Ch.399Story (2)

The devil is widely known to the outside world as an invader from another dimension. The demon race was also born from the damage caused by these devils.

This is the only conclusion I can draw because devils in literature appear suddenly without any “precursors” and proceed to invade the world.

At that time, they possessed power equal to or even greater than elves, so naturally they could only be thought of as beings from another dimension.

But to think that these devils were actually humans from this world, from a fallen kingdom no less. Considering the origin of the demon race, it makes sense but is still shocking.

“…So the devils were actually citizens of a fallen kingdom?”

I wasn’t the only one who found it hard to believe; others felt the same. In the dead silence, Marie was the first to speak up.

Clark nodded heavily in response to her question, as if to say there wasn’t a shred of falsehood in his words. A moment of silence followed.

‘Did they use an entire country as a sacrifice?’

Using an entire country as a sacrifice to gain power rivaling the gods. It’s quite a famous cliché from my previous life, but this is the first time I’ve heard of it actually happening.

As can be seen in a certain alchemist manga, the scale of such an endeavor requires complex preparations and, crucially, time.

But the most important factor here is motivation. In that manga, the mastermind manipulated events, and tragedy ensued because the side effects weren’t properly explained.

So what reason did Morgan, the last king of Gerios, have for sacrificing his country?

What was he lacking when there were already super soldiers who had consumed thousands of souls?

Looking around at those who were struggling to believe due to shock, I spoke seriously.

“Can we believe what you’re saying?”

[Believe it or not, I don’t care. I’m just reading the records I found.]

“These records…”

[Things I discovered while tracking them. I burned everything.]

“Why? You could have hidden them somewhere or entrusted them to someone reliable.”

Clark was thorough enough to burn his own diary to erase his traces. But I never dreamed he would eliminate all the world’s secrets as well.

When I expressed my regret, he chuckled as if somewhat dejected. Then, leaning forward, he spoke in a low, sunken voice.

It was a tone close to lamentation about the world, somewhat lonely.

[Grandson. As vast as God’s existence is, so too is His shadow.]

“…”

[There was someone hiding in that shadow, pretending to be a cleric. Fortunately, he’s received divine punishment now, but with such people around, who could I trust?]

His words carried the weight of flesh and bone. Clark was clearly referring to the corrupt Cardinal Bark.

When it was revealed that he was actually a devil worshipper, not just Sabre but the entire world was literally turned upside down.

Bark had been widely respected, and there were even rumors that he might become the next Pope if more time had passed.

I suppose that’s why he embarked on his journey alone. In a world gone mad, he could only trust himself.

“…I understand. So why did King Morgan sacrifice his country? Gerios didn’t need to do that.”

[The records I found stated: The last king of Gerios made a foolish decision out of misguided greed. But isn’t it good that he became what he so desperately desired—a being superior to elves? His armies would spread across the world, and his people would receive blessings and be happy forever.]

From Clark’s words, it seems the true goal of Morgan, Gerios’s last king, was world domination. He also knew that humans could not surpass elves.

He must have made a foolish decision due to his excessive greed. I don’t know who encouraged him or who the mastermind was.

The irony is that he actually became a race stronger than elves—devils. Since they nearly devoured the world, his goal was essentially achieved.

The problem is that the process was filled with destruction and negative emotions. I inwardly clicked my tongue.

“There are many concerning points… but King Morgan got what he wanted. In the worst possible way.”

[That’s about right.]

“But there was a separate mastermind, right?”

[I can’t be certain, but there must have been. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have committed such madness.]

The consequences of those in high positions harboring excessive greed are evident everywhere. This was just on a scale larger than World War II.

Misguided greed nearly caused the world’s destruction. However, several questions remain.

First, why didn’t the ancestor of the Mayshall family, who was a slave, become a devil? Clark also finds this puzzling.

“You said our ancestor lived as a slave to devil worshippers, right? Even after the Devil War.”

[That’s right.]

“When did he start fighting back?”

[That’s not clear. There’s only a record that one day a red-haired slave escaped, and the king went to kill him personally, resulting in both their deaths. After that, it was passed down by word of mouth.]

“Did he play no role in the Devil War?”

[I told you earlier, he was captured by the devils.]

“Hmm…”

It’s insufficient. This alone is not enough.

Something doesn’t add up, and the relationship between King Morgan and the slave isn’t clear.

Of course, King Morgan and the slave must have had a close relationship. After all, the king kept him by his side.

But the fact that the slave didn’t become a devil is suspicious. Why didn’t he choose to become a devil when monsters were created by feeding them thousands of souls?

Did he develop a conscience at the end, or did he realize this was wrong when he saw the king become a devil?

No matter how much I think about it, no suitable explanation comes to mind, so it might be better to set this aside for now.

“Setting aside the origin of devils, literature describes devils pouring out like a tidal wave. Even if the entire kingdom’s population became devils as you said, that alone seems insufficient…”

[Imagine the entire demon race casting magic as they advance. Now, some resistance might be possible, but what could humans from 3,000 years ago do?]

I understand immediately. For races other than elves, devils were more than a calamity.

Just dropping a few meteors from the sky or striking with lightning would crush morale. The very act of resistance was courageous.

Moreover, they captured people to use as experimental subjects, turning them into mindless devils, with demons emerging as a side effect.

There are records stating that almost all civilizations except Alfheim were reset, and the population decreased by more than 80%.

Not all of that 80% would have turned into devils, but even 10% would be an enormous number, so it’s certainly not an exaggeration.

“Cecilly really needs to hear this story…”

Perhaps because facts deeply related to the demon race had emerged, Marie muttered in a small voice. I agree with this.

Not just Cecilly, but others as well. If I ask Arwen, we might also find records about the Kingdom of Gerios.

What we found in Alfheim was purely by chance; finding related books in that vast library would be like finding a needle in a desert.

“I’ll tell her later. I should call her here soon. Arwen too. Ah, Rina should also…”

“Just call everyone, call them all. I’m getting annoyed suddenly.”

When I started listing the names of women around me, Marie grumbled. She folded her arms and pouted, clearly expressing her mood.

Well, although she had accepted it, she’s naturally jealous. I could only smile awkwardly.

[Hahaha. Our grandson is certainly popular. Well, a fine man should meet many women.]

Conversely, Clark seemed to like me, laughing heartily and nodding.

In response, Marie spoke sharply with narrowed eyes.

“Don’t tell me you also had multiple wives, grandfather?”

[No, but I did meet many women during my travels. I only married one—Hawk’s mother.]

“So Isaac is the strange one? Even with your fame and power, you only had one wife.”

[Until my generation, we led nomadic lives, my dear. Even if there were people with the same blood somewhere, there were hardly any with whom I formed proper bonds.]

“I see… Wait, people with the same blood?”

As if sensing something strange in his answer, Marie asked again with great surprise.

I also looked at him with round eyes, sharing her sentiment. Even father seemed interested.

But Clark didn’t seem to mind much, speaking in his characteristically casual manner.

[Occasionally, if you see someone with red hair, they usually have our family’s blood. Though extremely rare, they exist somewhere.]

“I-I see. Well, you must have had siblings.”

[Well, until my generation, they were really hard to find. There was an order from the devil worshippers to kill all redheads. I’ve eliminated them all now, though.]

“…”

Clark occasionally makes chilling statements so casually. He must perceive his achievements as simply what needed to be done.

But it’s definitely not an exaggeration. I’ve seen him personally kill monarchs in my dream.

While he did have some geographical advantage, the mere fact that he discovered the underground temple proves his ability.

[So, grandson. May I ask you something?]

“Ah, yes, of course.”

[Are you going to write about what I told you in that book? The Biography of Xenon or whatever it is.]

I smiled wryly at his question. Indeed, everything he had revealed would be more than enough material.

A king who sells his entire country to devils, a hero who passes by leaving only hope—all of these would attract interest, but unfortunately, I won’t be able to include them in the Biography of Xenon.

“No. I can’t put it in the Biography of Xenon right now. It’s almost complete.”

[Is that so?]

“Instead, I plan to write a spin-off with a story similar to grandfather’s. Is there anything you’d like included?”

[Ah, why write about me? That’s embarrassing.]

Clark waved his hand, showing an unexpectedly shy reaction. I was surprised he could feel embarrassment in such matters.

[Instead, give me a cigarette and I’ll think about it.]

“No need. I’ll write as I please since it’s my decision.”

[Hehe. Can’t you legally guarantee this?]

“You’re already deceased, so it should be fine.”

[Look at this kid. Just like my son.]

“Father is the eccentric one. When will he quit that damn smoking?”

The three generations bickered briefly, but it didn’t last long. It seemed Clark had made a joke to lighten the mood.

Though his love for cigarettes seems genuine. I should buy him an expensive one when I get the chance. I can ask Musk for help.

“Yaaawn…”

While the story was interesting and shocking to us, it seemed boring to Ariel. When she yawned widely, everyone’s attention turned to her.

The sprout on her head drooped downward, and her half-closed eyes suggested it was time for a nap.

We also need to eat, and there’s time needed to organize Clark’s armor, so it’s better to end the conversation here.

“I’ll put Ariel to bed for a moment. She seems very tired.”

[Alright. May I come along? I’d like to see my great-granddaughter sleeping.]

“Yes, please do.”

He’s certainly excellent in his love for his children and descendants. I picked up the nodding Ariel and headed to the room.

Clark also stood up and followed me. Father tried to follow too, but Clark stopped him with a gesture.

Normally I would have let her sleep on the living room bed, but given the current situation, it’s better to put her in the bedroom.

“Snore…”

“How is she? Cute, right?”

[She is. I never thought I’d see such a sight.]

A sleeping child is cute, but Ariel is even cuter. When I asked contentedly, Clark nodded in agreement.

It might be a bit horrifying if Ariel were to open her eyes now. There’s a skeleton right in front of her face.

Of course, she was listening just fine until a moment ago, so she wouldn’t be too startled.

[You said this was a gift from Lord Hirt, praising your achievements?]

“Yes, that’s right.”

[Hmm…]

After hearing my answer, Clark looked around. He seemed to be checking if anyone was listening.

Then, in a whisper close to my ear, he said quietly:

[Child. How much do you believe in the gods?]

“Pardon?”

[I asked how much you believe in the gods.]

A question that might seem out of place. But Clark was very serious.

Moreover, he’s the one who discovered the world’s truth alone. Given his secretive manner, this must be significant.

I glanced at the soundly sleeping Ariel before quietly responding.

“…They’re trustworthy.”

[Trustworthy… Like that Cardinal Kate?]

“Not to the point of fanaticism.”

[That’s a relief then.]

“Did you discover something related to the gods as well?”

To my tentative question, Clark answered ambiguously.

[I did, but it’s so sensitive… I can’t speak of it now.]

“Why not?”

[That’s also difficult to explain. All I can say is this.]

Clark took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and said:

[Don’t trust the gods too much.]

“…”

[I’m not saying to distrust them. It’s fine to think of them as close friends or even parents. But whether friend or parent, everyone has secrets. I don’t know how those might affect you, but as they are transcendent beings, not mortals like us, it’s difficult to speak freely.]

What truth did he see? What truth did he hear from the devil worshippers that he cannot reveal?

I’m increasingly curious. But I have extremely limited freedom of movement.

I can’t go out to find the truth, and if I ask the gods directly, they certainly won’t answer.

For now, I can only believe what Clark has told me. I nodded and replied:

“I understand. But they are trustworthy, right?”

[Yes.]

“Then that’s fine. They give me plenty of divine power, so I have no reason to dislike them.”

[If that’s how you see it…]

Clark patted my head as if he was proud of me.

Though his hand was nothing but bone, I somehow felt warmth.

“Ah, by the way, grandfather. What was your favorite cigarette?”

[I liked most decent ones, but the best was dried World Tree leaves. It was so damn expensive I only smoked it once before I died.]

“I’ll get that for you. Don’t worry about the money.”

[Oh! Is that true? My grandson is the best! Much better than my son!]

Father would be really hurt if he heard this.