Refusing My God’s Advances

I transferred myself to the last shop and took a deep breath as I opened my eyes to see a fancy-looking Roman structure. There was a statue of who I had to assume was Apollo in the front of the shop with a big smile, standing in a chariot. Pretty pretentious, but this was a shop of paintings and sculptures.

Apollo's Artistic Creations, Paintings, and Sculptures was the name of this shop, but I was curious about this place. Out of all the shops here, this was the only one that didn't have to do with a direct element, resource, or crafting material typically found in the other stores. Instead, it focused on the more intangible aspects of creativity and beauty, which made perfect sense given the god it was associated with. Apollo, after all, was not just a deity of the sun but also of music, poetry, and the arts. His domain represented the pinnacle of aesthetic and creative achievement, a place where the soul's expression could find its purest form... Why did I know this?!

"Because I am awesome!" A boisterous voice bellowed out, and the double front doors to the shop I was standing in front of burst open, revealing a figure radiating an aura of confidence and sunlight. The man who stepped forward had the kind of smile that could light up a room, literally and figuratively, his presence as warming as the sun itself. "Welcome, my friend, to Apollo's Artistic Creations, where the beauty of the cosmos is captured in every masterpiece!"

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the grand entrance. "Well, hello there, Apollo. You certainly know how to make an entrance. I was just admiring your... uh, very subtle statue out here."

Apollo chuckled, a sound as melodious as one of his own hymns. "Subtlety has never been my strong suit, my friend! Why hide when you can shine, I always say. Come, let me show you the wonders that await inside. Here, creativity isn't just nurtured; it's divine!"

I put my hand up to stop him from dragging me off. These gods all loved to grab me and whisk me away into their domains without notice. "Hold on, Apollo. Before we get into your divine display of narcissism—I mean, creativity—there's something I've been dying to ask. How is it that I know everything about you and your past... Achievements? I never studied or learned more about you than in passing stories I have read using your likeness."

"Come on! I am a god! And this little bit of my likeness injects my lore into anyone who sees it! I also somewhat read your thoughts, but you are mostly boring, so there is not much up there worth digging into. You had this look of utter confusion when you saw my magnificent statue. It's like seeing the sun for the first time and wondering, 'Wow, why does it feel like I'm being roasted alive with cultural references and a sudden appreciation for the arts?' It's a special talent of mine," Apollo winked, his laughter echoing off the marble columns.

"Plus, let's remember the universal appeal of my past exploits. They're practically public domain, you know? Heroic deeds, tragic love stories, epic showdowns with monsters that frankly had no business being that ugly. It's all very educational, and a bit of divine influence ensures it sticks in your memory. Think of it as a compulsory celestial curriculum."

I nodded, pretending to understand, while mentally noting how being a god apparently came with the ability to dump random trivia into people's brains. "Right, compulsory celestial curriculum. Got it. So, will you show me around, or will we stand here all day discussing your godly method of educational intrusion?"

Apollo clapped his hands together, the sound resonating like the gentle strumming of a lyre. "Ah, to business then! Come, let's explore the essence of creativity and beauty. My shop isn't just about what you see; it's about what you feel. Each piece here tells a story, evokes an emotion, or inspires a dream. And, if you're lucky, some might even whisper secrets of the universe."

As we stepped inside, the shop's interior was breathtaking. The walls were adorned with paintings that seemed to shift and change, capturing landscapes that felt both alien and familiar. Sculptures of beings that blurred the line between myth and reality stood at intervals, each radiating a distinct aura.

While Apollo was annoying, his boating wasn't for nothing. The shop caught me off guard, but it didn't make the place seem any more in place than before I entered it. Each shop in the IHSR served some purpose, a means to enhance the visitor's capabilities or provide them with materials necessary for their journey. Apollo's Artistic Creations, however, served a different kind of purpose.

"So, what is the point of your store?" I asked, and Apollo frowned. "I mean, every other place I have been has helped in my journey in some way, but your shop is just full of beautiful works of art. Am I missing something, or is there a reason why your shop is so much different than the others I have visited?"

This caused Apollo to burst out in laughter, which continued until the man was in tears and grabbing his side. I crossed my arms and waited for him to finish.

"Sorry!" Apollo said after catching his breath. I didn't think someone as strong as you wouldn't know what artifacts were! It blew my mind there for a minute! Just how did you get to be so strong yet so unknowing? It makes you more interesting, but lacking this kind of information at your stage is quite a misstep.

"Artifacts? I understand their concept, but only from games I played in my past life. Since you are so wise and benevolent, do you mind giving me a short lesson? I will make it worth your time since you seem to be the type that likes the finer things, am I right?" I asked, and Apollo's eyes lit up.

"You will make something for me? How long will it take?" Apollo asked, suddenly getting far too close for comfort.

"Back off, Sunny. I will make it for you after you explain artifacts to me, and it will take less time. I am a crafting mage, so I can do some pretty wild stuff on the spot," I said, pushing the god back to arm's reach.