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Once night fell and everyone was asleep, Maria stepped outside and climbed to the roof.
From there, a faint silver light glowed from the moon, forming a translucent staircase just for her.
Maria ascended the steps. Space twisted around her, revealing stars, and then a beautiful land floating above the clouds.
Divinity flowed freely everywhere, this was perhaps the richest divine realm she had ever entered.
"Ooh, what a beautiful place."
Maria gazed into the distance and saw a grand palace of white and red. She walked toward it and suddenly found herself inside an enormous chamber.
Dozens of gods of every shape and size sat on thrones around her, looking down.
At the center, on a golden throne, sat a beautiful woman with long black hair, glowing golden and red eyes, and a Miko-style dress. A bright sun-shaped ornament shone above her head.
