. The sun beat down relentlessly, draining my energy and dampening my spirits. 

Lost in thought, I barely registered the distant rumble at first. As it rapidly grew louder, the ground began to tremble under my feet. I froze, eyes widening. This was no natural earthquake.

The deafening explosion hit a millisecond later, a monstrous roar bursting forth as a blinding flash lit up the horizon behind me. The shockwave blasted past me with the force of a goddess’s breath, knocking me off my feet. I lay sprawled on the ground, ears ringing.

As the dust settled, I staggered upright and spun around. A massive mushroom cloud now billowed up from where the stadium once stood, flames and smoke roiling within its churning form. 

The entire area had been obliterated, a smoking crater stretching out for miles. Utter devastation and death spanned as far as I could see. Not a trace remained of the vibrant structure I had departed mere hours ago.

I stood paralyzed, struggling to comprehend the unfathomable scale of destruction. What insane force could have possibly caused this? 

Cold horror washed over me. No one could have survived that. Jacob, Melody, all the idols.

Panic seized me as the implications sank in. I had to get to the explosion site right away.

I sprinted towards the towering pillar of smoke, my heart pounding. Skidding to a halt at the edge of the smoldering crater, I frantically scanned the area. 

To my astonishment, I spotted figures emerging from an underground bunker nearby. I recognized Jacob's distinctive green hair as he climbed out, followed by a group of men and women. They were all putting on hazmat suits.

"Jacob!" I shouted, rushing over. 

He whirled around, surprise flashing across his face when he saw me. "Ryan? What are you still doing here?"

"What happened?" I demanded urgently. 

Instead of answering, he grabbed a spare suit from one of his companions and tossed it to me. "Put this on first, we've got radiation to worry about. I'll explain as we walk."

I hastily donned the suit and fell in step beside Jacob as he entered the blast zone, the others fanning out behind us. "Well? What caused the accident?"

Jacob let out a harsh laugh. "Accident? Hardly. I've been planning this for years."

I stopped short, stunned. "You did this?" 

"One hundred and eighteen thermonuclear warheads planted throughout the stadium on a synchronized timer," he stated matter-of-factly. "All we had to do was keep a few girls there to entertain her while everyone else escaped. The dumb brat never expected it."

I stood speechless, unable to believe what I was hearing. Jacob had sacrificed the lives of his idols in a premeditated attack against the goddess. And judging by the absolute annihilation surrounding us, he had been dead serious about wanting her dead.

I grabbed Jacob's arm, forcing him to face me. "How could you do this? Those girls..."

He yanked his arm away. "Don't act so surprised. We're at war here, and war demands sacrifice. What's a handful of lives compared to the thousands that monster has taken?"

I wanted to argue, but he barreled on. "I had a theory that our weapons might be able to harm a goddess if they weren’t at their full size. And with her guard down during a performance, it was the perfect chance to test it. I just needed the time to gather enough nuclear firepower to kill her."

He turned and shouted to the hazmat-clad crew behind us. "Fan out and find that shard! It's got to be here somewhere."

I watched in dismay as they began combing the area. "Shard? What are you talking about?"

“Remember what you told me about Mimi? She got her powers from consuming a shard. A shard I later learnt was left behind after the death of the Goddess of Origin,” Jacob carried on speaking with manic intensity, his voice dropping to an eager whisper. "Killing Ithyrminah should leave a similar shard behind." 

He gripped my shoulder. "If we can find Ithyrminah's shard, we can pass that power to Melody. My daughter will ascend to become as powerful as the goddesses themselves. And with that kind of strength on our side, we can finally start pushing back against these monsters."

I shook my head, unable to believe what I was hearing. "Melody? You'd force this on your own daughter?"

"She knows her duty," he grunted bluntly, "with Ithyrminah's powers, she'll finally be able to fight these giant bitches. And each goddess she kills will leave another shard…"

Jacob's eyes shone with fervor. "Don't you see? I have dozens of young girls under my command, as long as we keep acquiring more shards, we can keep creating more goddesses for our cause. And we'll hunt down every last goddess that dared to terrorize humanity!"

I shuddered from Jacob’s crazed speech. However, as much as I didn’t want to admit it, he had really thought his plan through. If he really succeeded in making his daughter a goddess, then his plan could actually come into fruition and he might actually stand a chance to win the war.

But then I remembered Chrophemus’s warnings all those years ago, about how humanity would never survive being caught up in an all-out war between goddesses.

A conflict between goddesses and infinitesimal humans was ridiculously one-sided, but at least the goddesses would never have to unleash their full world-shattering power and risk tearing the world apart. A conflict between equally enormous and powerful entities however…

The prospect was too terrifying to even consider.

That sealed the deal. War was not what I wanted. I had promised Lucy and Mimi to fight for peace. There were goddesses seeking to coexist with us, and I wanted that reality to come true no matter what.

“Melody, did you know about this all along?” I decided to question Melody instead, who had been silently walking behind her father the entire time.

“Yes…” she admitted, her tone flat. “It is my duty to defeat the goddesses and free humanity, no matter what it takes. I trust in my father’s plan.”

As I looked into the girl’s lifeless eyes, no trace of the passionate idol from yesterday remained. Was her love of music and performing all a lie? From last night, it sounded to me like she really liked Ithyrminah in spite of their differences. Was that also a lie?

I wanted to press further, but Jacob abruptly stopped in front of me. I looked up to see a smoldering ruin of metal and concrete just ahead. In front of us lay a scene of utter devastation - the stadium had been completely obliterated. 

"There!" Jacob yelled, pointing. 

My eyes followed to where a small purple haired figure lay sprawled on the scorched ground, unconscious but otherwise unharmed. Jacob rushed towards her, his face contorted in disbelief. "Impossible...the bombs should've destroyed every cell in her body..."

He fell to his knees, looking utterly defeated for the first time since I've known him. All his years of effort and planning, and Ithyrminah was barely even scratched.

At this moment, Ithyrminah began to stir, her eyelids fluttering.

"Fuck!" Jacob bellowed, snapping out of his stupor. “Everybody, run!”

Everyone scrambled back, trying desperately to escape before the small girl awakened. Nobody wanted to even imagine what the goddess was going to do to them after their attempt to murder her had failed.

Ithyrminah slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes as she stifled a yawn, acting as if she hadn’t just been in the middle of the biggest nuclear explosion in history. Her big purple eyes scanned the area, making eye contact with Jacob and Melody. Her eyes slowly widened as she gasped, her expression terrified.

“Who are all of you?”

I awoke with a gasp, clutching the rough wool blanket tightly around my skin. The cool night air raised goosebumps along my arms and legs, causing an involuntary shiver to run through my body. For a moment, I was lost, unsure of where or even who I was. 

Then it all came flooding back - the fight with Zu, my desperate gambit to match her monstrous height, and the adrenaline crackling through my veins as we battled. I remembered finally beating her after putting all my force into one final attack, but I couldn’t recall anything that happened after that.

As I took in the moonlit forest around me, I felt a little better now that I was back to my normal size again. Being a giantess towering over the trees and hills just didn’t suit me the same. Now, I was finally just a regular girl again.

I heard soft footsteps approaching through the underbrush. Tensing, I raised a hand wreathed in flickering flames. 

"Ryemi, it's just me," came a familiar voice. Ren stepped into the dim light, hands raised passively. His turquoise hair shone silver in the moonbeams. 

Seeing his face, I extinguished the fire and pulled the blanket tighter around myself. 

"You shrank down immediately after the battle and collapsed," Ren explained gently. "I carried you here to safety."

He knelt down beside me, his green eyes filled with concern. "How are you feeling?"

I gave a small shrug, not quite trusting my voice yet. My head still spun from the aftereffects of channeling so much divine energy. 

Ren nodded in understanding. Then, he held out a bundle of clothes. "Here, you left these with me."

I unfurled the bundle to find my pink t-shirt and white miniskirt. For a moment, I just stared blankly. Then it hit me: I was still naked beneath the blanket. 

My face flushed crimson as I realized Ren must have seen me like this while I was unconscious. But the next moment, my embarrassment hit even harder as I recalled how I had been completely butt naked before millions of eyes in my giant form during my battle against Zu.

Oh god, how could I ever show my face again after that? I wanted to curl up and disappear. Everyone from here to the next country over had seen me in all my gigantic nude glory.

I hid my burning face in the blanket, wishing it would swallow me whole so I'd never have to deal with this humiliation. Maybe I could just live out the rest of my days right here, wrapped up in this cocoon of shame.

I took a deep breath to calm myself. I couldn't hide under this blanket forever, I needed to pull myself together.

"Could you...um...turn around for a minute?" I told Ren softly.

Ren nodded and politely turned his back to give me some privacy. 

I let the blanket fall away as I reached for my clothes. The frigid night air blew gently against my bare back. I shivered, both from the chill and the lingering embarrassment. 

Slowly, I began to get dressed. I slid the pink t-shirt over my head, the soft fabric brushing against my breasts. I felt my nipples harden beneath the shirt, a consequence of the cool temperature. Next, I wiggled into the miniskirt, the hem just barely covering my upper thighs. I smoothed out any wrinkles, hyperaware of how short the skirt was. 

Once dressed, I took a moment to steady my nerves. My heart still hammered against my ribs. I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing until I felt centered again. 

Finally ready, I walked over to Ren and poked his back lightly to get his attention. He turned around, and I saw his eyes flick over my outfit briefly before meeting my gaze. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear self-consciously. 

"Thank you," I uttered shyly.

Ren gave me a kind smile. "Are you feeling any better?"

I nodded, offering a small smile in return. Though I was still embarrassed, finally having clothes on helped a ton. Ren's expression grew serious as he began detailing what happened after I had passed out.

"Everything was chaos after you defeated Zu," he said. "At first, people were celebrating. But very quickly, most of them realized that Zu’s death would catch the attention of the other goddesses for sure. Most fled the settlement immediately."

He paused, his brow furrowing. "I also fled, carrying you away as swiftly as I could. I didn't want us to get caught up in whatever was coming."

I blinked in surprise. In all the confusion after the battle, I hadn't even considered that defeating Zu might bring even more danger. 

“Look,” Ren pointed behind me.

I gazed out into the distance, following Ren's pointed finger. In the direction of the former settlement, I could just make out a massive winged figure moving about.

Even from this far away, I could tell she was gargantuan, her shins brushing the cloud layer as she strode over the ruins. 

"Shit," I muttered under my breath.

My mother's warning echoed in my mind. She had cautioned me against revealing my powers, knowing it would draw dangerous attention. And here I was, having killed a goddess in front of countless witnesses. There was no way the other goddesses wouldn't come hunting for whoever was responsible.

I watched as the winged giantess searched the settlement, no doubt looking for clues about Zu's killer. A cold knot of fear settled in my stomach. 

If that goddess spotted us, we'd be crushed in an instant beneath her mountainous feet. And who knew what torment she would inflict if she captured me and discovered I was the culprit?

Ren must have noticed the worry etched on my face. He placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"Ryemi, I know you're afraid, but you saved all of us today," he told me sincerely. "If you hadn't stopped Zu, who knows how many more lives she would have destroyed?"

I faced him, appreciating his encouraging words.

"Everyone is so grateful for what you did," Ren continued as he patted my shoulder. "Especially me. You risked everything to protect people you barely knew."

I blinked back my tears, deeply moved. Ren and I had been through so much together already. I couldn't imagine going through the same experience with anybody else.

"I don't regret my choice," I replied, steadying my voice. "No matter what happens next, taking down Zu was worth it."

Ren was such an amazing friend, and so incredibly considerate. He witnessed me use powers beyond anything imaginable for a mortal girl, even growing to an unfathomable size. I knew he must be burning with curiosity, yet he chose not to pry.

I sighed, the weight of my hidden identity pressing down on me. Ren had proven himself a reliable and virtuous companion time and again. And after everything we'd been through together, he deserved to know the truth.

I took a deep breath, bracing myself.

"Ren, there's something important I need to tell you," my voice quivered slightly as I spoke. "You've seen me do extraordinary things, things no ordinary human could do…"

I paused, struggling to find the right words.

"The truth is..." I bit my lip, my fears fighting against my desire for openness. 

Ren gazed at me patiently, his green eyes filled with empathy. He wouldn't rush or judge me.

Steeling my resolve, I continued. "I'm the daughter of a goddess. That's where my powers come from."

There. My deepest secret was out in the open. I watched Ren closely, anxious about how he would react.

Ren’s eyes blinked repeatedly, and for a moment his mouth just hung open, as if he wasn’t sure how he was supposed to react.

"So...does that make you a goddess too?" he asked tentatively.

I shook my head. "No, I'm still human. My father is a human too, though I've never met him."

Ren nodded slowly, deep in thought. I decided to keep going. "Let me explain how my powers work. I discovered as a child that I can use any ability of a goddess, as long as I witness them using it at least once."

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "My powers of fire came from copying the Goddess of Fire, who is a close friend of my mother. When I was young, she would entertain me by creating extravagant fireworks in her palm. Later, when I tried it myself, I found that I could conjure those same colorful flames."

I demonstrated by holding out my hand and willing a vibrant purple fire to dance across my palm. Ren's eyes lit up with wonder.

"Another example..." I continued. "When we were on Alluria's body and you were getting influenced by her pheromones, I mimicked her ability by…using my own scent to overpower her control. That's how I broke her spell over you, by using her own power against her." 

Ren blushed, recalling the awkwardness of that moment.

"And most recently, when I fought against Zu, I tapped into her lightning magic to battle her." Tiny lightning bolts crackled between my fingertips as I explained. "As you can see, I can replicate any goddess's powers."

I let the lightning fizzle out, looking to Ren apprehensively. How would he respond after learning all this?

Ren sat in contemplative silence for a moment. "That's an incredibly powerful gift," he finally said. "With access to every goddess's magic, wouldn’t that make you more powerful than any of them?"

"There's a major catch though. My human body isn't meant to channel such immense divine energy." I gestured at my petite frame. "Using my powers puts a massive strain on me. The more energy I use, the more it damages my lifeforce."

Ren's excitement dimmed at this sobering revelation. I saw the concern in his eyes as the price of my powers became clear.

Ren's brow furrowed as he studied me with renewed intensity. I could see the gears turning in his mind.

"When you grew to the same scale as Zu during the battle, that must have required an astronomical amount of energy," he deduced. "Are you alright?" 

I lowered my gaze, nodding slowly. Ren was too perceptive not to realize the absurd toll that gigantic transformation had taken.

Should I tell him the full truth?

No, the guilt would crush him. This was my choice to make, and I don't regret it for a second. Zu had to be stopped. 

But the gnawing ache in my bones constantly reminded me of the price I've paid. The profound exhaustion sinking into my very core.

An ominous feeling crept over me, like a countdown clock ticking away somewhere deep inside. Reminding me that my time in this world was now considerably shorter. 

I shook myself from those morbid thoughts, forcing a smile. "I'll be fine," I said with false cheer, "don't worry about me."

“Ryemi, it’s okay. Tell me the truth. Please.” Ren’s expression shone with both resolve and worry.

Seeing his concerned face broke my heart, and I almost blurted everything out right in that moment. I stopped myself just in time, closing my mouth as I took the time to consider things more carefully.

This journey had bonded us in ways I never expected. But some truths were too heavy to share. For both our sakes, I should carry this burden alone.

“I-” I opened my mouth again, intending to placate his worries, but the words remained choked in my throat. Slowly, the tears began to fall from my face as the heaviness in my heart grew unbearable.

“It’s okay, Ryemi, I’m here for you,” Ren consoled me, “tell me everything. You don’t have to shoulder everything by yourself.”

I took a deep, shuddering breath, wiping the tears from my eyes. "You're right, Ren. No more hiding stuff from you." 

I met his gaze directly. "Growing to the size of Zu took a lot more energy than anything else I’ve ever done before. That was...That was the first time I've ever attempted something so crazy with my powers."

Ren's expression turned grim, but he remained attentive, waiting for me to continue.

"Channeling that much divine energy at once placed an incredible strain on me. I knew the risks going in, but it was our only chance against her," my voice dropped to a whisper. "My body is significantly weaker now and the act of growing took more than a few decades off my lifespan."

Ren staggered back as if struck, the color draining from his face.

"Ryemi, I...I had no idea it would be that…If I'd known, I never would have let you..."

His voice choked up as his knees buckled, sending him crashing to the ground. Ren pressed his forehead against the earth, his muscular frame wracked with heaving sobs. 

"Please, forgive me," he begged between ragged breaths. "I should have been the one protecting you. Instead I put you in harm's way, like I always do." His broad shoulders shook with each wrenching cry. "I'm so sorry, Ryemi. So very sorry."

My heart quivered seeing Ren torment himself so, even though I knew his guilt came from a place of care.

I knelt down beside him, placing a hand on his back. 

"Ren, please look at me," I urged softly. 

He slowly raised his head, eyes glistening with tears. I cupped his rugged cheek with my slender hand, brushing away the wet trails with my thumb.

"You have nothing to apologize for. I chose to fight Zu, knowing full well what would happen to me." My voice was tender yet firm. "The people needed someone to stand up to her tyranny and I was the only one capable. I don't regret my choice for a second."

I tried to stand, hoping to coax Ren to his feet as well. But as soon as I put weight on my legs, they buckled beneath me. I collapsed awkwardly, barely catching myself on my hands and knees. 

My body - it felt so weak, like a newborn deer trying to walk for the first time. I stared at my trembling limbs in dismay. This wasn't just fatigue from overexertion. Something was fundamentally wrong.

Fear gripped my heart in an icy vice. Just how bad was the damage to my body?

No. I couldn't think like that. I just needed time to recover, to rebuild my strength. But staring at my traitorous legs, I couldn't stop the panicked thoughts swirling through my mind.

Ren scrambled to hold me, concern etched on his face. He wrapped one arm around my back and grasped my hand with the other, carefully pulling me to my feet. My legs still felt like jelly but with Ren supporting me, I managed to stay upright.

"I've got you," he said softly.

His green eyes bored into mine, conveying a depth of emotion I had never seen from him before.

"You'll never have to face anything alone again. I promise," he vowed with a newfound conviction. “I will stay by your side no matter what.”

Overcome with emotion, I buried my face in his chest and wept. The fear and stress, the bone-deep exhaustion, the comfort of his unwavering support - it was all too much. Ren held me close, one hand stroking my hair while the other rubbed circles on my back.

In the past, being caught in such a fragile moment would have been unbearable for me. I hated being seen as weak or vulnerable in any way. But Ren’s comforting words made me feel as if it would be alright for me to let it out if it’s just in front of him.

We stayed like that for a long time, finding solace in each other's presence. With each passing moment, I could feel our bond growing stronger and deeper. No matter what happened from here on out, I knew Ren would stand stalwart by my side.

When my sobs finally subsided, I pulled away from Ren and wiped my face. It was time to focus on the present.

"Ren, we need to get away from here," I said, swallowing hard. "The goddesses are looking for me, and we can't afford to stay in one place for too long. Do you have any idea where we can go?"

"Right," he agreed solemnly. "There's a rumored invisible city called Artemis somewhere in this area. It's supposed to be hidden from the detection of goddesses. If we can find it, it should be a safe enough place to stay."

"Artemis?" I asked, intrigued. It sounded far-fetched, but the prospect of an invisible city hidden from the prying eyes of goddesses sounded like a dream come true.

"It's a city cloaked by advanced technology. I’m not entirely sure if we will be able to find it, but I believe it's our best shot at staying safe," Ren explained.

His knowledge of this mysterious haven piqued my curiosity. "How do you know so much about it?"

"Well, I was actually part of the research team that was developing the core cloaking technology for Artemis," Ren revealed, a hint of pride in his voice. 

My eyes widened in surprise. Ren had worked on developing an invisible city?

"Several years back I was recruited to be a scientist on a highly classified project," he elaborated. "The goal was to create a cloaking device on a massive scale - one that could completely conceal an entire city from the goddesses."

Ren went on to explain the scientific principles behind the cloaking technology in depth, touching on complicated concepts like warped spacetime and dimensional shifts. I could barely follow the technical details, but listened with rapt attention. 

"We succeeded in creating the prototype and proving it could cloak small structures. But before construction began on the full city, I ended up leaving the project," he carried on explaining, “but I always intended to go back to the city after it was complete. However, I never had the chance to. The project’s secretive nature made it difficult for me to contact any of my previous associates."

I was captivated by Ren's account. This invisible city could be the perfect refuge for us, so I agreed to the idea in a heartbeat. In the end, we decided to begin our search in the morning when it was brighter.

The next day, Ren and I set out into the forested wilderness, searching for any sign of Artemis' location. According to Ren, the entrance would reveal itself as a subtle shimmer in the air, discernible only at ground level. From their stratospheric vantage point, no goddess would ever notice it.

We trekked through the underbrush, scanning the forest floor for any glimmer or distortion. The morning sun filtered down through the canopy, dappling the ground with patches of light. I kept my eyes peeled, not wanting to miss even the slightest ripple in the scenery. 

Ren led the way, parting branches and dense foliage with his muscular arms. His turquoise hair almost matched the verdant tones of the forest. Despite our circumstances, I felt a sense of peace being surrounded by the tranquility of nature. 

"The entrance could be located anywhere - a rock, a hollow log, even just a stretch of open ground," Ren reminded me. "We have to keep an attentive look out."

I nodded, carefully inspecting a mossy stone half-buried in the undergrowth. Nothing. We continued on.

The morning stretched towards midday as we pressed deeper into the ancient forest, senses primed for any sign of the hidden refuge. The occasional rumble of titanic footsteps overhead was a constant reminder of the lurking goddesses searching for us.

“This is going nowhere, will we really be able to find Artemis this way?” I grumbled in exasperation. “Does this invisible city even exist?”

“It absolutely does, I can vouch for it,” Ren reassured me, “we just have to keep looking.”

At that moment, we stumbled into a sun-dappled clearing. There, sitting by a babbling brook, was a young girl with short blue hair. She looked up with large, doe-like eyes as we neared her.

"Um sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop," she said timidly, “but I heard the both of you mention you were heading to a city called Artemis?”

She stood, brushing a few stray leaves from her black tank top and denim shorts. I studied her appearance closely. Soft, unblemished skin, full pink lips, and a cute button nose. But those steel-grey eyes betrayed a subtle hint of profound anguish, making it abundantly clear that this girl had definitely gone through some difficult events in her life.

"Ah right, I should introduce myself." She clasped her hands behind her back as she quietly spoke. "My name is Layla. I um…I don’t have anywhere to go."

“I’m Ren and this is Ryemi,” Ren introduced ourselves quickly. “Where’s your family? Are you alone?”

“Y-Yes, I don’t have any family, or a home,” she replied with a forlorn look on her face. “Not anymore.”

I felt a pang of sympathy for this girl, who seemed so vulnerable.

"We'd be happy to bring you to Artemis with us if you have nowhere else to go," I offered without hesitation.

Layla returned a slight smile before opening her mouth again. "Thank you," she said simply.

I guess she really was a girl of few words, but it was to be expected given her tragic circumstances.

Over the next few hours of travelling, Layla mostly kept to herself. She walked a few paces behind Ren and I, giving short replies whenever we spoke to her.

I tried engaging her in light conversation a few times. "So Layla, where are you from originally?" 

She glanced up. "It’s nowhere special. Just another city that was destroyed." Her eyes lowered again, signaling the end of the conversation.

Sensing her need for space, I left her alone after that. Ren and I would exchange occasional looks, concluding that it was probably still too painful for her to talk about her past. 

The poor girl had lost everything. It was a weight no one should have to bear, especially since she looked to be my age.

We continued trekking through the forest, ducking into bushes or behind trees whenever the cataclysmic footsteps of goddesses strode by. More than once, a colossal foot crashed down mere kilometers from where we hid, the ground quaking violently as we held our breaths. 

Each time, I would be immensely grateful we weren't sniffed out and captured in one of their gargantuan hands. I guess their stratospheric size made it hard for them to notice us tiny humans below. Still, each close call left my heart hammering as we narrowly avoided detection again and again.

At one point, the sweeping hem of a goddess' skirt brushed over our hiding spot, plunging us into darkness. I worried we would be crushed by her next step, but luckily her boundless legs passed right over us, the goddess continuing on her way obliviously.

The deadly feet and legs of the goddesses were like polished monoliths falling down around us. It was a terrifying reminder of how fragile our lives truly were, motivating us to hasten our search for the sanctuary of Artemis.

Over time, I felt my health deteriorate further and I needed to take more frequent breaks to catch my breath. Each time, Ren would meticulously care for me as Layla sat by herself a few meters away. I still didn’t like the fact that I was being such a burden, but I was slowly learning to rely on Ren a little more.

After what seemed like an eternity of close calls with the roaming titans, I finally spotted it - the subtle anomaly in the air that marked the entrance to Artemis. My heart leapt with joy as we approached the innocuous area.

“Oh my god,” I exclaimed, “I found it!”

The other two gathered behind me, squinting hard to try and spot it.

“Good job Ryemi, we almost missed it,” Ren congratulated me with a pat on my back. I gave him a thumbs up before turning my attention back to the shimmer.

I took a deep breath to steady my nerves before stepping through, Ren and Layla following close behind. For a moment, everything went white and I felt an odd tingling sensation wash over my body.

When my vision cleared, I gasped in awe. Before me sprawled a stunning futuristic cityscape, with sleek towers and buildings that seemed to touch the sky. Holograms and maglev trains zipped to and fro. It was like something out of a dream, a hidden oasis of technology beyond anything I'd imagined.

Despite my feeble state, I felt a rush of energy and optimism take hold. Here, we'd finally be safe from the goddesses. This amazing place represented hope - hope for a future free from fear and oppression. 

As I turned to Ren, I could see my own exhilaration and wonder reflected on his face. After everything we endured on our journey, we had made it.

I turned the other way to check on Layla, only to see fresh tears streaming down her cheeks as she gazed silently at the cityscape.

I went over and wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders. "It's okay Layla, just let it out. I know it's hard, but you're safe now," I murmured gently. 

She immediately pulled away from my touch, wiping her tears quickly.

"S-Sorry about that, it’s just…" she spoke without looking at me, her breathing unsteady. “For a moment, I was reminded of my old home. But I'm okay now."

I just smiled warmly at her from a distance, not wanting to make the same mistake of touching her again. Poor girl had endured so much loss, but being able to make it here could mean a new start for her.

Layla took a deep breath, composing herself. Then she turned to face us directly.

"Thank you for bringing me here," she said, giving a surprisingly refined bow. "I think it's best we part ways now."

Her words surprised me, and I found myself wondering if she would really be okay on her own. One look at Ren told me that he was harboring similar thoughts.

"Are you sure?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern. "Ren and I would be happy to help you get settled in." 

Layla shook her head, her blue hair swaying gently. "You've already done more than enough. I'll be alright on my own now, so please don't worry."

Though her words were meant to reassure me, I still felt uneasy. Her entire demeanor just seemed so fragile that I couldn’t help but worry about leaving her alone.

"Well, then this is goodbye," Layla announced abruptly before I could protest further. Before I knew it, she had already hurried off, disappearing into the next corner.

“What a strange girl,” Ren remarked, “I really hope she will be okay. She’s seemed kinda…off. The tragedies she went through probably haunt her more than we can even imagine.”

“Hopefully she’ll learn to open up the next time we see her, it’s far too sad for her to face everything by herself. But we can always check up on her later after we get settled in ourselves,” I suggested. “Lead the way, Ren.”

And just like that, Ren and I began living in the invisible city of Artemis.

The pounding in my head was the first thing I became aware of as I slowly regained consciousness. An intense ache resonated through my skull, pulsing in time with my heartbeat. As my senses returned, a medley of unfamiliar smells assaulted my nostrils - damp earth, smoke, unwashed bodies. My ears twitched reflexively at every little sound - footsteps crunching on gravel, hushed voices murmuring.

Where was I? What had happened to me?

I forced my eyes open, instantly blinded by sunlight. Blinking rapidly, my vision adjusted to reveal a small crowd gathered around me. Rugged, travel-worn men and women dressed in hazmat suits stared down at me with curiosity and wariness etched on their faces.

I realized I was lying in an impact crater, the earth around me disturbed and upheaved. How did I get here? I searched my memories but found nothing - only a vast, empty void where my identity should be.

“Who are all of you?” I blurted out before I could stop myself.

The crowd was momentarily stunned, exchanging quick glances with each other. A moment later, a man with striking green hair and piercing red eyes stepped forward. His harsh features and commanding presence marked him as the leader.

"Hello," he said gruffly. "Do you remember anything?"

"Um no…” I replied honestly. “I… I don’t remember anything.”

“Do you know who you are?” the man probed, his intense gaze unsettling me.

“No, I can’t seem to recall anything…” I admitted. “Who am I?”

The man scratched his chin, deep in thought.

“Your name is Mina, and I am Jacob. You are an idol working under me,” he finally told me after a long silence. “You can ask me anything you are not sure about, I will answer them to the best of my abilities.”

One of his...idols? The term seemed strangely familiar and nostalgic somehow. I struggled to prop myself up on my elbows, my head still swimming. 

"Wh-what happened to me?" I managed to ask.

Jacob's expression darkened. "You were hit by a curse from the wretched goddess who ruled our settlement. Wiped your memories clean. That’s why your ears are like that and also why you have a tail." 

My hands flew to my head, feeling the furry dog ears nestled in my hair. I glanced behind me and saw the bushy tail. Shock flooded through me.

"Do not worry, you are a human just like us," Jacob reassured me quickly. "The curse just...altered you somewhat. You are still one of us."

One of us. The words should have been comforting, but they rang hollow. I searched Jacob's stern face, looking for any hint of deception, but his expression was completely unreadable.

The void where my memories should be felt wrong, unnatural. There was something more to this situation, something Jacob wasn't telling me. 

But what choice did I have except to trust him? I was surrounded by strangers, with no recollection of how I'd gotten here. Jacob's explanation had no holes so far, so it would be in my best interest to believe him for now.

I nodded, pushing aside my doubts. Jacob seemed satisfied. As he turned to address the gathered crowd, I touched my twitching dog ears, wondering what had really happened to me. But those answers, it seemed, were lost.

That was five days ago. Now, in the present day, I was in the middle of marching through a barren landscape as the group looked for a new place to set up base. I walked a few paces behind the main crowd, observing their easy camaraderie. Laughter and lively chatter flowed between them, punctuated by the occasional playful shove or inside joke. 

They all seemed so comfortable together, so sure of their place. I was the outsider amongst them, struggling to find my footing. It made me doubt if these truly were my friends and companions before I lost my memories.

My heightened senses were on overdrive as we traveled. My dog ears twitched at every minute sound - the rustling of leaves, the flutter of wings overhead. Distinct scents wafted by, though I couldn't identify them. My tail swayed gently, helping me balance on the rocky terrain.

At first, I tried to mimic the others, to force myself into the role of a member of the group. But the act always fell flat. For some reason, everyone always seemed to be on edge around me. Every conversation I joined would always quickly disperse within a few sentences.

Maybe in time I could truly become one of them. But for now, I was just an imposter, desperately trying to play a part while missing my script. The harsh truth was obvious - I didn't belong with these people. 

Even so, I hoped someday I would.

The one bright spot in my lonely existence was Melody, Jacob’s daughter. While the others kept me at arm's length, she made a genuine effort to befriend me.

Each evening when we set up camp, Melody would lead me just out of earshot of the others. There, she would show me the dances and songs she knew so well, teaching me what it meant to be an idol. My body moved awkwardly at first, my voice shaky and unsure. But under her tutelage, I gradually learned to let the music flow through me.

Music and dance are truly such spectacular things. I found myself growing more and more in love with them each passing day.

Soon, I found myself looking forward to our private sessions more than anything else. The rest of the group might still see me as an outsider, but with Melody, I could simply be myself.

We would practice till midnight, our laughter ringing out across the empty landscape. In those moments, even if I couldn’t remember anything, I was content.

I lived for those carefree times with Melody. With her, I didn't feel so alone anymore.

Whenever we returned, the others would already be bedding down for the night. Reluctantly, I'd say goodbye to Melody and curl up just outside the circle of sleeping bags. 

As I laid there under the stars, my mind raced with all that Jacob had told me about this world we lived in. He said that we were up against impossibly massive goddesses who had enslaved humanity for the past sixteen years.

According to Jacob, these wicked giants saw humans as nothing but playthings. They would stomp villages flat without a second thought, destroying countless lives in an instant. He described the horrors of living under their rule - the endless fear, the backbreaking labor, the constant threat of annihilation.

We were little more than ants to them. Powerless. Helpless.

Jacob told me that the settlement we had been living in was under the rule of Ithyrminah, the Goddess of Nature. She was an utterly merciless tyrant who ruled our settlement with an iron fist.

I shuddered at the thought of facing the wrath of such a colossal being. What horrors had I witnessed under her reign? Try as I might, I couldn't summon a single memory before waking up in that crater. 

Somehow, Jacob and the others managed to defeat Ithyrminah after sixteen long years of suffering under her. I couldn't imagine how they accomplished such an impossible feat, and Jacob wouldn’t tell me. Either way, to stand up to a literal goddess and come out victorious was nothing short of a miracle. It made me respect Jacob’s authority a lot more.

Now that we were free, Jacob said it was our duty to fight back. To liberate humanity from the clutches of these evil titans once and for all. I didn’t know exactly how he planned to do that, but I wanted to help in any way I could.

Pushing aside the meandering thoughts in my head, I gradually drifted to sleep.

A week passed as we continued our journey across the continent. The landscape changed from verdant forests to barren deserts. Mountain ranges stretched across the horizon. Foreign creatures and plants appeared with each new biome.

I took in the sights around me with childlike wonder, my amnesia making everything seem brand new. The others chatted and laughed together, not the slightest bit interested in such ordinary sights. I trailed behind, feeling like a tourist visiting an alien land.

Eventually, we arrived at an expansive ruin of broken structures. Jacob called it Vivre. I gasped as we passed through the demolished gates, wondering how the city had reached such a dilapidated state.

As we ventured further in, an eerie silence permeated the air. The streets were abandoned. It was like a ghost town. 

Unease crept into everyone’s expressions as they exchanged worried glances.

“Everyone is gone,” one person remarked, “Vivre should be an official settlement. Did the goddess here get bored and kill everyone?”

I shuddered at his comment, wondering if such atrocities could really happen for such a reason.

“Stay vigilant,” Jacob cautioned everybody, “we have no idea where the goddess here went, and when she will be coming back.”

The others began canvassing the area, searching for any signs of life. I lingered behind Jacob, hoping he would explain what was happening. But he ignored me, brow furrowed in concentration as his eyes scanned our surroundings.

I wanted to help, to prove my worth, but I had no idea how to accomplish that.

I took a deep breath and focused, relying on my heightened sense of smell. My nose twitched as a distinct scent drifted on the wind.

"I smell someone nearby!" I exclaimed. 

Jacob's gaze snapped to me. "Where?"

I pointed to a cave on the edge of the city. "I think they're hiding in there."

Jacob immediately strode towards it, and I scurried after him hastily. He wrenched open a makeshift door, revealing a large crevice filled with trembling villagers. They shrieked and cowered back at the sight of us. 

"Please, don't hurt us!" a woman cried, shielding two children in her arms.

Jacob's voice boomed through the cellar. "What happened here? Where is the goddess?" 

The villagers exchanged uneasy looks, hesitating to speak. Jacob slammed his fist against the wall. "Answer me!"

Finally, an elderly man stepped forward, visibly shaking. "The Goddess of Thunder, Zu...she was killed two weeks ago."

Shock rippled through our group. "Killed? How?" Jacob demanded.

The old man gulped. "A young girl came...she somehow grew as big as Zu. Their battle laid waste to the entire region. In the end, the giant girl killed Zu."

Murmurs broke out amongst the group. A giant girl targeting goddesses?

Jacob's expression darkened, his mind clearly racing as he processed this revelation. After a tense moment, he turned to address our group. "Everyone, into the cave. We need to discuss this." 

The others quickly filed into the dark recess of the cavern. I began to follow, but Jacob held up a hand. "Not you, Mina. I need you to stand guard out here. Make sure no one disturbs us."

I hesitated, stung by the exclusion. But I merely nodded, dutifully taking up post at the cave entrance as the others disappeared inside.

While I was sulking, feeling more left out than ever, I heard Jacob’s gruff voice.

"With Zu dead, she must have left behind a shard of her divine power. We have to find it immediately."

I turned my head instinctively, but there was nobody in sight, the entire group already deep inside the cave. I quickly realized that my sensitive ears were allowing me to hear everything they said, even through the thick walls

Jacob continued, "once Melody absorbs the shard, she'll gain the powers of a goddess. This will put our plans back on track after the previous setback. We will be able to start taking the fight back to the goddesses and make them regret ever stepping foot on Earth!"

Murmurs of agreement followed his declaration. I stood very still, processing this. The notion of sweet Melody growing enormous and violently battling other goddesses was hard to imagine. Although I wasn’t sure what the setback Jacob mentioned was, it was obvious that he had been planning this for quite some time.

I sighed, leaning back against the cave entrance. Why was I always left out? Wasn’t I the one who sniffed out the stragglers? I wanted to help too...

I gazed out at the barren landscape, lost in thought. The more I learned about Jacob and the others, the more I admired their determination to fight back against the evil goddesses who had enslaved humanity. 

In my mind, they were heroes. Bold, uncompromising, willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good. I was in awe of their conviction, their unwavering sense of purpose. 

Compared to them, I felt confused and insignificant. Just a freak with no memories, no identity. Saving the world seemed like such an outlandish concept to someone like me.

But maybe if I tried hard enough, I could become useful. I could become a real member of their group, instead of just a tag-along stray.

My ears twitched as I detected footsteps approaching. I straightened my posture, determined to show them I was capable.

I bowed slightly as Jacob emerged from the cave, trying to look as attentive and hardworking as possible. 

"We're setting up camp here," he announced.

They must be starting their search for the shard. This could be my chance to prove myself.

I slipped away to a more isolated region of the city, secretly beginning my own search. I began combing the area, my senses on high alert. My nose twitched, trying to pick up even the faintest whiff of divine energy, whatever that might smell like. My ears swiveled, straining to hear any unnatural sounds. 

But as the sun began setting, I returned to camp empty-handed and disappointed. I kicked at the dirt in frustration. Some help I turned out to be.

As the days passed, I continued my secret searches whenever the others left camp. But each time I came back with nothing, my enthusiasm dimmed a little more. 

Still, every morning I’d psych myself up again. Tomorrow would be the day I'd find it for sure! I had to keep believing that.

That evening, I headed back to camp with my usual lack of success. But my spirits lifted when I saw Melody sitting by the fire. I plopped down beside her eagerly.

"Took you long enough. Where were you?" she asked teasingly. 

I gulped, scratching my cheek as I failed to think of an excuse. But Melody just smiled warmly.

"Don’t look so stressed!" she chuckled. "Come on, let’s get started."

Her bubbliness instantly eased my heart. I beamed back at her. "Right, let’s go!" 

We chatted for hours, laughing and singing together. With Melody, I could forget about my failures and just enjoy the moment. 

When it was time to sleep, Melody waved energetically before heading to her own tent. I curled up on the ground, comforted by the knowledge that Melody had my back. 

Maybe I didn't need to prove myself to the others. As long as I had Melody with me, that was enough.

The next morning, I set out on my solitary hunt once again. As I scouted the rocky cliffs, my thoughts drifted to Melody. Her smile, her laugh, the way her eyes lit up when she sang...

Suddenly, my ears perked up. I could hear Melody's voice in the distance. Straining my ears, I heard several other voices surrounding her.

"Why do you always stick to that thing like glue?" another girl's voice mocked condescendingly. "It’s sickening. Sucking up to a freak."

My heart dropped. Were they bullying her? 

"Hmm? Can’t even say anything back?" a different voice sneered. "I guess it’s only natural that disgusting people stick together. Maybe you should stick on a pair of doggy ears too."

At this moment, it finally dawned on me that they were talking about me. More specifically, they were mocking Melody for her friendship with me.

"Exactly!" the first girl chimed in. "She's just her daddy's little puppet. I bet she's excited to become a goddess once that shard is found, huh? Must be nice to have special treatment."

I clenched my fists, feeling my anger boil over. How dare they treat Melody like that? She didn't deserve this. I couldn't take it any longer. It was blatantly obvious that they were just jealous that Melody had been chosen to obtain the power of the shard.

Without thinking, I began sprinting in the direction of their voices. I was not just going to allow Melody to face this injustice all by herself!

“Come on, girls, don’t be so mean to her,” a third girl said insincerely. “She’s only hanging around that freak because Daddy told her to. You know how she LOVES to butter up to him.”

Don’t worry Melody! I’m almost there, just a little further now.

"Th-That’s just…" I suddenly heard Melody's voice, jittery and laced with frustration. "I’m not doing it just because Dad asked me to. It’s an important task and somebody has to do it…"

What did she just say?

I skidded to a stop, my heart sinking like a stone. My breath caught in my throat as I stood there, just a few meters away from them, hidden by a tree. I could feel my heart shattering into a million pieces.

Tears blurred my vision as my mind raced with chaotic thoughts. Did this mean that she… was under orders to befriend me all this time? That it was ‘an important task’ she had to do? Had our entire friendship been nothing but a lie, a facade orchestrated by Jacob? I felt a deep sense of betrayal, an overwhelming devastation that consumed every fiber of my being.

The pain was unbearable. My legs gave out, and I crumbled to the ground.

“Hey, look over there,” one of the girls pointed towards me, her mouth agape. “Shit, she overheard us!”

The other girls began panicking as their eyes grew wide with shock and…fear?

What was I to them? The swirl of emotions and unanswered questions made my head hurt, I didn’t want to think about anything anymore. All I wanted was to run away, to escape the crushing truth that I was utterly alone. And maybe I always have been.

As Melody turned around and took one unsteady step towards me, I forced myself back onto my feet and began to flee, not turning back. I couldn't help but wonder if there was even a place for someone like me in this world. A cursed girl with no memories, no friends, nowhere to belong. Was I destined to always be an outsider? A freak?

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, the trees and mountains blurring past in a whirl of green and brown. Surprisingly, I felt no fatigue as I sprinted without stopping. Another side effect of my curse perhaps.

Their shouts imploring me to stop grew fainter and fainter, until all I could hear was the pounding of my feet and my ragged breaths, more from my internal turmoil than the exertion of running. After what felt like an eternity, I finally stopped in a secluded mountainside. 

I lay there on the cool grass, staring up at the clouds drifting lazily across the sky. A gentle breeze caressed my skin as the blades of grass tickled my arms and legs.

Yet even in this serene place, I couldn't escape the maelstrom raging within. Melody's words echoed in my mind, each repetition like a dagger to my heart.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I curled into a ball. I thought back to all the times Melody and I had laughed together, sang together, danced together. Had it all been a lie? How could her acting be so convincing? Or was I really just that gullible?

A tidal wave of loneliness washed over me. Everyone else had each other, but I had no one.

I was alone. Truly and utterly alone. Unwanted and unloved. Just an aberrant monster pretending to be human.

Maybe I didn't deserve to exist at all.

The thought crept into my mind slowly at first, then took hold with startling ferocity. 

It would be better if I just died. 

No one wanted me here anyway. Not Jacob. Not the other girls. And especially not Melody. I was an inconvenience to them at best, a dangerous freak at worst. The world would be better off without me sullying it.

I rose to my feet, my tail drooping limply as my ears flattened against my head. Each step towards the cliff edge felt heavy yet purposeful. 

This was the only way. The only path to spare others from the burden of my existence.

I stopped at the precipice, the wind whipping violently as I gazed down into the abyss below. Jagged rocks waited hundreds of meters down, ready to embrace me in their fatal grip.

My heart pounded in my chest. I was scared, so scared. But also resolute.

With tears streaming down my face, I closed my eyes and lifted one foot over the ledge. My body trembled, wracked by heaving sobs.

This was it. No going back now. With my last ounce of will, I began tipping myself forward into oblivion...

I plummeted through open air, the wind screaming in my ears. The rocky ground rushed up to meet me at a nauseating speed. I braced myself for the end, for the bone-shattering impact.

But that wasn’t what happened.

I hit the ground with a loud bonk, my body bounced off the rocks completely unharmed. Shock paralyzed my body as I sat there in disbelief. How was I still alive? That fall should have killed me instantly.

My mind reeled, unable to comprehend what just happened. I pressed my palms against the ground, feeling the solid earth beneath me. This was real. I had leapt to my death, yet here I was, without a single scratch.

I slowly got to my feet and looked down at my hands in bewilderment. 

My mind was flooded with questions as I stood there stunned. How could I have survived that fall? Why didn't I die? What was happening to me?

All I wanted was to die, was even that too much to ask?

Gripping a jagged stone tightly in my hand, I plunged it towards my neck with all my might. But the sharp edge deflected off my smooth skin, leaving no mark at all. 

Next I found a sturdy tree branch and fashioned it into a noose. I slipped it over my head and let my body go limp. But again nothing happened. I just dangled there from my neck as the noose refused to choke the life out of me.

Frustration and confusion boiled inside me. Why couldn't I die? What kind of sick curse was this?

I untied the branch from around my throat and crumpled to my knees, determined to try the next method.

As attempt failed after attempt, my depression gradually morphed into bewilderment as I grappled with this impossible situation. I skimmed over everything leading up to this moment, scouring my scarce memories for some kind of explanation. But I came up blank. None of it made any sense.

Exhausted and emotionally spent, I stared up at the darkening sky. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows over the lonely mountainside.

I sat there on the cold, hard ground, my knees pulled up to my chest. The sun's fading rays did little to warm my chilled body. 

I didn't know what to think anymore. According to Jacob, I was just an ordinary girl before losing my memories. But if that was true, why couldn't I die? There was absolutely no way that this was also the result of being cursed by a goddess.

My ears picked up the crunch of footsteps approaching. I lifted my head to see Jacob and his followers cautiously making their way towards me. Their faces were etched with concern as they took in the scene before them.

"Mina, are you alright?" Jacob asked gingerly. 

I looked up at him with pleading eyes. "Why can't I die?" I blurted out, my voice breaking.

A heavy silence fell over the group. They exchanged uneasy glances, at a loss for how to respond.

After a long pause, Jacob stepped forward. "The only explanation I can think of is," he began slowly, "that you had somehow consumed a shard of divine power. There was a shard containing the power of a goddess that we have been searching for in this area, but we never found any trace of it even after so many days."

I stared at him in disbelief. "What? No, that can't be. I never ate any shard!"

"You must have done it unknowingly," Jacob insisted. "That shard has given you the abilities of a goddess. It's the only explanation for your newfound invincibility. It’s such a shame, because that shard was actually meant for Melody so that she can fulfill her role as humanity’s defender."

I shook my head, unable to accept what I was hearing. This had to be some kind of mistake. I knew that I didn’t eat any shard, I definitely would have known if I did.

"I'm telling you, I didn't eat anything like that!" I protested another time.

Jacob knelt down so that we were at eye level. "Mina, I know this is a lot to take in," he said calmly. "But we have to face the facts here. You now have the powers of a goddess, which could only have come from that shard."

He paused, seemingly considering something. "Ok, how about this. Try to grow yourself to the full size of a goddess. If you can do that, it will confirm that you now wield divine abilities."

I hesitated, uncertainty still gnawing at me. But what Jacob said made sense. If I could grow to the size of a goddess, then I would have to accept that I had somehow transformed into a goddess no matter how unbelievable it was.

"Okay," I finally acquiesced. "I'll try."

Closing my eyes, I focused my mind inwards. I wasn't even sure how I was supposed to make myself grow, so I was certain that nothing would happen. But to my immense shock, I felt my body begin expanding. The sensation came to me as naturally as breathing. The trees and hills around me shrank as I shot upwards. I was growing at an exponential rate, my head rising past the clouds.

In mere moments, I was standing at an absolutely mind-boggling height. Looking down, I could see the entire continent sprawled out beneath me. Jacob and the others were like ants - no, like bacteria even - at my feet. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, it was all so surreal. 

I stood there in stunned silence, trying to process the impossibility of my new stature. But as the initial shock wore off, I became aware of a new problem – I was completely naked.

My clothes were gone, bursting off my body as I grew. Now I was bare for all the world to see. I bashfully moved to cover my exposed breasts with my arms.

A fierce blush spread across my cheeks as I remembered that Jacob and the others were still down there, even if they were too tiny now to see properly. I felt so embarrassed standing here fully exposed before them.

My anxiety only grew as I pondered how to move without causing any tremors. I was terrified that the slightest misplaced movement could lead to an earthquake. 

Tentatively, I shifted my right foot ever so slightly, holding my breath as I gauged the effect. To my relief, only a mild rumble propagated outwards. As long as I was extremely careful, I realized I could move without causing too much damage. Still, my heart pounded with unease.

I didn't dare take another step yet, paralyzed by the fear that even my gentlest motion could wreak havoc at this size. For now, I remained frozen in place like a humongous statue.

I shifted my gaze downwards, towards the infinitesimal specks that were Jacob and the others. A wave of guilt crashed over me as I registered the implications of my gargantuan transformation. 

I really must have consumed the shard they were searching for. The one meant to give Melody the power of a goddess. I had accidentally pilfered that power for myself instead, causing even more trouble for the group.

My body trembled at the thought of such an unforgivable blunder.

Overcome by remorse, I carefully knelt down before Jacob's group. Even hunched over, I still loomed miles above them. Inching forward as close to them as I could without hurting them, I began to apologize profusely.

"I'm so sorry," I uttered in a pained voice, making sure to sufficiently suppress my volume. "I never meant to take the shard. I don't know how it happened."

Tears welled up in my eyes. "Please, forgive me. I never wanted to steal this power. I would give it right back if I knew how." 

My words echoed across the landscape. I meant every one with utmost sincerity. All I wanted was to somehow fix my mistake, though I knew that was likely impossible now. 

I bowed my head in contrition. My long hair draped down around me like a regal cloak. Even while trying my best to help, I had somehow made the gravest of errors, completely wrecking Jacob’s meticulous plans and the group’s noble aspirations. I was a failure of a human being, deserved to be outcasted.

I glanced back at the microbial people below, vision blurred by tears. My heart ached with longing for their forgiveness, but how could they possibly forgive me when I had literally ruined everything they worked for? Even so, I found myself hoping that they could at least understand that I had consumed the shard purely by accident. My crime was one of ignorance, not malice.

"Please understand," I whispered, my voice trembling with regret. "I'm so sorry. I don't know how this happened."

Jacob stared up at me. For a moment, he seemed lost in thought, as if weighing the possibilities. Finally, he spoke.

"Mina, we can't change what's already happened," he shouted, his voice firm and commanding. "But you have the power of a goddess now. You've been given an opportunity – a responsibility – to turn things around. We need you to take up the role Melody was supposed to have, to fight and kill the other goddesses."

My heart pounded in my chest, terror gripping me as I imagined facing off against powerful beings beyond my comprehension. The thought of fighting such formidable enemies seemed unthinkable, yet Jacob's words held a certain truth that was hard to ignore.

"I... I'm not sure I can do it. I’m terrified," I admitted, my ears flattening against my head as I shuddered at the thought of confronting these monstrous deities.

"Listen, Mina," Jacob said, his eyes locked on mine. "You are the only one here who has power rivalling theirs now that you consumed the shard. If you aren’t able to fight against them, we will all eventually be hunted down and enslaved again. Or worse."

My internal conflict raged on, torn between my desire to help and my overwhelming fear of what lay ahead. But deep down, I knew Jacob was right. With this newfound power came an undeniable responsibility to act.

"Alright…" I agreed reluctantly, trying to suppress the quivering in my voice. "I'll do it."

"Good," Jacob nodded approvingly. "Thank you, Mina."

As I took in his words, a heavy weight settled upon my heart. I was committed now, bound by my promise to Jacob and the group.

The earlier incident with Melody and the bullies still stung deeply, but I didn’t have the luxury to harp on it anymore. My life was no longer my own, I had all of humanity’s hopes on my shoulders.

The world spread out before me, impossibly small yet mesmerizing. Memories and knowledge not my own swirled through my mind - the ancient recollections of Genesis. My heart raced as I gazed down at the tiny landmasses far below, feeling more out of place than ever in a body that was now 7,192km tall.

"I... I'm so big," I whispered, my voice resonating with power I didn't understand. "How can I possibly...?"

Overwhelmed, I slowly lowered myself to my knees, taking care to place them in the ocean rather than on land. The water level barely reached the width of a hair. As I leaned in for a closer look, searching for any sign of the palace, I marveled at the intricate coastlines and mountain ranges etched across the surface.

My eyes widened as I spotted a minuscule gray speck that must be the capital. But before I could focus on it, a horrifying sight caught my attention. Stupendous waves, taller than mountains, were surging towards the coast - formed due to the tremendous volume of water displaced by my simple act of kneeling.

"No!" I cried out, panic seizing me. Without thinking, I clumsily reached out and pressed my thumb against the waves, desperately trying to halt their advance. The ocean's might was nothing compared to my new form, and the tsunamis collapsed under my touch.

I held my breath, scanning the horizon below. To my immense relief, the capital appeared unscathed. A shaky sigh escaped my lips, grateful that I managed to minimize the damage.

"I... I almost..." My voice trembled as I lifted my thumb back up, revealing a miles deep crater spanning multiple cities. "I have to be so careful. Every little movement could destroy so much."

The weight of this new power settled heavily upon me. How could I possibly navigate this new existence without causing untold devastation?

I bit my lip, fighting back a sob. "I don't know if I can do this," I muttered to myself. "I'm not... I'm not ready for this kind of…"

But ready or not, the power was mine now. And as I gazed down at the fragile world beneath me, I knew I had no choice but to find a way forward, no matter how daunting the path ahead might be.

I squinted, trying to focus on the minuscule grey speck that I knew to be the capital. As my vision sharpened, horror washed over me. Where the majestic imperial palace once stood, there was now only a sprawling ruin.

"No... no, no, no!" I wailed, my voice quivering. "Father!"

The realization hit me like a physical blow - my transformation must have caused this destruction. And if the palace was gone, then surely...

"Father!" I screamed again, anguish tearing through me. Tears welled up in my eyes, each droplet the size of a lake. They cascaded down my cheeks, plummeting towards the earth below.

I watched in horror as my tears crashed into cities and towns, flooding countless prefectures. "I'm sorry!" I sobbed, unable to stem the flow of my grief. "I'm so sorry! I… I have to stop these tears!"

I pressed my hands onto my eyelids, trying to cease the downpour. But no matter how much I tried to wipe away my tears, more would rain down, each one an unthinkable catastrophe for the people below.

I wanted to stop, to spare the world below from my sorrow, but I couldn't. The pain was too raw, too overwhelming.

"Father," I whimpered, my voice barely a whisper. "What have I done?"

Just then, a faint sound caught my attention. I held my breath, straining to hear. There it was again - a tiny voice, barely audible even to my godlike senses.

"Could it be...?" I murmured, hope fluttering in my chest.

Carefully, oh so carefully, I leaned closer to the ground. I had to be cautious - even my breath could cause unparalleled destruction now. As I drew near, I finally spotted him - a microbial figure, but unmistakably my father, alive and shouting up at me.

Joy surged through me, overwhelming in its intensity. "Father!" I cried out, my voice booming across the landscape. The sheer force of my exclamation sent shockwaves rippling outward, leveling buildings for miles around.

I gasped, appalled by the destruction I'd caused in my moment of elation. I hastily leaned back, not trusting myself to control the strength of my breaths.

"I'm sorry," I lowered the volume of my voice as I apologized, though it was still loud enough to echo across the globe. "I'm trying to be careful, I promise. I'm just... I'm so glad you're okay, Father."

I couldn't even fully process my relief before my father's commanding voice reached my ears again. This time, I focused intently on his words, desperate to understand what he was saying.

"You foolish girl!" he bellowed, his infinitesimal form trembling with irritation. "Stop dawdling and deal with those goddesses already! Crush them beneath your heel!"

My gaze darted across the landscape, finally spotting two much larger but still tiny figures - the attacking goddesses, now barely visible specks compared to my colossal form. They stared up at me, their faces frozen in disbelief.

A wave of nausea washed over me. "But Father, I... I can't just..."

"Stop complaining and do it already!" he roared, the ferocity of his shout causing me to flinch. "They sought to destroy us, give them what they deserve!"

I felt tears welling up again, my chest tightening with anxiety. "Please, Father," I pleaded, my voice trembling. "There must be another way. I don't want to hurt anyone."

His response was swift and cutting. "Is this how you repay me for everything I've given you? You're as weak and useless as your mother!"

Each word was like a dagger to my heart. Once again, I couldn't stop the tears from falling, each droplet unforgiving as it splashed onto the already ravaged landscape below.

"I'm sorry," I whimpered, my entire body shaking. "I'm trying, I really am. It's just... this is all too much for me."

But my father was relentless. "Stop sniveling and obey me! You have the power of a god now! Do you have any idea how many lives were sacrificed to grant you this body?"

I closed my eyes, trying to steady myself. The weight of my newfound power pressed down on me, suffocating in its enormity. How could I possibly wield such unfathomable strength?

I took a deep, shuddering breath, my monumental chest heaving with the effort. Reluctantly, I turned my attention to the two goddesses far below. They looked so small now, like grains of rice on the vast landscape.

"I... I'm so sorry," I began, my voice tinged with guilt. "I don't want to do this, but I... I have no choice."

The goddesses' reactions were immediate and fierce. Their jeers, though miniscule to my colossal ears, were filled with venom and hatred.

"You spineless coward!" one of them shrieked. "How dare you steal the goddesses’ power!"

The other red-haired goddess joined in, her voice dripping with contempt. "Look at you, a mountain of flesh with no mind of your own!"

Their words stung, but I couldn't deny the truth in them. I was merely acting like a puppet, too feeble to even know what to do with myself now that I have become so big.

"Please," I pleaded sorrowfully. "I don't want to hurt anyone. If there was any other way..."

"You whore! Don’t you dare do it," the first goddess spat. "Return the divine power you fucking thief!"

I flinched at her words. Return the power? I didn’t even want it in the first place! I would relinquish it in a heartbeat if I could.

As the minute goddesses continued their tirade, I couldn’t help but feel the injustice of it all. None of this was my fault and yet they were reprimanding me so harshly, it wasn’t fair at all!

However, I kept silent, patiently letting them finish their furious rant as I fought to hold back my tears.

Finally, when their voices grew hoarse and their shouts diminished, I spoke again. "A-Are you done?"

Seeing that they had nothing left to say, I apologized one final time, "I'm so sorry… I really wish things could be different."

With a heavy heart, I lifted my foot. It cast a shadow larger than dozens of cities, blocking out the sun for millions below. Time seemed to slow as I brought it down, my movements careful and deliberate.

I did my best to only lightly nudge the planet’s surface, using just the tip of my big toe. However, the impact was still unlike anything I'd ever seen. The ground shook aggressively, and a shockwave rippled outward for a hundred miles. I felt the goddesses' lives extinguish beneath my flesh, their gargantuan forms nothing compared to my own.

Additionally, an uncountable number of cities crumbled in an instant, some flattened beneath my enormous appendage while others succumbed to the collateral quakes caused by it. Mountains were obliterated. Rivers changed course. And all from a single press of my toe.

The ease with which I'd caused such devastation terrified me. I lifted my foot, revealing a crater large enough to swallow millions of structures whole.

"W-What have I done?" I gasped, horror and guilt washing over me in waves.

I stood there, paralyzed by the consequences of my stunt. My mind reeled, unable to fully comprehend the unfathomable scale of destruction I'd caused with such a miniscule action. The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the distant rumble of collapsing buildings and the anguished cries of those who had somehow survived.

"You clumsy oaf!" My father shrieked angrily. "Do you have any idea what you've done?"

I winced from his scary voice, wanting nothing more than to crawl into a hole and hide. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"

"Silence!" he snapped. "Millions are dead because of your carelessness. Teeming civilizations gone in an instant. Is this how you treat your own empire? With blood and carnage?"

Each word felt like a dagger to my heart. I wanted to explain, to defend myself, but the weight of my actions crushed any response I might have had. 

"I... I..." I stammered, my thunderous voice trembling.

"You've made enough of a mess," my father hissed. "Get off the planet before you cause any more harm! And you better reflect long and hard about what happened today!"

Shame burned through me, hot and searing. I nodded meekly, not trusting myself to speak. With careful movements, I lifted myself off the planet's surface, my body feeling heavier than ever before.

As I drifted into space, I caught sight of the moon. Without thinking, I reached out and pulled it close, hugging it like a child might clutch a stuffed toy for comfort. Its cratered surface was cool against my skin, offering a small measure of solace.

From this vantage point, I could see the whole planet below. The devastation I'd caused was clearly visible, a dark scar marring its once-beautiful surface. I felt like crying again, but my tear glands were already empty, leaving me silently brooding in a mix of self-pity and remorse.

As I floated there, cradling the moon and drowning in my emotions, I detected my father's voice again. He wasn't addressing me this time, but rather speaking to himself. His words, filled with jubilation and dark ambition, reached my ears with perfect clarity.

"At last," he crowed with glee, "insurmountable power is finally in my grasp. With the strength I have finally acquired, I don’t even need my army anymore! The Gaia Empire will spread throughout the entire universe!"

I winced at his words, dread pooling in my stomach. It was clear now that he only saw me as a means to an end, a weapon he could wield to fulfill his ruthless goals. But I didn't want to be used this way, I didn't want to hurt anybody else.

My gloomy thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of grand spaceships, each no bigger than a speck of dust in my vision. They swarmed around my chest like flies, settling onto my skin as they began to set up a military base.

“Keep still,” my father ordered as he alighted one of the ships and set foot on my supple flesh.

I nodded obediently, not daring to move too much. I emptied my mind and kept my breathing light, trying to be as motionless as a scarecrow.

He jumped up and down tentatively, testing the soft texture of my boob. “Good, looks like the gravitational field here is sufficient. The headquarters shall be built here.”

Despite my immense size, I felt small and powerless. As much as I loathed the idea of war, how could I deny my father? His disapproval was my greatest fear, his anger more terrifying than any enemy.

As the vessels continued to arrive on my breast in droves, I squirmed under their activity, acutely aware of my own nakedness at that moment. The jiggling movement rippled across my expansive chest like a rolling quake, causing minor damages and disrupting the work of the military personnel. My father's shouts of annoyance reached my ears, his harsh scolding only serving to make me feel worse. I bit back tears, not wanting to cause any more floods with them. 

When the base was finished, I steeled myself and whispered in the tiniest voice I could manage, "um… F-Father, what are your p-plans now?" 

As he looked up at my monolithic face from the surface of my chest, I knew he was able to see my question for what it was: a desperate plea. But he merely scoffed, dismissing my concerns without a second thought. "We have only just begun, my dear. Your power will help me conquer the entire universe, bringing every world under my rule. Not even goddesses can stand against your might now that you are this huge!"

Nervously fiddling with my fingers, I gathered my courage and spoke. “B-But do we really have to do that? The Empire is already-”

“Do you have to question every order I give you?!” My enraged father snapped, cutting me off. “Not only am I your emperor, I am your father! Is it too much to ask for you to just do as you’re told for once? After blundering so much today, you still have the nerve to talk back to me?”

I flinched from my father’s admonishment, feeling my feeble resolve quickly shrink away.

“No Father…” I hung my head low in resignation. “I’m sorry for my mistakes, I’ll try to do better.”

“Good. Now that the base is set, it is time for us to depart,” my father declared, “get moving, sweetheart.”

With a heavy heart, I set off through space in search of our next conquest.

The planet Hercules slowly came into view, a pale dot amidst the inky blackness of space. As I drew closer, I could make out verdant forests, sprawling grasslands and winding rivers covering its surface. Quaint villages were scattered across the land, connected by dirt paths worn from centuries of travel. 

This planet was huge, far bigger than me and even Gaia. Everything about this world seemed untouched by technology, frozen in a simpler time. This planet housed a primitive civilization, one not yet plagued with weapons of mass destruction and ceaseless human conflict. The sight filled me with both wonder and sorrow, a quiet melancholy settling in my chest. What right did we have to disturb such a peaceful place? 

I peered down at the microscopic military base nestled on my breast, a permanent reminder of my father’s ambitions. His fleet was ready and waiting, prepared to swoop down at his command and claim ownership of this world. 

Summoning my courage, I spoke. “Father, can’t we leave these people in peace? They seem content with their simple lives, they pose no threat to the Empire.” 

“Your concern is misplaced,” came his cold reply. “It is our duty to bring order and progress to the galaxy.” 

Unable to bear the thought of hurting these people who lack the basic ability to even fight back, I pushed further. “But this is wrong! We can’t just invade wherever we please, destroying lives and cultures as we see fit!” 

“So you want to be the emperor now? You think you know better than me? I’m the one who built this Empire, the one responsible for the luxurious life you live.” His tone was sharp enough to cut steel. “If you really think you can do a better job than me, then just kill me now and take over the throne!” 

A shiver ran down my spine at the intensity in his voice. I could only eek out a meek response, “no F-Father, that was not my intention. Of course I’m grateful for all that you’ve done for me and the Empire, I just worry that…”

“Shut up already,” he growled, “millions of troops swear their undying loyalty to me, obeying every order without an inch of hesitation. And yet you, my daughter, my own flesh and blood, can’t even do the same?”

Hearing his reply, I hung my head dejectedly, feeling my own shame grow. Was I a bad daughter?

Torn between duty and morality, I gazed down at the planet, my celestial form eliciting a slew of terrified reactions from its minute inhabitants. What was I to do?

“Stop wasting my time and get on with it already!” My father ordered authoritatively. “Scrape off a country from the planet and display it to them as a show of your power. Then call for their immediate and unconditional surrender. That is the most efficient way to do this.”

My fingernail trembled as I slowly lowered it towards the planet's surface, heart pounding with each inch closer. 

Gritting my teeth, I dragged the tip of my nail across a large island, carving a deep furrow into the crust. Loose earth and debris tumbled into the sea, kicked up by the massive disturbance. 

In the wake of my action, a profound silence fell over the planet. Then a cacophony of panicked screams and cries reached my ears, like the buzzing of insects. 

Chest tight with guilt, I lifted the island pinched between my fingernails, displaying it for the entire planet to see. Tears welled up in my eyes as I peered down at the ruin I had wrought. 

"Surrender now, or face the consequences," I declared, my voice quivering. I couldn’t even bear to look at the faces of the inhabitants, choosing to avert my eyes as I waited.

Within minutes, a fleet of spaceships emerged from the military base on my breast, heading to the planet's surface.

Father's smug voice broke through my anguished thoughts. "Well done, they have all surrendered. You've successfully conquered your first planet." 

I breathed a shaky sigh of relief, grateful that further destruction had been avoided. At least for now. 

"Thank you for surrendering," I said softly, addressing the entire planet. "Really… Really thank you so much…"

I didn’t want to imagine what atrocities I would have been ordered to inflict on the planet had they chosen to resist instead.

As the Empire’s forces finally settled onto the planet, Father gave his next order. "Now, on to the next planet."

My heart dropped, and a cold shiver ran down my spine. The thought of doing this all over again horrified me. I retreated into internal debate, grappling with the prospect of decimating another country just to display my power and threaten innocent people.

I saw myself looming over a vibrant planet, crushing an terrified cityscape into dust with a single flick of my finger, leaving nothing but destruction and despair in my wake. I envisioned a planet's population cowering before me as their homes and livelihoods were reduced to rubble beneath my flesh. Each vivid scene filled my head, chilling me to my core.

I reflected on Genesis's memories, which depicted her commendable compassion even in the face of my father's despicable deeds, resulting in her heinous murder at the Empire’s hands. My doubts about his actions deepened, my inner turmoil growing stronger.

"F-Father," I began shakily, trying to sound more determined than the previous times. "I’m not going to do this again. I won't be your instrument of destruction anymore."

"Is that so? And what right do you have to do that?" he sneered disdainfully. "This power does not belong to you, young lady. It was the result of millions of sacrifices, all the tireless years of work and lives given in pursuit of a shared purpose."

Tears streamed down my cheeks, but I clenched my fists and mustered every ounce of courage within me. No matter how convincing my father sounded, I could feel deep in my heart just how wrong all of this was.

"Father, please listen to me," I begged, trembling with emotion and fear. "There must be another way. We can find peace without conquering these planets. We don't have to cause all this pain and suffering."

"Fine. If you won’t cooperate, we will just have to do this without you," he hissed, "but do you have any idea what that would entail?”

“We would have no choice but to wage a costly invasion using my already battered army. However, the casualties would be immense if the natives choose to resist,” my father continued. “You, on the other hand, could subjugate the planet in an instant and spare millions, if not billions of lives from bloodshed. But if you continue to be selfish and immature… then just know that the weight of all the lost lives will be on your head."

My jaw dropped and I was left speechless by my father’s stubbornness. How could he try to pin the blame on me when he was the one pushing his warmongering agenda on me?

"B-But Father, I… I" I stuttered, unable to find the right words to rebuke my father’s logic. "Even so… I won't do it."

"Alright, listen to me," my father said, his tone suddenly softening, "I understand your reluctance to cause harm and your fear of responsibility. But you are my daughter, the heir to the greatest Empire in the cosmos, we must make difficult decisions for the greater good. These conquests aren’t a choice, they are necessary to maintain stability and prosperity in the universe. I promise you, once our rule is established, things will be better for everyone involved. And you will be the one to inherit it all, my greatest gift for my most precious daughter. Now doesn’t that sound wonderful?"

My father had never spoken to me in such a warm manner before. I tilted my eyes down, searching for a glimpse of his microbial form on my vast bosom.

Had I misunderstood him all along? Maybe my father had always been working tirelessly for the future of the universe, and for my sake as well. Yes, that must be it. My father was an astute and wise man, I was just too inexperienced to see the bigger picture. What I needed to do now… was obey him, no matter how much it hurt to do so.

"Father, I… I didn’t know you were doing all this with me in mind," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Thank you."

"Of course, my dear," he replied with zero hesitation, "you are the shining light of my life, my proudest legacy. Now, let's move on to the next planet. We have much work to do."

Clutching my chest tightly, I nodded my head weakly. “Yes Father.”

With a heavy heart, I waded through the vast cosmos, obediently following my father’s directions. As I approached the next planet, unbearable dread continued to plague me. Despite my father's words, I couldn’t help the fact that I detested harming people.

I did my best to calm down, telling myself that I had to be strong for my father. He was the only family I had left in the entire universe, and I desperately wanted to make him proud.

Opening my eyes slowly, I took a clear look at the planet I was about to subjugate.

"Forgive me," I murmured, bracing my heart as I prepared to carry out my father's orders.

And so, with great trepidation, I brought my trembling hand towards the planet’s surface.

The fluorescent lights of the supermarket aisle flickered above me, humming softly. My fingers brushed over packages and cans, selecting items by rote. Rice, eggs, cabbages - the staples of a bland existence. My mind wandered as my body moved on autopilot, wondering if things would ever be getting better.

Shaking off my thoughts, I stepped outside. The sun glinted off chromed spires that scraped the sky above me as I merged into the flowing crowd. Artemis gleamed, a jewel box of technological marvels. Sleek trains whooshed by on elevated rails, transporting hordes of citizens. Intricate holograms danced on street corners, advertising products I've never seen. Artemis was truly a magnificent city. Here, humanity was thriving instead of merely surviving. 

And yet, the grandeur of the city and the hope it represented held no meaning for me at this moment. I clutched the grocery bag tighter, quickening my pace.

I rounded the corner, lost in thought, when suddenly I collided with someone. We both tumbled to the ground in a tangle of limbs.

"I'm so sorry!" I apologized hastily, scrambling to my feet. Before me lay a young girl with short blue hair, dressed in a black tank top and denim shorts.

“Layla?” I gasped in recognition, realizing that she was the girl who we had brought along to Artemis. Her piercing grey eyes met mine for a brief second before flickering away.

I hadn’t seen her in weeks ever since splitting paths at the entrance of the city.

I quickly extended my hand to help her up. She hesitated, then took it with a feather-light grip.

The moment she got back up, she snatched her hand away from mine immediately. She stood stiffly, gaze fixed on the ground, clutching her arm with one hand.

"Are you alright?" I asked gently.

She gave a slight nod, eyes still refusing to meet mine. 

"Sorry again for running into you like that. I should've been paying more attention," I continued, hoping that she wasn’t too upset with me. Layla gave another slight nod, clearly wanting this conversation to be over as soon as possible. But I decided not to let her slip away so quickly again. 

"Hey, I know this is sudden, but would you like to come over for lunch?" I blurted out. "I'm sure Ryemi would love to see you again. She was so worried about you being on your own, after all."

At the mention of Ryemi's name, Layla's gaze shifted up to meet mine for a second before darting away once more.

"I don't know..." she mumbled, the uncertainty palpable in her voice.

"Please? Just for a short while would be fine," I insisted. 

Layla chewed her lip, contemplating. For a moment, I thought I had convinced her. But then she shook her head sharply.

"I should get going," she murmured. Before I could respond, she slipped past me and continued on her way, soon disappearing into the crowds.

I watched her receding figure sadly, before turning to head home. I had hoped Layla's presence might help lift Ryemi's spirits, but it seemed like my plan fell flat at the first step.

With a heavy sigh, I adjusted the grocery bags in my hands and walked on.

As I entered our small apartment, the heaviness in my heart grew even more oppressive.

I set the groceries down and made my way to the bedroom. Ryemi lay curled up on the bed, her slender frame appearing so frail and weak. Her dark hair was disheveled across the pillow, and her eyes were closed tightly as if even keeping them open took too much effort.

"Hey," I greeted her, sitting down on the edge of the bed. 

Ryemi's eyes fluttered open, grey irises that lost their luster greeted me. She attempted a smile, but it came out as more of a pained grimace. 

"Welcome back," she rasped.

I took her hand gently in mine, disturbed by how thin and cold it felt. Ever since we arrived in Artemis, her health had continued deteriorating. The price of defeating Zu was becoming more and more apparent every day, and now even simple tasks like walking were difficult for her.

It pained me to see the once vibrant and headstrong Ryemi reduced to this feeble state. But I swallowed my grief and put on a smile for her sake. 

"I bought some food," I said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Want me to bring you some?"

Ryemi nodded weakly. As I stood to prepare the food, I hoped with all my heart that she would regain her strength soon.

I headed to the small kitchen area and began preparing a simple meal for Ryemi. As I sliced fruit and arranged it neatly on a plate, my mind wandered back to my encounter with Layla earlier. Maybe if I had been more upfront about Ryemi’s current condition, Layla would have been more willing to come. 

With a sigh, I picked up the tray of food and brought it back to the bed. She struggled to sit up, frustration crossing her face briefly before she managed to prop herself against the headboard.

"Here," I said, placing the tray over her lap. 

"Thank you," she whispered. As she picked at the fruit, I could see her trying to maintain an appearance of strength, keeping her motions smooth and controlled. But the trembling of her fingers gave her away. 

I sat down beside her. "I saw Layla today," I mentioned casually. 

Ryemi's eyes widened slightly. "How was she?"

"Same as ever. She didn't seem interested in talking," I admitted. “She ran away again after rejecting my invitation to join us for lunch.” 

Ryemi nodded, a complicated mix of emotions in her eyes. "I'm glad she's still alright at least. Even if she prefers to be alone."

Our conversation ended there as I let Ryemi concentrate on finishing her food. As Ryemi continued eating, one labored bite at a time, I stood guard by her side. Seeing her in this state nearly ripped my heart into shreds, but I knew that I had to stay strong, to keep my promise to stay by her side till the end. Even if… that end might be coming much sooner than I wished.

“Hmm… Where is it?” A deafening voice rang from above, the absurd volume making the walls tremble.

Ryemi and I exchanged startled looks. That level of loudness, only a goddess would be able to produce it.

Throwing open the curtains, I stumbled back in shock. High above, framed against the open sky, hovered an impossibly huge figure. A titanic woman with flowing white hair and vivid emerald eyes, clad in a dress of vibrant green. Her lips moved as she muttered to herself, gigantic limbs gesturing vaguely as if searching for something.

Fear gripped my heart with icy claws. What was a goddess doing here? Had she discovered this hidden sanctuary? But how?

I watched with dread as the colossal woman peered intently at the city, her massive green eyes squinting in concentration.

"Now where was it again? Hmm..." She tapped a finger the size of a mountain against her chin as she mumbled to herself. Despite her immense stature, there was something about her mannerisms that somehow seemed… off.

"This space manipulation thingy is amazing!" The goddess squealed in amazement. "I really can’t see it no matter how hard I look!"

She leaned down closer, her mountainous body looming over the city like a living eclipse. I could see every detail of her titanic visage—the gargantuan strands of pearly hair, viridescent eyes large enough to reflect the entire city within, supple lips pursed in thought.

It seemed like Artemis’s cloak was still working as intended and the goddess was unable to see us. Even so, that only begs the question: How did she know about our existence?

"But I know it's down there somewhere," she declared, wagging a reproachful finger. 

Oblivious to the panic brewing below, the goddess hovered a truly massive foot over the city, easily engulfing the whole region in its shadow. 

"Could it be riiight around...here!"

I held Ryemi close as the shadow of the goddess's colossal foot darkened the city. Screams and shouts echoed through the streets as people ran wildly.

"It's okay," I reassured Ryemi. "The city's spacetime cloak will protect us." I stroked her hair, wishing I felt as confident as I sounded.

The apartment window gave me a panoramic view of the entire city to even beyond the boundaries of the hidden space, letting me see just how bad the unrest below was getting. Out on the streets, chaos reigned. Terrified citizens pushed and shoved, some making a desperate break towards the city gates. 

"No!" I yelled. Leaving the hidden space was suicidal, I prayed that those idiots would come to their senses before they made an irreversible mistake.

Unfortunately, my prayers proved useless.

The goddess let out a gleeful giggle as she spotted the panicked people emerging out into the real world, stupidly exiting the shimmering portal.

"Aha! Found you!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together in joy. She now knew the exact location of the hidden entrance.

I could only watch helplessly as the goddess’s jubilant face beamed down at the escapees from the sky. She regarded them with a patronizing smile.

"Oh, you silly humans. There was no need to run away," she chuckled. “I couldn’t have actually hurt any of you if you just remained in the city, you know?”

To demonstrate, she casually pressed her enormous foot down. The sight of such a massive sole descending on us was heart stopping, but just as expected, the foot passed harmlessly through the buildings and streets. 

Grinning even wider, the goddess straightened up again, shaking her head in amusement.

"See? As long as you stayed put, you'd have been perfectly safe," she puffed out her chest in pride. She giggled, evidently finding the whole situation hilarious. This was all just a game to her.

The goddess looked down at the idiots, who were frozen in fear beneath her towering form.

"Well, I suppose I should thank you all for showing me where the entrance was," she said, tapping her chin as if deep in thought. "Tell you what - I'll let you scurry away for now as a reward."

She flashed an exaggerated wink and blew them a kiss.

The escapees hesitated, but the goddess merely smiled and gestured for them to go on. Tentatively, they began slowly walking forward with hunched shoulders. 

I could almost feel their absolute terror as they passed underneath the goddess's colossal legs. Her thighs alone were thicker than the widest plains, and her feet were easily the size of small cities. No one dared to even glance up at the monolithic being looming over them.

Meanwhile, the towering goddess seemed blissfully unaware of the anxiety she was causing. She just hummed happily to herself as she watched the tiny people trekking right below her skirt, their progress excruciatingly slow due to the absurd length of her feet.

Losing interest in them quickly, the goddess turned her attention to the tiny portal leading into Artemis's hidden dimension. It was barely big enough to fit her thumb.

"Hmm, I suppose I'll have to shrink down a bit to get in there," she mused aloud.

The towering entity closed her eyes in concentration. Slowly, her gargantuan body began to steadily shrink down. Her enormous breasts gradually decreased to a ‘mere’ hill size as her overall height rapidly diminished. Soon she was no bigger than one of Artemis’s skyscrapers. Even at this smaller stature, her hips were still wider than two city buses parked side by side

I watched in awe as the once humongous goddess continued condensing herself down further and further to a hundred feet tall. 

Finally, with one last pulse of energy, the goddess shrank down to an ordinary 1.69m tall frame. Rather tall for a woman, but still nothing compared to her previous stratospheric stature.

"There, that should do it," she chirped, looking pleased with herself. 

As the goddess was no longer huge, the dress that had fit her previous titanic figure now collapsed down around her in a mass of fabric. I could only watch in horror as the tremendous pile of cloth came crashing down around her.

Right onto the people fleeing below.

The deafening series of booms drowned out the screams as the dress pancaked on top of the escapees. Swaths of thread thicker than trees smothered everything in their path. It was like watching the largest landslide in history.

When the chaos finally settled, the goddess blinked vacantly at the flattened landscape that was visible under the edges of her dress.

"Whoopsie! My bad," she giggled with an oblivious smile. “I forgot you guys were still walking. I’ll come back for my dress later, hopefully you all can get out before then.”

Was she being serious? There was no way anybody could have survived that, she was just talking to the air at this point. But the goddess seemed completely ignorant of the massacre she had just committed. Casually brushing her hair back, she turned and skipped merrily towards the shimmer that indicated the entrance, leaving only silence behind her.

With the goddess now shrunken down to human size, I watched as she approached the portal leading into Artemis, barely bigger than a dot from my lofty vantage point.

"Oh my gosh!" The miniature goddess suddenly exclaimed, glancing down at her exposed body as if she just now noticed her nudity. Her hands fluttered about as she attempted to cover up. 

"I can't believe I forgot to bring tiny sized clothes," she whined with a pout. Despite the lives she had just crushed beneath her dress, and the countless more she was still intending to murder, being naked seemed to be her biggest concern at the moment.

"Ugh, I guess I'll just have to do this au naturel," she huffed with annoyance. "I guess it isn’t that big a deal for these people to see my bare body, they’ll all be dead soon anyway."

Twirling a lock of hair around her finger, she let out an exaggerated sigh. "Oh well, best to just get this over with quickly I suppose."

With that, she sashayed through the portal, paying no mind to her complete lack of attire. Her skin glowed ethereally in the sunlight as she entered the pocket dimension.

With the goddess now inside the hidden space of Artemis, her presence triggered an immediate standoff with the city's soldiers. Guns were drawn and aimed directly at the naked intruder, but despite their readiness, none dared to open fire. 

Perhaps it was the aura of power surrounding her, or the nonchalant way she held herself even when staring down the barrels of hundreds of weapons. Either way, an unspoken order seemed to ripple through the ranks - hold position, but do not engage.

And so the soldiers watched with bated breath as the goddess calmly strode ever closer to the city boundaries, her bare feet leaving faint impressions in the grass.

When she at last stood before the city itself, the carefree smile on her face transformed into an expression of genuine awe and marvel. 

"Wow..." she breathed, her eyes wide with wonderment. "This place is just...amazing!"

She began animatedly pointing out various architectural features, gesturing wildly with her hands. "I’ve never seen such interesting structures before! They even extend all the way past the clouds! They might even be taller than me!"

"Ooooh, and so many colors and lights. It's like a big rainbow!" Clapping her hands together, she giggled airily. "None of the cities I’ve crushed before were this cool. You humans are just so creative!"

Despite her apparent delight, a look of disappointment crossed her face as she pouted. "It really is a shame I have to destroy it."

Ryemi watched the exchange between the soldiers and the goddess with growing unease, her fingers worrying the hem of her shirt.

"Ren," Ryemi spoke, turning to me with urgency. "I have to stop her. If I don't, everyone here will die."

My jaw tightened as I looked at her with concern. "Ryemi, you know that's not possible. If you use your powers in your current state..." My voice trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

"I don't have a choice. I'm the only one who can stand against her," she responded sadly. 

She placed a hand on my shoulder. "Please. Let me do this. I won’t be able to live with myself if I don't at least try."

“No!” I screamed. “Please, let’s just stop talking about this.”

While we were arguing, the goddess had already grown back to her tremendous true height, rising like a malevolent monolith over the chrome spires and glittering domes of Artemis. She seemed to relish watching the specks below scurry about, completely at her mercy.

"I thought for sure it was taller," she remarked as she studied the highest structure in the city, "looks like I was wrong, it doesn’t even reach my toes!"

With a nudge of her finger, the immense giantess casually knocked it over as if she were flicking away an errant crumb. The building groaned and buckled before crashing down in a bloom of debris. Craning her neck down, the enormous goddess peered closer at the destruction she had wrought.

I felt sick watching the innocent lives she snuffed out so easily. And yet, the monster towered so far above us that we were less than motes of dust under her all-encompassing shadow. What hope did I have against a being of such unfathomable scale and power?

"I can’t believe I was actually amazed by such a tiny thing," she chuckled. She was leaning down now, hands on her knees, intrigued by the bustling metropolis below. From her perspective, even Artemis's tallest buildings would seem like thumbtacks. 

With childlike glee, the titan lifted her mountainous foot, holding it over the city in comparison.

"The city I was just gawking at is even smaller than my foot!" she marveled, wiggling her colossal foot in an exaggerated manner as the entire city was plunged into her terrible shadow. Her simple gesture heightened everyone’s fear as they realized their lives could very well end in the blink of an eye.

I urgently grabbed Ryemi's shoulders, forcing her to look at me. "Ryemi, listen to me. I know you want to stop her, but this is suicide!" I pleaded. "We'll find another way, I promise you. Just don't throw your life away like this!"

Ryemi's eyes were full of sorrow, displaying a level of compassion and maturity far surpassing her age. She placed her hand gently over mine. Her touch was feeble and cold.

"Ren, if I don't do this, we'll all perish beneath her heel. This is the only way," she looked me in the eyes tenderly.

I shook my head vehemently. "No, you can't! What about finding your father? Isn’t that the whole reason you ventured out into the world? You can’t just die here!"

Ryemi glanced down, hesitation flickering across her face. For a moment, I thought I'd gotten through to her. But then she met my gaze again, new resolve burning in her eyes.

Ryemi took a deep breath. "I know. Believe me Ren, nothing would make me happier than to finally meet my father after all these years of wondering and dreaming."

"I guess I'm just not destined to meet him in this life," she croaked. Tears spilled down Ryemi's cheeks but her jaw was set. I could see the finality in her decision and it tore me apart. 

"But I have no regrets," she continued. "Because I met you."

She placed a hand on my cheek. "In a way, you've been like the father I never knew. Having you by my side means more than you can ever imagine."

Her words pierced my heart. I pulled her into a fierce embrace as sobs wracked my body. 

"You can't go yet, Ryemi, you just can't! I won't let you sacrifice yourself like this!" I wailed as tears stained my eyes.

Ryemi gently pulled back, looking at me with infinite care. In her pupils, I saw the depth of her love and acceptance of what she had to do. As much as it devastated me, I knew then that nothing could dissuade her.

With quivering limbs, Ryemi pushed herself to her feet. I quickly moved to support her as she swayed unsteadily. Her body was just so frail now.

But her eyes - Her eyes blazed with determination. 

Step by agonizing step, Ryemi made her way across the room. Each movement clearly caused her pain but she persevered, driven by her unwavering resolve.

I stayed by her side, ready to catch her should she collapse. My own heart splintered with every faltering step. I wanted so badly to pull her back.

But I didn't. Because Ryemi had made her choice and I loved her too much to take that away from her.

Ryemi finally made it down the elevator and to the front door. Gripping the handle, she turned and gave me one last smile.

The door swung open and Ryemi walked out. Each step seemed to take an eternity, but she moved forward with purpose. I followed silently, tears streaming down my face.

As Ryemi stepped out into the open, a brilliant aura of divine energy began to emanate from her body. The air crackled as she began to channel her full might. Though weakened, the depth of her power was awe-inspiring.

Bolts of energy arced wildly around her as her petite frame expanded, tearing her clothes to shreds. She paid no heed, focused solely on bringing forth the maximum extent of her remaining strength.

In mere moments, she had grown to an astounding 30 meters tall. Still the energy built up within her, continuing to fuel her growth.

50 meters. 70 meters. Higher and higher she soared, until she towered over the highest clouds.

Standing magnificently at over 90 kilometers tall, Ryemi was a vision of majesty and power. She stepped lightly on her toes, careful not to rattle the city with her gargantuan movements.

Staring at the torn remnants of her clothes, I realized with a pang in my heart that Ryemi had not passed me her clothes for safekeeping this time. She had accepted that she was not coming back from this battle alive.

The white-haired goddess turned her gaze upward, her mouth falling open in surprise as she took in the abrupt appearance of the giant Ryemi.

"Whoa, where did you come from?" She was taken aback, blinking her large green eyes in confusion. "I didn't know there was another goddess coming here too!"

Standing up to her full height, the goddess stood even taller than Ryemi’s current colossal form.

“I’m Fae, Goddess of Life! Who are you?” She introduced herself enthusiastically as she brushed dust and debris off her knees. “Ah! You must be here to destroy the city too! Don’t worry, we can share!”

The immense goddess completely misread the situation, assuming that Ryemi was here for the same reason as her. Ryemi could only stare back wordlessly. This was not what Ryemi was expecting and I could tell that she had no idea how to navigate the perplexing situation.

"This city is just soooo amazing, isn't it?" Fae continued airily, pointing at the futuristic architecture beneath their titanic frames. "I wonder if it will feel different from usual when we step on it!"

This goddess was incredibly ditzy, but her callous remarks served as a reminder of the threat she posed.

Ryemi hesitated, shifting her weight uncomfortably. "I'm Ryemi," she finally said, offering no other information. Her voice boomed across the skyscape, loud enough to rattle windows for miles even though she had spoken softly. Ryemi winced, clearly not used to the blaring force her giantess voice now carried.

The clueless Fae beamed back brightly. "Nice to meet you Ryemi! Even though I was here first, you can have the first step if you want!"

I could tell Ryemi's mind was racing, trying to figure out how to respond to the goddess’s ‘generous’ offer. Her grey eyes flickered between Fae’s enthusiastic face and the sprawling city below.

Ryemi's hesitation made the doltish goddess tilt her humongous head in puzzlement. “Hmm? What’s wrong?” she asked. Ryemi glanced nervously at her, still deciding on what to say.

"Oh, you must feel bad about taking the first step since I arrived before you," Fae guessed wrongly. "Since you don't want to go first, I'll take the first step then!"

With an eager grin, Fae lifted her right foot. Ryemi's eyes widened in alarm as the giantess aimed her sole directly over Artemis.

Panicking, Ryemi lunged forward, shoving Fae away. The goddess yelped in surprise as she was knocked off balance, windmilling her arms before falling on her back. The impact shook the earth calamitously, nearly toppling the apartment building behind me. 

"Ow!" Fae whined loudly, puffing her cheeks. "Why did you do that, Ryemi?"

Ryemi stood dumbly, racking her brain for an excuse. "I, uh, my boyfriend is still down there," she stammered out, unable to think of a good lie in time. There was no way that reason was going to work.

“Boyfriend?” Fae blinked in confusion, as if that word didn’t exist in her dictionary. "Oh! You mean your sex slave, right?"

"Y-Yeah? Anyway, I should grab him first." Flustered, Ryemi answered without thinking, just relieved that Fae had bought her excuse.

"Oh, okay!" Fae chirped agreeably. "Hurry and get your little toy. Then we can destroy this city together!”

Ryemi gulped at Fae’s reply but nodded gingerly, turning back towards the city below.

Crouching down, she hesitantly extended her right index finger towards the streets of Artemis, aiming specifically at my precise location.

Looking up, the view was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. Ryemi's gigantic digit loomed ever closer, steadily blotting out more and more of the sky. The smooth skin and neatly trimmed nail appeared utterly pristine even at this scale, a mountain of alabaster descending onto the city.

My heart pounded, primal terror rising within me even though I knew Ryemi meant no harm. As her fingertip brushed the tops of skyscrapers, the displaced wind blew cars sideways like leaves. Windows spiderwebbed from the shockwaves of her movements. Paralyzed, I could only stare upwards at the impossibly huge whorls and ridges larger than major highways. The unbelievable view was accompanied by the earthy scent of Ryemi's skin filling the air.

As her gaze registered my frightened reaction, Ryemi hesitated. An expression of hurt crossed her face briefly as her enormous digit halted midair. Realizing that this wasn’t going to work, she began retracting her finger slowly.

Ryemi paused, contemplating the situation as Fae regarded her with interest. Taking a deep breath, Ryemi whirled around and pounced at Fae with all her might.

Caught completely off guard, the Goddess of Life stumbled backwards with a startled yelp. She toppled over, crashing into a nearby mountain range. Snowy peaks exploded into plumes of powder. 

"Hey, what was that for?" Fae complained, extricating herself from the crumbled remains of the mountains. 

Ryemi tackled her again. The two titanic women grappled furiously, their mammoth bodies slamming together as entire forests flattened beneath them. Shockwaves rippled through the land, triggering devastating earthquakes in the cityscape.

Ryemi struggled fiercely against Fae, but it was clear that her weakened state was dragging down her efforts. Her limbs trembled with exertion as she tried to pin the taller goddess down. 

"Wait a minute...you're on their side?" Fae gasped in realization, blinking her large emerald eyes. "You’re trying to stop me from crushing the city! How dare you trick me!"

How had it taken her this long to figure it out?

With growing worry, I noticed Ryemi's movements becoming more sluggish and uncoordinated. The divine energy coursing through her mortal form was quickly burning through her last vestiges of strength. If this battle dragged on any longer, her body would shut down completely. 

Just as I feared, the Goddess of Life soon overpowered Ryemi. She landed a clean hit that knocked Ryemi out, sending her limp body toppling towards the ground.

"Oh my god! Are you okay?" Fae exclaimed, instinctively reaching out and catching Ryemi's lifeless body before she landed. It seemed like even Fae was taken aback by how easily she had defeated Ryemi, momentarily forgetting that they were enemies.

As Fae cradled Ryemi's limp form, an enchanting glow emanated from her hands. The soft, green light enveloped Ryemi's body, magically mending her bruises and soothing her battered muscles.

"Hey, what am I doing? I'm not supposed to be healing her!" Fae shouted suddenly, her cluttered mind just now registering what she was doing.

In a panic, she pushed Ryemi's body away, severing the healing connection. Ryemi remained unconscious, her colossal breasts jiggling as she fell towards Artemis.

From my perspective on the ground, the sight was absolutely heart stopping.

Ryemi's titanic breast rapidly ballooned in size as it plunged towards us like a world-ending asteroid. People screamed and scrambled to get out of the way, but there was nowhere to run from the descending mass of flesh. Mothers clutched their children close, bracing for the fatal impact. Soldiers fired futilely at the sky, their weapons bouncing harmlessly off Ryemi's impenetrable skin.

I could only stare, mouth agape in horror as the giant boob rushed closer. This was it. We were about to be crushed under Ryemi's monolithic mammary. I clasped my hands together, sending a silent prayer as I prepared to be annihilated under the devastating weight of her tit.

The next few seconds felt like an eternity. The entire city held its breath, braced for oblivion. My heart pounded against my ribs. This was the end.

To my utter bewilderment, the apocalyptic boobfall phased harmlessly through buildings and streets as if it wasn't even there. It was like a ghostly apparition, passing through everything without resistance. 

Gasps and cries of shock echoed through the city. Ryemi's titanic tit had come down on us like a celestial hammer of judgement, yet there was not a single crack or dent anywhere. It was as if nothing had happened at all.

Spacetime manipulation.

I stood there, slack-jawed and confused. How was this possible? Both Ryemi and Fae were supposed to be within Artemis's dimension of spacetime now. Yet Ryemi's massive mammary passed through everything like an intangible spirit.

As the dust settled over the miraculously intact city, I found myself too dumbfounded to even move.

Fae is a peculiar goddess, or rather, she is unlike any other goddess I know. Fae is… slow to say the least. She’s not very well versed in the art of using her brain, often needing simple things to be explicitly spelt out for her.

When Genesis first created her, I found her lack of basic intelligence infuriating. But after a while, I found that even stupidity has its charms too. I don’t really have any personal issues with Fae, her heart is usually in the right place, unlike her brain.

For you humans though, I have one piece of advice. When it comes to beings of unfathomable power, what is truly terrifying isn’t someone who is mercilessly cruel, but someone who is irredeemably stupid. And unfortunately for you, Fae fits undoubtedly in the second category. If she were to ever become your ruler, your lives might just become a literal living hell.

Fae, Goddess of Life

Age: 13,101

Height: 100.2km (1.69m at human size)

Powers: Very strong healing powers, can even revive a person from the dead as long as their body is still present.

Kill Count: 952 since the start of this cycle. She has only just arrived on Earth for a couple of days, so not many humans have lost their lives to her just yet. Of the ones that she has killed, 29 are accidental from when she carelessly dropped her dress on top of some humans. The other 923 were killed when she toppled a skyscraper in the city of Artemis with her finger.

Settlement Population: She has no settlement.

I heaved a sigh of relief, slumping back in the command chair. The spacetime cloak had engaged just in time, shielding Artemis from the devastating impact of the enormous girl’s plummeting body. The ground would have buckled, buildings crumbling like sandcastles beneath her massive boob. I had cut it dangerously close, any later and Artemis would have been done for.

I couldn't rest yet though. After ensuring the cloak was stable, I hurried out of the headquarters.

Stepping outside, I gazed up at the sky, darkened by the shadow of the colossal girl’s body as she lay on top of us.

She was still out cold, but with her trapped outside the confines of Artemis’s hidden space, her immense form was effectively just an unfathomably large hologram overlapping with the cityscape. She started to shrink down, gradually disappearing out of sight.

Still, the fact remained that we had come terrifyingly close to ruin today. If not for such a desperate last minute act, everyone here would have been crushed into oblivion beneath that strange girl’s gigantic chest. I shuddered at the thought, the image of her miles-long breast descending inexorably towards us etched into my mind.

Who was she anyway? She had to be a goddess considering her ability to grow to that size, but she seemed too…Fragile? Weak? Well, as weak as she could be at such an earth-shaking size. Thinking back to the fight, she looked seriously ill and feeble, but I knew for a fact that goddesses couldn’t get sick.

Regardless of her identity, she was definitely trying to save the city, distracting and wrestling with the Goddess of Life. She gave me the opportunity I needed to successfully rescue the city.

I took a deep breath, trying to process everything that had happened. As I walked through the streets, my mind drifted back to the events that led me back here, to Artemis.

It had been a few weeks since I parted ways with Jacob and his group. I still vividly recalled the shock I felt when we discovered Ithyrminah in the aftermath of that apocalyptic nuclear blast. She was somehow still alive, but with no memories of her former self. Jacob saw it as the perfect opportunity to manipulate her for his schemes against the goddesses.

Seeing Jacob still so insistent on waging war, I tried reasoning with him, but he refused to budge. In the end, he made me leave, afraid that I would influence Ithyrminah in the wrong way.

I knew then we were never going to be allies. He would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, no matter how many lines had to be crossed.

I traveled for days, indecisive about my next course of action. Eventually, I decided to seek help from the one ally I could still trust - the Goddess of Time, Chrophemus. 

Retracing steps that I hadn’t taken in years, I headed to her hidden dimension. As I stepped through, I found myself standing in an endless field of clouds. The amber rays of sunset bathed the realm in a warm, comforting glow.

In the distance, I could see Chrophemus kneeling in a serene pose, her colossal form rising high above the boundless sky. She opened her eyes and smiled gently as I approached, her heterochromatic eyes filled with both sadness and warmth.

"Welcome, my friend," she spoke, her voice soft and melodic. She motioned for me to come closer.

I wasted no time explaining the situation, telling her everything about Jacob's plans and my concerns. She listened intently, her brows furrowing slightly.

"Troubling indeed," she murmured. "But do not lose hope. The future is never set in stone, we can still take countermeasures at this juncture."

Before I could respond, her eyes suddenly widened. She stood abruptly, shaking the air around me, as she gazed off into the distance.

"What's wrong?" I asked anxiously.

"Artemis is under attack," she said grimly. “Fae… The Goddess of Life is right outside the city.”

I felt my heart drop into my stomach. I had to get there immediately, but I was so far away. 

My mind raced as I tried to think of a solution. And then it hit me - the connection between Artemis's hidden dimension and Chrophemus's realm.

The cloak of Artemis was a spacetime manipulation technology used to mimic the dimensional shift effects of natural hidden spaces. The hidden space used to hide Artemis was an artificial one, meaning that it had to draw dimensional energy from a natural source: Chrophemus’s realm.

Because of the way I configured Artemis’s cloak, directly anchoring it to Chrophemus’s pocket dimension using a high-tech beacon device, there should be a way to instantly teleport between the two spaces.

I immediately headed towards where I had installed the spacetime beacon, changing the settings of the device to facilitate instant teleportation. Sweat beads formed on my forehead as I raced against time, determined to make it back to the city before it was too late.

“Sorry, Lady Chrophemus, I will be leaving now,” I informed the goddess as I finished configuring the device.

“Good luck, Ryan,” she encouraged me, “I’m sorry I can’t afford to help more in this scenario. I can’t reveal myself to the other goddesses, especially not someone like Fae. I hope you understand.”

I gave her an understanding nod, before promptly pressing the initiation button.

With a flash of light, I was transported directly into Artemis, where I barely managed to save the city in the end.

Loud cheers jolted me back to the present as I realized I had reached the city square, the citizens immediately recognizing me and shouting my name. They looked to me expectantly, seeking answers about what had just transpired.

I raised my hands to quieten the crowd before beginning my explanation in a clear voice. "I’m sure you are all confused as to why we survived, so I will give a brief account of what happened. As you all witnessed, the goddess had managed to infiltrate our hidden space. With no time to enact countermeasures, I made the decision to disable Artemis's cloak, returning all of us back to the real world."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd at this revelation. I continued, "With Artemis back in the normal plane of existence, I waited for an opportunity. Luckily, the giantess that mysteriously appeared managed to drive Fae sufficiently far away from the city. As soon as that happened, I quickly reactivated the cloak, sending only the immediate area surrounding Artemis back into the hidden space while the two titans remained outside in the real world. That was why no damage was done to the city when the enormous girl’s body fell on us."

I nodded as the crowd erupted into amazed cheers and applause, praising my quick thinking as they thanked me repeatedly. But I kept my expression serious, raising a hand to quiet them again.

"We can’t celebrate just yet. We may be hidden for now, but the goddess still lurks right outside. She will eventually deduce what happened and try to invade the hidden space again," I cautioned the citizens. I scanned their faces, seeing fear and uncertainty.

The crowd's attention turned upwards to the sky as we all observed the titanic giantess. She had just finished putting her massive green dress and straw hat back on, the threads alone dwarfing our maglev trains in both length and width.

Her gargantuan face loomed above, her visage so colossal that I could distinctly see every inch of her flawless complexion. She peered directly at Artemis, her eyes each the size of a typical neighbourhood. They were a brilliant emerald, yet displayed her perturbation and confusion.

Her smooth pink lips, big enough to swallow Artemis whole, twisted into a pout. She blinked slowly, tilting her head.

"Hmm, that's weird... I could've sworn the city got smooshed when that girl fell," Fae muttered to herself.

Even speaking softly, the volume was far louder than tsunami warning alarms. I noticed her brows furrowing as she tried processing what she was seeing, or rather, what she wasn't. 

The goddess's mind seemed to be running in slow motion as she scratched her head.

"But there's nothing here! No smashed buildings or anything!" She shouted suddenly, her jarring, high-pitched voice amplified a billion fold, causing the crowd to cover their ears in pain.

I almost pitied her as she kept searching in vain for any sign of Artemis. But as dimwitted as this goddess was, I knew that given enough time, she would surely figure out that we had survived.

I turned back to the anxious crowd, knowing that we had to act fast. Clearing my throat, I addressed them once more.

"Everyone, please listen! I know you're all scared right now, but don’t worry. I have a plan to get us all to safety, however..." I hesitated, my heart beginning to pound. "First, there's something important I need to tell all of you."

The crowd grew silent, staring at me intently. I felt my hands grow clammy, my mouth going dry. This was the moment I had dreaded for so long. 

"The truth is..." I gulped, stopping to take a deep breath. "Artemis was not founded by just humans. I had the help of a goddess the entire time, she was the reason I had access to the spacetime manipulation technology."

The faces of the citizens immediately showed horror and fear. I winced, knowing this was exactly the reaction I had expected.

"Please, hear me out! I know how you all feel about goddesses. But the one I've allied with is different! She's been trying to help humanity for eons, to stop the others from destroying us!" I tried to persuade them.

The crowd quieted somewhat, but I could still see the doubt and suspicion in their eyes. They had been conditioned to see goddesses as threats for so long.

I took a deep breath and continued, "her name is Chrophemus, the Goddess of Time. I know it sounds crazy, but she's the only reason any of us are still alive. While other goddesses wanted to wipe out humanity completely, Chrophemus convinced them to let us live." 

I scanned the faces of the citizens, trying to gauge their reactions. There was a mix of curiosity in their expressions now, although most of them still seemed to be in disbelief. Hushed discussions rippled through the crowd.

"Without Chrophemus's help, I never could have built the spacetime cloak that safeguards Artemis," I informed them.

The murmuring grew louder. I could tell they were still uncertain, but my words were starting to sink in.

"I know you have no reason to trust her. But right now, she's our only hope of escaping to safety before the goddess outside finds us again," I urged them, "Chrophemus’s hidden dimension is directly connected to the space we're in now. What I'm proposing is that we teleport the city into her realm."

I held my breath, waiting for their reaction. The citizens looked around at each other, apprehension and debate playing across the crowd. I had asked them to put their lives in the hands of the entity they feared the most. But what choice did we have?

Finally, one by one, they began to nod in agreement. The anxiety was still evident in their eyes, but they realized this was our only chance.

I was just about to initiate the teleportation sequence when a lone voice cried out from the middle of the crowd.

"Wait! We can't leave yet. Ryemi is still out there!"

A well-built man with turquoise hair, slightly older than myself, pushed through the throng of people, desperation etched on his face. The crowd exchanged bewildered looks as they parted ways for him.

“Ryemi…” I rubbed my chin in thought, “is that your daughter?”

"What? Um… No, she’s not,” the strange man said with a conflicted look on his face, before quickly continuing, “Ryemi’s the girl who saved us, the one who grew giant to fight the goddess. She's still unconscious somewhere outside this hidden space. We have to rescue her first!"

I studied the man intently, finding no trace of deception, only panicked worry. He was telling the truth, and it was evident that he cared deeply about that girl.

“Slow down,” I told him calmly. “Why don’t you tell us your name first and who this Ryemi is.”

“My name is Ren, I used to be part of the research team before this city was built,” he introduced himself. So he was one of our researchers, but that still didn’t explain his relationship to the mysterious girl.

"Please!" Ren begged, turning to address the whole crowd. "Ryemi is just a young girl who was born with strange powers. But she risked everything to keep us safe, because of the kindness in her heart!"

I looked around at the crowd, noting their unsure expressions and timid mutterings as they considered Ren's words. The atmosphere was heavy with indecision, but I knew that Ryemi had indeed played a crucial role in saving us all.

"Listen, everyone," I spoke up, my voice carrying through the silent throng. "If it wasn't for Ryemi fighting Fae and bringing her far enough away from the city, we wouldn't have been able to reactivate the cloak of Artemis. We would all be dead right now."

As I acknowledged Ryemi's sacrifice, I couldn't help but feel conflicted inside. Rescuing her would mean risking the safety of thousands of citizens. But could I live with myself if we left her behind, knowing that she had so selflessly put her life on the line to protect us?

My thoughts raced, weighing the pros and cons of each decision. On one hand, I had a duty to safeguard the lives of everyone in Artemis – the city I had dedicated years of my life to building and defending. On the other hand, my conscience rebelled at the thought of abandoning the girl. She was just an innocent child, and we owed her our lives.

I knew what was the choice I wanted to make, but could I really live with the consequences if things went south?

As I struggled with the weight of this impossible decision, a commanding voice rose from behind me.

"I pledge my full support to rescuing the girl."

It was David, the acting mayor of Artemis after Cornwell's disappearance. He stepped forward, radiating authority even as his expression remained kind.

"My friends," he began, "I understand your fears. But if we start abandoning our humanity now, then we have already lost. The dangers facing us will only multiply in the future. And if we cast aside our principles at every turn, soon we will have none left."

I listened in astonishment as David continued, every word resonating with my own thoughts.

"Our humanity is the only thing that separates us from the cruelty and indifference of this harsh world. If we lose sight of that, then we lose everything. This girl, Ryemi - she reminds us that goodness still exists, even in the darkest of days. We must not forsake who we are in the name of survival. For what is survival without spirit?"

A stunned silence fell over the crowd. I could see the conflict in their eyes as David's speech sank in.

As I looked at David, I realized how much things had changed from Cornwell's tenure. Cornwell was pragmatic, utilitarian - willing to sacrifice morals for security. But David was different. He wasn't afraid to stand for what was right, even if it was risky.

I surveyed the crowd, watching their reactions carefully. At first, no one moved, still processing David's words. Then, hesitantly, a few people began nodding, their hushed debates revealing their feelings of agreement. Slowly, more voices joined in, pushing for a rescue attempt for Ryemi.

Not everyone was convinced, however. I could see the doubt and fear lingering in many faces. But after David's speech and the positive reactions it garnered, even those that opposed it didn't dare speak up. 

Ren stepped forward, bowing deeply to the crowd. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" He cried, voice thick with emotion, before turning towards David. "And thank you sir, you have no idea how much this means to me."

David clasped Ren's shoulder. "It was the only choice to make," he replied simply. 

I looked between them, my resolve hardening. "Then it's decided. We'll launch a rescue operation for Ryemi, and teleport away once she is safely back in Artemis," I declared, earning the assent from the crowd.

The risks to this decision were undeniable. But we had made our choice - to hold onto the best parts of ourselves, no matter the cost. Now it was my job to ensure everything went smoothly.

I approached Ren immediately after, pulling him aside. "I'm going to need your help for this mission. Come with me."

Ren nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "Anything you need."

I smiled at his response, knowing that I had chosen the right person. There was something exceedingly dependable about the way Ren carried himself, and I knew that he was the one I had to work with in order to make the mission a success.

I led him through a maze of corridors to a giant underground bunker directly under the city. Ren's eyes widened as we entered, taking in the enormous mecha before us. 

"This is the Godslayer Mk II," I announced, gesturing towards the three kilometer tall machine that more closely resembled a steel mountain than a mecha at this point. 

Ren walked around it slowly, admiring the smooth metallic exterior. His fingers traced over the sleek surface of the armor, no doubt imagining the advanced systems within. 

"Impressive, isn't it? This represents the absolute pinnacle of what is possible for humans to manufacture in this era," I remarked proudly. "However, it is still barely the size of a cockroach to a goddess like Fae. It can serve as a distraction at best. Which is why I'll need your help."

I outlined my plan - I would pilot the mecha to distract Fae, while Ren found and retrieved Ryemi. A perilous task for both him and me, but our only option.

Ren met my eyes steadily. "I'll do whatever it takes. Ryemi risked herself for me, for us - I won't fail her now."

"Then let's get to work. We don't have any more time to waste," I responded.

The dangers were great, but we were determined. All that remained was to face the towering deity waiting outside.

I settled into the cockpit of the Godslayer Mk II, initiating the startup sequence. The systems came online with a deep thrum, energy pulsing through the mecha as it prepared for launch. Gripping the controls, I steeled my nerves.

This was it. 

The ceiling split open above us with a groan of metal, sunlight streaming into the bunker. I ignited the boosters and the Godslayer Mk II shot upwards, bursting out into the open air and exiting the hidden space.

And there she was.

Fae towered before me, her titanic frame rising over one hundred kilometers into the sky. I was an ant before a mountain. From my low vantage point, the Godslayer barely reached the top of her toes, her massive nail wider than the torso of my mecha. 

A familiar anxiety gripped my chest, memories of my first battle against the Goddess of Fire over sixteen years ago flashing through my mind. Back then, I was piloting the original Godslayer, a mere nine hundred meters in height compared to my current machine. It had been utterly insignificant against her divine scale. The goddess had crushed it effortlessly while using the mecha to... stimulate herself, before proceeding to completely obliterate the entire city. That shameful defeat haunted me to this day.

I took a deep, steadying breath. I could not fail again. The lives of everyone in Artemis, as well as Ryemi, depended on me now. 

With a burst of thrust, I launched the Godslayer upwards, engaging the enormous thighs of the goddess with a barrage of missiles and plasma beams. Fiery explosions blossomed across her pristine skin, but they were mere pinpricks against her monumental form.

Still, the sudden itch made Fae yelp in surprise. She glanced down, blinking in confusion as she searched for the source of the irritation. 

Seizing the opportunity, I drove the mecha sideways, using the boosters to rapidly propel myself under the billowing skirt. Safe from her probing gaze, I flew along the soft inner skin of her thigh.

“What the heck was that?” She wondered out loud, twisting her hips left to right as she repeatedly failed to find me.

Despite the urgency of the situation, I couldn't help but marvel at the tremendous scale of it all. Her thigh alone was wider across than the entirety of Artemis city. The landscape of her skin stretched out above me, a grand tapestry of snowy white. It was both terrifying and exhilarating.

I shook my head, banishing those irrelevant thoughts. Now was not the time for that. 

Zooming in on the ground, I spotted Ren in the forests far below. He was driving a jeep towards Ryemi's unconscious body. I knew I had to buy him more time.

Gunning the engines, I charged the mecha straight towards the front of Fae's panties. The cloth towered before me like massive sails, dwarfing the Godslayer Mk II by comparison. With a precise blast from the plasma cannons, I sliced through the threads and dove inside. 

The moist heat and soft flesh enveloped me instantly. I was inside her most intimate place, the very core of her womanhood. The flesh clutched at the mecha, walls rippling with involuntary spasms.

Fae's reaction was immediate. "What the-!?" She shrieked, her voice booming and disoriented. Her hips bucked wildly as she twisted her torso back and forth. "What's happening? What's going on?"

I couldn't help but smirk as the titanic goddess danced in confusion, completely flummoxed by the sensations emanating from between her legs. It was comical just how clueless she was in that moment, despite wielding the power to reshape continents on a whim. 

Not wanting to give her a chance to recover, I pushed the mecha deeper, firing its arsenal relentlessly. Fae's inner walls clenched down hard as she let out another sharp cry. 

"Ow wow!!" She gasped. "Is something inside me? Hello? Who’s there? Can you stop it please!"

Her pleading tones echoed across the landscape, tinged with a mix of bewilderment.

I had to suppress a chuckle. Here was a being that could blink and wipe out cities, yet she was utterly helpless against this invasion of her most private area. The Godslayer Mk II was impressive, able to withstand the crushing pressure of a goddess’s pussy for this long. It was a great improvement from its predecessor.

I carried on with my assault, the Godslayer Mk II thrusting and gyrating within the snug confines unapologetically. Fae squirmed desperately, thighs clenching together in a futile effort to dislodge the intruder, but the exoskeleton of the mecha held firm for now.

"Oh goodness, oh myyy!" She whimpered, chest heaving with frantic breaths. "Someone please help me!"

Ignoring her cries, I pushed further, relishing having the upper hand over a goddess for once. Fae’s body practically screamed from the overstimulation, encouraging me to intensify my attacks.

My console lit up with an incoming message from Ren. ‘I got her! Heading back now!’

I sighed in relief. Time to make my exit.

With a few quick taps, I activated the mecha's self-destruct function, confirming that the sixty second timer was set. I then swiftly made my way to the escape pod and ejected.

I rocketed out between her massive legs, seeing her oppressive pussy lips glistening with forced arousal. Gazing upwards, I enjoyed the dumbstruck look on the goddess's face morph into shock as she made brief eye contact with my pod.

“You-” she tried to speak but her voice had already gone hoarse from her earlier screeches.

I couldn't help but smile triumphantly. Mission accomplished.

The Godslayer Mk II detonated violently within Fae, the devastating explosion sending shockwaves throughout her insides. She threw back her head, mouth agape in a silent scream as the most powerful orgasm she’d ever experienced rocked her enormous frame. 

I watched in awe as jets of her cum erupted from her spasming pussy like geysers, each surpassing the size of skyscrapers. The colossal droplets rained down on the land below, ravaging the countryside.

My pod rattled as it sailed through the air, fleeing as fast as possible from the catastrophic downpour. Both my escape pod and Ren’s jeep slipped through the shimmering portal leading back to Artemis just as an especially huge gob crashed down right where we had been seconds prior. 

I took a deep, steadying breath, hardly believing we had made it. The plan was risky, but it had paid off. We were all safe, and I had single handedly brought a goddess to climax purely using a man-made machine. Not the most conventional of victories I must say, but a victory nonetheless.

I emerged from my escape pod, urgency propelling my steps. We weren't out of the woods yet.

Fae remained where I had left her, kneeling awkwardly as she struggled to regain her senses. Her head lolled drunkenly to one side, eyes unfocused and glazed over.

"Wha...what just happened...?" she slurred, blinking slowly. 

She reached down between her colossal thighs, fingers probing gingerly at her sore, swollen womanhood. When she pulled them back, they dripped with her leftover arousal. 

"Did I just...cum?" she muttered in disbelief, staring at her wet fingers. 

Fae shook her head rapidly, as if trying to shake the daze from her mind. 

"No...no, that can't be right. This doesn't make any sense!" Her breaths came quicker as panic set in. I could almost see the rusty cogs turning in her head as she attempted to comprehend what had just transpired. "I’ve never felt that way before…"

I allowed myself a private smirk at her distress as I initiated the transfer sequence. Good riddance, giant idiot.