Ch.13444. Strange Wonder. (2)

# The Before and After of Irenis

The chronology established by the Irenis Order is considered a turning point in the continent’s history.

It also marks the beginning of humanity’s dominance over the continent after the fall of the Great Veran Empire.

Even that is now approaching 1,000 years ago.

Since expanding its influence to the western and southern parts of the continent, as well as into the central and northern regions, the Irenis Order has essentially established itself as the continent’s foremost religious organization.

However, despite this expansion, it initially faced all manner of conflicts and oppression from indigenous and established religions, making the Irenis faith something of an unwelcome guest.

Yet through their distinctive teachings and grace, they accepted these trials and strived to overcome them through dedication.

As a result, the divine power and holy arts—gifts from their god—allowed their influence to expand more rapidly as the world grew more chaotic and turbulent.

However, conversely.

As they became the central power and established themselves among the influential elite, they ironically became the target of resentment.

“The Lord favors only gold.”

Such blasphemy was even uttered directly by the Pope.

These words were meant to encourage donations and contributions from kings and nobles who possessed overflowing wealth.

But what thoughts did the common people and believers harbor upon hearing this news?

If one were to listen to the full context, the Pope’s statement was intended to encourage the wealthy to distribute positive influence to all people.

But when that expression alone was singled out, it provided more than enough justification for serious distortion.

This angered the common people and believers, and based on this, kings and lords seized the opportunity to drive out the church in an attempt to rid themselves of religion’s cumbersome interference.

This process occurred no less than four times over the 1,000 years since the founding, but it also led to the systematization of mature theology and religious theory.

Their historical perspective described this as another trial for believers and a process of maturation.

Above all, even amid such chaos, the large-scale invasion by the Demon King’s army inadvertently provided a reason for reconciliation that bound them together once more.

And as always, great kings and emperors have utilized religion as a tool to unify vast territories and diverse races and tribes.

Also, the sword and shield that protects them—

The integrity and heroic status of heroes could rightfully be considered the heroic ideal established by the Irenis Order.

Before the Irenis faith, “hero” simply meant someone who fought well, was renowned, and possessed great martial prowess.

“Then what stands at the opposite end of a hero?”

The Demon King?

Or perhaps a great adversary?

Or is it a tyrant? A dark ruler? A usurper? A regicide?

The Regent stroked his dry face and asked again.

“Since the establishment of the Irenis doctrine, only then was your true nature defined.”

Before that, even their names were passed down in secrecy, and even those were unclear.

But since the establishment of the Irenis Order, their identity was revealed.

Devils. Ghosts. Ill omens. Evil spirits. Monsters. Bizarre beings. Horrors.

From the trivial to the small, from the primitive to the unfamiliar.

From the enormous to the absurd, from the unidentified to the anxious, fearful, and terrifying, to the exaggeratedly praised.

The term “demon” had existed early on, but it was the Irenis faith that definitively established and defined such beings.

“And so, we too were able to study you.”

The Regent spoke, looking at the little one who was preoccupied with food.

Dozens of naked women were sprawled messily across the bed.

Even the nominal Demon King, with his fat body completely bare, was gnawing on freshly delivered raw meat, bones and all.

It was covered in thick blood as if freshly slaughtered, but the chubby child seemed delighted even with that.

“So what do you think?”

Crunch, crunch.

It said nothing.

It just kept eating.

Despite the pile of empty plates, the child continued stuffing everything served into its mouth as if it didn’t know the meaning of satisfaction.

“Munch, munch… you know nothing about us.”

“…What does that mean?”

“You know absolutely nothing. Not a thing.”

The boy smiled.

It was an ugly, hideous smile, but this thing—once human but no longer—had yellowish discolored skin and even yellow eyes, presenting an utterly unpleasant appearance by human aesthetic standards.

Even its yellow hair was falling out in patches, revealing the scalp.

“We are neither individuals nor collectives nor intellects. It’s your job to define us through that misunderstanding.”

“…?”

“You don’t understand at all. That’s fine. You’re blessed beasts with individuality, collectivity, and intellect.”

Primitive vermin who take for granted what they naturally enjoy, not even considering it a blessing.

“Everyone is blessed but too stupid to know they’re blessed. Pseudo-intellectuals.”

“Is it a blessing? Just to be born?”

“Look at that. Saying such foolish things.”

Munch, munch.

Crunch, crunch.

“Did you know? Taste isn’t just sensed by the mouth or tongue. Chewing is also part of taste, isn’t it? And what about aroma? Did you know that without smelling, you can barely sense most flavors?”

“……”

“You have everything yet always thirst as if you have nothing. I know you were made that way, but isn’t it too much?”

What makes you so desperate to kill each other?

“For us, coveting and taking is like a desperate attempt to fill what we lack, but you’re not even like that.”

“……”

Contrary to expectations, this demon—perhaps a great demon—was strangely cynical.

Above all, it was giving a completely different impression from what one would expect from stories and myths.

Perhaps it was treating him relatively “humanely” due to being bound by an absolute compliance contract, but even so…

“Here it comes now.”

“…Who do you mean?”

“You’ll see soon enough.”

And just then.

Without a sound, darkness arrived through the opening door.

There were no lit fires, but the red hue characteristic of the barrier dominated the area, making the interior relatively bright despite the absence of light.

Yet around this being, it was unnaturally dark.

As if even light could not penetrate that realm.

It was, in itself, like a domain.

Established by the very presence of that being.

“……”

It entered without hindrance and stood opposite the small child—that something wearing the mask and skin of a child—who remained focused on eating.

No sooner had it stood there than a chair formed behind it.

The chubby child said:

“Have a seat.”

The darkness did not refuse.

Watching it calmly lower itself into the chair, the Regent took a deep breath.

“……”

An unexpected guest?

Or perhaps an uninvited one? A saboteur?

Whatever it was, a being that shouldn’t have appeared according to plan.

The Regent wondered if perhaps this one was included among those invited.

…It was impossible to tell.

Not even a trace of mana, let alone magical power, could be sensed from it.

Commonly, mana is considered yin (陰), and when it leans toward extreme yin, it’s called magical power (魔力).

Conversely, when mana leans toward yang (陽) and forms extreme yang?

The Irenis Order would like to define this as divine power, but it remains an unknown realm.

The concept of yang mana exists only in theory.

Even the definition that extreme yin mana is magical power was established thousands of years before the founding.

One reason for this formation was that magic and sorcery were originally passed down from demons.

Demons were beings who wielded magical power, and they taught the theory and methodology based on it.

Even during the time when the being known as the first Great Demon King and the demon realm beings influenced by it reigned as the masters of magic.

The foundation for wielding magic was none other than magical power.

Even dragons had done so.

Later, through elves and beastfolk, a magic system using purified mana rather than yin mana was established, allowing magic to shed its taboo stigma…

“……”

But does that mean this being is surrounded by yang mana? Is that why he can’t detect it?

That’s not it.

There’s simply nothing there.

Even the minute mana scattered for detection.

It simply vanished upon reaching the vicinity of that being.

Evaporating, stiffening, freezing, dispersing, combusting, blocking, slowing, hesitating, being sucked in.

There are basic reactions that should occur, but with this being, they’re all useless.

It doesn’t even trigger a reaction.

It just disappears.

That’s all.

So detection and assessment are impossible.

“So many have gathered.”

When that person spoke, the Regent’s concerns scattered.

But what did he mean by “many have gathered”?

“Do you recognize me?”

For some reason.

The demon seemed extremely delighted by the calm words of that being.

As if reuniting with an unparalleled acquaintance.

“Understanding us is generally impossible. Even in the demon realm, they know little about us. The depth is too great to comprehend through insight. So you must have heard about us. From whom? How? Those who know us in the middle realm could be counted on one hand even if you searched the entire continent. Or did you hear from another realm? Or perhaps from across the continent? Your attitude is too definitive to suggest you merely inferred from records…”

“What should I do with you?”

The demon, who had been happily babbling, fell silent at those words.

Munch, munch.

It continued eating, but.

“Didn’t you sit down to talk?”

“I have no desires. Nothing to ask.”

“……”

There’s no response to that.

Could there be a more perfect answer when dealing with a demon?

While the great demon was dumbfounded, he urged impatiently:

“Is that all you have to say?”

“Wait! Why are you here?!”

As the great demon expressed bewilderment, the Regent watching also grew curious.

‘What is its identity?’

Though appearing quite young, its atmosphere and presence were unlike anything he had ever encountered.

How could one describe this?

“I wonder.”

The faint sneer from him revealed only.

A fragment of genuine incredulity.

That was truly all.

‘Perhaps.’

Could this person have come to save the king?

To extract the demon that had devoured his body?

If so, the most dangerous person here would be none other than the Regent himself.

‘And yet.’

He doesn’t even give me a glance.

As if he has no interest whatsoever in the Regent’s existence.

That being had been focusing solely on the demon.

But he didn’t seem to be doing so out of fear or caution against possible mishaps or surprise attacks.

‘Wait?’

Isn’t it strange not to be cautious or afraid when facing a great demon?

If he didn’t know its identity, that would be one thing, but judging by the great demon’s attitude, he seems to know exactly what it is.

“If you need time, I’ll wait.”

And.

That unexpected offer was enough to make both the Regent and the great demon’s faces contort with tension.

“Someone once said that squeezing an imperfectly ripened abscess is futile.”

This person threw those words knowing full well.

That the chaos occurring throughout the city is contributing to the great demon’s strengthening.

This is a grand festival and a ritual of offering.

And.

Unexpectedly, the great demon provoked its opponent.

“If you deal with me now, the calamities occurring outside might stop. Do you intend to let them die or get hurt for nothing? Don’t you find them pitiful?”

“Even mountains, rivers, and forests are swept by rain and storms, and occasionally struck by lightning and burned.”

He said.

“Whether they use that upheaval as an opportunity for change, or give up resisting the storm and sit down to die, that is their own choice.”

“Now I see your thinking isn’t human at all.”

“I cannot be responsible for each of their lives individually.”

Half truth, half lie.

If I were to pretend to care about that, it would seize upon it as a weakness.

Above all.

They must survive on their own.

But perhaps I can help them move somewhat away from the most desperate, extreme disaster.

They’ve had opportunities before.

It was they who threw away those opportunities and settled for reality, they who welcomed this treatment, they who allowed this calamity to occur.

In a way, this might be the result of the debt of denial and corruption that everyone collectively shouldered growing excessively.

The state sometimes demands sacrifice and devotion from its citizens.

Citizens sometimes hope the state will care for, look after, and protect them.

None of these are essential.

In a world where trust is rewarded with trust, that structure would be normal.

But once trust breaks down on either side, that relationship becomes nothing more than righteousness and justification.

In a world ruled by cowards, traitors, swindlers, and thieves.

How meaningless are formal promises and agreements.

Those who fear the king as absolute and do not challenge his authority can be invaded and exploited at any time.

As long as the one who becomes king, the ruler, does not respect them.

The reverse is also true.

In the chaotic crucible of the demon realm, why did the first Great Demon King create something like an absolute compliance contract?

Trust.

It can only be formed when both parties are honorable and equal.

However, such a relationship in this world is like a dream or mirage.

Yet, a mirage is not a lie.

At least it’s more real than imagination or delusion.

Which makes it all the more vicious.

“Scary, so scary. If it were someone insignificant, I would have crushed their body and torn their soul to shreds immediately.”

The great demon cheers.

Despite its speaking manner, its reaction is this abnormal.

“I don’t know what you are either. But… if you’re so confident, you must have something to show? Can I look forward to it?”

“You, as you are now.”

Only then.

Both the great demon and the Regent realized he had been keeping his eyes closed.

Their expressions contorted strangely as they beheld that brightly shining gold.

The reason is unknown.

That such bright radiance, beyond color, overflowing with light, could emerge from such solemn darkness…

“Among the many kings of the demon realm, is there even one who could compare?”

“What do you mean by that question?”

“Pure curiosity.”

He asked again.

“So, which is it?”

“You, dare to compare me with such creatures… ugh! Woo! You’re making it impossible for me to endure any longer. I showed you courtesy, and you spout such nonsense? You dare compare me to them? Me?!”

When the great demon struck the table, it shattered instantly.

The remaining food and the pile of expensive plates and elaborately decorated dishes came crashing down, creating a clamorous harmony.

“There is not a trace of malice in my words. I was genuinely curious. And, you still don’t have the right to call or name yourself. Am I wrong?”

The great demon continued to rage.

And to its outburst, he expressed what seemed like genuine regret.

“Even if clear water flows from above, if the lower part is polluted, it too will become dirty, and if the upper water is dirty, even if the lower part seems clean, it’s all the same.”

In the end, that’s what it means.

“Because you are filthy and dirty, you perceive everything as so impure.”

This is truly the calling of a demon.

And that…

This is the darkness this country harbors, its turbid flow.

“It’s been an educational experience.”

This confirms it again.

“As she said, you are indeed not worth associating with.”

I am not looking at your surface now.

But you are only looking at my exterior.

Do you think I sat here wasting time just to quietly observe your ugly behavior?

Even so, I wanted to see if there might be some hope for you, but.

…Was it too much to ask?

That’s why they are evil.

That’s why they are beings of extreme evil.

Since the emergence of good and evil, they exist to embody and conceptualize evil.

Evil that is visible yet invisible.

Evil that exists yet does not exist.

Evil that is audible yet inaudible.

And suppose it has reached the point where it is visible, existent, and audible.

Thus, evil was born.

And by defeating it, or by the challenger being defeated or killed.

From that, another hero, another warrior will be born.

Indeed.

As the Demon King said, what a damned worldview.

Truly… insignificant…