Chapter 152

All worlds carry a unique worldview.

One but all.

For example, like the case where it was said “let there be light” and light came to be, forming the world.

Or perhaps from the body of some giant that the world was made.

Or through the union of gods that the world was formed.

Or when an egg split and became heaven and earth.

Or from the dark sea, a hill rose and became the first divine being of great honor, who then created anew and established laws.

These are one yet two, two yet three, three yet four, four and infinite.

Even so, in the end, they all boil down to one.

-It might sound weird, but that’s just how it is.

And we do have a slight clue to understand this a bit more clearly, right?

-Think about how the Sacred Tree of the Demon Realm arbitrarily changed the Demon Realm and established another world, then influenced the Middle Realm targeting you.

The Demon King explains again.

-If that’s possible, doesn’t it mean the opposite is also possible?

Even if there are many worlds, if we can choose the most suitable, the best, the optimal one?

Of course, the opposite is also possible.

Ultimately, it’s the observer and the watcher.

At the same time, it’s an entity and law that allows for interference.

On one hand, it’s a system created to build a clear order so that the worlds don’t mix chaotically.

-The World Tree probably has a similar existence and role. If we assume that, the story becomes simpler.

A world is one but not one.

However, if we start dividing and breaking it apart, the truth becomes fleeting, vague, and meaningless.

Truth is one but must be clear, steadfast, and definitive.

The entity that decides this takes on the role of observer and watcher.

By Middle Realm standards, the World Tree?

Then in the Demon Realm, isn’t it the Sacred Tree of the Demon Realm?

-Worshipping trees as part of religious beliefs kind of makes sense when you think about it.

Yeah.

If you think about it, that means it’s an existence akin to another god.

If everything assumed just now is possible, calling it another god wouldn’t be far off.

“…….”

Even though I understand, it’s still hard.

Carriel closed one eye in deep thought.

The Ice Sea Sand People, commonly called the Vickingru, also had their own belief system. By their standards, there was a version of heaven and hell according to the Irene’s Doctrine, and the form pursued by their gods was clearly established.

They revered warriors and longed to reign as glorious warriors even after death.

What awaited them was the final trial known as the arrival of destruction.

In the Creek Bella myth, the ultimate phase spoke of destruction, and in the myths of the Northern peoples, stories were mentioned about the gods striving against destruction.

And.

In Irene’s Doctrine too, it talks about how the resurrected Lord will return in the distant future at the end times.

At that time, only the righteous and virtuous—those who believe and are faithful—will be saved…

But why does everyone talk about destruction?

-The World Tree and the Sacred Tree of the Demon Realm probably have the same roots.

“Roots?”

After leaving the temple, following the big strong man until dusk, we finally entered a small nomadic tribe village.

Not exactly welcoming us, but anyway, someone met us.

He, Merjup, with his red skin and large build, was also a priest of considerable standing within the tribe.

When I saw him, the first feeling was a strange familiarity.

His skin color was very different, but he seemed less human… reminding me of a slightly smaller ogre, albeit a skinny one for their race.

However, upon reaching the tribal village, we see something even more striking.

“There aren’t any humans here.”

Ogres, orcs, goblins, trolls, nogs, and dwarves—that’s all there is.

Their skin tones were incredibly dark, as if they had agreed beforehand.

Other non-human races also caught the eye.

Even the elves were different from what we knew. They wore leather, had bizarre tattoos all over their bodies, and their eyes emitted a fierce glow.

‘The Tribe of the Forest would have been shocked if they saw this.’

Still, the amazing thing was how these diverse races coexisted so naturally… It’s hard to describe.

There were even beings with horse-like lower halves and human upper halves scattered around.

Exactly as depicted in myths and legends.

Also, the livestock they raised looked quite varied.

When asked about this, the answer was surprisingly simple.

Since they worship the same gods and share the same beliefs, what difference does race make?

After all, they’re all servants of the gods and equally insignificant in the eyes of the divine.

Unless one stands out enough to catch the attention of the gods.

Putting aside those thoughts, I ask again.

“Wasn’t it last time you talked about parallel worlds, multiple or plural worlds?”

-Was it me who said that?

…Cutting the nonsense.

Ignoring the Demon King’s puzzled attitude, I ask again.

“Skipping the complexities, ultimately, is it correct to understand that the roles of the World Tree and the Sacred Tree of the Demon Realm are to protect the center of our world from among countless worlds?”

-Probably. And usually, such systems shouldn’t have personal wills or opinions. But since the Sacred Tree of the Demon Realm is personally fixated on and resents you… well, it shows the situation isn’t normal.

At this point, it’s really accurate to say the world is cursed.

The problem is that this curse was unilaterally sent from the other world.

Though it might be more like a tantrum than pure malice, an ant caught in a giant’s tantrum… Well, no matter how much you explain, it’ll just give you a headache.

-Take into account that young Jeupse’s proposal wasn’t entirely bad.

“…Since I ignored the Demon King’s offer, what’s the difference between that guy’s suggestion and his?”

-Are you braindead? Do you think the king of a world and a deity or supreme deity are the same? Is the king of a small island comparable to the king of the world?

“…”

To me, they’re the same.

The key is that kings can’t escape their limits, right?

A king is ultimately in a position where they must struggle to protect rather than gain.

No matter how you think about it, it’s a losing position.

However, if the person willingly accepts the loss, they could lead, guide, and help many people, creating positive influence, of course.

But even with good intentions, results aren’t always good, which we’ve seen countless times.

Didn’t I myself become part of that harm somehow?

-Aren’t notions of power and wealth appealing to your mind?

“Even if those things bind me, they won’t truly give me freedom, will they?”

Whether tied by fear or pleasure,

Being blinded by the phenomena of good or bad and getting stuck or lost in them,

Isn’t it all the same meaning in the end?

-…Are you wise or just naive because you haven’t experienced the extremes of the world? Yeah, actually, that’s a valid point. This is why innocence is sometimes good, but…

The Demon King looked somewhat disgruntled.

On the other hand, sending a look that seemed somewhat appreciative, my expression involuntarily crumpled.

-But listen. The way you think right now isn’t human anymore…

Just then, Zora, who had temporarily received a tent, bowed her head and entered the tent.

“There are so many wonders. As an outsider, this kind of exchange is usually impossible. Mr. Carriel is talented.”

Surprisingly sociable, Zora appeared busy exploring the area, finding private interests.

“That’s true, but when did you learn the local language here? Your command is far beyond ordinary. When did you start learning?”

“…That makes me curious too.”

Even though I thought she had nothing, having this surprising ability means other shortcomings can be overlooked.

Only discovering this talent so late is… personally, quite disappointing.

‘Is it really too late?’

It was confusing.

But even with this talent, if I hadn’t met the Demon King, my situation wouldn’t have changed much.

Considering the talents and achievements needed at the time, this skill wouldn’t have helped much.

“If you can commune with deities, it means you have special talents in that area, right? Is that why? Not learned, but rather acquired through practice? Blessings or divine favor? If so… receiving revelations or prophecies, that’s why you’ve been so persistent coming here?”

“…”

Hearing my conversation with Jeupse back then must have seemed completely different to Zora and Merjup who were entering the temple together.

“Judging by what I hear, if we ride beasts and move without local supplies, it should take twenty days.”

“So…”

“On foot, maybe two months? Or longer?”

In other words, our speed moving with either me or Zora would be much faster.

“I’ve secured basic medicine. Though it’s not detailed, we’ll need to find landmarks to distinguish things. We can only pray for luck.”

She’s definitely competent.

Every action has a basis.

While taking care of personal desires and entertainment.

“You pick up tricks living long enough.”

Zora casually judged my inner thoughts and said this while looking at the small stove burning inside the tent.

“Come to think of it, are those solitary conversations with ghosts or spirits? Mischievous spirits? Or maybe divine beings? If so, you should’ve told me earlier.”

“…”

“Even if it’s for practical reasons, it’s understandable. But mentioning it would just get us treated strangely, which happens often to unusual types like us, right?”

“You seem to have done that yourself.”

“When I was human, I was considered not just eccentric but possessed by spirits.”

“…”

“Even though I’m called human, given the different world, calling me a demon would be more appropriate here.”

In other words, despite appearances, she seems to be fairly advanced in age.

“What does it feel like to receive revelations?”

“…”

“How rude to answer like that when I asked.”

No, I really didn’t feel anything because…

At first, I was a little tense, but thanks to the Demon King teasing and mocking Jeupse, the tension disappeared at some point.

Besides, I’ve never communed with deities or been subjected to it.

“I think ignorance is strength.”

“Why?”

“If a god shows interest in you, isn’t it ultimately to use you for some purpose?”

“Aah. Got it. That explanation hit home. Goosebumps.”

Zora quickly understood and exclaimed.

“That could be quite bothersome.”

“…”

I got your point.

The divine is watching over me!

To be moved or impressed by this, maybe I’ve already reached the peak of irreverence.

Well, the moment I allied with the Demon King was already too late for such regrets.

====

Like that.

Exactly after nine cycles of night and day, we arrived there.

Some sort of ruin of Fire Giants.

Precisely, a boundary that isn’t quite a boundary.

From the cliff-like high plateau, we barely managed to glimpse the remnants of an ancient civilization spread far below our eyes.

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