Ch.345Meeting (1)

Library, as the term suggests, refers to a place for books.

There are many reasons why a common noun becomes a proper noun, but using it out of ‘respect’ is foremost among them. Thus, when people say ‘THE LIBRARY’ with the definite article, they are referring to a landmark of the Terius continent.

“This is truly exciting… Just a few years ago, I never thought I would reach this place…!”

Among the party members, Simon was undoubtedly the most delighted. Given that he held the profession of Sage, the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge, any further explanation would be superfluous.

The Library, rumored to house all the world’s knowledge and wisdom, contains information even more precious than the Layer Archive.

Unlike the Archive, which purely preserved technology, the Library stored various cultural elements enjoyed by people around the world. And unlike the Archive, which only preserved technology from before the Era of Eclipse, the Library contained newly developed technologies, cultures, systems, and institutions from both the Eclipse Era and the Extinction Force. Thus, it would be correct to view it as complementary to the Layer Archive.

“I wonder if the God of Wisdom will submit to me… That is the question.”

“Be careful. This isn’t an opponent you can subdue with mere force.”

At Simon’s advice, Viktor nodded.

Naturally, Logos is the god of wisdom and knowledge. If he were to oppose the Empire, his methods would be limitless. If someone harbored ill will toward the Empire, Logos could bestow upon them destructive knowledge, transforming them into a dangerous terrorist with immense knowledge.

Wisdom and knowledge naturally include military tactics and the art of employing mercenaries.

Also, the art of governance and personnel management.

Karil, being the god who presided over violence, could be subdued by showing greater strength.

But wisdom? Although Viktor possessed the memories of Saburo, he was omnipotent but not omniscient. If he had been both omnipotent and omniscient, the fall of the Empire and the Era of Eclipse would never have occurred.

“When do you think the medical officers and medics will return?”

“They said it would take at least another week. Should we recall them?”

“No. If that’s the time they need to learn, we should respect their wishes. Let’s remain seated for a week. However, the priests must continue to go out and spread my gospel.”

“I shall inform the priesthood accordingly.”

There was still an abundance of supplies. For the successful training of tens of thousands of medical personnel, they could gladly endure a week’s wait.

“And deploy the troops. Position tanks and armored vehicles at the entrances and exits to make it clear that this hospital is under the protection of the Sun.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Additionally, based on the message he received from the machine, Viktor decided to protect the Isabella Hospital.

There had been many cases where blind hostility led to attacks on hospitals themselves. At least while he was staying, he would establish an ironclad defense to prevent anyone from even contemplating such despicable acts.

After they left, he would deploy unmanned combat drones in orbit and establish surveillance radars, anti-aircraft systems, and firepower positions at various commanding heights to let anyone who dared touch this hospital taste the lightning delivered by the machine.

“Oh, and send the cooks outside as well. Set up an outdoor cooking area near the exit to show discharged patients the taste of the secular world.”

“Understood.”

As the crowning touch, Viktor ordered that discharged patients be served military mess food.

For patients who had been forcing down tasteless hospital food, there would be no dispute that even military rations would taste delicious enough to make their eyes roll.

*

And through the cold winter, the Iron Walker party wasn’t the only one heading to Isabella Hospital on the Terius continent.

Nariakira Sayuri, the woman who once acknowledged Viktor as the Knight of the Sun, had arrived in this land to meet him.

“…I wonder if he’ll even agree to see me.”

Although she was of the Nariakira bloodline, in reality, Saburo and Maria had no children, so the adopted Nariakira Ichika became the founding emperor and established the empire. Of course, as long as the blessing of the Sun flowed in their blood, no one could call them fake… but now she was approaching the real Sun.

As the footsteps of the Sun drew closer to Centrum, the anxiety of the Nariakira family grew. They had already become too large to meekly accept punishment, and they had waded in too deep to extract themselves.

If they weren’t a family bearing the name ‘Nariakira,’ they wouldn’t have needed to be so anxious, but unfortunately, blood ties typically offered no choice to those who were born into them.

“The Sun shall soothe your pain. Fear not the suffering to come. Compared to the hardships you have endured until now, any pain will be but a fragment. Be grateful for the new life given by Him and enjoy this beautiful world to the fullest!”

“…Priests, I suppose.”

And suddenly, what reached her ears was the resounding speech of priests serving the Sun.

Of course, she knew it would be stranger if there were no clergy on a divine pilgrimage, but why did her heart feel like breaking every time she heard their sermons?

Thinking it must be an intangible punishment for the Nariakira family’s 1,200 years of pursuing only material prosperity, she finally beheld the vast sight of millions of people standing in line.

It might be true that 200,000 personnel alone couldn’t control them, but with the overwhelming aura of ‘divine authority,’ things were different.

In the barren open space free of snow, rockets periodically landed to replenish supplies, while drones that seemed to have come from the hospital and humanoid drones of ancient imperial design that appeared to have descended from orbit were helping the cooks prepare food and distribute it to the people.

“…It’s not cold?”

Suddenly feeling warmth, she unbuttoned the outer coat she had been tightly wrapped in.

Upon reflection, it was only natural. The Sun had descended to this land, so mere winter could hardly prevail.

As she approached the procession, one of the Sun’s soldiers who noticed her called out.

“You there. Are you an adventurer?”

“No. I’ve come to meet the God of the Sun.”

Upon stating her purpose, the soldier’s face contorted. He probably thought of her as an enthusiastic believer.

Sadly, there was nothing she could do even if he interpreted it that way.

“I understand your feelings, but He doesn’t meet just anyone. Since you’ve come all this way, why not have a warm meal and warm yourself up?”

“My name is Nariakira Sayuri, a member of the ancient imperial family. I bring a message from my family, so please allow me to meet Him.”

As she spoke, she showed the ancient imperial seal glowing on the back of her hand.

The seal, glowing with a mesmerizing white light, proved that the power of the Sun flowed in her blood, and the soldiers blessed by the Sun couldn’t fail to notice it.

“…Please wait a moment.”

Instantly, the soldier’s attitude changed. A soldier who appeared to be a superior gave orders to one who seemed subordinate, and he nodded and ran off somewhere.

Shortly after, a soldier returned with warm stew, and as if wanting to prove their thoroughness, he even brought a folding chair and table.

After setting up the table and chair, he placed the stew on it and urged her to eat.

“Please eat. Receiving ‘guests’ is a matter overseen by the Sun.”

The soldier subtly emphasized the word ‘guest.’ Since the Sun was the god of humanity, he also presided over human customs and traditions. And people did not question that the foremost among customs was the ‘custom of hospitality.’

If one wonders why he presides over so many areas, it’s because during the 300,000 years of the Empire’s era, Nariakira Saburo was the only deity, so all manner of things were attributed to him.

Sayuri nodded and picked up a spoon for a modest meal.

It was so humble as to be almost insulting for receiving a member of the ancient imperial family, but she had no choice.