[So, anyway. A pleasure to meet you all. Now, what is the plan? Let's go into the details already, shall we?]

[Y-yes Sir! We are currently having a meeting about an alliance.] (Aqua)

*Almost inaudible gasp in the back*

Why are these two so shy? Most importantly why is she so polite? I guess this goddess is one that has trouble expressing herself. I did know people like that in the past. They would have their friendly personality and their "for the rest of the world" personality.

[It's like this, friend. We are all small-time ~water divinities on the Astaroth continent. Now we are discussing means not to get taken out in the upcoming god war. We, small players, need to stick together you see.] (IELOF)

[N-no! J-just to clarify, he simply meant us three! He wasn't trying to include you in the…Ah, he wasn't trying to exclude you either, he just…] (Aqua)

[Haha, you worry too much. I'm sure this friend understands.] (IELOF)

Why would I misunderstand? He was talking about gods obviously. But I kinda feel like teasing her a bit.

[*Sigh* You're right. I'm no small player, I'm a very tiny, microscopic player. So, I really need protection. Will you guys let me enter your alliance?]

It will be fun watching her squirm as she tries to come up with an excuse for...

[You can join! You can be the alliance head! No issue whatsoever on my part! These guys don't mind either, I'm sure! What are your first directives, alliance leader!] (Aqua)

[...?!]

What the Hell?! The figure in the back simply nods. The fisherman takes a solemn expression before looking me straight in the eyes without blinking whatsoever. It's super intense! Then again, why would a god even need to blink?

[Now, whether I accept or not will depend on one vital condition, will-] (IELOF)

[Don't listen to him! We accept, we definitely accept!] (Aqua)

Now they seem about to bicker about this. This is ridiculous, these guys don't act like gods one bit! I like them!

[Let him speak. I'm sure he has some valid concerns.]

Just on top of my head the fact that I'm a mortal! Or perhaps the fact that I'm going to get yanked back to the Earth realm soon. In fact, I can already very faintly feel a pull, quite like what happened at Forgar's place back then.

[Now, this is a vital matter. If you lead the alliance, will there be fishing trips.] (IELOF)

That's what he wanted to ask?! That's the vital matter?! There is only one reaction one can have to such a ridiculous question.

[Hell yeah, brother! For sure! Lilly will bring the boat, Aqua will guide the current, then we'll fish all day long before going back to the beach to hold a barbecue session and a feast!]

[Nice! I knew that you were perfect for the job!]

[Actually, how about we make this official? You guys wanna join my sect?]

[?!?] (Aqua)

[*Puzzled* A deity sect?] (IELOF)

[*Mumble in the back*] (Lilly)

[How about it? You guys can be the water division! Including anything and everything related to it.]

[A-alright!] (Aqua)

[Sounds good! Right, how is it called?] (IELOF)

[*Hooded mumbling*]

I slowly grab the teacup in front of me before looking at each of them in the eyes…and hood.

[I officially welcome all of you to The Unnamed God Sect's first water division! May you live sufficiently long, may you prosper, may you enjoy life to the fullest. Cheers!]

They all down their tea following my motion. Can you believe it?! What kind of crazy achievement is this! Ding- Achievement: Bamboozle Weirdly Innocent Gods. Seriously, I'm wondering how they even survived this long.

[Sect master, just to be sure we won't get kicked out, right?] (Aqua)

[What do you mean?]

[Well, say we are weak or don't reach a certain quota of followers or…] (Aqua)

[Don't worry. As long as you respect the core teachings of the sect you are forever one of us! Right, I should probably explain those..]

Thus begins a brainwash- teaching session. For some reason, I can see Aqua trying to zealously remember it all. Why does it seem like she's scared of being kicked out? How desperate is she for friends?

[Sect leader, please help us! We need your help! We are struggling and at this rate, we will all disappear in a few centuries or even decades! We need your power!] (Aqua)

Ah, I see. It's not that they are stupid, it's simply that they are grasping at straws. They see me as their only lifeline. Actually, I'm starting to think they haven't realized that I'm a mortal at all. They are so blinded by their hopes toward me that they are deluding themselves into not noticing the obvious. Still, now that they joined, I'll be damned if I don't try to at least help.

[Alright, I won't personally make a move…]

I can see her expression turn to despair, but it slowly reverts back to a smile as I continue.

[…but I can advise you.]

[Thank you! Thank you!] (Aqua)

[So, what's your issue?]

[The Astaroth continent's water sources are relatively lacking, making it hard for my believers to get a footing outside of their core city.] (Aqua)

[That's not much of an issue, you should know that water is everywhere. For instance, you can find water in the air and in every living creature. As long as you manage to exploit that then you'll be fine.]

[That…I know this but living beings are protected by their mana and the air is managed by the Air Goddess.] (Aqua)

[Well, first of all, screw that air goddess. Second of all, screw that air goddess. Third of all, I'm sure you can bypass the mana protection if you work hard enough.]

She looks at me flabbergasted. She seems to be taking a while to process all of this. I think it's the way I said it, full of confidence. It's easy to tell ourselves that something is impossible and give up.

But now, she has my guarantee that it is in fact doable. I'm still not sure why she believes in me, but if that gets her thinking tirelessly until she figures it out by herself then it's good enough. She seems to come to a conclusion and looks up again.

[I also have another issue. My followers are not that talented. In fact, I can't even manage to find a champion in my own people. Many times, I wanted to just pick one, but they all have a problem or another…] (Aqua)

[That's easy, there is a pink-haired girl in their midst that they call the Water Princess. She's a perfect candidate. Anything else?]

She's looking at me wide-eyed as if I were an omniscient god. This may just be me faking, but I'm thoroughly enjoying this! Ah, the other two also seem to want my help.

Oh well, would you look at the time? It's bullshit o'clock!...