It's strange.
Although Ryoji has experienced people being courteous and letting him go ahead while queuing, being let to the very front by so many people is truly a first, especially when most of them are male.
"Hmm... You haven't deliberately concealed your Divine Power, have you?"
The city gate guard was also a warrior clad in armor, exuding the aura of someone who has been rigorously trained. He looked at Ryoji with a somewhat subtle expression.
"No, I'm just an ordinary person."
Ryoji waved his hand.
He had already answered similar questions over a dozen times. Many people in the line seemed to mistake him for a god, which is why they let him go ahead. Even those who were skeptical chose to follow suit.
"I see. Please open your backpack so we can inspect it."
From the look in his eyes, it was clear that the guard still didn't believe him, continuing to use a respectful tone as he made the request.
Ryoji shrugged, making a "what can I do" expression.
If you don't believe me, there's nothing I can do.
"What are these?"
"Local specialties from my hometown."
The gate guard pulled out a few electrical items like flashlights from the backpack, looking utterly puzzled.
"Please demonstrate their use for us."
"...Alright."
"So that's how it is. This is an alternative Magic Stone Lamp..."
Magic Stone Lamp must be something used for lighting in this world. To avoid suspicion, Ryoji didn't react excessively, maintaining a calm and composed expression.
"No problem, you may enter."
The guard inspected Ryoji's personal items one by one, registered his name, and then respectfully let him pass, showing no greed even when seeing some jewelry in his backpack.
"I noticed others got in pretty easily. Why is it so strict with me?"
Ryoji rubbed his chin and asked the guard.
He found it strange. The merchants ahead were simply checked inside their carriages, asked a few questions, and then let in. But with him, they had to go through every item in his backpack. Is this discrimination? Be careful, I might file a complaint.
"It's usually simple for ordinary people to enter, but..."
The guard gave him a strange look, sighing helplessly as if to say, "How could you even ask such a question?"
"If a god wants to enter, we must conduct a thorough inspection."
After some thought, feeling it would be disrespectful to a god not to answer, he replied to Ryoji's question.
Perhaps this is a god from a very distant place who isn't familiar with Orario's rules.
"Didn't I already say I'm not a god?"
"But with a face like yours, it's hard for me to believe otherwise!"
The guard's expression was also quite troubled.
"Andra, since God Sama doesn't seem to understand, why don't you explain it to him? I'll take over here."
Someone volunteered to take over the shift, smiling as he spoke.
Andra nodded reluctantly and led Ryoji aside.
Whether the other person was pretending to be clueless or genuinely unfamiliar with the city's rules, Adventurers in Orario must not disrespect the gods. He had no choice but to patiently explain everything to Ryoji one by one.
In this Danmachi world, gods truly exist around the world.
And in the city of Orario, which is considered the "center of the world," the number of gods is especially high. However, gods are not allowed to leave the city easily, and even when entering from outside, they must undergo inspection and registration.
Some might ask, since they are gods, with their pride, how could they possibly follow human rules? Couldn't they just fly, become invisible, or even teleport, making it impossible for anyone to stop them?
But in reality, that's not the case.
, The gods descended from the heavens a thousand years ago in search of entertainment.
Gods are transcendent beings, their power almost omnipotent. Over the past hundreds of millions of years, precisely because of their overwhelming power, nothing could challenge them, and life in the heavens became unbearably dull. Almost nothing in the heavens could provide them with a sense of novelty.
Upon seeing the fascinating world below, they joyfully descended and decided to live in the lower world with a playful mindset.
Specifically, they sealed their Divine Power, forbade the use of Divine Abilities and Authority, and had to live like ordinary people. Abilities like invisibility, flight, and teleportation were completely off-limits.
In other words, gods in the lower world are almost no different from ordinary people.
But gods have one characteristic that everyone in Orario knows, all gods are very handsome and beautiful.
As long as someone is a god, it is impossible for them to be ugly.
Even if they are old men or women, they must have very proper facial features that attract the attention of those with special preferences.
"I haven't seen a figure like yours among many gods," Andra explained candidly, praising Ryoji profusely.
With a charm level of 46, Ryoji's appearance, physique, and aura were quite close to perfection.
However, to say he was stunningly handsome or charming enough to drive people mad would be an exaggeration.
After all, looks are just pleasing to the eye; even if they reach a certain height, achieving perfect facial features and physique only makes one pleasant to look at, not like the legendary vixen that drives people insane, this is how Ryoji sees it.
However, in a world where gods exist and everyone is a beauty, appearance becomes a very standard reference point.
According to Andra, many male gods cannot compare to him in looks.
Although gods naturally emit a special aura called "Divine Power," which allows people to instantly recognize their noble status, this Divine Power can be freely turned off.
Some gods, seeking fun, often suppress their Divine Power.
In such cases, people find it difficult to easily discern their identities.
But fortunately, they are all handsome and beautiful.
So in Orario, if you encounter someone particularly outstanding in appearance, it's best not to cause trouble.
Although gods have sealed their Divine Power, they remain incredibly noble, bestowing crucial Blessings/Falna upon the people of the lower world, and all races must treat them with respect.
"So that's how it is..."
Ryoji nodded, indicating his understanding.
It seems that he should be able to get along well in this world.
He doesn't plan to disguise himself as a god; once exposed, the consequences could be unpredictable, and there's no need to take that risk.
But if you insist on treating me like a god and treating me like your grandpa, then I can't be blamed, right?
"Be good, tell me more about Orario."
Ryoji extended his hand, draping it over Andra's shoulder, wearing a kind expression like a grandpa looking at his obedient grandson.
"..."
Andra's mouth twitched, feeling inexplicably stiff in the waist.
Then, Ryoji chatted with him for half an hour.
(End of this chapter)
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