Ch.331Volume 25 (1)

Even if I write stories that could exist in reality, they are thoroughly researched as they are based on history.

The series of plot twists happened because I was writing stories that “could actually happen,” so there’s some room for understanding.

The problem is that everything turned out to be correct, and I suffered unreasonable criticism like Cecilly’s demonization. So I wrote freely with a detached mind.

But “mythology” is different. Mythology is literally mythology, stories from so long ago that mortals cannot even imagine.

Greek and Roman mythology, Norse mythology, the Book of Revelation, and so on.

Mythology is transmitted to later generations as the first philosophy and the oldest philosophy. It has been interpreted in various ways since ancient times and used in various creative works.

Of course, this explanation is limited to mythology from my previous life. Mythology is literally just folklore, definitely not “history” that actually existed.

In contrast, the mythology here is closer to literal “history.”

The past of Luminus, God of Light, and Mora, Goddess of Darkness, is recorded, as is their mother, Hirt, Goddess of Nature.

While there is room for various interpretations like in my previous life, their history clearly exists.

Therefore, denying mythology is the same as denying their existence. However, because it’s such ancient history, scholars tend to have differing opinions.

This is similar to actual history. History is objective but recorded subjectively. Mythology is no different.

In that sense, let’s look at the origin of each race, specifically elves. Elves are a race blessed by the gods, possessing tremendous potential from birth.

They can freely use magic and have several times higher mana affinity than other races.

As if truly blessed by the gods, they established the first civilization in this world overrun with monsters.

So how did elves originate? Just as demons originated from devils, elves originated from angels.

Angels with white wings, famous for their beautiful appearance. According to mythology, angels assist the gods and sometimes become powerful warriors on the frontlines.

But perhaps because it’s mythology, there are no records of angels appearing when searching through the past.

Even during the Demon War 3,000 years ago, angels didn’t appear, and the gods helped directly and indirectly.

If elves originated from angels, why don’t angels exist?

The reason is also contained in mythology. They were all banished to the ground for rebelling against the gods.

No matter how pure the angels were, they apparently coveted divine power. That’s quite human, if anything.

Thus, they lost their wings, which had been their pride and symbol, fell to the ground, and a new race was born—the elves.

It’s a mythology befitting the proud elves in many ways. That’s why the vast majority of people firmly believe in this mythology.

“Did they really tear off their own wings and descend to the ground?”

But after hearing Luminus’s affirmation that wasn’t quite an affirmation, I couldn’t help but feel dizzy.

With such instructions, it was difficult to grasp what the correct mythology was.

Surely a god wouldn’t lie, so what did he mean by those words?

[I cannot give you a definitive answer.]

“Why not?”

[Because both are true.]

“…What?”

What nonsense is this? Both rebelling and tearing off their own wings are true?

Luminus seemed to notice my bewilderment and continued in his characteristically elegant voice.

[It’s true that angels rebelled against us. However, the angels who led the rebellion were all annihilated.]

“Then the remaining angels…”

[Tore off their own wings and descended to the ground. We tried to stop them, but they refused, saying it was punishment for themselves. They fell to the ground to make the world we watch over more prosperous, and to cleanse the land that was almost defiled by their brothers’ greed.]

“Oh…”

Hearing it directly from a god certainly makes it a more impressive story… No, why should this be true? I couldn’t help but be dumbfounded after my brief admiration.

As I always say, Luminus and Mora never lie. If they were to lie, their divinity would be severely diminished.

Even if it leads to the worst possible outcome, they must not lie.

“You’re not lying, are you?”

[No, I’m not.]

Still, I can’t help but doubt. Then why does mythology only record that angels were banished?

As if reading my doubts, Luminus explained in a gentle voice.

[That’s simple too. It could only appear that way to mortal eyes. The angels who tore off their wings and descended to the ground all lost their memories. They only remembered falling from the sky.]

“Ah. I think I’ve seen that before.”

The angels who fell to the ground were also the first “mortals.” At that time, there were only elves and monsters, no other races.

It was probably similar to humanity in my previous life. The difference was their incredibly long lifespan and much stronger abilities than the first humans.

As time passed, various races appeared, and elves, who increased their numbers, established the first civilization.

With lifespans reaching 1,000 years, they increased their population very slowly while other races evolved.

[But even as time passed, their mission remained deeply embedded in their hearts. Make the world we observe more prosperous. That is the punishment for our sins and the price of our pride.]

“That’s certainly befitting of elves… Wait a minute.”

That’s also what I wrote in Volume 25. I was startled and flinched greatly.

Meanwhile, Luminus let out a light laugh in a somewhat proud voice.

[That’s truly an excellent phrase. I’m not sure if they actually had that mission, but considering their lack of interest in ‘domination,’ it makes sense in many ways.]

“No. Can a mere mortal’s writing treat mythology so casually?”

[That would seem more honorable. Besides, mythology is written by you mortals, not by me. I have no authority over it.]

“But you said divine punishment would befall those who deny mythology.”

[That’s because it would be denying our very existence. As you know, history is subjective, right? Mythology is no different.]

Hmm. As expected of a god, no argument works against him. Each point is so logical that there’s no way to counter it.

Of course, if a mythology were completely absurd, the gods, including Luminus, would deny it immediately. But I’m different.

In a way, the plot twists are correct. They’re half correct, but the problem is that it’s “hidden history.”

Moreover, it clearly explains why elves received the gods’ blessing, which will cause tremendous repercussions.

“…Surely wings won’t actually grow like Lucifer’s, right?”

After pondering for a while, I asked about my biggest concern.

If Volume 25 explains the origin of elves along with the prelude to war, Volume 26 features Lucifer appearing with those wings.

Although not the white wings from mythology, but wings that look like they’ve been painted black—still wings nonetheless.

The reason I worry about this is because of Cecilly’s demonization. It’s terrifying how the plot twists are directly creating reality.

In the book, Lucifer spreads his wings and declares that he will elevate elves back to angels and ascend to heaven to bring down the gods.

[You don’t need to worry about that. While demons have devil power mixed in their blood and mana, elves don’t. Besides, wings are a ‘divine body’ permitted only to transcendent beings like us.]

Divine body means the physical form of a god. As mortals, we can never have wings.

Fortunately, even Lucifer in the book obtained wings through a kind of loophole, and even those were only half-completed.

“Then is there no possibility for a mortal to become a transcendent being?”

[It’s virtually nonexistent. There’s an extremely rare chance of becoming a transcendent being, but at least in our world, it hasn’t happened. There were many in the Earth you lived on.]

“There were many on Earth?”

[Yes. The most prominent examples would be Buddha and Jesus.]

That’s an immediately understandable answer. By the way, I didn’t know Buddha and Jesus actually existed on Earth.

Anyway, unless one achieves accomplishments or enlightenment like them, becoming a transcendent being is impossible. That’s enough.

“I’m getting some material while I’m at it.”

A mortal who achieved tremendous accomplishments and gained enlightenment to become a transcendent being. Sometimes in martial arts novels, there are cases of becoming “immortals,” which might be similar.

After getting various confirmations from Luminus, I felt somewhat relieved. But that doesn’t mean I can let my guard down.

Like Cecilly’s demonization before, there was a case where something was forcibly created despite Mora saying it didn’t exist.

Of course, Mora was speaking based on that time, so it’s a bit unfair. Still, it doesn’t hurt to be careful.

[What can you do even if you’re careful? Just accept whatever happens.]

“That’s too harsh. But you’ll still give me divine power, right?”

[Of course. By the way, would you like to officially become my follower…]

Just as Luminus was about to subtly bring up what he wanted,

[Hey! How dare you…!]

Suddenly, Mora’s voice echoed in my mind, and the connection was cut off.

As soon as the connection was severed, I immediately opened my eyes and looked ahead. The statue that should have been shimmering with golden light now had no light at all.

It seems that as soon as Luminus sensed Mora’s intrusion, he hastily cut the connection.

As Luminus said before, even for someone like me, connecting with both Luminus and Mora simultaneously would strain my mind.

“But surprisingly, I feel fine…”

Drip-

As soon as I had that thought, I felt something flowing from my nose. I wiped it with the back of my hand, and sure enough.

Bright red nosebleed was painted on the back of my hand. It took less than a second, but my brain had been strained.

“…I guess I really am just an ordinary person after all.”

I should go outside and find some tissues first.

About an hour later.

“Ugh… *cough* *cough*”

“Are you okay? Why do you suddenly have a fever? What happened?”

“I don’t know either. I didn’t do anything except visit the temple…”

“Could it be stress?”

In a short time, my temperature rose rapidly, and I eventually started groaning in pain. This must be what shamans experience during divine possession.

“I’ve never been sick before…”

You’ve achieved greater accomplishments than devil worshippers.