[POV Artur]
"Believe me when I say this—we're definitely weaker than your warriors!" I interrupted her again.
"Yes, I am aware that you are not strong at the moment. However, your potential far exceeds that of any ordinary human. And due to the summoning spell, you already possess two abilities, in addition to an abnormal ease when it comes to leveling up" Goddess Sapphire replied calmly.
"Levels?" one of the students asked, confused.
"Yes. All beings possess a level system. Look at your status screen and you will see your level and abilities" Sapphire explained.
Status…
The moment I thought of it, a screen appeared in front of me.
Race: Human
Level: 1
Agility, Speed, Strength, Intelligence…
(Okay, I don't want to look at that right now…) I thought impatiently. (Let's go straight to the abilities)
Abilities:
Hide Status — Maxed
Absorb — Unique
"So that's what they are…" I murmured to myself.
I looked around. The others were also staring into empty space in front of them, each reacting differently—some frightened, others trying to touch the invisible screen. Then one of the girls raised her hand, clearly confused.
"Why doesn't my name show up here?"
"No name? I didn't notice that…" I said, turning back to look at my own screen.
Name: No Name
An odd sense of unease spread through me, and I felt my calm expression falter for the second time.
"Mine too" another student said beside me.
Within seconds, the place erupted into chatter. Voices overlapped, everyone demanding the same explanation, all pointing to the same problem.
"Uh… I-I can explain… just please let me—" the Goddess seemed completely unprepared for the unexpected situation.
She tried to speak, but the murmuring wouldn't stop. Some were already showing clear signs of panic, others of anger, and no one seemed willing to listen.
My irritation only grew. This didn't feel like a simple mistake.
"SHUT UP!" I shouted, and silence fell over everyone instantly.
The Goddess, who was standing beside me, flinched slightly. Then she turned to me with a look filled with disdain, as if she wasn't used to being interrupted like that.
"If you let her talk, maybe she can explain" I said, looking straight at her. "You can speak now, Goddess Sapphire"
"Uh… thank you" she began, still a little shaken. "Well, names in this world are extremely important. They define the relationships between beings. To name someone, an exchange of energy is required between both parties, creating a bond similar to that of family. This strengthens them—socially, physically, and energetically. Since you were summoned, you ended up losing your names… but don't worry. I will name you again using your former names, right now"
No one said anything. It was too much information to process all at once.
"All right, single file, alphabetical order" I said, breaking the silence.
They began to line up, still somewhat confused.
"You're first, Artur" the Goddess said.
"Leave me for last" I replied without a second thought.
Then the Goddess began asking each person their name. With her hand extended, she recited the same phrase every time: "I, Sapphire, name you as…"
With each naming, it was possible to see energy leaving her body. Sapphire-blue dust flowed from her hand, wrapped around the person in front of her, and in the end split apart, sinking into the named person's chest and mind. The hairs on their bodies stood on end instantly, but the sensation wasn't dangerous. Quite the opposite. Everyone looked as though they had just slept for hours on the most comfortable mattress imaginable—completely refreshed… even stronger than before.
While this was happening, I stayed a little farther back, watching and thinking.
All right… I'm in another world with magic. I was summoned by a kingdom ruled by a Goddess.
Should I be on guard?
Is there a way for us to go back?
How many Demon Lords are there? How many gods?
Does she have any real divine abilities, or is it just something that sets her apart from ordinary humans?
I watched as she named my classmates, and my expression slowly shifted into concern.
Does naming someone consume a lot of energy?
After we defeat the demons… will they want to get rid of us?
We'll be fifteen walking concentrations of power, roaming the world freely.
That alone makes us a threat to anyone—especially to gods.
I've always believed in a greater God, one who doesn't interfere directly in our lives and respects free will. But anyone who calls themselves a god on this world carries an absurd level of arrogance. And someone like that… I wouldn't doubt their ability to do anything.
Are we in danger?
I really need to stay alert.
I won't be anyone's slave.
I lowered my head, resting my hand on my chin, lost in thought.
"Artur, you're up now" Clara called out.
"Huh… oh, right. I'm coming" I replied, startled.
I walked toward the Goddess slowly.
(Can she see my status?) I wondered for a moment. (I'd better use Hide Status)
I decided to activate the skill.
[POV Sapphire]
"Very well… your name is Artur, isn't it?" Goddess Sapphire asked, studying him closely.
(All that's left is for me to see his status) she thought.
Activating her Magic Eye ability, she attempted to view the hero's capabilities. (I need to know the abilities of each and every one of them)
However, all that appeared before her perception was a white mist, completely obscuring the screen that should have revealed his attributes.
(He's hiding his status? How?)
A silent warning echoed through her mind. (I need to be far more careful with this one)
"That's right" Artur replied calmly.
The Goddess maintained her smile, but her thoughts churned. (I can't grant him a true name right now. If he really is dangerous, I'd be putting the other heroes at risk)
"Ahh…" she murmured.
Sapphire took a deep breath. Her eyes darted rapidly from side to side, her body swayed, her legs seemed to give out, and for a moment it looked as though she was about to collapse. She only didn't because Artur caught her before she hit the ground.
It was a convincing performance—even to attentive eyes.
"Goddess Sapphire!" a man rushed to her side, offering immediate support.
"Ah… I'm sorry, Artur" she said, leaning on him. "I felt a bit dizzy. I must have used too much energy"