Jobless Reincarnation of The Magic God

As the woman with silver hair led us toward the village, the gate we approached turned out to be no gate at all—merely a formality, as they expected our arrival. The silver-haired woman moved with an air of purpose, her presence commanding. Behind her trailed a man, his face obscured and clad in full-plate dark armor. His silence was oppressive, yet no malice emanated from him.

'Though his absolute silence and that massive sword slung across his back were quite intimidating,' I mused.

Karen, beside me, seemed unfazed by his presence, her instincts different from mine. I could sense a faint aura of mana emanating from the woman, surpassing Karen, who was of level three. She could be a mage, though I saw no wand.

'It's rare, but some mages can cast spells without a wand. It requires immense concentration, often resulting in greater mana expenditure. Perhaps she is of sage rank,' I considered.

Still, the absence of a wand was peculiar, given the life-or-death stakes of combat where even a slight miscalculation could prove fatal.

"If you keep staring at her, she'll kill you."

I spun around, startled. The man who had been trailing us had silently appeared by my side, despite his heavy armor. It was unnerving, especially given his stealth. This must be the North God style, I mused, recalling tales of such warriors.

"My apologies," I murmured, trying to mask my surprise.

His movement, in perfect sync with the others, suggested an expert level of training. And that armor—it was the work of an extraordinary craftsman, clearly beyond the reach of mere adventurers.

There was no doubt: we were in the presence of something far greater than we initially realized.'

The sky morphed into a brilliant orange hue, casting elongated shadows across the valley and darkening the dense forest. As we appeared from the trees, we were greeted by a breathtaking view: lush green grass blanketed the village, each house boasting its quaint garden. Nestled between two small, mountain-like barriers, the village remained hidden from the world.

I longed to pause and soak in the scenery, but Phobos hurried ahead, eager to meet someone she had yet to reveal. The villagers, intrigued by our presence, halted their activities to watch us. Most were middle-aged or older, with a few children among them. Their gazes weren't hostile, just curious—a reminder of the peaceful Buena Village.

This place, serene and well-protected, seemed like an ideal spot to retire and live out my days in tranquillity. The sense of calm was almost tangible, a stark contrast to the chaotic world beyond its natural barriers.

"Karen, Rudeus, you can leave us here," Phobos commanded.

Then followed the silver-haired woman. The man in full plate armor lingered nearby, his gaze never leaving us.

"You can set up your camp over there," he pointed to a well-worn spot that seemed to be a resting place for travelers.

There was no inn in sight. Without a hint of rain in the air, there was no need for us to pitch a tent. As I helped Karen set up camp, the armored man remained close, his eyes constantly watching, a silent sentinel. It was clear he harbored suspicions about us.

His presence, though silent, was a constant reminder of the scrutiny we were under. Every move we made was measured, and every action was noted. It felt as though the weight of his suspicion hung in the air, making the simple task of setting up camp feel like a trial by fire.

"Excuse me." a woman approached, carrying something in her hands.

"Is that...?" I began.

"Just some food you might like to have," she replied with a gentle smile.

"Thank you, miss." I accepted the offering without hesitation, though our supplies were still plentiful. Yet, she lingered, as if there was something more she wished to ask.

"I'm sorry, but I was wondering if you might have any medication to share. My children had a fever for more than a day," she explained, her worry etched in every line of her face. Karen stepped forward, having just finished setting up our camp.

"I only have potions," she replied.

It was true—a potion wouldn't cure a fever; it was meant for healing wounds and counteracting poison. I couldn't help, but as I glanced toward the armored man who had been watching us, I saw something unexpected—a simple nod of approval.

His silent permission was a small yet significant gesture in this tense, mysterious village. It felt like the start of something... promising.

"Karen I will leave for a while."

"Sure, just don't take too long."

It seems she doesn't care too much about me to be honest it is much better for me knowing I don't want to have any more close relationships.

"I don't expect any visitor to come in time like this."

"There is someone that our goddess wants to meet in this village."

"A goddess? Is the woman who came with Heria?"

'So that silver haired woman name Heria… That name does not ring any bell.'

I just replied with a nod.

"Though this place is just a small village. I am not sure who the goddess wanted to meet."

"It was indeed a small village, but it was a beautiful place. I can imagine myself living here when I want to retire."

Although Oberon knew that due to his elven blood, his lifespan could reach a thousand years he still didn't know what to do with such a long life that I had.

"That such kind of word of you… That the house."

It was a modest house with a wall made of rock that I could plenty be found around and the roof made of a stack of hays. When I entered the room woman led me to a young girl probably two years old who lay groaning in pain her face red like a tomato that instant I knew it was a severe fever. As I touched her forehead it was high enough that it could endanger her life.

"There is a merchant that comes every week to bring us some supply, but the war that could happen any time makes them afraid to come here. My husband is leaving to head to a nearby town it possibly takes a day before he back home."

"How about the bandits? I know their territory is close by." I asked curiously.

"… We had no choice. Though lately there is a rumor that they are gone I don't know if it is true or not." With shaking voices, she replied.

The woman seems to be trying to hold his tears possibly thinking of both her child and her husband's safety.

"I see…"

'That answered why we do not meet along the road, but who takes them out?'

"I will help her don't worry."

'Detox magic should suffice.'

{"May the cleansing light of the skies wash over this body, so that the darkness from within may be expelled. Detoxification"}

A dimmer light starts to illuminate the room just after the light is gone the boy stops groaning in pain and starts to breathe calmly to the woman relieved.

"It should be enough. The fever is not completely gone I suggest giving her warm food. In day he should be recovered."

The woman rushed to the girl and tried to confirm it by putting her hand on her forehead she could feel the fever going down. The tears started to fall she hugged her daughter tightly in relief when she did the young girl opened her eyes slowly.

"Mother?" The girl spoke with a frail voice.

"*hick* Kia I am glad you okay."

"I'm glad everything went smoothly," I murmured, a satisfied smile spreading across my face.

'But it was far more effective than I expected.'

The mother, tears now wiped away, looked up at the man who had likely just saved her daughter's life. "Thank you. How can I repay you?"

'Asking for money would be bad for my karma,' I thought.

"How about sharing some information? We're heading toward Rakia's capital."

The woman's eyes widened, and she at once bowed her head, kneeling and touching the ground. This display of humility seemed unnecessary, knowing the child's fever could be reduced with just a wet towel.

After the brief, awkward exchange, I began inquiring about the village. However, when I brought up the two individuals who kept their faces hidden, her reluctance was clear. Suspecting that they might be eavesdropping, I discreetly cast a wind barrier around us.

The air shimmered slightly as the barrier took form, and I leaned in closer to her.

"So, tell me more about these mysterious figures who covering their faces. What are they hiding?"

The weight of the moment pressed down on us, and I knew that whatever secrets she held could change everything.

"Are they a bad people?"

"No, they are not bad people at all. They helping protect this village from bandits raiding this place. It's just… The head of this village wishes for us not to reveal their identity."

'They are former high-level adventurers, but they are too young for someone who wanted to retire… Ah, I see they are probably a married couple.'

It was a normal thing for an adventurer to want to build their family and retire knowing that being an adventurer is never ending playing with death itself. Knowing that I don't think it will be a good choice to dig any deeper about their background.

"Thank you miss that good enough. Thought I did hear that Rakia did raid nearby village to steal their food and money."

"I did hear that rumor of a war between Rakia and the Elf, but the head chef did reassure us that they will not attack this place."

Hearing that I couldn't help this creeping feeling of curiosity about this head chef, but it had to do with those two adventurers that possibly protect this village that may be why after all I did hear that level four adventurers are equal to a hundred soldiers in strength.

'I think it's all I need to know.'

"Thank you miss, and I hope that young lady can recover quickly. I must go back to my camp."

The woman shook her head.

"I should be the one thanking you. Before you left can I know your name?"

"Ob- *ehem*… Rudeus."

After offering advice to help the girl recover, I left just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the village. When I returned to the camp, Phobos was still absent, and Karen was growing restless.

"Rudeus," she called out.

"It's done... I see you haven't cooked anything yet."

"Phobos-sama hasn't come back yet," she replied, her voice tinged with impatience.

"I understand it's an important matter, but we need to eat to stay ready for anything," I said.

"I don't know how to cook," Karen admitted.

I sighed. 'At least show some embarrassment,' I thought, noting her almost proud demeanor. "Alright then, at least help me with setting the fire and preparing the ingredients. I'll handle the rest."

Together, we began setting up the campfire. The air was thick with anticipation, and the crackling of the fire offered a momentary distraction. As the flames danced, I couldn't help but think about the mysterious meeting Phobos was attending. What secrets would she bring back, and how would they shape our next move?

Karen, despite her lack of culinary skills, handed me the ingredients with surprising efficiency. As we worked, the tension eased, and the scent of cooking food started to fill the air. It was a small reprieve in a world of uncertainties.

----

As dusk turned into night, our long march finally brought us to a quaint village of no more than twenty families. It should have been a quiet evening, but instead, the village was buzzing with an unusual liveliness.

"More, please!" a voice called out.

"Slow down, Kia, you just recovered an hour ago," another voice replied, exasperated but amused.

The enticing aroma of the food I had cooked seemed to draw the villagers in like moths to a flame. Karen, however, was less pleased. She frowned, watching the villagers consume our supplies. Thankfully, they brought some of their own food and drinks. As a result, most of our group ended up drunk, except for the ever-watchful man who had been keeping an eye on us. He stood in the same spot for hours, his stoic silence mirroring that of Ottar.

His face was obscured, making it impossible to read his thoughts. His lack of words didn't help either. Despite his imposing presence, I sensed no hostility from him. Interestingly, his demeanor softened when interacting with the villagers.

'He is probably just cautious of outsiders.' I mussed.

One of the villagers handed him a bowl of the simple stewed potato and vegetable meal I had prepared. He accepted it without a word and began to glance in my direction. His silence was more revealing than any words he could have spoken.

As the night deepened, the village's unexpected hospitality and the silent guardian's mysterious presence added layers of intrigue to an otherwise peaceful retreat. 'I know it was delicious, but I think it too spicy for him?'

He then walked toward me Karen noticed and started to put her hand close to her sword.

"It delicious dished." He spoke coldly yet there was no hostility I felt.

"T-thank you."

As he spoke, he asked for another serving before returning to his post. It was a bit awkward watching someone eat while standing and staring directly at you.

"Rudeus."

"What is it, Karen?"

"I don't understand why Phobos-sama is taking so long."

"Indeed, it's been longer than usual. She might be negotiating with someone important," I guessed.

Karen stared down at the empty plate, her lips pressed tightly together. I sat nearby, watching the villagers clean up and return to their homes. "If there's anything on your mind, Karen, feel free to share. It might be best for both of us."

"Outsiders like you are only here because you want to be paid. Once a higher reward is offered, you'll switch sides in a second."

"You're mistaken, Karen. I'm not getting paid for this at all." I denied her remark instantly.

Karen glanced at me with distrustful eyes. "That makes it even more suspicious, Rudeus. Why exactly are you helping goddess Phobos?"

I leaned in, my eyes glinting with a mix of determination and weariness. "It's simple. I want to stop the war before it truly begins. But it seems hard for you to grasp my reason with those eyes of yours."

The tension reached its peak until one of the guards broke the silence. "Karen, Rudeus, Phobos-sama is returning."

As he spoke, the goddess reappeared, much to our relief, especially Karen's. But from a single glance, I could tell things hadn't gone as planned. Her shoulders slumped, her eyes cast downward, and her lips tightened in a silent struggle to have her frustration.

"Phobos-sama, please eat first," I suggested, hoping it would lift her spirits.

Karen, understanding the gravity of her goddess's emotions, wisely remained silent. Phobos inhaled the delicious aroma wafting from the stew, her eyes questioning. Karen shook her head gently. "It was Rudeus."

"Rudeus… you made this?"

"I did. Please, dig in. I guarantee it will make you feel better."

Phobos took a hesitant bite, and her eyes widened with surprise. The subtle sweetness of the carrots, the savoury depth of the slow-cooked beef, and the aromatic herbs wove their magic, transforming the humble dish into something extraordinary. Each bite was a soothing balm, melting away the day's frustrations.

"Gulp... Thank you, Rudeus… it was delicious."

"You're welcome, goddess Phobos. If you don't mind, could you tell us what happened?"

Phobos, now visibly calmer, began to speak but instructed the mercenary to stay and, to Karen's confusion, asked her to still be in the camp as well. As we took a stroll, it became clear we weren't entirely alone—the man in black armor followed at a discreet distance, ever watchful.

With the air now cool and the village quiet, Phobos shared her struggles. The night felt heavy with anticipation, every word she spoke hinting at the challenges ahead. As we walked, the stars above seemed to listen in, their silent vigil adding a sense of destiny to our conversation.

"When we descend toward the mortal world, we must seal our abilities. Even so, we are still a god with power that distinguishes us from mortals. So, without our powers, how do we wage war?"

Rudeus responded, his gaze intense.

"Through their children."

"You're right, Rudeus. But in the end, we gods must use our own hands to kill each other. Our children, mere pawns, watch as their parents destroy one another. Even if a mortal slayed a god for a justified reason, the rule is still the rule. Yet, it seems heaven favors him."

Oberon had an inkling that Ereshkigal shielded him from the wrath of Apophis. Unsure of how to repay her, he vowed to be the righteous person she saw in him. Phobos halted, her shoulders trembling and eyes downcast after Karen couldn't see her from a distance.

"I am a coward, Rudeus. I lack the courage and strength to fight. That's why I pleaded for another god to do my bidding." Phobos poke with shaky voices.

'I did hear from Artemis and Loki, but I knew it was this bad.'

"Who did Phobos ask?"

Phobos tried to wipe her tears before turning her back and matching our gaze.

"Artemis asked me to put my trust in you, but I want you to promise me to never tell anyone even your goddess about the person I am going to tell."

'That troublesome if I don't tell Loki about it, I don't know either he or she is a bad guy... It seems she will not speak if I do not make a promise.'

"*sigh* before that I have to ask did this person have a bad history and no connection to any shady organization?"

Phobos went silent for a moment before she shook her head.

"Not I am aware of, but he was not a good person… Though he was the enemy of woman and goddesses."

Phobos' face started to turn red out of embarrassment in that instant I knew what kind of bad person he was.

'He was a pervert.'

It only explains why he was the enemy of the women and goddesses.

"If so then I promise to not tell anyone."

"… He was not mortal he was a god named Zeus."

As she spoke the name of sudden all the singing voices of the night went deft to my ears when I heard the god named Zeus.

"W-what?"

I stuttered as I spoke.

"I will explain."

Years ago, the once mighty Zeus and Hera Familia met their devastating end, decimated by the fearsome One-Eyed Black Dragon. Survivors? There were none. With their power shattered, Zeus, reviled for his misdeeds, was expelled from Orario. Hera, equally detested for her arrogance, shared his fate. Cast out and without refuge, Zeus turned to Phobos for aid. Showing an unexpected mercy, Phobos offered sanctuary to the remnants of the Zeus and Hera Familia in a secluded village.

When I inquired why she would extend such a kindness, she simply replied that she owed Zeus a debt that she refused to specify.

"I was a fool to think Zeus would help me. There's no hope left."

"Did he give you any reason?"

"Just as I mentioned, there are survivors, and one of them gave birth just a month ago. The mother, unfortunately, passed away, and the father died in battle. Zeus promised the mother he wouldn't leave until that baby was old enough."

"I see. For their safety, we shouldn't involve them. But Phobos-sama, tell me: why are you so desperate to stop this war knowing the risk of being forced back to heaven? I know what you said to Loki, but now, I want to hear it from you."

The weight of the room falls heavy. This isn't just a conversation; it's a crossroads where fates are decided. At least Phobos felt it increased as she saw her children Karen.

"The path I choose will likely send me back to heaven I am scared I don't want to go back, I don't want to be alone, I want to escape, but I can't… I can't."

 Phobos starts to grip her chest, and she sweats nervously from Oberon's perspective she looks like a person who almost has a heart attack.

"Phobos-sama, take a deep breath."

I gently patted her back, helping her steady her breath. After a moment, I offered her some water infused with magic. She drank it down quickly.

"*Gulp*, *gulp*… Thank you, Rudeus. I'm sorry," she whispered.

"It's alright," 

I replied gently. 

"Even the cowered person when faced with choosing to abandon their loved one or escape for their life choose the unthinkable, I believe the gods can predict and explain the reason." 

I paused, thinking about my past life for a moment. 

"I know goddess Phobos is the goddess of fear from Artemis I thought you could make any mortal tremble in front of you."

Phobos looked away, her gaze averted. 

"I-I can do that if I want," 

She stammered.

"But you don't," 

I said gently. 

"You want people close to you. You don't want to be alone. I think you're much more suited to lead Rakia than Ares. You understand fear—fear for your people, your country, the future, and war. That's something in my perspective was a strength, not a weakness."

Phobos, renowned for her lie-detection abilities, locked eyes with Rudeus. As their gazes intertwined, she discerned his sincerity. 

"I will aid you with all my might. Zeus might be out of the picture, but I want you to remember that Loki, Hephaestus, and Artemis are on your side. They may can't directly support however their name still carries a weight."

Phobos's tense demeanor began to soften, a smile creeping onto her face. 

"Thank you, Rudeus. It's no wonder Artemis speaks so highly of you."

As the air between them grew lighter, without knowing that the uncertain fate was made certain with their alliance together. I then create a seat with earth magic and ask Phobos to take a seat.

"First thing first I have to hear your plan to topple down Ares."

Without hesitation, Phobos nodded firmly.

"Then I will start with the hierarchy of Rakia just to understand because it was essential to know it."

The goddess starts just as she said the hierarchy of Rakia, she describes it as a reverse 'V' shape started from the top there is a class called 'Basileus' which means a king it is already explanatory where the king and Ares are they are main ruler as King does, but the absolute power held by Ares.

Next was The 'Hoplite' the warrior class it is a family whose sole purpose is to serve in the military and not all of them are Ares children because of the large number of their members it is up to the captain to recommend after passing a couple of test laid by the captain than he or she could join Ares Familia.

"What happens if they fail the test?"

"They will automatically become a slave, but it was rare to fail knowing how large the numbers are."

"I see…"

'The captured guy indeed mentioned the test from what I learned it was only an average military test of kind though its harsher punishment.'

Then there is the 'Metics', which the Phobos Familia are part of and headed by her. In this world, the merchant and the blacksmith are free to roam and trade, but they are forbidden to get involved in any kind of politics except when Ares grants them such privileges other than Phobos herself, never to mortals, with some limitation, of course.

Just below them are the 'Pasion' just an average citizen of Rakia who could increase their class if they were worthy enough of their skill and if they broke any rule in place they would be sent to the bottom of the class called 'Doulos' it was the slave class who suffer from endless work and doing something the average citizen would not do.

"However, they are separated into two groups they are 'Xenos' who are a slave from the outside of Rakia, and 'Oikos' who are slaves from Rakia. You can guess which are being treated the worst."

"The Xenos."

Phobos replied with a nod.

'I probably should not ask what kind of treatment they get.'

"Rakia boasts a population of over half a million of whom belong to the Hoplite class. Given Ares' notorious reputation, this is hardly surprising,"

Phobos remarked, her gaze drifting downward.

"To seize control of Rakia, we must win over the Hoplite class."

The doubt in her words was palpable. After all, despite his foolish antics Ares, commanded immense respect as the god of war. The warriors revered him.

"Does Phobos-sama have a plan?"

I asked, bracing for her hesitation. But her eyes betrayed no uncertainty; instead, they blazed with determination.

"I have."

The resolve in her voice was unmistakable. This was not a goddess burdened by doubt, but one driven by a fierce, unyielding purpose.