Ch.13544. Strange Wonder. (3)

The reason demons cannot exert their original power in the middle realm is, simply put, due to insufficient magical energy.

More precisely, it’s the absence of an environment to replenish depleted magical energy.

Even a demon lord with the power to split heaven and earth is merely a creature made of ordinary flesh without magical energy.

Naturally, it’s not that magical energy doesn’t exist in the middle realm.

Rather, it’s quite abundant.

However, compared to the high-density magical energy permeating the atmosphere of the demon realm—the magical density covering the entire territory—that of the middle realm is woefully insufficient.

Additionally, the clear division between areas with high magical energy and those without also troubles them.

For demons whose physical composition relies on magical energy, the air and environmental structure of the middle realm was like poison in itself.

Therefore, the demon lord’s army faces an unavoidable binary choice when invading the middle realm:

Will they forcibly adapt to the atmosphere and natural environment of the middle realm?

Or will they transform the invaded territory to resemble the demon realm’s environment?

Although they temporarily seize areas rich in magical energy, it remains just that—temporary.

So, as always during invasions, after conquering and dominating territory, the demon lord’s army focuses all efforts on creating an ecological environment similar to the demon realm and establishing a comparable atmospheric environment.

War is an all-out conflict consisting solely of consumption and expenditure.

Those who didn’t understand this common sense, these rules, and the harsh reality merely repeated invasion and plunder, only to be driven back by the middle realm’s overwhelming follow-up offensive as time passed.

With no possibility of additional troop reinforcements,

Consumed material resources that weren’t suitable,

And the recovery of depleted magical energy being even more challenging.

Based on the experiences of some demon survivors who failed and returned, the demon realm certainly continued its learning and review process.

But this was only possible if the current demon lord had the proactivity and rationality to faithfully accept this information.

And as always, demon lords have consistently focused only on what’s right in front of them, not the future.

Understandably so, as their position was neither permanent nor one they could arbitrarily pass down through inheritance.

Therefore, before an invasion—which represents their raison d’être and heavenly mandate—a demon lord typically secures advice and cooperation from demons whose intentions somewhat align with their own or whose opinions match.

For instance, it was demons who imparted the knowledge of how to erode the middle realm into an environment like the demon realm.

Thus, the demon realm’s invasions thoroughly contaminated the surrounding areas.

This wasn’t an issue easily restored even after the demon lord died and the demon race retreated.

Therefore, the longer demon lords’ armies and demons stayed in an area, the more time it took to restore it to its pre-invasion state.

Naturally, it would take at least several decades; even with intervention, several years would be necessary.

This is where the importance of holy magic using divine power and white mages comes to the fore.

And demons who betrayed the Golden Beast to join the human alliance have greatly proven their usefulness to the human alliance and the Irenis Order in this regard.

However…

…the eastern region of the continent was a somewhat different story.

It had the most contaminated areas, yet people chose to live there under the pretext of it being their homeland.

Relying only on the limited strength of white mages and the superhuman divine status of a very few traditional religious leaders.

The side effects of this were truly serious. While other regions’ countries, large and small, focused all their efforts on preserving and restoring their territories,

These eastern continent dwellers, while concentrating solely on survival, continuously engaged in meaningless conflicts based on their small pieces of land.

The grace of the Irenis Order was seen as an ambition to expand their religious influence, and the empire’s goodwill was viewed as a wicked scheme and conspiracy to interfere with internal affairs.

Therefore, the priests and believers of temples who had faith in the existing gods,

And the monarchs and lords of countries large and small, thoroughly rejected such outreach.

That was why, even after more than 10 years, approaching 20 years,

Despite the empire and countries bordering it—even the northern regions with more terrible natural environments and foundations—achieving improvements,

The eastern region remained stagnant in chaos while everyone fended for themselves.

In the end, it can only be attributed to petty pride and selfishness,

And worthless disputes over interests and power struggles.

Fundamentally, it was due to distrust.

Hatred and hostility.

A history of being ostracized throughout the continent for being the first to join the demon lord.

Resentment toward their selfish prejudice that didn’t consider the fact that they would have perished long ago without such actions.

And the rest, in turn, could only be exasperated when those easterners showed indignation instead of apologizing or reflecting.

That’s why the eastern region has been thoroughly ostracized.

Except for merchants with open minds, even eastern region mages locked down exchanges.

In that sense, the tentative peace that arrived in this region after a long time was for no other reason.

The absence of combat power.

The long-term devastation of supply and logistics systems.

So the system they chose was one that secured combat power based on the qualitative superiority of a few.

And the establishment of a dueling culture to resolve conflicts through one-on-one or few-versus-few battles.

This is also likely why the culture of chivalry implicitly took root.

Unlike the past, sacrificing one’s life in battle is no longer glorious.

As defeating enemies, winning, and surviving became the top priority, a different chivalric culture began to settle—distinct from that established in the Irenis Church and the Berk Empire.

Here, even the old custom and culture where winners or losers of past duels were offered in dedication ceremonies was boldly abolished.

This too ultimately focused on the power struggle and authority dispute between religious figures, monarchs, and lords.

In this sense, the Irenis Church was a great help in defeating the authority of indigenous religions.

The greatest advantage of the Irenis Church:

Even if beaten, verbally abused, or pelted with rotten filth, they willingly endured such humiliation and showed a dedication to bestowing kindness.

…At this point, even the most stubborn people might consider giving their teachings or abilities a chance.

And indeed, it was effective.

“This area should be safe.”

Using holy magic to establish divine barriers is an essential solution when dealing with demons and devils.

At a time like this, when everyone’s mind becomes distorted and desolate just by breathing, falling into depression or raging with madness, the role of Irenis missionaries was extremely important.

“Your patience has been rewarded.”

At the blind man’s words, the missionary in shabby attire gave an indecipherable look.

His appearance could easily be mistaken for that of a monk, but somehow there was an inexplicable sense of dissonance about him being from the Irenis Order.

“Only those who endure can bear fruit, as they say. Irenis taught us that fruit can quench someone’s thirst and fill their stomach.”

And that this is the greatest merit.

My devotion will nourish others.

What greater good deed could there be?

“But how did you prepare knowing this would happen?”

“I didn’t know. I just always prepare thoroughly. There’s a saying, isn’t there? Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

The missionary seemed momentarily speechless, then nodded in admiration.

“Truly, a proverb that resonates deeply.”

He nodded again and made the sign of the cross over his chest.

When words and actions align to overcome crisis and hardship.

If many people are saved through this.

Isn’t this the finest method of achieving great good deeds?

A good thing indeed.

“Did you say your name was Brother Rupert?”

“Yes. I’d be pleased if you called me that.”

This space was once a temple in the surrounding area.

This stone temple, open on all sides, might have been different in the past, but now only its form remained.

With all the furniture and whatever else was inside gone, the interior was quite empty… but in a situation like now with crowds of people, it was better not to unnecessarily occupy space.

However, since the demon lord’s army swept through, this small temple—with neither owner nor attendants to manage and serve it—had temporarily become a dwelling and shelter for the servants of Irenis amid this chaos.

And gathered here were mostly the poor, and among them, citizens classified as incompetent.

Besides them, a small number of people with relatively well-formed iron helmets and armor were earnestly gathering opinions.

“Hmm.”

Among such people, Rupert calmly observed his surroundings.

Using everything except his sight.

‘Even in a world like hell.’

People exist.

Many may give up on being human.

Nevertheless, people exist.

Being born might be a sin.

But apart from that, the innocent, the wronged, and the pitiful overflow in this world.

Had they been born on the opposite side of the continent, they might not have lived such miserable lives.

But they were born here.

‘Then.’

Whether by overcoming or enduring, they must live one way or another.

Unless they choose death.

And within that, their true nature will be revealed.

If God threw them into a furnace to separate the precious from the worthless.

…Only a very few of them would withstand the heat of the furnace and become solid steel.

…But isn’t that too miserable a story for those who aren’t steel?

Rupert awoke from his contemplation when he heard the missionary beside him reciting an abbreviated prayer.

“Our Father in heaven, withdraw Your anger and forgive our sins.”

Lead us not into temptation, and do not let us poor souls be tested.

But deliver us from evil.

====

“But deliver us from evil…”

Hate the sin but not the sinner, wasn’t that it?

Perhaps the true meaning of those words was to face the essence of evil.

Truly, it was a phrase I’d heard so many times my ears could fall off.

Despite being such a common content that I’d simply accepted, Kariel felt at this moment that he finally understood its meaning.

But even this was not yet approaching the essence.

He realized he was standing on the shadow of that essence.

…Perhaps for some, it might be an unreachable realm in their lifetime.

But enlightenment doesn’t bring ecstasy.

Because it’s not a realm I reached by choice.

Just…

…It gave me another inspiration.

What is good, and what is evil?

“You’ve waited long enough.”

The little one who had proudly sucked up even the food that had fallen to the ground, as if finally finished with preparations, confidently pointed at me.

And started talking.

Even that chattering demeanor, full of arrogance, impudence, and excessive formality.

…It was deeply unpleasant.

Now that I realized it exudes evil just by breathing.

It was certainly… uncomfortable to watch.

But where did this discomfort come from?

Is this truly what I genuinely feel?

Or is it.

Something else, planted and induced by someone?

“We’ve always been someone’s trial. We’ve been assigned that fate all along. That was our damn reason for existence. But put differently, you are conversely the trial we must overcome. Isn’t that right?”

“Think what you will.”

I rose from my seat.

Darkness ripples.

“Testing the trial. That has a nice ring to it.”

Kariel chuckled.

“Keep this up and you might really become a poet.”

Some might foam at the mouth hearing this… but unfortunately, I didn’t have the guts to be leisurely.

I’m focusing solely on the ultimate someone I must face.

From beginning to end.

Not for a moment.

There was no exception to this.

So I find myself thinking.

If it had been you, Father, this time.

…How many exchanges would this thing before me have withstood?

By the way.

Now that things have escalated this far, I might get caught if I’m not careful… I wonder.

“……”

My thoughts lingered too long.

I reached out and grasped my sword.

From the split space-time, I drew a sword darker than pitch-black.

“Huh…?”

The demon before me, whose eyes met mine, widened its eyes as if seeing something unexpected.

“Crown Destroyer? Why do you… have that?”

“??”

Crown Destroyer?

Only then did I recall.

Wasn’t that what Elbat was called, at least as one of his titles?

“Because I’m the rightful owner?”

“…?”

I don’t understand why it’s surprised.

Just showing this one thing has suddenly changed its attitude completely, leaving me perplexed as well.

It seems Elbat had a more notorious reputation than I expected.

To make even a demon tremble.

…But Grandeus didn’t say anything like that? Neither did the demon lord.

I suddenly look up at the empty air.

-What? Why?

The damn golden girl gives me a fierce glare, saying this isn’t the time for a staring contest.

“……”

Come to think of it.

Both the demon lord and Grandeus tended to underestimate their achievements and accomplishments.

I think I heard this sword’s nickname from Filbar, the vampire second prince?

“Has your mind changed a bit?”

“Damn it all. Was it really a trial?”

The demon swaggers.

As if frightened.

But judging by the extremely dangerous light emanating from its mouth corners and eyes.

…It might be enjoying this unexpected situation?