Chapter 19 : The Mysterious Visitor (Part-1)

Eden felt a distinct sense of unease coursing through him.

A demon.

Eden felt a distinct sense of unease coursing through him.

A demon.

This was a creature he had become quite accustomed to facing during his gameplay sessions.

While the narrative and lore of the game suggested that demons were a rare occurrence within the fantastical realm, they nonetheless emerged with surprising frequency to impede the progress of stronger players—a vital mechanism within the game’s design to maintain balance and challenge.

This was a creature he had become quite accustomed to facing during his gameplay sessions.

While the narrative and lore of the game suggested that demons were a rare occurrence within the fantastical realm, they nonetheless emerged with surprising frequency to impede the progress of stronger players—a vital mechanism within the game’s design to maintain balance and challenge.

Therefore, Eden had developed a solid understanding of the term “demon.”

However, the transition from the virtual realm of the game to the stark reality he now faced created a wholly different set of circumstances.

So, Eden was quite familiar with the name “demon.”

However, when the game transitioned from the realm of fiction into the tangible reality, the circumstances took on a distinctly altered perspective.

Demons, along with dragons, giants, vampires, hydras, nymphs, and an array of other malevolent entities, populated this world.

There existed a plethora of evil beings that posed significant threats to the survival of intelligent life within this realm.

This was particularly notable given the presence of gods who genuinely existed in this world.

Thus, Eden asked Neb,

“Why do demons still exist in a world where gods are real?”

Eden knew with utmost certainty that the goddess, who was characterized by her incompetent nature, clumsiness, and a complete lack of organizational skills, had been sealed away for an extended period of time.

However, that fact alone didn’t provide a comprehensive explanation for the current circumstances.

In this realm, there also existed her younger sister, who happened to be the somewhat more renowned deity known as the Sun God.

Considering that the so-called “gods” in this world did not possess omnipotent abilities, one would think that it would be reasonable for them to efficiently eliminate the presence of demons without much difficulty.

Just then, Eden’s mind recalled a drama from real life he had seen a long time ago.

“Cancer cells are still living things, after all.”

Eden, in a moment of distraction, nodded his head absentmindedly.

Indeed, was the great and noble god endeavoring to embrace within his vast understanding the very essence and existence of demons and monstrous beings?

Eden reflected upon the well-known and highly regarded religious philosophy known as “The Problem of Evil” and patiently awaited Neb’s response.

“Well… the answer to your question is simple. It’s because we don’t want this world to fall apart.”

Eden frowned, his brow furrowing in a manner that indicated his confusion and frustration.

Once again, he was faced with another response that seemed to resemble an incomprehensible koan-like answer, enigmatic and frustratingly vague.

Understanding the potential for a negative reaction from Eden, Neb, aware of the intensity of the moment, swiftly pressed on with his explanation in order to preemptively diffuse the situation before Eden could express his irritation through an outburst or even a physical response directed at him.

“We are very large beings. To eliminate all the demons in this world, the goddess herself would have to act, but from the goddess’s perspective, that’s a trivial matter.”

“In simple terms,”

“Uh… in other words, to the goddess, the existence of demons is no different from a troublesome bacterium.”

Neb explained casually while brushing off his hands.

“Just by washing your hands, you could get rid of them all, but then other beneficial bacteria on your palms would disappear too. That’s what it means.”

Neb simplified the concepts significantly for a better understanding by drawing from Eden’s recollections, although at this moment, Neb existed merely as an excess goddess inhabiting a human form.

Eden provided a brief yet clear summary of Neb’s statements.

“So, in the goddess’s view, all beings on the surface are just like bacteria.”

It was intended to be a playful jest.

Eden had the expectation that Neb would likely react with surprise and immediately reject the notion, just as he typically did in similar situations, where his initial response was often one of incredulity mixed with a hint of disbelief, leading him to dismiss the comments or ideas presented to him without a second thought, as if to reinforce his established stance on matters where he felt strongly opinionated or certain in his perspective.

“Well, to some extent, you could say that.”

“…….”

Eden was speechless.

“Ah, of course, I don’t actually think they’re real bacteria! The bacteria the goddess saw in your memory are very tiny, insignificant beings, right? And besides, they think and act for themselves, which is different.”

Eden exhaled gently, a soft sound that seemed to carry the weight of her frustration and weariness.

With each attempt she made to clarify her thoughts, to articulate the seemingly outlandish ideas swirling in her mind, the situation felt increasingly bizarre and surreal.

He chose to disregard Neb’s reply entirely, instead directing his attention forward as he continued his journey towards the village, motivated by the tasks that awaited him there.

019. The Mysterious Visitor.

Eden returned to the village.

However, there were no visible signs or indications of the villagers being present in the area.

Given that the corpses of the ancestors, who had previously risen from their graves and made their way to the village, were also nowhere to be found, Eden surmised that they had likely been moved to another location.

As Eden began to follow the distinct wooden wheel marks that were left on the ground’s surface, which were etched into the earth as if telling a story of past travel, he soon arrived at a location that appeared to be the village cemetery, a solemn place that held the memories and remains of those who had once dwelled in the community.

“Back again.”

The man, Heim, who had been digging with a shovel and had guided Eden to the empty house, stuck the shovel into the ground when he saw the returning barbarian.

“The bodies?”

“They couldn’t just leave them, so we’re burying them again.”

As he mentioned, the entirety of Heim’s body was obscured by a thick layer of dirt, which clung to his skin and clothes, creating a grimy appearance that contrasted starkly with the surrounding environment.

When Eden cautiously advanced a step in the direction of Heim, displaying a sense of concern and curiosity, Heim instinctively recoiled in surprise, stepping back in alarm while frantically waving his hands in front of him in a gesture that conveyed his unease.

“…Don’t come any closer. There’s still miasma around here.”

Miasma, what…

It appears he still possesses knowledge regarding the condition referred to as the corpse disease, does he?

Eden chose not to take the time to rectify Heim’s misguided or inaccurate interpretation of the scientific principles surrounding this subject.

Heim maintained his gaze on Eden from a considerable distance, and with a sense of contentment, he nodded in agreement.

“So, has everything with the guest been resolved? I heard it was some magician’s doing. What happened to that magician?”

“Handled it.”

“Good to hear.”

Eden omitted the intricate details of the situation.

Providing a thorough explanation was far too cumbersome, especially when it involved the complex narrative of how the magician forged a pact with a demon residing on the fringes of the village, which was intertwined with ongoing research and experiments aimed at achieving someone’s return to life.

Heim inclined his head respectfully toward Eden.

“Anyway, thank you so much. The village could’ve been in serious danger if not for you.”

Eden shook his head at those words.

“No, on the contrary, it was because I was here that the village almost got into danger. That magician had prepared to attack when he saw me enter the village.”

“…Are you enemies with the magician?”

Given the famous rivalry between barbarians and spellcasters, Heim naturally asked.

“He wanted my heart,” Eden replied.

“Ah…”

Heim made a face as though he couldn’t figure out how to respond, his brows furrowing slightly as he processed the information given to him, his eyes glancing around as if searching for clarity in the air around him.

It was a situation that would be difficult for an ordinary villager to understand, especially considering their simple lives and routines, which were far removed from the complexities being discussed here, creating a significant gap in comprehension that could lead to confusion.

Eden kindly explained further, taking a moment to carefully articulate his thoughts in a way that would resonate with the concerns and experiences of the villagers, knowing that patience and empathy would be key in helping them grasp the nuances of the discussion.

“Barbarian hearts are valuable research material. That’s what he was after.”

“That… must have been tough.”

To be exact, everything in the medieval period was tough, but Eden silently agreed.

“And also, Gorr… um.”

Eden paused, trying to recall the name buried in his memory.

Just then, Neb, who had quietly approached Eden, poked him in the side and whispered secretly.

“…It’s Gordon, isn’t it?”

“Ah, right. Gordon.”

The name of the barbarian who had lived in the village, a figure once known by all, yet now seemed to fade into the shadows of memory with the passage of time.

Heim, suddenly recalling the name that had slipped from his mind, felt a rush of surprise coursing through him, prompting him to pause and silently anticipate what Eden, the one with knowledge of the stories that had shaped their lives, would share next.

“He must’ve been taken by the magician too.”

“…He was not the type to leave without a word.”

Heim used one hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead, his fingers brushing against his brow in a motion that conveyed both relief and exhaustion.

A momentary stillness enveloped the room, punctuated only by the soft sound of breathing, creating an atmosphere charged with unspoken thoughts and emotions.

After taking a second to collect his thoughts and regain his composure, Heim lifted his gaze toward Eden, his expression sincere and appreciative, and offered a heartfelt thank you once again.

“Truly, thank you. And that guy will probably be grateful that a fellow barbarian avenged him.”

Was that so? Maybe it was.

Eden thought about Gordon’s fading figure and received Heim’s gratitude.

“If you’re okay with it, I’d like to throw a small feast for you, but right now…”

“I’ll accept the sentiment.”