Chapter 684 A Cat Sat Down
The table of women froze in shock as I stepped out, but everyone else around them continued on without noticing me. To everyone else, no portal had opened, and a random cat had just appeared that had always been here. Finally being able to come to terms with myself had given me amazing control over my powers.
Even so, I still felt like a child with them. There were a good number of people in this room, but I wouldn't be able to do this yet in a larger crowd outside. Each time, the world had to nearly stop as my mind worked almost like a computer. Almost was the problem, but constant use of my creation and control would help me build and fine-tune my control.
"You women had quite the day?" I asked, and the five of them looked up at me in shock.
O'Lee looked to both sides and then back at me before asking, "Why doesn't anyone else notice you? Are you really here?"
I laughed, and pulled a free chair from another table, sitting between O'Lee and Cherry. "I am not that important! It was a pretty eventful first day, and I think that we are going to see a steep drop in contestants."
O'Lee stared at me for a moment. As she did, the others just stared at me. O'Lee was the only one who had really spent a considerable amount of time with me, after all. I knew Cherry, but more in passing than anything.
Instead of saying anything, she put a hand up to stop one of the barmaids. The redheaded human woman stopped and turned to O'Lee with a puzzled look on her face. "Can I help you? Would you like another water?"
"What is in this chair, and how did the chair get here?" O'Lee asked, and the barmaid tipped her head at the orc with a confused look.
"You brought the chair over and set the white cat on it that is sitting there now... Is there something wrong with your water? Or maybe you are overtired?"
O'Lee blinked her eyes, seemingly stunned, and then the barmaid reached toward me and started to scratch behind one of my large white ears.
In the woman's mind, she was petting the cat version of me, and that was what everyone but the people at this table saw. I let O'Lee and the others stare in shock as I enjoyed the barmaid's ear scritches.
"Um, Galio?" Cherry finally spoke up after the barmaid left, her eyes wide with confusion.
I chuckled, enjoying the attention. "Yes, Cherry?"
"Why are you here... Did we do something wrong?" she stammered, and I laughed, creating a mug of ale in my hand.
"Nothing like that. O'Lee and you really stepped up today and kept you cool with the trolls, I mean elves," I chuckled, and then the women seemed to relax. "Tomorrow is going to be harder, but we are going to be sectioning off the city. You all are like a whirlwind, but you have to remember that real life is not going to be like this. Cities don't repair themselves, and I will not be cleaning up anyone's mess."
O'Lee nodded, taking in my words. "I understand, Galio. It's just... the challenges are intense, and sometimes it's hard to keep our emotions in check."
"It's a learning process," I said, sipping my ale. "And you all are doing well. The point is not just to showcase your powers but to develop leadership qualities. Tomorrow, the challenges will be more strategic, and teamwork will be crucial."
Me'Tal spoke up, "Galio, what about the other races? The ones that haven't participated yet."
"Hmm? There are not many that didn't, but I am not worried. I and the other judges are keeping track of everyone. Each person is assigned a Judge and will be scored. Tomorrow, half the people will be dropping out according to their judges," I explained, and most of the women went pale as ghosts.
"Even ones that haven't even tried?" Glacia asked, and I nodded.
"Today was more for a general overlook of all the participants. We have detailed records from each of the current goddesses champions, save one," I said, but then added, "All of you are fine."
Everyone but O'Lee relaxed. Instead, she turned to me with a serious look, but I knew what she was going to ask. "What makes a good Goddess?"
"You really want to know?" I asked, but she shook her head no. "What do you mean? Do you not want to be a goddess?"
"No," She said, and it was my turn to be surprised.
"Well, you got me there," I chuckled and then scratched my chin. "But why are you doing this then?"
"To help my friend. I owe her my life from when we were young, and she is a good person," O'Lee explained, pointing to the strong, but kind-looking orc woman beside her. "This is Me'Tal of the Flying Cloud Tribe. When only a child, I was attacked by a group of Rabbinias that tried to abduct me. Me'Tal saved me."
Me'Tal proudly nodded as I looked her over. According to her judge, the woman had a good character, but she wasn't that strong. If that was the only issue, then I could make her stronger in time. For now, we would just have to see, but why didn't O'Lee want to take Orchalla's place?
"She looks promising, but why aren't you trying to win?" I asked, and she gave me a look as if I was stupid, and I grinned. I knew what she was going to say, so there was no point in bellyaching.
"You still have to fight my mother and Grandmother before we can mate. There is also a waiting list now. So, I will be coming with you and the others to make sure that I don't miss my turn," O'Lee explained like it was the most logical thing in the world as the rest of the women just stared at her.
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