Surviving without God

Gunther strode quickly, checking the map he had bought at the shop. Before heading to the “Gods’ Shop,” there was one place he needed to stop by.

“...Pretty far.”

Geography was one of the biggest differences between the game and reality. The border city, which on the other side of the monitor could be leisurely walked around in an hour, had now become so enormous that even a full day would not be enough to see it all. Last night, searching for “Haven” had also taken quite a long time.

“It’s not just the size.”

The roads intertwined into a complex web, and the streets were filled not with a limited number of NPCs, but with living people.

— Oh, Mom! Look at that big brother’s face!

— Shh! That’s rude... Oh... Hm, well.

Gunther sighed and pulled the hood of his robe tighter, which the wind kept trying to blow back.

“I should’ve at least bought a mask.”

Whether because of the Stigma that had raised his Charm stat or for some other reason, he was clearly catching far more looks than usual.

[Your notoriety in the Border City increases slightly]

[Alphonse of Red Street laughs loudly, advising you to enjoy the attention]

After wandering for a few more minutes, Gunther reached his destination.

[Brody’s Office]

...So, Brody. Did she and Eddie decide to rhyme their names or what? Gunther tossed aside the pointless thought, opened the decrepit door, and stepped inside. Contrary to expectations, it was surprisingly clean.

— How can I help you?

The moment he showed the staff member Eddie’s letter of recommendation, he was immediately escorted to the guild head’s office. And there...

“So this is Brody?”

The person who greeted him was a man who was a copy of Eddie, right down to the balding spot forming on the back of his head. Gunther froze for a moment.

“What the hell...?”

He barely had time to wonder whether cousins could look that alike when the man flinched and shouted his name.

— Gunther?

— ...Eddie.

— Oh, wow. Didn’t think we’d see each other again after just one day. What brings you here?

— I’ve got business. You?

— Ah, well... Me. You see...

The answer came from the other side.

— He rushed in all of a sudden and asked me to find a restaurant suitable for a confession of love.

— Brody! You son of a bitch...!

In a large chair in the corner sat a girl. Her dark red bob swayed slightly. A beauty with a sweet face, someone it was hard to believe could be Eddie’s relative, stared intently at him.

“...Probably about Suhyeon’s age.”

Outwardly, she had nothing in common with her brother, but the mischievous expression and sly aura made them look very much alike. Gunther smiled faintly and joked:

— Looks like Yor’s crises will last two days in a row.

Having received a list of restaurants from Brody, Eddie hurriedly dashed out the door, waving his hand as he went:

— Anyway, see you around. Say hi to Ryan for me!

— .......

...Most likely, his confession would fail. And it wasn’t even about Eddie’s charm, but about the situation Yor and Kalian were in. As Gunther watched his pitiful back, a cup of tea was set down in front of him with a light tap.

— An unbelievably handsome guest, and it’s hard to believe you’re acquainted with my cousin. So, what is your request?

Straight to business. That was even better. Gunther handed over the prepared note and said:

— Find out whether these people are in the city. And if so, where exactly.

Brody carefully read the note and muttered softly:

— Hm, two people?

Gunther nodded. One was the Protagonist. The other was someone connected to a hidden breathing-training method. Information on the second was urgently needed, but... the first worried him more.

“Why did the Protagonist disappear?”

This world and the ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) world of the game he had played definitely matched. That was a fact verified over the years. But the most important puzzle piece was missing.

“What if he didn’t disappear?”

Because of some unforeseen factor, he might simply have gone off the rails of the main scenario. It was entirely possible that he existed somewhere in this world.

“Of course, I’m ready to move the plot on my own, but...”

Finding him wouldn’t hurt. If the two of them traveled together, things would go much more smoothly.

— Hm, the information on both is quite detailed, so it won’t take long. Would you like the answer in writing? Or will you come in person?

— I’ll come in person.

— All right. Then pay at the counter on your way out. Since you’re from Eddie, I’ll give you a 15% discount.

— Ah, thank you.

Gunther hesitated, then added:

— And one more thing...

— Something else?

— You wouldn’t happen to have a mask, would you?

Brody smirked and pulled a wolf mask out of her desk drawer.

— This one’s a bonus.

— ...Unexpected generosity.

— It doesn’t hurt to gain the favor of a promising contractor. Well, see you.

Ding!

A bell rang, summoning the next clients, and the doors swung open. Brody was clearly quite famous in her field. A long line stretched down the corridor.

— See you again.

Gunther left “Brody’s Office.”

***

U-u-u-u-um—

At last, he reached the “Gods’ Shop.” The entrance looked exactly like it had in the game. A massive metal doorframe wide enough for ten people to stand side by side, with room to spare.

[Three gods carefully examine the masterpiece of magical engineering]

Tap—

As he approached, the empty space inside the frame rippled and filled with bluish light. A portal leading into the shop. Just as he was about to step forward—

— A-a-a-a-a!

Some man was literally flung out of the portal. Ignoring the pain, he jumped up at once, rushed back to the entrance, and began pounding on the frame.

— Give it back! Give it back! That deal was a scam!

His face was flushed and twisted with rage, like someone who had been cruelly deceived. In his hands, he clutched some junk.

— Damn it, do you even know what kind of item that was?! And you trade it for this trash?! That was the price of my comrades’ lives, fallen in the Labyrinth! Give it back!

An elderly adventurer, unable to bear the sight, stepped forward to calm him down:

— Young man, you mustn’t make a scene in front of the Shop. If you’re unlucky—

But it was already too late.

S-s-s—

Something silently emerged from the metal frame. Nearly three meters tall. The hems of its robe fluttered like curtains.

— .......

In an instant, everything went silent. The raging man too.

[Visitor]

The “Servant” spoke in a low, insinuating voice.

[You continue to make noise even outside]

— Th-this...

[You agreed to the exchange yourself... Unfortunately, a completed deal cannot be undone. Please leave]

Strangely enough, it addressed him politely. The tone was gentle, as if soothing a child. Perhaps because of that, the man, before anyone could stop him, gathered his courage once more. It was a mistake.

— Who the hell are you to toy with me like this?! You take such a valuable item and give me this trash in return!.. Scammers!

In the shadow of the hood, the Servant’s mouth stretched into a long grin.

[You. You have defiled the deal]

— What?..

[According to the rules, I will collect a fair price]

Flash—

The light that burst from the Servant’s fingertips didn’t even allow a scream. The tongue was severed in a single strike.

— U-uh, u-uh-uh!

The Servant calmly tilted its head toward the wheezing man collapsed on the ground. A serene voice followed:

[Visitor, the deal was fair. Leave]

...The man couldn’t get up from the shock. Gunther reached out and helped him to his feet.

[The Drug-Addicted Saint whispers: “Watch your step!”]

He didn’t forget to place the severed tongue into the man’s hand. If he ran quickly to a skilled healer, it could still be reattached.

— U-uh-uh-a-a...

The sobbing man left. People stood frozen. The Servant straightened. Gunther nodded to himself.

“...Bastards, after all.”

The gods in were different from those depicted in other works. Unless they were the rarest “benevolent deity,” they would not care for people or protect them. They acted solely for their own benefit and goals. Human survival and feelings were not taken into account in the process. Let alone their servants.

“No matter how you look at it, they’re impossible to love.”

Just then, the Servant’s gaze turned toward him.

[Oh, it seems we have a new visitor]

— Yeah.

[Do you have a recommendation?]

Gunther shook his head.

[Perhaps you have a contract with a deity...]

— No.

[Ah, I see]

The Servant’s tone grew cold—and that was not imagination. It continued in an official voice:

[Visitor, from the moment you enter the shop, you are obligated to follow the “Rules of the Sacred Deal.” Are you aware of them?]

— Read them out.

[......]

The Servant seemed displeased. But it could not neglect its duties.

[First, all deals are conducted through barter...]

The essence of its words came down to the following:

1. Barter: A human offers an item, and a deity proposes an exchange.

2. Right of choice: If multiple deities are interested in one item, they offer different options. The final choice belongs to the human.

3. Collection: If you offer a useless item three times, or reject a deity’s proposal three times, you must pay a price for offending their feelings.

4. Exit: You may leave the shop only after completing at least one deal or offering a “payment.”

[However, depending on the rank of the deals, some rules may be relaxed]

— Oh?

[Of course, that does not apply to you]

...Petty bastard. It looked Gunther over once more and finally asked:

[So... Do you wish to make a deal?]

Three gods sent messages simultaneously.

[The King of Ninety-Nine Defeats warns that he senses a sinister aura inside the shop]

[The Drug-Addicted Saint says it’s better not to draw unnecessary attention]

[Alphonse of Red Street looks interested]

Gunther smirked.

“Don’t worry.”

He knew perfectly well that the upcoming deals were dangerous and unfair. Even in the game, the “Gods’ Shop” was a system that drew countless complaints. But...

“That’s only for newbies.”

For someone who knew what to present at the entrance to get the desired result at the exit, the “Gods’ Shop” was simply an excellent restaurant with great prices.

“Step aside, a veteran is coming through.”

Gunther took a step forward—

U-u-u-u-u-um—

A strong wave of dizziness washed over him.

.

.

.

[This is your first visit. You are assigned a Rank 0 badge]

[Please attach the badge to the right side of your chest]

***

Bright light. He moved forward even before his eyes adjusted. Blurred vision was no obstacle.

[Skill “Serpent’s Nest” Lv. 1 is activated]

He had already been given a sense more precise than simple sight. Microscopic heat and vibrations penetrating through the skin.

“...That’s convenient.”

[Alphonse of Red Street shrugs]

Inside, the shop was enormous. An endless floor of black marble, visitors scurrying back and forth, and Servants at every counter. The overall atmosphere resembled a gigantic casino.

“...And the similarity isn’t just superficial.”

The operating principle was the same. Just as VIPs in a casino who spent large sums received special treatment, here those who made high-quality deals enjoyed high ranks.

“A true caste system.”

As a Rank 0, he could trade only at the very bottom level, and only with lower deities. In contrast, holders of the highest Rank 6 could freely access the upper floors and trade with any gods.

Click—

Gunther attached the Rank 0 badge to his chest and glanced briefly at the luxurious upper tiers. Surely, most of the NPCs he knew were up there right now.

“I’ll climb gradually.”

...It wouldn’t take long. He headed toward the counters surrounded by nervous visitors.

— Please, this is already the third time!

— Get a grip! I told you to put up the most valuable thing you have!

— A-ah... What does it matter what I think is valuable! The gods reject everything anyway!

Everyone looked as if they had bet their entire fortune on a card game. All because of Rule 3 — the “Limit.”

[If a deity deems the offered item useless three times in a row, or if you reject a deity’s proposal three times, a “payment” is collected]

A rule that benefited only the gods. And yet, the shop was packed.

“Gambling addicts.”

Sometimes, an unbelievably valuable item was given in exchange for what someone offered. If you brought in a trinket and walked out with an astounding divine artifact? Or if you saw that happen to the person next to you? Everyone lost their minds. That’s why people hoping for a big score came here, praying to guess the fickle tastes of the gods.

“Stupidity.”

Gunther could guarantee it: an ordinary person could never read the gods’ minds. ...Unless you were a “no-lifer” who had come here countless times and memorized all the patterns.

“Well then...”

Gunther approached an empty counter. ...Or rather, one that was about to be vacated. The visitor at the counter stared at what lay before him, unable to believe his eyes.

[The “Prince of Sewers” has offered “Slimy Slime Flesh” as an exchange]

— Ha, ha-ha... What kind of flesh is that supposed to be?

An utterly trash exchange item. But since it was his last deal, the visitor didn’t dare refuse. He merely slumped his shoulders, holding the stinking chunk of green flesh.

— Ha-ha-ha...

From the very top level of the shop, beyond a boundary that wavered like a veil, faint laughter drifted down.

“Bastards.”

Antipathy swelled. Frowning, Gunther slammed his backpack onto the counter with a bang. Over the past three years, crossing the continent, he had gradually gathered the necessary items.

— I’ll trade.

That confident gesture instantly drew the gazes of onlookers. ...But when the backpack opened, everyone’s expressions turned ambiguous.

“What kind of trash is that?”