“…Preposterous…!! No! God would never permit such an inhuman act—Guh…!!” (Ahid)
Diedrich drove his fist into Ahid’s stomach.
Shaken to his very core by the intense magic power behind that punch, the latter lost consciousness and his head slumped.
“A man who doesn’t even believe in gods has no right to say that.” (Diedrich)
Throwing Ahid aside as if he was in the way, Diedrich turned towards the Holy Gate once again.
“I have one more matter to address, Golroana. Since we’re having this conversation, I may as well say it now.” (Diedrich)
With a manding voice, Diedrich spoke up.
“There are scriptures passed down through the Jiordal Popes of all generations, aren’t there? How about sharing that with me?” (Diedrich)
Instead of a response from the pope, a tense atmosphere settled over the room.
All the holy knights of Geordhal wore grim expressions.
『…Do you understand the implications of what you’re asking, Sword Emperor of Agatha?』(Goloronoa)
“Oh, I understand, alright. Naturally, I’m not asking for it for free. I’m prepared to share the scriptures passed down through generations of Agatha’s Sword Emperors with you in return. So, how about a trade?” (Diedrich)
If I recalled, there were scriptures in the three great nations of Jiordal, Agatha, and Gadeciola, passed down orally.
But I failed to follow.
What could be the point of sharing teachings from different faiths?
Could there be some valuable knowledge hidden within?
『This is not a matter we can discuss. The scriptures passed down solely to the Pope of Jiordal exist to bring salvation to our believers. If its contents were to be leaked, we could no longer save them.』(Goloronoa)
“Do you really think so?” Diedrich said in a heavy tone.
“Do you truly think the scriptures of Jiordal can save your followers?” (Diedrich)
『Such is the teaching of the Almighty Radiance Equis.』(Goloronoa)
Diedrich let out a low sigh, placing a hand on his chin.
“I wonder about that. Well, Jiordal has its own teachings, I suppose. I’m not asking to see your scriptures directly. Instead, why don’t we open a dialogue? Let’s have an honest discussion about the future of the underground.” (Diedrich)
After a brief silence, Golroana responded.
『Sword Emperor Diedrich of Agaha. I understand your request. But before I respond, I have a question for you, Demon King Anos. Or would you prefer to be addressed as ‘The Misfit’?』(Goloronoa)
“I’m fine with either.” (Anos)
『Then I will use the title granted by the gods. Misfit, what brings you to Jiordal?』(Goloronoa)
“To put it simply, I came to broaden my knowledge. To understand what the people of the underground think and how they live.” (Anos)
Then the Pope asked.
『Then, what business do you have with me?』(Golronoa)
“There are things I wish to ask you. About the Selection Trial and the whereabouts of the God of Traces Revalschned.” (Anos)
『I understand.』(Golronoa)
After a brief pause, Golroana spoke solemnly, as if imparting a teaching to his followers.
『God once said: He who brings salvation will be sought by many. However, if he accepts all those hands, he will neglect their prayers, and salvation will be unattainable. You must choose one in your own way. The savior will take the hand of the one you select.』(Golronoa)
“Hmm. So you’re saying only one of us, either Diedrich or myself, can present our case, and it’s up to us to decide who that will be?” (Anos)
『Correct.』(Golronoa)
What a hassle.
But at least there was no hostility being directed at me.
I could easily break down this door and force a conversation, but that wasn’t exactly the best course of action here.
Well, at least he was willing to listen to one of us, so I had to make do with it.
“How unfortunate, Diedrich. You came all the way to Jiordal, and now this.” (Anos)
Turning to the Sword Emperor of Agatha, I continued.
“Well, you did manage to get the Pope to swear an oath regarding Ahid. So perhaps it’s best not to push your luck and head back for today.” (Anos)
Diedrich flashes a bold grin.
“You’re a confident man, Anos. But who’s to say which of us will leave here empty-handed?” (Diedrich)
“What are you talking about? You’re the prophet, aren’t you?” (Anos)
Diedrich stood calmly, and I threw out a remark.
“If your foresight can’t even predict that I’ll be chosen no matter the method, then you can hardly call it prophecy.” (Anos)
At this, Diedrich burst into a hearty laughter.
“Well now, who’s to say how it’ll turn out?” (Diedrich)
Interesting. Even with his ability to see the future, he showed no intention of backing down.
“Then let’s decide on how we’ll settle this.” (Anos)
“We can’t exactly engage in an all-out holy battle here, can we? How about we each face the other’s Selection God, and whoever lasts the longest wins?” (Diedrich)
In other words, I would fight Naphta, and Diedrich would battle Arcana.
Normally, the power gap between a god and a chosen champion was enormous.
Diedrich must’ve been confident that he could endure against Arcana for some time.
But how much of my power did he truly anticipate?
“Very well,” I answered, and as I turned, the Goddess of the Future Nafta had already appeared beside me.
She must have foreseen this oute.
“Arcana.” (Anos)
At my call, she vanished like a flash of light, reappearing right in front of Diedrich.
I stood back-to-back with Diedrich, both of us facing off against the other’s Selection God.
“That man is likely strong. Fight him with all your might.” (Anos)
“As you wish.” (Arcana)
She lifted both hands and slowly turned her palms upward.
Though we were indoors and couldn’t see it directly, the Moon of Creation hovered above the underground sky.
“O King of the demons, heed my prophecy.” (Naphta)
With her eyes closed, the Goddess of the Future pointed the crystal she held in both hands toward me.
“When these eyes open, I, Nafta, will see all futures. Every miracle, every possible oute will be within the grasp of the Goddess of the Future. Through the gaps between your fingers, the future of victory will slip away, and even the possibility of resistance will vanish,” she declared as if it were a certainty.
“Some die from catching a cold. Some lose their lives from a single fall. All beings cast the dice of fate, and the results shape their lives. If you challenge me, the worst day of your life will befall you.” (Naphta)
“Is that so? Then allow me to make a prophecy of my own, Goddess of the Future.” (Anos)
As Naphta stood there, I confronted her with my words.
“The moment you open those eyes, your defeat will be sealed.” (Anos)
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