My Goddess - NO.1 - Opening

The Fourth Holy Grail War.

It concluded with the annihilation of all seven Heroic Spirits, the destruction of the Holy Grail, and the disappearance of the ninth Heroic Spirit, the "Returner."

10 years later.

Night.

The bright, clear moonlight illuminated the city adorned with colorful lights.

The bustling cityscape and lively crowds showcased the city's vibrant energy, showing no trace of the hellish scene from 10 years ago.

However, on a street away from the lively crowds, it was deserted and eerily silent.

Not even stray dogs dared to wander carelessly in that street. It was said that the street was filled with the souls of those who died in the great fire 10 years ago, unable to reincarnate. Day and night, every moment, they endured endless burning flames, a feeling that seemed to melt their very souls, making their existence worse than death.

Therefore, people were warned never to approach it. If anyone dared to step inside, the unredeemed souls would surely manifest their ferocious and despairing distorted faces in the empty air, howling in agony as they clawed and snarled at you, as if wanting to drag you into an eternal purgatory.

People who received the warning naturally avoided it. But occasionally, some stubborn individuals would venture there to investigate.

Then, after they entered on the first night, their bodies, as if roasted alive, would be found at the street entrance the next morning.

This made people even more fearful and terrified. Even the most audacious magi would involuntarily frown whenever this place was mentioned.

It was incredibly eerie and terrifying.

The dark street entrance was like a hellish demon with its mouth agape, devouring everyone who entered.

However, just as people were all avoiding this street entrance.

A young black-haired boy was leisurely walking out of the street's shadow, which people called the "Mouth of Demons."

His short, neat black hair, eyebrows as delicate as a willow, eyes like a finely crafted SD doll, thin and full lips, and a baby face that everyone adored. He was truly a charming little devil who could steal hearts!

However, this little devil was beautiful and cute. If it were just that, it would be fine. But the curse of death that enveloped him was like a walking harbinger of doom. Anyone who came into contact with him was bound to die.

In the past, many people were drawn to his harmless face and wanted to adopt him.

But without exception, everyone who had contact, touched, or even talked to this little devil for too long died tragically, with gruesome deaths.

Over time, people learned that this seemingly adorable child was actually a walking harbinger of doom. Everyone began to avoid him from afar, calling him "Son of Demons" behind his back.

The little devil, however, was oblivious to all of this. He would still walk out of the street every night, casually pick out food from fast-food restaurants or supermarkets, and leave without paying.

Even if he offered money, the staff would immediately grab the bills with tongs, throw them outside, and burn them immediately, as if afraid of catching something terrible.

Clack.

He opened the wooden door, and the inside was pitch black, with only a nearly burnt-out candle struggling to illuminate a small space.

The black-haired little devil casually tossed the food and water he was carrying aside. Then, he squatted on a worn-out sofa, turned on the television, and began his only daily entertainment.

(Don't worry about electricity or water bills; no one dared to cut them off or collect them.)

His eyes, flashing with a cold glint, stared unblinkingly at the old television.

He casually opened a bag of snacks and popped a handful into his mouth, not bothering to check if they were ready to eat or needed heating.

This young boy's name was Xia Er. He was an orphan found in the ruins by an elderly couple 10 years ago, after the great fire. At that time, the little devil was only 3 years old, unable to speak or walk.

Yet, he had survived the massive fire that claimed nearly ten thousand lives without a scratch, which the elderly couple found astonishing. They named him "Xia Er," meaning a child protected by heavenly fire.

Under the care of the elderly couple, Xia Er grew up healthy. From a young age, Xia Er displayed his extraordinary talents.

At 3 years old, he could help his family with chores.

At 4 years old, he taught himself all the curriculum stages.

At 6 years old, with just a glance at any electronic device, he could tell its configuration, quality, and what needed repair.

At 8 years old, he was kidnapped by someone who wanted to take him for secret research. The elderly couple was killed while fighting the criminals who tried to abduct Xia Er. At the same time, Xia Er's "special ability awakened" (which was the curse of the evil Holy Grail...).

After the elderly couple's passing, Xia Er began his solitary journey of survival.

As he grew older and was surrounded by the harsh words and malice of those around him, Xia Er's personality gradually became extreme.

Sitting on the sofa, Xia Er, now 14 years old, listlessly fiddled with his fingers.

On his fair, slender fingers, a trace of Pure Evil Power pulsed, enough to make even a magus's face turn pale with fear.

Pure Evil Power, as the name suggests, was a malicious force that delighted in inflicting suffering worse than death. It could instantly shatter the mental and spiritual defenses of any magus, thereby consuming their soul.

Therefore, to ordinary people, Xia Er was a walking harbinger of doom. To magi, Xia Er was a demon from hell, whom everyone hated and wanted to kill. Xia Er's existence was far too dangerous for magi, but precisely because of its extreme danger, no magus or assassin was willing to engage with him.

After all, no one knew how much damage and commotion might erupt if this guy's rage and resentment exploded before his death. Moreover, Xia Er stayed home almost 24 hours a day, never going out. So, the local magi simply turned a blind eye, pretending he didn't exist.

Thus, the lonely Xia Er lived in this environment for a full 4 years (since his abilities manifested).

Loneliness, isolation, fatigue, hardship – these negative influences relentlessly eroded Xia Er's psyche. The prolonged lack of interaction and anyone to confide in gradually made Xia Er's inner self irritable and misanthropic.

If you find this book good, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you don't lose it next time.

His small figure, crouched on the sofa, appeared so lonely and helpless in the dim candlelight.

"This power... is it good or bad for me?" His confused, large eyes gazed at a wisp of black arc light in his hand.

Now, Xia Er could control his power well, preventing it from indiscriminately harming others.

"Because of you, I can't live a normal life, but because of you, I can survive. It's truly contradictory..."

As if the black arc light could understand Xia Er's words, it suddenly intensified when he praised it and abruptly shrank when he belittled it. It was truly incomprehensible.

Flicking his hand and tossing aside the black arc light, Xia Er continued his method of mindlessly watching TV!

The television was constantly playing commercials, and the programs from the 90s were all crude and tasteless. Only when the TV showed something akin to knights or kings conquering lands would Xia Er reluctantly perk up.

"Knights... Kings..." Xia Er mumbled unconsciously, looking at the handsome knights on the screen, feeling a sense of envy.

Noble, loyal, brave, kind, and reliable.

{I want... I really want...}

Xia Er hugged himself tighter, drawing his small body even closer.

Watching the camaraderie of the knights on TV, their fighting figures, and their smiling faces...

Xia Er bit his lip tightly, his whole body trembling slightly.

The candlelight flickered as if about to go out, but it still persisted in illuminating the lonely figure crouching in the dark room.

"Lonely, what loneliness..."

Crouching down, he hugged himself tighter, burying his head deep within his embrace.

"...Someone, please save me..." A choked sob escaped him, representing the cry from the depths of a child who had been suffering for four years.

But.

Will calling out lead to salvation?

Will praying bring redemption?

Will crying bring about change?

Will desire without effort be rewarded?

Do you want to obtain something?

Then, you must give something!

A gentle breeze blew in through the broken window, extinguishing the last flickering candlelight.

The only light was gone, and the pillar that had once supported him was erased in that moment.

The child, who had been trembling slightly in the candlelight, was swallowed by the darkness the instant the light vanished...

...Two months later...

The dazzling sun hung high in the sky. The clear blue sky and white clouds created a pleasant atmosphere that made one feel refreshed.

Ding...

Ding...

Clear bell sounds echoed across the campus as groups of students walked into classrooms, laughing amidst the resounding chimes.

After the bell rang, a red-haired individual was still standing on the sports field, setting aside the broom in his hand.

"Huh?" The red-haired individual, just as he was about to leave after putting down the broom, suddenly noticed a boy with short black hair standing outside the school gate.

"Excuse me, is this Shirou Homurahara Academy?"

The black-haired boy asked the red-haired boy with a smile, his face as warm as sunshine when he smiled.

"Ah... Yes! This is it." The red-haired individual was slightly taken aback by the warm smile before snapping back to reality and nodding immediately.

"Is that so... Thank you. My name is Xia Er. I'm a transfer student from Osaka. And you?" The black-haired boy, who called himself Xia Er, extended his hand to the red-haired individual with a smile.

The red-haired individual looked at the outstretched fair hand and hastily wiped the mud off his right hand on his clothes.

Then, he nervously shook it and said, "N-no need to thank me. My name is Emiya Shirou. It's nice to meet you."