episode_0061

“….I never thought Cecilia would make a choice like that…”

“Hm… I don’t really care what choice that demon makes. It just really bothers me that the demon broke a promise and is still lurking around in front of us…”

“…Don’t rain on my parade, Aria…” The moment I was moved by Cecilia forgiving Merzel, Aria’s comment about being bothered by Cecilia all along shattered that emotion in an instant. I gave Aria a serious look. ‘Did you really have to say something like that…?’

“Haha… I still think the most beautiful story is when Zeke-nim saved me…!” ‘….That’s just because you have absolutely no interest in stories not related to me… Honestly…’

“What’s wrong with it? It’s the first time I’ve seen Merzel let go like that, so it’s a good sight.” Estur said to me, holding a cup of drink in his hand. This person… how can he carry a drink when his body is a wreck…? Is he from another world? The moment I started to doubt Estur, he chuckled and spoke to me.

“You just thought, ‘How can he carry a drink when his body is a wreck?’ didn’t you?” “…?! How did you know…?” “Most people think that. Actually, I didn’t have legs originally. I’ve lived with mechanical legs. So I’m used to this kind of life. Well… except for the aches and pains from my injuries when it rains.” “Aches and pains when it rains? What does that mean…?” “…Ah, is that not a common expression here? Just don’t worry about it. Some people feel discomfort in their bodies when it rains.”

As Estur patted his waist with his left hand and told me not to worry, I began to wonder what he meant by that expression. Then I recalled something and asked Estur.

“Excuse me, Estur-ssi. By the way, do you happen to know that Cecilia is a demon…?” “I knew it the moment you two entered the room. I may look like this, but I’ve been through a lot, you know? Even if you hide your appearance, if you can’t hide the primal energy within your body, you’re bound to be found out… Ah, so I thought Cecilia was afraid of your Saintess, you see? While demons aren’t inherently evil, demonic energy and holy or sacred energy can clash… But it seems Cecilia isn’t afraid of the Saintess because of that…” “Ah… Yes… Half right and half not… Hahaha…”

Estur and I fully understood why Cecilia was afraid of Aria, so as soon as the topic came up, we let out hollow laughs and turned our heads to Aria. Aria then smiled brightly, wrapped her arms around me, and bounced excitedly as she spoke.

“As expected of Zeke-nim….!! Aria is truly happy that Zeke-nim understands my feelings!!” ‘I also understand Cecilia’s feelings, not just yours… No, actually, I don’t understand your feelings at all… Ugh, never mind…’

I tried to understand Aria’s feelings, but I couldn’t comprehend them at all, so I gave up. At that moment, I heard the sound of the door opening, and as I turned my head towards it, Cecilia quietly emerged from the room.

“Cecilia? Where’s Merzel?” “She said she wanted to be alone for a bit, so I came out. Still, seeing her smile put my mind at ease.” “That’s a relief… I thought you might hurt Merzel…” “I thought so too. It’s a good thing you have such a kind nature, Cecilia.”

“….I’m not that good of a demon, you know. I was blinded by revenge and actually did bad things… So I made that choice for the person who forgave and trusted me. If I had hurt Merzel, I wouldn’t be able to move forward… and I wouldn’t be able to face that person…” “…You don’t have to say ‘that person,’ we all know you mean Zeke, don’t you? Ugh… Still, it’s a relief. Merzel and you didn’t react too violently after learning the truth… Ah, Merzel already rebelled, didn’t she? But at least she didn’t go crazy, so that’s a relief.”

I was a bit perplexed hearing Estur’s relieved words. ‘Going crazy?’ If Estur was saying something like that, it meant there had been such cases…

“Has that ever happened, Estur?” “Uh… Honestly, I haven’t seen it myself, but I’ve heard about it. A long time ago, a certain angel who defeated the Demon King was greatly shocked after learning this truth, and apparently, they went mad. And that mad angel accepted demonic energy and tried to destroy the world they were supposed to protect.”

As Estur recounted the past story, Cecilia and I were speechless with horror. Cecilia then covered her mouth with her hand and said to Estur.

“Good heavens… Then that angel…” “Ah, of course, they were defeated by the living beings residing there, apparently. Anyway, I haven’t seen that particular situation, but I’ve seen many angels who’ve fallen into despair. You wouldn’t believe how deep their faith was… There were angels who despaired like Merzel after realizing they had rejected and killed innocent lives, and there were also angels who begged demons for forgiveness. Still, it’s a relief you’re such a kind demon, Cecilia, gentle enough to forgive so easily. It’s the first time I’ve seen a demon like you.”

“What? Pfft… You’re human, you don’t live long… You’d have to live for about 2,000 years like me to say something like that.” “Cecilia, that’s a bit much…” “Isn’t it, Zeke? A human who came from an organization that manages this vast world wouldn’t have seen that much of it…”

“Wait. You’re 2,000 years old?” “Hm? Yeah. To be precise, I’m 2,154 years old.” “Wow… that’s really young. I’m envious, you know?” “….?”

Everyone was dumbfounded by Estur’s comment about being envious of Cecilia’s youth. Then we began to realize what his words implied, and I asked Estur in a trembling voice.

“Excuse me… Estur… If you don’t mind me asking…” “Hm? Is there something else you want to ask?” “How old… are you?” “Me? Hmm… How old was I… Around 419,648, I suppose?” “…..What?! Four hundred nineteen thousand?!”

We were utterly astonished by Estur’s age. Even Aria, who was usually unresponsive to others, showed a slight hint of surprise. ‘Th-That’s like a god, isn’t it?! How is he even alive?!’ As we showed our extreme surprise, Estur began to stare at us intently. Then, he seemed to realize something as he looked at us and became flustered.

“….Oh, right! I’d forgotten for a while… Come to think of it, this isn’t a normal person’s age, is it? Being around people like you, I think I’m losing my sense of reality… Hahahaha…” “A-Are you really around 410,000 years old, Estur?!” “That’s right. No need to be surprised. What happens is… when you travel across many dimensions, your body’s growth slows down incredibly. You end up living with a body that seems to have fixed time. That’s how you can live for so long. Well… having a body like this isn’t entirely good. You end up seeing or experiencing a lot of tragic things.”

“….So you gave up your human life…” “That’s right. I gave up my human life when I joined that organization. Still, we live content knowing that other beings get more time to smile. It’s what we wanted.” “I see…”

“Wait… But seeing your reactions… Zeke, you don’t know Lu-ssi’s age, do you?” “Yes… I spoke with her briefly… Wait a minute. You don’t mean Lu-ssi’s age is also…” “Hmm… I recall Lu-ssi’s age is probably not as high as mine, but close to ten thousand years…” “…Still not as old as Estur-ssi. Estur-ssi’s age that I just heard is even more…” “Ah, but my age isn’t unusual, you know? If you go outside, there are people even older than me. Almost all the humans in a small organization called the ‘Busters’ are close to a hundred million years old…” “A… A hundred million?!”

When an age that could only elicit shock was revealed, we froze, unable to speak. Estur then let out a hollow laugh, as if understanding our reactions. ‘Beyond dimensions’… It really seems like a frightening place…

“Ahahahahaha… I had the exact same reaction when I joined the organization. It’s a strange feeling to be on the other side of it, you know… So, Zeke, since we’re talking about age, I also have a question to ask you…?” “Ugh…” “Z-Zeke-nim?!”

I, having been so shocked that I couldn’t help but gasp, couldn’t close my mouth. Estur and Aria then frantically began shaking me, and at the sudden commotion, Merzel opened the door and came out, asking Cecilia upon seeing the situation.

“….What on earth is going on, Cecilia…?” “….I never knew there was a human older than me… Did you know Estur’s age?” “I heard it when that human fell here… More importantly, thank you, Cecilia.” “Do you feel at peace?” “Yes… It feels like the weight that kept pressing down on my heart has disappeared…” “I felt the same way when Zeke forgave me. But… let’s not forget that we are still sinners who, blinded by revenge and anger, harmed innocent lives.” “….I will keep that in mind.”

Merzel nodded, agreeing with Cecilia’s words, and the two of them looked contentedly at Aria and Estur, who were trying to shake me back to my senses with all their might. Then, as I, who had been dazed, finally regained my composure, Aria hugged me.

“Ugh…” “Zeke-nimmm!! I was so worried!!… How dare you make Zeke-nim faint… I won’t forgive you, Estur…” As Aria, still hugging me, glared fiercely at him, Estur involuntarily flinched and scratched his head, saying.

“Ah… Ahaha… Was my age that shocking…?” “It was strong enough to shock common sense… Ugh…” “Ahaha… Looks like I’m going to be hated. Anyway, Zeke. I have a question for you.”

“Yes?” “You said you were an explorer, right? After hearing my explanation, do you have any desire to go outside Elum… no, outside Krentid World?” “To another dimension, you mean?” “Yes. If you keep traveling through dimensions, you might live as long as I have. What do you think?” “Hmm…”

Listening to Estur’s words, I began to think deeply. Then I turned my head to Aria, and when Aria saw me, she smiled faintly and said.

“I will follow Zeke-nim wherever you go. And… if I live longer, I’ll get to see Zeke-nim more often… Hehehe…” “So that’s your goal, isn’t it…? But I’m not going.”

When I replied that I wouldn’t go, Aria was greatly perplexed. I had told Aria before that I would explore the world during my remaining lifespan… But it would be perplexing for Aria that I was declining this opportunity to have an unlimited lifespan and explore a world completely different from this one.

“Why not? Zeke-nim clearly said…” “Another dimension… It is intriguing. But as Estur-ssi said, knowing about other dimensions seems to come with a great price, doesn’t it?” “That’s right. It requires abandoning common sense. So, is that your decision?” “Yes. My goal is to explore all of Krentid World. I am interested in other dimensions, but… I don’t particularly want to go.”

“That’s an excellent choice, Zeke. If you had said you’d go, I would have tried to stop you, even if I had to beat you down.” “….Would that even be possible? I have a Saintess behind me who could even kill a god…”

Listening to Estur’s words, I let out a hollow laugh and pointed with my finger at Aria, who was hugging me from behind. Aria then let go of me and shrugged, saying.

“Haha! That’s right! Zeke-nim has me, Aria! No one can harm Zeke-nim!” “On top of that, the World Tree once pushed Aria to a near-death state, but she recovered instantly and then, in turn, suppressed the World Tree… Besides, Estur-ssi is currently severely injured.”

“Ah, Zeke! You said you’d explain that earlier! Tell me!” As the World Tree topic came up, Cecilia, who was behind me, grabbed my shoulder. Aria then quickly removed Cecilia’s hand from my shoulder and glared at her, and Cecilia instinctively recoiled at Aria’s gaze.

“Uwaaaaaa…!!” “I’ll tell you everything that happened in Provelitus, Cecilia. So please stop, Aria…” “How dare you lay hands on Zeke-nim’s body…!!” “Ugh… Do I have no freedom…?”

Seeing Aria continuously wary of Cecilia, I sighed and pulled out my explorer’s book from my backpack. Everyone then began to gather around me, and I started to explain everything that had happened in Provelitus. Suddenly, Cecilia’s complexion began to worsen. ‘Why is she like that…?’

“Cecilia? Why do you look so gloomy?” “….So… this Saintess’s power has grown stronger… Is that what you’re saying?” “Uh… That’s right. And if she’s in the state of the Saint’s Radiance… it’ll be incredible, won’t it?” “….Wow… I’m doomed now… Ugh… I messed with the wrong Saintess, and if she gains even that kind of power, how am I supposed to live…?!!” “Don’t ever appear before my eyes again, Cecilia.” “Stop saying that!!! And as I’ve been saying… We met by chance!!!”

“Haha… So the elves here have that kind of personality too? Ugh… I don’t know why most elves tend to be reclusive and conservative… I want to get closer to them, but they always turn me away.”

As soon as the topic of elves came up, Estur sighed deeply, as if the ground were caving in, indicating what he had endured from elves in the past. This person… he must have been suddenly treated as an intruder and captured like us… Wait. Is it the same in other dimensions too?

“….Is it like that in other dimensions too?” “Mostly? But there are elves who welcome you. Anyway, you’ve done something amazing. So the greatsword you were carrying was the weapon Prosh used, called Trahan, right?” “Yes. Prosh Ahjussi’s daughter, Veronica, gave it to me. Anyway… these are the things that happened.”

“I see… Alright. It was a truly enjoyable time, Zeke. Thanks to you, I learned that Lu-ssi is alive and well… And I also learned that what I detected before was definitely not an error.” “Detection?”

When Estur suddenly mentioned detecting something previously, we became curious about it. Estur then pulled out a strange machine with a glass panel embedded in it from his pocket and showed it to us. There were two yellow dots on the glass panel… What was this?

“What is this, Estur?” “It’s a device that detects those who don’t use the primal energy of this place.” “….? Wait. Then the meaning of these dots is…” “Otherworlders. It doesn’t detect me… So it seems there are two otherworlders currently in this world. This world has a unique structure that makes it difficult for otherworlders to enter… The fact that they’re being detected probably means that H.S.A is still alive.”

“Then… you might still have a place to return to?” “That’s right. Ah, Merzel. I’ll be leaving Krentid World tomorrow.” “What?”

Estur suddenly put the device back in his pocket and said he would leave this world, which flustered Merzel. ‘Isn’t that too sudden, Estur…?’

“I can move this much now, so I’ll be leaving. Thank you so much for helping me all this time.” “Me too. You told me to atone, which gave me some will to live, and because of that, I met Cecilia.”

“Well then… we should also depart tomorrow. The matter concerning Grovel is surprisingly simple, so I think I can settle it overnight.” “Is that so?” “Yes. Cecilia, what will you do?” “Me? I’ve decided to live with Merzel now.” “What?”

I showed my bewilderment at Cecilia’s words that she would live in Grovel. Cecilia then smiled faintly, opened the window, looked at the cemetery, and spoke to me.

“The demons I knew are buried here. So I think it’d be good to live here. And I want to stay by Merzel’s side to make sure she doesn’t suffer anymore. Just as you reawakened happiness and smiles in me. This is my new home now. So I’ll also go get my belongings from that cave tomorrow.” “…..You seem lighter-hearted than before?” “Really? I wish it could be like this forever. Forever. Hehe.”

Cecilia grinned and spoke to me. Perhaps because Cecilia, who had been wandering for a long time, now had a home… somehow, my heart also felt lighter.