Divine Protocol: Rise Beyond Mortals

Hiroshi's heart swelled with pity as he watched the deer writhe in pain, its dual heads whimpering in agony, the sound cutting through the stillness of the Shinrin Wilderness. Kneeling beside its injured leg, he felt a surge of compassion, his voice soft yet firm as he spoke, "Don't worry, I'll help you!" He wasn't sure if the deer could comprehend his words, but to his surprise, it nodded slowly, its large, teary eyes gleaming with gratitude, as if thanking him for his kindness. This was Kami no Sekai, a realm where the impossible thrived, and Hiroshi realized anything could happen here. Steeling his resolve, he gripped the glowing arrow embedded deep in the deer's flesh, its magical aura pulsing faintly. As he began to pull, tears streamed from the deer's eyes, its pain reverberating through the forest, a silent plea that tugged at his soul.

The sight of its suffering tore at Hiroshi's heart, each whimper amplifying his resolve. He couldn't bear to prolong its agony, so with a deep breath, he yanked the arrow out in one swift, decisive motion. A piercing cry erupted from the deer, echoing through the trees, startling a flock of unseen birds into flight. The sound lingered in the air, a testament to the creature's torment. Quickly, Hiroshi fumbled in his pocket, pulling out a worn handkerchief, its edges frayed from use. With trembling hands, he tied it tightly around the wound, his breath heavy and uneven as he worked to stem the bleeding. The deer's body slumped, its consciousness fading, and Hiroshi gazed at it, a mix of relief and sorrow washing over him. "Who would try to kill such a beautiful creature?" he murmured to himself, his voice laced with disbelief. "On Earth, they'd face severe punishment for this."

Lost in thought, his mind drifting to the injustices of his home world, he was jolted back by the thunderous gallop of hooves in the distance. Instinct kicked in—someone was coming, and the rider was likely the archer who'd struck the deer. "If they see it, they'll finish it off! I need to hide it," he resolved, his heart racing. Scanning the surroundings, his eyes landed on the massive Yoshino Cedar where he'd rested earlier—its thick trunk and sprawling branches large enough to conceal an elephant. With a grunt of effort, he dragged the heavy deer behind it, his muscles straining, sweat beading on his forehead. The deer's weight tested his limits, leaving him panting and breathless by the time he settled it into the shadows. Returning to the tree, he sat calmly, masking any sign of his actions, his face a picture of serene indifference despite the adrenaline coursing through him.

Seconds later, a white light flickered from his chest, a familiar signal. Ryūjin Shirakawa's voice cut through the tension, urgent and sharp, "A powerful arrow's headed your way, buddy! Make a shield, or you're done!" Hiroshi's senses sharpened, recalling his soul vortex experience—his Divine Fire responded to thought alone. Without a word, he focused, and a shimmering shield materialized around him, its surface rippling like a pond under moonlight, a testament to his growing control. True to Ryūjin's warning, an arrow—identical to the deer's, its tip glowing with malevolent energy—sliced through the air, aimed straight for him. It struck the shield with a resounding clang, disintegrating into a cloud of dust, leaving the barrier unscathed. Hiroshi dismissed the shield with a thought, settling back against the tree, his posture relaxed yet alert.

A horse halted nearby, its hooves kicking up dirt. A striking girl dismounted, bow in hand, clad in ornate warrior garb that blended elegance with lethality, her beauty undeniable despite the stern expression. Sayuri, princess of the Shivakura Empire, glared at him with piercing eyes. Hiroshi stole a glance, noting her graceful movements, but feigned indifference, his face a mask of calm. Sayuri, noticing his lack of deference, snapped, "A two-headed deer was here, gravely wounded. It couldn't have gone far!" Striding closer, she rested a hand on her sword's hilt, her tone dripping with menace. "You stole my prey, didn't you? Confess, or else!" Her implication was clear—return the deer or face her blade's wrath.

Hiroshi, unfazed, shrugged, his voice casual. "Two-headed deer? Prey? I know nothing. Leave." He waved dismissively, a gesture that fueled her anger. Sayuri's mind raced. I'm Sayuri, princess of Shivakura! He speaks to me like I'm a beggar! Gritting her teeth, she warned, "Don't test my patience, or—" Hiroshi cut her off with another wave, his tone teasing. "Or what? Stop scaring the fish in the lake!" Her face reddened with humiliation, a flush of rage spreading across her cheeks. Drawing her sword with a swift motion, she pointed it at him, her voice trembling with fury. "Tell me where my prey is, or I'll sever your head!"

Sayuri, unused to such disrespect, seethed, her pride wounded. Hiroshi, his head aching from her threats, sighed deeply, massaging his temples. "Fine, your prey's with me. I'll return it if you answer one question. Agree?" Sayuri sheathed her sword, smirking with confidence. "One question? Ask away. I don't relish bloodshed to claim what's mine." Truly, she disliked fighting—she'd only meant to intimidate. The prospect of an easy solution brightened her mood. A scholar from Shiva Academy, she was renowned for her intellect, her confidence unshakable. Hiroshi, impressed by her poise, added, "If you can't answer, you won't demand the deer back, right?" Sayuri nodded firmly. "Ask, and don't worry—I'm unworthy of it if I fail."

Hiroshi, further intrigued by her resolve, began. "Imagine today's a grand festival. You're decorating your home with care, the scent of incense filling the air. Your parents are out shopping for you and your siblings, but they're late. Evening turns to night, the festival lights fading, still no sign. You search for them, your heart pounding, only to learn they've been murdered—their bodies taken by the killers." As he spoke, he watched Sayuri's face pale, sweat beading on her forehead, hands trembling, eyes welling with unshed tears. Sensing her vulnerability, he pressed on, his voice steady. "My question is simple: What do you think of those who ruined your festival, killed your parents, and denied you their bodies?"

Sayuri's voice shook with raw rage. "They're monsters! They stole a daughter's life. They're unfit to be human—hang them in the market, tear them apart! If I could, I'd plunge my sword into their hearts!" Overwhelmed by emotion, she trembled, her sword hand quivering. Hiroshi smiled faintly, a knowing glint in his eyes. "If they're monsters, are you fit to be human? You were about to take a parent from its children today." Sayuri froze, cold sweat drenching her, her breath hitching. "Me? When did I—?" Hiroshi's gaze hardened, his voice cutting. "Parents aren't just for us or you—they matter to animals too!"

Realization crashed over her like a wave. Ashamed, Sayuri bowed deeply, her voice soft. "Thank you! Without you, I'd have committed a grave sin. I'm grateful for your guidance." Hiroshi smiled, a warmth spreading through him. If Aoi were here, she'd be proud of me today. I saved a life and taught someone the value of it.

Has Sayuri truly learned her lesson, or is it an act? Where will Hiroshi go next? How will he grow his powers? How will he find Aoi?