In the morning, while Makoto, Tomoe, and Mio were having breakfast, Ema arrived carrying a report on the damage and changes that had occurred in the city the previous day.
"Waka-sama, I have come to give a report regarding the changes that occurred in the city and the surrounding areas," Ema said.
"Sit down first, Ema. Have you had breakfast?" Makoto asked while eating the sandwich Mio had made for him.
"Thank you, Waka-sama. I already had breakfast before coming here," Ema replied politely, declining.
"Alright then, tell me about the effects of yesterday's changes," Makoto said as he looked at Ema.
"Yes, Waka-sama. After the earthquake that lasted around ten to fifteen minutes, I ordered the city residents to check the damage caused by it. Based on the findings, most houses suffered damage, ranging from cracked walls to several houses that are no longer safe to live in due to the risk of collapse. Some buildings that were still under construction also collapsed due to the earthquake and must be rebuilt," Ema reported after explaining the city's condition.
"It seems yesterday's earthquake caused considerable damage to the city. Then, were there any changes in the areas around the city?" Makoto asked.
"For the survey of the surrounding areas, we sent Alke to check regions relatively close to the city. According to their reports, there were no changes in the areas around the city. If you would like a more detailed report, I can summon them to report directly to you, Waka-sama," Ema said.
"That won't be necessary. The report you gave is sufficient," Makoto replied calmly. "Then how about the residents? Was there any panic?"
"Because the residents were informed beforehand, there was no panic when the earthquake occurred," Ema answered.
"Is there any additional report?" Makoto asked.
"There is no additional report, Waka-sama. However, yesterday Eld left a message saying that your equipment has been completed and is waiting for you to inspect it," Ema said.
"Tomoe also informed me yesterday that my equipment was finished, so I plan to meet the elder dwarf after breakfast," Makoto replied.
"In that case, I will take my leave, Waka-sama, and inform the elder dwarf of your upcoming visit," Ema said before leaving.
After breakfast, Makoto and Mio went to meet Eld, the chief elder dwarf, while Tomoe went to check the carriage and travel supplies. Since Makoto knew that his first destination was Zetsuya City, a city closest to the edge of the world, he did not bring fruits from this world, carrying only drinking water to sell. Because his goal was to explore the goddess's world, Makoto decided not to become a merchant like in the anime. He had only watched season one and had not yet seen season two since it had not aired, but Makoto felt it would be troublesome to focus on being a merchant. Moreover, now that he could travel to another world, he was no longer interested in becoming one.
As Makoto walked with Ema to meet Eld, he greeted the residents he met along the way and saw people repairing damaged buildings. Upon arriving at Eld's place, Makoto was welcomed by the elder dwarf craftsmen who wanted to show their creations.
"Waka-sama, Mio-sama, we elder dwarves are deeply honored by your presence to see the results of our work," Eld said seriously.
"There's no need to be that formal. Mio and I came here to try the equipment we'll be using during our journey," Makoto said casually.
"Then let us begin with Waka-sama's equipment," Eld said, presenting several sets of protective gear.
"The first uses iron plates on the chest, arms, and legs. It protects vital areas while still maintaining high flexibility. Waka-sama can also reinforce it by channeling magical energy into it, as you requested," Eld explained, showing armor similar to that of a knight, with a silver and gold color scheme.
"Although the design is simple and I quite like it, it's still too conspicuous for me to use while traveling," Makoto commented.
"The second uses elastic leather materials with fairly strong defense. Waka-sama can also reinforce it with magical energy," Eld said. Makoto saw a protective outfit resembling a long dark-brown leather coat, the kind worn by nobles.
"It's quite good. I might use it if the opportunity arises," Makoto said.
"The third was made by specially requesting Mio-sama to create the threads and process them before we crafted it. Of course, Waka-sama can reinforce it with magical energy as well. You could say this is the best result we can produce at the moment," Eld said proudly.
Makoto saw clothing with a design resembling a men's Victorian gothic outfit and immediately liked it. The outer layer was black, while the inner layer was dark blue.
"May I try it on?" Makoto asked.
"Yes, Waka-sama."
After trying it on, Makoto liked it even more. The design was not overly luxurious and was quite simple.
"Waka-sama, this outfit has two versions: one focused on defense and one focused on speed. You can switch versions by imagining the black color changing to dark blue. This mode was also proposed by Rugui during its creation," Eld explained.
"I really like this outfit. Do you have any weapons I can use?" Makoto asked.
"For weapons, Waka-sama, we have several types. Please choose whatever you like," Eld replied confidently.
He then led Makoto into a room filled with weapons: daggers, various swords, spears, axes, bows, and even a pistol.
"It seems Mio asked the elder dwarves to make this," Makoto thought.
After examining and testing several weapons, Makoto decided to choose a dagger and a bow with arrows made from special materials.
"Oh right, Eld, how about Tomoe's and Mio's equipment?" Makoto asked.
"For Tomoe-sama, she only requested a katana. She also showed us how to make it, so it wasn't difficult for us. As for Mio-sama, we prepared a kimono for her," Eld replied.
After leaving the room, Makoto saw Mio wearing her new kimono, which had an elegant design with spider-web motifs.
"Waka-sama, what do you think?" Mio asked, showing off her new outfit.
"You look beautiful, Mio," Makoto said, praising her.
After obtaining their equipment from the elder dwarves, Makoto and Mio walked around the city to observe the progress of the repairs, then returned home. While waiting for lunch, which Mio was preparing, Makoto practiced manipulating his magical energy.
"If magical energy can be compared to gas, what if I compress it? Would it become liquid?" Makoto thought.
Because he didn't want to disturb the residents or Mio while she was cooking, Makoto used Sakai to isolate the area around him. He then tried to concentrate magical energy in the palm of his hand. At first, he tried with a small amount of magic but failed. Then he attempted to concentrate as much magical energy as possible in his palm. Shortly afterward, he failed again, though not completely—because midway through the process, Makoto felt that he had discovered a trick.
Just as Makoto was about to continue his training, Tomoe returned from outside, forcing Makoto to stop.
"So how are the preparations, Tomoe?" Makoto asked.
"Everything is going smoothly, Waka," Tomoe replied casually.
"Waka-sama, lunch is ready," Mio said as she brought the food from the kitchen.
"Let's eat first, Tomoe," Makoto said.
After lunch, while relaxing on the sofa, Makoto asked Tomoe and Mio, "After this, I'm going to see the World Tree. Do you want to come with me?"
"I want to come, Waka," Tomoe said.
"Of course, Waka-sama," Mio replied.
After resting for a moment, Makoto teleported with Tomoe and Mio. They appeared beside the World Tree.
"Greetings to the ruler of the world."
Upon arrival, Makoto was greeted, and before him he saw many animals gathered around the World Tree. Tomoe and Mio, not knowing what was going on, prepared to attack.
"Wait a moment, Tomoe, Mio," Makoto said, stopping them. "They are not enemies," he added as he looked ahead.
A tiger and a bear stood before Makoto.
"Who are you?" Makoto asked. In fact, since last night, he had felt a powerful aura spreading throughout the world toward a single direction—the World Tree.
However, Makoto was not worried, because if anything happened, he could immediately teleport back to the World Tree.
"Lord Ruler of the World, we are the rulers of various regions throughout this world," the brown bear replied politely.
"Yesterday afternoon, we sensed that the ruler of the world had been chosen, so we regional rulers hurried here to meet you and pledge our loyalty," the tiger said.
Makoto, along with Tomoe and Mio, immediately understood what was happening.
"If I may ask, what kind of beings are you?" Makoto asked.
"We are beings born from this world. When we gained consciousness, we possessed intelligence equal to that of humans," the brown bear replied.
"Because we can freely use magical energy, you may call us magical beings," the tiger added.
Makoto looked around and saw bears, tigers, wolves, deer, turtles, and an eagle standing atop a turtle. In another area, Makoto saw a blue whale, an octopus, sea turtles, sea eels, dolphins, and sharks.
"How can sea creatures be here?" Makoto asked, slightly confused.
"We sea creatures asked the Sky Ruler for help to bring us here after we swam along the nearest river," the blue whale replied respectfully.
"Why do you want to pledge loyalty to me?" Makoto asked.
"We are beings born from this world. Since the moment we gained consciousness, we have had the duty to protect the regions we inhabit. Now that the ruler of the world has appeared, we have naturally become your followers," the tiger answered seriously.
"Very well. I will accept your loyalty. From today onward, I ask for your cooperation," Makoto said after looking at the surrounding creatures.
"We swear loyalty to the ruler of the world," all the gathered beings said in unison, bowing deeply before Makoto with sincerity.