Tenra's current state was strange, almost surreal. The figure standing before the girl wasn't his real body, but a manifestation woven from pure faith—a projection shaped by the girl's devotion.
This was the [Codex of Divinitas et Diabolus]'s newest power: when a believer called his name, Tenra could descend along a golden thread and appear before them. It sounded impressive, but in truth, the ability had its limits.
The projection was fragile, sustained only by the summoner's faith. Only she could see him, and he doubted it could withstand so much as a stiff breeze. Still, Tenra suspected there was more to discover in time. For now, his attention was fixed on the girl who'd summoned him.
"My believer," he intoned, voice gentle yet commanding, "tell me your name."
"S-Susan! My name is Susan, Divine Lord!" she blurted, nearly tripping over her own excitement.
"And why have you called me here, Susan?"
He studied her—armor-clad, face half-hidden, her every movement brimming with nervous energy.
"Divine Lord, I… I want courage! I want to be brave!"
"Courage?"
"Yes! I came here to study because I love this country's culture, but… being here makes me feel so anxious and alone." Her fists clenched tight. "Your bravery and strength inspire me—I want to be like you!"
In this unfamiliar place, with no family or friends, Susan felt adrift and afraid. If she couldn't find courage—couldn't find something to hold onto—she might just fall apart.
"Is that why you chose to believe in me?" Tenra asked, a hint of amusement curling his lips.
"…Yeah." She hesitated, twisting her fingers. "I never believed in religion before, but after reading your story, I thought… maybe I should try. So… so…"
Tenra's smile grew. "And now you believe?"
She nodded so vigorously it was almost comical. "Yes—of course! I mean… you're really here!"
Tenra's gaze sharpened, calculating. He'd found exactly what he was looking for.
"Believer Susan, I understand your wish. But I'm afraid I cannot grant you courage."
"What? But… aren't you an all-powerful god?"
"Oh, I am omnipotent. I could grant you courage. But you don't need it."
"Don't… need it?"
He smiled, mysterious and warm. "My dear believer, haven't you realized? You already have courage—right here."
He pointed to her chest.
Granting courage wasn't something even the true God of the Bible could do. But guiding someone to find their own strength—that, Tenra could manage.
Humans were strange creatures. Timid, insecure, prone to self-doubt. But the moment they believed in themselves, they could become strong—brave enough to change their fate.
"I already have courage?" Susan whispered, disbelief flickering in her eyes.
"Yes. You just haven't seen it yet. When you chose to come to this country alone, you were already braver than most."
"So don't be afraid. Don't let confusion or loneliness drag you down. Even if you lose yourself for a while, keep moving forward—you'll find your way."
Tenra's words seemed to shimmer with magic. Susan felt her heart surge, her blood singing in her veins.
Anyone else might have doubted. But if a god said so—how could she not believe?
All this time, she'd been brave.
"I have courage… I have courage…" she murmured, the words gaining strength with every repetition. Something inside her was awakening—a power she hadn't known she possessed.
Suddenly, the loneliness and fear didn't seem so overwhelming. Even alone in a foreign country, even with no one at her side—
It was okay. She was brave. She was strong.
Her eyes burned with newfound conviction. The divine lord's blessing had left her feeling reborn.
Tenra watched her transformation with quiet amusement. So this was what it meant to be a god—spout a few platitudes, and if your followers believed, it became sacred truth.
Susan didn't even realize she'd been subtly brainwashed. She thought her courage came from divine blessing, when it was simply her own strength, awakened by faith.
His projection flickered—time was running out. Tenra decided to add one last spark to the fire.
"Believer Susan, live boldly. Become braver, become stronger—I will always watch over you."
"No matter what hardships you face, no matter what suffering you endure, as long as you hold faith and love for me, you are invincible!"
His voice rang with passion, echoing through her soul. Then, his projection collapsed, scattering into motes of light.
To Susan, the radiance was holy—a miracle.
"Faith in the divine lord… love for the divine lord…"
She whispered the words, her gaze growing fierce and devout. As long as she held onto her faith and love for Tenra, nothing could stop her.
Standing, Susan gently removed her samurai helmet, revealing a beautiful face framed by golden hair.
The divine lord wasn't just brave and powerful—he was gentle, majestic, guiding her to her true self.
She couldn't bear to lose him—not now, not ever.
She'd once considered confessing to Horii-kun, the classmate who'd helped her so much. But now, compared to her love for the divine lord, Horii-kun seemed insignificant.
From now on, faith and love for the divine lord would be enough to carry her through.
She picked up the Codex, cradling it with reverence. In that moment, Susan became a true believer.
Meanwhile, deep within his spiritual sea, Tenra felt the surge of faith power and laughed aloud.
So this was what it meant to be a god. Not bad at all.
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