Chapter 67 – Opening One Door After Another (2)

Was it the guide’s exceptional skill, or merely fortuitous circumstance?

No, likely both.

“If we were escorting an ordinary human, this journey would have consumed at least triple the time? And that’s presuming optimal conditions.”

So she claimed.

Though we had penetrated the Kingdom of Metlan, we had yet to encounter even a village, let alone a city, hence our continuous camping.

During this period, I provided rudimentary instruction—sessions resembling sparring more than formal teaching.

“So it’s not about forcibly extracting or stealing mana like some form of black magic or sorcery, but rather following the natural cycle to revert, entangle, or bind it…”

After reciting this extensive recapitulation of my teachings, Luillin concluded:

“…I comprehend absolutely nothing.”

“You’re not opposing the river’s current. If you wish to alter its flow, you either obstruct its path, breach existing embankments, or construct new diversions.”

“I grasp the concept intellectually, but how does one implement this physically? That’s where my confusion lies.”

…In honesty, even I struggle to articulate this aspect.

My comprehension emerged solely through endless repetition of Grandeus’s enigmatic sword techniques and formations, emptying my mind for years.

The Demon King attributes my understanding to this process. Nevertheless, I demonstrated the physical movements.

“And what practical applications does this serve?”

So I provided direct demonstration.

Even with a blade that bore some curvature, still serviceable with a two-handed grip.

Even with Elhermina’s gifted sword.

“This creates even greater confusion! The movements differ completely across demonstrations!”

“…Yet the underlying principles remain identical.”

“Using a large sword, you reference trees and stones? That I comprehend. But one-handed techniques relate to water and wind? How are these equivalent? Are such metaphors even valid?”

“……”

Remarkably, they are indeed.

But how might I elucidate this?

“This earth beneath us supports trees, allows water to flow, permits wind to traverse. Considering this perspective, they constitute an integrated totality… a unified whole…”

As I articulated this, realization dawned.

The peculiarity of such expressions emerging from my consciousness.

Did I possess this knowledge intrinsically?

Subconsciously rather than consciously?

“Why have you stopped speaking?”

“…The essence is that apparent differences often mask fundamental unity.”

“I particularly detest such ambiguous explanations.”

Yet this represents objective reality.

If speaking provided any insight,

…It’s that identical techniques and principles can evoke entirely different interpretations, sensations, and receptions.

Regardless, the Demon King’s previous discourse gradually clarified.

…Though I merely scratched the surface of true understanding.

“……”

Even explicit instruction and demonstration fail to facilitate comprehension or assimilation.

I briefly contemplate how those who zealously guard secret techniques might regard Grandeus’s methodologies—perhaps with dismay?

-The sincerity, authenticity, and wholehearted dedication with which one repeats identical actions creates substantial difference.

This likely holds truth.

The Demon King wouldn’t have compelled my suicide a hundred times while emphasizing sincerity without purpose.

She overlooks nothing, not even passing breezes.

Even someone of my caliber loses focus during moments of distraction.

-Furthermore, without chivalric foundation, identical instruction resonates differently.

Consequently, while I taught Luillin the movements, I refrained from mandating repetitive mastery.

She possesses her unique path, and I believed I could facilitate its recognition and cultivation.

For instance…

“Complete devotion. Genuinely and authentically attempting, training, and pursuing something… I believe you comprehend this to some degree.”

“Why articulate such obvious principles?”

“Yet I perceive you still withhold certain aspects.”

Therefore, if I may contribute,

“…I could illuminate true sincerity’s nature and facilitate your implementation of it.”

Compared to her contemporaries, her accelerated maturity suggested enhanced comprehension.

Yet I recognized anew the challenge of independently mastering these concepts for practical application.

These principles remain largely unknown to the world.

Even practitioners often employ them intuitively.

“…Is this another concept subject to individual interpretation, like those mind techniques?”

“Indeed.”

Had she demonstrated lesser intellectual capacity, physical demonstration might have proved necessary.

Fortunately, her aptitude in this domain allowed me to attempt verbal instruction initially.

“Sincerity and authentic intent resemble mental fortitude application.”

“Mental fortitude?”

“Precisely. Consider how intense concentration or cognitive exertion exhausts you physically, despite minimal physical activity.”

“That I comprehend perfectly! That’s why we strive for mental clarity.”

“This involves intentional utilization and regulation of that energy, extending its influence to physical manifestation.”

“…While the terminology presents challenges, I grasp the concept.”

“For example, thought processes and analytical functions rarely proceed according to intention, correct? Typically, one’s consciousness is directed rather than directing.”

“Well…”

Luillin inclined her head contemplatively.

“Perhaps? Though not entirely…?”

“The realization emerges naturally. Consider how fatigue should facilitate sleep, yet the conscious decision to sleep paradoxically floods the mind with thoughts.”

“That’s… accurate? Though anticipating tomorrow’s schedule provides some management capacity.”

“That simply confirms your exceptional self-regulation.”

“A compliment now?”

…I believe my affirmations have been consistent throughout.

“Similarly, when focusing on something interesting, necessary, or urgent, concentration comes naturally. Conversely, unappealing tasks resist not merely concentration but even cursory attention.”

“Obviously?”

“Yet compelling oneself to perform disagreeable tasks and suppressing inherent resistance constitutes willpower application, does it not?”

“That… seems reasonable?”

“Conceptualize willpower as currency. Pleasant activities represent affordable expenditures, while unpleasant tasks demand premium payment. Acquiring expensive commodities necessitates greater financial outlay.”

“Despite the peculiar analogy, I comprehend.”

“Thought processes, willpower exertion, concentration—all consume mental energy. This includes emotional generation and suppression.”

“Now I understand completely. Like desiring food that remains inaccessible; sometimes restraint prevails, sometimes impulse overwhelms, even when financially imprudent.”

“Precisely. What distinguishes occasions of successful restraint from those of capitulation?”

“…Mental energy depletion?”

Somehow, I guided her to this conclusion.

With this understanding established, subsequent progression would accelerate.

Recognizing necessity precedes motivational or volitional development.

Abstract discussions about thoughts and concepts often dissipate like clouds, complicating justification for action or obligation.

Similarly, without perceived necessity, motivation diminishes.

Without inherent desire to pursue something, even persistent effort necessitates borrowed or excessive willpower expenditure—ultimately wasteful.

“…Like grudgingly performing distasteful tasks due to recognized necessity?”

“Exactly.”

This principle applies universally to humans and beasts alike.

Desirable activities inspire enthusiasm without prompting.

Conversely, undesirable tasks provoke resistance unto death. Continued imposition eventually sacrifices various faculties merely for survival.

Cognition, emotion—even maintaining these internally becomes exhausting, transforming individuals into living automatons, eyes open yet spiritually vacant.

“……”

This explains why enslaved individuals empty their minds during forced labor, suppressing awareness of their hardship.

Nevertheless, they endure while capacity remains.

Alternatively expressed:

They might temporarily sustain forced perseverance.

Eventually, however, endurance fails utterly. When that moment arrives…

“So mastering this sincerity or authentic intent you describe enables control?”

“…Partially.”

“Eh? Merely partially?”

“Trees possess inherent nature. Similarly, stones, water, wind, even fire—each maintains distinctive existence and purpose.”

Desiring water to combust like fire.

That constitutes futile imposition.

Even attempted, water merely boils, evaporates, becomes steam.

“Each element possesses innate characteristics and destinies. Understanding yourself reveals your fiery nature and incompatibility with water. This recognition prevents catastrophe, reducing suffering and discomfort.”

“…What if I prefer becoming fire rather than water?”

“Then death becomes necessary.”

“…What?”

“…You must destroy yourself until your fundamental nature transforms. Though even then, genuine transformation remains uncertain.”

The Demon King’s insistence on my repeated suicide,

…Was this the underlying purpose?

Realization dawned only after articulation.

“……”

I observed her contemplative posture, chin resting ethereally, regarding me with interest.

So that explains it.

This constitutes wisdom’s methodology.

Knowledge and wisdom differ fundamentally.

When I questioned the Demon King regarding knowledge, she provided simplistic explanation through example:

***

[This concept lacks absolute definition, but for comprehension’s sake? Knowledge requires: first, justification; second, belief; third, truth.]

Consider a river flowing nearby.

[Observe that river? That represents truth. You perceive it, correct? Future verification would confirm its persistence. Thus, belief develops. Yet this remains merely personal experience and perception. For justification, others must witness the same river, developing identical belief and truth recognition.]

Through this process,

[Knowledge materializes.]

But absolutism remains absent.

[Imagine a meteorite devastating the riverside vicinity? The river vanishes. What becomes of my knowledge regarding that river’s previous existence? It transforms into ‘a river once existed there.’ With temporal progression, even this certainty diminishes. Documentation becomes necessary, requiring verification and validation processes. Perhaps this becomes conceptually challenging?]

“……”

She subsequently clarified that this knowledge definition lacked absolutism.

She characterized it as merely one definitional approach—her personal criterion.

Consequently,

The Demon King distrusts knowledge.

She views it as merely instrumental, a means.

Not absolute reality.

However,

Those ignorant of knowledge’s fundamental nature resemble hatchlings accepting nourishment from parent birds.

They embrace blind faith.

This embodies ignorance and delusion.

After absorbing her complete discourse,

I once inquired:

What, then, constitutes wisdom?

[That represents the paramount expression of foolishness.]

The Demon King responded with derision.

***

Returning to present consciousness,

…I remain without answer to that question.

Perhaps I’ve gleaned partial insight into preliminary concepts, but comprehensive understanding eludes me.

“But that ‘death necessity’ reference wasn’t metaphorical?”

“…No.”

Literal interpretation applies.

Either genuine death, or traumatic experiences of comparable magnitude.

And that process, presumably,

Would exceed death’s difficulty by orders of magnitude.

“Then I shall live according to my nature, whether aquatic or igneous.”

“And correspondingly, nurture your unique attributes.”

“That precisely matches my interpretation!”

Avoiding obsession with futile or fantastical pursuits.

Perhaps this too represents wisdom’s manifestation.

Observing Luillin, Cariel silently pondered this conclusion.