Chapter 164

I speculate about the future.

However, what can be predicted and exemplified is extremely limited.

As if someone had forcibly hidden all possibilities.

…If.

Someone’s will was so intense as to defy comparison.

So strong that it could guide various futures into just one narrow path, incredibly mighty and steadfast.

…In a way, it might be natural for my future to be affected by that.

Even a single human with willpower can twist and change someone else’s future without much difficulty.

But if that being were close to a god or even a divine entity…

Their will would naturally be beyond any comparison to a human’s.

The reason why my vision of the future has gone dark like I’m wearing a blindfold…

Is probably because they want it that way.

“……”

Pain originating from my shoulder disrupts my peace and concentration in various ways.

Though I’ve grown accustomed to unreasonableness and discomfort, this situation feels irrationally different.

The Demon King hovering around me knows well that pain is the most powerful weapon to destroy rational thought.

Inside the false dreams she created,

I endured countless training scenarios filled with unavoidable pain. Had I not adapted back then, I’d have broken long ago.

Becoming stronger and knowing more doesn’t mean developing resistance to pain.

“What are you doing?”

While Zora left to check something, I was trying to steady my mind amidst the surrounding void when I noticed the Demon King gazing down at the distant ground and asked.

“Hmph. It’s interesting.”

Unlike her usual nonchalant attitude, her expression seemed slightly serious, but the response was still typical of her.

“What is it?”

“……”

Her habit of not answering when she doesn’t want to hasn’t changed.

“You need to achieve your purpose here as quickly as possible.”

“…Did someone say that?”

“Hmm.”

Uncharacteristically calm—maybe composed is the right word here.

Since rest was meaningless anyway, I was contemplating methods, but due to the lingering effects of the curse left by the current Demon King, concentration was hard to maintain. …Whenever things start improving, they always seem to sabotage it like this.

“You’ll naturally overcome it once you gain what you need. Until then… endure.”

“I was already planning to do so.”

Zora seems helpless looking at this condition. Even if someone nearby knew how to use divine power or white magic proficiently, the best they could do for Carriel would likely be calming her spirit rather than healing internal or external wounds.

Thinking about it, Minette did something similar back when we were almost dead in Soremn Village. It helped more than expected.

Like giving water to a thirsty traveler—every little bit counts.

To put it metaphorically, Carriel is like a bowl with its bottom completely shattered. Cleaning the dust around the bowl isn’t much help, but to refill it, you’d practically need to submerge it in a lake or an ocean. …Which makes potions or medicine more effective, I guess.

…

Just as I was adapting to the pain half-heartedly, Zora returned. The sun was still far from rising, but waiting around wouldn’t improve the situation, so we decided to move immediately.

“……”

Upon reaching the entrance, I cautiously checked the surroundings, suppressing my presence. Maybe they’d open a portal and ambush us again the moment we step in?

There was also one more concern.

“You’re awake.”

The giant guarding—or rather waiting near—the entrance was unmistakably awake. If it wasn’t going to fight, our only option was to enter and leave the area quickly.

Whether they’d follow was debatable, but now wasn’t the time to worry about that. If necessary…

“I’ll show you the internal layout.”

Zora suddenly summoned light into the air and began forming a detailed map-like structure.

“It took time to render because of the complex layers, but it’s better than nothing.”

This was the reason she left earlier. Apparently, she sent Spirit Demons inside to indirectly scout the place while the door was open.

Now that I think about it, it’s nighttime. Despite generally acting carefree even under the sun, she does seem more active during the night, fitting her nocturnal nature.

“Although I’ve recently adapted to temperature differences…”

“…?”

Temperature differences?

“Ah, sorry, I meant time zones. Time zones.”

“……”

Time zones? Now that I recall, there are slight time variations across different regions within the Empire’s territory—is that what she’s referring to?

Anyway, we entered accompanied by her Spirit Demons again. The giant at the entrance greeted us aggressively, but I blocked it with Aegis and countered swiftly. Then I hit it with another Astraepus.

Even though the energy I used was at least 100 times weaker than last time, it was enough to momentarily stun the giant, allowing us to escape.

-This must’ve been what it was borrowed for.

After neutralizing and incapacitating it, whether we retreat or advance further depends on the situation.

That said, having Zora along made leaving potential threats behind feel uneasy, so I might have overcommitted to eliminating them thoroughly.

…Which is just an excuse I came up with later.

It could simply be competitiveness or the urge to test newfound strength.

Honestly, I don’t fully remember my thoughts and intentions at the time.

In short, I lost myself to the allure of the borrowed Divine Equipment, failing to control myself despite needing to.

So letting go of my mental tether resulted in my hands burning intensely.

Borrowed power and privileges are perilous indeed.

Eventually, we reached the location where I previously met the current Demon King—but fortunately or unfortunately, she didn’t reappear.

[What if she showed up again this time?]

Indeed.

Thanks to Zora’s Spirit Demons providing luminous maps whenever needed, we avoided aimlessly wandering through the vast interior.

Though the space was enormous, moving between areas just took too much time.

My mobility proved somewhat helpful here, especially avoiding agitating the giants on the ground.

One thing’s for sure:

The interior preservation was better than expected. Even though giants may be immortal, structures aren’t usually.

The exterior appears well-preserved, but it’s clearly uninhabitable. Staying here isn’t impossible, but there’s no resource-gathering zone nearby. Plus, there are plenty of unwelcome intruders lurking around.

Not camping on top of statues out of boredom.

Still, given the vast expanse, unless we intentionally seek them out or they actively chase us, encounters would be rare.

[I didn’t spot any treasure chambers or valuable goods, assuming they aren’t hidden.]

“If previous explorers found and took everything, it’s only natural for it to be empty, right?”

[If that’s the case, maybe coming here was a mistake? Or are we just satisfied with exploring giant ruins?]

“No way.”

I enjoy investigating and discovering things. Sightseeing isn’t bad either, but if that were our goal, this place is far too dangerous.

[And if past visitors fought those giants, even if they found treasures, could they realistically carry them all out?]

“There might be secret passages or shortcuts.”

[True, but currently, there’s no way to know.]

So, what should we do?

[How was this place in the past?]

“……”

We’ll find out eventually.

Even without reminding me, I intended to attempt it after securing safety. Attempting blindly and getting ambushed won’t benefit anyone.

Strictly speaking, I’m even suspicious of Zora’s Spirit Demons since entering this area has completely shut down my ability to predict the future.

Moreover, Zora herself was never part of my future predictions—an exceptional existence.

…I suppose realizing this late means I’m still inexperienced in this regard.

For instance, she’s no ordinary person. From what she told me, she was human during her time in the Demon Realm and already extraordinary back then.

She later joined the vampire bloodline through a proper contract and is now the Third Princess.

Not an actual king or princess like humans, but third in rank among the Asubnara vampires.

By that logic, Second Prince Fielbar must be impressive too.

Despite clear differences in abilities and roles.

“This place will do.”

Following the Spirit Demon’s rough map, we found a relatively stable area. In case of emergencies, we can hide and wait here while concealing our presence.

Some structures resemble beds, though they look broken, suggesting there might have been statues or deity representations here originally.

Judging from the ruined interior, determining the exact purpose of this place is difficult.

At the intersection of the ceiling and pillars,

there’s a small space where a child could pass through. Misstep and you might fall badly, but sitting or lying down quietly should be fine.

Without ladders, climbing up and down freely seems impossible.

Instead, spiderwebs densely cover the area, and the spiders themselves appear quite menacing.

“Hmm…”

Creepy, but killing them feels wrong, and ignoring them feels off.

As I pondered this morally sound yet unsound dilemma, a Spirit Demon suddenly ate one.

[Why does Master hesitate to deal with small creatures when she readily smites larger ones?]

“……”

You’re right.

For some reason, it feels awkward, like committing unnecessary tyranny.

Had I not shown up, these creatures would’ve lived peacefully.

They weren’t hostile or threatening towards me.

[Perhaps consider turning them into emergency rations?]

“……”

I’m not desperate enough to eat bugs.

If it came to that, I’d reconsider, though.

“I’ll proceed soon. Alert me if I start acting rashly.”

[To the extent I can.]

Focusing my mind, despite the persistent pain I forced outside my brain, I prepared to delve into this room’s past.

……

In the center of this room stood a massive golden statue.

A male deity with a tall crown and thick beard.

Dressed in long robes covering his whole body, holding a short staff, standing proudly.

From the abdomen downwards,

patterns on the clothing were simple yet distinct.

The first circle featured a flower with five petals.

The second circle below had four sharp, blade-like leaves.

The final, lowest circle showcased a flower with three round petal-like eyes.

Though the walls now show no form or remain intact,

the original walls appeared to be made of blue-lustrous stone, filling the room with gold from floor to ceiling.

Looking closer, the altar in front of the statue held familiar and unfamiliar fruits.

And.

The space where a bed might have been was definitely different in scale.

Apparently designed with a giant’s anatomy in mind, it was several times larger than a human-sized one.

The canopy was also significantly higher.

Four rectangular ceiling pillars,

clearly meant only for structural support, didn’t conceal or hide the bed itself.

Everything, including the pillars and bed, was gold, except the blanket which had a striking blue background intricately embroidered with golden patterns.

Truly, the epitome of opulence.

Its meticulous craftsmanship even included steps serving as footrests for the bed.

On the right side of the bed, there was a small nail and fountain.

Excessively luxurious for mere lodging, yet meticulously arranged, it seemed…

‘An indoor temple.’

Constructing shrines or sanctuaries inside buildings is surprisingly common.

Most structures prioritize central facilities or purposes, and this arrangement fits perfectly.

However, the interior here was utterly silent.

Almost overlooked.

Behind the statue, a young girl was cleaning it with a damp cloth.

“Huh?”

Did she sense my gaze?

The young girl suddenly looked up at me.

Her sandy-colored eyes widened as if witnessing a miracle.

“C-could it be… D-did the god… My Lord?”

Still.

Isn’t this assumption a bit excessive?

The girl continued staring at me intently,

even rubbing her eyes repeatedly to confirm she wasn’t hallucinating.

Then it dawns on me.

Realizing late due to her youthful appearance…

Her face looks strangely familiar.

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