The moment I heard the goddess's request, I frowned.
A world cursed so that every living being was a masochist? It sounded ridiculous at first. But as she continued explaining, I realized the sheer scale of the problem. It wasn't just a societal quirk or a minor affliction, it was problem deeply ingrained in their very genetics. The people of that world liked being dominated.
At first, it didn't seem like a big deal. Some people enjoy pain, right? But over time, this masochistic nature had led to the slow decline of civilization. The men, in particular, suffered the worst. Most lost their drive, unable to lead, invent, or fight for anything. They lacked ambition, always seeking someone to command them. Wars decreased, not because of peace, but because no one had the will to fight.
Even if any war started it was in hope that the opponents army would dominate them. Even reproduction declined, because relationships became one-sided affairs where dominance was rare and submission was the norm.
"Wait," I muttered, trying to process it all. "You're telling me an entire planet is collapsing because everyone is too submissive?"
The goddess sitting before me, a regal woman with long silver hair and deep violet eyes, nodded. "Yes. And it's not just a social problem. Even the few who resist this nature eventually succumb. The curse is embedded into their very DNA."
"So why not just... I don't know, uncurse them?"
Another voice, this one softer but tinged with dry amusement, spoke. "If it were that simple, we wouldn't be having this conversation."
I turned to face the second goddess. She was different from the first darker hair, a calmer presence, but with an ancient weight behind her words. Unlike her companion, who radiated divine authority, this one felt... tired. As if she had tried and failed too many times before.
"We can't interfere directly but, We've attempted to solve it indirectly many times" she said. "Blessed champions, and even attempts at altering the genetics indirectly. But the results are always the same."
The silver-haired goddess sighed. "No matter what we do, the world reverts back to its masochistic nature. We cannot remove a curse woven so deeply into their existence."
I rubbed my temples. "And you want me to fix it? That's crazy."
The two goddesses exchanged a look. Then, the first one smiled. "Crazy? Perhaps. But you are a special case, are you not?"
I felt a shiver crawl down my spine. "What do you mean?"
The second goddess gestured toward me. "You are an anomaly. A human who broke free from the reincarnation cycle on your own. That means you possess a soul strong enough to resist outside influence."
I blinked. "Wait. You're saying that because I managed to escape reincarnation, I somehow have a better chance at fixing this world than anyone else?"
"It's not just that," the first goddess added. "You're also… well, biologically compatible."
There was a pause. A long, awkward silence.
Then I scowled. "You mean to tell me that the reason you chose me is because I was a 'degenerate?!"
The silver-haired goddess chuckled. "Well, we need someone who can breed strong-willed offspring, don't we?"
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. This was ridiculous. Sending me to a world full of submissive, masochistic people and expecting me to breed the problem away? That wasn't a solution, it was just a delay. Even if I went and had children, what guarantee was there that they wouldn't inherit the same masochistic tendencies?
"Look," I said, crossing my arms. "Even if I do go there and, I don't know, breed the hell out of everyone, that's not a real fix. It might boost the population temporarily, but it won't change the core problem."
"We know," the second goddess admitted. "But we also know that if you cannot find a way to change things, then no one can."
I exhaled, trying to process everything. This was absurd. There had to be another way.
Then an idea struck me. "What about summoning heroes from other worlds?" I asked. "Instead of relying on me, why not bring in more people with strong souls to balance things out?"
"For that, we would need souls capable of breaking the reincarnation cycle on their own," the second goddess explained. "That is a rare occurrence. You are the first in centuries."
Both of them stared at me then, as if I was some kind of prized cattle. I suddenly felt very self-conscious.
The silver-haired goddess's gaze swept over me, her eyes shining with intrigue. "You are the perfect specimen," she murmured. "And I don't know if it's fate or mere coincidence, but you certainly fit the profile, a healthy, capable, and…" she chuckled, "...rather lustful human male."
"Hey," I snapped. "Don't talk about me like I'm some kind of breeding stock."
The second goddess smirked. "That's exactly what you are in this scenario."
I groaned. "You're unbelievable."
But before I could argue further, the first goddess raised her hand. "We won't force you. Instead, we will make you an offer."
I narrowed my eyes. "What kind of offer?"
"You will receive three wishes before you enter this world like any other reincarnator. Use them wisely to aid this mission we gave."
"And if I succeed?"
"You will receive three more wishes of your choosing after you complete the mission."
That caught my attention. Three more wishes? That was a deal worth considering.
Still, I had to be careful. If I was going to agree to this, I needed to make sure my wishes were effective.
"Let me get this straight," I said slowly. "You're asking me to go to a world where everyone is a masochist, use three wishes to somehow fix it, and if I manage to do that, I get three more wishes?"
"That's correct."
I mulled it over. The task seemed impossible, but the reward was tempting. If I played this right, I could make myself incredibly powerful.
But what exactly should I wish for?
I glanced at the two goddesses. They were waiting patiently, their expressions unreadable.
I exhaled sharply.
"Fine," I said. "I'll do it. But I need time to think about my wishes."
The silver-haired goddess smiled. "Take your time. This is, after all, a once in a lifetime opportunity."
The second goddess's expression was more reserved, but I saw the faintest glimmer of hope in her eyes.
"Then let's see if you're truly capable of changing a world that even the even we have failed to fix indirectly."
After thinking for quite some time I asked for my wishes and choose the body, place and a condition of my birth. "We hope to see you succeed human" the goddess's said before I was sent away.