Chapter 134

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on February 8, 2025

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Before and after Irene’s Era.

The calendar established by Irene’s Order is said to be a turning point in continental history.

Moreover, it was also the starting point for humanity to seize control of the continent after the fall of the Great Empire of Bella.

But even that is nearing a thousand years now.

Since its expansion into the western, southern, central, and northern foothills of the continent, Irene’s Order has effectively become the premier religious order on the continent.

However, despite its growth, they were constantly embroiled in conflicts and persecution by local and established religions, making them unwelcome intruders.

Nevertheless, they embraced their trials with dedication, overcoming hardships through their unique teachings and grace.

As a result, divine power and spells became their foundation, allowing their holy reign to expand more rapidly during chaotic times.

But conversely…

Once they solidified as a dominant force and joined the ranks of the elite, they ironically became targets of resentment.

The gods only favor gold.

To the point where even the Pope himself spouted such nonsense.

This statement, intended to encourage donations and offerings from kings and nobles overflowing with wealth, backfired.

What thoughts did the common folk and believers harbor upon hearing this?

While the Pope’s intent might have been to spread positive influence among the populace, the wording alone provided ample grounds for distortion.

Enraged by this, the commoners and believers began to rebel, giving kings and lords an opportunity to push back against religious interference.

This happened no less than four times over the millennium since Irene’s Era began. Yet from these trials came matured theology and religious theories.

And so, in their historical perspective, this too was seen as another trial and process of maturation for the faithful.

Above all, the massive invasion by the Demon King’s army inadvertently provided a unifying reason for peace amidst the chaos.

As always, great emperors have used religion as a tool to unify vast territories and diverse races.

And the noble warriors, guardians of virtue, fit perfectly within the hero archetype established by Irene’s Order.

Before Irene’s teachings, heroes were merely those who excelled in combat and possessed immense power.

“So what stands at the pinnacle of being a warrior?”

The Demon King?

Or the Great Adversary?

Perhaps a tyrant? A dark ruler? A usurper? A king assassin?

The regent wiped his dry face and asked again.

“Since the establishment of Irene’s doctrine, your true nature has finally been defined.”

Before then, names were passed down secretly but remained unclear.

With the establishment of Irene’s Order, their identities were revealed.

Demons. Ghosts. Unlucky beings. Evil spirits. Monsters. Grotesque creatures.

From trivial things, small things, uncivilized things, unfamiliar things…

To giant, absurd, unidentified entities and sources of fear and dread, even exaggeratedly praised beings.

The term “demon” existed early on, but Irene’s Order was the first to clearly define and categorize their existence.

“Thus, we could begin studying you.”

The regent spoke while watching a gluttonous brat devour food.

On the bed lay dozens of naked women sprawled about.

Even the nominal Demon King, with his bloated body, gnawed on raw meat bones brought out freshly.

Though blood smeared everything, the fat child gleefully reveled in it.

“So what’s your point?”

Crunch crunch.

No words. Just eating.

Despite piles of empty plates, the child showed no sign of satisfaction, shoveling everything into his mouth greedily.

“Mmm… You understand nothing about us.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

“You know absolutely nothing. Nothing at all.”

The boy smiled.

A grotesque smile. His skin and eyes had turned sickly yellow, far from human beauty standards. Even his yellowing hair fell out in patches, revealing bald spots.

“We aren’t individuals, groups, or intellects. That’s your mistake – trying to define us.”

“…”

“You can’t comprehend anything. It’s fine though. You’re just beasts blessed with individuality, collectivity, and intelligence.”

People who take blessings for granted without realizing their value – uncouth trash.

“Blessed fools who don’t even know they’re blessed. Smart yet ignorant ones.”

“Blessings? Are you talking about being born?”

“Look at that idiotic remark.”

Mumble mumble.

Crunch crunch.

“You know, taste isn’t just about your mouth or tongue. Chewing is part of it too, right? But what about aroma? Without scent, most people barely experience true flavor. Did you know that?”

“…”

“You’ve got everything yet act like you have nothing, always thirsting. Isn’t that excessive?”

What makes you unable to kill each other already?

“Our greed and theft are desperate attempts to fill voids. But you do it without reason.”

“…”

Surprisingly, this demon – perhaps a Great Demon – was unusually cynical.

Unlike the typical impressions from stories and myths.

Maybe because they were bound by strict contracts and treated relatively “humanely,” but still…

“They’re coming soon.”

“…Who speaks of?”

“We’ll see.”

And right on cue…

The door opened soundlessly, and darkness arrived.

Though there were no lit fires, the area was bathed in the red glow of magical barriers, making it fairly bright inside.

However, around this presence, the darkness was unusually thick.

As if light itself refused to penetrate its domain.

This must be akin to its personal realm.

Established solely by its overwhelming presence.

“…”

It entered calmly, taking its place opposite the gluttonous child who wore a mask and leather garments.

The moment it stood there, a chair materialized behind it as if by magic.

The fatty child said, “Please sit.”

Without hesitation, the darkness complied.

Watching it sit, the regent exhaled slightly.

An unexpected guest?

Or an unwelcome intruder? A troublemaker?

Whatever it was, it wasn’t supposed to appear according to schedule.

Perhaps included among the invited guests?

…Cannot know.

Not a trace of mana or magical energy could be detected from it.

Typically, when mana tilts toward yin, it becomes known as dark mana, which when extreme transforms into demonic power.

Conversely, when mana tilts toward yang and reaches its peak…

Irene’s Order would like to define this as divine power, but it remains an unknown field.

In theory, yang mana exists.

But the definition of extreme yin mana as demonic power dates back thousands of years before Irene’s Era.

One reason for this distinction is that magic and sorcery originally stemmed from demons.

And demons wielded demonic power, teaching methods and theories based on it.

Even during the time of the first Great Demon King and the original demons and daemons…

Their foundation for using magic was always demonic power.

Even dragons relied on it.

Later, purified mana used by elves and dragonkin led to refined magical systems, freeing magic from its taboo status…

“…”

Does this mean it’s surrounded by yang mana, beyond detection?

Nope.

There’s simply nothing there.

Even the minute mana probes sent to detect it disintegrated upon reaching its vicinity.

Evaporating, freezing, burning, scattering, slowing, halting, disappearing…

Basic reactions exist, but none occur around it.

Even attempting a reaction proves futile.

It just vanishes.

Simply ceases to exist.

Thus, detecting or comprehending it becomes impossible.

“So you’ve gathered allies too, huh?”

Hearing this, the regent’s worries dissipated.

But what does he mean by “gathered allies”?

What is he referring to?

“Are you investigating us?”

For some reason, the demon seemed delighted by this calm question.

Like reuniting with an old friend never to be seen again.

“Understanding us is generally impossible. Even in the Demon Realm, knowledge about us is scarce. Grasping our depth through insight alone is beyond comprehension. So, you must’ve heard it somewhere. From whom? How? There are few in this Middle Realm who know, even across the entire continent. Or did you hear it from the Other Side? Or perhaps from another continent? To conclude so definitively seems unlikely based on mere records…”

“What should I do with you?”

The boastful demon suddenly fell silent, stunned like a honey-eating bear.

Gobble gobble.

Still eating…

“Weren’t we here to talk?”

“I want nothing. Have no questions.”

“…”

There’s no response to that.

Can there be a better answer when dealing with demons?

While the Great Demon stood confused, the figure casually urged him on.

“Is that all you have to say?”

“Hold on! Why are you here?!”

The Great Demon’s confusion intrigued the regent observing from the side.

‘What is its true identity?’

Despite appearing young, its atmosphere and aura were unlike anything ever encountered.

How to describe this sensation?

“Why, I wonder.”

All one could sense from him was genuine bewilderment.

That was all.

‘Could it be…’

Is this person here to save the king?

To extract the demon consuming his body?

If so, isn’t the regent himself the most dangerous here?

‘Yet…’

Not a single glance directed at me.

As if the regent’s very existence held no interest whatsoever.

Its focus remained solely on the demon.

Not out of fear or precaution against potential attacks, it seemed.

‘Hmm?’

Isn’t it strange that someone facing a Great Demon shows neither caution nor fear?

Assuming they know its true nature, considering the demon’s current behavior.

“I’ll wait if you need time.”

This unexpected offer sufficiently tensed up both the regent and the Great Demon’s faces.

“Someone once said something about squeezing out half-ripe pus…”

This person knows.

They’re fully aware that the current chaos throughout the city strengthens the Great Demon.

This is both a grand festival and a sacrificial ritual.

And unexpectedly, the Great Demon provoked their opponent.

“If you eliminate me right now, the external troubles might cease. Do you plan to let them suffer and die unnecessarily? How heartless.”

“Mountains and rivers get swept by storms and struck by lightning, burning occasionally.”

He said.

“Whether they use these changes as opportunities or collapse under the storm’s pressure is entirely up to them.”

“Guess you’re not thinking like a human now.”

“I can’t possibly take responsibility for everyone’s lives.”

Half true, half false.

If I showed concern, this guy would exploit it as a weakness.

Most importantly,

They must survive on their own.

Though perhaps I could help them avoid the most desperate disasters.

They’ve had chances from long ago.

By clinging to reality and avoiding challenges, they reached this predicament.

In a way, it’s the excessive accumulation of shared corruption and decay.

A nation sometimes demands sacrifices from its people.

People sometimes expect protection and care from their nation.

Neither is necessarily essential.

In a world where trust is reciprocated, such structures function normally.

But once trust breaks on either side, the relationship reduces to mere concepts of righteousness and principles.

In a society ruled by cowards, traitors, scammers, and thieves,

Formal promises and vows become meaningless.

Those who fear and bow to absolute rulers can be exploited and plundered anytime.

Unless rulers respect their subjects, and vice versa.

Both sides apply equally.

Why did the first Great Demon King create the Absolute Obedience Contract in the chaotic Demon Realm?

Trust forms only when both parties are honest and equal.

However, such relationships in this world are dreams and mirages.

Yet mirages aren’t lies.

At least more realistic than imagination or fantasy.

Thus, more malicious.

“Frightening. If that were true, I’d have crushed your flesh and shredded your soul instantly.”

The Great Demon cheers.

Despite his words, his reactions remain bizarrely abnormal.

“I don’t know what you are. Still… Being so confident means you must have something to show, right? Can I look forward to it?”

“The current you…”

Only now did they realize he’d had his eyes closed.

Upon opening them, revealing their radiant gold, both the Great Demon and the regent’s expressions contorted strangely.

Unbeknownst to them,

That such brilliant radiance could emerge from such profound darkness…

“Among the countless Demon Kings, was there anyone comparable?”

“What’s the meaning behind that question?”

“Pure curiosity.”

He asked again.

“So, which side are you on?”

“You dare compare me to such insignificant creatures?! Gah! Ugh! I can’t tolerate this anymore! After showing respect, you spout such nonsense? Comparing me to them?! Me?!”

The Great Demon slammed the table, shattering it instantly.

The remaining food, expensive dishes, and intricately patterned bowls crashed down, creating a cacophony of chaos.

“My words carried not a shred of malice. I was genuinely curious. And you lack the right to call yourself what you claim. Am I wrong?”

The Great Demon grew angrier.

While expressing his frustration, the questioner revealed genuine regret.

“Clear water flowing from above can still be tainted below. Likewise, murky water above makes the lower waters equally dirty.”

Ultimately, it comes down to this:

“Your filthiness and depravity make you perceive everything as so disgustingly impure.”

Truly the calling of a demon.

And this…

Is the darkness and muddied current harbored by this nation.

“Good lesson learned.”

This confirmed it.

“Just as she said, you truly are not worth associating with.”

I’m not judging by appearances now.

But you’re only seeing my surface.

Do you think I sat here wasting time just to watch your vile actions?

I sought any possible hope within you, despite everything.